Art Unknown Podcast

Jim Wills
  • 4.9 (13)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the Art Unknown Podcast: Feed Your Soul With Art Step into a world where the strokes of a brush tell stories untold, and the whispers of creativity echo through time. The Art Unknown Podcast is your gateway to the hidden realms of artistry, where each episode unravels the mysteries behind the masterpieces and the minds that create them. Hosted by the insightful Jim Wills, this podcast is a journey through the vibrant tapestry of art, exploring the depths of human expression and the transformative power of creativity. From intimate conversations with renowned artists to explorations of the unconventional paths that lead to artistic brilliance, the Art Unknown Podcast invites you to see the world through a lens of wonder and inspiration. Join us as we delve into the unknown, where every episode is a canvas painted with the colors of curiosity and passion.

  1. FEB 6

    Ep87 Lee Isaacs

    “Keep being creative... continue to pursue whatever your passion is.” - Lee Isaacs A Song of Life: Sit down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Lee Isaacs for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, storytelling, and building a life in music on his own terms. From his roots as a writer to discovering songwriting as a way to compress entire emotional narratives into just a few minutes, Lee reflects on the artists, moments, and quiet observations; sunsets, stillness, and everyday life, that continue to shape his sound. Jim and Lee dive into the realities of being an independent artist today: blending genres without chasing trends, using video and social platforms as creative tools, protecting your work through ownership and publishing, and finding success by simply refusing to give up. This episode is a grounded, inspiring look at what it really takes to stay curious, stay honest, and keep creating in a noisy world. images/video: ©lee isaacs – used with permission lee isaacs website lee isaacs instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 12m

  2. JAN 27

    Ep86 Evgenia Selina & Ilya Lapich

    “I think that the operatic theatre is something that you can connect to, and in this moment when you are in the theatre you forget your worries.” - Evgenia Selina From Pop to Puccini: Engage in an enlightening conversation with the award winning, Russian-born opera singers Evgenia Selina and Ilya Lapich, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo now thriving in Germany. The episode delves into their distinct journeys toward opera: Evgenia's path, deeply rooted in a musical family where classical music was a constant companion, and Ilya's unique transition from pop, rock, and choral singing into the world of classical opera. Listeners are invited to explore the transformative power of opera, as Evgenia and Ilya discuss the psychological depth and emotional vulnerability required to embody characters on stage. They share personal insights into their creative inspirations, professional challenges, and the reasons why Europe offers a uniquely supportive environment for opera singers, in contrast to larger nations like the United States or Russia. The conversation extends beyond the stage to touch on themes of language, culture, and family life, including the experience of raising multilingual children and living between diverse worlds; balancing Russian heritage with European careers and global artistic traditions. At its heart, this episode is a profound reflection on opera as a vibrant, living art form that seamlessly blends music, theater, visual design, and storytelling, crafting an experience that transcends language, geography, and time. images: ©evgenia selina & ilya lapich – used with permission evgenia selina instagram ilya lapich instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 17m

  3. JAN 15

    Ep85 Chris Orcutt

    “What is art? On its basest level I think it's the communication of emotion.” - Chris Orcutt Memory Mining & 80s Magic In this episode of the Art Unknown Podcast, Jim Wills chats with Chris Orcutt, a writer and educator, in a reflective dialogue on art, memory, and creativity. They connect over their shared experiences growing up in the 1980s, using this as a backdrop to explore how art preserves culture and identity. Chris shares insights into his creative process for his nine-book series, Bodaciously True and Totally Awesome, set in the mid-1980s. He describes his unique approach of disconnecting from the internet, immersing himself in 80s artifacts, and drafting on typewriters to capture the era's essence. His "memory mining" technique focuses on emotions to organically reveal past details. The discussion covers Chris’s inspirations, the impact of 9/11 on his work, and his shift from genre fiction to more personal narratives. The conversation then explores generational differences, discussing themes of freedom, self-reliance, and the effects of technology on creativity. The episode delves into patience and artistic discipline, drawing wisdom from Nelson Mandela and John Steinbeck, and concludes with a discourse on AI, technology, and the preservation of human memory. Ultimately, this episode is a meditation on art as a vessel for emotional truth, emphasizing progress over perfection in enduring creative endeavors. chris orcutt website chris orcutt facebook Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 17m

  4. JAN 5

    Ep84 Don Rodriguez

    “There's no secret recipe to how you find success. It's simply not giving up.” - Don Rodriguez Creativity Unleashed: Dive into an illuminating conversation with Don Rodriguez, where we explore the essence of creativity as a holistic way of life. Don shares his journey of embracing creativity across multiple fields; construction, real estate music and film, and how this has profoundly influenced his personal and professional evolution. Our dialogue emphasizes creativity's universal role as a problem-solving tool and how recognizing this can enhance self-awareness, connection, and purpose. Don reveals his bold decision to transition from a successful career in real estate and construction, driven by a desire for personal growth and alignment with his true self. Inspired by a moment of introspection prompted by his children, he chose to prioritize inner fulfillment over financial gain. This pivotal choice led him back to his original passion, music, and the founding of i&i Music, a company dedicated to supporting independent artists with integrity and transparency. The discussion also sheds light on the intricacies of the modern music industry, addressing issues such as artist exploitation, ownership rights, and the challenges of gaining visibility in the digital age. Don's expertise in contracts and entrepreneurship empowers him to advocate for artists by offering fair agreements that uphold their ownership while providing substantial support. This episode is an inspiring testament to the power of integrity, reinvention, and leveraging creativity to uplift others, affirming that true success aligns with authenticity and soul. i&i music website i&i music youtube channel Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 5m

  5. 12/23/2025

    Ep83 Franky Corcoran

    “[Art] is how we express ourselves...It’s how we connect with people; and how we understand ourselves better.” - Franky Corcoran Crafting Stories and Community from the Great White North: In this captivating episode, host Jim Wills engages in an inspiring conversation with Franky Corcoran, a dynamic theatre artist from Miramichi, New Brunswick., Canada. Franky’s multifaceted career encompasses acting, writing, directing, producing, and podcasting, all driven by a passion for storytelling that took root during his high school years. The episode delves into how the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for Franky, inspiring him to write original plays, start his own theatre company, and launch The Corcoran Entertainment Show podcast. These creative endeavors served as lifelines during a time when traditional stages were inaccessible, allowing Franky to continue his artistic journey. Throughout the discussion, Franky shares the joys of community theatre, the excitement of bringing written words to life, and the fulfillment of creating art for its own sake. The conversation also touches on profound themes such as the distinction between success and recognition and the transformative power of theatre in helping us understand ourselves. Filled with humor, humility, and insightful reflections, this episode underscores the idea that meaningful art doesn't require a metropolitan backdrop or widespread acclaim; just curiosity, courage, and a commitment to the craft. franky corcoran instagram corcoran entertainment show on spotify Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    51 min

  6. 12/18/2025

    Ep82 Maba Ba

    "But to me art is a way of life, and it's the way of the curious, it's the way of the search." - Maba Ba Curiosity Is the Compass: Jim sits down with Senegalese-born filmmaker, writer, and entrepreneur Maba Ba for a rich conversation on curiosity as a guiding force in life and art. Maba reflects on his journey from Senegal to New York, from philosophy and film to winemaking, revealing how every creative path he follows is rooted in storytelling and human connection. Together they explore identity, community, and the dangers of confirmation bias, while unpacking why art; and wine; exist to bring people together. Along the way, Maba shares deeply personal insights on self-perception, creative courage, and the importance of choosing the right mirrors. A soulful, thought-provoking episode on living curiously and creating with intention. flying whale wine flying whale instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1h 8m

  7. 12/10/2025

    Ep81 Wednesdae Reim Ifrach

    "Art is here after we're gone, but art also documents culture...and art is our culture." - Wednesdae Reim Ifrach Transformative Artful Healing: Prepare to be inspired by Wednesdae Reim Ifrach, a visionary licensed art therapist and clinical counselor who is reshaping the landscape of mental health care. With a passion that transcends traditional therapy, Wednesdae is a beacon of hope and healing for the LGBTQ+ community, specializing in gender-affirming care, body positivity, and trauma-informed therapy. At the heart of their work lies Rainbow Recovery, a sanctuary for those seeking empowerment and self-discovery. Here, Wednesdae co-creates a nurturing environment where expressive art therapy and somatic therapy intertwine, offering a unique tapestry of creative, body-oriented, and trauma-aware healing. They also use art in their own personal therapy as an expression of beauty and healing. Our discussion dives into what it means to be accepted as well as accepting others in their right to exist as they are. Through their teaching, writing, and activism, Wednesdae Reim Ifrach is not just a therapist but a trailblazer, illuminating the path to a more inclusive and compassionate world. Join us as we delve into their remarkable journey and discover the art of healing. rainbow recovery website wednesdae reim Ifrach instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    58 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Ep80 Dawn Farrow

    "Art enriches our lives. It can transform people in a moment of deep need." - Dawn Farrow Crafting Experiences In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the intricacies of succeeding in the entertainment economy, focusing on the vital role of producing successful live events. Guest Dawn Farrow shares her journey from working in marketing for theatre and live events to founding On Sale Group. She recounted her transition from agency work to launching her own marketing and partnerships agency, and how she now operates as a consultant, delivering sales and marketing campaigns for global live experiences. Dawn emphasized the importance of community-building within the "experience economy," advocating for a dedicated space for collaboration, learning, and support among professionals in marketing, events, and live shows. Her vision for On Sale Live was driven by the complexity of ticket sales and marketing, inspiring her to create a platform for professionals to meet, learn, and collaborate. Interestingly, Dawn's journey began with a love of dance. She was educated with the early vision of becoming a professional dancer, a passion that undoubtedly shaped her understanding of live performance and the arts. This background in dance has informed her approach to the live events industry, allowing her to connect deeply with the artistic side of the business. Throughout our conversation, Dawn's passion for the industry was palpable as she discussed her involvement in marketing successful ticketed experiences and her motivation to support professionals behind the scenes. Her influence in the industry is underscored by her track record of selling over 36 million tickets, illustrating the scale and impact of her work. A true artist working on behalf of the arts! on sale live website dawn farrow instagram global institute of experience marketing Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

    1 hr
See All (65)

4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Art Unknown Podcast: Feed Your Soul With Art Step into a world where the strokes of a brush tell stories untold, and the whispers of creativity echo through time. The Art Unknown Podcast is your gateway to the hidden realms of artistry, where each episode unravels the mysteries behind the masterpieces and the minds that create them. Hosted by the insightful Jim Wills, this podcast is a journey through the vibrant tapestry of art, exploring the depths of human expression and the transformative power of creativity. From intimate conversations with renowned artists to explorations of the unconventional paths that lead to artistic brilliance, the Art Unknown Podcast invites you to see the world through a lens of wonder and inspiration. Join us as we delve into the unknown, where every episode is a canvas painted with the colors of curiosity and passion.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Wills
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All content copyright Jim Wills/Art Unknown Podcast
  • Show Website
    Art Unknown Podcast