ARTifacts Podcast

In this episode, Marisa interviews stuntman and winemaker Shane Alexander. Shane discovered stunt work through his background in martial arts and his love of action films, which led him to attend stunt school in Seattle. He shares his training, on-set experiences, and the creation of his own team, the Southern California Stunt Crew. Alongside his film career, Shane has also a built a presence in t...

In this episode, Marisa interviews Cleveland-based musician and lead singer of the band Rellick, Mike Rellick. Mike immersed himself in music from an early age, studying choir and later majoring in opera at Miami University. Now as the frontman for Rellick, Mike dives into the band’s formation, the creative process behind their songs, and what it’s like performing on stage. With the release of the...

It’s the 7th season of ARTifacts, and Marisa interviews artist and illustrator Ian Nagy. Encouraged by his artist mother, Ian grew up drawing and constantly adding to his “picture pile.” His career took off when he joined Zingerman’s, a specialty food company known for its focus on local ingredients located in Ann Arbor, MI. Through his illustrations for their deli, bakery, and creamery, Ian has h...

In this episode, Marisa interviews Los Angeles-based director and puppeteer Ricky Chavez. Ricky grew up in California and studied Jazz and Saxophone Performance in college. Always curious and creative, he decided to build a puppet and has been puppeteering ever since. He shares how to build and use puppets and provides puppeteering resources. They also talk about his work with directing videos for...

In this episode, Marisa interviews animator, director, and producer Howy Parkins. Howy grew up in Canada watching Saturday morning cartoons and drawing TV characters. After studying animation in college, Howy traveled around Europe working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Star Wars: Ewoks . He eventually moved to Los Angeles and worked as a director for Disney’s The Lion Guard , Mickey Mouse Clubhou...

In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning illustrator, author and designer Dave Szalay. While growing up in Ohio, Dave was always doodling in school. After studying graphic design, owning his own ad agency and teaching, he returned to school to receive his MFA in Illustration. With five published, picture books, Dave gives a behind the scenes look into the world of creating children’s liter...

In this episode, Marisa interviews writer, comedian, and screen and voice actor, Ryan McCabe. Ryan’s commitment to character and comedy was established at a young age when he called himself The Riddler after watching Jim Carrey in Batman Forever . Now in LA, Ryan works in the dubbing industry and trains with The Groundlings, performing improv and stand-up comedy. He has also written seven poetry b...

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional LA dancer, choreographer and teacher Malia Baker. Malia grew up doing competition dance in Colorado, and moved to Los Angeles at age 18. After 10 years of living in LA, Malia reflects on her dance journey from training and performing to choreographing and teaching. They also talk about her most recent collaboration with Bob’s Dance Shop, where she to...

In this episode, Marisa interviews visual artist Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer. Growing up in both America and Europe, Emma took ballet and drawing classes. She refined her painting technique at the Florence Academy of Art, and found her creative voice in an MFA program at Central Saint Martins. Now living in Italy, Emma’s surroundings of nature, religion, and hunting culture inspired her first sol...

Happy 2025 and Season 6 of ARTifacts! In this episode, Marisa interviews French, visual artist Aurélie Brown. Growing up, Aurélie was influenced by the lush landscapes and food culture in Normandy. After moving to California, Aurélie found her creative voice by doing the 100 Day Project where she painted one work every day for 100 days. She turned her passion into a business, and always encourages...

It’s the 50th episode of ARTifacts! In this episode, Marisa interviews makeup and special effects designer and puppeteer, Tony Gardner. Originally from Ohio, Tony went to film school in California only to drop out to work on the music video for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Tony takes a look at his work through a movement lens, sharing how he crafts characters like Billy Butcherson in Hocus Pocus...

In this episode, Marisa interviews New York-based comedian, video producer for Betches Media, actress, writer, and hopeless romantic, Tess Tregellas. With a background in theatre and improv, Tess’s work focuses on physical comedy and immersive storytelling. They talk about her wedding-themed antics from running around Central Park in a wedding dress to performing her comedy show, “My Life as a Rom...

In this episode, Marisa interviews digital creator and owner of Wild Eyes Visuals, Cameron O’Neill. Growing up, Cameron made his own videos for school projects and sporting events, and then built his clientele through networking in the fitness industry. From working with local businesses and weddings to health and wellness brands, Cameron is dedicated to expanding his business and creating diverse...

In this episode, Marisa interviews fashion designer Asha Ama Bias-Daniels. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Asha learned how to sew and create clothes from her parents. Influenced by 70s fashion and Beyoncé, Asha’s work can be seen in museums, on Tim Gunn’s Project Runway, and on Lizzo’s Special Tour. Most recently, she created dance costumes for the Cincinnati Ballet, and shares the process o...

In this episode, Marisa interviews lead singer of the band Post Saga, Danna O’Connor. Formed in 2017, the Cleveland band is comprised of seven members who blend various genres and instruments to create a unique pop-rock sound. With two EPs and the release of their new EP "Circles," Marisa chats with Danna to share more about the band's history, music creation process, and upcoming tour. With Danna...

In this episode, Marisa interviews Cleveland-based photographer, Lindsey Poyar. Lindsey always knew she wanted to be an artist, and fell in love with photography in a summer college course. She left the corporate world, started her own business, and has been a freelancer for five years. Lindsey finds inspiration from thrifting vintage clothing, experimenting with new lighting techniques, and watch...

In this episode, Marisa interviews the owners of JM Film Resins, Michelle Sloey and Jesse Brunt. Both hailing from Rochester, NY, the couple met on set and continue to work in the film industry in LA. They call themselves film romantics, and create art out of preserved film prints using resin. From treating footage like " Star Wars" and " James Bond" to an old Charlie Chaplin film, Michelle and Je...

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional dancer, Fábio Mariano. A native from Brazil, Fábio shares his journey of coming to the US and becoming a professional dancer with the Collage Dance Collective. Since moving, Fábio creates dance wear with his business, Fabiolous Crochet, and is the co-founder of Blacks in Ballet, a media platform highlighting black dancers. Weaving activism and art, F...

In this episode, Marisa interviews Phoenix visual artist, Alegre Lopez. Growing up, Alegre’s mom nurtured her creativity. With a couple of art classes and YouTube videos, Alegre taught herself how to paint both traditionally and digitally. Now, she sells her works at local stores in Arizona, and shares more about her art as a business. Drawing influence from 60s and 70s culture, Alegre creates col...

In this episode, Marisa interviews contemporary visual artist based in Portland, Oregon, Laine Kolesar. Laine began her career as a social worker, but found healing in creating art. Laine’s art is influenced by Cubism, and draws inspiration from the female form, exploring both vulnerability and confidence within the body. Now, she is dedicated to becoming a working artist, and provides insight int...

In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning, Toledo choreographer Alyssa Brutlag. Dance was always a part of Alyssa’s life growing up especially having a mom as a dance teacher and studio owner. Now, she is an established choreographer and teacher who travels across the US creating works, finding inspiration from music and improving. When she is not busy at the studio, Alyssa can be seen teac...

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional violinist, Diana Anderson. Diana talks about growing up in a musical household, attending the Cleveland Institute of Music, and performing with the Toledo Symphony. They discuss the audition process along with her memorable shows and favorite composers. With 23 years of teaching and 38 seasons with the Toledo Symphony, Diana continues to share her pa...

In this episode, Marisa interviews dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of Toledo Ballet, Eric Otto. Eric shares his story about growing up dancing at his mom’s ballet school in New York and then training at the School of American Ballet. They discuss his experiences performing in classical ballets and on Broadway, working with icon Twyla Tharp in Movin’ Out . Eric provides insight into th...

In this episode, Marisa interviews owner of Culture Clash Records, Tim Friedman. Tim chats about the resurgence of vinyl and the history behind Culture Clash. He also shares his favorite customer moments and discusses music trends. With over 2,000 records in his own personal collection, Tim connects with everyone who comes to his store, sharing stories, art, and music. Culture Clash Website https:...

In this episode, Marisa interviews dancer, choreographer, and president of T.H.E. (Toledo’s Human Experience) Modern Dance Company, Dom Glover. Growing up, Dom was always moving. He was involved in football, baseball, and track and in college joined the step dance team. He then was invited to take dance classes at Spelman College where he learned jazz, modern, and ballet. Since returning to Toledo...