Shows
Kentucky Arts & CultureLexington workshops show how music can be used for social change Kentucky musicians Mitch Barrett and Carla Gover lead Singing, Songwriting, and Solidarity at the Carnegie.(Cheri Lawson)It’s a muggy June evening at Lexington’s Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. Kentucky musician Mitch Barrett strums his acoustic guitar and wears a red shirt with his hair pulled back in a ponytail. He leads a crowd of more than two dozen people in a sing-along with Carla Gover, a musician and community organizer. Gover said this is the first of three workshops called Kentucky Voices Rising: Songs of Social Change. “The idea is that we bring people...2025-07-0204 minKentucky Arts & CultureLexington musician producing Kentucky Queen-A new album celebrating women Musician Carla Gover holds her guitar and talks with Karly Dawn Milner, Sarah Kate Morgan, and Diane Timmons before they rehearse the song Kentucky Queen.(Cheri Lawson)At a Lexington recording studio, award-winning musician Carla Gover listens to a rough mix of the title track of her latest album. The eighth-generation Kentuckian is a native of Letcher County. She said on this album she’s celebrating women and paying homage to the women who have shaped her musically and personally. “I also wanted to sort of center women’s voices and vision and values on this a...2025-02-1304 min
What Dreamers DoIn Defense of Daydreaming: An Interview with Silas HouseJoin host Carla Gover and Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House as they discuss the creative life. The episode explores the fears and resistance writers face, the importance of honesty in storytelling, and the impact of cultural and religious conditioning on self-expression. Silas shares his journey, experiences, and thoughts on creativity, including his thoughts on representing marginalized groups, collaborating with other artists, and much more. This candid discussion is filled with wisdom, humility, and encouragement for all aspiring artists.Key Points Discussed:Fear and Resistance in Writing:The challenges of writer's block and...2024-09-2434 min
What Dreamers DoThe Brilliant Biz & Life of Artist Leonie DawsonIn this episode of "What Dreamers Do," Leonie Dawson, the vibrant and successful artist, writer, poet, and illustrator from Australia, opens up about her unique journey as a creative entrepreneur. From her time in the Australian government to her inspiring million-dollar online business and Brilliant Biz and Life Academy, you'll discover how Leonie seamlessly blends creativity with business without compromising her values and integrity. Show Highlights: - The beginnings of her career back in the early days of chat and message boards- Overcoming physical health challenges while flourishing in her business and a...2024-08-3155 min
Writing LessonsWriting Lessons Episode 3: The Creative Process Featuring Carla GoverIn this third episode of Writing Lessons, Silas House chats with award winning singer/songwriter Carla Gover about writing songs and the creative process. Not just for musicians; this fascinating conversation will resonate with anyone who does creative work.2024-07-0126 min
Writing LessonsWriting Songs w/Carla GoverAward-winning singer-songwriter Carla Gover discusses songwriting and the creative process with host Silas House. 2024-06-2026 min
What Dreamers DoAppalachian Art & Identity: An Interview with Matthew Sidney ParsonsIn this episode of "What Dreamers Do," host Carla Gover welcomes poet, songwriter, and renaissance man, Matthew Sidney Parsons. Born in Kentucky and raised in West Virginia and Tennessee, Parsons now resides in Eastern Kentucky on a family homestead, where he draws inspiration from the natural surroundings and his ancestral heritage in his creative work. During the conversation, Parsons and Gover delve into the complexities of living a creative life, balancing multiple passions, and the realities of being an artist who is also a parent. Parsons shares insights into his approach to prioritizing h...2024-02-2354 min
What Dreamers DoThe Evolution of a Kentucky Clogger: Interview with Dancer Steven SmithJoin host Carla Gover in her conversation with veteran Kentucky clogger (and professional psychologist) Steven Smith in this episode of What Dreamers Do. Carla and Steven also discuss the nuances of different dance styles, the importance of creativity in everyday life, and the challenges of teaching traditional dance styles that are similar yet different. Steve has done it all, from Contemporary Clogging to Flatfooting to Waltz Clog to Buck Dance. Even better, he has released all of his teaching materials free to all on YouTube, which he discusses on the show.Get ready t...2024-02-1447 min
What Dreamers DoRhythm & Resistance: An Interview with Matthew OlwellWelcome back to "What Dreamers Do," the podcast that explores the power of dreams, creativity, and the human spirit. Today we have a special guest joining us on the show. Please welcome Matthew Olwell, a multi-talented artist, musician, and dancer. In this episode, titled "Rhythm and Resistance," we dive deep into the world of dance, and how artists can use their performances and classes to address social injustices.Throughout our conversation, we explore the importance of acknowledging our own immigrant histories, the power of the arts in engaging in difficult conversations, and the need to...2023-09-2053 min
What Dreamers DoBroadside Balladeer: An Interview with English Singer Jennifer ReidIn this episode of "What Dreamers Do," host Carla Gover sits down with the talented and multipassionate Jennifer Reid, a researcher, presenter, educator, performer and provocateur. In her lovely Northern Accent, we get a glimpse of Jennifer's work, as she takes us on a journey through the various art forms that she uses to highlight working-class issues past and present and connect audiences to their heritage through the captivating world of Lancashire dialect songs. She even sings a sample of the North Manchester song "The Weaver of Wellbrook." She sheds light on the importance of oral tradition in...2023-08-0529 min
What Dreamers DoWriting Redemption: An Interview with Bobi ConnOn this episode of What Dreamers Do, host Carla Gover talks with Appalachian Author Bobi Conn about her work, her writing process, overcoming trauma, and offering a counter-narrative to stereotypical, pop-culture representations of the region. The two friends also riff about their personal experiences with healing and success, encouraging listeners to find their own path and express their best selves to the world.The episode wraps up with a discussion about Bobi’s two existing books as well as her upcoming novel, which all explore universal themes and Bobi’s lived experiences and struggles, with a focus on wo...2023-07-2149 min