I'm almost a week late in releasing this podcast, at least according to my self-imposed schedule.  But I guess it had to come when I was ready, and a quote sent this morning by a friend was somehow the trigger to pull some pieces together, such as they are.

Self-awareness is something I've been working on, both personally and intellectually in some way.  I'd really love to hear any feedback you may have.  You can email me at [email protected].

I realized after listening to my conversation with writer/performer Mike Boyce that this episode is more concerned with vulnerability in life than in art, but I think that partly reflects the fact that Mike's art is the stories he tells about his life, of doing the hard things and discovering a new sense of who he is.

If you're interested in personal storytelling, one of the important issues Mike raises is the question of which stories are truly ours, and which are not ours to tell even if they may be integral to our own understanding and development.

Learn more about Mike by checking out his instagram profile @mwboyce and you can also listen to his Geek 4 podcast, which explores fans, fan cultures, and fan communities.

Zoe Wittering explores periods of transitions and moments of vulnerability and uncertainty through her portrait photographs of herself and others.

We talked about her (what I consider to be brave) choice to leave a career in corporate law and move into work she finds so personally and professionally fulfilling, even or maybe especially because of the need to relinquish control and trust the creative process.

"...a lot of us struggle with control, and with being vulnerable as well, because in a world where there's only black and white there isn't any room for anything else..."

Be sure to check out Zoe's work on her website zoewittering.com as well as on instagram @zoewittering

A mirror and a window, intimacy, safety and connection, acceptance, authenticity, intuition, an invitation, a gaze and open space, risk, love

This is the story of my trip to Hawaii for a photography session with Jeremiah Mk Johnson

Be sure to learn more about Jeremiah and his work at jeremiahmkjohnson.com and on instagram @jeremiahmkjohnson

Photograph (c) Jeremiah Mk Johnson

I enjoyed a wonderful conversation with Sandra Gea, a collagist, poet, and facilitator trained in the Soul Collage© method. She shared many insights, and one in particular stands out to me - how she felt when beginning to work as a self-taught artist. In spite of the doubt:

"...I was so deeply within me convinced that I can touch someone's heart with my work..."  

Check out Sandra's work at sandragea.com and on instagram @the.art.of.sandra.gea

I enjoyed a wonderful conversation with photographer Scott Norris.  I really appreciated what he shared, including insights into our relationship with the environment, self-portraiture, and:

"One thing that I can do, as a man, is to not always remain the invisible figure behind the camera, but make myself visible in front of the camera, with my own body"

Be sure to check out his profile on instagram @sdnphoto and his website sdnorris.com

Carole and I talk about self-publishing, how fiction may be inspired or interpreted by real life, distinguishing literary from contemporary fiction, opportunities for creating works about older women, what it might mean to write about protagonists different than ourselves, and how fiction can help us feel we're not alone

Look for Carole Scott's book The Broken Heart Repair Plan and check out @carolemscott on instagram

Although slightly sidetracked by my recent trip to Hawaii, my conversation was mainly focused on writer and performer Megan Phillips' insights into circles of intimacy and layers of vulnerability, which has really helped me in terms of figuring out what to be vulnerable about to whom under what circumstances.

And when it comes to resistance, as she explains, "You're exactly where you need to be, and you're further along than you think."  Please remind yourself of that anytime you may feel discouraged and tempted to give in.

Learn more about Megan at meganphillips.com and on instagram @megnatphil

I learned a lot from my conversation with Giuseppe (Joe) Di Leo

"Art matters," "art is about recording a felt life," "intimacy is drawing", "art gives me a sensation of worthiness," and what it means when a broken femur is healed

These feelings are so important to share, and I am grateful to Joe for expressing them

Be sure to check out Joe's work at giuseppedileodrawing.com and on instagram @giuseppe.dileo.64

Art should disturb the comfortable, because "in art, there are no secrets"

...in walks the human being, who is the clown...

I learned a lot from Joe about the role of the clown in a performance and also in our society at large. To be able to laugh, be present, and release tension - what gifts

Here are several ways to experience what Joe has to offer.  Look for him on instagram @joe_de_paul, facebook @joseph.d.paul.71 and online at www.tim-and-joe.com.  And definitely watch Placebo on youtube!