Texas Spirit: Desert Door Sotol Brings the Desert to the Bottle

Awakening the Heart - Thalia Ayres Randolph on Sound, Spirit and Daily Ritual

In this episode, Jack Inslee sits down with Talia Ayers Randolph, a multidisciplinary healing artist, sound healer, yoga teacher, and Reiki master offering free community events at the LINE LA. Talia shares her path from a spiritually rooted childhood to becoming a full-time practitioner of the healing arts, including a formative sabbatical in South Africa that reshaped her life’s purpose. The conversation explores sound healing, daily rituals, reclaiming stillness, and why breathwork may be the most accessible first step toward transformation. Talia also speaks powerfully about digital mindfulness, mentorship, and the liberating power of awakening—reminding us that even in an overwhelming world, healing begins with listenin

Curtain for Earrings: Yoonjeong Lee's Art Comes to the LINE LA

Step into the world of Seoul-based artist Yoonjeong Lee on this episode of HEAR Here. Host Jack Inslee sits down at the Line LA in Koreatown, Los Angeles, to explore Lee’s journey from childhood crafting to becoming a celebrated sculptor and metalworker. Lee’s work, featured in the exhibitions Curtain for Earrings at the Line LA and Heroes and Protagonists at Gobi in East Hollywood, reimagines everyday objects like nails and earring holders, elevating their overlooked importance. Through this conversation, conducted entirely in Korean and translated by curator Jenny from Gobi, Lee reflects on her unique artistic process, her fascination with casting metals, and her first use of AI to create “third skin” textures. The discussion delves into her philosophy of breaking down hierarchies, finding value in the small and unseen, and creating a world without dominant or subordinate roles. For Lee, art is a way to spotlight forgotten objects and challenge traditional notions of importance. Yoonjeong also shares personal reflections on her quiet personality and her curiosity about how a bolder version of herself might have shaped her art. After this introduction, the rest of the episode features the full conversation in Korean, with both Lee and Jenny responding entirely in their native language, preserving the authenticity of their dialogue.

Texas Spirit: Desert Door Sotol Brings the Desert to the Bottle

Discover the wild spirit of West Texas with Brent Looby, co-founder and CEO of Desert Door Distillery, on this episode of HEAR Here. Jack Inslee sits down with Brent at the Line Hotel in Austin, Texas, to uncover the rich history and unique qualities of Sotol—a plant-based spirit with 10,000 years of heritage. From its origins as a survival tool for indigenous peoples to its modern-day revival, Brent shares the story of how Desert Door became the first commercial Sotol distillery in the U.S. since Prohibition.  Learn about Sotol’s sustainable harvesting, its artichoke-like properties, and why it’s a perfect substitute for mezcal, tequila, or even gin in cocktails. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just curious about this ancient drink, this episode offers a crash course on the “Desert Spoon” and its transformation into a smooth, versatile spirit.

Mezzanine Vinyl: Digging Through DC Lineage with Jamal Gray

Explore the vibrant legacy of D.C.’s arts and music scene with Jamal Gray, a multigenerational musician, organizer, and artist, on this episode of HEAR Here. Jack Inslee chats with Jamal about his deep roots in Washington, D.C., from his family’s storied contributions to the city’s cultural fabric to his role in supporting now-prominent artists like Wale, Logic, and Kali Uchis. Jamal reflects on his journey through D.C.’s creative community, the influence of his father’s legendary Blackfire Records, and his latest passion: vinyl collecting and the launch of Mezzanine Vinyl. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about music, history, and the power of community.

mHart's Rising Platform for Asian American Musicians in Austin

mHart is Austin's first and only Asian-American music label, and on this edition of Hear HERE, Jack Inslee sits down with founder/producer/songwriter Waverly and artist Francene Rouelle, fresh of the release of their new album, finally a fairytale.