Chaos and Creativity

Lou Lesko
  • 4.9 (16)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Musician Kimi Recor and writer/director Lou Lesko bring you conversations with the outliers and outlaws of the creative industries. Twice a month Kimi and Lou discuss the creative industries through the lens of their experiences and interviews with independent musicians, filmmakers, photographers, writers, and artists. Chaos and Creativity is produced by Claire Duncan with music by Kieran Kerwin.

  1. APR 2

    Annicka Ekvall: Music, Connection & Becoming a Mom

    In this episode, Kimi and Lou sit down with Annicka Ekvall, a Swedish-American DJ and producer making major waves in the minimal melodic house scene. Closely associated with Insomniac, Annicka has performed on the world's biggest stages, including EDC, Coachella and Burning Man. She joins us to discuss the magic of staying grounded while playing for thousands and why her newest role, being a mom to a baby girl is her greatest blessing and inspiration. Key Highlights: The Power of Presence: Why being grounded on stage is the secret to creating a truly transformative experience for a crowd.Connection Over Impression: Shifting the focus from playing a set to connecting with the soul of the audience.Storytelling in Music: How Annicka uses house, soul, and funk vibrations to tell a narrative of love and inspiration.Connect with Annicka  Instagram: @foreverannickaStream Her Sets: https://youtu.be/vbyIioz2yfE?si=MmklxMZXqGUQ15xf  Connect with the Show Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou LeskoProducer: Claire DuncanInstagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast

    31 min

  2. MAR 19

    How to Take Criticism as a Creative

    How do you handle criticism when you are deeply connected to your work? In this episode, Lou and Kimi talk about what it really feels like to receive feedback as a creative. Whether you are an artist, producer, designer, writer or entrepreneur, learning how to take criticism can be the key to growing your ideas and your confidence. Creatives often become emotionally attached to their work, which can make it hard to know if something is actually good or needs more development. Lou and Kimi share how they personally deal with criticism and why honest feedback has become an important part of their creative process. They also discuss how preparing yourself mentally can make a big difference when receiving criticism. Being grounded, well rested and open can help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally. If you are a creative trying to grow, build confidence and make better work, this episode is for you. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

    24 min

  3. MAR 5

    Kieran Kerwin: The Creative Process Behind Electronic Music

    In this episode, we talk all things music, DJ culture, and the creative process behind electronic music with rising DJ and producer Kieran Kerwin. Before the interview, Kimi shares exciting news from tour. She has officially joined a new band in France called Painmagazine, so be sure to check them out. Kieran is not only a talented electronic music producer and DJ, he also created the intro and outro music for our podcast. In this conversation, he takes us inside his creative process and explains how electronic music is built, from the first idea to the final track. Growing up listening to jazz, soul, funk, and reggae, Kieran pulls inspiration from a wide range of genres. He shares how those influences shape his sound and why the building blocks of music matter. Ultimately it is how you put those pieces together that makes a track unique. We also dive into how DJs and producers create electronic music, the creative mindset behind music production, and the many moving parts most people never see behind a track. We also talk about the evolution of the electronic music industry and whether the growing commercialization of electronic music is helping or hurting the space. If you are curious about how DJs make music, the creative process behind electronic music, or the future of the electronic music scene, this episode gives you an inside look into the mind of an up and coming DJ. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

    45 min

  4. FEB 26

    Organized Chaos: How Creatives Stay on Track

    In this mini episode, Kimi and Lou talk about why staying organized is honestly one of the most important parts of being a creative professional. When you're juggling multiple projects, ideas, and deadlines, having some kind of system makes everything way more manageable. They share what’s actually worked for them over the years, from simple habits to tools that help them stay on track and not feel overwhelmed. Organization doesn’t make you less creative, it gives you the space to be more creative. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

    16 min

  5. FEB 5

    Michael Alan Ross: Porsche Outlaws

    In this episode, we talk with Michael Alan Ross, photographer, author of Porsche Outlaws: Stuttgart Hot Rods, and longtime creative professional. Michael shares his journey from a 25-year career as a musician to becoming a respected photographer after landing a singing role in a Ford commercial that introduced him to photography. We explore the world of Porsche Outlaws, where Porsche models are customized through weight reduction, suspension upgrades, and performance enhancements to create personalized, high performance cars. Michael also dives into the creative process behind editorial photography, emphasizing storytelling, problem-solving under pressure, and the importance of lighting, timing, location, and logistics. Throughout the conversation, Michael highlights the value of adaptability, strong creative relationships, and how “luck” often comes from years of preparation and hard work. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

    42 min

  6. JAN 15

    More Chaos, More Creativity

    We’re kicking off the new year with some exciting announcements and big things ahead for the Chaos & Creativity universe. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce a new podcast hosted by Sabrina Sarl. Mothers of Creativity spotlights women who make a living through their creative work while also navigating motherhood. Becoming a mom can change everything, and this series explores how creative women continue to pursue their passions. Sabrina brings such a thoughtful, honest perspective to these conversations, and she has some truly special interviews planned for 2026. We also share what’s next for Chaos & Creativity, so be sure to tune in to hear what’s coming and how the show is continuing to grow. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!

    9 min

  7. 12/18/2025

    The 12 Days of Christmas, Creative Edition

    We’ve made it to our last episode of the year and the season one finale. To close things out, Lou and Kimi are sharing 12 things they’ve been loving lately. These are things that have inspired them, helped them slow down, or simply made life a little better as creatives. This is our version of the 12 Days of Christmas. No endorsements, no sponsors. Just books, shows, tools, and ideas we genuinely enjoy. We’re talking about what we’re reading, watching, and adding into our lives as we head into a new year. Kimi’s Picks 1. Klara and the Sun 2. Deep Listening by Pauline Oliveros 3. Notion 4. Brick (screen time device) 5. Murder, She Wrote 6. Sisters with Transistors (2020 documentary) Lou’s Picks 1. WANDRD 2. Storyist 3. Scriptnotes 4. When Things Were Good: An Editor’s Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines 5. Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV+) 6. Slow Horses (Apple TV+) Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!

    21 min

  8. 12/04/2025

    Your Inner Creative Cast with Kimi and Lou

    Kimi and Lou explore the different “characters” we step into throughout our lives — the versions of ourselves that show up in different moments, relationships, and creative seasons. They talk about the parts of us that live quietly inside, the ones that guide our choices, and the ones we grow out of. Lou shares what he’s learned from writing a stage play and how storytelling forces you to meet all these inner characters. They dig into collaboration, what it means to step into someone else’s creative world, how to add to it, and how to defend your own vision while still making room for others. A reflective episode on creativity, identity, and the art of building something together. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!

    16 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Musician Kimi Recor and writer/director Lou Lesko bring you conversations with the outliers and outlaws of the creative industries. Twice a month Kimi and Lou discuss the creative industries through the lens of their experiences and interviews with independent musicians, filmmakers, photographers, writers, and artists. Chaos and Creativity is produced by Claire Duncan with music by Kieran Kerwin.

Information

  • Creator
    Lou Lesko
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chaos and Creativity
  • Show Website
    Chaos and Creativity