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“Art is humanity." - Jim Wills After one hundred conversations with artists from around the world, it's time to turn the microphone around...again. 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's the beginning of a new chapter. To every artist who trusted me with your story, and to every listener who came along for the ride, thank you. As always, feed your soul with art. images: ©jimwills happiness hacks website jim wills website Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 connection. We explore the stories we inherit, the ones we choose to rewrite, and how laughter sometimes reveals truths that are too difficult to say any other way. images: ©leah renee leah renee website leah renee instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 shares what veterinary medicine has taught him about storytelling, why bombing on stage is part of becoming a comedian, and how humor can help us navigate even the most demanding careers. It's a funny, thoughtful conversation about finding inspiration in unlikely places and embracing the winding road that makes each of us unique. images: ©matt evans matt evans website matt evans instagram austin equine hospital Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 making. from her growing career in film to her debut novel, The House in the Middle of the Street. We also explore the role of darkness in art, why stories can help us better understand ourselves, the balance between family and creative ambition, and her belief that art remains one of the most important ways we connect to our humanity. During our discussion, we touch on her husband's work in Depeche Mode, vinyl records, theater, AI, and why the imperfections of human creativity may be exactly what make it so valuable. images: ©jennifer sklias-gahan jennifer sklias-gahan website the house in the middle of the street website Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 personality of brands, the realities of freelancing, and the growing impact of AI on creative work. Thoughtful, funny, and refreshingly grounded, Jodi offers a fascinating look into a profession most of us hear constantly but rarely think about. Her parting advice says it all: in a world increasingly shaped by technology, lean into being human. images: ©jodi krangle jodi krangle website jodi Krangle youtube Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 road, the realities of being an independent artist, and why uplifting people matters more to him than fame. Along the way, there are stage mishaps, touring disasters, vocal lessons, inspirational music, and the joyful moments that remind artists why they keep showing up night after night. images: ©kenneith perrin kenneith perrin website kenneith perrin spotify Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 the uncomfortable space in between. In this episode we dig into his unexpected path from biology to screenwriting, the reality of being an “artisan” in a collaborative industry, and what finally pushed him to write his first novel. Along the way, we explore the tension between historical truth and creative freedom, the discipline of rewriting, and why stepping fully into the mind of a character; even the darkest ones; is where real storytelling begins. images: ©joan barbero joan barbero instagram el monasterio... on amazon Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 talent alone is never enough, and how entrepreneurship gave Cliff the freedom to fund his own art on his own terms. The conversation also explores creativity, discipline, health, side hustles, AI in music, and why art still matters in a distracted world. Funny, honest, and full of wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in staying true to yourself while evolving with the times. images: ©cliff beach cliff beach instagram cliff beach on spotify Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 when she wasn’t supposed to have one . Then it takes a turn. The conversation opens into a raw look at domestic and psychological abuse; the kind that leaves no bruises but cuts deeper, and often goes unseen or unrecognized . From that, her song “Rise" emerges; not just music, but a way to reclaim identity, voice, and power. Along the way, you’ll hear reflections on spirituality, family pressure, and what it really takes to become yourself when everything around you says don’t. What you’ll take away: Why restriction often fuels creativity What psychological abuse actually looks like The importance of support systems How art becomes a tool for survival It’s honest, heavy at times, and ultimately empowering. You might come for the music; you’ll leave with a whole new definition of strength. images: ©kneet kneet spotify kneet on instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 ancient, painstaking technique that demands patience, precision, and a willingness to surrender to time. But this conversation goes far beyond process. Lora opens up about creating deeply personal and often provocative work; paintings that explore death, intimacy, the human body, and the moments most people shy away from. This is a conversation about living your art, not just making it. About embracing imperfection, letting go of timelines, and trusting the slow burn of a creative life. It’s raw, reflective, and a powerful reminder that art doesn’t come from comfort; it comes from experience. images: ©lora arbrador lora arbrador website lora arbrador instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 create without clinging to outcome or label? Choosing independence over convention, Kumbhani focuses on process over perfection, letting intuition, travel, and even the design and care of over a hundred plants guide her work. Part creative philosophy, part meditation on discipline, presence, and freedom, this episode reminds us that art is not something we capture or control; it is something we grow into, step by step, through a life of experiences. images: ©rupali kumbhani rupali kumbhani website rupali kumbhani instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 young son. At the heart of the conversation lies a deeper question; how do we help children navigate fear, compassion, responsibility, and belonging without handing them easy answers? Through the gentle adventures of a boy, an ox, and eventually a rabbit, Linke’s stories invite young readers to wrestle with life’s biggest ideas in the spirit of ancient philosophy; patience, humility, and the quiet power of small actions. Part creative origin story and part meditation on culture, parenting, and artistic devotion, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the most profound wisdom arrives in the simplest form: a child’s question, a brushstroke, and the courage to follow curiosity wherever it leads. images: ©regina linke regina linke website oxherd boy instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 workflow of a modern composer; studying rough cuts like a detective, decoding temp tracks, collaborating with directors, and shaping sound to story long before audiences ever notice it. The conversation moves from scrappy early gigs to recording orchestras overseas, the secrecy of high-profile projects, the shift to digital studios, and why human storytelling still matters in an AI-saturated world. His story is a journey into how music quietly tells us what to feel, and why the right notes can turn moving images into unforgettable moments images: ©alec harrison alec harrison website alec harrison instagram 6 music & sound Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 without chasing trends, using video and social platforms as creative tools, protecting your work through ownership and publishing, and finding success by simply refusing to give up. This episode is a grounded, inspiring look at what it really takes to stay curious, stay honest, and keep creating in a noisy world. images/video: ©lee isaacs – used with permission lee isaacs website lee isaacs instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS

“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 invited to explore the transformative power of opera, as Evgenia and Ilya discuss the psychological depth and emotional vulnerability required to embody characters on stage. They share personal insights into their creative inspirations, professional challenges, and the reasons why Europe offers a uniquely supportive environment for opera singers, in contrast to larger nations like the United States or Russia. The conversation extends beyond the stage to touch on themes of language, culture, and family life, including the experience of raising multilingual children and living between diverse worlds; balancing Russian heritage with European careers and global artistic traditions. At its heart, this episode is a profound reflection on opera as a vibrant, living art form that seamlessly blends music, theater, visual design, and storytelling, crafting an experience that transcends language, geography, and time. images: ©evgenia selina & ilya lapich – used with permission evgenia selina instagram ilya lapich instagram Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Spotify | Email | RSS MORE ART UNKNOWN PODCASTS