PIVOTAL SLICE: on writing & composing

Jade and David discuss The Twilight Zone, cultural taboos in music, and Kundalini awakenings. Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon Find us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David shares what he has learned from doing a deep-dive into modern pop music.Listen to 'Dead Rocks' at the end of the episode.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon Find us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade and David talk about the lies biopics sell us about the art life. Jade shares how she approached writing about being working class for her latest essay, ‘The Retreat’.Buy a copy of ‘Bread Alone: What happens when we run out of working class writers?’ here (or wherever you get books).Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon Find us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David and Jade discuss films they have been watching lately. Listen to ‘Dead Rocks’ at the end of the episode. Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon Find us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade and David discuss writing groups, feeling other people’s feelings, and dreams about cats.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon Find us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David and Jade discuss dreams from the ‘higher self’. They talk about the importance of rest in managing neurodivergence and chronic pain, and how it helps open space for ideas.Read ‘No Bad Parts’ by Richard C. Schwartz for more information on IFS (Internal Family Systems) and working with parts.Listen to ‘WhatFormat?’ at the end of the episode.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon Find us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade and David share the practices, rituals and tools that have helped them grow into better artists.Listen to ‘Heldd FJG’ at the end of the episode.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon Find us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David talks about mastering his album. Jade talks about learning how to have fun with writing. Listen to ‘Sleeping Subway’ at the end of the episode.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon Find us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade and David discuss how competitive reality TV has shaped our perception of artists, and the abuses of power that can happen in creative contract negotiations. They share their own experiences with dodgy contracts, and explore how to advocate for yourself.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials:  Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David and Jade talk about autism, doing too much, and the power of animals for managing burnout.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials:  Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

We’re talking about the AHA! moments we’ve had with art, and how these moments shaped us. In this episode David talks about discovering Aphex Twin and learning something new about identity and creativity. Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials:  Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

We’re talking about the AHA! moments we’ve had with art, and how these moments shaped us. In this episode, Jade talks about a moment in Singin' in the Rain that unlocked a new facet of her sexuality.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials:  Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

It's every composer's worst nightmare. David shares how he lost a year’s worth of work on his album when his computer died. He talks to Jade about his addiction to the creative process, and the lessons learned from death and rebirth.At the end of the episode you can hear the only track that survived the catastrophe, ‘A Place You Know’.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials:  Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade talks about the panic attack she experienced while watching Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials:  Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade sits down with Denise Santos and David Mackenzie to talk about their recent collaboration on a new piece of music, ‘Transition’, which you can hear at the end of the episode.They discuss drawing on emotional experiences, balancing work with mental health, and how the story of the music came together during the making of the piece.Support the track on Spotify. Find out more about Denise’s work here.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials:  Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade and David discuss the art of storytelling through writing and music. They talk about:How stories can be made into a somatic experienceUnderstanding character motivation and creating ‘real’ peopleThe perfectly ambiguous ending of Twin Peaks: The ReturnHow we can make stories that will change the world for the better‘The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.’ Read The Speed of Darkness by Muriel RukeyserMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials: Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade talks to writer Eva Aldea about living a creative life while managing the impacts of neurodivergence. They also discuss the ‘brand’ Eva has built on Instagram, where she is posing nude as a way of querying aging, masking, and perceptions of the female body.Eva Aldea is a writer, lecturer and editor. Her first novel Singapore (Holland House Books 2023), and her book in progress, Stockholm, explore migration and belonging. She is @to_write_like_a_dog on Instagram (and Substack for unredacted photos) and she is writing a pamphlet about the process and experience of taking nude selfies, forthcoming with Intergraphia Books. Eva is also working on a collection of essays on neurodivergence and mental health, forthcoming with Broken Sleep Books in 2025, and she edits writers’ reflections on diagnoses, psychological and physical, on the website Dx: Diagnosis and Writing.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials: Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David and Jade talk about the uses of trauma in the creative process. They explore: how we are reflected in the art we make and consumethe inner journey of the artist using creativity to surrender controlhow trauma transforms us, for better or worseMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials: Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David chats with musician, composer, researcher and sound explorer Dolores Catherino about her mission of expanding musical consciousness.They discuss:Finding your unique voice through exploration, not imitationHow AI is impacting the landscape of musicDolores’ research and development into a new ‘pitch colour’ systemUses of meditation and intuitive practices to study music Find more of Dolores on her website, YouTube channel and Bandcamp. You can also find out more about PolyChromatic Music here.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials: Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade speaks to writer Inés G. Labarta about her latest novel, The Three Lives of Saint Ciarán, and how she develops stories from identity, place and intention. They discuss:-          Rewriting myths from a queer, immigrant perspective-          The process of publishing and dealing with rejection-          The role of ego and mental and spiritual health in writingFind out more about Inés on her website, and purchase her book here.Read 'Oatman', the short story she published on oranges journal.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials: Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Content warning for strong language.Jade and David talk about their recent cinema experiences, including Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Challengers’, and try to get to the bottom of why so many stories are emotionally immature. They discuss: -          The role of open-mindedness in creativity -          Depicting healthy relationships in film-          How we ‘project our demons’ into what we create-          Approaching work with beginner’s mindMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials: Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David sits down with renowned music producer, composer and writer Michael Beinhorn to discuss his unique approaches to collaboration and the creative process. Michael has worked with legendary artists including Herbie Hancock, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Hole, and it’s an honour to have him on the show.David and Michael discuss:- The power of creative visualisation - Somatic techniques for approaching creative work- The uses of neurodivergence, and how ‘obsessive thinking’ can help or hinder an artist- Evolutions in music production, technology and songwriting Find out more about the artist development services Michael offers here.-------------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.Find us on socials: Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade speaks to David and his collaborator Martin Coat about their Arts Council funded development project ‘MonoMyth’. Martin and David set out to deconstruct sound, from its physical qualities to its effect on brain waves. We discuss:- How to approach research and set an intention for a large project- The impact of our sonic environment on mental and physical health- Uses of the human voice- How sound can be used for healingTo close the episode we will share one of the pieces Martin and David produced for the project, titled ‘Seven Rotations’. The piece is designed to be listened to for relaxation purposes – so please do not listen while driving or operating heavy machinery!Listen to the rest of MonoMyth here.------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USWe’ve given our Patreon a facelift, and we’d love for you to join our community! By subscribing, you will receive bonus episodes and uncut interviews, and help to support us as artists and podcasters. If you are an artist yourself, you can also sign up to receive 1:1 support and ongoing feedback on your work.Buy us a coffeeFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Trigger warning for discussion of sexual violence in media.David and Jade attempt to break down the elusive concept of ‘tone’. They discuss the balance of light and dark in HBO's Succession, the role of intention in the writing process, and the rapey vibes of Poor Things. You can read Jade’s review of Poor Things here: Men explain sexual liberation to me in 'Poor Things'Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade chats to writer and yoga teacher Miles Borrero about publishing his memoir Beautiful Monster: A Becoming, and the importance of seeing positive trans stories in media and literature.Throughout his many lives, Miles Borrero has survived fronting a Latin rock band, riding horses competitively, acting on various stages across the US, and nannying a six-year-old. He has been Catholic, Jewish, and a frequent guest at Krishna’s house, and has lived life as a boy, a girl, a woman, a man, and something in between. Now a senior yoga teacher who leads retreats and trainings all over the world, Miles is passionate about dismantling the systems within ourselves that keep us small. He lives in New York with his sweetheart and their two adorable dogs. Find all of Mile's offerings, including yoga, here. Or order the hardcover, ebook or audio of Beautiful Monster: A Becoming here. Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

How do we figure out the path we are meant to be on, rather than the path chosen for us by others? David and Jade ‘do a funny one’, rambling chaotically about marriage, babies, and the miserable reality of ‘cool jobs’. Merry Christmas! Tell us about your own indoctrination by emailing [email protected] this episode resonated with you, and you need some guidance around getting off ‘auto-pilot’, our hosts offer coaching services.Book coaching with DavidBook coaching with JadeMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon Find us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Christina was thrilled when she learned she had won a prize for her poetry, and the chance to publish a book. But she quickly noticed red flags as she was communicating with the editor in charge of her work – and things only got worse from there.Jade chats to Christina about the importance of valuing yourself and listening to intuition while navigating the world of publishing, and beyond. Christina Hennemann (she/her) is a poet and prose writer based in Ireland. She’s a recipient of the Irish Arts Council’s Agility Award ’23 and she was longlisted in the National Poetry Competition. Her work appears in Poetry Wales, The Iowa Review, oranges, The Moth, York Literary Review, Ink Sweat & Tears, Moria, and elsewhere. Visit Christina's website / follow her on Instagram / TwitterRead 'How to make the most of microdosing' on oranges journal-------------------------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon Find us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade and David enjoy a damn fine cup of coffee and discuss the tonal landscapes of David Lynch’s work. Topics covered include baguettes, Tibetan monks, and car alarms. Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David catches up with film and TV composer Denise Santos about her work, creative process and development. They discuss:The importance of representing diverse storiesStaying strong and authentic in a male-dominated industryGetting the most out of collaborationCultivating a healthy working routineDenise is an Emmy-winning Filipino musician and composer based in Los Angeles. Having previously worked as in-house composer at Hans Zimmer and Sony/ATV's Bleeding Fingers Music, her music has been heard in a multitude of movies and TV shows, most recently in Island of the Sea Wolves (Netflix), Eden: Untamed Planet (BBC America), and Primates (BBC One/PBS).Largely influenced by classical, orchestral, rock, and pop music, Denise loves to blend these different genres to create uniquely powerful compositions that help uplift diverse stories, filmmakers, and creators.Find out more about Denise on her website / follow her on Instagram-----------------------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USWe are raising money for new audio equipment, to get the podcast sounding even better! You can support us here.Buy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon Find us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade speaks to Zuzu Valla, a fashion and beauty photographer based in the UK who is redefining modern beauty standards. They discuss Zuzu’s process of capturing a person’s ‘soul’, the importance of representing marginalised people in fashion and art, and how Zuzu built her own creative team and studio, starting in her living room.Follow Zuzu on Instagram / Visit her websiteWe are raising money for new audio equipment, to get the podcast sounding even better! You can support us here.--------------------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon Find us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade and David talk about their experiences with psychedelics, the impact of tripping and microdosing on their mental health/spiritual journeys, and the use of psychedelics to develop consciousness and creativity.We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions and experiences. Join the conversation by emailing us or reaching out on our social media channels. Please make sure you are looking after yourself and seeking support from people you know you can trust before making this journey (and preferably during).We are raising money for new audio equipment, to get the podcast sounding even better! You can support us here.-------------------------------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon Find us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Come with us on an immersive journey through sound and stories!We connect with influential people within the immersive theatre world: Actor and Director Jess-Luisa Flynn and Creative Director Neil Connolly. They discuss the role of immersive art today, removing audiences from their reality, and the re-emergence of more traditional art forms that has factored into the immersive theatre boom.Throughout the episode you’ll also hear music and sound design from David’s immersive theatre collaborations.Discover our guests:Jess-Luisa FlynnJessie-Lu Flynn is an actor, host and immersive theatre maker from London. She is the founder of Wide Eyes Immersive. Jess is particularly drawn to comedy and enjoys making work that is heightened, absurd, punk in spirit and infused with a cinematic glamour, inspired by the movies of the 1940s and 50s. She has worked for over fifteen years at festivals, including Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party and Boomtown fair - hosting stages and making immersive installations. She has appeared in political stunts for Channel Four's 'The Ministry of Justice' and Don't Panic TV. She was just elected by Equity members as a spokesperson for ADHD actors, a subject she is very passionate about.Wide Eyes / Instagram / LinkedInNeil ConnollyHaving been at the vanguard of playable & immersive theatre since 2007, Neil had a career-defining opportunity in 2019 when he devised, wrote & directed an immersive experience for HRH Elizabeth II as part of Sainsbury's 150th birthday celebrations. This makes him the only immersive theatre & game maker in the world to have the Queen attend one of their experiences. In a distinguished career spanning 18 years, Neil has brought that passion to every facet of themed entertainment in the creative development and production of theatre & attractions. As Creative Director for the Everywhere Group, Neil is working on creative development of show and attraction content for projects across the UK, Europe, North America & Asia.Immersive Everywhere / Instagram / TwitterMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

TW: discussion of abuseJade and David discuss their experiences of exploitation in their creative fields, and offer tips for recognizing potentially dangerous people while seeking representation or collaboration.They explore:Power and co-dependency in creative relationshipsLearning how to state your worth Cultivating professional boundariesSpotting ‘red flags’ and ‘green lights’Book recommendations:‘Not Nice’ by Dr. Aziz Gazipura ‘Burn it Down’ by Maureen Ryan  ‘The Gift of Fear’ by Gavin de Becker  Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David speaks to Andrew Morgan Smith, the veteran film composer of the Nicolas Cage Western The Old Way (2023) and over ninety other projects across all media. They discuss Andrew’s journey into the film industry, his creative process while collaborating on large and small projects, and how parenthood has impacted his work life.Find out more about Andrew through his website, and follow him on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. ----------------------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

TW: Discussion of abuse What happens to a piece of work once it is out in the world? Does the audience take ownership? As artists, how do we ‘let go’ of something we have poured so much energy into?Jade and David explore this process of separation from art. They also discuss how we decide what to do with the work of artists who have caused great harm to other people, and to the industries in which they work.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade speaks to KB Brookins, a writer, cultural worker, and artist from Texas. They talk about using writing to deal with anxiety, what it takes to call yourself a ‘real’ writer, and how KB is utilizing their creative power to inspire positive change.KB Brookins is the author of How To Identify Yourself with a Wound (Kallisto Gaia Press, 2022) and Freedom House (Deep Vellum, 2023). KB is a 2023 National Endowment of the Arts fellow. Follow them online at @earthtokb. Read Jade's latest fiction, The Therapist, over on The Temz Review.--------------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

On this episode we discuss the purpose of art in society, and how change starts from within. We explore:Using art to raise consciousnessThe effect of the ‘ego’ mind on creativityHow identifying with your work can lead to crisisCultivating healthy detachment from your artThe roles of the right and left brain in the creative process------------------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David and Jade chat to Kristina K, a fashion designer and artist based in New York City who was a finalist on season 19 of Project Runway. They discuss how Kristina found her way to designing, the benefits of having time restraints, and tips for surviving the cutthroat world of fashion.Visit Kristina's website and follow her on InstagramMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Jade talks to Eri Maeda, a Japanese 'Self-Love Artist' based in Paris. Eri creates sculpture, ceramics and homeware based on inclusive representations of human bodies and sexuality. Jade and Eri discuss the message of her work - "Everyone is different and everyone is beautiful" and talk about how she started to create art to fight against the beauty standards and social pressure with which she grew up.Find out more about Eri and purchase her products:WebsiteInstagramTikTokMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

It may be harder to make a living as an artist than ever before. On this episode, David and Jade explore the exploitation of artists in modern society, discussing:self-worth and the energy of receptivitythe role of technology in the undervaluing of artworking for ‘likes’ defining your purpose as an artistprocessing shame around selling your workMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

We continue our conversation on fiction writing with Jade Green. David talks to Jade about the ups and downs of writing novels and short stories, how her definition of feminism has changed through running a literary journal, and turning challenges into gifts.Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

We continue our conversation on writing music with composer David Mackenzie. Jade talks to David about what he has learned over the last year of running a new music brand, how he approached collaboration while working as a sound designer/composer for Wake the Tiger, and developing his sound through use of vocals.We play a selection of David’s new music throughout the episode. 05:59 The Underside 24:42 Wallflower49:20 Atmosphere, Satellites and Dreams1:08:31 Circles, Squares and StripesFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:TwitterInstagramFacebookTikTokEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David chats to Cyrus Shahrad (Hiatus) about finding his way to writing and making music, differentiating language and musical form, and the role of the ‘self’ in artistic output.Cyrus is an electronic music producer and writer based in London. His musical work combines Iranian instrumentation, poetry, nostalgia and modern ambient sounds. He has worked as a journalist and written for various acclaimed magazines and newspapers on a range of subjects, including music and movie reviews.Read Cyrus’s workFind him on Twitter and Instagram----------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:TwitterInstagramFacebookEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

We often over-think the end result of our art, and forget to enjoy the process. From childhood we've measured our worth based on external achievements - such as money, qualifications and job titles - but how do we undo this conditioning to get the most out of our passion? In this episode David and Jade discuss:-          the difference between setting goals and obsessing over end results-          maximising your enjoyment of the creative process -          how our culture conditions us to seek external validationShare your thoughts and experiences by connecting on social media or writing a review!Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:TwitterInstagramFacebookEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

It’s an oranges journal takeover! Jade invites five writers to share excerpts from stories published on orangesjournal.com and talk about their inspiration. oranges is an intersectional feminist journal dedicated to amplifying marginalised voices. The writers joining us are based all over the world and represent a cross-section of the work featured on the journal.Stories:06:00 Bathtup Kinship by Lukas Kofoed Reimann11:30 The Other Side of Styx Street by Rebecca Kilroy20:48 Oatman by Inés G. Labarta31:24 The Monsoons Are Almost Here by Shrutidhora P Mohor44:45 Refund, Discount or Gesture of Goodwill by Jasmine Kahlia Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:TwitterInstagramFacebookEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

It’s Halloween, it’s our one-year anniversary, and we’re delving into the scariest of subjects!Jade and David talk about the fears we must overcome in our creative lives. They discuss getting comfortable with the uncomfortable and how vulnerability is the key to powerful creative work.Jade also chats to Ellen Huang, a writer of horror and speculative fiction, about spirituality in stories and what makes the perfect ending.Read Ellen's short stories:“The Sticklerman”“Prized Possessions”“Halving My Child: What Wakwaks Want”“Hidebehind Seeks”More work on her website----------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:TwitterInstagramFacebookEmail us at [email protected] your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

On this bonus episode (unlocked from the Patreon feed) David and Jade talk about the role of rejection in the creative process, the energy of ‘I am enough’, and not taking rejections personally. Keep trying, keep submitting, and know that by living your truth, you are bringing huge value to the world!We’ll be back soon with a brand new season of the pod, a fresh look, and more insightful guests and conversations.Music: ‘Awakening’ by Stantz Follow your hosts:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green Buy us a coffee!Support the pod on Patreon and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Email us at [email protected] and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice 

Stress is a blockage to creativity. How can we manage the daily stresses and anxieties of life, so that we can give ourselves fully to our creative practice?Meditation is one of the best techniques you can learn to help you cope with stress and other mental health issues, and clear space in your mind to get the most out of your imagination. Jade and David talk about the techniques they use, the impact of meditation on their lives, and the powerful role of intuition and the subconscious mind in creative practice. Read Jade’s writing on the meditation retreat she attended: Five days of silenceBook a coaching session with David.Music by David Mackenzie. Follow your hosts:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green Buy us a coffee!Support the pod on Patreon and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Email us at [email protected] and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice 

Our guest today is Helen Bowie, a performer, multidisciplinary writer and creative facilitator. Through her work she explores the fluidity between these areas, and the way that words interact with the world. Jade speaks to Helen about puzzles and word games, interactive performance, and the comedy of mundanity. Pre-order Helen’s new book Exposition Ladies, ‘a love letter to the poorly-scribbled female characters of Hollywood and beyond, who exist solely to move the plot along.’You can also follow Helen on Twitter and Instagram, and find out more about her work through her website.Music by David Mackenzie. Buy ‘Solace’ on Bandcamp, and watch the video for ‘Swan Song’ by artist Janet Lees.Follow your hosts:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green Buy us a coffee!Support the pod on Patreon and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Email us at [email protected] and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice 

WARNING! This episode covers some deep, and possibly triggering, topics including drug addiction, alcoholism, suicide and mental illness. We also swear a lot. Please only listen if you are in a stable mindset. -------The story of the ‘tragic artist’ is a dangerous myth in our society, and carries a morbid fascination for many onlookers. But the true roots of addiction are rarely discussed; it is a subject shrouded in shame. In this episode, Jade and David discuss why artists often struggle with addiction and mental illness, and talk about their own experiences with addiction and recovery.Jade also shares an excerpt from a piece of writing about her path to sobriety. You can read the piece in full here.If you are in a pattern of addiction and need help, please contact the NHS or your local support services. There is no shame in asking for help, and you do not need to suffer alone.Music by David Mackenzie.Follow your hosts:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green Buy us a coffee!Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Email us at [email protected] and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice