Creative Culture – Details, episodes & analysis

Raven Griim is a cosplayer, content creator, and social media powerhouse, with millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram. I talked to her about cosplay, horror movies, anime, body modification and much more.

• Tattoo Talk: Raven shares her experiences with tattoo laser removal and why she chose to cover up some of her ink. How painful is tattoo removal? 

• Permanent Fangs: We talked about body modification and her decision to have a dentist give her permanent vampire fangs

• Cosplay Life: How she became a full-time cosplayer, the joys of embodying her favorite characters, and why she stays true to her love for anime.

• Horror Movie Magic: Naturally, I wanted to talk about our favorite horror movies! 

• Halloween Vibes Year-Round: As two people who live and breathe Halloween all year, we chat about how we celebrate the season (or don’t!) and what it means to truly embrace the spooky in everyday life.

Raven on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ravengriim

Raven on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@ravengriim

On this episode of Creative Culture, I chatted with Kevin Perjurer, the creator of  Defunctland. If you're a fan of meticulously researched and utterly fascinating documentaries about bygone theme parks and themed entertainment, you'll love this episode. It was interesting to talk to him about  being a full-time documentarian, and crafting stories that captivate millions of viewers. 

What is the current state of documentaries and why is there such an explosion of them everywhere? Are they getting better or just changing? Kevin and I also talked about the blurred lines between traditional media and YouTube, and what it means to be a creator in today's digital age. Plus, we discuss the nuances of balancing entertainment with historical accuracy, and how Kevin navigates the ever-evolving landscape of content creation.

We also explore some of Kevin's most intriguing projects, including his exploration of the mysterious origins of the Disney Channel theme jingle, Kid Cities,  and behind the scenes of the American Idol theme park experience. 

Check out  Defunctland on YouTube.

Welcome to Creative Culture, a podcast that explores the myriad ways people express their creativity. In this episode, I spoke with Lloyd Barnes  @LloydB   a professional magician and illusion creator. Lloyd not only develops magic illusions for magicians globally but also shares his expertise through detailed tutorials on his YouTube channel. His approach to magic combines ingenuity and creativity, and in this conversation, he dives into the intricacies of his craft, offering a unique perspective on magic and illusion.

Main Takeaways:

• The Art of Illusion Creation: Lloyd discusses his process of developing new magic tricks and the challenges of balancing technical skill with presentation.
• The Impact of Technology on Magic: Insights into how advancements in technology have shaped modern magic and illusion.
• Ethics in Magic: Lloyd shares his views on the ethics of revealing magic tricks and the distinction between exposure and education in the magic community.
• Personal Journey into Magic: A look into Lloyd's personal journey and how he transformed challenges into a thriving career in magic.
• Magic as a Universal Language: Exploring how magic transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, connecting people worldwide.

Listeners of this episode will gain a deeper appreciation for the art of magic and the creative process behind illusion creation. Lloyd Barnes's journey from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a renowned illusionist is not only inspiring but also a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. Whether you're a magic enthusiast or simply curious about the world of illusion, this episode offers valuable insights and an engaging conversation.

Check out Lloyd's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LloydB  
Support Creative Culture! https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod 

This episode of Creative Culture, features Madison from  @EsoTarot. https://www.youtube.com/@EsoTarot The episode explores the art of tarot reading, its cultural significance, and its comparison to psychology. Madison shares her journey into tarot reading, discussing the personal and broader implications of tarot, its misconceptions, and its role in self-reflection and personal growth.

This conversation will give you a deeper understanding of tarot reading beyond common stereotypes. Madison demystifies tarot, presents it as a meaningful practice for self-discovery, and showcases its relevance in modern culture. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on tarot's role in personal and psychological growth.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

• Tarot is more than just card reading; it's a tool for self-exploration and reflection.
• Misconceptions about tarot often stem from lack of understanding or religious and cultural biases.
• The process of tarot reading varies among individuals, blending intuition and structured meanings of cards.
• Madison discusses the ethics in tarot reading, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and responsible practices.
• The podcast highlights the parallel between tarot and psychology, both serving as tools for understanding human behavior and emotions.
• Madison's YouTube channel offers accessible, long-form tarot readings, emphasizing community and collective experiences.

Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod  Thank you!

Help support the podcast! https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod  
Chef PK on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CHEFPKR 

Paul Karyakos, also known as Chef PK, combines his love for cooking with his passion for anime. In this episode of the Creative Culture Podcast, Paul discusses his unique approach to creating content that blends culinary arts with anime and video games. He shares his experiences filming in Japan, the significance of food in anime, and the influence of Western cuisine on Japanese culture.

Paul also talks about his journey as a chef and how he found success on YouTube by combining two niches. Overall, his story highlights the power of creativity and the importance of embracing one's passions.

In this conversation, Paul discusses his approach to creating new ideas for his content and the challenge of keeping it fresh. He shares his goal of providing unique experiences for convention attendees and involving the community in his videos. Paul also talks about balancing health and food content, managing caloric intake, and the concept of rare and appropriate food indulgences. 

He expresses his dislike for food waste and the joy he finds in cooking for others. The conversation concludes with a mention of Paul's upcoming book release, which features recipes and stories from his travels in Japan.

Takeaways:

• Food plays a significant role in anime, often reflecting the culture and emotions of the characters.
• The depiction of food in anime has evolved over time, with dedicated studios now specializing in creating realistic and appetizing food scenes.
• The pandemic has led to an increased interest in cooking and food-related content on YouTube. Creating new ideas for content can be challenging, but involving the community and providing unique experiences can help keep it fresh.
• Balancing health and food content is important, and it's possible to enjoy indulgent meals while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Finding joy in cooking for others can create lasting memories.
• Paul has an upcoming book release that features recipes and stories from his travels in Japan.

A Year in Practice is available here: https://amzn.to/3NdFJp0

Jacqueline's website: https://www.jacquelinesuskin.com/

Help support Creative Culture! https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod 

Jacqueline Suskin, a prolific poet and writer, discusses her work and the importance of poetry in human culture. She shares her experience running Poem Store, where she writes personalized poems for people on the spot. Jacqueline emphasizes the need for vulnerability and authenticity in creative expression and explores the impact of seasons on creativity.

Her latest book, A Year in Practice,  offers techniques and prompts to guide creative individuals throughout the year. In this conversation, Jacqueline Suskin discusses the importance of reconnecting with the earth and recognizing our connection to it. She emphasizes the need to disconnect from technology and spend time in nature. Jacqueline also encourages people to approach poetry with a sense of curiosity and to use it as a healing practice. She provides tips for writing poetry and emphasizes the value of sharing one's work. She concludes by discussing the need for poetry in today's world.

Takeaways:
• Poetry is a powerful form of self-expression that allows for exploration of the macro and micro aspects of life.
• Writing poetry for oneself can be a valuable practice, but sharing it with others can create a deep connection and resonance.
• Creativity and inspiration can come from various sources, including other poets' work and the natural world.
• The seasons can have a profound impact on creativity, with each season offering its own rhythm and energy. Reconnecting with the earth and recognizing our connection to it can provide a sense of wholeness and vitality.
• Taking time to disconnect from technology and spend time in nature can help us find depth and clarity in our lives.
• Writing poetry can be a healing practice that allows us to express our emotions and experiences in a unique and creative way.
• Sharing our poetry with others can be a powerful and rewarding experience.

Did you know that the number of trips to emergency rooms rise every December? Are you running too many lights in a single strand? How safe are you climbing up a ladder to install holiday lights? In this episode Scott Dixon of EverydayHomeRepairs and I discuss the dangers of the season and ways to avoid them.

In this episode of Creative Culture, I talked with Jenna Whiting of  @chainsawjenna , a prolific sculptor whose tool of choice is the chainsaw. We talked about her carving career and how she approaches the beautiful and amazing works of art she creates. She also talks about the performative nature of chainsaw carving and the various saws she uses. This is an inspirational episode for any creative person who is trying to find meaning in their art as well as people needing a nudge to start their own business. 

Check out Jenna on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chainsawjenna

Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/-lxWGrkC47o?si=PciEMj5cqxJHGOgH 

Support the show! https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod 

In this spooky Halloween special, I'm joined by Ethan James  @TheHonestCarpenter to discuss our favorite scary movies just in time for Halloween. We explore various horror subgenres, from classic slashers to modern gems, sharing recommendations and insights.

Some of the movies discussed:

"Happy Death Day"
"Totally Killer"
"The Blackcoat's Daughter"
"Terrifier" and "Terrifier 2"
"Saw" (Franchise)
VHS Series (Found Footage Anthology)
"Halloween Trick 'r Treat"
"Evil Dead Rise"
"Ginger Snaps"
"Prom Night 2: Hello Mary Lou"
"The Last Voyage of the Demeter"
"Werewolves Within"
John Carpenter's Films ("The Fog," "Christine")
"Motel Hell"
"Auntie Lee's Meat Pies"
"Infinity Pool"
"Deadstream"
Nicolas Cage Films ("Adaptation," "Pig," "Becky," "Wrath of Becky")

We share our thoughts on cult favorites like "Terrifier" and the unique anti-hero Jigsaw from the "Saw" franchise. We also delve into the world of found footage horror with the VHS series, emphasizing the artistry and creativity behind these shorts.

We also touch on "Evil Dead Rise" and its fresh urban take on the horror classic. Werewolf movies briefly take the spotlight, with "Ginger Snaps" standing out as a memorable example.

We continue our discussion by exploring recent horror releases, including "The Last Voyage of the Demeter" and the comedy-horror gem "Werewolves Within." We share insights on the experience of rewatching older films and highlight their enjoyment of John Carpenter's classics like "The Fog" and "Christine." And let's not forget about kitschy horror favorites such as "Motel Hell" and "Auntie Lee's Meat Pies."

The episode also delves into marketing strategies, with A24's approach to promoting independent cult films being commended. The effectiveness of movie trailers and the trend of young filmmakers attempting to include everything in their movies are explored. The Lovecraftian genre, Nicolas Cage's diverse roles in horror, and a brief mention of "Deadstream" round out our discussion.

Throughout the conversation, we emphasize their belief that a good film should be evaluated not solely on objective elements like acting and budget, but on its ability to tell a compelling story and evoke emotions. We share their appreciation for films that surprise and engage the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

Ethan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonestCarpenter

Grab your popcorn! Nina Nesseth, author of "Nightmare Fuel: The Science of Horror Films" slashes into the Creative Culture Podcast for a ghostly discussion on why horror movies scare us and what causes our brains and bodies to react the way we do. We also highlight the evolution of horror reflecting societal concerns, from classic monsters to modern real-world horrors. Dare to listen? 🎬💀 

Some of the fun topics include:

• The physiological responses to fear, appeal of jump scares, and our evolutionary understanding of threats play significant roles in horror.

• How horror movies mirror societal fears and values, evolving over time to represent themes such as consumerism, the Red Scare, queerness, trauma and more.

• Why the genre is expanding with the rise of liminal films and reflections of real-world events like 9/11 and the pandemic.

• Debunking t common misconception links horror movie consumption to real-world violence; however, this correlation is not based on any science and utter bullshit lol.

Whether you're a horror enthusiast, science nerd, or just a curious listener, this episode is a revelation about a genre that mirrors our deepest dreads and cultural shifts. Don't miss out on these dark yet enlightening insights! 

Get a copy of  Nina’s book, Nightmare Fuel here: https://amzn.to/3ZPDGwp

You can watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/QD_fnZ5Me-U?si=08SLsDkXyMo3WBnw 

You can help support Creative Culture here: https://www.patreon.com/creativeculturepod 

Thank you!