Shows
On The Shelf with Honora QuinnVenture Underwater and Into Strange New Worlds with S.M. Beiko and the Brindlewatch QuintetThis week I got to explore the world of the Brindlewatch Quintet with author S.M. Beiko. Our focus landed on the newly released book 2 (of 5) The Door In Lake Mallion. The Quintet exist as stand alone tales within a larger interconnected world and I got the scoop on the journey thus far as well as what is to come with book 3!
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link to my interview with Kiersten White about Lucy, Undying from earlier this year!
Map of Indie Bookstores now feat. S...2024-12-0838 min
The Running VoyagerMt. Fuji 100 2024 - What you need to know, incl Insights from James MallionSend us a textThe iconic Fuji 100, is now part of World Trail Majors, comprising various 100 milers all over the world. This race is about 166km with an accumulative vert gain of about 7039.The race will be broadcast live in both Japanese and English. Updated with an insights from James Mallion on the 100 as well as the KaiLinks to watch liveEnglish brodcastJapanese BroadcastSupport the show2024-04-2519 min
ADSR Inspirations podYuri Nagahori - From the Dancefloor to the studioYuri Nagahori is a Tokyo-based DJ, promoter and producer who has been captivating hearts and dancefloors with her infectious beats. Music has been a constant throughout Yuri's life, with early expressions through piano, drums, and dance. Her journey led her to study abroad in Canada, the USA, and the Philippines, immersing herself in clubbing and electronic music culture. Upon returning to Japan Yuri discovered her true calling as a DJ. After honing her skills, she slowly but surely started playing parties herself. Her sets are unique, blending genres from techno to hip-hop, house, and trance. Yuri has graced major...2023-11-261h 16
ADSR Inspirations podIan Lynam: A life of teaching and learning in design and typographyIan Lynam is the product of a life lived with post-modern art and endless curiosity. Originally from the small town of Averill Park, New York. He holds a BSc in Graphic Design from Portland State University and an MFA in Graphic Design from CalArts. Since 2005, he has led his Tokyo-based design studio, Ian Lynam Design, specializing in identity design, cultural research, and typography. Currently, he serves as faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts and Temple University Japan, offering his experience and knowledge in art and design. Ian is also a prolific writer and co-founder of the critical cultural...2023-11-061h 41
ADSR Inspirations podMay Inoue: Expressions in Japanese JazzMeet May Inoue, the remarkable young Japanese jazz guitarist known for his electrifying sound and dynamic career. Hailing from Kawasaki in Kanagawa, May's journey into jazz began at just 15 years old inspired by a Mike Stern concert. He later honed his craft at Berklee College of Music and has since garnered recognition from legendary guitarists like Kazumi Watanabe and Kurt Rosenwinkel. Leading the innovative band project Stereo Champ, May skillfully fuses jazz, rock, funk, and psychedelic elements, offering a unique and refreshing musical journey. Despite a five-year hiatus, his latest release, "The Elements," has been well received....2023-10-091h 00
ADSR Inspirations podWill Robinson: Carving out his own path in JapanOriginally from sunny Australia, Will Robinson first came to Japan on a working holiday visa as a way to take a break from studying graphic design. Fast forward 14 years, and Will has established himself entirely in Japan. He dedicated himself to mastering the language and earned a Bachelor's degree in Arts. Will currently works as a freelance custom furniture creator and craftsman. He draws inspiration from Japan's nature and traditional craftsmanship. Over the past few years, his nomadic lifestyle has taken him from Tokyo to Southern Chiba's seaside, to Nagano's mountainside and currently to the enchanting Amami Islands. In...2023-09-111h 39
ADSR Inspirations podMikael Senninge: Selecting frames and shifting perspectivesOriginally from Sweden, Mikael Senninge’s journey took him from mechanical engineering in Gothenburg to film school in Paris, where he kindled his passion for visual storytelling. Now based in Tokyo, Mikael has become an accomplished freelance camera operator, cinematographer and filmmaker. His specialty includes commercials, music, narrative, and documentary films. He has lent his expert eye to prestigious clients such as Adidas, Porsche, Google and Red Bull.In this episode, Mikael shares the inspiring story of his career transformation, taking calculated risks to pursue his artistic calling. From leaving a secure engineering path to embark on a...2023-08-071h 19The Running VoyagerJames Mallion on Running Trail Races in JapanSend us a textComing from Canada, James has always been interested in the outdoors, mountains, skiing and climbing but his passion for running really took off as the pandemic forced people to stay at home. Now, as normalcy starts to creep back into the world and organized races are a thing again, James seeks to challenge his mind and body on the roads, mountains and trails.James is also a big movie buff, he hosts a podcast interviewing creatives on inspirations, he’s a music lover, a sports fan of both team and endurance sp...2023-07-301h 23
ADSR Inspirations podJoe Oliver: Creative Design and Tasty tunesJoe Oliver is an adventurous designer and DJ. He was formally educated in Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent University. Shortly after schooling, Joe took the freelance route with his design skills and illustration. Working short-term contracts meant Joe could work, then travel for months through Europe, Australia, South America and Asia. Joe’s nomad lifestyle finally slowed down when he reached Japan’s megacity.In the present episode, Joe acknowledges the multifaceted opportunities that come with being a freelancer, enabling him to engage in diverse projects and cultivate his skills, leading him to venture into UI/UX desi...2023-07-101h 22
ADSR Inspirations podCharlie Abbott: Challenging conventions of musicCharlie Abbott, originally from just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, had a deep curiosity about pushing the boundaries of music and live performances from an early age. This curiosity led him to formal studies at Oberlin Conservatory and conglomeration with many like-minded individuals. Together they produced projects that existed on the fringes of electronic music. Charlie's passion soon led him to the discovery of Japanese underground electronic music and shortly after that led him to immigrate to the country. In today’s episode, Charlie speaks to his experiences growing up around music and defying expectations surrounding music placed upo...2023-06-261h 25
ADSR Inspirations podMatthew "MZA" Sekiya: Transcending Beats and BoundariesBorn in Saitama, Japan, but having grown up in Singapore, Matthew "MZA" Sekiya has built a life immersed in music. MZA is a beatmaker, a DJ, a record label founder, a radio show host on HKCR, and a big part of the Japanese jazz blog ZŪJAGO. All of this is in addition to his day job as a vinyl and music lifestyle manager. While MZA's style initially paid homage to early 90s to 2000s American hip hop, Japanese rap, and downtempo, it has evolved over the years to include elements of house, techno, reggae, hardcore and jungle.2023-06-131h 08
ADSR Inspirations podAOKI takamasa: Minimal Techno from Osaka to ParisAOKI Takamasa is a Kansai legend who carved the early sounds of minimal techno and glitch in Japan. AOKI has been pushing the boundaries of music since his teenage years from his debut album, Silicom, released in 2001 through the independent Japanese electronic label PROGRESSIVE FOrM and later releases on Op.disc and the German imprint Raster-Noton. Some of his recent work includes live performances and music collaborations with Fumitake Tamura producing together under the name Neutral. AOKI's musical path has taken him from Japan to France and even Germany early in his career. Since returning to his roots in...2023-05-291h 23
ADSR Inspirations podAlan Demsky: Touring with a downtempo producerNow residing in Tokyo, Toronto-born Demsky takes a lot of his inspiration from the chill instrumental, beat-making music scenes that he’s heavily involved in. Demsky's music is a unique blend of ambient soundscapes, trip-hop beats, and rock influences. Lessons of love, understanding, choices, perseverance, and adaptability are some of the themes in Demsky's sound. His music features the ambient and weaving formations of the layers in each track, which are representations of the elements of the environment around us.James and Demsky had an insightful conversation about the art of music production, finding ba...2023-05-151h 10
ADSR Inspirations podJay Holmes: Striking the right balance between creative pursuitsJay Holmes, originally from North Carolina, has been residing in Japan for the past two decades. As a musician, he is best known for his band Fever Moon, which gained acclaim after releasing two albums in November of last year and performing live shows around Tokyo. Music has always been an integral part of Jay's life. He has been writing songs, making music, and playing in bands since his high school days. In Japan, Jay has also hosted a fantastic radio show called Mystery Cuts Radio, where he unearths and showcases long-forgotten vinyl treasures from the 60s and 70s...2023-04-301h 13
ADSR Inspirations podLee Reeve: Japan’s insider on CiderLee Reeve, originally from Glasgow, has been living in Japan for over 20 years, mainly in the Yokohama region. He is the CEO and founder of inCider Japan, a marketing and creative consulting firm also known for publishing the only bilingual cider magazine in Asia under the same clever name. InCider Japan is dedicated to all things cider! In addition to being an importer, retailer, and maker of cider and cider-related goods, Lee also works as a consultant for various alcohol and beverage brands worldwide.In the episode Lee and James chat about Lee’s history with ci...2023-04-161h 10
ADSR Inspirations podLisa Wallin: A love of the written wordLisa Wallin is a self-described travel writer, novelist, bookworm and research junkie. She grew up traversing the globe as she immersed herself in various cultures, driven by a deep-seated need to understand the world around her. She's been writing professionally here in Japan for well over 10 years now, initially writing on Japan's varied and dynamic music scene and then branching out into writing about culture, travel, cuisine, craftsmanship and more. If that wasn't enough, she also writes fiction and partakes in other travel and culture writing outside of Japan. Some fun facts about Lisa from her...2022-12-191h 05
ADSR Inspirations podAlicia Bint: An art filled lifeIn this episode, James speaks to one of his oldest friends, Canadian illustrator, Alicia Bint. Alicia lives and works just outside of Toronto, Canada. In her own words, Alicia is an artist, a crafter, an antique treasure hunter, a nature enthusiast and a chocolate addict. This love of her craft and the world around her comes across in her work. Whether it’s a watercolour illustration, wedding invitations, custom art, or logos and branding, Alicia puts her personal touch into every creation. Her art, released through her brand Alicia's Infinity, has been featured in product pack...2022-07-031h 32
ADSR Inspirations podJames Catchpole: The Jazz man in JapanJames Catchpole aka Mr. OK Jazz is originally from New York City, but he has spent the last 20+ years as a resident of Japan. James is a podcaster, a radio host, a DJ, a writer, a blogger and more. For almost 14 years now, James has run the amazing Tokyo Jazz Site, which documents hundreds of jazz-related establishments in the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area. James and his site have been featured in Japan and internationally in magazines, radio and TV shows. In addition, James has personally met and interviewed hundreds of jazz musicians throughout the years. He hosted mu...2022-06-241h 18