Cirque du Sound

Adapting The Beatles, with music producer Giles Martin

Often, creativity comes in the form of adaptation. Reinterpreting a classic can re-frame stories and songs in creative ways for a whole new audience. Meet award-winning music producer and Beatles audio expert Giles Martin – son of legendary music producer George Martin. Giles talks about working closely with his father to adapt the revered Beatles canon and optimizing the sound for Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles-inspired show, LOVE, featuring the music of The Beatles through time.

Bugs of your Dreams, with Dr. Sammy

There is no more diverse group of organisms on this entire planet than insects, and perhaps no one draws more creative inspiration from this group than world-renowned entomologist, Dr. Samuel Ramsey (aka Dr. Sammy). Listen in as “Your Friendly Neighborhood Entomologist” sits down with host Michel Laprise to share his extensive research on insects and how each of these remarkable creatures has its own value. Join us for a buggy conversation inspired by OVO, and discover how creative inspiration can be found in the captivating life cycles of insects.

Drawn to Life, with Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Creative Director Roger Gould

Sometimes, following a simple line on a page can lead to incredible creative breakthroughs. Michel sits down with Disney animator Roger Gould to talk about the power of immersive storytelling to evoke essential aspects of the human experience. Gould is known for his work on Disney’s Hercules (1997), Disney California Adventure’s Cars Land (2012), EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After (2016) and Tokyo Disneyland's Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast (2021). He was a key animation consultant on DRAWN TO LIFE, Cirque du Soleil’s compelling homage to the art and legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Laughter in the Darkness, with Josh Johnson

Sometimes, the source of creativity can be a place that hurts. And one of the places where pain and creativity intersect most potently is in the art of stand-up comedy. In this episode, Michel is joined by Josh Johnson, stand-up comedian, Emmy-nominated writer (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon), performer, and NAACP award-winner from Louisiana, for a conversation about how to turn pain into creative output. Featuring music and ideas from KOOZA, a classic Cirque du Soleil show featuring a trio of in-your-face, boundary-pushing clowns.

Migration Fusion, with Diane Ullman

What happens when you combine scientific and artistic modes of inquiry? According to Diane Ullman, this is how creative genius is born. As co-founder of the Art/Science Fusion program at UC Davis, Ullman interweaves art into her science curriculum to stimulate her students’ interest and creative problem-solving. Join the award-winning professor and entomologist as she sits down with Michel Laprise for a discussion inspired by the music and concepts of JOYA, a Cirque du Soleil show with themes of migration, learning, and coming of age.