Marshall Arts: The Podcast

For the final episode of the Marshall Arts podcast, host Rick Marshall discusses the show's title and some of the highlights and memorable moments from the 15 interviews he conducted for the series. Thanks for listening! 

In a special Halloween episode of the series, funeral director Brittany DeMarco-Furman of the Glenville Funeral Home discusses the art of helping people processing grief and death, and the creative ways the mortuary business has evolved to serve diverse communities.

Michael Diana of Schenectady County Historical Society talks to host Rick Marshall about the art of storytelling and the way facts and local lore blend together when guiding spooky tours of Schenectady's haunted history.

Clifton Park-based artist Paul Harding parlayed a background in illustration into a thriving career sculpting and designing toys and collectibles from some of the world's biggest companies and franchises. Marshall Arts host Rick Marshall sits down with Harding in his home studio to discuss how he got started and how the industry has evolved, and offer an insider's perspective on the issues facing...

Saratoga-based filmmaker Spencer Sherry discusses the origins and production of his locally made short film The Monkey, based on a Stephen King story, which has been generating positive buzz and plenty of scares throughout the Capital Region and beyond.

Troy-based musician Scott Womer, the founder of the Song City performance series and Ink Songwriter Retreat, talks with host Rick Marshall about the creative, in-the-round concert series he brought from Nashville to the Capital Region, and the annual retreat he organized for local musicians.

Troy-based visual artist Quill Harrison joins host Rick Marshall for a discussion of birds, murals, and the various ways art can help (and reflect) the way people communicate with each other and the world around them. She also offers some insight on her "Sincerely, No One" exhibit at Schenectady's Bear and Bird Gallery.

Local hair stylist and influencer Jordan Yanatos, a.k.a. "Pinup Jordan," chats with host Rick Marshall about the colorful history of "Mermaid Hair" and what goes into the vivid hairstyles she's known for, as well as the collaborative art studio she co-founded in Schenectady. She also shares some details about The Rainbow Convention, a celebration of alternative hair styles and culture she's bringi...

With the horseracing season underway at Saratoga Race Course, award-winning photographer Erica Miller discusses her experience photographing horses, races, and historic moments in and around Saratoga, and the artistry that goes into capturing these moments in time. 

Gearbox Software art director Ben Greene sits down for a wide-ranging conversation about creating and managing the blend of storytelling and visual art that goes into developing video games, the rapid growth of the local video game industry, and the career path that brought him to this point. He also shares some details about the personal project he's hoping to bring to audiences in the future.

John MacDonald, who hosts and performs at drag events as Noelle Diamond, discusses the wide range of skills and complex artistry that goes into drag performance. He also shares some thoughts about his experience with drag queen story hours and the importance of such events in our communities.

Ahead of a performance at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, award-winning local musician Buggy Jive sits down with Rick Marshall for a wide-ranging discussion of his music and inspirations, his creative videos (including his 2020 lockdown anthem "Ain't Going Anywhere" and NPR's 2023 Tiny Desk Contest finalist, "Don't Quit Your Day Job"), and his new album, "Hurry Up Please It's Time...

Bridget Punsalang, the owner of Bittersweet Blackbird tattoo studio, discusses the artistry and evolution of her unique, woman-owned and women-run shop in Clifton Park.

Visual artist Melody Often discusses her award-winning work in a wide range of media, including her plant-themed projects currently featured in a Schenectad gallery, as well as her local roots and the region's blossoming creative community.

Frank Gillen, better known as "The Spider-Man of Upstate NY," talks to host Rick Marshall about his cosplay origin story, what costumes mean to him, and what he's learned from spending the last decade in Spidey's suit.

Award-winning local musician and comedian Erin Harkes discusses her path to the stage, her pivot to comedy, and her shared local history with host Rick Marshall.