Cedar Cathedral (2016)
Cedar Cathedral’s journey began with a labor of love: a podcast that told the stories of artists and artisans pursuing the creative life in the Great Lakes region.
Steve and Clare Hendershot created the show during an era (pre-kids!) when they traveled frequently around the Great Lakes with their indie-rock band, The Diving Bell. On the road, they met artists and creatives living in cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis and Milwaukee, and were inspired to tell the stories of these people’s lives and work.
We named the show Cedar Cathedral because “cathedral” is the word Ernest Hemingway used in his own origin story to describe the cedar forests of northern Michigan where he came of age. That seemed fitting for the Great Lakes creative community. A couple years later, when Steve launched his audio storytelling and production company, he decided to name it after the show that started it all.
Episode 12: Tim Lapetino
Episode 12 features author and designer Tim Lapetino, sharing the story of how his infatuation with early-'80s video game box art led to the discovery of a design hero, George Opperman, as well as Tim's new book, The Art of Atari. With music from Twin Cities indie folk band We Are The Willows.
Episode 11: Matthew Ozawa
Chicago director Matthew Ozawa's journey to become an acclaimed opera director. With music from Eighth Blackbird, a Chicago-based contemporary classical ensemble (and Ozawa collaborator).
Episode 10: Mark Simonson
Episode 10. The long journey of Twin Cities type designer Mark Simonson, who took decades to break through in the font business, but now has one of the most popular fonts on the internet, Proxima Nova. With music from Minneapolis band Rogue Valley.
Episode 9.5: Grand Rapids culinary scene
This mini-episode of Cedar Cathedral features highlights from our May 2016 panel discussion in Grand Rapids, focused on the culinary community in West Michigan. Guests: Patrick Conrade from The Sovengard; Jon O'Connor from Long Road Distillers; and Josh Usadel from Downtown Market.
Episode 9: Mercy Supply Co.
Episode 9. The story of Rusty Zylstra — the owner, designer and craftsman behind Mercy Supply Company in Grand Rapids -- is woven into each of his products. With music from London, Ontario-based Millennials.
Episode 8: Brandon Colvin
Episode 8. Madison filmmaker Brandon Colvin (Frames, Sabbatical) describes his unique directorial approach, and previews his next film, A Dim Valley. With featured music from Chicago duo Frances Luke Accord.
Episode 7: Greater Alexander
Episode 7. Detroit musician Alexander Vlachos overcomes depression and self-doubt to become the recording artist Greater Alexander.
Episode 6: PRSVR
Episode 6. Chicago fashion designer Brandon Williamson spends a decade working before his brand PRSVR takes off. But when it finally hits, it hits big. With music from Minneapolis' The Pines.
Episode 5: Three Sheeps Brewing
Episode 5. Grant Pauly, brewmaster of 3 Sheeps Brewing in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, balances his creative side (the part that's planning to brew a beer out of limestone), with his responsible side as a fourth-generation Wisconsin manufacturer who's building a fast-growing business. With music from Detroit's Flint Eastwood.
Episode 4: Chef Patrick Conrade
Episode 4. Chef Patrick Conrade of The Sovengard in Grand Rapids overcomes emergency heart surgery to pursue the restaurant of his dreams. Also featuring Buffalo Gospel.
Episode 3: Neighborhood Dances
Episode 3. Every day, Chicago artist Victoria Bradford wanders her city before selecting a location for an improvised "neighborhood dance." She recently completed her 500th dance, and #neighborhooddances is gaining steam — three other dancers are now following Victoria's lead and recording their own daily dances. On this episode of Cedar Cathedral, learn what's inspiring Victoria, and why this project is so important to her.
Episode 2: Brass Rooster & Hen House
Episode two of Cedar Cathedral features Milwaukee hatmakers John and Kate McLaughlin, who own the Brass Rooster and Hen House. The featured musical artist is The Crane Wives (Grand Rapids).
Episode 1: Mutual Adoration
Welcome to Cedar Cathedral, a podcast about artistry, craftsmanship and the creative life in the Great Lakes. This is episode one, featuring Detroiters Clare Fox and Wayne Maki, whose company Mutual Adoration makes furniture from wood that's been reclaimed from demolished Detroit buildings.