Have you ever wondered who Linnea and John would bring to a dinner party, alive or dead? (I bet you’re a bit curious now.) Can you guess who turns their dinner party into a fight club between historical figures? Spoiler alert: Maud Lewis would be in for a treat.In this week’s episode, John and Linnea dive into the colorful world of Maud Lewis, the beloved Nova Scotia folk artist whose tiny painted home and whimsical scenes continue to capture hearts worldwide. During a recent trip to the Nova Scotia Art Gallery, they explored the permanent Maud Lewis collection and uncovered the remarkable story of her resilience, creativity, and self-taught artistry.Together, John and Linnea reflect on what it means to carve out an artistic path outside of traditional training. Linnea shares their own complicated journey with art school—how it shaped, but also at times stifled, their sense of creativity. John brings in his perspective on persistence, describing how confidence and a tough skin have helped him keep creating even when faced with setbacks.The conversation expands beyond Maud herself, touching on other works they encountered in the gallery. They discuss the transformative power of standing in front of great art—how certain pieces spark joy, curiosity, or even discomfort, and how these feelings can push us toward new creative directions.From highlights of Maud’s world-famous painted house to candid moments about what they loved (and didn’t love) in the gallery, this episode blends personal reflection with art appreciation. At its heart, it’s a celebration of creativity in all its forms—whether it grows in an art school studio, a backyard shed, or a tiny house by the sea.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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