Creative Alchemy

Our host Benjamin Ariff sits down with Bob Rosenthal, a leader whose career spans music, film, and post-production sound. From his early days at Capitol Records to founding Formosa Group, Rosenthal shares how curiosity, culture, and relationships have shaped his path — and why the real magic of sound lies in people, not technology. They explore the emotional language of audio, the power of intenti...

In this episode of Creative Alchemy , host Benjamin Ariff sits down with Barbara Bestor—architect, cultural curator, and founder of Bestor Architecture—for a conversation about creativity, community, and the evolving role of architecture. From her early inspirations in Cambridge to leading bold projects like Sunnylands and community centers in Los Angeles, Barbara shares how her extroverted approa...

In this episode of Creative Alchemy , host Benjamin Ariff sits down with Tej Patel, CEO and co-founder of Fluxergy—a company building powerful, decentralized diagnostic tools designed to make high-quality testing more accessible and affordable worldwide. From a garage startup sparked by a conversation in a public health class to a disruptive force in healthcare technology, Tej walks us through his...

In this heartfelt episode of Creative Alchemy , we’re joined by Sonya Sanford—a chef, cookbook author, and writer whose work beautifully blends Jewish heritage, Pacific Northwest bounty, and the emotional weight of food. Sonya reflects on her journey as a first generation American, how food became a bridge between generations, and the powerful role cooking plays in personal and cultural identity....

Food is more than just sustenance—it’s an experience, a story, and a way to connect with others. Leather Storrs, a chef with a passion for innovation, understands this better than most. In this episode of Creative Alchemy, we explore his journey from learning classic techniques at The French Laundry to creating dishes that challenge and delight through humor, presentation, and unexpected flavors....

True success is built on passion, relationships, and a commitment to values. Sam Tannahill’s journey reminds us that meaningful impact comes from leading with authenticity, fostering community, and continuously seeking new challenges—both in business and in life. Sam shares how his passion for people, process, and sustainability shaped his career from working in a Los Angeles wine shop to co-found...

In this engaging conversation, Joth Ricci reflects on his journey of transforming iconic brands while staying deeply connected to the communities they serve. From fostering innovation at companies like Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Dutch Bros to leading Burgerville with a focus on sustainability and impact, Joth’s story highlights the power of leadership rooted in understanding and collaboration....

In this heartfelt conversation, Francis shares his journey, from his roots in Kenya to Oregon, and explores what it takes to cultivate community and why the most powerful contributions come from people who are deeply embedded in and understand the needs of those communities.  Francis’ story is a testament to the idea that you can build a sustainable business that enriches the lives of everyone it...