Behind the Studio Door

Molly Darling & Christian Rivera
  • 5.0 (2)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Hey there! Join us, Molly Darling and Christian Rivera, on our podcast 'Behind the Studio Door.' We dive into the heart of creativity, bringing you up close and personal with artists in Rochester NY and beyond! Our conversations go beyond the brush strokes and melodies, exploring the rich stories and emotions that fuel artistic expression. Each episode is a journey into the unique world of creators, from painters to musicians, in our vibrant Rochester, NY community. We don't just talk about art; we delve into the struggles and triumphs that shape each artist. It's about understanding how their experiences mold their art, and how their work touches their lives and the world. This podcast is more than a series of interviews; it's a celebration of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. Whether you're an aspiring artist looking for a spark of inspiration, an art lover curious about the magic behind creation, or just someone who cherishes the depth of artistic expression, 'Behind the Studio Door' is your window into a world of inspiration and connection with the creative soul. Tune in, and let's explore this amazing journey together!

  1. Rochester Fringe Festival: A Conversation with Festival Producer Erica Fee - Just Can't Not

    08/30/2025 · BONUS

    Rochester Fringe Festival: A Conversation with Festival Producer Erica Fee - Just Can't Not

    In this episode, Lunchador Co-Founder Chris Lindstrom (@stromie) interviews Erica Fee, the CEO and producer of the Rochester Fringe Festival! The Rochester Fringe Festival, heralded as New York State's largest multidisciplinary performing arts festival, serves as a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. The festival, taking place from September 9th to 20th, features an impressive array of nearly 650 performances, with approximately a quarter offered free of charge, making it accessible for all to enjoy. Mentions: rochesterfringe.com - Three Heads Brewing (@three_heads_brewing) - Fee Brothers (@feebrothersofficial) - Gary Craig (@garycraig0483) Mentioned in this episode: Mind of Magnus Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm Joe Bean Roasters Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

    59 min
  2. Mothering in the Dark: A Conversation with Molly & Rivkah

    07/31/2025

    Mothering in the Dark: A Conversation with Molly & Rivkah

    In this deeply personal episode of Behind the Studio Door, Molly discusses their upcoming duet exhibition with Rivkah Simcha. Mothering in the Dark is an intensely collaborative multidisciplinary art exhibition in which Molly and Rivkah present their non-traditional and raw experiences of motherhood. Their dialogue emphasizes the significance of artistic expression as a means of coping with the complexities of motherhood, and how the act of creation has become a form of survival for both of them. Through their collaborative efforts, they aim to honor the tender and vulnerable aspects of motherhood that are rarely acknowledged in mainstream narratives, fostering a space for shared experiences and validation among mamas. The show opens on August 28th 5-8pm at the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts (GVCA) in Mount Morris. See you there! Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

    30 min
  3. Davida Rogers on Grief, Gore, and the Joy of Creating

    06/18/2025

    Davida Rogers on Grief, Gore, and the Joy of Creating

    In this episode, we talk with Davida Rogers about the raw, vivid power of personal expression through art. Known for her bold use of color and fearless themes that blend beauty with gore, Davida shares how her work has become a way to process big emotions — from grief to joy — and to make sense of what’s hard to put into words. We also dive into the complicated relationship many creatives have with the label “artist,” especially when faced with outside pressure to monetize what they make. Davida opens up about the role of community, the influence of her Sierra Leonean roots, and how making art became a lifeline. This episode is an invitation to start where you are, trust your voice, and redefine what it means to create on your own terms. Follow Davida on Instagram @khanya_sviesa Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Mind of Magnus Artist Magnus Champlin Interviews guests sharing the stories and life adventures with the goal of expanding minds.

    52 min
  4. Erica Bryant and The Department of Dream Collection

    06/04/2025

    Erica Bryant and The Department of Dream Collection

    In this episode, we sit down with collage and mixed media artist Erica Bryant to explore the mysterious terrain of dreams and how they show up in our waking lives. Erica shares how her fascination with vivid dream imagery led her to start capturing not only her own dreams, but the dreamscapes of others — turning the ephemeral into tangible works of art. We talk about what it means to honor the unconscious, how dreams shape identity, and why they often leave us with more questions than answers. This conversation is a celebration of intuition, inner worlds, and the messy beauty of translating the surreal into something you can hold in your hands. Erica's newest exhibition, Other People's Dreams, will be on display at RoCo Upstairs at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center from June 6 - 14, 2025. Find more info at https://www.rochestercontemporary.org/exhibitions/other-peoples-dreams/ Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

    44 min
  5. Being a Serial Hobbyist with Hana Acabado of Filipinta Beauty

    05/22/2025

    Being a Serial Hobbyist with Hana Acabado of Filipinta Beauty

    In this episode, we chat with Hana Acabado—a Filipino author, illustrator, packaging designer, and mom of two—about how she brings her whole self into her work. Hana is the founder of Filipinta Beauty, a playful, imaginative makeup brand that celebrates Filipino culture and serves as a creative playground for her ideas. She shares how her experience as an immigrant shapes both her art and entrepreneurship, and how she stays rooted in authenticity while navigating the beauty industry. We also talk about her children’s book My Mama is a Work of Art, which explores tattoos, kindness, and acceptance. Named one of the Top 25 Filipino Creatives of 2024, Hana opens up about storytelling, identity, and how honoring your culture through creativity can build powerful connections. https://filipinta.com Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Punches & Popcorn The masters of Couch Potato style Mike Huntone, Jason Bills, and Dr. Dominic D’Amore take a deep dive into the best and worst of martial arts films. https://punches-and-popcorn.captivate.fm/

    53 min
  6. Ten Years of Explore Rochester with Steve Carter and Justin Dusett

    05/16/2025

    Ten Years of Explore Rochester with Steve Carter and Justin Dusett

    In this episode, we sit down with Steve Carter and Justin Ducett, the duo behind Explore Rochester, to talk about how a simple hashtag turned into a decade-long love letter to the city. As Explore Rochester just celebrated its 10th anniversary with a powerful exhibition at Rochester Contemporary Arts Center—featuring the work of over 500 local contributors—we reflect on what it means to see a city through the eyes of its people. We talk about community, connection, and the way social media can actually bring us closer to the places we live. From photos snapped on morning walks to deeply personal portraits, this conversation is a tribute to the everyday moments that make Rochester what it is. Explorerochester.us Rochestercontemporary.org Mentioned in this episode: Punches & Popcorn The masters of Couch Potato style Mike Huntone, Jason Bills, and Dr. Dominic D’Amore take a deep dive into the best and worst of martial arts films. https://punches-and-popcorn.captivate.fm/ Joe Bean Roasters Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

    51 min

  7. 05/06/2025

    Studio 678: The Power of Photography for Middle Schoolers with Markus Essien and Emma Rathe

    In this episode, we dive into the impact of Studio 678, an after-school program where middle school students explore analog photography and poetry. Our guests are Markus Essien, Photography Program Coordinator at Flower City Arts Center, and Emma Rathe, Manager of Programs and Exhibition Production at the George Eastman Museum. Together, they reflect on what it means to help young people find their voices through art. We talk about how Studio 678 builds confidence, connection, and creative skills—and how powerful it is for students to see their work displayed in a professional setting. This conversation also highlights the importance of mentorship, intentionality, and creating spaces where young artists feel seen and supported. Links referenced in this episode: flowercityartscenter.orgeastman.org Mentioned in this episode: Behind the Glass Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm Joe Bean Roasters Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

    55 min
  8. The Art of Living Creatively: A Conversation with Magnus

    03/19/2025

    The Art of Living Creatively: A Conversation with Magnus

    Creativity thrives in uncertainty, and for artist Magnus, that uncertainty is part of the magic. In this episode, we explore his journey as an artist, thinker, and wanderer—someone who has fully embraced the unpredictability of a creative life. Magnus shares how his early experiences shaped his artistic sensibilities and why he chooses to live without a backup plan, fully committing to his craft. We discuss the challenges of navigating societal expectations, the psychological weight of being an artist, and the power of spontaneity in both life and art. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Magnus reflects on his travels to India, where encounters with local artists and vibrant cultures expanded his perspective on creativity and self-expression. His insights serve as both an invitation and a challenge—to step outside of comfort zones, embrace the unknown, and allow art to be a guiding force. This episode is a deep dive into the beauty and chaos of a life dedicated to art, reminding us that true creative freedom comes from leaning into the journey, wherever it may lead. Mentioned in this episode: Behind the Glass Behind the Glass, hosted by Richard B Colón and Quajay Donnell, is a monthly talk with the current month’s BTG Roster. Artists are interviewed about their submissions and we dive deep into their process, inspiration and thought process centralized around their artwork in the Behind the Glass Gallery located in the heart of Downtown Rochester NY. https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm/ Joe Bean Roasters Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Lunchador Podcast Network Lunchador Podcast Network is a network of podcasts originating in Rochester, NY. Our goal is bringing creative people together to be a positive force in the arts community. The shows that make up Lunchador are owned by the creators and cover a wide range of topics and backgrounds. http://lunchador.org/

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hey there! Join us, Molly Darling and Christian Rivera, on our podcast 'Behind the Studio Door.' We dive into the heart of creativity, bringing you up close and personal with artists in Rochester NY and beyond! Our conversations go beyond the brush strokes and melodies, exploring the rich stories and emotions that fuel artistic expression. Each episode is a journey into the unique world of creators, from painters to musicians, in our vibrant Rochester, NY community. We don't just talk about art; we delve into the struggles and triumphs that shape each artist. It's about understanding how their experiences mold their art, and how their work touches their lives and the world. This podcast is more than a series of interviews; it's a celebration of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. Whether you're an aspiring artist looking for a spark of inspiration, an art lover curious about the magic behind creation, or just someone who cherishes the depth of artistic expression, 'Behind the Studio Door' is your window into a world of inspiration and connection with the creative soul. Tune in, and let's explore this amazing journey together!

Information

  • Creator
    Molly Darling & Christian Rivera
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Molly Darling & Christian Rivera
  • Show Website
    Behind the Studio Door