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Artwork for Beginnings

Beginnings

Andy Beckerman
Music
Music Industry
Creativity
Mental Health
Creative Process
Comics
California
Punk Rock
Therapy
Filmmaking
Electronic Music
Art
Anamanaguchi
Parenting
Los Angeles
Punk Music
Indie Rock
Roy Montgomery
Songwriting
Artistic Expression

We all know the stories of how creative people get into the business of creating for a living, but how did they start using their imaginations in the first place? On the Beginnings podcast, writer and performer Andy Beckerman asks well-known and on-their-way-up comedians, musicians, writers, artists and thinkers about their earliest creative acts, their formative childhood experiences, and how the... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes778Founded17 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Performing ArtsArtsComedyComedy Interviews

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Artwork for Beginnings

Latest Episodes

On today's episode, I talk to musicians Lira Mondal and Caufield Schnug AKA Sweeping Promises. Originally from Arkansas and Texas respectively, Lira and Caufield met in college and made music together in a number of different bands before forming Swe... more

YouTube

On today's episode, I talk to cartoonist and humorist David Rees. Originally from Chapel Hill, NC, David first gained acclaim during the Bush years with his comic strip Get Your War On, which perfectly captured the insanity of the times. In 2010, Dav... more

YouTube

On today's episode, I talk to musician Elisabeth Esselink AKA Solex. Originally from Voorschoten, Netherlands, Elisabeth eventually moved to Amsterdam and in the early1990s performed in the indie pop band Sonetic Vet, who released one album, Peer, in... more

YouTube

On today's episode, I talk to musician Elanor Moss. Originally from Lincolnshire, Elanor grew up in a very creative, devoutly Catholic family and began playing music at church events. She started writing her own music while studying English Lit at th... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

David Rees
Cartoonist and TV/Podcast creator (Get Your War On, Going Deep, Dicktown)
David Rees (artist and creator)
Episode: Episode 734: David Rees
Elisabeth Esselink
Musician, Solex
Matador (25th anniversary discussed)
Episode: Episode 733: Solex
Elanor Moss
Musician and songwriter
Episode: Episode 732: Elanor Moss
Dan Friel
Musician, Parts & Labor
Parts & Labor / Ernest Jenning
Episode: Episode 731: Dan Friel of Parts & Labor
Josh Olson
Screenwriter and podcaster who grew up in Philadelphia and became a collaborator with Harlan Ellison
Self
Episode: Episode 730: Josh Olson
Tony Simon
Musician and producer known as Blockhead
Blockhead (artist)
Episode: Episode 729: Blockhead
Chad Matheny
Musician, Emperor X
Emperor X / self-employed
Episode: Episode 728: Emperor X
Daniel Bessner
Historian and journalist
University of Washington
Episode: Episode 727: Daniel Bessner
Matthew S.
Musician and academic; founder of Illegal Art; currently releasing Myth Math
Illegal Art (label) / Myth Math project
Episode: Episode 726: Matthew S, founder of Illegal Art

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 134 ratings
  • Enlightening

    Andy is a gifted interviewer who pulls on the threads of interesting parts of artists’ lives. I always learn something new when I listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Clair8047
    United Statesa year ago
  • Great guests, but interviews could be better

    I like the guests, great writers. I wish Andy asked guests to go deeper with their stories rather than share about himself I wonder if he could make more space for us to learn about about the amazing guests and maybe he can do solo episodes about himself.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    dee'lite
    United States2 years ago
  • Entertaining and enlightening!

    I love Naomi and Andy on Couples Therapy podcast, so I decided to check out Andy’s solo podcast and I’m glad I did!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AMLBW22
    United States3 years ago
  • Entertaining and enlightening!

    I love Naomi and Andy on Couples Therapy podcast, so I decided to check out Andy’s solo podcast and I’m glad it did!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AMLBW22
    United States3 years ago
  • Love the show!

    Currently enjoying the Microwaves episode and looking forward to diving into the back catalogue.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Crutmon
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Pulls deep, revealing stories from guests; thoughtful interviews.
Consistently positive about hosting style and guest variety.
Mixed feedback on interview depth—guests are strong, but some listeners want more digging.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#17
Sweden/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts
#23
Spain/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts
#69
Finland/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts
#211
New Zealand/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts
#236
Sweden/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 734: David Rees
Q: I am curious, how did your political beliefs form?
David discusses how his upbringing in an Episcopal church, exposure to left-wing punk culture, and experiences at Oberlin shaped his political sensibilities, ultimately influencing Get Your War On and other work.
Episode 733: Solex
Q: How did your parents' attitudes toward art affect your path?
Their pragmatism pushed her toward practical study, but she pursued art because it gave her joy and a sense of meaning beyond utility.
Episode 733: Solex
Q: What drew you to leaving the small village and moving to Amsterdam?
She felt she wasn't getting the full plate of life in Vorschot and needed breadth of experience, which Amsterdam offered.
Episode 730: Josh Olson
Q: How did meeting Harlan Ellison change your career and life?
The encounter evolved from admiration to collaboration; Ellison invited Olson to write with him, fostering a deep friendship and mentorship that influenced Olson's craft and professional path.
Episode 730: Josh Olson
Q: How did your Philadelphia upbringing shape your worldview?
Olson describes growing up in a politically active, racially integrated neighborhood with strong communal ties, which instilled a practical sense of justice and a lifelong inclination toward activism and ethics.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Beginnings

What is Beginnings about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on origin stories and the early spark of creativity, inviting musicians, writers, filmmakers, and thinkers to unpack their formative experiences, mentors, and the slow build toward their craft. Episodes frequently blend personal memoir with philosophy, exploring how environment, culture, and community shape artistic paths, from DIY scenes and indie persistence to cross-disciplinary influences. Noteworthy is the emphasis on practical realities of making a living in art, the role of mentorship and collaboration, and a candid, exploratory interview style that often weaves humor with vulnerability. This mix makes it a compelling listen for creatives considering how beginnings inform current practice, as well as for listeners wh... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Beginnings?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Beginnings:

1. Kreative Kontrol
2. Talkhouse Podcast
3. Transmissions
4. Bandsplain
5. The Best Show with Tom Scharpling

How many episodes of Beginnings are there?

Beginnings launched 17 years ago and published 778 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Beginnings?

Recent guests on Beginnings include:

1. David Rees
2. Elisabeth Esselink
3. Elanor Moss
4. Dan Friel
5. Josh Olson
6. Tony Simon
7. Chad Matheny
8. Daniel Bessner

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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