Best Aaron Matteson Podcasts (2025)

1
Courtney Lauer: The Hurry and the Harm 1:11:31

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25d ago1:11:31

1:11:31

Courtney Lauer (graphic designer, artist) shares her story with Aaron McCall and talks about survival, control, and the strength it takes to turn pain into something honest. She opens up about surviving and processing trauma, rebuilding identity through creativity, and using art to make sense of the things that don’t have easy answers. Keep up with…

1
Jacob Betts: Once a Vagrant 1:02:33

1M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

Jacob Betts (singer-songwriter, The American Hotel System) joins Aaron McCall to talk about creativity as something to hold onto when life unravels, how grief reshapes how we see purpose, and what it means to rebuild belief in people when everything around you feels painfully divided. He opens up about faith, art, and the defiance it takes to choos…

1
Casey Lambert: The Other F Word 1:03:07

1M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Casey Lambert (independent pro wrestler, marketing director) joins Aaron McCall to talk about life in and out of the ring, how strength and vulnerability feed off each other, and how connection shows up everywhere from the crowd to your opponent, and the relationships that matter most. They dig into storytelling in wrestling, learning how to take a…

1
Joy Rhine: Unhinged and Feral 58:40

2M ago58:40

58:40

Joy Rhine (visual designer, photographer) sits down with Aaron McCall to talk about keeping creativity in your life without letting it become your whole identity. She opens up about being people-first in a screen-first industry, why she’d rather build community than chase trends, and how confidence came from doing hard things like running marathons…

1
Mack Garrison: Everything in Motion 1:05:09

2M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Mack Garrison (motion designer, co-founder of Dash Studio) joins Aaron McCall to talk about ADHD as both a curse and a creative advantage, building a studio rooted in empathy over ego, and what happens when you decide burnout isn’t a badge of honor. He opens up about the lessons that shaped Dash’s first decade, from mentorship and community to lead…

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Scott Katsufrakus: Castles and Sirens 1:01:54

2M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

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Taylor Matteson: Beautifully Odd 1:01:26

2M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Taylor Matteson (painter, experimenter) shares her story with Aaron McCall and discusses following creativity wherever it leads: painting, sculpture, and adding teeth to thrifted objects. She opens up about growing up shy in a loud, creative household and learning to embrace the unapologetically weird. From finding confidence through experimenting …

1
Ray Anne Barker: Noise and Stillness 1:03:06

3M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Ray Ann Barker (painter, photographer, model, content creator) talks with Aaron McCall about anxiety as the root of her creativity, finding ground through photography and abstract painting, and how turning perfectionism on its head opened new doors. She opens up about modeling in her 30s, navigating motherhood, and creating space for community over…

1
Colin Russell: Oops, All Murals 59:18

3M ago59:18

59:18

Colin Russell (artist, muralist, Ghost Town) talks with Aaron McCall about moving from years in coffee to a life in art, stumbling into murals, and building a world in black and white. His work is bold, playful, and unsettling all at once—creepy cartoons that have made their way from Grand Rapids to Japan. Colin opens up about freelancing, anxiety,…

1
Virginia Anzengruber: That's Not Funny 1:00:27

3M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

To kick off Season 6, Virginia Anzengruber (comedian, filmmaker, writer) joins Aaron McCall for a conversation about grief, comedy, and what it takes to keep creating when life gets heavy. She talks about loss, writing scripts that hold both humor and heartbreak, the grind of freelancing across film and TV, and the uneasy balance between survival a…

1
BONUS: Social Media is a Lie 22:22

5M ago22:22

22:22

This time, we’re talking about the mess of being online. From LiveJournal drama to influencer marketing and the existential weight of Instagram captions, we dig into what makes social media feel necessary, fake, addictive, useful, and totally exhausting. We ask big questions about authenticity, attention, and the line between art and content. When …

1
BONUS: Starting Over 22:20

5M ago22:20

22:20

This time, it’s just the three of us—Aaron, Joe, and Amber. No guest, no plan, just vibes and a theme: starting over. From lost files and ruined shoots to quitting jobs and creative resets, we get into the mess and momentum of starting fresh—when it’s your choice, and when it’s not. Technically, a bonus episode. Structurally, unsound—a freefall. Wr…

1
Jenny Hearns: Ghost of a Ghost 1:01:53

7M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

Jenny Hearns (artist, graphic designer) talks with Aaron McCall about creative identity, chronic illness, and what happens when your body hits pause before your mind is ready. They get into creepy-cute aesthetics, the pressure to stay visible, and how she’s learned to make space for rest without losing her spark. It's the classic tale of a ghost, a…

1
Craig Horky: Dusty Old Man 51:22

7M ago51:22

51:22

Craig Horky (illustrator, graphic designer) shares his story with Aaron McCall and talks about analog habits, unexpected upheaval, and the tension between making a living and making something that lasts. They cover brush pens, weird gigs, creative grit, and the strange freedom that comes with getting fired. Also, he really loves his cats. Keep up w…

1
Mitch Ermatinger: Where the Wild Things Sour 51:59

7M ago51:59

51:59

Mitch Ermatinger (brewer/founder, Speciation Artisan Ales) talks with Aaron McCall about building a life around wild beer—then no longer being able to drink it. They get into the art and science behind fermentation, the gut-punch of a celiac diagnosis, designing what he can’t taste, and staying creative inside sharp limitations. It’s about constrai…

1
Rae Lang: Outsider 57:44

7M ago57:44

57:44

Rae Lang (artist, Woosah Outfitters & Outside Coffee Co.) talks with Aaron McCall about carving a life that’s slower, wilder, and closer to the woods. They get into Rae’s evolution as an artist and business owner, the decision to close her Grand Rapids shop, raising kids with muddy feet, and how success looks different than it used to. It’s about a…

1
Scott Millington: Real AF 50:02

8M ago50:02

50:02

Scott Millington (photographer) has always had an eye for real-life moments—and in photography, he found the language to document them. Scott sits down with Aaron McCall to talk about how the camera gave him purpose, community, and a way to show the world as he sees it. From indie wrestling shows to coffee shops and protests, Scott shares what it m…

1
Courtney Romero: Sunshine 1:02:36

8M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Courtney Romero (graphic designer, co-founder of Class) didn’t set out to co-found a tech company, but when the opportunity came, she ran with it. Courtney shares her story with Aaron McCall about growing up fast, chasing stability, and refusing to play the starving artist game. From agency life to ed tech, she’s made her own rules, learned how to …

1
Jon Bailey: Pour Boy 56:59

8M ago56:59

56:59

Jon Bailey—photographer, videographer, and co-owner of Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge—joins Aaron McCall for a conversation about reinvention, embracing uncertainty, and the realities of running an independent coffee shop. His path hasn’t been a straight line—from filming skate videos to shooting weddings to finding his place in coffee—but with grit, …

1
Mike Egan: A Brush with Death 48:13

9M ago48:13

48:13

Artist Mike Egan joins Aaron McCall for a conversation about art, death, and building a life on his own terms. Known for his bold, macabre paintings of skeletons, coffins, and religious iconography, his work is unmistakable—equal parts haunting and approachable. Before becoming a full-time artist, Mike worked as an embalmer and funeral director, ex…

1
Jenny Berggren: Rawdogging 54:20

9M ago54:20

54:20

Filmmaker and creative director Jenny Berggren (Wondergold Pictures) joins Aaron McCall for an unfiltered conversation about reinvention, creative freedom, and breaking away from the structures that no longer fit. From growing up making home videos to crafting stories through film and photography, storytelling has always been at the core of who she…

1
Marcel Fable Price: The Poet and The Price 51:58

9M ago51:58

51:58

Poet, storyteller, and former Grand Rapids Poet Laureate Marcel Fable Price joins Aaron McCall for a raw and deeply honest conversation about creativity, mental health, and the weight of grief. He opens up about loss, the complexity of love and regret, and how storytelling became both a survival tool and a calling. From founding a multimillion-doll…

1
Back for More: Sabrina Dahlgren, Jacob Rosenburg, and Mike Mains 58:44

11M ago58:44

58:44

Ahead of Season 5, we're catching up with singer/actor Sabrina Dahlgren (S3 Ep5), graphic designer Jacob Rosenburg (S2 Ep12), and musician Mike Mains (S1 Ep3) to hear what they’ve been up to since they were first on the podcast. Life keeps moving, and we’re here for all the stories about what’s changed and how their lives, creativity, and perspecti…

1
Back for More: Lydia VanHoven-Cook, Jill Deiters, and Edwin Collazo 59:52

11M ago59:52

59:52

Ahead of Season 5, we're catching up with Lydia VanHoven-Cook (S1 Ep1), Jill Deiters (S1 Ep5), and Edwin Collazo (S4 Ep1) to hear what they’ve been up to since they were first on the podcast. Life keeps moving, and we’re here for all the stories about what’s changed and how their lives, creativity, and perspectives have evolved. Season 5 starts hit…

1
Bailey Sell: Transfigure 59:43

1y ago59:43

59:43

Bailey Sell (screen printer, graphic designer, Transfigure Print Collective) shares his story with Aaron McCall and discusses the love/hate relationship between creativity and time, the roles that identity and community play in creativity as well as queer and trans initiatives, and the responsibilities and sacrifices that come with building a brand…

1
Daphna Sebbane: Hell Bent 53:15

1y ago53:15

53:15

Daphna Sebbane (graphic designer, illustrator) joins Aaron McCall to share her story, discussing her multicultural upbringing and creative inspiration rooted in mysticism, tattoo art, and the occult. Daphna opens up about developing her distinct artistic style, prioritizing mental health, and the influence of music and travel on her work and person…

1
Sean Cook: Golden Retriever 1:05:53

1y ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Sean Cook (wedding photographer) shares his story with Aaron McCall, diving into his struggles and growth with social anxiety, the lengths he goes to capture meaningful images, and how his camera has served as a conduit, a security blanket, and a paycheck. And if you listen closely, you'll hear the sound of two grown men with a friendly, yet petty,…

1
Mark Condupa: An Empty Chair 1:14:05

1y ago1:14:05

1:14:05

Mark Condupa (songwriter, singer, writer) shares deeply personal stories with Aaron McCall as they discuss creativity born out of love and grief, the effects of trauma on creativity and decision-making, and the role music plays in our day-to-day lives. Keep up with Mark Condupa: LinkedIn: Mark Condupa Writer/Producer/Editor/Host: Aaron McCall aaron…

1
Josie & Michael Herman: Characters 1:23:18

1y ago1:23:18

1:23:18

Josie Eli Herman and Michael Alan Herman (actors, writers, podcast creators, Acorn Arts & Entertainment, The Call of the Void, Silvertongues) share their stories with Aaron McCall as they discuss collaboration in creativity and in marriage, the humanity and empathy that goes into writing and performing, and the perspective needed to take acting fro…

1
Alyssa Pacheco: Mirror Mirror 1:07:26

1y ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Alyssa Pacheco (poet, author, artist) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss the deeply personal nature of her work. Alyssa opens up about the influence of her family dynamics, the vulnerability in her words, and how her lived experiences serve as a form of discovery, expression, and a vehicle for creativity. Keep up with Alyssa Pacheco…

1
Nicholas Hartman: Macabre & Medicated 1:06:15

1y ago1:06:15

1:06:15

Nicholas Hartman (painter, illustrator, Chapel of Ghouls) shares his story with Aaron McCall and opens up about his death anxiety as well as other mental health challenges and how those things present themselves in his work. Nick balances a macabre energy with infectious positivity while discussing the humanity of art and an appreciation for the da…

1
Leigh Ann Cobb: Awkward Art Kid 1:06:32

1y ago1:06:32

1:06:32

Leigh Ann Cobb (photographer) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss going from an awkward art kid to an awkward art grown-up, what it takes to keep her sense of self and identity in check, and the relationship between Leigh Ann and the camera, the camera and her subjects, and more importantly, Leigh Ann and her subjects. Keep up with L…

1
Marley Soden: Good Bones 1:03:15

1y ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Marley Soden (letterer, illustrator, muralist) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss breaking off from agency life, her need for control in creativity and presentation, playing with food, and how she uses TikTok and Instagram as their own mediums. Keep up with Marley Soden: marleysoden.com TT: @marley.makes.things IG: @marley.makes.thi…

1
Edwin Collazo: Sins In Booth 6 1:15:05

1+ y ago1:15:05

1:15:05

Edwin Collazo (brewer, business owner, City Built Brewing Company) shared his story with Aaron McCall and 70-something other people at City Built Brewing Company for a LIVE recording session to kick off season 4. Edwin opened up about how creativity presents itself, the life experiences that led him to open a brewery, and his relationship with his …

1
Amber Gray: Mama Likes Her Ghosts 1:01:28

1+ y ago1:01:28

1:01:28

In this BONUS episode, we officially welcome Amber Gray to the Bad Idea Social Club team. She's a multi-faceted creative with a background in graphic design, creative direction, photography, performance art, and probably 20 other things. Amber shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss their history together, the bullshit that comes with pr…

1
James Victore: The Weight Of The Chorus 1:06:27

1+ y ago1:06:27

1:06:27

To wrap up season 3, James Victore (artist, graphic designer, art educator, creative coach) shares his story with Aaron McCall as they get into discovering your voice as an artist and a person, the line between creative block and being bored, and finding your way back to yourself after getting lost. Keep up with James Victore: yourworkisagift.com I…

1
Dan Wiltshire: Left-Handed House Cat 59:20

1+ y ago59:20

59:20

Dan Wiltshire (motion designer, Chop & Hue) shares his story with Aaron McCall as they discuss the energy that creativity gives and takes, catching influence from film and thin air, and overcoming physical and emotional setbacks to keep artful energy moving forward. Keep up with Dan Wiltshire: IG: @daniel_wiltshire_ch chopandhue.com IG: @chopandhue…

1
Steph Harding: Drinks Well With Others 57:35

1+ y ago57:35

57:35

Steph Harding (photographer, marketer, creative nomad) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they talk about chasing down creative ambitions, surrounding yourself with people who energize instead of drain, and turning the creative switch on and off. Over drinks, of course. Keep up with Steph Harding: IG: @stephwithdrinks IG: @sodrinkible Writer/Pro…

1
Jack Muldowney: Thirsty For Change 1:23:17

1+ y ago1:23:17

1:23:17

Jack Muldowney (graphic designer, Studio Malt) shares his story with Aaron McCall as they discuss the intersection of design and beer, environmental and social responsibility in his work and his space, and identity as an artist/studio. Keep up with Jack Muldowney: studiomalt.com IG: @studiomalt Writer/Producer/Editor/Host: Aaron McCall aaronmccall.…

1
Curt Prudden: Comparison, The Thief 1:19:27

1+ y ago1:19:27

1:19:27

Curt Prudden (artist, painter) opens up with Aaron McCall about using creativity as a tool for both expression and survival, comparing himself to other people and artists, and his story from his time in the military to solo trips of self-discovery. Keep up with Curt Prudden: IG: @curtprudden Writer/Producer/Editor/Host: Aaron McCall aaronmccall.net…

1
Lainey Yehl: Lose Or Draw 1:09:20

1+ y ago1:09:20

1:09:20

Lainey Yehl (freelance graphic designer, illustrator) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss her crooked and colorful path to graphic design, the love/hate relationship with hunting down new business, and overdue invoices, and Instagram of it all. Read "Selling Art" by Lainey Yehl Keep up with Lainey Yehl: laineyyehl.com IG: @laineymay …

1
Trish Hadley: To Be Fuckable 1:05:42

1+ y ago1:05:42

1:05:42

Trish Hadley (boudoir photographer) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss the mutual vulnerability and trust in boudoir photography, the varied motivations of her subjects to be photographed, and the ability to pivot when your path feels wrong. Keep up with Trish Hadley: trishhadleyboudoir.com IG: @trish.hadley.studios Writer/Producer/…

1
Sabrina Dahlgren: The Girl On The Bench 1:17:33

1+ y ago1:17:33

1:17:33

Sabrina Dahlgren (singer, stage/voice actor) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss the effects of mental health on creativity and relationships, exploring herself as a performer and a whole person, and sticking up for your time and energy to be who and what you want. Keep up with Sabrina Dahlgren: IG: @sabrinasings1 Writer/Producer/Edi…

1
Derek Mohr: Die By The Grid 1:05:00

1+ y ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Derek Mohr (freelance brand designer and web developer) shares his story with Aaron McCall over a few bottles of red wine as they discuss the influences of travel on creativity, balancing professional and creative responsibilities with extracurricular experiences, and how design informs web development and vice versa. Keep up with Derek Mohr: onemo…

1
Sarah Anderson: Weirdo 1:09:52

1+ y ago1:09:52

1:09:52

Sarah Anderson (traveling ceramics artist) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss life on the road as a traveling artist, her vibrant and expressive sense of self and art, and her connection with nature from an ever-changing backdrop to funny mushrooms. Keep up with Sarah Anderson: sarahandersonceramics.com IG: @sarahandersonceramics Wr…

1
Joe Short: This Is The Way 1:13:57

1+ y ago1:13:57

1:13:57

Joe Short (founder, brewer, creative maniac, Short's Brewing Company) shares his story with Aaron McCall as they discuss his relationship with creating and consuming beer, the blurry line between Joe as a person and Short's as a brand, and lessons learned in the first 20 years of Short's Brewing Company. Keep up with Joe Short: shortsbrewing.com IG…

1
Kaelyn Moore: Something In The Dark 53:46

1+ y ago53:46

53:46

Kaelyn Moore (storyteller, podcaster, producer, Heart Starts Pounding, The Timekeeper) shares her story with Aaron McCall as they discuss the depths and limitations of telling real stories with creativity and empathy, exploring our dark curiosities, and the vulnerability in putting your whole self into the things you're passionate about. Keep up wi…

1
Jacob Rosenburg: Butthead By Choice 1:00:25

2y ago1:00:25

1:00:25

In the first-ever Bad Idea Social Club LIVE event, hosted by DO:BETTER (dobetterhere.com) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jacob Rosenburg (graphic designer, illustrator, Design Director, Commonwealth//McCann Detroit) shared his story with Aaron McCall and Joe Matteson as they discussed the blurry line between art and design, the need for individuality in c…

1
Aaron McCall: Under Control(ish) 58:31

2y ago58:31

58:31

In this BONUS episode, marketing and communications professional, Lindsay Dow, turns the tables to put our host, Aaron McCall (graphic designer, artist, podcaster, Bad Idea Social Club), on the other side of the interview. Aaron shares his story with Lindsay as they discuss the effects of mental health on creativity, leaving behind a steady paychec…

1
Edwin Anderson: Blood, Sweat & Paint 56:18

2y ago56:18

56:18

To wrap up Season 2, Edwin Anderson (painter, mural artist, Studio Smoov) shares his story with Aaron McCall as they get into the weight of creating artwork to reflect the people and the culture of the space it’s in, making the most of the opportunities in front of you, and the importance of representation in art and media. Keep up with Edwin Ander…