Best of Grand Rapids, Michigan

grand rapids, michigan

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is home to some pretty cool sh*t.

There’s a vibrant art and music scene. Local radio that doesn’t play the same 27 songs over and over. Lots of young, up-and-coming comedians. Places to eat, drink, smoke.

With my podcast, I talk to creative people of all types, from all backgrounds, and from all over the US. But I also zero in on my local creative community. As a writer (that’s my book over there, next to the podcast logo), I cherish my creative community that I’m building through the podcast, but I want to focus intently on the people around me who inspire me.

Check this out:

Creatives from in (and around) Grand Rapids

Musicians in Grand Rapids!

Ep.96 | ZERO – Reigning Beat Battle Champion (Woo!!!) Creative Ops

ZERO is a fantastic beat producer in Grand Rapids, MI. His energetic performances are mesmerizing. I liken watching him play his drum machine to watching Stevie Wonder play the piano. Those performances, coupled with award winning music, are a can't-miss. Follow ZERO on his Instagram @zerodgaf to keep up with what's going on and to see some examples of his performing and musical abilities. He's on Twitter and Facebook as well, if you're not into the whole Instagram thing. . . . Thanks for listening. Check out more show stuff, listen to some original music, and take a gander at my time travel novel at http://www.christophertallon.com. Follow me on IG, FB, Twitter, & TT: @tallonwrites . . . Shout outs to Dante Cope, Wuzee, Beatrat, and DJ Phazer.

Ep.84 | Brandon Dante Copeland does EVERYTHING! Creative Ops

Some call him Brandon, some call him Dante, some call him Dante Cope. I'll introduce him by his full legal name, you call him want you want, I guess… Brandon Dante Copeland is a multi-talented musician (mainly sax, but other wind instruments, too), beat maker, rapper, producer, who also plays guitar, keys, and a little drums. Originally from Jackson, MI, he now lives in Grand Rapids and is a key member of the artistic and musical community. He also hosts art, music, and community events in the downtown GR area. A very cool guy doing very cool things. . . . Come to the 106 Gallery in Grand Rapids, MI, Thursdays thru mid-December 2022 (Except Thanksgiving, duh…) for THE THING TO DO THURSDAYS!!! . . . Catch up with the man here: IG: @dantecope FB: @dantecope Twitter: @dantecope Spotify: Les Créatif Apple Music: Dante Cope; Les Créatif  

Creative Ops | Ep40 | Joe Bockheim – vocals/guitar for The Legal Immigrants Creative Ops

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!    

Ep.53 | ”Our Wives Got Paid” by TROPHY HUSBANDS – aka Kirk Ross (host of A Talk in the Attic) & Me (host of THIS podcast) Creative Ops

Me n Kirk are always up to something groovy. We've collab'd on a few things but none to the scope of this project. We made a song AND a music video. Go to my YouTube to see the music video: Creative Ops on YouTube Then go to Kirk's YouTube to see the Behind-the-Scenes: A TALK IN THE ATTIC on YouTube And listen to A TALK IN THE ATTIC, why dontcha. They're everywhere podcasts can be found. Follow ATITA on social media, too: A TALK IN THE ATTIC on IG ATITA on Facebook And last of all, go to http://www.christophertallon.com for all things host and show. Thank you good people of Earth!

Comedy in Grand Rapids!

Creative Ops | Ep.33 | Mike Logan – ADD & Homegrown Weed Creative Ops

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!

Poets in Grand Rapids!

Creative Ops | Ep.46 | Marcel ”Fable” Price – Creatively Affecting Change Creative Ops

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!

Creative Ops | Ep.24 | Kyd Kane, Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids, MI Creative Ops

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

Food & Drinks in Grand Rapids!

Ep.98 | Abbey Hunter – Death & Coffee Creative Ops

Abbey Hunter is the owner of The Mortals Cafe + Confection in Grand Rapids, MI. They serve Vietnamese coffee drinks (as well as popular American coffee drinks) with an overall theme of death. They host grief groups, death talks, as well as a number of other regular and one-off events. Visit The Mortals online, then visit the store at 111 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Follow The Mortals on Instagram and Facebook. Do it before you forget and die. . . . Keep up on the show by following its host, Christopher Tallon, on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. Check out Tallon's novel, Switchers, on his website. Bye!

Ep.58 | Shatawn Brigham – Owner of GR Noir Wine & Jazz Creative Ops

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!  

Creative Ops | Ep.23 | Vincent Mcintosh, owner of IRIE Kitchen, talks cooking, education, business, being first-generation, and more! Creative Ops

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

Cannabis in Grand Rapids!

Ep.56 | Casey Kornoelje – Grand Rapids’ Only Local in the Cannabis Game Creative Ops

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!

Podcasts in Grand Rapids!

Ep.97 | Jason Tieri – Podcaster Extraordinaire Creative Ops

Jason Tieri (TEER-ee) is a podcaster from west Michigan. Actually, he's kinda my podcast mentor. (And beard guru.) He got me into podcasting. Hear what it takes to start a podcast, some techy stuff, some how-to, and us just kickin it.  This was a fun one, especially if you're a podcaster, you're thinking about podcasting, or you just like a peek at how it's done. (Recorded in the Hey Guys Media Group studio. Click the link to learn more about them and their podcast services!)

Creative Ops | Ep.44 | Kirk Ross – Host of A TALK IN THE ATTIC Creative Ops

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!

Ep.67 | The Return of the Hosts of Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered (Kinda…(You’ll See What I Mean.)) Creative Ops

Jason Tieri returns for the second time to represent Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered. His co-host, Mike Van Drie, is on the show for the first time. (He wasn't on the show yet the first time. (We get into all that. (Do these parentheses seem weird? (It's only weird if you make it weird…)))) We talk about the change in the hosting lineup, learn things about Mike that Jason didn't know, talk about what it's like discussing deeply personal things "publicly", how a podcast develops over time, having to poop while running, coming up with good titles for podcast episodes, and more. Go to http://www.threadspodcast.com and, as per the guys' recommendations, start listening to Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered with episodes #167 and #171–if you haven't already been listening. .   .   . And please go to http://www.christophertallon.com to find out more about my novel, this podcast, and…other stuff. On all social media platforms: @tallonwrites

Artists in Grand Rapids!

Ep.89 | Mallory Shotwell – Founder and Director of CULTIVATE on local art, community, ”making it”, & marketing Creative Ops

As a former Montessori teacher, Mallory Shotwell's interest in art and business make her a great person to start a group like CULTIVATE, a collection of artists, teachers, and industry folks. With the acquisition of their new space in Grand Rapids, Michigan, they'll be able to highlight contemporary artists and teach community-based art & business classes, while also serving as a "traditional" art gallery for art shows and installations. Get the HOLIDAY GUIDE: http://www.cultivategrandrapids.org/2022-local-artist-holiday-guide Keep an eye on the CULTIVATE Facebook and Instagram pages for events and fun info! Learn all about CULTIVATE at their website: http://www.cultivategrandrapids.org. And check Mallory out at http://www.malloryshotwell.com and on Instagram via @mallory.shotwell

Ep.76 | Ashley Nash – Illustrator & Muralist on Passion, Purpose, and Event Planning Creative Ops

Ashley Nash is a talented visual artist (illustration/painting/murals) with a degree in art (focus on illustration) from GVSU. She's originally from Muskegon, now living in Grand Rapids, and freelances as an artist while also working as the Head Creative Designer at Pharmhouse Wellness (which you already know of if you've been listening). She's part of the creative duo that puts together the Pharmhouse events, such as the Art Market from Ep.73. Check out http://www.PharmhouseWellness.com for more info on what they've got coming up, links, etc… Ashley talks about her youthful inspiration and support, winning over skeptical family with your art, getting screwed over as an artist, and finding your way in all the madness–professionally and otherwise, learning, and unlearning. You can find Ashley's creative work around various parts of west Michigan and/or on her Instagram, on which you can FOLLOW HER on Instagram: @nashleyillustration. You can click HERE for ALL of her links, and you can email her (business-related inquiries only, please) at Nashleysart@gmail. . . . Big shout out to Pharmhouse Wellness for letting me sell books at their art markets AND inside their lobby! If you're in Grand Rapids and you need a dispensary…Pharmhouse Wellness. Look for their cannabis-themed art and exercise events on their IG and FB pages.   . . . If you enjoy Creative Ops, support the show: -Buy SWITCHERS (a novel by Creative Ops' host Christopher Tallon) -Buy me a coffee (.com) -Follow us on Insta, FB, TikTok, and/or Twitter. -Follow CT's blog (it's the best blog you're not following (yet…))

Ep.74 | Megan Smith & MOSS ART!!! Creative Ops

Megan Smith is an artist who mainly works with natural materials and does beautiful stuff you can check out on Instagram @mossberrymarvels. We talk art, process, social media, mental health, events, tv (the name of the show was Wilfred…) and movies, run-ins with the law, local coffee, and other stuff! We recorded in bean bag chairs next to Pharmhouse Wellness, so you'll feel like you're out on the lawn with friends as you hear some of the sounds of the city of Grand Rapids intermittently. … You can check out more on the show, its host (me), and my suspenseful, time-travel novel at http://www.christophertallon.com. … Do something creative and have a great day!

Ep.73 | The Pharmhouse Wellness Art Market: A Podumentary… Creative Ops

Pharmhouse Wellness, Grand Rapids, Michigan's only locally owned and operated dispensary, had another art market. Again I sold books and (someone else's (my daugher's!)) art. This time, however, I brought my podcast gear and made a whole thing of it, talking to a little bit of every kind of person around: pot smokers, local celebrities, art enthusiasts, art vendors, budtenders, and one of the event organizers. And Mike Logan did a great read of the back of my book Switchers, which I encourage you to read. Your future self will thank you… .   .   . The interviewees are: Mike Logan | IG: @icecoldcomedian  Matt "soon-to-be from GR" Sweda | IG: @mattsweda Frankie | IG: @stolenchapstick K.C. | IG: @kcnextdoo_ & @nailzbykc_ Loyiso "Lou" Matanda | IG: @loyisomatandabey Ashley Nash | IG: @nashleyillustration ; nashleyillustration@gmail.com Kate Lewis | IG: @claykate ; http://www.katelewisceramics.com/shop Dean from BEDROOM CEILINGS | Insta and Facebook @bedroomceilings .   .   . Shout out to my tent sharing artists from the two markets: Los The Artist and Savannah Jade. One more to Michigrown for sponsoring the event and giving away some nice freebies! Hope to see you at the next one August 20, 2022, at Pharmhouse Wellness in Grand Rapids, Michigan!  

Ep. 63 | Derek Mohr – Developer, Designer, Artist, & Good Dude Creative Ops

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

Creative Ops | Ep.21 | Randi Ford – Art, Entrepreneurship, & Flow Creative Ops

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

You kick ass for checking out my podcast. Thanks a lot. I truly appreciate it. If you mention it to one or two other people, that would be amazing. You rock!

-CT

christopher tallon switchers

Christopher Tallon is the author of the dark, adventurous, time-travel novel Switchers.

All you need is love / All you need is love

All you need is love, love / Love is all you need

Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | FaceBook | Instagram | Podcast

Time to Catch Up (Suggested Episodes)

I recommend starting with the episodes that connected most with listeners. On that note, here’s a few top five lists:

Top 5 Most Downloaded in 2021

#5

Creative Ops | Ep.5 | Fresh Coast Seed Co. Creative Ops

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

#4

Creative Ops | Ep.33 | Mike Logan – ADD & Homegrown Weed Creative Ops

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!

#3

Creative Ops | Ep.18 | Mike "Auggie" Augustine – Escape Rooms, Games, & Experiential Design Creative Ops

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

#2

Creative Ops | Ep.25 | Jonathan Wayne Freeman – Professionally Silly on Instagram Creative Ops

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!  

#1

Creative Ops | Ep.17 | Jeff Hull of Nonchalance – Participatory Arts & Situational Design Creative Ops

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

Top 5 Most Downloaded of 2022

#5

Creative Ops | Ep.46 | Marcel ”Fable” Price – Creatively Affecting Change Creative Ops

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!

#4

Ep.58 | Shatawn Brigham – Owner of GR Noir Wine & Jazz Creative Ops

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!  

#3

Ep. 50 | Christopher Daradics – Language Learning, Immersive Technology, Education, & Creative Healing Creative Ops

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

#2

Ep. 63 | Derek Mohr – Developer, Designer, Artist, & Good Dude Creative Ops

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

#1

Ep.56 | Casey Kornoelje – Grand Rapids’ Only Local in the Cannabis Game Creative Ops

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!

Top 5 Most Downloaded of 2023 (So Far…)

#5

Ep.94 | David Hayward (aka The Naked Pastor) Creative Ops

David Hayward is a former pastor turned full-time artist and he shares his story of becoming an artist, leaving the church, and moving into art as his main hustle. David makes art from a very welcoming place of spiritual freedom. If you're looking for a good follow on Instagram, check out @nakedpastor, and consider buying his book, sort of a "best of" collection of his comics: FLIP IT LIKE THIS. Get more at: http://www.nakedpastor.com!

#4

Ep.95 | Jody J Sperling – Author of ”THE 9 LIVES OF MARVA DELONGHI” & Host of TRBM Creative Ops

Jody J. Sperling came on to talk about creative stuff, including (but not limited to) his amazing novel, THE 9 LIVES OF MARVA DELONGHI. It's a story in a time loop, with a lot of cool characters, murder, booze, murder, psychopaths, murder, sacrifice, and…MURDER! Some characters die. A lot. It's a lot of fun. Jody also hosts a podcast called TRBM, he has other books, and you can find out about ALL of it at http://www.jodyjsperling.com! (Buy his books there!) . . . Thanks for listening. Go to http://www.christophertallon.com for more podcast info, or to check out Christopher Tallon's novel about teens in 1996 who get in a time travel war against their adult selves: Switchers If you're on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or TikTok, please follow me @tallonwrites and let's keep the creativity flowing!

#3

Ep.93 | Mike Salt, horror author and cool dude Creative Ops

This is part one of a a two-parter with horror author Mike Salt. Salt is more than just a fantastic writer from Oregon, he's a smart and creative guy with a knack for marketing and social media. He talks about writing to get attention, how many more followers he has than I do, and how he's glad he's not bald like me. And we explore his creative process, talk a little about his books, and what he's got up his sleeve. . . . Check out Mike and his books at http://www.mikesaltauthor.com, then follow him @mike_salt on IG, @mikesaltmoose on Twitter, and/or @mikesaltmoose on Facebook. . . . Check out my pod-friends Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered (a space for authentic conversations)  

#2

Ep.97 | Jason Tieri – Podcaster Extraordinaire Creative Ops

Jason Tieri (TEER-ee) is a podcaster from west Michigan. Actually, he's kinda my podcast mentor. (And beard guru.) He got me into podcasting. Hear what it takes to start a podcast, some techy stuff, some how-to, and us just kickin it.  This was a fun one, especially if you're a podcaster, you're thinking about podcasting, or you just like a peek at how it's done. (Recorded in the Hey Guys Media Group studio. Click the link to learn more about them and their podcast services!)

#1

Ep.96 | ZERO – Reigning Beat Battle Champion (Woo!!!) Creative Ops

ZERO is a fantastic beat producer in Grand Rapids, MI. His energetic performances are mesmerizing. I liken watching him play his drum machine to watching Stevie Wonder play the piano. Those performances, coupled with award winning music, are a can't-miss. Follow ZERO on his Instagram @zerodgaf to keep up with what's going on and to see some examples of his performing and musical abilities. He's on Twitter and Facebook as well, if you're not into the whole Instagram thing. . . . Thanks for listening. Check out more show stuff, listen to some original music, and take a gander at my time travel novel at http://www.christophertallon.com. Follow me on IG, FB, Twitter, & TT: @tallonwrites . . . Shout outs to Dante Cope, Wuzee, Beatrat, and DJ Phazer.

ALL-TIME Top 5 Most Downloaded

#5

Creative Ops | Ep.25 | Jonathan Wayne Freeman – Professionally Silly on Instagram Creative Ops

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!  

#4

Creative Ops | Ep.46 | Marcel ”Fable” Price – Creatively Affecting Change Creative Ops

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!

#3

Ep.56 | Casey Kornoelje – Grand Rapids’ Only Local in the Cannabis Game Creative Ops

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!

#2

Creative Ops | Ep.5 | Fresh Coast Seed Co. Creative Ops

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

#1

Creative Ops | Ep.17 | Jeff Hull of Nonchalance – Participatory Arts & Situational Design Creative Ops

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

My Guest Spots

If you’ve heard every single episode of my show, try listening to me as a guest on other podcasts:

CHRISTOPHER TALLON A Talk in the Attic

Alternate title: TROPHY HUSBANDSWATCH ON YOUTUBEChristopher Tallon is a writer and podcaster hailing from Grand Rapids. His novel, Switchers, is being shopped around to various publishers as he juggles fatherhood, husbandhood, and his podcast, Creative Ops, which highlights other creative people doing their things, respectively. Today's episode is a fun one, complete with a parody of Kirk & Christopher's future collaboration: Trophy Husbands. Music contributions include Dresden the Flamingo, King Flamingo, Baum, Rhythm Scott, and Keven Graham, all licensed through soundstripe.com!CT on IGATITA LinksSupport the show

judging a book by its cover w/ CHRISTOPHER TALLON A Talk in the Attic

**WATCH ON YOUTUBE** … When author Christopher Tallon's first novel, SWITCHERS, hits the shelves next month, it will feature a book cover design by host Kirk Ross. Excerpted from a full interview on Chris's podcast "Creative Ops", the duo discusses the creative process, consent in nature, and the risks of using words that end in "phile". Today's featured song is called "Big Sale Improv", inspired by a doozy of a trip to the pot shop. Chris's WebsiteAll the Attic LinksSupport the show

Ep. 38 || We sit down with Christopher Tallon and talk about the book he wrote, Switchers, a sci-fi novel. Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered

Ep. 68 || Author Christopher Tallon joins Ben & Jason in studio for a conversation about creativity, Ben's week of faux pas with Jason, coronavirus, does God "allow" sickness?, and more! Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered

Ep. 176 || Mike’s unfiltered thoughts about author Christopher Tallon Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered

SEO with Christopher Tallon TRBM

Christopher Tallon Spoke to me about how he started his Podcast Creative Ops and the associated website and blog to build an audience for his forthcoming novel, Switchers. Chris has Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. If you take one thing from this episode it's to preorder Switchers. Nothing has a bigger impact on a writer's life than preordering his book, and you have that chance from now until June 3rd. So do it. Preorder Switchers today.If you're curious to check any of the movies we mentioned you can pick up a copy of Looper for a fun time travel yarn, or Primer for a more disturbing time travel tale.As always, please join my newsletter for more insights on the marketing mindset you won't find anywhere else and jump over to Patreon where you can support my show for as little as $5.00 a month.Subscribe to my Substack for unparalleled partner content, and follow me on Twitter. Get full access to TRBM at jodyjsperling.substack.com/subscribe

Do Scorpions Have Tallons? TRBM

Christopher Tallon, the musician behind my updated podcast music, one of my rotating cohosts for 2023, is in the guest chair today to tell his story.Thanks for listening to TRBM! Subscribe to receive new episodes and stimulate your brain.Something is moving your plates…is it a ghost? Are you losing your mind?And so begins a story of grief, sadness and scorpions. Christopher Tallon hangs a framework of a military vet who retreats to a remote Tennessee cabin for some self-care, but no sooner than he arrives does he find his environment disturbed.It’s a heartbreaking story that culminates when the veteran recalls the moment of his death. I spent hours afterward wondering if there are men and women who gave their life for their country and their spirit wanders the land wondering if it was all worth the sacrifice, if they gave too much.I don’t know about you, but I think Christopher has a hell of a knack for storytelling. And you need to get his novel, Switchers. Check out his website. Follow him everywhere.*If you listen carefully, you’ll catch me dropping the f-bomb in this episode. I have no issue with strong language, but I do try to keep this show clean. Please know the language is a rare occurrence. Forgive me. Get full access to TRBM at jodyjsperling.substack.com/subscribe

Christopher Tallon Discusses the Benefits of Podcasting The Bloggy Friends Show

In this episode, I'm chatting with Christopher Tallon about the benefits of podcasting. Christopher is the creative genius behind the Creative Ops Podcast and you can find him online at: https://christophertallon.com/Like this episode? Buy a girl a drink perhaps? https://paypal.me/FamousAshleyGrantMore Show Notes From This Episode:What’s up my bloggy friends! I'm slowly updating the show notes for this and every episode of The Bloggy Friends Show. My new home base for all things Bloggy Friends can be found here: https://www.famousashleygrant.com/podcast/Be sure to follow me on social: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Book Launch Strategies Author Your Dream

Have you thought about your book launch strategies?  In this episode, I talk with author and podcast host Christopher Tallon about why this is important to do if you are writing a book. We also talk about a few strategies that Chris has done. We talk about blogging and podcasting and how what we have learned over the last few years. These tips will help you as an author to start your own show, or help you pitch yourself to podcasts as a way of getting publicity for your book. Christopher Tallon is a veteran, former middle school teacher, the author of the sci-fi/horror novel Switchers, host of Creative Ops (a podcast for creative people), and makes being bald look awesome. Highlights 02:22 Chris’ Story 04:00 Defining strategizing 06:00 Strategy 1: Blogging 13:31 Strategy 2: Podcasting 16:59 Mistakes to avoid 25:21 How has all this helped with selling books 28:46 Picking topics for blogs and podcast episodes 40:54 Author Action Point Author Action Point Start as soon as you can. If you have an idea that you will be selling a book, start as soon as you can. Start reaching out to people and trying to get on podcasts. Get on social media but don’t just constantly be posting about your book. Think of the future, plan for the future and don’t wait for a week before the release Connect with Christopher http://www.christophertallon.com Facebook Instagram Twitter Resources Mentioned Creative Ops Podcast Threads Podcast Life Unfiltered

Most Downloaded of All-Time

Creative Ops, a podcast for creative people, has been going for 3 years now, and in that time I’ve had conversations with a diverse group of creative people all over the country–and right in my backyard here in Grand Rapids, MI. We talk about their life, influences, work, and their creative process. What I hope to do is share with listeners cool people I’ve come across, and dig into who those people are and how (and why) they do what they do.

10 Most Downloaded Episodes

Creative Ops is a podcast for creative people to talk about their creative roots and process
Creative Ops: a podcast for creative people, by creative people.

10th Most Downloaded: Brandon Scott – author

Creative Ops | Ep.8 | Brandon Scott, Author of "Vodou" and "Sleight" Creative Ops

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!

9th Most Downloaded: TJ Tranchell – author

BOOK RELEASE DAY | TJ Tranchell – my editor! Creative Ops

Switchers is available to the masses! And here to discuss this is TJ Tranchell. TJ is an author, professor, and editor. The last one is the focus today as we get together to chat about my book, Switchers, which is available for purchase as of today on E-BOOK as well as PAPERBACK. Go to http://www.christophertallon.com for more about the book, and follow me on any/all of your favorite social media spots @TallonWrites. For more about TJ, visit http://www.tjtranchell.net.

8th Most Downloaded: Christopher Daradics – educator

Ep. 50 | Christopher Daradics – Language Learning, Immersive Technology, Education, & Creative Healing Creative Ops

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

7th Most Downloaded: Mike Logan – comedian/entertainer

Creative Ops | Ep.33 | Mike Logan – ADD & Homegrown Weed Creative Ops

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!

6th Most Downloaded: Derek Mohr – digital artist

Ep. 63 | Derek Mohr – Developer, Designer, Artist, & Good Dude Creative Ops

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

5th Most Downloaded: Jonathan Wayne Freeman – comedian

Creative Ops | Ep.25 | Jonathan Wayne Freeman – Professionally Silly on Instagram Creative Ops

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!  

4th Most Downloaded: Marcel “Fable” Price

Creative Ops | Ep.46 | Marcel ”Fable” Price – Creatively Affecting Change Creative Ops

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!

3rd Most Downloaded: Casey Kornoelje – cannabis seller/grower

Ep.56 | Casey Kornoelje – Grand Rapids’ Only Local in the Cannabis Game Creative Ops

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!

2nd Most Downloaded: Fresh Coast Seed Co. – cannabis breeder

Creative Ops | Ep.5 | Fresh Coast Seed Co. Creative Ops

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

1st Most Downloaded: Jeff Hull – artist/designer

Creative Ops | Ep.17 | Jeff Hull of Nonchalance – Participatory Arts & Situational Design Creative Ops

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

Thanks for stopping by to check out my podcast. New episodes drop weekly (for the most part). Keep tuning in for it and, as always, be creative!

-CT

christopher tallon switchers

Christopher Tallon is the author of the dark, adventurous, time-travel novel Switchers.

And in the end / The love you take

Is equal to the love / You make

Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | FaceBook | Instagram | Podcast

10 Most Recent Episodes

christopher tallon, author of Switchers, and host of Creative Ops

The podcast has had a run of really good episodes. Check out some of the recent ones:

Ep.98 | Abbey Hunter – Death & Coffee Creative Ops

Abbey Hunter is the owner of The Mortals Cafe + Confection in Grand Rapids, MI. They serve Vietnamese coffee drinks (as well as popular American coffee drinks) with an overall theme of death. They host grief groups, death talks, as well as a number of other regular and one-off events. Visit The Mortals online, then visit the store at 111 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Follow The Mortals on Instagram and Facebook. Do it before you forget and die. . . . Keep up on the show by following its host, Christopher Tallon, on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. Check out Tallon's novel, Switchers, on his website. Bye!

Ep.97 | Jason Tieri – Podcaster Extraordinaire Creative Ops

Jason Tieri (TEER-ee) is a podcaster from west Michigan. Actually, he's kinda my podcast mentor. (And beard guru.) He got me into podcasting. Hear what it takes to start a podcast, some techy stuff, some how-to, and us just kickin it.  This was a fun one, especially if you're a podcaster, you're thinking about podcasting, or you just like a peek at how it's done. (Recorded in the Hey Guys Media Group studio. Click the link to learn more about them and their podcast services!)

Creative Ops FM Creative Ops

Hello everyone! Please feel free to use this episode as a "creativity playlist" for when you're drawing, running, painting, going to the store… It's all the original music from the podcast strung into one easy peasy playlist, with most songs ranging between 1-2 minutes, and the entire playlist coming in at just under 38 minutes. Enjoy. (By the way, you can hire me to make music for your project via my website http://www.christophertallon.com. Hit me up on Instagram @tallonwrites…I dare ya.)

Ep.96 | ZERO – Reigning Beat Battle Champion (Woo!!!) Creative Ops

ZERO is a fantastic beat producer in Grand Rapids, MI. His energetic performances are mesmerizing. I liken watching him play his drum machine to watching Stevie Wonder play the piano. Those performances, coupled with award winning music, are a can't-miss. Follow ZERO on his Instagram @zerodgaf to keep up with what's going on and to see some examples of his performing and musical abilities. He's on Twitter and Facebook as well, if you're not into the whole Instagram thing. . . . Thanks for listening. Check out more show stuff, listen to some original music, and take a gander at my time travel novel at http://www.christophertallon.com. Follow me on IG, FB, Twitter, & TT: @tallonwrites . . . Shout outs to Dante Cope, Wuzee, Beatrat, and DJ Phazer.

Ep.95 | Jody J Sperling – Author of ”THE 9 LIVES OF MARVA DELONGHI” & Host of TRBM Creative Ops

Jody J. Sperling came on to talk about creative stuff, including (but not limited to) his amazing novel, THE 9 LIVES OF MARVA DELONGHI. It's a story in a time loop, with a lot of cool characters, murder, booze, murder, psychopaths, murder, sacrifice, and…MURDER! Some characters die. A lot. It's a lot of fun. Jody also hosts a podcast called TRBM, he has other books, and you can find out about ALL of it at http://www.jodyjsperling.com! (Buy his books there!) . . . Thanks for listening. Go to http://www.christophertallon.com for more podcast info, or to check out Christopher Tallon's novel about teens in 1996 who get in a time travel war against their adult selves: Switchers If you're on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or TikTok, please follow me @tallonwrites and let's keep the creativity flowing!

Ep.94 | David Hayward (aka The Naked Pastor) Creative Ops

David Hayward is a former pastor turned full-time artist and he shares his story of becoming an artist, leaving the church, and moving into art as his main hustle. David makes art from a very welcoming place of spiritual freedom. If you're looking for a good follow on Instagram, check out @nakedpastor, and consider buying his book, sort of a "best of" collection of his comics: FLIP IT LIKE THIS. Get more at: http://www.nakedpastor.com!

Ep.93b | Mike Salt -horror author & neat fella Creative Ops

Here's the second half of my conversation with Mike Salt. If you don't already know, Mike is an author worth reading if you're into being scared like a helpless baby in the night. He thrills and chills readers with his creepy novellas, which you can peruse on your own at http://www.mikesaltauthor.com. You can also click here for ALL Mike's links! . . . Thanks for your patience getting the second half of this one out!

Ep.93 | Mike Salt, horror author and cool dude Creative Ops

This is part one of a a two-parter with horror author Mike Salt. Salt is more than just a fantastic writer from Oregon, he's a smart and creative guy with a knack for marketing and social media. He talks about writing to get attention, how many more followers he has than I do, and how he's glad he's not bald like me. And we explore his creative process, talk a little about his books, and what he's got up his sleeve. . . . Check out Mike and his books at http://www.mikesaltauthor.com, then follow him @mike_salt on IG, @mikesaltmoose on Twitter, and/or @mikesaltmoose on Facebook. . . . Check out my pod-friends Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered (a space for authentic conversations)  

Ep.92 | Inside the Box, But off the Wall (Science-Backed Ways to Boost Creativity) Creative Ops

I'm talking about how to boost your creativity in the new year! (And the annoying start to my year that slowed the podcast to a crawl in January.) I'm coming at you with some quality CREATIVITY BOOSTING stuff. No matter who you are or your creative outlet, I hope you find this useful. (Or at the very least entertaining. (Or at the very most, both!)) LINKS and SHOUT-OUTS: Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered is a great podcast and Jason got me into podcasting! Nick Nortier, @oldgrowthcreative on Instagram, is a talented artist and also bought my truck. Heather the librarian in Grandville, for letting me use a room to co-host… The TRBM podcast, which I guess I'll be co-hosting semi-regularly for an unspecified amount of time… The MINDFULNESS article I wrote back in the dizzay. Take a look…at my book! ***credible sources I used to prove to you weirdos I didn't make this stuff up: entrepreneur.com; ideas.ted.com; GCU.edu

Ep.91 | Jason Demmon: music, creativity, cancer, & cannabis Creative Ops

Go to http://www.jasondemmon.com! Jason Demmon and I go back to his Michigan State University days (I was a townie). Jason talks about growing up with music, how music got him into college, gigging, composing music and sound production for film and… Getting testicular cancer! (Spoiler: he's now cancer free!) Through a few twists and turns in his healing process, he found great relief through cannabis, which led him to seek a career in the professional field of medicinal cannabis. We met through music as kids and, years later, reconnected as adults through some of the same musicians. Speaking of, shoutout to Heartsick, a fantastic band from Lansing, MI, that's been killing it for roughly two decades. Check out some a few band member appearances on earlier episodes of the show (#4, #20, #72)! Wondering about the podcast ad at the beginning? It's for my friends at Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered. We're regulars on one another's podcasts, so we're giving each other a little support. No money changing hands. Just some creatives looking for a win-win. Check them out; they're good people.

Ep.90 | Marcel ”Fable” Price – A Shameful Showing from the Kent County Commissioners Board Creative Ops

The Diatribe uses performing arts to empower young people to share their stories, raise awareness of social issues, and create change within their communities. They were recently screwed over for political reasons by the Kent County Commission, which deprived them of 2 million dollars of federal funding because they were afraid of getting challenged politically and possibly losing their seats in government. I was there. It was one of the most shameful things I've ever seen. Listen to Marcel, the executive director/chief inspiration architect of The Diatribe, here and on episode 46. Then check out these youtube videos: Marcel's take on what happened: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xomEVejv60 The Full Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd7ggIFzAmc SUPPORT THE DIATRIBE: Website: https://thediatribe.org/support/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_diatribe/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheDiatribe/

Ep.89 | Mallory Shotwell – Founder and Director of CULTIVATE on local art, community, ”making it”, & marketing Creative Ops

As a former Montessori teacher, Mallory Shotwell's interest in art and business make her a great person to start a group like CULTIVATE, a collection of artists, teachers, and industry folks. With the acquisition of their new space in Grand Rapids, Michigan, they'll be able to highlight contemporary artists and teach community-based art & business classes, while also serving as a "traditional" art gallery for art shows and installations. Get the HOLIDAY GUIDE: http://www.cultivategrandrapids.org/2022-local-artist-holiday-guide Keep an eye on the CULTIVATE Facebook and Instagram pages for events and fun info! Learn all about CULTIVATE at their website: http://www.cultivategrandrapids.org. And check Mallory out at http://www.malloryshotwell.com and on Instagram via @mallory.shotwell

Before you go…

I wrote a time travel novel, if you’re into that sorta thing. Check it out, it’s called Switchers.

K, that’s it.

For now…

-CT

christopher tallon switchers

Christopher Tallon is the author of the dark, adventurous, time-travel novel Switchers.

Row row row your boat / Gently down the stream

Merrily merrily merrily merrily / Life…is but a dream

Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | FaceBook | Instagram | Podcast

Ep.98 | Abbey Hunter – Death & Coffee

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5gp3x-13e78cb

Abbey Hunter is the owner of The Mortals Cafe + Confection in Grand Rapids, MI. They serve Vietnamese coffee drinks (as well as popular American coffee drinks) with an overall theme of death. They host grief groups, death talks, as well as a number of other regular and one-off events.

Visit The Mortals online, then visit the store at 111 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Follow The Mortals on Instagram and Facebook. Do it before you forget and die.

. . .

Keep up on the show by following its host, Christopher Tallon, on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter. Check out Tallon’s novel, Switchers, on his website.

Bye!