Modern Romantic

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...

Tricia Copeland is an award-nominated fantasy and YA author who believes magic can be found everywhere: in sunsets, in stories, and in the worlds we create. From her Kingdom Journals series to dystopian adventures and paranormal tales, Tricia transports readers into realms where the extraordinary feels just a page away. She’s also the host of the Finding the Magic podcast, where she explores the w...

Steven L. Anderson is an Atlanta-based artist, curator, and Co-Director of Day & Night Projects, an artist-run gallery he helped launch in 2016. Since 1996, Steven’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the U.S., and can be found in collections from Microsoft to Coca-Cola to the National Park Service. His sketchbooks even have a permanent home in Emory University’s archives....

You’ve seen her work on Lady Gaga, Solidad O’Brien, 50 Cent, and possibly your cousin’s wedding photos, now hear the story behind the brush. Jenny Greene-Magliano is a top-tier makeup artist working across film, TV, fashion, and private clients in the Hudson Valley and NYC. She’s the calm in the chaos, the glam in the grit, and the secret weapon behind so many iconic faces. We talk artistry, work...

No guest - just a candid chat about art, maple syrup, forgetting what year it is, Trey at seven years old eating a strawberry, fresh figs, bread baking, The Rivers of London, how you know you're in love, getting swept away, and how maybe, just maybe we should start a podcast.

Opera singer and author Kay Sparling brings the story of an opera singer/spy to the page in her new book Mission Thaw. In this episode we discuss her journey from opera singing (something she and Trey had in common) to writing, the synopsis of her book (with lots of interesting tidbits), and what's in store next. Content Advisory: Some topics very briefly discussed in this episode may be diffi...

You think you know Cecil “DC” Glenn, but he's way more than the man behind “Whoomp! (There It Is).” We had a lively and powerful conversation with this multi-talented artist, entrepreneur, and motivator who continues to evolve, inspire, and bring the energy. From chart-topping hits to voice acting and beyond, DC’s story is just getting started. For more:https://www.tagteambackagain.com/whoomp-...

What. An. Episode. We were not prepared for such a fantastic emotional episode. Levi is a dynamic musician whose heartfelt songs and humanitarian work have left a lasting mark far beyond the music charts. After gaining national attention with the band Vast Capital and sharing stages with legends like Pearl Jam and Heart, Levi went on to release solo albums and tour internationally. But perhaps his...

Bernie Dignam's multidisciplinary work has been exhibited worldwide and her dedication to community art education has made her a cornerstone of Ireland’s creative landscape. We talk about inspiration, process, and the stories behind her art, and keeping art accessible. Learn more: www.berniedignamartist.ie

Award-winning author K.T. Anglehart @ktanglehart shares what inspired her Scottish Scrolls trilogy, the magic of travel and storytelling, messy first drafts, how music is a big part of her life, and what’s ahead in her writing journey. Plus: pet bunnies! What a delightful conversation we had!

Join us for a special conversation with saxophonist, educator, and advocate Nick May , whose dynamic, bold, and expressive playing has taken him from Carnegie Hall to concert stages around the globe. Nick is changing the classical music landscape—one unforgettable performance at a time.

From the hills of Canehill, Arkansas to the halls of Capitol Hill, Lena Smith is using her art and voice to advocate for the rare disease community. A self-taught artist living with Granular Corneal Dystrophy, Lena was named a Rare Artist Awardee in the national Rare Artist Contest and honored during Rare Disease Week 2025 in Washington, D.C. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and fierce...

H.M. Gooden is an author, full-time worker bee, and early-morning novelist. Between raising a family and working full-time, she somehow manages to carve out time before dawn to bring her stories to life—many inspired by a dream she’s had since her teens. We're thrilled to dive into her writing journey and creative process!

This episode, we welcome the swashbuckling storyteller himself — Sebastien de Castell! From swordfighting musician to award-winning author of Traitor’s Blade and the Spellslinger series, Sebastien’s journey from would-be bard to international fantasy writer is anything but ordinary. We talk books, music, philosophy, travel, and what it means to live a life full of stories, steel, and soul. @ sebas...

We’re joined by the multitalented Jackiem Joyner — internationally recognized saxophonist, music producer, and award-winning author! With a career spanning nearly two decades, Jackiem has topped jazz charts, shared stages with legends, and even earned praise from Stephen King for his novels. We talk jazz, sci-fi, creativity, and staying inspired through it all. Find Jackiem online at https://jacki...

From backpacking the world to writing her Back in a Year series during lockdown, Candace’s journey is full of adventure, laughter, and heart. We discuss the life events that started it all, how hard it was to give up every day comforts for wild adventure, and how much that paid off. Join this thrilling conversation and be inspired by Candace's free spirit. Find Candace and her books online at http...