On This Episode of The Memo Show:

I got to speak with Johnny Schwinn aka Pixelsbyoptimu5, whose art I discovered at Megabyte Nation Game Expo and was too cool to not share with my listeners and viewers.

Inspired by 8, 16, and 32-Bit video games, he depicts nostalgic, classic, and traumatic scenes and characters using colorful mixed media .

He tells us about growing up in a very musical and art filled home and how he got started networking with other artists live streaming live art.

We talk about our love for video games, the effect it had on us during childhood, and how he enjoys creating art that resonates with people who are fans of classic games as well.

The conversation moves to his love of conventions and how they provide a platform for artists to showcase their work.

We also touch on future projects and commissions he is currently working on.

Throughout the interview I’ve had permission to display his artwork for you. The video version of this interview is available on Youtube and Spotify!

You Never Know, on The Memo Show!

Links:

Johnny's Art Insta

This is a Train Wreck (Johnny's Band) Insta

Aztekaart_soul's Insta

Transplants Brewing Co.'s Insta

Keywords: 8-bit art, video games, nostalgia, creative process, conventions, art commissions, Mega Man, Zelda, Mario, pop culture

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Johnny Schwinn and His Art

(02:59) The Influence of Video Games on Art

(17:42) The Journey of a Creative Mind

(23:11) Nostalgia and Gaming Experiences

(30:26) Future Projects and Commissions

(37:45) Conventions and Community Engagement

(44:52) Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

(46:48) Outro

On this episode of The Memo Show:

Aaron Guy Leroux, a seasoned photojournalist, shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in Connecticut to becoming a prominent figure in documenting social movements around the world. He discusses his experiences covering the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong, the refugee crisis in Lesvos, and the Black Lives Matter protests in Los Angeles. Aaron reflects on the challenges and risks of photojournalism, the influence of his family on his artistic journey, and the importance of curiosity in storytelling. He also touches on the impact of modern media consumption and the complexities of navigating truth in journalism today.

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Podcast Video: YouTube (Like & Subscribe Please!) Spotify

Other Links: Link Tree

Aaron's Links: Aaron's Website Aaron's Insta

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Aaron Guy Leroux

(06:54) Aaron's Journey: From Connecticut to California

(10:56) The Spark of Photojournalism

(13:35) Family Influence and Early Inspirations

(17:33) Finding a Niche in Street Photography

(20:09) Cruise Ship Chronicles and Networking

(22:57) The Transition to Photojournalism

(24:56) Experiencing Protests: A Turning Point

(28:48) Hong Kong: The Umbrella Movement

(36:00) The Nature of Water: A Photographic Journey

(40:15) Designing the Book: Collaboration and Challenges

(43:01) Black Lives Matter and New Projects

(43:52) Navigating a Pandemic and Protests

(49:09) The Duality of Childhood and Social Unrest

(56:49) The Courage of Photojournalism

(57:24) Experiencing the Refugee Crisis in Greece

(01:08:21) The Question of Our Time

(01:13:20) Curiosity-Driven Storytelling and Future Projects

(01:20:02) Outro

On This Episode of The Memo Show:

I talk with Michael Grepp, one half of Loserville Animation Studios, who shares with us his love for cartoons like Looney Tunes, Ren & Stimpy and of course Adult Swim

He shares his journey in the animation and voice acting industry, discussing the creative process, the importance of collaboration, and the challenges of navigating the industry.

He tells how they went viral a few years ago guerrilla animating shorts for Last Podcast on the Left and what it’s like to be in a room with execs pitching shows and getting name called by Eric Andre of all people.

He gives us pointers on networking, overcoming rejection, and maintaining a balance between quality and productivity in creative work which he provides virtually with his company The Talent Spot.

We learn from him the value of teaching and sharing knowledge with others in the creative field, while also providing insights into his current and future projects.

Also cartoons are included in the video version on YouTube and Spotify!

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Join us for an amazing and inspirational story this week on The Memo Show!

Jason Barnes, a self-described amputee musician, and pioneering bionic drummer, shares his inspiring journey overcoming the challenges he faces continuing his dream of playing music and teaching others to do the same.

He discusses his early influences in music, the impact of his accident, and how he’s developing custom prosthetics to continue playing drums and multiple other instruments and also becoming a Guinness Book of World record holder.

Jason also delves into the role of AI in music, his vision for the future of technology in the arts, and the establishment of his nonprofit, Cybernetic Sound, aimed at helping others with similar challenges.

Jason tells to us about the importance of creativity, resilience, and the desire to inspire others through his music.

Check out The Memo Show with video on YouTube and Spotify! And also follow The Memo Show on Instagram!

You Never Know, On The Memo Show!

-Memo

Links:

Cybernetic Sound Nonprofit

Videos:

World’s First Bionic Drummer

YouTube

Forward Rhythm

TensorFlow Webpage

His Electronic Music Project:

CYBRNETX - Instagram

CYBRNETX - Spotify

CYBRNETX - SoundCloud

His Indi Pop Project:

manic wave - Spotify

manic wave - YouTube

manic wave - Apple Music

On This Episode of The Memo Show:

Pete Cornell joins us to talk about his new endeavor into the private musical education sector, and shares his experience opening Peak Music in Stowe, Vermont!

Pete is an amazing musician/ guitarist and went to school for it most of his life. We met while working retail and started a band together shortly after.

We discuss the creative inspirations and different teaching philosophies, the intent of building a community of music where there wasn't one, the impact of underfunded music programs, and creating a safe space for musicians, young and old, to flourish.

We also disect the Suzuki method of teaching, meet Peak Music's teachers and dig a little deeper into our musical experience together in a band during the lightning round of questions. Stay till the end!

You Never Know, on The Memo Show!

Peak Music's Web Site

Peak Music's Insta

Pete's Insta

Bend or Break Bandcamp

Pete's Bandcamp

Video Version of this Podcast on:

YouTube

Spotify

On this episode of The Memo Show:

Friends and schoolmates, Rob & Sean, join us on this very special Back to School episode of The Memo Show!

We talk about having kids and what back to school is like as an adult and when we were kids, the influential and not so influential teachers we had in school, passing notes, school fights, smoking on school grounds and the large sums of drugs kids did while trying to educate themselves.

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On this episode of The Memo Show:

I join Caleb Dietz at Lakehouse Studios where we talk about the country music takeover in popular music today like Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and his client Ollie Joseph. He talks about the skills it takes to be a studio guitarist vs. a live guitarist, the benefits of collaboration vs. being in a band and his beginnings as a piano student. Also, listen to Caleb break down one of his songs and explain the process behind creating music for artists and performers all over the world.

Go to my Instagram and give a like, follow and share! Leaving a review on your podcast service of choice also helps tremendously!

You Never Know, on the Memo Show!

Links:

Nathanial Noble Jr. Podcast

Caleb’s Producer Credts Playlist ( Music)

Caleb’s Producer Credits (Spotify)

Caleb on Instagram

The Memo Show on Instagram

On this episode of The Memo Show:

I have a fast paced (slow paced for those of you with ADHD) and hilarious interview with my dear friend Robert Lysobey. He is an author/writer (and do I dare say - comedian?) and he talks to us about everything from his battle with weight gain, his first glimpse into how writing filled the void in his soul, his favorite authors, Outfielder in the Wheat, and his adventures as a teen forcing his pretentious ideas and poems on an inappropriate and uninterested demographic.

But also way more in between.

Come with us on a journey into the mind and down the banks of a mad man’s stream of consciousness.

It’s worth every hysterical second.

Also, Pete thinks I died. And took all my stuff.

Insta: @theememoshow

YouTube @thememoshow