Best Steven Townsend Podcasts (2025)

1
Inside the Ringling Museum: A Tour with Executive Director Steven High 32:59

6d ago32:59

32:59

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, we sit down with Steven High, the Executive Director of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, to explore the museum's fascinating history, collections, and breathtaking grounds. From the recent addition of the Cypriot art collection to the ongoing restoration efforts in the museum's arboretum, Stephen…

1
Arts Advocates in Action: Carol Darling on Art, Community & Legacy 27:32

13d ago27:32

27:32

Discover how Arts Advocates is preserving Sarasota’s artistic legacy and shaping its future in this inspiring episode of Behind the Masterpiece. Host Jeffery Kin sits down with Carol Darling to explore the organization’s impact on emerging artists, the rich history of Sarasota’s cultural scene, and the importance of fostering new generations of cre…

1
Empowering Young Performers: A Look Inside Rise Above 18:00

20d ago18:00

18:00

Discover how Rise Above is transforming young lives through theater in this inspiring episode of Behind the Masterpiece. Host Brian Hersh chats with Jacob, Founder & Director and Tayla, Performer, about the impact of this nonprofit, which offers free acting lessons and stage opportunities to students, fostering confidence, public speaking skills, a…

1
Creativity, Community, and Career: A Conversation with Jenny Alday Townsend 30:28

27d ago30:28

30:28

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Jeffrey Kin sits down with Jenny Alday Townsend, Founder and CEO of Music Compound, for an inspiring conversation about ambition, authenticity, and making an impact in the arts. Jenny shares her journey, emphasizing the limitless possibilities for those who follow their passion—whether it’s becoming a…

1
Inside Sarasota Opera: Rafael Davila on Bringing Tragic Roles to Life 25:00

1M ago25:00

25:00

Step into the world of high drama and powerful music with tenor Rafael Davila as he takes us behind the scenes of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci at the Sarasota Opera. In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, Rafael shares the emotional depth of these tragic operas, the intense physical and vocal preparation required, and how verismo opera co…

1
Inside La Musica Festival: Wu Han’s Journey Through Sound 27:48

1M ago27:48

27:48

Step inside the world of world-renowned pianist and artistic director Wu Han as she brings the La Musica Festival to life in this captivating episode of Behind the Masterpiece. From the drama and passion of Faure’s Piano Quartet in C minor to her own inspiring journey from an unexpected introduction to music to an international career, Wu Han share…

1
The Magic of Community Music: Robyn Bell on The Pops Orchestra 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

Discover the vibrant arts scene of Sarasota County in this episode of Behind the Masterpiece! Join host Jeffery Kin as he sits down with Robyn Bell, Music Director of The Pops Orchestra, to explore how this unique community orchestra—featuring musicians from all walks of life—brings world-class performances to the Cultural Coast. From Broadway hits…

1
The Making of a Masterpiece: Inside the Hermitage Artist Retreat with Andy Sandberg 24:41

2M ago24:41

24:41

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Brian Hersh sits down with Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage Artists Retreat, to explore how this unique residency fosters groundbreaking creative work. Andy shares insights into the rigorous selection process, the power of artistic collaboration, and how the Hermitage serves a…

1
Rising Stars: Thayer Greenberg and the Magic of The Sarasota Players 26:31

2M ago26:31

26:31

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Jeffery Kin chats with Thayer Greenberg, the Director of Education at Sarasota Players. Thayer shares the exciting growth of the studio, from productions like Sweeney Todd and Beetlejuice to their commitment to inclusivity and high artistic standards. With classes for ages six to adult, and a focus on…

1
Embracing Our Differences – Art, Community, and Expanding Impact 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Jeffery Kin sits down with Sarah Wertheimer, President & CEO of Embracing Our Differences, to discuss the power of art in fostering inclusion, kindness, and community engagement. Sarah shares insights into the organization's impactful exhibitions, including their expansion to St. Pete and Michigan, an…

1
Behind the Baton: Getting to Know Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Designate Giancarlo Guerrero 24:03

3M ago24:03

24:03

Behind the Masterpiece takes you into the heart of Sarasota’s vibrant arts and culture scene, exploring the stories and passion behind the artists, musicians, and creative leaders shaping our community. In this episode, host Brian Hersh sits down with six-time Grammy Award-winning conductor and Music Director Designate of the Sarasota Orchestra, Ma…

1
Designing Community: Architecture, Art, and the Power of Connection with Michael Halflants 28:46

3M ago28:46

28:46

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Halflants, a talented architect and community leader, to explore the intersection of design, art, and community building. Michael shares the journey of his firm, which has grown from single-family residential projects to multi-family and commercial developments across Florida's Gulf Coast. He discusses the …

1
Peter Rothstein’s Dual Roles: Directing and Writing for Asolo Repertory Theatre 26:45

3M ago26:45

26:45

In this episode of Sarasota Rising, Jeffery Kin sits down with Peter Rothstein, Artistic Director of the Asolo Repertory Theatre, to discuss the art of storytelling, the evolution of live theater, and the delicate balance between structure and creative freedom. Peter reflects on lessons from his directing career, the importance of collaboration, an…

1
Blending Theater and History: Tammy Hauser and Discover Sarasota Tours 27:34

3M ago27:34

27:34

Join Jeffery Kin, Director of Sarasota Rising, as he chats with Tammy Hauser, founder of Discover Sarasota Tours, on this episode of Behind the Masterpiece. Tammy shares her incredible journey from her theatrical roots in Minneapolis to becoming a leading force in Sarasota’s arts and culture scene. Discover how Tammy turned her passion for theater …

1
Reopening the Van Wezel: A Story of Resilience and Renewal with Justin Gomlak 19:07

4M ago19:07

19:07

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Bryan Hersh sits down with Justin Gomlak, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Justin shares his fascinating journey—from starring on Broadway in productions like The Producers and originating roles in shows like Seussical to his work enriching Sarasota…

1
Joe Caulkins and Key Chorale: Where Music Meets Community Impact 31:32

4M ago31:32

31:32

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Caulkins, Artistic Director of Key Chorale, to explore the transformative power of music in building community and enriching lives. Joe shares the inspiring stories behind Key Chorale's groundbreaking programs, including the "Where Are My Keys? Chorale", which works with individuals living with Alzheimer's and …

1
Accessibility, Affordability, and Artistry: Inside Florida Studio Theatre 25:43

4M ago25:43

25:43

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, sits down with Rebecca Hopkins, the Managing Director of Florida Studio Theatre. Together, they take a deep dive into what makes this iconic Sarasota institution a cornerstone of the local arts community. Rebecca shares insights in…

1
The Venice Symphony: World-Class Music Right in Our Backyard 27:50

4M ago27:50

27:50

In this episode, Jeffery Kin sits down with Troy Quinn, Music Director of the Venice Symphony, to uncover how music transcends boundaries and connects people. They discuss how engaging audiences—whether through innovative performances like Gustavo Dudamel's or breaking classical music's traditional formalities—creates an accessible and transformati…

1
Building a Home for Contemporary Dance: Behind the Scenes with Sarasota Contemporary Dance 22:02

4M ago22:02

22:02

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Brian Hersh sits down with Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, co-founder and Artistic Director of Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Together, they delve into the vibrant world of contemporary dance, exploring how it reflects the here and now through collaboration, community, and creativity. Leymis shares the inspirin…

1
A Conductor’s Vision: Building a Musical Legacy in Sarasota with Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota 22:41

5M ago22:41

22:41

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Brian Hersh sits down with Maestro Robert Vodnoy, Music Director and co-founder of the Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota. Together, they discuss the unique charm of chamber orchestras, how they differ from symphony orchestras, and what makes the Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota a standout in the region's vib…

1
Joe Fig at the Sarasota Art Museum: Painting the Art of Contemplation 24:35

5M ago24:35

24:35

In this episode, we dive into the creative world of artist Joe Fig, renowned for his intricate exploration of the art of contemplation. Hosted by Jeffrey Kin, this conversation unveils Joe's latest work showcased in a solo exhibition at the Sarasota Art Museum from November 17th through April 13th. Joe Fig shares insights into his Contemplation Ser…

1
Celebrating 75 Years of Venice Theatre with Executive Director Kristofer Geddie 24:46

5M ago24:46

24:46

In this episode of Behind the Masterpiece, host Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, sits down with Kristofer Geddie, Executive Director of the Venice Theatre. Throughout the episode, we get an insider’s look at what makes Venice Theatre truly special—a community-driven spirit where volunteers and performers alike …

1
Siesta Key Crystal Classic: A Sand Sculptor’s View with Dean Arscott 33:46

5M ago33:46

33:46

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of sand sculpting with Dean Arscott, a talented sand artist participating in the Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival from November 15-18. Dean shares his journey from a Ringling College art graduate to becoming a sculptor, working on elaborate sand sculptures for brand…

1
Steven Greenhouse talks how Trump's Tariffs may appeal to working-class voters 18:59

5M ago18:59

18:59

In the latest Payday Report podcast, retired New York Times labor reporter Steven Greenhouse talks about how Clinton pushing NAFTA bred distrust of the Democratic Party in the Rust Belt. He also discussed how Trump's tariffs may appeal to some working-class

1
Experience a world-class performance in Sarasota with the Sarasota Ballet 24:17

6M ago24:17

24:17

In this episode, we sit down with Iain Webb, Director of Sarasota Ballet, who has played a pivotal role in showcasing Sarasota's talent on the international stage. Most recently, Iain led the company to a performance at the prestigious Royal Opera House in London. We dive into the lasting influence of Sir Frederick Ashton on the Sarasota Ballet, ex…

1
The last element – signing off with gratitude 2:40

6M ago2:40

2:40

According to the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy of a system will always increase. For a layperson, this means that all things must come to pass and nothing lasts forever. Since no person or thing can evade the laws of physics, this also applies to Bringing Chemistry to Life. In this final message from Paolo, the series’ creator and host,…

1
Bringing Art to Life: Danaé Brissonnet at the Sarasota International Chalk Festival 28:00

6M ago28:00

28:00

This week, we’re joined by Danaé Brissonnet, a talented Canadian puppeteer, muralist, and artist, locally known for her work with the Sarasota International Chalk Festival. Danaé shares her artistic journey, from her early beginnings to her mural work and her involvement with the Chalk Festival. She highlights the strong sense of community and fami…

1
Let’s Celebrate Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 25th Year with Founder Nate Jacobs 20:38

6M ago20:38

20:38

This week we hear from Nate Jacobs, Founder & Artistic Director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is entering its 25th year and is celebrating with a theme of “25 Years of Black Heritage.” The 25th season includes Soul Crooners Solid Gold Edition, Fences, Five Guys Named Moe, Syncopated Avenue, and Motown Christmas. …

1
Plastic electronics, digitized materials, and other sustainable solutions 33:17

6M ago33:17

33:17

Join us for this look into materials chemistry, developed under the guiding principles of sustainability and a systems approach. Dr. Zlatka Stoeva, Co-founder and Managing Director of DZP Technologies, discovered her love of chemistry out of boredom as a child. She then traveled to unknown lands to master her science and discover the value of mento…

1
Supporting Our Community's Arts and Cultural Organizations with Jeffery Kin & Brian Hersh 18:59

7M ago18:59

18:59

Welcome to Behind the Masterpiece on Florida’s Cultural Coast, a podcast by Visit Sarasota County. In this episode, co-hosts Brian Hersh and Jeffery Kin introduce themselves and their respective organizations, discuss the importance of supporting our local arts and cultural organizations, and talk about their ascent into leadership positions. Times…

1
De-mystifying the opera with General Director of Sarasota Opera, Richard Russell 22:03

7M ago22:03

22:03

In this episode, we talk with Richard Russell, General Director of Sarasota Opera. Together, Brian and Richard discuss Richard’s introduction to opera and the Sarasota Opera, the upcoming Sarasota Opera season, and the business investment that will have you seeing a piece of Sarasota Opera all over the world. Plus, as Chair of Visit Sarasota County…

1
Introducing Behind the Masterpiece on Florida's Cultural Coast 2:15

7M ago2:15

2:15

Welcome to Behind the Masterpiece on Florida’s Cultural Coast. In this podcast, we will be interviewing arts and culture professionals from across Sarasota County to learn more about their organizations and art forms. Our hosts are Jeffery Kin, Executive Director of Sarasota Rising, and Brian Hersh, CEO of Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota Count…

1
Randi Weingarten Talks How Tim Walz Empowered Teachers Union Activists 9:04

7M ago9:04

9:04

By Mike Elk For more than 15 years, I have covered Randi Weingarten, the president of the 1.7 million member American Federation of Teachers union, but I have never seen her as excited as when she got the news that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a social studies teachers and AFT member, had been selected as Vice President. Behind the scenes, Weingart…

1
The rise and adoption of biocatalysis 34:09

7M ago34:09

34:09

Some debate that synthetic organic chemistry strategies have become stale, but Dr. Todd Hyster of Princeton University's Hyster Lab disagrees. Todd fell in love with organic chemistry early in his education, but it wasn’t until he got turned on to enzyme catalysis that he found his true calling. He’s built a career using engineered enzymes to facil…

1
Radio Special on UE defeating McCarthyism in Small Massachusetts Town 1:25:33

7M ago1:25:33

1:25:33

In honor of Labor Day, earlier this week, we reaired a New England Public Media special produced by Ian Coss and hosted by local public historian Tom Goldscheider. “This project is every historian’s dream,” said Goldscheider. “I stumbled onto a cache of union meeting records and newspaper clippings from the 1940s that allowed me to reassemble a pie…

1
The metrology aspects of PFAS 33:55

8M ago33:55

33:55

Early in her career, Dr. Jessica Reiner realized that she cared more about ensuring the accuracy of the measurements she was making than making the measurements themselves. This realization, combined with experience in working with PFAS, led to her current role as Research Chemist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Join u…

1
The most interesting man in chemistry 33:10

9M ago33:10

33:10

Bioconjugation of antibodies to drugs via chemical linkers is how antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are made. We’re joined by Matt Giese, Senior Scientist at Vector Laboratories, who talks us through the complex chemistry options and biodesign considerations that have to be considered and balanced when making a successful ADC. How does one build the …

1
Dave Weigel Talks What Summer Lee Can Teach America 28:34

9M ago28:34

28:34

Semafor’s Dave Weigel talks with Mike Elk about how Congresswoman Summer Lee was able to cruise to a landslide victory against AIPAC will other candidates struggles and were defeated by them.

1
Empowering women in the chemical industry 33:24

9M ago33:24

33:24

We're diving into an important topic: the representation of women in STEM careers. Despite making up about 50% of the population, women hold only around 34% of STEM positions, with even fewer—approximately 25%—in the chemicals industry. Why is this the case, and what can be done to change it? Kylie Wittle (Co-Founder & Operations Director of Women …

1
An expert-guided tour of battery chemistry 33:33

10M ago33:33

33:33

Strap in for this charged up conversation. Battery chemistry is a topic we’ve touched on before and is one we’ve committed to exploring further in this season. This conversation with Dr. Heather Platt, Co-Founder and Chief Battery Scientist at Platt Engineering Solutions, takes us on an expert-guided tour of battery chemistry. This conversation qui…

1
Veteran UE Organizer Chris Townsend Talks Organizing Surge in Northern Virginia 28:20

10M ago28:20

28:20

Chris Townsend is a veteran union organizer who has lived in Virginia for 20 years. He previously served as the UE's Political action director and the ATU's Organizing Director. Over the past five years, he has seen an upsurge in organizing in Northern Virginia. "I was the organizing director for the Amalgamated Transit Union and in a period of sev…

1
27,000 Virginia Teachers Voting to Unionize 24:47

10M ago24:47

24:47

In Virginia, this week, over 27,000 teachers and school staff are expected to vote on unionizing. If they win, it will be the largest union victory in decades. The organizing drives comes after Virginia granted collective bargaining rights to public employees in 2020. Virginia now has become one of the fastest-growing states for unions in the count…

1
With 70% UAW Sign Up, 25-Year Mercedes UAW Veteran Talks 10:53

11M ago10:53

10:53

With 70% UAW Sign Up, 25-Year Mercedes UAW Veteran Talks By Mike Elk Eleven years ago, I first met Kirk Garner, Vice President of UAW Local 149, the minority union at Mercedes in Vance, Alabama. After the UAW was narrowly defeated in a union drive in 2014, it formed minority unions at Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Mercedes in Vance, Alab…

1
Mid-season reveal: new episodes on battery tech, PFAS, and sustainability coming soon 6:21

11M ago6:21

6:21

Join our host, Dr. Paolo Braiuca, as he chats with some of the most fascinating scientists around the globe doing trailblazing work in a variety of fields and industries. Learn about their personal stories, notable contributions, and the enthusiasm for discovery that unites them all. This is a podcast for anyone who wants to learn more about scienc…

1
Mercedes Union Leader in Alabama Predicts Landslide Victory 22:20

11M ago22:20

22:20

Since the late 1990s, UAW Local 149 Vice President Kirk Garner has been involved in efforts to unionize at Mercedes in Vance, Alabama. Now, after the 73% victory at Volkswagen in April, the union says that it is cruising to victory. “It feels really good. And it's finally coming to fruition. And we're excited, everybody's excited, ready to vote,” s…

1
After 10 Year Battle, a Younger Generation Leads the Way at Volkswagen 16:07

12M ago16:07

16:07

A formerly anti-union Volkswagen worker explains why he now supports the union at Volkswagen.

1
The life-altering impact of one chemist’s sabbatical 31:39

1y ago31:39

31:39

Anyone that’s followed this podcast will know that Paolo’s final question to each guest is, “What advice would you like to share with younger scientists just starting their career?” Here, our guest, Dr. Monte Helm, professor of chemistry at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, shares advice that he clearly lives by, which is, “… be flexib…

1
Cross-coupling, catalysis and one chemist’s move to tech 35:21

1y ago35:21

35:21

Most of us don’t grow up across the street from a chemistry building or know from an early age that we want to be a scientist, but Alan Dyke, VP of Business Development for ProChem, Inc. (CTO of Boulder Scientific Company at the time of the interview) did and became a chemist. Dr. Alan Dyke, former colleague, and friend of Paolo’s, shares his caree…

1
After 25 Years, Mercedes Workers Say Union Could Come "Any Day Now" 14:10

1y ago14:10

14:10

For nearly 25 years Mercedes workers in Vance have tried to unionize, but have never gotten so close. Early last month workers at Mercedes reached 50% for the first time in plant history. “I came in ‘98. And they had a campaign going on, and were gaining momentum. And they just couldn't reach that 50% mark,” says Kirk Garner, one of the leaders of …

1
Koch Industries Using “Texas Two-Step” to Prevent Asbestos Victims from Going to Court 22:24

1y ago22:24

22:24

This week, as part of our podcast, Payday Report spoke to Lori Knapp and her lawyer, Jon Ruschdeki, who have been involved in a 6-year lawsuit against Koch Industries-owned Georgia Pacific but have yet to see their day in court. The lawsuit stems from her father Ed Chapman's death in 2020 from mesothelioma. Her father contracted the disease as a co…

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