In this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview John Oates, singer, songwriter, musician, author of "Change of Seasons: A Memoir", and one-half of the top selling duo of all time, Hall and Oates.  John discusses what he's been up to during quarantine, certain excerpts from his memoir including his childhood, the extravagant, fast-paced life of the 70's and 80's, how adversity shaped him into who he is now, and insight for aspiring songwriters.About the guest:John Oates is one half of the best selling duo of all time, Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist. Singing from the time he could talk and playing the guitar since the age of five, John Oates was destined to be a musician. Born in New York City, his family moved to a small town outside of Philadelphia, PA in the early 1950s, a move that would change the course of his life.You can find out more info on John here:https://johnoates.com/You can get his memoir here:https://johnoates.com/projects/book/Be part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

Follow Your Art

Learn From the People You Love (feat. John Oates)

In this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview Zach Thompson, photographer, brand manager, apparel designer, and super dad. Zach discusses the fortuitous encounter which led to his photography career, living a creative life guided by love, joy, and giving, and shares some parenting tips as well.Originally released on May 24, 2020. You can watch the video here:https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlgzmfDiET/About the guest:Zach's passion for photography & videography began ten years ago during a visit to New York City. Zach felt a sensory overload like never before while walking the streets, and realized that what struck him the most were the extremely powerful visuals. Everything around him offered a perspective he had never quite experienced before. Living in the south central part of Pennsylvania does not extend the same invitation, but his city does provide its own special allure.  In Pennsylvania, Zach has been able to explore his passion for nature and landscape photography.  As well as the art of story telling through movement and lighting with videography. Over nine years, Zach has built a portfolio that includes work with professional portraiture, special events, weddings, product photography and commercial videography. In addition to Zach's love for cameras and their ability to tell stories, his enthusiasm for art is also expressed through his eleven years of graphic design and apparel creation.  The ability to convey a message via custom designs on apparel is such a huge asset for any organization. With a degree in business, Zach also has a thorough understanding of the importance for proper advertising and marketing. You can find out more info on Zach here:https://thinkthompsonstudio.com/Be part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

Straight Shooting (feat. Zach Thompson)

In this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview Ursula Rucker, poet, spoken word artist, activist, mother, and living legend. Ursula discusses the impact quarantine has had on the art community as well as herself personally, reminisces on her career thus far, shares her visionary take on how COVID-19 is giving humanity the chance to slow down, wake up, and listen to the birds.Originally released on May 10, 2020. You can watch the video here:https://www.instagram.com/p/CAAibC0DXwT/About the guest:Ursula Rucker was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was a graduate of Temple University’s journalism program. She is of African-American and Italian descent. Rucker had been writing poetry since adolescence but kept her writings to herself until she read poetry in 1994, at Philadelphia's Zanzibar Blue, which is credited as her debut. Throughout her extensive career, Rucker has collaborated with numerous recording artists and producers including King Britt, 4hero, Jamaaladeen, Tacuma, Josh Wink, and The Roots.You can find out more info on Ursula here:https://www.instagram.com/urucker/Be part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

Listen to the Birds (feat. Ursula Rucker)

In this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview Will Wells, producer, composer, songwriter, musician, and more. Will discusses his approach to life in quarantine, the major opportunities and successes he has had thus far in his career, the importance of mentors, giving back to the community, and keeping your inner yoda.Originally released on May 3, 2020. You can watch the video here:https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ur751DP79/About the guest:Will Wells is a producer, songwriter, professional musician and recording engineer. He recently served as executive producer and co-writer of the debut album from Anthony Ramos, whom he met while working as Electronic Music Producer on the Tony, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize award-winning hit Broadway musical, Hamilton. The critically acclaimed album, The Good & The Bad, was released by Republic Records. Additionally, he was commissioned by ESPN to write the first-ever theme for the Heisman Trophy Ceremony, and Music Direct the national live television broadcast in December 2019. Most recently, he collaborated with Gabe Fox-Peck to produce "Stand Up", the end-title song for the Harriet Tubman biopic, Harriet, performed by the film's lead character, Cynthia Erivo. This song has received nominations for Best Song from the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and the Academy Awards.Will studied Film Scoring and Music Production & Engineering at Berklee College of Music. While there, he honed his skills as a songwriter, arranger, conductor, and musician. Since then, he has crafted an impressive resume working with renowned artists as Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, Imagine Dragons, Logic, Wyclef Jean, DJ Premier, LMFAO, Pentatonix and many more in the studio and on stage.You can find out more info on Will here:https://willwellsmusic.comBe part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

Keeping Your Inner Yoda (feat. Will Wells)

In this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview Miguel Lopez, marine, visual artist, and advocate for veterans. Miguel discusses his military background, the struggles of PTSD, depression, suicide, and general mental health facing veterans and military personnel, and how he hopes to change that stigma through art.Originally released on April 26, 2020. You can watch the video here:https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cxIIYjfPT/About the guest:Miguel Lopez focuses primarily on portraits, putting his soul into each of them. Miguel's black and white portraits honor the Military. Drawing on his own experiences, he uses both these portraits and written words to reach Veterans who are struggling with PTSD. Miguel's goal is for those who see and hear his work to feel motivated, inspired, and alive.Working from historic photographs, the subjects of Miguel's "Voices of Power" series are depicted in bold color, a nod to the strength of the subject, but also to the emotion behind the painting. Each piece is finished with his personal touch, splashes of color and specific angles to emphasize the power within the painting.Miguel's work honoring the Military remains black and white, but is equally powerful. Colors invite us to observe. Black and white pushes us beyond mere observation and forces us to think, to imagine, to see what’s behind the brush strokes.You can find out more info on Miguel here:https://www.instagram.com/artbylopzBe part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

One Soldier's Mission to Fight the Stigma of Mental Health in the Military (feat. Miguel Lopez)

In this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview Sarah Alderman, a photographer, filmmaker, storyteller, writer, and community advocate as well as discuss how to make a professional living as an artist, manifesting your life goals, and Sarah's highly anticipated, soon-to-be-released documentary Bypassed.About the guest:Born and raised in Coatesville to a family of artists, Sarah always had creativity and art running through her veins. She fell into the world of professional photography when a Facebook photo that she took of her twins prompted a friend of hers to ask Sarah to shoot her engagement. Two weddings later, her photos were featured in Rock n Roll bride magazine and her career catapulted from there. Her work caught the attention of Eagles team member Jason Kelce, and she photographed his wedding shortly after the Eagles’ Super Bowl win.Having grown up in Coatesville, Sarah knew that this area was where she wanted to lay down her professional roots. For the past five years, she has been working on a documentary called Bypassed, which focuses on sharing the stories of Coatesville residents, their experiences residing in the city, and their hopes for the city’s future. One of the things she noticed was that many of her interviewees said that Coatesville needed more facilities geared towards the arts. When the opportunity arose to be a part of the Midway Arts community, Sarah wanted to, in her own words, “put her money where her mouth was,” and support the mission of infusing art and creativity into the surrounding area. Sarah says, “When you have such a diverse community, art builds bridges instead of walls.”You can find out more info on Sarah here:http://www.agp-collective.com/You can find more info on Bypassed here:http://www.bypasseddocumentary.com/Be part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

"There Are Stories In Your Own Backyard" (feat. Sarah Alderman)

We wanted to give our listeners some bonus content to listen to during this uncertain time of social distancing and quarantining due to COVID19. We hope you enjoy this light-hearted bonus segment from our previous episode, "Being Mindful is Aware of the Moment; Being Creative is Losing the Moment" (feat. Michele Paiva), in which we receive some free therapy advice, discuss relationships, and psychotherapist Michele Paiva and her husband Steve reminisce on how they met.We wish all of you health and well-being!-FYA famAbout the guest:Michele Paiva is a licensed psychotherapist who creates YouTube videos to get people out of shitty relationships & mindsets. She lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her husband, Steve, their well-dressed chihuahua and two ridiculously good looking chickens, Dwight & Angela.You can find out more info on Michele here:https://www.youtube.com/michelepaivaIf you're struggling with mental health, you can find affordable counseling here:https://www.betterhelp.com/Be part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

Bonus from Episode 6: "Being Mindful is Aware of the Moment; Being Creative is Losing the Moment" (feat. Michele Paiva)

In this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview Michele Paiva, a psychotherapist who specializes in art therapy, as well as discuss many topics such as how creativity plays a crucial role in mental health, how everyone has the ability to and should tap into the creative part of their brain, and more!About the guest:Michele Paiva is a licensed psychotherapist who creates YouTube videos to get people out of shitty relationships & mindsets. She lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her husband, Steve, their well-dressed chihuahua and two ridiculously good looking chickens, Dwight & Angela.You can find out more info on Michele here:https://www.youtube.com/michelepaivaIf you're struggling with mental health, you can find affordable counseling here:https://www.betterhelp.com/Be part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

"Being Mindful is Aware of the Moment; Being Creative is Losing the Moment" (feat. Michele Paiva)

In this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview Nicole Rae Styer, a fashion designer, seamstress, and small business owner of Nicole Rae Styer Boutique, as well as discuss the topics of waste and pollution in the fashion industry and the importance of repurposing and recycling material.About the guest:Nicole Rae Styer started her fashion business in 2005 and went on to open up her one woman-owned boutique on Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia in 2011. Since then, she has sold countless hand-made and vintage clothes and accessories.  Nicole's specialty is creating one-of-a-kind looks by repurposing vintage pieces and materials and embellishing them with textiles, ribbons, and lace.  She is also known for re-imagining traditional sports wear into chic, unique styles.  Recently, Nicole has been experimenting with quilt material and patchwork.You can find out more info on Nicole here:https://www.facebook.com/Nicole-Rae-Styer-Boutique-159651627453935/Be part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

"Fashion is the Number Two Contributor [of Pollution]" (feat. Nicole Rae Styer)

In this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview Christopher Spousta, a deaf musician, as well as discuss the topics of deaf culture and community.About the guest:The last thing anyone would have thought when Christopher Spousta was born was that he would grow up to become a musician.  Born partially deaf and given up for adoption at only three months old, the Massachusetts native came into the world with the cards stacked against him.  However, his story is not only one of triumph and perseverance, but awe-inspiring talent.  In school, Chris learned to play all thirteen orchestral instruments, but when he first sat behind a drum kit at thirteen years old, he knew that was his instrument.  Chris went on to play in state superior ranked East Ridge High School jazz band in Florida.  He performed in numerous bands including hardcore metal band, Far From Truth, which toured three years in a row on Warped Tour during 2008-2010.  He studied music theory at a local community college before attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA for conducting and composing.  In 2017, Chris joined east coast based alternative pop band, THRILLCHASER.  Additionally, Chris performs in a duo act with Nicole Zell, the lead singer of THRILLCHASER, in which he performs on a vintage suitcase drum kit that he specially handmade.  His experience speaks for itself as he is well-versed in pop, hip hop, alternative, heavy rock, metal, jazz, and more - not only as a live performer but also a studio drummer. As his career has progressed, so has his hearing loss which is now considered legal deafness. When most people would have given up, Christopher has continued to pursue music.  He chooses to use it as an advantage, refusing to let it be a disadvantage.  His loss of hearing is also his secret superhuman ability, allowing him to access something deep and profound that few are able to tap into as musicians.  It is something that goes beyond mere sound, beyond the perceivable human senses, it is something you feel when you witness Christopher Spousta play. You can find out more info on Chris here:https://www.facebook.com/chrisspousta/A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to our new friend, an extremely talented and generous ASL interpreter, Beily Hernandez, who interpreted this podcast.  You can view the interpreted video here:https://youtu.be/OlnUBHT0u-IYou can find out more info on Beily here:https://www.instagram.com/aslbeily/Be part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

"Hearing Is The One Thing I Could Possibly Need for Music" (feat. Christopher Spousta)

In this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview Nazanin Moghbeli, an Iranian-American artist and cardiologist, as well as discuss current world events relating to Iran.About the guest:Nazanin Moghbeli grew up in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war and eventually moved to the United States in 1983, at the age of nine.  Her drawings utilize Iranian calligraphy, but by necessity, break from the traditional form and content.  She presents a vision of Persian culture – not as an orthodoxy or a sentimental tribute to the past – but as the inspiration for something new and reimagined – steeped in the past, but liberated by a freedom which eludes those who remain in her homeland.  Her work is minimalist and powerful.  She makes use of ancient lines – lines which connect, but do not tether her to the past.      Her father’s medical practice and her mother’s work as an artist and calligrapher, inspired her to pursue dual careers in medicine and art.  As a cardiologist, she studied lines – the readings of the EKGs – the very measure of vitality – and as an artist she drew them.  Today, her practice as a doctor informs her art, and her art provides a unique perspective which she brings to the bedside. You can find out more info on Nazanin here:http://www.nmoghbeli.com/Be part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

"Art is the Only Hope" (feat. Nazanin Moghbeli)

“ Art helped save my life. I simply desire to pay that forward.” - Shanina DionnaIn this episode, hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell interview Shanina Dionna, a visual and performing artist, mental health advocate and non-profit youth arts educator based in Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. About the guest:Since 2011, Shanina Dionna's Embryo art exhibition series has helped raise awareness for mental health; chronicling the life of one millennial’s growth journey. The series is supported in-part by local businesses and the wellness community. Her art for social change practice is rooted in the exposure of her own personal battle and history with mental illnesses, diagnoses, hospitalization and therapy treatments. Life-sized acrylic portraits, improv performances, dance/movement, botanical therapy and "safe space” installations all help convey her intent for communal wellness and healing.You can find out more info on Shanina here:https://www.shaninadionna.com/Be part of the Follow Your Art fam! Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us:followyourartpodcast@gmail.comMusic: Benya Barshai Logo: Jess SpoustaProducer: Mariano Mattei

"Art Saved My Life" (feat. Shanina Dionna)

Join hosts Alexandra March & Nicole Zell for the first episode of Follow Your Art in which they introduce themselves, discuss their backgrounds, and explore the purpose of this podcast.Be part of the Follow Your Art fam by subscribing to the podcast and following us on social media!Facebook:www.facebook.com/followyourartpodcast/Instagram:www.instagram.com/followyourart_podcast/If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore or if you'd like to submit your art to be featured on our platforms, please email us: followyourartpodcast@gmail.com

Intentions & Intros

Follow Your Art is a home for art creators and appreciators. Hosted by artists, Alexandra March and Nicole Zell, this podcast promotes collaboration and community through hearing the stories of creatives from all different walks of life. The intention of Follow Your Art can be encapsulated by the mantra we share at the end of each show: “May I love myself. May I love others. May I have joy for myself. May I have joy for others. May I inspire myself. May I inspire others. May I love to live. May I live to love. May I live to create. May I create to live.”

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Follow Your Art

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