Episode 33 – LaTajh Simmons-Weaver // Film Director & Writer

“Sometimes I get suggestions for who should come on the BEDROOM™ Podcast, and LaTajh was someone multiple film homies kept requesting. We started following each other on the gram, and at one point I slid through with my classic inquiry. LaTajh was down, and I didn’t know what to expect, though their Instagram bio says “better offline, promise.” Well, the promise was delivered. LaTajh has such a warm presence, and I felt super comfortable around them. The first thing they said to me as they walked up my studio steps was “do you do hugs?” (I definitely do), and from there it was just a highly enjoyable time sharing this space, this episode, this conversation together. I’m a fan of their films, and I can’t wait to see their next move. I also love that they shouted out Monta Ellis - real ones know. There’s no doubt in my mind that LaTajh and their films will stun the world, so it was an honor to spend time with them in my studio and talk shop. LaTajh is rad and I think y’all will dig this joynt.

In this episode of BEDROOM™, LaTajh and I talk about memes, Q&A’s at film events, their upbringing in Oakland, and the moment their uncle gifted them a camera and they fell in love with it. We reminisce about school critiques and how negative comments, even when justified, can fuel the fire to go harder in the creative paint. LaTajh shares the moment they were named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film and what comes with that accolade. We also talk about how they’re an SF Film Resident and how they won the Rainin Grant, the largest granting body for independent narrative feature films in the US.

From there we dive into LaTajh’s short films and the themes they consistently explore: the rapid changes that come with gentrification, the question of what “home” really means, and the lingering curiosity of how Oakland might have evolved without displacement. What could Oakland have become?

LaTajh then speaks on their current feature film project, No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds: A Queer Inclusive Memoir, which takes on the topic of the Oakland queer scene and how its radical politics can sometimes feed into cancel culture.

We shift into a conversation about Companion, their short film that serves as an ode to the unspoken romance between cats and their humans, and we segue into what short films can do for a filmmaker’s career and how they can serve as stepping stones. From Companion, we move to Hold Me Close, a short film LaTajh co-directed with Aurora Brachman. The film premiered at Sundance and chronicles the power and complexity of the relationship between two queer Black womxn who experience the cycles of life’s joys and pains together in the home they share.

We also tap into a few listener-submitted questions, one from Caitlyn Durkin, Film Producer, and another from Reina Lam, Film Producer.

Finally, we wrap things up with a round of BEDROOM BANTER™, where I rapid-fire some classic BEDROOM™ questions and LaTajh gives the fans what they want. Big shoutout to LaTajh Simmons-Weaver for coming on the pod. Welcome to the BEDROOM™, y’all. WORLDWIDE PEACE.” – PSG
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LaTajh's Socials & Websites
LaTajh's Instagram: @latajh
LaTajh's Website:

Support the show

If you want to join Patrick Sean Gibson's Monthly Sticker Club, or support the Bedroom Podcast, check out his Patreon: patreon.com/patrickseangibson
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Follow Patrick on Instagram: @patrickseangibson
Peep Patrick's Website: patrickseangibson.com

Episode 32 – Madeleine Voge // Artist. Fantasy Writer. Creative Director.

“A few months back, I was partaking in the classic, all-too-human ritual of doomscrolling when I stumbled upon a gem in the rough - a stylish, articulate, left-of-center online “it” girl talking about KidPix, the history of the Muni logo, retrofuturism, and gothic design. Her name was Madeleine. She was a creator and she lived in my phone. I liked her videos and kept scrolling. We’ve all been there - delighted by that one creator who actually makes doomscrolling feel worth it. Her videos had merit, a unique perspective, and they felt human - I learned something. It was pure - and it all existed between memes, brain rot, and the rest of the dumb noise on the modern day internet.

Fast-forward a few days later, I’m minding my own business at a Music Poster Art Show I was part of, hosted by The Fillmore, and in walks Madeleine - straight out of my freaking phone and into real life. We hit it off immediately. I told her I loved her videos, she was down to come on the podcast, and here we are: our first big conversation. My takeaway? Madeleine is rad as fuck online - but even cooler in person. Dare I say ice cold cool? I dare. I’m stoked to share with you today’s conversation with the one and only Madeleine Voge.

In this episode of BEDROOM™, Madeleine breaks down how Aura Bora - the sparkling water brand she co-founded with her husband, Paul - took the craft beverage market by storm. She shares the thinking behind Aura Bora’s branding and gives us a peek into her current design ventures with The Lads, the creative studio she co-runs with her friend and business partner, Jesse Howell.

From there, we shift gears as Madeleine dives into her creative writing process and the book she’s been working on. We then go full nostalgia mode reminiscing about KidPix, 90s snacks, toys, and commercials - it’s a treat.

Then we tap into some listener-submitted questions - one from The Lad, Jesse Howell, art director and illustrator, and another from Walker Lambert, graphic designer and illustrator. Madeleine shares her thoughts on social media virality and dishes out practical advice on landing more clients, opportunities, and exposure in the world of design and social media. She also talks about Fantasy Camp, her Substack project and internet hub for all things sci-fi and fantasy.

Finally, we wrap things up with a round of BEDROOM BANTER™, where I rapid-fire some classic BEDROOM™ questions and Madeleine gives the fans what they want. Big shoutout to Madeleine Voge for coming on the pod. Welcome to the BEDROOM™, y’all. WORLDWIDE PEACE.” – PSG

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Madeleine Voge's Socials & Websites
Madeleine's Instagram: @madeleinevoge
Fantasy Camp: substack.com/@madeleinevoge
The Lads Website: www.thelads.studio

Support the show

If you want to join Patrick Sean Gibson's Monthly Sticker Club, or support the Bedroom Podcast, check out his Patreon: patreon.com/patrickseangibson
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Follow Patrick on Instagram: @patrickseangibson
Peep Patrick's Website: patrickseangibson.com

Episode 31 – Emilio Villalba // Painter. Professor.

“You know when you meet someone new and you just sorta hit it off and that person becomes your new favorite homie? Well that’s exactly how I felt after spending the afternoon talking to Emilio in my art studio. The dude is an absolute sweetheart of a human. He’s kind, eloquent, well spoken, stylish to boot, and his perspective on painting is layered, honest, and coated in authenticity. Emilio is a phenomenal painter. He’s currently represented by Dolby Chadwick Gallery here in San Francisco. But accolades and talent aside, what impresses me most about Emilio is his genuine warmth. I literally met dude for the first time and by the end of our recording it was like we’ve known each other for years. That’s what fascinates me podcasting and the art of conversation: sometimes it can feel like a game of tug-o-war and sometimes it feels like you’re floating freely down a river. With Emilio, we were cold chillin and gliding along. Emilio - the new homie.

In this episode of BEDROOM™, Emilio talks about his upbringing in Orange County and his time in the Los Angeles animation industry, working on big-time commercials and movies before realizing it just wasn’t for him. We dive into his decision to move up north to San Francisco and what he’s up to now: being a full-time art professor at Cañada College while balancing his personal painting practice. Speaking of his practice, Emilio breaks down his process, and what a treat that is. If you’ve ever wanted a peek inside an artist’s mind, this episode’s for you.

We get into the yin and yang of art medium hierarchy: is one medium really more superior than another? I yap and share my thoughts and Emilio shares his. Then we tap into some listener-submitted questions: one from Jeff Cheung, artist and founder of Unity + There Skateboards; another from Chad O’Conner, music aficionado, DJ, and vintage connoisseur; and lastly, one from the GOAT himself, Corey Duffel, pro skater, Bay Area legend, vinyl lover, and founder of Adored Skateboards.

Finally, we wrap things up with a round of BEDROOM BANTER™, where I rapid-fire some classic BEDROOM™ questions and Emilio gives the fans what they want. Big shoutout to Emilio Villalba for coming on the pod. Welcome to the BEDROOM™, y’all. WORLDWIDE PEACE.” – PSG

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Emilio Villalba's Socials & Websites
Emilio's Instagram: @elmo_84
Emilio's Website: www.emiliovillalbaart.com

Support the show

If you want to join Patrick Sean Gibson's Monthly Sticker Club, or support the Bedroom Podcast, check out his Patreon: patreon.com/patrickseangibson
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Follow Patrick on Instagram: @patrickseangibson
Peep Patrick's Website: patrickseangibson.com