The Artist

Explicit content warning

08/02/23 • 57 min

Joe Cortina is a classically trained painter. Also, he designs experiential environments at museums as varied as The Smithsonian, Presidential Libraries, professional sports stadiums and Hall of Fames. Also, he is a five time EMMY winner and directed the 1992 Barcelona Olympic coverage for NBC. And probably most challenging, he was Evan’s boss for seven years. Joe talks about his wide-ranging career and shatters some myths, such as the customer is not always right, and when it’s okay to do business with friends and family.

Previous Episode

Adversity

You think you know adversity? Female jazz guitarists are a rare breed, and it takes a lot more than musical chops to survive in the predominantly male field. Not only does Amando Monaco succeed, having released multiple albums as a solo artist and with various bands, but she is also an associate professor at the esteemed Berklee College of music. She continues to create, compose and play music despite her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis nearly two decades ago. Amanda discusses creating art after 9/11, during a pandemic, and nearly nonstop despite a potentially debilitating illness.

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Give Yourself Some Grace

A trail-blazer is someone who cuts their own path in life, and that aptly defines the infectiously positive Tia Smith, who says that while growing up only Oprah Winfrey and TV news anchor Maureen Bunyan were the only women of color in broadcasting and production. Tia shares her journey from studying production in college to a career as a producer, director and consultant, making music videos, creating narrative and non-fiction television series and programs, and incorporating faith and family in the projects she chooses to make. She also discusses the tough aspect of working money jobs and what happens when a project conflicts with her beliefs and positive outlook. Tia wants all of us to “put our sprinkle on it!”