Spiral Out Podcast

Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute and co-host of Big Picture Science, joins Spiral Out to discuss the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence.We talk about how researchers separate credible evidence from speculation, strange signals, radio interference, AI-assisted searches, machine civilizations, science fiction, alien art, and whether humanity’s search for life reflects our fear of being alone.Seth Shostak: seti.org/people/seth-shostakSETI Institute: seti.org | @setiinstituteBig Picture Science: bigpicturescience.org | @bipisciSpiral Out: spiraloutpodcast.comYouTube: @spiraloutnetworkInstagram: @spiraloutpodcast | @kriswest222#SethShostak #SETI #AlienLife #ExtraterrestrialIntelligence #Astronomy #BigPictureScience #ScienceFiction #SpiralOutPodcast

Chet Zar joins Spiral Out Podcast for a conversation about dark art, monsters, special effects, Tool, Guillermo del Toro, Clive Barker, AI, shadow work, and the future of real artistic expression.Chet talks about his path from creature design and visual effects into fine art, the emotional weight behind his monster paintings, and why authenticity still matters in a world trying to automate creativity.Follow Chet Zar:chetzar.comInstagram: @chetzarDark Art Society: darkartsociety.comInstagram: @darkartsocietyFollow Spiral Out:spiraloutpodcast.comYouTube: @spiraloutnetworkInstagram: @spiral_out_podKris West: @kriswest222Concert Photography: @spiralout_photo

In this episode of the Spiral Out Podcast, Kristopher West talks with Melody McPherson, Tool Army Ambassador. Melody shares how she found her way into the role, what it means to support Tool’s devoted fan community, and how she helps address fan questions and merchandise concerns.They also explore the intensity and connection within the Tool Army community, memorable fan interactions, and Melody’s goals for strengthening engagement in the future.https://www.instagram.com/melodys_vinyl/https://www.instagram.com/toolmusic/https://www.instagram.com/spiral_out_pod/Tool: https://toolband.comTool Army: https://toolband.com/toolarmy/Spiral Out Podcast: https://spiraloutpodcast.com

In this episode of Spiral Out Podcast, Kris West sits down with artist Ryan Besch (@yourcinema) to talk about the path from printmaking to poster art, the evolution of his style, and the creative discipline behind building a lasting body of work.Ryan breaks down his process, from traditional techniques and hand-made sensibilities to the way those ideas carry into his digital workflow. The conversation also gets into creating iconic work for bands like Puscifer, Phish, and Modest Mouse, staying authentic as an artist, and why persistence matters more than waiting for the right moment. If you care about poster art, music culture, film influence, and the grind of making real work, this one gets into all of it.Follow: @spiral_out_pod | @yourcinemaWebsites: spiraloutpodcast.com | your-cinema.myshopify.com

On this special episode of Spiral Out Podcast, Kris West sits down with artist Jacob Roanhaus, a multifaceted creator known for his work in wearable 3D art, creature creation, masks, and visual effects. Jacob has collaborated with bands like Tool, creating custom wearable pieces and stage elements including suits for drummer Danny Carey, as well as designing masks for artists like Corey Taylor of slipknot.During the conversation, Jacob talks about his creative process designing and building wearable creatures and masks, the challenges of balancing design, build, and performance, and the collaborative nature of working with musicians, filmmakers, and production teams. He shares stories from projects involving pop artists like Lady Gaga, as well as experiences working within the world of Star Wars, where he portrayed a Quarren character.Jacob also discusses the concept of “character illusion”—the art of making audiences believe in a character through costume, movement, and performance. From building creatures and superhero film components to reflecting on the future of modern cinema, Jacob shares insights into the craft of bringing imaginative worlds to life.Check out more of Jacob Roanhaus’s work at:https://www.dreamlorestudio.com/Follow Jacob on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sir_beefsquatch/Check out more episodes and content from Spiral Out:https://www.youtube.com/@spiraloutnetworkFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spiraloutpodcast/Kris West:https://www.instagram.com/kriswest222/Share the episode, comment and give us feedback! And of course, SUBSCRIBE!And of course, don’t forget to leave us a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen