Dwelling in Magic

In this fascinating and fun-filled conversation, I got to sit down the brilliant actress and visual artist Sari Lennick. Sari began her illustrious acting career in Middle School --which led her to studying acting and philosophy at USC and later earned her Master of Fine Arts at the Actors Studio Drama School in NYC. Listen to how Sari ended up in Minneapolis and magically landed the role of a lifetime co-starring in the Best Picture nominated "A Serious Man" by the Coen Brothers!! It is a beautiful story of synchronicity and fate and being in the perfect place at the perfect time!! Sari most recently acted in the movie "Good Sport" (coming out spring 2025) where she was the mother to my son Roger-- and where I had the chance to connect with her. Sari is an amazing storyteller and you will be inspired by her tenacity, humor and the total badass way that she moves through this world!!! @sarilennick @artstuffbysari

On this special Mother's Day edition of the podcast, I celebrate my amazing MOM Cindy Sue! She is a very talented seamstress --creating beautiful clothes and crafts for 61 years!! For the past two decades she also has owned a commercial embroidery business -- adding beautiful embellishments and personalizing clothes and accessories for clients. Her # 1 client/charity case being ME! She is creative and supportive and such a hard-worker... AND she is reason I have been able to bring all of my dreams into fruition. Cheers to you Cindy!!!

In this episode of Dwelling in Magic I had the joy of connecting with the AMAZING chefs Carrie Summer and Lisa Carlson. This creative duo are "The Godmothers of Food Trucks in the North" offering their delicious street food each Saturday at the Mill City Farmer's Market (since 2007!) and at their charming restaurant in Bay City, WI. They are also world travellers -- every winter they close up the restaurant and venture to a new location -- immersing themselves into the culture, people and food. This year they were inspired by their time spent in Peru -- their menu reflecting some tastes from their travels there. They are well-known and beloved chefs in the Twin Cities and beyond....ROCK STARS in their field -- yet they are the most down-to-earth and hard-working women around! They love their work -- and you can taste it and feel it when you enter their magical space. I was incredibly inspired by the adventurous and creative life they have built-- and I know you will be too! www.chefshackbaycity.com

In this episode I get to chat with the wonderful artist, business owner and teacher, Shannon Brunette. Shannon has done so much in her 48 years -- you will be AMAZED by all of her stories! Her tenacity, perseverance and bravery were rewarded with some MAGICAL opportunities and she has jumped into it everything with her whole heart! Shannon is a lifelong artist --always creating, making and connecting through art in some manner. Most recently, Shannon founded and runs her nonprofit The Office of Cultural Work -- an arts management collaborative that supports and nurtures artists in their work. She is passionate about community engagement through art --both in her work at OCW and as a teacher. This creative spirit is a delight, and I am honored to share her story with you now. Find Shannon here: www.officeofculturalwork.org www.shannonbrunette.com

In this mini-episode of Dwelling in Magic, I got to sit down for quick chat with the AMAZING filmmaker and director Jeremiah Zagar!!! Jer grew up in South Philadelphia in the MAGICAL world that his parents' artist Isaiah Zagar. and folk-art gallery owner Julia Zagar created --so it's really no surprise that Jeremiah became the creative force that he is! He has always had that "thing" that mixture of humor, talent, charisma and authenticity that makes you want be apart of whatever he dreams up--you WANT to be in his orbit or at the very least be in his cheering section when he does another amazing thing (which is often!) Jeremiah's documentary film 'In a Dream" and feature length film 'We the Animals' are astonishingly beautiful and evocative --unforgettable. Both about family and love --but "brutal love" as Jeremiah described it. In 2022 he directed 'Hustle' starring Adam Sandler and the amazing Jauncho Hernangomez -- a basketball star who had never acted before --and managed to steal the show! He lights up the screen. Jer has often worked with untrained actors....and pulls the magic out of all of them. I think it's because he connects so well -- it's an amazing quality he possesses. Jer is currently back in Philadelphia directing "Task" an HBO show written by Brad Inglesby (Mare of Easttown) starring Mark Ruffolo. You know, all of these accomplishments could go to a person's head, but it doesn't seem to in Jeremiah's case -- he praises and credits the team of people he has working with him for his success. Every visionary needs support -- and he's got it! This is the Zagars' superpower -- they are all up to such amazing things -- that they lure you in to their world and put you to work .... and once you're inside the twinkly Zagashere, you never want to leave. Dwelling in Magic, baby!

On this episode of Dwelling in Magic, I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with artist Ilia Stockert. Ilia is a photographer and videographer -- her work is so beautiful and evocative and most wonderfully, her spirit shines through it all. Ilia's story of her childhood growing up in Canada, seeing the world working as a photographer on a cruise ship, and the love story of how she ended up creating a beautiful home in St. Croix Falls, WI will delight and inspire you!

In this episode I get the chance to sit down with two AMAZING teachers who taught my boys more than the ABC's...they made their school experience cool, creative and fun! Chad Martin and Frank Dominguez are teachers that my sons will always remember. I think great teachers are TRUE ARTISTS -- sculpting and molding us into better, more beautiful versions of ourselves. (Only they have 24-30 "masterpieces" going at all times -- and their "clay" can talk and horse around!) With gratitude and admiration, I share these teachers with you today --two teachers who collectively have been teaching 55 years and yet manage to show up day after day with a positive spirit! As you listen, think of your own favorite teacher(s) and thank them in your heart...or reach out to them and tell them what they meant to you!

On this episode of Dwelling in Magic I have the extreme honor of chatting with the wonderful, magical and very talented Tina Schlieske. Tina is a Minnesota legend -- fronting the band Tina and the B-Sides and creating music for four decades! She even has her own star on First Avenue! Tina is an artist who is ever evolving and honing her craft -- her latest project is a foray into singing jazz standards-- just recently releasing her new album 'The Good Life.' She is a dynamic and energizing performer-- a musician who stands the test of time. Beyond her brilliant artistry, Tina is a delight to encounter and you will be amazed and inspired by her stories. www.tinaschlieske.com @tinaschlieski (instagram) Songs used on podcast are from Tina's album 'The Good Life" *The Good Life *Lilac Wine

In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with singer -songwriter Sarah Morris. Sarah is a DYNAMO!!! I loved hearing about all of her creative practices and how she balances being a mother and musician. Sarah also has a very clever and fun YouTube show called Toilet Tunes -- singing songs and curating interviews with her fellow musicians and community! I also found it very inspiring to hear how Sarah has built a framework to support her work as an artist and foster her songwriting skills. Also, she has such a unique voice--it has an effortless beauty and ethereal quality to it --it pulls you in. Listen in to her story and then, roll up your sleeves and get to work~ that's what I felt compelled to do! Thank you, Sarah! www.sarahmorrrismusic.com SarahMorrisMusic * Youtube sarahmorrismusic * instagram

In this episode of Dwelling in Magic, I had a delightful conversation with the owner of Locket Sisters-- Allyssa Woodford Hughes! Chatting with her from her gorgeous and sunny studio in the California Building in NE Minneapolis, I was swept away by Allyssa's story -- how she listened to her intuition and took leaps of faith that brought her here. Alyssa is a creative soul AND a savvy- business woman (she loves SPREADSHEETS!! But most notably, her values and heart SHINE throughout all she does -- and so does her enthusiasm and joy! @thelocketsisters (Instagram) www.thelocketsisters.com

In this episode I had the delight of chatting with Sarah Flicek about her life as an artist. Sarah is a metalsmith -- she creates the most intricate and stunning pieces of jewelry; each piece is made with such love and intention. But this conversation is a masterclass on how to LIVE -- and how to choose joy and positivity throughout each experience.....especially in the challenging times. Just last year Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer -- but she underwent the treatments and surgeries armed with her deep well of JOY and BRAVERY, and she danced her way through it!! Literally. You will be amazed by this EXTRAORDINARY woman -- her laughter, her wisdom and LOVE shine through this whole conversation. Adding her lovely spirit to the chat is artist Emily Victory -- she is the reason I got invited into Sarah's MAGICAL and cozy home -- and because she told me about her friend, I received the gift of listening to SARAH!!! And now you get to as well! Get ready to be inspired!! Find Sarah here: @sarahflicek (instagram) Felixery.com

In this episode, I have the pleasure of reconnecting with one of my favorite teachers -- Mr. Carlson!! My dear friend Amy Ogren, (also a former student of Mr. C's) and I traveled to his home in Rush City, MN where we sat down with Gary and his wife MaryAnn and chatted about their lives as teachers and artists. Over the past 30 years, this creative duo have built an EXTRAORDINARY art-filled world; a log home, two art studios and a gallery, a tree house, guest house, a sauna, and the most amazing sitting space/sculpture that they named "The Mothership." Their whole life is a creative act!! What a JOY filled experience it was to sit by a cozy fire -- while sipping coffee with whipped cream and get to listen to your teacher again after 30 years! Dreams do come true!

In this wonderful conversation, I get to chat with award winning musician, composer and producer Johnny Hermanson. Johnny shares stories from his life as an artist --from growing up in the beautiful mountains of Bozeman, Montana where he picked up a guitar at a garage sale and met his long-time musical partner Chris Cunningham. As a part of this duo, he has toured the country, curated loads of music festivals in Montana and Minnesota and has quietly achieved status as a folk music icon. Johnny also speaks about the healing power of being in nature-and how through his wandering in the woods and mountains he was inspired to create his Limber Bows. (Listen in to find out what they are and how they have enhanced his way of moving in the world.) Another example of an extraordinary human sharing his gifts with the world!!!! www.johnhermanson.net www.storyhill.com www.limberbows.com Songs included in this podcast Give up the Ghost : Storyhill Sanity: John Hermanson

In this episode of Dwelling in Magic I had the pleasure of chatting with Joe Mabbott inside his AMAZING recording studio, The Hideaway Studios in NE Minneapolis. In his 23 years in the recording industry, Joe has helped some extraordinary musicians create their brilliant albums --and in the process, Hideaway has become one of the best and most sought out studios in town. It is fascinating to hear his stories and see the thread connecting each move he made. He is SO talented and revered in his industry --but he is also one of the most down-to-earth and kindest guys I know. AND, did you know that Joe has made some of my dreams come true too??!! (Talk about supporting artists) You are bound to be inspired by this wonderful human! thehideawaympls.com www.joemabbott.com Twitter/instagram @TheHideawayMPLS

In this episode I get to sit down with actor Michael Villar!! It was so much fun to listen in to the stories from his life and see how he has managed to navigate the ups and downs of being a human with humor, positivity and authenticity. He's always been that way--or at least since Jr. High when I first met him! You will see how each experience he has had prepared him for the next thing...and how his perseverance and confidence have served him well in life. Oh yeah, and he acted in a short film, SKIN, that won an OSCAR!!!!! How cool is that?! follow him on instagram @villarnoir

In this episode of Dwelling in Magic I sit down with artists Jon Reischl, Jeremy Szopinksi and Ed Charbonneau. We chat about their art and about them being studiomates and friends for 25 years!!!! They are collaborators and cheerleaders of the others work. There is a lot of magic that happens in a shared space where so much is being created --there's an energetic and inspirational exchange and flow. They are all whip- smart and funny and you will love listening into their stories! www.jeremyszopinski.com jonreischl.com ed charbonneau - moboxo.com

In this episode of Dwelling in Magic, I get to laugh with and learn about the WONDERFUL Mary Mack! Mary is a Twin Cities based comedian who has performed just about everywhere -- including on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and on Conan (twice!) just to name a few. Mary is so open-hearted and funny as she shares stories about her life -- with humor being the light that she uses to navigate the bumps along the road. She is a delight and you will be so happy you spent the hour with her! marymackcomedy.com

In this episode I have the extreme pleasure of sitting in Molly's Maher's Magical Music Making basement and hearing all about how this talented musician moves through this world. Molly is the Reigning Queen of Cool in the Twin Cities music scene --Molly is EVERYWHERE *** playing with her Disbelievers around town, pulling together the Lakeside guitar festival at Como Pavillion, working at Willie's guitar store--this gal is on the move creating magic everywhere she goes!!!! Molly has so much depth and soul and you will be in awe and INSPIRED by her life, and music! The songs at the end are both by Molly * Bird Song and Jango. www.mollymaher.com mophonic (instagram)

In this episode of Dwelling in Magic I have the honor of chatting with award winning author of novels and short stories, Pamela Carter Joern. Pam shares with us about her upbringing in the Sandhills of Nebraska and how the landscape of her childhood imprinted itself into her heart and work. She also talks about how she has continued to choose the creative path throughout her life --learning the art of the pivot when doors closed on her dreams. What does it look like to lean into your calling? Listen in and hear one courageous and wise woman's tale. www.pamelacarterjoern.com

In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Herbalist Michelle Hillestad. Michelle moves through this world with a sacred reverence for nature and all of the gifts it bestows on us physically, mentally and spiritually. Michelle has created the most nurturing and delicious herbal remedies (Tularosa Herbals) that help support our magical bodies. She is a genius at curating beauty in all she does. You will be spellbound by her gentle and thoughtful spirit... and you'll most likely be inspired to go out and enjoy and move in nature! Tularosaherbals.com tularosa_herbals (instagram)