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I am just an echo

Tue, 12 May 2026 19:14:27 GMT

screen grab from France is Sinking

Rock n’ Roll friend, I’m still coming down from my high of finishing my latest video project which was my first official music video.
After a successful music video premiere, here are some albums that inspired me to head to the windowless art space in my basement to start a new painting.

One day while on Instagram, my feed became flooded with In Memoriam posts for the passing of the musician and DJ, Gregg Foreman.
I have no idea who this person was, but damn, the slew of heartfelt messages and condolences from legendary musicians to indie artists posting their love and gratitude for this guy,made me think about what I’m “leaving” behind.
It was a reminder that you don’t have to be in the spotlight to truly leave a mark.
I went down a rabbit hole and learned about so many bands he played with but well known for playing with Cat Power. I also learned about his first band, The Delta 72.
Nine Inch Noize Live at Coachella
I was living on the edge one Friday night…..of my couch that is, staying up way past my bedtime to catch the Livestream Coachella set of Boys Noize and Nine Inch Nails which was strategically released the last weekend of the music festival.
I’ve been listening to the Live Concert ever since.
The lyics to the track, Copy of A, stand out to me as I paint flower petals on the large canvas.
I am just a copy of a copy of a copy
Everything I say has come before
Assembled into something into something into something
The lyrics feel like an accurate representation of who I am as an artist.
I am not an original.
I am inspired by something that has happened before.
There are visible and invisible influences everywhere and sometimes I don’t realize that these creative inspirations are echoing through my work.
I remembered many many years ago, I was watching a behind-the-scenes video of Nine Inch Nails writing the album, Downward Spiral. It may have been on some late night interview on MTV, I can’t remember the source. Things just get filed and get stored away in my brain and I remember them later. (Not an ideal way to reference things but hey, what can you do?)
I distinctively remember Trent Reznor using a basketball to create that eerie heavy slapping sound at the beginning of the track Mr. Self Destruct.
I just remember thinking how cool that was. Such a simple tool, a basketball of all things, to create a sound that made me curious.
When you listen to the beginning part of the song, you can totally make the connection to the basketball sound.
I’ve searched high and low for this interview video and I can’t find it. If I google NIN Basketball it just leads me to the Challengers film score.
If I’m wrong, kindly correct me. I’m sure I’ll eventually find the source someday by the grace of reddit.
I realized that I echo a similar technique of the basketball sounds when making my video art.
I look around to see what’s available to use in the space. Kinda like the way my mom used to fashion together my Halloween costumes as a kid, it’s a What’s-the-junk-drawer/attic-approach. Use something that we already have to create something new.
Like searching through a junk drawer, I like capture video footage from my surroundings.
In this case, the main “character” of the video, France is Sinking, is a prism sphere. It’s really a reflection of the sun coming through the peephole on my front door. I manipulate the frame to make it look like it’s floating throughout the video even though it was shot as a still image.
I like to bend the image to encourage the viewer to look at something familiar in a new way.

Thanks to a recent post by Alex Rollins Berg of Underexposed about experimental film, I’ve gone down another rabbit hole learning about the innovative video artist, Maya Deren. She was the first artist to receive the first Guggenheim grant for experimental film and pioneered indie filmmaking. You can read the post here.
The reason I started making video art and experimental films is because I did not know how to translate my ideas to paper. Creating videos helped me interpret my ideas into reality.

In motion pictures, I no longer had to translate…and I could move directly from my imagination into film.”
-Maya Deren
Same girl. Same.
As I read this article about this “new” artist, it was like reading a story about an artist friend that I knew well but had never met.
I see my work in hers and yet, this is a new discovery for me.
One might say that I am copying another person’s art.
But as the NIN song goes,
I am just a Copy of a.

How about you? Which artist or creative person or innovative human being have you immediately felt a connection to their work?

screen grab of Maya Deren films

Don’t forget to check my new monthly radio series, Coffee & Cassettes, that feature conversations where I talk about records with some of my favorite women and femme music enthusiasts.
This month, I chatted it up with Caroline in the Garden about the woes of discovering music in the 90s and in an era of music streaming wondering if the kids today will ever appreciate an album in its entirety?
Caroline’s got some great record picks so grab your beverage of choice and come hang with us.
Listen here on Mixcloud. It’s free to listen and ad-free.
You can catch up on previous episodes of Electric Radio club here as well:)

Keep the microphone hot

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:45:44 GMT

I’ve been listening to a lot of hip hop lately.I find the beat motivating and steady. Like a train, it keeps me in motion and on track.
Rock n’ roll friend, this week’s episode playlist of Electric Radio Club is inspired by the documentary Inside the Manosphere. Maybe inspired is the wrong word. Perhaps the correct word to use is motivated!
After watching the documentary, I had to create a high-energy playlist with lots of hip hop and punk, featuring tracks by French Montana, Missy Elliot, Run-DMC, Upchuck, Mannequin Pussy, Viagra Boys, and more!

After viewing this unfathomable documentary, I felt strangely hopeful. If you’ve seen it, you’re probably thinking, HOW?!
How do you feel hopeful after watching a handful of male “influencers” spread messages and acts of racism and misogyny to millions of followers?
I’m not saying ignore what’s happening in the world, but do you remember the cartoon, The Care Bears?
There’s a scene in the Care Bears movie, where they “Care-Bear-Stare” the crap out of this evil punk kid. Their caring energy dominates the bad energy.
There’s the saying where your focus goes, your energy flows.
I’m choosing to focus on the good while connecting with positive communities. Share poems, music, art, and so on!

Why, Oh, Why Can’t I?
When I began my DIY radio show, Electric Radio Club, the first thing several people told me was “You won’t be successful,” or “There’s no money in radio,” or “Oh, cool! There’s no way to make a living doing that.”
While I’ve never worked at an actual radio station, I fully understand the amount of work and fundraising it takes to keep something running.
Here is what trips me up. Controversial shock jocks like Howard Stern and Don Imus could make a living in radio. Nowadays, a plethora of “colorful” male hosts that dominate podcast platforms show that it is even more possible.
But a woman providing a weekly mixtape for music discovery and relating lyrics to pop culture and life moments, that kind of show is not ideal?
Let’s think about this.
Maybe I’m stubborn. And maybe ignorance is bliss, but I think it’s possible.
Allow me to paraphrase the lyrics from Somewhere Over the Rainbow,
If these dudes can fly over the rainbow
Then oh, why can’t I?”
Listen to the Conquering the Manosphere radio episode here.
This week, I’m including the full radio playlist for all subscribers because we all need a playlist that is fun, upbeat and makes one feel empowered.
Plus, this also makes a good workout mix.

Cash Clown
Several years ago, I stumbled upon this interview with screenwriter Callie Khouri, the brilliant mind behind the iconic movie, Thelma and Louise.
Khouri talks about writing her first screenplay (which was Thelma & Louise) and her “If he can do it, I can do it” mentality.

“And so I had never written anything before and I had no idea how to do it, I just knew people did it. And I was producing music videos I was watching people get stuff made that I was just like “Are you kidding me”
That clown got somebody to give him money to make a movie. Are you f*ckin’ kidding me?
You know, I mean it was happening all over the place and so I thought, why can’t I be that clown, you know?”

-Callie Khouri on writing Thelma & Louise

She saw an opportunity that others were getting and went out and made it happen for herself.
Callie Khouri won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1992 for Thelma and Louise. And it was her first screenplay.

screengrab from Thelma & Louise - Getty Images

Building the Stage

Singer/songwriter, Sarah McLachlan had the same mentality as Callie Khouri when she started Lilith Fair. McLachlan was told that no one would pay to see two women on the same concert bill. Which blows my mind! The 90s weren’t that long ago.
But the festival proved that concert-goers of all genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and races wanted/needed a festival like Lilith Fair, with nothing but women headliners.

A couple of years ago, I wrote a piece about hosting in-person music meetups and the challenges I faced.
You can read about it here, in a previous blog post.
While I’ve put the brakes on hosting in-person events, I knew this was something people were craving.
So I pivoted and created a music podcast series.
I’ve created my own kind of “Lilith Fair” with my new music podcast series, Coffee & Cassettes, where I bring women and femme music enthusiasts to talk about records. Think of it as that I just went record shopping with a friend and we talk about what we bought.
I want to create a stage where women music enthusiasts can talk about music. A stage that music fans of all kinds are welcome!

Check out the first episode of this monthly series with Herizon Music Newsletter and Podcast founder, Thea Wood, the ultimate cheerleader for empowering women in the music industry.
Talking cigar box guitars, Black Sabbath covers and the ultimate friendship song featuring tracks…yes, you’ll hear the songs recommended by the guest. This isn’t just talk. Like any coffee shop, you need a good playlist.
Give the people what they want. Good music and good community!

Live. Laugh. duh!

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:26:25 GMT

There’s the saying that laughter is the best medicine.If that’s the case, then why are there more medical facilities than comedy clubs?
Rock n’ roll friend, concert season is slowly approaching and I’m making my list and checking it twice for budgeting purposes.
And while I look forward to seeing some great bands on the stage this summer, I never expected to find myself on a stage…..doing comedy.
A couple of weeks ago, I completed a comedy improv class in a tiny black box theater in front of a packed audience.
You might be thinking if I’m going to start a career in either stand up comedy or audition for SNL.
The answer is no.
Like music, I believe all art forms are beneficial in so many ways. But I knew I needed to get out of normal creative routine and try something different.
I learned so much more from improv beyond just creating comedy scenes.
One: I didn’t expect that an improv class would teach me to quit thinking about the future.
Two: The improv instructor shared a story that the comedy club’s first location was in a gritty basement located downtown. The now famous comedian, Nate Bargatze, once referred to the comedy club as “The Chuckle Dungeon.” (this is just a funny story I had to share)
Three: I learned that the only thing you need to be prepared for is to Have Fun.

Why so serious?
During a class exercise, I realized that if I thought too far ahead on what might be funny in the scene (and I’m talking, like literally seconds) it typically didn’t land.
When I improved in the moment and didn’t think about what might get a laugh, the crowd roars.
And it’s such an amazing feeling when laughter echoes through the room and you made it happen. It’s the kind of dopamine I had never experienced before.

As someone who has dealt with a lot of anxiety, I’ve read a hoopla of books on ways to deal with it. From meditation to breathwork to Buddhists teachings. Hell, I was even convinced that my anxiety could be soothes by reading those damn little yogi-like messages typed on tea bag tags.
I was always thinking too far ahead. I sometimes forgot about the fun.

How many times have I thought way too far into the future on a project, relationship or situation? Or worse, replay a moment in my head and wish I said something else.
Plenty of times!

In all my “research” when it came to relieving anxiety, I rarely saw a message that discussed the benefits of laughter. (Maybe I was reading the wrong things?)
One night in class, the group had to share why we are taking the class. Most of the responses were to have more fun or seeking community!
I don’t think comedy is the cure for cancer, but it can certainly help with one’s health.
We need more comedy clubs and art spaces in communities for more fun to be had!

That's a wrap! Round of applause for my improv class - photo by my friend

The Trick is to Keep Laughing

A while ago, I watched the documentary, Momentum Generation, about the rise to fame of teenage surf boarders who started competing professionally in national competition. (Remember Kelly Slater? Those blue eyes of his are hard to forget. Huzzah!)
Aside from the hella talented, cute surfer beau troupe, there was something that really stuck with me about the documentary. If you fall off the surf board after riding a wave, surfers are encouraged to laugh when they come up for air.
Why? Because laughter releases tension in the body and eases anxiety.
I’ve never surfed before (and nor do I care to) but I can see how laughing would be beneficial if a big wave is approaching. Yipe!
I mean,
Ha! Ha! Haahhaaaahhaaaaaahhhaaa!

Lose Yourself
When it comes to my creative and life endeavors, I have future goals and know where I want to be.
But life is a lot like an improv scene, you really don’t know where it’s going to go but I know it turns out so much better than you think.
After taking the improv class, I got to thinking that maybe thinking too much about future goals isn’t always the right strategy?
Maybe the answer is just to have more fun along the way.
Maybe that’s the real secret to success.
Reminds of the lyrics

You Better Lose Yourself in the music
The moment
You Own It
-Eminem

Just Riffin’
I’ve been teasing you for a couple months now about my new special radio series, Coffee and Cassettes.

Think of it as a conversation of going record shopping with a friend. It’s like Amoeba’s What’s in My Bag? mixed with Desert Island Discs.

In this first episode, I’m talking about cigar box guitars, Black Sabbath covers and drinking the Deadhead Kool-Aid with Herizon Newsletter writer/Recording Academy Member/TedX Speaker/Editor/Founder, Thea Wood!
It’s available to stream for free on Mixcloud. Coffee and Cassettes is produced by me and is free of ads!
I’d love to know what you think about this series.
I got a batch of more great conversations coming at cha every month!

Control the fire

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:58:36 GMT

Hey there friend, you wild one, you! How ya doing? Something about the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse has sparked my interest. (No pun intended)
After work, I’ve been reaching for a book from my shelf rather than my phone. I’m mindlessly flipping through pages to see if inspiration jumps out at me. It’s my new way of decompressing.
I reached for a book of horse paintings and drawings.

Throughout my life, I’ve created a small collection of horse tchotchkes, books and jewelry.
I’m not sure where this interest all began. It may have been the sullen country-western-flare in my grandparents’ midcentury modern basement or the opening credits of TriStar films of a galloping horse turning into a Pegasus. However it all started, I think horses are pretty magical creatures.

Little did I know, horse do not like being alone. They thrive on being with other horses.
A sad sight is a horse alone, for horses like to be with other horses. As in life, so it is in art.
-Lorraine Harrison, author of Horse: From Noble Steeds to Beasts of Burden
Through recent conversations with friends and random complaints from strangers about social media, I think most people are tired of riding the scrolling carousel. And like horses, they are looking for others to run with.
The Year of the Horse is the year of speed. It’s about not second-guessing your decisions and focusing on the future, not the past.
Reminds me of the lyrics from this week’s upbeat playlist;

“Don’t Waste Your Time or Time Will Waste You.”
Knights of Cydonia by Muse

I recently submitted a video collage piece to a local film festival. We will see if it gets accepted. Here is a screenshot of a film still from my recent piece called Prism Cell.When I was making this piece, I thought about how our attention is captured in our phones and that our imagination is locked up. I wanted to submerge subjects like flowers under dark layers footage to show the juxtaposition of needing light and escaping the technicolor layers within our phones.
More to come on this.

As an artist, I’ve had people try to tame or control what I’m creating. Hell, I’ve even had people try to tame how I express myself, fashionably speaking. Comments like “Why are you so dressed up?” “Wear less makeup and jewelry.”
Me? Less?
(the girl laughed in her throat)
Like a wild horse, I ignored these suggestions.
This documentary about the street fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham New York, reminds me of the freedom of self-expression.
For decades, Cunningham captured street style in New York City. It wasn’t about the celebrities or the rich and famous; it was about anyone who freely expressed themselves. People who were influencing looks on the catwalk long before it became a hashtag trend on Instagram.

"You see, if you don’t take money, they can’t tell you what to do, kid… Money’s the cheapest thing. Liberty, freedom is the most expensive."
—Bill Cunningham

If fashion is not your thing, it’s still a great film if you love stories about artists who were residents in Carnegie Hall.
This artist literally lived in his work and while he is a bit of a lone horse, he united so many clotheshorses through his photography.

When I started my radio show, Electric Radio Club, I wanted to create a community for music fans who were looking for a little bit of relatability amidst music discovery.
This week’s Radio show is an upbeat playlist to help you gallop into exciting new beginnings and not second guessing prompt decisions!
You can listen to it here. It’s free to listen and free of ads!

In my last newsletter,I promoted a new mini-radio series which I said would debut this month. Due to some technical difficulties (again) and a couple of days out sick, I am behind schedule.
So while you wait for this exciting new monthly feature, here is a list of some other cool horses I’ve been collaborating with.
Like with author and PhD Researcher of American Protest Music and Socio-musicology,(coolest job title ever) Sintija Brence of Grunge Included, invited me to share some of my favorite political songs.
In this collab, I tied in personal stories that led me to some iconic political songs. Like how I discovered punk rock music in my high school history class. Check it out!

4 | Songs YOU Can’t Ignore by Sintija Brence

''I carelessly picked the first subject on the list...Anarchy. But little did I know at the time that it would lead me down a path to punk rock music that would shift my teenage world''

Read on Substack

Brad Kyle of Front Row & Backstage brings on music friends to play a game of Tune Tag and asked me to play! I had no idea what I was in for but it sure was fun! Check out the story here.

Tune Tag #133 with Joi of The Radio Room: Flamingos, Anna Calvi, Twilight Gallery, Lee Ritenour, Tin Machine, Florence + The Machine, Backstreet Boys by Brad Kyle

From Doo wop to boy bands; from 2 machines (a Bowie side-car and a Flo-ridah) to whatever's in-between, we welcome a great gal whose newly-rewired 'Stack is the talk o' the town! Tune in, Taggers!□⚡

Read on Substack

Back in the fall, I created the intro video for my friend’s music YouTube channel, The Dark Stuff for a special series called Rock of Aging about 80s Heavy Metal bands. I loved making this video intro! So much concert memorabilia!

And a lovely shout out from A Good Time with Casey Barber and one of her amazing ukulele sessions which was inspired the quote by RuPaul.
If you need a little motivational pep in your step, this video is for you.

Hey Paid Subscribers: I’m going to start linking playlists and such here. I’m hoping this will be more organized and accessible for you.
If you are interested in becoming a paid subscriber but not through SubStack, don’t worry, I’m currently working on an option through Patreon.
Thanks for your patience as I’ve got so many exciting things in the works and appreciate you all supporting The Radio Room!

Stay inspired!

sign of the times

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:18:02 GMT

photo by Joi

I’ve been reading about the making of the peace sign.
While I love basking in the laziness of a winter evening, January’s bitter temperatures have limited my outdoor walks with the dog and he has left no stuffed animal toy unturned.
The month of January flew by and I have been keeping busy with plenty of projects. I’ve been indulging in lots of comfort food and books from my personal library.
I used to scour the Borders clearance section for discounted books on art and music. Over time, I’ve curated quite a little collection of coffee table books. It’s like I have my own little bookstore with an endless supply of coffee.

film still from recent video collage

30 seconds is a long time.
I recently finished up a video art collage project and boy, do my eyes hurt from staring at the screen for hours.
The best way I can explain my video editing process is there are multiple layers of video footage like a Crunch wrap Supreme collage. There’s a lot of stuff inside.
It’s such a thrill when people respond positively to my art. It just makes me want to keep creating magic.
Sometimes, I wish making art was like following a recipe.
If you serve a dish, you know immediately if it’s successful or not by how much is consumed.
If people love it, they ask you to make it again!

“Can you bring that dip you made from so-and-so’s party? So delicious!”
“Those cookies were amazing! I could eat them by the dozen”

But unlike a recipe, I can’t always repeat the same process with my art.
I understand why some artists take their time to create a follow-up project, album or novel.
It took author, Harper Lee, over 50 years to write her second novel after To A Mockingbird. I can’t imagine the pressure of creating a new piece after writing such an impactful story with iconic character names that are still referenced to this day.
These lyrics from the song feel like how art is consumed by the audience. It’s nice but some may not necessarily like it.

Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?

I’ve learned to let go of perfectionism and just serve up what I’ve created.
Unlike musician, Leonard Cohen, where I just learned had over 100 drafts of the song, Hallelujah.
I can’t keep a project in the creative oven for too long.
But damn, can you imagine that song any other way?! Maybe I should return to my perfectionist self.

from film, Coffee & Cigarettes, photo courtesy Asmik Ace Entertainment

Coffee and Cassettes
As someone who grew up in the time of cafe culture, I’ve been craving the endless lingering in coffee shops, record stores and bookstores.
What I miss is the pleasant conversations that randomly took place in these spaces. A time when people would engage with each other, not their computer screens.
Currently, I’m creating a new mini-radio series called Coffee and Cassettes; a play on the wording coffee and cigarettes.
(Former smoker in the house. I am my father’s daughter.)
Coffee and Cassettes is a monthly radio episode that’s like Amoeba What’s In My Bag. The only difference is these conversations are with women and femme music enthusiasts. Whether they work in the industry or not, its about music sharing with playlists curated by the guests.
I’m having a ball chatting it up with music friends and discovering some new gems along the way!
The first episode drops later this month!

photo by Joi

Happy Birthday to the Peace Sign
An artist creates feelings not products.
Art moves you and helps you express feelings that you don’t have the words for.
With all the heaviness going on in the news, I reached for one of my books titled Peace: 50 Years of Protest.
As someone who used to doodle the peace sign on my notebooks in school, I never really knew anything about the history of this little symbol.
The peace sign was created in February 1958, by graphic designer and textile designer, Gerald Holtom. It was part of the Nuclear Disarmament campaign that would become a universal symbol for all.
There’s much more meaning within the making of art.
You can read more about the making of the peace sign here.
I also particularly enjoyed this keynote by punk rock singer, Iggy Pop, about how music is not a product, it’s a feeling.

Let's Go Skate
A new episode of Electric Radio Club will air next week, a Valentine’s Day Special!
My Valentine’s Roller Skating Party episode last year was one of my top played episodes. Until the next episode drops, enjoy this playlist that includes tracks by Soul For Real, Robyn, The Bangles, The Cure, TLC, The Replacements, The Vaccines, The White Stripes and more!

The Spark

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:13:22 GMT

Is This Love Worth Pursuing?

Roy Orbison’s In Dreams is playing on the internet radio.
What a voice. It instantly transports me into a daydream, and I’m sure that if tested by science, it could make rocks move.
In that moment of Roy’s brief serenade, I dreamed what it would be like to have an audio producer.
It’s not that I don’t like audio producing and editing, it’s just sometimes it would be nice to have someone else do it for a change.

Ground Control
This is not the first time I’ve (cough) shared about the technological woes I face while recording my radio show.
But here I sit hunched over and brow furrowed, scouring YouTube on how to troubleshoot sound issues, all the while thinking,
Why did I start a radio show?
Test.
Silence.
Why do technical glitches occur?
Is this really a reminder from the universe to not get too comfortable and to always be on top of my game?
Silence.
Even the dog could tell I was stressed.
He barked at me until I finally got up and stepped away from my desk.
Always trust the dog.
I poured myself a glass and watched an episode of The Sopranos with the dog curled up by my side.
It really took the edge off.

photo by Joi

Remember the Reason

When it comes to acts of care, some people make soup or offer rides to airports in the early morning hours.
I make mixtapes.
I remember watching this David Bowie interview about advice to artists. He made a statement in the interview to always remember why you began a project.
When a problem occurs while working on a project, I have to remind myself of the spark that ignited the desire to even begin in the first place.
That is one of the reasons why I have a radio show. Electric Radio Club was born out of the love of making mixtapes and sharing music with others.

This week’s radio show playlist of Electric Radio Club, I based the track list around the spark of starting a project and remembering to keep going, even if there are technical glitches.
I included a track by Ron Gallo called Poor Traits of the Artist.
These lyrics stood out to me after my audio editing debacle.

“What am I even doing? Is this love worth pursuing?”

The answer is yes.

Make Goosebumps

There’s all this talk about the movie, Song Sung Blue, starring Hugh Jackson and Kate Hudson. Little did I know, it is not about the musician, Neil Diamond. It’s about real-life artists.
I was intrigued and the Google Gods led me to a wonderful blog post by the director, Greg Kohs, who made the documentary Song Sung Blue, about a husband and wife duo who sing Neil Diamond songs.
Kohs shares in the essay that he passed up a million-dollar movie opportunity because the script didn’t align with the kind of films he wanted to direct.
Instead he created a documentary about these musicians, hoping it would help their career.
This essay is a real “page turner.” I kept thinking, Wait. What?! That happened!?! I couldn’t pry my eyes away from his words.

segment from Greg Kohs blog post, Reel as Dirt

After reading the roller coaster of an essay, I made it a point to watch the documentary later than evening.
It’s about the unexpected hardship, taking risks and incredible determination to be full time artists.
I’m curious how this documentary will be translated to the silver screen as it’s created by the same director of Hustle & Flow

For Your Ears
The new episode of Electric Radio Club is inspired by the spark that inspires one to take creative and artistic action.
Whether that be making a movie, volunteering at an animal shelter or finding a cure for cancer, the playlist is themed around the reason why we begin a project or a task and to not use faith in it.
Listen here to the new episode of Electric Radio Club on Mixcloud. Reminder, it is free to listen and my radio show is Ad-Free. Filled with creative commentary and a great playlist.
Listen here.

the dog is not convinced I've fixed the audio problem

If you love the episode track list, I’ve included it here on Qobuz and Spotify for you to save.
Use a different streaming service? Try Soundiiz to transfer playlists:)

I've included some more behind-the-themes video diaries as I prep for this week's episode of Electric Radio Club.

Same Good Vibes

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:45:23 GMT

Today it’s a stingingly cold and blustery day with gusts that cause my bird feeder to hang horizontally. But I’m in good spirits because I do not need to leave the house today. My dog is curled up by my side as I drink a day-old cup of expensive coffee while listening to a brilliant cover of Metallica’s The Unforgiven by Elisapie. It soundtracks the weather perfectly.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The holiday season moves at strange speeds. Between gatherings, shopping, prepping, wrapping, long lines and loafing, I know the holidays can be a hard time of year for many.
Hope you have been in good spirits and in good company.
Speaking of good spiritsWhile most reflect on the year, I’m far too excited about my future and happy to report that I have a new name for my newsletter. I’m calling it an upgrade!

Drum roll please.
My newsletter is now called The Radio Room!
I even made a trailer for it, I’m that excited!

Why call it The Radio Room?

I consider my newsletter a space to get inspired through song lyrics, art, movies, books, poems and culture.
I knew my newsletter needed a new name to reflect the hub of creative recommendations and personal essays I share with you.
You’ll get the same great, thoughtful essays and of course, updates on my art and radio projects, music playlists and creative recommendations.
Oh! And I’m also adding some new features for my paid subscribers.
Such as…..

Behind-the-scenes video diaries
Clips from recording the radio show
Video notes about ideas for future shows and art projects

Here is an example of the kind of behind-the-scenes video footage I’ll be including in future newsletters.
I’m literally bringing you into The Radio Room where I record all my radio episodes.
In this clip, I’m talking about one of the resources that I’ll include in the first radio episode.
I’m so excited about the theme!

In my art world,
I’m working on some new video work, and well, I have a lot of work to do for future entry deadlines.
Sometimes I just need to play around and work on a completely different project to get the creative cogs turning.
I created this video collage inspired by snow.
In the Midwest, we have gotten plenty of winter weather and I thought about all the dimensions inside of a tiny snowflake. Also, I watched The Grinch with Jim Carrey and in the opening scene, Anthony Hopkins narrates the description of Whoville takes place inside a snowflake.
Some of the footage is of local neighborhoods at dawn and was captured on a snowy morning while driving to work a few years ago.
I’m criticizing my own work here as I think the video is very simple but I guess that’s a reflection of what I currently need during these winter months, something simple and sparkly.

I’m excited about the newsletter name change. In time, you’ll eventually start seeing messages from The Radio Room in your inbox rather than my name.
Thank you for reading and supporting my work!
Can’t wait to share the next newsletter and playlist. It’s perfect for the new year.

Stay Inspired!
Joi

A Fire Inside

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:02:36 GMT

In this newsletter, I’ve got two playlists for ya, (one for working and one for a lazy morning).This week, I’m breaking down Radio Episode #11, Magician.
The playlist was inspired by…….

musician Ben Folds’ album recording woes
a poem by Mary Oliver
Willy Wonka’s pure imagination
Plus, a taste of new radio episodes and creative recs for your week.

I’ve been thinking about magic.
It may be because the whole town is already twinkling with holiday lights, which makes every business and household seem otherworldly.
A temporary sparkling escape during dark winter days.
I’ve also been going through my radio episode archives and “remastering” the audio as best I can. (Audio editing is a never-ending learning experience)
As mentioned in a previous post, some of my favorite episodes are the earlier ones. The ideas, the inspiration and the playlists just all seem to spark effortlessly.
A fire inside is beaming bright behind the mic.

Reminds me of that line from a Mary Oliver poem……

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
Don’t hesitate. Give in to it.
-Mary Oliver

In Electric Radio Club episode #11, I started the track list off with Almond Milk by Baxter Dury.
Almonds into milk? What a crazy concept!
But that’s the beauty of taking an imaginative idea and turning it into reality. Kinda like Willy Wonka and his Chocolate Factory, it’s a world of pure imagination.
The concept of turning a nut into milk made me think about the “magic” that is created in other everyday things.
Like an instrument.
A guitar is just a guitar until a song comes out of it. And not just any song. A song that means something to you.
I talk about these magic concepts on the Magician Episode which you can listen to on Mixcloud. The tracklist includes songs by George McCrae, Blondshell, Sleater-Kinney w/ Margo Price, The Budos Band, Magic Shoppe and more.

Not only does it help grow my show, but most importantly, my episode soliloquy is also there to offer you (yes, you!) inspiration for your day.
Your parting gift is the playlist to help you make your own kind of magic!

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Mistakes Make Magic
Sometimes I think about moments in music where accidental magic occurs.
I remember listening to this podcast episode on Spark and Fire, with musician Ben Folds, about the obstacles and magic of recording the album, Whatever and Ever Amen. Ben shares the woes of recording the record in a house and improvising during live performances.
If you can break down the formality for a second at any point in a performance, it’s powerful. If an audience is discovering something as the performer is discovering it, there’s nothing better in recorded or performed music is that mutual sense of discovery.
- Ben Folds
When I’m creating art, there are moments when things just flow and there are moments where it feels like I’m trying to squeeze art from my fingertips.
Sometimes, improvising can unearth some pretty magical stuff and make the piece feel more human rather than always remaining in rehearsal mode.
Kinda like the beginning of this track by Ben Folds Five.
I like the idea of things remaining unedited. (except for this post)

Rewind to two years ago,
the response to my new radio endeavor seemed to spark interest in others as well!
In fact, some suggested, they would love to see a video version of the episodes.
So I began to play around with making a mini-radio episode version with videos on YouTube…. completely unrehearsed, mind you.
The only caveat was that I had to link my video explaining the song choices to a playlist of music videos. (I couldn’t include the songs in one video due to copyright) If you don’t click on the playlist link, it tends to cause some confusion.

More Magic - This Week’s Recs

Music: Mynabirds in Concert
A couple of weeks ago, I went to what I thought was going to be a secret concert by The Mynabirds, but then the venue started promoting the show. (I get it. Tickets need to be sold.)
A “secret” concert really means that the show takes place in someone’s home or business and it’s not revealed until the day of the show. Which is a fun way to change up the concert-going experience!
A piano performance by The Mynabirds took place at The Church/ArtHouse. I think more rock shows should take place in churches. I’m all about cool mood lighting from stained glass and electric candle alters.
I love the new Mynabirds record, It’s Okay to Go Back if You Keep Moving Forward. It’s fitting because she covers her own songs. If you love something that you’ve already made, why not keep making it more magical?

Back in August, when I hosted an episode of Mixtape Friends, a subscriber shared a story about a Mynabirds song. This is one of my most popular episodes.

Movie: A Trip to the Moon and Hugo
I think perhaps that the real reason people can be cranky is that they cannot create the magic they wish to.
In the movie, Hugo, Martin Scorsese pays tribute to the innovative French filmmaker and actor, Georges Méliès, played by Ben Kingsley.
Kingsley plays a bitter toy repairman whose shop is based at the train station. It is later revealed that the explanation for his grumpiness and what he truly loves to make are motion pictures.
Hugo is three hours long (so Scorsese) but a good winter film to not forget about the magic you love to create.
A Trip to the Moon by Georges Méliès is a silent film but oh-so-magical! Considering the time it was made, the set design and adding color to the film is my kinda magic. A weird fantasy world to escape reality.
My song pairing suggestions while watching this silent film are Track #6, #7 and #8 on The National’s Boxer album.

Misc: Dried oranges in my coffee
In a post by Diana from Sloppyperfect, she asks
What little thing is bringing you joy right now? For me, lately, it’s been putting a slice of dried orange which I made myself for over 4 hours in the oven into my morning cappuccino.

I was intrigued.
So the next day, I went out and bought oranges and dehydrated them in the oven.
And now I’m raving about putting dried orange in coffee to everyone.
It’s a little elegant way to start the morning.

Pay Attention to you

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:28:43 GMT

Behind-the-theme of my first radio show broadcast.
And you know me, I love packing in a bunch of references and recommendations to get you inspired. Including a Louis Vuitton runway show, Wizard of Oz messages, a rockstar memoir, RuPaul’s life advice and defining your own yellow brick road.

My first radio episode, Yellow Brick Road, is my FAVORITE episode. You know why?
Because I created it well before I was approached to host a radio show.
Back in 2021, Electric Radio Club was a budding idea for a podcast that derived from personal playlists.
Coming out of the pandemic, I created this episode to give myself a pep talk and added some good music to go along with it.
Listen to the episode track list as you read along.

It’ll get you excited for the first radio episode of Electric Radio Club which was broadcasted LIVE on ElectroMagnetic Radio.
Right at the start of the show, I had some troubleshooting issues which I have no problem talking about.

If you couldn’t guess from the title, the episode inspired by the movie, The Wizard of Oz.
I talk about new journeys, paying attention to who you are and the people who help you along the way.
Having a radio show is one of the many yellow bricks on my creative path.
Like the drag queen and fashion icon, RuPaul, I think there are many moments in the story of the Wizard of Oz that relate to life. I infuse these ideas throughout the episode.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is my favourite. It explains what life on this planet is about. Although Dorothy reaches Oz, she finds she had what she needed to go back to Kansas all along, but the Good Witch tells her that she had to learn it for herself. All of the answers to the meaning of life are there.”
-RuPaul

screenshot when I use to broadcast LIVE - I much prefer pre-recording

Don’t Hide
If there is anything I’ve learned on my “yellow brick road” as an artist, it’s that making art is fun but confidently telling the world who you are is the most difficult task.
In the movie, the Great and Powerful Oz says to Dorothy and the gang, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”
For years, I did just that.
I hid my confidence behind a metaphorical curtain of black attire, moto boots and lots of accessories. (okay I still wear some of those things.)
I know I’m a great artist but I didn’t call myself an artist.
I started to pay attention to how I can best show up as that artist and not hide behind title of my day job.
Can you relate?

early days of radio show

Trust Your Gut
In my opinion, I think Dorothy’s dog, Toto, is really a symbol of her conscience.
A dog knows when something just isn’t right. I’ve learned to trust my inner Toto.
There were times where I have ignored the “barking dog of my mind and heart.” I knew I should have gone down Road H but headed down Avenue W instead.
But the thing is, if you get off track, that’s where the unlikeliest of characters come along to provide a little nudge in the right direction.

my Toto

Get By With A Little Help From ………
I think about all the people I’ve met (or haven’t met yet) who have helped me along my creative journey.
Whether that be a bit of advice from a colleague or a random conversation with a stranger, I realize that sincere guidance comes from the most unexpected places.
I consider these people the Scarecrows, the Tin Mans, the Lions and the Good witches of life who offer kind suggestions and words of encouragement.
In Chrissie Hynde’s memoir, Reckless: My Life as a Pretender, she talks about the constant roadblocks of trying to be in a band.
Her friend, heavy metal legend, Lemmy Klimister, encouraged her to check out a drummer for her future band. Even though, the audition didn’t work out, some people are always looking out for your best interest. (I could consider him as the Scarecrow figure)
Chrissie Hynde’s road to rock n’ roll was not an easy one but she didn’t give up on her dream.
If you are looking for a page turner of a rock memoir about going after what you want with rockstar cameos galore, then this is for you. Bonus: The audiobook is narrated by Patricia Arquette.

As I curated the episode playlist, I had to include the song, In A Big Country, because these lyrics are so fitting when those moments of rejection or confusion occur in life.

“So, take that look out of here, it doesn’t fit you
Because it’s happened, doesn’t mean you’ve been discarded”
-Big Country

Music and Talk
I became curious about audio editing and recording for the fun of it and started recording episodes. I uploaded to a feature on Spotify called Music and Talk (which no longer exists.)
Stumped on where to take my “music podcast”, I abandoned it.
I left it out in the open on the Spotify platform. Knowing deep down, I wanted to take the show somewhere over the rainbow.
And then a little radio station came along and said, “Keep Going.”
You never know who might show up and help you on your way to your own Emerald City.
These lyrics from the episode playlist I thought were particularly fitting for anyone who keeps trying.

Oh you feel and you taste it and you want to go higher
So what do you do
And so you peak into the mountain where your desire goes
The Mountain - Heartless Bastards

Someday You’ll Find It
I’m gonna end with Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton 2019 Spring -Summer fashion show based on Wizard of Oz.
There’s a silver jacket/cape design that has the quote from Oz, “Pay No Attention to Man Behind the Curtain.”
He was true visionary designer. He started out as an architect, then became Kanye West’s creative director and then went on to become Louis Vuitton’s lead designer for menswear.
For years, Vigil Abloh silently battled with a rare form of cancer and passed away in 2021.
I get teary watching this, particularly at the end when Virgil steps out on the runway.
It’s like Virgil Abloh made it to the Emerald City. He is not hiding behind the curtain, he is showing you what is possible.

I hope episodes of Electric Radio Club inspire you too!
I’ve put together a “Best Of” episode list while I “take a break” from recording new episodes. Including the Yellow Brick Road episode, obviously.

More Good Stuff
Music: So Far So Good by Meernaa
I caught this artist open for the band, Deep Sea Diver, this past summer. She played an acoustic set and I remember her introducing her next song saying, “This one is really good with a full band.”
She also politely asked the crowd to buy her merch so she didn’t have to haul it home after the tour.
After the show, I stopped at the merch booth and picked up the last copy of the album.
It’s great for those not-leaving-the-house kinda days (and it includes a full band)

Like Meernaa, this is my ask to subscribe and support my work:)

Support My Work

Movie/TV: Black Rabbit
I was hesitant to watch this series. Purely because I don’t feel like watching anything with an incredibly stressful plotline especially one that’s based on real life events.
I binged away.
There are moments that are filmed so artistically with appealing angles where it makes you feel part of the scene. Something I don’t see often in TV Series.
And just give the actor, Troy Kotsur, a best performance award now already!
If you are looking for a good series to watch and not just have on in the background, this is worth your time.

Misc: Letters Live
I absolutely love this series of celebrities reading letters from everyday people. This one with actor/comedian, Matt Berry, had me rollin’ with laughter. Who couldn’t use a good laugh right now?

I consider you part of my Wizard of Oz crew, supporting me down my yellow brick road. Thanks for your support!
Stay inspired and keep rockin’ and rollin,