Sabina Zúñiga Varela didn't originally plan on acting professionally, but her attraction to the stage and collaborations with playwright Luis Alfaro brought her to USC's MFA Acting Program, where her life took a theatrical turn. For the last episode of the year, Sabina joins us to chat about her work as an educator, working on Luis Alfaro's Trilogy of Greek Tragedies, and Latinx representation in TV and on the stage. Learn more about Sabina on her website (https://www.sabinazunigavarela.com/) and keep up with her on Instagram (@sabinazunigavarela)! Catch Sabina in the fourth season of FX's "Snowfall" on Hulu and in the sixth season of "Madam Secretary" on Netflix. Luis Alfaro's trilogy, featuring Sabina Zúñiga Varela, is now available in Youtube in its entirety right here: https://tinyurl.com/ycgqdl2u Have a wonderful holiday, and we'll see you in 2021! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

So You're an Artist...

Episode 60: Sabina Zúñiga Varela

Is reality ruining your life? Dreamcorp LLC might not actually exist, but our interview with actor, comedian, and writer Nick Rutherford is! Nick stars in and writes for Adult Swim's wonderfully weird Dreamcorp LLC and is also a staff writer on Rick and Morty! We sat down to chat with him about the origins of Dreamcorp, the development of both the real and dream universes, and the use of rotoscope animation. He also shares with us his experiences as a child actor, writing and performing sketch comedy with Beck Bennett and Kyle Mooney, and his perspective on the accessibility of the entertainment industry for budding creatives. Be sure to check out Seasons 1 and 2 of Dreamcorp LLC on Hulu, and catch the brand new third season on adultswim.com! All 4 seasons of Rick and Morty are also available on Hulu along with Nick's 2018 comedy The Unicorn. Keep up with Nick on Twitter (@nickrutherford) and Instagram (nicholasrutherford)! We'll see you soon! This episode of So You're an Artist is also partnered with the Across the Veil podcast. Tune in every Thursday to hear amateur cryptozoologists Emma and Zelda explore the things that lie... across the veil.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 59: Nick Rutherford

After a long break, we are once again joined by teacher, dancer, and photographer Jose Castro to close off our six-part series on representation and justice in the arts. It's been nearly five months since we last discussed the insurgence of support for social justice beginning with Black Lives Matter with Jose, and in this episode, we talk about the state of awareness and activation that has swept the global population. Additionally, we talk a little bit more about activism and what it means to be "activated". Jose also shares with us his new virtual program, "Life Master: The Practice of Adaptive Satisfaction", and you can sign up for either upcoming introductory seminar at the links below: Nov. 28 Life Master Intro 2: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-master-the-practice-of-adaptive-satisfaction-intro-session-tickets-129422101991 Dec. 5 Life Master Intro 3: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-master-the-practice-of-adaptive-satisfaction-intro-session-3-tickets-129607915765 Be sure to keep up with Jose on Instagram (@the1mrc) and with us (@artist.pod) for updates and more! See you soon! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 58: "And, Not Either Or" with Jose Castro

Hey look, we're not dead! We're back for a fresh episode of "So You're an Artist", joined via Zoom by Dr. Arnab Banerji. Arnab is an Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at Loyola Marymount University, and has his Ph.D in Theatre and Performance Studies with a focus on Bengali Theatre in Kolkata, his home city. I chat with Dr. Banerji about growing up in Kolkata, moving to the States, the theatrical styles of India both pre and post-Western Influence, and about contemporary Indian representation in the media. And, as a bonus, Arnab is a HUGE fan of "The Office", so we play a little trivia game at the end of the episode to see just how big a fan he is. Keep up with Arnab on Instagram (@arnabanerji) and learn more about him on his website at www.arnabbanerji.weebly.com! Be sure to check out his essays on performing Bengali identity and critical creative citizenship and the 13th South Asian Theatre Festival via the links below. The Social Drama of Durga Puja: Performing Bengali Identity in the Diaspora: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5325/ecumenica.12.1.0001?seq=1 Finding Home in the World Stage: Critical Creative Citizenship and the 13th South Asian Theatre Festival 2018: https://jadtjournal.org/2020/05/20/finding-home-in-the-world-stage-critical-creative-citizenship-and-the-13th-south-asian-theatre-festival-2018/ Don't forget to fill out those ballots and drop 'em off at your nearest Ballot Drop Box! See you in two weeks! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 57: Dr. Arnab Banerji

Oh boy. Here we are again. No Brock. No guest. Just 34 minutes of me (Sathya) running my mouth about our representation series, Spielberg's long takes, and what the liberal version of Alex Jones would be. Listen to this mess at your own risk. Or don't. But what you can do is follow us on Instagram (@artist.pod) or Twitter (@artist_pod) for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more! And leave us a review on Itunes if you like! We'll be back with a real episode soon!  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 56: Another Sh*t Filler

Dr. Daphnie Sicre is a professor in the Loyola Marymount University Theatre Department and a Theatre director. Her love for the stage runs way back to her early childhood, and has led her to direct several off-Broadway productions and teach theatre in New York, Miami, and LA. On the fourth episode of our "Representation in Art" series, Dr. Sicre sits down with us to chat about Latinx Theatre, what it means to identify as Latinx, and color-concious casting in TV, Film, and Theatre. Be sure to keep up with Dr. Sicre and her work by giving her a follow on Instagram (@drsicrelovestheatre), and never miss an update by following us on Instagram (@artist.pod) and Twitter (@artist_pod)!  Consider supporting Latinx Theatre in the United States by checking out the Breath of Fire and Teatro Luna West theatre companies: Breath of Fire: www.breathoffire.org Teatro Luna West: www.teatrolunawest.org --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 55: Dr. Daphnie Sicre

Our six-episode series on representation and social justice in art continues in a conversation with painter and teacher Desiree Dufresne! Desiree joins us via Zoom to talk about her work as a painter, queer representation in painting and film, and ballroom culture. To see some of Desiree's work and to check out other queer artists, follow her on Instagram (@becameadreamitself) or visit her website at www.desireedufresne.net for her portfolio and commissions. The book she mentions in the show is called "Art and Queer Culture" and "Paris is Burning" is the documentary on NYC drag culture in the 80s.  Keep up with us on Instgram (@artist.pod) and Twitter (@artist_pod) for updates, behind the scenes, drawing challenges, and more! We'll see you in two weeks! Note: Even though it may have faded away from your feeds, racial injustice is still happening. If you can, please take a few minutes to check out the links below to see how you can support justice for Jacob Blake, one of the latest victims of police attacks. He survived seven bullets to the back but is still in the hospital.  Justice for Jacob Blake Petition: https://www.change.org/p/human-rights-campaign-justice-for-jacob-blake Justice for Jacob Blake Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justiceforjacobblake

Episode 54: Desiree Dufresne

For this guest-less intermission from our social justice segment, we are joined by Brock's partner in crime Camryn to chat about "What We Do In The Shadows", helping the homeless, and overcoming regional prejudice. Check out Camryn's work on Instagram (@this.is.camryn) and don't forget to keep up with us on both Twitter (@artist_pod) AND Instagram (@artist.pod)! If you would like to make a contribution to the Lebanese Red Cross to help bring relief to the individuals affected by the explosion in Beirut, visit http://www.redcross.org.lb/index.aspx?pageid=907 and click "donate". We'll see you in two weeks! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 53: Not So Much of a Dumpster Fire

We continue our conversations about art and social justice with So You're an Artist veteran Joshua Silverstein and his partner and first-time guest, Cinthya Silverstein. Josh and Cinthya are no strangers to the world of civil rights, both having spent a large part of their lives studying justice and injustice, and partaking in activism.  Their conversations birthed a live, hour-long news program on Instagram and Facebook called "The Silversteins' Show". On this extended episode of "So You're an Artist", we chat about the evolution of "The Silversteins' Show", bringing the hard conversations to the youth, and how to retain a sense of humor during these difficult times. Catch "The Silversteins' Show" twice a day Monday through Saturday live on Instagram (@thejoshuasilverstein) and Facebook (Joshua Silverstein)! Keep up with Cinthya and her work on Instagram (@thecinsilver)! If you are interested in attending both in-person and virtual protests/demonstrations, follow @inthistogether_la on Instagram.  See you in two weeks! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 52: The Silversteins

Jose Castro joins us for a third time for a broader conversation. In this uncut, raw interview, we discuss black representation in American art (with a focus in film/TV), allyship in this wave of the civil rights movement, and ways to avoid burnout in order to keep fighting for what's right. Keep up with Jose on Instagram (@the1mrc) and for more information on his education initiatives and self-defense programs, visit www.thenowhouse.org.  Continue protesting, donating, and signing petitions. Change is being made. Find the links to the petitions mentioned at the top of the episode below and check out our Instagram story (@artist.pod) for a larger list of film/book/podcast recommendations for self education on the black experience and history in the US. Justice for Breonna Talyor: https://tinyurl.com/ybm8q6vo Justice for Elijah McClain: https://tinyurl.com/y83xtpn8 Juneteenth: https://tinyurl.com/yafnuh9o A very special thanks to musician Jon Carlo Lopez for providing this week's bumper music! Check out the full song and more here: www.holdtheflicks.bandcamp.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 51: Forward to Normal with Jose Castro

Happy 50th Anniversary! No wait... Happy 50th Episode! Join us for this short bumper chat where we discuss the process of recording our interview with the writers of "F is for Family", reflect on how far the podcast has come, and reminisce about some of our favorite interviews (that's the clip show part).  Never miss an episode of "So You're an Artist" by subscribing to us wherever you get your podcasts! Keep up with us on Instagram (@artist.pod) and Twitter (@artist_pod) for updates, behind the scenes, and clips!  Please continue supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement and the fight to end racial inequality! Here is a fresh round of petitions yout can quickly sign from Change.org: Justice for Breonna Taylor: https://tinyurl.com/ybl5w5wm Police Bodycams and Consequences: https://tinyurl.com/y8ljoeax Justice for George Floyd (his killers are now roaming free): https://tinyurl.com/y877cn43 Educating Our Children on Racism: https://tinyurl.com/yckged3z Our next guest will be joining us to talk about our current civil rights movement and Black representation in the arts throughout history. Stay tuned! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 50: A Dumpster Fire Clip Show

Oh boy. This is a big one. Literally. For the first time ever, we interviewed four guests at the same time... over ZOOM! Join us for an extended conversation with some of the writers of the Netflix animated show "F is for Family"! We had the pleasure of sitting down with Showrunner/Head Writer Michael Price (@mikepriceinla), Executive Producer/Writer David Richardson (@DWRRichardson), and Staff Writers Jessica Lee Williamson (@JLWforever) and Henry Gammill (@henrygammill) . In order to coordinate this recording behemoth, we were also joined by musician Ron Aggabao (ronaggabaomusic.com), who helped us engineer this episode. We chat about each of the writers' origins in TV, some of the characters in "F is for Family", and we break down some of the storytelling elements that make the show a delightful mixture of drama and comedy.  "F is for Family" returns for its fourth season this Friday, June 12th on Netflix. Wanna ask questions about the show directly to the writers? Follow them on Twitter: @FIFFNetflix.  If you are interested in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement during these difficult times, please consider donating to the George Floyd Memorial Fund, Black Visions Collective, and The Bail Project. If you are not able to donate, please check out "how to financially help BLM with NO MONEY/leaving your house (Invest in the future for FREE)" on Youtube. And the article on safe protesting we mentioned is from Wired and is titled "How to Protest Safely: What to Bring, What to Do, and What to Avoid". Let's help the movement! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 49: The "F is for Family" Writer's Room

We're well aware that the sound is different in this episode, as it was recorded through a Skype meeting. Comedian and writer JJ Whitehead joins us again to discuss standup after the pandemic, comedy festivals, and the time that Sir Ian McKellen kept touching his hair backstage. Check out JJ's hysterical brand new album "Live Before Lockdown", now available on Spotify and Itunes! Keep up with JJ on Instagram and Twitter (@jjwhitesnake) and check out his website: http://jjwhitehead.net/.  Never miss an episode of "So You're An Artist" by subscribing to us wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to give us a follow on Instagram (@artist.pod) and Twitter (@artist_pod)! We'll see you in Friday, June 5th for a VERY special episode! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 48: JJ Whitehead (Again)

Shawn is not your typical cinephile. His videos exploring and tracking cinematic elements throughout film history go beyond just a simple top ten list. They are wonderfully entertaining pieces of content that are both funny and mind-blowing. In this virtual interview, we chatted with Shawn about what it takes to put together shorts like his widely popular "The Sandlerverse", "Burt Reynolds Chews Gum", and "History of a Joke".  Thousands of hours and hundreds of films go into each, long-term, short-form project, making Shawn one of the most dedicated and possibly unhinged guests we've had to date. Subscribe to Shawn Kohne on Youtube to check out his work (https://www.youtube.com/user/conedog29/featured) and keep up with him on Instagram and Twitter (@theuniballer)! Also, take a look at the Nord VPN ad we talked about here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfv4DACERso. See you in two weeks! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 47: Shawn Kohne

That's right. Repeat offender William Deza joins us for another chat about filmmaking, this time geared towards virus-themed films (stick with the times, why not?). In this quarantined episode, we chat about the similarities and differences both technically and creatively across three chilling films about pandemics: Wolfgang Petersen's "Outbreak" (1995), Steven Soderbergh's "Contagion" (2011), and one more film which we will not name here, since classifying it as a virus film is indeed a spoiler for the picture itself. That being said, MASSIVE SPOILER ALERT! Never miss an episode of "So You're An Artist" by subscribing to us wherever you get your podcasts! Keep up with the podcast for updates and drawing challenges on Instagram (@artist.pod) and Twitter (@artist_pod)! Special thanks to musicians Surya Miele and Ron Aggabao for all original music throughout the show. See you in two weeks! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 46: William Deza (What? Again?)

So you're an artist... how do you make your money? What's your other job? We're messing with you. Listen to the "So You're an Artist" podcast to hear filmmakers, musicians, comedians, writers, actors, poets, and more talk about their work and lives in the creative world. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/syaapod/support

hubhopper

So You're an Artist...

hubhopper