The Art and Life Podcast

In this episode I Interview Bob Matatall.  Bob is an Urban Planner, an avid traveler, and the long time best friend of my Step Dad Chris Belting. In this episode we talk about the joys of slow travel, art and design, surviving cancer, and so much more.

In this episode I Interview Ruben Rojas.  Ruben is an Artist, an Entrepreneur, a Podcaster, a Husband, a Father, and more.  He works and lives in Los Angeles, CA, out of his art studio where this interview took place.  In this episode we talk about Art, Style, the business of art, the experience of making a podcast, and so much more.

In this episode I Interview Billy Arana (Along with my guest hosts Haylee, Kelsey, Cyndie, and Moe LaCroix).  Billy is the owner/operator/guide of North Pacific Adventure in Mendocino County, California.  In this episode we talk guiding, fishing, environmental awareness, the cooking of the freshest catch, and much more.

You can find and follow Billy on IG @north_pacific_adventure, and online at npadventure.com.

In this episode I Interview Marius Lehene.  Marius is an Artist, and Art Professor at Colorado State University.  He’s Romanian born, living and working in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Also, he was my art professor for 5 semesters, including my study abroad trip to Tuscany, Italy.  In this episode we talk about dualities and intersections of place and space, Art and Academia, Art and Society, responsibility as an artist, and so much more.

You can connect with Marius on his website at mariuslehene.net, and on Instagram @marius_lehene, and @dinghy_rig.

Huge Thank You to Silvia and Cyane from the Colorado State University Art Department for helping put the live element of this podcast recording together!

In this episode Ryan Stover (Episode 76) guest hosts the Art and Life podcast and interviews me, Taylor Gallegos.  I started this concept a few years back for the Season Finale and we’re running with it.  In this episode we talk about my artistic process, my tips for success, philosophy about the future, and so much more.

You can connect with Ryan on Youtube @uncomplication and on IG @thinayr and with me @taylorgallegosart or on my website at taylorgallegosart.com.

In this episode I Interview Hadley Stover.  Hadley is a 7 year old (almost 8) creative human being from Fort Collins, Colorado.  Hadley is the daughter of Ryan Stover from Episode 76.  In this episode we talk about creativity from a kid’s perspective, Hadley’s drawings, imaginary friends, and so much more.

You can connect with Hadley on her (and Ryan’s) Podcast on Spotify called “The Haddie Daddy Show.”

In this episode I Interview Okori Puryear.  Okori is a Technical Systems Designer, has a background in geographic data science, and has a degree in Environmental Systems Science from Stanford University.  In this episode we talk about creativity in the dimension of data, the concept of finding creative solutions to contemporary problems, Art on the Playa, and so much more.

Okori suggests you follow, support, and engage with your local environmental groups and to support your local artist!!

In this episode I Interview Lisa Ray.  Lisa is an award-winning actress, author, philanthropist and long-term art collector. Lisa has enjoyed a multifaceted career in the entertainment arts beginning in India in 1991 and spanning multiple countries and straddling film (Oscar nominated ‘Water’) television (‘Top Chef Canada’, International Emmy nominated ‘4 More Shots Please’) modeling, activism and public speaking. Lisa also starred in the award winning ‘The World Unseen’- a culturally sensitive drama that explores a same sex relationship between two Indian women under apartheid in South Africa..

In this episode we talk about her new NFT venture, art helping global communities and individuals in those communities, meditation, and so much more.

You can connect with Lisa on Instagram @lisaraniray, on LinkedIn at Lisa Ray, and also with The Upside Space on Instagram @theupsidespace.

In this episode I Interview Keesa Johnson.  Keesa is a Creative Systems Designer, with a Masters in Integrated Design from the University of Michigan.  In this episode we talk about creativity in designing complex social systems, the concept of a Wicked Problem, equity in the food system, and so much more.

You can connect with Keesa on LinkedIn, and on IG @equityandaccess

In this episode I Interview Joey Cofone.  Joey is Founder & CEO of Baronfig, he's an award-winning designer, entrepreneur, and now author of his new book "The Laws of Creativity."  His work has been featured in Fast Company, Bloomberg, New York Magazine, Bon Appetit, Quartz, Mashable, Gizmodo, and Print, among others.  In this episode we talk about creativity as a concept, the creative process, the writing process, and so much more.

You can connect with Joey at JoeyCofone.com, check out his book at JoeyCofone.com/book, at baronfig.com, and on IG and Twitter @joeycofone.

In this episode I interview Megan Johannsen.  Megan is an artist living and working in Los Angeles, California.  Megan is also a dear friend of mine, we first met on our mutual study abroad trip in Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy, and we’ve been art buddies ever since.  In this episode we talk about Megan’s work, her process, her interest in materials, her philosophy, and so much more.

You can connect with Megan on Instagram @antvanity, and on her website at MeganJohannsen.com.

In this episode I have Diane Hullet back.  Her original episode was No. 74, definitely check that one out.  

Diane is based in Boulder, Colorado.  Diane is an End of Life Educator, she leads the Best Life Best Death courses (which I took and loved), and a long time friend.  In this episode we talk about her progression through the last year and a half since we last spoke, her experience with her podcast, the Best Life Best Death course, and so much more.

You can connect with Diane on her website at bestlifebestdeath.com, follow on IG @bestlifebestdeath, and you can find her podcast on all the listening platforms under the same name.

Also Diane mentions a Wall mural project around the concept of death.  Here’s the link - https://urnabios.com/before-i-die-wall-global-art-project-inspires/

For this episode I interview Colin Barreno.  Colin is a Lawyer, dancer, philosopher, and uncle in San Francisco, California.  In this episode we talk about the art of a Law practice, the meandering nature of life, cliches, the various realities of the space time continuum, and more.

For this episode I interview Janne Robinson.  Janne is a poet, columnist, bushwalker and animal activist originally from Whitehorse, Canada, currently living and creating in Southern California.  In this episode we talk about the creative process, success and challenge, Feminism today, and more.

You can connect with Janne online on her website at JanneRobinson.com, and on Instagram @jannerobinson.

For this episode I interview Richard Silkey.  Richard is a Project Manager in the field of Geotechnical Engineering.  In this episode we talk about the process of designing and building a net zero passive solar home, the art of elk hunting, the power of practice and more.

You can’t connect with Richard online because that’s how he rolls.  But if you have any questions you’d like me to ask him, I can pass them along for me.  DM me on IG @taylorgallegosart

For this episode I interview Dr. Rob Cobert.  Dr. Rob is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado with a PhD in Anthropology and Social Change, with a Masters in Transpersonal Psychology.  In this episode we talk About Dr. Rob’s work with facilitating guided Ketamine therapy sessions, the world of drugs and rehabilitation, and the relationship between various drug experiences and the cultivation of creativity.

Dr. Rob encourages you to to check out maps.org, mdmaptsd.org, and decriminalizenature.org, and the book “Drug Use For Grown Ups,” by Carl Hart.

For the opening episode of Season 3, I interview Makeda Makossa.  Makeda is a return guest (Check out her first interview on Episode 54), and she resides in San Diego, California.  Makeda has lived an amazing life, she’s created so much for the people of San Diego, and she is cultural leader.  In this episode she educates us about forgotten history, conscious evolution, health wisdom, and much more.  February is Black History Month and Makeda was the perfect person to grace us with her presence.

You can connect with Makeda at The World Beat Center at Balboa Park in San Diego, CA, and can connect online @makedadread on Instagram, and Facebook.

In this episode I interview Eric Poline.  Eric resides in San Diego, California.  Eric is a music producer, a musician, and an acupuncturist.  In this episode we talk about the intersection of music and wellness, the creative process, conscious awareness, and much more.

You can connect with Eric online at OpenOptics on all the music platforms, @openoptics on Instagram, at OpenOptics on Mixcould.com, and createfatemusic.com.

In this episode I interview Rachel Fiori.  Rachel resides in San Diego, California.  Rachel is a mystical therapist, elite coach, speaker, and author.  In this episode we talk about the Ego and the Soul, Self Awareness, the Divine Feminine, and much more.

You can connect with Rachel online at @rachel_fiori on Instagram, @rachelfiori.msu on Facebook, and mastersofselfuniversity.com, and Rachel Fiori | Masters of Self University.

In this episode I interview Aaron Allen Marner.  Aaron lives in Phoenix, Arizona.  Aaron is a visual artist, a very unique portrait painter, and an athlete.  In this episode we talk about the art of the portrait, Aaron’s path to becoming a professional artist, dealing with art show anxiety, and much more.

You can connect with Aaron online at @aaronallen1313 on Instagram, @aaronallenart on Facebook, and aaronallenart.org.

This episode is a re-release of an interview that I did with a great friend, Adam Fallik.  Adam passed away in his sleep on Tuesday morning, the 2nd of November, 2021.  Adam was a Son, A Brother, an Uncle, a partner, a teacher, a friend, a drummer, and so much more. He was an epic human with a heart big enough to fit everyone in, and then some.  I travelled back to Fort Collins, Colorado to be there for everything throughout this last week.  There was community, celebration, mourning, sadness, comfort, love and so much more.  Adam loved people, and people loved him, which you could clearly see as his procession through Old Town Fort Collins made noise, made music, and howled it's way from place to place.

Adam was my first interview on this podcast, Episode 1, way back in January of 2020.  I thought I'd re-release his interview, and then add on this interview with his band Wasteland Hop from this summer.  Wasteland played a show with the Flobots and The Burroughs at the Mishawaka Amphitheater July 3rd, 2021.  After soundcheck and before the show we recorded this little interview on the road next to our camp on the Poudre river.  The recording isn't perfect, the voices are a little quiet, you can hear the river (Which is pretty cool actually), there's some other background noise, and a little interruption.  Se la vie.  This interview clip is a nice little snapshot of what it was like being with the whole band as a group on tour or before a show, and this is one main ways I got to know Adam so well.  Adam loved playing music as the drummer with the band.  You can feel it here in this interview.

As a side note, we are raising money to help make this as easy as possible for Adam's girlfriend through this experience.  If you'd like to donate, please visit https://givebutter.com/DBMSIQ?fbclid=IwAR3sGuJ-uANuLTQj8jv_3UMbJpRn37FATxTa1sGVzz7q5vFFRQpmt4pl0jU
We will be collecting donations through Monday, November 15th.

In this episode I interview Liz Gaylor.  Liz lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Liz is a violinist, an herbalist, a small business owner, and a long time friend of mine.  In this episode we talk about music, the creative process, organic growth, and much more.

You can connect with Liz online at @oldtownherbal, oldtownherbal.com, @tinygrocerabq, tinygrocerabq.com, @wasteland_hop, and wastelandhop.com.

In this episode I interview Rosemary Gladstar.  Rosemary lives in Burlington, Vermont.  Rosemary is an herbalist, an educator, a writer, and a magical human being.  In this episode we talk about herbalism, the history of herbalism, the balance of creativity and business, and much more.

You can connect with Rosemary online at RosemaryGladstar.com and thescienceandartofherbalism.com.  Rosemary also recommends checking out UnitedPlantSavers.org, HerbRally.com, and the American Herbalist Guild.

In this episode I interview Nicholas Ryan Gant.  Nicholas lives in New York, NY.  Nicholas is a singer/songwriter, musician, educator, vocal coach, and sneakerhead.  In this episode we talk about Nicholas’ upcoming album, how his life influenced the art, his musical favorites from history, style, and much more.

You can connect with Nicholas online at ghettofalsetto.bandcamp.com, @ghettofalsetto on Instagram, and @ghetto_falsetto on Twitter.

In this episode I interview Ryan Stover.  Ryan lives creatively in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Ryan is an entrepreneur, a family man, a Youtuber, an artist, and an adventurer in many senses of the word.  In this episode we talk about what it means to be an artist, rejecting labels, authentic inner and outer exploration, honestly sharing one’s life experiences, and so much more.

You can connect with Ryan online at uncomplication.com, and @uncomplication on Youtube and Twitter.

Word of caution, we do discuss adult topics on this episode, so maybe not the best to listen to with young impressionable ears nearby.

In this episode I interview Hanna Daly.  Hanna Lives and Works in San Diego, California.  Hanna is a muralist.  In this episode we talk about the life of a custom muralist, Hanna's philosophy on art, adventure and the ups and downs of life, her perspectives on the best ways to live, and so much more.

You can connect with Hanna on IG @hannasmurals and her website at hannasmurals.com.

In this episode I interview Diane Hullet.  Diane is based in Boulder, Colorado.  Diane is an End of Life Educator, an artist, a Mother, and a long time friend.  In this episode we talk about her profound work helping others in planning for the end of life, helping people face the concept of death head on with mindfulness and grace, art for art’s sake, and so much more.

You can connect with Diane on her website at bestlifebestdeath.com.

In this episode I interview Gianna Mauceri.  Gianna is based in San Diego, California.  Gianna is a writer, a yogi, a healer, and more.  In this episode we talk about her new book, the process of healing, reframing pain, and so much more.

You can find Gianna's book "Soul of a Spirit Warrior" on her website giannamauceri.com, or wherever you get your books.  You can also follow her on Instagram @gianna.divine.love.

In this episode I interview Chad Alley.  Chad is based in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Chad is a musician, the newest member of Wasteland Hop, and a general contractor.  In this episode we talk about the guitar, learning a whole new catalog of music, creativity within music itself, the interfacing of art and business, and so much more.

You can follow Chad on IG @C_Lac_Ally, on FB at Alley’s Custom Remodel, and check out Wasteland Hop on Instagram and all the streaming platforms.

In this episode I interview Brandon Bullard.  Brandon is based in Denver, Colorado.  Brandon is an artist, a philosopher, and a multifaceted creator.  In this episode we talk about his relationship with creative process and materials, making it as an artist, the art of listening, and so much more.

You can follow Brandon on Instagram @eyephotos, and on his website at brandonbullard.com.

In this episode I interview Mae Bird.  Mae Bird is based in Wales, United Kingdom.  Mae Bird is a singer/songwriter, a world traveller, and a wonderful human being.  In this episode we talk about the creative process, the challenge of releasing judgement, daydreaming, and so much more.

You can follow Mae Bird on Instagram @maebirdsings, and on Facebook @Mae Bird.

And friends!!!  Jump onto her FB page and find her JustGiving fund raising page and donate to her upcoming album!  Let’s help a fellow artist bring her art into reality!  As soon as I heard that she was moving in that direction I donated, and I would love it if you did too.  At this moment she’s 58% there with 28 days left.  Let’s get it over the top!  Cheers to the muse!

In this episode I interview Kevin Yu.  Kevin is a computer programmer, a standup gentleman, and most notably, a break dancer.  In this episode we talk about break dancing, the history and culture of the artform, Kevin's unique love affair with it, and so much more.

You can follow Kevin on @foco_flava on Instagram, and feel free to look around to see if you can find him breaking elsewhere on the deep corners of the interwebs.

In this episode I interview Nick Scheidies.  Nick is based in Nederland, Colorado.  Nick is a musician, a founding member of Wasteland Hop, a music producer, a multifaceted creative, and a family man.  In this episode we talk about the creative process, the importance of family, the beauty of creativity, and so much more.

You can follow Nick on Facebook @nickscheidies, on Instagram @nicholasalexander49, check out Wasteland Hop on all the streaming platforms, and check out Nick’s personal work on Bandcamp at lamplightlamplight.bandcamp.com.

In this episode I interview Cameron Gallegos.  Cam is based in Bozeman, Montana.  Cam is a firefighter, a ski patrolman, an athlete, a family man, and my brother.  In this episode we talk about the art of the fire service, wildfires, continued training, whiskey, and so much more.

You can follow Cam on Instagram @mtcameron.

In this episode I interview Lara Austin.  Lara is based in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Lara is an entrepreneur, a doula, and MY online business manager.  In this episode we talk about Lara’s journey to becoming her awesome self, the business of creativity, her philosophy on organization for business, and so much more.

You can follow Lara on her websites at laraustin.io, and birthintocommunity.com.

In this episode I interview Carlos Montoya.  Carlos is based in Carlsbad, California.  Carlos is an entrepreneur, a designer, a coffee roaster, and possibly one of the most interesting men in the world.  In this episode we talk about coffee, the process of creating a company, the art of life, and much more.

You can connect with Carlos and his coffee on his website at myadventurecoffee.com.

In this episode I interview Signe and Paul.  Signe and Paul are based in San Diego.  Signe and Paul are budding Muralists, creative artists, spray paint aficionados, and the official muralists of the San Diego Padres.  In this episode we talk about their meteoric growth path, turning struggle into triumph, cultural heritage and art, and so much more.

You can follow Signe and Paul on Instagram @groundfloormurals, and on their website at groundfloormurals.com.

In this episode I interview Ao Anderson.  Ao is based in Blackhawk, Colorado.  Ao is a musician, a music producer, a unique creative, and a long time friend.  In this episode we talk about Ao’s music, his process, his perspectives, and much more.

You can find Ao’s music on all the streaming platforms under Crashing Hotels, or to see what he’s eating that day on Instagram, @crashinghotels.  

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In this episode I interview Ian McKesson.  Ian is based in Fallbrook, California.  Ian is a Barber/Stylist, an artist, an athlete, and a family man.  In this episode we talk about art across disciplines, finding new opportunities within challenges, looking forward to more art in the future, and more.

You can follow Ian on Instagram @ianmckesson, and on his website at maryjanesalon.com.

In this episode I interview Markus Manner.  Mark is based in Stockholm, Sweden.  Markus is a Musician, a multifaceted creative, and a family man.  In this episode we talk about a life of music, the process of learning and growing in and through art, vikings, and much more.

You can follow Markus on all the music streaming sites at Markus Manner, and Obsession Session.

In this episode I interview Chris Fornataro.  Chris is based in Sarasota, Florida.  Chris is a painter, a paint coach, and an athlete.  In this episode we talk about the art of teaching people how to paint, Chris’s evolution as an artist, we trade portrait artist’s notes, and much more.

You can connect with Chris on Youtube, at Paint Coach Instagram @forza47, or on his website at paintwithyourpaintcoach.com.