Dispatch

Coast to Coast

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This week on Dispatch, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Shane and Katrina, members of west-coast folk band, The July, and their producer, Dustin Jensen. Shane, Katrina, and Dustin stop by to discuss the band’s new record (due out on November 11), “Everything Is Fine,” and the many hurdles that can distract you from creating a record worth listening to.

As a friend who had used his talents before, Nicholas stepped in as mastering engineer, and had a chance to help shape the record according to his vision as well. In the end, through countless hours of work and frustration, everyone is proud of the final product: a debut record worthy of praise and careful listening.

Also on today’s broadcast: more technical glitches than you can count! The gear in our studio was acting up during the show (like it has started doing often), and if we’re to replace it (as we should) we need your help. Please visit our donation page and give whatever you can. We (meaning Nicholas) would greatly appreciate it.

Unnecessary Rules

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This week on Dispatch, Joshua and Nicholas highlight how unnecessary boundaries, often erected by well-meaning-but generally-misinformed individuals can deter new, passionate artists from pursuing a specific, chosen path. That’s a mouth full, we know, but trust us — this is a great listen.

We start in the world of art, where sometimes, women in the arts don’t feel empowered as they should. On Chick Habit #10, Danielle Sines of Chicago-band Impulsive Hearts notes that some booking agents have asked her to adjust her band’s lineup to fit within their own, gender-balanced worldview. We ask, is this perspective right, or does it represent a warped sense of purpose?

Next, our old friends Half Acre have renamed a specific beer three times. Thankfully, they’ve been respectful to all parties involved, but at the heart of it all, a trademark dispute that might have been misinformed.

And finally, the world of software development is full of people who know how your job is done… despite never having touched a single line of code. Are they right? Do you need heavy math chops before entering the workforce? We answer with the help of our friends at JavaScript Jabber.

All this is coming up on episode one-hundred-eighteen of Dispatch.

The Company Line

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

For the one-hundred-and-seventeenth time, Joshua and Nicholas are behind the mic. After a short one-week break, they’re ready to ignite your imagination with possibilities and new information. If you’re new, welcome. For the seasoned listener, though, you’ll recognize this format as one of our older moments: the old-school news roundup.

This week, we bring you three stories from around the digital universe, served up with our signature, sharp-angled critique.

First, will YouTube’s new premium content service help it rise to the prevalence of Netflix? Second, what happens when companies lash out against the government, pretending as if they were private citizens? And finally, can your car safely operate on autopilot, or will “autosteer” cause a near-miss and give you a heart attack? All this, plus a preview of our recent radio special, Chick Habit Live is all coming your way.

Behind the Scenes

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This week, your hosts offer a look behind the scenes of our first event, Chick Habit Live! Recorded before a live audience at Quenchers Saloon here in Chicago, and organized by our own Ashly Dalene, Chick Habit Live was designed to showcase some of the brightest women-driven bands in our city. Now, the following week after the event, we chat about what went right, wrong, and more.

It’s also worth noting, here in the afterglow, that events like this are a serious responsibility. If you want to see us continue our work to empower members of our music scene and around the world, do us a favor and donate. Your contributions, large and small, help keep us on the air and spreading educational, positive programming to listeners across the globe.

Chief Executive Geek

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This week, Joshua and Nicholas are hanging in the studio with Redeye Columnist and Chicago’s Chief Geek, Elliott Serrano. Elliott is the driving force behind the Geek To Me blog, a writer for the Grumpy Cat and Army of Darkness comic series. He’s been dubbed “Chicago’s King of Geeks” and “Rebel Scum” by several prominent figures in the world of geek media, and today, his voice finally debuts on Dispatch.

In this hour, they cover what it means to be dubbed a “geek” (both now and in the past), the evolving nature of comics and movie journalism, plus Elliott offers a unique look behind the scenes at comic series that you might know and love.

First vs. Different

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

It’s the age old battle waged by every artist and business on the planet: is it better to be first to market, or can you succeed by simply improving on what came before? Does innovation for it’s own sake benefit our customers, the planet, and our bottom line?

Regardless of whether you’re a solo artist, green entrepreneur, or representing a well-funded venture-backed company, you have the responsibility to create responsibly. This means maximizing your output and accelerating forward progress, but you could also be chasing the notoriety of being first to bring an innovative product into the market. Is this honor worth chasing?

Along with our friends Danielle and Alex (who make several virtual contributions) we dive deep into this conversation, our eyes set on truth. Coming to you straight from our world-famous Chicago studios, this is Dispatch.

Pedaling Across America

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Have you dreamt of taking a cross-country bicycle trip? If so, listen up. In this episode of Dispatch, our new friend Kellie Wyatt recaps her journey; one that began in Chicago, Illinois and ended in Astoria, Oregon.

Obviously, a trip like this can be riddled with problems. Imagine that you’re back in the 90’s playing Oregon Trail: a broken wheel waylaid Kellie and her companion for a few days, but other than a few flat tires, it seems that the adventure went smoothly. Nevertheless, she underscores the value of planning your route, and carrying a few basic supplies. Was this the trip of a lifetime? Listen to find out.

Six Tracks / Six Stories

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

It’s Labor Day. In our home country of the United States, most everyone is relaxing, and telling stories around the bar-b-que grill. Meanwhile, Joshua and Nicholas convened in the studio to share six of our favorite tracks, accompanied by stories of how they found the artists.

If you’ve been listening to the show for any length of time, you know there’s no shortage of discussion regarding how artists should proceed when offering their work to a (hopefully) adoring public. Rarely do we offer tracks from artists who we personally enjoy, and to the best of our understanding, followed the path to success. So, while everyone is on break, it’s time for us to exactly that. Today on Dispatch, it’s six tracks, and the stories that connect them.

Playlist

XYZR_KX - “Moving On”
Jienan Yuan - “Walking Between the Lines”
DeLorian Royal - “88 MPH”
MYPET - “Pays to Know”
Electric Birds - “Avocet (Panorama Mix)”
Liza Anne - “Room (Live on The Machine)”

Never Stop Learning

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Meet our new friend Subi Shah. A mechanical engineer by day, she’s into 3D printing, and building items with her hands. Recently, she took on the challenge of teaching herself how to code, a respectable pursuit, and one that caught our attention. Sure, it’s one thing to master your craft, like the artisans of yesteryear, but it requires extraordinary drive to take on a new discipline.

Today, we chat about her decision to learn by experimenting, how debugging can be the most rewarding task in all of software development, and why it’s important to never stop learning.

Willful Ignorance

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

With the sum of human knowledge at our fingertips, why does ignorance continue to perpetuate itself? We ask not as academics, but as pragmatists: when answers are merely a click away, why do some individuals choose to be unlearned?

I’m sure we’ve all encountered people like this before. The question you asked wasn’t overly complex, didn’t require specialized knowledge, nor critical reasoning — and yet, you were met with indifference, or worse, demands to lower the standard of discussion. If this is how everyone behaved, our civilization would’ve remained stagnant; where life as we know it was only a dream of intellectual outliers. Here at Dispatch, we’re thankful for those dreamers, renegades, and investigators who pushed us this far — but don’t be fooled by the illusion of safety — ambivalence can still creep in and stop us dead.

This hour is dedicated to exploring the mindset of anyone who fights the tide of progress, but they aren’t our friends. They’re the naysayers, detractors from the joy we’re capable of experiencing. Let’s try to understand them, and if we can’t, we will ignore them. Plus, we share an explosive expose that targets one of America’s most powerful (and dangerous) lobbies. This organization has played an important part in covering up many instances of child abuse, all in the name of the afflicted and their education.

This show is a stick of dynamite attached to a powder keg. It’s radio, at it’s realest. If you’re ready for a dose of truth, press play now.

Brogramming: Decompiled

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Some say that the world of software development, where you create for a living, should be the ultimate meritocracy. If you’re skilled, you will excel and rise to the top. Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. White, male, “brogrammer” culture reigns supreme — and it pushes a very different set of values.

In the very beginning of software culture, the playing field was much closer to equal than it is now. Everyone, far as we know, was welcomed and encouraged to contribute. But like everything else, it didn’t — some might say could not — stay the same. But the facts are this: the field grew, and was dominated by a single personality type. Now in 2015, companies are suffering because of this lop-sided equation, but many are clueless about how to frame the bigger issue at stake, and eventually, resolve it.

Our guest today, Aria Stewart has a few ideas. She’s a powerful speaker, and software developer at NPM. During our conversation today, we discuss the gender gap as it exists in software development culture at length, and how we might be able to fix it.

Play the Game

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Why are some projects, artforms, or mediums supposedly born to die? In this hour-long conversation, Joshua and Nicholas go over the various considerations that you should account for when releasing work as a physical artifact.

The concerns, as you might imagine, are many, including how you’ll archive the piece for consumption by future generations. There is an unexpected twist halfway through the program where Joshua champions digital preservation for young consumers. Is this something he’s doing with the work of previous bands? You’ll need to listen and find out.

Inside Vagabond School

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 00:00:00 GMT

This week on Dispatch, we venture outside the comfortable world of our studio to visit with Michael and Becca McCracken, founders of Vagabond School of the Arts. Chicago is a city full of beautiful art, not the least of which is our thriving theater scene, which Vagabond serves with a collection of useful continuing education classes, curated and presented by the city’s top talent.

In this conversation recorded at their Ravenswood loft, we explore the story behind Vagabond, how Michael arrived in Chicago, joined up with Becca, and the trials of the entrepreneurial journey that they’ve embarked on. It’s a show that you don’t want to miss.

What Bias?

Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A majority of the world’s citizenry views media bias as a specter to be feared. We all know the game: talking heads on television spin, distort, and omit items from true accounts until there is little of the original story left. But what if we could infiltrate the propaganda machine, make our own media, and use “bias” to influence the conversation for good?

This is a premise put forth by Nicholas over the last week. It’s based on an assumption that media outlets must choose stories to cover, and even in that act, a company that otherwise prides itself on high journalistic ideals, is introducing bias. The stories that are chosen — and the ones that aren’t — both represent biases, each in a different direction, depending on where you stand in relation to the issue in question.

With all of the airtime that was recently soaked up by Rachel Dolezal, and then, layered on top, the death of Sandra Bland and the soldiers in Memphis, it’s time that we take a hard look at how media bias is transforming our society, for the better or worse.

As journalists, we have a duty to select stories that will (and should) influence the national conversation. If we choose wrongly, public discourse suffers. Choose correctly, and we can teach an important lesson.

In this hour, your hosts are joined by Derrick Clifton, friend of the network and Deputy Opinions Editor at The Daily Dot. Derrick is no stranger to conversations that spring from intersections in our cultural road, and can be heard on Episode 9 of Dispatch as well.

Love Your Ears

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

If you want to hear for a lifetime, take care of your ears. Unfortunately, many among us (musicians and audio engineers included) don’t quite understand what this takes. After this program, though, it will all become clear.

The key is this: our ears weren’t designed for the rigors we face today. Live music, city noise, and overly loud earphones can all permanently damage our hearing. That’s right: hearing loss isn’t unavoidable… with perfect protection, you can hear perfectly forever.

In a world where one of your most important senses is constantly under assault, how can you mitigate your exposure to loud noise? Our guest, Carolynn Travis from Earlove can help.

Life Behind the Microphone

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

For the past two years, Joshua and Nicholas have lived, with few exceptions, behind the microphone. One-hundred-and-four episodes later, they bring you this retrospective episode, examining 52-hours of interviews, conversations, and more.

This is the second edition of our annual guide to Dispatch. In this episode, you’ll hear from several talented friends of The Machine, including:

Nick and Nadine, the creative duo behind Sonnenzimmer who explain each of their roles in the business… and who makes the coffee.
Your hosts discussing whether the desire to make potato salad should urge you to create a project on Kickstarter.
Voodoo Boogaloo, the electrified musical duo from Texas who stopped by to perform for us on Episode 64.
Dan Grzeca who stops by to discuss collaboration with other artists.
Ross Outten, our friend and Chef from Dolce Casa Cafe — and only guest, to this day, who brought food to us!
Brad Eshbach, a multi-disciplinary creative who is building the first “social network for space.”

Wasted Pages

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

It’s time to talk writing. This hour on Dispatch, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Collin and Ben, founders and instigators of the Wasted Pages Writers’ Workshop. Each week at the Chicago Publishers’ Resource Center, they help fellow authors bone up on grammar, narrative storytelling, and everything else that makes a great work. We’ll see if they can clean up our shownotes!

Jokes aside, if you’re a writer in the Windy City, you should attend one of their events. It’s only $30, a presents a great opportunity to write and be critiqued in a safe, constructive environment. Plus, laying down that cash will (hopefully) motivate you to draft your next masterwork.

The Old is New Again

Thu, 02 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Eventually, old technologies will be altered and presented as new work. It’s inevitable. But sometimes, these reintroduced platforms breathe new life into the mediums that birthed them. Today on Dispatch, a roundup of ideas that are arguably outdated, but might help us find new paths.

First, we dive into the legislation known as Chicago’s “cloud tax”, a new, nine-percent fee that aims to profit from Spotify, Netflix, and other digital, remote services.

Next up, North America is running out of IPv4 addresses. This has no bearing on you as the average internet consumer, but it does mark a moment that advanced technologists (and ISPs) should pay careful attention to.

Then, has Apple successfully reinvented radio with Beats 1?. Is it something truly new, or just a rebranding of existing radio formats?

And finally, a frank discussion of privacy in this digital age as Plex’s user forums are compromised: what constitutes online safety?

Rules of Engagement

Thu, 25 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Before signing your rights away, it’s best to understand the rules. Before penning a controversial article, you should check your cultural sensibilities. Today on Dispatch, we round up the most important news, beginning with Apple Music and end on the censorship of historical artifacts.

First on the docket, Shepard Fairey is wanted in Detroit for vandalism. We discuss whether his work — outside of a commissioned work — constitutes destruction of property, or is it, like everything else he is credited with, art.

Next, we swing into the world of music royalties to touch on Eternify an app created to game Spotify’s revenue system. What does this say about music streaming platforms at large, and how should artists (properly) fight back against ever-decreasing royalties?

Then, we ask why the U.S. Government is using Windows XP, a software platform with almost 14 years of history, and was retired last year. Nicholas, for one, is afraid of the repercussions this has for other, crucial government services.

And finally, should we destroy all references to the Confederate Battle Flag, or is it a crucial part of our history? Perhaps the uses of it in modern culture are misguided, but how far can we police cultural heritage? Is attempting to do so dangerous?

That, and more, is all coming up on Episode 101 of Dispatch. Press play and engage your brain.

One Zero Zero

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A landmark. When you move from double to triple digits — for creative project — it’s a reason for celebration. This, friends, is episode one hundred of Dispatch, featuring an all-new theme and audio branding, but us, Joshua and Nicholas, remain. We will always be here to provide you with ample doses of educational and thought provoking conversation… We’re just older and wiser now.

It’s hard to believe that Dispatch started almost two years ago. Ideas turned into conversations over beer, and slowly transitioned into the studio. The Machine was little more than a dream, but once every cog was in place, we pushed the ignition.

In this episode, messages from our friends, a recap of how the world has changed since we launched in July of 2013, and what’s on the docket for our next hundred hours.

The Hazards of Gambling

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

What risks are acceptable? Opening a business and pursuing your own destiny is certainly fraught with danger, but how do you divide risks that are worth taking from the ones you should avoid?

For one, it’s difficult to skirt the law where matters of intellectual property are involved. In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas examine the case of several Chicago bars who were recently sued by ASCAP for infringing copyrights of songwriters.

How could these establishments have avoided the hefty fines? For one, they could’ve kept it quiet. Second, they should’ve been using Mixdown, a project that Nicholas has been working on in his off time from Producer duties at The Machine.

All in all, this is a great conversation and not to be missed. Plus, a special thanks to Larissa and Chuck, our donors of the month, who contributed to help keep us on the air. You can donate too, and hear your name on the radio, so if this entices you — have at it! And, remember, there’s only 7 days until our big episode 100. Get in your comments at 1 (844) 4-MACHINE.

Responsible Self-Promotion

Thu, 04 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

If you’ve emailed a journalist asking for a favor, thought of promoting your own work instead of hiring outside help, or are making anything (of any sort) that will eventually require promotion, listen up. This episode is for you.

It’s difficult to believe that in 98 episodes of Dispatch, we’ve never covered self-promotion. Sure, we may have touched on it, but this show has never presented an accurate roadmap, a collection of steps that will (hopefully) lead you towards success… until now.

Listen closely as we walk through the four steps to successful (and responsible) self-promotion. This guide will help you contact journalists and other press employees with confidence, while also tempering your enthusiasm in a positive way. It’s one thing to ask, but another to bother or nag. Learn the difference between the two in this hour long expose. It’s the closest to a self-help guide that we’ll ever get.

Exceeding Expectations

Thu, 28 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you’re hosting an event, releasing an album, or publishing content on your website, you are the host. And any time you welcome someone into your world, the guests’ experiences matter. Today on Dispatch, lessons learned from years of event planning expertise, and how you can be welcoming to everyone.

The inspiration for this show came, as it often does, from true life events. This week, Joshua attended The 2nd Annual 26th Annual comedy festival, presented by The Onion and The A.V. Club, and drew a wealth of event planning tips from his experience. Some of their practices were solid, and others left audience members disappointed.

As we also mentioned, Dispatch is nearing a milestone: Episode 100 is just around the corner, and we would love to hear your feedback, congratulations, and ideas on where the show should go next. Get in touch via email, or call 1 (844) 4-MACHINE.

Overtime

Thu, 21 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

If every night is a late one, and you dread the morning — you are overcommitted. When you’ve given every piece of yourself out to friends, family, and co-workers, there is only tiny scraps of time left over. But you stay the course, aiming to complete what you signed up for. This is admirable, but it’s also wise to ask for help.

When you’re facing a mountain of work, and other projects are still piling up, how can you dig yourself out? This week on Dispatch, Joshua and Nicholas offer several tips for taking on an overstuffed schedule and restoring that glorious work/life balance.

We also announce the successes that our work has brought, including Chick Habit being selected as New and Noteworthy by iTunes, and a new show from our friend Kriss Stress. It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come, and tips to help you improve.

We’re also nearing Episode 100 of Dispatch, and would love to hear from any of you. Please reach out via phone at 1 (844) 4-MACHINE, or send us an email. Feel free to include tips of your own, comments, or congratulations as we close in on this landmark event. Thanks for all of your support over the last ninety-six episodes, and here’s to another hundred plus.

For Your Ears Only

Thu, 07 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Some people believe ideas are currency, and if that’s true, should your ideas be protected? Today, we discuss the common action of having interested partners sign an NDA, or non-disclosure agreement, and how these binding legal documents can help (and sometimes harm) your ability to do business.

Like most episodes of Dispatch, this topic was inspired by the previous week’s experiences. In Nicholas’ case, he declined to sign for a number of reasons. Your reasons may be different, and we certainly aren’t lawyers, but you can learn a lot from examining the reasons why someone may ask all parties to agree in writing.

This is a shorter episode than normal, but still packed with lots of useful information. Have you been in a sticky legal situation that slowed your business? Give us a ring: 1 (844) 4-MACHINE and share your story.

Brick and Mortar

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Electronic commerce revolutionized what it means to make and sell handcrafted wares. However, we can’t overlook the wonderful, physical stores that help artisans as well. In this episode of Dispatch, we discuss the role that brick and mortar stores play in our local economy.

Joining us for this conversation are two wonderfully talented friends: Kate Merena, owner of Sacred Art; and Emily Hamma Martin, organizer of Show of Hands and the creative powerhouse behind Orange Beautiful. Together, we go deep into the world of retail, and how it boosts everyone’s bottom line.

Once again, we’re recording live at Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. If you haven’t seen their expansive collection of unique works, don’t miss it. It’s worth making a trip to Chicago just to visit them.

Special thanks to Intuit for hosting us, and to Annabel Lang for helping produce this live program.

Digital Footprints

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Now, more than ever, every one of us leaves footprints. Not just in the sand, grass, or dirt — but on platforms everywhere. Twitter, Facebook, Wordpress.com, and a plethora of other social platforms contain messages outlining our excesses, wonderings, and frustrations. Collectively, these outbursts represent the entirety of human thought. The platforms themselves are, to some, the pinnacle of invention. To others, they’re loathsome enablers that distribute meaningless noise at an unprecedented rate.

But one truth remains: everybody uses these tools. Only a small portion of these communications are valuable to scholars looking to quantify and measure our behavior. Today, we host friend of the network, scholar, and educator, Will Farina. Over the last year, Will has slowly exposed your hosts to his work in the constantly expanding field of Digital Humanities: a field of study that exists to extract value from our many footprints (online and off).

The field of Digital Humanities is always expanding for a reason: as we generate increasing amounts of content, how can academic workers separate valuable resources from the dross?

Art is for Everyone

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

It doesn’t matter what your race is, what religion you belong to, or whether you’re male or female — art is for everyone. We strongly believe that anyone can create stunning works of art, and that nobody should be criticized for wanting to do so.

Unfortunately, our expectations rarely match reality. That’s why we’re launching Chick Habit a show chronicling the true-life events of female musicians in the Chicagoland area and beyond.

Today on Dispatch, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Ashly Dalene friend of the network, musician, and soon to be host of this dynamic new program. Get a taste of her personality, style, and backstory before the show releases it’s first episode on April 22. Then, subscribe to get all the potent talk you can handle!

On the Air

Thu, 09 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

As seasoned radio makers, it isn’t often we get into deep conversations about how (and why) we create the programming you experience each week. But today, we had a unique opportunity to do just that.

In this hour, we’re joined by our new friend Annabel Lang, an intern at the famous Third Coast Audio Festival. As a recent inductee into the world of radio creators, Annabel has several questions for your hosts, which hopefully will explain why (and how) we continue to make audio-only programming.

Audio programming, especially online, is currently seeing a renaissance — with programs like Serial, Reply All, and Start Up — but many shows have had online distribution for years. Why are so many listeners consuming their shows on-demand now? We dig into this question, and many more, this week on Dispatch.

Aiwa Is Alive

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Do you remember the iconic consumer audio brand, Aiwa? Most 90’s kids recall lusting over the next great boombox with big speakers and modern industrial styling. Often, these big beat blasters were manufactured by Aiwa.

In 2002, after Aiwa was purchased by Sony, the brand slowly began to die. In 2006, Sony ceased production of Aiwa-labeled products. Fast forward to today: Aiwa is back, and better than ever. In this hour, we chat with the innovators who are resurrecting the company and bringing a great product to market: the Exos-9 powered speaker.

But don’t take our word for it: listen to our in-studio test of the Exos-9 and let your ears decide. If you decide to buy one, you can pick it up at a $30 discount just by being a listener of The Machine.

The Outsiders

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you know it or not, there is a name for artists to were untrained, and had only a few ways to satisfy their urge to create. Outsider Art is a movement born in European mental hospitals, but the shockwaves from this creative institution extends well into the future. Along with Cleo Wilson, your hosts trace the impact of Outsider Artists from the beginning until today.

As you may notice, this week’s broadcast didn’t originate from our studio; instead, we come to you from Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art a fabulous gallery filled with work from Outsider Artists around the globe. Once monthly, we’ll be hosting discussions like this from Intuit, and of course, streaming the show live.

In this hour, you’ll learn more about untrained, intuitive artists than you ever thought possible. Prepare to be moved, and press play.

Preparing for Battle

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

How do you grow as an artist? Can you adopt a regimen of tasks that help you stretch outside of your comfort zone? In this hour, we examine how we have grown, and suggest ideas that will help expand your range of talents well outside their current boundaries.

In the world of Dispatch, we’re beginning to tackle live remote shows on the air. If you’re interested to see how we pull this off, come and join us next week in Chicago.

We also want to hear about tasks or things you do to become a better creator. Let us know at 1 (844) 4-MACHINE. Record your stories, and we’ll play them on the show.

Know Who You Are

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Any creative, regardless of the medium they’re in, should understand the value of their talent and how to effectively market themselves. In a world where artists must juggle multiple disciplines, it’s important that they have a grasp of rudimentary business skills, in addition to mastering a specific craft.

In this broadcast, returning guest Charles Riffenburg shares a few examples from his work as a marketing and design consultant, and provides useful insight into the issues others might face when involved in similar projects.

If you, or someone you know makes a living from their art — this is an episode not to be missed.

Join The Club

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Returning guest Molly Marshall is an insatiably curious artist, digital marketer, and event organizer. The last time she joined us was Episode 1, where we debated the merits of limiting your work to a single creative discipline.

Today she is back, after an 84 week hiatus. The latest news in her life is #PodcastClub a meetup for passionate fans of on-demand audio entertainment. We cover the origins of this new project, pitfalls that await new event organizers, and more. Here at Dispatch, we love community events (and even lead a few). The world needs more organic communities, and creating them around loosely organized interest groups is a great way to kickoff new friendships. To Molly, and others like her, we say congratulations!

Also of note, Dispatch Live is returning to Chicago. March 26th at Intuit Center for Outsider Art, we’ll be hosting a panel covering the genesis of the outsider art movement, and how it empowers artists today. Don’t miss this!

The Pitch

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Life as a design professional can be difficult. Balancing your free time with work, setting expectations for clients, and delivering consistent results are all part of the game. A game that our guest Margot Harrington has mastered. She joins us today to discuss her life and career thus far.

We cover everything from losing her corporate job in 2008, the founding of Pitch Design Union, her recent class on Skillshare, and questions to ask clients before and during your engagement with them.

This episode is brimming with pragmatic advice for today’s modern creative. Don’t miss it!

Shout It Out

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Bryan Bull is a publicist focusing on independent music, and the many projects that revolve around it. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, he’s well-connected in the Nashville scene and has sent many artists to The Machine, including Jars of Clay, The Hawk In Paris, Liza Anne, and Jacob Thomas Jr..

But we’re not talking about those interviews today. Instead, we discuss what independent artists should be doing to promote their careers. Publicity can be a scary concept, but it’s really the only safe bet for being heard in a noisy world. And having a pro, like Bryan, on your side might be worthwhile if you’re looking to expose yourself to new audiences.

Specifically, we dive into how to act when contacting a publicist or media outlet, setting up your own Electronic Press Kit (EPK), and more.

It Takes Two

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes it pays to have a partner. They become your best friend, sounding board, and critical voice of reason when the work just isn’t right. But you must choose carefully: this person will see you, and the work created together, at it’s worst possible stage.

Joining us today are Matt and Gene, collectively known as TWINKIDS, a newly-minted electronic music duo. Joshua and Nicholas speak to them about music, life in Chicago, their Banff center residency, and more.

Talk Like a Human

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT

We get it. Everybody needs exposure: whether you’re the smallest independent printmaker vying for attention in your city or a headlining band on an international tour, influencers are often your friends. But there is only a handful of correct ways to approach these tastemakers, and many incorrect avenues that will hinder your progress.

It begins with acting like a person; with needs and dreams. Communicate honestly and you’ll be surprised how far good will will carry you. Today, we discuss how to avoid frustration as you rise towards the top.

Driven to Create

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Few artists that we know are prolific when compared to our friend Kriss Stress. They first came onto our radar as the instigator behind Notes and Bolts, but if we tell Kriss’ whole story, it’s much more than that.

Today, you’ll often find them drawing in the early morning hours for another installment of the Blank Expressions portrait series, or working on another of their myriad projects, including two comics series. The first is a daily journal in graphical form, and the second, Rotating Panels, presents a unique take on how music impacts our daily lives.

Today, Kriss joins us to discuss their creative regimen, what it feels like to run a successful crowdfunding campaign (for a Blank Expressions book), and everything in between.

Choose Wisely

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you work for yourself, small businesses, or corporations, you will eventually be invited to collaborate on a project with other creators. For most, it’s a joy — the exhilirating process of seeing your own work, combined in myriad ways with pieces created by another — and together, form a complete whole. To others, collaboration is off limits: they’re too scared of letting go and allowing foreign influences to creep in.

Surely there is a balance to be struck. Today on Dispatch, we discuss how to choose your companions and collaborators with care and discerning taste, as you hope to avoid uncomfortable situations, wasted money, and lost time.

It’s a challenge, but one that we assure you, is worth the effort. Learn how to communicate, prioritize, and dream clearer, with the input of someone else.

On Stage

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The world of theatre is a complex one, and as a working actor, you’re faced with challenges on many fronts. Outside of stepping onstage to portray a complex persona in a believable manner, there are business, career, and financial concerns — much like those that pester anyone in a creative field.

Today in the studio, your hosts are joined by working actor and friend of the show, Chris Lysy, to discuss the trials of working actors everywhere, but specifically in the city of Chicago. On the table: is equity something you should strive for, or a hindrance to any future roles you might desire to accept? How does proper dramatic education play into your success? And, do artists (of all disciplines) really need a “fallback plan”?

Chris has worked in many shows as a member of Commedia Beauregard, including A Klingon Christmas Carol. His work spans everything from local companies to the famous Lyric Opera. We ask Chris about moving up in the Chicago theatre scene, and more.

Design: Uncensored

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

As artists, why do we create? For some, it’s to educate: to present an alternative version of the world where all is right. Others create satire that illustrates the problems present in modern society, while being humorous. Yet another group is content with introducing beauty into an otherwise drab environment.

Ask anyone this question, and the answers you’ll receive will vary wildly from one person to the next. Everyone has their own take, and rightly so: it’s important to every fiber of their being; at work and play.

Today on Dispatch, we cover those questions and more with Nick Butcher and Nadine Nakanishi, founders of the renowned Chicago-based design firm, Sonnenzimmer. Over the last decade, their work has been defined by a unique desire to subvert how art is created and experienced. Along the way, they’ve become recognized internationally for unflinching honesty and openness, both in how they communicate with audiences, and in the work itself.

In this episode, we reflect on a decade of Sonnenzimmer, their upcoming gallery exhibition, Simultaneous: Seripop and Sonnenzimmer, what it means to grow as a creative, and the 2015 plans of this dynamic duo.

A Fresh Start

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

From now, you have 364 more days to create something awesome, so pay careful attention to the passing of each one. And if you must resolve to do anything, make it to live out a better version of your current self.

Your hosts are back from the holiday break, and full of advice to help maximize your work and pleasure. Plus, we hear from former guests Voodoo Boogaloo and Randi Russo, who share their plans and dreams for a successful new year.

Life doesn’t have to be full of boring drudgery. Pledge to improve your life and work this year, and spread the love and encouragement with everyone you meet. We’ll keep creating the same programming, and inspiring you to constantly do better.

Breakfast of Champions

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

As a kid, you probably heard the old saying “you are what you eat.” With little modification, this phrase rings true especially for artists: “you create like you eat.” Fast food, freezer dinners, and takeout can be staples of the creative life, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this hour, former ballet dancer and now Head Chef of the Chestnut Street Inn Monika Sudakov joins your hosts to discuss how artists, home-based workers, and anyone else with a little time to spare can eat healthy.

Whether you’re focused on a project, up against client deadlines, or working on a personal art piece, never forget to eat healthy. Your output will be better for it.

Work/Life

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

All too often, we’re driven by our work. And when unexpected life events creep in and disrupt our otherwise organized workflow, it can rattle the best of us. In this episode, we explore what happens when those worlds collide, and how to reassemble the resulting broken pieces.

Joining your hosts today is Christina Dennaoui, the artist behind electronic music project Volutes, and former guest on Inside the Machine. Together, we share moments in our lives when being alive gets messy.

If you like this program, please consider donating, and help us stay on the air. Dispatch doesn’t happen without your support. And, if you have big plans for 2015 — whether it’s a piece of work you’re releasing, or just something you will be excited to purchase — let us know! Your new year related feedback is welcome (and encouraged) at 1 (844) 4-MACHINE.

On The Road

Wed, 03 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT

You may not know it, but neither our founder, Nicholas, nor the hosts make any money from their shows on The Machine. We have run “sponsorships” for our friends to help publicize their work, but in the end, it’s all pro-bono. In fact, it costs us a lot to stay on the air, and continue delivering weekly programming to you.

Today, for the very first time, we’re giving you a way to contribute financially. If you like our programming, and want to us to continue broadcasting week after week, we would greatly appreciate your support. This show is nearing 75 weeks of continuous programming (with one exception, during our studio move), so we’re committed to creating the best, pro-grade programs. Will you join us on this never-ending quest? If you chose to donate monthly, we have some super-cool rewards… so get in on it!

Also in this episode, a recap of Nicholas’ recent trip to speak at Nodevember, where he detailed the back-end software stack that keeps us online, Joshua’s relaxing Thanksgiving, and of course, your usual witty banter. Tune in, turn it up, and contribute! This is Dispatch.

A Very Artful Thanksgiving

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

If you celebrate, this week is a time for friends, family, and thankfulness. Here at Dispatch, your hosts are grateful for many things, including your continued listenership and support. In this hour, we come to you from Show of Hands Chicago 2014, to ask a handful of artists what they’re thankful for.

Many of the artisans we asked were thankful for their patrons. Maybe that includes you! We’ve included links to everyone featured for your perusal. As the holiday season draws nearer, please consider financially supporting them.

Featured Artisans

It's Pronounced "Jetsah"

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In a world of artistic miscreants, one man stands above them all. Where punk supplanted rock ‘n’ roll for the true rebels, he rose beyond the noise, riding on the tide of Chicago’s growing independent music scene. Many years later, we find him working on pieces for The Black Keys, Phish, and Veruca Salt, alongside his own line of fine art prints. Of course, I’m talking about the one and only Dan Grzeca, creator of Ground Up Press.

As fellow members of the Windy City art community, we’re proud to call Dan a friend. To say that he’s busy is a gross understatement: between spending time in his studio, with the family, and being on the road, he’s constantly in motion. We’ve wanted him as a guest since the beginning, and now, over a year in, he’s in the studio.

Tune in to hear the story of Dan’s evolution as an artist, perspective on the worlds of art, music, life, and drugs.

Create, Explore, Curate

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Every fall, your hosts look forward to attending (and broadcasting from) the midwest’s premier shopping event for fans of handmade merchandise, Show of Hands. It’s a wonderful two-day sprint of purchasing gifts for family and yourself, from some of the finest independent craftspeople.

Believe it or not, that time has come again. Everything commences on the weekend before Thanksgiving, and we’re joined in-studio by Emily Martin, founder and curator of the event. The last time she visited us, we covered the challenges of her craft show debut, and went on to produce two episodes from the show floor.

Today we’re chatting about the challenges and rewards of planning a large scale event (for the second time), and how other organizers can improve on their show every year.

Cosmetically Sound

Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

You may not know it, but many mass-market cosmetics have chemicals that aren’t always safe for your skin or the environment. There isn’t a governing body controlling how these products are made, and according to our guest, almost anyone can bottle their concoction then label it for sale.

Today, we come to you from the intersection of small business ethics, financials, and personal care. Jenny, owner of Noktivo non-toxic spa works daily to educate and serve her clientele in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. With each passing year, she makes a larger dent in the misinformation and confusion that surrounds these products.

Winter Hibernation

Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Like the weather, creative work and inspiration often comes in seasons. Winter is especially brutal to your hosts (in chilly Chicago), so we adjusted our schedules to take advantage of this cold and quiet time of year. Have you?

In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas discuss the impact of fall and winter on creatives’ workload, and how you can successfully utilize this downtime to ensure a productive spring and summer. And even though it may sound otherwise, this episode is focused on getting stuff done. When the cold sets in, what will you do?

Learn how to be effective in your career and hobbies year round, in this edition of Dispatch.

Vacation Days

Sun, 19 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Before Nicholas goes on vacation, your hosts are meeting in the studio so you don’t go without a program. And since it’s on our minds, we discuss how to avoid burning out before you need to rest.

Don’t overexercise your creative muscles. Learn to stop, pause your activities, and relax. Burning the midnight oil may make you seem extraordinarily productive, but in too many sessions of insane, nonstop work can wear you out — and lead to subpar output. Learn to know your limits, and live within them.

It's All Your Fault

Wed, 15 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Ah, the internet. It’s both the single most powerful tool of our generation, and the most loathsome. It spawned a new generation of entrepreneurs, hungry for cash and fame; and has accelerated human progress all at the same time.

On today’s broadcast, we focus on that entity: the world wide web, and the consequences of sharing private information with friends (and strangers) through modern technologies.

First on the table, Snapchat says their users are at fault for a recent breach of trust. Then, continuing the string of alleged hacks, Dropbox denies that it’s system remains uncompromised, stating “the usernames and passwords referenced … were stolen from unrelated services.” We wrap with the news of Skype’s revamped video messaging app, Qik, and a tiny box that anonymizes all of your online activity.

It’s a round-up of everything you don’t need to know, but is interesting nevertheless.

When to Quit

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

When do you quit? That’s the topic of today’s discussion. As children, we were taught to never quit, especially when pursuing a course of action laid out by our parents. But is quitting always bad? What if you quit that job with the abusive boss, or leave the career that had grown stale to allow time for more fulfilling work?

Of course, the next question is when to quit. We can toss around high-minded creative ideals, but when reality interjects — what will become of your life? Growing up, we heard this phrase often: “quitters never win, and winners never quit.” Is it true, or a oversimplified explanation of real-world problems?

We discuss this, and more, today on Dispatch. As always, if you have questions, give us a ring: 1-844-4MACHINE. We’ll take your voicemail and answer any questions on the air.

Get in the Game

Thu, 02 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In today’s world, most people only subsist. They live daily without control over their life, career, or finances. And yet, they’re afraid of the tool that could revolutionize their existence. I’m talking, once again, about business. If you’re living off the crumbs of someone else’s passion, slogging though the 9-5, have a tolerance for risk and are driven to succeed — this episode is for you.

Our guest is powerhouse founder Marcus Whitney. As one of the driving forces behind Nashville’s thriving business community, he knows a thing or two about building successful companies. And, unlike some, he recognizes that a growing venture always starts with one small seed: the dream of a founder.

This isn’t Silicon Valley bullshit. (We all know the pitch of a snake-oil salesman: extreme growth, and a massive payout isn’t required.) It doesn’t require a huge pocketbook or millions in venture capital. Today’s conversation is brimming with real talk about what it means to be a business owner, how to grow and shepherd your team, and much more. If you’re ready to get in the game, listen and learn.

Voodoo Boogaloo

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Life on the road is difficult: Sam McAllister of the indie-rock act Project Film once offered the advice that touring would either make or break your band. While it’s not something to be taken lightly, it’s also an important step for any band. For every musician, traveling is inevitable — so you may as well be good at it.

In the studio today are two guests, Stephanie and Logan of Voodoo Boogaloo. They’re wrapping up week eight of their first tour, which has been a grueling, but educational experience. While in the Windy City, the band is performing seven times, so there’s no excuse for local residents to miss them.

In this episode, we chat about the difficulties and triumphs of life on the road, and hear several live performances from our guests.

So Sweet, It's Spicy

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

If 2013 was the year for founding podcast networks, Patrick O’Rourke was ahead of the curve. Two years ago, he founded the (now) popular network, Peaches and Hot Sauce. Together with his team of producers, he’s responsible for some of Chicago’s finest improv comedy productions.

Several weeks ago, Nicholas, one of your hosts, had the opportunity to join him for Making New Friends (Patrick’s main show), and witness his excellence first hand.

Today, Patrick joins Joshua and Nicholas for an extended discussion around podcast networks, the business (and work!) behind them, and his money-stuffed mattress. He’s making serious bank, and (for some unknown reason) wants to share his wisdom with you. Don’t miss this riveting hour of radio!

The Real World

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

It’s rare to chat with an artist who has just embarked on their career. This week on Dispatch, we get a glimpse into the life of Emily Ember. Nicholas encountered Emily while working at the Chicago Fringe Festival this past weekend. She was volunteering as a stage director, and handling all of the setup, teardown, cleanup, and light cues for several independently produced plays. Several short conversations later, and here she is, recording Dispatch.

Emily is a extraordinarily talented and focused young actor. As a recent graduate from Northwestern University, she’s preparing to step out into the real world. She has a “survival job”, but is planning on pursuing her calling with a driving passion that few artists possess. Expect great things from her in the Chicago theatre and around the country.

In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas chat with her about the realities of life as an artist. If you’re beginning an artistic career, do you need a plan outside of your true career? We answer this question, and many more. Press play now.

Beyond the Atmosphere

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Brad Eshbach loves space. Yes, I’m referring to the dark, airless, void that seems to swallow all. But more specifically, he admires the proud few explorers who routinely visit and run experiments for the good of all mankind. In fact, Brad is so in love with those explorers that he created an iPhone app and website, “How Many People Are In Space Right Now?” Today, your intrepid hosts chat with Brad about his creation.

Like most ventures, it started with an idea, and one that Brad had no idea how to build. He’s a idea guy, with vision and marketing skills — but his technical prowess is lacking. The good thing? He knows it.

To craft this beautiful, functional, and dare I say it, inspirational app, he partnered with several creatives who are each talented in their own right. Listen to hear stories of collaboration, frustrating missed deadlines, and ultimately, triumph.

Tribes

Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Every artist has their fans, even if they don’t know about them. In this disconnected world, artists must recognize their audience and tend it, just like marketing professionals have done for years. If you doubt, consider this: the patron model, which once financed creative work though funds procured by kings and church officials, is dead. A few patrons have been replaced by a thousand. Kickstarter is alive. Your life as a creator is different now.

But even as old models of supporting your art die, millions of new (some would say improved) opportunities are being birthed. You can benefit from them, if you’re ready. The question is, are you?

Today, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by graphic designer and painter Brad Blackman, who made a unique point in his recent blog entry, Tribes. The term, popularized by author and business coach Seth Godin is well known among business professionals. It conjures visions of a captive audience who is ready to receive and publicize your work. Building and maintaining your Tribe is another story: it’s hard work, and not for the faint of heart.

In this episode, how you can harness your in-person and online presence to grow your financials, influence, and more. Don’t be afraid of that “b” word anymore. Learn how to do business right.

Dolce Casa Cafe

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Like ours, most communities will embrace a new eatery. And yet, so many new ventures, but especially restaurants, fail. Not a day passes where your hosts walk down the street and notice bare storefronts that once housed thriving businesses. In a matter of months, ideas and projects that once excited the creator can grow, fall prey to difficult circumstances, and wither away.

It’s a bitter taste of realism for dreamers, who eventually learn to see their project in the harsh light of day. Thankfully, there is a marked difference between the successes and failures: knowledge, tenacity, and agility all play roles in the dance. By absorbing, then harnessing these skills, talented entrepreneurs are able to expand and support their businesses for years to come.

Ross Outten is one such person. His restaurant, Dolce Casa Cafe, is a favorite of your hosts. If you walk by at any time of day, you’ll see residents enjoying a tasty cup of locally roasted coffee, or indulging with one of Ross’ mouthwatering dishes. Stepping inside Dolce Casa, you’ll experience a world of flavors that have been crafted by the Chef, designed to both delight the senses and satisfy your hunger. It’s a world apart from other eateries on our block, and definitely worth a visit when you’re in Chicago.

On this episode, Joshua and Nicholas are joined in-studio by Ross, who discusses the real-world implications of managing a successful restaurant.

Don't Get Comfortable

Mon, 18 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Neither of your hosts are comfortable, and nor should they be. Comfort, as we know, is the enemy of progress. Only those who are willing to sacrifice it will achieve greatness in the creative arts.

This week on Dispatch, we present a round-up of events to come: Nicholas is recording two podcasts on the same day, each in a different genre. Show Me Your Mic is a program where podcasters discuss the principals and practices behind their work. On episode 46, host Chris Enns is joined by Nicholas to discuss The Machine Network and more. The second taping is for Making New Friends, an improv comedy extravaganza hosted by Patrick O’Rourke. This is where our discomfort begins: we’re anything but comedians.

Is persistent discomfort what all artists ask for? In a way, yes. If you’re to become a true artist, or at least a successful one, you must think outside the box. If the purpose of your art is to inspire and educate, the nobleness of your goal demands it.

Plus, we dive behind the scenes and chat about some of the technical hurdles we’ve had to overcome, as our audience grows. If you’re listening to this, we owe you the best quality programming possible. Know that we’re always striving for gold, though it’s sometimes difficult to achieve.

Are you ready to improve your life and work? Then press play.

Welcome to Dave's Lounge

Fri, 08 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Most podcasts fade after several years. It’s no wonder: behind the scenes of every broadcast, be it on terrestrial radio, satellite, or online, artists work long hours to deliver your favorite media fix. Some burn out, and discontinue their shows, while a far lesser number continue on. Today, we bring you a member of the latter category: Dave Warner. By day, he’s mild mannered technical writer. At night, he’s an influential online presenter, and host of “Dave’s Lounge.”

His online broadcasts began almost a decade ago, and since then, he’s released over two-hundred hour-long episodes, each filled to the brim with music designed to help you chill. And in that time, he’s acquired a significant amount of knowledge about podcasting, including how (and where) to host your media files, what content management system is the best, and how to nourish and grow your listener base.

Podcasting, as a medium, is still struggling to be accepted by the masses. It’s not yet considered equal with television and radio, despite the obvious conveniences that it brings. What we need as podcasters is some sage advice. Today, Dave gives it to us.

Getting Paid

Mon, 04 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

“Hey, you owe me money. Pay me the money,” quips Joshua Wentz. It’s a common phrase known to anyone in business. Whether you run a firm of your own, or work in the accounts receivable department somewhere else, it’s important that you reclaim any money owed.

In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas discuss several ways to get paid. The main point? Be civil, every time, even though the client is hesitant to remit the owed funds.

Also in this episode, stories of Congress members editing Wikipedia anonymously, the value of Twitter Ads (versus Facebook’s advertising system), and the morals of downloading copyrighted content on Bittorrent. Plus, we tell the story of our theme, “Right Degrees.” It’s a smorgasbord of ideas, both good and bad, this week on Dispatch.

By Measure

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

What is your sacred space? Where do you create? Our guest, Billie Howard, has spent the last few years interviewing artists and photographing their studios or apartments. It’s not about their influences, which many shows dive into, but rather the physical spaces where the work happens. Billie was previously featured on Inside the Machine with her band, The Paver, but this work stands alone.

It’s where life happens. Where art happens. A space that helps you feel safe and creative. Recently, she’s posted a revealing set of images with our friends Lakshmi Ramgopal, Coppice, and many, many others. Her series recently expanded to include a podcast in lieu of the text interviews, so artists can describe their process with audible words, rather than typed answers.

Dig into the work of this passionate archivist, and hear her story this week on Dispatch.

Transit App

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In a world where we all tap incessantly at our smartphones, what makes a truly useful application? Sam Vermette, CEO and co-founder of Transit App knows. In this episode of Dispatch, he shares how Transit became one of the dominant players in a crowded space.

For the uninitiated, Transit App helps city dwellers track availability and schedules for multiple transportation methods: in most areas, the application supports buses, trains, and bike share networks. It runs on iOS and Android, so regardless of your platform, you will still arrive on-time at your destination. And when compared to other applications, it’s surprisingly minimal. “It’s pretty rare that you can brag about having a low session length in average,” says Vermette. “But in our case, that’s exactly what we’re shooting for.” On average, a Transit user only keeps the app open for a maximum of twenty seconds. Longer session times are a symptom of complex applications, something Sam wants no part of.

Life Without Potato Salad

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

It started with Potato Salad. This now-infamous project grew from humble beginnings, only seeking to raise $10. But online jokesters soon began contributing, and as of this writing, the project has raised more than $40,000. Spurred on by it’s success, other enterprising pranksters created their own fundraisers. None have succeeded so wildly as the original, but the ranks of fake projects — not dedicated to original creative works — have continued to grow rapidly.

Behind this mayhem is a simple solution. Early in June, Kickstarter adjusted how projects are evaluated by introducing Launch Now. In the past, any new project was vetted by the Kickstarter team before it was allowed on the site. After these changes, anyone with an idea can create a project and publish it instantly, bypassing the verification process. Of course, the creator can still solicit advice from the Staff, but it’s a voluntary request.

In our mind, eliminating this step removes the quality control process that built the crowdfunding giant. Both of your hosts, but Joshua especially, would browse Kickstarter during off-hours looking for Chicago-based art projects to support. Now, instead of seeing only the best, you’re forced to sift though the pile of frustrating jokes before you find a project worth backing.

Will this change unseat Kickstarter as the dominant platform? While consulting artists and entreprenuers who are considering crowdfunding, there’s little doubt that Kickstarter is top of mind. Indiegogo and the rest loom large, but there’s only one clear winner. Will this ongoing debacle encourage the site to reverse it’s decision? Will artists think twice before taking their project to Kickstarter? We discuss this (and more) today on Dispatch.

One Year Later...

Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

For the past year, Dispatch has been a place where creatives can unwind, share, and learn. Our listeners (that’s you!), hear fellow artists share the deepest frustrations, but also tips for success. Guests experience a breed of unfiltered honesty from the hosts, and freedom to share their story in a comfortable, low-pressure environment that we believe is unlike any other radio program.

We’ve discussed what it’s like to run an independent record label, how to build custom bicycles (starting with only a few metal tubes), why your business might benefit from a physical location, whether you should specialize on one area of art (or remain a generalist), and many other intriguing topics. We recorded in the studio with guests, live at Transistor, then came to you from Show of Hands, the year’s best handmade design show, and the Ravenswood Community Council’s Greener Ravenswood event. No other show (at least that we’ve heard) has covered the breadth of topics that you’ll hear in our archive.

Of course, we couldn’t have done this without the support of our friends. If you’ve contributed to the show in any way, we’re thankful. It also wouldn’t be an honest celebration if we didn’t thank our listeners: you’re the reason we stay on the air. Thanks for tuning in each week.

On today’s episode, you’ll hear the best excerpts from our friends Tandem Shop Records, Bobby Horton, Legacy Frameworks, Derrick Clifton, and The Neutral Sound. If any of these clips pique your interest, dig back into our archive to hear the full episodes! To date, we’ve released over 51 hours of wonderful, informative conversations, so there’s plenty to keep your ears occupied for a while.

If you’re new to the show, begin your adventure here. Press play to experience the best of year one, then download anything else you’re curious about.

Know Your Rights

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Copyright is confusing, I think we can all agree on that. Whether you’re an artist seeking to protect your work, or a business who needs to license protected work, your rights may be clearly defined by the law, but they certainly aren’t well publicized. What are your rights, and how do you protect them?

Copyright is a two-edged sword, and can help (or harm) us, depending on how we wield it. In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas chat with Stephen Wolfson, copyright attorney and law librarian, who helps dispel the confusion.

Rich Myers

Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In the past, protecting your work meant limiting it’s exposure. Licenses stood in the way, between what users could, or could not do. But in the internet age, if a creator wants to retain strict control, do these principals still hold true? Today on Dispatch, photographer Rich Myers joins Joshua and Nicholas for a lively conversation, where he describes a new approach to content licensing.

A self-proclaimed documentarian, Rich recently returned from Ukraine, where he routinely put himself in harms way just for the one, magical photograph. All of his work is available online, for free, to any visitor. Commercial clients (such as news organizations), however, will need to pay a licensing fee. Despite this distinction, all of his images are downloadable in full-resolution and un-watermarked, on his website. Is this the future of our digital work? How do we control the propagation of our art, in this digital realm? Can we control it?

Your Community, Your Environment

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

What can you and your neighbors do to decrease your ecological footprint? Conserve water? Check. Use your local recycling center? Check, again. But outside of these well known techniques, exists a world of possibilities that few but the most eco-savvy consumers recognize. In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas come to you live from Greener Ravenswood, a local event where vendors and community members gathered to explore outside-the-box options to conserve the resources of their community.

In short, this event was the finest of its kind. While many initiatives focus on city-wide issues, your local community is a powerful driving force. Where a single voice will not be heard over the din of metropolitan officials, in their neighborhood, the comments of an individual will be considered and often, acted upon. Listen and learn how your community can become greener, one step at a time.

In this episode, you’ll hear from:

Mixdown

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Nicholas is sitting in the hot seat; a space normally occupied by our guest, while your hosts fire questions at them. In this episode, though, the tables turn and Joshua ends up interviewing his co-host about an upcoming product, Mixdown.

As Nicholas describes it, Mixdown is an innovative product with the potential to change how musicians monetize their art. Coffee shops, retail boutiques, restaurants — and most businesses that use music in their establishment — are currently in trouble. They must choose between the expensive licenses offered by performing rights organizations, or risk being sued for illegally using recorded music in their place of business. It’s a choice that no small business should have to make.

Mixdown changes everything: artists are paid a fair rate for their output, and businesses are charged an inexpensive monthly fee. The solution is a simple one, but it took years to arrive here, where the service is almost ready for launch.

Joshua digs deep, and helps listeners understand the process that often happens deep within the recesses of his co-host’s mind. Whether you’re a musician, businessperson, or none of the above, listen and learn.

Mind What You Say

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

This week on Dispatch, a news-roundup loaded with off-base comments from popular artists and tech entrepreneurs. This begged us to ask, when your opinion matters, what should (or shouldn’t) you be allowed to say? How can creatives speak constructively, without unnecessarily tearing down their fellow man, but also with honesty?

Listeners, as your career grows, be sure to mind what you say. Because it might just come back to you.

Additional Information

If you’re interested in sponsoring Dispatch, or any of the other fine programs on The Machine, visit our sponsorship page. We would love to have you on board!

Exhibitions and You

Mon, 26 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

There’s a time to show off your work, and a time to stay quiet. But once you decide to exhibit your wares, that’s far from the last decision you’ll need to make.

Joshua has returned to Chicago, after a weeklong sojourn to NYC for the National Stationary Show, primed and ready to walk through his experience. In this episode, both of your hosts offer reasoned perspectives on the world of trade shows: how they can benefit (or harm) your business, and what you should consider prior to setting up a booth for the world to see.

Big Moves

Mon, 19 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Big Moves. When you’re planning your next live show. When you’re recording your next, revolutionary album. When you’re ready for something other than the ordinary, bust out the big guns and step into the spotlight. It’s your time to evolve, to push forward; going farther than you have before. It’s a chance to vanquish fear and doubt; to rely on your instincts as an artist. It’s time to be big, bold, and make your move.

Joshua’s band, Brash Flair, is deftly executing a set of bold decisions that will, we hope, contribute to their lasting success. Nicholas, head of The Machine, has been revamping his marketing strategies, and planning the next evolution of our broadcasting network. Both of your hosts are making their moves: how about you?

In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas share advice for creatives who are plotting their own version of world domination, and discuss how to evade the traps that can lead to ruin. Step out from the pack, and prepare to reinvent yourself.

The Artist's Gift

Mon, 12 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Why do we create? For some, art is an act of personal fulfillment. To others, it’s a catalyst for social change. But as creators, do we owe anything to our society? Does society owe us for our contributions to culture?

Today on Dispatch, Joshua and Nicholas are excited to host a panel centered around the questions above. Each of our multitalented panelists brings their own experiences to the table in this lively discussion.

Let's Be Positive

Mon, 05 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Nicholas and Joshua explore a few items that you should check out. Often, we become so caught up in producing media (be it on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or broadcasts such as this one) that we forget about the myriad of wonderful creators around us.

Today’s show is all about recommending things you should listen to, watch, read, or buy.

We start everything off with a couple of new stories, provide a couple of steps that will help solidify the FCC’s position on Net Neutrality, then we jump into recommendations. At the end, listen to hear more about Joshua’s new project Split Secret.

Recommendations

Podcasts:

Software:

PocketCasts

Books:

Conan the Barbarian
And God Save Judy Garland

Music/Albums:

Juggling Bands

Sat, 26 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Join one band, and your might fill artistically fulfilled. Start a second, and your free time begins to wane. Add in other exciting musical projects, and you become like our guest, Dale Price.

Dale is well-known fixture in the Chicago music scene, as he performs with two popular groups (Dayman, and Prom Night), a collaborator to many more artists, and a friend to all. (He’s also an avid JavaScript programmer, who understands how our setup here at The Machine works.)

If you juggle multiple bands (or even just artistic outlets, be it graphic design, programming, or music), then this show is for you. Obviously, each project requires a certain amount of time — but there are only 24-hours in each day, and for a large portion of those, you must sleep. How does Dave wrangle all of his projects? Listen to find out.

Hops, Barley, and Business

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Chicago’s craft brewing scene has a rich and deep heritage. Over the last few years, we’ve seen many new breweries pop up: Two Brothers, Arcade, Begyle, and Dry Hop brewing have all grown up in the midwest’s fertile soil. And yet, all of the wonderful beers made here began with Chicago’s original craft brewery, Half Acre.

Here at Dispatch, we’re avid drinkers of Daisy Cutter, Gossamer, and Over Ale: the beers that, just over eight years ago, kickstarted Chicago’s growing beer scene.

Today, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Matt Gallagher, head brewmaster for this groundbreaking brewery. We chat about everything from the beginning until present day, while sipping on delicious cans of Pony Pilsner.

How We Work

Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Looking at well-known artists, the scope and amount of their work is often staggering. How do they manage it all? What is the secret to staying creative and doing work you love?

While there isn’t a skeleton key to unlock your hidden potential, we can tinker with how your brain and life already function. In this special episode of Dispatch, we explore the seemingly endless discussion centered around finding your ideal work flow. You’re heard big-name critics and life-hacks specialists chatter on endlessly, but it’s time for our take.

Today, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Susan Young, host of Randomnimities, for the last Dispatch at our first studio. Each host’s job has unique demands, and they all have different productivity strategies. Listen, and be inspired to create your own.

Athletic Tapes

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Cassettes are back, baby! Following on the tails of vinyl, this once beleagured format has returned and spawned a new generation of audio fanatics. As popularity surges again, many labels are opting to produce tapes over more-expensive compact discs.

This week, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Coach Weza, principal trainer and the resident dubbing specialist at Athletic Tapes. We quiz him hard, asking what’s behind this revolution in high quality analog audio.

Let’s blast back to the 80’s. This is Dispatch.

Real. Soaps

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Modern life is dirty, and no matter what you do, humans make messes. The grit and grime of a major household remodel, sweeping the streets, or simply cleaning up your apartment prior to moving out, are all unique cleaning chores. Unfortunately, we often rely on chemicals that are harmful to us and the environment.

There must be a balance, between caustic substances that do us harm, and the grime nobody wants to leave behind. Today, Joshua and Nicholas introduce you to Real. Soaps, a company that strikes this elusive middle ground. Their products will clean, but they’re also good for you.

The Neutral Sound

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Cincinnati natives The Neutral Sound recently embarked on their first tour, spreading acoustic indie-soul across the midwest. During their Chicago stop, they visited with Joshua and Nicholas in The Machine studio.

This episode provides a rare glimpse into the life of a recently-formed independent band, traveling together for the first time. They graciously share the struggles, frustrations, and exhilarating moments that comprise their daily lives. As CD-sales waiver, many artists see touring as an alternate income stream. If you’re considering life on the road, don’t miss this show.

After 45 minutes of conversation, the band broke out instruments and we captured a wonderful live performance. It’s the honest discussion you’ve come to expect and wonderful art, rolled together in one radio show.

Craftbelly

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Four years ago is a long time, especially for creatives. With each year, we evolve: picking up new tricks that help us move forward. Four years ago, Lizzie Greco’s now-thriving business was merely a dream. Fast forward to today, where her beautiful frames grace the walls of many Chicago establishments — including The Machine studio.

This episode is one of firsts: Lizzie’s brand-new Kickstarter campaign launched a few days ago, and it is progressing towards the funding goal. It’s also her first podcast appearance, and we’re excited to make her a part of the Dispatch family.

Lizzie’s signature frames do more than mark the edge of a print or painting, they extend it. If you’re looking for a unique way to showcase your favorite pieces of art, you want a Craftbelly frame.

Joel Corelitz

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever considered creating sounds for videogames, ad campaigns, or theatre? Today’s guest, Joel Corelitz, has scored all of these and more. He’s the founder of Waveplant Studios, a bespoke audio curation outfit on the outskirts of Chicago.

We chat about his work thus far, including the frustrations and struggles of working in a loosely-defined creative field like sound design, how he rose to work for international brands, and his recent decision to “de-brand” and separate his name from that of his company.

Put this in your ears, and pick up some new knowledge. Dispatch 35 is on the air.

Literature Goes Live

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Is literature only what you read in a book? Think again. Today, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Carly Oishi, co-creator of Solo in the Second City, a live lit sensation covering the dating adventures of two Chicago writers.

In this hour, we discuss how she found the appropriate creative outlet for her talents, the perks of working as a nanny, and what’s next for this talented author.

Her follow-up presentation, riding on the unexpected success of her last performance series, Miss Spoken is will be playing in Chicago later this year.

Krista Seidl

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Today on Dispatch, a clear example of how to achieve that elusive work/life balance. Our guest is Krista Seidl, founder of Krista Seidl Design Company, and the creator behind many wonderful pieces of branding (including the Original Machine logo).

In the last year, Krista relocated from Chicago to the north woods of Wisconsin, and welcomed a new addition to her family. But in the midst of everything, she has remained creative, and even managed to gain new clients.

In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas chat with her, hoping to gain insight on how this new phase of life affected her business and design sensibilities.

Finding Equilibrium

Mon, 10 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT

It’s not often that our guests bring physical product into the studio. Most of our friends create intellectual property, but few are as ambitious with physical product. Today, we break the mold with Phalkun Phoeng and Morris Jamlang, founders of Equilibrium Urban Survival Gear.

Together, they’re re-inventing the backpack in a radical way, that will improve how you live, work and play. Before we went on the air, Morris disassembled (and re-assembled) his pack, demonstrating that the Equilibrium system is truly “like legos for backpacks”.

It all starts with a basic messenger bag, outfitted with numerous mount points available for extension. Snap on their fitted harness to wear it on your back. Then add a Skyn to make the design your own.

We’ve been impressed by every guest who joins us for Dispatch, but Phalkun and Morris left a lasting impression on us even after the microphones were off. Join us for an engaging, hour-long conversation covering business law, patent applications, and inspired design.

Find Your Place

Mon, 03 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Look around. The world is brimming with talented, creative artists. It can be daunting to enter the workforce with little more than talent — and even the most resilient artists can become discouraged, searching for their place in the madness.

Joining Nicholas and Joshua today is Charles Riffenburg. Charles is a designer and strategist, who spends most of his time working for Chicago performing arts companies. Through his company, Grab Bag Media, he’s produced campaigns for Stage 773, BoHo Theater, and the Marriott Theatre.

As Charles’ work represents, there are plenty of opportunities for the creative designers of today. The talent pool is far from full. Your work will find an audience.

Notes and Bolts

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Every band has a story. It deserves to be told and documented, as any piece of important history should be. Kriss Stress is Chicago’s foremost documentarian, focusing on the growing independent music scene. Their blog, record label, and podcast all operate under the Notes and Bolts banner — serving as a one-stop shop for anyone wishing to learn more about the Windy City’s music culture.

In this hour of Dispatch, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Kriss to discuss their work (both on Notes and Bolts, and as a visual artist), plus failed projects, how to recover from a misstep, and much more.

Scaling Out

Fri, 17 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Most of our programs focus on a single artist or entrepreneur, working for a company of one. Our guest today manages a much larger endeavor.

John Rood, founder of Next Step Test Preparation, while based in Chicago, manages an internationally distributed team of employees and clients. By only offering one-on-one training, Next Step has differentiated itself from the competition, and is able to offer far greater return on the student’s investment.

John founded the company just over 4 years ago, and has experienced exponential growth in that timespan. He joins Joshua and Nicholas to discuss how he grew his business, while remaining authentically involved in the lives of his clients.

Fro Knows Photo

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

This week, it’s a high octane discussion with Jared Polin, known widely online at “The Fro.” He’s the enterprising photographer behind Fro Knows Photo, a website, podcast, and YouTube channel full of informative, approachable curricula that helps amateur image-makers perfect their craft.

After graduating from Antonelli Institute, Polin found a career touring with musicians, and photographing everything from performances to intimate moments aboard the tour bus. But it took almost decade to find his true calling.

Launched in 2010, his website has become a authoritative source for real-world photography education. Over 260,000 people subscribe to his YouTube channel, and his podcast, Raw Talk, is heard weekly around the world.

Don’t miss this informative discussion covering small business finance woes, hiring assistants, and how to calculate a proper hourly rate.

On The Fringe

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Outside the world of traditional stage performances exists a world of experimental theater, where raw emotion reigns supreme. Venture outside of established genres, and you’ll find funny, offbeat, and sometimes mildly offensive presentations from exquisitely talented performers, pouring their soul out on-stage. Welcome to The Fringe.

In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Laura Force Scruggs, Fringe Central Coordinator for the 2013 Chicago Fringe Festival, and playwright behind “Punk Grandpa,” a veritable flip-book of memories dedicated to her late grandfather. We discuss the world of underground theater, how to find your ideal mentor, and much more.

Our Future Selves

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT

What resolutions have you adopted for 2014? Most creatives seek to streamline their workflow, build a more profitable business, or take a vacation. All of those examples are nice goals, but yours may be slightly different. Everyone yearns to be better in the days ahead, but why? What drives you to improve?

In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas look back at the year that was, 2013, and walk through some of their biggest mistakes. January 1st, and the mental game it plays with us, can be dangerous. We examine how seemingly-innocent resolutions can morph into consuming dogma, and how to craft meaningful goals for the year ahead.

This is our sign-off for 2013. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning, or just discovered the show, thank you. You’re the reason Dispatch exists. You provide the fuel for our continued improvement and innovation. It’s been a great year, but we can make 2014 even better. Here’s to success, life, and happiness.

Legacy Frameworks

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Being city dwellers, both of your hosts routinely use bicycles, as an alternate mode of transportation. Cars are bulky, expensive to maintain, and outright frustrating at times. Cities, like Chicago, are adding bicycle-only lanes, to make traveling safer for cyclists, where many walking and bike paths already criss-cross the metropolitan area.

There’s no doubt: bicycles are a cultural touchstone for this young generation, as is the importance of where our products are made and designed. Today, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Erin and Levi Borreson, the husband and wife team behind Legacy Frameworks, a hand-built cycle outfit from Chicago.

Harkening back to when our city was the world’s bicycle manufacturing capital, Legacy aims to capture the mystique of early two-wheeled design with their line of beautiful, simple commuter wheels.

40 Years Strong

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Bobby Horton is the world’s authority on period music from the American Civil War. In 1970, he co-founded the musical comedy group, Three On a String, and to this day, their popularity remains. You’ll hear his work on film scores for The National Park Service, Ken Burns’ PBS documentaries, and countless independent productions.

His journey began over 40 years ago; dropping his day job as a computer programmer to pursue music full-time. Fast forward to today, where he travels, writes, records, and performs for 100% of his income.

As you might imagine, his life is brimming with important lessons for musicians young and old alike. This week, he joins Joshua and Nicholas to discuss pitfalls that frustrated his career, and how other musicians can avoid them. It’s an hour filled with honest wisdom, from a music industry professional. If you’ve ever considered making art for a living, listen to this.

Live from Show of Hands: Part 2

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Once again, the Dispatch team comes to you from Show of Hands, Chicago’s premier independent design fair, with a host of interviews. We talk to the shoppers, vendors, and organizers of the event, without all of whom, the show wouldn’t have been possible. It was a landmark production for Chicagoland makers, marking the first curated vendor list, only allowing in the best exhibitors.

If you missed last week’s episode, it’s full of more interviews with different creators. So if you enjoyed today’s installment, dig into the archive.

Featured Artisans

Live from Show of Hands: Part 1

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, we teased the Chicago design event, Show of Hands during our interview with curator Emily Martin. Today, Joshua, Susan, and Nicholas broadcast live from the show floor.

Together, they interview vendors and shoppers alike, reaching across several creative mediums and topics. T-Shirt makers, letterpress operators, and jewelry makers, are all featured here. For a full list of artisans mentioned in this program, see the list below.

We’ll be back again with another round of talented creatives from Show of Hands next week.

Featured Artisans

Folk That

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT

“About six or seven years ago I quit smoking, and needed to pick up a hobby,” explains Craig Knutson. “I began taking guitar classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music. I had great instructors, and met some great people. I couldn’t put the instrument down.” So begins the story of FolkThat.tv, a website designed to revitalize Folk, the somewhat ignored genre in our current music landscape.

Each month, Craig selects a popular tune, and solicits cover videos. The submitted videos are ranked by visitors, and the highest rated performance wins a prize. Older videos are archived under the “Old Folks” category, creating a library ripe with inspiration for seasoned and new musicians alike.

This relatively simple concept has united the worldwide Folk community, in a way Craig never imagined. This week, Craig joins Joshua and Nicholas in the studio to discuss the project’s evolution, challenges he’s faced while shepherding the Folk That community, and more.

Show of Hands

Mon, 18 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Design is an artform: a perfect marriage of beauty, readability, and for Emily Martin, proprietor of Orange Beautiful, happiness. Walk into her store, and you’ll see a sign: “good design makes people happy.” And it does: a well-crafted logo, typographic print, or booklet improves the lives of those using it in a very tangible, meaningful way. It does so by gracefully receding into the background, while amplifying the intended message of whatever product that’s in your hands.

Her story is riddled with hurdles, one immediately after the previous, from the beginning until present day. But with each step forward, her work remains sure, honest, and wonderful.

Orange Beautiful goods decorate my home and studio. It’s one of the first things I see when beginning my workday, and the last when I leave the studio in the evening. They belong in your space, too.

In this hour-long program, we explore her career, from the beginning until now, leading up to her latest endeavor, Show of Hands, a design fair for the independent pro. As she says, it’s more than a craft fair: it’s a commitment to the creative community at large, demonstrating that craft can be couture. The goods showcased may be handmade, but they’re of equal (or better) quality than anything you’ll find elsewhere.

If you’re in Chicago, come hang out with us at the event. Joshua, Susan, and myself will all be on the ground, chatting with vendors, and broadcasting anything we find interesting.

The Chicago Neighborhoods

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Steve Shanabruch is a designer. He lives in the imperfect world, constantly wishing that it was more beautiful. That fonts on every sign were expertly kerned, and each color scheme was carefully considered. Alas, the world as we know it isn’t pristine, but his work is.

A departure from the expected, his project, The Chicago Neighborhoods, has a singular, ambitious goal: to create beautiful, handcrafted logos for each of 215 of the Windy City neighborhoods. He’s almost halfway there.

“It’s a passion project,” says Shanabruch. “I wouldn’t like to say I was bored at my job, but I needed a creative outlet.” The project began several years ago, and since then, he’s shipped prints and t-shirts featuring his designs all around the world.

His latest project is a series of color posters, highlighting the best features of a neighborhood. The ambition continues in this new series, where he has already tackled four signature Chicago landmarks, in Beverly, Logan Square, South Loop, and Ravenswood Manor.

In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas consider the logistical concerns of delivering thoughtful design at scale. Tune in to discover Steve’s secrets, and be inspired to create better work yourself.

Winterbureau

Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Today, we step squarely into the intersection of business and art. How you profit from countless hours spent on your creations is an important topic for all creators, though few have mastered the balance of art and income so well as our guest.

In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by Veronica Corzo-Duchardt, a Cuban-American designer and collector of historical artifacts. All of her projects leave a lasting effect on the viewer, but few stand next to The Neche Collection, a group of artifacts owned by her grandfather. In this exhibit, Corzo-Duchardt photographed items of note, and released them along with a series of artful posters inspired by her father’s outlook on life.

Over the years, her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in permanent collections at Newberry Library, and the Zürich Museum of Design. She currently lives in Chicago, IL, and operates Winterbureau, her innovative design studio.

Kickstarting Max Temkin

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

“At this point, Kickstarter is probably the most important thing that’s happened in my life,” says Max Temkin. You may not know his name, but you certainly know his work. Max is a major creative force behind Cards Against Humanity, and Humans Versus Zombies, two runaway successes in the world of gaming. His work on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign is no small credit either.

Max has launched one successful project after another, thanks to the magic of crowdfunding. He says it “removes the risk” from creative projects, and thanks to the all-or-nothing funding model, ensures demand for the product once it’s released.

In this episode, Joshua and Nicholas are joined by The Maxistentialist himself, to talk about his Kickstarter successes, the new creative economy, and of course, the biggest failures of his career thus far. In this hour, you’ll learn how Max designs, ships, and promotes his creations. It’s real talk, aimed at helping you, and unlike anything else you’ll hear this week: so dress up, we’re going to school — Kickstarter school, that is.

City States

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It’s 2013, and musicians carry more weight today than ever before. Musicianship, production, and distribution are often the concern of an individual (or a small cadre of bandmates), rather than a corporation. For some, this represents power to choose, while others see it as unnecessary cruft that slows their creative process.

Our guest this week is Joel Ebner of the Chicago-based band, City States. He joins Joshua and Nicholas fresh from the band’s first mixing session for their first full-length project.

He discusses the band’s formation, how his digital workflow enhances creativity, and how to balance promotion with your other duties. If you’re a musician, or work in the media industry, this episode is not to be missed.

Bees and Bicycles

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Insects, two-wheeled transportation methods, and business savvy are our core topics on this episode of Dispatch. Joshua and Nicholas are joined in-studio by Jana Kinsman, a prominent Chicago graphic artist, and founder of the revolutionary beekeeping program and honey distributor, Bike-a-Bee. (She also designed a kickass logo for this network, but that’s not why she’s here.)

In 2012, Kinsman took her rebellious idea for urban beekeeping to the people, and the project was quickly funded on Kickstarter. Though her first harvest was slim, she continued and this year, collected a bumper crop of delicious honey.

In this episode, Jana details her struggle with Bike-a-Bee’s bookkeeping and other business elements. Bridging the gap between an artistic pursuit and the financial components that a growing business requires can be difficult for some, but she tackles it with ease thanks to her intern, Abby.

Guests

Jana Kinsman

Jana Kinsman is a graphic designer, beekeeper, and illustrator living in Chicago. Her work has been featured by Crate and Barrel, and is 1/5 of Quite Strong, a prominent female design collective.

Outside of her work with Bike-a-Bee and Quite Strong, you’ll find her at various events with Doodlebooth, a mobile, hand-drawn portraiture service.

Bait and Switch

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

We’ve all attended live performances, bought albums, then returned home to pop them in the CD player. Sometimes, we’re disappointed by what we hear. In today’s episode, Joshua and Nicholas grapple with this experience, ultimately posing the question: is art a consumer product? Can it be bought and sold like a physical item in a department store?

The basis for our discussion is this journal entry from P.W. Elverum & Sun. In it, he shares the letter of a disgruntled fan, and his response. For once, your hosts find themselves on opposite sides of the issue, but you can read the entry and decide for yourself.

Commodifying art is a risky proposition. As creators, we sell our work, and ourselves, daily. Does offering product for sale expose you to traditional customer complaints, as it does many other small businesses, or are we, as artists, exempt? Listen, and let us know what you think, by using the contact form.

Headlines

TWTRQ is worthless, choose your stock carefully.

Spin on Arcade Fire’s Reflektor: ‘you need to hear it on CD.’

Tesla that caught fire: owner will buy another.

From Tumblr to Paper

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The world moves fast, and even the most culturally savvy individual can find themselves wondering if something is cool or not. Coolness Graphed, a new book from Knock Knock, helps you navigate the world of what’s cool, through a series of helpful graphs.

This week, Joshua and Nicholas are joined in-studio by author, copywriter, and renegade creative RC Jones, the man behind the book above, and the Slightly Insulting Chicago Posters, which you may have seen online, or in Chicago area stores.

Both RC’s posters and book began on Tumblr, where his posts were consumed by hundreds of fans daily. In Chicago, at least, his posters became a cultural touchstone, poking fun at each distinct neighborhood with snarky wit and gorgeous typography.

Headlines

Netflix turns to pirates to pick new shows

FAA: You don’t need to power off electronic devices during takeoff and landing

Charles Carreon finally quits fighting, calls Oatmeal battle “a dumb thing”

Arts and Agriculture

Fri, 20 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Failure. To creatives, it’s probably the single scariest thing of their career, but it doesn’t define your work, unless you let it. This week, we take on the big F-word, in art, life, and agribusiness.

Our guest is Karen Warner, CEO, CFO, and Chief Farmer at Big Head, a south Michigan organic farm, growing vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit in a way that doesn’t hurt the environment, nor the people who consume them.

Together, we learn that it doesn’t matter where you begin. If you’re depressed, confused, or frustrated, the universe always offers a way up — Karen, and her story, are proof of that.

Headlines

Which Streaming Services are Growing, and Which are Shrinking

Bravo finally realizes the inevitable with TV show where you watch people watch TV

Guests

Karen Warner

Hailing from the great State of Michigan, Karen has a bachelors degree from Washington University in St. Louis. And straying far from her undergraduate degree she has found an inner passion for changing the world. That passion has manifest itself in the form of Big Head Farm - it’s her small contribution to making the world a better place.

Networking Now

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Last week, we discussed the creative drive of an artist, and the burning desire to create something from nothing. That inclination is powerful, and continues to fuel the work of innovators worldwide, but what is the next step? Once your product, service, or work of art exists, how do you connect with potential customers?

Today, we attempt to answer that question, and provide actionable guidance. Our guest is Dave Delaney, social marketing strategist, community manager, and author of New Business Networking: How to Effectively Grow Your Business Network Using Online and Offline Methods.

Headlines

‘Blurred Lines’, the hottest classical single going in Canada

Acer is first to put a 4K video camera in a phone

Brooklyn Baby DJ School Turns Drooling Toddlers Into Beat-Dropping Maestros

Announcements

Don’t miss Joshua’s contributions to Veronica’s Room, a production by Chicago’s BoHo Theatre.

Guests

Dave Delaney

Dave Delaney is a recognized leader, consultant and speaker on digital marketing, social media strategy, and business networking. He hosted one of the first parenting podcasts from 2005 – 2008, and he has been blogging for nearly a decade. His book, New Business Networking, is available from Que Publishing.

Grab the Iron Glory

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This week, we offer a blueprint for success. Here’s a preview: it isn’t easy, but anyone can make a living with work they love. It requires hard work, drive, and diligent tending to your personal time management regimen.

Our guest, Ovetta Sampson, is now successful — but it wasn’t always that way. After relocating to Chicago, she lost most of her previous clientele, only left with remnants of a journalism career in Colorado. Fast forward a few years, and she is a business owner, writing for a living, and training for Ironman Cozumel, an elite physical fitness challenge.

She has successfully integrated work into her life, not the other way around. For most, their employment rules: everything else revolves around their career. Not so for Ovetta; she lives by her own rules.

Listen and learn how to be a creative badass who sets their own schedule, and take over your life. Don’t be a ragdoll to the universe and it’s whims: you’re the boss!

Headlines

Yahoo! Has a New Logo

Samsung Debuts ‘Galaxy Gear’ Smart Watch

Dave Chappelle v.s. Hartford Hecklers

Cultural Crossroads

Mon, 02 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Art is a known cultural intersection. One genre influences another, performers share techniques, stories, and tips for success. We know this, and as music critics, typically champion genre-spanning collaborations. That said, what happens when you break the standard code of ethics that define how to properly attribute your influences?

In this episode, we take on this very question. How can artists, record labels, and producers politely nod to their heroes without copying their work?

Headlines

You can now be held liable for texting a driver in New Jersey

Aziz Ansari’s next comedy special will debut on Netflix

Miley Cyrus/Robin Thicke VMA Medley

Guests

Derrick Clifton

Derrick is a Chicago-based journalist, communicator and social justice aficionado inspired by cross-cultural interaction and dialogue. He speaks and writes regularly on racially or culturally-charged issues in the Windy City and beyond.

Derrick first journeyed into journalism as an opinion editor and weekly columnist for The Daily Northwestern, the award-winning daily publication for Northwestern University and the city of Evanston, Illinois, tackling social issues both locally and nationally for two years. Key coverage topics included the Northwestern Diversity Movement, LGBTQ issues and local politics.

From The Ground Up

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Let’s be honest: the internet, and e-commerce specifically, is a boom for most creators. However, without careful planning and clear execution, the online shopping experience can quickly become impersonal. Virtual storefronts will never line our streets with beautiful shop windows, or welcome us with a friendly greeting as we step inside.

Our guest this week is Marco Chavarry, owner of Alapash Meaningful Terrariums, a best of Chicago award-winning home furnishings store in Lincoln Square. His physical space serves as a creative retreat, messy workshop, and welcoming environment where clients can dream and plan their perfect living space.

Lessons From Our Past

Sun, 18 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT

All creators will fail sometime during their career. If you haven’t yet, wait. The test of a successful artist is how they continue after a shortcoming. Did their inner turmoil and frustration destroy their work, or were they able to bounce back to near perfection?

In this very personal episode, Joshua and Nicholas dive into their personal failures, hoping that you learn and avoid their mistakes. Your hosts, with a broad range of experience — from running a record label, executing design work for clients, and building your dream project — have a decently long record of failures, too.

Headlines

EDM’s $46 Million Man: How Calvin Harris Became The World’s Highest-Paid DJ [Forbes]

On Curating A Cure: The Impact Of Music Programming On Subscription Music [Hypebot]

Tandem Shop Records

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Our guest this week is Megan Frestedt, co-founder of Tandem Shop Records, a independent label from Chicago. While other labels place comfortable bets on mildly successful acts, Tandem Shop focuses almost exclusively on unheard talent, and works tirelessly to build their audience.

She is also half of the indie-rock outfit Project Film, which, incidentally, is the band that spawned Tandem Shop, catapulting them from a dream to a functioning business entity. Today, we explore the complex and sometimes tulmultous relationship between artists and their label. Does every artist need help; what kind of acts does Tandem Shop seek out; and how do the labels co-founders know which new band to sign?

This episode is special, because it’s our first live show with a studio audience. Andy from Transistor, was kind enough to offer usage of his space. We’ll be recording at Transistor twice a month soon.

Headlines

The Lone Ranger cast and crew lash out at influential movie critics [AVClub]

Universal’s UVinyl goes live, allowing vinyl fans to pre-order back catalog reissues

Great Expectations

Mon, 05 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Your second work, as an artist, is arguably the most important. If your first is successful, the public’s expectations are already set for a spectacular performance again. How do you, as an artist, deal with the public pressure of expectation?

In this episode, we explore what comes next after a successful debut: how artists can deal with their fans, and the behavior we wish fans would display.

Headlines

Vulture Reviews MoMa’s Sound Art Exhibition [Vulture]

Tunnel Vision for Art’s Sake [NYT]

‘Buy Local’ Gets Creative [NYT]

Ian MacKaye: Urban Outfitters’ Minor Threat T-Shirts Are Legitimate [City Paper]

Despite Controversy, Rolling Stone ‘Boston Bomber’ Issue Is a Hit on Newsstands [AdWeek]

Life and Design

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we speak with Elisha-Rio Apilado, a Chicago based designer who recently accepted a full time job, and how Her previous career as a freelancer, factored into the decision.

Much of her work focuses on blending design and philanthropy, in a combination she playfully explains as ‘philarthropy’. Both Joshua and Nicholas are happy to have her on Dispatch.

Today’s topic, if it isn’t obvious, is juggling your life and career: where do the two meet, and can independent creators find balance? How do you determine whether freelancing or a full-time position is the path for you?

It’s the deep artistic questions you always asked yourself, now we answer them on Dispatch.

Headlines

MoMA Prepares It’s First Major Sound Art Exhibit [ARTNews]

Aimee Mann Files Huge Copyright Lawsuit Over Digital Music

Finnish Parliament Considers Crowd-Sourced Copyright Law [RT]

‘A Flock of Seagulls’ Equipment Stolen [Chicago Tribune]

Multi-Disciplinism

Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Today we explore multi-disciplinism with Randi Russo, who paints, sketches, and also performs music. She has shared the stage with Crosby, Stills and Nash, Regina Spektor, and other notable performers. Her art was also recently spotlighted by Chicago’s Thomas Masters Gallery. Together, we weigh options for multi-disciplined artists.

Of course, we also analyze the news — cutting thorough the unncessary hyperbole — and detail exactly what it means for you. It Spotify a good outlet for new music? Are Pandora’s royalty rates fair to artists? We confront these questions head-on, and more.

Headlines

J.K. Rowling’s pseudonym exposed by her law firm

Pandora Paid Over $1,300 for 1 Million Plays, Not $16.89

Pandora and Royalties

Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich trashes Spotify’s business model, and pulls several albums

Thoughts on Promotion

Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Your album is a musical portfolio, and some artists prefer to release it into the world carefully. Others simply drop it, and depend on a tightly-knit fan-base to discover and spread the word.

In this episode of Dispatch, Joshua outlines three major album release case studies, and the perks or potential negatives to each method.

It’s a careful balance. Too much teasing can burn out your audience, but too little can cause you to lose release-day excitement.

Which is the best method? Is one clearly better than the other? We answer these questions, and others.

Headlines

What Sun-Times Media Pays Freelancers

Sun-Times Stanley Cup Cover v.s. Chicago Tribune [Twitter]

Cards Against Humanity on ABC’s Twisted [Vimeo]

Major Artists Increasingly Opt to Record in Secrecy [HypeBot]

Jay-Z’s $5 Million Samsung Deal Will Change Music Forever [Business Insider]

People Still Buy Music: Lack of anticipation kills Kanye’s second-week sales numbers [AVClub]

Sounds on Specialization

Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT

As professional creatives, is it better to focus on a single area of work, or to generalize and serve a broader clientele? That’s the topic of our conversation on this episode of Dispatch.

Welcome to Dispatch, an innovative talk show about issues that affect creators and their work. In the last decade, what it means to be an artist has changed drastically. We explore what it means to truly create - without any preconceived notions or rules - in a cluttered world. The world in 2013 is a busy place, but we’re here to cut through the noise with common sense advice and unique perspectives.

Headlines

WBEZ cuts freelance contributions, wants more contributions from audience [Poynter]

A New Direction for WBEZ [Chicago Reader]

Chicago Sun-Times Fires Its Photographers [NPR]

Why Can’t We Take Pictures in Art Museums? [ARTNews]

Guests

Molly Rene

Molly is a creative generalist, writer, designer, and lover of ketchup currently residing in Chicago. She also voraciously consumes public radio programming, making her a perfect guest for this episode.

Brett Henley

Brett is the Chief Smasher of Bullshit at We Craft Stories, a small publishing and lifestyle design company in Tennessee. Together with his wife Amber, they’re exploring what it truly means to be an artist, by cutting through the bullshit and just creating.

Dispatch

Coast to Coast

Unnecessary Rules

The Company Line

Behind the Scenes

Chief Executive Geek

First vs. Different

Pedaling Across America

Six Tracks / Six Stories

Playlist

Never Stop Learning

Willful Ignorance

Brogramming: Decompiled

Play the Game

Inside Vagabond School

What Bias?

Links

Love Your Ears

Life Behind the Microphone

Wasted Pages

The Old is New Again

Rules of Engagement

One Zero Zero

The Hazards of Gambling

Responsible Self-Promotion

Exceeding Expectations

Overtime

For Your Ears Only

Brick and Mortar

Digital Footprints

Art is for Everyone

On the Air

Aiwa Is Alive

The Outsiders

Preparing for Battle

Know Who You Are

Join The Club

The Pitch

Shout It Out

It Takes Two

Talk Like a Human

Driven to Create

Choose Wisely

On Stage

Design: Uncensored

A Fresh Start

Breakfast of Champions

Work/Life

On The Road

A Very Artful Thanksgiving

Featured Artisans

It's Pronounced "Jetsah"

Create, Explore, Curate

Cosmetically Sound

Winter Hibernation

Vacation Days

It's All Your Fault

When to Quit

Get in the Game

Voodoo Boogaloo

So Sweet, It's Spicy

The Real World

Beyond the Atmosphere

Tribes

Dolce Casa Cafe

Don't Get Comfortable

Welcome to Dave's Lounge

Getting Paid

By Measure

Transit App

Life Without Potato Salad

One Year Later...

Know Your Rights

Rich Myers

Your Community, Your Environment

In this episode, you’ll hear from:

Mixdown

Mind What You Say

Additional Information

Exhibitions and You