COZY ZONE with Ben Weber

My guest is Jeremy Bloom, a multi-disciplinary artist, director, and writer. I met him at Northwestern Universityâ€s summer theater camp and his sweet, gentle, artistic brightness has nourished my artist self throughout my years of living in New York. We meet at Housing Works Bookstore Café to have a cozy conversation about books as sacred, leaving your artist lane, and costumes! We devise a project called “Lantern Song (LandTurn Song)” for the Olbrich Botanic Gardens in Madison, WI, commissioned by Agro-Business Mogul and Cozy Zone Foundation Trustee Mr. Greg Biteman for $1.3 million, the amount Amazon should have paid this year in federal income taxes. http://www.radyandbloom.com https://www.instagram.com/radyandbloom/

Ana Cantorán Viramontes (Interdisciplinary Artist) invites me to her Flatbush, Brooklyn guest room where we chat about her first plays in Puebla, Mexico (starring her cousins), the tumult of landing in New York, and finding her artist self at Naropa University. With a $65 billion grant (based on the 2018 subsidy from the United States Government to the Fossil Fuel Industry) from Cozy Zone Foundation Trustee Claude Walter Petosiris, we devise “Sufragio” for the Rochester Contemporary Art Center and The National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House’s, Temporary Public Art Installation on East Avenue

Drew Petersen (Artistic Director, Trusty Sidekick Theater Company) takes me to the basement bar of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese where we chat about immersive theater, Drew’s punk rock beginnings, and the future cultivation of theater for young audiences. With a $2.62 million grant (based on the daily income from NYC’s George Washington Bridge, Verrazano Bridge, and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel) from Cozy Zone Foundation Trustee Victoria Steinbeck, we devise “Cook Circle Mountain” for Thornton, Colorado’s Roundabout at 128th Avenue & Cook Circle.

It’s 2020. Cozy Zone with Ben Weber is back with double the heart, triple the cozy, and quadruple the shtick. I chat with Cozy Zone Foundation Trustee Dr. Vincent Pougash and with a budget of $9.95 billion, (the 2017 U.S. Government budget for the NSA) I create a project for Sculpture At River Market . Also, join my Patreon!

“O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!” Why it’s Kevin Townley’s cozy zone, published today, October 16, 2018, in celebration of his birthday. On March 10, 2017, Kevin and I lounged in the resplendent lobby of The Marlton Hotel, where I was drenched with Kevin’s kindness and wisdom. Drawing from his artful life as a singer, actor, writer, and mediation teacher, Kevin illuminated his personal mindfulness and creative practices inspired by Susan Piver, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and Robert Olen Butler. AND we devised a stellar project for The Cozy Zone Foundation: “Filmed Stories Studios,” a colossal, immersive soundstage that generates fantastical filmed stories (movies). Here’s Kevin’s bio from MNDFL, the meditation studio that catalyzed our triumphant reunion: Kevin Townley is a writer/performer, and has been studying Buddhism since 2010. He currently practices with the Sokuko-Ji Zen community under the guidance of Kyoun Sokuzan. Kevin completed the Interdependence Project’s teacher training program in 2012. He works alongside Susan Piver to support her online community, The Open Heart Project. He is passionate about exploring the interplay of meditation and art-making while encouraging others to bring their own innate humor and insight to their meditation practice. ALSO You should probably visit Kevin’s IMDB page and this stylish article in Time Out New York… Thanks for listening!

I had the honor of chatting with Penelope in her cozy Crown Heights apartment on September 16, 2017. Listening back to the audio, I was reminded of my own rawness and of Penelope’s generosity and creative curiosity. Penelope and I met at The New Victory Theater where I was lucky enough to get some professional development dance training from her. As a mover, Penelope possesses an easeful power and effortless grace. As a human, she is kind, candid, and super fun! Here’s her bio: Penelope McCourty has 20+ years’ experience as a facilitator of creative process and community sharing through the art forms of dance and performance. She has worked artistically and administratively with several locally and nationally known dance companies and community arts organizations. As a performer, she has worked with local and touring companies including Marlies Yearby’s Movin’ Spirits Dance Theater, Spoke the Hub Dancing, Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, the Shakespeare Theater Company, Stephen Koplowitz and Reggie Wilson/Fist and Heel Performance Group. Her choreographic work has been presented at St. Mark’s Church, Joyce Soho, Chicago’s Links Hall, BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange, DIA NYC, BRIC, DanceSpace, Towson University and San Francisco State University. Penelope received the 2014 NYU/Steinhardt School Exemplary Teaching Artist Award and the Elders Share the Arts Visionary Artist Award for her work as an arts educator. She currently lives in Brooklyn and is the middle and upper school dance teacher at The Berkeley Carroll School in Park Slope. She also teaches residencies and professional development workshops through New Victory Theater, Park Avenue Armory’s Artist Corps, Elders Share the Arts and Madison Square Park. Please enjoy our conversation about ego, body image, being honest, and our project for The Cozy Zone Foundation: “Seer.”

Cozy Zone with Ben Weber is back! Diving in deep with this podcast and art making, Ben sends his latest dispatch from the Reckoning Room, a creative space in his new Kensington, Brooklyn apartment. Ben takes us on a tour, processes his feelings, and presents an inaugural podcast performance. Enjoy #cozyzone friends! Also, go buy Lisa Locascio’s book Open Me, available wherever books are sold on August 7, 2018. Photo by Johanna Campbell Case

Ben and Daniel Goldman (Scientist) have been friends since Kindergarten. They went to Hebrew school together. They played Magic: The Gathering together. And, when they got their Learner’s Permits, they spent a lot of time hanging out at Colectivo Coffee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Last Christmas, Ben and Daniel got together at Colectivo Lakefront like two machers and chatted about performance art, pranks, and ribosome science. Enjoy! Listen to the Episode 55 Opener

Cozy Zone with Ben Weber is back! In the opener to Episode 55: Daniel Goldman at Colectivo Lakefront, Ben gives an update of what he’s been up to during his 8-month Cozy Zone sabbatical, outlines his “Cozy Zone Cozy Code” and offers a circlesong called “Mira One” made on Loopy HD. Mentioned in this episode: Risk Gallery & Boutique Park Slope Food Coop The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Rhiannon 

Jonathan Marballi is an actor, comedian, and improviser living in Los Angeles. He has appeared on House of Cards, Broad City, and Inside Amy Schumer. Jon and I met while rehearsing the play “Manuscripts Don’t Burn” which we performed on Governors Island in Summer 2011. We also collaborated on a strange bit of downtown theater called “Falcore” about wealthy psychos living in the center of the Earth. We recorded our episode at Madison Square Park, on November 16, 2016 to laugh off the election, talk about relationships, contemplate coziness, and devise a project for The Cozy Zone Foundation. Jon co-hosts the podcast Mad About Mad About You, an episode-by-episode conversation about the glorious and under appreciated hit NBC sit-com “Mad About You” and the time in which it was made (the 90s!), hosted by a couple of real Reis-guys. Jon’s Twitter: @jonnymarbles Jon’s Instagram: @jonnymarbles Jon’s YouTube  Enjoy this special condensed version of Cozy Zone with Ben Weber.

In May 2016, I gave my sperm to help two dear friends have a baby. On February 22, 2017, she arrived! Now, I have so many feelings.

Stephen Sheffer is an actor, a writer, a singer, a doer, and a tall, sweet handsome. I had the privilege to cozy up to Stephen in Prospect Park to talk about our child artist selves, the outdoors, and fear. Photo: Production still from LES SALTIMBANQUES, directed by The Price Brothers Enjoy these tracks! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Max First” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: "FrameWerk" by Stephen Sheffer and Ben Weber, A Project of The Cozy Zone Foundation TRACK 4: What's Your Favorite Color? TRACK 5: What's Your Favorite Thing About Yourself? TRACK 6: Fear and Anxiety TRACK 7: Improv! TRACK 8: Musical Sounds TRACK 9: Outro by Ben Weber TRACK 10: Outro Themesong by Danny Townsend  

Stephen Sheffer is an actor, a writer, a singer, a doer, and a tall, sweet handsome. I had the privilege to cozy up to Stephen in Prospect Park to talk about our child artist selves, the outdoors, and fear. Photo by Stephen Sheffer Enjoy these tracks! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Honey” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: Sexy Places In The City TRACK 4: Romance is Cozy TRACK 5: Giving Love TRACK 6: Love and Creativity TRACK 7: Outro by Ben Weber TRACK 8: Outro Themesong by Danny Townsend

Stephen Sheffer is an actor, a writer, a singer, a doer, and a tall, sweet handsome. I had the privilege to cozy up to Stephen in Prospect Park to talk about our child artist selves, the outdoors, and fear. Enjoy these tracks! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Shriek” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: What Are You Afraid Of? TRACK 4: Truth You Can Feel TRACK 5: It’s Not Worth It! TRACK 6: How Did Your Parents Do? TRACK 7: We’re So Different, We’re The Same TRACK 8: Leaves TRACK 9: Metric System TRACK 10: Outro by Ben Weber TRACK 11: Outro Themesong by Danny Townsend

Stephen Sheffer is an actor, a writer, a singer, a doer, and a tall, sweet handsome. I had the privilege to cozy up to Stephen in Prospect Park to talk about our child artist selves, the outdoors, and fear. Photo by JD Urban Enjoy these tracks! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Seeyandeeyo” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: Spark TRACK 4: Salmon Elbow TRACK 5: Gemini Feelings TRACK 6: This Cozy Spot TRACK 7: Hiking as Spiritual Practice TRACK 8: Solitude TRACK 9: Creating Energy TRACK 10: Outro by Ben Weber TRACK 11: Outro Themesong by Danny Townsend

Stephen Sheffer is an actor, a writer, a singer, a doer, and a tall, sweet handsome. I had the privilege to cozy up to Stephen in Prospect Park to talk about our child artist selves, the outdoors, and fear. Enjoy these tracks! TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Post Boos” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: Intro by Ben Weber TRACK 4: Benevolant Ex TRACK 5: Pitch My Tent TRACK 6: Apprehended in Prospect Park TRACK 7: I’m Canadian TRACK 8: Professional Child Artist TRACK 9: Amahl and the Night Visitors TRACK 10: Outro by Ben Weber TRACK 11: Outro Themesong by Danny Townsend

Dearest Cozy Zone Friends! Please enjoy The Cozy Zone Foundation 2016 Annual Report featuring important statistics and a pitch for each of the seventeen projects devised for The Cozy Zone Foundation including: EPISODE 36 – Sally Weber: “The Reading Community Center” EPISODE 37 – Skyler Sullivan: “Jamaste” EPISODE 38 – KD Diamond: “Figure One” EPISODE 39 – Zach Brown: “Voices of Earth” EPISODE 40 – Emma: “Biologue” EPISODE 41 – Manny Delgado: “Dead End” EPISODE 42 – Jennie Gruber: “Mood Ring” EPISODE 43 – Marisol Rosa-Shapiro: “Our Parade” EPISODE 44 – Cindy: “Homotopia” EPISODE 45 – Renata Melillo Townsend: “Creative Cove Connections” EPISODE 46 – Andrew Anzel: “Escape From Bro Island” + “Elephant in the Room” EPISODE 47 – Spencer Lott: “The Weight of Ink” EPISODE 48 – WT McRae: “The Cozy Zone” EPISODE 49 – Valerie Ong: “Diptych” EPISODE 50 – Lisa Locascio: “Redwood Home School / Desert Home School” EPISODE 51 – Terrance Brown: “Okami Wellness” EPISODE 52 – Ellice Plant: “Cozy Zoning” Happy New Year! Photo by Sébastien Barré

Ellice is a sweet friend from Cedarburg, WI  I met in Brooklyn. She makes me laugh and feel loved. Image: Structures in Japan Follow along with these gorgeous tracks: TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Christmas Day” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: Intro by Ben Weber TRACK 4: “Cozy Zoning” by Ellice Plant and Ben Weber, A Project of The Cozy Zone Foundation TRACK 5: Making Meditations TRACK 6: Musical Sounds TRACK 7: Outro by Ben Weber TRACK 8: Outro Themesong by Danny Townsend Here is Ellice’s bio from her healing practice Brooklyn Whole Health: ELLICE PLANT is dedicated to developing wholeness in mind, body, and spirit. Her studies and practice led her to the teachings of Dr. Naina Marballi, who initiated Ellice into Ayurvedic teachings. As a certified holistic health counselor, Ellice feels honored to further her own learning through guiding others to whole health and understanding. As a social worker, Ellice works toward systemic change that makes liberation is accessible for all. In these practices, Ellice is continuously reminded that the anti-violence and anti-oppression work of the world happens on the individual level, first. Ellice works with individuals, families, and groups as they work to transform patterns and purpose. Our work together examines areas including relationship status, gender identity and expression, health, and career. The thirteen years Ellice spent teaching high school give her special insight with adolescents and their caregivers. As a cisgender queer woman, Ellice has both personal and professional experience in creating healthy, nourishing spaces for queer and trans people and those who love them.

Ellice is a sweet friend from Cedarburg, WI  I met in Brooklyn. She makes me laugh and feel loved. Image: Paper Trees Follow along with these gorgeous tracks: TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Earth and Aether” by Ellice Plant, Katie Grimm, Nicolette Dixon, and Ben Weber TRACK 3: Intro by Ben Weber TRACK 4: People Think I’m From a Farm TRACK 5: Cedarburg TRACK 6: Then There’s Japan TRACK 7: Bears! TRACK 8: Falling in Love with Japan TRACK 9: Outro by Ben Weber TRACK 10: Outro Themesong by Danny Townsend Here is Ellice’s bio from her healing practice Brooklyn Whole Health: ELLICE PLANT is dedicated to developing wholeness in mind, body, and spirit. Her studies and practice led her to the teachings of Dr. Naina Marballi, who initiated Ellice into Ayurvedic teachings. As a certified holistic health counselor, Ellice feels honored to further her own learning through guiding others to whole health and understanding. As a social worker, Ellice works toward systemic change that makes liberation is accessible for all. In these practices, Ellice is continuously reminded that the anti-violence and anti-oppression work of the world happens on the individual level, first. Ellice works with individuals, families, and groups as they work to transform patterns and purpose. Our work together examines areas including relationship status, gender identity and expression, health, and career. The thirteen years Ellice spent teaching high school give her special insight with adolescents and their caregivers. As a cisgender queer woman, Ellice has both personal and professional experience in creating healthy, nourishing spaces for queer and trans people and those who love them.

Ellice is a sweet friend from Cedarburg, WI  I met in Brooklyn. She makes me laugh and feel loved. Image: Wisconsin or Japan? Follow along with these gorgeous tracks: TRACK 1: Intro Themesong by Danny Townsend TRACK 2: Circlesong “Cumbia” by Ben Weber TRACK 3: Intro by Ben Weber TRACK 4: State Your Problem TRACK 5: Teacher Self TRACK 6: Constellation of Healing Modalities TRACK 7: Hidden Teacher Self TRACK 8: Food, Rest, and Teenagers TRACK 9: Sconnie Vowels TRACK 10: Too Much Cheese TRACK 11: Outro by Ben Weber TRACK 12: Outro Themesong by Danny Townsend Here is Ellice’s bio from her healing practice Brooklyn Whole Health: ELLICE PLANT is dedicated to developing wholeness in mind, body, and spirit. Her studies and practice led her to the teachings of Dr. Naina Marballi, who initiated Ellice into Ayurvedic teachings. As a certified holistic health counselor, Ellice feels honored to further her own learning through guiding others to whole health and understanding. As a social worker, Ellice works toward systemic change that makes liberation is accessible for all. In these practices, Ellice is continuously reminded that the anti-violence and anti-oppression work of the world happens on the individual level, first. Ellice works with individuals, families, and groups as they work to transform patterns and purpose. Our work together examines areas including relationship status, gender identity and expression, health, and career. The thirteen years Ellice spent teaching high school give her special insight with adolescents and their caregivers. As a cisgender queer woman, Ellice has both personal and professional experience in creating healthy, nourishing spaces for queer and trans people and those who love them.