Raphael Xavier teaches at Princeton. Raphael talks to Kai about his school experience, beginning with the time he ran for class president while being a graffiti artist (8:55) and how he yearned for fame and material wealth as a young adult. They also discuss the spine infection that turned his life upside down and the journey he took halfway across the world that became the path of resilience (33:30) and the anger and sadness that is poured into his art (1:09:00).

As artists, there’s a particular stigma against changing careers away from our art form. In this week’s short story from a past Skip the Repeat guest, Sarah Williams, New Works Administrator at Opera Philadelphia, tells her story of the moment she felt something shift within her as she was entrenched in her career as a singer, and why that stigma is so damaging.

Jennifer Montone is very proud of her students. Jen talks to Kai about how her sister influenced her decision to pursue the dream to become a musician (4), the central role performance psychology has played in her career (22:50), and the accident that changed the course of her career (30:45). They also discuss the stigma musicians feel when they decide to do something different (42:40), and what she has learned from being the mother to two small boys (1:02:30).

Mr. Jim Cotter knew that he probably wasn't good enough to work at the BBC World Service. But that didn't stop him. In this week's short episode, the host of "Articulate" tells us of the mindset he had in picking up and calling the BBC and gets to the heart of this question: when we have something that we want to attain, why do we stop ourselves?

Nick Canellakis can’t guarantee that there are going to be more episodes of his show, “Conversations with Nick Canellakis”. But he also can’t say that the last episodes of the show have been produced. Nick talks to Kai about what it means to be an artistic director (3:40), his show (6), and how pursuing other passions enhances one’s artistry (15:45). They also discuss the importance of doubt in crafting a career out of the art form you love (38).

Taking time off for a lengthy amount of time is traditionally frowned upon by musicians. But for Mr. Camden Shaw, it’s an absolutely essential part of his artistry. In this week’s short episode from a past Skip the Repeat guest, the cellist of the Dover Quartet tells us why he takes three weeks off every year and how pursuing his passions outside of music helps him grow both as a human being and a musician.

Jake Goldbas is a new father. Jake talks to Kai about what got him to start drumming (12:20), what not making it to his high school jazz band freshman year taught him (16:48), and what he thinks about the movie, “Whiplash” (28:38). They also talk about the importance of doubt in pursuing one’s goals and how reaching those goals changes one’s outlook (36), and how his working relationship with Michael Blume has developed over time (45:10).

Michael Tree was a legendary violist and member of the Guarneri Quartet. He was also an important mentor, teacher, and colleague for many musicians. In this week's short story from a past Skip the Repeat guest, violist Steven Tenenbom recalls the moment he met the man who would become one of the biggest influences on his life, what it was like to be his student, and how he remembered Mr. Tree in his tribute.

Patrick Terry believes in magic. Patrick talks to Kai about his philosophy as a magician (14), what it means to be a producer (16:40), and how filming the new documentary "Strangers on the Earth" changed his life (17:20). They also discuss the Spanish siesta, or "nap" (22), and reveals the background story of how the journey began as an idea many years before it was brought to life (35:40).

Tristan Cook loves to brew his own beer. Tristan talks to Kai about his reasons for living the flip-phone life (7), his new documentary, "Strangers on the Earth" (12), and why he doesn't believe in story arcs for a documentary (18:25). They also discuss the unique way they filmed the interviews (37:10), and his passion for beer and home brewing (44:40).