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

The Art Box - Episode 449 - Flag Day 2026 Special - Old Glory

Every once in a while, The Art Box likes to pause from our usual conversations and celebrate the days that quietly stitch together the fabric of our shared lives. Holidays. Cultural moments. National remembrances. Days that ask us not simply to wave a flag or mark a calendar… but to reflect. One of the beautiful things about nearly five hundred episodes of conversations is that along the way, we’ve gathered an extraordinary family of artists, storytellers, musicians, poets, historians, dreamers, and deep thinkers. And on special occasions like this, we’re honored to invite some of those voices back to help us celebrate through their own unique creative gifts. Today, in recognition of Flag Day 2026, we welcome back our friend Stephen Murray. Many of you may know Stephen as the host of Gift of Giving on WWDBTV in Las Vegas, where he shines a light on small nonprofit organizations and the people working quietly behind the scenes to make a difference in their communities. For this special episode, Stephen lends his voice to a stirring essay written by Ralph Champion titled Old Glory. Flags can mean many things to many people. History. Sacrifice. Hope. Complication. Unity. Memory. In the hands of artists and writers, symbols often become invitations—not demands—to think more deeply about who we are, where we’ve been, and what we still hope to become. So wherever you may be listening from today—across the desert, across the nation, or somewhere far beyond our borders—we invite you to settle in for a few thoughtful moments of reflection. This… is Old Glory. Written by Ralph Champion. Read by Stephen Murray.

The Art Box - Episode 448 - Reinventing Creativity – Meet Judi Moreo

From international stages to television studios, bestselling author, speaker, artist, and creativity advocate Judi Moreo [https://judimoreo.com/] has spent a lifetime helping others discover what they're truly capable of. In this inspiring conversation, Judi shares her journey of resilience, reinvention, and creative courage, along with lessons learned while speaking in 29 countries and empowering countless individuals to pursue their dreams. We also discuss her newest passion project, The Center for Creative Expression, and why she believes creativity is not reserved for artists, it's one of the most important survival tools we possess as human beings. A thoughtful conversation about embracing possibility, overcoming limitations, and rediscovering the creative spark that lives within all of us. Find out more about Judi at: https://judimoreo.com/ [https://judimoreo.com/]

The Art Box - Episode 447 - The Ripple Effect: Cheryl Kilker's Journey of Joy

On Episode 447 of The Art Box, we sit down with one of Mesquite's most beloved performers, volunteers, writers, and community champions, Cheryl Kilker. From her days traveling the world with Up with People as Cheryl Kirking to her years on stage, in community service, and as an author, Cheryl has spent a lifetime creating connections and inspiring others. We talk about her remarkable journey, her love of music and performance, her experiences as Ms. Senior Mesquite and Ms. Senior Nevada, and the life lessons that inspired her book, 100 Ripples of Joy. Along the way, Cheryl shares stories of resilience, gratitude, friendship, and the power of small acts of kindness to create waves of positive change far beyond what we can see. Her story is a reminder that one encouraging word, one song, one smile, or one act of service can send ripples across a community and beyond. Join us for a heartfelt conversation with a woman who has spent a lifetime proving that joy grows when it is shared. Because sometimes the smallest ripple becomes the biggest wave.

The Art Box - Episode 450 - MJ & Petty Fever Live at the Headliners Club

Turn it up, Art Box listeners! For our milestone Episode 450, MJ takes The Art Box on the road to the Headliners Club for an electrifying evening with Petty Fever, one of the nation's premier Tom Petty tribute bands. From the first guitar riff to the final encore, the energy was off the charts as fans packed the venue to celebrate the timeless music of one of rock's most beloved songwriters. MJ goes backstage and behind the music to chat with the talented musicians who bring the spirit, sound, and soul of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to life night after night. We explore the passion, preparation, musicianship, and pure joy that goes into recreating these iconic songs for audiences who know every word. Whether you're a lifelong Tom Petty fan or simply love great live music, this episode captures the excitement, camaraderie, and magic that happens when a band connects with an audience through songs that have become part of our collective soundtrack. So grab your air guitar, sing along, and join MJ for a high-energy celebration of music, memories, and the enduring legacy of Tom Petty.

The Art Box - Episode 446 - Life Not Limits: Craft Beer, Community, and Connection with Scott & Vicki

On Episode 446 of The Art Box, we conclude our Gardnerville, Nevada road trip with Scott and Vicki, owners of Uninhibited: A Craft Brew Experience. What began as a love of craft beer has grown into something much larger, a gathering place where neighbors become friends, conversations flow as easily as the beverages, and community is always on tap. Scott and Vicki share the story behind their unique business, the welcoming atmosphere they've created in Gardnerville, and their mobile craft beer experience that brings people together at block parties, holiday celebrations, community festivals, and special events throughout the region. Along the way, we explore entrepreneurship, building community in a small town, and the simple joy of creating spaces where people can gather, connect, and share stories. Special thanks to the Nevada Arts Council for supporting our Gardnerville recording project and to Jen Tune and Main Street Gardnerville for their generous hospitality and for helping us discover the creative people and businesses that make this community so special. Life not limits. Community not strangers. One conversation at a time.