Shows
Ojai: Talk of the TownLove, Art & The Ojai Way with the Mystical-Cynical BoysWhen a mystical optimist and a self-proclaimed cynic start a podcast, sparks fly—and sometimes combust. In this lively, revealing conversation, Ojai-based artists Daren Thomas Magee (the Instagram juggernaut Real Fun, Wow) and musician Jaymee Carpenter (Love Is the Author) open up about the origin story of their podcast Mystical-Cynical, how each season seems to end in a breakup, and why they keep coming back for more.We dive into the rhythm of creative collaboration, the friction and forgiveness that fuel their friendship, and how life in a small town like Ojai shapes their artistic lives and in...2025-07-171h 39
The Other 22 HoursDaren Thomas Magee on tuning your instrument, funnels, and cliches.Daren Thomas Magee - Real Fun, Wow! - is an illustrator, muralist, and designer based in Ojai California, who has used social media as a creative tool to grow a following (370,000 on instagram currently) and launch a company built on his artwork - selling prints, apparel and housewares of all kinds, and has grown to include multiple employees and collaborations with companies as far reaching as tiles, towels, and candles. We talk with Daren about tuning your instrument to the beauty of life around you, sacrifices you make to live in an inspiring place, play within a system not...2025-05-2157 min
Other Side Lifestyle164. Breaking Free from Norms w/ Daren MageeIn this episode of the Other Side Lifestyle Podcast, hosts Jim and Aram engage in a lively conversation with artist Daren Thomas Magee. They discuss the concept of anti-marketing, the importance of breaking free from societal norms, and the impact of geography on personal growth. The conversation takes a turn towards conspiracy theories, particularly regarding aliens, and the nature of misinformation in today's world. They also touch on lifestyle choices, mental health, and the challenges of living in a comfortable yet stagnant existence. In this conversation, the speakers explore themes of happiness, personal responsibility, and the impact of environment...2025-03-231h 17
The Really Fun, Wow! Show'I Got Plastic Surgery!'In this episode, I do a reading of a publication from my substack about how i got plastic surgery2025-02-2024 min
50 Fires: Money and Meaning with Carl RichardsBroke and Happy with ‘Real Fun, Wow!’ Artist Daren Thomas MageeWhat happens when passion meets financial reality? In this episode of 50 Fires, Carl sits down with artist Daren Thomas Magee, the creative mind behind Real Fun, Wow. Daren opens up about the challenges of making a living as an artist, the unfiltered realities of financial ups and downs, and his unique approach to staying grounded despite financial stress. From the pressure of selling art to the mental resilience needed to navigate debt, this conversation explores what it really means to follow your passion while navigating a lot of the BS that’s out there. 2025-02-121h 11The Really Fun, Wow! Show'Me, My Brother & The Flat Earth'In this episode, Daren sits down with his brother and talks about everything, like literally, everything! 2024-09-202h 43
Beautiful FailuresEPISODE 24: Daren Thomas Magee aka Real Fun, WowThis week Andy and Stephen have a conversation with artist Daren Thomas Magee of Real Fun, Wow. They talk about the struggles of being an artist in the age of the social media algorithm, the spiritual connectedness of creating art, and the struggles of building a business when you are learning as you go.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beautifulfailures/support2024-09-041h 02The Really Fun, Wow! Show'Politics?!'In this episode, Daren discusses politics?!2024-06-2928 minOjai: Talk of the TownReal Fun Wow Moments with Daren Thomas MageeArtist & illustrator Daren Thomas Magee has seen his career explode since moving to Ojai, and it all started with a simple postcard that he created and started passing around. He has since amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram where he delves into life's big question while moving merchandise.
The conversation ranged around many topics, beginning with his making a move into the world of fine art, the changing nature of social media as it moves into a "pay to play" model, war and other disasters and the effects on social cohesion and much more. We...2024-06-2054 minThe Really Fun, Wow! Show'It Ain't That Serious'In this episode, Daren discusses his propensity for shit starting. 2024-06-1828 minThe Really Fun, Wow! Show'Smoke 'em if you got em!'In this episode, Daren talks about nicotine!2024-06-1224 min
The NDA PodcastRipped off!In this episode, we’re tackling the epidemic of copying in the creative industry. Whether you’re the copied or the copier, originality is a constant battle for creatives. We’re exploring the emotional and practical impacts of being ripped off. Malika Favre, globally renowned French artist, is arguably one of the most copied creatives of the past decade. She shares her journey from anger to legal action, and how it has impacted her business. Lifting the lid on what it looks like (and can cost) to go after copycats.Tyler Hendy, design lead at...2024-06-1258 minThe Really Fun, Wow! Show'A Quick One!'In this episode, Daren talks very fast!2024-06-0515 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowAre You Ok?!In this episode, Daren discusses debt, gratitude, and the Israeli/Palestine conflict2024-05-2930 minThe Really Fun, Wow! Show'What the Hell Am I Doing?!'In this episode, Daren explores his continuing existential crisis, a vacation, and the Mormon religion!2024-05-2138 minThe Really Fun, Wow! Show'I'm Back..Sorry!'In this unceremonious return, Daren wonders why he has returned. 2024-05-0728 minOjai: Talk of the TownDaren Thomas Magee: The Real Fun Wow ExperienceA well-known artist and illustrator, Darren brings his distinctive pen to many recognizable places around Ojai for his hundreds of thousands of followers. Darren talks about growing up on the frozen tundra of Buffalo, New York and how he lucked into a graphic design course in high school that gave him the idea he could create a career for himself doing what he'd be doing anyway — drawing.
We re-release this wide-ranging and fascinating talk with this enigmatic artist who has left his Ojai-inflected distinctive stamp all around the world. We talk about plant medicine, public schools, Buffalo's su...2023-11-1859 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowTax Time!In this episode, Daren gets interrupted a bunch, by people and his own thoughts. 2023-10-1829 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowHolding Hands With Strangers!In this episode. Daren discusses holding hands with strangers and running for 6 hours straight. 2023-10-1129 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowEgo Trip!In this episode. Daren discusses what it's like to think he's the center of the universe. 2023-10-0427 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowHumans!In this episode, Daren discusses humans!2023-09-0630 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowHuge Drops At The Post!In this episode, Daren talks about the classic leftist victim mentality and his huge drops.2023-08-2929 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowI'm Not Dead!In this episode, Daren discusses what it's like to be judgmental, but not be God.2023-08-2329 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowI'm dead!In this episode, Daren discusses attending his own funeral. 2023-08-1629 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowNothing!In this episode, Daren talks about confusion and money. 2023-08-0225 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowAyahuasca, Again!In this episode, Daren discusses taking ayahuasca, again. 2023-07-2629 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowWho Cares!In this episode, Daren discusses what it must feel like to rob an armored car and a bunch of other things. 2023-07-1929 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowStillness!In this episode, Daren discusses stillness and all of the benefits that come from shutting the fuck up. 2023-07-1429 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowU.S.A!!In this episode, Daren discusses how America just isn't really his thing. 2023-07-0531 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowWaste Of Time (Yours, not mine)I'm sorry, this episode is just terrible. 2023-06-2829 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowSEX!In this episode, Daren discusses sex and EMDR, separately. 2023-06-2127 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowLet's Fuckin' Dance!In this episode, Daren discusses his newfound love for dance!!2023-06-1429 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowLatch Key Kids & UFOsIn this episode talks about a few different topics, none of which are cohesive in any sort of way. 2023-06-0829 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowMOM! DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE!!In this episode, Daren & his best friend Patrick discuss Patrick's previous life as a warrior of God and how the facade of religion eventually crumbled, and where that left him. 2023-05-301h 56The Really Fun, Wow! ShowQ + A-HoleIn this episode, Daren answers a bunch of questions. 2023-05-2440 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowMushrooms, Again!In this episode, Daren talks about mushrooms, again!2023-05-1730 min
Can We Start Over?Real Fun Wow Artist Daren Thomas Magee: Embracing Creativity and Surrendering to SynchronicityIn this Can We Start Over episode, Brit and Lindsey interview artist Daren Thomas Magee, also known as Real Fun Wow.Daren is an independent artist who makes it all up as he goes. Having no formal education in the field he has found himself in, he isn't bound by many constraints.This freedom allows him to explore many avenues where art and commerce meet. But most importantly, he just tries to have fun with it.Magee discusses his journey to becoming an artist, which began with...2023-05-161h 12The Really Fun, Wow! ShowAnother Episode!In this episode, Daren answers questions from the listeners!2023-05-1038 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowI'm 40!In this episode, Daren is 40!2023-05-0329 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowA.I.!In this episode, Daren discusses A.I.!2023-04-2629 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowKetamine!In this episode, Daren discusses ketamine. 2023-04-1929 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowUh, What?!In this episode, I'm not exactly sure what Daren is talking about. 2023-04-1229 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowFriends!In this episode, Daren discusses his desire for friends.2023-04-0528 minThe Really Fun, Wow! Showno. 13In this episode, Daren discusses parenting. 2023-03-2928 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowMeditation!in this episode, Daren talks about meditation .2023-03-2229 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowAl-Anon!In this episode, Daren discusses Al-Anon. 2023-03-1529 minThe Really Fun, Wow! Showno. 10In this episode, Daren discusses gender neutrality. 2023-03-0829 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowI'm a Professional!In this episode, Daren discusses the origins of how he miraculously became a professional artist. 2023-03-0329 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowAyahuasca!In this episode, Daren explores the wonders of ayahuasca.2023-02-2230 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowBack To The Butt Stuff!In this episode, Daren circles back around to the topic discussed in no. 1, the butt stuff.2023-02-1530 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowInsecurity!In this episode, Daren explores his body image issues and what he's done to overcome them. 2023-02-0829 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowMoney!In this episode, Daren explores money. 2023-02-0128 minThe Really Fun, Wow! Showno. 4In this episode, Daren explores what traditions we, as a society, perpetuate, and how stupid they are. Big Thanks to this episode's sponsor, DAD GRASS! Visit dadgrass.com/realfunwow for 20% OFF your first order!2023-01-2530 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowWeed & Booze!In this episode, Daren explores the nuances involved in having old experiences, namely experiences involving 'weed' & alcohol. Big Thanks to this episode's sponsor, DAD GRASS! Visit dadgrass.com/realfunwow for 20% OFF your first order! 2023-01-1830 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowPsilocybin!In this episode, Daren explores the trepidation involved in having new experiences, namely experiences involving taking a massive dose of psilocybin. Big Thanks to this episode's sponsor, DAD GRASS! Visit dadgrass.com/realfunwow for 20% OFF your first order! 2023-01-1130 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowButt Stuff!In this episode, Daren explores the trepidation involved in having new experiences, namely experiences involving his anus. Big Thanks to this episode's sponsor, DAD GRASS! Visit dadgrass.com/realfunwow for 20% OFF your first order! 2023-01-0429 minThe Really Fun, Wow! ShowDear Mom, Please Don't Listen To This Show!I mean, I'm sure you can handle it, I'm just not sure I can handle knowing you are handling it. Love, your baby boy, Daren.2022-12-1201 min
Love Is The AuthorThe Shadow Ban of Sunshine Boy (w/ Daren Thomas Magee)Jaymee's neighbor Daren Thomas Magee (aka artist Real Fun, Wow!) takes his seat in the nostalgia mobile for the first long form discussion he and Jaymee have had since ending the Mystical Cynical podcast. Daren shares a number of subjects including his daily mental health routine, the spooky arrival of his mustache, the emptiness of having your dreams come true, singlehandedly blows the whistle on social media 'shadow-banning', and the two friends offer yet another intimate public viewing of their naturally occurring situation-ship. So crank up the fart button and listen closely in for the kombucha burps, this episode is a...2021-11-161h 19
Creatively Relating with Vyana NovusEp. 8: Divorce Saved Our Relationship with Daren Thomas MageeIn this very personal episode, Vyana (they/them) sits down with their ex-husband & partner, Daren Magee (he/him) of Real Fun, Wow! to discuss part of their journey from emotionally abusive marriage to repair & healthy relating. Share your thoughts about this episode by calling in: 1-833-2RELATE / 1-833-273-5283 (2 minute max) or email creativelyrelating@gmail.comFollow Vyana on Instagram @vyana.novus / Follow Daren @realfunwow and @mysticalcynicalSupport the show at Patreon.com/vyananovus starting at $3 per monthMusic for this show was written and recorded by Zena Carlota...2021-04-072h 31Ojai: Talk of the TownThe Real Fun Wow experience With Daren Thomas MageeDaren Thomas Magee is one of the country's best-known illustrators with more than 370,000 followers on Instagram, and his Real Fun Wow company has become the platform for his singular, instantly recognizable style of simple bold lines and muted hues.
He is also the artist whose work graces the Spring issue of our local magazine, Ojai Quarterly, which is flying off the shelves. The discussion covers a lot (A LOT) of ground. We talk about growing up in western New York's frozen wastelands, the Underground Railroad, his journey to Ojai, Imposter Syndrome, psychedelics, his own podcast with Jaymee Carpenter, "Mystical/Cynical,"...2021-03-1659 min
Topa TalkEpisode 33 Daren Thomas MageeIn this episode we interview Daren Thomas Magee, the artist behind Real Fun, Wow!2019-10-1958 min