Flirting With Failure Addison Brown

Jordan Holmes, aka Dxtr Spits, is a modern day Renaissance man. Prospering as an engineer, musician, entrepreneur, and spoken word artist, Jordan's relationship with failure and success is spread amongst his many crafts. He offers some real insight on how to manage multiple projects from different industries, the beauty of the overlap of science and the arts, and building up a sense of humor around your mistakes. 

Jonah Saesan is an actor, improviser, teacher at the Second City, father, husband, and veteran. In this episode, we talk about TikTok fame, improv, and Jonah's unique journey through the Marine Corps to a career in the arts. 

For two decades, LaVonda Wagner was living her dream as a women’s basketball coach. When that dream came to a screeching halt, she turned to what many people turn to when the going gets tough: wine (but not in the way you may think.) Now a certified level two sommelier, LaVonda joined me on the pod to share her story of loss, perseverance, and redemption from the basketball courts all the way to the vineyards of Italy. 

In the season one FINALE of Flirting With Failure, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chicago-based opera artist Will Liverman. On top of having a voice that sounds like liquid gold, Will is also a complete delight to chat with and learn from. He was kind enough to share with me his journey through the opera world: where his interest in the art form began, what it was like attending arguably the most famous performing arts college in the world, the ups and downs of transitioning into being a full-time artist, and performing at the Met in New York City. Will's words of wisdom about being a performer and what he wished he would've known when he was younger were like music to my ears, and I know they'll make you light up too. 

Todd McNerney is a Professor of Theatre and Associate Dean at the College of Charleston. He is also a director, a certified goofball, and  responsible for giving some of the best and most memorable inspirational speeches and pep talks I've ever witnessed. I knew I had to get Todd on the podcast to share some of his famous infinite wisdom that anyone who has been taught or directed by him is familiar with. Todd shares stories of himself as a young theater student, his time as a tour manager for Mummenshanz, and the journey that led him to his current position at the College of Charleston. I've never left a conversation with Todd without feeling like I learned something- I'm overjoyed that he joined me for this episode and especially happy that I get to share it with all of you. Please enjoy.

Mighty Mike McGee is a poet, a humorist, an exceptional friend, and the former Poet Laureate of Santa Clara County (among other things.) His profound love of words, art, and human connection pours out of him and fills up every crevice in every conversation you have with him. In this particular conversation, Mike tells us what it's like to be the Poet Laureate, how achieving a lifelong dream of touring changed his life in surprising ways, and reminds us that we are simply doing the best we can. This episode is different than any episode I've recorded so far. Do yourself a favor- grab your headphones, sit back, and listen to Mike be the inspirational wordsmith we all need to hear.