The Unusual Creatures

Who is Thomas Dane? The Unusual Creatures take their interview pod and turns it on it's head, with one of their illustrious hosts being interviewed by Jenny and Season One guest extraordinaire, Kim Berrios-Lin. We dig into Tom's tumultuous journey (and who's journey isn't) and learn why he has always stayed with the arts. Against all odds.

Thomas Dane is an actor, writer, pod host, visionary, dog daddy, unabashed homosexual, producer, soap opera fan and dancing-enthusiast human. He is an in tune Sagittarius who loves Blood Orange Cosmos. His go to Karaoke song is ‘Purple Rain.’

Thomas was born in Astoria, Queens, and then spent many formative years in West Palm Beach, Florida being raised by a steel-strong single mother. For his studies he attended the International Fine Arts College with thoughts of becoming a film director. That focus changed on his first film set when he realized the camera was not on him. Not because he needed the attention, but because he realized the kind of storyteller he wanted to be - which was a human chameleon. Acting is something he loves deeply and has brought him great healing and pain. He has performed extensively in NYC and premiered original work in Amsterdam.

Some of his favorite roles include Marc Antony (Julius Caesar), Hal (Proof), Berdine (Psycho Beach Party), Pontius Pilate (The Last Days of Judas Iscariot), Sebastian (Raised in Captivity). He has also starred in the internationally awarded and viewed film ‘CAKE’ by Anne Hu, a film in which you can observe his naked rear end. Later, he realized his joy and gift for writing. His one act play ‘Scrambled’ has been performed nationally and he writes on the daily for ‘The Social Edge and GeorgeTakei.com”. Thomas has found that this crazy world of art and storytelling seems to be his calling and dark mistress. Which is why when his best gal pal, ride or die, bad influence, Jesus to his Judas, Jenny Gomez called to host a podcast, he jumped at the chance.

Let’s discuss it all. Art. Creativity, Pain. Frustration. TRIUMPH! The journey. The success, the perceived failures. In the end, he wants to be a better person through his art. Maybe it’s the dreamer’s way. Maybe it’s the harder, more weathered road. But it’s his.

So get ready. Because Thomas is ok taking all the world with him in any direction. XO

It's not often you come across a small town metallurgist with a penchant for the Fluxus movement. But that's this week's guest, the wildly interesting and incredibly skilled Ben Jennings. Hailing from Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Ben has played in many physical mediums like ceramics and jewelry-making before landing on the complex and challenging medium of metal casting. He calls his art his "condition", a state of mind and being that he can't escape - or stray from- no matter how hard he's tried. Like so many artists whose names aren't ones you know in your household, Ben works a day job for the local municipality where he's been inspired by the GIS work in his day to day. 

From his artist statement, his art explores the interpretation of mapping systems through cast metal sculpture. This interpretation can be seen within maps and geospatial layers of lines, features and symbols which create unique identity. On a day to day basis he works with mapping systems to maintain data for the collections system for the city of Wisconsin Rapids.  Within Geographical Imaging System (GIS) software he is able to organize and do an accurate inventory of infrastructure maintenance though layers of collected data. His work is an evolving quest to strip down the complexities of GIS within the constraints of industrial grade foundry materials as expressed through sculpture. This process allows him to focus on the aesthetics surrounding these beautiful systems. His practice has allowed him to translate information through the transformation of 2D images into 3D sculpture by direct carving and in a sense, drawing with power tools. The dichotomy between natural and manmade space is a constant theme throughout his work. 

Ben has over 15 years of mold making experience and casting metals such as bronze, aluminum, and iron. Art is the condition that defines who he is and like so many of the unusual creatures we talk to, the thing he keeps coming back to. We talk to him about his former installations - including one that attracted national news for it's unusual materials - and what it means to him to bring his daughter into his studio to learn some metal casting skills. This is a conversation about permanency and legacy that you don't want to miss. Let's dig into our latest Unusual Creature and a brand new medium to explore. Ben Jennings, ladies, gentlemen and non-binary humans. Dig in.  

This Unusual Creature sitting down to chat with us is everything you want a human being to be. She is smart, funny, humble, proud, vulnerable, strong and passionate. She has taken life head on and with a lot of verve. She's lived a lot, succeeded a lot and lost a ton. But still, she persists. She is a unique talent and a fierce warrior. Please sit back, relax and take a listen -  and lesson.  Kim Berrios Lin is an Actor, Producer, Writer, and Mom of 2 little wildlings. As an Actor, you can catch her in HBO Max's ‘Pretty Little Liars’ airing July 28th in a recurring  role. Other credits include 'Better Nate Than Ever’ (Disney plus), ‘Pose’ (FX), ‘New  Amsterdam’ (NBC), ‘Almost Family’ (Fox), ‘Bull’ (CBS), and ’The Politician’ (Netflix). Her Acting passion projects include: A love-fest of a comedic series currently making a festival  tour called ‘Supermodel Twinning’; playing Karula in ‘Karula’s Dream Show Live’: a part  scripted part improv dream interpretation show; performing in ‘Still Birth’: a play about pregnancy loss. Kim is the founder of the award winning, socially conscious indie production company ‘And  She Flew®’, co-founder of the social justice theatre org ‘Colors of Community’, is on the  advisory committee for ‘Applaud Our Kids’, and holds an MFA from ‘The Actor’s Studio Drama  School’. She is an ensemble member of: ’Barefoot Theatre Company’, ‘Labyrinth Theater  Intensive Ensemble’, ‘Playful Substance’, and ‘Rock The Bells’: a sketch comedy team that she  performs and writes for. As a writer, her poem “I am We’ was recently published in Yellow Arrow’s Journal  ‘Renascence.’ Kim is also the soon to be proud patent owner of a product she invented called  Yogisaver®. Fun facts: Kim refers to herself as a ‘Taiwarican’ (1/2 Taiwanese & 1/2 Puerto Rican) baby & animal commercials make her ugly cry. She will never be mature enough to not laugh at a fart joke. Listening to Kim will give you the shot of hope and inspiration that is so desperately needed. Life is full of surprises and possibility. Feel it through the spirit of a modern day heroine. 

It's not often you get to have a deep and meaningful conversation with a novelist, who, only three years into their professional career is currently writing their 17th book - and they're only fourteen. Shanti Hershenson embodies the word wunderkind and then frankly, blows the label out of the water. Her commitment and passion for writing genre-focused novels will not only inspire you to get off your butt and start creating, it will also school you on how to time manage and couple the writing and work itself with a hefty dose of business acumen. We're also wildly grateful that Shanti was open and willing to wade into some heavier waters with us - we talk about bullying in school and how gun violence is an omnipresent stress when you're a young person these days. And how important it is to channel all of that into the art itself. 

In her own words, her first two novellas were published when she was in the sixth grade, although her writing journey started long before then. Ever since she could hold a pencil, marker, or crayon, she was creating stories. They started from pictures, mere scribbles, and eventually, turned into captivating tales.

We're not shy to say this is without a doubt one of our favorite episodes, not only because Shanti is so inquisitive and inspiring but because these are the types of conversations that we hope will light a fire under everyone in our audience. Dig in this week and enjoy this incredibly talented and brilliant writer and get to say you knew her before she created and helmed her inevitable media empire. Ladies, gentlemen, non-binary humans - the barrier-breaking Shanti Hershenson. 

Hold on to your seats people, because this week we have one of the greatest Unusual Creatures of all. Our guest is the human embodiment of what it means to be a creative vessel. She has seen and done it before anyone else, and in the grandest of diva fashions. Dear audience, take some time to meet... the brilliant and larger than life... Ms. Joyce Beauvais.

Joyce Beauvais, a master of  theatre and comedy, lived in New York, New York  performing in hundreds of shows for twenty-nine years.  About nine years ago, she found a new home in Niantic, along the shoreline of Southeastern Connecticut. She develops local talent of adults who previously acted while in school, or any adult who has a passion for theatre and has dreamed of being a part of it.  As an equity actor Ms. Beauvais worked with some of the best and brightest in the theatre world, performing under the bright lights in the Big Apple.  In NYC, she also ran Chez Beauvais Restaurant and Cabaret where, along with friend Ronny Whyte and partner, Uber agent, Jack Rollins, she highlighted the greatest of Jazz talent and introduced young artists who have blossomed into jazz stars.  She operated Chez Beauvais from 1986-1991.  As well as producing and directing off and on Broadway.

The lights are still bright for Ms. Beauvais, and she still sparkles like the stars, but under new and different venues. As the Founder of Theater Under the Shell (TUTS) along with Parks & Rec and Cathy Wilson Director of the E L Senior Center. Joyce writes, directs and produces Murder Mystery scripts. While teaching theatre classes which are full of rigor and bring out the talent in all who are willing to do the work.

In all honesty, this is really the episode to listen and learn about what it means to hone and perfect a craft. Being an artist is hard, but when it calls you, you can't hang up. And it can be a rip roaring good time, in between all the trauma. So grab a refreshment and be dazzled. 

Take a seat, a cup of something strong and listen to a Queen. Life is going to be hard and a life pursing passion even harder. But this week's guest... Ms. Audrey Martells is gonna guide you through.  Audrey Martells can’t be boxed in. She is a timeless British/Jamaican-born artist who's passion for music has allowed her to cross continents and skate through genres, writing hit songs for jazz legends like George Benson, all the way to pop icons like Billy Porter. Audrey has also been honored to work as a backup singer, recording or (currently) touring the world with Nile Rodgers (as a member of Chic), Brandy, Britney Spears, Celine Dion and Steely Dan - to name a few. Raised in New Jersey, USA, her stellar, eclectic writing ability and dynamic voice has set her apart from the average writer and propelled her to the front of the stage with her band THE VOXIES. In the dance world, she effortlessly transforms into her alter ego, Aria Lyric, belting out more of her own co-written pop anthems like “Yolo” with The Shapeshifters or soon to be released “Preach” with Aline Rocha/Quantize Records. Amazingly, Audrey Martells is just as convincing and able when performing an exciting variety of musical genres blending rock/reggae with R&B/Jazz. “When you write a song from your own lIfe experiences, the interpretation comes effortlessly and the genres of music are sometimes naturally blended into something brand new”. ~AUDREY MARTELLS If you think it can’t be done, you need only to look at Audrey Martells' achievements to prove that art is freedom without boundaries. Let's fly with her! And of course, keep being unusual creatures, just like Audrey! 

This conversation was electric. J. Holtham is a former playwright turned T.V. writer - and comic book writer! - and he graciously shares the story of the windy path that led him from stage to small screen to comic book panels to more T.V. Currently a co-executive producer of The Handmaid's Tale, Mr. Holtham has a story about as untraditional as it gets. He's a self-proclaimed nerd and has found his way in L.A. - which we'll learn from him, was truly the unlikeliest of places where he thought he would find, dare we say, success? 

In his words, he's a is a screenwriter, playwright, comic book writer and blogger. He's written for PITCH (Fox), MARVEL’S CLOAK & DAGGER (Freeform), MARVEL’S JESSICA JONES (Netflix), SUPERGIRL (CW), THE HANDMAID’S TALE (Hulu). His plays include stints short and long with the Ensemble Studio Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Second Stage Theater, Bespoke Plays. Some of the essays and reporting he's proud of has appeared in American Theatre, Thrillist, and Slate, and his comics include Star Trek: The Mirror War, Marvel Voices: Legacy (2022), Spider-verse Unlimited. He's also shared his voice on previous podcasts; Marvel’s Wastelanders: Hawkeye, and he sits on the board of the 24 Hour Plays and Ojai Playwrights Conference. He is a proud product of public education.

We loved every piece of how J.'s journey led up to every other path he's walked and we talk about some heady issues, like where we still need to make some improvements when it comes to diversity in Hollywood - but we're making progress. There's no regrets here, just an appreciation for the hard rights that can set you on the straight and narrow and make sure you find exactly where you need to be. Keep being unusual creatures, fam. 

This week come and join us for a chat with a master of all trades. Charlie Sullivan, the actual king of Staten Island (Sorry Pete... ok, co-King) sits down and has a cozy and riveting chat with us about how his pursuit of being a creative took him all over the world. Charlie gives a nuanced look into how art and creativity bleeds into careers beyond the field and how it can change the lives of so many. It all starts at home. On a simple island, that is one quick ferry ride from the center of the Universe. 

Charlie was an attorney in Manhattan for 30 years, working as a litigator for Sullivan & Cromwell, Arkin, Kaplan & Rice, Gold, Farrell & Marks, and his own firm, Sullivan & Gallion, and as General Counsel to the consulting firm Kazenbach Partners. Along the way, he represented Exxon, Goldman Sachs, Roger Daltrey and John Entwhistle, DMX, Price Waterhouse, Biggie Smalls and Prince. He graduated with a BA in English and Theatre Studies from Yale University in 1978, where he was a member of the Yale Whiffenpoofs, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York Law School in 1986. Upon retirement from lawyering, Charlie settled back into his home turf of Staten Island and resumed acting in community theatre productions, including portraying Satan in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Big Daddy in Cat on A Hot Tin Roof, Sir Thomas More in A Man For All Seasons, Eli Whitney in Anything Goes, Chef Louie in The Little Mermaid, Pozzo in Waiting for Godot and the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father in Hamlet. With Gary Bradley, he co-founded the theatre company Ghostlight Players, Inc., for which he directed Five Women Wearing the Same Dress and Pride and Prejudice and appeared as Ben Franklin in 1776, Herr Schultz in Cabaret and Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came to Dinner.

Pull up a couch or take us on your travels, and listen as Charlie regales us with tales of the mafia, how to be a good Catholic school boy and the early days of a budding actress we have come to know as one... Meryl Streep. Find out how you can support his building of the local community theater scene. And take a crash course in how the law and being a lawyer is more creative than you ever thought possible. Art is a ripple effect and this episode is proof. 

Liz Clayman is a real treat. A hospitality and culinary photographer by trade (and our first pure photographer on the pod), she sparkles with honesty about what happens when you DO make it as a photog. We delve into Liz's journey from fine art photographer to culinary photographer and what the inspiration was for making the jump from one muse to another. Spoiler, it involves a passionate stint at one of New York City's most beloved restaurants. She teaches us what it takes to make it in the visual arts and sets the story straight about the real day-to-day of a working artist. 

Liz Clayman is a commercial and editorial photographer. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in the aforementioned hospitality industry, shooting food and beverage, portraits and interiors. She loves finding the texture and the spirit in the spaces she shoots and the chefs she visually profiles. Not to mention all that delicious food. She's been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Eater, Bon Appetit, Conde Nast Traveler and Edible - to name a few. Her home is in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter, where a lot of cooking, eating, talking about eating and talking about cooking happens. 

Tom and Jenny loved this conversation because it got to the real meat of why they started this pod - what makes an artist? How is it truly defined? And when you're making your living reaching the dream you spent so long pursuing, can you separate the commercial from the art itself? Liz's candor and steadfast belief is how she defines her artistic endeavors (and full-time job), will no doubt inspire a discussion on the topic amongst many of you. Not to mention the fact that it's just down right entertaining and educational to listen to a human like Liz who's a real pro. Learn and fall in love with Liz like we did. And, as always, keep being unusual creatures. 

Alan Herrera does not mince words. This episode is probably our most political to date (be warned) because Alan is a journalist, and being a journalist - a writer essentially under contract to tell the truth - has been a challenge these days to say the least.

Alan Herrera is an editor and reporter who has worked on interviews with such individuals as former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci; Maria Fernanda Espinosa, the former President of the United Nations General Assembly; and Mariangela Zappia, the Permanent Representative to Italy for the U.N. He has written about politics and LGBTQ issues for such publications as Salon and The Huffington Post and began his career working as an editor on the actor and activist George Takei’s social media team, specializing in breaking news and pushing progressive policy initiatives.

Join us this week for the scintillating conversation about the landscape of journalism in the digital age and learn where the fight and sweat should be pointed as we move to create better experiences for all of us.

This week on The Unusual Creatures, everyone gets to unwrap the gift of talented actress, writer, superstar and fantastic creature... Allyson Morgan. 

Allyson Morgan is a performer, writer, producer, and the founder of award-winning film and theatre collective F*It Club. TV appearances include: "Law and Order: SVU," "The Americans," "Inside Amy Schumer," and "Divorce." Her short film “Need For Speed (Dating)” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. She has twice been selected for the iTV/Catalyst Content Festival pitch competition, and also twice been a top ten Finalist for Cinequest, a Semi-Finalist at Austin Film Festival, and has three times been awarded a Juno Leadership Residency through the Omega Institute. Her short film, “Sitting,” made its world premiere at SCAD Savannah Film Festival and won "Outstanding Narrative Short" at Tallgrass Film Festival. “First Date,” her newest short, commissioned by 20th Digital Studio, is currently airing on Hulu in their "Bite Size Halloween" series and is being developed as a feature film by Fox/Disney. Allyson’s debut novel, “Don’t Want To Remember You,” is currently available through Tapas Media. Allyson was a part of the Webby Award-winning team for Dave Holstein and Alan Schmuckler's “Wait, Wait, Don't Kill Me.” She also co-created and produced “Ghosted,” an AR experience, which was awarded “Most Innovative Immersive Experience” at the North Bend Film Festival.

Chatting with Allyson is a life lesson in learning how to embrace your most confident self, through your art and your spirit. From an early age, as a wise and soulful young lady she embraced her talents and gifts, realising that through creative freedom any one of us could change the world. Follow along on her journey to New York where she found her gaggle of weirdos, who would inspire her to dream even bigger. And be inspired by her no nonsense approach on how we can all dream it and be it, even in the worst of times. 

Allyson has done it all and is ready to do so much more. So find a comfy spot and take a listen to the fabulous... Allyson Morgan. 

Thomas Dane and Jenny Gomez have been dear friends and art partners for a looooong time. Hungry for their next creative outlet, in the midst of a violently changing world, they decided to reach out to artists they love to delve into what it really takes to fall in love, stay, stray and hold on to art against all odds. 

In this bonus episode, we meet Tom and Jenny and get to know a little bit about them as a pair and what inspired them to embark on this funny little journey into a whole new medium. When you decide to start a new podcast, it's important you trust the hosts guiding you through the experience. This is just the beginning.