Artist Spotlight: Chief State

Stavros: How Tea Saved My Life

In this episode of The Phosphenes Podcast, I sit down with Stavros, an award-winning filmmaker, artist, musician and founder of LeafSweat, an organic tea company. What began as a personal struggle eventually led Stavros to discover the power of tea as a tool for focus, calm, and healing, and inspired the creation of a business dedicated to helping others find the same sense of balance in an increasingly hectic world. We discuss creativity, mental well-being, finding purpose through adversity, and how some of life’s most meaningful opportunities can emerge from our most difficult moments. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or simply someone looking for a little more calm in a busy world, this conversation offers an honest and encouraging reminder that transformation can come from the most unexpected places. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit phosphenespodcast.substack.com [https://phosphenespodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Jay Bhatti: The Journey To Becoming An Author

In this episode of The Phosphenes Podcast, I sit down with Jay Bhatti, a UK-based author, to discuss creativity, discipline, and the journey of bringing ideas to life. We explore Jay’s path to becoming a published author, the challenges of writing and publishing books, and what the creative process has taught him about perseverance, identity, and personal growth. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a lifelong reader, or simply someone interested in creativity and self-discovery, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into the power of stories and the people who create them. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it with someone who loves books, creativity, and meaningful conversations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit phosphenespodcast.substack.com [https://phosphenespodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Krysta Foyston: What I've Learned So Far

This episode of The Phosphenes Podcast is a little different. After nine episodes, I wanted to take a step back and reflect on what I’ve learned so far, not just about podcasting, but about creativity, reinvention, identity, and the kind of life I actually want to build. In this solo episode, I talk about the biggest mistakes I’ve made so far, how my approach to interviewing and storytelling is evolving, and the challenges of building something meaningful while still figuring it out in real time. This episode also feels like a transition point. These first episodes have taught me a lot. Moving forward, I want Phosphenes to become more intentional, more refined, and more deeply aligned with the conversations I truly want to have. Thank you to everyone who has listened, supported the show, or shared these conversations so far. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m excited for what comes next! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit phosphenespodcast.substack.com [https://phosphenespodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Rachelle Thistle: Taking A Leap Of Faith

Rachelle Thistle spent more than a decade working in the oilfield before deciding to take a leap of faith and build something entirely her own. In this episode, we talk about what led her to leave behind a stable career, the process of building her mobile coffee trailer from the ground up, and the uncertainty and excitement that come with choosing a different path. A conversation about courage, reinvention, and creating a life you actually want to live. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit phosphenespodcast.substack.com [https://phosphenespodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Darla Daniels: Many Miles and the Metis Fiddle

In this episode, I sit down with Darla Daniels, a Métis singer, songwriter, and fiddle player, whose EP 1992 was released last fall. We talk about the road to Many Miles, staying connected to tradition, and building a creative life through music. This is a conversation about identity, artistry, and following what calls you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit phosphenespodcast.substack.com [https://phosphenespodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]