Modern Romantic

We’re joined by artist Isaac Prior, whose intricate abstract line art draws from mythology, cosmic themes, and a love of fine detail. His work feels organic, otherworldly, and full of strange little universes built one line at a time. Isaac’s site describes his focus as abstract line art, with flowing, intuitive forms built through layered lines, and his about page notes influences including mytho...

Sammi Cannold was named in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Hollywood and Entertainment in 2019. She is best known as the Broadway director of How to Dance in Ohio, as well as for imaginative productions of Evita, Ragtime on Ellis Island, Violet on a moving bus, and work across theater, film, and television. Her work brings bold imagination, surprising and unconventional staging, and fresh perspective to the...

Featuring author, poet, photographer, and philosopher, Steven Seidenberg! Steven is a fascinating American photographer and author. His work combines photography, philosophy, and poetry, often exploring themes of memory, isolation, and the human condition. Notable works include The Architecture of Silence: Abandoned Lives of the Italian South and Anon. Find Steven on Instagram @steven.seidenberg a...

Rachel Gelfeld is a stunt performer and producer whose work spans film and television. From The Gray Man to The Rookie, Rachel brings stories to life through precision, risk, and an incredible level of discipline. We’re talking about the artistry and romanticism behind stunts, what it means to trust your body, and how courage shows up when the cameras are rolling.

Liisa Kovala is also known by her pen name A. L. Jensen. She is an award-winning author, book coach, and former teacher whose work centers on helping women rediscover their sisu: that deep, unshakeable well of courage, resilience, and determination. From powerful historical narratives like Sisu’s Winter War and Surviving Stutthof, to her award-winning novel Like Water for Weary Souls, Liisa writes...

In this episode, we sit down with Ole Sand, a Norwegian jewelry artist whose work blends craftsmanship with quiet storytelling. We talk about the role of patience in creating meaningful pieces, how materials shape the creative process, and why beauty often lives in the smallest, most intentional details.

We sat down with Chef George Blackwell Smith, founder of Lucky Cajun, to talk about the flavors that shaped him. From discovering bold Louisiana cooking to building his own line of fresh, small-batch spice blends, he's got stories to tell. We dive into what Cajun food really is (and what it isn’t), the importance of real ingredients, and why cooking is less about perfection and more about curi...

Manny Gutierrez has an inspiring story to tell - from apprenticeships to finding his personal style - he's been making boots for all kinds of people who love that perfect comfortable fit that only custom boots can provide. Listen in as we talk about his journey, love for his craft, how he ended up making a pair of boots for someone who also bought boots from his mentor, and how he doesn't...

What a delightful chat we had with actor, playwright, and producer Mark Landon Smith! He joined us to talk about life on stage and screen, the craft of storytelling, and what it really takes to bring a character to life. From writing his own work to performing in front of live audiences, Mark’s career is a testament to the power of imagination, grit, and a good script. Find Mark online at https://...

What happens when students are given the space, time, and encouragement to take their creativity seriously? Join us as we talk with Anne Johnson from Perpich Arts High School, a one-of-a-kind public arts school where young artists grow, experiment, and discover who they are through creative expression. We dove into the importance of the arts in education and how programs like Perpich can shape liv...

We’re thrilled to welcome David Stephens, founder of All Hands Productions, to the podcast! David is a nationally acclaimed solo puppeteer, storyteller, and banjo player whose imaginative retellings of classic fairy tales have captivated families for over 20 years. His work has been featured everywhere from the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta to Sesame Street! Join us live as we talk about sto...

Jason is known for his large-scale murals and his beautifully unexpected altered vintage paintings, where old landscapes and forgotten portraits become home to whimsical robots, curious creatures, and whimsical stories that bridge past and present. His work lives in the space between nostalgia and imagination, blending humor, sustainability, and wonder in ways that invite both reflection and delig...

Once upon a time (now) there was (is) a group of people who occasionally did unrehearsed script readings (live in front of an audience) of their favorite plays and films. The only rule for each actor was they had to make each character they played their own in whatever way they wanted, and to not actually share that with the other actors. So everyone shows up, ready to go, with no idea what's...

Julie Floro creates dreamlike photographic worlds rooted in nostalgia, memory, and that quiet space between waking and sleep. Her work invites viewers to step beyond ordinary reality and into images soaked in imagination, vulnerability, and wonder, and we're here for every pixel! Join us as we chat about photography as escape and home, the power of nostalgia, cultivating a community of dreamer...

Gina Gallina is a crochet artist in Arkansas who fills the world around her with color, texture, and wonder! She had created crochet items that would surprise you! Giant mushrooms a human can fit in, wrapping whole buildings in granny squares, and dressing models for the runway are all part of her crochet designs. There's no limit to Gina's creativity, and we talk about all of it on the sh...

Best Blues Album winner and Grammy Nominee Glenda Benevides joined us on the show, and what a fun episode this was! We are excited to share Glenda recently won Best Blues Album for Four Shades of Blue at the World Entertainment Awards! What an unstoppable force of creativity, heart, and soul. Glenda’s music invites listeners into stories of resilience, connection, and transformation. With a signat...

Ali Williams is an artist, illustrator, and the unapologetically bold founder (along with her husband) of FUMEINK. the adult coloring book company that proves creativity doesn’t have to be quiet or polite. FUMEINK is where coloring meets catharsis. Their books are packed with sarcasm, dark humor, laughs, and gloriously unboring designs. Think: stress relief with a wicked grin. From “Dark & Cre...

Growing up surrounded by the pioneers (his parents) of the American Studio Glass Movement and the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Alex developed a vision all his own. His pieces blend steel and the luminous fragility of glass, creating sculptures that feel both powerful, modern, and organic. From teaching at the Corning Museum of Glass to leading the Glass Department at the Worcester C...

This lovely guest really needs no introduction! But we know she'd love one, just the same. It's Mrs. Carol Claus! Christmas Executive Officer of the North Pole, wife to Santa Claus, caretaker of reindeer, baker, crafter, friend of the elves, and so so much more! Mrs. Claus was also involved with a recent book project, and it's not too late to grab one for yourself or as a gift: "W...

Maija Katak Lukin is an artist, hunter, fisher, sewist, crafter, baker, advocate, leader, and so much more. She lives a big life in little Kotzebue, Alaska - one that weaves together creativity, community, and stewardship of the Arctic land and waters her people have lived with for thousands of years. Maija has served as Mayor of Kotzebue, as Superintendent of Western Arctic National Parklands (ov...

In this episode, we sit down with Amy and Dusty Droz , the creative duo behind Dux Somnium Games , an indie studio crafting immersive tabletop worlds where immersive storytelling meets strategy. From sketching their first game concepts to building full-fledged adventures, Amy and Dusty share how imagination, collaboration, and a love for community and family fuel their creative process. Together,...

Ilana Zaks is a “fearless, refreshing, and commanding” violinist whose performances have graced some of the world’s most iconic stages from Carnegie Hall to the Berliner Philharmonie. By age 22, Ilana was already a first violinist with the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera. Today, she continues to share her dynamic artistry through concerts, innovative projects like Sound Worlds, and by teaching...

Anne Elise Teeling, is a Brooklyn-based soprano whose voice and storytelling captivate audiences nationwide. From starring as Eurydice in Orphée aux enfers to performing Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Anne Elise brings characters and music to life with depth and heart. This year (2025) alone, she’s won top prizes in national competitions, debuted new roles, and joined the New York chapter of Opera on T...

We're thrilled to have actress and author Susan Berger back on the show - to discuss her new book, and talk about what she's been up to since we last chatted a year and a half ago. Find more about Susan here: www.susanbergeractor.comIf you want to preview and provide feedback for her new book Lord Byron's Daughter, please contact us: emily@themodrom.com

In this fun episode, Emily and Trey sit down with glass artist Jenn Justad for an inspiring conversation about the art and science of glass blowing. Jenn shares her journey from discovering glass at a summer camp to becoming a skilled creator whose colorful, functional pieces bring joy to everyday life. They dive into the behind-the-scenes world of glass blowing, how molten glass moves, why teamwo...