Arts Educators Save the World

Showrunners (& Sisters) Lilla & Nora Zuckerman

The Zuckerman sisters have been partners-in-crime their whole lives. From the time they bought a secret TV to watch Twin Peaks without their parents knowing to their collaboration as showrunners of the Peacock hit show Poker Face, Lila and Nora Zuckerman are powerhouse women together and as solo acts. The hour we got to spend with them was pure delight - 10 out of 10, no notes!

Lili-Anne Brown & Nadia Guevara

We’re welcoming you back to new episodes with a bang! Lili-Ann Brown is one of the leaders of American regional theatre, directing all over the country from Chicago’s Goodman Theatre to the New York City Center Stages. We hosted an amazing conversation between emerging superstar director Nadia Guevara and Lili-Ann, two powerhouse women who explore everything from the crucial role of social capital in art-making to why making animal sounds is the secret to success. Cock-a-doodle-doo y’all!

Sharif Bey & Bill Strickland REDUX

One more from the vault! This one is producer Doug's favorite Season 1 episode. Bill Strickland is the founder of Manchester Craftmen’s Guild and Bidwell Corporation. He's also a MacArthur Fellow. Sharif Bey is an artist and professor, whose work is focused on the visual heritage of Africa, Oceana, and contemporary African American Culture. He's also the winner of The United States Artist fellowship. Bey got his start at Strickland’s Craftman’s Guild, and counts Strickland as one of his earlier and most influential mentors. These two master ceramicists join together for a wide-ranging discussion on the beauty of clay, the value of mentorship, and the power of art to “heal cancer of the human spirit.”

Rachel Axler & Jim Shepard REDUX

This week we're bringing back another episode from the vault for some of our new listeners! On this episode, we talk to an Emmy-award winning writer from “The Daily Show.” We talk to a writer from “How I Met Your Mother,” one from “Parks and Recreation,” one from “Veep,” and one from the deeply under appreciated “Bored to Death.” We also reconnect with a friend from our high school with the singing voice of an angel. And what do you know... It’s all the same person! We are thrilled to introduce you to the brilliant Rachel Axler, who has brought along her teacher from her days at Williams College, award-winning author, Jim Shepard.

Erica & Alek Chat #5

Part 5 of our ongoing mini-series "Erica & Alek Chats," where our hosts take a deep dive into a specific aspect of arts learning-and-teaching from Erica's book, How the Arts Can Save Education.