Kites and Strings

This episode feature a lovely chat with United Kingdom-based musician, guitar builder and Godfather of the cigar box guitar, Chickenbone John.  He brings an amazing amount of passion to his art, but where others may manifest their passion in details, finish and being technically spot on, John's passion is seen in the multiple ways that he makes music accessible to others (players and guitar builders).  In short, John is in full support of and prefers your learning three chords and letting the music come from the heart, rather than engaging in flashy, technically-perfect runs up and down the fretboard.  Similarly, no need for high polish and fine woodworking when you join the cast of thousands who have entered one of his guitar making workshops. It's totally DIY baby!

He's also made so many guitars himself, and of course they are beautiful instruments with style and functionality, which is what prompted show host, Steve, to make sure one was on his list for Christmas this year, and we are making sure to air this show in time for folks to maybe consider putting a very cool stomp box, a six-string cigar box guitar, and/or one of his most popular three-stringers, in a loved one's hands this holiday season.  Even those who are brand new will be able to learn the very easy open-string tuning approach to learning a whole host of holiday tunes.  Rest assured, John has ample tutorial videos  for one to soak in all that is needed to build and play cigar box guitars.

Chickenbone John's Website:  https://www.chickenbonejohn.com/
Chickenbone John's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@ChickenboneJohn/videos

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and Strings' theme music is by Harrison Amer, and in this episode,  we featured several musicians playing the cigar box guitar which were found on YouTube playing songs that are in the public domain (see links below).  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

In the Pines:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llIq2WtOJ58
(performed by Jos Maesen)
St. Louis Blues:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKsZR086VTk
(performed by Red Dog Guitars)
House of the Rising Sun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S--9ru6wlo
(performed by Nando Mason)
John Henry:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOUdAnM-_y0
(performed by Julien D) 

This episode of Kites and String's was produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.  

Today, we chat with Ben Coe.  Impressively, he's a physicist who has worked with lasers and a huge super collider, where he smashes ions together, and  here we explore his tendency to see things in life as largely upgradeable. If something can be improved, made different, better, more consistent with his needs, whatever, he'll figure out a way to make it happen.

We specifically explore another if his life interests, that of being a musician, paying attention to how he's managed his evolving musical tastes. Essentially, he was a heavy rock and thrash metal dude who played electric guitar, loves to solo and who had an aptitude in and desire for messing with electrical currents to create new effects pedals for his guitars. Later, he fell into electronic music and found a way to make music using his talent and skills managing midi controllers and other computery elements. Later he found that get the same buzz he gets while playing electric guitar, something had to change. Enter the Keylluitine, and instrument that Ben invented. Yes, invented.

The Keylluitine is now in it's third incarnation and is, to say the least, impressive.  We discuss the evolution of the Keylluitine and the the creative process that Ben engages as he has improved the instrument over the last few years.  We're also lucky enough to hear a few samples of the Keylluitine. Pay attention to the second half of the episode.

To see Ben playing the Keylluitine, check out Ben's YouTube Channel: @BenCoeMusic https://www.youtube.com/c/BenCoeMusic/videos

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

This episode of Kites and String's was produced by Catherine Chinnock and  it was edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.  

Kites and Strings' theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com , and in this episode, Ben Coe's music is also featured.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

In this episode we talk with June Gervais, an author who makes her home on Long Island and who, as we learned in talking with her after the episode, was familiar with Kites and Strings and had listened to a number of episodes prior to our having any contact.  It also turns out before we were turned onto June, she was mentored by our S2 E22 guest and author, Alice Mattison, and after numerous pieces of her work being published in countless publications, June has recently released her debut novel, Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair.  Catherine and I both heap high praise on the book, but before we finished our respective reading, we sat down with June for this episode.

In short, this episode was a Joy!  We had such a good time talking with June and learned so much about her avid reading as a child, her start as a writer and her process, and what was so fun in this episode were the exchanges and comparisons we had around writing and providing therapy. 

Get a copy of her book and turn the pages, or listen on whatever platform you use, but rest assured you will love the story and the characters.  Feel free to check out June's website and you will find many favorable reviews from a whole host of critics, and still more from fellow authors who recognize an excellent storyteller when they see one.
https://www.junegervais.com/

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

This episode of Kites and String's was produced by Catherine Chinnock and  it was edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.  

Kites and Strings' theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Today's episode is with an old friend, Gregg Calpino.  In fact, earlier in the season when Catherine and I talked about the types of artists we wanted to get on the show in season 3, a landscape architect came up. A bit after that conversations, while actually editing the aforementioned episode, I was reminded that I know somebody who is one of the tops in that field.  Needless to say, it became a fairly easy box to check off as Gregg was very gracious with his time.  In addition, it was quite easy too because it was such a pleasant, informative episode.  I am confident that most people listening to this episodes will realize that the scope of a landscape architect's job goes well beyond what they imagined.

Gregg's page on the Smith Group website
https://www.smithgroup.com/people/gregg-calpino

Detroit's Riverwalk: https://www.smithgroup.com/projects/detroit-riverwalk
Chicago South Lakefront:  https://www.smithgroup.com/projects/chicago-south-lakefront-framework-plan
Hamilton County Coroner's Lab: https://www.smithgroup.com/projects/hamilton-county-coroners-office-and-crime-lab
Marquette Plan & Portage Lakefront: https://www.smithgroup.com/projects/marquette-plan-and-portage-lakefront-park
Carmel, Indiana: https://www.carmel.in.gov/

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by me, Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.  Our theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Today's episode features Shea Boynton, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for the Denver, Colorado-based country band, The Barlow, who released their third album, New Year, Old Me,  earlier this year.  In this episode we talk about how he balances his kids/wife, family, and his job in construction with his band,  band life, touring, writing,  fixing gear and fixing the band van.

We learn a bit about Denver and Colorado, what it means to be country band there, as opposed to being a country band in say, Nashville or Texas, and we'll discuss his songwriting practice and a sense of responsibility toward keeping people on the dancefloor.  We're also luck enough to be able to sample some of The Barlow's music in the episode alone with the string grabbing and kite flying of one Shea Boynton. 


The Barlow's Website:    https://www.thebarlowband.com/
The Barlow on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/thebarlowband
The Barlow's Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/thebarlowband
The Barlow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RKw8LDet5R7MFkN4OWtR5?si=yWZ6k8bsTTaqrp9uHL1TyA

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum and Catherine Chinnock.  Our theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com , but this episode features the music of Shea Boynton and The Barlow. Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

In the spirit of Halloween, we bring another episode that explores taking on the persona of another being through dress-up. This week has more a fantasy vibe and features professional mermaid and storybook princess, Daniella Tiranno. She is co-founder/ and owner of Magical Aura Entertainment on New York's Long Island.  For her company, she also plays storybook princess characters and Marina the mermaid.

In this episode we learn of how Daniella saw mermaiding as an escape from a career in social work. However, don't fret as she did come back to it, sort-of.  We explore how her current work as a child therapist is really a "side-hustle" for the totally fun mermaid and storybook princess gig.  Listeners will get a sense of what it takes to build a character, you'll learn about some of the cool things that Magical Aura Entertainment is doing, and you'll learn about the preferred professional mermaid tail, not that Daniella's isn't real.

Website:  https://www.magicalauraent.com/
Instagram @magicalauraent
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/magicalauraent

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum and Catherine Chinnock at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.  Our theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

In the spirit of Halloween, we're interviewing the haunted house actor,  Rick Basmagy, an actor with the premier NYC haunted house, Blood Manor.  Just looking at the image selected for this episode, you'll see that the Halloweening that Rick engages in is not child's play. We added a link to an article about Rick and a colleague below and by following that link, you'll see many more frightening images.

In this episode we learn of his unlikely path to haunted house actor, we learn some of of the pitfalls, and a bunch of valuable, behind-the-scene information about costume cleanliness, the user experience and finding inspirations for your next costume.  Oh, and there's a healthy shout out to cos-players who seem to have mastered some of these principles.

Blood Manor
https://www.bloodmanor.com/
An article featuring Rick and his work at Blood Manor (with some great pics)
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60f85fdfd190c33556c5e84c/t/610862f11c6a61146c6df4ef/1627939570429/press_mag.pdf

The Haunting on Virginia Avenue
https://www.thehauntingonvirginiaavenue.com/
The Haunting in Virginia Avenue - Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075603590570
Statesville Haunted Prison
https://hauntedprison.com/

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.  Our theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative

In this episode we meet Molly Van Kley, a photographer who is currently located in Augusta Georgia.  Her initial dream and career protectory was in fashion editorial photography, and she found success having been published in over 20 magazines. In that process she developed mad collaboration skills  as she connected with other up-and-coming artists, including make-up artists, models, hair stylist and others who were looking to build their own portfolios. 

We learn that even though she has settled down and is figuring out the young mom thing with a toddler and twins, she aspires to do more in fashion editorial work.  We also learn that she has adapted and has brought her portfolio and her skills and experience to her current clientele, made up of corporate customers,. and most-explored in this episode, fabulous high-school seniors looking for an amazing  portrait experience.  As you might have guessed, these are not your typical high-school portraits. Molly goes all out with her seniors providing them with an extensive five-hour photo-shoot experience with professional make-up, wardrobe, hair styling and extended sessions which are informed by mood-boards born our of intense pre-shoot collaborations between Molly and her high-school senior model.

In addition to learning about light, shadows, the best way to take a selfie and branding one's work, we learn about Molly's creative process and the way her drive and experience as a fashion photographer has pushed her to fulfilling work away from the fashion scene and runways in Augusta, Georgia, a full two hours outside of Atlanta.

We think you will enjoy this way-fun episode of Kites and Strings.  Have fun.

Molly's website:   https://www.mvkphoto.com/
Facebook - @MVKPhotography - https://www.facebook.com/MVKPhotography
Pinterest - @mvkphoto  https://www.pinterest.com/mvkphoto/
Instagram - @mvk_photo

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative

Today's episode features two fine music educators, Tim Placher, who just retired from the Plainfield School District in Plainfield Illinois and Rob Calhoon, a long-time music educator at  the Flossmoor School District about 45 miles east of Plainfield.   Tim and rob are fine teachers and have  positively impacted a countless number of students over the years, but we brought these fine human beings to the show also because  of the amazing stuff they do with their talents outside of the school setting, whether it be event planning and musican wrangling or directing a vibrant church music program or raising funds so that disadvantaged people have the same access to music resources as those that live in more privileged communities.

We have a great talk about what has motivated them, about their teaching philosophies and approaches, and we learn about their approaches to the student who is lacking in the talent category, but are totally in love with the process,

We hope you enjoy this episode of Kites and Strings and the string grabbing and kite flying of two usic eduactors who also  find time to satisfy their own

Robs, Non-profit
https://ilcmc.org/about-us/

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative

In this episode, Steve and Catherine talk with Nashville-based musician, Phoebe Hunt, who Steve met at the artist's hospitality tent at the Frankfort Bluegrass Fest in Frankfort Illinois.  Truth be told, Steve and his band, Butterfield Creek, were there because there was a cancellation, they're kind-of local, and Steve could pull the band together within 24 hours. They found that they could hang ok, but a quick search and listen to Phoebe on all the social media and music-source sites, will tell even the most casual listener that Phoebe can more than just hang in that setting with world-renowned musicians. 

We dig deep into multiple ideas in this episode, exploring the difference between fiddle and violin, flow state,  the totally-creative and amazing adaption on the part of Phoebe as a result of COVID, and how creating/sustaining a business is just as creative as art or music-making.  Phoebe shares about how she has collaborated to write songs and about other her side-projects that are amazing in their goal and mission aimed directly at the task of helping everybody bring music into their life.   

Phoebe's website - https://phoebehuntmusic.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/phoebehuntmusic/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Phoebe_Hunt
YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSgKSBzo1-H39tdqR-ZH0qg
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1wE9ZF6TT2O3XyYTmPLQ5x


Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Today's episode features a discussion with Steve's daughter's 3rd grade teacher, Liz Smith, but it has nothing to do with his daughter, their experience in school, or really even Liz's experience as a teacher.  It is much more about Liz's transition and re-invention when she realized that her role in education did not bring the joy that it once did. 

She shares her passion for people, connection and her community, and about how these factors and values motivate her.  Her history of taking small steps outside of the norm and being her own person from tattoos, to hair styles to new piercings is explored and we recognize how her passions and intuition pushed her through the difficult  chapter of  relinquishing job security and "throwing her degrees away" in order to do what feels right. 

We learn about emotional intelligence and some of the ways that she teaches kids and adults about the importance of being astutely aware of their feelings, especially joy, anger, fear, and anxiety.  In the end, this is an excellent episode in that it explores the kite and string concept so completely and possibly from the perch of an industry that is not immediately looked at as creative.

https://serendipityyogaandwellness.com/
Instagram - @serendipityyogaandwellness
Facebook - @serendipityyogaandwellness
Twitter - @serendipityyw

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer and  all other original music is from Purple Planet Music and PurplePlanet.com  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Today's guest is NPR Tiny Desk, punk-folk musician, Sunny War.   She is an amazing, largely self-taught guitarist who played and developed her songwriting chops to literally survive homelessness and addiction as a teen in LA.  Like the other two released through Hen House Studios, her most recent LP, Simple Syrup is gathering amazing reviews throughout the world.  It's been called "delectable,"  "significant and fluent,"  and a "perfect album for  dreary morning." (Atthebarrier.com, Americanhighways.org, BCTV.org).  Forbes review of the album was equally positive and they call Sunny a "poet with a downcast gaze and virtuosic mastery of an instrument."  And believe us, this only scratches the surface.  

Kites and Strings had a wonderful time interviewing Sunny who came off a European tour with George Benson in early July and and who is back on the road, criss-crossing North American with stops in Canada and on both coasts.  We catch up with her while she is in Portland and about a week before she makes her way through the Midwest and an August 26th date at the Wexler Group Trail Mix Acoustic Concert Series that Steve founded and directs. 

We had some delays in getting Sunny War on and we wanted to air this episode before the August 26th date, so Steve is joined by a guest co-host in the person of Anastasia Robieson because Catherine is in Zimbabwe til the end of the month. 

What is learned in this episode is that Sunny War, despite her lived life, is a joy.  As is clear in her songs, she is very honest and tells it like it is.  Her sharing about a mean uncle, frustrations with loosing youthful omnipotence, voting, corporations, and even feeling bored of her own music after long a career is surprisingly refreshing. 

Thanks for joining us and we hope you enjoy this episode of Kites and Strings:

Sunny's Website - http://www.sunnywar.com/
Instagram - @sunnywarmusic
Twitter - @sunnywar
Facebook - @sunnywarmusic
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkvZUD6w-3QWR4qjJQpP-w

For tickets to the Wexler Group Trail Mix Acoustic Concert Series featuring Sunny War:
https://www.trailmixmusic.org/reservations-donations-merch

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and  this episode's music breaks featured tracks performed by Sunny War.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

We've had a full Summer - a bunch of good and some not so good, but we're set for season three.  Steve and Catherine use this episode, which is our 75th, to discuss hopes for this season and since we are not the type of show that has a whole season of guests lined up, we used today's episode to expressly challenge ourselves and to request help from the listeners in the task of identifying and securing specific types of creatives and creative fields.  We will continue to follow a similar format and will do all that we can to  bring forth creatives who represent many different media and genres, and we will find folks who are at varying levels of managing that kite and string conundrum.   

In essence, we're looking forward to another season of Kites and Strings and would love to engage the listenership even more in this season. 

Here's how you can find Kites and Strings out there in the interwebs.
Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and  this episode's music breaks featured tracks performed by the Uh Oh's and Butterfield Creek.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Yeah, it's been a a bit since our last episode.  We've been winding down season 2 and it's bitter sweet that we are ending our 2nd season today. It's a blast doing this podcast, but it is a lot of work and a break is needed.   Hold tight though, there will be a season 3 in just a couple months  or so, and we're looking forward to the guests and conversations we will have. 

For now though, we have a special treat for the the season 2 finale.  Kites and String's very first guest, Anastasia (Stasia) Robieson, comes back and sits in the interviewer's seat. Although, it really is much more of a fun conversation about why we create, who we create for, and we discuss a bunch about dune grass, pine trees, con-artists, New Orleans street performers and Dennis Rodman.  In short, we have a ball. 

In addition , today's show features musical samplings of Stasia's band with her husband, Josh, The Uh Ohs, as well as the band she is bandmates with Steve in, Butterfield Creek.

Stasia's  band, The Uh Oh's website .  https://www.uhohsmusic.com/
Instagram - @the_uh_ohs
Facebook - @uhohsmusic
Anastasia's Heart Punch Designs via facebook @HeartPunchDesigns
Heart Punch Designs on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartPunchDesigns

@heartpunchdesigns

 Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and  this episode's music breaks featured tracks performed by the Uh Oh's and Butterfield Creek.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

In this episode, Steve and Catherine have the distinct pleasure of interviewing NLS Huncho, or  just "Huncho."  He's a rapper/musician, but he's also so much more.  What is most evident is that he is truly a nice guy who defies the image of thug rapper with a need to show out as in control, always f*cking b*itches, and flashing money and guns.  Instead he has found that when he lets his raps just flow, what comes out are much more vulnerable expressions. We learn that he has always liked his music, but through his newest truer and more expressive efforts, he has come to love it. His most recent EP is called "Anxiety, ADHD and Arrogance," and it is available on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.

In our talk with Huncho, we learn about his coming to rap and hip hop later than most  due to his church upbringing, his cont'd singing in choir,  his failing out of college twice while back home in California before being encouraged  to follow his dreams at Dillard University. We also learn just how similar he finds his role as a rapper is to his Pastor father's role. We meet with him while his is at Dillard, and we learn that Huncho has truly come into his own,  finding an an ideal fit in their music management degree program, and dropping some of his best work yet while at Dillard.  What we learn too that his work has taken new forms, including sewing and creating clothing. 

A brief listen to this episode will convey just how much fun we had talking to this very enjoyable person, who has finding a way to just do it as a string grabber and kite flyer. 


NLS Huncho's YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/c/Upn3xtEnt
Instagram:  @nlshuncho
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/Nlshuncho

Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and  this episode's music breaks featured tracks performed and provided by our guest, NLS Huncho.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

We had a blast talking with Emily Dolan Davies. She's a London, UK-based drummer who has certainly found her way to some of the biggest stages and in some of the coolest studios touring and recording with the likes of Brian Ferry, Thomas Dolby, The Darkness, and Kim Wilde, with whom she is about to go on the road with.  We caught up to her after Steve saw her on the Netflix music documentary, "Count Me In"  where Emily was one of the featured drummers right there alongside, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stuart Copeland of the Police, and Roger Taylor of Queen, among others.  All creatives who play a unique role of keeping time and order for their musical partners. Kind-of like being a sonic string.

What Steve saw in Emily in the film, "Count Me In," was on display in this episode of Kites and Strings, and that is that Emily is so much fun and so loves her job as a band's time-piece, all while getting totally lost in the sheer glee of beating a drum with a stick.  We certainly hear about her work, her drummer origin story, her high-points and some of her low points.  Emily is quite candid about how she has used drums as a vessel in which to throw her most difficult situations and feelings, and she finds that her chosen instrument never fails to give back.

In addition to drumming, we hear about other creative ventures, such as having her own podcast and a mobile recording business, as well as her generous want to assist and support young musicians who are trying to break into music industry and/or drumming.  So settle into your drummer throne and enjoy listening to how Emily Dolan Davies grabs her string and flies he kite.

Emily's website:  https://www.emilydolandavies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilydolandavies
IMdb page for Count Me In, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6889042/
Twitter: @Emilydrums
Instagram: @emilydrumscom
Podcast:  Emily Is Live

Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and  this episode's music breaks featured tracks performed and provided by our guest, Emily Dolan Davies.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Today's guest, Dom Flemons, co-founded the Carolina Chocolate Drops in 2005, and on their third studio album, Genuine Negro Jig   they won the 2010 Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album.  His 2018 album, Black Cowboys,  recorded on the Smithsonian Folkways label, was nominated for a 2019 Grammy in the same category, and he has been nominated for two Emmys. Most recently he was awarded the prestigious 2020 United States Artist Fellowship and his 2014 album , Prospect Hill   with Omnibus Records, has been re-issued.

He has adopted the moniker "American Songster," and this was not him just claiming a title that sounded cool. Nope, its earned.  not only by way of the awards and high-praise he has received for his contributions to 20+ album collaborations, along with his seven solo albums, but also because he puts in the work researching what he plays.

We learn so much from Don in this episode, not the least being that he has let his interest in his heritage and the music he has identified with over the years pull him into some very fruitful rabbit holes.  So yes, he's a historian, but he's also allowed his ongoing education about cultures in which he's identified,  as well as about the music, it's origins stories and about the instruments used to create such music. And of course, he's become a master on many of those instruments over the years.  Check of the links below to learn more about Dom Flemons, but in the mean time, settle in for some string grabbing and kite flying with Dom Flemons.

Dom's website  -  https://theamericansongster.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DomFlemonsMusic/
Instagram - @domflemons

To purchase tickets at the June 10, 2022, Wexler Group Trail Mix Concert Series (the series founded by Steve) featuring Don Flemons    https://www.trailmixmusic.org/

Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and all other original music by purple planet music at https://www.purple-planet.com.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Amber Roper is a fibers artists, considered by Saatchi Arts to a "Rising Star" in their elite group of 35 under 35 international artists in 2020.  She is founder of the Bluhen Studio in London, England, which translates to "Flourish and Blossom," and you will soon learn how perfect this name is for Amber.

Amber grew up in London, and despite initial wanting's to break free, like many a restless young-adult, she stayed-put given her being accepted to the prestigious Central Saint Martins University.  She found the philosophy of that institution to be a perfect fit, especially given her needing a bit of a hand-up.   Her background is modest, being first-generation-college from  working class family, and with many siblings.  Frankly speaking, many (including Amber)  would not have called her university material. Complicating things more, she learned  that she was carrying a diagnosis of Dyslexia, which answered many questions for Amber. 

Amber Roper is amazing in her recognition that support in the form of having her creativity be not only be recognized and seen, but to also be "championed" by her parents, and more recently her musically-inclined partner.

Amber has since graduated from Central St. Martins, she has exhibited internationally, garnered critical acclaim, awards and notable, a tremendous sense of balance and appreciation for her role as a a new mom, and an artist.  That is what drew us to her and it was a total pleasure to talk with Amber Rober. 

Amber's website:  https://thebluhenstudio.london/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thebluhenstudio/  or @theBluhenstudio

Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and all other original music by purple planet music at https://www.purple-planet.com.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

In bygone days you had a closet full of board games, or you kept them on a shelf in the basement, and every now and again you'd gather folks around the table to play.  And aside that one story we had about the broke dude in Atlantic City inventing the game Monopoly, until the last decade or two, there was no attention paid to the idea that somebody created those games, that experience, or the gaming environment, which is the term oft-used in our discussion today. 

Our guest is Jason Schneider.  He is one of the creatives who has helped bring board games back to the fore.  We have a great discussion about the phenomenon of gaming, the types of games, the different elements of a game and how, despite the growing presence of video games, table-top games remain  the real deal. This is especially true for people wanting actual human connection, like that which is experienced playing a rambunctious party game, a strategic thinker with your nerdy friends, or a cooperative game on family game night.

As the VP of Product Development at Gamewright, a game company with over 200 titles that focuses on family friendly games, Jason knows the business, and he provides a tremendous peak inside the process of creating games; from the initial idea to development to testing to marketing and finally to that game being on your dining room table. Maybe that game being played tonight in your home is one of Gamewright's super creative games, like Slamwich, Sushi Go, Super Mega Lucky Box, Gubs, Forbidden Planet , Abandon All Artichokes  or any other game  in Gamewright's massive, highly acclaimed catalogue.

So it's your move, press play and enjoy your journey through the Kites and Strings environment with Jason Schneider.

Gamewright Games     https://gamewright.com/
Facebook - @gamewright

Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and all other original music by purple planet music at https://www.purple-planet.com.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.

Áine Rose Daly is a young actress who's career would be squarely in the "taking flight" category.  Early on she was in an episode of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan,  she's been in a music video or two and she was in the critically acclaimed film, Boiling Point, which can be streamed on Amazon Prime. Also available on Amazon Prime is the three-season action/thriller Hanna, which is where Kites and Strings (well, Steve) first saw her.  Áine was amazing in her role - first as girl 242 in season one and all over the screen in seasons two and three when 242 becomes Sandy Phillips. And speaking of transitions, Áine is also in the werewolf film, Eight for Silver, which was renamed The  Cursed in the States, where it opened in February 2022. 

One would think  that acting is her passion.  But you might be wrong.  In this episode you will learn that she enjoys her job as an actor, where she gets to be other people,  but you will also find that she taps her most creative and expressive parts when creating music. 

We learn about her start as an actor, what its like being on the set, especially in the productions of Boiling Point and Hanna, and we'll learn about her process as an actor and as a musician.  We're happy to share a couple of her songs in this episode and we hope you have a great time as we explore string grabbing and kite flying with London-based Áine Rose Daly.

Áine's IMDb     https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10441597/
Instagram - @ainerosedaly
YouTube: "Places"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATex3-Ug8VA


Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/​
​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast
Twitter:   @Kitesandstrings
Instagram:  @Kites_and_strings
email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com

Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc.
Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and all other music is by Purple Planet at Purpleplanet.com.  Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.