Best Artifice Podcast by Emily Merrell Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 219: Katrina Cain 2:12:32

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8d ago2:12:32

2:12:32

Hailing from the vibrant city of Austin, Katrina Cain is a Texas-rooted artist with a voice shaped by the open road. Born in Dallas and raised across many statelines, she grew up without a hometown, and that search for belonging runs deep through her songwriting. Now finding herself at home in Austin, Katrina's sound captures the raw truth of Ameri…

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Ep. 218: Marcia Peck 1:57:16

15d ago1:57:16

1:57:16

Marcia Peck is an award-winning writer and accomplished musician, celebrating over 50 years as a cellist with the Minnesota Orchestra. Inspired by the rhythms and sounds of music echoed in language, her debut novel, Water Music: A Cape Cod Story, combines all of her passions –music, writing, and Cape Cod. The book has received critical acclaim and …

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Ep. 217: Kathryn Bertine 1:51:49

23d ago1:51:49

1:51:49

Kathryn Bertine is an author, athlete, activist and documentary filmmaker. As a professional cyclist, she raced five years on the World Tour pro circuit. Prior to racing, Bertine was a columnist and senior editor for ESPN. Her award-winning documentary film, HALF THE ROAD: The passion, pitfalls and power of women’s professional cycling debuted in 2…

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Ep. 216: Roxy Becofsky 2:06:40

1M ago2:06:40

2:06:40

Roxy is the creative mind behind Xanne Fran Studios, a sculpture and jewelry shop with a focus on magical figurative design. Inspired by the natural world and the world of her imagination, she brings to life dreamy jewelry designs in gold and silver, and fantasy sculptures in classic, timeless bronze. She got her start as a figurative artist, focus…

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Ep. 215: Briar West 1:42:45

1M ago1:42:45

1:42:45

Briar West, a visionary fluid artist raised in Southern California, infuses her work with the essence of the ocean. She embraces the elegance of imperfection and the beauty in chaos. Through her art, she captures the notion that we are all imperfectly perfect, and believes that’s a beautiful thing. Briar’s journey into art is as unconventional as h…

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Ep. 214: David Taylor 2:11:28

2M ago2:11:28

2:11:28

Receiving B.S. and M.S. degrees from The Julliard School of Music, David Taylor started his playing career as a member of Leopold Stowkowski's American Symphony Orchestra, and with appearances with the New York Philharmonic under Pierre Boulez. Simultaneously, he was a member of the Thad Jones Mel Lewis jazz band, and recorded with groups ranging f…

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Ep. 213: Chad Pilkington 2:26:21

2M ago2:26:21

2:26:21

Chad's artwork embodies beautiful woods from around the world. What began as retirement gifts for his fellow active duty servicemen has turned into amazing creations exhibiting the Pacific Northwest, wildlife, instruments, pop culture, ancient culture and mythology. Chad understands how to use the unique characteristics of the wood to enhance his w…

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Ep. 212: Hanna Davydova 2:06:07

2M ago2:06:07

2:06:07

My name is Hanna. I’m an artist, art therapist, and special education teacher. I’m Ukrainian and have been living in Estonia for three years now because of the war in Ukraine — it’s dangerous in my hometown, Kyiv.I draw inspiration from the majesty of nature and from people whose words align with their actions.My hobbies include collecting stones, …

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Ep. 211: Stu Beavers 1:53:01

3M ago1:53:01

1:53:01

Stu Beavers is a metal artist from Durham, NC. Stu’s mother was a welder, and though she tried to teach him, he always preferred painting and drawing. It wasn’t util he took a formal welding class at Durham Tech that those lessons with his mom clicked and he understood her love of metal—he’s been obsessed ever since. He is heavily inspired by wildl…

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Ep. 210: Andrea Durfee 2:04:30

4M ago2:04:30

2:04:30

Andrea Durfee is an artist and NYS licensed creative arts therapist based in Rochester, NY. Her paintings, sculpture and animation celebrates women, nature and sacred connection through vibrant landscapes and intimate portraits fusing the figure with flora and fauna. She is the creator of the oracle deck, Gaia: Lessons from the Earth and has a fort…

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Ep. 209: Katharine Hooper 2:06:59

5M ago2:06:59

2:06:59

Katharine Hooper is a Sommelier and artistic multi-hyphenate living in New York City. Raised by a celebrated painter father and an executive-career mother, she developed an early affinity for the intersection of art, science, and mysticism. After happily stumbling into a career in wine, she became engrossed in examining the overlap between the phil…

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Ep. 208: Olivia Book 1:58:12

5M ago1:58:12

1:58:12

Olivia Book, is a professional ballet dancer in Ballet West’s second company in Salt Lake City, Utah. Olivia grew up in a small town in Ontario, Canada and was born with a right arm limb deficiency. She has always been a natural performer and began ballet classes at a local dance studio at the young age of four, she later became a member of a compe…

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Ep. 207: Amber Dunford 1:58:53

5M ago1:58:53

1:58:53

Amber Dunford is a former mental health clinician turned interior designer and one of only a handful of “design psychologists” with expertise in the connection between space design and mental health. She spent years in private practice as a therapist before merging her passions for design and psychology by developing a college course on the relatio…

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Ep. 206: Robert Monroe 1:59:49

6M ago1:59:49

1:59:49

Robert Monroe graduated with a B.A. in Theater Arts from the State University of New York/Oswego. For twelve years, he worked as a New York casting director and talent executive. His credits include projects with the Walt Disney Company, the John Houseman Theater, the Annual MDA Telethon, and the now-defunct United Paramount Network. At the beginni…

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Ep. 205: Patrick Partridge 2:13:16

6M ago2:13:16

2:13:16

Pat Partridge writes across genres. He is the author of the mystery Fragile Memories, the sequel Buried at Bears Ears, and the humorous road-trip novel Fast on Fifty. His book of political humor, now in its third edition, has sold over 70,000 copies. Partridge’s short stories span a wide range of styles, characters, ages, and themes. All were writt…

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Ep. 204 Callie Crofts Pt. 2 2:10:45

7M ago2:10:45

2:10:45

Callie Crofts is the founder, songwriter and front-human for SLC’s edgy electropop phenom Die Shiny. A small-town Idaho native, Crofts has spent the last decade making ripples in Utah’s underground music scene - becoming established in recent years as a local ex-mormon, queer and feminist icon. Known for unwavering authenticity and lyrical activism…

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Ep. 203: Callie Crofts Pt. 1 2:02:44

7M ago2:02:44

2:02:44

Callie Crofts is the founder, songwriter and front-human for SLC’s edgy electropop phenom Die Shiny. A small-town Idaho native, Crofts has spent the last decade making ripples in Utah’s underground music scene - becoming established in recent years as a local ex-mormon, queer and feminist icon. Known for unwavering authenticity and lyrical activism…

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Ep. 202: Sara Peterson 2:03:06

7M ago2:03:06

2:03:06

As a multi-generational artist, Sara was immersed in the culture of fine art since her birth in West Jordan, Utah. Sara is a dedicated and tireless mother to seven children, six boys and one girl. While studying for her MFA at the Academy of Art University Sara gave birth to four children. Sara’s approach to art is best described in her own words:S…

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Ep. 201: William D. Higginson 1:55:44

7M ago1:55:44

1:55:44

William D. Higginson: A Canadian Surrealist VisionaryWilliam D. Higginson is a Canadian surrealist painter whose evocative works have captivated audiences worldwide. A professional artist since 2007, Higginson explores a vast array of mediums and genres, creating pieces that resonate on both emotional and intellectual levels. His art is held in pri…

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Ep. 200 Pt. 4: Love Notes - Happy Valentine's Day! 1:25:47

7M ago1:25:47

1:25:47

The final little treat in this celebration week! It's a walk down the Artifice memory lane with "love notes" from a bunch of my fabulous guests, and some present-day reflection (plus a mild helping of tears) from me. <3This is the best Valentine's Day gift of my 36 years of life. My heart is fully bursting. Happy Valentine's Day to this heartful li…

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Ep. 200 Pt. 3: Deep Dive > Joy Is A Serious Subject 18:30

7M ago18:30

18:30

Another little bonus track during our CELEBRATE 200 week! This time, it's one of my Deep Dive Essays (featuring wisdom from January's guests), read aloud. Listen friends, joy is a serious subject...By Artifice Podcast by Emily Merrell

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Ep. 200 Pt. 2: Bestie Olivia Custodio Interviews Emily 1:31:56

8M ago1:31:56

1:31:56

Bestie and chosen sister Olivia Custodio helps me **CELEBRATE 200** in the second of three special episodes this week. After you finish this, check out Episode 15 to hear me interviewing Olivia (the first time we met)! Enjoy!By Artifice Podcast by Emily Merrell

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Ep. 200 Pt. 1: Fan Jaron Davis Interviews Emily 1:52:59

8M ago1:52:59

1:52:59

One-true-fan Jaron Davis helps me **CELEBRATE 200** in the first of three special episodes coming this week. Enjoy!By Artifice Podcast by Emily Merrell

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Ep. 199: Anna Katharina Jens 1:53:47

8M ago1:53:47

1:53:47

Hello, I am Anna and I love PotteryI always loved being creative and enjoy trying out various styles and craft making, yet over the years I developed a special relationship to clay. My love of pottery emerged from producing sculptures and about four years ago I also started with ceramics. I just love working and experimenting with this material wit…

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Ep. 198: Mike Staum 2:08:48

8M ago2:08:48

2:08:48

Michael Staum was born in New Jersey in the early sixties. He has been a creator for most of his life. On Michael’s 5th birthday he received art supplies in abundance. Oils, canvases, watercolors and paper, different grades of graphite and pen & ink sets…everything an inquisitive creator needed to start a journey into the world of artistry. At the …

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Ep. 197: Zack Davisson 2:07:06

8M ago2:07:06

2:07:06

Zack Davisson is an award-winning translator, writer, and folklorist.He is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Yokai, Kaibyo The Supernatural Cats of Japan, Yurei the Japanese Ghost, The Art of Star Wars Visions, and Manga: A Visual Guide. He co-writes Ultimate X-Men with Peach Momoko for Marvel Comics. His works have been translated into …

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Ep. 196: Kate Schroeder 2:13:40

9M ago2:13:40

2:13:40

Kate Schroeder is a ceramicist and full time professional artist residing in Kansas City, Missouri. She earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Ceramics from the University of Central Missouri and a Masters of Fine Arts also emphasizing Sculpture and Ceramics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Kate has exhibited nationally and has wo…

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Ep. 193: David Brenner 1:51:11

10M ago1:51:11

1:51:11

Working at the intersection of horticulture, art and architecture, David has applied his passion for plants to a growing list of innovative projects, building a broad variety of modern, human-centric spaces with abundant plant life at their heart.David is a pioneer in the field of vertical gardens. He holds a degree in Environmental Horticulture Sc…

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Ep. 195: Lauren Spangler 2:16:37

10M ago2:16:37

2:16:37

If you’re curious about the secrets of fulfilled creative living, then ask Lauren Spangler. As a creativity coach she helps artists bridge the gap between their boldest visions and their everyday reality. A painter, writer, and musician herself, as well as a wife and mom of two, Lauren’s mission is to empower artists to enjoy the creative freedom t…

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Ep. 194: Kara Bussey 1:57:45

11M ago1:57:45

1:57:45

KARA BUSSEY, FOUNDER, INSTRUCTOR AND MAKER (CALGARY)Meet Kara, a stained glass artist from Calgary, Canada. She creates unique 3D glass floral sculptures using stained glass, copper wire, and found objects. Leveraging her over 15 years of experience in communications and public relations, Kara uses social media to bring modern stained glass to the …

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Ep. 192: Eriksen Dickens 1:30:59

12M ago1:30:59

1:30:59

Eriksen Dickens is an award winning filmmaker, actor, and business owner based in California. In 2016, Eriksen co-founded Platinum Peek Inc., with his brother, Soren, while in college. Platinum Peek is a video agency that specializes in creating story-driven video solutions for marketing, sales, and operations teams for clients around the country.I…

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Ep. 191: Abby Shaner 1:33:03

12M ago1:33:03

1:33:03

I’m Abby, the owner and creator of WoodSolStone studio located in Cincinnati, Ohio. My passion for plants and all things green has always been a part of my dna, so the organic way that this art came to be only made sense for me. I’ve always been a creative person and love the process of moss art. I use every bit of nature I find to create a magical…

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Ep. 190: Bailey Hinkley Grogan 1:56:47

12M ago1:56:47

1:56:47

Bailey Elizabeth Hinkley Grogan is a jazz vocalist, songwriter, sound healer, and performer based out of Denver, CO and Los Angeles, CA. Her bright, yet melancholy sound is a reflection of her deep study into the jazz idiom while simultaneously playing homage to her influences in Nancy Wilson, Chick Corea, Sheryl Crow, and Pat Metheny. Her improvis…

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Ep. 189: Janne Ford 1:41:44

1y ago1:41:44

1:41:44

Janne is a floral photographer living in North Yorkshire in the UK. With a background in fashion and textile design she is drawn to the colourful world of flowers and creates still life imagery using natural light.Janneford.comBy Artifice Podcast by Emily Merrell

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Ep. 188: Amrita Singh 2:13:24

1y ago2:13:24

2:13:24

‍Amrita is an entrepreneur and the founder of @mykalekitchen. She set up My Kale Kitchen Creative as a boutique content creation company that provides cinematic and emotive videography to food and beverage brands and is currently expanding into lifestyle content and short-films as well. Amrita specializes in short-form cinematography and her true p…

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Ep. 187: Matt R. Salmon 2:04:40

1y ago2:04:40

2:04:40

Dr. Matt R. Salmon, DO, MS is the Manager of Psychiatry at Whitman Walker Health in Washington, DC, specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth who’ve faced chronic interpersonal trauma.Matt's unique perspective is shaped by personal experiences of growing up queer and autistic in a conservative Mormon house…

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Ep. 186: Brian Casey 1:57:53

1y ago1:57:53

1:57:53

Brian Casey is a jazz bassist, educator and researcher based in Colorado. Brian serves as Associate Professor of Academic Jazz at the University of Northern Colorado and earned a DMA in Jazz Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder where he taught courses in Humanities, Jazz Studies, and American Music. Brian earned a MM in Jazz Studies from…

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Ep. 185: Kolby Fackrell 2:04:24

1y ago2:04:24

2:04:24

From Mesa, AZ. Attended film school at Scottsdale Community College and studied History and Sociology of Western Religion at MCC/BYU (note: I did not graduate from any of those colleges lol). Currently located in south bay Los Angeles, CA. Working for a digital Healthcare company called Sharecare in Value-based Care Technology Integrations. http://…

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Ep. 184: Lauren Zuniga 1:59:24

1y ago1:59:24

1:59:24

Lauren McDonald Zuniga has been writing since she first learned to read at age three. She graduated with a BA in Creative Writing from the University of North Texas in 2012. She worked as a freelance contributor to the local Utah newspaper The Davis County Clipper, as well freelancing as a writing counselor for beginning creative writers for nearly…

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Ep. 183 Kimber Greenwood 2:03:42

1y ago2:03:42

2:03:42

Throughout her life, Kimber has had two deep passions: water and art. It seemed obvious she would foray into the underwater portrait photography industry however, the road she took was a bit more scenic. As a teenager, Kimber worked as a lifeguard and eventually became Open Water SCUBA certified in a frigid Ohio quarry. In college, she earned her B…

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Ep. 182 Birgir Steinn Theodórsson 1:50:37

1y ago1:50:37

1:50:37

Double bass player Birgir Steinn Theodorsson graduated from FÍH's music school with distinction in 2015 and subsequently studied at the jazz department of the Berlin Academy of Arts and Hans Eisler in Berlin. Birgir Steinn has worked with numerous bands and musicians, both as double bass player, co-author and arranger. He has performed in many plac…

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Ep. 180: Scott Franklin 2:16:24

1+ y ago2:16:24

2:16:24

Ep. 180: Scott Franklin by Artifice Podcast by Emily MerrellBy Artifice Podcast by Emily Merrell

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Ep. 179: Thomas Bartlett 1:51:45

1+ y ago1:51:45

1:51:45

Thomas Bartlett is a wire jewelry craftsman and artist out of Minneapolis Minnesota. His work utilizes weaving and coiling of wire to create detailed highly textural settings for natural stones and crystals. In addition to jewelry work Thomas has a BFA in 2d media and creates psychosexual surrealist illustrations and paintings. Instagram.com/_whisk…

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Ep. 178: Dave Chisholm 2:02:38

1+ y ago2:02:38

2:02:38

Dave Chisholm is a graphic novelist and musician currently living in Rochester, NY where he received his doctorate in jazz trumpet from the Eastman School of Music in 2013. His expertise in music as well as his formal inventiveness within the comics medium has resulted in a string of critically-acclaimed music-centric graphic novels including Enter…

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Ep. 177: Jordan Sprigg 2:02:42

1+ y ago2:02:42

2:02:42

Hailing from Narembeen in the wheatbelt of Western Australia, Jordan is a metal artist specialising in one-of-a-kind animal sculptures. Using retired tools, machine parts and recycled farm scrap sourced throughout rural Western Australia, Jordan finds inspiration in the animal kingdom and brings his sculptures to life. Now in his tenth year as a fu…

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Ep. 176: Jen Cunha 2:01:14

1+ y ago2:01:14

2:01:14

Jen Cunha is an attorney, animal cognition trainer, writer, and international speaker, focusing on animal literacy and communication. A "parrot mama" for over 16 years, Jen has been developing cognition training techniques for almost a decade. Her training manuals have been translated and distributed throughout Europe, and she’s been featured in Bi…

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Ep. 175: Casey Drake 2:08:47

1+ y ago2:08:47

2:08:47

Casey Drake is a self-taught artist, author, illustrator, and mother currently based in Orlando, Florida. While always driven by a strong, intrinsic need to create, her artistic journey took an unexpected turn when her whimsical sidewalk chalk creations gained widespread recognition in 2020. Before this, Casey obtained a bachelor’s of science in Bi…

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Remembering Anna Mooy 1:43:00

1+ y ago1:43:00

1:43:00

From Anna's Obituary: Mary Annaleen Mooy, beloved sister, aunt, teacher, and devoted friend to many, age 65, peacefully passed away on January 15, 2024, due to complications of a brain tumor. I'm so grateful I have this conversation with Anna to remember and cherish, along with some truly impactful memories from my time as her student. It feels rig…

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Ep. 174: Viet Pham 2:18:44

1+ y ago2:18:44

2:18:44

Pham was born in a Malaysian refugee camp in 1979. His parents are Vietnamese and fled the country during the Vietnam War. The family moved to the United States when he was five months old and has lived in the U.S. ever since. Pham was teased often as a young child, and has said that he began to "resent being Asian" because of this bullying. He oft…

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Ep. 173: Evan Werner 2:11:12

1+ y ago2:11:12

2:11:12

Evan Werner is an avid woodworker, chef, outdoorsman, and entrepreneur. Living in a rural community in Utah has allowed him to spend more time with his artistic passions. He runs South Slope Wood-fired Pizza with his wife Priscilla. When he’s not serving up delicious wood fired pizza he’s in the mountains fly fishing or searching for unique logs to…