The Layered Onion--Peeling Back the Layers

In a recent episode of the Layered Onion podcast, Beth Kille, a talented singer-songwriter and co-founder of the Girls Rock Camp, shares her journey in the music industry, her creative processes, and the significance of community in nurturing artistic expression. This podcast delves into insights drawn from her experiences that highlight the resilience and innovation required in the creative arts....

In this episode of the Layered Onion podcast, we dive into the heartfelt journey of Scout Roux, who shares their experiences of navigating mental health and creativity. Scout opens up about the therapeutic power of writing and how it serves as an outlet for processing emotions and connecting with community. Through discussions about the challenges faced in the food service industry and the creativ...

This podcast episode featuring Araceli Esparza, a passionate advocate for storytelling, community empowerment, and mental health awareness. Throughout the episode, Araceli shares her multifaceted journey as a poet, nonprofit founder, social worker, and devoted family member. She emphasizes the power of storytelling in connecting individuals and illuminating the extraordinary experiences of ordinar...

Mark Fraire stresses the need for artists to engage politically and be involved in decision-making to secure better support for the arts, crucial for community wellness and economic growth. Mark notes the challenges faced by the arts community post-pandemic, including declining ticket sales and financial instability, while emphasizing the economic impact of local spending related to arts events. M...

Althea Renee Miller discusses her diverse artistic ventures, including dance, singing-songwriting, painting, drawing, poetry, and spoken word. Originally from Los Angeles, she explained her journey to Wisconsin and her studies in multicultural education at UW Madison. Althea described her involvement in various creative communities, including the arts and church groups, highlighting the importance...

In the heartfelt podcast, we meet Josie Chu, the soul behind Madam Chu's cherished Southeast Asian condiments. Picture the enchanting essence of ginger garlic, the bold kick of sambal, and the velvety richness of satay peanut, each a love letter to the diverse cuisines of Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Josie's culinary tale begins in the cozy embrace of her childhood, where she absorb...

Ben Stanger discusses his exciting journey launching Green Box, a composting company. Ben's passion for sustainability was kindled in his childhood, where composting was a way of life. Drawing from his experience working in Chicago's composting industry and seeing the rising interest in eco-friendly practices, he took the leap to start Green Box. Overcoming hurdles like zoning regulations,...

Gene Delcourt, a teacher and artist, dives into how his personal and professional journey unfolded. Starting with his family background, Gene traced his roots from Quebec to Maine, where his grandparents were recruited to work in the paper mills. Engaging his students in hands-on projects like building little libraries and canoes, Gene found immense satisfaction in imparting practical skills throu...

Colton Schara shares about getting back to the roots of the food business and finding creative ways to share its story, like the idea of launching a show to feature the farmers and individuals connected to the farm-to-table restaurant. They discuss adapting to the challenges brought on by COVID-19 by engaging guests in new ways and rethinking the restaurant experience to deepen connections within...

Evan Dannells, executive chef and owner of Cadre Restaurant and partner at Lola's High Low Lounge in Madison, WI, participated in The Shallot with a Normandy-inspired chicken recipe developed during COVID, as they virtually toured France, exploring regional French cuisine. Evan's culinary journey began early due to a deep love for food. He emphasizes patience in the industry and discusses...

The podcast episode takes us on a journey of reflection and self-discovery as the Von Bieker shares their profound realization about fully embracing their artistic identity. This transformation is portrayed as a pivotal moment of letting go of resistance and acknowledging the intrinsic connection between their artistry and personal fulfillment. Furthermore, the podcast touches on the challenges ar...

Jonathan Correa discussing his journey from being a chef to starting his own business during the pandemic. Food has been both an addiction and a means of expression for him, allowing him to reconnect with his culture. With the dream of starting his own business in agriculture, he seized the opportunity during the pandemic after losing his job, setting up a tortilla-making operation in a friend&#39...

This episode covers a discussion with Lauren Allen, who is completing her Masters in Fine Arts. The theme of her exhibition revolved around exploring past, present, and future selves, influenced by her childhood ADHD diagnosis. Lauren discussed how memories shape individuals and their interpretations change over time, using photography and woven structures in her exhibit to represent these ideas....

Brittany Josie, a multi-talented artist, opens up about her artistic journey, showcasing her creative process and the diverse genres she delves into in her art. Brittany primarily utilizes acrylics in her art but occasionally experiments with organic materials like cinnamon for creating paints. During the podcast, Brittany delves into her experiences in teaching arts and emphasizes the importance...

In this powerful episode, Steve Veasey fearlessly opens up about his journey, discussing the profound impact of mental health struggles on men. Steve candidly shares his battles with depression, a suicide attempt, and the challenges of living with epilepsy. Through his own experiences, he sheds light on the societal expectations that often pressure men to suppress their emotions, highlighting the...

Elizabeth Donoghue delves into how their family found themselves presented with the opportunity to acquire a chocolatier business, from the retiring owners, Claude and Ellen. This journey involved numerous emotional hurdles, financial obstacles, but also instances of profound connection and empathy. As the new owners navigated the challenges, they showcased a deep understanding and provided openin...

Pat's Gym hosts a free class twice a week for the food service industry to support mental and physical wellness. Pat Gilles spoke about how one of his chef clients led to an understanding of the unique challenges of creatives in the food service industry especially as related to alcohol and drug dependencies. These classes, while available to the Dane County food industry, identify a partnersh...

Fran Hong, co-owner of Morris Ramen, state legislator, community activist, and parent, understands that food is inherently political. Our discussion begins with her path to chef and restaurant owner through mental health challenges. A path that ultimately as the pandemic raged led to election as a state representative for her district. Fran reflected on the courage of her Korean immigrant mother t...

Alex Lindenmeyer, co-owner of Short Stack Eatery, shares the struggles of the restaurant industry. Alex also sheds light on a culture that has long been intertwined with drug and alcohol dependency. Alex's honest discussion about changing the tipping wage to living wages for food service employees challenged our complicity.

Harper Hazelmare, is a non-binary, queer, disabled botanical artist, writer of cautionary tales, and keeper of a community apothecary. Harper discusses how diligence and process culminated in publishing their new book. Terms of Agreement , a sci-fi thriller, delivers a fast-paced punch of what education may look like in the future. 

Jennifer Schwarzkopf, culinary director and executive chef for Good Brothers Hospitality, followed the traditional path after high school, college, traditional job, marriage, and parent. After her world turned upside down personally, she realized she needed to reset professionally as well and pursue her creativity and Chilean and Southern culture to become a chef. Jennifer found that mental health...

Alycia Smith is an artist and writer with schizoaffective disorder. Alycia spent time reflecting on the positive and challenging parts of mental illness. Alycia found themself thinking a lot about life and death. As a result, they volunteered at a hospice and learned about death doulas. After training to become a death doula, they combined their skills as a writer and artist to help serve those fa...

Lacy Rude grew up watching her father make kombucha and touting all the benefits. She helped him make it but didn't drink it. Later, Lacy started brewing her own from items in her garden. Eventually, it led to Rude Kombucha after the death of her father. We had the opportunity to talk about grief, PTSD, ADHD, and how kombucha has helped her physically and mentally. We also got to talk about ea...

Bailey Constas discusses how art has played a critical role in her healing journey. Bailey was always an artist but her current medium of watercolor, ink, and recycled media has allowed her to express emotions in a way other efforts did not. Bailey talked about how painting eases her anxiety and depression, and how using ink comforts her OCD and ADHD. Bailey also spoke about the evolution of her p...

Ifasina talked about the evolution of their dancing from modern, jazz, and hip hop to liturgical and using dance in a healing, body-positive way. Ifasina combines their gift for teaching, spiritual empowerment, and dance to lift up communities often forgotten or marginalized. They discuss and challenge the messages that often make folks shy away from dance allowing all of us to feel the healing po...