Escapades are Good for You

Last week, I visited the East Village……….in Iowa.

Well, I could take it easy just a little bit more.

I’ve pivoted my radio show to focus on quality over quantity. Some of my favorite radio episodes are the best produced ones. You know why? Because I took extra time to write and curate each episode.

I’m finishing up a lengthy project (more to come on that) and the thought of starting something new made me want to turn to something that already exists….like roads.

I knew I needed a day to explore.

As mentioned I’ve created over 100 radio episodes. In case you missed it, I put together a “starter pack” of Electric Radio Club episodes to help you pick an episode. Check it out Mood Board Mixtape article below.

I have video recordings for most episodes and I’m editing some for those who like a video version of the audio sans the music. Cuz ya know, copyright and all. It kind of defeats the purpose of a radio show though. Anyway, it’s something I’m testing out but decided to set the task aside for now.

Below is an edited video when I hosted a radio livestream. This is audio only from Electric Radio Club episode Return to Oz.

I say uhm a lot. Also at the time, I was recording with two cameras so I’m not looking directly at the camera.

I’ve included the link to the full radio episode that includes tracks by Tom Petty, Fountains of Wayne, Lauryn Hill, Phantogram, Heartless Bastards and more!

Listen to the Return to Oz episode

Starting something new on Electric Radio Club - Radio Shoutouts to paid subscribers. On the newest episode, Open Heart, this month, I gave a shout out to supporter, Titus🎵 Thank you for your support.

One Saturday morning, I set out early to a neighborhood in the town of Des Moines, Iowa called The East Village.

Upon my arrival, I ventured to the Des Moines Art Center. If I must say, this small museum had quite the impressive art collection. It had some of my favorites, like paintings by Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon as well as sculptures by Yayoi Kusama and Louise Bourgeois in their outdoor park. I was captured by the photography of Catherine Opie, painting by Susan Rothenberg and a black mirror installation by Fred Wilson.

I stopped for lunch in the museum’s scenic outdoor cafe that looked out at a beautiful reflected pool (free of algae) that faced a large window back into the museum.

A great moment to pause and think about the art you just consumed.

Then I ventured to the nearby neighborhood of the East Village. A welcome mural painted in a prism of colors greets you to the neighborhood. It’s filled with luxury shops,(still thinking about this $200 perfume) tattoo parlors, gay bars, cool restaurants, shops for guys who carry around cool flasks and fancy bandanas while riding vintage motorcycles, crystal shops with patrons waiting personal tarot card readings and dimly lit vintage shops with racks of polyester dresses, stocked denim and retro tchotchkes.

There was truly something for everyone. The absolute perfect summer day to explore.

How are you indulging in your summer days? Are you taking time to explore and live easy?

Get up and go. You might be surprised by what awaits!

Loving The Radio Room? It’s a labor of love that I dedicate a lot time and money into.

Consider supporting my work by becoming a subscriber.

Like the neighborhood I just visited, here in The Radio Room, I am thrilled to have such a diverse demographic amongst my readers and listeners.

For some time, I’ve been wanting to create something a little more niche. One of my most popular essays is about my experience hosting an in-person music meetup and challenges I faced being…well… a woman who knows good music.

Through the magic of the online community, I’ve been connecting with so many awesome women who are just as nerdy about music as I am.

So.

I’m starting an online women’s music club. A dedicated place where women can talk about music with other women music nerds.

Radio Apero is an online Women’s Music Club for the woman whose inner music obsessed teenager never left her. Inspired by the French happy hour, it’s a time dedicated during the day to connect with others.

It’s for the woman who makes vacation plans around concerts while balancing career life, side hustles, creative projects and family life.

Whether it’s talking about Bob Seger or a Bob Mackie dress or how you wish you could pull off Karen O’s bowl hair cut, there are no limits in music discussion. From music history to new bands on the rise, it’s a space just for women to geek out about all things music.

Interested? I’m collecting emails and planning a future online meetup in a couple months.

Sign up below to get notified.

Please Note: this will be a separate email from The Radio Room Newsletter.

Sign up here!

So many titles with the word radio.

• Electric Radio Club

• The Radio Room

• Radio Apero

I contain multitudes!

and I’m thrilled that you are supporting my work.

Until next time…….

Stay inspired!

Joi