Ali Williams is an artist, illustrator, and the unapologetically bold founder (along with her husband) of FUMEINK. the adult coloring book company that proves creativity doesn’t have to be quiet or polite.
FUMEINK is where coloring meets catharsis. Their books are packed with sarcasm, dark humor, laughs, and gloriously unboring designs. Think: stress relief with a wicked grin. From “Dark & Creepy” to “Humor & Sarcasm,” from pop-culture tributes to cheeky cocktails, every page is therapy for grown-ups who know life’s too short for bland lines and inspirational quotes that lie.
Ali doesn’t just make art, she builds fun worlds full of attitude, builds community through laughter, and even uses her irreverent creations for good, partnering with organizations like Fayetteville Animal Services through special charity coloring books.

Growing up surrounded by the pioneers (his parents) of the American Studio Glass Movement and the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Alex developed a vision all his own. His pieces blend steel and the luminous fragility of glass, creating sculptures that feel both powerful, modern, and organic.
From teaching at the Corning Museum of Glass to leading the Glass Department at the Worcester Center for Crafts, and now creating full-time in his Asheville, NC studio, Alex continues to shape glass into reflections of resilience, transformation, and grace.

Learn more about Alex at https://alexbernsteinglass.com

This lovely guest really needs no introduction! But we know she'd love one, just the same. It's Mrs. Carol Claus! Christmas Executive Officer of the North Pole, wife to Santa Claus, caretaker of reindeer, baker, crafter, friend of the elves, and so so much more!

Mrs. Claus was also involved with a recent book project, and it's not too late to grab one for yourself or as a gift: "What Would Mrs. Claus Do?" is a delightful book for the season, and really for any season.

This might be our most fun and whimsical episode of the year, and we're sure you'll enjoy it too!

Learn more about Mrs. Claus here: https://mrscarolclaus.com

Maija Katak Lukin is an artist, hunter, fisher, sewist, crafter, baker, advocate, leader, and so much more.
She lives a big life in little Kotzebue, Alaska - one that weaves together creativity, community, and stewardship of the Arctic land and waters her people have lived with for thousands of years.
Maija has served as Mayor of Kotzebue, as Superintendent of Western Arctic National Parklands (overseeing 9 million acres of parkland), and is now the Native Relations Program Manager for the National Park Service in Alaska. She’s also the author of Create Like an Iñupiaq! a book that teaches everything from sewing traditional garments to filleting salmon with an ulu.
There’s no single way to capture the scope of her life — and that’s exactly why you need to join us for this conversation. Find her patterns and book here: https://ahluspatterns.squarespace.com

In this episode, we sit down with Amy and Dusty Droz, the creative duo behind Dux Somnium Games, an indie studio crafting immersive tabletop worlds where immersive storytelling meets strategy.

From sketching their first game concepts to building full-fledged adventures, Amy and Dusty share how imagination, collaboration, and a love for community and family fuel their creative process. Together, they explore what it means to bring people around a table to connect, dream, and play, and why games are one of the most enduring forms of storytelling.

Whether you’re a lifelong gamer, a storyteller at heart, or just curious about how ideas come to life, this conversation is full of insight, laughter, and creative sparks.

Learn more and check out their games at https://duxsomnium.com/

Ilana Zaks is a “fearless, refreshing, and commanding” violinist whose performances have graced some of the world’s most iconic stages from Carnegie Hall to the Berliner Philharmonie.
By age 22, Ilana was already a first violinist with the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera. Today, she continues to share her dynamic artistry through concerts, innovative projects like Sound Worlds, and by teaching the next generation of musicians.
In this delightful and impressive chat, Ilana talks about how music moves her, and how her relationship with music impacts the world around her. Learn more about Ilana at https://www.ilanazaksviolinist.com

Anne Elise Teeling, is a Brooklyn-based soprano whose voice and storytelling captivate audiences nationwide. From starring as Eurydice in Orphée aux enfers to performing Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Anne Elise brings characters and music to life with depth and heart.
This year (2025) alone, she’s won top prizes in national competitions, debuted new roles, and joined the New York chapter of Opera on Tap. Beyond the stage, Anne Elise writes short stories, exploring human connection through words as well as song. Learn more: www.anneeliseteeling.com

We're thrilled to have actress and author Susan Berger back on the show - to discuss her new book, and talk about what she's been up to since we last chatted a year and a half ago. Find more about Susan here: www.susanbergeractor.comIf you want to preview and provide feedback for her new book Lord Byron's Daughter, please contact us: emily@themodrom.com