Question 33 // What is a SWOT analysis for creatives ? (feat. Jordan Walker)
Jordan Walker is a photographer, entrepreneur, musician, creative thinker, and a close friend of mine. He’s the CEO of Narrate Studios and if you’ve been following the podcast, you’ve seen his work because he took all the press and artwork photos for the podcast.
This episode is specifically for anyone who finds themselves thinking that being creative and being intentional seem like binary opposites and wishes they were able to find a way to connect that gap.
I sat down with Jordan to ask him about the balance he’s found being a creative person but also an intentional leader in the business side of his compony to see if he has any tactical advice and action steps you can put into place wherever you are in your creative journey.
In this convo we talk about:
-Capsule Wardrobes
-Decision Fatigue (the reason I started wearing all black a couple years ago and still do to this day)
-The difference between working “in” a business and “on” your business
What a SWOT analysis and Mission Statement are and how creatives can use them to find focus and clarity in what they do
Recording Location: Parallel Coffee, Minneapolis, MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com/
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Question 32 // How would a Sommelier pair wine with music? (feat. Leslee Miller)
Leslee Miller is a certified Sommelier and owner of wine consulting firm, Amusée. She's also the co-founder and owner of one of the first wine clubs in America, Sip Better. In this terroir packed episode we uncork way more than just my curiosity about the world of wine and what it takes to become a Sommelier. It’s a conversation about cultivating a curiosity about the world around you and having an openness experiencing life to the fullest.
Recording Location: Haskell’s Wine Bar, Minneapolis, MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com/
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Question 31 // What’s it like to grow up in Northern Ireland? (feat. Paul Crilly)
Paul Crilly owns one of my favorite Irish pubs in Minneapolis, Morrissey’s. If you know me, you know I love Ireland and Irish culture. I set out to have a fun conversation about St. Patrick’s Day and ended up having a far deeper convo than I was expecting. What’s it REALLY like to grow up in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles”? What’s it like to move to America when you’re 19? And what make’s Irish Pubs so much more inviting than your typical bar?
Recording Location: Morrissey’s Irish Pub, Minneapolis, MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com/
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Question 30 // What do you call adults who watch My Little Pony? (feat. Kyle Hultquist, Andrew Nelson & Sydney Armstrong)
A year and a half ago, I saw a documentary called “Bronies: The extremely unexpected adult fans of My Little Pony” and ever since I started this podcast, I knew I wanted to sit down someone who considered themselves a Brony. When three of Minnesota’s experts on the topic agreed to indulge my curiosity over some of Minneapolis’ best cider, I thought I was in for a crash course about the fandom. Instead… what I got was a conversation that went way deeper. Community, gender-stereotypes, the internet as a tool (not a substitute) for meaningful social interactions and self-confidence were just a few of the topics we dove into. Leave any stereotype that gallops into your head at the door, pull up a bar stool, pour yourself a cider and listen in...
Recording Location: Sociable Cider Werks, Minneapolis, MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, Andrew's videos we talked about in the convo and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
This week’s Question: Have you ever had a conversation with someone that made you re-think a stereotype you had in your mind?
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Question 29 // At what point do I magically become confident? (feat. Brett LaCasse)
Brett is an electric guitar slinging friend of mine who, every time we play together, at some moment we find ourselves laughing and having a convo that goes deep. In this episode I convince Brett to sneak into a backstage storage closet between sets to record a conversation that ended up being one of my most personal, introspective ones yet.
Ever leave hanging out with someone and getting frustrated because you felt like you weren’t fully yourself around them? Did you used to think that one day all your insecurities would just disappear and you would become super confident? Ever have a hard time forgiving your past self? Me too. This one’s for you.
Recording Location: Backstage storage closet, Anoka MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
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Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
This week’s Question: No question, Just call and leave a message about your thoughts and insight into this convo we had. I have a feeling we’re not alone in this.
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Question 28 // Does pretentiousness hurt the world of beer & music? (feat. Kevin Welch)
Kevin Welch is is the owner and head brewer of Minneapolis’ Boom Island Brewing Company. Sound familiar? I interviewed his wife Qiuxia. (Question 26 // Does Craft Beer Belong To White Men?) As a professional french horn player for the Minnesota Orchestra turned brewery owner, Kevin is passionate about both beer and music, however, the real reason I sat down with him is because of his passion to make both of those worlds as accessible as possible for the world to enjoy. Join me on a snowy winter’s night as I get out of the bitter cold to sit down with Kevin in his glowing warm brewery over one of his freshly brewed Belgian beers.
Recording Location: Boom Island Brewing Co, Minneapolis MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
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Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
This week’s Question: What’s the first beer you drank that you actually appreciated the taste?
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Question 27 // What can a 16yr old do about human trafficking? (feat. Kaiya Woller)
My research for this episode began months ago when I heard a statistic saying that the Super Bowl is one of the single largest events where human trafficking happens in the U.S. each year. With the Super Bowl happening [this year] just a few miles from where Sarah and I live, my original title was going to be “What is Minneapolis doing to fight against human trafficking during Super Bowl LII?” In my research, I stumbled across a website that talked about ‘HT’ as an ongoing problem in Minnesota and their goal of bringing awareness to it by organizing a 5k for the past couple years and an additional “Virtual 5k” right before the Super Bowl. My curiosity was sparked even more when I found out that the organization was started by a 16yr old. I sat down over coffee with Kaiya Woller to learn more about ‘Human Trafficking’, what led her to start this, and what it’s like being a girl growing up living downtown Minneapolis.
Recording Location: Corner Coffee, Minneapolis MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
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Question 26 // Does Craft Beer Belong To White Men? (feat. Qiuxia Welch)
Qiuxia Welch, with her husband Kevin, owns Boom Island Brewing Co in Minneapolis, MN. I sat down over beers (her beers in fact) to hear her tell her life story and to find out what it’s been like to be a female minority in multiple industries. From China to America; from being a professional classical musician to owning a brewery, this ended up being an eye-opening conversation that I hope encourages us all to be slower to stereotype the people we meet.
Recording Location: Boom Island Brewing Co, Minneapolis MN
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Question 25 // How can art impact politics? (feat. André Rodriguez)
There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to people talking about their political opinions right now, and rightfully so! This has been a crazy year. Unfortunately, half the time (especially when it comes to Facebook and Social Media) it seems like people aren’t trying to have a healthy conversation or debate and more trying to figure out if you agree with them so they can decide to keep you as a friend. Can we have quality interactions with people that disagree with us while still holding to the relationship AND our convictions? Are we steadily isolating ourselves from anyone that disagrees with us? How can art impact politics? And what happens when the most impactful album I’ve heard all year… is a Political EP?? I grabbed coffee with my friend André Rodriguez a month ago to see if he could answer some of my questions.
Like the music you heard in this episode? Go listen to the full EP HERE: https://goo.gl/HB3Ng9
Recording Location: Canteen Coffee, Minneapolis MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Question 24 // How do I compare myself to other people without wanting to quit? (feat. Cory Wong)
Cory Wong is a “Rhythmic Stratocaster Guitar Player” - The Current called him “The most famous Minnesota musician you’ve probably never heard of” and I call him a professional. I sat down with Cory in this music heavy episode to see if I could get past WHAT it is he does to learn HOW he processes some of the issues we all deal with on a day to tay basis. Stick around to the end to hear a special bonus-feature as he tells his story of playing with one of music’s most legendary drummers.
Recording Location: Spyhouse Coffee (on Broadway), Minneapolis MN
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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INTERLUDE: A Bucket List Big Enough To Live In
I get asked quite a bit about a story some of you have heard me allude to in parts of these interviews about a life “freak out” I had last year when it came to my career in music. Exactly one year later, I’ve decided to sit down and tell the story about a bucket list made in a Smurf-blue house; The 2 times I turned 30; the secret to my landing a gig flying in private jets and a New Years Day that happened in November. Curious? Trade your glass of Guinness in for a cup of coffee and I’ll fill you in...
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Question 22 // Can you take your career to the edge of the world and back? (feat. Alex Potter)
Alex Potter (@alexkpotter) is a photo-journalist working mostly in the Middle East. Her work explores conflict and trust, loss and isolation within communities and relationships and her goal to bridge the gap between the foreign and familiar by creating thought-provoking and emotional images. I had the chance to sit down with Alex over coffee during one of her few days back home in the US this year to hear her story of how her passion has taken her all over the world and hear her advice on finding your calling.
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Question 21 // How Do You Measure Success? (feat. Nate Larson)
Nate Larson (@naterlarson) is an extremely successful photographer. Wait… what the hell does that even mean? What was the first thing that came to mind when you think of someone being successful? The word ‘Success’ and the pursuit of it, determining on one’s definition, has the the ability to give your life laser focus… but what happens when we find out we’ve been focusing on the wrong thing?
Recording Location: RJ Riches Diner, Mounds View, MN
Drink: Diner Coffee
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Question 20 // How’d you land that gig? (feat. Taylor Johnson)
Taylor Johnson (@wildponytj) is widely known for his work (as a songwriter & electric guitar) with the likes of Lorde, Frank Ocean and Phil Wickham. Take it from me, whether you’re playing music with him on stage or talking soccer in the green-room, Taylor is the real deal. Ever since we met in D.C. a few years back, I’ve referred to Taylor as “The Professional” so we decided to sit down to talk about the most frequently asked question any professional musician gets constantly asked "How’d you land that gig?” Even though this ended up being a very music-focused convo, He shares some great insight for anyone who aspires to create anything with other people.
In this conversation, we talk about:
-How Taylor got into songwriting and his approach to co-writing
-How co-writing is like improv theatre ("don’t say ‘no’ ")
-The importance of “hearing someone’s idea out.”
-Taylor’s advice for the need to come in with tons of ideas while still holding them loosely when creating with other people.
-Synergy in creating
-Actively putting yourself in situations where you’re going to be stretched creatively
Recording Location: Brit’s Pub, Downtown Minneapolis
Drink: Old Speckled Hen (Me) Jack & Coke (Taylor)
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Question 19 // What can a mortician teach me about living? (feat. Jim Albinson)
Jim Albinson spent years working as a professional mortician but his creative endeavors span far beyond being "Boxed In” (*cough*… sorry… I had to) by that career. I sat down with Jim on his home patio over iced tea one late summer day to find out what I can learn from him about how to live a better life.
In this conversation, we talk about:
- What’s it like to be a mortician?
- What happens to the human body after death?
-“People who have died are still with us, just not DYNAMICALLY WITH US"
-The most personalized funeral Jim has ever been apart of
-Not becoming obsolite in your life, career and faith
-The problem of binary thinking
-The importance of being the first best you
-“The illusion of emminence”
-The uses and purpose of fermaldihide
-How do we respond to loss in life?
-How the perception of scarcity impacts value
Recording Location: Albin Lodge
Drink: Imported Kenyan Black Tea (Iced)
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Question 18 // What’s the key to happiness? (feat. Bruce Balgaard)
Bruce Balgaard is more than a musician and artist… he’s a visionary and mentor. I sat down for the first time with Bruce to find out why so many of the musicians I look up to, look up to him. The conversation that took place ended up being one of my most cherished experiences of doing this podcast so far and I’m excited to share it with you.
In this conversation, we talk about:
-“Everything stands in the way of getting art done."
-The fact that all artists that are good have some level of discontent
-“Controlled Discontent”
- Why Bruce has never practiced a day in his life
- Depression
- The ultimate defense against depression. Hint: “Kubb"
- Bruce’s Definition of The key to happiness (being in the present moment)
-What’s the difference between an introvert and an extrovert? (outgoing introverts)
-“New areas of growth only come from some kind of conflict or difficulty."
-Bruce and I discus being recovering people pleasers
Recording Location: Jax Cafe, MPLS MN
Food: Meatloaf and AMAZING Potato Salad
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Question 17 // What has your pain gotten you? (feat. Dave Diehl)
Dave Diehl is… Well… I technically am not allowed to tell you what Dave does for a living. Let’s just say, some of the programs that Dave creates helps keep America’s intel safe so that those of us who like to live a normal life worrying about mundane things like making music have the freedom and security to do so.
In this conversation, we talk about the importance of continuing to exceed expectations in your career and art, the need for setting healthy boundaries in your professional and social life (something I struggle with) and much more.
Recording Location: Fulton Brewing’s Tap Room
Beers: The Libertine, barel aged craft beer
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330
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Question 16 // Wait, you can be creative AND have your shit together? Pt.2 (feat. Matt Patrick)
Matt Patrick (@librarystudio) is a record producer, studio owner, engineer, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I’ve had the honor of working with Matt multiple times over the years and every time I do, I feel like I’ve left the session feeling like not just a better musician but also a wiser human. In order to share with you as much as possible from our conversation, I’ve decided to share it in two parts. I always say that if you can get past the WHAT someone does, to find out WHO they are and WHY they do it, there is wisdom that anyone can connect with. That said, Matt’s musical insight is so interesting that I know there are people that would like to hear more on that too so we dive even deeper into music next week.
Part 2 or our conversation ended up being a little bit more creativity and music focused. In our second and final part, we talk about:
-The importance of a balanced life
-How daily rituals can BENEFIT our creativity
-Learning when to take a break instead of trying to ‘push through’ (I freakin love Matt’s ‘Round Peg, Square Hole’ concept)
- “Thin Slicing”
- Masha and the bear (on ice) <- what???
Quotes from Matt in this interview that stood out to me:
“I don’t want to learn somebody elses’ magic, I want to create my own”
“True creatives are always waiting for people to figure out what we actually believe about ourseves.”
-the need to be present in the moment
Recording Location: Dangerous Man Brewing’s Tap Room
Beers: Kolsch
For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com
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