We Talk

What does it take to turn a dream into a decades-long career? In this episode, we sit down with world-renowned illusionist Rick Thomas, a performer who's spent over two decades captivating audiences, from a legendary Las Vegas run to Broadway and stages across Europe.

Rick opens up about starting out as a young dancer, the moment he first told his parents this was the life he wanted, and how "magic" became more than just a career, it became a way of proving to people that the impossible is attainable. We dig into the blurry line between illusion and reality, why dreaming matters more than ever for kids and families today, and what advice he'd give to the next generation of young dreamers chasing something everyone else says can't be done.

What if history didn’t live in textbooks—but in beats, bars, and stories passed down through sound?

In this episode, we talk with Jonathan Blanchard of From History to Hip Hop about his show connects directly to the people, movements, and moments that shaped America. We dig into why music helps us remember, how culture fills in the gaps history leaves behind, and what happens when we finally see ourselves in the past.

It’s a conversation about memory, voice, and why the most powerful history lessons are the ones you can feel and hum along to.

🎧 We Talk: Michael Foster – Hello... I Must Be Going

In this episode, we sit down with artist Michael Foster, whose powerful retrospective Hello... I Must Be Going is now on display at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre Gallery. Spanning nearly 25 years of work, the exhibit explores memory, anxiety, technology, and the emotional weight of the digital age.

Foster opens up about the personal influences behind his distinctive visual language, the evolution of his artistic voice, and why he believes art should be both accessible and reflective. From encrypted notes and fragmented symbols to emotional abstraction, his work invites viewers to pause, question, and engage.

We dive into the role of the artist in a time of blurred truths, the challenge of finding meaning in chaos, and the invitation for viewers to see his art as both map and mirror—a guide and a reflection for our times.

🎨 Hello... I Must Be Going is on view now. A public reception will be held June 21, 2–5 PM, at the BFAC Gallery.