U-M Creative Currents

Explore the transformative power of the arts! Introducing "Creative Currents" - a new podcast from the University of Michigan 's Arts Initiative that will tackle big and small questions at the intersection of art, culture, and society.

U-M Creative Currents is a arts podcast hosted by Arts Initiative, with 32 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Arts Initiative hosts U-M Creative Currents, a arts show with 32 episodes published.

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  Episode #3

  Noah Kaplan: Building Creative Businesses That Last

  Sep 25, 202634 minS5

  In this episode of Creative Currents , host Mark Clague sits down with University of Michigan alumnus and entrepreneur Noah Kaplan , '95, to explore how an arts education can become the foundation for a lifetime of creative innovation. As the founder and president of Leon Speakers , Noah has spent more than 25 years transforming an idea born from his background in art and design into a globally recognized company that blends premium audio, craftsmanship, and beautiful design. He shares the story behind Leon's early days, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and why leading with creativity—not just technology—has remained central to the company's success. The conversation also explores how Noah has expanded that same philosophy beyond Leon Speakers through ventures including York Food & Drink , Mothfire Brewing Company , and Blimpy Burger . Together, these businesses form what he describes as a "Creative Campus" in Ann Arbor—spaces where design, community, entrepreneurship, and local culture intersect. In this episode: Noah’s journey from New York to the University of Michigan How Noah founded Leon Speakers and built it into a global design and audio company How an arts education prepared Noah for entrepreneurship Advice for students and aspiring entrepreneurs The concept of arts as “team sport” Production Note: Creative Currents is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Brian Lillie. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

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  Episode #2

  Knight-Wallace Arts Journalism Fellowship: Brittany Moseley, 2025-26

  Jul 29, 202624 minS5

  What role does arts journalism play in strengthening communities—and what happens when those stories and funding disappear? In this episode of Creative Currents , host Mark Clague sits down with Brittany Moseley , the 2025-26 Knight-Wallace Arts Journalism Fellow and culture reporter for Signal Akron , to discuss the evolving landscape of arts reporting, public investment in the arts, and why local storytelling matters now more than ever. Whether you're an artist, journalist, educator, or arts advocate, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into the future of cultural reporting—and why telling these stories is more important than ever. In this episode: Inside the Knight-Wallace Arts Journalism Fellowship Innovative public funding models for the arts, including Cuyahoga County's cigarette tax and the Massillon Museum's property tax Advice for aspiring young arts journalists Production Note: Creative Currents is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Brian Lillie. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

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  Episode #1

  Beyond Graduation: How the Arts Shape Careers with Tony DeRosa & Anna Garcia

  Jun 25, 202623 minS5

  In this special Alumni Edition of Creative Currents , host Mark Clague sits down with two University of Michigan alumni who have built careers rooted in creativity, collaboration, and saying "yes" to the unexpected. Tony DeRosa , co-founder of Ann Arbor's Hear.Say Brewing , shares how a career in leadership development at Google led him back to Michigan to create a brewery where craft beer, improv comedy, and community come together. Actor and comedian Anna Garcia reflects on her journey from U-M to television, film, and the national improv scene, including roles in Fly Me to the Moon , Hacks , It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia , Party Down , and Die Hart . Together, Tony and Anna explore how the arts continue to shape their work long after graduation—from building confidence and embracing uncertainty to strengthening communication, leading teams, creating community, and forging unconventional career paths. Whether you're pursuing the arts professionally or simply looking to bring more creativity into your life, this conversation is a reminder that the skills developed through artistic practice extend far beyond the stage and well beyond your undergraduate experience. This episode launches Creative Currents: Alumni Edition , a special two-part miniseries that previews a larger October series released during the Michigan Arts Festival , spotlighting alumni, entrepreneurs, comedians, and creative changemakers. Together, these conversations explore one central question: You studied the arts at Michigan—now what? In this episode: Why improv is about much more than comedy How creativity fuels leadership, entrepreneurship, and creative innovation Building community through collaboration and shared experiences Navigating nonlinear careers and embracing unexpected opportunities Advice for current students on taking creative risks after graduation The launch of the inaugural Yes, Ann Improv Festival Production Note: Creative Currents is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Brian Lillie. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

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  Episode #9

  Film 101: Colin Gunckel

  Oct 21, 202530 minS4

  <p>In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague sits down with historian and professor Colin Gunckel from the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science and the Arts. Gunckel is a faculty member in both the Program in American Culture and the Department of Film, Television, and Media (FTVM), where he also serves as department chair.</p><p>Colin shares insights from his extensive experience teaching film and media studies. As a historian specializing in Latinx media and art, Latin American cinema, and popular culture linking the U.S. and Mexico, he brings a rich transnational perspective...

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  Episode #8

  Arts Research + Creative Practice: Clare Croft and Anne Mondro on U-M’s ARIA Program

  Oct 15, 202529 minS4

  <p>In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague talks with Clare Croft, Faculty Director of Research & Creative Practice for the U-M Arts Initiative, and Anne Mondro, visual artist and professor at the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design. This episode is part of Creative Currents’ special podcast series on the Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 – October 26, 2025).</p><p>Featured Programming & Highlights include:</p>ARIA Faculty Research Showcase, October 23 at 4 p.m., Michigan Union BallroomFaculty projects exploring art, health, design, and interdisciplinary collaborationWorks highlighted during the episode include: Mondro’s Tethered, Perpetual Sunshine & The Ghost Girls, The Heirloom Projec...

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