Jim Spruell - Divine Inspiration: Messages From My Son Across The Threshold

Sandy & Chuck's Venice Pulse: Episode 16

In this week’s episode Sandy & Chuck sat down with raconteur, filmmaker, painter and singer/songwriter Jim Spruell. Jim’s son Dakota transitioned in 2021, yet Jim still connects and communicates with Dakota. Indeed, messages from Dakota were a major part of inspiration for Jim when he was directing the award-winning film “Wolf’s Message” - which was released to great acclaim last year.

In this heartfelt and engaging discussion Jim offers valuable life lessons and shares his journey from playing guitar in a college rock band with Mike Mills from REM, to a successful career in advertising, to his work today making films. Whether it be film, music or simple conversation, Jim reflects on the power of storytelling and how it offers hope and healing to those navigating their own voyages of love, connection and grief.

Chapters:
Zuza: 00:01:00
Dakota: 00:02:36
Suzanne Giesemann: 00:10:10
Wolf’s Message: 00:24:25
Wolf’s Song: 00:43:21
Wolf’s Message Legacy: 00:45:21
Jim’s Upbringing: 00:50:18
Jim’s Musical Beginnings: 00:54:48
Mike Mills: 00:59:45
Harvesting Seeds with Dakota: 01:06:26
Future Projects: 01:11:07
Fatherly Advice: 01:12:55
Look For The Signs: 01:14:45
Five Black Angels: 01:19:30

You can connect with Jim here:
Film: https://www.zuzafilms.com/
Music: https://www.youtube.com/@jimspruell
Art: https://www.jimspruell.art/
Social: https://www.instagram.com/jimspruell/

Venice Pulse is a podcast focusing on Venice Beach and beyond. It is hosted by Venice residents Sandy Clark and Chuck Whobrey. Sandy has been on the cutting edge of both written and televised journalism for the last 30 years. Her credits include NHK, CBC, ABC, BBC, AMI (various publications), the Daily Mail and the Westside Current.

Originally from the UK, Chuck was once on the BBC's Newsnight talking about "Ecstasy". Besides that he has no experience whatsoever when it comes to hosting a current affairs type show! He enjoys creating though, and pasting things together.

Intro Music: "Trip" by DJ Nick "Feesch" Wilson

You can also watch "Venice Pulse" on YouTube.

Is L.A. The Worst Place To Celebrate New Year’s Eve? + The Palisades Fire One Year On. Venice Pulse Episode 14.

Hello: 00:01:15
They Let Us Burn Protest: 00:10:50
Cat Cafe: 00:14:28
New Year's Eve in California: 00:18:43

A somewhat unhinged episode of Venice Pulse begins with Chuck venting his frustration with EBAY, before Sandy recounts her morning at the “They Let Us Burn” protest held on the first anniversary of the Pacific Palisades fire. The dynamic duo then discuss a large dead sea-bird found hanging in their garden tree - which L.A. City sanitation failed initially to collect – before then talking about a new Cat Café which is about to open in Venice. The podcast closes with a rant about how feeble the coverage of New Year’s Eve is in California, and particularly Los Angeles.

Venice Pulse is a podcast focusing on Venice Beach and beyond. It is hosted by Venice residents Sandy Clark and Chuck Whobrey. Sandy has been on the cutting edge of both written and televised journalism for the last 30 years. Her credits include NHK, CBC, ABC, BBC, AMI (various publications), the Daily Mail and the Westside Current.

Originally from the UK, Chuck was once on the BBC's Newsnight talking about "Ecstasy". Besides that he has no experience whatsoever when it comes to hosting a current affairs type show!

Intro Music: "Trip" by DJ Nick "Feesch" Wilson

You can also listen to "Venice Pulse" on Apple, Amazon, Spotify and all the other main podcast platforms.

Adam Topol: Day Dream Man - Reflections On Venice, Life and Drumming For Jack Johnson

In this episode Sandy & Chuck have an engaging conversation with Adam Topol who shares his multifaceted journey as a musician and his experiences of living in Venice Beach. Adam recalls his time spent at the Berklee College of Music, studying drumming in Cuba, his early career on the East then West coast music scenes, and his 25+ year collaboration with multi-platinum recording artist Jack Johnson. Adam discusses his various solo music projects over the years and how these creative endeavors have made him a better musician and band mate. Adam also talks about his favorite bits of Venice, catching early morning waves and the importance of community.

For more info on Adam please visit him at: https://www.adamtopol.com/
Or on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/topeywan/

Venice Pulse is a podcast focusing on Venice Beach and beyond. It is hosted by Venice residents Sandy Clark and Chuck Whobrey. Sandy has been on the cutting edge of both written and televised journalism for the last 30 years. Her credits include NHK, CBC, ABC, BBC, AMI (various publications), the Daily Mail and the Westside Current.

Originally from the UK, Chuck was once on the BBC's Newsnight talking about "Ecstasy". Besides that he has no experience whatsoever when it comes to hosting a current affairs type show!

Intro Music: "Trip" by DJ Nick "Feesch" Wilson

You can also listen to "Venice Pulse" on Apple, Amazon, Spotify and all the other main podcast platforms.