StudioZer0 Beyond Survival

About StudioZer0 Beyond Survival

StudioZer0 Beyond Survival is a hybrid podcast where art, spirit, culture, activism & storytelling collide. Pull up a chair for conversations with artists, thinkers and curious humans exploring creativity, lived experience, resilience and the world around us. artsmartstudiozer0.substack.com (https://artsmartstudiozer0.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

StudioZer0 Art Inc. - Kelli Sharp

Category

arts · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

26 Aug 2025

Latest episode

8 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

79 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Nov 2026

   Len Zuks: Making Art Without Rules - The Creative Life Beyond Survival | S3 Ep03 PART B

   This is Beyond Survival: where art is lived, not consumed. In Part B, we continue our conversation with Western Australian sculptor, artist and filmmaker Len Zuks. Over soup, cake and a few rather big questions, Geraldine and Kelli explore the wonderfully unconventional world of Len’s artistic practice, where experimentation, curiosity and imagination often matter far more than following the rules. From ephemeral art and unconventional materials to restoring paintings after a devastating fire, Len shares stories about the creative process, artistic recognition, family history and the experiences that shape the way we see the world. But this conversation travels well beyond the studio. We find ourselves exploring memory, forgiveness, past lives, human potential, the influence of Joseph Campbell, creativity and the curious relationship between our experiences and the stories we inherit. There’s also a little discussion about AI, China, cultural perspectives and what happens when we look at familiar things through an entirely different lens. Len’s approach to life and art reminds us that creativity isn’t necessarily about having all the answers. Sometimes it’s about remaining curious enough to keep asking questions. And perhaps having the courage to make something without knowing exactly where it will lead. After all, art isn’t always about following the rules. Sometimes it’s about discovering that there were never any rules worth following in the first place. 🎙 THE PEOPLE AROUND THE TABLE 🎙 Hosts: Geraldine & Kelli🎧 Guest: Len Zuks🐾 Superhost: Gizmo🎬 Producer: Stephanie Davis IN THIS CONVERSATION • Len’s beginnings and evolution as an artist.• Experimentation, unconventional materials and creative freedom.• Ephemeral art, fire and the restoration of paintings.• The value of artistic work and recognition.• My Capable Hands and the possibilities of creative practice.• Family, memory, inheritance and forgiveness.• Creativity, ageing and human potential.• Joseph Campbell and the hero’s journey.• Past lives, consciousness and the bigger questions.• Latvian heritage, food, family stories and love.• Living beyond survival. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 Opening conversation and welcome1:23 Soup, survival and Baltic food traditions3:44 Len’s beginnings as an artist6:42 Learning and creative potential9:11 Art, recognition and the value of work11:09 Ephemeral art and the fire13:28 Restoring paintings and seeing them anew15:32 Venice Biennale and art’s impact18:08 Human stories, AI and simplicity21:04 My Capable Hands and Len’s practice23:39 Creativity, experience and ageing25:24 Conversation over food26:05 Len’s mother and the Boddington story30:15 Early exhibitions and art school32:14 Art history and creative change33:35 Materials, experimentation and confidence37:00 What My Capable Hands means39:44 Family history, mistakes and forgiveness43:13 Creativity, inheritance and gender49:47 Everyday life and priorities52:03 Beliefs about past lives and forgiveness56:36 Joseph Campbell and the hero’s journey58:36 Dessert, Latvian heritage and love stories1:04:59 Len reflects on living beyond survival1:09:28 Kindness and closing reflections1:11:02 China, invention and cultural perspective 🍲 BEYOND SURVIVAL @ THE TABLE LEN ZUKS 🇺🇦 🇱🇻Australian-Ukrainian-Latvian Sculptor & Artist Food has a way of opening doors to stories, memories and cultural connections. For this episode, our table brings together Baltic and Eastern European influences, family traditions and a little creative interpretation. 🇺🇦 ON THE MENU 🥣 Smoked Pork Hock & Yellow Split Pea Soup🥔 Crispy Potato Pikelets with Dill Sour Cream🍎 Apple Cinnamon Cake with Hazelnut🍮 Homemade Brandy Custard A little taste of Latvia, Ukraine and Australia, all served around one table. 📖 FULL ARTICLE & RECIPES 🎨 ARTIST WATCH | LEN ZUKS Discover more about Len’s artistic practice and his continuing exploration of creative possibility. 🏆 My Capable Hands | Life In Pictures Filmmaking Competition 🎬 Watch Len’s winning entry: 📚 FURTHER READING The Artist Who Never Stopped Seeing Possibility A closer look at the creative mind, artistic curiosity and the ability to see possibility where others might see limitations. ❤️ SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ART & STORYTELLING StudioZer0 Arts Inc. is a NOT 4 PROFIT arts organisation activating and connecting Australian artists and creatives with like-minded individuals and arts communities, glocally. Beyond Survival began as a conversation about moving beyond survival. It has since grown into a space for artists, thinkers, independent voices and people who believe there is still room for curiosity, creativity and meaningful connection. If you enjoy what we’re creating, you can help us keep the conversations going. ❤️ Support StudioZer0 Arts Inc.https://www.patreon.com/cw/StudioZer0ArtsInc Help Us Help Others — in their creative journeys. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌏 CONNECT WITH STUDIOZERO 🌐 Website: www.studiozeroart.org 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiozeroart7590 🟢 Spotify: 📰 Substack: https://substack.com/@artsmartstudiozer0 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiozer0.art 🔵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelli.sharp.studiozero.art 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@studiozer0.art 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@studiozer0.arts 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-sharp-83ab54a BEYOND SURVIVALArt. Spirit. Culture. Storytelling. Where art is lived, not consumed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artsmartstudiozer0.substack.com/subscribe (https://artsmartstudiozer0.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

2. 

   31 Oct 2026

   Len Zuks: The 20 Million to One Miracle | Beyond Survival S3 Ep03 PART A

   What do Baltic soup, Einstein’s fairy stories, gravitational waves, turmeric and the extraordinary journey of a sperm have in common? Well, they all found their way to the Beyond Survival table! Artist and sculptor Len Zuks joins Geraldine and Kelli for a wonderfully unpredictable conversation that travels from family heritage and childhood memories to science, philosophy, spirituality and the miracle of human existence. Len shares the story of his mother’s extraordinary deathbed message: “Stand up, don’t sleep, be the captain.” A few words that would fundamentally reframe his understanding of women, family and the role they play in shaping our lives. We explore Len’s concept of “muteplomacy” (mute diplomacy), why he believes the Three Wise Men brought turmeric rather than gold, and how reading a scientific article about sperm completely changed his approach to life. Along the way, we get into gravitational waves, the meaning of existence, the power of changing our inner dialogue, near-death experiences, God, light and consciousness. From growing up as a Latvian-Ukrainian kid in post-war Australia to exhibiting at the Louvre, Venice Biennale and beyond, Len’s stories remind us that life is full of unexpected connections, extraordinary possibilities and questions worth asking. It’s funny, philosophical, occasionally outrageous and wonderfully human. Because at Beyond Survival, we believe the best conversations don’t necessarily follow a script. Sometimes you just have to follow the question marks! Join us at the table. WATCH & LISTEN 👇 START WATCHING HERE:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ1YDZSgzdonYRb5eun4FVjqIrW19u7iA&si=Q50EX7aI721C19rT 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss new episodes of Beyond Survival. Where art, spirit, culture and storytelling come together to reimagine the future. Created for artists, thinkers and those who don’t feel at home in fast culture, where art is lived, not consumed. MEET THE TEAM 🎙 Hosts: Geraldine & Kelli🎧 Guest: Len Zuks🐾 Superhost: Gizmo🎬 Producer: Stephanie Davis CHAPTERS | IN THIS CONVERSATION 00:00 – Opening: Einstein’s Fairy Stories00:16 – Welcome to Beyond Survival & Introducing Len Zuks01:30 – The Table: Baltic Soup, Borscht & Heritage04:38 – “Muteplomacy”: The Art of Honest Conversation06:30 – Pikelets, Potato Pancakes & Cooking Memories09:53 – Three Wise Men: Turmeric Instead of Gold?12:39 – Gravitational Waves & The Meaning of Life14:37 – “Stand Up, Don’t Sleep, Be the Captain”18:30 – Rita & the Bismarck: Captain of the House22:58 – Ageing, Love & Finding Connection25:14 – Street-Smart Kids, Lying & Fairy Stories34:16 – Food Break & The Sperm Journey38:15 – The Brick Metaphor: Changing Your Inner Dialogue45:11 – God, Light & the Periodic Table50:09 – Near-Death Experiences & Consciousness53:09 – Len Zuks: Artist & Sculptor STUDIOZER0 | ART, SPIRIT, CULTURE & ACTIVISM 🌐 Website: www.studiozeroart.org 🎙 LISTEN TO STUDIOZER0 BEYOND SURVIVAL 🍏 Apple Podcasts 🟢 Spotify | ❤️ Patreon | Support StudioZer0 Arts Inc. https://www.patreon.com/cw/StudioZer0ArtsInc ▶️ YouTube | Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@studiozeroart7590 🧵 Threads https://www.threads.com/@studiozer0.art 📰 Substack https://substack.com/@artsmartstudiozer0 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/studiozer0.art 🔵 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kelli.sharp.studiozero.art 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@studiozer0.arts 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-sharp-83ab54a 🍰 BEYOND SURVIVAL @ THE TABLE | RECIPES BEYOND SURVIVAL: THE TABLE WITH LEN ZUKS 🇺🇦🇱🇻 Australian-Ukrainian-Latvian Sculptor & Artist Food, heritage, memories and a little culinary history. Another gathering around the Beyond Survival table. 🍲 ON THE TABLE 🥣 Smoked Pork Hock & Yellow Split Pea Soup🥔 Crispy Potato Pikelets with Dill Sour Cream🍎 Apple Cinnamon Cake with Hazelnut🍮 Homemade Brandy Custard 📖 FULL ARTICLE & RECIPES: 🎨 ARTIST WATCH | LEN ZUKS MEET THE ARTIST Discover more about Len Zuks, his artistic practice, sculpture and creative journey. 🌐 Artist Profile: Len Zuks | WA Public Art Inventory 📚 SUBSTACK READINGS THE ARTIST WHO NEVER STOPPED SEEING POSSIBILITY A little more about the creative spirit, the journey and the possibilities that keep us moving. 📖 READ HERE: In a world of instant messages, let’s bring back the art of putting pen to paper! Share a Letter of Hope, a Poli RANT or a Letter of Love. Because sometimes the things that matter most deserve to be written, not just typed. ✍️ Your words matter. Your voice matters. 📩 Scan the QR code below to find out more and get involved! ❤️ HELP US HELP OTHERS Beyond Survival is about more than conversations. It’s about creating connections, opening doors, sharing ideas and supporting independent artists and creatives. Your support helps StudioZer0 continue creating opportunities and giving independent voices a place at the table. Art is not a luxury. Creativity is not optional. And life is certainly not meant to be lived on autopilot. Stay curious. Keep questioning. Keep creating. Beyond Survival | StudioZer0 Arts Inc. | NOT 4 PROFIT This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artsmartstudiozer0.substack.com/subscribe (https://artsmartstudiozer0.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

3. 

   26 Oct 2026

   BEYOND SURVIVAL @ THE TABLE | THREE WOMEN. THREE COUNTRIES. ONE TABLE. | S3 Ep01

   🫖 BEYOND SURVIVAL @ THE TABLE THREE WOMEN. THREE COUNTRIES. ONE TABLE. What happens when women from different countries come together around a table to share food, family stories, cultural traditions and the experiences that shape who we are? Welcome to a new season of StudioZer0 • Beyond Survival, where Ukrainian cook Oxana brings the warmth of her childhood kitchen to our table. Join us around the table where art, spirit, culture and storytelling come together over food, family histories and conversations that nourish more than the body. From traditional recipes and childhood memories to migration, identity, creativity and the unexpected connections between cultures, we explore the stories that make us who we are. Created for artists, thinkers and those who don’t feel at home in fast culture, Beyond Survival is a space where art is lived, not consumed, and where every story has a place at the table. So, put the kettle on, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. 🫖 🍲 ON THE MENU 🇺🇦 Horokhovyi supchik: a hearty Ukrainian split pea soup with smoked pork knuckles. 🥔 Draniki: crispy Ukrainian potato pancakes, served up with stories and a little kitchen experimentation. From childhood memories in Ukraine to building a new life in Australia, Oxana shares her personal journey, her family’s experiences, her relationship with sugar and the challenges of making a home far from the country where she grew up. Loise joins the conversation from her Kenyan perspective, discovering connections and differences between the potato dishes that are part of their respective food cultures. Along the way, we explore the traditions of peasant cooking, the cost of feeding a family, Ukrainian heritage, citizenship, and the remarkable ways food keeps our memories alive. Because sometimes, the most meaningful conversations happen over a warm bowl of soup. 🌍 THREE WOMEN. THREE COUNTRIES. ONE TABLE. At Beyond Survival, food is never just food. It is history, identity, migration, resilience and the stories we carry with us. We’re here for artists, thinkers, storytellers and anyone who doesn’t feel at home in fast culture. This is a place where art is lived, not consumed, and where culture brings us together. 🎙️ YOUR HOSTSOxana, Kelli & Loise 🐾 Superhost: Gizmo🎬 Producer & Editor: Kelli Sharp EXPLORE THE RECIPESRead the full Beyond Survival: The Table article, featuring Ukrainian-Ukrainian Australian-Latvian sculptor and artist Len Zuks, and discover more recipes from our table:https://artsmartstudiozer0.substack.com/p/beyond-survival-the-table-with-australian 🎧 FOLLOW STUDIOZER0 • BEYOND SURVIVAL 🟢 Spotify: ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiozeroart7590 📰 Substack: https://substack.com/@artsmartstudiozer0 ❤️ Support our work: https://www.patreon.com/cw/StudioZer0ArtsInc 💚 Help Us Help Others in their creative journeys. #BeyondSurvival #StudioZer0 #UkrainianCooking #FoodAndCulture #ThreeWomenOneTable ☕ SUPPORT THE CREATIVE JOURNEY Beyond Survival is part of StudioZer0 Arts Inc., connecting artists, creatives and curious minds through art, spirit, culture and storytelling. If you enjoy what we do and would like to help us support other creative journeys, you can contribute here: Scan and Support Help Us Help Others — in their creative journeys. Art is lived, not consumed. Beyond Survival | StudioZer0 Arts Inc. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit artsmartstudiozer0.substack.com/subscribe (https://artsmartstudiozer0.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

Contact StudioZer0 Beyond Survival

Guest appearances

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.