The Artsy Raven Podcast about Writing and Art with host JF Garrard

Philip Caputo reflects on why writing is a calling, sharesthe life experiences that shaped his path from Marine Corps veteran to Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, and discusses his latest book, Wandering Souls.

Philip Caputo was born in Chicago in 1941 and educated atPurdue and Loyola Universities. After graduating in 1964, he served in the US Marine Corps for three years, including a sixteen-month tour of duty in Vietnam. In addition to Memory and Desire, he has written seventeen books, among them three memoirs, ten works of fiction, and four of general nonfiction.

His first book, A Rumor of War, is considered a classic of warliterature. It has been published in fifteen languages and has sold more than 1.5 million copies. A Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, Caputo has written dozens of articles in major magazines, op-ed pieces, and reviews for publications across the United States, including the New York Times, National Geographic, and the Chicago Tribune. He lives in Norwalk,Connecticut, and Patagonia, Arizona.

In this episode, Phillip reads from Wandering Souls.
Book link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1648211585?&tag=skyhorsepub-20

Artsy Raven links:
For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/

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Dean Gilmour reflects on his remarkable journey building atheatre company, shares how he transforms literary works into dynamic stage productions, and reveals the inspiration behind his latest production, Pu Songling: Strange Tales.

Dean Gilmour graduated from the University of Windsor withan Honours BFA degree in Dramatic Arts in 1976 and immediately traveled to Paris, France to attend the School of Jacques Lecoq. He has created, directed, and performed in 42 Theatre Smith-Gilmour productions and has performed hiswork in Toronto, across Canada and in 11 countries around the world. Dean has received 2 Dora Awards for best director, 2 for best actor, 2 for best production, and 1 for best new play for his work as actor, writer, and director in Chekhov Shorts and Chekhov Longs...In the Ravine.

Details about the English-language world premiere of PuSongling: Strange Tales at https://www.crowstheatre.com/
https://www.crowstheatre.com/shows-events/pu-songling-strange-tales
 
Artsy Raven links:
For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive freebooks and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonuscontent for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Jon Chiang reflects on how he found his voice as a documentarian, the experience of bringing SPRING AFTER SPRING to life, why having a side job can be essential for emerging filmmakers.

Jon Chiang of Chifa Studios is an award-winning Chinese-Peruvian filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC. Growing up straddling multiple identities, his upbringing has shaped his approach to his films. He’s worked with broadcasters including CBC, Knowledge Network and TELUS originalsand his films have screened at many film festivals including Whistler Film Festival, Vancouver Asian Film Festival and Reel Asian to name a few.

SPRING AFTER SPRING follows three Chinese Canadian sisters who all defied their mother’s wishes and became accomplished dancers. After their mother’s death, they reunite to lead Vancouver’s Chinatown Parade, forcedto choose between honouring their past or letting it go. SPRING AFTER SPRING recently had a successful world premiere at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival in November 2025 where it won the award for Best Canadian Feature.

Film information:
SPRING AFTER SPRING will have a screening and Q&A panelon Feb. 1st, 2026 at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in Vancouver.
Then it will have a theatrical run at the VIFF Centre on Feb. 6th, 8th, 9th, 15th and 17th. It will launch on the Knowledge Network for viewers across the country on February 17th.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/spring-after-spring-community-film-screening-tickets-1979911102405
https://viff.org/whats-on/spring-after-spring/
https://www.knowledge.ca/program/spring-after-spring

Artsy Raven links:
For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonus content for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Gemma Amor dives into how she transformed her short fiction into compelling podcast productions, why feminist body horror can be used to tackle thorny issues, and how writing from a place of joy strengthens connections with readers.

Gemma Amor is a Bram Stoker and British Fantasy Award-nominated horror author, editor, illustrator, and podcaster based in Bristol, UK. She was named one of Esquire's Writers Shaping Horror's Next Golden Age, and recently featured in Ellen Datlow's prestigious Best Horror of the Year anthology, Vol. 15.
Gemma loves to write about misunderstood monsters, both human and supernatural, as well as feminist horror. 

In this episode, Gemma reads from Itch!
Website link: https://gemmaamorauthor.com/
Podcast link featuring Gemma’s stories: https://www.thenosleeppodcast.com/

Artsy Raven links:
For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/

If you really like this show, please feel free to send us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonuscontent for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard

Hadil Ghoneim discusses writing in two languages, theimportance of keeping folktales alive, and how an online community supported the creation of her latest folktale book.

Hadil Ghoneim writes in Arabic and English. She has written many fiction and nonfiction books for children and young adults. Her book The Nights of Shaharzizi won the International award for Arabic Children's Literature, and Sisters Hana and Shefa was a finalist for best picture book for the same award. Her nonfiction essays for adult readers have appeared in Michigan Quarterly Review, Arab LitQuarterly, and other publications. When not writing (or playing tennis), Hadil is engaged in community projects revolving around culture, dialogue and storytelling. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

At time 21:14 she reads from Arabic Folktales for Children: Timeless Stories to Share in English and Arabic.

Book link: https://www.tuttlepublishing.com/middle-east/arabic-folktales-for-children-9780804858076

Author website: https://hadilghoneim.com/

Artsy Raven links:
For more about The Artsy Raven Podcast or to join our exclusive Artsy Raven club to receive free books and other cool stuff, visit: https://artsyraven.com/

If you really like this show, please feel free tosend us a digital tip https://ko-fi.com/jfgarrard

Patreon subscribers remember to access your bonuscontent for each episode: https://www.patreon.com/jfgarrard