Creative Alchemy

E08: The Sound of Leadership with Bob Rosenthal

Our host Benjamin Ariff sits down with Bob Rosenthal, a leader whose career spans music, film, and post-production sound. From his early days at Capitol Records to founding Formosa Group, Rosenthal shares how curiosity, culture, and relationships have shaped his path — and why the real magic of sound lies in people, not technology. They explore the emotional language of audio, the power of intentional silence, and how creative leadership is built on empathy, trust, and shared purpose. Rosenthal reflects on the early days of Formosa, building a culture-first company, and what it takes to keep creativity alive as the industry evolves. A thoughtful look at the intersection of artistry and leadership — and a reminder that the best sound begins with listening. Creative Alchemy is a production of Straw to Gold, Inc.   Music written and performed by Aaron Peterson. Visit https://www.aaronkmusic.com/ [https://www.aaronkmusic.com/] to learn more about Aaron.   To learn about all things Straw to Gold, please visit our website www.straw-gold.com [http://www.straw-gold.com] or find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/straw_to_gold/ [https://www.instagram.com/straw_to_gold/] or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/straw-to-gold/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/straw-to-gold/]

E07: Playful Architecture and Community Design with Barbara Bestor

In this episode of Creative Alchemy, host Benjamin Ariff sits down with Barbara Bestor—architect, cultural curator, and founder of Bestor Architecture—for a conversation about creativity, community, and the evolving role of architecture. From her early inspirations in Cambridge to leading bold projects like Sunnylands and community centers in Los Angeles, Barbara shares how her extroverted approach and playful design ethos break away from rigid architectural norms. She discusses how color, cultural references, and even the “mundane” (like coffee shops or public bathrooms) can become powerful design moments that shape how we experience daily life. Together, they dive into topics including: * How childhood creativity and curiosity shaped Barbara’s path into architecture * The importance of atmosphere, color, and cultural dialogue in design * Rethinking everyday spaces—like EV charging stations and coffee shops—as opportunities for community and joy * The intersection of architecture, sustainability, and social equity in post‑fire rebuilding efforts * Mentorship, diversity, and navigating a historically male‑dominated field * Why adaptive reuse and playful, human‑centered design are essential for the future Barbara also reflects on her evolution as a designer, why she believes architecture is more like jazz than rigid rules, and how she continues to find inspiration from global travel, local culture, and California’s rich architectural landscape. If you’ve ever wondered how the spaces around us can shape not just our cities but our emotional lives, this conversation will leave you seeing architecture in a whole new way.   Creative Alchemy is a production of Straw to Gold, Inc.   Music written and performed by Aaron Peterson. Visit https://www.aaronkmusic.com/ [https://www.aaronkmusic.com/] to learn more about Aaron.   To learn about all things Straw to Gold, please visit our website www.straw-gold.com [http://www.straw-gold.com] or find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/straw_to_gold/ [https://www.instagram.com/straw_to_gold/] or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/straw-to-gold/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/straw-to-gold/]

E06: Engineering Health Equity with Tej Patel

In this episode of Creative Alchemy, host Benjamin Ariff sits down with Tej Patel, CEO and co-founder of Fluxergy—a company building powerful, decentralized diagnostic tools designed to make high-quality testing more accessible and affordable worldwide. From a garage startup sparked by a conversation in a public health class to a disruptive force in healthcare technology, Tej walks us through his creative path from aerospace engineering to healthcare innovation. He unpacks how Fluxergy’s foundational pivot into veterinary diagnostics enabled sustainable growth and how their engineering-first, cost-conscious approach is solving real-world problems in both low-income nations and underserved regions of the United States. This conversation explores how creativity isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about problem-solving, persistence, and taking radically practical steps. You’ll hear insights on leadership, market timing, and the deep belief that everyone deserves access to timely, affordable healthcare. Whether you’re a founder, builder, or dreamer, this episode is a masterclass in mission-driven innovation.     Creative Alchemy is a production of Straw to Gold, Inc.   Music written and performed by Aaron Peterson. Visit https://www.aaronkmusic.com/ [https://www.aaronkmusic.com/] to learn more about Aaron.   To learn about all things Straw to Gold, please visit our website www.straw-gold.com [http://www.straw-gold.com] or find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/straw_to_gold/ [https://www.instagram.com/straw_to_gold/] or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/straw-to-gold/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/straw-to-gold/]

E05: Feeding the Soul – Seasonal Cooking and Jewish Storytelling with Sonya Sanford

In this heartfelt episode of Creative Alchemy, we’re joined by Sonya Sanford—a chef, cookbook author, and writer whose work beautifully blends Jewish heritage, Pacific Northwest bounty, and the emotional weight of food. Sonya reflects on her journey as a first generation American, how food became a bridge between generations, and the powerful role cooking plays in personal and cultural identity. From childhood comfort dishes to the sensory rituals of baking challah, Sonya reminds us how food carries deep emotional resonance. She also talks about her journey as a restaurant owner, the joy and complexity of running a deli rooted in Jewish diaspora cuisine, and how writing her cookbook Braids helped preserve that legacy after closing her business during the pandemic. Sonya also shares her love of seasonal, local ingredients and the farmers markets that inspire her hyper-seasonal approach to cooking. She offers thoughtful reflections on the importance of community-based food economies, the value of honoring food traditions, and the urgent need to support Jewish food culture in Portland and beyond. Whether you’re a curious cook, a supporter of local food systems, or someone seeking connection through stories and flavors, this episode offers inspiration, warmth, and plenty of food for thought. Creative Alchemy is a production of Straw to Gold, Inc.   Music written and performed by Aaron Peterson. Visit https://www.aaronkmusic.com/ [https://www.aaronkmusic.com/] to learn more about Aaron.   To learn about all things Straw to Gold, please visit our website www.straw-gold.com [http://www.straw-gold.com] or find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/straw_to_gold/ [https://www.instagram.com/straw_to_gold/] or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/straw-to-gold/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/straw-to-gold/]

E04: The Art and Alchemy of Food with Leather Storrs

Food is more than just sustenance—it’s an experience, a story, and a way to connect with others. Leather Storrs, a chef with a passion for innovation, understands this better than most. In this episode of Creative Alchemy, we explore his journey from learning classic techniques at The French Laundry to creating dishes that challenge and delight through humor, presentation, and unexpected flavors. Leather dives into his philosophy of cooking, where he balances creativity and technique to craft dishes that not only taste incredible but also tell a story. He reflects on his early influences, his love for wordplay in food, and how his curiosity led him to explore everything from molecular gastronomy to cannabis-infused dining. With an adventurous spirit and a knack for pushing culinary norms, Leather shares the successes—and spectacular failures—that have shaped his career. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a creative thinker, or someone who loves a good story, this episode will leave you inspired to experiment in your own kitchen and beyond.   Creative Alchemy is a production of Straw to Gold, Inc.   Music written and performed by Aaron Peterson. Visit https://www.aaronkmusic.com/ [https://www.aaronkmusic.com/] to learn more about Aaron.   To learn about all things Straw to Gold, please visit our website www.straw-gold.com [http://www.straw-gold.com] or find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/straw_to_gold/ [https://www.instagram.com/straw_to_gold/] or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/straw-to-gold/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/straw-to-gold/]