The Art Box - Episode 440 – Between Science and Poetry – The Words and Worlds of Rayann Hijazi

The Art Box - Episode 440 – Between Science and Poetry – The Words and Worlds of Rayann Hijazi

Poet, scholar, and proud Arab American Rayann Hijazi joins The Art Box Podcast to discuss the powerful intersection of poetry, culture, and science. A former Poetry Out Loud national competitor and current Microbiology and Immunology student at the University of Nevada, Reno, Rayann shares how her Palestinian heritage influences her writing, the challenges of finding your voice between different worlds, and why poetry remains one of the most powerful tools for understanding ourselves and each other. Thoughtful, insightful, and wise beyond her years, Rayann reminds us that curiosity and creativity belong in every field of study. Sometimes I have to pinch myself that I get to sit down and chat with such amazing creative humans. Rayann is one of those people whose passion for learning, storytelling, and building understanding leaves you feeling hopeful about the future.

The Art Box - Episode 439 - 2026 Memorial Day Special

Join us as Wyoming Poet Darrell Holden recites his poem "Thanks" and Mesquite, Nevada resident DJ Van Dyke sings a beautiful Memorial Day ballad.

The Art Box - Episode 438 - The Sharp End Of Life - A Conversation with Dierdre Wolownick

Episode 438 steps into the sharp edges of perseverance, trust, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. In this conversation, Steve sits down with author, climber, speaker, teacher, and lifelong seeker Dierdre to discuss her new book, Success in 7 Steps, and the lived experiences that shaped it. From rock climbing partnerships where lives quite literally hang in the balance, to navigating difficult personal chapters with grit and tenacity, Dierdre reflects on the lessons that taught her how dreams are not simply wished into existence — they are climbed toward, one deliberate hold at a time. Along the way, she shares thoughts on curiosity, teaching, persistence, modern life’s overwhelming pace, and why she believes anyone can achieve their dream if they have the right roadmap. This is a conversation about endurance, about learning from both good examples and bad ones, and about standing at what Dierdre calls “the sharp end of life” — those moments where challenge, risk, and transformation all meet. And somewhere between the cliffs, classrooms, hardships, and victories… lies a reminder that it is never too late to begin the climb. Dierdre's books can be found on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dierdre-Wolownick-Honnold/author/B001KCDD1A?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=369bca4f-b878-4316-85bd-9be0d10f035f]:  Her upcoming movie trailer here: Climbing Into Life: The Dierdre Wolownick Story [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6JXH1mdWIM]

The Art Box - Episode 437 – Women in Focus – A Photography Roundtable Across the West

What happens when four talented photographers who first met through creative wanderings across the American West finally sit down together for a roundtable conversation? A whole lot of laughter, insight, storytelling… and a deep appreciation for the art of noticing. In this special The Art Box Podcast roundtable episode, Steve welcomes returning guests Tiffany Weems [https://tiffanyweigel.photoshelter.com/index], Sue Beauchamp [https://suebeauchamp.myportfolio.com/], Teresa Wasiak [https://photos-by-teresa.com/], and Marla Aufmuth [https://www.vwwomen.com/] for an engaging conversation about photography, creativity, travel, human connection, and the stories waiting quietly behind the lens. Steve first met Tiffany, Sue, and Teresa through Travel Nevada FOCUS photography conferences, while Marla and Steve crossed paths during the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. Over time, all four became individual guests on The Art Box—and eventually the idea emerged: why not bring everyone together? The result is a warm, funny, and thoughtful discussion exploring: * what first drew them to photography * the emotional side of capturing images * travel and creative curiosity * finding beauty in overlooked places * women supporting women in the arts * and how photography teaches us to slow down and truly see the world around us From desert light to cowboy gatherings, quiet moments to unexpected friendships, this episode celebrates not just photography—but the community and conversations that grow around it. Sometimes the best images begin simply by paying attention.

The Art Box - Episode 436 - Happily Facilitating Ah-ha Moments at the STEAM Center - Meet Kristi Tausinga

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with Kristi Tausinga, manager of the Mesquite Works STEAM Center, to explore creativity, mentorship, healing, and the joy of helping young minds discover those unforgettable “aha” moments. A retired police officer turned educational leader, Kristi brings a deeply human perspective to her work with students. Known for thinking outside the box, she helps create unique hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and imagination. And if you ask the students, they’ll tell you the same thing—Kristi genuinely cares, and it shows. Steve and Kristi talk about the evolving mission of the STEAM Center, the importance of creating safe and inspiring spaces for youth, and how creativity and learning often grow strongest when students are encouraged to explore freely. The conversation also touches on mental health, first responders, intuition, and the value of meaningful human connection. Kristi’s husband Felipe, leads the center’s chess club and helps young players discover strategy, patience, and confidence one move at a time. Beyond education, Kristi shares her passion for writing and poetry, often crafting deeply reflective pieces filled with emotion, resilience, and insight. Warm, thoughtful, and filled with heart, this episode is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most important thing a mentor can do is simply help someone believe they are capable of discovering something new within themselves.