https://simplecast.com Arts Talk Arts Talk is the official podcast of the USC Arts Now initiative, hosted by Professor Josh Kun. Each episode explores key issues and debates facing the arts and contemporary society, featuring USC faculty, students, and staff in dialogue with artists and arts leaders across Los Angeles and the world. en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:11:01 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:11:13 +0000 https://arts-talk.simplecast.com Arts Talk https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/e8d37275-10de-4093-baad-1ec6db3d3a24/03e73606-2f26-4923-9ca7-39a2b2f828a1/3000x3000/arts-talk-logo-1-square.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://arts-talk.simplecast.com episodic Arts Talk is the official podcast of the USC Arts Now initiative, hosted by Professor Josh Kun. Each episode explores key issues and debates facing the arts and contemporary society, featuring USC faculty, students, and staff in dialogue with artists and arts leaders across Los Angeles and the world. Arts Now false https://feeds.simplecast.com/fnzYtT9j science, artsnow, usc, tech, books, society, arts, culture, ai, art, music, theater, education, media, university of southern california Josh Kun artsnow@usc.edu bc8b3f9b-60c2-4820-9791-61ce64e15e2e Episode 7: The Fantastical Worlds of Immersive Theater with Noah Nelson Arts Talk welcomes Noah Nelson, Professor of Experience Design and Production at CalArts School of Theater and the founder of No Proscenium, a publication dedicated to exploring the immersive and experiential arts, alongside its sister site Everything Immersive and The Immersive Experience Institute. A leading producer in the immersive industry who has helmed notable events, including The Next Stage (2023), the Denver Immersive Gathering (2022), the Los Angeles Immersive Invitational (2019 & 2022), and the Immersive Design Summit (2018 & 2019), Nelson dives into the history of immersive theater as a distinctive form of participatory entertainment to unpack how it is expanding the analog legacies and dimensions of more traditional theater experiences and reshaping the possibilities of what theater can be. Together, Noah and Josh consider how the interactive potentials of immersive theater are uniquely poised for the expectations of today’s audiences as they become increasingly accustomed to the agency and input that contemporary media and technology afford. 

Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

"Triangles & Rhombuses," by Boards of Canada 

"The Specialist Visits," composed by John Williams 

"In this Twilight," by Nine Inch Nails

“Amo Bishop Rosen,” by Boards of Canada

“Rêverie," composed by Claude Debussy

"White Cyclosa," by Boards of Canada

"New Seeds," by Boards of Canada

"Binary Sunset," composed by John Williams 

"Stranger Things Title Sequence," composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein

“Psyche," by Massive Attack

"Dissolved Girl," by Massive Attack

"Back to the Future Theme,” composed by Alan Silvestri

"Back to the Future Overture," composed by Alan Silvestri

"Paradise Circus" by Massive Attack

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:11:01 +0000 artsnow@usc.edu (Josh Kun, Perry Johnson, Perry B. Johnson, Matteah Baim, noah nelson) https://arts-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/arts-talk-with-noah-nelson-bGlKwLIu Arts Talk welcomes Noah Nelson, Professor of Experience Design and Production at CalArts School of Theater and the founder of No Proscenium, a publication dedicated to exploring the immersive and experiential arts, alongside its sister site Everything Immersive and The Immersive Experience Institute. A leading producer in the immersive industry who has helmed notable events, including The Next Stage (2023), the Denver Immersive Gathering (2022), the Los Angeles Immersive Invitational (2019 & 2022), and the Immersive Design Summit (2018 & 2019), Nelson dives into the history of immersive theater as a distinctive form of participatory entertainment to unpack how it is expanding the analog legacies and dimensions of more traditional theater experiences and reshaping the possibilities of what theater can be. Together, Noah and Josh consider how the interactive potentials of immersive theater are uniquely poised for the expectations of today’s audiences as they become increasingly accustomed to the agency and input that contemporary media and technology afford. 

Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

"Triangles & Rhombuses," by Boards of Canada 

"The Specialist Visits," composed by John Williams 

"In this Twilight," by Nine Inch Nails

“Amo Bishop Rosen,” by Boards of Canada

“Rêverie," composed by Claude Debussy

"White Cyclosa," by Boards of Canada

"New Seeds," by Boards of Canada

"Binary Sunset," composed by John Williams 

"Stranger Things Title Sequence," composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein

“Psyche," by Massive Attack

"Dissolved Girl," by Massive Attack

"Back to the Future Theme,” composed by Alan Silvestri

"Back to the Future Overture," composed by Alan Silvestri

"Paradise Circus" by Massive Attack

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Episode 7: The Fantastical Worlds of Immersive Theater with Noah Nelson Josh Kun, Perry Johnson, Perry B. Johnson, Matteah Baim, noah nelson 00:30:22 Arts Talk welcomes Noah Nelson, founder of No Proscenium, Professor of Experience Design and Production at CalArts, and a leading producer in the immersive industry to discuss the fantastical landscapes and fictional worlds of contemporary immersive theater. Arts Talk welcomes Noah Nelson, founder of No Proscenium, Professor of Experience Design and Production at CalArts, and a leading producer in the immersive industry to discuss the fantastical landscapes and fictional worlds of contemporary immersive theater. everything immersive, immersive worlds, experience design, audience, theatre, immersive, immersive theater, interactive, calarts, experience production, no proscenium, theater, the immersive experience institute, theater design, immersive theatre, immersive industry, production, noah nelson, arts talk, arts now false full 7 e5e92742-8093-4dc9-839d-53c7e2136b1c Episode 6: Choreography as a Commitment to Expansion with Alonzo King “When you understand the body as an instrument that the mind and heart can play, then the whole world opens up for you.” In episode 6, we are joined by Alonzo King, choreographer, artistic director and cofounder of LINES Ballet, a visionary dance company that is redefining the possibilities of contemporary ballet. Guided by King’s singular vision, LINES has graced the stages of renowned venues around the world, including the Venice Biennale, Monaco Dance Forum, Maison de la Dance de Lyon, the Edinburgh International Festival, Montpellier Danse, the Wolfsburg Festival, the Holland Dance Festival, and the Théâtre National de Chaillot. In this episode, King joins us to discuss how dance serves as a model for new ways of being and new forms of belonging and shares how his upbringing as the son of leaders in Georgia’s Albany Movement, a key campaign in the fight for Civil Rights, continues to influence his approach to choreography and his intentional pursuit of collaboration. Working closely with an enviable roster of multidisciplinary artists, including Jason Moran and Lisa Fischer, King has led LINES with an artistic vision invested in exploring how movement can facilitate a collective commitment to expansion. 

 

Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.
 

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

"Journey in Satchidananda," Alice Coltrane

"Body and Soul," Jason Moran
“Refraction," music composed and performed by Jason Moran for LINES Ballet

"For Love," Jason Moran

“Meyer," composed by Edgar Meyer for LINES Ballet

Organ Concerto in F Major, HWV 295 "Cuckoo and the Nightingale": III. Larghetto, composed by George Frederic Handel, conducted by Trevor Pinnock, performed by The English Concert and Simon Preston

"Gentle Shifts South," Jason Moran

"Scheherazade Pas de Deux," Zakir Hussain re-interprets music composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for LINES Ballet

"Follow the Light," Jason Moran

"Lift Every Voice,” Lyrics by James Weldon Johnson, composed by J. Rosamond Johnson, performed by Jason Moran and Lisa Fischer

"Deep River,” composed by Jason Moran for LINES Ballet, performed by Jason Moran and Lisa Fischer

"Come and Go with Me to the Land,” Bernice Johnson Reagan 

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:29:27 +0000 artsnow@usc.edu (alonzo king, Perry B. Johnson, Perry Johnson, Josh Kun) https://arts-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/arts-talk-with-alonzo-king-txm7m60f-o33MpfYs “When you understand the body as an instrument that the mind and heart can play, then the whole world opens up for you.” In episode 6, we are joined by Alonzo King, choreographer, artistic director and cofounder of LINES Ballet, a visionary dance company that is redefining the possibilities of contemporary ballet. Guided by King’s singular vision, LINES has graced the stages of renowned venues around the world, including the Venice Biennale, Monaco Dance Forum, Maison de la Dance de Lyon, the Edinburgh International Festival, Montpellier Danse, the Wolfsburg Festival, the Holland Dance Festival, and the Théâtre National de Chaillot. In this episode, King joins us to discuss how dance serves as a model for new ways of being and new forms of belonging and shares how his upbringing as the son of leaders in Georgia’s Albany Movement, a key campaign in the fight for Civil Rights, continues to influence his approach to choreography and his intentional pursuit of collaboration. Working closely with an enviable roster of multidisciplinary artists, including Jason Moran and Lisa Fischer, King has led LINES with an artistic vision invested in exploring how movement can facilitate a collective commitment to expansion. 

 

Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.
 

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

"Journey in Satchidananda," Alice Coltrane

"Body and Soul," Jason Moran
“Refraction," music composed and performed by Jason Moran for LINES Ballet

"For Love," Jason Moran

“Meyer," composed by Edgar Meyer for LINES Ballet

Organ Concerto in F Major, HWV 295 "Cuckoo and the Nightingale": III. Larghetto, composed by George Frederic Handel, conducted by Trevor Pinnock, performed by The English Concert and Simon Preston

"Gentle Shifts South," Jason Moran

"Scheherazade Pas de Deux," Zakir Hussain re-interprets music composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for LINES Ballet

"Follow the Light," Jason Moran

"Lift Every Voice,” Lyrics by James Weldon Johnson, composed by J. Rosamond Johnson, performed by Jason Moran and Lisa Fischer

"Deep River,” composed by Jason Moran for LINES Ballet, performed by Jason Moran and Lisa Fischer

"Come and Go with Me to the Land,” Bernice Johnson Reagan 

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Episode 6: Choreography as a Commitment to Expansion with Alonzo King alonzo king, Perry B. Johnson, Perry Johnson, Josh Kun 00:42:28 Arts Talk welcomes Alonzo King, choreographer, artistic director and visionary cofounder of LINES Ballet, to discuss how dance offers a model for new ways of being and new forms of belonging and shares how his upbringing as the son of leaders in the Albany Movement continues to influence his approach to collaboration and choreography. Arts Talk welcomes Alonzo King, choreographer, artistic director and visionary cofounder of LINES Ballet, to discuss how dance offers a model for new ways of being and new forms of belonging and shares how his upbringing as the son of leaders in the Albany Movement continues to influence his approach to collaboration and choreography. dance company, dance, audience, perrybjohnson, jason moran, joshkun, contemporary ballet, albany movement, community, alonzoking, civil rights, matteahbaim, choreography, lines ballet, ballet, collaboration, connection, movement false full 6 7119fec0-2ccf-4adc-8d2a-d64ecfb31a51 Episode 5: The Magic of Lines with Shantell Martin Arts Talk welcomes Shantell Martin, celebrated visual artist, performer, songwriter, choreographer, teacher, philosopher, and member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire to reflect upon the magic of lines, a distinctive figure in her work, and to share how collaboration functions as central to her expansive artistic practice. The first Artist in Residence at USC Viterbi’s Information Sciences Institute (ISI), Martin discusses the importance of bringing artists together with engineers and scientists to explore the generative intellectual and practical intersections of these fields. She shares how her current work with USC’s ISI is harnessing the creative possibilities of AI in a new era of learning models to imagine alternative modes of engaging with art and developing adaptable and practical frameworks for preserving artistic legacies that prioritize estate planning and ownership. Recognized internationally for her artistic and charitable contributions, Martin has collaborated with key artists, institutions and brands, including Kendrick Lamar, Kelly Wearstler, the Boston Ballet, the New York City Ballet, Tiffany & Co., Adidas and Puma, and her work has been exhibited at the Whitney Museum, Denver Art Museum, Brooklyn Museum, The Museum of the Moving Image, The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, New Britain Museum of American Art, and MoMA, among many others.

Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

"I Stand You Stand" by Shantell Martin

"Flowing Spiritual" by Shantell Martin

"Picking Up" by Shantell Martin

"Present Word #17 – 2024 July 8-06" by Shantell Martin

“Forget" by Shantell Martin

“Ourselves" by Shantell Martin

“Snowglobe" by Shantell Martin

KOOL FM 94.5 London Pirate Radio (Early 90s)

"Inner City Life" by Goldie

"Sum of It All” by Shantell Martin

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Mon, 2 Feb 2026 19:13:30 +0000 artsnow@usc.edu (Josh Kun) https://arts-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/arts-talk-with-shantell-martin-2aMtsUBK Arts Talk welcomes Shantell Martin, celebrated visual artist, performer, songwriter, choreographer, teacher, philosopher, and member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire to reflect upon the magic of lines, a distinctive figure in her work, and to share how collaboration functions as central to her expansive artistic practice. The first Artist in Residence at USC Viterbi’s Information Sciences Institute (ISI), Martin discusses the importance of bringing artists together with engineers and scientists to explore the generative intellectual and practical intersections of these fields. She shares how her current work with USC’s ISI is harnessing the creative possibilities of AI in a new era of learning models to imagine alternative modes of engaging with art and developing adaptable and practical frameworks for preserving artistic legacies that prioritize estate planning and ownership. Recognized internationally for her artistic and charitable contributions, Martin has collaborated with key artists, institutions and brands, including Kendrick Lamar, Kelly Wearstler, the Boston Ballet, the New York City Ballet, Tiffany & Co., Adidas and Puma, and her work has been exhibited at the Whitney Museum, Denver Art Museum, Brooklyn Museum, The Museum of the Moving Image, The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, New Britain Museum of American Art, and MoMA, among many others.

Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

"I Stand You Stand" by Shantell Martin

"Flowing Spiritual" by Shantell Martin

"Picking Up" by Shantell Martin

"Present Word #17 – 2024 July 8-06" by Shantell Martin

“Forget" by Shantell Martin

“Ourselves" by Shantell Martin

“Snowglobe" by Shantell Martin

KOOL FM 94.5 London Pirate Radio (Early 90s)

"Inner City Life" by Goldie

"Sum of It All” by Shantell Martin

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Episode 5: The Magic of Lines with Shantell Martin Josh Kun 00:35:47 Arts Talk welcomes Shantell Martin, prolific multidisciplinary visual artist, performer, songwriter, choreographer, teacher, philosopher, and a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire to reflect upon the magic of lines, a distinctive figure in her expansive artistic practice, and to discuss the importance of bringing artists together with engineers and scientists to explore the generative intellectual and practical intersections of these fields. Arts Talk welcomes Shantell Martin, prolific multidisciplinary visual artist, performer, songwriter, choreographer, teacher, philosopher, and a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire to reflect upon the magic of lines, a distinctive figure in her expansive artistic practice, and to discuss the importance of bringing artists together with engineers and scientists to explore the generative intellectual and practical intersections of these fields. engineering, charity, draw, kendrick, legacy, drawing, dance, estate planning, perrybjohnson, keywords: art, exhibitions, performance, joshkun, community, learning models, artistic legacy, science, line, matteahbaim, multidisciplinary, artistic ownership, multidisciplinarity, lines, ai, installations, kendrick lamar, museums, philosopher, visual art, collaboration, shantellmartin false full 5 519255b0-4af2-469d-b60f-b25153d17bfd Episode 4: Theater as an Act of Radical Mediation with Bryan Doerries “Theater is an act of radical mediation that can create spaces where people can hear each other.” In episode 4, we are joined by Bryan Doerries, writer, translator, and Artistic Director of Theater of War Productions (@theaterofwar), a social impact company that reimagines live theater and community-specific productions as an interactive means for fostering constructive, global conversations that take up the pressing issues confronting our ever-polarized cultural and political moment. Enlisting acclaimed actors in the performance of ancient Greek plays and public readings of contemporary long-form journalism, Theater of War tackles public health and social issues through engaged productions that prioritize audience reactions and discussions as central to the main event. In this episode, Doerries shares how his own experience navigating personal loss brought him back to ancient Greek tragedies as a key source for learning how to navigate trauma, offering an affective roadmap for how to sit in and with difference and discomfort by laying bare our shared vulnerabilities and asking us to confront the preconceptions that too often inhibit our ability to find shared humanity in individuals unlike ourselves. 

 

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

"Music for 18 Musicians: Section II," Steve Reich

"Electric Counterpoint," Steve Reich

"Four Organs," Steve Reich

"The Desert Music: Third Movement, Pt. 1 (Slow)," Steve Reich

"Octet," Steve Reich

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Mon, 1 Dec 2025 16:21:48 +0000 artsnow@usc.edu (bryan doerries, Matteah Baim, Josh Kun, Perry B. Johnson) https://arts-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/arts-talk-with-bryan-doerries-79_7YO59 “Theater is an act of radical mediation that can create spaces where people can hear each other.” In episode 4, we are joined by Bryan Doerries, writer, translator, and Artistic Director of Theater of War Productions (@theaterofwar), a social impact company that reimagines live theater and community-specific productions as an interactive means for fostering constructive, global conversations that take up the pressing issues confronting our ever-polarized cultural and political moment. Enlisting acclaimed actors in the performance of ancient Greek plays and public readings of contemporary long-form journalism, Theater of War tackles public health and social issues through engaged productions that prioritize audience reactions and discussions as central to the main event. In this episode, Doerries shares how his own experience navigating personal loss brought him back to ancient Greek tragedies as a key source for learning how to navigate trauma, offering an affective roadmap for how to sit in and with difference and discomfort by laying bare our shared vulnerabilities and asking us to confront the preconceptions that too often inhibit our ability to find shared humanity in individuals unlike ourselves. 

 

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

"Music for 18 Musicians: Section II," Steve Reich

"Electric Counterpoint," Steve Reich

"Four Organs," Steve Reich

"The Desert Music: Third Movement, Pt. 1 (Slow)," Steve Reich

"Octet," Steve Reich

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Episode 4: Theater as an Act of Radical Mediation with Bryan Doerries bryan doerries, Matteah Baim, Josh Kun, Perry B. Johnson 00:33:48 Arts Talk welcomes Bryan Doerries, writer, translator, and artistic director of Theater of War Productions to discuss how, in an era of increasing isolation, the communal ethos and orientation of the ancient Greek amphitheater offers a template for performance to act as an onramp for forging community and navigating difficult conversations. For Doerries and Theater of War, the power and impact of their live productions emerge from one central, guiding value: The belief that there is wisdom in the audience, in every audience. Arts Talk welcomes Bryan Doerries, writer, translator, and artistic director of Theater of War Productions to discuss how, in an era of increasing isolation, the communal ethos and orientation of the ancient Greek amphitheater offers a template for performance to act as an onramp for forging community and navigating difficult conversations. For Doerries and Theater of War, the power and impact of their live productions emerge from one central, guiding value: The belief that there is wisdom in the audience, in every audience. audience, theatre, drama, first responders, amphitheater, greek chorus, mediation, perrybjohnson, joshkun, war, sophocles, oedipus the king, theater, plays, ancient stories, community, veterans, ptsd, trauma, military, matteahbaim, theater of war, greek tragedy, live theater, bryandoerries, ajax, live theatre, oedipus, connection false full 4 8d208788-f13c-4f93-a6a0-21ae6d54167c Episode 3: The Creative Matchmaking of Music Supervision with Sarah McMullen “What’s the best song for two people kissing in the rain in 1926?” In episode three, we are joined by music executive and recording artist Sarah McMullen, who is leading the way as part of a new generation of music supervisors redefining what that role means and what it means for the future of music itself. The new ears behind beloved film and TV company A24’s music supervision slate, Sarah's resume includes dynamic projects with Netflix, Apple, TBWA\Media Arts Lab and more. In this episode, Sarah shares how the creative challenge of clearing samples and placing music in film, television and beyond is shaped by her family’s own notable musical legacy, details how she is navigating the introduction of AI into a rapidly changing music and technological environment, and offers advice for aspiring supervisors on how to set boundaries for success in creative fields.  

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

The New Lost City Ramblers

Mother Maybelle Carter

“Skyscraper,” Sarah McMullen

“Never Too Much,” Luther Vandross

Sweet Emma Barrett And Her New Orleans Music

Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show (Live), Kendrick Lamar

“Reunion,” Matthew Herbert 

Matteah Baim

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:51:50 +0000 artsnow@usc.edu (Josh Kun, Matteah Baim, Perry B. Johnson) https://arts-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/arts-talk-with-sarah-mcmullen-ZWdJlgIr “What’s the best song for two people kissing in the rain in 1926?” In episode three, we are joined by music executive and recording artist Sarah McMullen, who is leading the way as part of a new generation of music supervisors redefining what that role means and what it means for the future of music itself. The new ears behind beloved film and TV company A24’s music supervision slate, Sarah's resume includes dynamic projects with Netflix, Apple, TBWA\Media Arts Lab and more. In this episode, Sarah shares how the creative challenge of clearing samples and placing music in film, television and beyond is shaped by her family’s own notable musical legacy, details how she is navigating the introduction of AI into a rapidly changing music and technological environment, and offers advice for aspiring supervisors on how to set boundaries for success in creative fields.  

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

The New Lost City Ramblers

Mother Maybelle Carter

“Skyscraper,” Sarah McMullen

“Never Too Much,” Luther Vandross

Sweet Emma Barrett And Her New Orleans Music

Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show (Live), Kendrick Lamar

“Reunion,” Matthew Herbert 

Matteah Baim

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Episode 3: The Creative Matchmaking of Music Supervision with Sarah McMullen Josh Kun, Matteah Baim, Perry B. Johnson 00:34:16 Arts Talk welcomes music executive and recording artist Sarah McMullen to share her take on the evolving role of sync in the age of AI and discuss her commitment to approaching music supervision as an act of creative stewardship, working to protect artists and their legacies through the intimate and detailed work of music placement. Arts Talk welcomes music executive and recording artist Sarah McMullen to share her take on the evolving role of sync in the age of AI and discuss her commitment to approaching music supervision as an act of creative stewardship, working to protect artists and their legacies through the intimate and detailed work of music placement. artist legacies, sarahmcmullen, artist legacy, a24, project management, music sync, superbowl halftime show, culture, sync, usc, music supervision, perrybjohnson, music placement, joshkun, music and ai, arts, soundtracks, matteahbaim, cumberland trio, licensing and ai, music licensing, music, art false full 3 23d07d21-438f-4416-a95b-b7b404ae0a3c Episode 2: The Architecture of Human Fulfillment with Kulapat Yantrasast What does it mean to be an “architect of human fulfillment?” In episode two, we are joined by visionary architect and polymath Kulapat Yantrasast (@thekulaparty), founder and creative director of WHY, the world renowned multidisciplinary design firm, whose extensive resume includes award-winning projects for The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City), the Musée du Louvre (Paris), ILMI Science Discovery & Innovation Center (Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), The Tchaikovsky Academic Opera & Ballet Theater (Perm, Russia), Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (Los Angeles), The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (San Francisco), Grand Rapids Art Museum (Grand Rapids, MI), The Speed Art Museum (Louisville, KY) and The Tyler Museum of Art (Tyler, TX), among many others. In this episode, Yantrasast emphasizes the importance of approaching design as an open and intimate relationship with space, place and community. He shares how curiosity and collaboration form the ethos of his creative practice and guide his stewardship of the architects, landscape architects, designers, and strategists that comprise WHY’s interdisciplinary teams across offices in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Tokyo. 

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

Hiroshi Yoshimura 

The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Mon, 2 Jun 2025 16:11:50 +0000 artsnow@usc.edu (Josh Kun, Kulapat Yantrasast, Perry B. Johnson, Matteah Baim) https://arts-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/arts-talk-with-kulapat-yantrasast-Y1IPsW8o What does it mean to be an “architect of human fulfillment?” In episode two, we are joined by visionary architect and polymath Kulapat Yantrasast (@thekulaparty), founder and creative director of WHY, the world renowned multidisciplinary design firm, whose extensive resume includes award-winning projects for The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City), the Musée du Louvre (Paris), ILMI Science Discovery & Innovation Center (Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), The Tchaikovsky Academic Opera & Ballet Theater (Perm, Russia), Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (Los Angeles), The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (San Francisco), Grand Rapids Art Museum (Grand Rapids, MI), The Speed Art Museum (Louisville, KY) and The Tyler Museum of Art (Tyler, TX), among many others. In this episode, Yantrasast emphasizes the importance of approaching design as an open and intimate relationship with space, place and community. He shares how curiosity and collaboration form the ethos of his creative practice and guide his stewardship of the architects, landscape architects, designers, and strategists that comprise WHY’s interdisciplinary teams across offices in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Tokyo. 

Music Credits

"Creativity," Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

Hiroshi Yoshimura 

The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band

Arts Talk is hosted by Josh Kun, USC Vice Provost for the Arts and USC Annenberg Professor and Chair in Cross Cultural Communication at the University of Southern California. Arts Talk is produced by Perry B. Johnson, with sound design, editing and mixing by Matteah Baim. 

Special thanks to Suzanne Felson for her generous support of the podcast.

artsnow.usc.edu

]]> Episode 2: The Architecture of Human Fulfillment with Kulapat Yantrasast Josh Kun, Kulapat Yantrasast, Perry B. Johnson, Matteah Baim 00:29:14 Arts Talk welcomes visionary architect Kulapat Yantrasast, founder and creative director of multidisciplinary design firm WHY, to share his creative practice and discuss the importance of architecture and design as tools for fostering curiosity and building community. Arts Talk welcomes visionary architect Kulapat Yantrasast, founder and creative director of multidisciplinary design firm WHY, to share his creative practice and discuss the importance of architecture and design as tools for fostering curiosity and building community. architecture, artsnow, culture, usc, design, perrybjohnson, city building, joshkun, community, arts, exhibition, matteahbaim, ai, annenberg, museums, kulapatyantrasast, gallery, arts talk, art false full 2 979b3a04-c2a1-4a25-963b-1fb5be0558c3 Episode 1: The Arts and AI Mon, 14 Oct 2024 23:30:00 +0000 artsnow@usc.edu (Holly Willis, Nancy Baker Cahill) https://arts-talk.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-1-the-arts-and-ai-VAgrFYxd Episode 1: The Arts and AI Holly Willis, Nancy Baker Cahill 00:53:40 In our debut episode, we explore the impact of new innovations in generative AI on the Arts. What does it mean to be an artist in the age of AI? How is AI changing arts industries? What is the history of new technologies impacting artistic practice? There's plenty to worry about with AI, but is there anything to be excited about? USC Professor Holly Willis and artist Nancy Baker Cahill weigh in. In our debut episode, we explore the impact of new innovations in generative AI on the Arts. What does it mean to be an artist in the age of AI? How is AI changing arts industries? What is the history of new technologies impacting artistic practice? There's plenty to worry about with AI, but is there anything to be excited about? USC Professor Holly Willis and artist Nancy Baker Cahill weigh in. nancybakercahill, usc, education, arts, technology, industry, ai, hollywillis, art false full 1