Best Artmaking Podcasts (2025)

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Art, Agency, & Fear: How Artmaking Can Help Crush the MAGA Monsters at the Door 11:00

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4d ago11:00

11:00

What if the scariest threat we face isn’t some monster outside—but the quiet, invisible loss of our own power to act? In a world wired to exploit our fear, reclaiming our agency has never been more urgent—or more human. This episode dives deep into how fear hijacks our brains, and how imagination and creativity can reconnect us to each other and to…

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HATCHED #41: The Unreliable Bestiary 1:02:03

7h ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Today we spoke with Deke Weaver and Jennifer Allen of The Unreliable Bestiary. They were two of a group of three artists we recently presented at Catapult as part of our Mondo Bizarro Presents series. They shared their latest work Cetacean (The Whale), which is their sixth show of a life-long project to create a performance for every letter of the …

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151: Should Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers be Running for Office - Tom Tresser Says, "ABSOLUTELY!" 51:41

11d ago51:41

51:41

What if the solution to our democracy’s crisis isn’t another white paper or study—but an artist running for office? In this episode, civic organizer and “public defender” Tom Tresser reveals why he feels America’s nonprofit and creative sectors are missing in action when it comes to power, policy, and public trust. As arts funding shrinks and disin…

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Townies with Ann Etter, 11-6-25 30:35

10h ago30:35

30:35

This week's guest is accountant and actor Ann Etter, who talks with us about how she fell in love with doing taxes, small businesses and nonprofits as the backbone of community, her passion for theater starting at age 10 and on to the Northfield Arts Guild stage and into the audience for Broadway shows, and the connection between Tennessee and Tenn…

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150: What Can We Learn from Activist Artists in Singapore? 38:15

18d ago38:15

38:15

What happens when a tiny city-state with tight state control becomes a hub for community-driven, arts-based transformation? Meet ArtsWok, a Singapore-based organization helping people talk about the hardest things—grief, inequality, identity, and even death—with art as the medium and hope as the mission In a place known more for order than outspoke…

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149: What Can We Learn From Activist Artists In Serbia? 58:33

25d ago58:33

58:33

DAH SAYS: "In today’s world, we can oppose destruction and violence with the creation of meaning " The Economist Magazine's Intelligence Unit places, Serbia, and Singapore, among the 46 countries that are considered Flawed Democracies along with United States of America. As our three countries grow more alike in surprising ways, it felt like the ri…

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148 ; Five Arts Superpowers for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers to Make Change NOW! 31:40

1M ago31:40

31:40

When everything feels like it’s unraveling, how do we know art still matters? In this episode, we explore the question: What use is art in a world on fire? Across movements, across generations—from Ella Baker’s quiet revolution to Beckett’s unexpected presence in a prison theater—this episode offers three simple, potent reminders of how art works i…

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147: Emma Addams: Can a Quilt Change how Congress Listens— & How you Practice Democracy at Home? 48:54

1M ago48:54

48:54

Can a Quilt Change how Congress Listens— & How you Practice Democracy at Home? If you’re exhausted by performative politics and digital outrage, this episode offers a deeply grounded alternative. Discover how everyday acts of creation and conversation can rebuild civic trust—and how women across America are using quilting to stitch together a more …

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146: How is the Government Threatening Activist Artists and Arts Organization? 15:43

2M ago15:43

15:43

What Threats are There to Activist Artists and Cultural Organizers & What Can You Do About Them? Today on our weather report, we're wading into stormy waters, namely threats to activist artists and arts organizations coming not from creeps and trolls on the Internet, but from our own government. So this week we're focusing on what's happening to cr…

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Townies with Craig and Linda Wasner, 10-2-25 27:23

2M ago27:23

27:23

This week's guests are Craig and Linda Wasner, known across Northfield for music, and for their fun and festive barn that hosts weddings, concerts and social gatherings, including Wazaroo. They reminisce with us about “Over & Back” way back when, and talk about balancing music and farming; the connections between Northfield and Nashville; and how t…

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145: Liz Sunde Brings Music To Life: Activist Artists Making Music, Making Change, & Thriving 53:52

2M ago53:52

53:52

What if your art could both heal your community & pay your bills? If you’re a musician or creative itching to drive real-world change without sacrificing your livelihood, this episode maps a path: how Music to Life evolved from a songwriting contest into a rigorous accelerator that helps artists design, fund, and measure community projects—so you c…

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144: Solar Story Circle: How Narrative Powers Democracy & Social Change 25:05

2M ago25:05

25:05

What if the solution to the climate crisis and the key to democratic renewal were powered by the same thing? In this episode of Art is Change, we'll explore Bill McKiibben new book, Here Comes the Sun, and draw a powerful parallel between the emerging solar energy story and narrative of as a force for democracy and social change. What if stories co…

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143: Alma & Frank: Designing Creative Futures One Story at a Time 34:01

2M ago34:01

34:01

What if art could open the door to a new life after prison? What if creative work wasn't just healing, but a literal job offer? In a time when reentry programs are scarce and trust is hard to rebuild, this episode, the second of our two part series on the work of California Lawyers for the Arts, introduces Designing Creative Futures, a groundbreaki…

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142: Alma Robinson: How Do You Build an Art & Social Change Movement That Lasts Decades 47:37

2M ago47:37

47:37

In this episode, we sit down with Alma Robinson, the longtime executive director of California Lawyers for the Arts. From cultural repatriation to youth advocacy to resurrecting a legendary prison arts program, Alma has been at the heart of a quiet revolution, mobilizing artists and legal advocates to shape a more just creative society. In it we'll…

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Aaliyah McQueen circa 2019 5:17

3M ago5:17

5:17

Aaliyah McQueen is a versatile artist whose passion for creativity has shaped a dynamic and meaningful career. An active member of In Progress for over five years, she now serves as the organization’s Artist Services Coordinator. In this role, she brings her enthusiasm for artistic exploration to every project and community she engages with. Aaliya…

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Townies with Betsy Allister and Andrew Ehermann, 9-4-25 35:25

3M ago35:25

35:25

Our guests today are Betsy Allister and Andrew Ehermann to talk about roots, food, and community. Betsy and Andrew are the farmers of Spring Wind Farm, a CSA on the north edge of Northfield. They share stories about planning and planting, the connection between humans and land, their favorite veggies, and what it’s like to nourish people and nouris…

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141: Art and Resistance: Smithsonian, FREE DC, LA, and Beyond 14:31

3M ago14:31

14:31

What happens when a president tries to get the WOKE out of museums? In this episode of ART IS CHANGE we follow the latest political attacks on the Smithsonian and other cultural institutions and explore how activist artists and institutions around the country are turning up the volume in response. From DC Block parties powered by Go Go beats to hig…

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HATCHED #40 - Leslie Scott & Melanie Greene 48:35

3M ago48:35

48:35

Today we had the pleasure of talking with two artists, Melanie Greene and Leslie Scott, who are both dancers, choreographers, teachers, and most importantly for our conversation today, two of the lead organizers for the International Dance Festival. The festival takes place in New Orleans September 4-7 and you can reserve tickets to their various e…

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140:: How can activist artists & cultural organizers help build the bridges we need to make democracy whole? 17:46

3M ago17:46

17:46

What can a story of the building of a community bridge teach us today as we struggle to find common ground? The answer, of course, is more than you can imagine, and then some. And in this episode of Art is Change, we'll hear the story of just one of the many, many examples we can learn from. Now, in this episode You'll hear How one bold question sp…

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139: What Does it take for a Community of Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers to Become a Real Force For Resistance & Change? 50:01

3M ago50:01

50:01

What does it take for a community of activist artists & cultural organizers to become a real force for resistance & change? And doing that, how do we create communities that can hold both joy and grief and stay resilient in these weird hard times and still fight for justice together? This is Artist Change, a chronicle of art and social change, wher…

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Kazua Melissa Vang circa 2014 17:50

3M ago17:50

17:50

Kazua Melissa Vang is a Hmong-American multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, photographer, and cultural producer based in Minnesota. Her work is deeply rooted in personal narrative, cultural memory, and the desire to amplify underrepresented voices within her community and beyond. A gifted visual storyteller, Vang’s photography has been exhibited at…

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Kristine Sorensen circa 1987 9:37

3M ago9:37

9:37

Kristine Sorensen is one of the founding artists of In Progress. She serves both as the executive director for the organization and is a teaching artist that mentors youth and adults throughout the state of Minnesota. She tells her story of what it means to be an In Progress artist.By in progress

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138: Self-Care: Why it Matters for Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers! 20:45

3M ago20:45

20:45

If you’re a cultural worker navigating the messy, magical middle ground of art and activism, who’s taking care of you? Now, if you’ve been with us over the last two episodes, you’ll know we’ve been tackling what we call the building blocks of effective community arts practice—those foundational elements that help artists not just make meaningful wo…

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Introducing Katrina Stories 2:34

3M ago2:34

2:34

Katrina Stories is a documentary podcast built from first-person accounts recorded after Hurricane Katrina as part Mondo Bizarro's I-10 Witness Project. Each episode weaves together voices that reveal the human impact of the storm—stories of loss, resilience, anger and hope. The series preserves these testimonies as living history, offering listene…

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HATCHED #39 - Millicent Johnnie 1:00:23

4M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Millicent Johnnie is an award winning dancer, choreographer, director, teacher and filmmaker. She's currently in post-production on her most recent film Ma Negresse. For more info about us visit www.mondobizarro.org. Click here to donate to Mondo Bizarro. Our theme music is by Rotary Downs. Here are some related links you may want to check out: Mor…

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Townies with Laura & Derek Meyers, 8-7-25 26:39

4M ago26:39

26:39

Our guests today are Laura and Derek Meyers, owners of Imminent Brewing and dog lovers. They talk with us about the world of beer, dogs at home and at work, travels far and being close to home, and creating a welcoming community space for kind humans and friendly dogs. Plus, the story behind Dragon Squirrel beer.…

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137: Can Artist activists and cultural organizers become trusted community leaders? 23:16

4M ago23:16

23:16

Can an artist lead a community? What does it take for cultural activists to become trusted stewards of change in divisive times? In a world grappling with polarization and rising authoritarianism, the need for compassionate, imaginative leadership has never been more urgent. This episode dives into how artists and cultural workers already operating…

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Dhoua Vue circa 2011 4:07

4M ago4:07

4:07

Dhoua Vue is a young talented storyteller who is dedicated to creating short films about her life and real life situations that affect young people. Dhoua was born into In Progress and is 3rd generation Hmong and 2nd generation filmmaker. She tells her story of what it means to be an In Progress artist.…

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136: What Are Activist Artists & Cultural Organizers Accountable to in Their Work? 31:39

4M ago31:39

31:39

To whom or what are artists and cultural organizers truly accountable—and why does it matter? In an age where creative work increasingly intersects with social change, understanding accountability is crucial for artists striving to make a civic impact. Whether you’re creating in your own community or stepping into unfamiliar territory, this episode…

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135: Jerry Stropnicky: Story, Civic Empathy, & Social Change 47:32

4M ago47:32

47:32

What happens when a theater director steps into a struggling town and ignites transformation through the power of shared stories? In a world where communities face trauma, disconnection, and invisibility, this episode explores how the ancient impulse to gather and perform stories can foster healing, agency, and real-world change. If you’ve ever won…

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Mickies Kiros / circa 2023 4:23

4M ago4:23

4:23

Mickies Kiros is a passionate creative writer and storyteller who is dedicated to capturing his unique perspective on the world through words. Always seeking inspiration in his surroundings, he is actively honing his skills in story and narrative writing. His commitment to developing his craft has led him to attend multiple writing workshops and to…

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134: “How Do Activist Artists and Cultural Organizers Resist: Lessons from the Anti-Authoritarian Frontlines 22:43

4M ago22:43

22:43

What do the arts have to do with resisting authoritarianism? And how do we, as creative community leaders, keep pushing for democracy when the odds feel stacked against us? If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the news, discouraged by political setbacks, or unsure how artists and cultural organizers fit into this urgent fight, you’re not alone. Th…

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133: Can Arts Festivals, Community Theater & Cultural Organizers Save Democracy? 38:11

5M ago38:11

38:11

What happens when community theater, political leadership, and grassroots organizing collide? In today’s polarized climate, building authentic, inclusive community can feel impossible—especially across political, social, and cultural divides. But Kathie deNobriga has been doing exactly that for decades—as an artist, activist, and even as the mayor …

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Townies – Music and Travel w/special guest Krista Middlebrooks 7/3/25 24:38

5M ago24:38

24:38

Krista Middlebrooks loves music and travel. She talked with us about how music opens each of us to our emotions and connects us to community; how the flute chose her; visiting Japan with her daughter as tour guide; and the benefits of traveling outside your comfort zone. Plus: Japanese baseball, and a Moroccan folk song.…

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132: When the Arts Are Under Fire – Navigating Today’s Unfriendly Cultural Climate 19:21

5M ago19:21

19:21

What happens when your art, your activism or your organization’s mission makes you a political target? If you’re an artist, nonprofit leader, cultural organizer, or anyone working at the intersection of creativity and social change, you already know the landscape is shifting—and not in your favor. From sudden grant revocations to legal threats and …

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131: Can Activist Artists Bring DEI Back From the Dead? Part 3 48:31

5M ago48:31

48:31

What if the key to undoing bias and building empathy isn’t just policy or protest—but a complicated art and neuroscience dance that facilitates the rewiring the human brain? In this final chapter of our three-part Breaking Ice series, we move from the stage to the synapse. After witnessing how theater can unearth hidden truths and foster real conve…

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130: Can Theater Artists Bring DEI Back From the Dead? Part 2 46:31

5M ago46:31

46:31

Can a scripted performance shift the way people feel—and act—about race, identity, and inclusion in their workplace? This is Chapter Two of our three-part journey into the world of Breaking Ice, a theater-based DEI program pushing against the mounting tide of resistance and rollback. Building on the emotional groundwork laid in Part 1, we now go de…

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129 : Can Activist Theater Artists Bring DEI Back from the Dead? Part 1 46:11

6M ago46:11

46:11

Can artists revive the powerful, but increasingly vilified, values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in America? As DEI initiatives face growing backlash and politicization, many wonder whether the ideals of inclusion and justice can still thrive. This show originally shared in 2023 is the first episode of a three-part series that invites listene…

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128: Art IS Change: Want Proof That Art Makes Real Change? Start Here 18:37

6M ago18:37

18:37

What if changing a podcast title could spark a deeper, more powerful shift in how we understand the role of artists in shaping society? Not likely, but if you’ve ever felt like your creative work is meaningful but invisible in the fight for justice and transformation, this episode digs deep into how storytelling isn’t just a method—it’s the foundat…

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127: Why Arts Activism & Cultural Organizing are a Pro Democracy Imperative 42:14

6M ago42:14

42:14

How can the transformative power of art and culture serve as the connective tissue in movements for democracy, justice, and deep societal change? In our divided world , building genuine, arts animated cross-sector collaboration is more than a goal—it’s a necessity. This episode dives into how activist artists and cultural organizers can forge meani…

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126: The CETA Arts Revolution Part 2: What Can Today's Activist Artists Learn From It? 33:30

6M ago33:30

33:30

What if the secret to revitalizing today’s creative workforce lies in a forgotten 1970s government program? In a time when society urgently seeks sustainable ways to support artists and strengthen communities, in this episode, the second of two, we revisit the CETA Arts Program—a bold experiment that transformed artists into public servants. You’ll…

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125: THE CETA ARTS REVOLUTION: What Can Today's Activist Artists & Organizers Learn from It? 38:28

6M ago38:28

38:28

Did you know the U.S. once launched a massive jobs program that empowered over 20,000 artists, and creative support staff—and then let it vanish from collective memory? For artists, educators, and community leaders seeking sustainable support for creative work, the forgotten story of the CETA Arts Program offers a powerful historical lesson. In a t…

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124: New Rules: 11 Unlikely Lessons for Activist Artists Navigating MAGA. 22:51

7M ago22:51

22:51

What can we learn from artists who survived the chaos of 1980s prisons—and how can their lessons help us resist authoritarianism today? From the Center for the Study of Art & Community, this is Change the Story / Change the World: A chronicle of art and social change, where artivists share and learn the skills and strategies they need to thrive as …

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HATCHED #38 - James Bartelle & Zarah Spalding 53:31

7M ago53:31

53:31

James Bartelle & Zarah Spalding recently shared their latest theatrical production Flying Dreams: The Ambitious Ascent of Icarus & Daedalus as part of our Mondo Bizarro Presents series in April. James is a multi-disciplinary artist living and working in New Orleans. Through the mediums of visual art, live performance, and theatrical writing, he "sp…

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Townies with Ray Coudret, 5-1-25 25:05

7M ago25:05

25:05

This week’s guest is musician and classroom curriculum specialist Ray Coudret, who talks with us about composing music and composing lessons, instrument as voice, learning as discovery, and Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival. Plus, the story behind the band name Fred the Bear.By KYMN Radio | ArtMakers

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123: How are Artists and Organizers Creating a Better World Together? Reprise 1:00:10

7M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Can the right song, painting, or museum exhibit spark real political change? What if culture is the missing strategy in today’s social movements? From the Center for the Study of Art & Community, this is Change the Story / Change the World: A chronicle of art and social change, where activist artists and cultural organizers share and learn what the…

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122: Change the Story Weather Report: A Neighborhood Cultural Center Navigates the MAGA Storm 24:31

7M ago24:31

24:31

The MAGA storm system continues to exert a profound influence on community members, activist artists and cultural organizers living and working in Minneapolis' Powderhorn Central Community. Bill Cleveland's dialogue with Noel Raymond reveals the complexities of navigating activism amidst the destabilizing forces fast moving Trumpian juggernaut. Ray…

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121: Talking Walls & Dancing Kites*: Powerful Lessons from a Prison Writing Classroom 47:53

7M ago47:53

47:53

What happens when a writer steps into a prison and discovers more than just stories behind bars? In this episode author and educator Jim Reese shares vivid stories and hard lessons from more than a decade working with incarcerated men. In a world obsessed with punishment over understanding, this episode dives deep into the transformative power of w…

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120: Change the Story Good Trouble Weather Report: Massachusetts 14:35

8M ago14:35

14:35

Summary In this Change the Story, Good Trouble “Weather Report” episode, Michael Bobbit, Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, joins host BC to examine the turbulent climate for arts and social change under the Trump regime. From the erosion of DEI policies to looming threats against public arts funding, Bobbit underscores the urgent nee…

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Townies with Dylan Nuebel, 4-3-25 21:43

8M ago21:43

21:43

This week’s guest is Dyaln Nuebel. Dylan is a man about town. He talks about performing in his first Art Makers production Alice’s Wonder, the pleasure of libraries, his favorite places in Northfield, and Northfield’s openness to different kinds of people sharing community together. Plus, a shoutout for singer Justin Roberts.…