At this time of year there is always a mix of looking back on the year that was and the lessons you learned, while also looking ahead at the new year and what you plan to do with those lessons.

With that in mind, we wanted to listen back on some of the conversations we had in 2020 with a few of our favorite artists. Of the eight conversations we are featuring, half were done before the pandemic and the other half were done in the midst of it. Since we’ve been enveloped by it for so long, it’s hard to remember some of the questions we used to ask. Speaking for myself, most of the time the questions were meant to elicit a story about process or history or even to dig up a bit of motivation for us listening. Once the pandemic hit, the questions leant themselves more to guidance and perseverance under the overwhelming theme of Covid-19.

Earlier this year I watched an interview with an actor who questioned why he was the one being asked questions. What was so special about him? Was it just because he was famous? Was it just because he was in movies? He noted that before he was “famous” no one wanted to interview him. The reason, I thought, was because he was involved with making something larger than himself. People want to hear about what went in to making that show or movie or song. People want to hear what steps led to the creative process. People want to see what they can learn and put to use in their life where they are a part of something bigger. That might mean at work, in their community or just in their home.

As much as I’ve always loved the performances from Studio Z, I’ve also loved hearing the stories. In looking back on 2020 with these few conversations, I hope you can find a little bit of motivation, laughter, guidance and creativity. – Brian