Does everyone have a creative spirit?
Siobhan Spain, former director of Mainframe Studios, joins us to talk about the Des Moines StArtist Community and the origin stories of the largest non-profit studio building in the nation. We also discuss how to brew culture from within, First Fridays, exploring new technologies, monthly web3dsm events, artificial intelligence, artists in residencies, and the diffusing value of your brain on art.
Time travel with Jon Woodard! Founded in 1987, Wolfram Research is one of the world’s most respected computer, web, and cloud software companies, as well as, a powerhouse of scientific, mathematical, and technical innovation. Bask in the nerdy of this discussion on web3, blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, and artificial intelligence.
Jon started his work with Wolfram Alpha, helped establish Wolfram Blockchain Labs, and with new Wolfram integrations with Open AI, is now helping to active statistical, conversational AI into everything. He is also a generous Techstars mentor and is excited to continue supporting more innovators building tomorrow’s technology, today.
Debi Durham is the Director and Anna Lensing is the Innovation Team Project Manager for the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. This government organization provides remarkable programs brewed to support business and innovation throughout Iowa. Tune in to hear us talk about the state of innovation in Iowa, ecosystem mapping, EntreFEST, non-dilutive financial capital for business owners, creative business succession planning, the legacy of John Pappajohn, tech-focused policy work, and what’s next for students, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and community builders statewide!
Welcome to my new weekly podcast, inspired by stories brewed from within. To celebrate the launch of You Don’t Need This Podcast, listen as I articulate a caffeinated manifesto for this podcast, introduce our friendly co-host (BEN BOT) and invite you to join in on the fun every Wednesday morning. Cheers!
The change of seasons is revitalizing. The renewal felt in Spring, the fun of Summer, the release of Fall, the refreshment of Winter, and endless surprises to keep us bewildered. What if seasons apply to our work as well?
With less finality, thinking of projects, experiments, side hustles, or startup ventures more like a season of creativity, reduces the weight of a new initiative. It helps keep our diversified portfolios growing, fresh, and connected. It offers a fresh spin on what’s already been accomplished, with room to learn along the way.
As we bask in the crisp glow of a new season, milestones help track progress, while an uncharted mentality and being open to next keeps valiant optimism flowing. If an initiative connects to the right people who care, the season can be extended. A seasonal effort can also be cut short if things don’t go as planned.
Extra Shot
Seasons change, but never lack significance.
What has me sensing seasonality?
I am hosting a new weekly podcast!
More details are brewing, but it’s been helpful to consider You Don’t Need This Podcast as the latest season of my art. We are sequencing toward launch and producing enough remarkable episodes to give listeners something to sip on long-term. While there’s always a healthy amount of stress whenever you’re working to ship something you’re proud of, I’ve enjoyed dancing with this new piece of my own puzzle, without the weight of forever.
This has been nourishing, knowing that quality takes time and consistency requires sacrifice, but seasons always change. The beauty is that even if a surge of creativity is held in abeyance, seasonality makes something you spent time with, more natural to keep building in the future.