A roasted bean and a side of a Blind Shovel, this one with musician and composer Matteo Roberts. We discuss day jobs, Tonko House, Wisconsin's Phox, film-scoring, and much more. Matteo's Instagram Pep Magic's Spotify Pep Magic's Website Header image: Eleanor Kody, "Portrait of Matteo", 2024Oleh Michael Olivo

An interactive Blind Shovel, this one with New Media artist Sarah Rothberg. We discuss New Media, studying poetry, teaching, the potential of virtual avatars, and much more. Sarah's Website Sarah's Instagram Header image: Sarah Rothberg, "SUPERPROMPT", 2023Oleh Michael Olivo

A new season of theater is coming up across the region. This episode previews Broadway shows at The Blumenthal in Charlotte, children's shows at Children's Theater of Charlotte, and productions at professional and community theaters from Charlotte to Salisbury to Hickory. Pictured: Lin-Manuel Miranda in the title role of his musical "Hamilton"; By …

A far-out Blind Shovel, this one with musician Anthony Ferraro. We discuss being on tour, formlessness, Eastern and Western perspectives, Tony's news, casualness, opening a bar, and much more. Tony's Website Tony's Instagram Header image: Allie VM, "Untitled", 2024Oleh Michael Olivo

Thank you for being a part of the One Percent Better Community! Here are some links mentioned in today's episode: Inquire about coaching with me HERE Hear what some of my amazing clients have said about working with me Ask about the Damn Good Questions Masterclass HERE Listen to my guest appearance on 90 Feet Away Find organized categories of back …

Hosts Rachel Stewart and David Boraks preview the 2024 - 2025 opera season at companies around the region. Opera Carolina's James Meena talks about his company's season of classic operas, plus a special benefit concert with famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Opera Carolina Piedmont Opera North Carolina Opera Greensboro Opera…

An ageless Blind Shovel, this one with musician and entrepreneur Kurt Shore. We discuss running every morning, being a father, finding balance, optimism, the potentially impending micronova, and much more. Kurt's Instagram Kurt's Youtube Header image: Kurt Shore, "Portrait”, 2024Oleh Michael Olivo

If you live near Winston-Salem, Hickory, Salisbury, Rock Hill, Monroe, or, of course, Charlotte, you’ll be close to some great music this year. The orchestras in those communities have a variety of concerts planned with varied repertoire. There's Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, but also contemporary composers including a former Miss America who writes …

A bright and poppy Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator and cartoonist Baptiste Virot. We discuss Animal Press, Hermès, social media, vintage French comics, and much more. Baptiste's Website Baptiste's Instagram Animal Press Instagram Header image: Baptiste Virot, "Une case issue de ma prochaine bédé (roman graphique) dans laquelle il sera parfo…

A tatted-up Blind Shovel, this one with fine artist and tattoo artist Rememburgerme. We discuss Gary Larson and other inspirations, his path to tattooing, Brooklyn, and much more. Devon's Website Devon's Instagram Shapeworld Header image: Devon M, "Sun”, 2024Oleh Michael Olivo

The inaugural Carolina Youth Orchestra Summer Festival will take place at Davidson College in early August 2024. The three-day clinic is designed to help young musicians develop their musical skills under the tutelage of professional musicians and broaden their connections to our music community. The festival culminates in a free public concert at …

A chill Blind Shovel, this one with painter Brett Flanigan. We discuss his painting process, train-hopping, letting one's work evolve, and much more. Brett's Website Brett's Instagram Header image: Brett Flanigan, "Untitled” (Roller painting)", 2019Oleh Michael Olivo

On this Piedmont Arts podcast, we talk with Shante Williams, the new general director of Opera Carolina. Williams is a business owner and venture capitalist who has been on the Opera Carolina board for three years. She talks about the upcoming season, her passion for new operas, and about the group's future.…

A zen Blind Shovel in NYC traffic, this one with father and musician Nick Morris. We discuss the impact of sobriety, having a family, Flower Girl, dishwashing, identity, and much more. Nick's Website Flower Girl's Spotify Header image: Jason Rusnock, "Nick Morris in the Jungeon", 2017Oleh Michael Olivo

A delusional Blind Shovel, this one with street artist and painter Ron English alongside filmmaker and designer Constant van Hoeven. We discuss the film Living in Delusionville, the evolution of street art, aging as an artist, Warhol, imprisonment, family, and much more. Ron's Instagram Ron's Website Constant's Instagram Constant's Website Header i…

A rosy and peaceful Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator and designer Brett Stenson. We discuss art school, the aesthetics of Milwaukee, the illustrator-designer fusion, working in groups, his fine art carvings, and much more. Brett's Website Brett's Instagram The Young Jerks Header image: Brett Stenson, "Milwaukie Store Mural", 2024…

Welcome to Episode 299! Say congrats HERE : ) In this damn good conversation, acclaimed food writer and chef Michael Ruhlman joins me to explore the beauty of ratios in cooking and living a creative life. With over 30 books to his name, Michael shares insights on creativity, curiosity, and the joy of continuous learning. Don't Miss: • How understan…

A bewhiskered Blind Shovel, this one with filmmaker and film producer David Schoner. We discuss his moustache, New Jersey's film boom, the beauty of the beginning of Pixar's Up, his favorite films, cotton candy, and much more. David's IMDB Header image: Garden State Film Festival, "David Schoner", 2024…

A bombastic Blind Shovel, this one with percussionist and podcast producer Michael Wimer. We discuss Indiana, afro-beat, ritualistic drumming, cultural appropriation, Kendrick & Kanye, podcasting, and much more. Indiana Doomer Music Unregistered with Thaddeus Russell Header image: Benedict Jones, "Portrait of Michael Wimer", 2023…

A blissful Blind Shovel, this one with cartoonist and musician Ron Regé, Jr. We discuss early zine culture, delivered inspiration, New-Age & the Occult, drumming, channeling the Self, and much more. Ron's Website Ron's Instagram Header image: Ron Regé, Jr, "Short Run 2023 Poster Excerpt", 2023Oleh Michael Olivo

Juneteenth marks the date on June 19, 1865, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the last remaining enslaved people in Texas. We talk with Davidson College historian Hilary Green about how Texas commemorations in the 19th century led to the declaration of a national holiday in 2021. We also get an overview of the Juneteenth ev…

A soothing Blind Shovel, this one with producer and musician Joe Kelly. We discuss Guitar Hero, the lessons of touring, producing rapper, friendship, the Williams Center, and much more. Forever Losing Sleep Joe's Instagram Header image: Joe Kelly, 2024Oleh Michael Olivo

Have you visited DamnGoodConversations.com lately? I have updated it to feature the work of some of my amazing recent clients. Might you be next? In this powerful episode of the One Percent Better, I reunite with Brian Kight, a return guest from Episode 17 in October 2017, for a deep dive into the fascinating world of confidence. Our conversation e…

Bach Akademie Charlotte’s 2024 Bach Festival returns to various locations around Charlotte and this year’s festival is called “Bach Akademie Charlotte Goes to Italy.” While it is indeed a Bach festival, it’s bookended by opening and closing concerts that focus on music from Italy, namely Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 . We …

A jazzed-up Blind Shovel, this one with horn player Dave Levy. We discuss improvising, lip fitness, his career in Jazz, where to start with Jazz, moving molecules, and much more. Dave's Website Dave's Instagram Header image: Dave Levy, 2020Oleh Michael Olivo

Trumpeter Rodney Marsalis is a member of the famous New Orleans musical family and the leader of the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. We talk to Marsalis about his career and the group's upcoming concert at Gardner-Webb University. Learn more about the Summer in the Springs with the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass Concert Pictured: Th…

Head HERE to book a free call about how I can help you have unforgettable conversations. In this episode, we explore the concept of the ".5 question" – a personalized, rapport-building opener that sets the stage for a memorable, engaging conversation. I dive into real-life examples from One Percent Better breaking down the key characteristics that …

A nomadic Blind Shovel, this one with painter Adam Lovitz. We discuss living in the sprawl of Philly, Adam's painting process, his approach to teaching, and much more. Adam's Website Adam's Instagram Header image: Adam Lovitz, "body double" 2021Oleh Michael Olivo

A warbling Blind Shovel, this one with musician and entrepreneur Mike Mokotow Pelczynski. We discuss AI's impact on music, his musical journey, Polish music, fan-powered royalty distribution, and much more. Forms + Shapes Mike's Instagram Header image: Armando Veve, "Domino" 2018Oleh Michael Olivo

The Salisbury Symphony has been looking for a new music director this season, and they will audition their final candidate at their concert called "Hope and Lifting." Daniel Wiley will conduct the orchestra in music of Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Omar Thomas. Wiley is currently assistant conductor with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Pops. …

An episodic Blind Shovel, this one with cartoonist Brandon Graham. We discuss Las Vegas, porn, his latest diary comic, The Fifth Element, Madwoman of the Sacred Heart, and much more. Brandon's Books Brandon's Instagram Header image: Brandon Graham, "Untitled" 2024Oleh Michael Olivo

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is producing an immersive event called "Merge" that combines modern symphonic music with electronic dance music and synchronized visual projections. Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees talks about the symphony's foray into new territory and the collaboration that brought it to life. Learn more about the MERGE:…

A reflective Blind Shovel, this one with glass-man Gary Bodker. We discuss efficiency vs innovation, art school, the business of being an artist, fatherhood, and much more. Gary's Website Gary's Instagram Header image: Gary Bodker, "Organic Dinnerware" 2024Oleh Michael Olivo

3 High-impact Links •Check out April's Jewelry at http://elizabethlassing.com/ •Interested in Hosting a Flip the Script Episode? Head HERE and tell me why • HERE is the best link to share the podcast Today I give the microphone to my former 8th grade student turned lifelong friend and mentee, April. I hope this conversation shows the profound impac…

Charlotteans Lorne Lassiter and Gary Ferraro helped found the former Mint Museum of Craft and Design in uptown. They've also donated dozens of pieces from their own collection. The exhibit "Craft Across Continents" features many of those works in glass, wood, ceramics, and textiles. On this edition of the Piedmont Arts podcast, we tour the exhibit …

A proper loaf of a Blind Shovel, this one with illustrator and musician Pete Gamlen. We discuss editorial illustration, the Shut-Ins, the topology of crumpets, an English death, and much more. Pete's Website Pete's Instagram Header image: Pete Gamlen, "Mass Layoffs" 2024Oleh Michael Olivo

The 2nd place finisher for this week's episode title was: Getting Cut 26 Times: How Ryan Lavarnway Refused to Quit on His MLB Dream That should give you an idea of how powerful this episode is. Imagine what you can learn about Mindset, Language, & Behavior from today's Damn Good Conversation I would hit play right now if I were you, but if you are …

Kalena Bovell, a candidate for Salisbury Symphony Music Director, will lead the orchestra in a program called "Musical Inspirations." Bovell made her professional debut as the Chicago Sinfonietta's Assistant Conductor in 2015 and has led performances at the BBC Proms and the Kennedy Center. She also recently had her opera debut at Volcano Theatre w…

A dripping and oily Blind Shovel, this one with painter Dan Bunn. We discuss graffiti, the technical aspects of oil painting, Jackson Pollack, Pablo Picasso, and much more. Dan's Website Dan's Instagram Header image: Dan Bunn, "Life Force" 2021Oleh Michael Olivo

Quick Links Not To Be Missed: Join the No Spam Mailing List Coaching Opportunites Josh Spector's Spectacular Newsletter Buy the Macho Man Book Seth Godin's 1st Appearance on One Percent Better Josh Spector's Episode On this episode, I share: - A personal story of cobbling together a powerful poetry podcast for my high school seniors in under 3 hour…

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) shared news that the organization has raised more than $40 million toward a goal of $50 million for its endowment. CSO President and CEO David Fisk discusses why having a significant endowment makes the orchestra stronger, and he provides details about the vital programs the endowment campaign will enable in t…

Real Estate Advisor | Member - Compass Sports & Entertainment Division Instagram @sdAdvisors Twitter @GsdAdvisors. Facebook /GSDAdvisors After spending more than a decade in the professional sports industry, Scot joined looking to turn his passion for baseball and his love of his hometown into a successful real estate career. “Growing up here in Mi…

An elegant Blind Shovel, this one with cartoonist Margot Ferrick. We discuss the influence of manga, Bora, Dark Souls, comics lettering, Bakune Young and much more. Margot's Website Margot's Instagram The Rising Stars of Manga Header image: Margot Ferrick, 2024Oleh Michael Olivo