The Layered Onion--Empowering artists. Reimagining mental health‪.‬ The Layered Onion

Gene Delcourt, a teacher and artist, dives into how his personal and professional journey unfolded. Starting with his family background, Gene traced his roots from Quebec to Maine, where his grandparents were recruited to work in the paper mills.

Engaging his students in hands-on projects like building little libraries and canoes, Gene found immense satisfaction in imparting practical skills through woodworking. One highlight of this teaching experience was the successful auction of a canoe for $6000 at a fundraiser, showcasing the impact of hands-on education.

Gene's affinity for woodworking can be traced back to his childhood days of constructing forts and crafting makeshift goalie goals for street hockey. These early experiences laid the foundation for his love of carpentry and building, eventually leading him to pursue woodworking as a passion and teaching subject later in life.

Gene's story exemplifies resilience, passion, and the transformative power of hands-on education. From his humble beginnings in Maine to his impactful teaching career, Jean's dedication to woodworking and artistry shines through as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and educators alike.

Colton Schara shares about getting back to the roots of the food business and finding creative ways to share its story, like the idea of launching a show to feature the farmers and individuals connected to the farm-to-table restaurant. They discuss adapting to the challenges brought on by COVID-19 by engaging guests in new ways and rethinking the restaurant experience to deepen connections within the community. Additionally, the conversation highlights the trend of more people cooking at home and the significance of connecting with guests through recipes and insights into food origins and preparation. Overall, the episode emphasizes the need for adaptability and innovative approaches to customer and community engagement in the evolving restaurant industry.

Evan Dannells, executive chef and owner of Cadre Restaurant and partner at Lola's High Low Lounge in Madison, WI, participated in The Shallot with a Normandy-inspired chicken recipe developed during COVID, as they virtually toured France, exploring regional French cuisine. Evan's culinary journey began early due to a deep love for food. He emphasizes patience in the industry and discusses challenges faced during COVID, such as the lack of government planning and adaptation to takeout. Despite the hardships, Evan remains passionate about cooking and looks forward to hosting a special fundraiser featuring The Shallot-inspired dishes at Cadre.

The podcast episode takes us on a journey of reflection and self-discovery as the Von Bieker shares their profound realization about fully embracing their artistic identity. This transformation is portrayed as a pivotal moment of letting go of resistance and acknowledging the intrinsic connection between their artistry and personal fulfillment.

Furthermore, the podcast touches on the challenges arising from the absence of physical closeness, particularly in today's context. Von Bieker's sings his recently released heartfelt song, mentioning both a girl and a boy, emerges as a touching ode to his children, reflecting a desire to alleviate their struggles in a world laden with burdens. This poignant moment encapsulates the universal themes of self-acceptance, the profound impact of supportive communities, and the intricate dance of navigating familial and societal obstacles. The episode offers a rich tapestry of insights and emotions that resonate deeply with the human experience.

Jonathan Correa discussing his journey from being a chef to starting his own business during the pandemic. Food has been both an addiction and a means of expression for him, allowing him to reconnect with his culture. With the dream of starting his own business in agriculture, he seized the opportunity during the pandemic after losing his job, setting up a tortilla-making operation in a friend's bar.

An essential aspect of Jonathan's work is education and promoting authentic Mexican culture through his tortilla-making process. He values educating people about the traditional art of making tortillas, emphasizing the importance of fresh masa with simple ingredients. Jonathan aims to revive this dying art and dispel misconceptions about store-bought tortillas, highlighting the richness of flavor and nutrition in homemade versions.

This episode covers a discussion with Lauren Allen, who is completing her Masters in Fine Arts. The theme of her exhibition revolved around exploring past, present, and future selves, influenced by her childhood ADHD diagnosis. Lauren discussed how memories shape individuals and their interpretations change over time, using photography and woven structures in her exhibit to represent these ideas. The woven structures forced viewers to be present in the moment and navigate the space carefully, reflecting the experience of navigating new spaces that many neurodivergent individuals face. Lauren openly includes her neurodivergence in her art bio and finds a shared experience within the art world due to the acceptance of diverse perspectives.