Forging Flame

Aaaaand we're back! It's been a while since our last Podcast, both Nick and Ryan have been super busy! We do a little catch up here, and talk at length about Ryan's EP release (Lead Salad - Move On) from last month!  We go in depth on the musical creative process, inpsiration, feedback and criticism. We had a lot of fun recording this episode, it feels good to be back! Check out Ryan's solo music project Lead Salad at https://leadsaladmusic.com This episode is Sponsored by Status Foe music - https://statusfoe.co

Episode 21 of Forging Flame is a veritable cornucopia of inspiration and valuable perspective, thanks to the conversation Nick and Ryan had with this week’s guest, Charles Burt! Charles and the guys get into his military experience, the intersection of science and spirituality, and the recent recurring theme of art therapy! Charles Burt is a 20-year Army veteran, and an incredible painter, turning photo-realistic, classical still-life work into portals of memory, encapsulating time, space, and a distinct sense of “having been there” into his work. His ongoing battle with Parkinson’s Disease is a profound topic of conversation in this one.  Check him out at https://charlesburtartist.com/. This epsiode is sponsored by Hotel Tango Distillery (https://shop.hoteltangodistillery.com/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off

Our guest Kim is an actor/performance artist for a historical museum, a writer (fiction, playwright, fan-fiction), and the quintessential artist type. The overarching theme for this podcast is how art, in its highest form, can evoke powerful emotional responses in people. This is a huge motivation behind the creative process, and in itself a fulfilling currency for many artists—tangentially, we talk about the ways our current economy can be crippling for creative types. We also discuss self-talk and how it relates to artistic validation and confidence, as well as the necessity of adversity in creative pursuits. When she's not working the job of her dreams, Kim is finishing up a few literary works and dabbling in booze infusion/cocktailing. You can find her on Instagram @kim.indy (https://www.instagram.com/kim.indy/). This epsiode is sponsored by Hotel Tango Distillery (https://shop.hoteltangodistillery.com/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off

In this energy-filled episode of Forging Flame, Nick and Ryan sit down with fellow podcasters Kris King and Dyke Michaels, of the “Harder Brunch” podcast. The guys ditch the typical show format, and dig more into experience than process. The conversation goes some...interesting places.  Harder Brunch is a comedy podcast focused on late-morning food and drink with guests from the service industry and stand-up comedy. Kris King is a former bartender-turned-podcaster, with loads of experience being a gleefully bitter and abrupt booze-slinger around the Midwest. Dyke Michaels used to work at a summer camp. On mic together, they’re a perfect podcasting duo!  Check out Harder Brunch at https://anchor.fm/dyke-michaels This episode is also sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

Ricardo Laranja is a world class musician, producer, and Ryan's former college professor/mentor. Recorded on-location at Laranja Studios, we talk music, creativity, inspiration, teaching, food, Brazilian customs, and we nerd out at length about audio/video production equipment. Ricardo is a professor in the Music & Arts Technology program at Purdue School of Engineering Technology, he's the Music Director for his church, he teaches private piano and voice lessons, and he's always taking on fun side-projects.  Ricardo has always been helpful, insightful, and generous with his knowledge. And would you believe us if we told you he does a spot-on impression of Louis Armstrong?  Give Laranja Studios a follow on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LaranjaStudios/) to see all the great stuff Ricardo is working on! This epsiode is sponsored by Hotel Tango Distillery (https://shop.hoteltangodistillery.com/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off  This episode is also sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

In Episode 17 of Forging Flame, Nick and Ryan are joined by the Sauce Boss of the Midwest, Colonel Mustard himself, Zach Rohn, of Batch No. 2 Mustard. Zach owns and operates the business, as well as being the primary Saucerer on duty. Zach and the guys discuss sauce slinging in times of global calamity, personal tragedy, and then take a hard left into the murky realm of conspiracy theories. Buckle up! This one’s…fun?  Batch No. 2 (http://www.batchno2.com/)  This epsiode is sponsored by Hotel Tango Distillery (https://shop.hoteltangodistillery.com/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off  This episode is also sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

In Episode 16 of Forging Flame, Nick and Ryan get together sans-guest to discuss their experiences and opinions relating to suicide and loss, as September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  If you or someone you care about are experiencing suicidal thoughts and you’re in need of help, check out some of the excellent, national resources below here.  National hotline and resources of all types (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/)  Art Therapy (https://arttherapy.org/)  Resources for Veterans (https://mission22.com/)  Youth LGBTQ+ Resources (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/)

In Episode 15 of Forging Flame, Ryan and Nick sit down with yet another fascinating and hard-working Ryan! Ryan Penington is an LA-based filmmaker, musician, and stand-up comedian with an origin story based in Indianapolis.  Nick and the Ryans get together over Zoom and power through some early technical issues, and then cover a whole bunch of fun and interesting topics, such as open mic comedy sets as a method of finding catharsis, Penington’s time in a Rockabilly band, hacking your way through artistic education, the “dark side” of creativity, and LOADS more.  Give Ryan Penington a follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ryanpenington/), and check out some of his past work on IMDB (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1732992/).  This epsiode is sponsored by Hotel Tango Distillery (https://shop.hoteltangodistillery.com/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off  This episode is also sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

In this far-out episode of Forging Flame, Ryan and Nick sit down with Joey Turner and “Baby Nick”, from the yet-to-be-released “Mellow + Yellow” podcast. Joey is also a poet, a stay-at-home dad, and the founder of a work-in-progress collaborative art project called “Dojo Ink”.  The guys talk with Joey and Baby Nick about their upcoming projects, as well as living with severe dyslexia, the devastating impact of an outdated education system on dyslexics and creatives, flow states, magick, Japanese mythology, disturbing YouTube videos, and some far more bizarre subject matter.  Joey is currently recruiting artists for Dojo Ink multimedia projects, including an epic graphic novel inspired by Samurai culture. Contact him at dojoink999@outlook.com for more information.  This epsiode is sponsored by Hotel Tango Distillery (https://shop.hoteltangodistillery.com/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off  This episode is also sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

Episode 13 of Forging Flame features special guest Ryan M. Brewer. Ryan is a super-talented singer-songwriter with a brand-new album just released called Exorcism. He also teaches a university-level songwriting class.  Ryan and Nick sit with Mr. Brewer and discuss COVID concerts, willing possession, the super-slick way he released his new album, and WAP.  Go buy Ryan M. Brewer’s new interactive album now! (https://www.ryanmbrewer.com/)  This epsiode is sponsored by Hotel Tango Distillery (https://shop.hoteltangodistillery.com/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off  This episode is also sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

Episode 12 of Forging Flame is loaded with fun and twisted whimsy! Nick and Ryan sit down with visual artist Mallory Hodgkin to talk about her color-bending creative process, furry conventions, sustaining life’s needs with her art, and overcoming the same internal blockades so many creators know with intimate disdain.  Mallory Hodgkin is an Indianapolis-based artist most easily described as “Trippy Disney” or “Psychedelic Lisa Frank”. Mallory’s art is not only available for sale as standalone work, but she also on a wide variety of licensed swag. Click a link and check out her stuff!  You can check out Mallory Hodgkin's work at her Official Website (http://mhodgkin.com/), her WeejaPeeja Page (http://www.weejapeeja.com/artists/stablercake/), or her Instagram page (http://instagram.com/stablercake)  This episode is sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

This episode of the podcast is all about perfectionism, which is too often a detriment to the creative process. "Perfectionism leads to procrastination, which then leads to paralysis." We reflect on our previous 10 episodes as well as our own conjecture of the creative process, and hopefully provide some motivation and useful perspective to help creatives overcome their own crippling perfectionism. This episode is sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

In this on-location episode of Forging Flame, Ryan and Nick sit down with their mutual longtime friend, Brandon Whittington.  Brandon is a consummate creator, formerly applying his artistic approach at life to angry rap music as a young man, and now applying it to everything aspect of his outwardly-normal life, from miniature art projects to child rearing.  This episode is sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

In Episode 9 of Forging Flame, Ryan and Nick sit down with entrepreneur, philosopher, and Midwestern fashion guru, Tommy James Dant II. Tommy owns James Dant - A Store for Men, purveyors of fine men’s fashions.  Tommy shares a deep look into his follow-your-heart-style creative process and how he applies that, alongside a deep love of history, family, and backstory, to being a business owner, pivoting a business like a Tai Chi Chuan Grandmaster during the COVID pandemic, his own snappy style, and even to the meticulous level of detail in his precisely-curated brick-and-mortar shop. The guys talk with Tommy about some basic fashion tips for men, discuss loss, odd bodies, and upgrading their own personal style...which generally leaves much to be desired.  Have a listen, give ol’ Tommy Dant a follow, and maybe go upgrade your fashion! Links below! Be sure to visit the website James Dant - Purveyors of Men's Goods (https://jamesdant.com/), and follow Tommy on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jamesdant_purveyors/) This episode is sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

This episode of Forging Flame features Joey Edwards—a multi-medium dark-artist residing in the Portland Oregon area. Joey makes weird and wonderful things! From wire frame sculptures to award winning photo-realistic pumpkin carvings, to video, painting, and mixed media visual art—Joey's work clearly shows his affinity for all things spooky and dark, but with an air of absolute delight and joy. Think Tim Burton meets Jim Carrey. Our conversation covers how Joey started creating as a child (which later evolved into his niche of creepy wire frame sculptures), his process for creating his pumpkin carvings with impeccable detail, as well as some of the struggles of being an artist in today's world.  Nowadays Joey is keeping busy with pumpkin carving and broadcasting his process on his Twitch channel (https://www.twitch.tv/Jo3y3dwards). You can check out all of Joey Edwards' work at his website Edwards Art + Design (https://www.edwardsartanddesign.com/), as well as his Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/jo3y3dwards/). This episode is sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

This gut-wrenching episode of Forging Flame is all about knowing when to kill your darlings, from the perspective of Jared & Fabian from the now defunct (but arguably successful) local Indianapolis Drink Culture podcast (https://www.drnkcltr.com/).  We discuss how the Drink Culture podcast started and the events/circumstances that lead to its conclusion. This was a fantastic opportunity for podcast amateurs like us to learn from seasoned pros, and a must-listen for anyone looking to begin a creative venture.  This episode is loaded with high-highs, low-lows, and a whole bunch of lessons learned, listen closely and take notes!  Drink Culture podcast (https://www.drnkcltr.com/)  This episode is sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

In this well-lubricated (thanks, Hotel Tango!) episode of Forging Flame, we sit down with hometown hero and Midwestern heartthrob, Mike Angel. On top of being one of the most charming and effortlessly charismatic dudes we’ve ever met, Mike is a super-talented musician and an entrepreneurial alchemist with a footprint larger than a Bigfoot Yancey track! (Get it??) A bit of bio - Mike is the co-founder of the (former) Virginia Avenue Music Fest in Indianapolis, co-owner of Square Cat Vinyl (https://www.squarecatvinyl.com/), an online record store and local super-hang, and vocalist/guitarist/songwriter for Bigfoot Yancey (https://bigfootyancey.com/), a regionally-adored Americana/folk foursome with the uncanny ability to sonically create distinct moments in time with snapshot clarity. We had a spirited discussion with Mike over a couple glasses of bourbon, where we cover everything from nomadic van-dwelling to drunken business pitches, with plenty of music talk and townie feather-ruffling in between. Talking with Crazy Mike was an absolute blast...maybe even a bit TOO fun, and we’re pretty confident you’ll fall in love with the guy, too. NO FEES! Be sure to check out Square Cat Vinyl (https://www.squarecatvinyl.com/) and Bigfoot Yancey (https://bigfootyancey.com/) This episode is sponsored by Onnit (https://www.onnit.com/supplements/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off any supplements

Past conversations with Jessica Haeckel (https://jessicahaeckel.com/) may have been the key inspiration for starting this podcast. Jessica is a multi-talented, multi-faceted, multi-instrumental polymath artist with such a down to earth and unique relationship to her own creative process. She is releasing her new album Empty Boat on July 15th, 2020, and she has been so kind as to unveil the highly anticipated physical copies of the album on this podcast. Jessica is embracing the obsoletion of physical CD's, boldly packaging her new album in immersive works of art which shatter the conventions of both modern and traditional media. She describes this album as her most emotional work yet, and the innovative packaging gently invites the listener into this meticulously curated and holistic experience.  Jessica walks us through her decision-making process for the new album and dives deep into her creative process involving music, painting, and the interconnected relationship between the two. She even gives us a preview of her upcoming Vocal Coach program, which is currently in development and expected to be released later this year. Her new album Empty Boat is available for preorder at https://jessicahaeckel.com/, you can also check out her art and other creative projects on Instagram @jessicahaeckel (https://www.instagram.com/jessicahaeckel/). More of her music, performances, music videos, and cover songs can be found at Jessica Haeckel's Youtube Page (https://www.youtube.com/user/chimaera1618). If you enjoyed this podcast and Jessica Haeckel's work, please consider supporting her on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/JessicaHaeckel)! This epsiode is sponsored by Hotel Tango Distillery (https://shop.hoteltangodistillery.com/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off

Our guest on this podcast is Mike Gillis. Mike G (@wheresmikeg on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wheresmikeg/) is a cultural icon in Indianapolis and Chicago, cementing his foothold in the social media space as a digital marketing monolith. On top of building a subversive and burgeoning marketing empire, Mike G is a thought leader, fashion mogul of WDRFA (https://www.wdrfa.com/), tastemaker, an activist, a philanthropist, and one of the hardest-working dudes in the Midwest. We're super grateful he took the time to sit and speak with us.  In this episode, Mike G talks about his love of local food and culture, supporting underserved communities in our beautiful city, and how much hard work it truly takes to translate seemingly-simple social media posts into conversion powerhouses for his marketing customers. We get into his background and some of the deeper currents and past life experiences that motivate him to dominate his chosen space. This epsiode is sponsored by Hotel Tango Distillery (https://shop.hoteltangodistillery.com/) — Promo code: forgingflame for 10% off

Colby was gracious enough to host our podcast recording sessions in his new studio rehearsal space called Prospect East. He's fresh off an album release for his latest project, Status Foe (https://www.statusfoe.co/). He gives some insight into how the project came into being and how he manages to work with so many different musicians to create such an exceptional and cohesive progressive rock album. Given the current events and how Colby's inspiration revolves around political themes, the conversation weaves in and out of some pretty deep and controversial territory. You can find more information about Colby on his Instagram page, @placeboamigo (https://www.instagram.com/placebo_amigo/). This epsiode is sponsored by Square Cat Vinyl (https://www.squarecatvinyl.com/)