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The “Hot Take” phenomenon has been a prominent part of the social media conversation lately. Whether it’s on the subway or seemingly every podcast in existence, it seems as though the take that’s most shiny, controversial, maybe even contrarian, gets rewarded with the most attention. While we admit that we enjoy a great hot take, we also wonder: Are we forgetting to celebrate all of the quieter and existing wisdom because we’re too busy trying to out-hottake each other? Are we subliminally changing the way we communicate or express because of a pressure to keep up with this succeeding trend? In this episode, we discuss our counterbalance to the Hot Take. We introduce this idea of “Microwaved Takes”, where we share a couple ideas and concepts we’ve heard before and ones that we continue to go back to. In a lot of ways, although not brand new, or flashy, they’re timeless and can be repeated over and over. Just like some of your favorite dishes, it’s even better the next day. Enjoy the episode! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

Back from hibernation, we are back with a new episode! In this conversation, we chat about this overall feeling of tiredness and exhaustion from the constant grind of social media. We wrestle with how we want to show up on these platforms without sacrificing the soul of what made us passionate about our respective crafts in the first place, and share what has been helping us along this process. Whether it’s rediscovering and building the muscle of having fun, abandoning all or nothing thinking, or practicing small intentional acts to help get unstuck, we hope this conversation helps you feel better about the work, no matter what season it’s in. About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

Beatbox Jake is an entertainer who blends the craft of guitar and the art of beatboxing in a unique genre he calls “Beatbox Metal”. His journey started with guitar, inspired by influences like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Jake is more than just a “shredder.” While he enjoys the fast, ballistic style of playing, he’s also committed years to theory and including melodic choices to elevate his work. Some years into his musical journey, he stumbled upon beatboxing and became completely immersed in a new world of possibilities. He took the same approach to learning as he did with guitar, building a library of sounds that eventually led him to merge the two into a singular blend. I really enjoyed chatting with Jake. Hearing about his experience as a one-man band, how he discovered these talents, and his mindset throughout. I especially appreciated Jake’s vulnerability when it comes to learning how to accept compliments and being intentional with the time he gives fans and fellow artists at events. For updates on Jake, check out his website at https://beatboxjake.com/ We hope you enjoy the chat! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

In this episode, I chat with Abe Russell, a licensed builder who specializes in tile work. We discuss his journey into the construction industry, his passion for tiling, and all of the skills he has acquired over the years. Abe shares some of his insights on the importance of learning through experience, the challenges of different jobs, and the pride he takes in creating beautiful spaces. We also touch on so many areas like evolving trends in tile and construction, the journey of entrepreneurship, customer experience, and even chat about some of his favorite tools! As Abe continues to grow in his experience, he ultimately is working on balancing artistry with business and after talking to him, I know he's well on his way. Finding any "contractor" is easy. Finding the right contractor... not so much. As a former customer for multiple projects in our home, I really appreciate sitting down with Abe and hearing about his creativity, work, and experience. I really enjoyed this conversation. I hope you all enjoy! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

In this episode, I’m joined by singer-songwriter Taylor DeRousse, whose new album “Running Back To Me” is the product of a decade long journey of self discovery and bold creative choices. During this album release cycle, I observed that she approaches her craft with so much intentionality, and isn’t afraid to go for it. She not only understands the demands of being an artist, but also understands the work required to market her work in the social media space. Taylor also runs a music school called “Tailored Harmonies Music Co.” where she shares her passion for teaching music and providing custom paths for aspiring artists. She shares insights on her teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of balancing emotional expression with technical skills and fundamentals. I really enjoyed learning about where Taylor’s drive comes from. Hearing about her experience of being told that she can’t do something, really explains why she’s always rose up to challenges and made her want to fully commit to what she truly believes in. That drive shows up in her music, her teaching, and the way she builds her business. With her balanced mindset, I can’t wait to see Taylor’s success continue and I hope that the listeners enjoy our conversation! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

I’m so excited to speak with Ioana Jongsma, an executive presence coach and public speaking trainer. Ioana is an ICF Associate Certified Coach, a Gestalt Professional Certified Coach and a NeuroMindfulness Master Practitioner. Headquartered in Denmark, Ioana has worked with hundreds of speakers from all over the world including scientists, artists, educators, leaders, world record athletes, policy experts, and entrepreneurs to help them communicate their ideas. Whether it’s for a TEDx talk, a pitch to investors, or a networking presentation, her goal is to help people clarify and structure their ideas, cultivate confidence, hone their personal style, find the right words, and build leadership presence. In this conversation, we explore the ins and outs of speaking in front of others. From how the body responds to stress, to reframing nerves as energy, to building trust through presence. This chat was a perfect combination of science and soul when it comes to the artform of public speaking. Whether you’re an introvert, a seasoned speaker, or just trying to find your voice, this episode offers tools, insight, and warmth to help you grow more authentically in your journey to sharing your story. You can find Ioana’s work on https://onspeaking.com/ Enjoy! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

For this solo episode, I share 3 essential approaches to leadership whether you’re stepping into a leadership role, refining how you lead, or just curious about what separates great leaders from bad ones. I hope that these items will help you on your own journey to leadership in whatever that looks like for you. The world is always going to be full of questionable leadership or terrible managers, but maybe in our own small circles, we can make even decisions to serve the people around us, and make any type of positive impact. And I think if that happens, it's all worth it. Enjoy! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

For this episode, I have a chat with Singer Songwriter, Jack Droppers. Jack has been in a band with his best friends for almost a decade, and he wouldn’t want it any other way. I loved where this conversation went. From sharing our mutual connection to Orlando, to finding the hidden little things that we incorporate into our work, and also celebrating the fun and quirky methods that we have in order to chase down that great idea. Jack has really great insights when it comes to creative work. His music is really in touch with his personal memories and emotions, and also inspires listeners to ultimately celebrate life despite all of its imperfections. He understands the value of art, and also has a deep desire in expressing that the act of creating is just as important as the finished product. I can’t help but to smile when thinking about how serendipitous this conversation was. To start the chat with me sharing a childhood photo wearing an Orlando Magic jersey (well before I’ve ever lived in Orlando), to learning how big of a basketball fan Jack is, particularly the Orlando Magic, and to top it off, the conversation about creativity was focused on finding the little MAGICAL moments to incorporate into our art. I mean, cmon! The band Jack Droppers and the Best Intentions is in the process of writing and recording their next album. Their latest album "Scooter" won the WYCE "Alternative Album of the Year" in 2024 and "Dad Rock" won the WYCE "Rock Album of the Year" in 2023 Enjoy! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

For this episode, we are flipping the script. Creative storyteller and trusted friend, Beni Artreche, steps into the host’s chair to interview me, your usual guide behind the mic. In this episode, we dive into my journey, the doubts I’ve faced, and the ideas that fuel Craft Talk. From where I came from to what keeps me curious, this conversation explores not just the story behind the show, but the power of leaning into uncertainty and asking the big questions. Beni’s natural curiosity and thoughtful questions brought out reflections I didn’t expect, making this episode both deeply personal and incredibly rewarding to record. If you’ve ever wondered about the heart behind Craft Talk—or wanted encouragement to explore your own doubts—this episode is for you. Enjoy! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

We’re back with another episode of Craft Talk! Initially Rachele and I had planned to discuss a specific topic, but like most great conversations, some back roads and side streets were taken and although not anticipated, it ultimately led us into a fruitful topic of the “Niche”. “Finding Your Niche” has become a buzzword in social media and marketing circles. I, who sometimes have contrarian tendencies, shares doubts and gripes about the concept, while Rachele, a seasoned marketing expert with a focus on helping small businesses succeed in social media, provides a balanced perspective. She shares functional and practical tips in finding where we fit into all of this authentically but emphasizes how to avoid getting trapped by trends or algorithms. We hope that this conversation helps you take time to observe your goals, reasons and “why’s” so you can ultimately present the most honest version of you online. Enjoy! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

Happy 2025! As we look ahead to the potential that the new year brings, I wanted to share 3 concepts to help you think about some intentions that you could implement into your own life. In this episode, I offer some tools to help us set more wholistic goals, help us visualize how to achieve those goals, and also give ourselves a kind reminder if we don’t end up “meeting the goal” As much as these are intentions and wishes for my year, it is also my wish that these ideas are something that you can adopt into your own new year planning. I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for us! Enjoy! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  ⁠crafttalk.net

In the final episode of 2024, I’m reflecting on the year and sharing my theme of “The Year of Content (Yes, the way you look at it matters)”. This theme has been an important framework for my creative identity. By setting intentional boundaries and giving myself permission to push myself, it helped me navigate finding balance and peace with my creative output, while also pushing myself at the same time. While I still feel like I have more work to do to truly achieving this balance, I truly feel that I’ve gotten closer to it with this theme, and I hope that it can do the same for you! Lastly, I would like to thank EVERYBODY who has supported Craft Talk. I’m extremely grateful for all of the guests that have agreed to have a chat with me. I’m extremely proud to have created something meaningful and I’m looking forward continuing to collect, observe, and share all of these great ideas with you. Thank you! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

This marks the 50TH EPISODE of Craft Talk, so I invited my wife Amanda to join me and celebrate the milestone! In this episode, Amanda shares her journey into becoming a Physician Assistant (PA-C). Her early interest in the medical field and her own personal medical journey led her to wonder what career avenue is best suited for her. After bouncing around many different types of programs and jobs such as physical therapy or nutrition/dietetics, she ultimately decided to obtain a pre-med undergrad degree so she can apply to PA school. This conversation led us to talk about self doubt, confidence, and fighting for balance while pursuing our careers. We also chat about her love of all things houseplants, animals, books, interior design, and Taylor Swift! Amanda’s intelligence, empathy, and perseverance is something that I admire about her everyday, and I am absolutely honored that she’s open to sharing her experiences and vulnerability on this chat with you all. Enjoy! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

Eric Novak and Maurice Hogan is the creative duo behind Visual Cake (formerly known as 31 and Up Media), a Production company that specializes in video and photography for social media. Their company services many local businesses from schools, pizza shops, fashion designers to HVAC companies. As much as their business is technically driven with cameras and microphones, the team sees their role as more than just a “tech” or a “videographer”. Their ultimate responsibility is to helps their clients share their story in a fun, informational, and authentic way. In this chat, we explore the idea of translating different skillsets into our current work. Having experience as musicians, they are familiar with key skills such as improvisation and collaboration, which are crucial elements to possess in fast paced live environments such as grand openings, ceremonies, concerts and weddings. As I got to know Eric and Maurice, I observed that their superpower is the ability to make people feel comfortable. Having this in their tool belt elevates their craft because creating a comfortable environment allows the client to feel at ease, which results in a better performance on camera, which ultimately provides the best end product. I really appreciate having them on Craft Talk and we hope you enjoy our chat! About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net

Joe is a cartoonist based out of Greenville, South Carolina. In this episode, we explore playful topics such as Dungeons and Dragons, childhood memories, and storytelling. We also dive into more heartfelt and vulnerable ideas like creative doubts, mental health, and belonging. Although we’ve been Instagram buds for some time now, this was my first time formally meeting Joe. I really enjoyed discussing some of the similar thought processes that we go through. I also appreciate how open he is about the struggles of burnout and balancing your passion with daily life. I feel like it’s something that all of us deal with in some shape or form, so a lot of the things we chatted about really resonated with me and I hope it does the same for you. Enjoy the episode. About this Podcast : Craft Talk is a collection of interviews with people of different disciplines ranging from creativity, business, and lifestyle. By diving into my guest's story and learning about how they approach their craft, I hope that these conversations help you find different ways to improve your own! Say hi to me on Instagram @crafttalk.notes Website -  crafttalk.net