Create. Talk. Repeat.

On this episode, I spoke with Chuck Wills, singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, based in Nashville, IN. He is the co-founder and co-producer of the Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Festival in its 13th year. Along with his musical endeavors, Chuck is a Producer and Head Engineer for The Brown County Hour on WFHB. He also writes and produces radio theater. 

On this episode, I spoke with Russ Baum, one half of the band Meager Kings. We discuss his journey to where he is today, how he writes songs, and we get some informtion on a new Meager Kings project.  

On this episode, I spoke with a grammy nominated musician and radio personality for kids. Coming to us directly from the Monkey House, Mr. Jack Forman. 

On this episode, I spoke with Graham Brown & Grant Gilman, owners of United State of Indiana and United State Print Co. We discuss how they started these companies, how they get their ideas, and if “John Mellencamp for President” would make a good t-shirt.

On this episode, I spoke with Caleb Wiles, a magician who not only does magic but creates his own tricks and shares them with the world. He has been featured on Penn & Teller’s "Fool Us" two times. But did he fool them?

On this episode, I spoke with Keemo, an artist that is creating some wonderful abstract portraits. We discuss finding your own style and are art galleries really the best way to market your work these days.

On this episode, I spoke with Rachel Lancaster, a mural artist from Winnipeg. We discuss how starting a hobby turned into a profession and how she has to keep her paints from freezing up there in Canada.

On this episode, I spoke with Patrick Tisdale, an artist, carpenter, and just all around creative person. He established the Creative Council of Franklin to add some art and culture to the city of Franklin, Indiana. We have a great conversation about art and creativity. We even get downright philosophical about what is art and why do people make what they do. 

On this episode, I spoke with Eric Klinkowski, the creator of Smokey Lights. He’s taking old cameras, typewriters, cigar boxes, and more and turning them into illuminated works of art. 

On this episode, I spoke with Jeff Bodart. A comedian that I once saw at an open mic night here in downtown Indianapolis, has gone on to a full career in comedy. He’s also done some writing, and acting, he creates some really great portrait art, and he makes wands. Like really cool Harry Potter style wands.

On this episode, I spoke with Reign LaFreniere of the band Bluphoria. We discuss how they got their start, their influences, their new music, and going on tour. 

On this episode, I spoke with Adam Gross, host of Small Signal Radio Boost which highlights local Indiana music. It can be heard on WFYI, our local Indianapolis PBS and NPR station. Adam is also a musician as well as a member of the band S.M. Wolf and releases some of his own solo music under the name Adam Graahs (spelled G-r-a-a-h-s). Both of which have new albums released in 2023. Go check them out!  

On this episode, I spoke with Erin Davis, creator of the Love More Sign. We discuss her background, her need to always be a creator, and we discuss how “Love More” grew from just a graphic she created to a whole line of merch that is continuing to spread love to others by giving back to the community.

On this episode, I spoke with Alan Palomo. I am a massive fan, as you will hear in this episode. You might not know his name because he’s been making music under the name Neon Indian since 2009. Churning out amazing track after track like Deadbeat Summer, Polish Girl, Annie, Toyota Man, and Change of Coast that was featured on Grand Theft Auto 5. Well, now he’s back with a slightly different sound in his new album under his actual name, coming September 15, World of Hassle. And from what I’ve heard so far, he can’t make a bad song if he tried. 

On this episode, I spoke with Chris Banta, a custom vinyl record manufacturer, singer, and guitar player for the band Brother O’ Brother, and he owns a record company with several artists. We talk about his process of making these amazing vinyl records and what are the limitations of what you can put inside a record. We even discuss one of his most recent projects with Fall Out Boy’s actual tears. 

On this episode, I spoke with Michael Bierut, a graphic design icon. You all have seen his work. He’s designed logos for MasterCard, Billboard, Slack, and the Hillary Clinton 2016 campaign. Of course, he’s done much more than just logos but I wanted to give a few examples of the work he’s done and how it’s shaped our landscape. We discuss where he came from, his thoughts on the emergence of A.I. in the design world, and what is his process when approached with a new project.

On this episode, I spoke with Paul Hoffman, an author, actor, and owner of Path Binder Publishing. We discuss how doing a little bit of research from the ramblings of what seemed to be a crazy neighbor lady lead him to write his first book. We also talked about what the process is when someone approaches him with a book they want to be published. And we discuss what it’s like performing in live local theatre. 

YELLOW! On this episode, I spoke with Zack Frongillo of the Savannah Bananas. I’m sure you’ve seen a BUNCH of this minor league baseball team’s crazy antics on Tik Tok and Instagram reels. It’s a fun, creative, fan-centric way to play baseball called Banana Ball…and it’s very apPEELing.    

On this episode, I spoke with Christian Gisborne, a member of the band Velvet Starlings. We discuss their new album titled Pacific Standard Time, which comes out on August 9th. I encourage everyone to check out this album especially the first two earworms “Bullfight” and “H.G. Wells”. We talk about how he started his first band at 13 years old and what influences their sound. Before we go any further I have a question for you. Are you going to the bullfight?

On this episode, I spoke with Greg Potter, an artist that paints animals trying to look and act like humans. I love when an artist doesn’t take themselves or their work too seriously. We talk to Greg about the process of painting murals, how he comes up with these ideas, and briefly discuss his three tours in Iraq.

On this episode, I spoke with Nick Abstract, a color-blind contemporary artist, specializing in geometric abstraction. His works are inspired by architecture with stylistic nods to graphic design and style writing. Basically, it’s really cool. You need to check it out.  

On this episode, I spoke with designer and illustrator, Emily Morgan. I don’t know about you but I can’t seem to scroll through TikTok or Instagram without seeing another sports team logo redesign that she has done. And if it’s not in my feed, one of my friends has sent it directly to me. Her designs have blown up and she’s found throngs of fans that enjoy seeing her works. We discuss what it takes to create these TikTok videos and how to deal with the inevitable trolls and haters that live everywhere on the internet. 

On this episode, I spoke with Doug Diedrich, a graphic designer and illustrator who has started a line of products (mostly apparel) called Jaw Dawgz using colorful illustrations and quirky oxymoronic sayings.  

On this episode, I spoke with JinJa Birkenbeuel, an award-winning strategist and creative executive recognized as "Most Innovative" by Fast Company Magazine in 2022. We discuss the music she creates with her husband in the band, Utah Carol, and how she was on the cover of Graphic Design USA Magazine which featured both her and me. And she has a way of turning the interview back on me and asking me a lot of questions about myself.

On this episode, I spoke with Jennifer Haire, a Production Manager and Line Producer for television and film. We discuss what her role is in the filmmaking process. We dive into her new book, Keys To The Production Office, and what to expect from her two-day workshop coming in August. And we discuss her role in getting two of my favorite shows to air, Schitt's Creek and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

On this episode, I spoke with Jan Banister, an interior designer and former educator. We discuss how she got her start through the path of least resistance, how she started teaching, and her sweet bluegrass, bass guitar skills. 

On this episode, I spoke with Johnny Woods, a creator of animation and music. We discussed his unique style and bonded over our love of Alan Palomo (known to most of you as Neon Indian) and our love of those 90s computer animation VHS tapes, Beyond the Minds Eye. 

On this episode, I spoke with Grant Widmer and Ted Joyner, the Indie pop rock duo, Generationals. I discovered their music a few years ago on a random Spotify playlist and have been a fan ever since. We discuss their inspirations, their process, and their new album Heatherhead coming out June 2nd. 

On this episode, I spoke with William Warren, an author, illustrator, and CEO. We discuss his new book “The Conquering Creative.” It was written to help creative professionals, freelancers, side hustlers, and entrepreneurs not only excel at their craft, but excel at the business of their craft

On this episode, I spoke with Charlie Chase, a woodworker by day and a podcaster by night. A man who loves building things by hand and watching action films. We discuss his woodworking talents and his "Give Me Back My Podcast Network." 

On this episode, I spoke with Dave Windisch, an artist and designer. We discuss gig posters, handbills, printing techniques, children’s books, and music....oh, so much music. 

On this episode, I spoke with Vincent Chung. He’s an artist doing some really great mixed media art that includes neon lights. We discuss his inspirations and processes and we learn about bombarding glass tubes to make neon lights. And I bombard him with many questions. But before we get into that lesson in art and chemistry here’s a word from our sponsor.   

This week was especially exciting for me as I recently just got back from Las Vegas where I visited Omega Mart created by Meow Wolf. Today I spoke with Vince Kadlubek who is one of the founders of Meow Wolf. We discuss how they got their start, where the name came from, their plans to take over the world, and the question many of you are asking…what the heck is Meow Wolf?

On this week’s episode, I spoke with John Young. An author that is about to GET HUGE. No that’s not me looking into my crystal ball and predicting the future. That’s the title of his new book, "Getting Huge," coming April 1st. I had the pleasure of discussing this book and his other works.

On this week’s episode, I spoke with Melodie Yvonne. A photographer that I thought only did concert photography. But we learn she does much more than that. From baking to poetry, she always finds a way to stay creative. And we have a first on this podcast, we get a Be Real alert. 

In this week’s episode, I speak with a woman that needs no introduction, at least to those in the design world. She has been hosting the Design Matters podcast for 18 years, she is the author of several books, she co-founded the world’s first graduate program in branding at the school for Visual Arts in New York…and I haven’t even mentioned her actual design work. She is without a doubt the inspiration for this podcast. Everything I do on here I learned by listening to her show, so I am very humbled to have Debbie Millman on the podcast today. Now, here is the irony of all of this. Both of us are podcasters…and even with two professionals, technology can still cause issues. We had some glitches with the audio but I still wanted to release this episode. Just with the caveat of, I’m sorry about the audio issues. I hope you enjoy this discussion with a great human being, Miss Debbie Millman.

On this week's episode, I spoke with illustrator and children’s author, Bob Staake. I love the illustration style of Bob’s books and my son loved the stories he wrote. But I had no idea the depth of his work from illustrating covers for the New Yorker to working on so many cartoons I loved as a kid, like Ren & Stimpy, Powerpuff Girls, and Samurai Jack.

On this week's episode, I spoke with Jonathan Wilson. Jonathan was a professor of mine from Ivy Tech Community College in Columbus, Indiana. He’s a big reason I’m where I am today. While most of his career was in education, and we talk quite a bit about that, he is also an amazing photographer with a great story about his travels to India and more.

On this week's podcast, I spoke with Kimberly Hoffman. A children’s author and wonderfully creative person that has some great insights into the world of writing children’s literature. We also discuss how she was inspired to write a book by a spider who joined her dance class.

On this podcast, I spoke with Sonor Ozenc. An engineer, entrepreneur, and artist. He is the creator of MakersCafe and RazorLab. And has more ideas for the future.

On today’s podcast, I spoke with Kaline Carter. An artist that is creating some great hard-edge, geometric abstraction paintings. He was so kind to give me some tips and tricks to help me with my own artwork, after I sent him a DM on Instagram. And he’s just that nice of a guy in real life.

Today I spoke with Gordon Strain of Pigasus Pictures. We discuss how he and some friends just decided to start a film company with no experience, hired actual Hollywood actors, and have now made several films right here in Indiana. We also discuss one of my favorite mottos and company taglines of all time. Dreams Aren’t Dumb.

On today’s podcast, I spoke with Marcie Couet. A painter who inspired me to pick up a paintbrush, though we have very different styles. She has some great insights not only for how to begin your artistic journey but for the business side as well.

Today I have the pleasure of speaking with a friend of mine and a friend of many who have been on the very podcast, Mr. Lloyd Brooks. We discuss his art, his travels to Italy, and how he got the nickname "Lorenzo."

This week I spoke with Natalia Talkowska. Originally from Poland but now based in London. Natalia is an illustrator and visual storyteller. She’s the founder and CEO of Natalka Design and Doodleledo. We discuss how she got her start, what inspires her, and we even discuss how exciting Franklin, Indiana is.

Today I spoke with Jesse Gillenwalters from Basic Printer, a band that is making some innovative electronic pop music that some may call glitchpop. Though it’s hard to categorize. We discussed how he writes his songs, where his collaborations come from, and we discuss his album “HAHA YEAH” which I believe is possibly the best album of 2022. So please excuse me while I heap praises toward Jesse for this awesome album.

I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who have listened to or been a part of this podcast. It's been a lot of fun and I look forward to 2023. We have some great interviews lined up, so stay tuned. And of course, I wouldn't leave you without some creative inspiration for the coming year. 

On a very special Christmas edition of Create Talk Repeat, I spoke with a comedian you’ve heard on the Bob & Tom Show, seen on TV, or at your local comedy club, Mr. Heywood Banks. We discussed how he got his start and where he gets his inspiration. We talk about his new holiday album and he even plays a song for us. So go fix yourself some toast and turn up your headphones.

Today I interviewed Zach Wilkins. We discuss how he got into producing videos and how he uses these videos as a student minister. We also discuss his musical talents as well. Zach has a passion for ministry and for being creative.

Today I spoke with a very talented artist, Aonna Jones. We discussed how she got started, what inspires her, and we talk about her delicious donut artwork. We also give an early Valentine's Day gift idea for all you men out there.