Art Unknown Podcast

“Art is humanity." - Jim Wills Art Is Humanity After one hundred conversations with artists from around the world, it's time to turn the microphone around. In this final episode of the Art Unknown Podcast, my wife Janrace Prudent interviews me about the journey from a small arts magazine to one hundred episodes, the lessons I've learned from musicians, painters, photographers, filmmakers, writers and creators of every kind, and why I still believe art is one of the most powerful forces for human connection. We talk about creativity, curiosity, perseverance, happiness, and why this isn't really an ending at all. It...

“Art can both be a place where we retreat in solitary to know ourselves, but it can also be the way that we connect with each other." - Leah Renee When the Shelf Breaks For years, Leah Renee lived according to a script she believed had already been written for her. Then everything changed. What followed wasn't just leaving a faith; it was rediscovering her own voice through stand up comedy, storytelling, and the courage to question long held beliefs. In this conversation, Leah reflects on identity, reinvention, and why humor can become a bridge between difficult experiences and genuine co...

“I believe that's all we are here to do, is just to connect and love each other. Art does that in a way that other work doesn't.” - Matt Evans The Art of Reinvention Most people spend a lifetime becoming known for one thing. Dr. Matt Evans somehow became an equine veterinarian, a landscape painter, a stand-up comedian, and now the author of a memoir. In this episode we talk about the unexpected path that led him there, why creativity often begins with curiosity, and how saying "yes" to something outside your comfort zone can completely reshape your life. Matt also...

“I think as artists, we help people connect with themselves and feel their feelings.” - Jennifer Sklias-Gahan Finding Creativity in the Darkness Actor, filmmaker, and author Jennifer Sklias-Gahan joins the AU Podcast for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, resilience, and the winding path that leads us back to the work we're meant to do. From growing up in Queens as the daughter of a Greek immigrant to finding her voice as a writer, actor, and storyteller, Jennifer shared how journaling, reading, meditation, and even a little piano each morning help fuel a creative life that has been decades in the maki...

“I think that art is the human experience. It's how we express ourselves.” - Jodi Krangle The Sound of Being Human What does it take to build a career using nothing but your voice? In this episode, we sit down with voice actor Jodi Krangle to explore the craft behind the commercials, brands, and stories you hear every day. From her early days in music and internet marketing to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in advertising, Jodi shares how performance, emotion, and authenticity come together behind the microphone. Along the way, we chat about the power of sound, the...

“Whatever it is that you want to do in life, don't give up on it.” - Kenneith Perrin Singing Songs for the Soul Singer/songwriter Kenneith Perrin joins the podcast for a conversation about music, spirituality, performance, and the healing power of art. From singing in church as a nervous seven-year-old to performing across the country with a message rooted in hope and encouragement, Kenneith shares how music became both his calling and his way of connecting with people. He talks about growing up in a musical family and balancing creativity with real-world responsibilities. Kenneith shares stories of life on the...

“If you will look I'm sure you'll find something that makes you feel something, and this is art.” - Joan Barbero Truth, Power, and the Stories We Dare to Tell A Catalan screenwriter steps out from behind the script and into the pages of his own story; and what unfolds is a conversation about truth, power, and the messy humanity inside every character he creates. From crafting hit Spanish TV series to building a 13th-century world filled with strong women, hidden histories, and moral complexity, Joan Barbero reveals why the best stories aren’t about heroes or villains; they’re about th...

“You curate life like anything else. If you want that kind of life and you make it happen, then it will happen.” - Cliff Beach The funk, the hustle, and the grind Musician, author, and creative entrepreneur Cliff Beach joins Jim Wills for a lively conversation on persistence, reinvention, and building a life around passion. Cliff shares his journey from studying at Berklee, auditioning for American Idol, performing on cruise ships, and eventually creating his own lane as an independent artist with more than a dozen albums to his name. They dive into the realities of the music business, why tale...

“Art is a form of self-expression. Caring about art is caring about how you feel, how other people feel, and how they express themselves.” - Kneet Through Music and Love, she will Rise This episode of Art Unknown starts as a creative conversation and quickly turns into something deeper; part origin story, part survival story, part “how did we get here?” I sit down with Kneet, a Thai Sikh artist in New York who walked away from cultural expectations and built her own lane. What follows is a journey through identity confusion, strict family dynamics, and finding her voice through music wh...

“I think we need something that's elevating or beyond us, otherwise life is just too drab I think.” - Lora Arbrador The Courage to Paint What Matters...with Eggs The Art Unknown Podcast sits down with Lora Arbrador; an artist whose life feels like it was dropped straight into the middle of history and told to figure itself out. From the chaos of 1960s Berkeley and living out of a van, to working as a nurse on the frontlines of the AIDS epidemic, Lora’s story is anything but ordinary. We dive deep into her devotion to egg tempera; an ancien...

“For me, art is an experience. There is no right definition for it.” - Rupali Kumbhani The Art of Becoming Through Experience Jim Wills sits down with multidisciplinary artist Rupali Kumbhani to trace a life in motion. One shaped not by a single medium but by persistent curiosity and the courage to follow wherever creativity leads. From her early days in Mumbai to a practice spanning painting, photography, and beyond, Kumbhani shows how her work grows through lived experience, careful observation, and a constant willingness to explore. At the center of the conversation is a question; what does it mean to c...

“Life is the fuel of art and art is basically what grows out of it.” - Regina Linke The Boy, the Ox, and Questions That Shape Life In this thoughtful and luminous conversation, Jim Wills sits down with Taiwanese American author and illustrator Regina Linke to explore the unlikely journey that led her from nonprofit technology work to creating a philosophical children’s book series rooted in ancient wisdom. What began as a personal art practice in Taiwan soon blossomed into The Oxherd Boy; a contemplative illustrated world inspired by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and sparked by the profound curiosity of her...

“Art is here for all of us and it's for everyone. If you want to go and make art for the rest of your life, go and make art for the rest of your life.” - Alec Harrison The Sound Behind the Screen: Guest Alec Harrison pulls back the curtain on the invisible art that makes films breathe. From a life-changing encounter with armless drummer and speaker Alvin Law to a lifelong career scoring documentaries, global sports broadcasts, and cinematic experiences, Harrison reveals how music becomes the emotional engine behind the films and TV that we love. He walks through the...

“Keep being creative... continue to pursue whatever your passion is.” - Lee Isaacs A Song of Life: Sit down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Lee Isaacs for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, storytelling, and building a life in music on his own terms. From his roots as a writer to discovering songwriting as a way to compress entire emotional narratives into just a few minutes, Lee reflects on the artists, moments, and quiet observations; sunsets, stillness, and everyday life, that continue to shape his sound. Jim and Lee dive into the realities of being an independent artist today: blending genres with...

“I think that the operatic theatre is something that you can connect to, and in this moment when you are in the theatre you forget your worries.” - Evgenia Selina From Pop to Puccini: Engage in an enlightening conversation with the award winning, Russian-born opera singers Evgenia Selina and Ilya Lapich, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo now thriving in Germany. The episode delves into their distinct journeys toward opera: Evgenia's path, deeply rooted in a musical family where classical music was a constant companion, and Ilya's unique transition from pop, rock, and choral singing into the world of classical opera. Listeners are...

“What is art? On its basest level I think it's the communication of emotion.” - Chris Orcutt Memory Mining & 80s Magic In this episode of the Art Unknown Podcast, Jim Wills chats with Chris Orcutt, a writer and educator, in a reflective dialogue on art, memory, and creativity. They connect over their shared experiences growing up in the 1980s, using this as a backdrop to explore how art preserves culture and identity. Chris shares insights into his creative process for his nine-book series, Bodaciously True and Totally Awesome, set in the mid-1980s. He describes his unique approach of disconnecting from...

“There's no secret recipe to how you find success. It's simply not giving up.” - Don Rodriguez Creativity Unleashed: Dive into an illuminating conversation with Don Rodriguez, where we explore the essence of creativity as a holistic way of life. Don shares his journey of embracing creativity across multiple fields; construction, real estate music and film, and how this has profoundly influenced his personal and professional evolution. Our dialogue emphasizes creativity's universal role as a problem-solving tool and how recognizing this can enhance self-awareness, connection, and purpose. Don reveals his bold decision to transition from a successful career in real esta...

“[Art] is how we express ourselves...It’s how we connect with people; and how we understand ourselves better.” - Franky Corcoran Crafting Stories and Community from the Great White North: In this captivating episode, host Jim Wills engages in an inspiring conversation with Franky Corcoran, a dynamic theatre artist from Miramichi, New Brunswick., Canada. Franky’s multifaceted career encompasses acting, writing, directing, producing, and podcasting, all driven by a passion for storytelling that took root during his high school years. The episode delves into how the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for Franky, inspiring him to write original plays, start hi...

"But to me art is a way of life, and it's the way of the curious, it's the way of the search." - Maba Ba Curiosity Is the Compass: Jim sits down with Senegalese-born filmmaker, writer, and entrepreneur Maba Ba for a rich conversation on curiosity as a guiding force in life and art. Maba reflects on his journey from Senegal to New York, from philosophy and film to winemaking, revealing how every creative path he follows is rooted in storytelling and human connection. Together they explore identity, community, and the dangers of confirmation bias, while unpacking why art; and...

"Art is here after we're gone, but art also documents culture...and art is our culture." - Wednesdae Reim Ifrach Transformative Artful Healing: Prepare to be inspired by Wednesdae Reim Ifrach, a visionary licensed art therapist and clinical counselor who is reshaping the landscape of mental health care. With a passion that transcends traditional therapy, Wednesdae is a beacon of hope and healing for the LGBTQ+ community, specializing in gender-affirming care, body positivity, and trauma-informed therapy. At the heart of their work lies Rainbow Recovery, a sanctuary for those seeking empowerment and self-discovery. Here, Wednesdae co-creates a nurturing environment where...

"Art enriches our lives. It can transform people in a moment of deep need." - Dawn Farrow Crafting Experiences In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the intricacies of succeeding in the entertainment economy, focusing on the vital role of producing successful live events. Guest Dawn Farrow shares her journey from working in marketing for theatre and live events to founding On Sale Group. She recounted her transition from agency work to launching her own marketing and partnerships agency, and how she now operates as a consultant, delivering sales and marketing campaigns for global live experiences. Dawn emphasized the importance...

"Art is the best means we have for exploring our own thoughts and our own nature." - Richard Moon From Physics to Fantasy This episode of the Art Unknown Podcast dives into the eclectic world of Richard H Moon, a man who seamlessly blends the scientific with the fantastical. As a co-founder of MoonHill Productions with his wife, Isabel Hildebrandt, Richard's journey from a degree in physics to the vibrant sets of indie films like "Driving by Braille" and "West Virginia Stories" is nothing short of cinematic. He's a storyteller who refuses to be boxed into a single genre. In...

"I think art has an interesting way of tapping the emotions." - Kirk Voclain Capturing Life's Moments: In this engaging episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Kirk Voclain, a seasoned photographer from Houma, Louisiana. Kirk's passion for photography ignited with the purchase of a Kodak Instamatic camera from collecting cereal box tops, and by age 15, he was able to purchase his own SLR and shoot his very first wedding. Kirk's expertise spans a wide range of photography services, including senior portraits, real estate photography, business headshots, and more. His commitment to capturing authentic moments is evident in his...

"I really think if you want to be a balanced human being, you need to be creative." - Stan Lai A Maestro of Modern Theater A luminary in the world of theater, Stan Lai has long captivated audiences with his groundbreaking and thought-provoking plays. Renowned for his innovative storytelling, Lai seamlessly blends traditional Chinese elements with contemporary themes, crafting narratives that resonate across cultural boundaries. Born in the U.S. and raised in both America and Taiwan, Lai received his doctorate from UC Berkeley before launching an award-winning career spanning decades. His contributions to theater have not only enriched the...

"I think there is something good for our souls to create. We're built to create. The world changes when artists are doing their best work" - Dennis Welch From Knowing to Doing: A Songwriter's Journey In this captivating episode of the Art Unknown Podcast, we delve into the transformative journey of Dennis Welch, a passionate songwriter who has embraced the art of saying "yes" to life's opportunities. Join us as Dennis shares his inspiring story of crafting songs in solitude, drawing wisdom from award-winning friends, and reigniting his musical passion later in life. Dennis's journey is a testament to faith...

"Art creates love and connection to the human spirit." - Jim Wills For our 75th episode extravaganza, we're flipping the script and turning the spotlight on the maestro himself, Jim Wills! And who better to commandeer the host's chair than his exceptional wife, Janrace? She's got a knack for asking the questions no one saw coming; it's like a musical mystery tour, but with more cowbell and fewer maps! As Jim takes us on a rhythmic journey through his musical career, it's less about his dusty old records and more about the fresh beats of the here and now. Discover...

"I really feel that creativity is fundamental to our existence." - Cameron Smith In the realm of boundless creativity, where imagination flows like an unending river, one must harness this torrent of ideas and share it with the world. This is the very essence of our guest on Episode 74, Cameron Smith, whose life has been a testament to the art of storytelling since his formative years. From a tender young age, Cameron was captivated by the act of documenting his life, capturing the essence of his existence and the tapestry of interactions that colored his youth. This relentless pursuit of...

"It just makes life better. It just helps us get through life. That's why art's important." - Siquoyia Blue The life of an artist is often a delicate dance between creative passion and the practical demands of making a living. It is a journey filled with both inspiration and struggle, where the flame of artistic genius must be carefully nurtured amidst life's challenges. The essence of resilience and perseverance is at the heart of Episode 73, where we delve into the remarkable journey of Siquoyia Blue; an artist's artist. Siquoyia's creativity knows no bounds, seamlessly weaving through the realms of music...

"Everything in life is temporary. We can create a different day. We can create a different vision." - Clementine Moss Episode 72 is a mesmerizing journey into the vibrant life of Clementine Moss, a writer turned drummer, whose story unfolds like a symphony of passion and discovery. In this conversation, we delve into Clementine's unexpected foray into drumming in her 20s; a time when she realized the profound need not just to create, but to collaborate. This epiphany propelled her into the world of music, where she has flourished as a professional musician, singer, songwriter, and an undeniable force behind the...

"Art informs all of culture. Art is the spice of life" - Maya Elizabeth & Rob Murat When two powerhouse performers join forces, the result is pure magic. In Episode 71, we welcome Rob Murat and Maya Elizabeth, the creative minds behind the captivating track "All I Can Say." Rob Murat, a talented singer, songwriter, musician, and actor, has appeared in popular TV shows like Extant, Bones, and the Netflix hit series On My Block. His musical journey, marked by a passionately resonating voice, led him to collaborate with Maya Elizabeth. Raised amidst "all the choirs," Maya's angelic voice perfectly complements Murat's...

"Having art in your life gives you the ability to see things in different way." - Meg Raiano Meet Meg Raiano, our dynamic Episode 70 guest who embodies the creative spirit. Her journey began like many artists; on a traditional path that took an unexpected and thrilling turn. From her initial love affair with photography to her college days immersed in dance, Meg has always been a true artist at heart. Though dance brought her joy, it was behind the camera where her passion truly ignited. Meg's journey took her from college in New York City to the serene landscapes of...

"Life's passing by, if you are not doing the things you love anyway, why not just give it a shot." - Kat Sparks While many people follow the path of the creative, few have done it as diversely as Episode 69 guest Kat Sparks. From a young actor in Hollywood to a powerful film producer in Austin, Texas, Kat has developed a keen sense of what makes great film. In this episode we discuss the ways in which her award-winning company, Southwest Film Productions helps up-and-coming artists and screenwriters develop and improve their storytelling. In an Art Unknown Podcast exclusive we...

"Art transforms our minds. Music transforms our hearts." - Christopher Quigley Christopher Quigley spent his working life assisting artists and architects create their own incredible public art works around the world, yet it wasn't until a pair of massive strokes nearly took his life, that he decided to embrace his own inner artist. Moved by the tragic murder of Elaine Mosher and his own experience of childhood violence Christopher began developing a social art piece to address the ongoing tragedy of gender-based and intimate partner violence. This project is Transformation of Dangerous Spaces and will be an interactive, multi-sensory art...

"Create art for other people to experience and to enjoy and for it to enrich their lives." - Shanti Hershenson Everyone is inspired by the success of the youth. As for the young adult novel world, our Episode 67 guest, the award-winning author, Shanti Hershenson is taking it by storm. Starting from very early on in her teenage years, Miss Hershenson has written over 30 books and published 20. This alone is an accomplishment any author can be proud of. But add in the fact that Shanti is barely 17 years old and one quickly realizes the power that this author IS and WILL...

"If you can't tell your own story; really, who's story can you tell?" - Alan Katz Episode 66 continues the conversation with Hollywood legendary phenom, Alan Katz. We get very deep from jump, as they say, but pretty soon Alan weaves a fascinating tale of recovery and discovery and we talk about his world today as a podcast storyteller, his beliefs on plant medicine, and much more in this second half of the gripping life of the voice of the Crypt Keeper. Enjoy! images: ©alan katz the donor podcast website Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS.fusion-portfolio-wrapper#f...

"Making Tales From The Crypt was an extraordinary creative experience... it was fantastic." - Alan Katz Our Episode 65 is an Art Unknown first! The conversation with Hollywood legend Alan Katz was so good that we made it our first ever two-parter. Anyone enjoying tv in the 1990s will remember Tales from the Crypt and the lovable, terrifying Crypt Keeper. Mr. Katz developed the Keeper as a fully fledged character in the show. From a running dialogue of jokes and horror, Katz created the words, attitude, and sass of the Crypt Keeper. From TV to movies, Katz experienced a career low...

"[Art] is one of those quality of life things that give you a reason to get up in the morning." - Isaac Hersh Gutwilik Looking back at a life filled with art and music, our Episode 64 guest, Isaac Hersh Gutwilik is a drummer's percussionist. That is to say, while he knows his way around a drum kit, his true expertise lies in his ability to create complex beats and rhythms which balance and drive the music using traditional backing drums - bongos, congos, etc. After living and studying percussion around the world, Hersh found himself in Southeast Asia, teaching and...

"You do not want to leave this earth with things on a bucket list and wishing you had done something." - Teri M Brown What do you do when life has beaten you down? When you question your place in the world? After a bad 14 year marriage ended, Teri M Brown found herself questioning everything. It was during this tumultuous time that she met the man who would become her champion and would challenge her to reach new heights. It was time for a grand adventure. Teri and her new husband Bruce created a plan and in 2020 during the height...

"Without [music] the world would be empty. This is a huge part of the happiness of our soul." - DJ Windy M As creatives go, DJ Windy M is a true chameleon of the arts. From her humble beginnings in the world of hair, to time spent embracing her love of music, she has put in the hours and the hard work required to not only take the stage, but to own it. Her dynamic presense and positive energy is felt far beyond her music. She has traveled the world and found a home in the unlikeliest of places, Da...

"No matter how dark the day may seem there will always be light." - Ant Boogie When it comes to being immersed in what you love, few do it as well as Anthony Frazier - aka Ant Boogie. From musician to producer to radio DJ, Ant Boogie keeps himself busy with plates spinning and pots boiling. His love of music is infectious and his passion for life easily spills over to everyone who spends time in his orbit. With a lifelong dream of being on the air, Ant Boogie took the steps through learning guitar, owning a music store and...