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With the intent of creating space for thoughtful conversations, Meditations with Ryan Zlomek is a show dedicated to providing a platform for interesting people to tell their stories. Ryan sits down with entrepreneurs, hobbyists, creatives, historians, foodies, specialists, and everyone in between to give them a chance to share their narratives with the world. It’s amazing what we can learn when we take a moment to listen. Check back regularly for interviews and a few fun surprises along the way. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app and consider giving a positive review if you like what you hear. Interested in being a podcast sponsor or have an inquiry about the show? Don’t hesitate to reach out at meditations@ryanzlomek.com.
Episodes

Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
This week Ryan is joined by CJ Butler, the Communications Manager of The Salt City Market in Syracuse, NY. CJ talks about her journey as a young professional exploring social media management, determining whether to put down roots in the big apple (New York City) or the big orange (Syracuse, NY), the Allyn Family Foundation and the work CJ does for The Salt City Market project. Additionally, CJ talks about her time exploring American Sign Language in college and fiber arts with the Off The Hook Crochet Club.
For more information on CJ's work, visit The Salt City Market through their website, Facebook, and Instagram as well as follow Off The Hook Crochet on Instagram.
For more on Ryan Zlomek, follow The World Of Ryan Zlomek on Instagram and Facebook, and check back in two weeks for more meditations.

Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Exploring The Creative Process with Comic Artist and Educator Ryan Claytor
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Two Ryans, one podcast, what could go wrong? This week Ryan Zlomek (college educator, media artists, and pinball collector from New York) is visited by his doppelgänger Ryan Claytor (college educator, comic artist, and pinball collector) from Michigan to talk about the creative process. Ryan Claytor discusses his new book One Bite At A Time, the importance of bartering, how his process changes from designing comics to watches to pancakes, and how he views his personal evolution over the last 20 years. The fellow Ryans also discuss the serendipitous nature of their relationship to one another and the manner by which similarities in sometimes just can not be avoided.
For more information on Ryan Claytor, visit his website http://elephanteater.com/ or find him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/elephanteatercomics) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/coinopcarnival/).
For more on Ryan Zlomek, follow The World Of Ryan Zlomek on Instagram and Facebook, and check back in two weeks for more meditations.

Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
In Talks of Healing with Proprietor Kelly Tompkins of Blue Moon Apothecary
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
We transport to Liverpool, NY this week to talk with Kelly Tompkins, the owner of the Blue Moon Apothecary. Kelly chats with Ryan to talk about her journey to find work/life balance, the history of apothecaries, the importance of talking through your ailments to find the root cause, and ensuring we rely on both holistic and modern medicine. Additionally, this is a conversation about entrepreneurship and the welcoming environments people can create when they invest in themselves and the community around them.
You can find more about Kelly and her work by visiting https://www.thebluemoonapothecary.com/.
For more on Ryan Zlomek, follow The World Of Ryan Zlomek on Instagram and Facebook, and check back in two weeks for more meditations.

Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Podcasting Behind The Scenes with Matt Hartman and Mariana Ruiz
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
It's time to get meta in the Meditations Universe as Ryan chats on a podcast with two podcasters about podcasting. Matt Hartman of the Drunkard's Walk and Mariana Ruiz of the Impact Driven Entrepreneur Podcast share their backgrounds and journeys to podcasting from the STEM fields to developing audio media for clients and curious patrons. This episode is a deep dive into the work it takes to develop a podcast, different ways to think about your audience, successful scheduling tactics, technology to consider, and the manner by which your personal interests can positively feed into your work.
For more information about Mariana and her work with entrepreneurs, find her on Facebook Mariana S. Ruiz. To explore Matt Hartman and the Drunkard's Walk, visit https://drunkardswalk.buzzsprout.com/ or find them on your favorite podcast app.
If you like what you hear, please consider leaving a review, listening to previous episodes, and sharing the Meditations With Ryan Zlomek Podcast on social media.

Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Vocal Chord Careers with voice actor Marc Silk
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Very rarely can one guest act as multiple people but this week Ryan is lucky enough to chat with voice actor and character creator Marc Silk. Known for his work in Bob The Builder (US), Scooby Doo and Shaggy (UK), Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Danger Mouse, Chicken Run, video games Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus, as well as the Hogwarts Sorting Hat for Universal, you've likely heard Marc's voice a place or two. In this conversation he covers his transition from radio engineer to voice actor, talks about his family's support of his career choice, his dad's fascinating journey at Blackbeard the pirate, and shares a number of anecdotes including his time working with George Lucas. For anyone interested in show business behind the camera, this is one for you.
Marc can be found on Instagram @marcsilkvoice and online at www.marcsilk.com.
For more on Ryan Zlomek, follow The World Of Ryan Zlomek on Instagram and Facebook @SyracusePinheads.

Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Art’s Impact On The Community with tattoo artist Jamie Santos
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Jamie Santos, owner of Three of Swords Tattoo & Art Studio in Syracuse, NY, joins Ryan in conversation about her journey as a creative and the impact of art on local and global communities. Jamie discusses finding art as a communication tools early in her childhood, her decision to become a tattoo artist, and the modern culture of tattoo shops. She also talks about her community arts initiatives including charity events painting skateboard decks, social java & draws, as well as an art hunt that deployed during the COVID lockdowns.
Jamie can be found on Instagram at @jamiesantosart as well at her business https://www.threeofswordstattoo.com/.

Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
The Culture of Food with TV Host Dave Forman
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Exploring a favorite topic this week, Ryan chats about food with Dave Forman, alternatively known as David The Gastronome from his food blog. Discovered by the Very Local streaming app, Dave has become the host of the cooking competition TV show Plate It, Pittsburgh and has used his new stature in the culinary world to volunteer with non-profits around Pennsylvania. In conversation he discusses the origins of David The Gastronome, the importance of knowing about regional cuisine, how to evaluate the Michelin Star system, and the importance of finding outlets for your passions.
Dave Forman can be found on Instagram and Facebook at @davidthegastronome.

Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Rod Serling & The Golden Age of Television with writer Nick Parisi
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Ryan sits with Nick Parisi, the president of the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation and the writer of the phenomenal biography Rod Serling: His Life, Work, and Imagination. Nick talks about his life in rock and roll, working with disabled veterans, and the works of Rod Serling, the famed creator of The Twilight Zone. Starting from Serling's early life in Syracuse, NY and Binghamton, NY to his time writing radio in Ohio, to the teleplays he produced from the 1950s-1970s, this conversation gives an excellent primer on the work of Rod Serling and the legacy he has left on screenwriters since his death in 1975.
For more information about the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation and the tremendous work they do, visit www.rodserling.com.

Listen Around The World Wide Web
Meditations is hosted through PodBean but can be access through all major podcasting platforms including:

About The Host
Ryan Zlomek is a media arts educator based in Syracuse, NY. Having taught in the worlds of non-profits, independent schools, and higher educational institutions throughout his career, he strives to strengthen interpersonal connections inside and outside of the classroom. The Meditations podcast is an extension of this interpersonal goal. In addition, he owns and operates the Skill Shot Pinball Arcade & Event Space, is involved in the Central NY music scene, and spends far too much time brainstorming his next projects.
He is active on both Facebook and Instagram if you care to follow along. For sponsorships inquiries or general questions,
email meditations@ryanzlomek.com