Blissfully Aware Podcast

A limited series about rooting into purpose even when we’re out on a limb. Featuring stories from amazing creative minds, including artists, musicians, writers, curators.

Art as Activism

The status quo says only some media creators are artists. That resources are scarce. Today, a story from Leslie Askew about her birth as an artist. Her storytelling has taken her from CNN to independent documentary film.

Between Fiction and Documentary

Sometimes people get a degree in something and then realize they’re no good at it, or it’s just not for them. Well, Melissa Schriek’s returning to that fork in the road at the start of her career and we dive into how documentary work shaped her creative vision.

The Talent Whisperer

Hi, this isn’t Entourage. Brianne Almeida paints a sound picture of her life as an agent — conference calls before coffee and all.

Creative Business Coach Justine Clay
Pursuit of Happiness

Ioana talks with her career coach Justine Clay about building a creative business and thinking like a CEO, even if you’re a company of one.

Art and Commerce

We hang out with Jonathon Kambouris and talk about what it’s like to bring his creative vision to campaign photos that brands commission from him. Sometimes it involves foam coring off his set.

Be Kind For Real

A story about Daniela Groza, an artist and taxi driver in New York City rising to the challenges presented by coronavirus in pretty intense situations.

gyrotonic chantal deeble
Do What Moves You

Chantal Deeble tells the story of moving from dance to the edge of the unknown and beyond. Then, we talk about quantum timelines and Ioana’s mind is blown.

The Better Clients Bureau

Most schools of thought go like this: take the big gig. It’s money in your pocket. It’ll even let you do the art you love on the side. Well, Christine Blackburne’s doing it all backwards, then.

Moving On Up

Jake Thiel collects timeworn arrowheads from the shores of the Potomac River. He appreciates their simplicity. He marvels at their history. He applies this wonder to the building process.

Luciano Fileti
Becoming Present

A story about a thousand ideas swirling in your head and finding the good one to make your problem. Luciano Fileti questions inspiration and stays in the moment.

On Why I Love Drugs
Walk in My Shoes

Washington D.C. playwright Rahima Rice on deepening characters. What do they think about in the shower? Then, Rahima presents a sound view on the lack of diversity in media.

You’re Already in the Unknown

Sure, there’s plenty of talk from established creatives dispensing advice. But what of the new eyes seeing the industry anew? Maria Baez has been making pictures for 5 years and this is her story.

Parts of a Whole: Adriana Letorney on Internet Structure and Content

In 2008, when media jobs dried up overnight because the economy crashed, Adriana Teresa Letorney didn’t know what to expect. So she did the most logical thing she could.

Life After Birth

Photographer Heather White tells the story of how she became a birth doula after the death of her first child and the emotions that came with the truth.

Wake Up the Voices

Stephanie Rooker was always singing in church choirs growing up. She grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, with small community festivals and talent shows. She and her family would get up there and do their numbers. This is her story.

Well-Oiled Essentials

What happens when traditional medicine doesn’t cut it? Danielle Kimmel stops by our studio to talk about essential oils.

Fortune Favors the Bold

This week, Ioana visits Peter Freeman Inc. and talks with Nikki Iacovella about managing an art gallery, representing artists, and why art fairs make your head spin.

Have Camera, Will Travel

We talk with Tynan DeBold about his travels, why he brings a camera with him, and what inspires him to make pictures.

A Life of Music

A conversation with Ben Tyree, who’s spent his life making music and playing guitar. He’s not famous. He’d say he’s never made it. And yet he’s made a living doing what millions of people only dream of doing.

Dance With Alcohol Ink

Bryant Small’s back for part two of our story on unwieldy mediums and running a fine art business.