Modern Romantic

Dive deep into the world of costume design with the incredible Desira Pesta. Known for her work on films like the upcoming release"Sing Sing", Desira took us behind the scenes, sharing insights into the artistry and craft of costume design.

Ever wondered about the difference between a Costume Designer and a Fashion Designer? Desira broke it down for us, revealing the unique challenges and joys of creating characters through clothing.

We also explored Desira's commitment to authenticity in her work, and how she brings depth and richness to every project she touches. Tune in to discover the magic behind the costumes and the stories they help tell.

Learn More: www.desirapesta.com

From prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center to her role as the Associate Professor of Piano and Collaborative Piano at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Tomoko's musical journey is nothing short of inspiring. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of music with us and explore Tomoko's passion for diverse repertoire and lifelong learning.

Learn more: www.cmozarks.org/aboutcmo

We're excited to have Jasmine La Fleur and Carlos A. Williams Jr., from Black Fae Day return to the podcast to share updates and dive into the 2024 season! Join us as we catch up with Jasmine and Carlos to hear about the latest developments with Black Fae Day, the annual celebration that has captivated the hearts of fantasy enthusiasts worldwide, and some fun chatter about DnD. From new events to community initiatives, Jasmine and Carlos provide insight into the evolution of Black Fae Day and how it continues to inspire and empower Black creatives in the realm of fantasy.

Find out more at Blackfaeday.com

Lori Balton is a romantic in the world of film locations. As the first location professional invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Lori brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. From working with top directors and production designers to her passion for exploring global architecture and cultures, Lori's adventurous insights are captivating and insightful.

Abbey, a former Radio DJ based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, brings her passion for small town living to the forefront as she explores the hidden gems and unique experiences of local communities. From quaint Main Streets to charming festivals, Abbey uncovers the heart and soul of small town America. Learn more at https://thesmalltowntourist.com

Sawyer's work as a director, choreographer, and producer has garnered numerous awards including two Emmys, a Gracie, and six American Choreography Awards and World Choreography Awards nominations. Her work spans media, live theatrical shows, and interactive mixed-reality projects.

Sawyer launched the groundbreaking Marvel Universe Live! arena show franchise – writing the original concept that brought together Marvel, Disney Theatricals, and Feld Entertainment and collaborating closely with Marvel CCO Joe Quesada. Sawyer served as show creator, director, and co-writer for this uber-successful franchise's first U.S. and international tours.

Sawyer’s work as a television director has fueled the success of TV comedies such as Queer Eye, The Man Show, The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show, and reality shows like Extreme Makeove, and The World’s Greatest Stunts. Sawyer executive produced and directed Oxygen’s critically acclaimed reality/comedy series Who Needs Hollywood? and was honored to design and direct the Michael Kidd Tribute for the Academy Awards. Her choreography is featured in numerous TV shows.

Sawyer was also honored to be chosen to re-imagine the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus. She also directed China Goes Pop – a joint production from Broadway Asia and China’s CPAA – which sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and toured globally.  The show combines traditional Chinese culture and acrobatics with Western pop music and projected Pop Art environments.

Sawyer has created innovative live shows, commercials, and media for corporate clients like Levi’s, L’Oreal, Carnival, Pepsi, Nestle, Nintendo, Subaru, and Absolut.

Learn more about Shanda: shandasawyer.com

One of our favorite imaginatives, Wendy Ellertson joined us for an episode of whimsy, storytelling, and delight! Wendy's figures, crafted from leather, clay, and wood, defy easy categorization, embodying her deep connection to myth and storytelling. Wendy's journey as a visual storyteller and fine art creator artist for over fifty years is a fascinating one, and you too might decide like we did, to keep her around. Learn more about Wendy and her work at ellertson.com

Anjelica Hyde is a fine art photographer in the UK with a passion for creativity, color, and an old-world classical style. Anjelica shares her journey from drawing to modeling, and then discovering the captivating realm of photography. In this episode, we also discuss The Great Journal Hunt and how her daughter inspires her to write.

Learn more at https://anjelicahyde.com

Microsoft Project Manager, tie dye artist, dive pro, and founder of the Twisted Artist Guild, multifaceted Bobb Shields wears many hats, even when he's barefoot. Learn more at https://twistedartistsguild.com

Based in beautiful Denver, CO, this dynamic duo turned their backyard urban garden into a blooming adventure, pressing poppies and wildflowers that sparked their unique venture. Their attention to detail and creative flair transformed their wedding preservation business into Flower Press Studio, a haven for expressing authenticity through organic, locally grown materials.
Join us for an inspiring chat about their journey, collaborations with independent flower farms, and the artistry behind their breathtaking pressed flower creations! Learn more at https://flowerpressstudio.com

From her Emmy-winning role in "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" to creating the award-winning web series "The Guild," Felicia Day has been a trailblazer! Join us as we dive into her creative journey, discuss her New York Times bestselling books, and explore her latest project, the hit Audible Original "Third Eye."

Come draw a bad horse with us and laugh along!

Learn more about Felicia at https://felicia.day

This very special episode features Lady Carnarvon, the Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle —the real-life setting for Masterpiece’s Downton Abbey. We loved how down to earth and loving this delightful woman is.

As the author behind captivating books like "Lady Almina and The Real Downton Abbey" and "Christmas at Highclere," Lady Carnarvon unravels the remarkable history of the castle and its transformation into a hospital during WWI. Discover the intriguing tales from the Edwardian era, straight from diaries, letters, and photos that inspired her best-selling works.

This episode is a favorite of our very own Sandra, and worth tuning in to!

For more:

www.highclerecastle.com

With over 120 published novels, 32 New York Times Bestsellers, and more than 23 million copies in print, and a new book available Jan 9th, Jayne Ann Krentz is a trailblazer.
From her pioneering work in futuristic romance to advocating for the genre's cultural value, she's made an indelible mark on the literary world. Don't miss our in-depth conversation exploring her captivating writing career, pseudonyms, fashion design, and her remarkable journey!

www.jayneannkrentz.com

Growing up in the Philippines and now a prominent illustrator, educator, and recycled fashion artist in the US, Edelweiss brings a diverse creative journey that's both captivating and enlightening. From teaching art to her award-winning avant-garde designs, she intertwines cultures and creativity in her impactful work.

Learn more at www.edelweissvogel.com

From her compelling works at DC Comics/Vertigo to her enchanting graphic novels and urban fantasies, Alisa's creative journey is one you won't want to miss. Tune in for fascinating insights into her writing process, inspirations, and much more! Mark your calendars for a delightful chat with this Eisner-nominated author and editor. Learn more at alisakwitney.com

Susan Berger is a delight. You might know her from the recent #1 FreeVee hit "Jury Duty." It's a wonderful show! Or, you might know her from American Horror Story, when she killed Kathy Bates' character.

Susan is a multitalented gem of a human, and a dynamic actor with a multicultural background and an impressive career in film and TV, Broadway, off-broadway, and writing. Don't miss this captivating conversation, where we dive into the art of storytelling and the magic of the entertainment industry.

Find her online: www.susanbergeractor.com

Bella Kotak is an award-winning fine art, fashion, and portrait photographer who's capturing hearts on both sides of the Atlantic.Bella's photography isn't just an art form; it's a magical journey into fairytales and nature. Her storytelling pictures unveil the enchantment in the ordinary, reminding us of the magic that surrounds us. As an ambassador for Phase One, SmugMug, Canson Paper, and Vanguard, Bella's influence in the world of photography knows no bounds. Find Bella online at bellakotak.com and onlythecurious.com

In this touching episode, David Schumacher shows us how music reaches people in incomparable ways. A prominent composer, jazz bandleader, and dedicated educator, David's illustrious career includes accolades for his jazz orchestra album, "Edge of the Mind," which was named a CDBaby Editor's Pick and a Top 10 Jazz Album in 2009. His passion for music education is evident through his role as Director of Jazz & Bands for Pentucket Regional High School, where his students have achieved remarkable success. With a background in Jazz Studies from NEC, including studying with luminaries like Bob Brookmeyer and Branford Marsalis, David's contributions to the world of jazz are both celebrated and influential. Tune in to explore his musical journey and the magic of jazz on this special episode.

Find out more about David at: www.davidschumacher.com

Lisa Elias is a master blacksmith and artist based in Minneapolis. With over 25 years of experience, Lisa has crafted everything from stunning gates and railings to exquisite lighting and public art installations. Her work blends art and functionality, and her elegant designs leave a lasting impression.
In this episode, Lisa shares her creative journey, her passion for forging metal into art, and the magic of infusing everyday life with artistic beauty. Find out more about Lisa, and check out her work at https://lisaeliasmetalstudio.com

Get ready for spine-tingling tales! Join us as we welcome back to the podcast Laura Packer, a renowned national storyteller, for some spooky stories just in time for the season. Be prepared for goosebumps and wonder!

Follow Laura online: www.laurapacker.com

*Content may be quite scary and triggering to some audiences, please use caution when deciding to listen to this episode.

Get ready for spine-tingling tales! Join us as we welcome back to the podcast Laura Packer, a renowned national storyteller, for some spooky stories just in time for the season. Be prepared for goosebumps and wonder!

Follow Laura online: www.laurapacker.com

*Content may be quite scary and triggering to some audiences, please use caution when deciding to listen to this episode.

Special Episode: Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream like you've never heard before: live, unrehearsed, and with an ensemble cast playing multiple parts. Don't miss this hilarious journey through Shakespeare's magical world!

Featuring a star-studded cast: Trey Pittman, Jasmine La Fleur, Carlos A. Williams Jr., Brenna K Shaffner, Josh Maiolo, Julie Schumacher, Emily A Kramer, Lisa Stock, Chris Shrewsbury, & Chris Hunter!

Meet Trey, our podcast's vocal virtuoso and the wizard behind the microphone! By day, he's a training content designer, but by night, he's the host of The Modern Romantic Podcast. Armed with a Master's Degree in vocal performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Trey's storytelling prowess is as impressive as his karaoke skills are entertaining. Born and raised in the whimsical 90s era of Studio Ghibli and Disney classics, Trey's creative spirit soars on stage, where he's played roles from the Big Bad Wolf to the Nasty, Interesting Man.
Follow Trey online at @orphytunes on IG and YT

In this live stream, we unraveled the secrets of Bob Mayer and Jenny Crusie's craft, discussed how they work together and gained insights into their latest book. Plus, we got to witness Bob sharing some very exciting news with Jenny! It was quite a surprise! Bob Mayer is a literary luminary known for his riveting military thrillers, historical fiction, and science fiction novels. His storytelling prowess has earned him a place among the best in the industry, and we're thrilled to explore his literary journey and creative process. www.bobmayer.com Jenny Crusie, another New York Times bestselling author, is celebrated for her witty and heartwarming contemporary romance novels. Her stories have captured the hearts of readers worldwide, and we can't wait to delve into the magic behind her beloved characters and timeless tales. https://jennycrusie.com

Nick Busch is a master of the miniature, creating incredibly detailed and immersive small-scale worlds. Each of his creations is a work of art in itself, a testament to his precision and imagination. Nick also beautifully captures these miniature marvels through the lens of his camera. His portrait photography brings these tiny realms to life, evoking a sense of wonder and magic.
Nick's talent has shone brightly on the internet stage, earning him features on renowned platforms such as Peta Pixel, Bored Panda, and My Modern Met. His work has touched the hearts of art enthusiasts worldwide. Follow Nick on Instagram at @flyingthedonut and on YouTube www.youtube.com/@nickbusch7860

Lori Ristinen is a highly skilled scrimshander, a term reserved for the talented individuals who practice the intricate art of Scrimshaw, transforming ivory, bone, or other materials into exquisite works of art. Scrimshaw is a captivating form of art that harkens back to the days of seafaring adventures and maritime history. It's a unique and intricate art form that has its roots in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among sailors who spent long hours at sea. In this episode, Lori took us on a journey through her life and artistic evolution. From her early beginnings to mastering the art of scrimshaw, she infuses each piece with one-of-a-kind mastery. Find out more at www.loriristinen.com

D. Riley Nicholson is a composer and pianist. Known for their enchanting compositions that effortlessly blend classical and contemporary elements, D. Riley Nicholson's music evokes deep emotions and paints vivid landscapes of sound. Join us as we delve into his creative journey, psychology, the inspirations that fuel their passion for modern romanticism, and the remarkable endeavors that have marked their artistic career. Also, we try very hard to get Trey to say the name of that Scottish play... Tune in for a captivating conversation that celebrates the beauty of artistry in today's world. For more: www.rileynicholson.com

Dixie Dixon is a trailblazing fashion photographer renowned for her distinctive ability to capture timeless elegance and modern vibrancy in every frame. With an eye for intricate details and a flair for storytelling, Dixon's work transcends conventional boundaries, infusing her images with a unique blend of sophistication and spontaneity. Her portfolio boasts collaborations with top-tier fashion brands and publications, a testament to her mastery in crafting visually compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Through her lens, Dixon weaves together the art of photography and the world of haute couture, creating captivating visual tales that leave an indelible mark on the industry. Visit dixiedixon.com for more.

Meet the enchanting mind behind some of the most captivating love stories of our time, Jude Deveraux. With a literary career spanning decades, Deveraux has masterfully woven modern and historic romantic tales that effortlessly transport readers into the realm of timeless love and passion. Her artful storytelling, characterized by intricate character dynamics and rich historical settings, has earned her a special place in the hearts of readers around the world. Whether it's through her beloved Montgomery and Taggert series or her standalone novels, Deveraux's narratives continually redefine the boundaries of modern romance. Join us as we delve into the world of modern romance with the visionary wordsmith, Jude Deveraux.

Doug Talbott is an adventure photographer that is particularly passionate about photographing wildlife. He has also been a Nikon photographer for 56 years. Doug has visited all 7 continents, including 47 of the 50 contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, all the provinces of Canada, Chile, Argentina, Peru, numerous Caribbean Islands, the Cayman Islands, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Singapore, Borneo, Kuala Lumpur, Sipadan, Palau, Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Amsterdam, and numerous other countries. His latest photographic expedition took place in Antarctica in January 2023, aboard the National Geographic ship "Resolution" where he had the pleasure of photographing with three National Geographic Photographers.

Follow Doug on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/dougtalbottjrphotos

Larry Hall is the fun and charismatic chairman of The Jim Irsay Collection, which features museum-quality artifacts and rare memorabilia from American history, rock 'n roll, and pop culture. The collection is also unique because it travels to different cities so more to be able to enjoy it, and it's free to experience. Find out more at www.jimirsaycollection.com

Nicola Brown is a delightful eco-printer and educator from Ireland. Her remarkable work combines art and mindfulness for our planet. She has some amazing sweaters! Nichola grows her own plants, harvests, dyes, and prints fabrics with them and the best part is that she teaches others how, too! Please find out more about her at https://nicolabrown.ie

Carolyn Palmer is a world renown bronze sculptor known for her works of Lucielle Ball, Four Popes for St. Patrick's Cathedral, Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Roosevelt, the Wright Brothers and many more. In this episode, we talk about Carolyn's process and the challenges and rewards of her journey. Find out more about Carolyn at: www.palmersculptures.com

Gwen Kranz is from a really incredible place she created called the 510 Art Lab. In this episode we chat about the importance and impact of art in the community, doing your own art, getting started in your own community, and creating a place like 510 Art Lab.

Find out more at www.510artlab.com!

Dr. Craig R. Smith is the author of the book "Romanticism, Rhetoric, and the Search for the Sublime" and many other titles. He is also a sought-after former presidential speechwriter, professor, and news commentator. Chatting with him for this episode about romanticism, storytelling, and his fascinating journey was a great pleasure.

Please find out more, and explore his work at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Craig-R-Smith/author/B0C6FTP48H

Julisa and Eric are such a creative duo. These two literary and confectionary superheroes have founded Storyboard Delights, a bookstore and chocolate shop in Longview Washington. Combining their gifts they have created something extraordinary in Julisa's hometown. Plus: sipping chocolate and coffee! Find out more at www.storyboarddelights.com

Zan is the founder and creator of Fell and Fair, which is one of the coolest on and offline communities, a multimedia company, and an adventurous creative giant. A good giant. The kind you want to have as a friend. In this episode, we talk about the beginning, Zan's inspirations, a trebuchet, and the Weekend Warrior Experience - a very real fantasy weekend of war and revelry. Find out more at Fellandfair.com

Diana Michelle and Paul Summerlin are award-winning documentary filmmakers. Diana has a history in photography, having taught photography at the OLLI at the University of Arkansas. Paul is a musician who also toured with Seal. Diana and Paul teamed up to create the production company Seven Diamond Mudra and created the documentary "It's No Secret." For more, visit vimeo.com/paulsummerlin

Tom Blomquist is someone who has probably been in your life in the form of television. In addition to his career as a novelist and textbook author, Tom Blomquist is an award-winning filmmaker, director, producer, and writer who has been associated with some of America’s most popular television programs (look him up some time on IMDB). He was named Most Valued Professor in the College of the Arts at California State University Long Beach in 2018 and retired at the rank of Professor Emeritus. Learn more about Tom at www.tomblomquist.com

www.themodrom.com

Sean Fitzgibbon explores unusual, real places and events through his work. Sean has been teaching college art for almost 20 years, has an MFA in art and a passion for making art and visual storytelling. He also illustrates books and recently completed a documentary-style graphic nonfiction that depicts the mythologies surrounding the Crescent Hotel’s years as the Baker Hospital, a Depression Era cancer hospital in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. For more: www.seanfitzgibbonart.com

Griffon Ramsey is a master at keeping things wild! She is a sculptor, chainsaw artist, independent filmmaker, art director, homesteader, and vlogger with huge passion and zest for life. Known for her pop-culture wood sculptures which have appeared at the Australian Chainsaw Carving Championships and the Butler Chainsaw Carving Invitational. for more info on Griffon, please visit www.griffonramsey.com

In this episode, we discuss life essentials like northern lights, a great van, and chainsaws!

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