David Crabb is one of the most talented people I know. He’s a host and storyteller for both Risk and The Moth; he’s the writer and star of his acclaimed one-man show, Bad Kid, about growing up Goth and gay in Texas, which is also a best-selling memoir; and he’s currently a member of The Groundling’s, one of America’s premier improv and sketch comedy troupes based in LA. In our conversation, David talks about how and why he makes such hilarious — and compelling — art.

This week we’re doing something a little different. I’m the guest (your host, Tricia Rose Burt) with some thoughts on the trait that helps sustain my creative life and a story about the importance of having a tribe.

Lucy Wrubel is no ordinary DJ. What sets her apart — other than her amazing costumes and incredible energy — is her deep love and vast knowledge of music. Join us as we talk about how to lie your way into a career, the benefit of taking creative chances, and the thrill of Blake Shelton mixing you a pink cocktail at his wedding reception.

In this episode, we talk with Nancy Perot, owner of the independent bookstore Interabang, our sponsor, which was just named one of the top 5 bookstores in the country by Publisher’s Weekly. Nancy dreamed of owning a bookstore for nearly 25 years, and after just two years of operation, it was wiped out by a tornado. And that was just the beginning. Join us as we talk about committing to your dream, challenging conventional wisdom, and cultivating resilience.

Jeri Lynne Johnson, the founder and artistic director of Philadelphia’s Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, continues to break barriers across the US and Europe as the first woman and/or the first African-American woman on the podium for many orchestras and opera companies. In our conversation about sustaining a creative life, she shares the challenges she’s overcome along her artistic journey, what keeps her going, and how to transform grit into grace.

Visual and sound artist Perri Howard talks about recording sound in the quietest place on earth, falling in love with whale songs, and always coming in second place. In every area of her creative practice, she’s willing to explore unfamiliar territory and shares with us how to do the same.