The Abstract Athlete

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode ten of season ten with guitarist, artist and Program Administrator at the mental health service Rock to Recovery, Matt Bradford. Together they will discuss Matt's background, how he became interested in guitar his influences. This episode will discuss his passion to give back and his work at Rock to Recovery. For in...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode nine of season ten with artist, entrepreneur, former Ohio State Buckeye and Kansas City Chief, Percy King and actor, producer, director and former Professional basketball player, Ohio State basketball player as well as 2-time All-American high jumper at Ohio State University, Otis Winston. Together they will discuss...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode eight of season ten with photographer, Hall of Fame pitcher, 5-time Cy Young Award Winner and World Series Champion, Randy Johnson. Together they will discuss Randy's love of and how he became interested in photography. This episode will discuss his current exhibition "Storytelling with Photographs" at the Scottsdal...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode seven of season ten with artist, painter and former NFL Defensive Back and returner, Robert McClain. Together they will discuss Robert's incredible path as an athlete and a painter. This episode will discuss his deep love and interest in the history of art and where he sees his work going. For information on Robert...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode six of season ten with a photographer, Director and CEO of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and avid sports fan, Alex Nyerges. Together they will discuss Alex's history as a photographer and how his interests led him to becoming a museum director. This episode will discuss his love of sports, particularly baseball,...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode five of season ten with this special episode and event we collaborated with the NFLPA's Professional Athletes Foundation called Painting with the pros held at West Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas. In order of appearance we have entrepreneur, co-founder of Goodie Two Shoes Foundation and former NFL player, Tony...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode four of season ten with a creative, entrepreneur and former professional soccer player, Jay DeMerit and actor, producer and former professional soccer player Patrick McLain. Together they will discuss their shared love of creativity, soccer and life. This episode will discuss goals and updates on their individual li...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode three of season ten with artist, former professional volleyball player, Katie Houser and creative, actress and former professional volleyball player, Gabrielle Rivera Valedon. Together they will discuss their similar backgrounds as creatives and former professional volleyball players. This episode will discuss their...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode two of season ten with painter and United States Naval Officer, Aaron Webb. Together they will discuss Aaron's passion for painting, his fathers creative influence, to his love of music. This episode will discuss his background in the military and what he sees for the future. For information on Aaron Webb please vis...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode one of season ten with photographer and United States Air Force Veteran, Mike O'Leary. Together they will discuss Mike's background, how he joined the military and his love of photography. This episode will discuss his past photography and his vision for future projects. Fro information on Mike O'Leary please visit:...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode ten of season nine with entrepreneur, founder of Flame Bearers, and host of the Flame Bearers Podcast, Jamie Mittelman. Together they will discuss Jamie's background in media and as an athlete. This episode will discuss her passion and drive and what that led her to found Flame Bearers. Fro information on Jamie Mitt...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode nine of season nine with photographer and United States Marines Veteran, Greg Conn. Together they will discuss Greg's incredible journey from the military to becoming a photographer. This episode will discuss his passion for nature and how it is so important to his photography and his families lives. Fro information...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode eight of season nine with actor, model, entrepreneur and 2-time MLS Cup Champion Bryan Jordan. Together they will discuss Bryan's incredible athletic career and life and becoming a MLS star and 2-time MLS Cup Champion. This episode will discuss his acting career and his constant curiosity and his drive to learn. For...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode seven of season nine with artist, illustrator, founder of Athlitacomics, and former 11 year NFL Defensive End, Israel Idonije Together they will discuss Israel's amazing path to becoming an 11 year NFL player. This episode will discuss the incredible work his equally incredible journey to becoming a creative and sta...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode six of season nine with dancer, singer, actress, producer and co-founder and co-owner of 3:33 Creative, Maria Bresse-McLain. Together they will discuss Maria's love of creativity and creative practices and what the future holds for 3:33 Creative. This episode will discuss her personal history as well as her families...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode five of season nine with artist and former Wake Forest University Women's Basketball player, Anaia Hoard. Together they will discuss Anaia's incredible artistic talent and her inspirations. This episode will discuss the incredible work her basketball career and her families basketball history. For information on Ana...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode four of season nine with creative, coach and former UCLA Bruin and NFL Defensive Tackle, Brian Price Together they will discuss Brian's incredible journey from former NFL player to know coaching. This episode will discuss the incredible work his past and how his vulnerability and passion influences the young athlete...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode three of season nine with former college softball player, former Executive Producer for NBC and Dgital Media, as well as former Interim President for MSNBC, she is the CEO and Executive Producer for O’Connell Media Productions, Beth O’Connell. Together they will discuss Beth's past as a college softball player and h...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode two of season nine with artist, educator, coach and wrester, Dennis Wymer.. Together they will discuss Dennis' passion for sports and art and how he relates the two. This episode will discuss the incredible work he is doing in the classroom and as a coach. For information on Dennis Wymer please visit: denniswymerart...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode one of season nine with artist and former University of Arizona and NFL Offensive Lineman, as well as the first Mexican born player to play in the Super Bowl, Jose Portilla. Together they will discuss Jose's incredible art journey and his inspiration and passion for painting. This episode will discuss his life as an...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode thirteen of season eight with artist, entrepreneur and Nordic skier Abby Drach and former guest and artist and also a Nordic skier herself Hannah Hardenbergh,. Together they will discuss their passion for nordic skiing and a creative practice. This episode will discuss their own goals and how the relationship betwee...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode twelve of season eight with artist, entrepreneur and former high school and UCLA track star and still National High School record holder in the 800 meter, Michael Granville. Together they will discuss Michael's journey as a world class runner and his incredible passion for his art. This episode will discuss his entr...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode eleven of season eight with artist, entrepreneur and former University of Virginia and Detroit Lion wide receiver great, Herman Moore. Together they will discuss Herman's incredible football and athletic career and how art was such a big part of his youth and beyond. This episode will discuss his vision and entrepre...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode ten of season eight with artist, athlete, yoga teacher, retreat leader and alignment coach, Gina Molinari. Together they will discuss Gina's path as an athlete and artist and how she persevered through different struggles. This episode will discuss her incredible journey to becoming a yoga teacher and retreat leader...

Join the art professor, Ron Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University) for episode nine of season eight with leader in the field of applied sport psychology and founder of Thinksport consulting services, Doug Gardner. Together they will discuss Doug's long history of working in Applied Sport Psychology. This episode will discuss his history and love of sport and how that inspired his path. For inf...