“I think as you grow as a craftsman, as an artist, your gestures become stronger. Your conviction becomes stronger. You can actually get to a place where you can make an impact with a very minimal thing,” says Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park in New York City. In this episode of Variations on a theme, host Dessane Lopez Cassell speaks to the acclaimed chef about the intersection of minimalist art and fine dining. We also learn how Humm finds inspiration in Sol LeWitt’s systems and repetition — making the empty plate an opportunity to tell a unique story.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

In Culture

Variations on a theme - Daniel Humm

“We had to find what's that essential detail that really defines that garment as what it is and keep that, and all the other elements we were able to kind of strip away,” Jack McCollough says of the influence of Sol LeWitt’s approach to minimalism. In this episode of Variations on a theme, host Dessane Lopez Cassell speaks to the designer and his partner Lazaro Hernandez, of fashion brand Proenza Schouler, about how they distill each garment down to its essence—and discard the rest.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

Variations on a theme - Proenza Schouler

“So many things can influence how the songs will just shift a little bit in each place, and I found that really interesting when I read that about his philosophy behind his wall drawings,” Julianna Barwick says of the influence of Sol LeWitt’s artistic process. In this episode of Variations on a theme, host Dessane Lopez Cassell speaks to the composer and performer about how she creates a choir of one — “loop by loop by loop, and shape by shape by shape.” We also take a closer look at the relationship between conceptual art and experimental music.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

Variations on a theme - Julianna Barwick

“A lot of people think that I was influenced to do conceptual art by looking at conceptual art, and that really wasn't the case. It was really a search for a certain sort of understanding of the self,” Charles Gaines says of his creative process. In this episode of Variations on a theme, host Dessane Lopez Cassell speaks to the pioneering visual artist about his radical approach to using systems and formulas as a critical language. We also learn how Gaines builds on Sol LeWitt’s foundations to tackle social constructs like racism and segregation.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

Variations on a theme - Charles Gaines

In a new podcast series, Variations on a theme, we explore the life and legacy of Sol LeWitt with host Dessane Lopez Cassell.  Meet some of the creative pioneers channeling his influence and pushing it forward in their own work. For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

Variations on a theme

“This COVID pandemic closely resembles a diagnosis like ALS. When I choose to see the trial or adversity as an opportunity, I'm able to accept and acknowledge the reality of my situation rather than resist or deny reality,” says Steve Gleason. He’s fought tirelessly for policy changes that have transformed lives and made crucial technology accessible to others living with ALS.  In this episode, Steve reminds us what a gift it is to be alive, as he delves into finding purpose and strength in fatherhood. Listen on for his insight on our current state of social isolation, and learn more about Team Gleason, an organization developing innovative technological solutions that give back so much of what ALS takes away.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

Accessibility for all - Steve Gleason

“I think right now in this COVID-19 pandemic, people with cognitive and social disabilities are really being overlooked. Because it's a really easy time to overlook them. We're all in isolation,” Delaney Foster shares.  Listen on, and learn more about how the Foster sisters are raising disability awareness and demonstrating that there’s not one-size-fits all when it comes to navigating the world. Kendall and Delaney are developing initiatives that embrace people with intellectual disabilities. They’re proving that when programs and technology include all people, everyone wins.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

Accessibility for all - Kendall and Delaney Foster

“For a lot of days of this quarantine, I forget that I'm visually impaired. It's so little of an issue because I'm able to do everything that I need to and want to because I'm so familiar with everything,” shares Casey Harris of the X-Ambassadors. He’s found that community and inclusion are more important than ever during times of social isolation. Listen on and find out ways we can uplift each other and create a more connected and inclusive future.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

Accessibility for all - Casey Harris

Katie Sowers lives and breathes football. As the second woman ever to coach in the NFL, she helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl LIV in 2020. Hear from Katie about her groundbreaking journey to the top. From facing job rejection for being an openly LGBTQ person to dealing with social media trolls after her team’s devastating loss, Katie lets her guard down for a vulnerable conversation. Listen on, and get to know her off the field.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

How'd she do that? - Katie Sowers

Meet Emily Adams Bode, the first female designer ever to show at New York Fashion Week: Men’s. In this episode, she opens up about breaking boundaries, the past that shaped her, and her innovative creative process. Discover the story behind Emily’s iconic and award-winning clothing line and hear her sage advice on how to turn your dreams into reality.

How'd she do that? - Emily Adams Bode

Grace Nshimiyumukiza shares her courageous journey from Kakuma refugee camp resident to a computer skills and digital literacy teacher. Find out how she pushed through prejudice and personal strife to get her Master’s Degree and how she’s helping thousands of refugees learn digital skills. Find out how Grace brings passion and purpose to every facet of her life as she helps other women transform their lives. For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

How'd she do that? - Grace Nshimiyumukiza

Halee Mason is defying the odds as one of the few women in esports. Her path to becoming the lead data scientist at Cloud 9 was anything but straightforward. Learn how she carved her own path in a competitive and male-dominated industry. In this episode, Halee candidly explores her journey to the top. One of her tips? Never compromise and always unapologetically be yourself. Listen on to learn more.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

How'd she do that? - Halee Mason

“I want to change a no into a yes. Because yes girls can code. Yes, girls can do whatever they want,” says 12-year-old wunderkind Anna Miller. A coder, app developer, educator, and accessibility activist, Anna Miller is the definition of modern Renaissance Woman.  The fact that she’s a person with Osteogenesis imperfecta feels like a minor detail when she shares the passion that powers her forward. Find out how she’s building a more accessible world and creating an app that could change the lives of millions.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

How'd she do that? - Anna Miller

Civilization and culture are built upon learnings from the past. But our rich tapestry of culture and language isn’t accessible to all, and in some cases, it’s in danger of disappearing entirely. With help from technology, innovators are redefining preservation. In this episode, we’ll hear from thought-leader and Microsoft president Brad Smith, as well as digital architect Yves Ubelmann and translation expert Will Lewis on how technology is playing a key role in protecting vital aspects of cultural heritage and making them accessible to all.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

5. The future past

In sports, the competition is fierce. But athletes and their coaches have found new ways to aim higher, achieve more, and respond to the rapidly evolving competitive landscape. How? With valuable insights from data specific to their teams, players, and strategies. In this episode, we’ll dive into the new approaches to data that are revolutionizing gameplay featuring interviews with Pierre d'Imbleval, chief information officer with Renault Sport Racing, and Halee Mason, lead data scientist for Cloud9.For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

4. The new MVP

The In Culture podcast brought to you by Microsoft is a platform for artists, fashion designers, gamers, musicians, and creators to tell their stories. Each episode brings listeners behind the scenes with these change-makers to provide a real-world look at how they’re harnessing technology to shape culture.

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