The Artsy Raven Podcast about Writing and Art with host JF Garrard

JF Garrard
  • 4.5 (2)
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  • Updated Semimonthly

JF Garrard (writer, editor and publisher) has frank conversations with writers, editors, publishers, artists, actors, directors and other art professionals about what inspires them to create and what led to their success. Writers on the podcast will showcase their work by reading from their book. Main Artsy Raven website with access to 100+ episodes: https://artsyraven.com/ Artsy Raven merch: https://darkhelixpress.com/merchandise The Artsy Raven is on Feed Spot’s list of Top 60 Literature Podcasts & Top 10 Canadian Literature Podcasts on the web.

  1. 16h ago

    Ep162A From Street Dance to Acting with Russell Lee

    Russell Lee shares how his journey from street dancing ledhim to acting, what he learned from his acting debut, and why telling stories that inspire and empower others matters. Russell Lee is a Filipino-Chinese Canadian actor and movement artist from Penticton, B.C. Russell makes his feature-film acting debut in Mina Shum’s Whatcha Want. His previous screen credits include Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Descendants 2 & 3 and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.  Russell Lee Instagram: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/___russ.___/ Whatcha Want film info: https://www.mongrelmedia.com/index.php/filmlink?id=5b229c7d-7050-f011-ba5c-0efdbb9167fd#synopsissection Film Screenings at VIFF (Oct 2, 7, 11) https://viff.org/whats-on/viff26-whatcha-want/ Ricepaper Magazine article on TIFF which mentions WhatchaWant: https://ricepapermagazine.ca/2026/09/tiff-2026-dispatch-toward-a-centenary-of-splendour/ Whatcha Want synopsis: Transplanted from Hong Kong to Vancouver on a temporaryvisa, Yin Tse (Isabella Wei, Bridgerton), a restless trophy wife, rises above her absentee husband’s infidelity by rekindling her passion for dancing. A chance encounter brings Yin under the wing of dance studio owner Penny (Helen Dang), who helps her train for an audition at an elite dance program. But when Yin’s wealthy husband (Hugh Tran) returns from Hong Kong, she is forced to choose between material comfort and the freedom to be herself. Manifesting the rhythm and charm of Vancouver’s citystreets, this earnest drama from acclaimed writer-director Mina Shum (Meditation Park, VIFF 2017) brings a zesty hip-hop flavour to her signature themes of self-discovery, personal liberation, and female solidarity in the Asiandiaspora. Luminaries Ming-Na Wen (Mulan) and Tzi Ma (The Farewell) provide gravitas and comic relief, while the film’s charismatic cast of dancers delight us with their dazzling choreography. A tribute to the joys of self-expression through movement, Whatcha Want will have your heart doing backflips. Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: ⁠https://artsyraven.com/⁠ You can support the podcast by: 1) Liking us on Youtube or following on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 2) Wearing fan merchandise: ⁠https://darkhelix.threadless.com/designs/the-artsy-raven-logo-v2/⁠ 3) Sending a one-time digital tip: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard⁠ 4) Support as a Patreon and gain access to over 150+bonus episodes: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    Ep162A From Street Dance to Acting with Russell Lee

  2. 3d ago

    Ep161 Inspiration is All Around Us with Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

    Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich discusses why diversity isessential in the publishing industry, what draws her to writing for children, and why writers should to outside their homes to find inspiration in the world around them. Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is the award-winning author of several children’s books, a member of The Brown Bookshelf, and former Board member of We Need Diverse Books (WNDB). She is a two-time African American Literature Book Club bestseller and edited the WNDB anthology The Hero Next Door. She’s contributed to several collections, was recently commissioned to write the Operation Sisterhood stage adaptation, and has written for various outlets, including PBS Parents, and classic hip-hop fanzines, like the iconic Right On! and Word Up!. Olugbemisola hasworked extensively in youth development; she was twice awarded a public service fellowship from the Echoing Green for her work with girls and was the 2024 writer-in-residence at Bank Street School for Children. Olugbemisola lives withher family in New York City where she writes, makes things, and needs to get more sleep. Book link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Daisy-Helps-with-the-Dress/Olugbemisola-Rhuday-Perkovich/9781665983426 Author site: https://www.olugbemisolabooks.com/ Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: ⁠https://artsyraven.com/⁠ You can support the podcast by: 1) Liking us on Youtube or following on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 2) Wearing fan merchandise: ⁠https://darkhelix.threadless.com/designs/the-artsy-raven-logo-v2/⁠ 3) Sending a one-time digital tip: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard⁠ 4) Support as a Patreon and gain access to over 150+bonus episodes: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    Ep161 Inspiration is All Around Us with Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

  3. Sep 25

    Ep160A How Observation Shapes Characters with Jessica Rao

    Jessica Rao explains why she transitioned from journalism tofiction, what drew her to explore the 1990s in Nowhere to Go but Everywhere, and how observing people helps her create authentic characters. Jessica Rao is an award-winning journalist and mediaprofessional who has held contributor roles at CNBC and Gannett and overseen communications for Fortune 500 companies. In addition to her media career, she is the Vice President of the White Plains Library Foundation and she hosts and produces literary events. She lives outside of New York City with her family. In this episode, Jessica reads from Nowhere to Go butEverywhere. Author site: https://jessicarao.com/books Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: ⁠https://artsyraven.com/⁠ You can support the podcast by: 1) Liking us on Youtube or following on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 2) Wearing fan merchandise: ⁠https://darkhelix.threadless.com/designs/the-artsy-raven-logo-v2/⁠ 3) Sending a one-time digital tip: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard⁠ 4) Support as a Patreon and gain access to over 150+bonus episodes: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    Ep160A How Observation Shapes Characters with Jessica Rao

  4. Sep 25

    Ep160 The Recipe for Great Horror with Ryan Douglass

    Ryan Douglass talks about writing across different genres,the seasonal treats he bakes, and what makes a horror story unforgettable. Ryan Douglass is the author of young adult horror novel The Taking of Jake Livingston, a New York Times bestseller and an ALA Rainbow Book List Pick; The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay, a reimagining of The Great Gatsby set in 1920s Harlem; and Night of Madness, a collaboration with the company behind Clown in a Cornfield. His work explores the ways young people fight to survive in hostile worlds. He lives in Atlanta with his dog and spends his free time baking ambitious desserts and scoping out true crime documentaries. In this episode, Ryan reads from Night of Madness. Book link: https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Night-of-Madness/Ryan-Douglass/9781665983044 Author website: https://www.ryandouglasswriter.com/night-of-madness Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: ⁠https://artsyraven.com/⁠ You can support the podcast by: 1) Liking us on Youtube or following on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 2) Wearing fan merchandise: ⁠https://darkhelix.threadless.com/designs/the-artsy-raven-logo-v2/⁠ 3) Sending a one-time digital tip:⁠https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard⁠ 4) Support as a Patreon and gain access to over 150+bonus episodes: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    Ep160 The Recipe for Great Horror with Ryan Douglass

  5. Sep 18

    Ep159A Why Rainbow Boys Still Matters with Alex Sanchez

    Alex Sanchez discusses how his writing and the LGBTQ+landscape have evolved over the past 25 years, why he continues to take writing workshops, and the deliberate decision to keep death out of the Rainbow Boys series. Alex Sanchez spent almost fifteen years working with youth.He is the author of the teen novels Boyfriends with Girlfriends, Bait, The God Box, Getting It, Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High, and Rainbow Road, as well as the Lambda Award–winning middle-grade novel So Hard to Say.Lambda Literary honored Alex with a Jim Duggins, PhD Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists’ Prize. He lives in Thailand and Hollywood, Florida. Visit him at AlexSanchez.com. In this episode, he reads from Rainbow Boys. Author website: https://www.alexsanchez.com/rainbow-boys Rainbow Boys 25th anniversary special edition book link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Rainbow-Boys/Alex-Sanchez/Rainbow-Boys/9798347101771 Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: ⁠https://artsyraven.com/⁠ You can support the podcast by: 1) Liking us on Youtube or following on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 2) Wearing fan merchandise: ⁠https://darkhelix.threadless.com/designs/the-artsy-raven-logo-v2/⁠ 3) Sending a one-time digital tip: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard⁠ 4) Support as a Patreon and gain access to over 150+bonus episodes: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    Ep159A Why Rainbow Boys Still Matters with Alex Sanchez

  6. Sep 18

    Ep159 Horror Through Women’s Eyes with Beck Kubrick

    Beck Kubrick shares their path to becoming a graphic novelist, the power of telling horror through women’s perspectives, and why aspiring writers should trust their instincts and embrace their authentic voices. Beck Kubrick is an award-winning writer and cartoonistliving in Manchester, UK. They like stories about terrible girls and thinking about the apocalypse. They have worked with Cartoon Network, Mad Cave Studios, Oni Press, and more. Dead Girls is their debut graphic novel as author-illustrator. You can visit them online at BeckKubrick.com or@BeckKubrick. There’s no reading in this episode, as it’s hard to do areading with a graphic novel. Book link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Dead-Girls/Beck-Kubrick/9781665959810 Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: ⁠https://artsyraven.com/⁠ You can support the podcast by: 1) Liking us on Youtube or following on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 2) Wearing fan merchandise: ⁠https://darkhelix.threadless.com/designs/the-artsy-raven-logo-v2/⁠ 3) Sending a one-time digital tip: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard⁠ 4) Support as a Patreon and gain access to over 150+bonus episodes: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    Ep159 Horror Through Women’s Eyes with Beck Kubrick

  7. Sep 11

    Ep158A Bringing Racing Waters to Life with Luke Marston

    Luke Marston explores the origins of Indigenous war canoe racing, the differences between war canoe and outriggerracing, and the challenges of bringing powerful stories to life through a documentary series.   Luke Marston is a Stz'uminus First Nation artist, contemporary Coast Salish master carver, filmmaker, and producer. He is the co-founder of Racing Waters Productions and producer ofthe documentary series Racing Waters, which explores Indigenous war canoe and outrigger racing and the communities connected to the sport.   Racing Waters takes viewers into the exhilarating worldof Indigenous war canoe and outrigger racing through the eyes of the paddlers of the Pacific Northwest and the Island Brave Canoe Club from the Snuneymuxw First Nation. More than a sports series, it is an intimate portrait of a community where every stroke carries generations of history, responsibility, and pride. The series follows paddlers as they compete in the fiercely competitive Pacific Northwest war canoe circuit while simultaneously pursuing opportunities in outrigger racing on the international stage.    Season one of Racing Waters was shot across British Columbia, with locations including Agassiz, Cultus Lake, Comox, Musqueam, Saanich, North Vancouver, Cowichan Bay,Nanaimo and Cumberland featured. Other shooting locations include Rio De Janeiro & Niteroi Brazil, Calgary, Alberta and Lummi, Washington.    Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/racing_waters/   Racing Waters will officially premiere Sunday, September 13, 2026, on APTN. Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: ⁠https://artsyraven.com/⁠ You can support the podcast by: 1) Liking us on Youtube or following on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 2) Wearing fan merchandise: ⁠https://darkhelix.threadless.com/designs/the-artsy-raven-logo-v2/⁠ 3) Sending a one-time digital tip: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard⁠ 4) Support as a Patreon and gain access toover 150+bonus episodes: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    Ep158A Bringing Racing Waters to Life with Luke Marston

  8. Sep 11

    Ep158 Reporter Turned Thriller Novelist with Rick Mofina

    Rick Mofina reflects on his journey from journalist to bestselling thriller novelist, explains why reviewing a publishing contract is the quickest cure for writer's block, and shares how the publishing industry has evolved throughouthis career. RICK MOFINA is a USA TODAY, Globe and Mail, and Toronto Star bestselling author of more than thirty crime fiction thrillers that have been published in nearly thirty countries. A former journalist, he has interviewed murderers on death row, flown over Los Angeles with the LAPD and patrolled with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police near the Arctic. He has also reported from the Caribbean, Africa, Kuwait and Qatar. Heis a two-time winner of the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence, a Barry Award winner, and a multiple finalist for the International Thriller Writers Awards and the Shamus Award, presented by the Private Eye Writers of America. Library Journal calls him "one of the best thriller writers in the business. In this episode, we feature Chapter 2 from the One Second Away audiobook. Book link:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/788727/one-second-away-by-rick-mofina/9780385701983 Artsy Raven links: For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join ourexclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: ⁠https://artsyraven.com/⁠ You can support the podcast by: 1) Liking us on Youtube or following on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 2) Wearing fan merchandise: ⁠https://darkhelix.threadless.com/designs/the-artsy-raven-logo-v2/⁠ 3) Sending a one-time digital tip: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard⁠ 4) Support as a Patreon and gain access to over 150+ bonus episodes: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

    Ep158 Reporter Turned Thriller Novelist with Rick Mofina
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JF Garrard (writer, editor and publisher) has frank conversations with writers, editors, publishers, artists, actors, directors and other art professionals about what inspires them to create and what led to their success. Writers on the podcast will showcase their work by reading from their book. Main Artsy Raven website with access to 100+ episodes: https://artsyraven.com/ Artsy Raven merch: https://darkhelixpress.com/merchandise The Artsy Raven is on Feed Spot’s list of Top 60 Literature Podcasts & Top 10 Canadian Literature Podcasts on the web.

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