Being Modern, Being Human

#18 The art of science and the science of art

How different are art and science from each other? What kind of mindset defines artists and scientists? What mental process is behind creative insights? In this episode, we discuss these questions with Arseniy Seroka, a founder of a successful software development company, Serokell, and an aspiring filmmaker with two short films in his portfolio.
 
Serokell’s website:
https://serokell.io/ 

#17 Exploring the inner workings of creativity

Creativity is the new gold of the 21st century. I invite you to get inspired, dive into the world of innovation and creativity, and take a closer look at their subtle interplay. In this episode, we speak with motion designer Leeanne Brennan, who specializes in creating illustration, animation and video for the innovation industry. She is also the host of The Epic Bones podcast, where she explores the nature of creativity and shares her insights on how to connect with it.
To learn more about Leeanne Brennan:
https://leeannebrennan.com/ 
https://www.epicbones.com/

#16 Immigrant Story: What does it take to be a journalist in New York City?

Russian journalist Anastasia Chernikova moved to New York City six years ago, driven by the desire for a life and career change. Since then, she has established her own media platform Vivid Minds and become a successful and frequent contributor to quality US publications such as Entrepreneur Magazine, Fast Company, and others. In this episode, we discuss starting a career from scratch as an immigrant, the challenges and benefits of writing in a foreign language, the creator economy, mental health, and much more.
 
To learn more about Anastasia:
https://achernikova.com/ 
https://thevividminds.com/ 

#15 How to understand contemporary academic music?

How can silence turn into music? What is the composer’s mindset, and how do you become one? How are our listening patterns changing today, and is the decrease in attention span that bad? In this episode, I’m sitting down with composer Jordan Nelson to speak about the mystery and routine of creating music. 
 
To learn more about Jordan Nelson and explore his music:
http://jordannelsonmusic.com

#14 Positive and toxic masculinity, patriarchy and feminism from a transgender man’s perspective

Mac Scotty McGregor is a transgender man, author and founder of the nonprofit Positive Masculinity, which helps men understand and cope with the societal pressures they face. We talk about his experiences with both genders, toxic stereotypes that prevent us from being ourselves, and ways to break down patriarchal behavioral patterns. 
 
To learn more about Mac Scotty McGregor:
https://www.positivemasculinitynow.org
 

#13 Delving into NFT, digital identities and sociology of the future

How is our digital identity different from our real-world identity? What does the newly emerged discipline of digital sociology explore? Should creatives jump on the NFT bandwagon - and if so, how? How is the Metaverse likely to change our daily lives? In a new episode, we discuss these issues with Ernestina Zhu, an artist and Ph.D. researcher in NFT and digital sociology.
 
To learn more about Ernestina:
https://ernestinazhuart.wixsite.com/artist 

#12 Diversity, equity and inclusion in the age of AI and the new workforce

What are the challenges of artificial intelligence for diversity and inclusion in organizations? How to understand that your organization is truly diverse and not just perceived as such? What methods can you use to evaluate the effectiveness of DEI practices? In this episode, we discuss these questions with Joe Santana, a published author and founder of The CDO PowerCircle, an association that helps organizations develop diversity leaders.
 
To learn more about Joe Santana:
http://joesantana.com/ 

#11 How can art and beauty save the planet?

Roberto Dutesco is an acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, and environmentalist. He has worked in the fashion industry and traveled extensively around the globe, capturing the beauty of nature and people. His influential project at the intersection of art and ecology, The Wild Horses of Sable Island, has been running for nearly thirty years. By photographing and filming a small herd of wild horses living on an uninhabited island off the East Coast of Canada, Roberto has managed not only to raise awareness about the unique animals and the place but also to contribute to its conservation. Recently, his environmental activities have expanded to another large-scale project, IAMWILD.
In this episode, we talk about how art and beauty can save the world and how they are already doing it. Also in the interview: a meeting with the Dalai Lama and what it takes to become a prominent photographer.
 
To learn more about Roberto Dutesco and his art:
https://dutescoart.com/ 
 
Selected photos from The Wild Horses of Sable Island project:
https://dutescoart.com/wildhorsessableislandcollection/favorites.html 
 
IAMWILD Foundation:
https://iamwild.org/ 

#10 Symbolic magic in art and life: where archetypes meet modernity

What is participatory art making? What place do rituals and symbolic magic have in modern life? In this episode, we talk with multidisciplinary artist Sarah Dixon about her exciting journey working in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Hindu Kush, studying art forms from Orthodox icon painting to corporate design, exploring feminism through intuitive painting, and much more.
To learn more about Sarah Dixon: 
https://sarahdixon.studio/

#9 Finding your solution to the world’s problems: how to start an NGO

Joe Gonzalez is the founder of The Project Solution, a nonprofit organization that funds small infrastructure projects in countries around the world. Its focus is on water, sanitation, health and education. Since its inception in 2009, The Project Solution has funded nearly 50 projects in 12 countries and helped approximately 30,000 people worldwide. In this episode, we talk with Joe Gonzalez about what it takes to start and run an NGO, why making a small difference matters, and what it brings on a personal level.
 
To learn more about The Project Solution: 
http://theprojectsolution.org/