(6/14) A THIN PLACE
I want to believe… Cynthia does, we all do, so let’s.
On this final live-on-KWVH episode, we were oh-so fortunate to grab some of award-winning author Cynthia Pelayo's time! Though it's an abbreviated show, we covered a ton: grief, what it does, how we handle it, how to honor it, and how Cynthia found her way through it after her father passed with her latest novel, Vanishing Daughters. Pelayo writes fairy tales that blend genre and explore concepts of grief, mourning, and cycles of violence and we cover that, social media boundaries, and, of course, so much more!
Learn about Cynthia Pelayo and her vast collection of extraordinary work here too:
(6/13) OUR FAVORITE COLOR IS GREEN
vegan or not, this is a multifaceted journey you’ll want to hear
Lauren Z. Ray made it by the show to take us through an absolutely jam-packed retelling of the broad and exciting adventure she's had which includes, but is most definitely not limited to, some of the following: acting, NYC, directing, Los Angeles, traveling and living abroad, and even landing somewhat serendipitously (or was it fate?) in Richmond, VA. It's no surprise she's fashioned her passion for storytelling into another new adventure since landing there—Vegan Club RVA.
There's so many of our favorite themes wrapped up in this show. Guaranteed!
Find Lauren here as well:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenzray
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/laurenzray
Welcome to Monterey doc: https://www.welcometomonterey.com/
(6/12) ALL IT TAKES IS AN OPEN MIND
…and one conversation at a time. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it?
Jonathan Webster—an absolute delight of a human—popped by the show to talk about the truly invaluable work he and One Small Step are doing in the world: bringing people with very different views together to record a conversation—not to debate politics—but simply to get to know each other as people. And here's the thing, that probably sounds necessary to you too, but a bit scary. FEAR NOT! We're betting bottom dollar that after you hear more from him and about how One Small Step works, logistically and for the betterment of humanity, you'll raise your hand!
(6/11) ARTIST?
a war of attrition, no joke
Our 100th episode ever! And what do we do? Or rather, what did Benita make Peter do? Talk about himself and his decades long path to the publication of his debut paranormal horror/thriller, What The Dead Can Do. In all seriousness, Benita kept this conversation on point (she always does) and since the recording, Peter has decided that this hour-long conversation may well be of service to those looking to publish their own manuscript or other long-from writing at some point.
Artist? Yeah, he's ready to say so. That said, he (which is me, since I pen these) is looking forward to our next not-him guest like never before!
*Andy Meisenheimer is the editor Peter couldn't recall on the spot in this conversation.
(6/10) GOOD WITCH
fake it until you can’t anymore
Maria Gianoutsos knows a thing or two about a thing or several hundred—especially when those things are people. Her decades-long immersion into the creative world of advertising, culture, storytelling, and human behavior didn't create her instincts for identifying human potential (or even seeing the future) but it certainly helped hone her intuition. This was a powerful and delightful conversation—one we hope might be the beginning of a much longer one for you!
Check out more at: https://thecounselco.com
(6/9) LAYERS MAKE MY STORY STRONGER
healing through photography and so much more
Stories and pictures. What are we documenting and for whom? Photographer Samia Minnicks has a pretty simple ask: "What brings genuine joy into your life? Do me a favor and close your eyes to take a minute to think about it." Do that for her, do that for us, and then—and only then—press play on this episode.
Beyond what you can see, photography connects us to emotions—even, as was the case with Samia, with family we never had the chance to meet. Her gift to the world goes well beyond the exquisite photographs she captures for her clients, and to be blunt, her ardor for those connections can not be summarized here.
After you've listened to this show, check out more from Samia here:
(6/8) projectART
art by the people, for the people, and so much more
This conversation with Heather Carter and Nazish Pasternak from projectART was an absolute delight. If you are a Wimberley local, you already know about all the amazing things projectART has done and is doing in our community. And if you haven't, you must visit their gallery, ARTSPACE. If you aren't local, guess what?! There's a lot of important information and themes and ideas in this talk with this dynamic duo about: the importance of introducing art to children early, the relationship between mentors and students, and perhaps the inspiration to seek out something like projectART in your own hometown to help support!
(6/7) CULT OF HAPPY
it’s not a cult so much as it is a cult.
Artist Chad Rea is creating from an unusual place in his soul these days: JOY. It would be hard to summarize his journey any better than he has done himself in the description of his latest creation, Cult of Happy: "A love letter to the human spirit, a joyful rebellion against negativity, and proof that art doesn’t just transform spaces—it transforms lives." Trust us when we say this was another feel-good, leave-better-than-you-came-in hour for us. If that sounds appealing to you, join the cult today. Kidding. But do listen to the show.
You can also visit these links for more from the show:
(6/6) DHARMATIC IMPACT
impacts. plural. the butterfly effect is real with this one.
Guided by a deeply ingrained three-pronged family approach to service, guest Megha Desai's passions ultimately led her to a role she may have been destined for: president of the Desai Foundation. Her and the foundation's commitment to empowering women and children through community development to enhance health, livelihood, and menstrual equity is so wonderfully significant. Spoiler alert: we venture elsewhere in this conversation because her philanthropic inclination permeates everything she impacts!
(6/5) A DARING LEAP INTO NOODLES
forget everything you already didn’t know about ramen
Ramen might seem an odd thing to hang a show upon, but add the entrepreneurial firebrand Sarah Gavigan, and trust us, you have one heck of an hour ahead of you! Sarah's journey has been expansive in scope but anchored by one very key ingredient: obsession. What that word can mean is on tap in this talk, as well as her experiences and expertise as Founder / President at Otaku Ramen in Nashville, TN, plus much more!
(6/4) BOOK SLINGER
why not? the two word key to a good many amazing journeys.
Barbara Thomas's journey from USAF Jet Engine Mechanic to owner of downtown San Antonio's Pandora's Bookstore and Coffee Bar (and all the fantastic things in between) can be summed up in two words: Why not? If you're a listener, you already know we are rabid fans of "why not." So it's no surprise that we had a blast talking with her about motivations, learning as you go, books, entrepreneurship, and the power of collaboration, even when serendipitous.
(6/3) MAKE EVERYTHING ART
don’t sleep on your own ability to create and use art
Bad news: we forgot to talk about League of Space Pirates with artist, author, and activist Noah Scalin—but boy howdy, did we cover a ton else! You might say our conversation was timely, but honestly, we believe that art, creativity, and their impact on society—and what the process unlocks within us all—are always relevant. As a founding partner of Another Limited Rebellion, Noah brings his extensive experience to the lives of others. It’s been said that creativity is the essential skill of the 21st century, and we hope this conversation strengthens that declaration.
(6/2) IN THE SERVICE OF A STEADY MIND
the first hour of a vibe you might keep for the rest of your life
Some shows splinter quickly into a thousand wonderful possibilities. We love it when they do, even when the anchor subject is, ironically, a steady mind! Guest J Miles, Yogi, martial artist, bodyworker, retired breakdancer, community activist, and student of Eastern arts and philosophy, joined us for just such a conversation. Given how important movement is to him and us, perhaps it was no surprise that we covered so much ground in an hour that left all three of us feeling steady, calm, grateful, and headed out to seek more joy.
Find out more about J by visiting Maha Vira Yoga.
(6/1) THE WEIGHT OF IT ALL
cutting through the noise our diet-culture society creates 24/7
Yes, it's a new year, but worry not—this isn't a show about resolutions, it's a deep dive into realizations about food, weight, biology, and joy. Guest Rebecca Thomas, founder of Not Another Diet, is on a mission to end generational diet culture by making a healthy weight clear and achievable. Want to navigate a world designed for weight gain and come out the other side a healthier, happier you? Our conversation with Rebecca is an excellent, gimmick-free place to start!
For more about Rebecca, Not Another Diet, and her course Cook!, visit:
notanotherdiet.co
notanotherdiet.co/cooksimple
(5/14) A LOCUTIONARY TALE
fun on a bun? yes, please!
Vibes. Intuition. Alignment. Action, and then... more vibes, please! Our season 5 finale with Jess Verdi, author and Senior Editor at Alcove Press and Crooked Lane Books, is an absolute "fun on a bun" episode. Our conversation with Jess wasn't so much a how-to as it was a perfectly blended mix of her thoughts on writing, publishing, connections, diverse voices, the power of books, and so much more. It is an hour that we think is unequivocally a vibe unto itself.
To learn more about Jess and her books check out the hyperlinks in the blurb or visit these additional sites:
https://www.jessicaverdi.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6442339.Jessica_Verdi
(5/13) A TO WELL BEYOND Z
like two two person ships hellbent on good passing in the ether we are
In 2020, longtime friends Carl Joseph and Dominic Wall (AKA Moral Support) came together on a compulsion to create positive change in Richmond, if not the world. Embrace Matters of Richmond was born, not only a podcast but a community movement with an inspiring aim: to enrich neighborhoods, education, and businesses through programming, live events, and multimedia storytelling that address issues threatening community growth and social connection, fostering healing and hope. We are huge fans of their show and their spirit, and it was an honor to have Carl and Moral Support on. Find their show on your favorite podcast platform!
(5/12) FOR REAL FOODIE
can dolphins feed the world? no. but we can.
By no forethought of our own, we booked a true food legend right before arguably one of the biggest eating weeks of the year. Guest Ralph Jerome's journey into the understanding of and creation of food started young and hit hard. What's unfolded since is nothing short of amazing, including a run as the Chief Innovation Officer with Mars, Inc. Armed now with many decades of food know-how, an intellect far above that of a dolphin, and the very same passion he had as a boy to feed the world better, Ralph is advancing what can be done with nutrition with The March Group, RIVALZ, and the Rise Against Hunger organization. We don't tell all our guests they should have their own podcast, but we think you'll agree that after listening to this conversation with him, you would be an immediate fan.
To learn more about Ralph and all he's involved in, visit the links in the blurb!
(5/11) RAPT UP
it is better to do important than to feel important
Guest T.Moore is an entrepreneur, creative director, photographer, brand manager, and the founder of Saint Louis Black Fashion Week. If that's not enough to pique your interest, then know this: if you don't already know his name, we're betting you will before too long. T's infectious energy and commitment to creation over "appearing important" is, we believe, exactly how stars are born. In just one short hour, this conversation covers a ton, including a possible blueprint for listening to what the universe asks of you.
Find out more about T or reference what was discussed at the following links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmooremedia/
https://www.tmooremedia.com/
https://www.stlbfw.com/
Sit Yuh Self Down by AJ McQueen
(5/10) OFF THE SOCIALS GRID
like anything else worth doing, you just need a plan!
You won't find entrepreneur, writer, and podcaster Amelia Hruby on social media—and we love that about her! In our experience, few people seem to have a relationship with social media that they are 100% comfortable with. With new information and data on its effects coming out all the time, we consider our relationship with it often, even the idea of going cold turkey. But if you are an artist, small business owner, author, or anybody else, you might wonder, can I be successful without it? This conversation is an excellent start to answering that question, and her podcast Off The Grid: Leaving Social Media Without Losing All Your Clients might just be for you (or at least for Peter)!
We also talked a bit about her business Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio for entrepreneurs & creatives, and we invite you to give it a look as well!
(5/9) FIRST GENERATION CREATOR
who can we be when we get of our own way?
Our guest, Thalia Forbes, ticks off ALL the boxes for an interview we knew we'd love well before we had it: creator, writer, thinker, sober person, creative director, passionate leader on a healing journey, and countless others. Even so, our conversation went deep into some cosmically abstract space of sociology, empathy, and how to be in the world that neither of us could have expected. This is an episode your heart, mind, and soul will thank you for.
