The popularity of podcasts is growing every day. Podcasting itself is also adapting to the times and changing its format, responding to interests and moods in society. The podcast guests are exotic painter Laura Limbourg, who is currently in residence at the Telegraph, and traditional motif tattoo artist & founder of the long-lasting souvenir home Lenny Lenert.
Save the date: Live podcast My Kids, Talk at the Telegraph, March 25, 6pm
Honza, you've been podcasting for more than two years. How did you get into podcasts and what is the main idea behind the My Kids from Station 2020 podcast?"
I know that's the most clichéd answer that can ever be uttered in the world, but I came to podcasts completely by accident. An accident with which I've recorded over 42 episodes, which is over 100 hours of pure material. The first wave of the pandemic started and this trend and the magic of audio came to the Czech Republic. At the time I was working on my collaboration with the PUMA brand called We the Children of Station 2020. I was meeting more and more interesting people, creating new projects with them and sitting face to face with people I felt compelled to interview. At a work meeting, it's rude to find out where the first fuck-up happened or how much the project actually cost. But when it's a podcast, there are no limits. My inquisitive self began to find out the details of the audio recording and editing process, while the other part of me, which sometimes enjoys being an attention whore, has meanwhile checked out every recording studio in the country.
The main idea was to showcase the destinies, ideas and inspiration that runs through people's veins and often may not be apparent at first glance, in this case listening. It only takes a few minutes and we often get to hear things that mortal ears would rather not hear at all. And we also get to get some serious kicks that make you get up from your nine to five job and create on projects that fulfill you. Nine to five becomes 24/7 and you're on the doorstep of the behind-the-scenes art scene.
You've done over 42 podcasts with various guests. How and why do you choose your guests?
Like everything in art, the choice of guests or the concept of questions is often based on the muse. She just walks in, definitely doesn't check in at the reception, doesn't ask questions in any way, and affects you and the functioning of your day to day. There are often so many smart people with talent around us, among friends and acquaintances. You need to open your eyes and see the drive they put into things. Of course, there are also situations when I want to invite a person I don't know personally. There's nothing easier than turning on Instagram and writing an invitation in a direct message. I'd say almost half of the guests have been invited that way. Whether it is journalist and singer Emma Smetana, tattoo artist Denisa Koppová, painter Martin Lukáč or photographer Barbora Gajová, it is beautiful that the outcome is always the same. The power of the voice that guides us through the conversation and opens up space for imagination.
Why did you decide to do podcasts live?
Spending a few hours behind a laptop coming up with a concept, questions, research or at the edit desk can be endless at times. The incredible drive then, however, is when you realise that there will be people who will listen for those few minutes. After attending Mariana Prachara's live podcast, I thought I'd give it a try too. To see the listeners with my own eyes, have a few drinks with them and chat outside the microphone output on the playback platform. At the same time to beat my childhood issue of being embarrassed to utter a single sentence in front of more than three people. It made me realize how essential a part of life speaking is for me. In this regard, a big thanks to my live podcast partner, Kaktus, for allowing me to host events in Prague or even in my hometown of Olomouc.
What kind of team do you have around you? Does anyone help you with recording, marketing and promotion, or do you do everything yourself?
I record individual episodes in the Elite Bloggers podcast studio. This has always been the case, except for my three-month getaway to Barcelona, when I recorded one episode on my phone's voice recorder. You'd be surprised, it can be recorded using the most ordinary technology in the world. The little box we all have in our pockets.
It's Team Elite that helps me record. Especially podcast manager Vaclav Wagner. But the other crew members also make sure everything is set up perfectly and the sound sounds like something out of a magazine. Behind everything else you will find only me. Besides editing, editing, promotion or marketing, I am also behind other activities that are related to recording. I illustrate a new cover for each episode and write the captions. Sometimes I get annoyed at how much detail goes into the sound. It's actually my strength and weakness at the same time. I have the urge to work on everything myself, in my own handwriting and style, but I'm aware that it will take a helping hand in the future. So if you're reading this and feel like contributing to the punk mayhem with a light touch, get in touch! Trust me, we won't be bored.
Outside of podcasts, you're into creativity and painting. What is the concept behind your creative venture #thejbcollection?
I founded TJBC almost five years ago. In that time the concept has gone through several changes, and if I were to describe it now with hindsight, I would still describe it as I did the first time. The goal is to pass on my drawings and paintings for products that people can distribute to each other. Even with a story. Each product has this in its "birth certificate". These are the letters you find with the products. Why have one original painting at home above the sofa when, thanks to the possibilities of a globalised world, we can spread it around the globe? Limited editions, themed drops, charity connections or big collaborations.
In addition to my concept, I like to put my hand to work by collaborating with foreign brands. For the Gemini Collection I took care of the complete product design visuals and for singer Lenny or the band We Are Domi, check out the cover singles. Some of them I took care of. Last autumn I created the theme for Diakonia Praha. It's a project where you buy a t-shirt to help build a new home for people with autism. Pre-orders are open until the end of March, so get in!
What can you look forward to in the future? I want to continue to connect my work between other projects and I believe you will see a new drop of clothing and accessories in the coming months. The online versions of the podcasts will continue to be accompanied by live events, so I hope to see you there! As well as at the launch party for the new drop.
By Sofiia Taranenko / Telegraph Coworking
Photo: Michaela Martinatova, Jakub Zeman
