Why Podcast?
As a photographer during the pandemic of 2020, I had more time on my hands than I was used to. For about year I had been toying with the idea of starting a podcast, but I needed to formulate its format in my head. The result was a desire to interview people I find interesting, admirable, and emulable and give them a forum to tell their story. Fully formed, I started to identify people who could appear on the podcast, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that I really had time to start making contact. To my delight, the people I contacted said yes, so once it was appropriate to do so, I started recording.
The result is below—my podcast. Here’s a short write-up on the latest guests, followed by the actual podcast. If you’d rather listen on iTunes, you can find it by searching for “The Photogreger Podcast” or you can just click the link.
Latest Guests
Ep. 21: Heather Osmond: Entrepreneur, Interior Designer, Radio Show Host, Mom
Join us this time as we talk to Heather Osmond about building a successful business based around interior design. She also hosts a radio show. If you ever wondered what kind of impact a good parent can have on their kids, you’ll get a glimpse of that in this episode.
Ep. 20: Savvy Sorensen Jardine: Producer, Good Things Utah; Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen 2015
Savvy is one of the bright spots in Utah’s entertainment news landscape. Savvy’s current job is as a producer for ABC 4 Utah’s Good Things Utah, a daily morning lifestyle show here in Utah. She also was the winner of the 2015 Miss Utah’s Outstanding Teen competition—the teen arm of the Miss America Organization. She’s also has a comfortable and easy-going demeanor. In this episode we talk everything family, pageant, TV, and life.
The Podcast
Earlier Guests
Ep. 19: Josh Forsyth: Firefighter, Air Ambulance Nurse
Josh Forsyth is a friend who I know because our boys play on the football team. When I found out he is a firefighter and also an air ambulance nurse I figured he’d make for an interesting interview. I was not disappointed. At times entertaining, at times poignant, this interview hit the spot for me. I hope you like it too!
Ep. 18: Maya Fraser, Photographer, Fashionista, Stylist
Maya is a local photographer with a keen sense for what is stylish. She’s a fashionista, always styling her shoots with just the right amount of “extra.” This was a fun conversation where we talk about everything fashion and photography. You can find her work on instagram at @mayafraserphoto and on the web at her website.
Ep. 17: Jeremy Robinson, Animator, Bread Maker
In this conversation I talk to Jeremy Robinson, animator for the popular Fox animated series, The Simpsons. We discuss the show, talk about the things he’s learned as an animator there and for other franchises, and then we talk about some of his other interests, including baking bread.
Ep. 16: Jacob Morisse, Inventor, Designer, Father of 10 kids
Jacob is another neighbor of mine who is a designer and inventor. He also happens to have 10 kids–there are so many interesting angles in this episode. This episode also features Jacob, Jeff H. (episode 15), myself and an unnamed friend in an a cappella quartet singing a traditional Christian hymn.
Ep. 15: Jeff Hurst, Athletic Trainer
Jeff is a neighbor who works as an athletic trainer at a major university. Hearing him talk about athletes and their toughness and grit makes me think. His thankfulness for life is well worth a listen.
Ep. 14: Madeline Massingill, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Dancer, Choreographer
Madeline Massingill is a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and in this conversation we talk all things Dallas Cowboys Cheer. We also talk about the tryout process, and about some of the people who made her feel welcomed into the organization. This was a super-energizing conversation and I can’t wait for you to hear it!
13. Deke Sharon, A Cappella Producer, Singer, Arranger, and Ambassador
Deke declares himself to be A Cappella Nerd Zero, and his infectious energy and enthusiasm for vocal music will pump you up. His latest efforts include vocal arranger and producer credits for the Pitch Perfect movies, NBC’s The Sing off, and he’s the brains and driver behind Disney’s official a cappella group DCappella. Deke can be found online at dekesharon.com.
12. Cat Wandvik, Model/Model Coordinator/Pre-Med Student
Cat Wandvik is one of the first models I ever worked with, and she’s certainly among the most fascinating. In this episode, we talk all things modeling, fashion, and education. Like many other people she had some pivotal moments in her life that solidified her path toward pursuing a medical degree. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and I think you will too.
11. Aya Dijkwel, Model/Motorcycle Enthusiast
Aya is a model in the Utah area and she loves her motorcycles. In this episode we talk about motorcycles and modeling. It’s a lighter episode, and Aya is a lot of fun. The end of the episode also contains an a cappella song my kids and I wrote together when they were small. Aya can be found online on her Instagram.
10. Trevor Neilson, Photographer
In this episode, I talk shop with another local (Utah) dance photographer, Trevor Nielson. Trevor and I had never met until about 30 minutes before recording this and I found him to be warm, engaging, and personable. Known on social media as @lemonlimephotog.com, you can also find him at lemonlimephotog.com. I lament that I didn’t think to ask him during the interview why he chose that name, because it’s interesting. Regardless, it was nice to talk shop with him, and he turned it into a real conversation instead of just an interview. Anyway, thanks for the listening.
8–9. Adam Munoa, Artist
Adam is an illustrator whose work I admire. Our sons play on the same football team, so I’ve gotten the chance to talk to him multiple times. Following his work though has made me really love what he does, especially when I watch his time lapse illustrations. I highly encourage you to visit his websites and look at his art while you listen to him talk about it. His work can be found at his website and his instagram
7. Christina Bargelt
I met Christina through dance photography. She was graduating from college at the time and I found out she was heavily involved in advocacy for sexual assault survivors. This episode documents her own assault and subsequent work in advocacy. I really admire Christina’s work. Trigger warning: we don’t talk about what happened in detail, but we don’t sugar coat it either.
4-6. Antoine Few
One of the reasons I started this podcast was to tell Antoine’s story. Antoine is my neighbor and friend, and as such, this story is important to me. In the three-part episode, Antoine talks about being a young man with a lot of promise and opportunities and then throwing it away, only to start over and create a new life for himself. Part 1 documents the promise and opportunity, part 2 talks about things going south, and part 3 is the story of redemption and a new life.
3. Stephani Perkins
Stephani Perkins is a track and field coach at a major university and a former professional women’s football player. In the podcast we talk about athletics, goals, family, academics, and other topics that come up during the course of the conversation.
2. Chelsea Keefer
Chelsea Keefer is a pensive, intelligent ballerina who is driven, goal-oriented, athletic, and well rounded. Recently she took the TEDx stage in Salt Lake City as an official presenter. She’s a fascinating person and a wonderful dancer. I have never met her in person, but her podcast (episode 3) was the final driver in me creating this podcast. When I reached out to her, she was very kind to accept and we had a great conversation.
1. Dexonna Talbot
Dexonna Talbot is our current Miss Utah. I met her through dance and she and I had shot many times before she was crowned Miss Utah. After that she asked me to be a photography sponsor and I jumped at the chance, because as you’ll hear in the interview, she is kind, intelligent, empathetic, service-oriented, and real. This woman is one of the best and I hope you see that too. My association with her through the sponsorship is one of the first drivers that led me to podcasting.