Chaos and Creativity

Remembering the Art of Gathering

If you look at map of Los Angeles, you’ll see where I used to live on Kittyhawk Avenue is in close proximity the airport. There was a hide-a-key near the back door. If you knew me, or knew someone who knew me, you were welcome to stay— on the couch if I was in town, or in the bedroom if I was out of town. If you stayed more than two nights, compensation was a bottle of wine or bourbon. That included epic breakfasts if I didn’t have an early call time on any given morning. Another quality of my place was the lack of street cleaning restrictions. Many of my friends would plan their departure and arrival times around my schedule so they could park their car in front of my place (free) and have a short visit before traveling. I was always happy to do an airport run which took no more than fifteen minutes round trip. With all people in and out, Kittyhawk, or Lou’s LAX Lounge as it was often affectionately called, morphed into a spontaneous gathering hub. I’d throw together last-minute dinner parties at long tables thrown up in a backyard that abutted La Tijera boulevard. In this episode of Chaos & Creativity Kimi and I remember the Kittyhawk days and how those spontaneous gatherings would lead to creative conversations and ideas that would inspire music, videos, and photos. We also go deep on why AI will never replicate or replace the simple act of getting together. *Note: Kimi sounds a little funny in this episode. We had an audio glitch, but we still wanted to share the content. Thanks for listening. Mentioned in This Episode: The piece by Thomas Flight about how AI can't make creative decisions. The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker Miranda Lee Richards See the image of Miranda on our episode blog post. Want More Chaos & Creativity? Subscribe! Be cool, be classy, subscribe to email updates. You'll be the first to know when a new episode drops and you'll also receive our quarterly newsletter Memos to the Chaotic & Creative. Subscribe now. Connect with the Show Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko Producer: Cheramie Johnson Editor: Alexandra Covey Music: Kieran Kerwin Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast

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The Art of Sound Part 3: Open Up Your Ears

It’s three o’clock in the afternoon. I’ve just arrived home from another sophomore day at a new high school I started attending only a few weeks earlier. Melding into this new society as an outsider isn’t going poorly, but it has its challenges. On the turntable of my father’s hi-fi is the just released album Moving Pictures from Rush. The opening song Tom Sawyer, a song about individualism, personal autonomy, and refusing to conform to society's expectations becomes my guide and my light during this awkward time of transition. It encourages me to hold onto my integrity and keep things on my terms as I integrate into the new school. I could’ve never guessed this experience would ultimately become a template for my life. I’ve often wondered if Tom Sawyer would have had the same emotional resonance if I listened to it on sonically inferior ear buds. Given my recent experience into the audiophile space, I don’t think so. The word audiophile conjures a sense of elitism. A rarefied club for obsessive people with healthy bank accounts who have arcane knowledge of specialized audio gear. Our next guest thinks that’s the wrong way to look at things. He believes anyone loves music and cares how it sounds is an audiophile. Through his YouTube channel, A British Audiophile, Tarun offers expert advice in a remarkably approachable way. He conveys guidance to people like me who are just starting their audiophile journey but have a limited budget. That said he also appeals to the fanatics who do invest in top end components. The stuff that will make you drool with envy, but also admiration owing to the exquisite engineering driven by a fervor for sonic purity. In a phrase: Tarun’s passion is for maximizing the listener’s experience through a combination of practical advice and knowledgeable guidance about gear. He believes that sometimes listening to music is a spiritual experience, as it was, however unknowingly, to me back in high school. An experience that shaped my life as I’m sure music in someway does for everyone reading this. Mentioned in This Episode A Screaming Life: Into the Superunknown with Soundgarden and Beyond Check out Tarun's suggestions for the beginning audiophile. Want More Chaos & Creativity? Subscribe! Be cool, be classy, subscribe to email updates. You'll be the first to know when a new episode drops and you'll also receive our quarterly newsletter Memos to the Chaotic & Creative. Subscribe now. Connect with the Show Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko Producer: Cheramie Johnson Editor: Alexandra Covey Music: Kieran Kerwin Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast

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Fair (and Unfair) Trade: Giving It Away for Free

In this week’s minisode: Lou offers to write a treatment for a screenplay with a spectacular premise and a really good story. Kimi randomly gets cast in a short film and is relieved when it gets canceled. Drawing on decades of experience as creative professionals, Kimi and Lou share how to ask the right questions when given the “opportunity” to work for free, when trade feels like a valuable exchange, when saying yes is stupid, and how to say no when it needs to be said. Connect with the Show Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko Producer: Cheramie Johnson Editor: Alexandra Covey Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast

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The Art of Sound, Part 2: - A World of Sound All in Your Head

Until I met three time academy award nominee Tom Myers, it never crossed my mind that a blank page to a writer is total silence to a sound designer. That something as subtle as a dog barking in the distance in a movie is as intentional a choice as the more conspicuous murmuring of a populated cafe underneath the dialog of actors in a scene. The deeper Myers and I dug into what he does for a living at Skywalker Sound, the more I realized that sound design and sound mixing are forms of aural magic performed by wizards. Subtlety is art, ethos and praxis in this enchanting world. A world where the latitude between not enough and too much is shockingly narrow and requires good ears, a rich imagination and clever, clever instinct. Links: The Wilhelm Scream The Last Kings of Hollywood Connect with the Show Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko Producer: Cheramie Johnson Editor: Alexandra Covey Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast

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The Art of Sound, Part 1: It’s Simple – You Just Have to Listen

Close your eyes. Listen. Which sounds are soothing? Which ones drive you up a tree? Currently, outside my house there’s a mocking bird that’s making me a little crazy. But in the distance the sound of a freight train whistle is eliciting feelings of happiness. No doubt because of an experience I had around trains when I was 12. Bring that train sound two miles closer, it would probably annoy me to no end. Close, far, types of birds, types of trains, all of nature—this is Dr. Stéphane Pigeon’s world. And he’s built a way to bring it to the public on his site MyNoise.net. From his days as an eighteen-year-old sound engineer for Roland synthesizers to recording the subtle voices of the natural world, Dr. Pigeon reflects on the art of crafting complex soundscapes, the beauty of silence, and how his work can invite you into the deeply personal search for the perfect sound. Links: https://mynoise.net/ https://perthirtysix.com/how-the-heck-do-synthesizers-work Connect with the Show Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko Producer: Cheramie Johnson Editor: Alexandra Covey Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast

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Everything Feels Legit

Big changes are afoot at Chaos & Creativity, as our long time producer and good friend Claire Duncan moseys down the road of life to her next big thing. We wish her nothing but the best. Lest Kimi and Lou be left alone too long without supervision, we’re excited to announce the arrival of our new producer Cheramie “CJ” Johnson. We’re also thrilled to welcome Alexandra Covey to the podcast editing bay. She’ll be cutting together Chaos & Creativity as well as our sister podcast Mothers of Creativity. In this episode: Everything Feels Legit—everything ends up on the nose as Kimi and Lou utilize an outline to attempt episode cohesion. What results is an extra dose of chaos, with Kimi and Lou covering everything from fellating a lightsaber to Y2K fashion and Facebook regrets to the reflecting pool and beyond. Come for the disastrous segues, stay for the synergy, and listen closely for hints of a 2-part series on the art of sound, coming soon. Mentioned in the episode: The Chaos and Creativity blog The Chaos and Creativity Instagram The reflecting pool debacle The Last Kings of Hollywood by Paul Fischer Silo on Apple TV The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Documentary, Part 2

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We Don't Have to Be Good at Everything

In this episode, Lou shares about a do-it-yourself project that flopped, revealing that 1) acoustics is an art form, and 2) he's terrible at acoustics. So Lou and Kimi talk about which skills are worth learning as creative professionals, and what's important to delegate out. Reflecting on their younger years, they wonder what happened to the time and energy they once had to learn new skills from scratch. Ultimately, they discover that creative maturity brings the very-punk discernment to know what's worth learning and what's best left to the experts. Connect with the Show Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko Producer: Cheramie Johnson Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast

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Will Waterworth: Cinematic Photography & Storytelling

This week on Chaos & Creativity, we’re joined by photographer and visual artist William Waterworth. His work feels like scenes from an old film — dark, cinematic, and full of emotion. We talk about why he prefers shooting out in nature instead of a studio, how literature and art inspire his photography, and why he looks for real character over the “perfect” model. We also get into film vs. digital photography, creating timeless black-and-white images, and what it means to make art that actually feels something in a world full of content. If you’re into photography, fashion, creativity, or visual storytelling, this is a really good one. Check out more of Will’s work: Instagram: @willwaterworth Website: William Waterworth Connect with the Show Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko Producer: Claire Duncan Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast

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The Truth About Making Money as an Artist

Do you have to choose between being cool and being rich? In this episode, we talk about what it feels like to be creative right now. There’s so much content everywhere, and it can feel like you have to turn everything into money. But does that take away from what makes something cool? We get into whether art is really valued today, how social media has changed things, and if you can actually make a living from your creativity. Can you be both cool and successful? Or do you have to pick one? A simple, honest conversation about creativity, money, and where we’re at right now. Connect with the Show Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko Producer: Claire Duncan Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast

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Annicka Ekvall: Music, Connection & Becoming a Mom

In this episode, Kimi and Lou sit down with Annicka Ekvall, a Swedish-American DJ and producer making major waves in the minimal melodic house scene. Closely associated with Insomniac, Annicka has performed on the world's biggest stages, including EDC, Coachella and Burning Man. She joins us to discuss the magic of staying grounded while playing for thousands and why her newest role, being a mom to a baby girl is her greatest blessing and inspiration. Key Highlights: The Power of Presence: Why being grounded on stage is the secret to creating a truly transformative experience for a crowd. Connection Over Impression: Shifting the focus from playing a set to connecting with the soul of the audience. Storytelling in Music: How Annicka uses house, soul, and funk vibrations to tell a narrative of love and inspiration. Connect with Annicka Instagram: @foreverannicka Stream Her Sets: https://youtu.be/vbyIioz2yfE?si=MmklxMZXqGUQ15xf Connect with the Show Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko Producer: Claire Duncan Instagram: @chaosandcreativitypodcast

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How to Take Criticism as a Creative

How do you handle criticism when you are deeply connected to your work? In this episode, Lou and Kimi talk about what it really feels like to receive feedback as a creative. Whether you are an artist, producer, designer, writer or entrepreneur, learning how to take criticism can be the key to growing your ideas and your confidence. Creatives often become emotionally attached to their work, which can make it hard to know if something is actually good or needs more development. Lou and Kimi share how they personally deal with criticism and why honest feedback has become an important part of their creative process. They also discuss how preparing yourself mentally can make a big difference when receiving criticism. Being grounded, well rested and open can help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally. If you are a creative trying to grow, build confidence and make better work, this episode is for you. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

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Kieran Kerwin: The Creative Process Behind Electronic Music

In this episode, we talk all things music, DJ culture, and the creative process behind electronic music with rising DJ and producer Kieran Kerwin. Before the interview, Kimi shares exciting news from tour. She has officially joined a new band in France called Painmagazine, so be sure to check them out. Kieran is not only a talented electronic music producer and DJ, he also created the intro and outro music for our podcast. In this conversation, he takes us inside his creative process and explains how electronic music is built, from the first idea to the final track. Growing up listening to jazz, soul, funk, and reggae, Kieran pulls inspiration from a wide range of genres. He shares how those influences shape his sound and why the building blocks of music matter. Ultimately it is how you put those pieces together that makes a track unique. We also dive into how DJs and producers create electronic music, the creative mindset behind music production, and the many moving parts most people never see behind a track. We also talk about the evolution of the electronic music industry and whether the growing commercialization of electronic music is helping or hurting the space. If you are curious about how DJs make music, the creative process behind electronic music, or the future of the electronic music scene, this episode gives you an inside look into the mind of an up and coming DJ. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

Organized Chaos: How Creatives Stay on Track

In this mini episode, Kimi and Lou talk about why staying organized is honestly one of the most important parts of being a creative professional. When you're juggling multiple projects, ideas, and deadlines, having some kind of system makes everything way more manageable. They share what’s actually worked for them over the years, from simple habits to tools that help them stay on track and not feel overwhelmed. Organization doesn’t make you less creative, it gives you the space to be more creative. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

Michael Alan Ross: Porsche Outlaws

In this episode, we talk with Michael Alan Ross, photographer, author of Porsche Outlaws: Stuttgart Hot Rods, and longtime creative professional. Michael shares his journey from a 25-year career as a musician to becoming a respected photographer after landing a singing role in a Ford commercial that introduced him to photography. We explore the world of Porsche Outlaws, where Porsche models are customized through weight reduction, suspension upgrades, and performance enhancements to create personalized, high performance cars. Michael also dives into the creative process behind editorial photography, emphasizing storytelling, problem-solving under pressure, and the importance of lighting, timing, location, and logistics. Throughout the conversation, Michael highlights the value of adaptability, strong creative relationships, and how “luck” often comes from years of preparation and hard work. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

More Chaos, More Creativity

We’re kicking off the new year with some exciting announcements and big things ahead for the Chaos & Creativity universe. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce a new podcast hosted by Sabrina Sarl. Mothers of Creativity spotlights women who make a living through their creative work while also navigating motherhood. Becoming a mom can change everything, and this series explores how creative women continue to pursue their passions. Sabrina brings such a thoughtful, honest perspective to these conversations, and she has some truly special interviews planned for 2026. We also share what’s next for Chaos & Creativity, so be sure to tune in to hear what’s coming and how the show is continuing to grow. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!

The 12 Days of Christmas, Creative Edition

We’ve made it to our last episode of the year and the season one finale. To close things out, Lou and Kimi are sharing 12 things they’ve been loving lately. These are things that have inspired them, helped them slow down, or simply made life a little better as creatives. This is our version of the 12 Days of Christmas. No endorsements, no sponsors. Just books, shows, tools, and ideas we genuinely enjoy. We’re talking about what we’re reading, watching, and adding into our lives as we head into a new year. Kimi’s Picks 1. Klara and the Sun 2. Deep Listening by Pauline Oliveros 3. Notion 4. Brick (screen time device) 5. Murder, She Wrote 6. Sisters with Transistors (2020 documentary) Lou’s Picks 1. WANDRD 2. Storyist 3. Scriptnotes 4. When Things Were Good: An Editor’s Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines 5. Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV+) 6. Slow Horses (Apple TV+) Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!

Your Inner Creative Cast with Kimi and Lou

Kimi and Lou explore the different “characters” we step into throughout our lives — the versions of ourselves that show up in different moments, relationships, and creative seasons. They talk about the parts of us that live quietly inside, the ones that guide our choices, and the ones we grow out of. Lou shares what he’s learned from writing a stage play and how storytelling forces you to meet all these inner characters. They dig into collaboration, what it means to step into someone else’s creative world, how to add to it, and how to defend your own vision while still making room for others. A reflective episode on creativity, identity, and the art of building something together. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!

Jeff Burkhart: From Twenty Years Behind Bars to Tale of a Barfly

Join Lou and Jeff Burkhart, award-winning writer, bartender, and columnist for the Marin Independent Journal, as they dive behind the scenes of Tale of a Barfly. Inspired by Jeff’s bestselling book Twenty Years Behind Bars: The Spirited Adventures of a Real Bartender, Tale of a Barfly is a story of life, love, and cocktails. It’s a riches-to-rags journey that reminds us all of life’s greatest truths can be found while watching the world from behind a bar. For over a decade, Jeff and Lou have collaborated on live, enhanced book readings performed to sold-out audiences at the Sweetwater in Mill Valley. Tale of a Barfly is their next ambitious evolution, an original play written by Lou and featuring Burkhart’s stories and spirit. A unique blend of storytelling, humor, and humanity, and a journey you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets now, they are selling fast! https://tickets.marincenter.org/orderticketsarea.asp?p=5236&a=455&src=eventperformances

Bitchsode: Remastering Art

Kimi and Lou are back with their well-deserved opinions in this week’s minisode or what we’re now calling bitchsodes. When Amazon quietly erased guns from classic James Bond posters, it sparked a bigger conversation about censorship, revisionism, and the strange urge to “remaster” the past. Why does art keep getting sanitized? Does censoring a movie poster really help anything? Lou and Kimi unpack it all, reminding us that erasing symbols won’t erase reality. Moral of the story: Bring back Napster... Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel! Episode Links: James Bond Poster The History of Napster Movie: The Social Network

Joe Ingham: Behind the Scenes of Development

Lou heads to London to chat with Joe Ingham, an award-winning producer and filmmaker who works in development and production across both the UK and US. Joe has helped bring projects to life with Amazon, BBC, Sky, Channel 4, Paramount, and more, and his films Baby Lies Truthfully and The Microcosm. In this episode, Joe breaks down what “development” in TV and film actually means, taking an idea from its earliest spark and shaping it into something ready for the screen. He talks about the creativity, patience, and people skills it takes to make it happen, plus the importance of keeping an open mind and creating space for new ideas. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on before your favorite shows or documentaries get made, this conversation will pull back the curtain on a side of the industry most people never get to see. Stay tuned for more Chaos & Creativity on Instagram. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel!