Chaos and Creativity: Recent Episodes
Chaos and Creativity Podcast
Musician Kimi Recor and award winning photographer/writer Lou Lesko discuss the elations, frustrations, glam, and gloom of being a professional creative.
In this week’s minisode: Lou offers to write a treatment for a screenplay with a spectacular premise and a really good story. Kimi randomly gets cast in a short film and is relieved when it gets canceled. Drawing on decades of experience as creative professionals, Kimi and Lou share how to ask the right questions when given the “opportunity” to work for free, when trade feels like a valuable exchange, when saying yes is stupid, and how to say no when it needs to be said.
Connect with the Show
- Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko
- Producer: Cheramie Johnson
- Editor: Alexandra Covey
- Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast
Until I met three time academy award nominee Tom Myers, it never crossed my mind that a blank page to a writer is total silence to a sound designer. That something as subtle as a dog barking in the distance in a movie is as intentional a choice as the more conspicuous murmuring of a populated cafe underneath the dialog of actors in a scene. The deeper Myers and I dug into what he does for a living at Skywalker Sound, the more I realized that sound design and sound mixing are forms of aural magic performed by wizards. Subtlety is art, ethos and praxis in this enchanting world. A world where the latitude between not enough and too much is shockingly narrow and requires good ears, a rich imagination and clever, clever instinct.
Links:
The Wilhelm Scream
The Last Kings of Hollywood
Connect with the Show
- Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko
- Producer: Cheramie Johnson
- Editor: Alexandra Covey
- Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast
Close your eyes. Listen. Which sounds are soothing? Which ones drive you up a tree? Currently, outside my house there’s a mocking bird that’s making me a little crazy. But in the distance the sound of a freight train whistle is eliciting feelings of happiness. No doubt because of an experience I had around trains when I was 12. Bring that train sound two miles closer, it would probably annoy me to no end. Close, far, types of birds, types of trains, all of nature—this is Dr. Stéphane Pigeon’s world. And he’s built a way to bring it to the public on his site MyNoise.net.
From his days as an eighteen-year-old sound engineer for Roland synthesizers to recording the subtle voices of the natural world, Dr. Pigeon reflects on the art of crafting complex soundscapes, the beauty of silence, and how his work can invite you into the deeply personal search for the perfect sound.
Links:
https://mynoise.net/
https://perthirtysix.com/how-the-heck-do-synthesizers-work
Connect with the Show
- Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko
- Producer: Cheramie Johnson
- Editor: Alexandra Covey
- Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast
Big changes are afoot at Chaos & Creativity, as our long time producer and good friend Claire Duncan moseys down the road of life to her next big thing. We wish her nothing but the best.
Lest Kimi and Lou be left alone too long without supervision, we’re excited to announce the arrival of our new producer Cheramie “CJ” Johnson. We’re also thrilled to welcome Alexandra Covey to the podcast editing bay. She’ll be cutting together Chaos & Creativity as well as our sister podcast Mothers of Creativity.
In this episode: Everything Feels Legit—everything ends up on the nose as Kimi and Lou utilize an outline to attempt episode cohesion. What results is an extra dose of chaos, with Kimi and Lou covering everything from fellating a lightsaber to Y2K fashion and Facebook regrets to the reflecting pool and beyond. Come for the disastrous segues, stay for the synergy, and listen closely for hints of a 2-part series on the art of sound, coming soon.
Mentioned in the episode:
The Chaos and Creativity blog
The Chaos and Creativity Instagram
The reflecting pool debacle
The Last Kings of Hollywood by Paul Fischer
Silo on Apple TV
The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Documentary, Part 2
In this episode, Lou shares about a do-it-yourself project that flopped, revealing that 1) acoustics is an art form, and 2) he's terrible at acoustics.
So Lou and Kimi talk about which skills are worth learning as creative professionals, and what's important to delegate out. Reflecting on their younger years, they wonder what happened to the time and energy they once had to learn new skills from scratch. Ultimately, they discover that creative maturity brings the very-punk discernment to know what's worth learning and what's best left to the experts.
Connect with the Show
- Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko
- Producer: Cheramie Johnson
- Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast
This week on Chaos & Creativity, we’re joined by photographer and visual artist William Waterworth. His work feels like scenes from an old film — dark, cinematic, and full of emotion. We talk about why he prefers shooting out in nature instead of a studio, how literature and art inspire his photography, and why he looks for real character over the “perfect” model.
We also get into film vs. digital photography, creating timeless black-and-white images, and what it means to make art that actually feels something in a world full of content. If you’re into photography, fashion, creativity, or visual storytelling, this is a really good one.
Check out more of Will’s work:
- Instagram: @willwaterworth
- Website: William Waterworth
Connect with the Show
- Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko
- Producer: Claire Duncan
- Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast
Do you have to choose between being cool and being rich?
In this episode, we talk about what it feels like to be creative right now. There’s so much content everywhere, and it can feel like you have to turn everything into money. But does that take away from what makes something cool?
We get into whether art is really valued today, how social media has changed things, and if you can actually make a living from your creativity.
Can you be both cool and successful? Or do you have to pick one?
A simple, honest conversation about creativity, money, and where we’re at right now.
Connect with the Show
- Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko
- Producer: Claire Duncan
- Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast
In this episode, Kimi and Lou sit down with Annicka Ekvall, a Swedish-American DJ and producer making major waves in the minimal melodic house scene. Closely associated with Insomniac, Annicka has performed on the world's biggest stages, including EDC, Coachella and Burning Man. She joins us to discuss the magic of staying grounded while playing for thousands and why her newest role, being a mom to a baby girl is her greatest blessing and inspiration.
Key Highlights:
- The Power of Presence: Why being grounded on stage is the secret to creating a truly transformative experience for a crowd.
- Connection Over Impression: Shifting the focus from playing a set to connecting with the soul of the audience.
- Storytelling in Music: How Annicka uses house, soul, and funk vibrations to tell a narrative of love and inspiration.
Connect with Annicka
- Instagram: @foreverannicka
- Stream Her Sets: https://youtu.be/vbyIioz2yfE?si=MmklxMZXqGUQ15xf
Connect with the Show
- Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko
- Producer: Claire Duncan
- Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast
How do you handle criticism when you are deeply connected to your work?
In this episode, Lou and Kimi talk about what it really feels like to receive feedback as a creative. Whether you are an artist, producer, designer, writer or entrepreneur, learning how to take criticism can be the key to growing your ideas and your confidence.
Creatives often become emotionally attached to their work, which can make it hard to know if something is actually good or needs more development. Lou and Kimi share how they personally deal with criticism and why honest feedback has become an important part of their creative process.
They also discuss how preparing yourself mentally can make a big difference when receiving criticism. Being grounded, well rested and open can help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally.
If you are a creative trying to grow, build confidence and make better work, this episode is for you.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.
In this episode, we talk all things music, DJ culture, and the creative process behind electronic music with rising DJ and producer Kieran Kerwin.
Before the interview, Kimi shares exciting news from tour. She has officially joined a new band in France called Painmagazine, so be sure to check them out.
Kieran is not only a talented electronic music producer and DJ, he also created the intro and outro music for our podcast. In this conversation, he takes us inside his creative process and explains how electronic music is built, from the first idea to the final track.
Growing up listening to jazz, soul, funk, and reggae, Kieran pulls inspiration from a wide range of genres. He shares how those influences shape his sound and why the building blocks of music matter. Ultimately it is how you put those pieces together that makes a track unique.
We also dive into how DJs and producers create electronic music, the creative mindset behind music production, and the many moving parts most people never see behind a track. We also talk about the evolution of the electronic music industry and whether the growing commercialization of electronic music is helping or hurting the space.
If you are curious about how DJs make music, the creative process behind electronic music, or the future of the electronic music scene, this episode gives you an inside look into the mind of an up and coming DJ.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.
In this mini episode, Kimi and Lou talk about why staying organized is honestly one of the most important parts of being a creative professional. When you're juggling multiple projects, ideas, and deadlines, having some kind of system makes everything way more manageable.
They share what’s actually worked for them over the years, from simple habits to tools that help them stay on track and not feel overwhelmed. Organization doesn’t make you less creative, it gives you the space to be more creative.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.
In this episode, we talk with Michael Alan Ross, photographer, author of Porsche Outlaws: Stuttgart Hot Rods, and longtime creative professional. Michael shares his journey from a 25-year career as a musician to becoming a respected photographer after landing a singing role in a Ford commercial that introduced him to photography.
We explore the world of Porsche Outlaws, where Porsche models are customized through weight reduction, suspension upgrades, and performance enhancements to create personalized, high performance cars. Michael also dives into the creative process behind editorial photography, emphasizing storytelling, problem-solving under pressure, and the importance of lighting, timing, location, and logistics.
Throughout the conversation, Michael highlights the value of adaptability, strong creative relationships, and how “luck” often comes from years of preparation and hard work.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.
We’re kicking off the new year with some exciting announcements and big things ahead for the Chaos & Creativity universe.
This year, we’re thrilled to introduce a new podcast hosted by Sabrina Sarl. Mothers of Creativity spotlights women who make a living through their creative work while also navigating motherhood. Becoming a mom can change everything, and this series explores how creative women continue to pursue their passions. Sabrina brings such a thoughtful, honest perspective to these conversations, and she has some truly special interviews planned for 2026.
We also share what’s next for Chaos & Creativity, so be sure to tune in to hear what’s coming and how the show is continuing to grow.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!
We’ve made it to our last episode of the year and the season one finale.
To close things out, Lou and Kimi are sharing 12 things they’ve been loving lately. These are things that have inspired them, helped them slow down, or simply made life a little better as creatives.
This is our version of the 12 Days of Christmas. No endorsements, no sponsors. Just books, shows, tools, and ideas we genuinely enjoy.
We’re talking about what we’re reading, watching, and adding into our lives as we head into a new year.
Kimi’s Picks
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Klara and the Sun
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Deep Listening by Pauline Oliveros
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Notion
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Brick (screen time device)
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Murder, She Wrote
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Sisters with Transistors (2020 documentary)
Lou’s Picks
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WANDRD
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Storyist
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Scriptnotes
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When Things Were Good: An Editor’s Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines
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Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV+)
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Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!
Kimi and Lou explore the different “characters” we step into throughout our lives — the versions of ourselves that show up in different moments, relationships, and creative seasons. They talk about the parts of us that live quietly inside, the ones that guide our choices, and the ones we grow out of.
Lou shares what he’s learned from writing a stage play and how storytelling forces you to meet all these inner characters. They dig into collaboration, what it means to step into someone else’s creative world, how to add to it, and how to defend your own vision while still making room for others.
A reflective episode on creativity, identity, and the art of building something together.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!
Join Lou and Jeff Burkhart, award-winning writer, bartender, and columnist for the Marin Independent Journal, as they dive behind the scenes of Tale of a Barfly.
Inspired by Jeff’s bestselling book Twenty Years Behind Bars: The Spirited Adventures of a Real Bartender, Tale of a Barfly is a story of life, love, and cocktails. It’s a riches-to-rags journey that reminds us all of life’s greatest truths can be found while watching the world from behind a bar.
For over a decade, Jeff and Lou have collaborated on live, enhanced book readings performed to sold-out audiences at the Sweetwater in Mill Valley. Tale of a Barfly is their next ambitious evolution, an original play written by Lou and featuring Burkhart’s stories and spirit.
A unique blend of storytelling, humor, and humanity, and a journey you won’t want to miss.
Get your tickets now, they are selling fast!
https://tickets.marincenter.org/orderticketsarea.asp?p=5236&a=455&src=eventperformances
Kimi and Lou are back with their well-deserved opinions in this week’s minisode or what we’re now calling bitchsodes.
When Amazon quietly erased guns from classic James Bond posters, it sparked a bigger conversation about censorship, revisionism, and the strange urge to “remaster” the past.
Why does art keep getting sanitized? Does censoring a movie poster really help anything?
Lou and Kimi unpack it all, reminding us that erasing symbols won’t erase reality.
Moral of the story: Bring back Napster...
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!
Episode Links:
James Bond Poster
The History of Napster
Movie: The Social Network
Lou heads to London to chat with Joe Ingham, an award-winning producer and filmmaker who works in development and production across both the UK and US. Joe has helped bring projects to life with Amazon, BBC, Sky, Channel 4, Paramount, and more, and his films Baby Lies Truthfully and The Microcosm.
In this episode, Joe breaks down what “development” in TV and film actually means, taking an idea from its earliest spark and shaping it into something ready for the screen. He talks about the creativity, patience, and people skills it takes to make it happen, plus the importance of keeping an open mind and creating space for new ideas.
If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on before your favorite shows or documentaries get made, this conversation will pull back the curtain on a side of the industry most people never get to see.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!
In this mini-episode, Lou and Kimi talk about YouTube running AI filters over videos, without creators asking for it. Has AI ever automatically edited your content? What does that mean for creativity?
YouTube is one of the biggest living archives we have, but if AI starts changing our work, are we actually moving backward? Things are already at the point of overproduction, and social media feels exhausting.
Lou and Kimi ask: should AI be making creative decisions, or do we need to bring back imperfection and stay connected to art?
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!
Episode Links:
BBC Article: YouTube secretly used AI to edit people's videos. The results could bend reality
Rick Beato Youtube
In this episode, Kimi and Lou sit down with award-winning visual artist Natalie Lennard, also known as self-portraitist Miss Aniela, and surreal fashion photographer Natalie Dybisz.
Natalie reveals the genesis of her highly imagined photographic art and how she holds on to the joy of creating despite the sometimes difficult challenges of realizing her vision. Lou and Natalie talk about what it takes to follow inspiration with intention, how art evolves over time, and why exploring new directions keeps creativity alive.
As Natalie Lennard, she is best known for her powerful and groundbreaking Birth Undisturbed series, a stunning and surreal exploration of feminism and natural childbirth. Natalie digs into how the series came together and how it affected her.
The conversation also touches on the role of AI in art, asking whether it can support creativity without replacing it. Natalie also opens up about audiences, identity, and her exciting shift into writing a novel.
Whether you’re an artist looking for inspiration or simply curious about the forces that shape creativity, this episode offers a thoughtful look at building art, vision, and meaning from the ground up.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!
In this minisode, Kimi and Lou dive into the fascinating and sometimes unsettling world of AI. Sparked by the appearance of an AI model in Vogue, they explore how artificial intelligence is transforming art, fashion, and creativity.
Is AI taking jobs from real artists and models? How is it impacting diversity and beauty standards? Could it be limiting the very creativity that inspires us?
Kimi and Lou also reflect on the moments of raw, human creativity that AI cannot replicate and what we risk losing as technology advances. Whether you are a creator, a fashion lover, or simply curious about the AI revolution, this episode will make you rethink what you see online and what is real.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!
In this episode, Lou and Kimi sit down with Ava Roy who is celebrating her 25 years at We Players, a theater company that brings productions to life in breathtaking outdoor locations. Ava has been transforming California’s parks, shorelines, and historic sites into epic stages for over two decades.
Known for crafting performances that merge place with play, Ava shares how physical space can ignite the imagination and shape the emotional arc of a show. She breaks down the deeply complex and alchemical process of creating a production that doesn’t just entertain but envelops, where the audience is not just watching but living the experience.
We talk about how imperfection fuels art, the demands of building something from nothing, and how growing up surrounded by history shaped Ava’s uniquely intuitive and imaginative approach to directing.
If you’ve ever wondered how a play comes together or how place can become a character of its own, this is a must listen.
Her next show, The Keeper, co-created with Britt Lauer, a celebration of the small and the vast — an absurd and joyful drama premiering September 5–7, 2025 at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center in Washington.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!
Join Lou and Kimi for a conversation that’s been on our minds lately: Is content the new spam?
With so much noise on social media, AI-generated posts, recycled trends, and endless “value-packed” videos, we’re starting to wonder... has content lost its meaning?
It’s starting to feel like the internet is full of stuff that doesn’t really matter. And in the middle of it, the few pieces of truly good content stands out more than ever.
We also talk about how real-world connection is becoming more valuable in a world saturated with screens. Humans need each other. We need third spaces like parks, coffee shops, and libraries. And maybe even fourth spaces... book clubs, running groups, or anything that pulls us offline and brings us face to face.
This minisode is a quick reflection on stepping back, taking a breath, and finding space to think. There’s a kind of creativity that only shows up when you put your phone down and spend a little time alone with your thoughts.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember—always act a little cooler than you feel! Sign up for our newsletter
Mentioned in this episode:
Brick is a physical device that temporarily blocks distracting apps and their notifications on a user's phone.
The September Issue
Lou Lesko of BlinkBid Explains Why Social Media is Useless Without Real World Connections
Have you ever watched a movie and thought, “This song is perfect for this scene?” That’s the work of a music supervisor, and in this episode, Kimi and Lou talk to one of the best.
Terri d’Ambrosio is an audio post and music supervisor at MarcoCo. Studios, where she oversees projects from script to final mix. With experience in music production, licensing, editing, and sound design, she brings a rare depth of knowledge to every project she touches.
Recent projects include We Live in Public, The Revolutionary Optimists, The Rape of Europa, Inequality For All, and HBO’s 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Krause. She’s also worked in the music industry in A&R and record promotions, collaborating with artists like Jon Anderson, Ottmar Liebert, and Charo.
In this episode, Terri gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a soundtrack. From clearing music rights and negotiating deals to the creative process of finding the perfect track, Terri wears a lot of hats to make it all happen.
If you’ve never heard of a music supervisor or never realized how much work goes into building a soundtrack, this episode will definitely surprise you. We loved this conversation and think you will too.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember—always act a little cooler than you feel!
In this mini episode, Lou and Kimi revisit the story behind Chaos and Creativity and reflect on the power of origin stories. The ones that are messy. The ones that take time. The ones that remind us why we do the work.
It started at the bar at The Buckeye Roadhouse. Lou and Kimi, a bottle of red, and a lot of chaos.
Now, many years later, we got to thinking… where does a creative journey really begin?
Do origin stories give us a sense of hope? Do they help us find happiness, or explain why people become who they are for better or worse? Is there always a bit of magic in the beginning, or sometimes a reason things go dark?
Lou and Kimi explore how every artist has their own unique story, and why no one origin story needs to be better than another. It’s about finding the story within your story. And sometimes, asking the right questions to get to someone else’s.
So tell us — what’s your origin story?
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember—always act a little cooler than you feel!
Mentioned in this episode:
Songs from the Shed
Full Origin Story of Chaos and Creativity
This week Lou catches up with Tracy Marcellino-Aubert in LA, chef, artist, and creative force of nature. We first met Tracy at the Creative Supper Club in New York and from the start she’s been one of those people who just gets it.
In this episode, Tracy takes us back to her early days in San Francisco, where the creative scene wasn’t about “making it” but just about being in it. At 22 she dove headfirst into "it" and hasn’t stopped.
Lou and Tracy talk about food as art that you can eat, where the payoff is instant and deeply felt. Tracy shares what it means to be a creative and a professional, the tension between dreaming big and staying grounded, and why discomfort might be the secret ingredient to growth.
This one is for anyone who has ever asked "Can I really do this?"
Tracey reminds us that every creative act is an act of exposure and that’s what makes it real.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember—always act a little cooler than you feel!
Episode Links:
The Menu
Creative Supper Club
We Are Ona
In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kim and Lou explore the generational divide in the creative world and how it affects everything from career choices to collaboration. Whether you're a Gen Z content creator or a Gen X designer, you've likely experienced the tension between old-school expectations and today’s creative hustle.
The Generational Stigma Around Creative Careers
Older generations often value stability, leading to the belief that a 9-to-5 job is the only legitimate career path. But younger creatives are pushing back, or at least trying to. The reality is, many creatives today hold down a traditional 9 to 5 just to support their creative work on the side. Lou and Kimi dig into what this path means, and how it's reshaping expectations around success and sustainability in creative fields.
Creative Workflows: Then vs. Now
Technology has changed how we create. Each generation approaches creativity differently. We talk about the tools, platforms, and processes that have shaped how we work. Younger generations are building on what's come before, remixing it with their own style and perspective.
Where’s the Crossover?
Despite having shared goals, there’s often little overlap between generations in the creative space. We ask: why don’t more multigenerational creative spaces exist?
Social Media and the Rise of Short-Form Content
Social media isn’t just a marketing tool, it’s become a creative medium in its own right. We look at how younger generations are using platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels not just to promote, but to create. What does that mean for storytelling, attention spans, and legacy forms of media?
The Rise of Hyper Niche Creators
Today’s creative economy thrives on specificity. We dive into how hyper niche creators, those who go deep into one topic, aesthetic, or format , are gaining traction and redefining what it means to be a “successful” creative.
Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember—always act a little cooler than you feel!
Episode Links:
Brandy Melville Documentary – Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion
Soma FM Radio
KROQ Radio
NTS Radio
In this episode, we dive into the creative world of Marco D’Ambrosio, musical composer and owner of MarcoCo Music & Sound Art. Marco has spent his career shaping music and sound to enhance visual storytelling, drawing inspiration from films like Blade Runner, which he credits with changing his life.
Marco breaks down his creative process—from the spark of an idea to a full composition—explaining how he builds a palette of sounds to evoke emotional depth. He believes sound has color, and that storytelling through music is both an art form and a collaboration. We also explore the role of mood in music, the balance between planning and creativity, and how music can act as a time machine, capturing emotions and memories.
Whether you're a music enthusiast, filmmaker, or creative mind, this episode offers a fascinating look into the power of sound in storytelling.
Check out Marco’s latest work, as he’s currently working on a new album. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram and BlueSky. And remember—always act a little cooler than you feel!
Join us in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, for a deep dive into the creative mind of Jaron Presant, veteran DP and one of the cinematographers behind the latest season of Poker Face. Jaron’s visual storytelling pushes boundaries, and in this episode, he unpacks the art of bringing light to story.
From collaborating with Natasha Lyonne to crafting scenes that stick with you, Jaron reveals how cinematography is more than just visuals—it’s about setting a tone, influencing perception, and creating meaning. Jaron and Lou get into the cultural weight of color (why red means something entirely different in the U.S. vs. Asia), the role of lighting in filmmaking, and the early steps in Jaron's creative process—starting with an image discussion deck that guides the entire project.
We also explore Ikigai, the Japanese philosophy that connects passion, skill, and purpose. And when it comes to career advice, Jaron keeps it simple: "Just do you."
Check out Jaron’s work, and stay tuned for more of Chaos & Creativity on Instagram and BlueSky. And remember—always act a little cooler than you feel!
Join Lou for an inspiring chat with Louis Posen, record producer and founder of Hopeless Records. Louis exposes his brilliant music brain with a personal dive into his world. Rare stories and perspectives explore the music community below the mainstream. He also talks about the balance between art, commerce, and how independent labels make a huge impact on the cultural zeitgeist. With more than 50% female artists, Hopeless Records diversity is greater than any other label in the alternative scene—a product of core principles that have existed since its founding. Hopeless Music Academy fosters a new wave of artists from Mexico. They’re proud to have artists like Blnko, Margaritas Podridas, and more. View their current roster below.
Shoutout to Illuminati Hotties for the awesome music featured in this episode. Be sure to check them out on Instagram for more.
Hopeless Records Story
Hopeless Records Current Roster
Hopeless Records Instagram
Check out Chaos&Creativity on Instagram and BlueSky. And remember—always act a little cooler than you feel!
Lani Tice is a Zen master in one of the most chaotic subgenres of the marketing world. She leads the brand ambassador program at Every Man Jack, serving as the vital bridge between the brand and the extreme sports personalities they work with. As a former competitive skier, Lani brings a unique understanding of both the talent’s perspective and the brand’s goals. Through her patience, insight, and vision, she thrives in the tumultuous space where chaos meets creativity.
The fires in LA left us shocked and dismayed. We're checking in to let you know we're all good and forging ahead. We love you LA.
Learn more & donate to the support of Los Angeles here:
Direct Relief : https://www.directrelief.org
California Fire Foundation : https://www.cafirefoundation.org/
LA Fire Department Foundation : https://supportlafd.org
Give Directly : https://www.givedirectly.org
American Red Cross : https://www.redcross.org/
Coco Wolf quite literally rose from the couch as an uninspired teenager to become an executive producer at Making Pictures, London, in just over a decade. With her creative mind, calm demeanor, and detail-obsessed personality, Coco shares her journey to becoming an EP and offers inspiring insights on what it takes to be a successful producer in a chaotic industry.
Photographer, Director, and Founder Caydie McCumber is here for a candid conversation about how her art is deeply influenced by the things that frighten her. In this episode, Caydie opens up about confronting fear through creativity and how embracing vulnerability shapes her work. She also shares the story behind Creative Supper Club—a unique space where diners can leave their egos at the door and connect over meaningful meals, surrounded by kindred creative spirits. In a world where affectation often runs rampant, Caydie has created a sanctuary for authentic, inspiring conversations.
Last week, Hannah Soto, founder of Grey House Productions, and Lou Lesko talked about The Future of Virtual Production: the two distinct meanings of virtual production, what you need to know about them, and how they are going to change your future as a creative professional.
More info:
Grey House Productions (https://www.greyhouseproductions.com)
BlinkBid (https://www.blinkbid.com)
Watch the webinar here.
Happy New Year!We took the rest of 2020 off to rest, digest and figure out how to move forward with a podcast about being creative for a living during a time when half the world is stuck at home.
In this episode Lou + Kimi talk about their personal experiences with pandemic-related creative blocks, and how they've both made progress.
Kimi explains how she uses the following productivity hacks to be creative rather than productive:
- Monday Hour 1
- The Pomodoro Method
- Time Boundaries
In 2021 expect more tips, tricks and musings from your favorite creative duo.
Oh, and make sure to check out our new website, www.chaosandcreativity.com.
In the inaugural episode of Chaos and Creativity Season 3, Lou tackles the tough (and often taboo) subject of pricing yourself as a photographer.
He discusses why there are no rules on pricing your photographic skills and how this offers a distinct opportunity to advance to your career.
This is a great look at the photography industry + assigning worth to your work. A must-listen for aspiring and working photographers alike.
On this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Lou hosts top producers Elise Connett and Philip Pavliger to unpack the production industry’s response to COVID-19 measures in the workplace. They discuss how to manage risk, keep people safe, and deal with uncharted territory. Listen in to hear how the production realm is moving forward with care for both people and projects.
On this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kimi + Lou discuss boredom as fuel for the creative process. They explore the different stages of boredom, as well as productivity, routine, and innovation as ways to cope with quarantine. Listen in to hear about how the last several weeks of confusion and dis-order can be the perfect storm for creativity to strike.
Article on Teen Creativity and Rebellion:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/quarantine-creative-teenagers-genz-coronavirus-covid19-technology/
Lisa Grossman is the founder of The Connection Cure, a nomadic project that seeks to understand human connection. Three years ago, she packed up her Brooklyn apartment and set off on a cross-country road trip to destigmatize loneliness. On this episode of Chaos + Creativity, Lisa talks to Kimi about how micro moments of connection with both friends and strangers can change a person’s life. Lisa’s Connection Cure workshops offer a place for honest conversations about love, radical change, truth, and meaningful relationships.
https://www.theconnectioncure.com
https://www.theconnectioncure.com/about-lisa/
In this episode of Chaos + Creativity, Kimi and Lou invite musician Katharine Blake to the microphone. Blake, founder of the bands Miranda Sex Garden and the Mediæval Bæbes, talks about her journey from classical musician to goth music icon to creator and arranger of film soundtracks. Her unique ethereal sound is both haunting and captivating, inspired in part by what Katharine describes as the “psychedelic vein.” She spoke to C + C from Scotland where she’s sheltering-in-place with her partner and daughters.
https://katharineblake.bandcamp.com
https://www.mediaevalbaebes.com
In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kimi + Lou discuss how COVID-19 affects the creative industry. They cover how to adapt to the new world, where to find optimism, and the importance of the arts, especially during this time.
https://www.voguebusiness.com/companies/communicating-under-covid-19-coronavirus-china-e-commerce-advertising-livestream
https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultalbot/2020/03/19/how-the-coronavirus-pandemic-impacts-marketing-strategy/#451808964dc2
https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/22/21190018/att-wifi-broadband-mobile-coronavirus-ceo-randal-stephenson-data-cap-surge
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/technology/coronavirus-how-to-live-online.html
In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kimi + Lou chat with Jeff Burkhart, author of Twenty Years Behind Bars, about his life as a bartender and writer. Tune in to hear Jeff's take on how to keep creativity going, the evolution of his career, and his idea of the perfect drink.
Jeff's website: https://jeffburkhart.net
Books: https://jeffburkhart.net/books/
In this special mini-episode, Kimi and Lou discuss Kimi's venture into the "Minimalist Challenge" and the very real feeling of consumer burnout.
If you want to learn more about this challenge visit www.theminimalists.com.
In this episode, Lou interviews director of photography Jaron Presant. The two talk about the process of transforming a script into a movie, the future of cinematography, and how it feels to get "the shot."
In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Lou interviews Joone- formerly of Digital Playground.
Listen as the two discuss the creativity behind porn, and how the evolution of the internet changed the business model forever.
In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss their wellness and brand new format. Listen in to hear thoughts on the Dr. Junger’s book, Clean, as well as Kimi’s strange obsession with office supplies.
Kimi returns from her journey to Europe just as Lou leaves for his.
Listen to find out more about why Kimi didn't really like Iceland, what it feels like to return to your childhood home after 17 years, and more on this episode of Chaos and Creativity.
Kimi and Lou discuss how to be a digital nomad.
Kimi's jet lag app: Time Shifter.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Border Security Guide.
Panic Software's Transmit.
In this episode, Kimi + Lou catch up after a long week. Take a listen to find out what these two have been up to, their favorite way to waste time, and more.
In this episode, Lou + Kimi tackle the intricacies of being an artist in a world that values stability, financial success and normalcy.
In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss the merits of having a routine + how creating a plan for your day can inspire your creativity.
In this episode Lou tries and fails at beatnik poetry. Kimi reveals a star crossed coincidence. And the duo discuss how to survive embarassing moments.
As always this episode brought to you by BlinkBid bidding and producing software.
In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kimi and Lou discuss Taylor Swift's record deal debacle, and weigh in on the state of the music business, and the creative industries in general.
Listen in to find out the difference between owning your master vs owning your publishing, and why we are in a prime time for a new state of normal.
Follow us on Instagram.
In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss the pitfalls of absolutism, Moby's Mishap and more.
Listen carefully to see if you can spot the Easter Egg that will win you a bottle of free Bourbon!
In the episode, Kimi and Lou discuss unrealistic expectations, and how they can be detrimental to your life, career, and well-being.
In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss the merits of being a good observer and how this can serve you in your career as a photojournalist.
Here is the Celeste Headlee TED talk Kimi references in the episode.
Kimi is back from her European travels. In this episode, Kimi and Lou talk about traveling, uprooting your life, and the importance of making small sacrifices.
In this episode, Lou references the Abigail Disney interview on The Cut.
In this episode, Kimi and Lou talk about the downfall of talking about something you want to do before you actually do it- and why jumping the gun can actually keep you from doing anything at all.
Check out Lou's amazing short story, The Ghost of Communism.
In this special episode of Chaos and Creativity, Kimi and Lou chat with renowned agent Heather Elder about finding talent via social media, the future of the photography business and why creativity isn't just for artists.
To see some of Heather's work, visit her website.
Heather also has a super insightful blog called Notes from a Rep's Journal + has recently launched a podcast called Dear Art Producer.
In this somewhat two-subject episode Lou and Kimi return to the topic of the pitfalls of success in the modern world of socials media, as well as discussing the effect relationship drama can have on your art.
In the day and age of the internet, many young artists think the way up is by gathering hundreds of thousands of followers, no matter what they have to concede artistically.
But like everything, there's a price to pay.
In this episode of Chaos and Creativity, Lou and Kimi discuss why building an online brand is not the same as building street cred, and how doing great work is still the best currency as an artist.
Here are some of the articles mentioned in this podcast:
- Patti Smith's Advice to the Young
- The Value of Free: Part One & Part Two
This podcast is brought to you by BlinkBid.
Have you ever made a mistake that was so big, you didn't think you could come back from it?
In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss some of the wrong turns they took in their careers and what helped them bounce back.
Lou and Kimi debate over the merits of self-help books, agree on the rules of creativity (hint: there are none) and talk about the downfall of the artist.
The meditation book Kimi talks about is called 10% Happier by Dan Harris.
It's a New Year, and Kimi and Lou have lots to catch up on post-vacation.
Topics range everywhere from decluttering via Marie Kondo to why it's important to start saving, even if you're nihilistic and think the world will end tomorrow.
Is being productive, actually productive? Does more equal more?
Kimi and Lou discuss the ins and outs of the productivity myth, and what actually feels productive vs. what society tells us IS productive.
On the surface, YouTube and other social media channels appear to be an extraordinary opportunity for artists with entrepreneurial ambition. What are the hidden costs of keeping up with the tacit demands of the algorithmic engines that run social media?
In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss the pitfalls of social media and living in the age of content.
DISCLAIMER: This episode was actually recorded before Dangers of Feeding the Machine, but due to an upload error is getting uploaded just now. Yay technology:).
In this episode, Lou and Kimi discuss the importance of self-care, especially for those who freelance and own small businesses.
Ever walk into a meeting and feel like you're super unprepared? In this episode Kimi and Lou discuss the art of the meeting and the perfect pitch.
Kimi and Lou wrap up Season 1 of Chaos & Creativity by talking about the pitfalls and mistakes they made in the first season, and how they want to improve in Season 2.
In this episode Kimi and Lou talk about when to pull the plug on your own work. The evolution of creative skills. And why oh why are some your first attempts at an art-form better than your sophomore efforts after you start learning technique.
Kimi and Lou fill each other in on the progress they've made with breaking their bad habits. Here are some tools Kimi used to try and break her social media addiction:
Books:
- How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life (Catherine Price)
- Bored and Brilliant (Manoush Zomorodi)
Articles:
This article from Tristan Harris:
http://www.tristanharris.com/2016/01/distracted-in-2016-welcome-to-mindfulness-bootcamp-for-your-iphone/
And the Moment app to track how much to use your phone.
Lou recommeds the book, The Shallows, by Nicholas Carr.
In this episode Kimi and Lou discuss some of their bad habits, and come up with a plan to break them.
Kimi decides to try and face her social media addiction head on, using techniques from author Catherine Price, and app philosopher Tristan Harris.
Lou vows to spend less time reading useless content and getting rid of digital distraction. Check back in two weeks to see how this little experiment goes and how well our two heroes fare in their quest to slay their bad habit.
In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss finances, budgeting, and some of their past financial mishaps.
Here are some of the apps Kimi uses to maintain her finances:
www.creditkarma.com
www.mint.com
www.acorns.com
In this episode, Kimi and Lou discuss day jobs.
Referencing author Sara Benincasa's incredible essay, "Real Artist have Day Jobs", Kimi talks about her experience of always having the safety net of a day job to support her, and how it keeps her from feeling any pressure on her art.
There's even ways to make your day job work for you. Listen to this episode to get tips, tricks and find out why there's no shame in working a day job.
In today's episode, Kimi and Lou discuss the dreaded CREATIVE BURNOUT and how to combat it.
If you have any questions or stories for us, you can email us at ask@chaosandcreativity.com
Follow us on instagram at @chaosandcreativity
Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/chaosandcreativity
You got the big job, you're gearing up for the day, and all of the sudden you feel a tickle in your throat. Next thing you know you have the full blown flu/cold/food poisoning. You can't control things like this but you can prepare for them. In this episode Kimi and Lou share some of their experiences in dealing with sickness during important jobs + their tips for getting through it.
SHOW NOTES: Here are some tips from Kimi + Lou on how to keep your cool when you're not feeling so hot.
From Lou:
- Don't eat spicy, raw, or other stomach challenging foods the night before traveling, or doing a gig.
- Don't get drunk the night before. Sleep is the best way to keep your mind sharp and maintain a cool disposition to manage the inevitable chaos that comes with every job.
- Speaking of sleep. If you do get sick on the job, get as much as you can. It's how the body fixes itself.
- Wash your hands often, there's no better transmitter of sickness than shaking hand then touching your nose or rubbing your eyes.Everyone should always carry the following in their travel/gig bag:
- Advil
- Motrin (anti inflammatory - good for hangovers)
- Pepcid AC (antacid)
- Imodium (diarrhea)
- Antihistamine (Claritin-D good for itchiness or other histamine reactions like stings.)
- Decongestant (one with pseudoephedrine like Sudafed that will dry you out so you can work.)
- Tampons (even if you're male, you will be asked one day, trust me on this)
- Mints (if you do vomit on location and you can't brush your teeth, swish, spit, and mint.)
From Kimi:
- If you feel a cold/flu coming on, start eating raw garlic like it's no one's business. Crush a clove and let it sit for 15 seconds + then swallow it whole, or cover in honey if you can handle the taste.
- Make sure you drink a lot of water
- If you have food poisoning, activated charcoal is going to be your best friend. You can by tablets at any CVS/Walgreens sort of store.
- Sleep, sleep, sleep. Many a times, you can get through a gig on pure adrenaline. Just make sure you sleep as much as you can before and after.
- Gargle with salt water if you feel a tickle in your throat.
- Know when to call it. Sometimes you're going to be too sick to power through and that's alright too.
In this weeks episode, Lou and Kimi discuss when it's time to break free from your influences and follow your own artistic voice.
In this episode Lou + Kimi tackle the topic of booze and business. How many glasses of wine make you a creative genius? How does one tackle social situations that mix networking + boozing? Find the answers to this (and life perhaps) on this weeks episode of Chaos and Creativity.
The generation gap breaks wide open in this episode of Chaos and Creativity. Things get slightly heated between Lou and Kimi as they discuss shades of feminism particularly around the use of the word “girly.” As easy as it is for them to raise to aggressive bouts and arguments, they demonstrate how important it is to bridge the age gap through conversation, comprehension and respect. This episode is as much about feminism and respect as it is about the importance of having a conversation with someone who doesn’t share your view point. Not every conversation needs to convert someone’s opinion, and not every argument needs to end in tears.
In this episode of Chaos and Creativity , Lou interviews Kimi about her band ( DREAMINGS), how she got started in music, and what advice she has to give to aspiring artists.
In this episode of Chaos + Creativity, Kimi interviews Lou about his 20-year career in photography, his venture into the tech entrepreneur world, and his advice for aspiring photographers.
A podcast for people who make a living being creative. In Episode One, Kimi + Lou tackle the notion that creative careers are glamorous while sitting in a car overlooking Mt. Tamalpais. www.chaosandcreativity.com