And so, this week, rather than whipping up a lengthy essay, this week’s newsletter is in radio form.

Instead of reading, you’ll just have to hit play.

Play

Inspired by one of my popular essays, Mood Board Mixtape, in this week’s newsletter, I’m providing visuals (and some extras just for fun) that coincide with the “newsletter radio episode”.

My radio show, Electric Radio Club, is on Mixcloud and free to listen and most importantly, Ad-Free.

Recently, I have not been including the track list in my radio episodes and it’s received a lot more listens.

On a playlist, we see the list of songs. Not sharing the track list on my radio episodes gives the element of surprise and brings the fun of music discovery again.

Ready for your mixtape/newsletter?

Listen here as you scroll through the episode’s mood board.

🎁Paid subscribers get access to the radio episode playlist which is available at the end of this newsletter.

And if you discover a new song or band favorite from this week’s newsletter/radio show, tell me about in the comments!

Good music awaits

Song Lyrics That Inspired This Week’s Essay/Radio Show

Peggy Lee’s song Fever reminded me of this iconic skit from The Muppet Show with actress Rita Moreno and Animal as well as this great essay by Lo Carmen.

Loose Connections

Softly, With Feeling

Oh sure you might say, I remember Peggy Lee. She did Fever right…

Read more

3 months ago · 13 likes · 2 comments · Lo Carmen

In this week’s radio episode, I talk about a scene from the movie, “Is This Thing On?” starring Will Arnett, Laura Dern and Bradley Cooper. Here are some pictures I captioned of the quote while watching the film.

Want to donate towards my work but don’t want to become a paid member on SubStack? I have a membership page on Buy Me a Coffee where you can contribute one-time or monthly donations.

Click the Contributing = Caring button to support my work.

Contributing = Caring

A quote I shared in this week’s radio episode came from financial investor JP Morgan stated by Ina Garten on one of her recent podcast episodes, Happy Hour with filmmaker Sophia Coppola.

Listen to this week's newsletter

Photo Diary from the Week

Last week, one of the neighborhood’s hosted an event called PorchFest where local musicians of all kinds and every genre performed on front porches throughout the neighborhood.

From R&B to Bluegrass to songs sung all in French, nothing like a beautiful fall day with some good music.

Back in September, I gave a presentation about fashion and music, so I’m trying to remember to share my outfits.

Last week’s wardrobe. Don’t worry, I have since given myself a bang trim.

📻Ladies and Femmes of The Radio Room, are you interested in joining a monthly women’s music club? Join Radio Apero!

Next week on Wednesday, October 21st at 6:30pm CST / 7:30pm EST is Radio Apero, an online gathering where women music enthusiasts can geek out about shows, albums and music whatnot.

To ensure everyone can contribute to the conversation, these online gatherings have limited spots. Grab your ticket here!

All for now! Thank you for reading.

Stay Inspired,

Joi

Subscribe now

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Hey there rock n’ roll friend,

As promised, I wanted to create a newsletter dedicated to my recent travels to London and Chicago.

There have been times when I’ve met up with a friend and they would wait in their car until I arrive inside our meeting spot.

It never occurred to me that this is a fear.

The fear of being somewhere alone.

You go first Joi.

Some people find traveling alone a tragic act. Personally, I find it more tragic when someone chooses to stay put and is too scared to experience something on their own.

And so, this week I hope you get lost. In a good way.

Like all vacations and trips, I do thorough research to see what I should check out.

Besides purchasing a few advance tickets, when I arrived in London, I tossed my tourism to-do list aside and found some things that were quite more meaningful than any tourist attraction.

My London List is lengthy.

Filled with books, music, fashion and art such as finding the complete audio recording of the concert I attended at the Royal Albert Hall, a Rolling Stones surprise and the reason rock n’ roll clothing exists; photos from the fashion exhibit of Elsa Schiaparelli.

In case you missed it, here is my blog post about my presentation at Grunge Included in York,UK. Available for subscribers only😊

As I explored the amazing city of London, I had The Misfits song, London Dungeon, playing in my head.

IYKYK

There is no radio episode this week but I have another great playlist for you.

Listen on Qobuz as you read along.

I hope by the end of this week’s newsletter you will want to seek out adventure and perhaps do a little reflecting.

You don’t have to travel far, it can be in your hometown.

Inspired by my trip to London, here’s the first step on how to get lost and find something that reminds you of your heart’s creative blueprint.

So, let’s get lost.

Read more

Listen to the conversation in this episode of Coffee and Cassettes for free on Mixcloud.

Listen to the episode

Support Rosemary’s music on Bandcamp!

Has there been a creative moment in your life that inspired you to take action?

There’s this great interview with Dolly Parton about the woman who influenced Dolly’s personal (and iconic) style. The town referred to this woman as “trash” and Dolly’s response was, “I wanna be trash!”

RIP to the G.O.A.T. of all G.O.A.T.S!💎

But you know that spark that I’m talking about. That glittering moment that flickers in your heart after you consumed a piece of art, a film or seeing a person walking down the street, that ignites something in you where you want to create or build something.

When I first heard the Portland musician by Nate Wey, in an instant I thought, I want to put together video visuals to this music!

With permission from the artist, I used his music for my experimental video, Flower Arcade.

This video piece continues to be a muse for me.

I’ve repurposed it over and over.

In fact, I turned one of the film stills from Flower Arcade into a painting…… which was accepted for an art event!

I fell in love with the painting and it was really hard for me to say goodbye. I hope it finds a good home!

Perhaps this means that more paintings and sales are on in my future?

The Radio Room is written and curated by a human being. Every month, I spend a great deal of time crafting together essays of music, film and art to inspire your day/week/month/year. Consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your supports means a lot to me.

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I get really inspired by “the spark” in other people.

The fall season means new movie releases are in store.

In the early 2000s, I remember the TV Series, To Catch A Predator, about catching sex offenders before they committed a harmful act. While I don’t know much about the creators of the series, a movie is coming out this fall looks intriguing. I’m curious to know about “the spark” that started all this show.

Side note: Do I see Phoebe Bridgers in the trailer?

I heard an interview on the radio with the show creator, Chris Hansen, who said he would have liked actor, Denis Leary, to have played him in the film. With the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I’m inspired to re-watch the series, Rescue Me.

I’m also inspired to go to the theater which for me is a rare impulse. If the musical, Come From Away, ever goes on tour again, do yourself a favor and go! Even if you don’t like musicals, it’ll win you over.

It’s a true story about the passengers on one of the planes that was supposed to land in NYC the day of 9/11 but made an emergency landing in Newfoundland.

For the road

“I want to write a song like that.” -Nashville songwriter Rosemary Schultz

This month on my monthly radio series, Coffee & Cassettes, I went record shopping with Nashville singer-songwriter, !

Rosemary shares some of her favorite records including the artist that created a songwriting spark within her own work.

If you are into some good Americana music, Rosemary’s album picks are perfect for this time of the season when summer begins to morph into fall. Where you just want to take a long drive and daydream out the window at landscapes and sunsets.

For more info about Rosemary’s work, head over to her Bandcamp.

Check out the episode on Mixcloud! It’s free to listen and ad-free.

Listen to the episode here!

Music On Repeat

When I’m in the studio painting, I play a lot of Trip-Hop. The music is like a river, it helps me stay in flow with the painting.

So it’s no surprise that the algorithm would start sending me live concert performances of legendary Trip-Hop bands like Hooverphonic.

I love how this live performance was shot.

There’s so much intention behind the wardrobe selection of the musicians and artists that it makes the video all the more magical shot in black and white. It’s like the lyrics create color through the emotion of the song.

Magic.

I know everyone is obsessing over the new Phoebe Bridgers album but I cannot get enough of the Getdown Services. This music makes me want to break into a dance while mid-mowing the lawn but a more fitting atmosphere for these tunes would be in dark basement club with sticky floors while drinking a Miller High Life.

For lazy overcast mornings, (so much rain) I’ve been revisiting the album, The Jacket by Widowspeak as well as playing a new discovery by the band, Puss N Boots, who did an excellent bluegrass version of the Concreate Blonde song, Joey.

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Short but sweet this week because I’ve got a bunch of things in store that I can’t wait to share!

All for now. Stay inspired!

Joi

all rights reserved, Joi Katskee, LLC

I don’t like sitting in a classroom.

I didn’t care for watching a teacher discuss math equations. Their voices seemed to mundanely morph into a cloud of chatter, causing my teenage mind to daydream about weekend plans or the possibility of walking past my crush in the hallway after class.

I’d rather be in a book store all day than a classroom. This quote from pretty much sums up my thoughts on learning.

The Radio Room is written and curated by a human being. Every month, I spend a great deal of time crafting together essays of music, film and art to inspire your day/week/month/year. Consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your supports means a lot to me.

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Fall Back

The important part of the back to school season means that we are within grasp of the fall season. As an October baby, autumn is in my bones. Like Phil Collins would sing, I can feel it coming in the air tonight. Autumn is a time for favorite jackets, bon fires and crisp air afternoons that call for the windows to be rolled down and a good mixtape blasting.

I’ve got just the playlist for you this week, my Rock n’ Roll Friend.

I realize that school may not have been the fondest of memories for all. The high school cafeteria always seems to be a place of dread.

As a grown and responsible adult who is trying to get the word out about my art and radio show, I sometimes feel like I’m back in the high school cafeteria; hoping that people in different creative worlds will let me sit at the “cool kid table”.

Over the summer, I submitted an art piece to a gallery event. Like all applications, I have to be accepted by the gallery.

I have to be picked.

I have to wait for the “you-can-sit-with-us” stamp of approval!

Life sometimes feels the Forest Gump trying to find a spot on the bus. I’m just trying to get somewhere where there’s space for me.

(what a bunch brats on this bus, am I right?)

Whether you’re trying to find a job or start a band, I realize this “cool kid table” theory applies to so many aspects of our adult lives.

Not everyone will want to pull up a chair and invite me to sit with them.

And that’s okay.

It’s a matter of liking who you are and what you do.

And I love what I do!

Reminds me of the lyrics from this week’s radio episode……

This song is included in this week’s radio show! (that’s the only song I’m revealing. The rest is a surprise!)

Listen to the newest episode of Electric Radio Club of familiar favorites and new discoveries. It’s free to listen and ad-free!

Play for a Fall Mixtape Surprise!

Maybe the Cool Kid Table is not cool

I’ve been rewatching the TV Series, Hacks. A show about two people with a clash of personalities and yet share similarities in being accepted in the entertainment world.

In Season One, comedian Deborah Vance is working on jokes for her stand-up special with writing assistant, Ava Daniels. They are debating who the jokes are for. Ava argues that the jokes should be for a specific audience.

The thing is we don’t have to limit ourselves to ONE audience. ONE idea. ONE job. ONE niche. ONE community. ONE table.

And yet so often, one can feel like there is only ONE option.

As someone who has experienced was feels like 7,101 rejections, I have to remind myself that there are plenty other opportunities in the world.

It’s hard to accept at times.

But why would anyone want to be part of a world that is not welcoming?

I recently sent a piece of snail mail to an out-of-state art organization with a notecard about my art. If no one wants to sit at my table locally, then maybe an invitation elsewhere will lead me to a bigger table.

(Plot Twist! I have received some invitations and I can’t wait to share in my upcoming newsletter.)

😊🎶

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You are a reflection of who you sit with

During one of those dreadfully hot summer nights in July, I had no desire to work on anything and perused the Tubi channel (which is pretty awesome) and stumbled upon the film, American Animals.

The film is a true story about a group of college kids who stole rare books from their university library.

The film is shot documentary style with an excellent blend of suspense and humor.

One the characters, an artist, spoke of why he committed the crime.

He said he felt like he had to experience pain, like other great artists, in order to create good art.

A good reminder to think about the company you keep and that’s its okay to get up and leave the table.

*Highly recommend this film

Speaking of GOOD company, I want to take a moment to thank you, my awesome subscriber. Whether it be in reading, radio or random art projects, I’m glad you want to be part of my creative table here in The Radio Room.

All for now. Stay inspired!

Joi

all rights reserved, Joi Katskee, LLC

I was standing on the side of the stage with my camera waiting for Blondshell to start their show when all of a sudden a stagehand rushes over to me.

“Do you know how to pick a lock on a guitar case?” she asked in a panic.

Another photographer said he might be able to. And off they went!

Hey there little wonder, I had a rainy rock n’ roll weekend!

My city hosts the Maha Music Festival and I was lucky to be offered an All Access Pass.

It started out to be a wonderful summer day and I couldn’t wait to catch some great live music and be able to explore…….anywhere!

The origins of this music festival was influenced by surge of great indie rock bands that emerged off Saddlecreek Records in the early 2000s that put Omaha, Nebraska on the music map!

Each year, the music festival incorporates rising local music acts with some incredible headliners. This year included Wet Leg, Bright Eyes (hometown hero), Killer Mike of Run the Jewels, Blondshell, Whitney and a few local acts.

Most still consider Omaha a “fly-over” town, but I’ll tell you one thing; there is no shortage of weekly live music. Just check out the newsletter of . (you’ll see what I mean)

I’m hoping that my city can be part of the cool new concert platform, Encore, created by . What a great way to bring local music fans together!

Before the first band started, I decided to peruse the grounds and see what’s up.

I headed over to the VIP area. I have to say there was nothing really different from the general admission area except for a little hill for extra seating and a fancy porta potty. Note: the small hill has a tree blocking the view of the stage.

Read more

“When I was working on Willie Nelson’s Ranch”…………….

Music in a restaurant or a bar is so important because it sets the tone of the space.

My monthly radio series, Coffee and Cassettes, focuses on women music fans in all industries.

I don’t know about you but when I am enjoying a nice glass of wine, it’s usually paired with a great album and good company.

This month, I went “record shopping” with wine shop owner Ivy of .

Listen to the episode over on my Mixcloud page to learn more about Ivy’s album picks.

Listen to the Episode

I have the same personality type as Oprah.

Rock n’ Roll Wonderland Friend, in the lyrical words of Seals and Croft, Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine.

Sometimes, the kind of music I need is the sound of a summer breeze sifting through the screen door.

It’s one of those rare, cool summer days. The kind of summer day where something other than ice cream sounds good for dinner. The kind of summer day where the over-worked AC can rest and you can crack the windows in the morning and enjoy a somewhat mosquito-free evening.

As someone you could never stand the sound of silence, I now embrace it.

My mind can sometimes feel like my over-worked air conditioner on a hot day…. it’s always running.

Sitting in silence is an invitation for my thoughts to reset.

A brain breeze.

A moment to rest and for new ideas to flow.

However, on road trips, I can never cruise in silence.

Forgive any writing errors. I’m only human. Born to make mistakes.

Last weekend, I took a quick road trip to Kansas City to see the Timeless Mucha Exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. An artist who not only had a massive impact on the fashion and theater world, (thanks to the actress, Sarah Bernhardt, who hired him for her marketing materials) but whose drawing style would be copied by future artists who created music posters and manga animation drawings.

There’s the saying Home is Where Your Heart Is and the illustrations of Alphonse Mucha made me feel right at home.

His stylized paintings of women with whipping long hair transported me into the glamorous world of fashion. Like a hypnotic trance, Mucha used a strategy through his play of lines that draw the eye.

I see how other artists would mimic this style to create psychedelic concert posters for bands like Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and The Grateful dead. The art is like music; it has the ability to pull you in.

For the road trip, I revisited old playlists that felt homey and fun.

Speaking of, my “mixtape edition” radio episode, Sports is a Mixtape, was an unexpected homerun.

I didn’t share the track list.

Maybe listeners are craving a bit of more spontaneity in their life?

So I created another “Mixtape Edition” of Electric Radio Club titled The Martian.

The week prior, the summer heat was unwelcoming. One insanely hot evening, I embraced my dimly lit living room and watched the movie, The Martian, about an astronaut stuck on Mars.

In a world where a majority of society seems anxiety-filled and stressed out about future goals, deadlines and accomplishments, the film had a lot of relatability despite the fact that it takes place on another planet.

To me, the film was about getting over “survival mode” and embracing life’s problems bit by bit.

I realized I needed a playlist that was fun and upbeat to tackle life’s everyday problems….even if it was for something like vacuuming dog hair from the couch cushions.

To listen to the new “Mixtape Edition” of Electric Radio club, click here for The Martian episode. The track list not included…..but it’s damn fun one!

Mixtapes are a lot like vacations. You know where you are going but you don’t know who you’ll meet or what you’ll see.

Listen to The Martian

For the next radio episode, I want to know, what kind of mixtape are you craving?

Let me know in the comments.

I understand that everyone is going through something different but the common ground of music can serve many.

Tell me what kind of mixtape you want to hear!

All for now. Stay inspired!

Joi

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all rights reserved, Joi Katskee, LLC

Rock n’ Roll Wonderland friend, this is why I have a radio show. There are so many great songs that I would tattoo on my body. But if I did this, I would have an entire music catalog inked on my back!

So I created a radio show instead.

Electric Radio Club was created for music discovery while blending my weekly soliloquies of philosophizing song lyrics and figuring out this thing called life. (Thanks Prince)

Last month, I created a visual “Music Vibe Guide” to help you pick a radio episode.

I received such wonderful feedback that I’ve decided to do it again.

The radio episodes are for those who are craving something new and need a little reminder to keep going. Whether that be writing a book, starting a business or a room renovation, one can often feel stuck and question why they begin a project in the first place.

In this post, I have three radio episodes that provide a pep-talk within a mixtape.

Time to choose your own music adventure!

Forgive any writing errors. I’m only human. Born to make mistakes.

Episode: Magician

For turning your crazy, wild idea into a wonderful reality while experiencing those frustrating in-between moments.

"Paint the Greys in between" - Ben Folds

In this episode, I'm talking about creating your own kind of magic like Willy Wonka, a poem line from Mary Oliver and an interview with musician Ben Folds on writing his iconic album Whatever and Ever Amen.

Track list includes songs by Baxter Dury, The Smiths, Sleater-Kinney w/ Margo Price, The Budos Bands, Magic Shoppe, George McCrae, Blondshell and more!

Listen to the episode here

Episode: Mind is a Movie

For creating the life that you want

In this episode, I’m talking about setting the scene….for your life.

I got inspired by the film My Brilliant Career, Sex and the City, an EFT tapping video by and a movie question from .

Stand out song lyric from this episode “Plenty of old tapes play inside my head.”

Song list includes artists, The Beaches, The Chameleons, Missing Persons, J Mascis, Deep Sea Diver, a song I discovered from On Repeat by .

Listen to episode here

Episode: Take a Break

For honoring the rest you need. (You work hard, kid.)

If you were a superhero, which superpower would you want to have? Whatever your superpower may be, hell, even Wonder Woman can’t do it all.

In this episode, I’m talk about repurposing your work, taking care of yourself like you would your house plant, an interview I did awhile back with Social Media Escape Club’s and giving your power a pause.

Permission to relax yet stay motivated with the upbeat stellar song selection featuring tracks by Beck, Georgia, Stevie Nicks, Parquet Courts, Lilly Hiatt, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and more!

Listen to the episode here

Episode: Coffee Cabernet & Cassettes

For conversations about records with women music enthusiasts.

Wine, Wu-Tang and working on Willie Nelson’s ranch!

I recorded this month’s episode at a wine bar….so I’m referring to my music series this month as Cabernet and Cassettes. Because this series is not limited to conversations with women who are only music writers or musicians,….its for music nerds no matter what industry they are in.

Music in a bar, coffee shop or restaurant is SO important! If the music is bad, I don’t go back. Music sets the vibe of a place.

So I am thrilled to have on the show, wine shop owner, Ivy of . We talk about how wine snobs are not that much different than music snobs, the album that never left her CD player and working on Willie Nelson’s ranch. Check it out!

Listen to Cabs + Cassettes

Reminder: Women music nerds of The Radio Room, don’t forget to sign up for notifications about Radio Apero, an online women’s music club. Future meetups coming soon!

Sign up for future events

Now which episode do you find the most intriguing? Tell me about the new songs you discover!

All for now.

Stay inspired!

Joi

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all rights reserved, Joi Katskee, LLC

Here is a Mixtape for you to listen. No track list included. Because that is what makes a mixtape so great.

It’s like watching a sports game, you don’t know who will win.

After you listen to the mixtape, tell me, what’s the winning song in on the mixtape?!

Click the b…

Read more

Last week, I visited the East Village……….in Iowa.

Rock n’ Roll Friend, do you know the tune by Ella Fitzgerald that goes, Summertime and the livin’ is easy.

Well, I could take it easy just a little bit more.

I’ve pivoted my radio show to focus on quality over quantity. Some of my favorite radio episodes are the best produced ones. You know why? Because I took extra time to write and curate each episode.

I’m finishing up a lengthy project (more to come on that) and the thought of starting something new made me want to turn to something that already exists….like roads.

I knew I needed a day to explore.

As mentioned I’ve created over 100 radio episodes. In case you missed it, I put together a “starter pack” of Electric Radio Club episodes to help you pick an episode. Check it out Mood Board Mixtape article below.

I have video recordings for most episodes and I’m editing some for those who like a video version of the audio sans the music. Cuz ya know, copyright and all. It kind of defeats the purpose of a radio show though. Anyway, it’s something I’m testing out but decided to set the task aside for now.

Below is an edited video when I hosted a radio livestream. This is audio only from Electric Radio Club episode Return to Oz.

I say uhm a lot. Also at the time, I was recording with two cameras so I’m not looking directly at the camera.

I’ve included the link to the full radio episode that includes tracks by Tom Petty, Fountains of Wayne, Lauryn Hill, Phantogram, Heartless Bastards and more!

Listen to the Return to Oz episode

Starting something new on Electric Radio Club - Radio Shoutouts to paid subscribers. On the newest episode, Open Heart, this month, I gave a shout out to supporter, Titus🎵 Thank you for your support.

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Day Tripper

One Saturday morning, I set out early to a neighborhood in the town of Des Moines, Iowa called The East Village.

Upon my arrival, I ventured to the Des Moines Art Center. If I must say, this small museum had quite the impressive art collection. It had some of my favorites, like paintings by Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon as well as sculptures by Yayoi Kusama and Louise Bourgeois in their outdoor park. I was captured by the photography of Catherine Opie, painting by Susan Rothenberg and a black mirror installation by Fred Wilson.

I stopped for lunch in the museum’s scenic outdoor cafe that looked out at a beautiful reflected pool (free of algae) that faced a large window back into the museum.

A great moment to pause and think about the art you just consumed.

Then I ventured to the nearby neighborhood of the East Village. A welcome mural painted in a prism of colors greets you to the neighborhood. It’s filled with luxury shops,(still thinking about this $200 perfume) tattoo parlors, gay bars, cool restaurants, shops for guys who carry around cool flasks and fancy bandanas while riding vintage motorcycles, crystal shops with patrons waiting personal tarot card readings and dimly lit vintage shops with racks of polyester dresses, stocked denim and retro tchotchkes.

There was truly something for everyone. The absolute perfect summer day to explore.

How are you indulging in your summer days? Are you taking time to explore and live easy?

Get up and go. You might be surprised by what awaits!

Loving The Radio Room? It’s a labor of love that I dedicate a lot time and money into.

Consider supporting my work by becoming a subscriber.

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Radio Apero

Like the neighborhood I just visited, here in The Radio Room, I am thrilled to have such a diverse demographic amongst my readers and listeners.

For some time, I’ve been wanting to create something a little more niche. One of my most popular essays is about my experience hosting an in-person music meetup and challenges I faced being…well… a woman who knows good music.

Through the magic of the online community, I’ve been connecting with so many awesome women who are just as nerdy about music as I am.

So.

I’m starting an online women’s music club. A dedicated place where women can talk about music with other women music nerds.

Radio Apero is an online Women’s Music Club for the woman whose inner music obsessed teenager never left her. Inspired by the French happy hour, it’s a time dedicated during the day to connect with others.

It’s for the woman who makes vacation plans around concerts while balancing career life, side hustles, creative projects and family life.

Whether it’s talking about Bob Seger or a Bob Mackie dress or how you wish you could pull off Karen O’s bowl hair cut, there are no limits in music discussion. From music history to new bands on the rise, it’s a space just for women to geek out about all things music.

Interested? I’m collecting emails and planning a future online meetup in a couple months.

Sign up below to get notified.

Please Note: this will be a separate email from The Radio Room Newsletter.

Sign up here!

So many titles with the word radio.

• Electric Radio Club

• The Radio Room

• Radio Apero

I contain multitudes!

and I’m thrilled that you are supporting my work.

Until next time…….

Stay inspired!

Joi

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I took a step back from the painting to look at it from a distance. I said to myself, “Yep, that’s it.”

It’s a blistering, steamy hot summer day. The sauna-like air melts off my makeup the moment I step outside. Instead of embracing the outdoors, I am in a windowless corner of my basement working on a painting.

I tend to my art much like a garden. It takes time for it to bloom from a blank canvas to hanging it up on the wall.

Like any project, I know when a piece is complete. My heart lets out a little sigh. I just know when it’s finished.

I get the same feeling when I write and curate a radio episode.

It took me a while to come out with a new episode this week because something in my heart didn’t think it was ready to record.

Then I found the missing piece and I’m like, okay, let’s do this.

I get it. There are times when you have to force yourself to do something.

There will be things we don’t want to do but have to because in our hearts we know it needs to be done…..like taxes.

Do you get value from The Radio Room? Consider subscribing or supporting my work for as much as a pack of sparkling water

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Knowing Me, Knowing You

Sometimes you just know when you created something special.

In the book, Just Kids by Patti Smith, she shares the memory when Robert Mapplethorpe photographed her for the album cover, Horses.

“I got it.”

She described that within a few clicks of his camera, he knew he had captured the perfect image for the record.

Did that record sell millions of copies? No.

From the album cover to the songwriting to the producing, it has a lot of heart. There’s a reason why it’s an iconic record.

Maybe knowing that the work you created is substantial and that is a true success in and of itself.

Electric Radio Club episode #110

On this week’s radio episode of Electric Radio Club which I’ve called, Open Heart, I’m playing songs by Arlo Parks, Beastie Boys, Xenia Rubinos, and more in an hour long episode.

I’ve also included a track by the artist, Rialto.

A little bit about this artist, after the success of the record, Neon & Ghost Signs, Rialto continued to play at various gigs. In an article in Under the Radar, he shared a story when he was performing at a wedding and played a Grace Jones song during the set. Grace Jones just happened to be at the wedding. He took on a new gig….by becoming Grace Jones’ guitar player!

Maybe pursuing an unknown path could lead to more wonderful opportunities.

Listen to the new radio episode here

Reasons and Seasons

One day, I was hanging out with my little nieces and nephew. I asked them all if they had one wish, what would they wish for.

Good wish kid. A damn good wish.

Like the love and company of a pet, there are some things we want to last forever.

Heartbreak, rejection and failure can keep one from opening up their heart again. I have been there. I mean, who hasn’t?!

It makes one not want to attempt or avoid experiences altogether.

How can anything new come in if the heart door is always closed?

Reminds me of these lyrics by The Wallflowers…..

There’s the saying people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

People are like the seasons, they can change.

I watched a film called Rental Family starring Brendan Fraser….multiple times! The film is based on a service offered in Japan that hires actors to help clients during certain transitional periods in their life. For example, a single parent needs an actor to pretend to be the parent in order to get her child into a good school.

While this service may seem like a strange concept, the film made me realize there are many people in our lives who have temporary roles and can create life-changing moments. Like public school teachers.

I will never forget my high school art teacher who noticed something special in my artistic abilities and encouraged me to keep making art.

Can you relate? Who had a temporary role in your life that inspired you to start a project? That breakup that inspired you to write that song. That company who laid you off and you decided to build something of your own.

Maybe its okay to know that we ourselves play a temporary role in other people’s lives as well.

Have a lot of heart

Professor and surgeon Stephen Westaby has performed nearly 12,000 heart surgeries! At the start of his medical career, he was part of the early stages when heart surgery was becoming a more standard procedure. He went on to save so many lives with his innovative discoveries by creating artificial hearts.

He knew that his path was to heal hearts. Literally!

Hearts can be healed from a medical stand point but how often does one emotionally keep the heart exposed with open wounds filled with past hurts and memories? Too often!

Maybe focusing on the knowing in what lights the heart up is all one needs for a moment.

Listen to the Desert Island Discs with surgeon Stephen Westaby here.

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Okay, that’s all from me this week.

I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter and the upbeat playlist in the newest episode of Electric Radio Club. Don’t forget about the new episode of Coffee & Cassettes featuring women enthusiasts who talk about their favorite albums. I’ve discovered some new favs from this month’s guest!

Paid subscribers can find this week’s radio playlist below.

Listen to Coffee & Cassettes

Thanks for being here.

Stay inspired!

Joi

Subscribe now

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If I get a random song in my head, I look up the lyrics.

Rock n’ Roll Friend, this might sound a little woo-woo but I think music can sometimes be a message.

I believe that if a song comes into our life it’s because there’s something our soul needs at that moment.

The lyrics may not align with what’s going on in your life but it may just be a cathartic music moment you need.

Kinda like when a good song comes on in the car, it’s like the music gods are calling you to be present with the song. Encouraging you to turn it up a bit louder so the melody can connect with your entire nervous system.

Damn. How freeing! Even if it’s a song by The Carpenters. Indulge in a music guilty pleasure.

A Music Club for Everyone

My DIY radio show, Electric Radio Club, was born out of my love of music and quoting lines from movies.

As an adult, I found myself craving a grown-up mixtape that went beyond the fun road trip playlists and sad girl mixes.

Whether it was quitting a job, conquering imposter syndrome or pursuing a creative path, I needed array of mixtapes to get through the rollercoaster of this thing called life.

What started out as curiosity with home recording in 2021 led me to write, curate and record over 100 radio show episodes!

Comparing storylines to song lyrics, Electric Radio Club is more than music discovery, it’s about getting inspired by life.

One hundred radio episodes, sheesh, where does one begin?!

I’ve created a visual guide to help you pick an Electric Radio Club episode that may be the kinda creative pick-me-up you need.

Here are six episode mood boards to get you started.

I had so much fun making this, there’s already another guide in the works.

Enjoy!

Episode: The Spark

For those who started a project or business and need an energetic remind to keep going

Ever start a project and then halfway through you ask yourself, “What the hell am I doing?!”

In The Spark episode, I share creative advice from David Bowie, a story about a filmmaker’s purpose and encouragement to keep going.

Song list includes songs by Ron Gallo, verity den, Mick Jagger, Candi Station and more.

Listen to The Spark

Episode: Punk Rock or Something Like It

For when you are in a creative rut or feeling uninspired

Feeling a bit bored?

In this episode, I talk about tending to your inner punk rocker.

It encourages you to pursue a project with a bit of rebellion and not be afraid to break the rules. Cuz there are none.

Song list includes artists, Iggy Pop, Rihanna, The Kills, Hanni El Khatib, Link Wray and more!

Listen to Episode

Episode: It’s All About the Intro

For promoting your art or business mixed with main character energy

Why is the first scene in a movie so important?

An introduction can reveal so much about a character.

In the this episode I’m talking about famous restaurateur, Mr. Chow and how you show up for yourself and creative projects.

Song list includes tracks by Slow Pulp, Rodriguez, The Subways, This is The Kit, Steven Gunn, Dum Dum Girls and more.

Listen to All About the Intro

Episode: Dumbo, You Don’t Need The Feather

For when you feel lost and uncertain

Do you have a good luck charm?

In this episode, I discuss the idea that you are your own good luck charm when you are feeling a bit lost or uncertain.

Sharing ideas inspired by the movie, Dumbo, Joe Strummer, Air Jordans and Carl Jung to give you a confidence boost.

Song list includes tracks by Phoebe Bridgers, Miss Grit, Broken Social Scene, Rocket, The Clash and more.

Listen to Dumbo episode

Episode: Earth Day

For those who need to get out of their own way while still giving a damn about the state of the world

“You are the scene.”

In honor of Earth Day, talking about My Octopus’s Teacher, David Attenborough, fast fashion, the environment and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance.

This episode’s track list includes songs by Green Day, SAULT, Bill Callahan, Santo & Johnny, Hermanos Gutierrez, Bjork and more!

Listen to Earth Day

Episode: Coffee & Cassettes

For engaging conversations about albums amongst women music enthusiasts.

Coffee & Cassettes is a monthly radio series featuring women music enthusiasts. It’s like Desert Island Discs mixed with Amoeba’s What’s in my Bag?

From musicians, writers, collectors, curators and concert goers, Coffee & Cassettes puts women music fans front and center to talk about album recommendations and share their music knowledge.

This month, I'm chatting with writer, singer and music curator of The Music Directory.
’s music collection is an archive. No seriously. In this episode, Tay muses about music memorabilia while discussing her album picks, songs that she discovered in the midnight hours and the greatness of D'Angelo.

Listen to Coffee & Cassettes

Let me know which episode you end up listening to. Which mood board do you find most appealing?

All for now.

Stay inspired!

Joi

Subscribe now

In this episode of Coffee & Cassettes, I'm chatting with writer and music curator of , Shanté H.

Tay's music collection is more of an archive and she muses about music memorabilia while discussing her album picks, songs that she discovered in the midnight hours and the greatness of D'Angelo.

Listen to our conversation here on Mixcloud.

Coffee & Cassettes episode

I always get asked where I’m from.

Rock n’ Roll Friend, I’m from Nebraska.

A state that is known for being the most boring drive in the entire US of A.

So it’s not surprising that my fashionable self stands out amongst beige cornfields and concrete strip malls. My taste in fashion feels like my city’s tiny skyline. Nothing to look at for miles while driving along flat landscapes and then BAM! What’s that ahead? Something sparkly and tall! (I do love a good accessory)

Maybe deep down, I wish I had a cool characteristic that represented my locale. Kinda like the lyrics in Ella Langley’s song…..

You’re Never Too Much

I’ve been told that I’m “too much” or “overdressed” or received those pondering stares followed by, “where are you from?'“

Like my outfit is a road block when really I just wanted to be a walking billboard of patterns. Animal print and all.

It took me a really long time to realize that being myself stirred up insecurities in others.

It takes time to own up to who you are and then telling people what you are all about.

You can wear the costume but you gotta show up as that character. Whoever you want to be; the owner, the artist, the activist.

Many will not like the film you are directing and that’s okay.

You can be a minimalist. You can be a maximalist. Don’t be what others expect you to be.

And above all, don’t be boring like an unplanted cornfield.

Perfect for the patio

Here is a playlist I curated last year for episode of Electric Radio Club. Available on Spotify or Qobuz.

You can listen to the full radio episode here on Mixcloud. My radio show is ad-free and free to listen.

Behind the Mic

Clip from when I did livestreams while also broadcasting on an internet radio station. From Phoebe from Friends to Enya brillant voice, this is from the Electric Radio Club episode, Witchy Woman, where I talk about women, real or fictional, who gave me permission to be myself.

Who inspired you to be yourself?

Full audio episode here.

I think gay men make the best shopping buddies.

A few months back, I watched a documentary about the legendary costume designer Orry-Kelly who is known for creating designs for hundreds of iconic films.

From Casablanca to Some Like It Hot, the movie list and celebrity clientele is endless. His costumes would become fashion trends copied by well-known retail shops. He was also openly gay which was not common for the time period.

An icon and truly innovative artist, I recommend this movie-like documentary about his work and life.

It’s available for streaming on Tubi.

Fashion Fela

I’m wrapping up the incredibly popular podcast, Fela Kuti: Fear No Man. I am aware of who the Nigerian musician was but this podcast sent me into a music world I had no idea existed.

An artist who was both revolutionary and also problematic, this podcast is so well produced, I felt like I was listening to a movie.

It really inspired me to add more flare to my writing. Like many stories, very little was documented about this artist and the world he created. It was all based on very detail descriptions of experiences like this article written by award-winning journalist, John Darten, who was a NYT correspondent during the time Fela was performing.

Tell me what you like about The Radio Room?

That’s all for now and until next time, stay inspired!

Joi

I started a radio show to help me get through shitty moments in life.

At the time, music felt like my only cheerleader

And so, Electric Radio Club was born.

It’s like Self-Help meets Rock n’ Roll.

But isn’t that what rock n’ roll does? It saves your soul.

Hey there you spectacular human being,

The reason I started sharing my music playlists and the inspiration behind the curation was because I thought, maybe someone else might need a pep talk and playlist too!

If there is any silver lining that came out of the pandemic, it’s the importance of art. Not just how much we need art for ourselves, but to experience art with others.

When one is down, it seems that one always reaches for a book, an album or a movie to lift one’s spirits.

Most reach for art above everything else.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Music is a pain reliever

During the pandemic, I reached for my favorite records and before I knew it, I was creating a radio show. It was a way to motivate me back to life. Back to reality.

Read more

I was a Caboodle-Converse-Old-Hollywood-She-Ra-Exclamination-Point-Billy-Idol-Kinda Kid.

Rock n’ Roll Wonderland Friend, I’ve been thinking about the kinda branding that lured me in as a kid.

Or what I like to refer to as “what kind of art” made me.

What kind of art am I drawn to today?

And are there any similarities between now and then?

Billy Idol, yes.

Caboodle, not so much.

This week’s newsletter is a radio episode.

What inspired this episode’s song list?

Billy Idol.

Well, sort of.

I watched the latest documentary about the iconic rock star, called Billy Idol Should Be Dead.

During an interview segment with MTV Executive, John Skyes, he talked about the impact Billy Idol had on his business.

Hark! What’s that I hear? “It could have failed.” Is that gratitude toward the artist?!

I can’t recall the last time I heard or read a founder of a major corporation thanking the artist who contributed to their success. It always seems to be the other way around, that artists should be grateful for opportunities “provided by” companies.

And so, the playlist began!

I love this episode and the playlist.

One of my finer music curations to date. It features tracks by Generation X, The Gits, Barrett Strong, Cassandra Jenkins, Tegan and Sara, AC/DC and more. I’ve included the extended playlist for paid subscribers below.

You can listen to the radio episode here or…..

Radio Episode This Way

You can watch the video version.

That’s right. But there’s one catch with the video; there’s no music.

I know. (Insert sad emoji)

For Electric Radio Club episodes, some have suggested including video because you want to see me talk while I do my radio thing.

I’m flattered.

With all the copyright hoopla on YouTube, I don’t want to spend a bunch of time editing a video to get flagged by a copyright claim.

I’ve done livestreams before and it’s just not my jam.

I’ve dabbled with creating mini-video versions of the radio show.

I played around with making YouTube cover art.

And you know what happened?

I noticed I was creating what everyone else was creating on YouTube.

Art Makes You

You might be thinking at this point, but Joi, what does this have to do with brands and logos you liked when you were younger?

As an artist, the thing I can’t stand is when someone tells me there is no money or career in art.

The thing is, art makes you who you are.

We buy something based on the art. The logo on your shoes, the branding of the coffee cup or the cover of a book, we are attracted to art of an item and those choices reflect who we are.

Reminds me of the lyrics from this week’s playlist,

What art made me?

As I was experimenting with YouTubing, I thought about the art that still channels through my creative veins.

Those-Billy-Idol-Elements.

The punk rock of it all.

I didn’t care for New Kids on the Block.

I preferred Michael J. Fox playing Johnny B. Goode.

While everyone is talking to a camera, I wanted to do the exact opposite: talk into a microphone in front of a wall.

But I know I gotta meet somewhere in the middle.

So,

I recorded a video while I recorded a radio episode.

No fancy lighting.

The video audio isn’t the best.

There are dog toys, purses and papers scattered in the background.

It’s radio commentary without the music…..with some video editing flare!

I included a link to the songlist in the show notes for you check out after viewing.

This is an unlisted YouTube video, so only you, my lovely subscriber, have access. I’d love to know what you think.

I kinda like this idea of creating something only for the people who signed up to be part of my world.

Art gets you talking

Tracy Emin is a contemporary artist whose career launched in the 90s. The piece she is most known for is an installation called My Bed.

As an artist, if there is one comment I’ve heard the most, it’s, “You call this art?”

This leads most to believe that art is not a job.

But here’s the thing,

Art gets you talking.

Art gets you thinking.

And in that case, artists should be supported. Whether it be an installation of a bed, a movie or a book, we are creating something for you to do and to engage with.

Art connects us

Sadly, the arts in education continue to be the first thing cut from schools and community groups. And yet, it’s the first thing that brings people together.

Artists are the reason you have clothes, cars, decor, music, and entertainment. I can’t think of anyone whose life was transformed by an Excel spreadsheet.

In the BBC 100 Women video I shared above, Tracy Emin, also states,

There is research that proves how good the arts are for you.

shared this study about the benefits of daily engagement with arts and culture, which can help with aging. It’s just as good as exercise!

Pick up an instrument. Even if you don’t know how to play, it will make you worry less. You know why? Cuz you’re more focused on figuring out how to play notes and not the day’s news.

Oh, That Was So Real

A double whammy of episodes! There’s also a new episode of Coffee and Cassettes!

As I’ve mentioned, I created a monthly radio series because I wanted to engage with other music fans. I wanted to bring back experiences and conversations I had at local coffee shops with friends before and after concerts. A chat that leads to so many great music discussions in one simple setting.

This month, the music writer of Write Hear, and I go record shopping. She shares stories about covering the Boston music scene in the 90s, the album that she thinks makes the gift, about the time she saw Jeff Buckley on what would be his last tour and her always impressive Beatles knowledge.

Grab your beverage of choice and join us on our record shopping journey!

Coffee & Cassettes Episode

Thanks for being here! Got quite a bit for you in this newsletter. Hope you enjoy these episodes.

Let me know about the art that made you.

Stay inspired,

Joi

P.S. Extended playlist for radio episode is available on Spotify and Qobuz

Read more

“It was ethereal.” - Amy McGrath on seeing Jeff Buckley in concert.

It’s that time for another episode of the Electric Radio Club series, Coffee & Cassettes, where I go record shopping with a music friend. It’s like Amoeba’s What’s In My Bag? mixed with Desert Island Discs.

One of the main reasons I began this series was to hear stories about musical experiences.

I’m far more interested in conversations with someone who has experienced an amazing performance or connected with a band compared to “I found them on TikTok.”

That’s what Coffee & Cassettes is all about: sharing music experiences that happened in real life and having discussions about the past, present and future of music.

In this month’s episode of Coffee and Cassettes, I went record shopping with music writer, . Amy shares stories about covering the Boston music scene in the 90s, the album that she thinks makes the best gift and witnessing the greatness of singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley on what would be his last tour.

Listen to the episode here on Mixcloud. It’s free to listen and ad-free!

Listen here

Note: This episode mentions stories of a musician who caused self-harm and unlived themselves.

For more info on Amy McGrath’s work, check out her newsletter, Write Hear.

Write Hear

Music & pop culture with a topping of the Beatles. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!

By Amy McGrath

DISCLAIMER: This episode is for music discussion about bands and albums. We are just music fans not medical professionals. Please consult in professional advice if needed.

The episode was created, edited and produced by Joi of Electric Radio Club. All opinions are my own.