Art Nerds: Recent Episodes
Michael O'Brien
This is the podcast were we sit down with our nerdy friends, embrace our inner geek, and celebrate our art.
In case you can’t tell by the conversation, I am a real fan of these two. Chris & Anne Lukeman are genius escape room designers that come to the artform via the lens of independent film makers. Their escape rooms are based on Anne and Chris’ favorite movies & tropes, and are not just piles of puzzles. These two are masters of the most unusual, and underrated, modern art forms.
CU Adventures in Time & Space https://cuadventures.com/
Play at Home (The Lost Temple) https://cuadventures.com/at-home
Twitter https://twitter.com/cu_adventures
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cu_adventures/
FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/CUAdventures
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
Joining me today at the local coffee shop (please excuse the background noise) is Tony Brandl, a fine artist and storyteller who has essentially re-invented the “choose your own adventure” experience. Heavily influenced by comic books, zen buddhism, and visual poetry, Tony is one of the great philosophers of our time. I encourage you to explore his website while you listen. Stay weird.
https://www.therabbithero.com/
https://linktr.ee/therabbithero
https://www.facebook.com/therabbithero
https://www.instagram.com/therabbithero/
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
Ryan Fleming is a multi-passionate artist that is a walking, talking contradiction. She can see into your soul and her own at the same time! She is capable of delving deeper into the questions of “what is art?” and “why is there art?” than most folks I know. Ryan is the master at exposing the juxtapositions of life, art, and everything. As we walked away from the coffee shop, Ryan proclaimed “We are the avatars of art.” . . . . I will just leave you with that.
https://www.instagram.com/ryandaniellefleming/
https://www.facebook.com/ryan.fleming.351
https://podvine.com/podcast/quest-fest
https://www.instagram.com/questfestpod/
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
A true, real-life renaissance man. Phil Strang is a multi-passionate artist who has no fear when it comes to trying something new. Phil has been a painter, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, actor, director, producer, architect, and heaven only knows what other talents he might be hiding. He is epitome of a life-long-learner. Enjoy.
Phil’s website: https://1-phil-strang.pixels.com/
on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilStrang
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
And yet another guest who has a special place in my heart. Maggie is an up-and-coming voice talent with skills beyond her years. She is unmatched as a storyteller, and I honestly, I don’t think that she realizes just how talented she is. Check out her work through the links below and you, too, will see how amazing she can be.
Website: https://www.maggieobriensounds.com/
Mad Gab podcast: on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1a0fn5WbYjXEK150RG4I7I
on Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5yZWRjaXJjbGUuY29tL2Q1NDM1Yjk1LTQ2YjItNDQ3Yi1iZTg1LWIzYTFkMzNkZDM2Zgsa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi65dDGtfX5AhWYk4kEHbrBCUgQ9sEGegQIARAN
Quality Time with the OBriens podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/51B7BOJaGEMStEl4HCRl9m
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
This week I got to talk with a true trail blazer, and quite frankly, one of the bravest performer I’ve met in a long time. Kathryn bills herself as a loop pedal violist, which is super-cool in it’s own right, but she is also composes through improvisation. This brilliant young artist has skills that just blow my mind. Enjoy.
My music: https://kathrynpatricia.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynpatriciaviolist/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kpviolist/
Links to Kathryn’s work: https://www.masconline.ca/artist/kathryn-patricia-cobbler/
Website: https://www.kathrynpatricia.com/
Intro and Exit music by Kathryn Patricia Cobbler https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQz6hx063m06xOxS9SVh0pw
Jenna is such a marvelous and joyous person, that I married her. Yes, my wife is an artist. Professionally she is a musician, singer and teacher. However, in recent years Jenna has started to explore multiple different arts, art techniques, materials, and means of expression. This is one of my favorite episodes because it is rare that an artist makes a discovery-of-self during the podcast. So, if you like a good story, listen in. Enjoy.
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
Grace is an intelligent and ambitious artist on the verge of a stellar career. Admittedly, this is a “proud papa” moment for me. It’s not often you look at your children objectively (or as objectively as possible) and see glimmers of hope for the future. This one is going to change the world.
https://graceobriendesign.com/
https://www.instagram.com/graceo_design/
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
When it comes to following your dreams and fulfilling your artistic passions, Caitlin is a true breath of fresh air. Caitlin is a life coach for those she calls multi-passionate artists - those with ever-evolving interests who think in a million different ways. Guaranteed, you will finish this episode feeling better about yourself. Thank you, Caitlin.
https://caitlinbosshart.com/
https://www.instagram.com/caitlin_bosshart/
Full Heart Free Voice podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7gb9eW0A5sRhg1jy6wSpE1
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
On rare occasion you get to meet one of the great thinkers/philosophers of the art world. Michael Moses is one of those artists. Michael is an abstract painter and sculptor who has such a pure, almost zen-like connection to his creation process, that it makes me envious. He understands better than most how art influences our culture, and us as human beings. I had a great time talking with Michael and I hope you are enlightened by his artistic spirit.
michaelmosesartist.com
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
After multiple attempts to sit down and podcast with Teri Lee, we were finally able to manage it - Only to discover that she is more of an artist than even she is aware of. Teri Lee is one of the new generation of artists that is confidently and shamelessly pulling things like D&D and pole dancing into the realm of respectable art forms. Her joy and esteem are to be admired. Enjoy.
https://linktr.ee/questfest
https://www.instagram.com/cheshirekitty95/
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
Sitting around the table, these three guys are calm, cool, collected, smart, & savvy. However, put some drums, a guitar, and stand-up-bass in their hands, they become one of the hardest working rockabilly bands in the midwest! Meet Christopher, Steve, and Chris otherwise known as Union Avenue. These guys approach their music with passion and determination that is rarely seen. So, please excuse the thumping noises in the recording - the drummer couldn’t help himself.
https://www.facebook.com/UnionAvenueRockabilly
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERBAcEOPqRY5ze_VEw1xXw
https://www.instagram.com/unionavenueband/
intro and outro music:
Red Cadillac and a Black Mustache by Warren Smith performed by Union Avenue.
This young woman gives the phrase “hit like a girl” an overdue update. Mirna Ayshoe is a heavy metal drummer and session musician that is breaking the down gender barriers in the music world. She weaves together musical cultures and genres as well as advocates for equality in the arts and education. Did I mention she is also a scientist? If Mirna doesn’t inspire you, no one will. Enjoy!
https://www.instagram.com/drumbitious_mirna/
https://www.facebook.com/drumbitious.drummer
https://www.tiktok.com/@drumbitious_mirna
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCplDwOjHSNWK7bCpm6AvE8Q
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
Stephen is one of those people who will make you think - deeply and introspectively - and I get caught doing just that a few times during our talk. Stephen is a photographer with a masterful eye, not just for his own artwork, but for every artist and their work. I recommend listening to him while examining his photos. Check out his links below, and enjoy.
StephenKennedy.com
CrossCountryCamera.com
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
Never in my life have I met two more reluctant artists. Cindy and Tom are each geniuses in their own right, but as a team they are the most phenomenal, inspiring, giving artists I know. The local theatre community regards Cindy & Tom as indispensable artists and trusted colleagues, yet they refuse the accolades. Take a listen and you will fall in love with them. Enjoy.
Cindy & Tom's prop work: http://cuprops.com/
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
This week on Art Nerds is the extremely talented, super smart, and freakishly eclectic musician and writer Riley Ann. She is a multi-faceted artist working out of Ft. Collins, Colorado and, despite her young age, she has actually been influenced by an 8-track tape!
Through the course of our talk, I came to admire her drive and attitude towards ‘writer’s block’. Riley Ann seems to continually challenges herself (and others), and strive to become a more prolific artist. She’s intuitive introspective empathetic, aware, and not to spoil anything, but we may be starting work on a new rock-opera. Just sayin’.
Riley Ann:
www.rileyannsound.com
https://www.facebook.com/riley.ann.351
https://www.instagram.com/rileyannsound/
The Catcalls:
www.thecatcallsband.com
https://www.facebook.com/TheCatcalls
https://www.instagram.com/thecatcalls/
Back to the Mountain Band:
https://www.facebook.com/backtothemountainband
https://www.instagram.com/backtothemountainband/
Make More Everything Challenge:
https://makemorefoco.com
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
Katye thinks big and dreams even bigger. She is determined to redefine ‘art’ to include all forms of artistic expression. It’s wonderful to find an artist who takes such joy in the creation of their art, and truly believes art can bring us all together. Just take a listen to Katye and you will walk away believing art can indeed change the world. Enjoy.
KTKannibal - https://www.ktkannibal.com/
Prism Studios - https://www.prismstudiospaint.com/
Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center - https://www.ucimc.org/
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
Meet Rob Poe, the creative mastermind behind the long-running webseries Space Hospital. Think one part daytime soap (that one in a hospital), one part lost in space, and one part 70s kitch, and you get Space Hospital. Yes, we were absolutely influenced by the social norms of 1970s television. Are we still allowed to think Archie Bunker is funny? It was an absolute delight getting caught up with my old college chum, and a great deep-dive discussion. Enjoy.
Space Hospital https://www.youtube.com/user/spacehospital
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
If you have ever found "family" while participating in the arts, Ranae is probably one of the reasons why. An actor, singer, writer, and would-be director, Ranae and I deep-dive (sorta) into the humanity of working in live theatre. You will finish this podcast wanting her to be your best friend. Enjoy.
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
Alicia Buskirk, a.k.a. The Midwest Midnight Checkout Queen, is not only a delightful human being, but a fake professional wrestler! OMG!! (OK, I kinda geeked out a little bit on this one). Is it fake? Is it real? Is that real blood? Well, listen to Alicia pull back the curtain a bit and reveal the inner workings of one of our guilty pleasures. Enjoy.
Champaign Ladies Amateur Wrestling - C.L.A.W. https://www.217claw.com/
on FB: https://www.facebook.com/217CLAW/
on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/217claw/
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
KT is a fascinating artist with a pretty amazing range of artistry. I had a great time talking with her about theatre, directing and our mutual dislike the 4th wall! KT has a fascinating, conceptual approach to her theatre, and it was a ton of fun bouncing new ideas around. Enjoy.
KT on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/kt.burke.arts/
Prism Studios: https://www.prismstudiospaint.com/
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
You've heard of a triple threat? Well meet a quadruple (maybe more) threat! Carmen Lesceski-Custers. Carmen is a multi-instrumentalist as well as being a singer-dancer-actor. She is truly amazing with a beautiful, old soul. You will fall in love. Take a listen and enjoy.
Carmen's Website: https://www.carmenlasceski.com
Music Streaming Platforms: https://sng.to/carmenlasceskicusters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmenlasceskicusters/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmenlasceskicusters
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-EMT30WiqPNpo_hV7RJHbw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarmenLasceski
Intro Music by Friedrich Habetler https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Exit Music by Alexy Rom https://www.youtube.com/c/pianosynthorgan/videos
This is the podcast were we talk with our nerdy friends about their art. I am thrilled to talk with my old friend Bill Auld. Bill is an artist in one of the coolest professions out there; he is a professional performance rigger!! He makes people fly on stage!! So cool! But unbeknownst to himself and the rest of the world, Bill is also one of the greatest art philosophers of our time. I am honored to introduce him to you. Enjoy.
Flying by Troy: https://www.flyingbytroy.com/
Bills TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PRoChFLFPo
Music by Friedrich Habetler
https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
This is the podcast were we talk with our nerdy friends about their art. I finally got the marvelously talented Erin Kaufman to sit down with me. Erin is a powerhouse actor in the local theatre scene, but to my joy, she is here to talk about being a Dungeons & Dragons nerd! Great fun.
Erin on FB: https://www.facebook.com/erin.elizabeth.19
Erin on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/erynn23/
Music by Friedrich Habetler
https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
Welcome to the podcast were we talk to our nerdy friends about their art. This morning behind the mic is Brianna Malotke. I've always known Brianna was a talented artist, but after this episode, I'm absolutely stunned at the range of her artistry. She is a genius!
Brianna's Blog: http://malotkesews.blogspot.com/
Brianna's Designs: https://brimalotke.wixsite.com/malotkedesigns/about
Brianna's Writing: https://brimalotke.wixsite.com/malotkewrites
Music by Friedrich Habetler
https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
This is the podcast were we talk with our nerdy friends about their art. Tonight I got to talk with the brilliant and fascinating Kaity Bequette. Kaity is both an ingenious burlesque performer and a developer and mentor for board game creators. Recorded at our local coffee house (Espresso Royale at the Crossing if you must know), Kaity enlightens me about a TON of local talent. Enjoy.
Carnivale Debauche on FB: https://www.facebook.com/carnivaledebauche
Carnivale Debauche on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cdburlyq/
CUDOPlays:
https://www.instagram.com/cudoplays/
https://www.facebook.com/cudoplays
Music by Friedrich Habetler
https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
This is the podcast were we talk with our nerdy friends about their art. Allow me to introduce you to the only guy who could give The Most Interesting Man in the World a real run for his money. Meet Miles Norsworthy, a genius of a man who is adept with a long sword!
Historical European Martial Arts: www.HEMA.com
Bjorn Ruther on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Bj%C3%B6rnR%C3%BCther
Music by Friedrich Habetler
https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
This is the podcast were we talk with our nerdy friends about their art. Jess is a genius actor and performer. However, their specialty is performing as a drag king! Thank you Jess for this conversation.
Jess & Spank on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/spank_knightly/
Jess & Spank on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spank_knightly
Music by Friedrich Habetler
https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
This is the podcast were we talk with our nerdy friends about their art. Justin's art runs the gamut. By day he's a graphic designer, but by night he is a D&D geek, voice actor, and all around great guy!
Justin's website: https://jklettdesigns.com/
on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jklettdesigns/
The Champaign Design Organization (CUDO): https://www.thecudo.org/
Music by Friedrich Habetler
https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/
This is the podcast were we talk with our nerdy friends about their art. Deane's art is historical re-enactment stuff, especially recreating historically accurate clothing. So very cool!
Deane of FB: https://www.facebook.com/GeekinGeiken/
Society for Creative Anachronism: https://www.sca.org/
Music by Friedrich Habetler
https://www.friedrichhabetlermusic.com/