Storm Ascher founded Superposition Gallery at just 24 years old with a radical premise: no permanent space, no fixed geography—just bold exhibitions, community-rooted storytelling, and a commitment to artists over real estate. In this episode, Storm joins us to talk about how Superposition became a globally recognized nomadic gallery, why the traditional art world model is broken, and how she’s building something new in its place.

We dive into her experiences navigating the commercial art world, fighting against gentrification, building the Hamptons Black Arts Council, and creating a collector base that’s as diverse and curious as the art itself. She also shares her thoughts on being labeled a “young, Black, Jewish woman curator,” what it really costs to get into major art fairs, and why emotional investment—not financial speculation—should guide art collecting.

We hope this message finds you well. This week, we don’t have a new episode, but we wanted to make sure you didn’t miss out on some of the incredible conversations we’ve had so far. Over the course of 35 episodes, we've had the privilege of engaging in insightful conversations with a diverse array of guests.

To make it easier for you to explore our rich archive, we've organized all our episodes into categories. Whether you're into the business of art, innovative tech, or ambitious creative projects, here’s an easy way to explore our past episodes.👇

(P.S. If you enjoyed last week’s chat with Kathryn Marshall, please check out her GoFundMe for WHITE EYES, a transdisciplinary project bridging ancient Mexican dance rituals, anthropology, and neuroscience through playful choreographic protocols.)

🎨 Artists & Creatives

• Kathryn Marshall, performance artist, storyteller, and movement practitioner, on the Yoga Industrial Complex…

  Kathryn Marshall is a transdisciplinary performance artist whose immersive, often satirical work blends storytelling, movement, and audience…

• Shirin Neshat, Acclaimed Iranian Artist & Filmmaker, on Exile, Gender, and Art’s Role in Political Resistance

  Exploring exile, resistance, and the power of art with one of the world’s most celebrated visual storytellers

• Peter Rostovsky, Artist, Comic Book Creator, Educator & Critic

  Peter Rostovsky talks about fleeing to the US from Russia and finding his way in art, comics, and today's critical landscape

• Alexis Rockman’s 24-foot Epic Works, from Climate Crisis Panoramas to the Future of Humanity

  Alexis Rockman shares his creative process, the logistics of large-scale projects, and the stories behind his visionary works.

• Street artist Fnnch on his iconic honey bears and his solar powered sculpture at Burning Man 2024

  Fnnch explains the evolution of his Burning Man sculptures, culminating in this year's Solar Bridge, a solar powered arch designed to spark…

• Jewel talks about her first visual art exhibition, an immersive 200-drone light show at Crystal Bridges

  Music icon Jewel explains how decades of experience in music has helped her approach new disciplines and create a visual art exhibition that broke…

• Bart Van Peel of Captain Boomer Collective talks about their unprecedented project, The Whale

  Captain Boomer Collective sparks dialogue around the world with their replica whales and captivating performances that cost over $200,000 to create and…

• Jenn & Kevin McCoy on creating the first ever NFT and selling it for $1.4M at Sotheby's

  In this episode of The M.O. Podcast we talk to Jennifer & Kevin McCoy, the artists behind the first-ever NFT, Quantum.

• Enrique Martinez Celaya, acclaimed artist on being the first exiled Cuban at the National Museum in Havana

  Enrique Martinez Celaya, whose work is in over 60 public collections worldwide, shares what it was like to be the first exiled Cuban honored with a solo…

• Shlomi Rabi, founder Greenhouse Auctions (acquired by Artsy)

  Listen now | Shlomi Rabi bootstrapped his startup Greenhouse Auctions all the way to acquisition by Artsy, where he became their global head of auction…

🏛️ Galleries & Art Dealers

• Building a Cultural Hub: Dan McCranie and Ellie Honl Herman's Vision for Cura Contemporary Gallery.

  How Cura Contemporary is transforming Morgan Hill into a vibrant cultural destination through art, community, and fine dining.

• Anat Ebgi on opening her gallery in the 2008 recession, and why a bad market makes for good art

  Anat Ebgi talks about opening her project space, The Company, in fall 2008, which became the Anat Ebgi Gallery with three locations in Los Angeles and…

• Chris Sharp discusses building Chris Sharp Gallery and renowned Mexico City project space Lulu

  Chris Sharp established internationally renowned project space Lulu in the living room of a Mexico City apartment, paving the way to launching one of…

🏛️ Curators, Writers & Historians

• Christian Viveros-Fauné, Curator, Critic, Art Dealer and Author

  Christian reflects on the pervasive issue of self-censorship in today’s art world, and the history and legacy of political art—from Goya to Mexican…

• Justin Jacobs on his new book "Plunder? How Museums Got Their Treasures"

  Justin Jacobs talks about the dominant narratives about today's museums, the historical accuracy, and how unexpected facts are hiding in historical…

🎬 Filmmakers & Producers

• Todd Lubin, President of Boat Rocker Studios Unscripted

  A giant in unscripted television and film, Todd Lubin talks about creating Lip Sync Battle, the Biggest Loser, and the upcoming documentary about the…

• Ondi Timoner, two-time winner of the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize

  Film producer and director Ondi Timoner on the release of DIG XX, putting out three movies in 2024, and how creating a documentary changes you forever.

🎧 Musicians & Composers

• Patrick Kirst & Page Hamilton – Film Composer & Helmet Founder, from Bloody Guitars to Orchestras

  What happens when a classically trained film composer teams up with a metal legend?

• Treavor Moontribe, DJ, producer, co-founder of Desert Dwellers, and founding member of the Moontribe Collective

  From Underground Raves to Global Stages: Treavor Moontribe on DJ Culture, Desert Dwellers, and Staying True to the Music

💻 Art Entrepreneurs & Innovators

• Barry Threw, Executive and Artistic Director of Gray Area Foundation for the Arts

  Barry Threw talks about Gray Area and Pioneering the Intersection of Art, Technology, and Culture

• Fengjiao Peng, webtoon artist and founder of the Shortbread.ai comic book platform

  Fengjiao Peng on revolutionizing comic book creation with AI, and how Shortbread is empowering a whole new generation of comic book artists

• Scott "Sourdough" Power on Graffiti Artists, Building Crewest Studio and NOT REAL ART

  Scott Power shares his journey building platforms to support artists, and what he thinks the fine art world could learn from graffiti artists.

• Jeff Yasuda talks about building music tech companies Blip and Feed, and his new record deal with Color Red

  Jeff Yasuda is a veteran of the music tech world, explaining in this episode the journey that led to founding Blip.fm and Feed.fm, while getting his…

• Jeff Ponchick on building and selling Repost, founding Mogul, and All Things Music Distribution

  Jeff Ponchick talks about building three startups in the music space and the moment when the chip on his shoulder gave way to a higher purpose.

• Yotam Rosenbaum, Y Combinator founder turned VC talks about building and selling Earbits Radio

  Yotam and M.O. host Joey Flores take us behind the scenes of their journey building Earbits, a YC-backed music streaming platform that grew to serve…

• Kendall Warson, co-founder and CEO of Cohart, her social art marketplace, and what collectors really want

  Kendall discusses Cohart's ambitious vision for a social marketplace and how to foster connections between artists and their audiences.

• Alan Snyder, CEO of aShareX on bringing billionaire art investing to the masses and selling the Inversion Art…

  Alan Snyder was responsible for launching the Discover Card. Now he's bringing fractional art investing to the auction world.

📢 Cultural Communication and Advocacy

• Melissa Cowley Wolf on founding the Arts Funders Forum and Executive Coaching for Arts Leaders

  Melissa Cowley Wolf talks about arts funding for museums and non-profits, and what it takes to succeed in today's institutional landscape

• Sara Fitzmaurice on how FITZ & CO. maintains its place as a leading PR firm for the art world

  Sara explains how PR has changed in the modern media landscape, and how FITZ & CO's embracing of new technology has kept them at the top of the game

🎙️ Roundtables & Recaps

• Art, Edgelords, and Elections: Jane Coaston on Masculinity, Meme Coins, and Market Games

  Jane Coaston, host of Crooked Media's "What a Day" podcast, joins us for a discussion on recent headlines and happenings in the art world, politics, and…

• Roundtable Recap of Fnnch, Justin Jacobs, and Sara Fitzmaurice, with guest Rocket Caleshu

  Rocket Caleshu joins us again as we discuss Fnnch's street art, Justin Jacob's contrarian book on antiquities, and Sara Fitzmaurice's flawless approach…

• Roundtable Recap of Jewel, Yotam Rosenbaum, and Jeff Ponchick, with guest Rocket Caleshu

  Rocket Caleshu returns to discuss the visionary way Jewel approaches art, and the dysfunctions in the music world that make Mogul, Repost and Earbits…

• Roundtable Recap of Captain Boomer Collective, Chris Sharp, and Anat Ebgi episodes, with guest Rocket Caleshu

  Rocket Caleshu is back in the studio for a discussion about our recent interviews with Anat Ebgi Gallery, Chris Sharp Gallery, and Captain Boomer…

• Roundtable Recap of Alan Snyder, Kendall Warson, and Jennifer & Kevin McCoy, with guest Rocket Caleshu

  Rocket Caleshu is back in the studio for a discussion about our most recent interviews with Alan Snyder of aShareX, Kendall Warson from Cohart, and…

• Roundtable Preview with Jonathan Neil, Joey Flores and Rocket Caleshu

  Listen now | In this episode, we preview and discuss some of the highlights of our upcoming first two interviews with artist Enrique Martinez Celaya and…

We Want to Hear from You!

Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable to us. Let us know which episodes resonated with you, what topics you'd like us to explore next, or any guests you'd love to hear from. Simply reply to this email.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to bringing you more engaging content in the episodes to come.

-Joey Flores & Jonathan T.D. Neil

Performance artist Kathryn Marshall joins The M.O. Podcast for a wildly entertaining conversation about art, improvisation, and the absurdity of the wellness industry. She shares how a satirical yoga class at the Centre Pompidou spiraled into a two-year accidental career as a fake yoga guru, complete with devoted followers. We also dive into the corporate wellness complex, why humor is a powerful artistic tool, and how performance art challenges the way we experience reality.

Other highlights include:

• Teaching yoga to corporate employees on top of a Parisian skyscraper

• How the commodification of spirituality turns self-care into a performance

• The blurred line between art, reality, and scam culture

Kathryn’s work is thought-provoking, hilarious, and often blurs the line between performance and social experiment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in art, deception, and the strange ways we create meaning.

In this compelling episode of The MO Podcast, we sit down with the legendary Shirin Neshat, an Iranian-born artist and filmmaker whose work has captivated audiences around the world. Known for her haunting black-and-white photography, deeply political video installations, and critically acclaimed films, Neshat has spent decades exploring themes of exile, gender, repression, and resistance.

Our conversation delves into her latest feature film, Land of Dreams, an exploration of American identity, surveillance, and the universality of fear through the lens of an Iranian immigrant. She discusses how dreams—both literal and metaphorical—serve as a space where political anxieties, displacement, and subconscious truths emerge. We also examine the recurring imagery in her work, from desolate landscapes to the circle as a motif, and how these visual elements carry deeper cultural and emotional significance.

Neshat reflects on her evolving relationship with the United States, revealing how working on Land of Dreams changed her perspective on belonging, leading her to feel more affinity with marginalized American communities than with the Iranian diaspora. She draws striking parallels between growing authoritarian tendencies in the U.S. and the oppressive surveillance structures of Iran, highlighting how immigrants and minorities live in a constant state of fear—something she has long examined in her art.

We also discuss the power of the image in a world oversaturated with visual media. Neshat offers insights into why certain images have the ability to haunt us, how she crafts her striking visual language, and the balance between the political and the poetic in her work. She speaks candidly about the emotional weight of creating art, the struggle of self-doubt, and the painstaking process of refining a piece until it achieves maximum impact.

Other key topics include:

• The role of women in her work, and how American feminism compares to the struggles of Iranian women

• Her connection to Frida Kahlo, and why she would steal one of her paintings if she could

• The importance of satire in dark times, and her obsession with Saturday Night Live

• Why she believes America is shifting toward a corporate-driven surveillance state, as foreshadowed in Land of Dreams

• The filmmaking industry’s systemic bias against political films, and why groundbreaking documentaries struggle for visibility

Through it all, Neshat reveals a deeply personal side—her anxieties, fears, and artistic obsessions—while offering sharp political and cultural critique. Whether you’re an artist, a cinephile, or someone trying to make sense of an increasingly chaotic world, this episode is not to be missed.

In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, we sit down with Patrick Kirst and Page Hamilton.

Patrick Kirst is an acclaimed film composer with over 120 credits, best known for scoring The Kissing Booth trilogy, critically acclaimed documentaries, and independent films. In addition to his work in Hollywood, Patrick is a professor at USC’s prestigious Screen Scoring Program, where he trains the next generation of film composers.

Joining him is Page Hamilton, a legendary guitarist, vocalist, and founder of Helmet, the band that redefined alternative metal in the early ‘90s with its groundbreaking precision and heaviness. With a career spanning decades, Page has also played lead guitar for David Bowie and contributed music to major films and TV shows. Over the years, he has transitioned into film scoring, bringing his signature raw energy and texture into a completely different creative arena.

Together, they have composed scores for projects like the Netflix thriller Woman of the Dead and the crime drama Inherit the Viper, seamlessly blending orchestral richness with distorted, visceral soundscapes. In this conversation, we explore:

• The challenges of integrating heavy guitars into cinematic scores without overwhelming the storytelling

• Page’s ventures into film scoring and what surprised him most about the process

• Patrick’s experience scoring everything from romantic comedies to dark thrillers and how working with Page expanded his sound

• What it’s like composing for directors who request constant changes—and how they navigate creative differences

• Behind-the-scenes stories from working with Hollywood studios, independent filmmakers, and legendary musicians

This episode is a deep dive into the creative process of two musicians from vastly different backgrounds who found a way to complement and challenge each other in unexpected ways. Whether you're a film buff, a music fan, or someone curious about the art of scoring, this conversation will take you behind the curtain of one of the most fascinating parts of filmmaking.

From throwing secret desert raves in the ‘90s to touring the world with Desert Dwellers, Treavor Moontribe has lived and shaped the evolution of underground electronic music. As a co-founder of Moontribe Collective, he helped build one of the longest-running and most respected underground music communities in the world. As a producer and DJ, he’s played everywhere from legendary transformational festivals to sold-out tours with Shpongle, fusing deep bass and global soundscapes into a genre of his own.

But in an industry where gimmicks and lowest-common-denominator music are taking over, how does an artist stay true to their sound? In this episode, Treavor gets brutally honest about the state of electronic music, why he’s finally releasing a solo album that no one expects, and the struggle to stay relevant in an era where Spotify algorithms matter more than artistry. Plus, we talk about the madness of touring, the fine line between collaboration and creative conflict, and whether he’s actually considering DJing in a half-horse, half-chicken mask just to see what happens.

In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, we dive deep into the multifaceted world of Peter Rostovsky—Russian-born artist, comic book creator, writer, and educator whose work spans painting, sculpture, digital art, fiction, and comics. Peter shares his unique journey from emigrating as a political refugee from the Soviet Union to becoming an influential voice in both the fine art and comic worlds.

Peter reflects on his early love for comics, revealing how they were not just entertainment but a lifeline that helped him learn English and navigate life in a new country. He discusses the delicate balancing act of merging political critique with artistic expression, especially through his recent graphic novel Damnation Diaries, a darkly humorous exploration of sin, morality, and modern life.

Listeners will hear Peter's candid thoughts on the evolving role of art in society—from the sanctity of museums as cultural commons to the unexpected avant-garde nature of mainstream 80s comics. He draws connections between painting and comics, revealing how the former offers mood and ambiguity, while the latter provides narrative precision without slipping into propaganda.

We explore Peter's perspective on the power of human stories in an increasingly digital age, his skepticism about AI's ability to capture the frailty and triumphs of real people, and his passionate belief that innovation thrives in the tension between high art and popular culture.

Whether you're an artist, a comic book enthusiast, or someone navigating the cultural landscape of today, this conversation offers rich insights into the intersections of art, politics, and personal storytelling.

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts—what resonated, what you'd like more of, and who you’d love to see featured on future episodes!

In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, we sit down with renowned art critic, curator, and author Christian Viveros-Fauné for a thought-provoking conversation that navigates the intersections of art, politics, and identity. From his early days as a gallery founder at Roebling Hall to his current role as Curator-at-Large at the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum, Christian shares candid insights into his curatorial philosophy, the challenges of tackling controversial topics, and the evolving role of art in a polarized world.

We dive deep into Christian's recent exhibition The X Factor: Latinx Artists and the Reconquest of the Everyday, exploring the fraught nature of the term “Latinx,” the cultural politics surrounding it, and how artists are redefining everyday experiences through their work. Christian also reflects on the pervasive issue of self-censorship in today’s art world, the history and legacy of political art—from Goya to Mexican muralism—and how tough times often spark profound artistic innovation.

This episode offers a compelling discussion about the nuances of form and content, the challenges of balancing institutional support with creative freedom, and the responsibility of artists and critics alike in politically charged climates. Whether you're an artist, curator, or art enthusiast, this conversation will leave you rethinking the power of art to shape, challenge, and reflect society.

Stick around for rapid-fire questions, where Christian reveals what he'd do with $10 million, his dream art heist target, and the contemporary initiatives he's most excited about.

What do you think? Let us know what you’d like more or less of, and who you’d love to see us interview next!

In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, we dive into the transformative work of Barry Threw, creative technologist, curator, and cultural producer. From pioneering architectural projection mapping with Obscura Digital to reimagining the role of art and technology at Gray Area Foundation for the Arts, Barry shares his journey of connecting artists, technologists, and communities to tackle real-world challenges.

We explore how immersive art can inspire collective transformation, the untapped potential of technology in policymaking, and the evolving counterculture of the 21st century. Barry also reflects on early experiments with AI, the role of blockchain in the art world, and the future of socially conscious innovation.

What does a technically literate counterculture look like? Tune in to hear Barry’s vision for art as a tool to widen our perspective and create meaningful change.

We want to hear from you! Let us know what you’d like more (or less) of in future episodes, and share your guest suggestions.

In this episode, we delve into the innovative world of comic creation with Fengjiao Peng, founder and chief engineer of Shortbread.ai. With a background that spans MIT Media Lab and leading roles at Adobe and Vimeo, Fengjiao brings unique expertise to her mission of transforming the comic book industry through AI.

Discover how Shortbread.ai empowers artists and writers to create comics up to ten times faster without sacrificing quality. We explore the platform's groundbreaking tools, from AI-generated characters to streamlined production pipelines, and discuss its potential to democratize storytelling by enabling bedroom creators to rival big studios.

Fengjiao also shares insights into creating compelling stories, the challenges of traditional comic production, and how her platform bridges the gap between creators and audiences. You'll learn actionable tips for crafting engaging comic plots, understanding the market landscape, and leveraging AI to bring your vision to life.

Tune in to hear how this Y Combinator-backed entrepreneur is reshaping the future of visual storytelling and making the dream of comic creation more accessible than ever.

In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, we sit down with Todd Lubin, President of Boat Rocker Studios Unscripted and a titan of the reality and documentary world. From co-founding Matador Content to producing Emmy-winning projects like Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry and Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields, Todd has shaped some of the most impactful unscripted television of the past decade.

Join us as we uncover:

• The Passion Behind Creativity: Todd shares his early career struggles, including living out of his car while making the groundbreaking documentary Year of the Bull. Learn why passion and single-minded focus are essential for success in creative industries.

• The Untold Story of Adidas vs. Puma: Discover the fascinating sibling rivalry that birthed two of the world’s biggest sports brands, the espionage that fueled their competition, and the upcoming Disney+ series Todd is producing on this legendary feud.

• The Rise of Mr. Beast and Digital Disruption: Todd explains how creators like Mr. Beast are rewriting the rules of entertainment, bypassing traditional media to create massive-scale productions on their own terms.

• The Future of AI in Storytelling: Hear how AI is poised to revolutionize unscripted content, from pitch decks to historical documentaries, and why traditional media is both cautious and intrigued.

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a pop culture fanatic, or curious about the inner workings of reality TV and the future of entertainment, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Tune in now to get inspired and learn how vision, innovation, and resilience drive success in today’s media landscape!

When we founded Inversion Art, our vision was to create a new kind of art business that would use the dynamics of the art market to invest in and support the practices of ambitious, talented artists, whether they were emerging or mid-career.

As near-term market conditions shifted, our studio management model became increasingly challenged, and we decided that the best path forward for our investors was to allocate their funds toward further art investments rather than our own operational aspirations.

Earlier this year, we made a modest investment in a collection of art by the artists we worked with. This collection was sold through aShareX, a platform that offers fractionalized bidding on high value assets. Last month, we allocated the remainder of Inversion Art's funds toward the purchase of a much larger position in that collection. Those shares are now in the hands of our investors, whom we expect will enjoy great returns as the careers of these artists continue to develop.

Given the fundraising challenges in the current market, and after completing this sizable investment, we made the decision to wind down Inversion Art.

Our commitment to artists and to championing bold ideas lives on, however, through The M.O. Podcast, which Jonathan and I will continue as a labor of love.

As we reflect on this chapter, we are deeply proud of what we accomplished together:

• Guiding the careers of eight incredible artists.

• Driving a $146,000 sale for six of our artists in a very tough market.

• Providing critical support for major exhibitions with the August Wilson Center, the Institute of Arts and Sciences at UC Santa Cruz, Candice Madey, and House of Sound.

• Hosting a unique group exhibition at Maison Lune in Venice, California.

• Launching The M.O. Podcast, which has already featured interviews with pop icon Jewel, gallerists Chris Sharp and Anat Ebgi, and many others.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our investors, advisors, artists, and community members. Your belief in our vision, your guidance, and your encouragement have been invaluable to us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We are proud of the artists and the work we and our investors and advisors did to support their incredible careers.

We look forward to staying connected through The M.O. Podcast and whatever new ventures lie ahead. Thank you again, and please be in touch.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Joey Flores & Jonathan T.D. Neil

Founders, Inversion Art

In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, we sit down with extraordinary documentarian Ondi Timoner, the only filmmaker to win the Sundance Grand Jury Prize twice. Ondi takes us on a deep dive into her prolific career, discussing the creative processes and personal journeys behind her most impactful films, including the upcoming DIG XX, the extended cut of her legendary documentary DIG!. We explore the emotional depth of Last Flight Home, Ondi’s intimate film about her father’s final days, as well as her groundbreaking works like We Live in Public and All God’s Children, which tackle themes of love, connection, and the human spirit.

Ondi also opens up about the challenges of documentary filmmaking, the transformative power of storytelling, and what it’s like to immerse herself so deeply in the worlds she documents. This episode is filled with inspiring insights and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most fearless voices in film today.

As we approach the holiday season, we’ll be taking a short hiatus until the new year. Our next episode will launch on January 7th, and we’re already planning some incredible interviews for 2025.

We’d love your input! If there’s someone you’d like to see featured on the podcast, email us at joey@inversionart.com. We’re also interested in hearing from individuals who are currently trying to achieve something big and ambitious in the art world. If that’s you or someone you know, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to share your story.

Until then, thank you for listening, and we’ll see you in 2025!

In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, Joey Flores and Jonathan T.D. Neil sit down with Scott "Sourdough" Power, a creative visionary and co-founder of Crewest Studio and Not Real Art. Scott shares his unique journey from building a cabin in the Arctic to creating platforms that celebrate and empower artists. Listeners will learn about the pivotal moments that shaped Scott’s philosophy of treating his life as his masterpiece and his mission to democratize art through storytelling and media.

Scott dives into the untold stories of graffiti and street art, reflecting on its raw courage and cultural significance while addressing the challenges artists face in navigating traditional art world structures. He also unpacks the unspoken rules of graffiti culture and what the broader art world could learn from its fearless approach.

This episode is packed with insights for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs alike, as Scott discusses:

• The importance of defining your "why" as an artist.

• Lessons the traditional art world can take from graffiti and street art.

• How to find the courage to live a creative and adventurous life.

• Why storytelling is essential for artists and how to overcome the challenges of self-promotion.

Whether you're an artist looking for inspiration, a creative seeking new perspectives, or just someone curious about the intersection of art, culture, and entrepreneurship, this episode offers plenty to think about.

Tune in to hear Scott's inspiring story and learn how to embrace creativity, not just in your work, but in your life as a whole.

Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify | Watch on Youtube

In this inspiring episode of The M.O. Podcast, hosts Joey Flores and Jonathan Neil sit down with Dan McCranie and Ellie Honl Herman, the driving forces behind Cura Contemporary, a groundbreaking art and hospitality project in Morgan Hill, California. Cura isn’t just a gallery; it’s a cultural destination merging fine art, dining, and community engagement in a beautifully redesigned historical space.

Dan McCranie, a former tech industry leader turned cultural pioneer, shares how his experiences founding Ladera Grill and Colibri Gallery laid the groundwork for Cura. He reflects on lessons learned from transitioning Morgan Hill into a fine dining destination and his ambitions to do the same for its arts scene. Ellie, an accomplished printmaker with a background in academia and gallery management, recounts her journey from Midwest art spaces to leading Cura's curation and community engagement efforts.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• The evolution of Colibri Gallery and how its successes and challenges informed Cura’s vision.

• Cura’s innovative approach to blending art exhibitions, workshops, and fine dining into a single immersive experience.

• How Dan and Ellie envision transforming Morgan Hill into a regional arts destination, complete with artist residencies and expanded gallery spaces.

• Ellie’s passion for creating welcoming, family-friendly spaces that demystify the gallery experience and invite community participation.

• The dynamic interplay between fine dining and art as a model for sustainable cultural development.

The episode also dives into the Bay Area art scene, the importance of fostering artist connections across regions, and how Cura’s inaugural exhibition—featuring over 40 artists—set the stage for a thriving future. Whether you’re an artist, gallery owner, or cultural enthusiast, this conversation offers a wealth of inspiration and practical insights.

Don’t miss this fascinating exploration of how thoughtful planning and bold vision can redefine the role of art in a community.

In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of renowned artist Alexis Rockman, whose epic, large-scale paintings explore the intersection of humanity, nature, and time. Rockman takes us through his creative process, sharing how his research-driven approach and groundbreaking techniques allow him to depict everything from the climate crisis to imagined futures.

We discuss his monumental works like Oceanus, an 8-by-24-foot masterpiece created for the Mystic Seaport Museum, and Journey to Nature’s Underworld, his collaborative project with Mark Dion. Alexis also opens up about how he secures major commissions, including his upcoming Earth Day 2025 poster, and reflects on the role of scale, history, and activism in his work.

From the challenges of painting panoramic scenes to philosophical debates about the human impact on the planet, this episode is a deep dive into the mind of an artist who blends science, imagination, and passion to produce awe-inspiring works. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, environmental advocate, or just curious about the logistics of creating massive art, this episode offers something for everyone.

In this special roundtable edition of The M.O. Podcast, co-hosts Joey Flores and Jonathan Neil are joined by journalist and cultural critic Jane Coaston to explore four provocative articles that span the realms of art, technology, politics, and digital culture. The trio dives deep into the shifting role of content creation in contemporary art through the lens of Joshua Citarella and Brad Troemel's practices, the ethical and market implications of a meme coin linked to Maurizio Cattelan’s duct-taped banana artwork, and the impact of a Sotheby’s insider. They also unpack the gendering and anthropomorphization of AI in the art world with a million-dollar AI-created portrait of Alan Turing, and reflect on the cultural significance of Staten Island's Wu-Tang Clan District street signs being replicated and sold. This conversation unravels the intersections of commodification, irony, authenticity, and performative masculinity, inviting listeners to reflect on art's complex role in an era of digital excess and market spectacle.

In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, we’re joined by Melissa Cowley Wolf, founder of the Arts Funders Forum and a visionary in arts philanthropy and cultural leadership. Melissa shares her journey building the Arts Funders Forum, a platform dedicated to reshaping the future of arts funding and fostering stronger ties between art, philanthropy, and society. She delves into her innovative executive coaching program, which focuses on wellness and somatic practices tailored for museum and arts organization leaders, CEOs, and CDOs. Through this unique approach, Melissa is helping arts leaders develop more sustainable, people-centered strategies that prioritize both organizational growth and individual well-being.

We discuss the evolving role of philanthropy in the arts, how wellness practices can transform leadership, and her thoughts on the critical intersections of art, policy, and public engagement. Melissa offers insight into what it takes to drive lasting impact in the cultural sector and inspire the next generation of arts funders and advocates. Tune in for a compelling conversation that highlights the transformative power of thoughtful, strategic support in the arts world.

In this episode of The M.O. Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Yasuda, a visionary in the music tech world and a multifaceted talent bridging entrepreneurship and artistry. Jeff takes us through his journey founding Blip.fm, a pioneering social music platform, and Feed.fm, the innovative music-as-a-service company that powers brand experiences with expertly curated soundtracks. We dive into how Jeff's companies have changed how music is shared and monetized in a digital era, helping brands connect with audiences through the universal language of music.

Beyond his tech ventures, Jeff shares the story of his personal musical project, Fuzz Collective, and his recent record deal with Color Red, a label known for championing eclectic and soulful music. With Fuzz Collective, Jeff blends his passion for music creation with his tech-savvy expertise, bringing a unique perspective on what it means to be both a founder and an artist. Tune in for a rich discussion that spans the intersection of music, tech, and creativity, as Jeff reveals the challenges and triumphs of building a career that defies the conventional boundaries of the music industry.

In this Roundtable Recap on The M.O. Podcast, hosts Jonathan Neil and Joey Flores are joined by Rocket Caleshu to break down insights from three standout interviews with street artist Fnnch, historian Justin Jacobs, and art-world PR leader Sara Fitzmaurice. We explore Fnnch’s creative process, from his iconic honey bears to his large-scale Burning Man projects, including his recent Solar Bridge installation—an ambitious undertaking that fuses art and sustainability in the Nevada desert. Justin Jacobs brings a fresh lens to cultural heritage with his book, Plunder? How Museums Got Their Treasures, which has sparked debate around how—and why—antiquities end up in Western institutions. We dig into his arguments, sparking a lively conversation about historical context and cultural continuity that will make you think twice about the origins of museum pieces.

Then we turn to Sara Fitzmaurice, the powerhouse behind FITZ & CO., who shares insights on the role of public relations in shaping the careers of top artists and galleries. With decades of experience in PR, Sara discusses her vision for FITZ & CO. and how she has helped elevate the visibility of leading artists, exhibitions, and institutions in the global art scene.

Tune in for an episode that blends creativity, culture, and conversation, offering a closer look at these remarkable figures and the ideas shaping today’s art world. And don’t forget—let us know what you think! We'd love to hear who you'd like to see on the podcast or any topics you’d like us to explore in depth.