Nate McGaha

In this episode, Nate McGaha from Arts North Carolina joins the show to teach Ray and Ben the fundamentals of arts advocacy. Along the way, they discuss the nature of the arts as an industry, and they explore the delineation between for-profit creative work and nonprofit initiatives. It's a fantastically interesting and crucial conversation for creatives and enthusiasts alike.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingtheCreative

In this episode, Nate McGaha from Arts North Carolina joins the show to teach Ray and Ben the fundamentals of arts advocacy. Along the way, they discuss the nature of the arts as an industry, and they explore the delineation between for-profit creative work and nonprofit initiatives. It's a fantastically interesting and crucial conversation for creatives and enthusiasts alike. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingtheCreative

Episode 34: The Basics of Arts Advocacy (w/ Nate McGaha of Arts North Carolina)

You can mourn many different kinds of losses in your life.That's one of the central themes in Ray's song, "Sunday Mourning Hymnal." In this episode, Ray takes the guest chair as Ben Evans and Alex Rust interrogate him on all the complexities of writing vulnerable lyrics. They discuss Ray's departure from his religion and how a person has to build new structures of meaning and purpose in the aftermath of deconstruction. Follow Ray on Instagram and TikTok -- @SundayMourningHymnals and follow the podcast on IG and TikTok too -- @DecodingtheCreative

You can mourn many different kinds of losses in your life. That's one of the central themes in Ray's song, "Sunday Mourning Hymnal." In this episode, Ray takes the guest chair as Ben Evans and Alex Rust interrogate him on all the complexities of writing vulnerable lyrics. They discuss Ray's departure from his religion and how a person has to build new structures of meaning and purpose in the aftermath of deconstruction.  Follow Ray on Instagram and TikTok -- @SundayMourningHymnals  and follow the podcast on IG and TikTok too -- @DecodingtheCreative

Songs I Shouldn't Explain: Ray Hartsfield - Sunday Mourning Hymnal

In this episode,  we talk to rapper Shaw Calhoune about the nature of inspiration and how creative people can find new ideas practically anywhere if they know how to look for them. Along the way, we talk about the state of the hip-hop genre among so many other topics. All in all, it's a great episode. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingtheCreative !

In this episode,  we talk to rapper Shaw Calhoune about the nature of inspiration and how creative people can find new ideas practically anywhere if they know how to look for them. Along the way, we talk about the state of the hip-hop genre among so many other topics. All in all, it's a great episode.  Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingtheCreative !

Episode 33: Inspiration is Everywhere (w/ Shaw Calhoune)

How have your artistic endeavors changed you?In this episode, we talk about the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that an artist’s knowledge informs their perspective as a consumer. As we grow and change as creative people, our understanding of creativity changes as well. We also check in with some of our former guests on how their perspectives have changed over time too!So all in all its a great conversation.Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe on your platform of choice!

How have your artistic endeavors changed you? In this episode, we talk about the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that an artist’s knowledge informs their perspective as a consumer. As we grow and change as creative people, our understanding of creativity changes as well. We also check in with some of our former guests on how their perspectives have changed over time too!So all in all its a great conversation.Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe on your platform of choice!

Episode 32: The Transformative Power of Practice 

In this episode of our songwriting series Songs I Shouldn't Explain,  Charlotte-based rock band Oh! You Pretty Things joins us to discuss their new song, Say Nothing. We discuss the vulnerability of sharing lyrics with a band, and we talk about how bands can incorporate the individual creative influences of each bandmate. Honestly, it's just a fun conversation.Follow us on TikTok and Instagram -- @DecodingtheCreative !

In this episode of our songwriting series Songs I Shouldn't Explain,  Charlotte-based rock band Oh! You Pretty Things joins us to discuss their new song, Say Nothing. We discuss the vulnerability of sharing lyrics with a band, and we talk about how bands can incorporate the individual creative influences of each bandmate. Honestly, it's just a fun conversation. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram -- @DecodingtheCreative !

Songs I Shouldn't Explain: Oh! You Pretty Things - Say Nothing

In this episode of the podcast, musician and podcaster Casey Cavaliere joins us to compare and contrast the real-world fulfillment of his band The Wonder Years and the unique rewards of his podcast The Record Process. Along the way, we talk about the challenges and obstacles that creatives face as we navigate a truly weird era in history. Follow us on Instagram and TIkTok for additional content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

In this episode of the podcast, musician and podcaster Casey Cavaliere joins us to compare and contrast the real-world fulfillment of his band The Wonder Years and the unique rewards of his podcast The Record Process. Along the way, we talk about the challenges and obstacles that creatives face as we navigate a truly weird era in history.  Follow us on Instagram and TIkTok for additional content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

Episode 31: Writing on The Virtual Stage (w/ Casey Cavaliere)

Dogs. Depression. Nerf gun battles. This episode has it all! In this installment of our series Songs I Shouldn't Explain, we talk to the band Outatime! about their song Husky Fight. We discuss the value of exploring your mental health through creative work, and we also have a great conversation about finding creative inspiration in unusual places. Honestly, the whole conversation is a breath of fresh air.Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to us on your podcast platform of choice!

Dogs. Depression. Nerf gun battles. This episode has it all! In this installment of our series Songs I Shouldn't Explain, we talk to the band Outatime! about their song Husky Fight. We discuss the value of exploring your mental health through creative work, and we also have a great conversation about finding creative inspiration in unusual places. Honestly, the whole conversation is a breath of fresh air. Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to us on your podcast platform of choice!

Songs I Shouldn't Explain: Outatime! - Husky Fight

In this episode, we talk to artist and community organizer Kat Cornelius AKA TuxedoKat about the nature of real community and how social media can impact artists in positive and negative ways. Along the way, we talk about the radical acceptance encountered at drag shows, and so many other subjects. It's a great conversation. Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @DecodingTheCreative !

In this episode, we talk to artist and community organizer Kat Cornelius AKA TuxedoKat about the nature of real community and how social media can impact artists in positive and negative ways. Along the way, we talk about the radical acceptance encountered at drag shows, and so many other subjects. It's a great conversation.  Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe!  Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @DecodingTheCreative !

Episode 30: Community in The Digital Era (w/ Kat Cornelius)

Angela Medlin

To what extent does geography define our creative destiny? In this episode of the podcast, Angela Medlin joins us to discuss how the act of relocating to a different city can make a huge difference in your creative opportunities. We also discuss the challenges that can arise from uprooting your life and moving. It's a fascinating exploration of what it means to remain true to your craft as life throws obstacles in your way!Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe on your platform of choice!

To what extent does geography define our creative destiny? In this episode of the podcast, Angela Medlin joins us to discuss how the act of relocating to a different city can make a huge difference in your creative opportunities. We also discuss the challenges that can arise from uprooting your life and moving. It's a fascinating exploration of what it means to remain true to your craft as life throws obstacles in your way! Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe on your platform of choice!

Episode 29: What Moves Us (w/ Angela Medlin)

How does a musician express meaning without lyrics?On this episode of our mini-series Songs I Shouldn't Explain, we talk to the instrumental band Cave Paint about their song “A World of Their Youth.” We explore the way instrumental music challenges our ideas about meaning in songs in general. We also discuss the unique creative processes surrounding music that doesn't gravitate around lyrics. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for additional content -- @DecodingTheCreative

How does a musician express meaning without lyrics? On this episode of our mini-series Songs I Shouldn't Explain, we talk to the instrumental band Cave Paint about their song “A World of Their Youth.” We explore the way instrumental music challenges our ideas about meaning in songs in general. We also discuss the unique creative processes surrounding music that doesn't gravitate around lyrics.  Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for additional content -- @DecodingTheCreative

Songs I Shouldn't Explain: Cave Paint - A World of Their Youth

Lifelong best friends Ray Hartsfield and Ben Evans discuss the emotional and psychological aspects of the creative experience. How do creative passions impact your mental health? How can creative individuals find balance and peace in their artistic endeavors? Ray and Ben explore all these questions and more with a healthy dose of introspection and sober self-assessment along the way.

Healing hurts sometimes.In this episode, Hayley Moran from Haylo Healing Arts Lounge joins the podcast to explore the unique ways that tattoo work can facilitate emotional healing. Along the way, we discuss the nature of tattooing as an art form and how gender norms can inform an artist's approach to their work. It's a fascinating discussion about how artists of every discipline can approach their work with intention and care.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

Healing hurts sometimes. In this episode, Hayley Moran from Haylo Healing Arts Lounge joins the podcast to explore the unique ways that tattoo work can facilitate emotional healing. Along the way, we discuss the nature of tattooing as an art form and how gender norms can inform an artist's approach to their work. It's a fascinating discussion about how artists of every discipline can approach their work with intention and care. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

Episode 28: Healing Hurts (w/ Hayley Moran)

Ben Liebsch

What inspires a person to write thoughtful lyrics, and what sustains them in their craft over time? In this episode, we talk to Ben Liebsch from the band You, Me, and Everyone We Know about his approach to writing lyrics, and how our creative perspectives evolve as we grow and mature as individuals. It’s a fascinating discussion about the discipline of being a lyricist. We also talk about poverty, homelessness, and the complexities of addiction.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingTheCreativeMake sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice!

What inspires a person to write thoughtful lyrics, and what sustains them in their craft over time? In this episode, we talk to Ben Liebsch from the band You, Me, and Everyone We Know about his approach to writing lyrics, and how our creative perspectives evolve as we grow and mature as individuals. It’s a fascinating discussion about the discipline of being a lyricist. We also talk about poverty, homelessness, and the complexities of addiction. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingTheCreative Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice!

Episode 27: The Pursuit of Validation (w/ Ben Liebsch)

Eric Mackey

Happy Black History Month!In this special episode of the podcast, we talk to musician Eric Mackey about the contributions of black artists to American arts. We explore how the black experience plays out on individual levels and systemic levels, and we discuss how we can better center the contributions of others into our shared understanding of music and more.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more content -- @DecodingTheCreative !

Happy Black History Month! In this special episode of the podcast, we talk to musician Eric Mackey about the contributions of black artists to American arts. We explore how the black experience plays out on individual levels and systemic levels, and we discuss how we can better center the contributions of others into our shared understanding of music and more. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more content -- @DecodingTheCreative !

Episode 26: Celebrating Blackness (w/ Eric Mackey)

How do issues of poverty and privilege impact the creative endeavors of the individual? This is the center of our conversation in this episode as we discuss the finer points of how socioeconomic class plays a role in the arts. We explore famous (and not-so-famous) examples of artists who come from a place of wealth, and we talk about how our own backstories inform our work as well. We also shine a spotlight on what some of our former guests (AKA PodPals!) have been up to lately. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingTheCreative !

How do issues of poverty and privilege impact the creative endeavors of the individual? This is the center of our conversation in this episode as we discuss the finer points of how socioeconomic class plays a role in the arts. We explore famous (and not-so-famous) examples of artists who come from a place of wealth, and we talk about how our own backstories inform our work as well. We also shine a spotlight on what some of our former guests (AKA PodPals!) have been up to lately.  Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingTheCreative !

Episode 25: Poverty & Privilege in the Arts

In Episode 24, we talk to Sarah Hahn  from Bloom Movement Artistry about the unique ways that athleticism, artistry, and self-expression converge in her discipline as an aerial artist and trapeze artist. We discuss the fundamentals of fire breathing, and we explore how Bloom Movement Artistry’s work can be a space to cultivate a celebration of diversity and inclusion. Follow us on Instagram or TikTok for additional content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

In Episode 24, we talk to Sarah Hahn  from Bloom Movement Artistry about the unique ways that athleticism, artistry, and self-expression converge in her discipline as an aerial artist and trapeze artist. We discuss the fundamentals of fire breathing, and we explore how Bloom Movement Artistry’s work can be a space to cultivate a celebration of diversity and inclusion.  Follow us on Instagram or TikTok for additional content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

Episode 24: Empowerment & Inclusion (w/ Sarah Hahn)

Sometimes lyrics are designed to paint a vivid landscape for listeners, igniting the imagination and allowing new ideas to form. In this episode of our series "Songs I Shouldn't Explain", Noah Khorey from the band Colony Collapse talks to us about their new song Dead Cellar. He explains how songwriters can use abstract and cryptic lyrics to create vivid imagery for listeners. We also explore how metalcore has matured as a genre, and how heavy music can provide a place to try new and radical creative concepts. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for lots of great content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

Sometimes lyrics are designed to paint a vivid landscape for listeners, igniting the imagination and allowing new ideas to form.  In this episode of our series "Songs I Shouldn't Explain", Noah Khorey from the band Colony Collapse talks to us about their new song Dead Cellar. He explains how songwriters can use abstract and cryptic lyrics to create vivid imagery for listeners. We also explore how metalcore has matured as a genre, and how heavy music can provide a place to try new and radical creative concepts.  Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for lots of great content -- @DecodingTheCreative!

Songs I Shouldn't Explain: Colony Collapse - Dead Cellar 

How do our sources of inspiration change over time? This is the question we contemplate with poet Bree Bailey in a wide-ranging discussion about the nature of creativity in adulthood, and how the angst of our adolescence evolves into something more complex and yet unmistakably beautiful as we grow and mature over our lives. Along the way, we discuss the concept of classic literature and how to use poetry as a mindfulness exercise for your mental health, among so many other ideas. Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for additional content at @DecodingTheCreative!

How do our sources of inspiration change over time? This is the question we contemplate with poet Bree Bailey in a wide-ranging discussion about the nature of creativity in adulthood, and how the angst of our adolescence evolves into something more complex and yet unmistakably beautiful as we grow and mature over our lives. Along the way, we discuss the concept of classic literature and how to use poetry as a mindfulness exercise for your mental health, among so many other ideas.  Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for additional content at @DecodingTheCreative!

Episode 23: Beauty in Every Moment (w/ Bree Bailey)

Elijah Bisbee

Is songwriting a matter of inspiration... or is it a matter of hard work and radical vulnerability?In the first episode of Season 2, musician Elijah Bisbee joins the podcast to discuss the discipline of songwriting. We explore the idea of inspiration as a fleeting emotion, and we examine the strange, curious nature of obsession in our creative endeavors. And of course, Elijah shares some of his most profound sources of inspiration both in life an in art. Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast to keep with future episodes! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingTheCreative.

Is songwriting a matter of inspiration... or is it a matter of hard work and radical vulnerability? In the first episode of Season 2, musician Elijah Bisbee joins the podcast to discuss the discipline of songwriting. We explore the idea of inspiration as a fleeting emotion, and we examine the strange, curious nature of obsession in our creative endeavors. And of course, Elijah shares some of his most profound sources of inspiration both in life an in art.  Make sure to rate, like, and subscribe to the podcast to keep with future episodes!  Follow us on Instagram and TikTok -- @DecodingTheCreative.

Episode 22: Trading Vulnerabilities (w/ Elijah Bisbee)

The past year or so has been an eye-opening experience for artists across the world. In our final episode of Season 1, Alex Rust joins the podcast to discuss our takeaways from a remarkable and strange year. What lessons can we learn from this uncanny season of our lives? We explore all this and, as always, we share our inspirations from music, video games, and beyond.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok — @DecodingTheCreative !

The past year or so has been an eye-opening experience for artists across the world. In our final episode of Season 1, Alex Rust joins the podcast to discuss our takeaways from a remarkable and strange year. What lessons can we learn from this uncanny season of our lives? We explore all this and, as always, we share our inspirations from music, video games, and beyond. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok — @DecodingTheCreative !

Episode 21: Lessons Learned in 2021 (w/ Alex Rust)

Sometimes gratitude gives us an existential crisis. In this Solo Sessions episode, Ray Hartsfield explores how contemplations of thankfulness can lead to recognizing privilege in all its forms, and how we often give ourselves way too much credit for our own creative achievements. To what extent are we even in control of our own fates? And if we are not totally in control, how can we better understand the lives of others? Ray frames this discourse about gratitude by reflecting on his own spiritual beliefs and how they intersect with his creative endeavors.Follow us on TikTok and Instagram  -- @decodingthecreative !

Sometimes gratitude gives us an existential crisis. In this Solo Sessions episode, Ray Hartsfield explores how contemplations of thankfulness can lead to recognizing privilege in all its forms, and how we often give ourselves way too much credit for our own creative achievements. To what extent are we even in control of our own fates? And if we are not totally in control, how can we better understand the lives of others? Ray frames this discourse about gratitude by reflecting on his own spiritual beliefs and how they intersect with his creative endeavors. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram  -- @decodingthecreative !

Solo Sessions: The Paradox of Gratitude (w/ Ray Hartsfield)

Decoding the Creative

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!