Arts & Culture

From artistic collaborations to creative problem solving, the arts have the power to lift us up and transform our future. These stories celebrate art, creativity, and culture in all its forms.

From Roots to Reading Rainbow: Celebrating the Legacy of LeVar Burton

At some point you’ve probably heard the kind voice of LeVar Burton: a trailblazer, education champion, and inspiration to us all. Whether you’re familiar with his work or not, his story provides a vision we can all use to improve ourselves and the world around us.

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Saving the Ganges River by Turning Sacred Flowers Into Incense

Is creative thinking the best way to improve our communities? Undoubtedly, yes! For proof, here’s how one man in India is helping ease the pollution of the Ganges by turning sacred flowers—formerly trash that was dumped into the river—into incense!

5 min read

Image: A woman chopping vegetables and smiling at the camera

Stop Stressing and Start Living with These Helpful Meal Planning Hacks

How do we waste less food and less money? Meal planning can seem daunting, but these simple tips and tricks can make life easier, more delectable, and give us the freedom of mind to actually enjoy our food and leisure time.

60 min listen

The Key to Success: Mistakes and Risks with Ann Makosinski (Episode #55)

What could you achieve if you gave your full attention to something without worrying about other people’s opinions on it? Today’s guest has been impacting the world for the better with her ingenious designs from the age of 15 till now.

Image: Weathered hands holding some odd yellow vegetables.

PhD Student to Farmer: Finding Your Calling in Weird Veggies

In what odd places might you find your passion? For former PhD student Arron Choi, it was his family's farm. Discovering a passion for weird veggies, Aaron's story shows that when it comes to finding our calling, we should never count out even the things that first seem odd.

5 min read

Settlers of Catan: How One Family’s Game Night Sparked the Fun of Millions

There is still a precious time when we can come together over life's simple pleasures: game night. And here's a story of wonder with Settlers of Catan, a worldwide classic. This game didn't come from a big corporation or fancy focus group—no, its origins are far closer to home.

Get The Most Out of Your Groceries: Easy Ways to Use Food Scraps

Wait! Before you throw away that banana peel or compost your coffee grounds, you can give them another life. Here are some simple ways to start reducing waste and maximizing your grocery budget.

5 min read

Spreading Love and Positivity with Marco Santini

In this Happy[ness] Hour we meet Marco Santini and learn how this artist, inventor, and mentor found his life's purpose to spread love and positivity through art and education. Get a behind-the-scenes look at his art studio and learn about his most recent projects.

5 min read

Image: Steak, potatoes, and vegetables cooking on a grate over a hot campfire.

Stoking the Flames of Tradition: How Cooking Over Fire Connects Us With Our Roots

Cooking meals over open fire has long been tradition worldwide. And now, backyard chef Derek Wolf is bringing us back to our roots by bringing it back to the mainstream. His work reminds us that when you take the time to care about what you're doing—in this case, eating in the outdoors with carefully prepared food and good people—it makes everything better.

5 min read