Art and Alchemy Lab

Turning Lead Into Gold
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Art and Alchemy Lab explores transformation through creativity. Host Allison Adams talks with Modern Alchemists - artists, healers, and visionaries who have learned to turn lead into creative gold." artandalchemylab.substack.com

  1. 10h ago

    Ep.58 True Grit: The Alchemy of Irritation

    In this episode of Art and Alchemy Lab, I sit down with Susan Hayden, memoirist, poet, and the creator of Library Girl, a monthly words-and-music literary event at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica, now entering its 18th year. Susan first started the series as a way to find meaning again after her first husband died in an avalanche, and it became a home for writers, musicians, and LA’s small presses. We talk about grief as “the broken gift,” the under-spoken pain of losing a close friendship, collage as a doorway to the unconscious, and why you don’t wait to be invited in. You create what’s missing. Susan also reads “Borrowing Sugar” from her hybrid memoir Now You Are a Missing Person, and we pull the Irritatio card, which explores how the grit we carry becomes the pearl. Susan also reads the poem “Borrowing Sugar” from her hybrid-memoir called Now You Are a Missing Person, which is absolutely wonderful. We talk about how that came to be as well as why she chose the artwork for the cover—a collage by artist Hazel Angel. Filmmaker Cameron Crowe calls the book “A remarkable book with a stunning sense of time and place... Now You Are a Missing Person lingers long in your heart, along with the ghosts and heroes of Los Angeles’ recent past.” Join us for a tender, honest conversation about loss, creativity, and turning the difficult grit into pearls of wisdom. Check out Susan’s website, where you can find all these treasures and more! For essays and excerpts, follow her SUBSTACK page. ************************************************************************* And now, a little news from my studio. I’m so excited to share my latest creation, the 2027 Groundbreaking Girls wall calendar! Every month brings an original portrait of a remarkable woman who paved the way for us, carry their inspiration with you every day, all year long. It makes a beautiful gift for yourself or someone you love, just in time for the giving season and the year ahead. Purchase it in MY SHOP : Every day, we see anew that the creative arts are nothing less than revolutionary. Viva la resistance! As always, your support for myself (and other artists) is appreciated. In gratitude and friendship, Allison PS: BONUS ARTWORK and DISCOUNT! I just found a post that Susan mentioned when we were discussing how we met. Here’s proof to the story. Check out this link on my currently up-dating website, and get a fine art print of Patti Smith for yourself. For anyone who has got this far on this page, you earn a discounted $10 OFF just for reading. Use discount code patti26 at checkout. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artandalchemylab.substack.com/subscribe

  2. Sep 18

    Ep. 57 Voice Actor Marty Grabstein on Courage and Horror

    Marty Grabstein is the beloved voice of the anxious, purpley-pinkcartoon dog Courage, from Courage the Cowardly Dog. Today we talk about why that show meant so much to so many of us — and became a gateway into becoming horror fans. Marty himself has long been a horror aficionado, both in literature and film. We dig into the alchemical archetype of the VILE FIGURA or despicable face —that Stephen King calls “the Mutant” — and trace it through Courage, Frankenstein, the Phantom of the Opera, and even Edvard Munch’s anxious face in The Scream. But the breakout star of this episode is Marty’s son Matthew — 24 years old, and until recently, non-speaking. Within the last few years he’s found his voice through the communication tool of assisted-spelling. (Find out more about that here.) Until he learned this simple-but-effective way to express his words, he was in what he called “prison.” And around the same time, with a heavy dose of poetic irony, Marty himself was recovering from a stroke that had rendered him speechless. Its been a journey for both of them. This was one of the most surprising episodes I’ve made. I hope you enjoy the front row seat to these two fascinating guys as much as I did. If the video doesn’t pop up where you get your podcasts, and you’d like to see the spelling interaction with Matthew, in particular, please visit my youtube channel with the same name: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtandAlchemyLabPodcast I absolutely love this image, if I may say so myself. I haven’t put it up on my shop yet but if you are interested, let me know and I’ll arrange to offer it in print form. In the meantime, here is another episode on the subject, this time with a high end fashion art director and make-up artist, who comes at the idea from a different direction, the glamour and pressures of the beauty industry. If you are a fan of Courage the Cowardly Dog and aren’t following Marty already, here his INSTAGRAM page. On that note, if you are a fan of Dexter’s Lab and Dee Dee, please follow me at my new INSTAGRAM page as well. Much appreciated. (I’m actually writing this from Palm Beach hotel room before heading down to meet the other actors and guests and start the weekend at ULTRACON of South Florida. So if you are in the area, and you wnat to have some fun this weekend, come on down! Lots of love, and let me know what you think of this interview! Allison This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artandalchemylab.substack.com/subscribe

  3. Sep 13

    Ep. 56 Tanya Taylor Rubinstein: Art as Altar

    My friend Tanya Taylor Rubinstein was a guest on my second-ever podcast episode, where we talked about family constellations and ancestral reparation — I’ll link that one in the notes. She’s the first guest to come back for a second interview! Since we first talked, I’ve consulted her several times for family constellation work and writing guidance. Here is the link for that episode. I’d originally planned to release this episode in October — the time of year many cultures honor loved ones who’ve passed. But since it’s a new moon, Rosh Hashanah, and nearly my birthday, I decided to release it now. In this episode, we look to a favorite artistic ancestor — a woman ahead of her time yet deeply rooted — Frida Kahlo, and her family tree paintings, as inspiration for creating our own creative altars to those who support us from beyond. Now, if you’re a mystic yourself, or a therapist, healer, or magical realist who’s wanted to tap into this field of support to create your own stories, I urge you to look into Tanya’s amazing coaching cohort. You can find this information at: https://somaticauthor.com/ I hope this episode opens your heart to what Tanya calls a “different technology” of spirit — one we need if we’re going to stay human-centered in this too-quickly-evolving world. If you prefer video, you can watch on YouTube (subscribe there if thats your place!) More Pictures by me: Lineage (prints available starting at $65) The Missing Twin (Nellie and Nettie) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artandalchemylab.substack.com/subscribe

  4. Sep 5

    Ep. 54 Lauren Kay Wyatt on Pet Communication

    In this episode, psychic healing practitioner, Lauren Wyatt (also known as the Black Belt Mystic) shares her journey into animal communication, the spiritual significance of animals, and how alchemy and mental discernment play roles in personal transformation. Discover how animals serve as messengers and guides in our lives. You can find more about Lauren’s gifts and/or hire her to work with your animal companions on her website or her Instagram. She’s good! If you have wished to understand what is going on with y our pet or know someone who is concerned about their own pet, I highly recommend Lauren’s ability to connect with that field. She’s very gifted, and as you’ll hear on this episode, incredibly kind and calming. So in the spirit of Sky the dog, Benson the hamster, and Vernon’s pigeons (all mentioned with loving honor in this episode. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I have. Mentioned in this episode: Skye, Cinnamon, Benson, Justine, pigeon art for Vernon, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. The ANTIMONY card is based on a painting I made a few years ago about January’s WOLF MOON. Look for prints of these cards my ETSY shop. It is one oof my more popular prints. You can get a personal copy of the card image on my Etsy Shop or an art print of the original artwork “WOLF MOON” on my fine-art website. It’s one of my most popular prints, and Im glad I got to mix it into the deck. Allison’s Etsy shop Art and Alchemy Lab Instagram Card Readings/Coaching Enjoy your long weekend everyone, if you get one! If not, enjoy your shorter one! Love, Allison PS Ive got physical art merch going out to my paid subscribers now. (All four of them! And anyone else who wants to join!) If you decide to become a paid subscriber, send me your mailing address and I’ll add you to the monthly print club…you’ll get a small hand printed piece of artwork every month sent to your physical mail box….as well as the high quality interviews of spectacular guests and the modern alchemical education you already receive. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artandalchemylab.substack.com/subscribe

  5. Aug 21

    Ep. 55 Art Historian Bridget Quinn on Divine Sisterhood

    In this episode, which was recorded in early June, 2026, I talk with art historian and author Bridget Quinn, who's spent her career spotlighting the women written out of history. She's the author of She Votes: How U.S. Women Won Suffrage, and What Happened Next, the award-winning Broad Strokes: 15 Women Who Made Art and Made History (in That Order), and her latest, Portrait of a Woman: Art, Rivalry & Revolution in the Life of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard ( more than thirty years in the making.) Together, we lean into the concept of the Soror Mystica: the "mystical sister" alchemists once kept close as a creative and spiritual partner in their work. We talk about how that same archetype shows up today, and how art, history, and storytelling can become a way of summoning our own powerful guides — the companions, real and imagined, who help us do the work we're here to do and serve both those who came before and those who are yet to come. I have some fun news! I’m opening an Etsy shop for the deck. My first offering is the print of the Mystic Sister in three sizes. I plan to put another up every two weeks, but keep an eye on the shop, and favorite it if you like it. I’ll be adding really cool readings too, where you get mailed hand-pulled mini-prints just for you (or a friend.) But for now, I have the one…may I present my new Art and Alchemy Lab shop on Etsy! Allison’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artandalchemylab.substack.com/subscribe

  6. Aug 17

    Podcast Preview: Introducing Mathew (and Marty) Grabstein

    Hi all. My podcast schedule is all mixed up. So if you are reading this and we have recorded an episode together, please have patience with me. It’s not for lack of amazing guests…its just that life sometimes throws curveballs. There is a reason I used the word “curve”: everything cycles around, just not always in cahoots with my personal planner (or plan.) I’m going to preview a segment of a very special interview here before I finish the rest of it. And when I put it all together, I’ll publish this as an official episode. I believe we recorded this back in May, but it got pushed back on the queue for various reasons. I went back to editing it recently and felt that just this section alone is such a unique interview that for now, I want it to stand alone. Plus, Matthew is so inspiring that I shouldn’t keep our chat under wraps so long. If you have heard of the Telepathy Tapes, you might be already tuned into the phenomenon of non-verbals learning to “spell” through an alphabet chart held up and read out loud by a practitioner or partner. I expected this to be much more of a technological affair but it’s stunningly simple. Here is the brilliant minded 24 year-old Matthew and his dad, Marty (famous as the voice of Cartoon Network’s Courage the Cowardly Dog…but more on that next month, when the full episode drops.) As far as the video goes, I tried to break up the screens so you can see him better. I edited the recording up a bit only in some parts just to save time, and I skipped some spots where we needed to pause, but my intention is to share the raw footage as best I can, which I assume Matthew would appreciate since he was so willing to be an unexpected guest. This was one of my favorite interviews so far…and that says a lot, because I pretty much am in love with nearly every single brilliant guest. But in this one, I felt like I had a front row seat to a truly metamorphic hero’s journey unfolding before my eyes. This amazing young man knows his purpose. It’s so great to be reminded that miracles can happen seemingly out of the blue (especially when so much patience has been put in.) Join me in welcoming Matthew to the realm of writing and advocacy. Talk about COURAGE running in the family! That’s all for now. Let me know what you think and I’ll pass it on to Matthew and Marty. Remember, anything is possible. Even the word impossible says “I’m possible.” xo Allison Allison’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artandalchemylab.substack.com/subscribe

  7. Aug 7

    Ep.53 Lucy Norris on Manifesting

    Hello again! First things first! Thank you to all who purchased a painting from the studio clearance last week. Because of you, I was able to reach my goal of $5000 in a little over a week. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone and become a potentially-annoying salesperson, but one thing that helped me with that growth was the fact that in the background, I was editing this very episode. There were some sound quality issues that I had to learn how to fix, so I spent more time listening back than usual. I think it was all meant to be though because I was constantly being reminded that remembering my intention and maintaining a growth-mindset is what would get me to my goals. So thanks to you, my collectors and friends, I feel validated and capable. I hope you all enjoy your new art! In this episode, I’m riffing on the concept of MANIFESTATION with my dearest friend, Lucy Norris, whom I’ve known since the 10th grade. Over the years, I’ve watched Lucy manifest the life that she envisioned, one adventure at a time. And lately, she’s bumped up her game with a brand new career, a home of her own, and her dream garden that she can eat from. Not through luck or privilege, but by keeping a clear-eyed vision and moving toward it one small step at a time. We look at the FIXATIO card, which, alchemically-speaking, is the step where something unstable (like a wish or an intention) gets cooked until it holds its shape, no longer scattered by outside heat and pressure. In modern terms, manifestation is fixation applied to desire, taking something formless and making it fireproof through repeated focus until it can persist regardless of circumstance. We discuss why a growth mindset is what carries you through the liminal space between where you are and where you want to go. People talk about manifesting all the time in pop culture, and it can sound like wishful thinking is all there is to it, but this conversation brings in practical ways to take action to keep that ball rolling. Lucy’s chosen artwork to share: Paul McCartney’s RAM album. All of this really comes down to co-creation and being mindfully involved in the journey towards our wildest goals. Join me while I catch up with my very good friend Lucy, who is always a joy to talk with. I should know, I talk to her all the time! (But this is the first time we’ve every recorded.) If you (or your team) want to get a boost of vocational and growth mindset support, please ask Lucy about her consultation services here. As you can hear from our conversation, her powerful gift of optimism is contagious. And if you want to have a session with me, using various creative approaches, check out some of my session offerings here! (I have lowered the 1-on1 at discounted price until Sept. 15. Keep your eye on the prize! Allison www.allisonadams.net This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artandalchemylab.substack.com/subscribe

  8. Jul 17

    Ep. 52 Brina Palencia: Acting with Intention

    “You create your thoughts, your thoughts create your intentions, and your intentions create your reality.”—Dr. Wayne Dyer Today’s guest is someone whose voice you have most likely heard, even if you didn’t know it, especially if you like anime shows. Shes voiced characters in Full-metal Alchemist, One Piece, Dragon Ball, and My Hero Academia — and that’s just the start of a very long list. You may have even spotted her on The Walking Dead, which of course, I ask her about in this interview. But what’s even more exciting is the creativity she brings to her personal projects and performances, the ones not everyone gets to see and hear. Brina with just a handful of her anime characters. I met Brina a few months ago when we were both guests at a comic convention, and I was delighted when she immediately said yes to coming on the show to talk about alchemy and the art of acting. Brina isn’t just an actor — she’s passionate about singing and music-making too… and she is a huge fan of monsters. She’s channeling all of this into a new Halloween album from her alter ego, Mili Muerto: monster expert extraordinaire. We’re talking choreography, video songs, and a healthy dose of shadow work. A professional performer’s career is not an easy path, like any of the arts, so it’s refreshing to hear Brina’s down-to-earth approach to sticking it out over time. In this episode, we talk about the long game of overcoming insecurity through maturity — and staying true to yourself in such a high-pressure industry through maintaining personal creativity and making bold choices. After listening, I know you will want to find out more about the fabulous upcoming Mili Muerto Halloween concept album, which unveils August 1st. You can subscribe early and follow along on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Awesome Indie projects must never go out of style. Please pass these on! There are so many ways to support artists. Now some updates from me: as I mentioned my joy in reading tarot, the Gene Keys, and their animal connections in this episode, I want to let anyone curious about these playful mystery schools to know I am offering sessions on my website. I’m still setting up a few things to make the payments easy, but please have a look. Now that I have an actual deck of these Art and Alchemy cards in my hands, I’ll be offering quick readings for a low price too. Check the Mini Readings option. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artandalchemylab.substack.com/subscribe

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About

Art and Alchemy Lab explores transformation through creativity. Host Allison Adams talks with Modern Alchemists - artists, healers, and visionaries who have learned to turn lead into creative gold." artandalchemylab.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Turning Lead Into Gold
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Allison Adams
  • Show Website
    Art and Alchemy Lab