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Conversation ex Nihilo

Billy

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A bit of a social critique from a man who likes talking with people.

Conversation ex Nihilo

Available episodes

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Oldest first

Blooming (with Carrington Smith)

Carrington Smith is an author and an attorney. Her new book Blooming is a candid account of surviving sexual assault, two divorces, disfiguring surgery and a slew of other curveballs that life has thrown at her. She addresses her past with a sense of humor as well as with a newfound compassion for herself. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her relationship with a narcissistic father, the destructive force that the love of money conducts, reconciling with her past and reasons for putting it all on paper at this juncture in her life. You can check out her website here and pick up a copy of her book here.

2nd to a Puppet (with Frank King)

Frank King is "The Mental Health Comedian." He is a former writer for The Tonight Show as well as a renowned stand-up comedian. He currently specializes in suicide prevention and gives talks to that end. He isn't shy about saying he knows what the barrel of his gun tastes like. Frank joins Billy to talk about his depression, how COVID-19 has effected his speaking career, how the market crash of 2008 had prepared him for the slump of 2020, Christopher Columbus's mental illness and a few other choice topics. You can check out his website here and check out his TEDx talk Born to be Funny here.

The Return of the Living...(with Ricky Neuwirth)

Ricky is a filmmaker, screenwriter and author. He joins Billy to talk about his projects, some of which included Billy. The conversation goes from the twenty year anniversary of 9/11, to reminiscing about Oliver Stone films and a fondness for iconic film locations over other historic sites, to just a relaxed talk about their shared experiences working together on various short films (link here)

Moscow Kino I (with Mike Keane)

Mike joins Billy via Zoom to talk about Battleship Potemkin in what they hope to be the first in a series (perhaps a whole new podcast) on Russian cinema.

Never Look Like You're trying Too Hard (with P.J. Agness)

P.J. Agness from Archangel Protective Intelligence joins Billy via Zoom to talk, shark repellant, the O.S.S. self-defense and a mess of other stuff.

As One Chapter Ends...(with Sean McGrane)

Sean McGrane is a Veteran of both the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about the U.S. departure from the war in Afghanistan, what it means to him as a vet and an American as well as some general thoughts on military service.

Semantics & Safe Words (with Jewels)

Jewels is an author, speaker and bodybuilder. Her newest book The Making of a Woman: From the Inside Out chronicles her journey of abuse as an adolescent to her jobs in healthcare and as a touring stripper while continuously spinning out of control. Jewels got sober at 35 and began a career as a professional femdom, from there her story captures the ascent of her spirit as she gets married and becomes a competitive bodybuilder. Jewels joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her life and her book. They also find time to discuss the BDSM culture, recognizing signs of abuse, the power of asking "are you alright" and many other things pertaining to the subject of trauma meeting contemporary culture. Watch the trailer for her book here

Let's Get Metaphysical (with Suzanne Munson)

After a career in corporate and nonprofit communications, Suzanne Munson went back to her first loves of teaching and writing about colonial America. In 2018 she published the book Jefferson's Godfather the Man Behind the Man: George Wythe, mentor to the founding fathers. Her 2021 book The Metaphysical Thomas Jefferson is the focus of this episode. The book is a transcription of interviews with Thomas Jefferson's spirit as channeled through the medium Jana Ana. The book has Jefferson commenting on his own life and his thoughts about the current state of politics and media in America. Whether one is a believer or not there is much to be gained from listening to Suzanne talk to Billy via Zoom about her interest in history, the spiritual world and how this book came to be.

Making Up History (with Sara Long)

Sara Long is a former professional makeup artist turned U.S. history professor. She hosts the podcast The Makeup Historian and she joins Billy via Zoom to talk about the founding fathers and mothers, the politics of education, whether we as a society need textbooks as well as some of the other challenges facing modern academics.

When Can I Fly? (with Michael Belfer)

Michael Belfer was the guitarist of The Sleepers and Tuxedomoon both highly influential San Francisco bands from the late 70's. He is also the author of When Can I Fly? a book chronicling his time with these two bands as well as his stint in Black Lab in the early 90s. Michael lead the proverbial rockstar life and has lived to tell his tale. Michael joins Billy via Zoom to discuss the book, seeing the Sex Pistols live at Winterland in 1978, Jello Biafra, rehab, receiving recognition from Joey Ramone and John Cale, his long friendship with The Sleepers charismatic frontman Ricky Williams and more. Listen to the Sleepers here

DeSatanization (with Dr. Bahman Baktiari)

Dr. Bahman Baktiari is the executive director of the Baskerville Institute an organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening the bonds of friendship between the people of Iran and the United States. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about the institute's origins, the assassination of Quasem Solemani and its impact on U.S. / Iran relations, the need to mutually "deSatanize" one another in the eyes of each country's populations and much more. Learn more about Dr. Baktiari and his work here

Stronger, Healthier and In Control (with Wendi Friesen)

Since 1994 Wendi was worked as a hypnotherapist. Her work has been featured in GQ, on HBO, The Man Show, Men's Health and several other outlets. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk of her humble beginnings as an unemployed single mother of two and how she became a success in the early days of the internet. She offers some insight into how to treat addiction and trauma as well as dealing with the underlying conditions of feeling unworthy. They also touch on the subject of the poor outcomes of commercial rehab centers. Learn more about Wendi's work here

Celebrating Questioning (with Christopher Boorman)

Christopher Boorman is a public speaker and host of Christopher Boorman Speaks. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about his views on Christianity as a marginalized group, our over reliance on technology, his experiences with bullying and his discovering confidence through public speaking.

A Hollywood Accounting (with Tim Tortora)

Tim Tortora has worked in Hollywood for over 30 years. He started as a tape operator who worked his way up into the executive world, primarily as a CFO. He has worked for Harpo Films, Mandalay Entertainment, Sony Pictures, Disney, TriStar Pictures and Columbia Pictures. Some of his movie credits include Terminator 2, Total Recall, Bugsy, The Doors and Tuesdays with Morrie among others. Tim joins Billy via Zoom to talk about his experiences working in the industry. He makes a great case for the creativity inherent in film financing and he gives some practical business advice applicable in any field. He also shares some wisdom he learned first hand from Oprah. Check out Tim's blog and pick up his book A Hollywood Accounting here

Fires, Floods and Taxi Cabs (with Jeff Roth)

Jeff Roth is the author of the book Fires, Floods and Taxi Cabs part memoire and part how-to manual on navigating leadership roles (especially in government.) Jeff has served for 20 years in the U.S. National Guard, he holds a master's degree in public policy and urban planning from Harvard University in addition to the 12 years he has spent in city government. Jeff joins Billy via Zoom to talk about his role in the New York City mayor's office where he worked on fire and flood mitigation as well as taxi regulation. Jeff was there at the height of Uber's ascendency and speaks about the work that he did on that, as well as the Deutsche Bank fire in 2007 which killed 2 firefighters and injured 115 more. Jeff's insight into emergency management and planning as well as his pragmatic yet positive attitude toward public service makes for a thought provoking conversation.

Beauty in the Grotesque (with Danielle Agami)

Danielle Agami is the founder of Ate9 Dance Company based in Los Angeles, CA. She started dancing at the age of 3 and has traveled the world as a professional dancer. Originally from Israel she danced for the prestigious Batsheva Dance Studio before moving to America. She is a highly sought after choreographer and her work has been featured in many commercial projects, operas and other venues. In addition to sharing some of her personal story, Danielle joins Billy via Zoom to talk about the blending of art and commerce, meeting the many needs of performers and audiences, defying expectations of beauty in dance, running a successful company while staying true to one's artistic vision, the virtue of laziness, how art is consumed throughout the world, and why we need to continue to support the arts. Check out Danielle's work here

Changing the Social Fabric (with Kim "Kid" Curry)

Kim is an author and speaker who had spent 33 years in the radio broadcasting industry before being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 50 effectively ending his career. Kim decided to turn his attention to writing. He published the memoir, "Come Get Me Mother, I'm Through," in 2019 and a book about the consequences of the rescinding of the Fairness Doctrine, The Death of Fairness in 2020. Kim joins Billy via Zoom to talk about his M.S. diagnosis, the rescinding of the fairness doctrine, the power of youth voting, radio groupies and Peter Frampton's zipper... Learn more about Kim "Kid" Curry here

What I Learned in Prison (with Dr. Adam Key)

Dr. Adam Key is an author, a speaker, a scholar and an educator. He spent nearly a decade teaching in some of Texas's toughest prisons. He currently teaches at The University of Arkansas at Monticello where he continues his research on academic deviance. Adam joins Billy via Zoom to talk about his background in education, teaching in prison, the current state of affairs in prison reform, the concept of "survive to subvert," and he offers up a few ideas on how to make some changes such as buying a prisoner a fan. You can do so right here

A Man of the Times (with Karl Smith)

Karl Smith has worked in journalism since high school. He has been on the bleeding edge of the design revolution and also at the forefront of online journalism and user-generated content. He designed the front page in Lexington, KY the day Secretariat died, was running a newsroom the night of the Bush-Gore election, and led a newsroom in an area that strongly felt the impacts of the 9/11 attacks. He is the author of the book Anchored in Tradition: An Unofficial Collection of Fun, Facts and Figures About Life at the United States Naval Academy He also writes the blogs My Kid the Mid and My Kid The Cadet. Karl joins Billy via Zoom to talk about it all.

Open The Gates! (with Anthony Hoyes)

We talk conspiracy on Conversation ex Nihilo, when Anthony Hoyes joins Billy via Zoom to talk about the flatness of the earth and other alternatives to our common societal narratives. Anthony is a musician, business man and flat earth enthusiast. He is passionate in his desire to have people think for themselves rather than accepting conventional wisdom and orthodoxy.

Film and Family (with Eric Beser)

Eric Beser is the program director for The Jewish Film Project, an organization that supports Jewish artists in their endeavors to tell bold and innovative stories. Eric joins Billy via Zoom to talk about the founding of the organization, his father's role in the dropping of the atomic bombs, Eric's son's work with the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the struggles over which narratives to share when developing a project and much more.

Straw Man Meet Ad Hominem (with Philip Sharp)

Rage of the Age is a podcast about politics, religion, economics and history with a conservative bend and it's hosted by Philip Sharp. Philip joins Billy via Zoom to talk U.S. history, federalism, socialism v. capitalism (a love story), those slave owning founding fathers of ours, and the importance of educators in a young person's life. It's a spirited talk that will make you want to participate no matter what way you politically lean.

The Shoe Just Fit (with Empress)

Empress is a musician, dancer, singer and actress. She danced for the San Francisco Ballet and joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her experiences as a performer. In addition to telling her story and how she fell in love with music and dance, she speaks of: The notorious ill treatment of ballet dancers, Black Swan, her own experiences with the diet and heavy regimen of a professional ballerina, the making of her first EP We Own This Crown as well as her desire to empower listeners to take control of their lives and become the empresses/emperors of their own realms. Check out her work here

The Mighty Gowanus Sound (with Jason LaFarge)

Jason LaFarge runs Seizures Palace Recording in Brooklyn, New York. He is also the bassist in Pants Exploder. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about his Georgia roots, playing with Pineal Ventana, his work with SWANS and Michael Gira. Billy and Jason reminisce about brick and mortar music stores and ponder what is lost when they go away. They also go into what it is about the atmosphere that helps make a good record. Jason works out of the famous BC Studios, which has captured Billy's imagination in ways few run down canning factories have and Jason is quite indulgent in telling Billy more about the enchantment of this iconic music recording institution.

Raw & Bare (with Mauri Dark)

Dreams of a Middle-Aged Man is the first solo album by Finnish musician Mauri Dark. Mauri blends influences such as Johnny Cash and Leonard Cohen to craft an album of personal reflection. The album comes on the heals of his mother's death and the separation ration from his long-time girlfriend but also basks in the hope of a new marriage and child. Mauri joins Billy from Turku, Finland via Zoom to talk about the making of the album, the essence of Finnish culture and humor, touring through Europe, the impact of WWII on his family and their mutual reverence for the rock music of the 90's. Check out the video for the title song "Dreams of a Middle-Aged Man" here.

History Reformed (with Paul Kahan Ph.D)

Paul Kahan is a historian and the author of the books Eastern State Penitentiary: A History, The Bank War: Andrew Jackson, Nicholas Biddle and the Fight for American Finance and Amiable Scoundrel: Simon Cameron, Lincoln's Scandalous Secretary of War among others. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about the history of one of America's earliest and most notorious prisons, the fascinating aspects (believe it or not) of President James Buchanan and the magic of Pennsylvania. It's a spirited conversation with lots of good ol' American history. It's healthy for brains of all ages and weights.

Education of an Apple (with Katherine Sheffield)

Katherine is the host of A Few Bad Apples Podcast a podcast that spotlights the crimes of police officers with an eye toward research and neutrality concerning the subject. Katherine is also an educator. She has a doctorate in education and she teaches English in Hawaii. She returns to Convo ex Nihilo via Zoom to talk to Billy about the unexpected opportunities that have been presented to her as a result of her podcast, her experiences in higher education obtaining her doctorate, and her current experiences teaching in a public school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course there is some talk and opinion exchanging on the topic of police reform.

Soul Satisfied (with Regina G. Hanson)

Regina Hanson is the author of the books Sexual Intellectual Female and Racism: The Real Reason I Left the South. She has a B.A, in American history with a minor in women's studies, she has an M.A. in American studies. Originally from Lawrenceville, Georgia she currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, from where she speaks to Billy via Zoom about her experiences growing up in the south, her discovery that she has autism relatively late in life and how it has effected her life and work. They talk about the driving factors behind her writing her first two books and the major conclusions that she has reached after completing them. They also talk about her current project a book about black entertainers in 20th century America. It's a conversation about racism, sexuality, music, and starting fresh.

Conversation Factotum (with Kalonica McQuesten)

Kalonica McQuesten is a writer, graphic designer, artist and a Jill of all trades. She is a third-generation San Francisco Bay Area resident and she joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her fabled family history, her great-grandfather came to the Yukon territory to sell supplies to minors during the gold rush. Kalonica discusses the changes to the lifestyle of San Francisco residents during the city's various booms and busts and they also delve a little into the movie Tombstone, the work of David Graeber and the worst parts of their previous jobs.

Talking "SPIT" (with Diana Mucci)

Diana Mucci is an actress, playwright, former English teacher and sales executive as well as the founder of Back of the Yards Entertainment. Diana joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her native Chicago, her short story SPIT and how childhood expectorations made her a stronger person. She also speaks about her heritage, being born of Haitian and Puerto Rican parents, her early struggles being marginalized as a student who couldn't understand English, her transition from education into cyber security, writing plays, David Mamet and many other topics of cultural significance.

Hemp for Victory (with Jim Higdon)

Jim is the co-founder and CCO of Cornbread Hemp. He is a native of Lebanon Kentucky. He holds degrees from Centre College, Brown University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He worked briefly for The New York Times, before retiring home to write his first book The Cornbread Mafia. Published in 2012 the book tells the story of the biggest domestic marijuana syndicate in American history. Jim has also worked for The Washington Post and Politico. Jim joins Billy via Zoom to talk about how he captured the story of The Cornbread Mafia, Catholicism and its relationship with organized crime, the hemp industry at large and what lead him to start Cornbread Hemp along with his partner Zipperle. Listeners, when you visit cornbreadhemp.com enter coupon code EXNIHILO for 20% off of your purchase. According to Jim, they have the only CBD gummies that are Whole-Flower™ full spectrum CBD and are USDA certified organic.

Food: A Basic Art (with Maria Liberati)

Maria Liberati is a celebrity chef and award-winning author of the book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking. She is also a blogger and podcast host. Maria has a passion for cooking that is quite infectious and her insight into food aesthetics is keen. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her Italian-American heritage, transitioning from being a model to a chef, the pros and cons of being a celebrity chef, food's portrayal in books, film and other media, the beauty of simplicity and her work on her most recent book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: DaVinci Style.

Meditations on Thunder (with David Richards)

David Richards is a business professional, life coach, yoga instructor, and speaker on self development. He was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Marines where he served 15 years on active duty in a variety of locales. He is also an internationally best selling author of the books The Lighthouse Keeper and Whiskey & Yoga. David joins Billy via Zoom to talk about KISS and his connections between their music and David's time in Mogadishu in the early 90's. They also discuss growing up in a military family, how his travels around the world at a young age have helped inform who he is today, religion and creativity, meditation and pushing one's limits.

No One Does Their Best Thinking in a Mob (with P.J. Agness)

P.J. Agness is a protective intelligence specialist and open source intelligence analyst. He is the founder of Archangel Protective Intelligence. He joins Billy via Zoom from Minnesota to talk about security in the face of imminent threat of public unrest, the Derek Chauvin trial, P.J.'s martial arts training and the way it helped shape his worldview. They get a little into Jean Claude Vandamme and find time to talk about education and media manipulation.

A Wretch Like Me (with Robert Wagner)

Robert Wagner is a musician from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His band The Little Wretches is a folk act with a punk rock spirit. Their 2020 album Undesirables and Anarchists gives soulful life to the stories of the songs' protagonists. They are the down-trodden and destitute, the forgotten wretches of society and Robert joins Billy via zoom to talk about his background and how he weaves some of the overheard stories of the people in his community into his music. Robert talks about life in Pittsburgh, his parents' immigrant backgrounds and the trauma that has informed his art and outlook. Learn more about and listen to The Little Wretches here Join the conversation on Twitter @convoexnihilo

Sound, Chaos & Substantive Conversation (with Ryan Douglas and Sara Leavitt)

Sound and Chaos: The Story of BC Studio is a documentary about Martin Bisi and the iconic recording studio that he runs in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. The film was released in 2014 and was directed by Ryan Douglas and Sara Leavitt. Ryan and Sara met while working for a promo company in New York and decided to strike out on their own to make a documentary film. They join Billy via Zoom from opposite ends of the country to talk about their experiences making the documentary as well as their takes on the current climate in filmmaking and distribution. They also find time to talk about cartoons and politics.

Where Cultures Converge (with Peter Keleghan)

Peter is originally from Montreal, Quebec. He is an actor who has appeared on shows such as Seinfeld, The Newsroom, The Red Green Show and Murdoch Mysteries. He has appeared in the movies Ginger Snaps and Sex After Kids. These are but a few of his many credits. His 2017 documentary Once an Immigrant tells his parents' immigration stories and ponders the deeper meanings of what home is, and what it means to be Canadian. He joins Billy via Zoom to give a bit of Canadian history, talk about his work on The Newsroom, the current state of Canadian culture, why immigrants are important and the significance of good hair. You can watch his movie Once an Immigrant here

Evolution of a Pain Teen (with Bliss Blood)

Bliss is from Omaha, Nebraska and moved to Houston where she emerged herself in the local punk music scene and along with Scott Ayers formed the industrial/experimental rock band Pain Teens in 1985. After the band broke up in 1995 Bliss moved to New York where she started the band The Moonlighters in which she plays the ukulele and writes songs in 20's/30's jazz fashion. She joins Billy to talk about her upbringing in Nebraska, her loathing of conventional office jobs, her lack of reverence for CBGB's and serial killer Dean Corll among many other topics. You can listen to her music here Check out Pain Teens live at CBGB's here

A Bit of Humanity is Better Than... (with Tahmina Watson)

Immigration lawyer and activist Tahmina Watson joins Billy via Zoom to talk about immigration law and the many hurdles to making it more fair and comprehensive. Billy remains cynical while Tahmina brings the hope that a Biden administration may clear up some of those obstacles. They discuss the anti-immigrant sentiments within the American culture and the little things that individuals can do to make the conversations about immigration a little easier to have. Tahmina is from England, where she started practicing law, who spent part of her childhood in Bangladesh. She lives in Washington state and is a passionate activist, author and podcast host. You can learn more about Tahmina and her work on her website https://watsonimmigrationlaw.com www.convoexnihilo.com

A Bizarre Obsession with Freedom (with Karla Dayhoff)

Karla is a true friend of the podcast. She is a historian and currently works to help people, in the throws of addiction, find treatment. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about individualism vs. communalism, white disgruntlement, poverty and despair, the 2020 Christmas bombing in Nashville and her experiences in its wake as well as all other manner of cheerful things.

Summit of a Leveling Spirit (with Russ Rankin)

Russ Rankin is the lead singer of punk/hardcore bands Good Riddance and Only Crime. He's also a scout for the WHL Tribe City Americans. He's well known for his outspokenness and activism. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about his early influences, creativity during Covid, the life of a hockey scout, reaching the summit of success and gaining new perspectives. It's a fun filled hour or so that you're bound to enjoy. Listen to more Good Riddance, listen to more Only Crime, listen to more Russ.

Through the Storm (with Byrdy Lynn)

Byrdy Lynn is a business woman and entrepreneur whose book Through the Storm of Early Trauma chronicles the sexual abuse of her childhood and offers advice and insight on how to overcome and heal from such trauma. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her book, racism, the death of her good friend and many other things. There are some tears and some laughs as two people from the same generation share some thoughts and feelings, as it were. Check out more of her story and get a copy of her book here

Failing a Crumpled Paper Test (with Phil Puleo)

Musician and artist Phil Puleo joins Billy via Zoom to talk about attending Rhode Island School of Design, his art and film scoring projects, his time in Cop Shoot Cop and recording and touring with Swans. Check out Phil's work here!

The Fifth Race (with Christopher Griffiths)

Christopher Griffiths is a public speaker, consultant and most recently the author of the book The Fifth Race: Biracial Nationalism. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about the tenets of biracial nationalism and the movement he founded around them.

Crank up the Chrome! (with Peter Aaron)

Listen up as Peter Aaron from the Chrome Cranks drops by to talk to Billy over Zoom about life in the band and beyond. The Chrome Cranks were a New York blues-punk band by way of Cincinnati, OH. They recorded seven albums, appeared on several movie soundtracks and were on rotation on MTV with their song Hot Blonde Cocktail. Peter has since gone on to become a music journalist and now edits the Hudson Valley art and culture magazine Chronogram. Reminiscences of: CBGB's, Bad Brains, The Cramps, The Dead Kennedys, GG Allin , touring Ukraine and much more are packed into this hour. Enjoy! *This episode is for: *Those about to rock in need of saluting. *This episode is not for:* Those who prefer cold brunette mixed drinks. Check out Peter on Radio Kingston on his show Go Go Kitty here

The Healing Power of Jane (with Kimberly Brangwin Milham)

It's a Jane Austen episode on which Kimberly Brangwin Milham from the Jane Austen Society of North America joins Billy Via Zoom to discuss Austen's work and influence. *This episode is for: *People who like their authors long dead, people who have seen Bridget Jones's Diary, fans of Firth. *This episode is not for: *Mark Twain, enemies of the early 19th century (you know who you are,) people who confuse Jane Austen with Stone Cold Steve Austin

Fat Graft (with Rebecca K. Busch)

The author of Dragon Wing and its upcoming sequel Dark Dragon Rebecca K. Busch joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her recent surgical procedure (see episode title,) her writing process in creating both books in her series, Billy's obsession with the infantilization of American culture, Mickey Rourke, loving and not-so-loving fans and of course fairies. *This episode is for:* Fans of fairies, followers of fairies, family members of fairies. *This episode is not for: *Fairy deniers, those not fond of plastic procedures, people who prefer buffalo to dragon wings.

Sometimes a Fantasy is All You Need (with Nikky)

Nikky has worked in the sex entertainment business and currently hosts the podcast Dear Nikky where she shares the sexual fantasies and secrets of her listeners - submitted willingly and anonymously of course. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about the effect of the sex entertainment industry on culture. It's not as sexy as her podcast but there's some thoughtful insight on repression, double standards, America's predilection for the puritanical mixed with some personal anecdotes of her own. *This episode is for: *People who tired of looking at sex and want to listen instead. *This episode is not for: *People who hate confessions, certain members of certain clergies, people who like their female voices unsexy.

Testicles of a Low-Flying Duck (with Heather V.)

Heather V. works in the oil industry. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her role in the compliance division of her company as well as her personal ambivalence about oil and its role in contemporary life. We get environmental here but not too granola if you know what I mean. There is a great story about Heather's grandmother, some reminiscing about The Beverly Hillbillies, some political talk in which Billy complains even more about the current administration than he has on previous podcasts. Billy goes off a little on Pete Buttigieg. Could it be a jealousy thing and if so, over what? His hair? This episode is for: People whose mother is earth, people who are a little disappointed in all of their possessions coming to them wrapped in reams of plastic, people who think about things. This episode is not for: Jeff Bezos (again,) tycoons, Daniel Plainview

Marketing with a Toxic Vengeance (with Jeffrey W. Sass)

Jeffrey W. Sass is the author of Everything I Know about Business and Marketing, I Learned from The Toxic Avenger. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about his seven year stint in Tromaville and what universal lessons he learned about business and marketing from helping to make films like Troma's War, Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD, Rabid Grannies and others. Learn more about his work and his book here *This episode is for: *People who value creativity in marketing, people who want to know more about what schlock cinema can do for them (instead of to them,) those who can't pass the GMAT. *This episode is not for: *People who like people telling other people how to manage them in the job of business and marketing, people who hate sharing what it is they do for a living, people who like more Fellini and less DePalma.

The Shape of Conversation (with Bethany Springer)

Bethany Springer is an Associate Professor of Art at the University of Arkansas. Her installations have been exhibited at venues including: 21C. Museum and Hotel in Bentonville, AR, Maryland Art Place (MAP) in Baltimore, Boston Center for the Arts and The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design just to name a few. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about sculpture, the current controversy surrounding removing national monuments, spacial experience, politics and art, her travels in the arctic circle and a variety of other topics. *This Episode is for: *People who are tired of the KKK funding statues, people who would like less screen-time and more hand-time, devotees of Bob Ross. *This Episode is not for: * People disinterested in metamorphosis.

The Real Queen of Horror (with Zena Dixon)

Zena Dixon is a lifelong horror fan, writer and filmmaker. Her writing has been featured on Bloody-Disgusting, Florida Geek Scene, Black Girl Nerds, and Horror Hound among others. She has a horror column at Dread Central called Zena's Period Blood. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her affinity for the genre, her personal paranormal experiences and filmmaking. *This Episode is For:* The horror hoi polloi, paranormal lovers, lovers of the phrase "do you remember..." and then anything horror related that comes after that. *This Episode is not For: *The uncomfortably frightened, the horror high brow, people who prefer untrue blood. @BDisgustingPod | Linktree

Sound & Zoning ex Nihilo (with Martin Bisi)

BC Studio was established in 1981 with funding from Brian Eno where he recorded some of Ambient 4: On Land. Martin Bisi was there from the beginning. Along with Bill Laswell and the band Material, Bisi recorded Herbie Hancock's hit "Rockit." Throughout the years Bisi has worked with a number of notable musicians, recording some of their most memorable and groundbreaking work: Sonic Youth, Swans, John Zorn, Foetus, Afrika Bambaattaa, Dresden Dolls all have worked with Martin in his studio in the Gowanus neighborhood in Brooklyn. Martin speaks to Billy via Zoom about the studio, his take on creativity, his album ex Nihilo (and the significance of the phrase to him,) Voice of Gowanus and their fight for a just and sustainable neighborhood. *This episode is for:* People who like their neighborhoods to have character, people who are aficionados of noise rock, people who are suspicious of Whole Foods. *This episode is not for: *Jeff Bezos Learn more about and watch Sound and Chaos: The Story…

Regulation of Loads (with Andrew Hove)

Billy's old Hollow Points 2.0 cohost comes by to talk Craigslist, conservative meetups, The Dr. Jill Biden fiasco, news avoidance and a mess of other things. This episode marks the first in what Convo ex Nihilo hopes will be the norm of publishing two episodes a week. This episode is for: Boys, braggarts and bros. This episode is not for: Fans of the Japanese attack on Pear Harbor.

The Rhythm Within (with Chadzilla)

Chad "Chazilla" Johnson is a musician, composer, producer and educator. He runs the House of Rock program at Swallow Hill Music and has toured with multiple national and internationally renowned acts. He makes Denver his home and he joins Billy via Zoom to talk about technique and creativity, his album In My Skin, Defining musical mastery, Beck, Rush, and getting snubbed by those we hold in admiration. *This episode is for: *All Chad lovers old and new, Denver music scene completists, appreciators of appreciators. *This episode is not for: *Those who deify Daniel Ash (he's just a man, sorry,) people who have died and hence lost their sense of rhythm, people who are against nose piercings in educators.

A Paranormal Life (with V)

V is a paranormal podcaster. She is the host of Life Paranormal with V on which she talks about her experiences with the paranormal. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her advocacy for people who have had their own paranormal experiences, the personal costs she has incurred for sharing her own story and the path that lead to her starting her podcast. Billy and V talk about spirituality and the interpretation of strange phenomena through the filters of different cultures, V- through the lens of her Native American heritage, with an open mind and an embracing of different beliefs. Billy- through his usual squirming, whiny, Western European lens of non-belief and skepticism.

A Little Fresh Lipstick Never Killed Anybody (with Karen Hines)

Karen is an award-winning comedienne, director, actress and playwright. She is the creator of The Pochsy Plays, one-woman, dark-comedy shows in which she has played the title character, a woman suffering from mercury poisoning, lovesickness and cultural overstimulation. She has also appeared in the motion pictures Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Man of the Year. Karen joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her early work on the stage and her collaborations with Ken Finkleman on Married Life and The Newsroom. This episode is for: People who like people with dark hair, people who like listening to talented people explain themselves, people who believe that cities can be sisters. This episode is not for: Those who want to keep realism real, those who prefer light comedy as opposed to dark, and those who can't tell the difference. Check out more of Karen's work here

A Social Contract for Beans (with Jason Plett)

The host of Frequency 13, Jason Plett joins Billy via Zoom to talk about radio personalities of yesteryear, The Simpsons, film and its impact on our thought patterns and yes, a little bit about beans. This is episode is sponsored by Someone You Have Never Heard of but Who Has Heard a Lot About You Inc.

Joncing From Out The Womb (with Afeeya Zumrut)

In a lively conversation Afeeya talks of her collegiate dance studies, transitioning into music journalism and creating a modality of exercise for those who have experienced body trauma called "Joncing." As a dancer she has traveled the world. As a journalist she has found herself speechless in front of Morphine (not as feeble as it sounds.) She tells Billy the origin for the band name Scared of Chaka and she shares some stories from her bohemian life. *This Episode is For: *People who like to move using different styles of movement at the same time, people who enjoy energetic conversations, people who remember or are interested in the 1990's. *This Episode is Not For: *People who hate portmanteaus, people who think there should be fewer stories about amusement parks on podcasts, people who hate the human body.

The Conversation Continues ( with Rebecca K. Busch)

Recorded on January 4, 2020 this is part two of Billy's conversation with Dragon Wing author Rebecca K. Busch. It is amateur hour on Billy's end, as he makes noises and walks away from the mic to get coffee but Rebecca is as composed as always as she talks about the darker nature of human beings. This was one of the earliest recordings of Conversation ex Nihilo and it seems an appropriate one to close 2020. For more information on Rebecca please visit her website www.rebeccakbusch.com

"Shhhh Orange Peel is Talking" (with Orange Peel Moses)

OPM is a "fixture" in the Denver community and Billy can't stop reminding him of it. In addition to being a fixture Orange Peel is known throughout the city for his custom singing telegrams, musicianship, stilt walking, cabaret emceeing, celebrity impersonating and various other creative endeavors. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about eating insects, mushrooms, performing as Johnny Cash and Hunter S. Thompson as well as his unique talent with the certain covering of a certain fruit. The two boys share some laughs and some memories on this fortieth episode. https://www.orangepeelmoses.com/ Check out his single "Butterflies" here

It All Started with Legos (with Hana Rasheed)

Hana is the host of Hire Talk, a podcast that advises people on career searches and career changes. As an immigrant to the United States Hana has had to navigate a lot of challenges and she offers advice to all of those who struggle in today's business climate. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about her background as well as some of her impressions of American culture.

Bent Badges and Bad Apples (with Katherine Sheffield)

Katherine is an educator and the host of A Few Bad Apples, a podcast that chronicles criminality among police. She joins Billy via Zoom to talk about Rodney King, The significance of badge bending in Vallejo, CA, (it wasn't just for aesthetic reasons) rethinking the function of police in society and the impact of pop culture on policing. This summary is by no means definitive. There is so much to discuss when the topic is one of the most important social issues of our time, but they do their best with the hour they have.

Bounded Autonomy (with Kerry Purcell)

Kerry Purcell is a senior executive with Focused Schools and as the principal of Harvard Park Elementary in Springfield, Ill was one of the subjects of the 2009 PBS documentary The Principal Story. Kerry joins Billy via Zoom to talk about a variety of topics including: Her career as a principal, the making of the documentary, optimal learning strategies for students and the future of education post Covid.

Hospitality in Inhospitable Times (with Kathryn Sullivan)

Kathryn Sullivan is a world traveler, writer, podcast host and founder of Vivien Travel. She joins Billy via Zoom from the U.K. to talk about Billy's irrational phobia of Turks, Kathryn's ditching the corporate life in order to travel and her dream of bringing Vivien to life in the form of a brick and mortar hotel. Hers is a story of creativity vs. practicality and the lessons she has learned in the meanwhile.

Creative Reading (with Daman & Khyati)

Billy speaks with Daman Tiwana and Khyati Thakur hosts of the podcast Brown Girls Read about the importance of reading, tragedy fueled creativity and what else? Culture. Indian vs. American. Daman and Khyati give their impressions about American culture from an immigrant's point of view and discuss their early memories of reading. The conversation takes some interesting turns into drug/alcohol abuse and their affects on creativity.

Bring Cynicism Back (with Matt Watts)

Matt Watts is a comedian and writer based in Toronto, Canada. He has lent his voice to the CBC Radio One shows Steve, The First, Steve, The Second and Canadia: 2056 all of which he wrote as well. He has starred in the comedies Michael: Every Day, Writers' Block, and The Newsroom. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about his origins in comedy, working with Ken Finkleman, The business of Canadian broadcasting and cynicism vs. warmth on T.V.

Reality Still Stands (With Billie Jean Winner Davis)

Reality Winner was convicted under the 1917 Espionage Act in June 2017 and sentenced to five years and three months for leaking information to The Intercept regarding the hacking of the 2016 U.S. elections by the Russian government. Her mother Billie Jean Winner Davis joins Billy via Zoom to talk about Reality's childhood, her case, and the flaws in the U.S. justice system. More Information: Stand With Reality Who is Reality Winner? Why Is This Happening?

Convo with Black Girls Who Do Stuff Too (with Nik and Tiff)

Billy is joined by Nik and Tiffani the hosts of the podcast Black Girls Who Do Stuff Too. They speak to Billy via Zoom from Washington D.C. to talk about viewing culture through the lens of race. They give Billy a little bit about their personal backgrounds and the history of their show. They discuss education both broadly and personally, the upsides of Covid, germophobia, real estate, and campaign finance.

Warmth vs. Edge (with Brian Downes)

Perhaps John Wayne never said "A Man's Got to Do What a Man's Got to Do" like it says on Billy's coffee mug, but he did say and do a whole host of other interesting if not instantly quotable things. Brian Downes is the executive director of the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum in Winterset, IA. He joins Billy to talk about the Duke, his films and his legacy.

Flagrantly Farrell (with Mark Farrell)

Mark Farrell is the former show runner for Corner Gas, This Hour Has 22 Minutes and others. He also wrote for The Red Green Show and costarred on Billy's favorite show The Newsroom. He joins the conversation today to talk about his early days doing standup in Canada, meeting and working with the legendary Ken Finkleman, life in The Newsroom, the glamour and glitz of Canadian TV and cancer.

Despite All My Rage I Still Love Nicolas Cage (with Darryl Edge)

Cage/ Rage is a podcast by a true Nicolas Cage fan for Nicolas Cage fans. It is hosted by Darryl Edge of Leeds, U.K. Darryl watches all of Cage's films in an effort to attain true Cage nirvana. Besides the great actor, Billy and Darryl talk about: Pro wrestling, North England vs. South England, mental health, fame, and clown college. Don't take any of those things for granted.

Fear of Nicoles (with Andrew Hove)

Billy talks about his unrelenting, yet hard to describe aversion to marrying a Nicole. Andrew encourages listeners to vote for their favorite, fattest grizzly bear. Both Billy and Andrew speculate on what dinner with the Trump-Kushners would be like and then there is talk of tech (big surprise.)

A Conversation not About The Lord (with Andrew Hove)

No intro music today. No BS just Andrew plugged in. There were some technical difficulties in editing the audio clip but the quality is good. The conversation is good. America is good. Best, Billy

History Overlooked (with Helen Rappaport)

Billy briefly explains what spooked him last time. It was this article. After that Billy has a wonderful talk with author and historian Helen Rappaport. Helen joins Billy via Zoom from England to talk to him about her trilogy about the Romanovs, she debunks some of the myths surrounding the survival of the daughters, as well as her book Caught In the Revolution about life in St. Petersburg between February and October of 1917. They also discuss Putin's plastic surgery, Lenin's sex life and a few other juicy bits of history. www.helenrappaport.com

The Shootist (with Kenn Bisio)

Kenn Bisio is a photojournalist and an educator. He speaks to Billy about his background, his profession and his career as a professor at Metro State University. Kenn shares anecdotes about shooting pictures for some of the most well known and respected news publications in the U.S. as well as shooting pictures of some of the most well known, if not always respected, people in the U.S.

The Music Man in the Machine (with John Seabrook)

John Seabrook is a staff writer for The New Yorker. His most recent book The Song Machine does to the pop music industry what Upton Sinclair's The Jungle did for the meat packing industry. It tells the reader how their favorite product is really made. Many of the top pop songs of the last 30 years or so were written by the same small group of people. Mostly men, and mostly Scandinavian. It's truly a fascinating tale of how the soundtracks of our lives have been very deliberately crafted by algorithms and mathematical precision (hooks every seven seconds etc.) John talks to Billy about his experiences writing the book, ABBA's influence on The Sex Pistols, Telehealth, ISIS and their interest in pop music, stepping into the minds of song creators and much more. Read more of John's work at: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/06/29/the-promise-and-the-peril-of-virtual-health-care https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/03/16/dressing-for-the-surveillance-age

Titular Lines and Nostalgic Times (with David Berry)

The conversation goes Canadian today (forgive the sound quality) when we talk to author David Berry. David is a culture critic, journalist and strategist based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. His book On Nostalgia was published by Coach House Books in 2020. Billy and David discuss the book, Talking Heads (the band not the heads,) Canadian humor, a little bit of culture, a little bit of fondness for UCB and a little bit about a bit more. Hope you enjoy and check out his book. You can purchase it at the linked web site above, Amazon or other purveyors of fine cultural critiques. This episode is brought to you by your local Denny's men's room a place of discovery and discreet physical contact even in these most uncertain and frightening of times.

Skeptical Vet (with Major Danny Sjursen)

Major Danny Sjursen is the author of Patriotic Dissent and Ghost Riders of Baghdad. Along with Chris Henrikson and Keagan Miller he hosts the podcast Fortress on a Hill. He is a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and a former history teacher at West Point. He joins Billy via Zoom to talk about his own history a bit. They also discuss Oliver Stone, Stalin, Staten Island and their mutual uneasy relationship with power.

It's All About Image (with Greg Bloom)

Greg Bloom founded Image Magazine in 2000. It was a victim of the Great Recession of 2008 but while it lasted it was the night life bible of the mile high city. Billy worked for Image as a staff writer and photographer for two years and those two years clearly made an impact, for he tracked down his old boss and persuaded him to talk of old times. There's history, a tad of reminiscing and some advice and hope for the future. This episode is brought to you by steak sauce. billy@convoexnihilo.com

True Crime Time (with Sara Kline)

Sara is cohost of the podcast Coffee Wine and True Crime. She comes on Convo to talk to Billy about Ted Bundy, Uruguyan national security, cults, conspiracy theories and other such phenomena. @CWATCPodcast @convoexnihilo

Convo ex Dnieper (with Marina Sirenko)

Marina Sirenko is a native of Dnieper, Ukraine. She is a construction engineer, a wife, a mother and a great story teller. She joins us via Skype to talk about life in Ukraine during Covid, nostalgic memories of her childhood in the Soviet Union, "Rain Man" and all sorts of other cool stuff.

Cowboy Money Investor I

In this bonus episode Tim Coffey introduces himself and explains what it means to be a "cowboy money investor." He has a proven track record in the world of finance. Who has that proof is a bit of a mystery at the moment, but his money making skills are unparalleled. We are lucky to have him as part of the Convo ex Nihilo family. In this episode he talks a little about his Texas based television network, Wall Street, and how he came to join the network. This epidote is brought to us by oil.

The Drunk Modernist (with Frank Rich)

Frank Rich, founder of Modern Drunkard Magazine joins Billy via Zoom to talk about: The army, punk rock, great writers, kids, family, marriage, culture and that thing where people tilt their heads back and put a fluid into their mouth so as to have it pass through their throats on its way to their belly so as it can effect their brain. This episode is brought to you by Brogaine.

Some Like it Hotz (with Jeremy Hotz)

Jeremy Hotz co-starred on The Newsroom, which he left for a role in Speed 2: Cruise Control. He has done numerous stand-up specials and has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His latest special is called Dangerously Handsome and he is here to talk about it all with me, via Zoom. He is a living comedy legend, so respectfully listen quietly in the comfort of your own brain. This episode is brought to you by The Patron Saints of Denny's Men's Rooms.

The Artist Known as Nosrettep (with Nosrettep)

The Angel of Sadhill is a new comic book created by Brazilian artist Nostrettep. He remotely joins Billy to talk about comic book school, Brazilian politics, superheroes, project funding and more. They also debate whether or not Magneto is Jewish. This episode is brought to you by paint cans.

King of Rats (with Luke Schmaltz)

Luke Schmaltz, one of the founders of Denver based punk band King Rat, talks to Billy via Covid Connection (aka. Skype) about opening for punk legends Bad Brains, Rancid and Face to Face, meeting ones heroes, and the pitfalls of bar ownership during a recession. Luke is currently a writer for Modern Drunkard and has completed his first novel The Belcher, set for release in September 2020. He also has a starring role in Ricky Neuwirth's upcoming short film The Neighbor. Lukeschmaltz.com This episode is brought to you by Premium Steak Sauce.

History with/of Karla (with Karla Dayhoff)

Karla Dayhoff, a historian and conservationist joins us via Zoom from Nashville, Tennessee to talk about Band of Brothers, her career trajectory as a historian and her experiences at university. That ol' subject of nostalgia comes up once or twice as well. Are we sensing a theme yet?

A Convo about FOMO (with Jason Plett)

Jason Plett, host of Frequency 13, joins Billy via Skype to talk about FOMO, Sci/NonFi, and a host of other nerdy type of things.

Weighing In (with Andrew Hove)

In the wake of the protests gripping the country as a result of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Billy reached out to his Minnesota friends for some perspective. Andrew Hove comes on and he and Billy discuss the media, Facebook, and a little about institutional racism. These are heavy times and they call for some serious discussions. Here is one place to start.

Conversation ex Hollywood (with Winston King)

Winston King is Billy's first remote guest. Winston is from Colorado and moved out to L.A. to become an actor. He is an insightful man and he gives us some perspective on what it is like trying to make it in the Hollywood of 2020, and during COVID no less. This episode is brought to us by more premium steak sauce.

The Viking Drops In (with Andrew Hove)

Andrew and Billy were hosts of Hollow Points (In one of its many incarnations.) Andrew stops by to talk to Billy about politics, social media and (what else?) nostalgia. This episode was recorded before Bernie Sanders dropped out of the 2020 democratic party primary race. This episode is made possible by a grant from the Premium Steak Sauce Company and as always #longlivesalman.

Becky Meets a Man Who Swabs (with Rebecca K. Busch)

In this episode, part I of my conversation with Dragon Wing author Rebecca K. Busch. We talk about suspicious neighbors, haunted houses and yes swabs. She is one of my favorite story tellers and I was as lucky to talk to her as you are to listen to her.

The Jenn Connection (with Jenn Edgar)

Wild Can Be Well Founder, Jenn Edgar speaks to Billy about love and loss. It's a good episode if you have gone through or are going through the pangs of separation from someone you love. It's also good for those who were getting bored of the sausage party that has been Convo ex Nihilo up to this point.

The Magic of Anthony (with Anthony Shepherd)

Mysticism and politics. Nostalgia and shared experiences. Billy and Anthony don't so much cover these topics as they do smother them like green chili over a burrito.

Dr. Lee Explains it to Me (with Dr. Stefano Lee)

In this episode I speak to Dr. Stefano Lee of Harmony Direct Primary Care Center. He tells us about his practice and the current state of the doctoring industry (it ain't all that great folks.) We discuss universal health care and a but about what made him want to be a doctor. He's one of the coolest adults I know. I think you're going to like him too.

The Man Who is Mark (with Mark Jabbour)

Convo Ex welcomes the author Mark Jabbour. Mark is a friend to the program and he fascinates Billy to no end for some reason. Join them as they discuss... well, mainly Trump. Do deals have art? Did Obama's father have dreams? Are these questions answered? Find out!

Nostalgic Mr. Ricky part 3 (with Ricky Neuwirth)

In this final chapter in the nostalgia series Billy and Ricky discuss music. There is a lot to sing about but not if you're Cosby apparently.

Nostalgic Mr. Ricky part 2 (with Ricky Neuwirth)

In this episode Billy and his childhood friend Ricky talk about the movies that have shaped their lives, why movies have shaped their lives and they do this whilst avoiding the topic of India and their unstoppable Bollywood machine.

Nostalgic Mr. Ricky part 1 (with Ricky Neuwirth)

Billy and his childhood friend Ricky talk about the good old days growing up on the mean streets of Federal Heights.

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