In this episode, Marisa interviews stuntman and winemaker Shane Alexander. Shane discovered stunt work through his background in martial arts and his love of action films, which led him to attend stunt school in Seattle. He shares his training, on-set experiences, and the creation of his own team, the Southern California Stunt Crew. Alongside his film career, Shane has also a built a presence in the wine industry. They discuss barrel selection, harvest season, and the launch of his own company, Action Wines, in Temecula, California. Whether crashing through walls or harvesting grapes, Shane brings passion and creativity to both.Follow Shane @so_cal_stuntsCheck out Shane's IMDB Follow Southern California Stunt Crew @so.cal.stunt.crew and visit their websitehttps://socalstuntcrew.com/Check out Action Wines at https://action-wines.com/

In this episode, Marisa interviews Cleveland-based musician and lead singer of the band Rellick, Mike Rellick. Mike immersed himself in music from an early age, studying choir and later majoring in opera at Miami University. Now as the frontman for Rellick, Mike dives into the band’s formation, the creative process behind their songs, and what it’s like performing on stage. With the release of their first album and new single “Time Out,” Rellick continues to make music that embraces “cinematic rock storytelling.”Follow Rellick on instagram @rellickthebandAnd check out their website at https://www.rellick.net/Follow Mike @mikerellickAnd listen to their music on Spotify or Apple Music now!

It’s the 7th season of ARTifacts, and Marisa interviews artist and illustrator Ian Nagy. Encouraged by his artist mother, Ian grew up drawing and constantly adding to his “picture pile.” His career took off when he joined Zingerman’s, a specialty food company known for its focus on local ingredients located in Ann Arbor, MI. Through his illustrations for their deli, bakery, and creamery, Ian has helped shape Zingerman’s unique visual style. He shares insight into his creative process from drawing menu items and logos to designing bags, catalogues, and gift boxes. With more than 30 years as a staff illustrator, Ian continues to create art that is fun, approachable, and delicious.Follow Ian Nagy on instagram @iannagyartCheck out his website at https://www.iannagy.com/Follow Zingerman’s @zingermansdeli and @zingermansbakehouse

In this episode, Marisa interviews Los Angeles-based director and puppeteer Ricky Chavez. Ricky grew up in California and studied Jazz and Saxophone Performance in college. Always curious and creative, he decided to build a puppet and has been puppeteering ever since. He shares how to build and use puppets and provides puppeteering resources. They also talk about his work with directing videos for music and his project with Sabrina Carpenter. Full of passion, Ricky reminds artists about the importance of play and trying new things.This episode is also available in video on YouTube. Make sure to check it out to see Ricky puppeteer!Follow Ricky @rikemindCheck out more of his videos on YouTube at rikemind1795

In this episode, Marisa interviews animator, director, and producer Howy Parkins. Howy grew up in Canada watching Saturday morning cartoons and drawing TV characters. After studying animation in college, Howy traveled around Europe working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Star Wars: Ewoks. He eventually moved to Los Angeles and worked as a director for Disney’s The Lion Guard, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Recess, Emperor’s New School and Hailey’s On It. With an extensive career, Howy shares fun stories along the way and provides insight into the animation industry today.Check out Howy’s career on IMDB and catch his work on streaming platforms now.

In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning illustrator, author and designer Dave Szalay. While growing up in Ohio, Dave was always doodling in school. After studying graphic design, owning his own ad agency and teaching, he returned to school to receive his MFA in Illustration. With five published, picture books, Dave gives a behind the scenes look into the world of creating children’s literature. From drawing monsters and animals to nature and Abraham Lincoln, Dave hopes that his whimsical images bring joy and make reading fun for all children.Follow Dave on Instagram @daveszalayilloCheck out his website at https://www.daveszalay.comBuy his books here or at your local bookstore

In this episode, Marisa interviews writer, comedian, and screen and voice actor, Ryan McCabe. Ryan’s commitment to character and comedy was established at a young age when he called himself The Riddler after watching Jim Carrey in Batman Forever. Now in LA, Ryan works in the dubbing industry and trains with The Groundlings, performing improv and stand-up comedy. He has also written seven poetry books and is currently producing a new comic called Henry Fowl in Black Sheep. Full of laughs and experience, Ryan creates work that is authentic to him, reminding artists to enjoy the creative process and to not be afraid to fail.Follow Ryan @hurricabePurchase his poetry books at Sabor y Cultural in LA or on Amazon

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional LA dancer, choreographer and teacher Malia Baker. Malia grew up doing competition dance in Colorado, and moved to Los Angeles at age 18. After 10 years of living in LA, Malia reflects on her dance journey from training and performing to choreographing and teaching. They also talk about her most recent collaboration with Bob’s Dance Shop, where she toured internationally with Purple Disco Machine and Sofi Tukker. Whether she’s dancing in front of large crowds, on screen, or in the studio, Malia slays any performance and brings the fun!Check out Malia’s jazz class at TMilly on Tuesdays from 1-2:30pmFollow @maliabaker

In this episode, Marisa interviews visual artist Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer. Growing up in both America and Europe, Emma took ballet and drawing classes. She refined her painting technique at the Florence Academy of Art, and found her creative voice in an MFA program at Central Saint Martins. Now living in Italy, Emma’s surroundings of nature, religion, and hunting culture inspired her first solo exhibition, “The Scapegoat.” Originating from a biblical myth, Emma’s retelling begs the question, “what is the scapegoat of our society?” Like her grandmother, Audrey Hepburn, Emma approaches art as service and works to capture empathy.Follow Emma @ekhferrerCheck out her website at https://www.emmaferrer.com

Happy 2025 and Season 6 of ARTifacts! In this episode, Marisa interviews French, visual artist Aurélie Brown. Growing up, Aurélie was influenced by the lush landscapes and food culture in Normandy. After moving to California, Aurélie found her creative voice by doing the 100 Day Project where she painted one work every day for 100 days. She turned her passion into a business, and always encourages setting aside time for the things you love.Follow @aureliebrownartCheck out her website at https://www.aureliebrownart.com