Grind and Flow

What does #geniusAF MARK MOTHERSBAUGH do to stay centered and inspired? The prolific film composer and Devo co-founder reveals the helpful daily practice he’s maintained for half a century. Mark also shares tales of Wes Anderson and how our “deficits” can lead to transformative super powers.

Andrew Westover, PhD of Atlanta’s High Museum serves up inspiring ways he and his colleagues are evolving — and preserving — the role of art museums in our civic and personal lives as "a place for you to be."

Biographer Warren Zanes unpacks one of rock and roll’s greatest WTF moments – Bruce Springsteen’s release of the seminal “Nebraska” album. It was shaggy! Imperfect! A work totally alien to our current, carefully-curated social  media culture. Zanes book on the album is the basis for a new motion picture "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere." Warren also shares valuable lessons from his...

“Just existing can be hard, Maybe living is an art…” Amanda Shires sings on her new album, “Nobody’s Girl.” This collection of songs is at once triumphant and raw, documenting the aftermath of a very public divorce. So how’s she holding up? Amanda talks frankly about her current state, the benefits of night gardening, and the personal impact of songwriting legends like John Prine and Billy Joe Sha...

How does singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega conquer creative dry spells? (Hint: Form is your friend!) Also - caregiving in a time of widespread crisis and how it informed her acclaimed new album, "Flying With Angels." PLUS! Her inside scoop on a legendary career. #caregiving #songwriting #selfcare

Get coached on plowing through self-imposed road blocks. Also...nifty tips for Life Organization and beginning with the end in mind.

Maybe this could power up your next project: creative rules from classic Looney Tunes animator Chuck Jones. This framework is a frequent go-to for our guest, Producer-Composer-Creative Director Brandon Bush (Megan Moroney,John Mayer). From the outside, Brandon looks to be in constant maker mode, also creating music for Film, TV, Video Games and Live Theater. How does he stay grounded and inspired?

Anger can fuel you work, but don't let it be the headline...so says Actor-Comedian Scott Thompson (The Kids In The Hall). In a conversation taped at City Winery in Atlanta, Scott dares to go deep and personal, including revelations about God, Pee Wee Herman and Arnold Schwarzenegger. (Scott is a regular on Schwarzenegger's current Netlfix series FUBAR.)

His latest standup special (“Dana Gould: Perfectly Normal”) is now available on YouTube and iTunes. Hear how this widely-revered comedian once aced his audition for SNL, but didn’t make the cut (SPOILER: Things worked out!) Plus...other tales from an eclectic career that includes writing for The Simpsons and Parks and Recreation.  Also -- Dana shares the work and life inspiration he takes from the...

Somehow, he managed to only “discover” his instrument after decades of playing. How does that work exactly? And how can we – musicians and non-musicians alike --  learn from the improvisational journey of Performer-Composer-Storyteller OkCello?

Seriously… what's the deal with negotiating? Or public speaking? Why do these endeavors make us feel so icky? Comedian/Motivational Speaker Jeff Justice lays out practical tips to be better at both. Jeff is in high demand for sold out, hands on seminars on the fundamentals of stand-up comedy and applied humor that can enhance your personal and professional life .

After dropping an album she thought was "too personal, too weird" and specific to her Scandanavian upbringing in North Dakota, Americana guitarist-songwriter Brennen Leigh connects in meaningful ways with audiences around the world.

Dive into the weeds of Aaron Lee Tasjan’s remarkable origin story – from making demos in his bedroom at age 12 to getting mentored by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and later walking away from certain fame on tour with Lady Gaga.

VARIETY tapped his latest album, Stellar Evolution, for their Best of 2024 list and describes him as “one of the great rising talents making records right now.” Hear how Aaron Lee Tasjan navigates anxiety and connects with audiences, plus how he learned that practice can sometimes get in your way.

Checking off Bucket List items as fast as she can dream them, 18-year-old guitar whiz Grace Bowers is on one helluva roll: playing on Dolly Parton specials, the Jimmy Kimmel Show, the Grand Ole Opry, at Bonnaroo and on and on. Her highly-anticipated debut album  “Wine on Venus” by Grace Bowers and the Hodge Podge  is due out any minute. Hear how Grace is gracefully handling the switch from social...

He once wrangled rock bands, now he wrangles creatives…and scores of happy clients. Twenty years ago, Craig Johnson founded the only agency he’s ever worked for, Matchstic, an Atlanta branding house featured in The Atlantic and Fast Company. See how principles he learned on the road as a rock and roll bass player and manager can help you define and live out your own authentic identity.

Seems counter-intuitive, but self-imposed restrictions can actually free you up creatively. Singer-songwriter Denitia tells how. The Houston native -- also featured in the CNN documentary “Call Me Country: Beyonce and Nashville’s Renaissance" -- ponders the personal and cultural milestone of her debut last month on the storied stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

He's an electrifying band leader and damn fine crafter of gutbucket Country Blues Southern Rock songs acclaimed by fans, peers and --multiple times -- Rolling Stone. But his impressively deep and still-growing catalog hasn't happened by accident. Today’s guest BooRay takes us under the hood to show how he keeps pushing forward with a fierce devotion to craft and authenticity.

Sure, affirmation is great, but songwriter Bonnie Baker spells out why she gets antsy if she doesn’t hear enough “No's.” That means she’s not pushing out of her comfort zone and missing out on creative growth. Bonnie unpacks this and other helpful insights from a decades-long music career that’s generated 150 million streams on Spotify. 

For decades, he’s racked up scores of jaw-dropping credits playing with icons like Garth, Shania, Reba and yes… even Taylor. Musicians Hall of Fame member Bruce Bouton lays out what he’s learned about Art, Life -- and Himself -- over decades on the road and in the studio.

All feedback is good…even when it’s not. Or so says Rebecca Dirden Swindle, the Houston entrepreneur now winning taste awards and customer huzzahs with her PLK 1848 Heritage Handcrafted Ice Cream. Rebecca dishes on staying cool in the face of criticism and other inspirational topics, including her path to build a successful brand steeped in Black History and family traditions. Hosted by Chuck Moor...

"The Dunning-Kruger Effect"... what is it exactly? And what can it teach us about enriching our lives and work with active curiosity? We'll explore this and more with award-winning master brewer Peter Kiley of Atlanta's Monday Night Brewing. Hosted by Chuck Moore.