Everything started off great when Cruz and Ben started their chat. When Cruz's son Cash stopped by and joined them, things got even better. Cruz recounts his time with Robinella and the CC String Band and The Black Lillies. Cruz then talked Ben through what it's like to sign a record deal with a major label; to then take a leap of faith as a solo artist. That only scratches the surface. Cruz's son Cash then drops in on the conversation to give a window into what that whole trip looks like from the vantage point of Cruz's son. Catch Cruz's upcoming album "Cosmico" being released later this year.

Chris graces Ben with a visit to the shop to talk through Chris' trip on Season 12 of NBC's "The Voice." Growing up the youngest of 7 children, Chris had no shortage of grit and drive. Chris got an opportunity to show that grit to America on primetime television. With Chris now recording a new album, the two talk life after "The Voice" and next steps for Chris' solo career.

Erick Baker spends an evening in the shop catching Ben up on his most recent musical endeavours. Erick Baker has spent his recent years reconciling his love for music and performing, with family balance. After winning an Emmy for his writing on the television show Tennessee Valley Uncharted (which he also hosts), Erick wrote and released his most recent album "Morning Light". Erick and Morning Light are also the subjects of the upcoming documentary "Composing a Stranger" which is on the festival circuit now.

Brent makes the short trip to Ben's shop where they discuss the state of the Knoxville arts scene. Brent recounts some of his past artistic endeavours as well as his current efforts working with Sugarlands Distilling Co.

Elizabeth and Ben sit down and discuss their mutual love for working with on-camera talent. Elizabeth recounts her path to becoming a fashion and commercial photographer; and how that led to her building and teaching a photography curriculum alongside some of today's most well known industry photographers.

Lauren comes by the shop to sit for a socially distanced chat with Ben. Lauren and Ben recount their interwoven careers and prior collaborations, as well as Lauren's internship on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. They also come to a consensus on whether or not it is okay to own an inflatable hot tub.

For the first time, Ben is on the hot seat. Zack Roskop stops by with a 6 pack of Craft Beer and grills Ben on his life. From West Knoxville to Los Angeles and back again, Zack uncovers some looming unknowns about Ben.

Edy enlightens Ben on his recent leap from Cinematographer to Director. After immigrating to the United States as a High Schooler, Edy learned a new language and swiftly began a career in the film and television industy. With high-level chops and a solid work ethic, Edy swears his success could happen to anybody who tries as hard as he has.

An hour after filming a music video together, Travis and Ben sit down to talk about their interwoven paths and how Travis' growing career as a touring acoustic act has been impacted by the economic shutdown. Winding their way through personal stories from the old neighborhood, Travis and Ben chronicle Travis' trip from growing up in a trailer park, to being a nationally touring folk artist.

Bryan Allen darkens the shop door to fill Ben in on his path from electrical engineering, to founding a production company that makes emmy award winning T.V. shows and national commercials. Bryan shares the triumphs and perils of owning a business in 2020, as he and Ben struggle to prognosticate about what "new normal" will look like.

Links:

• PopFizz