' - Mining the hearts and minds of unorthodox teachers' The Junkyard Love Podcast is for people who know they’re meant for more - but don’t want to take someone else's route. These are longform, soul-level conversations with thinkers, artists, mystics, scientists, teachers, philosophers, leaders, comedians, authors, musicians, educators, misfits, millionaires, meditators, psychologists, and much more - and they've burned down their old beliefs to build something truer. This is a show for the ...
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Jacob Rhines Podcasts
Bad Idea Social Club is an independent podcast of stories, insights, and creative foolery. Hosted by graphic designer Aaron McCall, with Joe Matteson and Amber Gray, BISC brings honest, unfiltered conversations that celebrate the messy, brilliant, and relatable sides of creativity, the creative process, and the stories that shape who we are. This is a space where humor and heart collide—where the creative process, personal struggles and growth, moments of joy, and mental health are all part ...
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What If Mania Is a Message? - with Sean Blackwell
1:34:17
1:34:17
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1:34:17What if mania isn’t a malfunction — but a message from the psyche trying to heal? Sean Blackwell is an author, teacher, and researcher who has spent nearly two decades exploring the spiritual and somatic dimensions of bipolar disorder. His work challenges the mainstream psychiatric model by suggesting that episodes of mania, depression, and psychos…
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Courtney Lauer: The Hurry and the Harm
1:11:31
1:11:31
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1:11:31Courtney Lauer (graphic designer, artist) shares her story with Aaron McCall and talks about survival, control, and the strength it takes to turn pain into something honest. She opens up about surviving and processing trauma, rebuilding identity through creativity, and using art to make sense of the things that don’t have easy answers. Keep up with…
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Jacob Betts (singer-songwriter, The American Hotel System) joins Aaron McCall to talk about creativity as something to hold onto when life unravels, how grief reshapes how we see purpose, and what it means to rebuild belief in people when everything around you feels painfully divided. He opens up about faith, art, and the defiance it takes to choos…
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Casey Lambert (independent pro wrestler, marketing director) joins Aaron McCall to talk about life in and out of the ring, how strength and vulnerability feed off each other, and how connection shows up everywhere from the crowd to your opponent, and the relationships that matter most. They dig into storytelling in wrestling, learning how to take a…
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0117 with Blake Hull - Good morning, Blakey Boy - Grace, written in code
2:44:02
2:44:02
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2:44:02In this conversation, I'm joined by mathematician, meditator, and machine learning engineer Blake Hull. We share stories of therapy, meditation, and Ram Dass, opening up after years of staying in the head, we unravel ideas of masculinity, expand on vulnerability, and dissect what it means to become safe in our own skin. We talk about anger as sacre…
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Joy Rhine (visual designer, photographer) sits down with Aaron McCall to talk about keeping creativity in your life without letting it become your whole identity. She opens up about being people-first in a screen-first industry, why she’d rather build community than chase trends, and how confidence came from doing hard things like running marathons…
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Mack Garrison: Everything in Motion
1:05:09
1:05:09
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1:05:09Mack Garrison (motion designer, co-founder of Dash Studio) joins Aaron McCall to talk about ADHD as both a curse and a creative advantage, building a studio rooted in empathy over ego, and what happens when you decide burnout isn’t a badge of honor. He opens up about the lessons that shaped Dash’s first decade, from mentorship and community to lead…
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Scott Katsufrakus: Castles and Sirens
1:01:54
1:01:54
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1:01:54
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Taylor Matteson (painter, experimenter) shares her story with Aaron McCall and discusses following creativity wherever it leads: painting, sculpture, and adding teeth to thrifted objects. She opens up about growing up shy in a loud, creative household and learning to embrace the unapologetically weird. From finding confidence through experimenting …
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Ray Anne Barker: Noise and Stillness
1:03:06
1:03:06
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1:03:06Ray Ann Barker (painter, photographer, model, content creator) talks with Aaron McCall about anxiety as the root of her creativity, finding ground through photography and abstract painting, and how turning perfectionism on its head opened new doors. She opens up about modeling in her 30s, navigating motherhood, and creating space for community over…
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Colin Russell (artist, muralist, Ghost Town) talks with Aaron McCall about moving from years in coffee to a life in art, stumbling into murals, and building a world in black and white. His work is bold, playful, and unsettling all at once—creepy cartoons that have made their way from Grand Rapids to Japan. Colin opens up about freelancing, anxiety,…
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Virginia Anzengruber: That's Not Funny
1:00:27
1:00:27
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1:00:27To kick off Season 6, Virginia Anzengruber (comedian, filmmaker, writer) joins Aaron McCall for a conversation about grief, comedy, and what it takes to keep creating when life gets heavy. She talks about loss, writing scripts that hold both humor and heartbreak, the grind of freelancing across film and TV, and the uneasy balance between survival a…
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0116 with Curtis L. Harnagel - Same Room, Different Angles: Creative Direction, Communication, and Deep Listening
2:45:56
2:45:56
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2:45:56Curtis L. Harnagel is a creative polymath - a director, consultant, and producer whose career moves fluidly between live entertainment, multimedia, dance, art, and nonprofit worlds. A true pop-culture savant, Curtis carries decades of music knowledge, behind-the-scenes reasoning, and pedagogical wisdom from his perspective that apply across every i…
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This time, we’re talking about the mess of being online. From LiveJournal drama to influencer marketing and the existential weight of Instagram captions, we dig into what makes social media feel necessary, fake, addictive, useful, and totally exhausting. We ask big questions about authenticity, attention, and the line between art and content. When …
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This time, it’s just the three of us—Aaron, Joe, and Amber. No guest, no plan, just vibes and a theme: starting over. From lost files and ruined shoots to quitting jobs and creative resets, we get into the mess and momentum of starting fresh—when it’s your choice, and when it’s not. Technically, a bonus episode. Structurally, unsound—a freefall. Wr…
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0115 with Voice Actor, Puppeteer, Storyteller, and Sound Producer Nate Begle - The Puppet's Heart
1:31:38
1:31:38
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1:31:38“I grew up with puppetry and voices and weird little characters. I never really let that go — I just found ways to turn it into a life.” - Nate Begle In this episode, we're joined by Nate - He's a voice actor and puppeteer with over two decades of experience in storytelling across stage, screen, and sound. His career has spanned live theme park sho…
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Jenny Hearns (artist, graphic designer) talks with Aaron McCall about creative identity, chronic illness, and what happens when your body hits pause before your mind is ready. They get into creepy-cute aesthetics, the pressure to stay visible, and how she’s learned to make space for rest without losing her spark. It's the classic tale of a ghost, a…
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0114 with Ravinder Taylor - Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, Microbiologist, and Author - 'From Chronic Pain To Inner Power'
1:17:07
1:17:07
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1:17:07Ravinder Taylor is a UK-certified psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist, trained at the National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and has spent over 30 years researching human behavior, subconscious programming, and self-empowerment. She has co-authored more than 200 personal development a…
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Craig Horky (illustrator, graphic designer) shares his story with Aaron McCall and talks about analog habits, unexpected upheaval, and the tension between making a living and making something that lasts. They cover brush pens, weird gigs, creative grit, and the strange freedom that comes with getting fired. Also, he really loves his cats. Keep up w…
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Mitch Ermatinger: Where the Wild Things Sour
51:59
51:59
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51:59Mitch Ermatinger (brewer/founder, Speciation Artisan Ales) talks with Aaron McCall about building a life around wild beer—then no longer being able to drink it. They get into the art and science behind fermentation, the gut-punch of a celiac diagnosis, designing what he can’t taste, and staying creative inside sharp limitations. It’s about constrai…
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Rae Lang (artist, Woosah Outfitters & Outside Coffee Co.) talks with Aaron McCall about carving a life that’s slower, wilder, and closer to the woods. They get into Rae’s evolution as an artist and business owner, the decision to close her Grand Rapids shop, raising kids with muddy feet, and how success looks different than it used to. It’s about a…
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Scott Millington (photographer) has always had an eye for real-life moments—and in photography, he found the language to document them. Scott sits down with Aaron McCall to talk about how the camera gave him purpose, community, and a way to show the world as he sees it. From indie wrestling shows to coffee shops and protests, Scott shares what it m…
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Courtney Romero (graphic designer, co-founder of Class) didn’t set out to co-found a tech company, but when the opportunity came, she ran with it. Courtney shares her story with Aaron McCall about growing up fast, chasing stability, and refusing to play the starving artist game. From agency life to ed tech, she’s made her own rules, learned how to …
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0113 with Transition Mentor Wendy Cole - Later Bloom
1:45:35
1:45:35
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1:45:35In this episode of The Junkyard Love Podcast, we meet Wendy Cole, a 67-year-old Transition Mentor who fully transitioned after 65. Wendy shares her inner perspective from her years living as a married man and father while grappling deeply with identity, societal expectations, and secrets that visited her sleep. Wendy shares stories of how she embra…
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Jon Bailey—photographer, videographer, and co-owner of Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge—joins Aaron McCall for a conversation about reinvention, embracing uncertainty, and the realities of running an independent coffee shop. His path hasn’t been a straight line—from filming skate videos to shooting weddings to finding his place in coffee—but with grit, …
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Artist Mike Egan joins Aaron McCall for a conversation about art, death, and building a life on his own terms. Known for his bold, macabre paintings of skeletons, coffins, and religious iconography, his work is unmistakable—equal parts haunting and approachable. Before becoming a full-time artist, Mike worked as an embalmer and funeral director, ex…
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0112 with David Crayk - 'True Teachings' - Interviewing My High-School Drama Teacher 15 Years Later
1:39:36
1:39:36
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1:39:36In this heartfelt episode of The Junkyard Love Podcast, I reconnect with one of the most influential mentors of my life—my high school drama teacher, David Crayk. We dive deep into creativity, teaching, personal growth, and the power of human connection. David shares his journey from being a young dreamer to a teacher, the impact of mentorship, and…
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Filmmaker and creative director Jenny Berggren (Wondergold Pictures) joins Aaron McCall for an unfiltered conversation about reinvention, creative freedom, and breaking away from the structures that no longer fit. From growing up making home videos to crafting stories through film and photography, storytelling has always been at the core of who she…
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Marcel Fable Price: The Poet and The Price
51:58
51:58
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51:58Poet, storyteller, and former Grand Rapids Poet Laureate Marcel Fable Price joins Aaron McCall for a raw and deeply honest conversation about creativity, mental health, and the weight of grief. He opens up about loss, the complexity of love and regret, and how storytelling became both a survival tool and a calling. From founding a multimillion-doll…
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Nate is a husband, father, stunt-bike rider, motivational speaker, videographer, inspired leader, and an honest man. He joins us to engage in a deep, introspective conversation about personal growth, spirituality, and masculinity. We explore themes of overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and the importance of fatherhood and personal accountabilit…
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Back for More: Sabrina Dahlgren, Jacob Rosenburg, and Mike Mains
58:44
58:44
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58:44Ahead of Season 5, we're catching up with singer/actor Sabrina Dahlgren (S3 Ep5), graphic designer Jacob Rosenburg (S2 Ep12), and musician Mike Mains (S1 Ep3) to hear what they’ve been up to since they were first on the podcast. Life keeps moving, and we’re here for all the stories about what’s changed and how their lives, creativity, and perspecti…
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Back for More: Lydia VanHoven-Cook, Jill Deiters, and Edwin Collazo
59:52
59:52
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59:52Ahead of Season 5, we're catching up with Lydia VanHoven-Cook (S1 Ep1), Jill Deiters (S1 Ep5), and Edwin Collazo (S4 Ep1) to hear what they’ve been up to since they were first on the podcast. Life keeps moving, and we’re here for all the stories about what’s changed and how their lives, creativity, and perspectives have evolved. Season 5 starts hit…
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0110 with Rebecca Wild - Turning The Lights On
1:30:22
1:30:22
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1:30:22Rebecca and I sit down for a raw and enlightening conversation about overcoming life’s most challenging moments. From personal trauma to profound self-discovery, we discuss the pivotal moments that shaped our paths toward healing and growth. With heartfelt anecdotes, practical advice, and a sprinkle of humor, this dialogue is a beacon of hope and a…
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0109 with retired Navy SEAL combat veteran, Author, CEO - Marty Strong - Adapt, Move, Be Different.
1:24:17
1:24:17
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1:24:17I sit down with Marty Strong, former Navy SEAL, and we explore his unique approach to life and work, characterized by his openness to opportunity and his ability to adapt and thrive in unexpected situations. Marty shares lots of great stories, perspectives, and some key highlights from his latest book. We talked about embracing opportunities, culti…
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0108 with Author of 'The Human Idea' Anne Riley - Always Evolution Occurs
1:32:32
1:32:32
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1:32:32Anne Riley, armed with an MBA, scientific wit, experience in multiple industries, and the mind of a curious philosopher - has been on a lifelong quest to understand how humans logically fit into life's panorama. Spending much of her time studying the works of Charles Darwin, Stephen Jay Gould, and Michael Rothschild (among many others), and immersi…
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0107 with Marriage Coaches Meredith and Craig Bennett - Marriage Needs Sunlight and Water
52:28
52:28
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52:28Meredith and Craig Bennett are relationship coaches. Awhile back, at the exact same time, they both left their corporate jobs to pursue being entrepreneurs - they jumped right into real estate, and bombed quickly. And it turned out to be exactly what they needed to head them down a road right back to themselves. They stop by The Junkyard Love Podca…
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Bailey Sell (screen printer, graphic designer, Transfigure Print Collective) shares his story with Aaron McCall and discusses the love/hate relationship between creativity and time, the roles that identity and community play in creativity as well as queer and trans initiatives, and the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with building a brand…
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Daphna Sebbane (graphic designer, illustrator) joins Aaron McCall to share her story, discussing her multicultural upbringing and creative inspiration rooted in mysticism, tattoo art, and the occult. Daphna opens up about developing her distinct artistic style, prioritizing mental health, and the influence of music and travel on her work and person…
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Sean Cook (wedding photographer) shares his story with Aaron McCall, diving into his struggles and growth with social anxiety, the lengths he goes to capture meaningful images, and how his camera has served as a conduit, a security blanket, and a paycheck. And if you listen closely, you'll hear the sound of two grown men with a friendly, yet petty,…
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Mark Condupa (songwriter, singer, writer) shares deeply personal stories with Aaron McCall as they discuss creativity born out of love and grief, the effects of trauma on creativity and decision-making, and the role music plays in our day-to-day lives. Keep up with Mark Condupa: LinkedIn: Mark Condupa Writer/Producer/Editor/Host: Aaron McCall aaron…
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Josie Eli Herman and Michael Alan Herman (actors, writers, podcast creators, Acorn Arts & Entertainment, The Call of the Void, Silvertongues) share their stories with Aaron McCall as they discuss collaboration in creativity and in marriage, the humanity and empathy that goes into writing and performing, and the perspective needed to take acting fro…
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Alyssa Pacheco (poet, author, artist) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss the deeply personal nature of her work. Alyssa opens up about the influence of her family dynamics, the vulnerability in her words, and how her lived experiences serve as a form of discovery, expression, and a vehicle for creativity. Keep up with Alyssa Pacheco…
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0106 with Connector and Operations Manager Cameron 'Cam' Reid - Cleaning The Floors Well
1:43:13
1:43:13
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1:43:13Cameron is a fun, loving, optimist - who will try anything once - and thrives on gathering good people together. He has a contagious and ridiculous laugh that 'most' people seem to love. He is a proponent of medicinal psychedelic usage, meditation, breathwork, flexibility, daily intentional movement, spontaneous dancing, karate kicking to fun music…
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Nicholas Hartman: Macabre & Medicated
1:06:15
1:06:15
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1:06:15Nicholas Hartman (painter, illustrator, Chapel of Ghouls) shares his story with Aaron McCall and opens up about his death anxiety as well as other mental health challenges and how those things present themselves in his work. Nick balances a macabre energy with infectious positivity while discussing the humanity of art and an appreciation for the da…
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Leigh Ann Cobb (photographer) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss going from an awkward art kid to an awkward art grown-up, what it takes to keep her sense of self and identity in check, and the relationship between Leigh Ann and the camera, the camera and her subjects, and more importantly, Leigh Ann and her subjects. Keep up with L…
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Marley Soden (letterer, illustrator, muralist) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss breaking off from agency life, her need for control in creativity and presentation, playing with food, and how she uses TikTok and Instagram as their own mediums. Keep up with Marley Soden: marleysoden.com TT: @marley.makes.things IG: @marley.makes.thi…
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Edwin Collazo (brewer, business owner, City Built Brewing Company) shared his story with Aaron McCall and 70-something other people at City Built Brewing Company for a LIVE recording session to kick off season 4. Edwin opened up about how creativity presents itself, the life experiences that led him to open a brewery, and his relationship with his …
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0105 with Tutor and Educational Consultant Matt McGee - How To Stand Out In College Admissions
1:07:20
1:07:20
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1:07:20Matt McGee is an educational expert, tutor, and college admissions specialist. He is the founder of MRM Education - An elite tutoring and college admissions consultancy that aims to fosters academic curiosity, mental health, and confidence in students' - with the ultimate goal of admission into a top university. Matt is a member of the National Ass…
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In this BONUS episode, we officially welcome Amber Gray to the Bad Idea Social Club team. She's a multi-faceted creative with a background in graphic design, creative direction, photography, performance art, and probably 20 other things. Amber shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss their history together, the bullshit that comes with pr…
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James Victore: The Weight Of The Chorus
1:06:27
1:06:27
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1:06:27To wrap up season 3, James Victore (artist, graphic designer, art educator, creative coach) shares his story with Aaron McCall as they get into discovering your voice as an artist and a person, the line between creative block and being bored, and finding your way back to yourself after getting lost. Keep up with James Victore: yourworkisagift.com I…
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