Poiesis Podcast www.PoiesisStudio.com

I recently met Miranda Aisling Hynes at a event called Makers Monday at the Artist's Asylum in Somerville, MA. The event itself is sponsored by Miranda's Hearth, an Organization founded by Miranda with the mission of bringing people together around doing creative work and building relationships.  Maker's Monday is one of a number of recurring, monthly event's run by Miranda's Hearth members (aka. Embers). Other monthly events include a potluck dinner, a waltz night (often with live music), book club gatherings, a creative writing night, and more.. Talking with Miranda that night I became intrigued by her philosophy on art and making, and sensed a potential connection with what she is  doing and my own explorations around the concept of Poiesis.  Miranda studied fine art painting during her undergrad years and went on to earn a masters in Community Art Education from Lesley University.  In this episode Miranda shares many useful insights on a range of topics including:
the creative process the notion of Art vs. making how to build relationships  entrepreneurship for artists and makers and more... Links from the show:
Miranda's Hearth
Miranda's paintings
Don't Make Art, Just Make Something
Abstract Expressionism
​Stanley Lewis
Ablerto Giacometti
​The Tempest
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Masters program at Lesley
Community Art Hotel

People mentioned:
Jaclyn Wood
Mathew Reese
Kara Kulpa
​Show notes:
Origins of the name Miranda’s Hearth. [4:09] A community based on creative exploration and authentic relationship. [6:42] One of the most common forms of creating common shared experiences is creativity. [8:06]  Miranda talks about viewing Art as a vehicle for creating community. [8:35] Don’t Make Art, Just Make Something. [9:53] Because I couldn’t draw realistically with a Pencil,  thought I couldn’t be an artist. [12:16]  Abstract Expressionism and Miranda’s thought’s where her paintings might go. [16:34] How Miranda is able to be attentive to the many varied projects of the ‘Hearth’. [19:32] Why most entrepreneurial ventures fail. [20:54] An introverted extrovert. [24:12] Inviting to participate vs. asking people for help. [26:08]    Making a business out of confronting your flaws and working your growth edge. [27:22] Miranda talks about finding a healthy relationship between business and Art. [30:43] ‘…just make something…’  [33:51]

Josh Brogadir is a man on the go. When he's not anchoring the early morning news, or filling in on the sports desk at WCVB Channel 5 in Boston, he is likely acting in a locally shot movie or commercial. He also co-hosts the Framingham Access tv show, Novel Ideas, reviewing books and interviewing authors. In addition to reviewing books, he has done  voice-over work on numerous books and video games. Josh thrives on being involved in a variety of different projects.  In this interview we explore the ins and outs of what goes into making a decision to follow your dreams, and how to assess the risks involved. Josh shares great stories about his journey from being a school teacher in Framingham, to moving across the country with his wife, to becoming a news anchor, and then an actor in film, television and commercials.
 
Links from show:
JoshBrogadir.com
Patriot's Day
Novel Ideas
Old Colonial Cafe
Consiglios
WCVB Chanel 5
Access Framingham
WBUR 90.9
WRNI
NECN
NBC Universal
Boston Casting
CPcasting
Hollywood East
Christine Wyse
NewEnglandFilm.com
Impact Unit
Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Cajon
A Prayer for Owen Meany
The Hotel New Hampshire
The World According to Garp
The Son of the Circus
The Almighty Buck
Cold Car
The Bourbon Chasers
Slackville Players
Strong Poison
People mentioned:
Howard Cosell
Dicky Barrett
John Irving
Carol Lynn Luck
Tim Koh
Kerry Flynn
Dorothy Sayers
William LaBov
RD Sahl
Show notes:
A passion for storytelling. [4:48] Josh’s thoughts on good reporting. [6:12] Finding balance between one’s own interests and the bigger story. [7:09      ] Josh does not want Chicken Parmesan every Thursday night at Consiglios. [10:14] We could all definitely get better and smoother and more polished... [12:28]  On always wanting to be a sports guy and live a multi-tiered existence. [14:58] Josh on being a school teacher, and making a choice to pivot careers. [16:48] On assessing risk with regard to career stability. [23:02] How freelance news reporting allows Josh freedom to audition for acting roles. [27:15] In search of stories with more depth. [29:49]  That time Josh’s sister goes on a job interview, and finds Josh a wife. [33:15] The benefits of a supportive spouse. [35:40] Playing the trumpet. [38:17] Using voice to develop characters. [45:06] What Josh’s news tone isn’t. [48:25] Josh’s mentors. [50:00] Josh's unique approach to reading books. [53:50] On staying fit and being a competitor. [58:32] Thoughts on good acting. [61:01] Tips for actors in the city of Boston. [68:08]

The first incarnation of this blog and podcast, Poiesis Studio, was actually a practice group for actors and filmmakers. We used to meet at the Democracy Center in Harvard Square, Cambridge. It was there that I first met, Nicole Mazzeo. Her educational organization Pleasure Pie was sponsoring an ongoing discussion group called Sex Positive Boston. Curious to see what they were about, I eventually ventured into one of the meetings. A bit nervous, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself welcomed into a meeting space of very diverse folks talking with one another openly and honestly about their sexuality. I was struck how genuine and sincere people were, and how much they seemed to get out of having this space to share their thoughts and feelings on sex and relationships. As someone who leads therapy groups, I felt keenly aware of the presence and skill with which the facilitator, Nicole led this group. Nicole thinks outside of the box, and brings a boon of wisdom in this episode. Enjoy!
 
Links from the show
Pleasure Pie
Bitch Magazine
Sex Positive Boston
Center for Sexual Pleasure and HealthPervocracy
Weebly
Shamble Meditation Center Brookline
Occupy Boston
Her
Towel Head
People mentioned
Megan Andelloux
Nina Hartley
Show notes 
Nicole talks about sex eduction and what the term Sex Positive means [4:39] The beginnings of Nicole’s journey toward becoming a sex educator. [7:37] Nicole talks about early challenges around sexuality. [10:12  ] Feminism, Bitch Magazine, and Sex positivity. [11:58  ] Zine making and the origins of Pleasure Pie. [14:51] The ups and downs of teaching teenagers about consent. [16:53] Slut and prude shaming. [23:08  ]    Nicole’s approach to leading discussion groups. [27:54] Some of Nicole’s inspirations. [32:38] Response to some random questions. [35:20 ] Nicole’s final provocative question for listeners. [43:07]

Susan Campbell's writing on communication and personal coaching consultations have helped me greatly. She is a psychologist, a prolific writer, and a life coach in Sebastopol, California. Her latest book is 5 Minute Relationship Repair. I also highly recommend her other books Getting Real, and Truth in Dating. She has a passion for inspiring and fostering progressive change in the world, and channels this through her writing, work with clients, and training of other coaches in her Getting Real approach. I’m excited that she is on this podcast. Her wisdom flows with such ease, it could be easily missed if you’re not paying attention. I recommend listening closely and/or repeatedly, as she relates profound and practical thoughts, ideas and perspectives on such thing as:  
Exponential change Getting real Coaching organizations Communication during conflict The current political climate  and more... Links :
SusanCampbell.com
Getting Real
5-Minute Relationship Repair
Truth in Dating
Authentic World
NTL Institute 
T groups
Human Potential Movement
Gestalt Therapy
The Tim Ferriss Show
MakeTheFuckingFilm.com
Music from the show

People mentioned:
Virginia Satir
Fritz Perls
Rollo May
Jim Bugental
John Grey
George Leonard
Marilyn Rosanna Barrett 
Show notes:

The big picture - culture change, conflict, and adaptation. [4:25] Exponential change - population, animal species extinction, climate. [5:44] Susan’s early skills in high school leading to a career in helping. [8:57] Susan’s mentors. [9:50] In love with the Gestalt Therapy and Human Potential point of view. [11:35] The Getting Real Work. [14:02] Noticing the difference between reality and fear stories. [15:50] Thoughts on coaching for organizations of people. [18:13] Developing the witness. [22:10] Communication in times of political conflict. [23:22] The recent election and developmental tasks. [26:24] Taking the blame out of it. [28:58] A new world view. [31:28]  A bridge from a new world to us as individuals. [33:39]  Susan’s passion for training and mentoring coaches. [37:16] 5 Minute Relationship Repair - Susan’s most recent book. [39:07] Mindfulness [42:09]

I had a chance meeting with Menon Sudheep about a year ago, and quickly found myself in a conversation about trance music, Brian Eno, and Indian micro-tonal composition. I had a feeling I would be talking with him again. I recently caught up with Menon via Skype in Bangalore India. He was kind enough to take some time and share of his thoughts on music composition for film.  In the conversation we touch on among other things:


Menon’s current film project in India How to approach scoring an Indian Film. Contrasting song structures between western pop and Indian musicals. Harmonic music vs. tonal and microtonal music. Bach. Aaahhh, Bach...