In a profound conversation with Lavi Daniel, we explore how creative expression can transform pain into art. This lifelong artist shares his journey of turning life's struggles into meaningful work that resonates on a deeply human level.Host Taylor Gallegos and Lavi discuss the delicate balance between creating beauty in challenging times and addressing the harsh realities around us. They examine how art serves as both escape and mirror—reflecting our humanity while helping us process difficult truths.Whether you're creating through personal hardship or feeling the weight of global events, this conversation reminds us why we need "the poetry, the artwork, the gathered humanity" now more than ever.Instagram: @lavi.artistWebsite: lavidaniel.net::Produced by Snapjack Studios http://snapjackstudios.com/© 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

What happens when you stop trying to formulate creativity and start trusting your instincts instead? In this episode of Making It: REAL Stories of Creative Success, host Taylor Gallegos sits down with Lynn Abate Johnson  @lajbiz  to talk about breaking free from rigid creative formulas. Lynn shares her journey from following prescribed systems to developing what she calls an "un-marketing" approach—where inspiration trumps structure every time.Together, they explore how authenticity beats strategy, why Lynn refuses to cage her creativity in hard frameworks, and what it really means to show up as yourself in a world obsessed with formulas. From her accidental path to becoming a two-time international bestselling author to building community without scripts, Lynn proves that the best creative work happens when you leave space for whatever wants to emerge.Whether you're tired of forcing your art into someone else's system or ready to trust your own creative instincts, this conversation brings a raw look at what it really means to make it on your own terms.Website: lynnabatejohnson.com::Produced by Snapjack Studios: http://snapjackstudios.com/Copyright 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

In this episode I Interview Billy Arana (Along with my guest hosts Haylee, Kelsey, Cyndie, and Moe LaCroix).  Billy is the owner/operator/guide of North Pacific Adventure in Mendocino County, California.  In this episode we talk guiding, fishing, environmental awareness, the cooking of the freshest catch, and much more.

You can find and follow Billy on IG @north_pacific_adventure, and online at npadventure.com.

In this episode I interview Rusty Perez.  Rusty is a builder / small business owner and Gabby’s (from the next episode) husband.  In this episode we talk about his love of fabrication and building, the growth mindset, and the process of building a community.

You can connect with him on Instagram @evrbottle.

In this episode I interview Sean Moon.  Sean Moon is a cocktail crafter / mixologist / bartender / drink slinger (depending on your definition of the profession).   In this episode we talk about recreating the classic with a contemporary perspective, the archetypes of social interaction and characters that gather around a watering hole, and the social nature of humanity in general.

You can connect with Sean at @themoonisrising on Instagram.

In this episode I interview Stryker1.  Stryker1 is a recent retiree with a cross functional relationship within the DOD-retired USAF and retired federal government employee with a combined service of 39yrs in analytics and contingency planning.  Skryker1 received his education with an AAS Information Management, an AAS Production Management, a BA in Prelaw, and an MBS in Global Management Studies.  In this episode we talk about Leadership at all levels of society, analyzation with the collective in mind, and building contingency plans that work.

In this episode I interview Mickey Kenny.  Mickey is a poet, rapper, teacher, and good friend who's currently living and teaching in a remote village  3 hours north of Fairbanks, Alaska.  In this episode we talk about poetry's process and philosophy, his transition through poetry into spoken word into the lead MC for the band Wasteland Hop, and the flow and lifecycle of a group of creatives as a band.  You can connect with him on Instagram @wasteland_hop or on their website www.wastelandhop.com.

In this episode I interview Tony Watters.  Tony is my business partner in Live Wedding Art, he's got a background in video editing and is now entering the world of Real Estate.  In this episode we talk about building an art based business, traveling with the artistic lens and the importance of family.

You can connect with him on Instagram @minnesocal or @liveweddingart.

In this episode I interview Brad Cameron.  He's a writer, a teacher and the father to the three Cameron Brothers that I have interviewed in the past 3 episodes.  In this episode we talk about connections with characters, his creative writing process, and teaching one's craft.

You can find Brad's novels at bradcameron.net.  He also encourages you to check out his two youngest son’s band, The Resinators, @theresinatorsmusic.

In this episode I interview Kevin Cameron.  Kevin is a musician,  he plays the bass and sings, and he's the youngest of the brothers Cameron.  In this episode we talk about working through views of the self, writing creatively, and connecting with your creative process.

You can connect with Kevin at @kevycameron and The Resinators @theresinatorsmusic on Spotify and Youtube.

In this episode I interview Corey Cameron.  Corey is a landscape architect, a visual artist, and The oldest Cameron brother (He's a brother to Kyle from last week's podcast Interview), and cancer survivor.  In this episode we talk about overcoming challenges, goal setting, and facing cancer multiple times.

You can connect with Corey over email at c.camerondesigns@gmail.com, or on Instagram @wavetunes1.

In this episode I interview Kyle Cameron.  Kyle is a musician, singer, middle Cameron Brother.  This is the second time recording with Kyle, the first time had some technical difficulties.  This time around everything went great, including the new free flow format of the interview.  In this episode we talk about following creative pursuits, the creative process, pushing oneself beyond who we used to be, and a lot more.

You can connect with Kyle and The Resinators @theresinatorsmusic on Spotify and Youtube.

In this episode I interview Sergio Gutierrez.  Sergio is an artist, a musician.  In this interview we talk about inspiration, the overlap of art and music and artistic challenges.

You can connect with him on Instagram @sergiosartandmusic and on Facebook at Sergio’s Fine Art.

After the interview we spoke and he shared this quote by Abraham Hicks that he thought would be nice to include.  She said, “God (The Universe) knows what he's doing.  I will never be asked to do something that I cannot accomplish and the only thing that ever makes me tired is resistance.  As long as I'm tuned in, I'll always have enough resiliency to keep up.  This momentum is what I've long been reaching for and I want to enjoy every single particle of this life giving momentum.  As long as I am up to speed, everything will unfold perfectly for me."

In this episode I Interview Marius Lehene.  Marius is an Artist, and Art Professor at Colorado State University.  He’s Romanian born, living and working in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Also, he was my art professor for 5 semesters, including my study abroad trip to Tuscany, Italy.  In this episode we talk about dualities and intersections of place and space, Art and Academia, Art and Society, responsibility as an artist, and so much more.

You can connect with Marius on his website at mariuslehene.net, and on Instagram @marius_lehene, and @dinghy_rig.

Huge Thank You to Silvia and Cyane from the Colorado State University Art Department for helping put the live element of this podcast recording together!

In this interview I speak with Haylee LaCroix.  Haylee's an herbalist, a nutritionist, a chef, and my fiance.  In this episode we talk about the energetics of herbalism, food and health, and the nature of plant consciousness.

You can connect with Haylee on Instagram @haylee.lacroix and @thealchemicalherbalist.

In this episode I interview Ann Mitchell.  Ann is a teacher, a writer, a seamstress, and my mother.  In this episode we talk about inspiration, teaching, process, art and how it interacts with history.

You can connect with Ann on Instagram @sewanniem

In this episode I interview Adam Fallik.  Adam is a drummer in the band Wasteland Hop out of Fort Collins, Colorado, a teacher, and a lifelong friend of mine.  In this episode we talk about the creative process, challenges and hopes for the future, and getting into the flow of creativity.

You can connect with Adam and Wasteland Hop at wastelandhop.com, @wasteland_hop on Instagram and Facebook, and find their music on Spotify and Apple Music. 

In this episode I interview Gretchen Leggitt.  Gretchen is a Muralist who graduated with a BFA from Colorado State University (That’s where we met), is currently living and working out of Bellingham, WA, where she has put up the largest mural in the state of Washington.  In this episode we talk about the development of one’s unique personal style, the artistic wonder of Tuscany, current art happenings in the world, and so much more.

You can connect with Gretchen on her website at gretchenleggitt.com, and on Instagram @g2legit, and also be sure to check out her latest venture: Paper Whale at paper-whale.com.

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Show Notes - Check out Coast Salish Art, Saint Sebastian by Damien Hurst, @faith47, @swoon, @connorsaysboom, and Bluebeard by Kurt Vonnegut.

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-The Art and Life podcast is an artistic exploration in itself. It is an experiment in an audio format that focuses on the art and philosophy involved with different people and their life paths.  This podcast is intended to inspire listeners in their creative pursuits.

-Taylor Gallegos is an artist, originally from Colorado, currently based in California.  Taylor has been making art for his whole life, he received a BFA from Colorado State University with a Study Abroad semester in Italy, and has been making and selling artwork since he graduated.  For the past 5 years, he has been working mostly in the world of large scale murals and live painting for events.  In the beginning of 2020, he took his artistic process into the world of podcasting and plans on continuing to do so into the future.

You can view his work on his website at taylorgallegosart.com, on LinkedIn at Taylor Gallegos, and on Instagram and Facebook @taylorgallegosart.

Music was provided by bassist Brian Wiekel (briweik) and producer Chris Thompson.

In this episode Ryan Stover (Episode 76) guest hosts the Art and Life podcast and interviews me, Taylor Gallegos.  I started this concept a few years back for the Season Finale and we’re running with it.  In this episode we talk about my artistic process, my tips for success, philosophy about the future, and so much more.

You can connect with Ryan on Youtube @uncomplication and on IG @thinayr and with me @taylorgallegosart or on my website at taylorgallegosart.com.

In this episode I Interview Hadley Stover.  Hadley is a 7 year old (almost 8) creative human being from Fort Collins, Colorado.  Hadley is the daughter of Ryan Stover from Episode 76.  In this episode we talk about creativity from a kid’s perspective, Hadley’s drawings, imaginary friends, and so much more.

You can connect with Hadley on her (and Ryan’s) Podcast on Spotify called “The Haddie Daddy Show.”

In this episode I Interview Okori Puryear.  Okori is a Technical Systems Designer, has a background in geographic data science, and has a degree in Environmental Systems Science from Stanford University.  In this episode we talk about creativity in the dimension of data, the concept of finding creative solutions to contemporary problems, Art on the Playa, and so much more.

Okori suggests you follow, support, and engage with your local environmental groups and to support your local artist!!

In this episode I Interview Lisa Ray.  Lisa is an award-winning actress, author, philanthropist and long-term art collector. Lisa has enjoyed a multifaceted career in the entertainment arts beginning in India in 1991 and spanning multiple countries and straddling film (Oscar nominated ‘Water’) television (‘Top Chef Canada’, International Emmy nominated ‘4 More Shots Please’) modeling, activism and public speaking. Lisa also starred in the award winning ‘The World Unseen’- a culturally sensitive drama that explores a same sex relationship between two Indian women under apartheid in South Africa..

In this episode we talk about her new NFT venture, art helping global communities and individuals in those communities, meditation, and so much more.

You can connect with Lisa on Instagram @lisaraniray, on LinkedIn at Lisa Ray, and also with The Upside Space on Instagram @theupsidespace.

In this episode I Interview Keesa Johnson.  Keesa is a Creative Systems Designer, with a Masters in Integrated Design from the University of Michigan.  In this episode we talk about creativity in designing complex social systems, the concept of a Wicked Problem, equity in the food system, and so much more.

You can connect with Keesa on LinkedIn, and on IG @equityandaccess

In this episode I Interview Joey Cofone.  Joey is Founder & CEO of Baronfig, he's an award-winning designer, entrepreneur, and now author of his new book "The Laws of Creativity."  His work has been featured in Fast Company, Bloomberg, New York Magazine, Bon Appetit, Quartz, Mashable, Gizmodo, and Print, among others.  In this episode we talk about creativity as a concept, the creative process, the writing process, and so much more.

You can connect with Joey at JoeyCofone.com, check out his book at JoeyCofone.com/book, at baronfig.com, and on IG and Twitter @joeycofone.

In this episode I interview Megan Johannsen.  Megan is an artist living and working in Los Angeles, California.  Megan is also a dear friend of mine, we first met on our mutual study abroad trip in Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy, and we’ve been art buddies ever since.  In this episode we talk about Megan’s work, her process, her interest in materials, her philosophy, and so much more.

You can connect with Megan on Instagram @antvanity, and on her website at MeganJohannsen.com.

What if the secret to selling art wasn’t about building funnels or following someone else’s script—but about becoming *more* of yourself?

In this episode of *Making It: REAL Stories of Creative Success*, host Taylor Gallegos sits down with artist and storyteller Ryan Stover to talk about how chasing someone else’s sales strategy nearly took the soul out of his art—and how he got it back. From cookie-cutter marketing advice to $18K coaching programs, Ryan opens up about the journey of trying to “make it” as a professional artist—and what changed when he started trusting his own excitement.

We talk about:

* Why the energy that creates art isn’t the same as the energy that sells it

* The danger of trying to sell like someone else

* Following your highest excitement—and watching the universe respond

* How to share your story *and* your art (without feeling like a sellout)

* Using AI as a tool, not a replacement, for human creativity

This episode is a real one for any artist standing at the crossroads of hustle and heart.

---📬 Subscribe to Ryan’s newsletter and view his work:https://www.ryanstoverart.com

🎧 Full episode available on:YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts

---📽️ **Produced by Snapjack Studios** https://www.snapjackstudios.com

© 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

In this episode I have Diane Hullet back.  Her original episode was No. 74, definitely check that one out.  

Diane is based in Boulder, Colorado.  Diane is an End of Life Educator, she leads the Best Life Best Death courses (which I took and loved), and a long time friend.  In this episode we talk about her progression through the last year and a half since we last spoke, her experience with her podcast, the Best Life Best Death course, and so much more.

You can connect with Diane on her website at bestlifebestdeath.com, follow on IG @bestlifebestdeath, and you can find her podcast on all the listening platforms under the same name.

Also Diane mentions a Wall mural project around the concept of death.  Here’s the link - https://urnabios.com/before-i-die-wall-global-art-project-inspires/

For this episode I interview Kelan Daniel.  Kelan is a farmer, an artist, a philosopher, and the founder of Wavelength Farm in Mendocino California.  In this episode we talk about farming, regenerative farming practices, the benefits of local, mental health and community, and more. You can connect with Kelan on Instagram @wavelengthfarm, their website at wavelengthfarm.com, at one of the Wavelength farm stands at the Gualala farmer's market every Saturday morning, the Fort Bragg farmer's markets Wednesday afternoons, and at one of roadside farm stands at New Museum Brewery in Point Arena, CA, and at the Brickery at Cafe Beaujolais in Mendocino, CA. Kelan also wanted to include this special note "I really want to dedicate this interview to my wife Carly, who's patience, discipline, hard work, and creativity has made the farm so special for all of us."

For this episode I interview Colin Barreno.  Colin is a Lawyer, dancer, philosopher, and uncle in San Francisco, California.  In this episode we talk about the art of a Law practice, the meandering nature of life, cliches, the various realities of the space time continuum, and more.

For this episode I interview Janne Robinson.  Janne is a poet, columnist, bushwalker and animal activist originally from Whitehorse, Canada, currently living and creating in Southern California.  In this episode we talk about the creative process, success and challenge, Feminism today, and more.

You can connect with Janne online on her website at JanneRobinson.com, and on Instagram @jannerobinson.

For this episode I interview Guillaume Levy-Lambert.  Guillaume is a Conceptual Artist and Co-Founder of Art Porters Gallery in Singapore.  He’s from near Paris, France living and working in Singapore.  In this episode we talk about Guillaume’s amazing story concerning a Roy Lichtenstein painting, divine providence, the essence of artists and art itself, and more.

You can connect with Guillaume online in many ways.  You can connect on his linktrees https://linktr.ee/cosmicsiblings, and https://linktr.ee/GuillaumeLevyLambert, on FB at facebook.com/21May1962, on IG @cosmicsiblings, and online at cosmicsiblings.com, and 21may1962.com.

For this episode I interview Richard Silkey.  Richard is a Project Manager in the field of Geotechnical Engineering.  In this episode we talk about the process of designing and building a net zero passive solar home, the art of elk hunting, the power of practice and more.

You can’t connect with Richard online because that’s how he rolls.  But if you have any questions you’d like me to ask him, I can pass them along for me.  DM me on IG @taylorgallegosart

For this episode I interview Tammi Sweet.  Tammi is the Owner/director Heartstone Center for Earth Essentials, an Author, Lecturer, and Grower living and working out of Upstate New York.  In this episode we talk about the effects and benefits of CBD and THC, the energetics of herbalism, Cannabis and Creativity, and so much more.

You can connect with Tammi on Instagram @_TammiSweet, on Facebook @tammi.sweet.5, on Facebook at HeartstoneCenterForEarthEssentials, and online at https://www.heart-stone.com/

For this episode I interview Dr. Rob Cobert.  Dr. Rob is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado with a PhD in Anthropology and Social Change, with a Masters in Transpersonal Psychology.  In this episode we talk About Dr. Rob’s work with facilitating guided Ketamine therapy sessions, the world of drugs and rehabilitation, and the relationship between various drug experiences and the cultivation of creativity.

Dr. Rob encourages you to to check out maps.org, mdmaptsd.org, and decriminalizenature.org, and the book “Drug Use For Grown Ups,” by Carl Hart.

For the opening episode of Season 3, I interview Makeda Makossa.  Makeda is a return guest (Check out her first interview on Episode 54), and she resides in San Diego, California.  Makeda has lived an amazing life, she’s created so much for the people of San Diego, and she is cultural leader.  In this episode she educates us about forgotten history, conscious evolution, health wisdom, and much more.  February is Black History Month and Makeda was the perfect person to grace us with her presence.

You can connect with Makeda at The World Beat Center at Balboa Park in San Diego, CA, and can connect online @makedadread on Instagram, and Facebook.

In this episode I talk with Benjamin Morse of the Techawat Podcast.  Ben is a fellow podcaster, a husband, a father, a long distance runner, a Peace Corps veteran, and more.  For the season finale for each of our pods, we thought we’d take turns interviewing each other, wrapping up both our respective seasons.. Season 1 for Techawat, and Season 2 for Art and Life.  In this episode we talk podcasts - process, growth, the future.. We also talk about the world at large, our lives, our visions, and our philosophies.

You can connect with Ben online at @techawat_podcast and at Techawat.com.

For details on the upcoming Art and Life Retreat visit https://taylorgallegosart.com/art-and-life-retreat/

Thanks for tuning in!  See you next year!

What happens when you grow up in a world where dancing, drawing—even joy—are forbidden? In this powerful episode, muralist Andrea Solorzano opens up about her journey from a restrictive upbringing to reclaiming her voice through art. With honesty, heart, and a little fairy magic, Andrea shares how she transformed her inner darkness into color, connection, and purpose.

We explore:

• The emotional and spiritual toll of growing up in a controlling environment

• How Andrea rebuilt her relationship with creativity and spirituality

• Why butterflies, murals, and mystery gardens fuel her artistic mission

• The burnout she didn’t see coming—and what her acupuncturist taught her about true creative balance

• Her shift from survival mode to service: art as a gift, not a grind

Whether you're just starting out or deep in your creative career, Andrea’s story is a moving reminder that art can save you—and that making it doesn’t always mean hustling harder. Sometimes, it means nourishing yourself enough to fly.

Check out Andrea's work: https://www.solorzanofineartgallery.com/

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🎙️ Making It: REAL Stories of Creative SuccessProduced by Snapjack Studios → www.snapjackstudios.com© 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

In this episode I interview Eric Poline.  Eric resides in San Diego, California.  Eric is a music producer, a musician, and an acupuncturist.  In this episode we talk about the intersection of music and wellness, the creative process, conscious awareness, and much more.

You can connect with Eric online at OpenOptics on all the music platforms, @openoptics on Instagram, at OpenOptics on Mixcould.com, and createfatemusic.com.

In this episode I interview Rachel Fiori.  Rachel resides in San Diego, California.  Rachel is a mystical therapist, elite coach, speaker, and author.  In this episode we talk about the Ego and the Soul, Self Awareness, the Divine Feminine, and much more.

You can connect with Rachel online at @rachel_fiori on Instagram, @rachelfiori.msu on Facebook, and mastersofselfuniversity.com, and Rachel Fiori | Masters of Self University.

In this episode I interview Aaron Allen Marner.  Aaron lives in Phoenix, Arizona.  Aaron is a visual artist, a very unique portrait painter, and an athlete.  In this episode we talk about the art of the portrait, Aaron’s path to becoming a professional artist, dealing with art show anxiety, and much more.

You can connect with Aaron online at @aaronallen1313 on Instagram, @aaronallenart on Facebook, and aaronallenart.org.

This episode is a re-release of an interview that I did with a great friend, Adam Fallik.  Adam passed away in his sleep on Tuesday morning, the 2nd of November, 2021.  Adam was a Son, A Brother, an Uncle, a partner, a teacher, a friend, a drummer, and so much more. He was an epic human with a heart big enough to fit everyone in, and then some.  I travelled back to Fort Collins, Colorado to be there for everything throughout this last week.  There was community, celebration, mourning, sadness, comfort, love and so much more.  Adam loved people, and people loved him, which you could clearly see as his procession through Old Town Fort Collins made noise, made music, and howled it's way from place to place.

Adam was my first interview on this podcast, Episode 1, way back in January of 2020.  I thought I'd re-release his interview, and then add on this interview with his band Wasteland Hop from this summer.  Wasteland played a show with the Flobots and The Burroughs at the Mishawaka Amphitheater July 3rd, 2021.  After soundcheck and before the show we recorded this little interview on the road next to our camp on the Poudre river.  The recording isn't perfect, the voices are a little quiet, you can hear the river (Which is pretty cool actually), there's some other background noise, and a little interruption.  Se la vie.  This interview clip is a nice little snapshot of what it was like being with the whole band as a group on tour or before a show, and this is one main ways I got to know Adam so well.  Adam loved playing music as the drummer with the band.  You can feel it here in this interview.

As a side note, we are raising money to help make this as easy as possible for Adam's girlfriend through this experience.  If you'd like to donate, please visit https://givebutter.com/DBMSIQ?fbclid=IwAR3sGuJ-uANuLTQj8jv_3UMbJpRn37FATxTa1sGVzz7q5vFFRQpmt4pl0jU
We will be collecting donations through Monday, November 15th.

In this episode I interview Liz Gaylor.  Liz lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Liz is a violinist, an herbalist, a small business owner, and a long time friend of mine.  In this episode we talk about music, the creative process, organic growth, and much more.

You can connect with Liz online at @oldtownherbal, oldtownherbal.com, @tinygrocerabq, tinygrocerabq.com, @wasteland_hop, and wastelandhop.com.

In this episode I interview Rosemary Gladstar.  Rosemary lives in Burlington, Vermont.  Rosemary is an herbalist, an educator, a writer, and a magical human being.  In this episode we talk about herbalism, the history of herbalism, the balance of creativity and business, and much more.

You can connect with Rosemary online at RosemaryGladstar.com and thescienceandartofherbalism.com.  Rosemary also recommends checking out UnitedPlantSavers.org, HerbRally.com, and the American Herbalist Guild.

In this episode I interview Nicholas Ryan Gant.  Nicholas lives in New York, NY.  Nicholas is a singer/songwriter, musician, educator, vocal coach, and sneakerhead.  In this episode we talk about Nicholas’ upcoming album, how his life influenced the art, his musical favorites from history, style, and much more.

You can connect with Nicholas online at ghettofalsetto.bandcamp.com, @ghettofalsetto on Instagram, and @ghetto_falsetto on Twitter.

In this episode I interview Ryan Stover.  Ryan lives creatively in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Ryan is an entrepreneur, a family man, a Youtuber, an artist, and an adventurer in many senses of the word.  In this episode we talk about what it means to be an artist, rejecting labels, authentic inner and outer exploration, honestly sharing one’s life experiences, and so much more.

You can connect with Ryan online at uncomplication.com, and @uncomplication on Youtube and Twitter.

Word of caution, we do discuss adult topics on this episode, so maybe not the best to listen to with young impressionable ears nearby.

In this episode I interview Hanna Daly.  Hanna Lives and Works in San Diego, California.  Hanna is a muralist.  In this episode we talk about the life of a custom muralist, Hanna's philosophy on art, adventure and the ups and downs of life, her perspectives on the best ways to live, and so much more.

You can connect with Hanna on IG @hannasmurals and her website at hannasmurals.com.

In this episode I interview Diane Hullet.  Diane is based in Boulder, Colorado.  Diane is an End of Life Educator, an artist, a Mother, and a long time friend.  In this episode we talk about her profound work helping others in planning for the end of life, helping people face the concept of death head on with mindfulness and grace, art for art’s sake, and so much more.

You can connect with Diane on her website at bestlifebestdeath.com.

What happens when an artist trades ego for insight? In this episode of Making It: REAL Stories of Creative Success, muralist and educator Mural Joe (Joe Cornelius) opens up about more than just paint and technique—he shares the inner architecture of a creative life.

Joe and host Taylor Gallegos dive deep into color theory, emotional resilience, and the patterns that drive Joe’s wildly popular YouTube tutorials. From rollers and light theory to ego deaths and spiritual humility, this is a conversation that transcends the canvas.

👉 Topics include:

• Joe’s unconventional approach to color mixing and depth

• Why he teaches gradients and edges—not just effects

• The emotional sensitivity behind creative mastery

• How faith, self-awareness, and ego management shape his art

• Why he’d rather be useful than famous

Whether you're a muralist, designer, coder, or curious soul, this episode delivers tools, truths, and an unforgettable perspective.

👀 Check out Joe's YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@muraljoe⁠

🎧 Produced by Snapjack Studios: https://www.snapjackstudios.com

© 2025 Taylor Gallegos Art, LLC. All rights reserved.

In this episode I interview Gianna Mauceri.  Gianna is based in San Diego, California.  Gianna is a writer, a yogi, a healer, and more.  In this episode we talk about her new book, the process of healing, reframing pain, and so much more.

You can find Gianna's book "Soul of a Spirit Warrior" on her website giannamauceri.com, or wherever you get your books.  You can also follow her on Instagram @gianna.divine.love.

In this episode I interview Chad Alley.  Chad is based in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Chad is a musician, the newest member of Wasteland Hop, and a general contractor.  In this episode we talk about the guitar, learning a whole new catalog of music, creativity within music itself, the interfacing of art and business, and so much more.

You can follow Chad on IG @C_Lac_Ally, on FB at Alley’s Custom Remodel, and check out Wasteland Hop on Instagram and all the streaming platforms.