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Discover the connection between art and living as seen through the eyes of the artist. Join us for conversations with creatives in various disciplines.
Episodes
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Futurist Bobby Fishkin collaborates with AI to explore how we might create a future “fit for our future selves,” drawing from a framework of systemic nurture and optimism to approach real-world challenges.
As co-founder of CrowdDoing, Bobby leads an interdisciplinary volunteer initiative that scales social innovation. His joint initiative mobilizes high-skilled volunteerism for projects like wildfire prevention, reducing stress through food and herbs, designing living walls for hospitals, creating zero-subsidy affordable housing, and rethinking economic models. With a background in philosophy (Yale University) and playwriting, Bobby’s work in systems change spans AI ethics, deliberative democracy, and regenerative development. He has shared insights at TEDx on his father’s work in Deliberative Polling, won the Texas Young Playwrights Festival for Mocha Latte or Cookie Dough, and co-produced a historically accurate Richard the Third at the Bloomsbury Theater in London. A polymath at heart, Bobby balances diverse projects and is actively shaping a vision for “Regenerative AI.”
In this episode, we define SolarPunk and explore why it’s a guiding inspiration for Bobby. We discuss the gap between what is achievable and what we have the imagination to aspire to. Bobby explains the importance of finding your Ikigai—the intersection of what you love, what you’re exceptional at, and what the world needs. The conversation delves into AI’s potential not just as a tool but as a co-creator, helping shape sustainable futures, establish new fields of knowledge, design institutions, and provide roles tailored to individuals’ skills and passions. Bobby also highlights the importance of curating AI output, sharing stories of guiding models away from misguided responses. Steven discusses the rapid growth of large language models and asks, “Is it conscious?” We also dive into Bobby’s early work as a playwright, the influence of improvisation on his leadership, and how his grandfather, an expert in applied creativity, wrote one of the earliest books on intuition.
Bobby’s work exemplifies how optimism, creativity, and collaboration are essential to building the world we want. As he puts it, “Some things we create need to exceed the boundaries of what one human lifetime can achieve.” When we dream together boldly, we unlock the true potential of what we can create.
* Many of the AI models we discussed have improved exponentially since the recording of this episode, but the principles covered are still relevant.
** The first half of this interview was originally aired on The Spaceship Earth Mission Log podcast: https://spaceshipearthmissionlog.substack.com/p/mission-log-1-bobby-fishkin
Guest: Bobby Fishkin
#SystemsChange Dialogue (Clubhouse App)
TEDxHayward - A Global Deliberative Society (YouTube)
https://soundcloud.com/bobby-fishkin
Episode References
Novel AI
Backcasting (betterevaluation.org)
Leibniz (Wikipedia)
Ryan and Deci’s Self-Determination Theory (Wikipedia)
Solar Punk (Wikipedia)
The ingenious living bridges of India (BBC)
Building With Living Trees: The Story Behind Garden House (YouTube)
Bosco Verticale (Wikipedia)
Solar Punk Reddit Community
Tikkun olam (Wikipedia)
Moral Imaginations w/ Phoebe Tickell (YouTube)
Learning to Human Well... Together l Alexander Laszlo, Ph D (YouTube)
Derek Parfit (Goodreads)
Stephen Bau (bauhouse.ca)
Stephen Bau on The Language of Creativity Podcast (Ep. 17 | Ep. 18)
Janine Benyus and Biomimicry (Biomimicry Institute)
Warm Data – Nora Bateson (Warm Data Labs)
Social Capital Markets Conference (SOCAP)
Language of Creativity episode 30 – Open Heart, Linda Riber (Podbean | Substack)
Milton Fisher’s Book: Intuition (Amazon)
Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI.org)
Forest Bathing (Wikipedia)
Attention Restoration Theory (Wikipedia)
AMA on LaMDA AI w/ Blake Lemoine (Clubhouse App)
Deliberative Polling by James Fishkin (Wikipedia)
Ikegai – Japanese Concept of Purpose (Wikipedia)
Richard Florida Creativity Group (CreativeClass.com)
Intrinsic Motivation Survey – Clary and Snyder’s volunteer function inventory scale (document)
Solipsism (Merriam-Webster)
You Have It All album by Lobate Scarp (BandCamp)
Enviu (enviu.org)
Donella Medows (donellameadows.org)
Welsh Cynefin curriculum (Wikipedia)
Mark Smith – Noosphere.earth (Substack)
Spider House Coffeehouse, Austin TX (TripAdvisor)
"Brechtian": A Clarification (4thwalldramaturgy.byu.edu)
About the host
Language of Creativity’s host Steven Leavitt enjoys discussing the ins and outs of all aspects of creating, creativity, and life with his fellow creators: artists, inventors, designers, producers and more. Along the way he hopes to gain perspective and multiply our understanding of what we share in common while creating, living, and learning. www.stevenleavitt.com
Join our mailing list on Substack and consider supporting the show with a membership.
Please review this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and Spotify to help other creatives find their tribe!
Production Credits:
This podcast was produced by I Create Sound
Edited by Sam Levine
Featured Music:
Soothing Innovations Ambient (from the Descript music library)
Travel-Within-Ourself (spoken word) performed by Bobby Fishkin mixed with Analog Romance (from the Descript music library).
Tags
#futurism #solarpunk #regenerativeAI #moralimagination #livingbridges #systemicnurture #biomimicry #buckminsterfuller #benjaminfranklin #attentionrestorationtheory #forestbathing #deliberativepolling #selfdeterminationtheory #ikigai #venturelab #volunteerism #socialimpactstockexchange #socialcapitalmarkets #futureofwork #sustainability #indigenouswisdom #creativesolutions #systemschange #plays #theater #creativeclass #intuition #dreams #richardflorida #anthroresilience #philosophyoffuture #reframeit #Kaitiakatanga #benfranklin #webdebois #noosphere #MarkSmith #biodesign #permaculture #neurodivergence #neuralnet #ar #vr #artificialintelligence #chatGPT #NovelAI #largelanguagemodels #planetaryhealth #systemsthinking #paradigmshift #deliberativedemocracy #heartbraincoherence #complexsystems #ethicalAI #backcasting #JanineBenyus #BioMimicry #DerekParfit #JeanJacobs #MarkTwain #EdwardBellamy #NoraBateson #PhoebeTickle
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Our next guest toured the world for two decades as the drum tech for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, witnessing rock history up close.
Dave Greene’s leap into the music world began when he discovered the Zappa Institute of Technology, a trade school created by Frank Zappa to train up technicians for the world of stage-tech. Dave quit his corporate job, attended the school, and soon found himself working with blues artist Keb’ Mo’.
Dave opens up about his transformative experiences working with Tom Petty, sitting directly behind Steve Ferrone on every stage and tuning drums for every Heartbreakers album since 2000. Dave drops gems about the music industry, his work with other legends like Lisa Marie Presley, and shares advice about humility, perseverance, and the unique osmosis of being in the aura of great performers. We talk about the insane logistics of touring for such a large group, having zero margin for error, the politics of tour buses, and how Dave ended up getting invited to play percussion with Joe Walsh! He shares his memories of watching one of The Heartbreakers final performances from the audience's perspective, calling them "one of the best rock and roll bands left on the planet."
This episode is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at rock and roll; it’s a masterclass in creativity, adaptability, and the power of following your passion, even when the road gets tough. Dave Greene's story offers invaluable insights into the music industry and the art of seizing opportunities, making this a must-listen for anyone who dreams of leaving their mark on the world.
Guest: Dave Greene
david.greene.main@gmail.com
(Due to the impacts of the Pandemic on the live touring industry, many of the web properties Dave mentioned in the episode are no longer accessible; Dave is no longer on social media.)
References
AMP Rehearsal – Website
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Wikipedia, Spotify
Steve Ferrone (Drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) – Wikipedia
Ron Blair (Bassist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) – Wikipedia
Benmont Tench (Keyboardist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) – Wikipedia
Mike Campbell (Guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) – Wikipedia
Keb’ Mo’ – Wikipedia, Spotify
Frank Zappa – Wikipedia, Spotify
Dweezil Zappa – Wikipedia, Spotify
“Don’t Come Around Here No More” – Music Video
"Lead Me On" by Amy Grant – Wikipedia, Spotify
Joe Walsh – Wikipedia, Spotify
Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band – Wikipedia, Spotify
The Last DJ by Tom Petty – Wikipedia, Spotify
George Drakoulious – Wikipedia, Discogs
Jim Scott - Wikipedia
Richard Dodd – Tape Op
Jim Ladd - Wikipedia
The Last DJ: Live at the Olympic – Amazon | YouTube
“Cry Myself to Sleep” by Christy Nava - Spotify
Ali Starlight – starrlightmusic.com
The Babymaker Electric Bike – Indiegogo
How to Tune Your Drums and Make Them Thump (article by Dave Greene) – The Music Page Plus (on TheWayBack Machine)
Simpleology by Mark Joyner – Simpleology.com
Ali Starlight – starrlightmusic.com
The Laws of Success in 16 Lessons by Napoleon Hill – Goodreads
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – Goodreads
mp3.com – Wikipedia
Featured Music
“Heroes In Disguise” Instrumental by David S. Greene, Karolyn Marie Roberts, Steven Leavitt. Drums performed by Steve Ferrone.
“Move Through” by David S. Greene, Karolyn Marie Roberts.
About the host
Language of Creativity’s host Steven Leavitt enjoys discussing the ins and outs of all aspects of creating, creativity, and life with his fellow creators: artists, inventors, designers, producers and more. Along the way he hopes to gain perspective and multiply our understanding of what we share in common while creating, living, and learning. www.stevenleavitt.com
Join our mailing list on Substack and consider supporting the show with a membership.
Please review this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and Spotify to help other creatives find their tribe!
Production Credits:
This podcast was produced by I Create Sound
Edited by Sam Levine
Tags
#Attuned, #AmpRehearsalStudios, #BenmontTench, #ClassicRock, #ConcertProduction, #CreativeProcess, #DannyDeVito, #DrumTech, #DrumTuning, #Drumming, #Eckankar, #Empath, #FrankZappa, #HollywoodBowl, #HollywoodMusicScene, #JoeWalsh, #KebMo, #LearningByOsmosis, #LisaMariePresley, #LiveMusic, #MusicCareer, #Entrepreneurship, #RockHistory, #MusicIndustry, #MusicLegends, #MusicMentorship, #MusicNetworking, #MusicProduction, #MusicStorytelling, #MusicTouring, #Napster, #NapoleonHill, #NevilleGoddard, #OzzyOsbourne, #ZakkWylde, #PandemicImpactOnMusic, #RockAndRoll, #RockConcerts, #RockLegends, #RonBlair, #Star44Alliance, #SteveFerrone, #StudioLife, #StudioRecording, #ThinkAndGrowRich, #TomPettyAndTheHeartbreakers, #ToniArthur, #TouringLife, #ZappaInstituteOfTechnology, #mp3com, #idols, #Eagles, #HollywoodStories, #Motown, #TheFunkBrothers, #Spirituality, #Drummer, #DrumTechnician, #COVID, #Coronavirus, #Tour, #RockMusic, #Tuning, #Keyboard, #AudioEngineering, #MusicalWisdom, #Humility, #LiveProduction, #BoomOperator, #BacklineTechnician, #AudioTechnician, #StageTech, #LiveConcertProduction, #SchoolForStageTech, #LiveTechnicians, #PaddStudioLosAngeles, #AMPRehearsal, #MarcCoi, #DweezilZappa, #CarrieFisher, #AmyGrant, #TheMatrix, #MikeCampbell, #ToriAmos, #BobSegerAndTheSilverBulletBand, #RichardDodd, #TheLastDJ, #TheZone, #Music.
Saturday Sep 28, 2024
Saturday Sep 28, 2024
From Richmond, Virginia, to producing Billboard-charting hits in Los Angeles, Corey Blount’s path through the music industry has been anything but conventional.
Corey Blount, known professionally as "Blount," is a music producer, songwriter, and audio engineer. Over the last decade, Corey has worked with artists like lovelytheband, Cheat Codes, Lee Brice, and Lindsay Ell. His work spans genres, and his productions have earned over 100 million streams, landing spots on the Billboard charts.
In this episode, Corey talks about his journey, how he navigated the music industry's highs and lows, and the creative ways he's broken routine to maintain perspective—like taking an impromptu hot air balloon ride. He jokes about not playing an instrument, saying, “I play the computer,” while sharing stories from working on Sail Away by lovelytheband and co-producing How Do You Love with Cheat Codes, Lee Brice, and Lindsay Ell. Corey opens up about his experiences working across genres, the importance of mental health, and the unpredictable nature of success. His story offers valuable insights for anyone looking to build a creative career while maintaining balance.
Corey’s story reminds us that making it is rarely a straight path. From small-town beginnings to chart-topping hits, it’s the willingness to adapt, take risks, and break routine that makes the difference. His journey, like any creative's, is fueled by persistence and an openness to the unexpected, offering a perspective that resonates with anyone driven to succeed in their own craft.
Guest: Corey Blount (Blount)
Featured Music:
A collaboration written by Corey Blount and Steven Leavitt
“Church” by Coey Redd - Listen on Spotify
Episode References:
“Sail Away” by lovelytheband - Listen on Spotify
“How Do You Love” by Cheat Codes ft. Lee Brice & Lindsay Ell - Listen on Spotify
All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald Passman - Goodreads
“Going Through It” by Sam James ft. Moneybagg Yo & NoCap - Listen on Spotify
Bryce Vine - Listen on Spotify
Coey Redd - Listen on Spotify
lovelytheband
Dennis Lipari - LinkedIn
ASCAP
SoundExchange
TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment)
Triller
Max Martin
About the Host
Language of Creativity’s host Steven Leavitt enjoys discussing the ins and outs of all aspects of creating, creativity, and life with his fellow creators: artists, inventors, designers, producers and more. Along the way he hopes to gain perspective and multiply our understanding of what we share in common while creating, living, and learning. www.stevenleavitt.com
Production Credits:
This podcast was produced by I Create Sound
Edited by Sam Levine
You can support the podcast by joining us on Substack!
Please review this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and Spotify to help other creatives find their tribe!
Tags:
#musicproduction #musicproducer #billboardcharts #ASCAP #BryceVine #CoeyRedd #lovelytheband #CheatCodes #MoneybaggYo #NoCap #RichmondVA #losangeles #audioengineering #mentalhealth #independentmusic #producerlife #songwriting #creativejourney #soundexchange #donaldpassman #hotairballoon #viralhits #TikTokChallenges #Triller #TopDawgEntertainment #oldtownroad #countrymusic #edm
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Our next guest spent a magical year in London as a singer-songwriter, only to learn of the tenuous relationship between money, music, and burnout.
After having a “breakup” with her music, Lauren Spangler finished grad school and moved back to the United States, becoming an executive strategist in the corporate world. With newfound stability, she was able to start a family. Now a creative coach and strategist, Lauren helps busy professionals reclaim their inner artist and bring more inspiration, flow, and fulfillment into their lives. To reconnect with her own inner artist, Lauren paints both in watercolor and on a digital tablet. She describes her works as “original art for the young at heart.”
In this well-paced episode, we discuss how to build a healthy relationship with your creativity. Lauren shares the story of her album “To London With Love,” which was self-recorded in her flat in London. We talk about balancing creativity and obligations, and Lauren describes the difficulties of finding time for oneself as a parent of two toddlers. She explains how taking precious moments for painting actually fills her cup, allowing her to return recharged to give her best to her kids. Lauren also recounts the first time someone contacted her on Instagram wanting to buy one of her paintings, which she initially thought was a scam. Finally, we explore what can be done with creative work from over a decade ago, borrowing the idea from Permaculture, “Composting” to re-exhibit past creative work.
In “The Graveyard Song,” Lauren says, “We are born with a story to be worn but they have gone to the pages past the binding.” Although the song was written about her late father, I find it a metaphor for how art lives on, what artists leave behind, and what about all the art that maybe never had a chance to be made.
Lauren Spangler holds up “Abundance”
Guest: Lauren Spangler
Website: LaurenSpangler.com
Spark or Sputter Test: https://www.laurenspangler.com/spark
Instagram: @LaurenSpangler
Spotify: Spotify Artist Profile
Featured Music:
“To London with Love” by Lauren Spangler – Listen on Spotify
“Hey Little Bird” by Lauren Spangler (lyric excerpt) – Listen on Spotify
“The Graveyard Song” by Lauren Spangler – Listen on Spotify
Episode References:
Don't Call Us Tori - https://dontcallustori.com/
Amusement Park Studios in Lubbock, Texas - Website
Julia Cameron’s The Artist's Way - View on Goodreads
Design Science Studio
Permaculture Research Institute
Lobate Scarp's debut album "Time and Space" - Listen on Bandcamp
Spark or Sputter self-assessment
About the host
Language of Creativity’s host Steven Leavitt enjoys discussing the ins and outs of all aspects of creating, creativity, and life with his fellow creators: artists, inventors, designers, producers and more. Along the way he hopes to gain perspective and multiply our understanding of what we share in common while creating, living, and learning. www.stevenleavitt.com
Production Credits:
This podcast was produced by I Create Sound
Edited by Sam Levine
Join us on Substack!
Please review this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and Spotify to help other creatives find their tribe!
Tags:
#painting #singersongwriter #London #Hammersmith #studyingabroad #parenting #childrensart #executivestrategist #postpartemdepression #creativity #creativecoach #musician #artist #paytoplay #watercolor #digitalart #artforsale #momlife #worklifebalance #selfcare #musicproduction #ScottFerris #selfrecording #independentartist #creativityandparenting #permaculture #arttherapy #artformentalhealth #artinspiration #creativeburnout #corporatestrategy #reclaimyourcreativity #creativelifebalance #artcommunity #artcareer #selfexpression #creativejourney #musicindustry #artresilience #innerartist #creativewellbeing
Saturday Mar 30, 2024
Saturday Mar 30, 2024
Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/mm/podcast/the-language-of-creativity-podcast/id1402964967
send a hello note
podcast@stevenleavitt.com
#regenaissance
Julia Cameron – The Artists Way
Daniel Pink – A Whole New Mind
Rick Ruben – The Creative Act
Spaceship Earth Mission Log https://www.youtube.com/@spaceshipeearthmissionlog
Carl Welty, architect https://spaceshipearthmissionlog.substack.com/p/mission-log-6-carl-welty
#creativity #AI #consciousness #art #problemsolving #innerdialogue podcast #contentfactory #youtuberquitting #entrepenaurship #curiousity
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Featured Music: E Ku'u Morning Dew (Words by Larry Kimura, music by Eddie Kamae)
Anthony Kauka Stanley
Kala Ukeleles – Artist Highlight
YouTube Channel
Instagram @anthonykauka
Center For World Music – Teaching Artist Spotlight
Full episode: https://languageofcreativity.podbean.com/e/thekindnesswarriors-anthonykaukastanley-kalaukulele/
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
Sunday Feb 04, 2024
The ukulele is often seen as a simple instrument, a toy or a novelty. Yet, in the hands of a master, it becomes a powerful tool of cultural expression and connection. This humble instrument, with its gentle and voicelike tones, carries within it the soul of the Hawaiian islands, transcending its small form to spread the spirit of Aloha across the world.
Anthony Kauka Stanley was born into a very unique family: being of Hawaiian, Mexican, Greek, Chinese, Irish, Spanish, German, and Cherokee descent, his mother was blessed by the Kumu Hula to start her own Polynesian dance company at the unusually young age of 12. Anthony grew up performing with and would eventually become the music director of his family’s dance company, one of the largest in Southern California. During his time at Occidental College in Glendale, CA, where President Obama once walked the halls, Anthony found a respite from the demanding performance schedule of his family's Polynesian dance company by immersing himself in not just one, but four sports—football, basketball, wrestling and volleyball. Instead of hurting his performance, Anthony found the diversity of activities actually helped him excel at multiple sports; his dancing helped his agility and he remained the captain of multiple teams.
In this conversation, Anthony shares a lot about the value of being completely present. We talk about how Steve met Anthony through his sponsorship with Kala Brand Ukuleles, Anthony shares about the importance of authenticity, community and leadership and how people will always need places they can feel safe, appreciated and inspired. Steve wonders how Anthony can keep up with so many commitments, and relates about how greater success seems to come from leaning harder into creativity. We also talk about the shadow side of performing, and how it’s easy to turn to drugs or alcohol when something used to be a healthy outlet (music) turns into a stressful job. Most notably, Steve askes Anthony about the healing spirit of Aloha and Anthony shares how the ukulele is like a 'Trojan Horse,' able to subtly open doors to deeper connections across diverse communities.
Anthony’s Hawaiian name Kaukaulua’ole means “Fearless Warrior,” and he is truly a warrior of peace and presence to all he meets.
“To be truly fearless means to be loved.” – Anthony Kauka Stanley
Guest: Anthony Kauka Stanley
Kala Ukeleles – Artist Highlight
YouTube Channel
Instagram @anthonykauka
Center For World Music – Teaching Artist Spotlight
Featured Music: E Ku'u Morning Dew (Words by Larry Kimura, music by Eddie Kamae)
Intro Music: Disney Pixar's Up - "Married Life" composed by Michael Giacchino, arranged and performed by Anthony Kauka Stanley. (Video: YouTube)
Episode References:
Heali'i's Polynesian Revue – official website
Debbie Evans – debbieevans.com (Steve's mom)
Carlsbad, California – tourism bureau
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: The Voice Of Hawaii – NPR
Kumu Hula – Honolulu Magazine
Harry Belefante – Wikipedia
Guy Lombardo – Wikipedia
Occidental College Official Website
NAMM Show (Official Website)
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
Center for World Music
The Surrender Experiment (book)
About the host
Language of Creativity’s host Steven Leavitt enjoys discussing the ins and outs of all aspects of creating, creativity, and life with his fellow creators: artists, inventors, designers, producers and more. Along the way he hopes to gain perspective and multiply our understanding of what we share in common while creating, living, and learning. www.stevenleavitt.com
Production Credits:
This podcast was produced by I Create Sound
Edited by Sam Levine
Special thanks to Michael Bernard
Please review this podcast on Google Play, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Spotify and Stitcher to help other creatives find their tribe!
Tags:
#connection, #SanDiego, #California, #Hawaii, #aloha, #triathlete, #football, #baseball, #basketball, #AP, #crosstraining, #nonprofit, #musicteaching, #mindset, #toxictraits, #integrity, #passion, #confidence, #businessmajor, #Obama, #communityresources, #music, #musiceducation, #harrybelefonte, #community, #polynesiandance, #teaching, #culture, #performance, #ukulele, #worldmusic, #creativity, #storytelling, #art, #selfexpression, #musicianship, #inspiration, #family, #spirituality, #multiculturalism, #lifephilosophy, #personaljourney, #podcasting, #artsandculture, #mentorship, #lifegoals, #culturalheritage, #musicaljourney, #entrepreneurship, #presentness, #communityimpact, #personaldevelopment, #emotionalintelligence, #collaboration, #creativespace, #selfcare, #musicindustry, #artistlife, #creativeprocess, #selfdiscovery, #performanceart, #lifelessons, #personalstory, #inspirationaltalk, #culturalawareness, #worklifebalance, #resilience, #wellbeing, #authenticity, #leadership, #mentalhealth, #surrenderexperiment
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Meet a former A&R rep who was deeply entrenched in the heart of the music industry with giants like Sire Records and Warner and then chose to leave it all behind.
Jeff Serafine is a man of many facets. He navigated the ever-changing tides of the music industry and rubbed shoulders with icons. Jeff left the big labels to pursue artist management independently, but life took a series of unexpected turns. Realizing he wasn’t fulfilled in the fast-paced world of the music business, Jeff, who initially studied audio engineering and music therapy, ventured into assisting startups until he realized that fledgling businesses were a lot like bands. Jeff's story is a blueprint of daring change, a narrative that challenges the status quo and inspires the maverick in each of us.
In our talk, Jeff delves into his experiences in the music industry, sharing insights from his A&R days and reflecting on the industry's evolution. We explore the intersection of art and business, and Jeff opens up about life's unforeseen turns. He humorously discusses the ubiquity of his name and shares his half-serious dream of one day founding a conference exclusively for people named “Jeff.” Our conversation covers everything from the importance of networking – where a simple ride-share could lead to new opportunities – to his pragmatic shift to financial advising. Jeff's journey is a testament to embracing change and finding new paths when the familiar ones diverge. Finally, Jeff shares his love of stand-up comedy and jokes about possibly giving it a try if everything else falls apart.
Wrapping up our discussion with Jeff, it's clear that his story celebrates life's unpredictability. It’s a narrative that challenges us to find excitement in the unknown and to view each 'hard left' not as a detour but as a pathway to new and exhilarating destinations.
Guest: Jeff Serafine
Instagram: @JeffLeopardSerafine
Episode References:
Victor Wooten, Music As Language (TED ED: YouTube)
Episode 29 - Spiro Razatos (Action Director, Fast and Furious franchise)
Seymour Stein (Sire Records)
Sire Records (Discogs.com)
Warner Records (Wikipedia)
Millie Vanilli (Independent.co.uk)
Ashlee Simson SNL lip-sync incident (Yahoo Entertainment)
Elizabeth Holmes Theranos scandal (CNN)
Morning Pages (a description by Chris Winfield)
Sleep Token (official website | Spotify)
Story of the Year (official website | Spotify)
Berklee College of Music - https://www.berklee.edu/
Featured Music
Black Cats by Testing Tomorrow (Spotify)
Water by Testing Tomorrow (Spotify)
Nothing Wrong by Lobate Scarp (BandCamp)
About the Host
Language of Creativity’s host Steven Leavitt enjoys discussing the ins and outs of all aspects of creating, creativity, and life with his fellow creators: artists, inventors, designers, producers and more. Along the way he hopes to gain perspective and multiply our understanding of what we share in common while creating, living, and learning.
Personal website and music portfolio - StevenLeavitt.com
Music and media production company, creative consulting - I Create Sound
Please review this podcast on Google Play, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Spotify and Stitcher to help other creatives find their tribe!
Tags:
#A&R #existentialrabbitholes #procrastination #creativity #film #musicindustry #influence #jazz #VictorWooten #musictheory #musiceducation #artistmanagement #SeymourStein #financialadvising #livemusic #TaylorSwift #socialmedia #musicpromotion #artist #entrepreneurship #art #StoryofTheYear #business #creativity #gigeconomy #bitcoin #NFT #AI #artificialIntelligence #authenticity #overnightsuccess #audienceengagement #RobinWilliams #jokes #standupcomedy #retirement #emotion #connection #positiveenergy #happiness #wingingit #TalyorSwift #LinkinPark #Jersey #NewYork #LosAngeles
Sunday Dec 10, 2023
Sunday Dec 10, 2023
Monstrous, a poem by Rebecca Boatwright.
Seething, toiling, snarling within;
a black shadow curling around the edges forced away with society’s wishes.
Teeth bared, claws dug in
a wolf of smoke and darkness
stares out to anyone peeking within.
Wild, feral, horrible as Sin,
the people step back in fear.
The recoil of the beast is unwanted
its spirit bound by broken trust,
an unwanted thing grown into unruly lust.
But how we forget that wolf was once a pup curious, foraging and giddy with freedom. Wrong, hateful, worth shoving aside,
he was bound by other’s damnation to abide.
A force so strong it cannot be tamed dances again with passion’s flame unbind it, unbind it!
the howl within rasps,
our heart bleeding and empty without what’s been cursed as Monstrous.
https://www.darlingstarheathen.com/
#NorseMyth #Fenrir #Tyr
Reference: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads)
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Jack T. Leyton has been a lot of things in his life: an Air Force serviceman, a set-construction worker for motion pictures, a postal carrier, a delivery driver, he even attended multiple acting schools for a time. But none of these actually describe who Jack is at heart: a writer, wordsmith, poet and hopeless romantic.We delve into a pivotal moment in Jack's artistic journey, marked by a daring decision in 2018 to transform a manageable fraction of his vast collection of lyrics and melodies into a tangible musical legacy. This endeavor, fueled by a yearning to bring his creative visions to life, almost faced a halt due to a life-threatening heart attack. Fortunately after he recovered, he and Steve were able to put together a remarkable assembly of talent in Burbank, California, where eight session musicians and five singers, amidst a flurry of cameras, breathed life into Leyton's compositions. The session culminated in 'The Clearlake Sessions,' an album that notably features the showstopping vocal group The Satin Dollz on 'Sparky’s Burgers' — a spirited homage to the 1940s-50s era, echoing the essence of The Andrews Sisters.
Jack and Steve note the difficulty inherent in bringing musical visions to life when one relies on others for expression — a reality Jack faces, being a lyricist without the ability to play an instrument, and Steve shares about how he only recently overcame his difficulty expressing himself through lyrics. On the importance of writing, Jack discovered a vital avenue for expression in poetry circles. Reflecting on the fundamental drive that propels their artistic pursuits, Jack encapsulates this shared sentiment with poignant clarity: “We do this because we can’t not write.”
Guest Jack T. Leyton
Website: http://www.jaxsongs.com/
The Clearlake Sessions https://jaxsongs.bandcamp.com/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesoundtrackofmydreams
I Create Sound Artist Creative Services
https://icreatesound.com/
Episode References
Richard Widmark - Wikipedia link
Chris Elchico - episode 9 link, Boston Symphony members link
The Satin Dollz - Official website
The Andrews Sisters - Wikipedia link
Alan Kaplan trombonist - Official website
Bob’s Big Boy - history
The Draft and Vietnam - myretrospect.com
Borders Books, Thousand Oaks - Conejo Valley Guide link
David Allen Foster poet - Official website
Mike Frankovich, producer - Wikipedia link
John Ford - IMDB link
Winning (racing movie with Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Robert Wagner) - IMDB link
Runaway Production - Wikipedia link
“We Were Once” music video - YouTube link
“Longings” music video - YouTube link
Budapest, Hungary - Wikipedia link
The Realms of Mindrin board game - Kickstarter link
Demotivational Posters (despair.com)
The “Gore” Point, impact barriers - Wikipedia link
PBS | FRONTLINE: The Power Of Big Oil - pbs.org
Jim Jeffrey - Official website
Greenpeace - greenpeace.org/usa
The Last Generation on Earth music video - earthsongs.world
“Gateway of Heartache” song - Apple Music
Episode Credits
https://www.vrindamedialab.com/ - Directed by Steven Leavitt
Editorial support by Sam Levine
About the Host
Personal website and music portfolio - StevenLeavitt.com
Music and media production company, creative consulting - I Create Sound
Featured Art
All songs and poetry used courtesy of Jack T. Leyton and Solemint Publishing
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Tags:
#writing #lyrics #songwriting #crooner #karaoke #postmodernjukebox #Sinatra #TonyBennett #Jazz #war #airforce #Vietnam #TheDuke #JohnWayne #BurbankStudios #The Valley #JohnnyCarson #BobsBigBoy #MontyPythonsFlyingCircus #FlorenzZiegfeld #ZoeyDeschanel #Doomsday #pinkfloyd #ledzepplin #JohnCleese #MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail #purityculture #zodiac #birthorder #GroundhogsDay #divorce #playingittoosafe #regret #GreenPeace #globalwarming #reiki #homelessness #StChristophersmedal #NatKingCole #Frank Sinatra #DeanMartin