Makers of the Universe

Join Dan Boyles and I as we discuss the magic act that got him thrown off TV, and some of the secrets behind crafting magic. Dan is an entertainer and magic consultant, and he shares a revealing insight into his creative process, and what makes for a good trickery. You can even find out how Dan manages tricky audiences, as he shares some of the secrets of working a room. Dan talks about joining the Magic Circle, and hear what he has to say about Penn & Teller, Derren Brown, Dynamo, and David Blaine to name a few. Dont worry, Dan never reveals exactly how tricks are performed, but some clues are there!If you enjoy the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. You can get in touch and follow us below, Instagram - instagram.com/makers_of_the_universe/ Twitter - twitter.com/paul_davies Email - makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com 

Vince Kadlubek is the Founder of Meow Wolf, an art collective who specialise in the world of immersive experiences. Best known for The House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a down-the-rabbit-hole experience into a psychedelic art experience.Vince takes us into his world as he shares the wild story of Meow Wolf's origination, involving an empty bowling alley and the help of Game of Thrones creator, George R R Martin.We talk creativity, and the rise of immersive experience within culture. Vince shares some of the secrets behind the Meow Wolf story, and the transition from underground artist into company CEO.This is a story unlike any other, and so turn up the psychedelia and join us for a trip into the day-glo, neon world of Meow Wolf!More info on Meow Wolf here - www.meowwolf.comIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. You can get in touch and follow us below, Instagram - instagram.com/makers_of_the_universe/ Twitter - twitter.com/paul_davies Email - makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com 

Steve McDonald joins me in this episode as the take a trip into the LA music scene, with the much loved and highly influential alternative rock band, Redd Kross.From playing in punk bands aged 11, to a decade spanning career in music with one of the world's most influential and loved bands, this is a trip inside the LA music scene, and growing up in a world of music and gigs.We discuss early influences - and cover Russ Meyer, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Manson murders, sharing a manager with Nirvana and more....its quite a wild ride of pop culture references. We even discuss my first Redd Kross gig, over 20 years ago and find out what Steve remembers about that night.It's quite the rock n' roll adventure...strap yourself in, and enjoy the show!More info on Redd Kross here - www.reddkross.comIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. You can get in touch and follow us below, Instagram - instagram.com/makers_of_the_universe/ Twitter - twitter.com/paul_davies Email - makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com 

Neil Mullarkey is one of the founding members of the Comedy Store Players, the world's longest running comedy group with the same members.Neil shares his journey into comedy as writing partner with Mike Myers (Austin Powers, Wayne's World), and early improv shows in Edinburgh Festival together. From which Neil is now recognised as one of the world's leading experts in improv comedy - performing twice a week at the Comedy Store, London.Neil shares some of the secrets of improv, and we explore why audiences laugh. We take a look back on Whose Line is it Anyway, and discuss its long lasting relevance. And we also contrast Neil's expertise in comedy with my own personal introduction into the world of improv - which makes for a fun listen.It is a generous and playful episode full of joy, that is guaranteed to lift your spirits!More info on the Comedy Store Players here - www.comedystoreplayers.com And you can find Neil at www.neilmullarkey.comIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  You can get in touch and follow us below, Instagram - instagram.com/makers_of_the_universe/ Twitter - twitter.com/paul_davies  Email - makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com 

Don Letts is a genuine creative rebel. He is a DJ, presenter, musician, videographer, film-maker and writer. In a frank and revealing interview, Don shares stories from the front line of rock n’roll – hanging out with Bob Marley, Malcolm McLaren, and his infamous trip to Jamaica with Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols and Richard Branson.He tells us how an early career in Soho London fashion led him to the punk rock meets reggae soundclash. We talk about his time with The Clash, shooting their videos, and forming Big Audio Dynamite.He shares a revealing glimpse into the Musical Youth video for Pass the Dutchie, and tells us the real story behind the lyrics – that’s worth a listen! And we explore the differences between art forms, and the magic of creative inspiration.If you enjoy the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  You can get in touch and follow us below, Instagram - instagram.com/makers_of_the_universe/ Twitter - twitter.com/paul_davies  Email - makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com 

Jason Miller is a live music photographer and has shot major rock gigs around the world. From stadium tours to punk rock DIY shows, he clocks up hundreds of gigs a year.Jason & I talk about how an accident involving the wrong gig pass to see Motley Crue got him started in live music photography, and how in just 2 years he went from having never owned a camera to establishing himself as an accredited shooter. He has already published his first book showcasing his work too.We discuss the art of live music photography, the secrets of shooting live gigs, and he busts myths about the “3 song rule” (clue, Bruce Springsteen is involved!). He shares stories of shooting bands such as Blink 182, and Marilyn Manson. He tells us about experiences in the pit and jostling with other photographers. And he shares what he thinks about camera-phones at concerts.It’s a fun episode as Jason has loads of energy and is very passionate. If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.   You can get in touch and follow us below, Instagram - instagram.com/makers_of_the_universe/ Twitter - twitter.com/paul_davies  Email - makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com 

Pip Jamieson is the founder and CEO of The Dots, the online community for the creative industries.Pip & I discuss creative careers, the relationship between dyslexia and creativity, and we predict the future of work and what tomorrow’s jobs will look like. We also talk about the importance of happiness in creativity...and I ask Pip about her secret tattoo. That’s a story worth hearing, and so you have to listen in to find out what that is all about!It’s a fun, lively episode and so If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  You can get in touch and follow us below,Instagram - instagram.com/makers_of_the_universe/Twitter - twitter.com/paul_davies Email - makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com 

Jane Savidge is a legendary music PR, best known for creating the Britpop movement in the 90’s. Her company Savage & Best represented most of the bands and artists that exploded at this time.We discuss creativity within PR and journalism, and music, in a lively canter through the Britpop years.Jane has just released her first book, Lunch with the Wild Frontiers. She shares some of the secrets of her success – how she achieved 18 front covers for Suede before they had released a single, how Elastica were formed in her office, and what happened when Jarvis Cocker from Pulp invaded the stage at the Brits during Michael Jackson's performance. Jane reveals which band she would have loved to represent, and which Britpop track is her favourite – both choices might surprise you, and so listen to the podcast to find out more!This episode was recorded before Jane had transitioned from the name of Phill Savidge (under which name the book is published), and so that explains why I refer to her as Phill throughout.If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.   You can find us on Instagram (just search for Makers of the Universe).   And you can email us on makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com with any feedback or ideas. 

Tommy Lee Edwards, discusses creativity in the world of comics and film. Tommy is a leading comic book artist, and has worked extensively for Lucasfilm, DC, & Marvel. He is also renowned for creative collaborations with artists including Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) with whom he created the Umbrella Academy books, now a Netflix hit. Plus with UK talent including Jonathan Ross, and the director Edgar Wright.  Tommy is also a conceptual designer and storyboard artist, and has worked on major film productions including Batman, and Harry Potter.  We recorded this episode hot on the back of Tommy’s appearance at Comic-Con in the UK. We discuss comic book conventions, creative collaborations, and getting started in a creative career. Tommy shares stories from his work, including Star Wars and Batman. He talks about experiences of working with Gerard Way who has a huge cult following. We discuss the importance of creative mentorship. And finally, he shares some insight into a brand new project he is creating too.  If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  You can find us on Instagram (just search for Makers of the Universe).  And you can email us on makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com with any feedback or ideas.

Brett Anderson of Suede discusses creativity in songwriting, performing, and writing books. It’s a rare, and revealing interview where Brett discusses the artistry and craft of his work. Suede rose to fame in the 90’s and have enjoyed a remarkable music career, spanning several decades and multiple albums. Brett shares deep insights into the creative process of making music in Suede-world, and discusses how the band write together. We chat about live performance, and how he keeps it fresh for himself. We also discuss his book writing process, with his recently published second book “Afternoons with The Blinds Drawn”, and we contrast the differences between writing books and songs.If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe.  You can find us on Instagram (just search for Makers of the Universe).  And you can email us on makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com with any feedback or ideas.

Bruce Daisley, host of "Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat" podcast, and author of "The Joy of Work" joins us for this episode. It is a brilliant, energetic trip through case studies of creativity in culture, sport, music, film, and the workplace. Lots of pop culture references in this episode including The Strokes difficult second album, Harry Hill’s TV Burp, the England Football team, Elton John, Blackadder, hip hop, Pixar, Taylor Swift and Oasis. Its a fantastic episode, full of interesting science and insight that sheds light on the creative process.If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. You can find us on Instagram (just search for Makers of the Universe). And you can email us on makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com with any feedback or ideas.

Everett True shares the story of music journalism, discovering grunge, and his friendship with Nirvana, Kurt Cobain, and Courtney Love.Everett is the pen name of Jerry Thackray, who now holds a PhD in Music Journalism. He discusses the early years of befriending Alan McGee of Creation Records, through tomid-90s music journalism at NME and Melody Maker.We cover the Nirvana years in depth, as he shares how he introduced Courtney Love to Kurt Cobain, and then famously wheelchaired Kurt on stage at the Reading Festival.There is also an exclusive reading from one of his books at the end of the podcast about going to Kurt's house the day his body was found.If you enjoyed the podcast, please like, subscribe, or comment. You can find us on Instagram (just search for Makers of the Universe). And you can email us on makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com with any feedback or ideas.

Sir John Hegarty, legendary adman and expert on creativity, discusses the art of creativity. John shares the stories behind famous ad campaigns, such as the Levi's commercials in the 80's including the famous Laundrette ad. We also discover how the wonderful Flat Eric was born, remember him? John reveals why creative teams work best in pairs, and we discuss why Soho attracts so many outsiders and the creative community. Stay to the end of the podcast, and we ask John about his unusual hobby which not many people know about (until know, that is).If you enjoyed the podcast, please like, subscribe, or comment. You can find us on Instagram (just search for Makers of the Universe). And you can email us on makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com with any feedback or ideas.

Award winning children's author & illustrator Lauren Child discusses how her career began, and she shares the secrets behind her Charlie & Lola books. We explore creative inspiration including Charles Schulz the creator of Charlie Brown & Snoopy, and we chat about boredom being an important ingredient of creativity. We discuss Lauren's choice of music to listen to whilst working, and you might be surprised by her answers.We also chat about Quentin Blake, plus we talk about the art form of children's writing & illustration and why this isn't as valued as it should be. If you enjoyed the podcast, please like, subscribe, or comment. You can find us on Instagram (just search for Makers of the Universe). And you can email us on makersoftheuniverse@outlook.com with any feedback or ideas.