Let's Have a Renaissance
Welcome to Let's Have a Renaissance, a podcast about literature and the arts, where authors, editors, publishers, visual artists, performers, composers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals are coming together to discuss how to thrive in the arts in the twenty-first century.
Let's Have a Renaissance: The DateKeepers Podcast
141: How to Become Poet Laureate – A Conversation with Jennifer Militello
140: Artists in Love – A Digital Exhibition by Masha Ryskin & Serge Marchetta
139: Is Pop Music Still Pushing Boundaries? – A Conversation with John Garrison
138: Do the Voiceless Need a Voice? – A Conversation with Glenn Kurtz
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the origin story?
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A: One of our favorite things about multidisciplinary residencies like MacDowell is that they create spaces for writers and artists working in different disciplines to come together, share ideas, cross-pollinate, and support one another. We couldn’t find any podcasts where exchanges like that are being curated for public consumption. We decided to create one.
Q: Who do you interview?
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A: Traditionally published authors, artists, musicians, composers, performers, etc. ...basically anyone in the arts is eligible.
Q: Do you charge guests?
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A: No.
Q: Do you pay guests?
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A: No.
Q: Do you interview authors who've published with hybrid or vanity presses?
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A: No.
Q: Do you interview self-published authors?
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A: Rarely.
Q: Do you take referrals from agents and publishers?
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A: We're happy to receive referrals from agents and publishers, but we do not schedule intro calls or interviews through third parties. If you're not able to manage your own calendar, we can't trust you to show up for the interview.
Q: How about publicists?
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A: No. We no longer work with publicists in any capacity.
Q: I'd like to come on the podcast. What are next steps?
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A: The first step is an introductory call, which includes a free, 15-minute story consultation. If the intro call goes well and we're interested in moving forward, we'll follow up within seven days to schedule an interview.
Q: It's been more than seven days since my intro call, and I haven't heard from you. What did I do wrong?
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A: The most common reason we choose not to move forward with a prospectives guest is that they don't know how to tell a story or carry a conversation. Our podcast runs on narrative and dynamic interaction. No matter how much we edit, we won't be able to make you sound your best if these elements are missing.
Q: I really want to come on the podcast, but I'm not confident in my storytelling. What should I do?
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A: Ask us about story coaching.
Q: How long is the interview?
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A: We schedule 45 minutes. Please plan to be available for the full duration.
Q: Will you send me questions in advance?
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A: No. We'll discuss potential angles during the intro call, but the interview itself will be organic and unstructured.
Q: I’m a visual artist and want your listeners to see my work. Will you publish images with my interview?
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A: Our podcast is audio-only. If you’d like to share images with our listeners, you are welcome to produce a video showcasing some of your favorite pieces, which we’ll publish on our channel. You can view an example of such a video produced by artist Mark Marello here. Contact us to learn more.
Q: I'm a composer or musician. Can you play clips of my music during the interview?
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A: No. We tried this, but issues with copyright and other logistics discouraged us from continuing. The good news is that our listeners are highly engaged. If you talk about your work in a compelling manner, they will seek it out for themselves.
Q: I'm an author and have a book coming out next year. Can I reach out the week before the book launch to schedule an interview?
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A: No. We'll be happy to promote your book, but we schedule interviews months in advance. We’ll also need time to edit the interview. Please contact us at least six months before the launch date.
Q: Can I do an interview with all my artsy friends?
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A: We can host up to two guests at a time. More than that, and we can't ensure that everyone's voice is heard. So, yes, if you have only one friend. The upside is that we welcome referrals and nominations!
Q: Can I promote my products or services during my interview?
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A: No. We’re offering you a free opportunity to share your creative practice with a new audience, not to market other products or services.
Q: I have strong political opinions, and I want to preach them on your podcast. Cool?
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A: Not cool. Our podcast is a neutral venue, apolitical and non-partisan. Let's focus on the art that we make and the stories that bring us together instead of searching for new ways to tear ourselves apart.
Q: Do I need to dress up or wear makeup?
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A: If it makes you feel good, go right ahead, but the camera will be off. Our interviews are audio-only.
Q: We're in different time zones, and it's confusing. Help!
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A: No. We operate on US Central Time. It is your responsibility to convert to your time zone.
Q: Can I listen to my episode before it's published?
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A: No. We do not have an efficient means of sharing episodes for review prior to publication. If you fear that you may have said something you regret, let us know within twenty-four hours of the interview so that we can remove it while editing.
Q: I want to know the exact date that my interview will be published. Can you tell me?
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A: No. We’re a small team with a long production queue. The standard time from recording to release is a few weeks to a few months, but the production schedule is subject to change. If you want to schedule around a book launch or other event, we’ll work with you to make that happen, but we can’t make any guarantees.
Q: Can you make changes to my episode after it's published?
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A: No.
Q: Geez, guys! Why so strict?
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A: You would be too if you ran a podcast!
Q: I love what you’re doing (even though you're so strict) and want to support the arts. How can I help?
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A: Everything helps! Especially the following:
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Making a one-time donation through our donation form.
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Purchasing a subscription to our blog (you’ll also get access to premium content).
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Subscribing to the podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and Amazon.
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Liking, commenting on, and sharing your favorite episodes.
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Leaving a review on your favorite podcasting platform.
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Encouraging your friends in the arts to reach out if they’d like to come on the podcast.
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What Guests Are Saying
Itto and Mekiya are unusually good conversationalists—not just thorough and perceptive, which I expected, but warm, open, and genuinely curious—and it was a pleasure for me to spend an hour in their (virtual) company.
Kevin Brockmeier
Author
I didn’t know what to expect when I sat down for this interview with Itto and Mekiya Outini. They are incredibly smart, insightful people, sincere thinkers about creativity and writing and their relationship in a complex, violent world. Refreshing. Great questions. Great podcast. Hope they invite me back.
David Biespiel
Poet
As a guest, I enjoyed the questions and flow of the conversation that the hosts fostered, relaxed yet smart, stimulating and fun. As a listener, I really like how the artist conversations in each episode feel at the same time tight and concise, yet rich and compelling. The hosts, Itto and Mekiya, select thoughtful and articulate artists to speak with and ask good questions. In just a few minutes, I come away not only knowing a new artist but also provoked by some of the pearls of their thinking that I can take with me to ponder in terms of my own work, and in life more generally.
Ray Lustig
Composer & Bandleader
I really appreciate that we wound up focusing on beauty. It's something I touch on when I'm discussing my work, but I've never had such an in-depth conversation. You helped me clarify my own thinking. Not only was the conversation illuminating for me, but it led me to your podcast project, which is fascinating. I love the range of people you speak with. I notice in each case, the focus is something specific, often unexpected, and always precise and thoughtful. I've been listening while working in my studio.
Anne Harris
Painter
It was a thoughtful, heartfelt, and engaging conversation. I really appreciated learning more about your background and discussing the challenges of giving voice to the voiceless, not only others whose stories have not been told, but also those experiences of our own that resist expression, where we struggle to find an adequate voice. I admire your journey, and am grateful for the opportunity to share mine!
Glenn Kurtz
Author & Scholar
My experience with Itto and Mekiya was a pleasure from beginning to end. Their approach to me was professional and friendly, the scheduling process easy and flexible, and the interview itself stress-free. I felt I was dealing with genuine, forthright people who wanted me to feel relaxed and to be myself during our conversational exchange. I'm grateful to have been on this diverse, always interesting podcast, and to remain a part of the community of writers and artists the Outinis are building.
Wiliam Rose
Translator
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Itto and Mekiya. So fun! They're terrific hosts, warm, thoughtful and welcoming. My only wish is that we'd had more time!
Tariq Hussain
Singer-Songwriter
I had a great conversation with Itto and Mekiya on their podcast. We discussed several common misconceptions about intellectual property, trademark, and copyright law and what writers and artists should know. This podcast is a good listen for anyone in the creative industries; and especially in publishing, because it covers issues concerning the business of being creative, which is so important if you want to be successful and protected.
Elissa D. Hecker
Intellectual Property Lawyer
Let’s Have a Renaissance is a fascinating series of conversations about art, writing, and culture. Itto and Mekiya Outini are warm, wonderful hosts, and I loved being their guest. They asked smart, thoughtful questions and were great conversation partners—I feel like I learned more about the role of myth and history in my own writing by talking with them. I appreciate everything they’re doing to create a community of listeners.
Ron Nyren
Author
I fully enjoyed my interview experience! The Outinis are doing a great job of reaching out to multiple communities, asking provocative questions, and engaging in the lively conversation that ensues.
Joyce Kozloff
Painter & Installation Artist
Such an exhilaration it was to dialogue with Itto and Mekiya Outini, a rich excursion into topics that swirl continuous around the tough work of writing—driving us, pulling at us, haunting. In a way I felt as if I had side-stepped into the most interesting corner at a Friday party, where dull or predictable chatter parts to reveal actual thinking, fervent being.
Ben Miller
Author
The questions were excellent and immediately opened me up to talking about the most important things to me as an artist in today's world. What inspires one to make art, what keeps you going, and how important it is to have conversations. I have listened to many episodes, and they are all revelatory. I think this is a very important podcast that Itto and Mekiya are doing because it can reach so many people in so many different ways. Thank you Itto, thank you Mekiya.
Lesley Dill
Installation Artist
I was deeply impressed with the producers' preparation and the preparation they asked me to do. The interview itself was a delight. Focused, wide-ranging questions surprised and delighted me. I walked away from the recording thinking more deeply about my own practice and the other artists in the series. The podcast is a gift to listeners and artists who are committed to the idea that literature and the arts are vital to society and our imaginations.
Mildred Ines Lewis
Playwright & Filmmaker
Somehow Itto and Mekiya managed to weave a wonderfully diverse collection of my past and current music projects into one dynamic conversation. The very title of the episode, “Voodoo, Vacuum Cleaners, Eurydice, and LSD,” is an invitation to follow a lively path through four of my operas: Crescent City, Sucktion, The E. & O. Line, and LSD: Huxley’s Last Trip. Their questions were thoughtful, perceptive, and perfectly pitched for listeners curious about a wide range of artistic disciplines. Our conversation was delightful, full of laughter, curiosity, and joy. I’ve already been exploring other Let’s Have a Renaissance interviews—including a recent conversation with my friend, the remarkable composer Andrea Clearfield—and enthusiastically encourage others to tune in.
Anne LeBaron
Composer