MAD CREATIVE with Leyden Lewis + Ed Lederman

About MAD CREATIVE with Leyden Lewis + Ed Lederman

Mad Creative is an intimate platform created to be shared with individuals exploring and sharing their lives, processes, joys, and challenges. Our discussions include artists, comedians, painters, jugglers, print-makers, writers, animators, photographers, musicians, and those creatives we have yet to think about or yet discovered. Our guests reveal their passions and inspirations and what it takes them to live and thrive as a creative. We know it’s not always an easy path. Let’s talk about it! We want to know what the essence of your creativity is and what keeps it alive in all dimensions both professionally and personally. We hope you will join us in listening and hopefully participate in the madness as we journey into the minds of varying creative thoughts and modalities. We encourage you to email us if you want to share your story. You never know you just might be the next guest! Ed Lederman is a professional photographer with 40 + years of experience. Ed’s signature eye has created a unique spin on architectural photography in and throughout NYC. As a Creative-Coach, Ed works with individuals to help them attain the next level in their own professional /life vision. Through disciplined practices, Ed shepherds his clients to “get them into their essences” and ultimately into a thriving career and life. The Standard Culture site is quoted as: “Photographer Ed Lederman is a lover of New York. Looking at his images is somewhat of a love letter to the city” Leyden Lewis is an interior and architectural designer, producing works in Los Angeles, NYC, and East Africa. He is also a collector and an aficionado of art and design. A true multi-disciplinarian- his work includes a rigorous design and fine art practice working in high-end luxury interiors and buildings, drawing more recently discovered a new passion: writing. Leyden is a founding member of the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) a not-for-profit organization with aims to expand the equity and visibility of black diasporic excellence in the art and design space. The duo takes the raw intimate nature of the conversations they’ve shared over the years to their podcast Mad Creative. The conversations (not interviews) are unscripted and never know where they are going to land …….that’s what’s so exciting!

Publisher

Lederman + Lewis

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

14 Mar 2023

Latest episode

13 Dec 2023

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Dec 2023

   Charlie Bennet - Photographer

   Mad Creative Podcast - Highlights Today we are talking with photographer, and soon to be documentary filmmaker Charlie Bennet IThe conversation opens with Charlie's captivating book, "On Pause: 3 Months that Changed New York," capturing the essence of NYC's transformative three months during the pandemic in the stark empty streets and the portraits of people affected by the pandemic. Epiphany and Late Bloomers Charlie unfolds his inspiring story, revealing his decision to pivot to photography at 38, escaping the confines of an unfulfilling advertising career. Creativity as a Poetic Journey Leyden, the poetic interior designer, shares insights into his creative path, highlighting the role of his support system and his affiliation with BADG (Black Artist and Designer Guild). Collaboration: Scales, Jazz, and Rock 'n' Roll Ed delves into the world of collaboration with young creatives, seamlessly integrating this aspect into his vibrant photography practice. Creatives Unite: Break the Echo Chamber! Charlie, Ed, and Leyden emphasize the transformative power of collaboration and encourage creatives to break free from their echo chambers. Corporate Life vs. Freelancer Wisdom Charlie sheds light on the distinctions between corporate life and the freelancer's journey, offering valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of each path. Value Creation and Fair Compensation for Freelancers Gain practical insights from Charlie, Ed, and Leyden on recognizing the value freelancers bring to the table and quickly turns into stories from all 3 about being compensated.. Connect with Mad Creative: Stay updated by following @madcreativepod (https://www.instagram.com/madcreativepod/) on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments and the latest podcast updates. Explore more about Charlie Bennett and his work at charliebennet.com (http://charliebennet.com). Join us as we celebrate the diverse and inspiring stories of these creatives on the Mad Creative Podcast. #photographer #interior design #documentary #creative #art ReplyForward

2. 

   29 Nov 2023

   Leyden Lewis talks about participating in newly released Architectural Digest documentary

   In this episode, our conversation kicks off with a deep dive into the Architectural Digest documentary film, "AD 100: The New Taste," where Leyden Lewis stands out as one of the featured designers at the 16.55 mark watch AD 100: The New Taste https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/ad100-the-new-taste (https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/ad100-the-new-taste). We explore the impact of being acknowledged as an exceptional artist by renowned platforms such as Architectural Digest , as well as by Leyden's discerning clientele. Delving into the road less traveled as a creative, Leyden shares insights into his design process, the poetic elements of his work, and the importance of building a community within one's space. Ed Lederman is steadfast in directing the spotlight towards celebrating Leyden, not only for his outstanding design work but also for the poetry embedded in his life and thoughts. The episode encourages viewers to engage with the film, the podcast, and the body of work produced by Leyden Lewis and Ed Lederman. For a deeper dive into their creative worlds, you can explore Leyden Lewis's portfolio at https://www.leydenlewis.com/ (https://www.leydenlewis.com/) and Ed Lederman's photography at https://www.edledermanphoto.com/ (https://www.edledermanphoto.com/). If you're a full-time creative and would like to share your journey on the show, reach out to us at madcreativepod@gmail.com (mailto:madcreativepod@gmail.com). We invite everyone to join us in experiencing the richness of their artistic contributions.

3. 

   20 Sept 2023

   Cathleen Campbell- Photographer , Filmmaker storyteller

   In today's episode of Mad Creative with Leyden Lewis and Ed Lederman we have the pleasure of chatting with Cathleen Campbell, a photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller. She shares her journey, including her first photographs taken at the tender age of 7, which she still treasures. Tune in to discover her unique process for capturing the humanity and vulnerability of people through street portraits. Leyden , Ed and Cathleen have a great conversation about the creative process and the hunger for likes on Instagram.They also talk about the value of their creativity. Cathleen also runs the YouTube channel Drama Mama News, where she offers a satirical news perspective from a Black woman's point of view. Don't miss this insightful conversation! You can see Cathleen’s work at https://cccpix.com/ (https://cccpix.com/)

4. 

   3 Aug 2023

   Malene Barnett

   Malene Djenaba Barnett, an accomplished multidisciplinary artist, textile designer, and community builder from Brooklyn, New York, begins the conversation by sharing the sources of joy in her life, such as walking on a sunny day, winning awards, and engaging in her creative practices. As the discussion unfolds, Ed, Leyden, and Malene delve deep into the topics of joy, inspiration, and happiness. Melanie then opens up about her origin story, recounting how her artistic journey began at the age of 5 when she started making mud pies. At 8 years old, she was selected for an art program, igniting her passion for painting portraits and playing the violin and piano. Despite being surrounded by mostly white girls in her early years, it was during 10th grade when she started doing self-portraits and listening to hip hop that she experienced the beginnings of her cultural awakening. The conversation takes a turn as they discuss the impact of racism on black artists,Leyden and Malene talk about some of those experiences. . Malene shares the challenges she has faced as a black artist, having to overcome various obstacles. Ed's comment that they are pioneers in their respective fields, leads to a discussion on how being labeled as pioneers can sometimes act as a trigger. Leyden candidly talks about his experience as a gay man and how it, too, has triggered emotional responses, while acknowledging that the effects of racism cannot be negated. The conversation shifts towards exploring their essences. Ed identifies joy, creativity, and devotion as central to his being. Leyden describes himself as embodying joy, richness, and color. Malene identifies caring and silliness as part of her essence, to which Leyden adds the word "warrior," symbolizing her unwavering commitment to her work and personal journey. Malene shares how embracing her warrior spirit transformed her success, leading her to establish the Black Artist and Designer Guild, which Leyden also became a member of. They emphasize the significance of support and community for artists and creatives, as it can empower them to overcome challenges and excel in their pursuits. In the final ten minutes of the conversation, Melanie, Leyden, and Ed reflect on the —greatness, joy, and magic. These concepts encapsulate the essence of their shared experience and creativity. The conversation concludes by acknowledging the richness of their dialogue, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the creative life and human experiences. Melanie and Leyden's feature in the April/2023 issue of Architectural Digest serves as a testament to their talent and collaboration. For those eager to learn more, the podcast offers a platform to delve deeper into this captivating and inspiring conversation. Additionally, you can explore Malene's work and learn more about her artistic endeavors at her website: https://www.malenebarnett.com/ (https://www.malenebarnett.com/).

5. 

   14 Jun 2023

   Helen Gillet - The Cellist

   Helen Gillet’s playing is improvised, intense, joyful, moody, artistic, and completely herself! @helengillet is a cellist, singer-songwriter, and surrealist archaeologist. Her reputation as an exceptional artist is reinforced by her collaborations with renowned musicians such as Smokey Robinson, Marianne Faithful, George S. Clinton, and Dr. John LeRoy Jones. On the #MadCreativePod Helen explores her creative process in depth and the emotions connected to it. Helen reflects on the idea of finishing a piece of music, comparing it to the last stroke of apainting and questioning whether it is ever truly complete. Catch her performance at Opus 40 in Saugerties, New York on June 16th at 6pm. @officialopus40, a grand surrealist sculpture worked on by artist and @bardgradcenter professor Harvey Fite for 37 years is discussed; including whether it was ever finished. #creative #cellist #singer #songwriter #performer #music #podcast

6. 

   6 Jun 2023

   Mary Jane Nealon- Poet , Writer, Nurse

   .proaching the creative procMary Jane Nealon has spent a life in service as a writer, innovator, and advocate for social justice in healthcare. Her memoir about her time as a nurse during the AIDS epidemic is titled “Beautiful Unbroken: One Nurse's Life”. In this episode of #madcreativepod we speak with guest @poetrysavesnealon about her two pillars of life and writing: joy and suffering. Writing about the human condition is in part informed from her own lived experience working as a nurse. She discusses the poems and essays that emerged from those periods, revealing how the vivid mental images from that time will continue to shape her future writing. Mary Jane recounts how a poem took her 23 years to develop in her mind, yet only a few minutes to put on paper. The conversation delves into Mary Jane Nealon's writing process and practices, exploring her writing life and the huge influence her father had on her. Her approach to starting a writing project is unconventional; and often doesn't start with a blank page. Mary Jane describes how the act of writing contributes to her healing process and helps her find hope. She shares the struggle that many creatives face when attempting to find time for personal projects. And emphasizes that fear of failure often accompanies the process of creating these projects. As the dialogue progresses, Ed and Leyden find common ground in their lack of enthusiasm for small talk, establishing a common bond among their differences on approaching the creative process.ess.

7. 

   23 May 2023

   Elissaveta Brandon - writer

   On this latest episode of #madcreativepod, we start the conversation with the tri-linguist Elissavetta Brandon (she speaks Bulgarian, French, and English) sharing how she feels like a different person in each language, and how this extends to her varying writing style in French and English.. Made in Bulgaria, raised in Morocco, and matured in the UK, Elissavetta Brandon now calls New York City home. #elissavetam writes about cities, buildings, objects, and materials, with a particular interest in biomimicry, branding, and the intersection of psychology and design. Elissaveta says she is most herself when she is in her “creative mode”. Ed loved this expression! And Leyden reveals he has 7 different handwritings! We discuss the creative maladies of blank page syndrome and the imposter syndrome and Elissaveta’s impressive commitment to writing an article a day. Her current personal work is writing about the attic of her childhood home as it relates to her family. We discuss New York landmarks: the @littleislandnyc & #TheVessel at @HudsonYards, and ideas of form, beauty, function, and sustainability follows.

8. 

   8 May 2023

   Daryl Goldberg

   Film producer Daryl Goldberg has been a Creative from the get-go. He attended NYU film school and from there made feature films, commercials, and wrote a book on independent filmmaking. Nowadays he works as a creative problem solver and has, quite literally, dived into a newfound passion for diving. It was during a dark period that diving helped bring him back to life. @daryl_bob talks about some of the magical experiences he’s had diving in his book “Life Lessons Learned Diving”, including : 1) Push your discomfort points to keep growing. 2) Don’t confuse simple with easy. 3) The importance of vulnerability During this latest episode of #madcreative pod, Daryl , Ed, and Leyden do a deep dive on grief. Will Leyden take up Daryl‘s offer to go diving?

9. 

   1 May 2023

   Billy Gerard Frank

   Billy Gerard Frank discusses his life as a multi-disciplinary artist. He sees each film frame as a painting, a theatre moment, and an art installation—a hybrid filmology that explores space and the relationship between actors. Billy shares with us his many influences: from his life growing up in Grenada as the son of a sailor and a boat-maker. In 2018 he represented Grenada at the Venice Biennale with his short film called “Absence of Love” which explores the relationship with his father “through the lens of two fictitious brothers processing the loss of their father”. Billy went on to represent Grenada again at the Venice Biennale in 2021. Billy has had recent shows at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio, and The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine. Listen in as he shares his unique morning practice, his thoughts on growing up as a gay outsider in Grenada, and how his perspectives have changed.

10. 

    11 Apr 2023

    S1-E4 Painter Lauren Bergman talks about her 3rd year of a 7 year project

    Leyden talks and celebrates his article with a great story all those amazing photos in Architectural Digest. He describes his collaboration with Malene Barnett to transform her townhouse in Brooklyn into a "Living Embodiment of Black Love.." https://www.leydenlewis.com/ (https://www.leydenlewis.com/) Lauren talks about her habit of leaving her studio door open at Mana Contemporary which is not the norm there. She tells the story of a person who she hadn't met before ,walking in to look around>. Her career and life are changed forever. Lauren talks about year 3 of the 7 year project she is working on. Her project Lives Eliminated , Dreams Illuminated is starting to get attention. See her project: https://www.laurenbergmanart.com/lives-eliminated-dreams-illuminated (https://www.laurenbergmanart.com/lives-eliminated-dreams-illuminated)Ed and Lauren are married and have completely different approaches to their creativity..

11. 

    30 Mar 2023

    Gary Lichtenstein

    Painter and master printer Gary Lichtenstein talks about his journey as an artist and goes deep into the collaborative process of silkscreen printing. Over the course of his remarkable career, Gary has worked with a wide variety of different artists, reinterpreting their work as silkscreen prints.Tune in to hear great, behind-the-scenes stories about working with artists like Dave Navarro and Cey Adams. And don’t miss the conversation about Gary’s amazing work with the artist, Eric Orr, during Covid. What they produced for Urban Pathways is just one example of how imagery and simple language, when combined, can become powerful messages. Check out Gary and the artists he has worked with at https://www.gleditions.com/ (https://www.gleditions.com/)

12. 

    14 Mar 2023

    Sherene Strausberg

    Emmy-nominated animator and art director, Sherene Strausberg, is the founder of 87th Street Creative, which uses motion graphics to tell stories for companies and nonprofits. Her award-winning animated short film “Cool For You” has been playing around the world, explains global warming to children, without frightening them. It has been accepted into 39 film festivals and won multiple awards, as well as distribution on two educational platforms. Part of her creative process comes in the form of her amazing networking capabilities. Sherene has recognized that “being seen” and “being bold” is existential to her life as a creative. Determined to not be in an echo chamber, she finds paradise collaborating with other creative-minded coaches, illustrators, and authors. Her superpower is storytelling with custom pictures and bespoke sound. The conversation with Ed and Leyden starts at 10AM with the mother of 3 which as she said is already midday for her and just getting the day started can sometimes be messy. The conversation moves to collaboration and creatives finding their value and so much more.....

13. 

    14 Mar 2023

    Ron Wilkins

    Ron Wilkins, "The Trombocalist", has played in Funny Girl on Broadway and presently plays with both the Dizzy Gillespie Band has his own band The Ron Wilkins Quintet. Ron shares about growing up in Texas as a young black musician, the influences of growing up a military kid, and his influences from the church,.........and that’s just where the conversation starts. Ron, Ed, and Leyden talk about their lives as creatives and the impact of Ron's 31 days spent in a coma on a ventilator as a direct result of Covid-19. Check out Ron at ronwilkins.net (http://ronwilkins.net) and at https://www.swingout.show (https://www.swingout.show)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings