Nailing It with Blue Jean and the Brewer: Recent Episodes
Honu Global
In this episode, we talk about the woo-woo symbols that are important to us, how we use them in our environment, which ones inspire, and how we use them. Listen now.
In this episode, we are talking about our health and well-being practices. You know, Jay is getting up there in years, and Beth has a clinical study to prove it! We give some tips on setting goals. Listen Now.
In this episode, we are discussing our new retail space at Seaglass Monthly Market in Castle Hayne, NC, near Wilmington. The concept is a monthly market on the same weekend each month, the third weekend. It is a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday market. And you work in your own space. We share other things we are focusing on and of course, beer is part of the conversation. Listen Now.
In this week’s episode we discuss why we hold back from doing things that we want to do but just can’t get started. As we go through changes in work and our personal life what are things that hold you back from making changes or starting something new. Is it fear of failure, fear of success, or believing that you are not good enough to start a venture or change. We banter about the reasons why we hold back and ways we have pushed forward.
This week week we ponder Jay’s philosophic brain dump of self discovery. Beth discusses what it’s like to be in creative solitude and debates wanting to fit in rather then not caring what others think. What are the things that matter like family, partners and friends. Jay challenges his introvert tendencies and explores ways of breaking out and living in the moment.
In this weeks episode we explore the challenges and what it means to be an artist. How do you deal with rejection and the way people communicate their feelings. Establishing value and helping your audience understand your vision. Keeping fresh through continuous learning and growth. Sharing through mentorship and tutoring. Dark beer prevails and we belatedly celebrate moving past our diamond jubilee.
Now that Bluejean has moved to the coast what’s it like to partner and collaborate from long distance and not working in the studio together. What are the new routines to design and build. Discovering new ways of working together. If you don’t like the subject blame Jay :)
In this episode, Jay inquires why Beth added photography to her list of art mediums. We delveinto the comparison of style, use of photos in mixed media, and more. Listen now.
In this episode, we are sharing how we’ve had to call ourselves back to routines, beer-making, self-care, and schedule changing. Finding creative time. Beth is adjusting to a new work schedule, new location, and new studio space. Jay has more time not traveling between studios. How are we finding new ways to collaborate with the distance between us? What are our self-care practices? Listen now.
In today’s episode, we are talking about our booth at Your Home Marketplace on Stratford Road in Winston Salem. We have moved down to the 1st floor in a key location. Jay did a fabulous job laying out the booth. What Feng Shui design points did he incorporate? Expanding to the wall, prime real estate in the retail space. Listen Now.
Today’s topic is Beth’s new favorite thing… beachcombing and shell-seeking. I’ve moved to the coast and have a variety of beaches to choose from. Plus, Jay just recently took a trip to the “shore”. Jay explains the Jersey term “the shore” vs. the beach or coast. Will Jay have an aneurysm defending New Jersey? Beth gives beachcombing etiquette and the rules of collecting. We discuss what Beth is making from the newfound materials. Listen now.
In this episode, we are talking about new inspiration and getting back into creativity. What are things that can bring new inspiration? For Beth and Jay, it has been taking a class, changing location, new medium, and life. Beth talks about her move and new medium. Jay shares his experience of taking an online class in glass. Listen now.
Beth is moving to Wilmington and the process of it. Putting the house on the market was a process of packing, purging, and staging. There was the giving up on ideas or letting go of projects that we had planned in our wood studio. Jay has accepted our F-bomb challenge and is speaking in cursive. Selling a house and making concessions, stress, and … Listen now.
In the “wild west” of our culture with all the distractions, we don’t feel the earth below our feet. We’ve paved paradise and put up a parking lot. Using your senses to pay attention. How do you tap into what is around you in this world? There is the mystical aspect of the sensual. The beer of the episode is a traditional stout, Newman’s Darkside. Listen now.
In this episode, Jay shares his search for stained glass classes. He has been doing stained glass, mostly self-taught since high school. He had to jump into the land of Facebook. He also talks about the “cutting zone.” We talk texture, technique, and more. Listen now.
In this episode, Jay shares the vendor view of his trip to the Mind Body Expo. The room was full of authentic dealers and practitioners and many charlatans. What’s the view from Tarot reader alley? For the “sensitive” is there a need for an energetic shower? Where is the trust factor in an expo? How did Jay share about our work and the intentionality? Listen now….
In this episode, we have a special guest and friend, Sam Thompson, of Ravens Keep Forge. We are going to talk all things metal and Sam’s creative process. Sam shares about his new book that has just been released, “Metal Never Lies, an Introduction into Metal Magic.”
In today’s episode, we discuss the lists in Jay’s head and the one in Beth’s. The lists don’t match. The list of conversations between people and how things get done. How Beth really feels about passwords. The crazy eye, determination and more.
Today’s topic is Clutter and the creative process. Is there such a thing as an organized mess? Difference between minimalism and having things orderly. The “have to have’s” of the creative life. Jay calls Beth a hoarder, then claims he’s one too. It’s not hoarding if it’s art supplies. Beer of the episode, “Underneath the Mango Tree” Kolsch.
In this episode, we continue the discussion and process of Feng Shui in Jay’s Glass Studio. Beth did a site visit and moved 27 things. Jay continues to move 27 things and more. The walkabout, bumping into things, the list of “to go’s”. Beth shares a few Feng Shui tips. Will we ever find out what’s in Jay’s notebook?
In this episode, we discuss a bug’s life, not the movie. The Kudzu Bug is an annoying bug. We met this pest at a local market. We share our story of this mass annoyance. The beer of the episode is an Irish Lager.
In this episode, we jump into the internet searching hole. How do you know what information is authentic and what to avoid? Jay shares a personal story of hunting for information about Sammie’s string. What part of Sammie was this string an issue? How many times could we reference a hole in different words? Listen now.
In this episode, Beth and Jay agree they both are control-freaks in different ways. As Tim says, “you have control; there’s no issue.” We hear the amusing story of Vivi, Jay’s granddaughter, and her seat belt. Admitting the control issue is half the battle; listen now.
In this episode, we have a special guest, David J. Brown, the Director and Co-Founder of DENT Creative Reuse Center and Art Laboratory. We chat about art and what are reuse centers and art laboratories. As a former art curator, David has an eye and heart for the creative person. He is currently looking to assist teachers in getting much-needed art supplies. Come down the rabbit hole with us as we talk and banter with David. The episode’s beer is an excellent English Ale, still to be named. Listen now.
In this episode, we are bringing back our Questions From a Hat… who knows where this will go?
In this episode, we are chatting about manifestation. Can you manifest winning the lottery? We share a few stories of manifesting. The need to be specific in your manifesting. Thoughts matter. The beer of the episode is “Underneath the Mango Tree” Mango Kolsch
Beth accepts Jay’s challenge to Feng Shui, his glass studio, in this episode. His studio is “fengled Shui,” as Tim coins it. There are a dozen rounds of moving 27 things. Beth puts down the hammer on what must go or move. There are several favorable aspects to the space. We discuss the next steps, Jay’s homework, and how the process continues. The beer of the episode is “Underneath the Mango Tree” Mango Kolsch
In this episode, Beth goes down the black hole about the cup hook incident, and the conversation spirals out from there. Tim admits he didn’t know what a cup hook was either. What are other things now obsolete? We circle back to the cup hook and suction cup window hangers. Beth just can’t let go of it. We even touch on the old thing, “chalkboard,” clapping the erasers, and the three stooges. The beer of the episode is the Harp clone, an Irish lager. Listen now.
Because Covid threw our schedule off, we thought it a good idea to reintroduce you to the "who are" aspects of Beth and Jay. When Bluejean and the Brewer started Honu we picked some interesting titles. Bluejean is Boss of the entire Universe, oh I meant CDO – Chief Design Officer and Brewer Jay is CBO – Chief Beverage Officer. Tune in to find out why we picked those titles, how it makes us feel about their work, and how others interpret the meaning. Beer of the day – Harp Clone “Hark”
In this episode, we talk about a good litmus test for people. It is the test from Ross McCammon’s book, Works Well with Others: An Outsider’s Guide to Shaking Hands, Shutting Up, Handling Jerks and Other Crucial Skills in Business That No One Ever Teaches You. It grabbed Blue Jean because it was two things she liked, BEER and Puppies. We talk about the test, our experiences with people, and of course, Beer and puppies. Here's the test: To find out how you actually feel about someone, ask yourself: “Would I have two beers with this person?” And: “Would I allow this person to look after my puppy over a weekend?” We dive deep into this test, give our opinions, and, of course, banter. Jay gets crude for a moment. This week’s beer is Hint of Purple, Elderberry Export Stout.
Today’s episode talks about 2nd chances, going back to something you used to do, should you or shouldn’t you…What do you do when the invitation comes to do something you used to do and gave up. Do you go back to it? Are you learning the lessons that are presented by the Universe? Do you ever really go back, or is it new? We also find out what Jay puts in his notebook. This week’s beer is the Mango Kolsch, now renamed Underneath the Mango Tree.
In this episode, we are talking about what happens when inspiration is off, stalled, or stagnant…it’s just not there. How do you get it going? Jay uses meditation to get things going, and it’s not just sitting in the corner, quietly chanting OM. Beth shares her challenge of returning to her “abandoned studio and the dusty worktable” to get back to art. Jay uses binaural beats with headphones to help focus. What other ways do they share to flip the inspiration and resynchronize creativity? Sometimes you are living a life that feeds the art. What do you surround yourself with that gets your brain engaged? This week’s beer is a small taste of a new Bass Ale clone with a twist and Tim’s favorite, the Mango Kolsch.
In this episode we invite Bethany Miller of Top Leaf Cigar Lounge into the studio …soon to be cigar bar. We talk all things cigars! The handcrafting of cigars, the art of the boxes, and Bethany’s recent trip to Nicaragua. We talk about our cool cigar box line and the beauty of the box. The beer of the episode is Hint of Purple, the elderberry export stout by Jay the Brewer. Bethany even makes a pairing suggestion. Listen now…
Today’s episode starts off with a fun banter in our intro with Jay using new descriptive words and the conversation that expands from his word choice. Next, we jump into a conversation about life changes, job changes, place changes and schedule changes and how to find time for creativity…Beth shares all the changes that have been happening in her world, how she sees her creativity be used differently, plus piling crap into the neglected creative space. Jay shares how the podcasts have changed his creative process. This episode is pack full for a short one. Beers of the episode is the Virgo Red, a Celtic Red.
In this episode we digest Jay’s recent road trip to Arkansas. In this spirited discussion, filled with laughter, anecdotes and sage advice you may wonder, as Beth and Tim did, “what would smokey and the bandit do?” When Tim finally gets his glass filled…The beer of the episode is a Mango Kolsch. Listen now…
What is a mentor and why do we feel it’s important for us to give back to those who are seeking advice and/or guidance. Can mentoring be fulfilling? How we operate in our sphere of influence, who really wants advice, and who is just trying to take advantage of your good will. Beer of the day is a Hint of Purple.
In this episode we discuss some of our inspired pieces and what to consider when you make something very large or very unusual. Why we make them and our experiences with putting them in retail space, display, length of the sales cycle. What’s the reality of being creative and quirky. Beer of the day is a Hint of Purple elderberry stout. This Zen cohesive beer is now producer Tim’s favorite Honu beer.
In this episode we discuss pulling up stakes. When is it time to evaluate success, set measurements, and make changes. We discuss some of our experiences with retail spaces, what worked, what did not work and how we are implementing changes. Beer of the day Export Stout, what shall we name it?
Today we revisit topics from the hat. We test Jays spontaneity talking about fashion mistakes, herding cats, pizza combos, and the psychology of being an artist. Beer of the day is the OMJ Coffee Stout
The Honu treasure hunt episode in search of art glass. What happens when you find more treasures than you can handle. The good, the bad, and the legacy. Hear the antics of finding the haul, the reality of moving it, and the plans for the future. Beer of the day – Harp Clone “Hark”
At Honu Studios we brew many different beers for our own pleasure. Most are dark beers, like stout. Today we go down the dark side and compare OMJ with Wilmington Brewing’s Blair’s Breakfast Stout. We also talk about various kinds stouts and our preferences. Our Beer of the day is the ORIGINAL OMJ Coffee Stout.
In this episode we have Todd Meinecke from the Bespoke Fox (thebespokefox.com) as a guest in the studio. Todd discusses his woodworking practice. How he become interested in it and what does he love about. How he approaches sourcing wood, attention to eco issues like deforestation and using local woods. We talk clamps, glue, construction, and finishing tools. Woodworking is a way for Todd to decompress, practice problem solving, and practice creativity. Beer of the day is a tasting of; Hark, Virgo Red, English Brown Porter, and OMJ.
In this episode we interview Beth on her newly developing practice of Designing using Feng Shui concepts. We discuss the concept of Feng Shui, how energy flows through a room or dwelling, the Bagua and its relationship to mapping the energy flow, textures, light, color, and elemental influences. Contact Beth if you are interested in using Feng Shui and how you can apply it in your home or room design. Beer of the day is English Brown Porter.
In this episode we interview Jay about his stained glass practice. How did he get interested in it, what does he like about the media, what does it take to keep up with the craft, and how does color and texture play into the design and artistic expression of the piece. Jay describes the creation of the piece as well as the effect of light of stained glass art. Beer of the day: “Hark”... how has it matured?
In this weird brave new world of marketing what are the things that we are paying attention to. How do you get to humans to see your products, how do you break through the search engine maze, how much presence do you need on social media, and how do you maintain sanity keeping up with all the fads. Beer of the day is the OMJ Coffee Stout and the importance of drinking beer in a glass :)
When Bluejean and the Brewer started Honu we picked some interesting titles. Bluejean is Boss of the entire Universe, oh I meant CDO – Chief Design Officer and Brewer Jay is CBO – Chief Beverage Officer. Tune in to find out why we picked those titles, how it makes us feel about their work, and how others interpret the meaning. Beer of the day – Harp Clone “Hark”
At Honu Studios we design a lot of interesting things that are unique but have a theme. Today we discuss our approach in leveraging the themes and concepts and hold true to our principles as we go through the development of the product line. Whether its cigar box lamps, stained glass, original art or furniture we talk about what drives the ideas and how to keep them unique. Beer of the day is the ORIGINAL OMJ Coffee Stout.
In this episode we talk about trips we have been on, places we like to go, what brings us pleasure good memories, and what we wanted to share from them. Spoiler alert!!! The City of Light did a mini takeover LOL. Colleen and Stephanie join us in the studio. Beer of the day is the Nut Brown English Porter.
In this episode we are talking art verses crafts. It there a difference? What makes something art? The Honu team and our guests Colleen and Stephanie discuss what makes something art. How does craft interweave with art. How does it make you feel. What is the intention you put into the piece and how do you share it.
Many times, we meet people that have had unusual occupations and we wonder what it would be like to do that kind of work. In this episode our guests Colleen McNulty and Stephanie Beeman share their stories. Colleen is a sailor on a commercial schooner that runs charter cruises. We discuss the what the work is like, the pros and cons of the sailing life, being part of an all-female crew, and how she enjoys working on the ship. Stephanie has been a tour guide at historical sites and shares how to keep the hoards in line. Beer of the day is the original OMJ Coffee Stout
In this episode we got completely sidetracked and hijacked the discussion and got onto the subject commercial style beer vs craft style beer. Harp is a favorite lager of Beth and Jay and is coming to the podcast soon. Bass, original Sam Adams Lager, Red Hook ESB, Green Man ESB, Hoots ESB, Carlesburg Pilsner, Peroni are some of our commercial beer favorites. The Beer of the day is English Brown Porter.
In this episode we discuss Design Thinking. How do we do design at Honu. Process, motivation, ideas that come from the Honu studios. We start by defining the Honu Purpose for what we are designing and how we curate the ideas and make them fun and functional. Beer discussion, what makes the Virgo Red red.
The New Year brings the time of change. We put so much pressure on our selves to start the New Year fresh with promises to change something, loose weight, exercise more, quit something. By February 1 have you resolved that the resolution hasn’t stuck? In this episode we will share our insights, experiences of setting resolutions and if there are tricks to keeping them. Beer of the day is our Virgo Red.
In this episode we are venturing into that delicate area that the customer is NOT always right!! How do you know, how do you coach the client, and how do you create a positive experience for the client as well as yourself.
In this episode we are talking about things we discovered about our ancestors, parents, siblings, and other ancestors we have not met. Beth explores her legacy of Papa Blair broadcast journalism and how this is inspiring her creativity. Jay conveys experiences from interviewing his dad regarding his service in WWII, understanding his sister’s legacy and creating his own fun uncle legacy.
In this episode we talk about the power of words and unintended outcomes we have experienced when our words are misinterpreted. Jay visits childhood experiences that shaped positive as well as negative self-worth. Beth balances the dark and light sides of communication. Thought for the day: use your words the way you intend them to be heard.
In this episode we are venturing into the spontaneous conversations of topics from the Hat. We put topics in a hat and will draw them out and see where we go…
In this episode we are talking with Interior Designer, Melissa Vickers, sharer of creativity. She has started several businesses and has worked for larger companies. She shares her tips for balancing work and family.
In this episode we are talking about our first 6 months of partnering in Honu, our repurposing, refurbishing and refinishing lessons. We talk tools, the mundane Mondays, picking, pricing, staging, selling and more.
In this episode we continue the conversation with our personal astrologer, Cindi McNulty about the natal chart for Honu Global.
In this episode we are talking with our own personal astrologer, and Jay’s beloved wife Cindi McNulty of Essential Zodiac. She has done a natal chart for Honu Global.
In this episode we are sharing stories of our crazy pets. What prompted this was my cat Rolli, AKA Newman hopping into our Honu We snapped a picture of her, shared it on social media and she, and of course she got a bunch of likes! So here are a few of our favorite pet stories as we relate them to our creative spaces.
In this episode we discuss the work as an entrepreneur and how to get your goods to market. Breaking the mold of owning a brick and mortar shop. What it’s like for many small business with product and art that use outdoor markets, festivals, fairs and pop-ups as a way to sell their goods. We will share our experiences with the “Carney Life.”
In this episode we are talking about various jobs we’ve had and making job changes…some scary choices and what made us make the change. The ultimate “what are you reimagining”. Great stories and shared experiences.
In this episode we are talking with Raymond McConnell about the Entrepreneur Mindset. Raymond is an entrepreneur and has started more than a dozen businesses. We will explore what it means to be an entrepreneur, getting your mind and habits into the mindset, overcoming doubt, surviving the first years, and advice for people leaving a profession and starting something completely different.
In this episode we discuss the idea, philosophy…”you can do anything.” Let’s see where this rabbit hole goes… Listen Now
In this episode we are talking about this fast pace life we live in, the rush, the push to get it now, and “waiting for your soul to catch up". Listen Now.
In this episode we talk about the label of “Over-Achiever” and what makes them. Both of Beth and Jay are self-diagnosed over-achievers, type A’s, organizers, methodical and other labels that fall into the over-achieving stereo-type. Both have similar stories and believe this is part of the push that crafts their over-achieving tendency…..Listen Now.
In this episode we simply talk beer. Making it, sharing it, and finding ways to enjoy it.
In this episode we talk with Loree Armstrong, Program Manager of GreeNest of Winston Salem. GreeNest works to transform our community one nest at a time by furnishing homes for families moving from crisis into sustainable housing.
In this episode we talk about giving back in our community. We share our stories of volunteering for organizations and events. Ones that worked and those that didn’t. We talk about why do outreach and community give backs.
In last week’s episode we share the first 3 ingredients of our recipe for a repurposed life. They were The call, the process, and the story. This week, we are sharing the last 2 ingredients and talking about the mixology of this recipe.
This week’s episode we are sharing the ingredients, as we have defined them, of a repurposed life. We have found that repurposing has obvious steps and we have distilled them down to 5 ingredients. We will discuss the first 3 – The Call, The Process and The Story.
In this episode, we discuss the act of being present as we create our art and projects. Share some personal stories as well as discuss how being present in your everyday life makes a difference for you and those around you. This practice helps you focus on the things and people you are passionate about.
This episode is a discussion about projects we have worked on. We share how we pick the projects, themes, and materials we bring together to create our products. We also discus the role flow and synergy in working together and the importance of keying off each other’s strengths, listening, and productive criticism.
This episode is a discussion about rituals of creativity. You know, the practices, habits and rituals that feed or starve the things you are passionate about. We’ll be sharing what ritual means to us, and some of our creative practices. Listen now.
In this episode, we focus on beer and being craft beer innovators. We share our stories of Lughnasadh and Lammas, with a trip to the Emerald Isle and a visit to the Temple of the Sun God, Lugh.
How synergy shows up when we share our stories and dreams with others. Giving ourselves permission to color outside the lines. Where does inspiration come from? Stories and conversations of our creative process. What would you be doing if…
Blue Jean (Beth) and the Brewer (Jay) introduce themselves and tell you why they are doing this podcast.