Dreams Not Memes Podcast

I spoke to the founders of Deep Space Devices, a boutique pedal company in Northern Alabama.  Taylor Adams ( Design)  and Clint McDuffie( Business/ Mechanics) share their insights about the start of their pedal company and the art of entrepreneurship and quality process improvements as a creative. Deep Space Devices, have gained the respect of various music technology conventions (NAMM ,...

I spoke to Fadi Baaklini, a DC based professional, father, student, and aspiring entrepreneur. He is the husband to Jennifer Baaklini ( Episode 152) and shares his experiences with the art of being self reliant. In our conversation Baaklini talks about his transition from Lebanon to the US, his experiences with working in project management, and shares his entrepreneurial goals to support small bu...

I spoke with Kansas City based activist and entrepreneur, Jennifer McCartney. McCartney is the founder of Kansas City Heroes a 501c3 non profit that helps people with disabilities, senior citizens, the houseless, veterans, and single-parent homes by providing acts of kindness.  From building a porch for a single mom of 7, to house work, yard work, handyman work, getting clothing and food...

I spoke to Montana native, Callie Benjamin about her journey as a creative, songwriter, and personal experience with music. Benjamin aspires to continue her journey in a place where she can always challenge herself and learn as a creator. Benjamin is a Berklee alumnus and has had experience with the Montana music community and Boston music community. We discuss the importance of being self-aware,...

I spoke to Skyler Husebye a folk-punk artist from North Dakota.  In our conversation, we spoke about internet subcultures, folk punk, the challenges of touring in North Dakota, and their experiences with rebranding themselves as an artist. Tune in on Dreams Not Memes to learn more about Skyler's story and their projects.  Bandcamp https://straightlinearrival.bandcamp.com/ Spotify  h...

I spoke to Joe Bartel, a self produced singer songwriter from the Minnesota area about their journey. In our conversation we spoke about songwriting, the folk punk scene, navigating touring in the midwest and their goals as an artist during COVID 19. Find out more on today's episode of Dreams Not Memes.  https://joebartel.bandcamp.com   http://www. JoeBartel.com   https://www.facebo...

I spoke to Hannah Jade Marsh an Arkansas-based dancer and owner of Lucy's Ladies Dance Studio.  Marsh shares her story about how she has started her dance studio and the importance of being present as a dancer. Learn more about Hannah's journey in today's episode.  To learn more about Lucy's Ladies Dance Studio view the links below  Instagram: @lucyladiesdance  Web: www.lucysla...

I spoke to Houston, TX-based artist and musician, Marissa Sendejas. Sendejas plays in Chad Hates George, Chatterbox and the Latter Day Satanists, and has their own project Marissa Sendejas. Marissa is a former member of Days and Daze and has traveled across the various countries and states as a touring artist. In our conversation, we speak about their journey as a creative, their interest in selli...

I spoke to New Mexico based musician, Asa Martin. Asa is a instrumentalist, touring artist, collaborator, cancer survivor and many more. In our conversation we speak about the Folk Punk community,  rediscovering yourself as a creator and what it means to connect with people with common experiences. Learn more about Asa's journey on today's episode.  Asa Martin's Bandcamp https://asamarti...

I spoke to South Carolinian Poet and Author Terrance Elmore, who wrote "Love Letters: A Collection of Poems." He is also the blogger of the Brown Sugar Cafe where he shares other pieces of his work. In our conversation, we spoke about Elmore's journey with getting out of his shell as a writer and his future ambitions and experiences with writing poetry during the pandemic. Tune in and find out mor...

I spoke with singer, producer, designer, and songwriter, Brianna Kelly. Kelly hails from Cincinnati and is the lead singer of the band Soften and also has her own solo project. In our conversation we speak about alternate tunings, touring, and embracing the development of creativity. Tune in and find out more on Dreams Not Memes.  Brianna Kelly Links  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/b...

I spoke to Marty Morgan, a music teacher and performer from Waukesha Wisconsin. Marty is one of the founding members of the Glacier Valley Music Festival in Wisconsin, a disc golf hobbyist and player and enjoys community gathering with music. In our conversation we talk about Marty's perspective about working with the best people in creative collaborations, his life as a performer and why he enjoy...

I spoke with Barcelona, Spain based organizer, Manuel Gonzalez Alzuru. Alzuru founded a network called Fight Pandemics as a response to the 2020 Pandemic.  Alzuru was infected with COVID-19 in France. Upon returning home to Barcelona, he found he was unable to get help even though there were people who wanted to provide it.  Manuel launched the project with one mission in mind: to ensure...

I spoke with Matthew Vaughan a friend of Kristen Fellows. Matthew studies Marine Bioscience in Delaware and is from Australia. His focus is on how humans affect ecosystems in oceans and what stressors are affecting the organisms in oceans. In our conversation we talk about the validity of alternative facts, using the scientific method, and having a social responsibility to help the public as scien...

I spoke to Denver based business owner, Jari Majewski Price. Price is the founder of Feel the Beat, a non-profit based in Colorado. Feel the Beat is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to making the experience of music possible for those who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and with Special Needs. We use bone-conduction dance floors that allow students to feel sound through vibrational energy. In o...

I spoke to Kelsey Schira, a professional in the music industry. Schira is originally from the State College, PA area and moved to Colorado to pursue a career in live entertainment. In our conversation, we talk about Kelsey's experience with large scale venues, managing musicians, and coping with COVID 19. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes and follow the links below to learn more about venues, band...

I spoke with Gemma Wilson a friend of Kristen Fellows ( Episode 142). Gemma is a professional in marketing and a beauty therapist based in Corby, UK. Wilson has aspirations of working in the film and entertainment industry. In our discussion, we talk about Wilson's journey and her perspectives on holding yourself accountable for reaching your goals and having a fulfilled life. Find out more on Dre...

I spoke to Jillian Kelly, the founder of  Retrotique Boutique.  Kelly's store is a vintage store that has high-quality antiques, fashion items, and oddities in the Morgantown, WV area. Kelly also runs a non-profit venture called Morgantown Art Party which is dedicated to keeping performing and visual arts alive at various events in Morgantown.  In our conversation we talk about Jill...

I spoke to my brother, Fred Bethea. Fred works with CRU a para ministry organization focusing on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to various populations. He is also a student studying Christian Leadership at the Moody Bible Institute. Fred grew up in San Antonio and shares his story about how race, trauma, and loss of family shaped his relationship with God. In our conversation, we cover topic...

I spoke with Beth Hardman, a friend of Kristen Fellows (Episode 142). Hardman is from Manchester, England and shares her story with becoming a math teacher in the middle of the pandemic.  In our conversation, we talk about Beth's views on inequality and education access and her desire to travel before getting a mortgage. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes. 

I spoke to Jennifer Baaklini a social media professional, MBA student, wife and mother about her journey.  We met each other from our undergraduate careers at Penn State University and have maintained our friendship since. In our conversation Baaklini speaks about her experiences with leadership in her profession, getting a fellowship as an MBA student and how she has balanced her work life balanc...

I spoke to Dr. Evi Prokopi from Athens, Greece. Evi is a Success Coach, Speaker, HR Professional, and does aerial acrobats in Athens, Greece. Dr. Prokopi has been listed as an influencer of HR and has completed research on success and goal setting. In our conversation, we talk about her book on success and her passion for aerial acrobats. You can learn more on Dreams Not Memes and purchase her boo...

I spoke with Morgantown, WV based musician Proper. Proper comes from a funk background and has played in a number of bands and transitioned to the EDM community a few years back. He also does acoustic and sound treatments for rooms within his area. In our conversation, we talk about his journey as an artist, his plans to give back to the Morgantown arts community, and the power of collaboration an...

I spoke to Philadelphia local Mikaela. Mikaela was referred to me through Christine Elise(Ep 83). Mikaela works in real estate, marketing, venue management, and music management. In our conversation we talk about Mikaela’s experiences with how living in Philadelphia has shaped her interests to work in multiple roles.  We also cover how real estate can be used to navigate change for prosocial chang...

I spoke with Morgantown, WV based artist, DJ Kitana. Kitana has been a DJ since 2007 and has managed to craft her sound by challenging herself in performance and production.  Kitana discusses how the EDM community has changed due to cancel culture and shares her perspectives on accountability and responsibility for artists. In our conversation, we cover production, collaboration, touring, and...