This is Disruption – Details, episodes & analysis

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My good friend Trips and Pieces kindly hosted a recording of this podcast in his beautiful east London home where we had a great chat back in September. We discuss creativity, finding your style, embracing the freelance life, doing what makes you happy and the many ways to express yourself creatively and as an artist.

Many thanks to Trips for the lovely conversation and for sharing his story! Available everywhere you get your podcasts now.

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

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Street art blogger, documentarian, and interviewer Inspiring City takes a turn in the interview seat for this one! We dive into Stu’s journey from editing Wikipedia pages to documenting London’s street art scene, and discuss how East London and Brick Lane influenced both of us. He shares insights from interviewing some of today’s most interesting creatives, touches on the history of graffiti, and gives shout-outs to some of our favourite artists, including Fin DAC, ROA, Zabou, Jonesy, WOSKerski, Lady Pink, Charlotte Bracegirdle, and dream guests, Robert Del Naja / 3D, Futura 2000, 10 foot and Helch.

Stu’s passion and enthusiasm is contagious, and his catalog of blogs and interviews is truly incredible. Be sure to check out his work over at inspiringcity.com.

Website: https://inspiringcity.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiringcity/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsakHeriymRM4ep5pv15Ddg

Shoutout to the wonderful Dave Stuart from Shoreditch Street Art Tours for helping people discover the stories behind the art in London — if you’re looking for a great tour, definitely check out his site: https://www.shoreditchstreetarttours.co.uk/

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

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What happens when a serendipitous discovery in a charity shop turns into a flown blown artistic journey? I was so delighted to have not one, but two opportunities to chat with the fabulous Haus of Lucy, a multimedia artist who playfully turns classic ceramic figurines into modern art pieces.

Lucy shares her steps from a chance encounter in a London charity shop to her evolution as a full-time creative professional. Two of the things I love most about Lucy is her humour and authenticity, and in this conversation she uses both to share the ups and downs of her artistic path, from teaching herself how to craft mini food items from clay to dreaming of collaborations with Poundland, inspired by the likes of Virgil Abloh and IKEA.

Lucy’s transition from a magazine industry professional to a fulltime artist is one full of great stories, including a pivotal partnership with Adidas that set her on her current path. She recounts her experience at an Adidas store launch featuring Run DMC, and how that fuelled her desire to fully embrace the art world. We also explore the world of brand collaborations, from a cheeky wee note to a Primark exec leading to unique projects with Greggs, to the challenges of gaining recognition without the usual social media perks.

Navigating the digital landscape as an artist today presents its own set of hurdles, and Lucy opens up about the risks and rewards of relying on digital  platforms. She candidly discusses the toll of losing a platform, the complexities surrounding copyright in art, and the necessity of resilience in the face of these challenges.

Lucy also reflects on the importance of structure in her creative routine, the unexpected lessons from forced downtime, and her plans to diversify her skills with pottery and sewing.

We also mention Wayne.. you'll have to go and check lucy's page to see him. It's worth it, I promise.

Thanks again to Lucy for sharing these stories around creativity, personal growth, and for sharing lessons that I know will resonate with artists and art enthusiasts alike.

You can find Lucy at:

Instagram: @houseoflucyart
www.hausoflucy.com
https://entergallery.com/collections/lucy-bryant

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

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Meet Jenny Draper, the brilliant mind behind "Mavericks: Life Stories and Lessons of History's Most Extraordinary Misfits."

In this episode, Jenny shares her unique journey from her days as a Viking reenactor in the North of England to the bustling streets of London, trading theatre costume dressing for a vibrant career in history tour guiding and earning a prestigious Blue Badge. Jenny has a knack for making the past feel like juicy gossip with your pals down the pub, and introduces us to historical mavericks from the past.

Engaging us with tales of majestic swans (very much not extinct btw) and eccentric paleontologists, Jenny explores the delicate balance and the art of separating myth from fact in historical narratives. Jenny's passion for history is infectious, as she highlights the challenges of presenting figures like Paul Robeson, whose legacies are as complex as they are impactful.

Jenny shares her innovative use of YouTube and using TikTok during the pandemic, where she captivated audiences with lesser-known historical tidbits. As we explore stories of disruptors like Radcliffe Hall, Jenny offers a fresh perspective on how censorship can unintentionally amplify a narrative. With humour and insight, she encourages us to challenge norms and embrace our creative passions. This episode will leave you feeling excited to explore the mavericks of history with a renewed sense of curiosity.

Mavericks by Jenny Draper will be released on 11th February 2025 but is available to pre-order right now from your preferred bookseller. You can order at the link here.

Find Jenny on TikTok and on Instagram, and on Youtube, or book your own London History tour. 

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

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How exactly does one go from being a passionate self proclaimed "vandal", keen to do as much damage as possible, to becoming a holistic healer helping others? 

This episode tells the transformative journey of today's guest, Tich,  who did just that. Tich takes us on a journey from the urban streets of North West London to the serene landscapes of the Peak District. A former graffiti writer, Tich shares how the excitement and chaos of tagging and painting trains shaped his early years, leading to fearless adventures and brushes with the law. 

Tich's life took an unexpected and profound turn with an awakening that led to being a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery, rooted in the healing power of nature and traditional Amazonian plant medicines. He shares his journey of overcoming a tumultuous past filled with risky endeavours and existential questioning eventually leading to a spiritual transformation, guiding him toward a path of self-awareness and healing. We discuss the holistic therapies and practices that he embraced, including Reiki and energy therapy and how these approaches foster vulnerability and empowerment now helping him and others to reclaim their personal narratives, and we discuss the path to his current endeavours with Moksha Holistic Therapies. 

Tich encourages us all to connect with our inner selves and embrace life's unpredictability. His story is a testament to the power looking within and using authenticity as tools for growth, encouraging us to find joy and healing in what we do in our day to day. Whether you're drawn to the rebellious spirit of graffiti or the serenity of holistic healing, this episode promises insights and inspiration for everyone on a journey of self-discovery. 

You can find Tich/Moksha Holistic Therapies at the following links: 
Website: https://www.mokshaholistictherapies.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moksha_holistic_therapies/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tichy.sunak/

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

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I had a serendipitous encounter with a kind stranger at Amsterdam Dance Event this year, who turned out to be the ingenious DJ / Producer Anverso, also known as Tom Vanderbauwhede. Since hearing his story, I've become so personally inspired by the limitless possibilities in DJing and I knew this was a story that had to be shared. 

This episode talks us through his musical journey from his first show on a pirate radio station in Belgium at the age of 10, to the peaks of the Matterhorn, where Anverso's innovative spirit has redefined what it means to be a DJ. His passion and tenacity is evident - from manually calculating beats per minute in his youth with a stopwatch, to revolutionising modern DJing with home designed portable setups in stunning remote landscapes. His story is one for all aspiring creatives, demonstrating that breaking free from convention is the path to true artistic expression.

Anverso shares the grit and innovation involved in developing a portable DJ booth that conquers the harshest environments, from the cold of the Dolomites to the altitude of the Swiss Alps, all recorded for YouTube allowing us to join his experience of blending music seamlessly with nature's grandeur in his youtube channel (see the videos linked below).

This episode also unpacks the strategic and problem solving side of creativity, when dissatisfaction with existing algorithm discovery tools led Anverso to script his own method to discover new sounds. We touch on the intersection of music and AI, the emotional landscapes carved by artists like Bicep and Anverso's personal journey into music production. With insights into branding and entrepreneurship, Tom shares invaluable advice for aspiring artists, emphasising happiness and perseverance over immediate success and a passionate instruction to follow your dreams - you never know where they'll take you.

Check out DJ Anverso on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@djanverso
Instagram: instagram.com/djanverso
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djanverso
Mixcloud: mixcloud.com/djanverso 

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

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Halloween Special! Prolific street artist RX Skulls kindly joined me for a chat where we discuss his world of vibrant skull imagery and unique street art installations. We discuss how a childhood passion for cartoons and comics led him down the path from digital graphic design and photography, how he came to create the iconic skull we know him for now, and how it all came together resulting in a fascinating combination of morbid imagery and beautiful vivid colours.

In this episode we discuss how and where it all begin, and gain a deeper understanding of Rx's artistic evolution and how his love for handmade crafts was rekindled through the tactile nature of street art and screen printing.

We learn about the beginnings that shaped Rx's career, from site-specific college art projects to an eye-opening European adventure that solidified his commitment to street art, and discuss how a supportive global art community, fostered through platforms like Flickr, helped him navigate the challenges, refine his craft and find his people. The Portland street art scene emerges as place where collaboration and shared techniques developed his growth and creativity. RX's stories of camaraderie and connection illustrate the non-gatekeeping spirit that defines the world of street art.

His advice on maintaining authenticity and passion over profit offers a refreshing perspective for aspiring artists. With a strong social media presence and a playful approach to his craft (dad joke faces allowed and encouraged) RX is creating a lasting legacy in the street art community, as he creatively intertwines humor, personal history, and a touch of the macabre into his work.

Links for all things RX Skulls:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rxskulls/
You can find RX's online shop at: arrex.bigcartel.com
His clothing launch will be via www.modifiedprintingshop.com

And anyone and everyone is welcome to commission digital or screen printed sticker jobs via rxskullsemail@gmail.com 

(website will be live for ordering in a couple months, which I'll be update here when it is ready!)

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

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This was a really special conversation, and one you're not going to want to miss. Tune in to hear the transformative journey of All Seeing Ra, a remarkable street artist who turns emotions and personal experiences into spontaneous, vivid creations. Raised in a spiritually diverse household, Ra has found therapeutic solace in art, embracing a life led by creativity rather than seeking what we are told we should chase.

This was a beautiful and authentic conversation where we explore his unique path, from travelling abroad and visiting the vibrant streets of Vancouver to the spiritual teachings of Buddhism, revealing how these influences shape his approach to art and life. Ra's story is a testament to the power of personal happiness and the intrinsic value of art beyond monetary gain.

Ra recounts the profound impact of meaningful connections and how they have enriched his artistic journey. Whether it's a touching experience of tattooing his former art teacher or unexpected encounters with his heros and fellow artists, Ra highlights the importance of community and collaboration. His path took a turn during the onset of COVID-19, pushing him to reconnect with his passion for graffiti and street art. Through trials and triumphs, Ra's narrative shows how adversity can become a catalyst for rediscovering one's purpose and creativity.

Ra also shares his insights on the risks and rewards of public creativity, and the complexities of navigating legal challenges and the balance of expressing oneself artistically. Beyond visual art, Ra's passion extends to music as a medium for storytelling and self-expression.

This episode is a celebration of the creative life, where every spray of paint and every beat in a song becomes a journey of self-discovery, community, and the enduring power of art.

I'm really proud of this one, thanks to Ra for letting me share his story. x

Check Ra on Instagram right here

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

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Super excited to share this conversation with the legend BeatFox, the UK's three-time Vice Beatbox Champion and an incredibly talented calligraphy artist, who shares his journey in the fusion of sound and art.

Raised in a time without the tools we now take for granted like YouTube, BeatFox honed his beatboxing skills by mimicking everyday noises, proving that unconventional methods and sheer determination and passion can lead to artistic mastery. His story is one of resilience and creativity, where structured techniques blend seamlessly with spontaneous freestyling, leading to him now inspiring the children he now runs workshops for to find their own unique voices amidst life's many sounds.

This conversation was a special one. Earlier this year, I played a 10 minute radio edit of this conversation, and to this day, it is the interview I still receive the most positive feedback from. In this longer version, we have the chance to delve into the art of adaptation in BeatFox's life and career. Discover how missteps and a second-place finish in a competition fueled his determination and growth, while collaborations with other artists and diverse cultural influences have enriched his creative expression.

This episode also explains BeatFox’s journey into street art, ignited by the constraints of lockdown, and his determination to learn calligraphy, which sparked a new artistic direction and became a tale of transformation, where street art became a canvas for personal and community renewal. His journey is a testament to how creativity can thrive even in adversity. BeatFox shares how graffiti and calligraphy became tools for storytelling and empowerment, encouraging others to embrace their passions and create meaningful art and brighten the urban canvas we find ourselves in here in London.

This is a fantastic episode filled with rich insights and the vibrant energy of a true creative spirit.

You can find BeatFox on his website or on Instagram here, be sure to check him out. 

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

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Jessica Booty's artistic journey is a fascinating tale of overcoming personal fears and embracing the magic of performance. Growing up between the UK, Switzerland, and the US, Jessica's diverse background deeply influenced her creative expression. This episode uncovers her early battles with stage fright and the pivotal moments that allowed her to transform fear into passion, highlighting the importance of seizing life's fleeting moments.

Step into the glamorous world of cabaret as Jessica invites us behind the curtain of her multifaceted shimmering career. From her introduction to the world of cabaret and burlesque the grandeur of the Playboy Mansion to the intimate allure of cabaret stages, we explore how the aesthetics of old Hollywood and the creativity of the cabaret community ignited her love for this art form. Hear about her thrilling first performance and the dedication that goes into creating unforgettable shows, inspired by icons like Dita Von Teese.

Jessica's story is not just about performance; it's about the pursuit of unconventional passions and the power of supportive communities. As she gears up for the Karma Cabaret at the Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel, Jessica reflects on her artistic aspirations and the poignant lessons life has taught her. This conversation is a testament to the power of persistence, the value of living in the moment, and the impact of leaving a lasting artistic legacy.

Join us for an inspiring episode that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the vibrant world of cabaret.

Get your tickets for Karma Cabaret on Sept 28th here! x

Jessica's website

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)