Craft: Exploring Creativity

Central Ohio author Erik John Slangerup grew up in the 1980’s, what he recalls as “a magical time, before cell phones or the internet.” But it was also a time when mutant insects and terrible monsters roamed the land…on TV. … Continue reading →

With publications ranging from fantasy to science fiction to mystery and novels to short stories to comics, Sarah Gailey has been honored with multiple writing awards and nominations. Gailey describes their latest, Make Me Better, as their hardest, taking six … Continue reading →

Although he’s often known for his popular YouTube videos dealing with hecklers, comedian Steve Hofstetter says that he gets far fewer hecklers noe than when he started out. Hofstetter, in town on June 23 at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, … Continue reading →

While researching his book, Black Patriots: Recovering a Lost History of the American Revolution, Patrick S. Poole was surprised to find dozens of Black Patriots, including Salem Poor, Peter Salem, James Arcule, and Prince Estabrook, a slave wounded at Lexington … Continue reading →

The Central Ohio Folk Festival will be held June 6–7 at Bank Run Metro Park. Folk singer Bill Cohen has been part of the event for many years, and he joined Craft to discuss the festival and play excerpts of … Continue reading →

Novelist Steven Rowley has written five books including Lily and the Octopus, The Editor, The Guncle, and its sequel The Guncle Abroad. His work has been published in 20 languages, and he received the 2023 Thurber Prize for American Humor. … Continue reading →

Alison Espach‘s novel The Wedding People was not only a New York Times bestseller and Best Book of the Year pick but it granted her finalist status for the 2026 Thurber Prize for American Humor. During our talk, she described … Continue reading →

Singer-songwriter John Gorka knows how to write songs. But he wasn’t always so disciplined about it. Listen in as he describes what changes he made that has allowed him to be a prolific and insightful songwriter. Then, check him out … Continue reading →

Singer‑songwriter Seth Walker’s latest album, his 12th, is Why The Worry, a meditation on modern anxiety I spoke with Walker ahead of his March 27 appearance at Natalie’s Grandview in Columbus. The title track, “Why The Worry,” was inspired by … Continue reading →

Central Ohio author, photographer, and teacher Ben Berens’ young reader book Jump tells the story of a boy facing a big challenge: jumping off a diving board. (Hey, I had the same fear way back when.) Berens relied on his … Continue reading →

Singer-songwriter Leslie Mendelson’s song “Rock and Roll on the Radio” is a jaunty look at changes on US airwaves. I remember when rock and roll could’ve changed the world any day nowA revolutionIt’s the only solution -Leslie Mendelson Mendelson will … Continue reading →

Magician and variety artist Carissa Hendrix will perform in Columbus March 16–17 as Lucy Darling in a nontraditional variety show with Sarah Hester Ross. They’ll feature magic, singing, comedy, clown bits, and improv. But wait. Before there was Lucy Darling, … Continue reading →

Sometime categorized as “American Noir” Ben De Le Cour’s songwriting grew out of his musical upbringing, broad influences, and the evolution of his storytelling. De Le Cour, who will perform in Columbus with Six String Concerts on February 21st, reflects … Continue reading →

Broadway actor David Josefsberg plays Doc Brown in the touring musical adaptation of Back to the Future, in Columbus Jan 6-11. We discuss the changes in the musical version, such as added dance and songs, and his experiences with great … Continue reading →

Emma Elizabeth Smith portrays Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, in the musical Six, a modern retelling of the lives (and deaths) of the king’s six wives. The musical is a singing competition between the wives, arguing for who … Continue reading →

From her early days singing with her parents’ band to becoming a standout on American Idol, Haley Reinhart has carved a unique path in the music world. Buzzfeed ranked her cover of Bennie and the Jets as the most iconic performance in the … Continue reading →

German singer-songwriter Lia L Shoshann‘s time living in Columbus had a significant impact on her music, including the song “Down High Street” on her album Time Lapse. Her follow up Josefin Sans also feature pop, folk, and singer-songwriter influences. Lia … Continue reading →

Tim Kazurinsky was part of the cast of Saturday Night Live when I first started watching it and kind of getting the humor. He had many memorable characters, including a scientist who identified sex in a sports car as a … Continue reading →

Actor, comedian, and director Bobcat Goldthwait visits Craft to discuss his career: acting in the Police Academy films, directing World’s Greatest Dad, and engaging with fans at comic cons. Reflecting on his works and experiences, he fondly remembers Robin Williams … Continue reading →

The Accidentals, violinist Sav Madigan and cellist Katie Larson, have been captivating audiences since a little after they met in a Traverse City, Michigan, high school. Their latest album, “Timeout 3,” is the most recent addition to their Timeout series … Continue reading →

Ohio musician David Wilcox has released over 20 albums, including his latest The Way I Tell the Story. Wilcox discusses his songwriting process as a form of emotional and traumatic event processing. He emphasizes the joy of exploring feelings through … Continue reading →

Columbus authors Diane Callahan and David Dixon discuss their new poetry collection, The Ship and the Storm. They employed a unique system of organization by putting their poems with similar themes and forms into conversation with each other on opposing … Continue reading →

“ The most important part about life is living it” – Ernest Hemingway Brandy Gleason, chief writer at Gleason Family Adventure and the creator of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group, follows this Hemingway quote in life and in her writing. … Continue reading →

Novelist Meg Cabot is more than just The Princess Diaries, although that’s an impressive accomplishment. She’s had an her extensive career, writing over 50 novels for young adults and adults. Next up, she will appear at a Meet the Author … Continue reading →

Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Abby Posner has released four albums and won the 28th annual USA Songwriting Competition in 2023. She’ll be in town with the Six String Concert series on September 19. We discuss her multi-instrumental talents and her journey … Continue reading →