Guest Breakdown by Category

Alfonso Civile of the Lansing-based metal band Heartsick joined me for a discussion via the magic of the internet. A few of the things we talked about: the 20 year history of the band (formerly Know Lyfe), how they're adapting during the stay-at-home order, what they have planned for the future,  the band's creative process, and more! Alfonso is super creative, and just a really nice guy. I hope to have him back sometime; I could've talked to him way longer. Hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did.  Find out what else he and the band are up to, how to watch/listen/support them in these odd times: Facebook @heartsickband Twitter @heartsickband Instagram @heartsickband Heartsick Official YouTube Still reading? Really? OK. Well…if you like Creative Ops, one way to let me know: rate the show. Or leave a review.  Or subscribe. Or do any combo. If you do all 3, I'll be your best friend for a whole day (weekends and holidays excluded). Check out my website, www.christophertallon.com, for show updates, blogs, and random fun! Follow and connect with me, Christopher Tallon, on social media. I'm on Instagram, FaceBook, and Twitter. Still reading? Why? Go listen.  -CT

As a drummer, I was excited to nerd out with my new buddy, Jake Bryan. Jake is the drummer for HEARTSICK, the Lansing-based band that's been playing loud music for 20 years. I started following this band even before Jake joined. As you'll find out, he joined the band around the same time I left the Lansing area for good. Jake came from a musical family, where his passion for drumming was highly encouraged from a young age. In his teens, he found his passion as a traveling performer with the school band when they performed in Florida and New York City. Before joining Heartsick, he played drums in a Final Fantasy themed metal band–something I wasn't aware was a thing. Follow all the fun stuff:  Jake's IG @bryantalmadge Heartsick  Official Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Spotify Apple Creative Ops Podcast Website (shows, descriptions, links) Apple Spotify (Host) Christopher Tallon's Website  Buy Us a Coffee! Friends of Creative Ops IRIE Kitchen River Town Adventures Baby Farm Soaps Hey Guys Media

FRIENDS OF THE SHOW River Town Adventures: Instagram | Facebook | Website Hey Guys Media Group: Twitter | Facebook | Website Baby Farm Soaps: Facebook Fresh Coast Seed Co: Instagram TODAY'S GUEST: Pedro "The Roadie" Rodriguez Pedro has been a roadie for over 20 years, spending a good deal of that time as the tour manager for the band KMFDM. He talks about his various roadie gigs, landing a dream job with KMFDM, starting the Karuna Art Collective in Philadelphia, making music and art, collaborating, and bringing up young creatives. FOLLOW THE HOST @christopher_tallon on IG @TallonWrites on Facebook and Twitter FOLLOW PEDRO: Pedro on IG: @pedrotheroadie Karuna Art Collective on IG: @karunacollectiveart Pedro on FB: @pedrotheroadie Karuna Art Collective on FB: @karunacollectiveart HEAR PEDRO (aka Namo Maitri): Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube

Joe Bockheim was kind enough to invite me to his house for a sit down. We talked about music, home ownership, having kids, and all kinds of fun stuff. Check out The Legal Immigrants here: The Legal Immigrants website Instagram: @legalimmis Facebook: @thelegalimmigrants Spotify (Want more? Google them…) . . . Thanks everyone. Go to http://www.christophertallon.com and/or follow me on your favorite social media platform, I'm @tallonwrites on all the big ones. If you like the show PLEASE rate AND review it wherever you download it. It means a lot. Thanks!    

If you've ever thought, I should start a podcast, then listen to this show! (Or, if you just like podcasts and wanna see how one gets made, check it out.) Ben Kraker and Jason Tieri were my guests, and they are in the podcast game. Together they host a really cool show, Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered. Separately, Ben has his own show, The Root of All Ben, and Jason co-hosts GR Rideshare Adventures, and produces two podcasts – including this one! It was a lot of fun hanging out with these guys on my show for a change, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Listen to Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered, and check em out online: Instagram – FaceBook – Twitter – Website Learn more about Creative Ops, read my blog, and check out fun random facts at my website www.christophertallon.com, and reach out on social media: Instagram | @christopher_tallon FB | @TallonWrites Twitter | @TallonWrites Enjoy!

Creative People! Justin D'Autremont (host of Drunk Conspiracies Podcast) joined me from across the great state of Michigan after I recently did an episode of his show. We talk about all things podcasting, what got him into it, how he does it, and what his plans are moving forward. We also talk about the pros/cons of life in the north vs life in the south, and other random stuff. (Alcohol may or may not have been in play on this episode…) Justin's a talented young man (I can say that, he's younger than me), and I'm excited to watch his podcasts grow. Please download DRUNK CONSPIRACIES PODCAST wherever you get podcasts! Follow his show on Facebook and Instagram. . . . Thanks to Hey Guys Media Group (my technical overseers), as well as River Town Adventures and Baby Farm Soaps. Looking forward to doing some fun promotional stuff (ie. giveaways, contests, river events!) in 2021. Stay tuned for that, and follow what's going on with me (Christopher Tallon) and the show at http://www.christophertallon.com, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Litsy (a cool spot for avid readers).   -CT

My buddy and fellow podcaster|musician|writer Kirk Ross joined me (or rather I joined him (we were in his studio)) for a fun talk. Unlike the first time he was on the show, I actually interviewed him this time. Get to know the man. Learn about (then go listen to) his wonderful podcast, A Talk in the Attic. Maybe even follow @atalkintheattic on your favorite social media! The song from A Talk in the Attic was used with permission. Shout out to the inimitable HILTON (@hiltonallcaps on IG) for putting together such a badass tune for Kirk's show! Catch up with me, CT, on all social media @TallonWrites, and also on http://www.christophertallon.com. Later!

Joshua Marsella came on for his third go round on Creative Ops, this time to talk about HIS brand new podcast, WRITERS ON WAX. Starting February 2 you can hear Joshua talk to other writers about the grand craft, as well as the music that inspires them. Please follow Joshua Marsella: @joshua_marsella on IG @JoshuaMarsella on Twitter @JoshuaMarsella on FB And listen to WRITERS ON WAX wherever you get podcasts (except Spotify…he's not gonna be there), and look him up on Amazon, goodreads, and the like for info on his books.

Ashley Grant is my "bloggy friend" and fellow podcaster. We talked about blog-centric stuff on her podcast The Bloggy Friends Show. Now she's a guest here and we talk about finding your path in life, blogging, ghostwriting, where to get writing gigs, freelancing, moving around the country, podcasting, and more. Find Ashley here: Twitter – @AshleyisFamous Facebook – @FamousAshleyGrant Instagram – @famousashleygrant Personal Website – FamousAshleyGrant.com Bloggy Friends Website – BloggyFriends.com Ashley would like to give a shout-out to Alex Fasulo and her Freelance Fairytales Podcast for anyone looking to get into freelance work.

Jody Sperling was successfully playing the real estate game when he decided to sell his properties one by one and commit to writing and podcasting. Crazy, right? Crazy like a FOX! Jody's podcast, THE RELUCTANT BOOK MARKETER, gives authors, new and experienced, tools to better market their books (thereby doing better business and growing their audience). Get a peek at some of Jody's writing that appeared in BULL called "Valesco". Find Jody on Twitter: @jodyjsperling  .   .   . Thanks for listening! For more info on Creative Ops, OR if you're interested in my novel Switchers, check out all the links and info at http://www.christophertallon.com.

I sat down with my good friend Paul Brogan, co-founder and owner of the award-winning small business, River Town Adventures, a staple of the outdoor recreation scene in Michigan's capital city. Paul is also the driving force behind the Lansing Earth Project, which organizes volunteers to clean the local waterways. We talked about starting and growing a business, getting active about conservation, and more. Check out http://www.rivertownadventures.com for more info about Paul, River Town Adventures, and waterway conservation, or check them out on Instagram @rivertownadventures or on FaceBook @RiverTownMI  Learn more about Creative Ops at my website http://www.christophertallon.com, and reach out on social media: Instagram | @christopher_tallon FaceBook | @TallonWrites Twitter | @TallonWrites Enjoy!  

Wanna know what goes into making award-winning cannabis? Oh good, because I packed up my podcast gear and drove into the wilderness of northern Michigan to record–on location at their grow facility–with Ross from Fresh Coast Seed Co., a medical marijuana and seed company. He has an interesting backstory–including time on an Alaskan fishing boat–and got into the cannabis industry first and foremost to help people. Fresh Coast is well known in the marijuana community, especially after taking gold at the 2019 Detroit High Times Cannabis Cup for vape cartridges. This interview is informative on an easy to understand level. I hope you enjoy it. Check out Fresh Coast Seed Co. on Instagram, and order seeds from The Bean Lodge. For more info about Creative Ops, go to http://www.christophertallon.com, or check out my social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  I would LOVE IT if you rate the show and left a review. It helps little shows like mine get some traction. Thanks so much for listening, and good luck with your creative endeavors! -CT

For almost a decade, Aaron Daane ran a youth soccer club in west Michigan. He recently sold his club and now works as a coach and coach educator. We talked about what creativity means in the context of soccer and player development, as well as the challenges in youth soccer in terms of coaching, player development, and refereeing. Anyone who plays, has played, or has kids who play will want to listen to this. We discuss tactics, our favorite clubs and players, and where American soccer–at the youth level–is now, and where it is headed. If you like soccer…CHECK THIS ONE OUT!!! ***Please leave a rating a review if you enjoyed what you heard*** Also, check out http://www.christophertallon.com for more info on the show and its host. And please, connect with Christopher Tallon on social media… IG: christopher_tallon FB: @TallonWrites Twitter: @TallonWrites

As a young child of Jamaican immigrant parents, Vincent Mcintosh dreamed of being a businessman, owning 250 restaurants, and living life on his terms. Now in his mid-20s, he joined Creative Ops–online from the restaurant–to talk about his path on that journey. At 17 he dropped out college to pursue entrepreneurship full time. At 19 he founded IRIE Kitchen (organic, Caribbean street food) restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Not only is it the first fully-organic restaurant in the area, Vince is also the youngest restauranteur in Grand Rapids history! In 2019 he co-founded Irie Lemon, a media company with Liz (The Lemon Bowl) every week the give us tips on entrepreneurship and how to build the life you want. Together, they co-host Passion to Profit Podcast. … Shout out to Baby Farm Soaps, River Town Adventures, Hey Guys Media, and IRIE's social media genius, Corinne Bass (on IG @corinnesconnections)! … Thanks as always. -CT http://www.christophertallon.com

Liz Della Croce started a blog centered around healthy, delicious food. Several years later, that blog gets over a million hits a month. Liz turned that blog into a business, and started some other businesses, then partnered with some other businesses, and…you get it. She cooked on the TODAY Show, for crying out loud! She came into The Attic Studio (normally home to A Talk in the Attic (Thanks for the space, Kirk!)) and we talked about old-school online dating, parenting, kids, enneagrams, CHEESE!, her awesome hubby, successful weight loss, music, switching careers…. It was a good one. Want more of Liz? Read the article Liz mentions: Coping with Weight Gain after Weight Loss Visit: The Lemon Bowl Website/Blog and its Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. You might also enjoy The Irie Lemon and the Passion to Profit Podcast. . . . Thanks. Check out Christopher Tallon at http://www.christophertallon.com, and on Insta, FB, and Tweety.

Casey Kornoelje is the sole owner of the only locally-owned cannabis dispensary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. You might ask, "There are so many dispensaries…how is Pharmhouse Wellness the only local one?"  Great question. Listen for the answer to that, how Casey got into growing in the first place, how the shop came to fruition, and what his plans are for the shop and the community around it going forward. . . . Check out Pharmhouse Wellness on their website, http://www.pharmhousewellness.com, on Facebook @pharmhousewellness, and on Instagram @pharmhousewellness. . . . Follow the show and its host at http://www.christophertallon.com and on all social media @TallonWrites. . . . And leave a review AND a rating for the show wherever you download podcasts. Thanks!

Shatawn Brigham and his wife, Nadia, moved from fields in mental health and education into business with the idea of changing the culture of professional inequality in Grand Rapids from the inside. Listen to how he met his wife, how they've worked to help the city and it's negatively impacted communities, and how GR Noir–Grands Rapids' only jazz bar–came to be. . . . Check them out at http://www.grnoir.com, and on Facebook and Instagram!  

Hey folks, I totally nerded out while talking to fellow writer Jennifer Soucy. She's an amazing talent and a very nice person. She's got an interesting story, and a lot to say about writing. Her horror debut is titled Demon in Me, and it's amazing! She's the real deal. Check her out at http://www.jenniferlsoucy.com to learn more. Want to connect with her via social media? Find her on Instagram @therealjenwah, FaceBook @bansheetales, and Twitter @bansheetales. Then go order her book on Amazon…NOW!   Learn more about Creative Ops at my website http://www.christophertallon.com, and reach out on social media: Instagram | @christopher_tallon FaceBook | @TallonWrites Twitter | @TallonWrites Enjoy!  

Brandon Scott is an amazingly talented (and very nice) guy. He joined me from North Carolina to talk about his books, style, influences, publishing projects, and writing process. His book Vodou was #1 on the Amazon charts at the time of the interview, and his sequel Sleight just arrived in my mailbox yesterday. I started it, it's AMAZING, can't wait to finish it. Check this guy out–he's the real deal, people! You Can Order Brandon's Books on Amazon, then follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and FaceBook. Thanks for checking out the show. Follow Creative Ops on IG, FB, and Twitter, too! Go to ChristopherTallon.com for show info, to contact the show, and just because it's the right thing to do. Last but not least, the sponsors & supporters: Baby Farm Soaps – The. Best. Soaps. Other great products, too!!!  River Town Adventures – Best outdoor experience in mid-Michigan. Award winning, locally owned. Hey Guys Media Group – They helped me make my podcast; let them help you make yours!

Jennifer Soucy is an excruciatingly talented woman. In her novels, she has a darkly poetic style that delivers intense emotion while, at the same time, keeps an expert eye on the pace and flow of the action. She writes strong and complex female leads that guys and girls alike love to follow on their dark adventures. Jen highlights the best and worst of humanity in a way you can't help but pay attention and keep flipping pages. She's truly a writers' writer. Hear her thoughts on horror, books, movies (especially remakes…), the writing process, editing, publishing, promoting, and everything else an up-and-coming indie writer has to think about these days. … JENNIFER SOUCY: http://www.jenniferlsoucy.com Twitter: @bansheetales Facebook: @bansheetales Insta: @therealjenwah … CHRISTOPHER TALLON: http://www.christophertallon.com Insta: @christopher_tallon Twitter: @TallonWrites FB: @TallonWrites … CREATIVE OPS: http://www.creativeops.podbean.com http://www.christophertallon.com/creative-ops-podcast http://www.buymeacoffee.com/creativeops

Kyd Kane is a poet, artist, and educator. She was the first spoken word artist to make the finals in ArtPrize. Recently she became Grand Rapids' first black, queer, female poet laureate. Since then she's made her it mission to elevate poetry (and poets) in the city, do something different with (for) the laureateship, and challenge privilege. Check out Kyd Kane at http://www.kydsaidit.com Check out the show at http://www.christophertallon.com Buy the host a coffee at http://www.buymeacoffee.com/creativeops   Thanks folks! -CT

Joshua Marsella is an Army veteran turned stay-at-home dad and horror author. His books "Scratches" and "Severed" are making a lot of noise on the indie horror scene. We talk about his military experience, struggles and triumphs with mental health, and OF COURSE his creative process as a writer. Books, films, adaptations, Stephen frigging King, military stories, dad stories, being a creative writer, and lots more. Such a nice guy. I hope you enjoy the interview and decide to check out one and/or all of his books. Lastly, be on the lookout for his collection HUNGER FOR DEATH when it becomes available on Halloween 2021 (mwah-ha-ha!). . . . SOCIAL LINKS Joshua Marsella on: Instagram Twitter Amazon Links  

Hey folks! My writing buddies who are farther along in their careers are helping me out with some publishing DOs and DON'Ts. As I get good advice, I'll share it. Here's bits of a phone conversation I had with the amazing Joshua Marsella. So listen up if you're thinking of self-publishing, or if you're curious what goes into it. Follow Joshua Marsella on social media @JoshuaMarsella on Twitter, @joshua_marsella on instagram, and buy his books on his Amazon page! Thanks everyone. Happy Thanksgiving! (Even to the Canadians!)

Fable the Poet (aka Marcel Price) became the Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids, MI in 2017. At the time, he was GR's first black PL. He was the first PL to not graduate from college. On top of that he was also the youngest PL in city history. Now he works with The Diatribe, mainly focusing on improving the south side and educating people about GENTRIFICATION and REDLINING. Check out The 49507 Project. Marcel Price / Fable the Poet: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter The Diatribe: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, SUPPORT!

Author, Actor, & Academic, TJ Tranchell came on the podcast to discuss his book TELL NO MAN, as well as his writing process, upcoming projects (so exciting!), acting, teaching at a community college, dropping out of school, providing professional writing services, and much more. Check out his website: http://www.tjtranchell.net Buy his books on Amazon, I highly recommend TELL NO MAN. Look for him on Instagram (@t.j.tranchell), Facebook (@TJTranchell), and Twitter (@TJ_Tranchell). Thanks to TJ for the chat, thanks to you for listening in, and HUGE thanks to anyone who will or has left a review AND rating on Apple podcasts or wherever you get the show. Enjoy!

Ashley Grant is my "bloggy friend" and fellow podcaster. We talked about blog-centric stuff on her podcast The Bloggy Friends Show. Now she's a guest here and we talk about finding your path in life, blogging, ghostwriting, where to get writing gigs, freelancing, moving around the country, podcasting, and more. Find Ashley here: Twitter – @AshleyisFamous Facebook – @FamousAshleyGrant Instagram – @famousashleygrant Personal Website – FamousAshleyGrant.com Bloggy Friends Website – BloggyFriends.com Ashley would like to give a shout-out to Alex Fasulo and her Freelance Fairytales Podcast for anyone looking to get into freelance work.

Jody Sperling was successfully playing the real estate game when he decided to sell his properties one by one and commit to writing and podcasting. Crazy, right? Crazy like a FOX! Jody's podcast, THE RELUCTANT BOOK MARKETER, gives authors, new and experienced, tools to better market their books (thereby doing better business and growing their audience). Get a peek at some of Jody's writing that appeared in BULL called "Valesco". Find Jody on Twitter: @jodyjsperling  .   .   . Thanks for listening! For more info on Creative Ops, OR if you're interested in my novel Switchers, check out all the links and info at http://www.christophertallon.com.

Jeff Hull joined me, via the magic of the internet, to discuss literature, culture, Nonchalance, and his latest project–a revolutionary podcast–SYGNYL. Listen as we discuss past and present projects, how how created and implemented them, and how the lines between art and reality can blur to create something unintended, both in our art and, as we've seen recently, in our culture. That blurring, as Jeff puts it, "can lead us to chaos or meaning." Join us and try to find the meaning in the chaos. If we can't find it, we'll make our own. -CT . . . LINKS: GUEST Nonchalance: website | IG | Twitter | Tumblr SYGNYL: website | IG | Twitter | FB | YouTube SHOW Christopher Tallon: website | IG | FB | Twitter | Goodreads | Litsy | Buy Me a Coffee Sponsors: Hey Guys Media Group | River Town Adventures | Baby Farm Soaps

Auggie is a brilliant mind and great guy. In 2016, Auggie placed 5th world-wide in the Dyson Rethinkers Challenge. Then in 2018, Auggie won the Red Bull Mind Gamers Quantum Challenge. In 2019, his team placed 10th in the Red Bull Mind Gamers Escape Room World Championship. He's designed multiple rooms, including one in a hotel at the world championship for the competitors to play, that the hotel didn't even know about, haha! He also had a hand in the SYGNYL podcast that I talked about on Ep.17!  Check him out on social media @okapikid, and get in touch with him. He also has a website with a game built into it…www.okapikid.com. . . . If you like the show, BUY ME A COFFEE! Thanks to Jeff M. for the cup this morning!!!!! . . . CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS: Irie Kitchen: http://www.irie.kitchen River Town Adventures: http://www.rivertownadventures.com Baby Farm Soaps: only at @BabyFarmSoaps on Facebook Hey Guys Media Group: http://www.heyguysmediagroup.com If you want more, go to: http://www.creativeops.podbean.com http://www.christophertallon.com I'm @christopher_tallon on IG @TallonWrites everywhere else I'm on Litsy and Goodreads, too

Chanel Ali is a standup comedian, writer, and actress living in NY. Chanel was honored as a “New Face” at the 2019 Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, and she can be seen on the Starz series Night Train with Wyatt Cenac and Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks on TruTV. In 2020, Chanel appeared on the CC Stand-Up/Refinery 29 series Taking the Stage and Speak Up. Chanel was also featured on the dais of the Friar’s Club’s Roast of Gloria Allred, where she is also a member, and she recently wrote for the @NetflixisaJoke social media accounts. Chanel released her debut comedy album CHANEL NO. 1 on 800lb Gorilla Records in June 2020, which NPR named "the best comedy album of 2020". Twitter: @chanel__ali Instagram: @chanelali Christopher Tallon is a fiction writer, professional blogger, and hosts this show–Creative Ops. Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Litsy, and Goodreads. If you want to show support, you do so at buy me a coffee (.com). Friends of the Show! Hey Guys Media Group – Podcast production services for anyone ranging from tech geek to noob. River Town Adventures – Award winning outdoor recreation in the Lansing, MI area. Baby Farm Soaps – The best soaps, bath, and hygiene products out there. Fresh Coast Seed Co. – Award winning cannabis. Possibly the best in the solar system.

Got to sit down with the Ice Cold Comedian, Mike Logan…IN HIS HOUSE! (He's got a bad leg at the moment, so I came to him. You'll hear some neighborhood noise in the interview.)  I named this one "ADD & Homegrown Weed" because those were the main obstacles early in our conversation. But once it got going, Mike and I had a great talk. We, of course, covered creativity and the creative process, but we got into all kinds of other stuff: moving from place to place, racism, goal setting/changing goals as you age, classic art, how the media tries to convince us we're divided when, in Mike's opinion, we've actually been brought closer together in the last year and a half.  Mike tells stories from the entertainment industry, does a few impressions, cracks me up, and shares his fascinating perspective on a wide variety of topics.  Follow Mike Logan on all your favorite social media platforms @icecoldcomedian for updates on performances, a daily dose of wholesome, and some hard-but-necessary truths. Follow the host of Creative Ops at http://www.christophertallon.com and as @tallonwrites on all social media!

Jonathan Wayne Freeman is a funny funny man. He didn't find his niche until he was in his late 30s, but now he's posting funny stuff on IG daily, and getting paid to endorse cool stuff. He's an inspiration and always good for a giggle. Go check out @jonathanwaynefreeman on Instagram and peruse the JWF online shop. ——————————————————– Go to http://www.christophertallon.com if you don't have anything better to do right now. ——————————————————–   Friends of Creative Ops: River Town Adventures, Baby Farm Soaps, Six Coast Soil, Fresh Coast Seed Co. Buy me (Christopher Tallon) a coffee!  

Hey Folks! I talked to renowned visual effects artist Mike Breymann, who has worked with influential artists and filmmakers all over the world. To name just a few projects: Mike made the island and background shots for Jurassic World, recreated Paris for Benjamin Button (which won an Academy Award for visual effects), developed worlds (real and fictional) in virtual reality, and creates software that more easily allows himself (and others) to do what he does. A fun and fascinating guy. If you want to see his portfolio and get a deeper dive into what he's up to, visit http://www.michaelbreymann.com! . . . Thank you to Hey Guys Media Group, Baby Farm Soaps, and River Town Adventures for supporting the show! I love you all. . . . On a personal note, thank YOU for listening to the show. If you rate the show, leave a review, AND tell me about it at http://www.christophertallon.com, or on FaceBook, Instagram, and/or Twitter, I'll give you a shout out in the the next show opening! (Pinky swear.) Holla. -CT 

Jeff Hull joined me, via the magic of the internet, to discuss literature, culture, Nonchalance, and his latest project–a revolutionary podcast–SYGNYL. Listen as we discuss past and present projects, how how created and implemented them, and how the lines between art and reality can blur to create something unintended, both in our art and, as we've seen recently, in our culture. That blurring, as Jeff puts it, "can lead us to chaos or meaning." Join us and try to find the meaning in the chaos. If we can't find it, we'll make our own. -CT . . . LINKS: GUEST Nonchalance: website | IG | Twitter | Tumblr SYGNYL: website | IG | Twitter | FB | YouTube SHOW Christopher Tallon: website | IG | FB | Twitter | Goodreads | Litsy | Buy Me a Coffee Sponsors: Hey Guys Media Group | River Town Adventures | Baby Farm Soaps

Alexis Flakes wears many hats: digital content producer/editor/host, yoga teacher, jewelry designer, community advocate, entrepreneur, and MORE. She talks about growing up black in a predominantly white, Michigan suburb, going to school out east, settling down in Harlem, getting into the digital creative sphere, her creative process, and all her ambitious dreams and goals. See more of Alexis at: http://www.alexisflakes.com Follow Alexis on Instagram @flakeslikefrosted Get Bold Jewels . . . Follow me (Christopher Tallon – the host) at: http://www.christophertallon.com Instagram Facebook Twitter

Zach Snyder is an artist. It his passion, freelance profession, and now, his job as a college professor. How does a 24 year old get a job as a college prof? LOTS of talent, for starters. Listen to find out more. Check Zach out on IG @sneedart Get more info at http://www.sneedartdesigns.com . . . Check out the folks who make this show possible: River Town Adventures; Baby Farm Soaps; Hey Guys Media Group . . . Please connect with the show on social media: Facebook: @TallonWrites Twitter: @TallonWrites IG: @christopher_tallon and visit http://www.christophertallon.com . . . Please, please, please rate and review the show. It helps us grow. (Or give us money. Yeah, that's what we thought…)  

Woo! I loved this episode. I sat down with Clay McAndrews to talk about the Bright Walls Mural Festival, which he founded and co-directs in his hometown of Jackson, Michigan. So far, Bright Walls has brought artists from all over the world to Jackson, where they've created 36 absolutely amazing murals, transforming the city. Clay, an artist and all-around creative type, has a background in graphic design, advertising, photography, and events. Clay graduated from Central Michigan University with degrees in Graphic Design and Advertising. Learn more about Bright Walls at http://www.brightwallsjackson.com, and about Clay at http://www.claymcandrews.com. . . . . . SUPPORTERS OF THE SHOW: River Town Adventures – the most fun you'll have outdoors Baby Farm Soaps – the best soaps, lip balms, you name it Hey Guys Media Group – let em help YOU make a podcast Listeners – please subscribe, rate, and review the show! . . . . . SOCIAL MEDIA Get all the links from http://www.christophertallon.com, or go straight to Instagram, FaceBook, and/or Twitter. (Betcha my Instagram is better than yours!)   Thanks everyone! -CT

Peter Taras is an icon in the world of surf photography, starting in the profession at a young age. With his magazine days behind him, Peter continues to tell stories with his amazing pictures on Stellar Storytellers, and has fun with his wine reviews on his Instagram. He has collaborated with Jonathan Freeman on the Ultra Core Surf Hour. Hilarious. He's also part of the Kook of the Day series. Also hilarious. Go check him out! Thanks everyone! http://www.steller.co/petertaras http://www.instagram.com/petertaras/ http://www.instagram.com/jonathanwaynefreeman/ http://www.christophertallon.com http://www.instagram.com/christopher_tallon/ http://www.twitter.com/TallonWrites http://www.buymeacoffee.com/creativeops

Randi Ford is a phenomenal talent in the world of painting. Her nature landscapes are beautiful and have a sense of depth and movement unlike anything else I've seen. We talk about her style, influences, creative process, business, hiking, camping, life, and all kinds of fun stuff. . . . Randi Ford: website: http://www.randifordart.com IG: @randi_ford_flow_paintings FB: @RandiFordFlowPaintings YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/RandiLynnFord   Creative Ops: Show: http://www.creativeops.podbean.com Host: http://www.christophertallon.com Support us: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/creativeops IG: @christopher_tallon FB: @TallonWrites Tweety: @TallonWrites

Derek Mohr is a Grand Rapids, MI based artist who works as a developer and designer. We talked about his early interest in art and technology, traced his path to professional status, talked about some of his projects, and stuff creative people deal with, go through, and chat about with other creatives. By day Derek works for an agency called Might In The Midwest. You can see more about Derek and the things he does at https://onemohrti.me/ .     .     . Catch Derek On.. Instagram: @onemohrtimedesign Twitter: @OneMohrTime Dribble: dribbble.com/OneMohrTime

My friend Andrea Draft joined us in-studio to talk about stay-at-home parenting during the pandemic, and how important it is to keep your sanity by finding something that brings you joy. In her case, it's chickens and a plentiful veggie garden.   Listen for parenting tips, chicken knowledge, and gardening wisdom!     – – – – – – – – – –   Duuuude… We got sponsors, y'all! Not just any sponsors, either. Check these guys out:   River Town Adventures in Lansing, Michigan, has canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and award-winning service. What better way to social distance than outdoors, on the water? River Town Adventures: FB | IG | Website   Baby Farm Soaps, out of Kentucky, has the best soaps, lip balms, and bath bombs anywhere on planet Earth. Order off their menu, or contact them directly for custom orders. I use their soaps and their Candy Cane lip balm. This place rocks! Hit em up on FaceBook!

For this episode, we sat down in-studio with 2 local nurses from different hospitals in the Grand Rapids (MI) area. Meaghan has floor and management experience, and works in pediatrics. Rachel has worked in Intensive Care and Post-Op in Michigan and Florida. They sat down with me and Jason to talk about nurse-life, nursing in COVID times, and their experiences working in health care. If you're looking for an awesome career, check out nursing. Good pay, you can work full time as little as 3 days a week, and you don't have to buy a bunch of work clothes…just a few pairs of scrubs. Think about it. . . . If you don't listen to this one, you don't deserve to wash your body with Baby Farm Soaps–the best soaps, lip balms, bath bombs, and moisturizers, not just in Kentucky, but anywhere out there. Period. If being inside is bumming you out, check out River Town Adventures, Lansing, MI's hottest outdoor spot for fun and recreation. . . . Hey folks. If you have a sec to rate and review the show wherever you downloaded it, I will be eternally grateful. Thanks so much for listenening, -CT

Hey folks, I've been in a little bit of a creative funk lately. As it turns out, so was my buddy–the other half of podcasting's super friends, The Trophy Husbands–Kirk Ross. I asked him if he wanted to talk over some ideas, and we ended up just releasing our conversation as a podcast. We talk about the mission of CREATIVE OPS, get a few personal updates, talk shit, try to be funny…the usual. So you'll hear my cut here, and in the days to follow you can listen to Kirk's cut on A Talk in the Attic AND watch the video on his YouTube channel. I plan on having Kirk on for a planned interview sometime, but until then, catch up on his podcasts and videos, and follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Peace out homefries!

Peter Spaulding is known on Twitch as Retep, the "plus-sized Dad-bod gamer." We met through podcasting–he formerly co-hosted the extremely popular Gig Economy Podcast, which is also under the Hey Guys Media umbrella. Peter's always been a self-described computer guy. We talked about his history with gaming (which consoles he likes, PC vs Consoles, Twitch, Steam, etc…) Discord, his history of fun internet antics, podcasting, DJing, and all things related to his past and present passion of gaming. If you like what you hear, you can get more at Peter's:  Official Website Twitch Channel YouTube Channel Instagram: @GamingWithRetep Facebook: @GamingWithRetep Twitter: @GamingWithRetep TikTok: @GamingWithRetep  . . . For more on the show and its host: @TallonWrites on all social media, http://www.christophertallon.com for news/updates/blogs/songs/stories/links/what-have-you… And you can support the show at http://www.buymeacoffee.com. . . . I also mentioned this book: Alone Together (Why Your Kids Are Watching Others Play) by RK Holliday. . . . Thanks -CT  

Andrew "Drew" Smith is my old friend and fellow former educator. We both taught for half a decade or so before venturing into different careers. However, our training–both in content and in pedagogy–prepared us surprisingly well for our chosen paths. Listen as we discuss our best and worst memories, how teachers REALLY talk in the teachers' lounge (sadly, it's always very good), and what it was like for Drew as an intern trying to teach non-English speaking refugees who were illiterate in their native language and never received formal education. (Amongst other things.) I mentioned the book EXPLORE/CREATE by , and I highly recommend it. Thanks for listening. . . . Check out Hey Guys Media Group if you're interested in starting a podcast!

Ok, so the title may seem a bit outrageous, but it's supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, people. Rather than get interviewed by someone else or perform an autobiography in the vein of a get-to-know-your-host style program, I interviewed my mom about what it was like to raise me. As we talk about, I hated school and decided to almost completely tune out for the last half of my public education. I was most commonly described by teachers as "smart but he doesn't apply himself." I graduated high school with a 2.01GPA. That whole time, my mom was always about as cool as a person could be in that situation, which is probably why that part of my life hasn't deterred me from doing what I **really** want to do. If you were kind of an asshole as a kid, this might be an interesting memory jogger. If your kid is kind of an asshole now, this might be informative and relieve your soul a little bit. Or not. I don't pretend to know about stuff like that; I'm just a creative genius with a cool mom. . . . Find me, Christopher Tallon, on http://www.christophertallon.com, or on your favorite socials @TallonWrites. (My mom doesn't do social media, but I'll tell her you said "Hi")  

Christopher Daradics works at the University of Oregon's Center for Applied Second Language Studies – CASLS (check that out for free language learning tools!) He's also a part of Resonance Building, a healing and arts collective. Check out their upcoming online workshop "The Embodied Voice", and keep coming back for new events, projects, ideas… .   .   . Learn more: Christopher Daradics on IG: @swagadics Resonance Building on IG: @resonance-building CASLS website Resonance Building website Embodied Voice info/registration .   .   . Thanks everyone! See ya next time. -CT .   .   . For more on Creative Ops and/or Christopher Tallon: Website | Instagram | FaceBook | Twitter | Podcast