The Artist Rendezvous

About The Artist Rendezvous

The Artist Rendezvous is a podcast celebrating the creative act. Each week, host Samantha Pfotenhauer interviews creative entrepreneurs and artists about the inspiration behind what they have created and the process of making their ideas a reality. It takes grit, time, money, resources, and the willingness to move through obstacles to bring your art and passions into the world. Stories of creative risk are important and should be shared! As a listener, you can learn from the experience and insights of creatives sharing their work, and get inspired to take action in your own life.

Publisher

Samantha Pfotenhauer

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Nov 2025

Latest episode

6 May 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 May 2026

   12. The Grocery Store Rethought: Regenerative Food, Real Farmers, Real Joy, with Kevin Fishner of Radius Butcher & Grocery

   Kevin Fishner is the founder of Radius Butcher & Grocery — Austin's first regenerative grocery store and the closest thing to a farmer's market open every day. Radius is built on a simple but radical idea: what if your grocery store knew your farmers by name, tested your food for plastics and pesticides, sourced only what's in season from Central Texas land, and felt as warm and alive as a kitchen? Kevin came to this from tech — and from two bouts with Lyme disease that forced him to reimagine his relationship with food and his body. What emerged wasn't just a business, but a philosophy: smaller world, deeper relationships, more joy. This conversation covers all of it — the food, the farming, the why behind the prices, and what it really means to build something because you want it to exist. What We Discuss: What Radius actually is — and why the farmer's market every day model works Regenerative farming explained: soil health, rotational grazing, closed systems, and why it matters Why seasonal eating is more joyful, creative, and connective than convenient abundance Kevin's personal health journey with Lyme disease and what forced attunement to his body taught him The SEEDS framework: sleep, exercise, environment, diet, and stress — and why the playbook looks different for everyone The philosophy of eating from joy rather than fear Relationships as the most important thing — and how a grocery store can be built around that belief The real reasons food at Radius costs what it does — and what you're actually paying for Supply chain realities of working with small local farms The vision: a regenerative regional food system for Texas This Episode Is For You If… You've been curious about regenerative food systems, farmers markets, or Radius You care about where your food comes from and how it's raised You're navigating health challenges and looking for a more empowered relationship with food You've felt the tension between cost and values when it comes to eating well You're building something because you want it to exist in the world You live in or are visiting Austin and want to discover something genuinely special You're interested in how food, community, and place can shape a more meaningful life Notable Mentions: The Plastic List (https://www.plasticlist.org/report) study and endocrine disruptors, PFAS / forever chemicals, and third-party testing Origin Ranch and Freedom Farm eggs Follow + Visit Radius Instagram: @eatradius Website: eatradius.com Visit: 1912 East 7th Street, Austin, TX (at 7th and Chicon) Follow + Support The Artist Rendezvous If this episode resonated, share it with someone who would love it. Follow the podcast and leave a review or comment with your biggest takeaway. Instagram / YouTube: @theartistrendezvous Website: theartistrendezvous.com Reach out: hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life — and the mindset shifts that make it possible.

2. 

   8 Apr 2026

   11. Building a Creative Community That Actually Makes Money with Richard Samuel of Riches Art Gallery

   Richard is the founder of Riches Art Gallery — but what he’s built is far more than an art gallery. Located on the east side of Austin, Riches has become a living creative ecosystem: part gallery, part venue, part classroom, part third place. On any given week, you’ll find jazz nights, poetry slams, figure drawing, comedy, exhibitions, and a steady flow of people expressing themselves fully. This conversation explores what it takes to build a place where people feel safe, inspired, and like they belong — and why spaces like this are essential to a meaningful life. Richard shares how his upbringing, his transition from professional football to art, and his commitment to integrity shaped the gallery’s culture — and how an unconventional business model has made it both creatively alive and financially sustainable. What We Discuss: What Riches Art Gallery actually is — and why it works How to create a “third place” where people feel safe and inspired, including practical, tangible guidelines that Richard applies in his business to create a healthy culture Why traditional art galleries feel inaccessible — and how to change that How transparency builds trust and long-term community Creating emotional safety through clear boundaries and structure Representation — and being one of the only Black-owned galleries in Texas Moving beyond the “starving artist” narrative The ecosystem model: how events, rentals, and art sales feed each other Why constantly evolving your space keeps it alive How spaces shape our relationships, creativity, and experience of life Lessons from failure, ambition, and growing too fast The decision to leave professional football and choose art How Richard’s family nurtured him as an artist, and how you can nurture the kids in your life This Episode Is For You If… You want your creative work to be financially sustainable You’ve felt out of place in traditional creative spaces You care about community, connection, and meaningful experiences You’re building something and want it to actually last You’re an artist or entrepreneur figuring out viability You’re craving spaces that feel alive and human You live in Austin (or love it) and want to discover something special Notable Mentions: ⁠Lian Quan Zhen⁠ (https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hs=icdp&sca_esv=fa2472da3c8c11ba&rls=en&q=Lian+Quan+Zhen&source=lnms&fbs=ADc_l-aN0CWEZBOHjofHoaMMDiKpaEWjvZ2Py1XXV8d8KvlI3p-ML-906rRL_m6h4jR-tdAeyw6pOVABma0FfM0NmtARdcuGnZVoiSrEQCt2b10nLgJjnciRuscuXtl6T7LaQdCkfGD_59MD7oxsIhZlOUL-35chxRAW0KoV0H8UnTr9cfL5pIgi1wDFc-K04J5dGGlMPa6MviXZrsvZmXSkJWsVTrRUDIc0YsA3MaELSgREuSE9s6Y&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjY2uT14dCTAxWolCYFHfycGl4Q0pQJegQIDRAB&biw=1306&bih=703&dpr=2) Follow Riches Art Gallery Instagram: @richesartgallery Website: ⁠https://www.richesart.com/⁠ (https://www.richesart.com/) Upcoming Events: ⁠https://www.richesart.com/community-events⁠ (https://www.richesart.com/community-events) Visit: 2511 East 6th Street, Austin, TX Follow + Support The Artist Rendezvous Instagram / YouTube: @theartistrendezvous Website: theartistrendezvous.com Reach out: hello@theartistrendezvous.com If this episode resonated, share it with someone who would love it. Follow the podcast and leave a review or comment with your biggest takeaway. The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life — and the mindset shifts that make it possible.

3. 

   18 Mar 2026

   10. Jack Sanders: Sandlot Baseball, Placemaking, and Building a Living Work of Art

   Jack Sanders has spent the last twenty years building far more than a baseball team. He founded the Texas Playboys — Austin’s beloved sandlot baseball club — and later created The Long Time, a one-of-a-kind venue and community space in Far East Austin that feels part baseball field, part art project, part gathering place, part social experiment. What began as a love of baseball has become a much bigger exploration of creativity, collaboration, belonging, and how meaningful places are made. In this episode, Jack shares how his years playing with the Newbern Tigers in rural Alabama transformed the way he understands architecture, service, and community. What started as an architecture thesis project became a life-changing education in collaboration, resourcefulness, and the kind of placekeeping that can’t be manufactured from the outside. We talk about how sandlot baseball became a vehicle for joy, why the best creative work often emerges through iteration rather than perfection, and how The Long Time has become a living laboratory for a more alive and participatory way of making things. Jack’s work is about baseball, but in many ways, baseball is the excuse to reclaim fun, build places where people feel they belong, create with what you have, and to let curiosity and collaboration shape something more beautiful than you could have planned alone. What We Discuss: How the Texas Playboys grew from one sandlot team in Austin into part of a worldwide sandlot baseball movement Why fun, imagination, and freedom from critique leads adults to play some of the best baseball of their lives How Jack’s time with the Newbern Tigers in rural Alabama reshaped his understanding of architecture, service, and community What he learned from Rural Studio and architect Samuel Mockbee about service, collaboration, and learning from community The surprising role baseball played in supporting community care Why the best creative work comes through collaborative, iterative design rather than rigid plans or individual genius How The Long Time became a living, breathing creative project — part venue, part art installation, part laboratory The concept of “dirty minimalism” and creating beauty through constraints, recycled materials, and resourcefulness Why unfinished, evolving work can still be deeply aesthetic, meaningful, and successful What it means to create places where people feel relaxed, welcomed, and like they truly belong How Austin’s artistic lineage has shaped Jack’s work and the ethos of The Long Time Why baseball is often just the excuse for something deeper: connection, expression, experimentation, and collective joy Notable Mentions: The Newbern Tigers / Newbern Baseball Club Rural Studio and Samuel Mockbee ⁠YETI film⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNk61iDebno) featuring the Texas Playboys Sandlot Revolution ⁠podcast episode⁠ (https://open.spotify.com/episode/07tTTLusqq1NLKfYQh6MxJ?si=kEQ3-1ReQT6qVq_90BBGUw) featuring Jack Sanders Creative Influences: William Christenberry (photographer), Walker Evans, James Agee and Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, Willie Nelson, Richard Linklater, Armadillo World Headquarters, Tim Kerr, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett, Liz Lambert, Ben Kweller Steve Ross (UT professor) Follow The Texas Playboys and The Long Time Visit ⁠The Long Time⁠ (https://www.thelongtime.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorHomRpkp7dk2TjFkx44Vl9ZnTSaGL7VwnJuCX3K1LrC_DBDr9R) for a game, whether it be the Texas Playboys or one of the many other sandlot teams that play there! ⁠Get a ticket⁠ (https://janix.ai/fusebox/project.html?slug=a-great-play) to the Texas Playboy game at Fusebox Live on April 18! The game (called “The Great Play”) will take place at The Wishing Well in Lockhart. Tickets are $10. Follow on Instagram: @⁠thelongtimetexas⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/thelongtimetexas/) and @⁠texasplayboysbaseball⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/texasplayboysbaseball/) and Jack Sanders ⁠@dba_jacksanders⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/dba_jacksanders/) Follow + Support The Artist Rendezvous Follow the podcast and leave a review or comment with your biggest takeaway Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @theartistrendezvous Website: theartistrendezvous.com Reach out: hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create.

4. 

   4 Mar 2026

   09. Tom Girl: Heartbreak, Grief, and Transformation with Quentin

   Quentin has been creating for most of their life — theater, dance, vocals, performance, music — but this conversation centers on a project that took nearly three years to complete: their new album Tom Girl, an homage to the intensity, joy, heartbreak, and becoming of your twenties. What started as a “little solo side project” became something much deeper: a vehicle for grief, endings, identity, queerness, and a return to love — the kind you only reach after you’ve walked through anger and resentment without judging yourself for feeling them. We talk about what it looks like to let creativity lead you somewhere before you consciously understand where you’re going — and how art can become the place you process what life is putting you through. What We Discuss: How creating music became a way to process grief, anger, and a painful breakup when talking or “moving on” wasn’t possible What to do when a creative project starts before you realize a chapter of your life is ending — and how to let the work guide you through it How choosing creation over self-destruction can become a practical tool for emotional regulation and healing Why resentment often points to unclaimed personal power — and how moving through it leads to peace and clarity Navigating queer identity, androgyny, and self-expression without shaping yourself to be more “acceptable” to others How learning to set boundaries made deeper love, safer relationships, and stronger creative work possible What actually goes into making an album — and how environment, collaboration, and production choices shape the emotional impact How to stay persistent in the creative industry, keep choosing your art during financial instability, and build a career without giving up on yourself This Episode Is For You If… You’re in your twenties (or healing from your twenties) and want to feel seen You’ve ever used creativity to survive grief, heartbreak, or identity rupture You’re learning boundaries after years of over-giving or people-pleasing You want a real look at what goes into making an album (emotionally + technically) You’re trying to build a creative life without stable money — and still keep going Notable Mentions: Listen to ⁠Cleo Sol⁠ (https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ETLPQkcEd7z4k3IbZmXMq?si=h6UP9R3IQzCjScmrl9aaFA), as a solo artist, as well as the band she performs in, ⁠Sault⁠ (https://open.spotify.com/artist/1uRxRKC7d9zwYGSRflTKDR?si=XdSBoiLRSjekelVDPYHHbQ) Check out ⁠Turnover⁠ (https://open.spotify.com/artist/0gLjJuczGWhqKVMmVpIT52?si=PLUSRtdORrSi4AHvBlSoiA) and hit song “⁠Cutting My Fingers Off⁠ (https://open.spotify.com/track/0Wl2RALqRacaIJhnlRHK8J?si=48da430937a04e7b)” ⁠Poems and Power⁠ (https://www.chelsiediane.com/) women studies class with Chelsea Diane Follow Quentin: @itsquentin  (https://www.instagram.com/itsquentin/?hl=en) Follow + Support The Artist Rendezvous If you enjoyed this episode, the best way to support the show is to share it with a friend, follow the podcast, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway. Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @theartistrendezvousWebsite: theartistrendezvous.comReach out: hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life and the mindset shifts that enable artistic success.

5. 

   11 Feb 2026

   08. Sharing My Story: Career Pivots, Changing My Life, and the origins of The Artist Rendezvous with host, Samantha Pfotenhauer

   In this episode, the roles are reversed. Instead of interviewing a guest, Samantha Pfotenhauer — host of The Artist Rendezvous — sits in the guest seat as her friend Bradley interviews her about the winding, honest path that led her from a life centered on productivity and ambition – practicing corporate law in New York City – to a life centered on creativity. What begins as a conversation about career pivots quickly opens into something deeper: how unprocessed trauma quietly shapes our choices, how curiosity creates exits where none seem to exist, and why creativity is not a frivolous exploration, but a skill that can provide direction and confidence. Samantha shares about panic attacks, leaving a prestigious legal career, dismantling an entire life she had built, and choosing aliveness over numbness again and again. This episode is about what happens when you stop trying to force yourself into a life that looks good on paper — and start listening to what your body, intuition, and creativity have been asking for all along. You’re successful on paper but quietly miserable What We Discuss: Leaving a “golden path” career in law and confronting the fear of starting over without a clear plan How unprocessed trauma and panic attacks quietly dictated career choices — and what changed when it was addressed Why curiosity and openness are foundational skills to build a meaningful life Choosing aliveness over numbness, even when it brings instability, grief, and identity loss The courage it takes to be bad at something publicly — and why that’s essential to creating anything meaningful How creativity becomes a tool for emotional regulation, healing, and self-trust The three pillars behind The Artist Rendezvous: inspiration, creativity, and connection What it means to live a creative life that is rooted in service, beauty, and community rather than status or certainty This Episode Is For You If… You feel a pull toward creativity but don’t know how to trust it You’ve experienced panic, burnout, or emotional shutdown and want to understand why You’re navigating a major identity shift — career, relationship, or belief system You want permission to start before you feel ready, polished, or confident You’re craving a more alive, intentional way of living Notable Mentions: Human Design (learn more at ⁠moonrisecommunity.com⁠ (http://moonrisecommunity.com/) and our ⁠Youtube⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@moonrisecommunity)) Somatic and trauma-informed healing work - check out Sam’s website ⁠www.wildriver.live⁠ (http://www.wildriver.live/) Austin, Texas as a creative and connective ecosystem The concept of “aliveness” as the space between terror and ecstasy, inspired by ⁠Annie Lalla⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/p/CuS1pEwI9gz/) Follow + Support The Artist Rendezvous If this episode resonated, the best way to support the show is to share it with someone who needs it, follow the podcast, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway. Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @theartistrendezvous Website: theartistrendezvous.com Reach out: hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life — and the mindset shifts that make it possible.

6. 

   28 Jan 2026

   07. Nothing Lasts Forever: The Economics, Emotions, and Ethics of Closing a Business with Grace Vroom

   Dear Dry Drinkery was a shop that sold non-alcohol drink options, including wine, beer, and spirits. But in the years that it was in business, Dear Dry became a community living room for sober-curious Austinites. However, after two years in their brick-and-mortar location (and a few more years operating out of a food truck), Grace Vroom and her husband Joe made the decision to close their doors. In Part 2 of our conversation, Grace shares what went into that choice — including unexpected personal loss, break-ins, shifting market realities, and the honest realization that the business had grown into something different than the “simple little shop” they originally envisioned. (If you missed it, catch Part 1 to hear all about the creation of Dear Dry, Grace’s sober journey, and the importance of pursuing your creative passions, even when its hard.) This is a candid conversation about entrepreneurship that is sometimes overlooked: the hidden costs, the emotional weight of being so publicly available, and the courage it takes to end something at the right time. Grace also reflects on what Dear Dry gave her: proof that she can do hard things, a deeper relationship to community, and a new clarity about how she wants to create going forward. What We Discuss: Running a business during personal turbulence: Llosing her mom during their first Dry January The emotional + financial toll of break-ins When the market catches up to your mission: major retailers carrying NA products, shifting customer behavior, and margin pressure When the business looks different than you expected: how Dear Dry became an event space, community hub, and a bar/restaurant consultancy, rather than just a shop The real cost of a brick-and-mortar: rent, utilities, security, events, broken shipments, and constant “small emergencies” Defining success on your own terms and why closing the business did not feel like a failure The power of telling founders you admire that they matter — how one comment can carry someone for months What she’d tell someone feeling embarrassed about closing — and how to handle the “I knew you wouldn’t last” energy The post-close blank space: rebuilding confidence, choosing stability, and making room for the next creative chapter This episode is for anyone who: Has built something and is questioning whether it’s time to let it go Is too afraid to start a project or business because of the fear of it closing Feels pressure to “keep going” even when it no longer fits Wants a realistic look at what brick-and-mortar retail actually demands Is navigating grief or major life change while still trying to show up for their work Needs permission to redefine success, set boundaries, and choose sustainability Subscribe to The Artist Rendezvous on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations with inspiring creatives. Follow The Artist Rendezvous: Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @theartistrendezvous Website: www.theartistrendezvous.com (http://www.theartistrendezvous.com/) Reach out to Samantha at hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life and the mindset shifts that enable artistic success.

7. 

   14 Jan 2026

   06. What Happens When You Stop Drinking? Grace Vroom on Building a Sober-Curious Life and Business

   Grace Vroom was afraid sobriety would ruin her life. Instead, it made her a creative entrepreneur. Grace is the co-founder of Dear Dry Drinkery, Austin’s only non-alcoholic bottle shop, which was located in East Austin. Dear Dry is more than a store. It’s a beautifully curated space where ritual meets intention — offering non-alcoholic wines, beers, spirits, and functional beverages that bring all the flavor and none of the hangover. Since launching as a tiny custom trailer, Grace and her husband Joe have built a thriving brick-and-mortar business that’s become a hub for conscious celebration, creativity, and community connection. After this episode was recorded, Grace and Joe made the decision to permanently close Dear Dry Drinkery. Come back for episode 7 in two weeks to hear about what went in to that decision. In the meantime, this episode is still relevant and inspirational, even though Dear Dry is no longer in business. What We Discuss: In this episode, Grace and I talk about what it really means to rewrite your rituals and reclaim your life. Here’s what we explore: Grace’s sobriety story — what made her realize alcohol was draining her joy, power, and time How building Dear Dry Drinker started as a dream and took shape through scrappy action, a food truck, and a lot of courage Ritual, connection, and social pressure — and what happens when you decide to opt out of drinking How non-alcoholic beverages can help preserve celebration while protecting your well-being The emotional and logistical challenges of starting a small business from scratch in Austin The surprising gift of boredom, play, and doing "kid things" as a path to reconnect with joy The impact Dear Dry Drinkery is having on customers — and why one thoughtful conversation can keep someone on their sober path This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered: How to stop drinking without losing your social life or identity What a non-alcoholic lifestyle can actually look and feel like How to build a business from scratch, especially when people don't get your vision Where to find joy, beauty, and ritual — without the booze What it takes to start over and create something truly meaningful Credit for Dear Dry Drinkery Photos: Carson Rounds Subscribe to The Artist Rendezvous on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations with inspiring creatives. Follow The Artist Rendezvous: Instagram/TikTok/Youtube: @theartistrendezvous Website: www.theartistrendezvous.com (http://www.theartistrendezvous.com/) Reach out to Samantha at hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life and the mindset shifts that enable artistic success.

8. 

   10 Dec 2025

   05. Tea as Community: The Magic of Gong Fu Cha with So-Han Fan

   What started as a biologist importing tea for friends became Austin's most unique gathering place. So-Han Fan, founder of West China Tea, shares how an ancient Chinese tea practice facilitates authentic connection in our disconnected world. What We Discuss: What is tea? - why most things we call "tea" isn’t actually tea Gong Fu Cha magic - the folk art of brewing that demands presence and rewards patience Tea as plant medicine - the four compounds that create "tea drunk" euphoria without the crash Community without trying - how the right environment naturally melts strangers into friends From scientist to tea entrepreneur - meeting farmers in Chinese mountains and accidentally starting a business Inclusive community by design - how tea creates an engaging, friendly space that welcomes everyone and encourages authenticity Chi and water memory - Sohan's take on why tea works instantly on your body Visit West China Tea New Location: 1715 E 7th Street, Austin Website: westchinatea.com YouTube: ⁠⁠TeahouseGhost⁠⁠ (https://youtube.com/@teahouseghost?si=xA9IHmw9IbOczLec) (tea education videos) Social: @westchinatea For Anyone Who Craves authentic community connection Values community building Feels curious about mindful practices Loves learning about plant medicine and ancient rituals Subscribe to The Artist Rendezvous on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations with inspiring creatives. Follow The Artist Rendezvous: Instagram/TikTok/Youtube: @theartistrendezvous Website: www.theartistrendezvous.com (http://www.theartistrendezvous.com/) Reach out to Samantha at hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life and the mindset shifts that enable artistic success.

9. 

   3 Dec 2025

   04. Living with Art: What We Surround Ourselves with Matters with Nick Campbell

   Nick Campbell has built a career spotting the gaps in the art world and filling them—first in London, now in Austin. As an art advisor and founder of the Campbell Art Collective, Nick helps individuals and communities connect more deeply with art. In this episode, he shares about his journey starting and growing several businesses, what makes a piece worth collecting, why collecting art is a meaningful endeavor, and why public art projects are essential to thriving communities. What We Discuss: What an art advisor actually does – helping people and companies build meaningful collections The “bug” of collecting – from buying a Warhol at 19 to launching a business at 25, and now owning and operating several businesses Why living with art matters – how collections reflect your inner world and life journey Breaking down intimidation around galleries and the misconception that art is “not for you” Founding the Campbell Art Collective – building community and spotlighting Austin’s local art scene The power of public art – from neighborhood voices to international installations on the Austin Trail Creating BITE – immersive dinners designed entirely by artists, blending food, music, and creativity The courage to leap – what it takes to start something new, from your 20s to your 40s The importance of saying yes – how small conversations and coffees help creative communities thrive This episode is for anyone who: Wants to feel less intimidated about galleries and collecting art Loves the idea of art as a reflection of self and life’s journey Believes in the power of community, creativity, and public art Enjoys hearing how entrepreneurs spot gaps and build something new Is curious about Austin’s growing art scene Visit and Support Nick's Work: Follow Nick on Instagram: @campbellartadvisory Join an event in Austin or Houston through Campbell Art Collective: campbellartcollective.com Campbell Art Advisory: campbellartadvisory.com Subscribe to The Artist Rendezvous on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations with inspiring creatives. Follow The Artist Rendezvous: Instagram/TikTok/Youtube: @theartistrendezvous Website: www.theartistrendezvous.com (http://www.theartistrendezvous.com/) Reach out to Samantha at hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life and the mindset shifts that enable artistic success.

10. 

    26 Nov 2025

    03. Kelly Frye: Acting, Artistry, and the Courage to Leap

    Kelly Frye has spent nearly two decades acting on television, with roles on Criminal Minds and Disney Channel’s Secrets of Sulphur Springs. In this episode, she pulls the curtain back on what acting really demands—the artistry, the collaboration, and the mindset that makes performances resonate. Kelly’s story is also one of courage and engagement: a woman who left the “safe” path to follow her passion, and who now brings that same creative energy into her community in Austin. We discuss: Acting as collaboration on a massive scale—and why it can still feel lonely The moment she knew she had to pursue acting instead of law What it feels like to be on the wrong path, and the signs to look for The artistry behind acting—what makes performances truly resonate Why creativity is essential, and how Kelly describes it as oxygen Where confidence really comes from (and how self-doubt still shows up) Why she throws herself fully into her community and causes she believes in The value of volunteering and how giving back becomes a form of self-care Taking leaps of faith and trusting that life will work itself out The impact of great coaches in youth—and how they shape confidence for life The freedom of making mistakes and why play matters in artistry Connect with Kelly Frye: Instagram: @kellyfrye Check out Kelly’s New Wearable Art & Purse Line: https://kellycampbellcollection.com/ (https://kellycampbellcollection.com/) Volunteer at the Trail Conservancy: thetrailconservancy.org (https://thetrailconservancy.org/) This episode is for anyone who: Wants to know what a long-term acting career is really like Is wondering if they’re on the wrong path and searching for signs of change Believes in the power of community, volunteering, and creative risk-taking Needs encouragement to trust the leap and see where it takes them Loves hearing how artists bring creativity into both work and life Subscribe to The Artist Rendezvous on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations with inspiring creatives. Follow The Artist Rendezvous: Instagram/TikTok/Youtube: @theartistrendezvous Website: www.theartistrendezvous.com (http://www.theartistrendezvous.com/) Reach out to Samantha at hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life and the mindset shifts that enable artistic success.

11. 

    19 Nov 2025

    02. Faith Over Fear: A Midlife Career Change with Nina Gordon

    What happens when you realize at 35 that you need to change your career? In this episode, I sit down with Nina, the owner of Take Heart, one of Austin's most cherished shops. Nina is the owner and curator of Take Heart, located in East Austin. After 15 years as a social worker, Nina made a courageous career transition at age 35, following her creative instincts to open a store that celebrates handmade beauty and thoughtful gifting. Her shop features carefully curated pottery, home goods, jewelry, natural beauty products, and textiles. Over the past 14 years, Take Heart has become a beloved Austin destination, supporting local makers and creating an ecosystem where art, community, and commerce beautifully intersect. What We Discuss: In this conversation, Nina and I explore the journey from burnout to creative fulfillment. Here's what we dive into: Nina's awakening at 35 - the moment she realized she didn't want to spend 30 more years in social work and how "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron sparked her transformation The spiritual foundation of creative courage - how Al-Anon and developing faith in something greater gave her the confidence to take risks and trust her inner guidance Leap of faith - how as soon as Nina started taking action on her ideas, tangible opportunities, including business classes, a loan, and mentors, appeared along her path The art of curation as creativity - why Nina sees herself as a creative collaborator, building an ecosystem that connects makers with art lovers Building sustainable creative business - how she kept her social work job for three years while growing Take Heart, and why the three-year mark was crucial for financial independence Creating community through commerce - the unexpected joy of watching customers discover new artists and how her shop serves as a platform for local makers to build their businesses The collaboration with the universe - Nina's approach to receiving creative ideas and acting on them with faith rather than fear Connect with Nina: Visit: Take Heart, 1211 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas Instagram: @takeheartshop Website: https://www.takeheartshop.com/ (https://www.takeheartshop.com/) Parking: Available in the back of the building! Noteworthy Mentions Incense Sam loves from Take Heart: Oedo-koh Incense (https://www.takeheartshop.com/collections/scents/products/oedo-koh-incense-set) Set (favorite scent is Chery Blossom) "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron - the workbook that changed Nina's life "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert - great book on recognizing and acting on creative ideas Al-Anon - the spiritual program that taught Nina faith over fear BIGG Austin - nonprofit offering affordable business classes A+ Federal Credit Union - provided the zero-interest loan that started it all Natalie Davis - Nina's Austin-based business coach For Creatives & Entrepreneurs This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to: Make a mid-life career transition from stable job to creative entrepreneurship Overcome fear-based thinking through spiritual practice and community support Start a creative business with limited capital and no experience Build sustainable income while maintaining artistic integrity Create businesses that serve and support other creatives Develop gratitude practices that fuel long-term success Subscribe to The Artist Rendezvous on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations with inspiring creatives. Follow The Artist Rendezvous: Instagram/TikTok/Youtube: @theartistrendezvous Website: www.theartistrendezvous.com (http://www.theartistrendezvous.com/) Reach out to Samantha at hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life and the mindset shifts that enable artistic success.

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    12 Nov 2025

    01. Behind the Scenes with Music Legends: Joshua Timmermans on Emotional Intelligence, Flow States, and Creative Risk

    What happens when you trade a six-figure corporate job for a camera and a dream? In this episode, I sit down with Joshua Timmermans, the photographer behind some of music's most iconic moments. Josh is a professional music and entertainment photographer, media content manager, and creative consultant through his business Noble Visions. Over the past decade, he has photographed some of music's biggest legends including the Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Widespread Panic, Missy Elliott, Kenny Rogers, My Morning Jacket, Slightly Stoopid, and The Revivalists, among many others. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Spin Magazine, Billboard, and countless album covers and artist publications. In this conversation, Josh and I explore the creative journey from corporate success to artistic fulfillment. Here's what we dive into: Josh's leap from six-figure corporate marketing to music photography - the pivotal moment he realized he was "excelling at someone else's dream" and how he built the courage to leave AT&T The role of emotional intelligence in creativity - how Josh learned to recognize and work with his emotions, including a powerful story about photographing Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' final performance together What creative flow actually feels like and how to access it - Josh's insights on getting out of your own way, the meditative nature of photography, and why thinking about flow makes it disappear Building a sustainable creative business without losing your artistic soul - how Josh balances "photos that sell tickets" with "photos that sell emotions" and why he focuses on partnerships over competition Staying creatively dynamic with long-term clients - strategies for keeping work fresh after photographing the same artists for over a decade, and why emotion trumps technical perfection Instagram: @joshtimmermans Website: noblevisions.com Business: Noble Visions This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to: Transition from corporate work to creative entrepreneurship Develop emotional intelligence as a creative tool Build sustainable creative businesses Access flow states more consistently Navigate client relationships while maintaining artistic integrity Subscribe to The Artist Rendezvous on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations with Austin's most inspiring creatives. Follow The Artist Rendezvous: Instagram/TikTok/Youtube: @theartistrendezvous Website: www.theartistrendezvous.com (http://www.theartistrendezvous.com/) Reach out to Sam at hello@theartistrendezvous.com The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life and the mindset shifts that enable artistic success.

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    11 Nov 2025

    Welcome to The Artist Rendezvous

    Learn about this special creative project and why I brought it into the world. Follow me on social media (Instagram, Tiktok, YouTube) at @theartistrendezvous. Visit my website www.theartistrendezvous.com Contact me, Samantha Pfotenhauer, at hello@theartistrendezvous.com

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