Contrarian Guitars With '80s Roots | Jon Sullivan Of Sully Guitars Life With Strings Attached podcast

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All About Change

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How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/

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Contrarian Guitars With '80s Roots | Jon Sullivan Of Sully Guitars

about a year ago 1:16:38

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Jon “Sully” Sullivan is the founder of Sully Guitars, a brand known for blending innovation with the spirit of '80s hot rod guitar culture. But, as Sully explains in this conversation, his guitars are far more than a nod to the era he grew up in.
We talk about what it means to go beyond your influences, to build guitars out of spite and to live your life as a committed contrarian. As always, it was so much fun talking with Sully, and I hope you all enjoy this one as much as I did.
Sully Guitars: https://www.sullyguitars.com/
Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar

… continue reading

49 episodes

#Society #Arts #Music #Jamie Gale #Guitar #Design #Architecture #Philosophy #Physics #Travel

Life With Strings Attached

Life With Strings Attached podcast artwork

Contrarian Guitars With '80s Roots | Jon Sullivan Of Sully Guitars

Life With Strings Attached

published about a year ago

Share

MP3•Episode home

Content provided by Jamie Gale. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jamie Gale or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

Jon “Sully” Sullivan is the founder of Sully Guitars, a brand known for blending innovation with the spirit of '80s hot rod guitar culture. But, as Sully explains in this conversation, his guitars are far more than a nod to the era he grew up in.
We talk about what it means to go beyond your influences, to build guitars out of spite and to live your life as a committed contrarian. As always, it was so much fun talking with Sully, and I hope you all enjoy this one as much as I did.
Sully Guitars: https://www.sullyguitars.com/
Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar

… continue reading

49 episodes

#Society #Arts #Music #Jamie Gale #Guitar #Design #Architecture #Philosophy #Physics #Travel

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Life With Strings Attached

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Rewiring the Brain: Living, Creating, and Surviving with Intention | J. Galen Buckwalter 1:58:56

3 days ago1:58:56

1:58:56

J. Galen Buckwalter is a research psychologist with over 30 years of experience exploring the intersection of psychology, technology, and human behavior. He started his career as a research professor at the University of Southern California and later developed a behavioural outcomes research program at Kaiser Permanente. But many will know him best as the mind behind the groundbreaking assessment and matching system for eHarmony.com . Now, as CEO of psyML, Galen is harnessing psychology and AI to build digital systems that support individual growth. His research has taken him to the cutting edge of neuroscience—he’s a participant and scientist in a groundbreaking brain-machine interface trial aimed at restoring function after spinal cord injury, giving him unprecedented access to his own neural activity. And beyond the lab? Galen is the frontman of Siggy , a pre-punk band of psychologists that’s rocked underground venues across LA. He’s written over 70 songs and is now exploring ways to integrate the sounds of his own brain activity into music. Today, we’re diving into his incredible journey, the future of AI and psychology, and maybe even a little music. Welcome to Life With Strings Attached , J. Galen Buckwalter ! ~ J Galen Buckwalter: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=CKTzCmcAAAAJ&hl=en ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale…

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Life With Strings Attached

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Deconstructing the Guitar: A Whole New Approach | Michihiro Matsuda 1:51:25

10 days ago1:51:25

1:51:25

Over the last two decades, Michihiro Matsuda has crafted some of the most innovative and inspiring guitars in the world. His work seamlessly blends tradition and creativity, reflecting his deep Japanese heritage and culture. The principles of contemplation and reflection—so central to Japanese philosophy—are evident in every instrument he builds. Born and raised in Japan, Michi’s passion for music, guitars, and craftsmanship led him to the world of lutherie. After an apprenticeship with the legendary Ervin Somogyi, he established his own studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. He also trained in instrument repair under Frank Ford at Gryphon Stringed Instruments, where he remains part of the repair team. For Michi, guitar making is about more than just sound—it’s about identity, expression, and the relationship between builder, player, and instrument. His guitars are deeply personal, fluid yet simple, and always unique. He hopes that each Matsuda guitar offers not just a tool for music, but a meaningful experience for those who play them. It’s an honor to welcome to the show, Michihiro Matsuda. ~ Matsuda Guitars: https://matsudaguitars.com/ ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale…

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Life With Strings Attached

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Building Guitars with Innovation and Purpose | Simon Padalka 1:56:52

17 days ago1:56:52

1:56:52

Today on Life With Strings Attached , we have a truly inspiring guest—luthier Simon Padalka , the mastermind behind Padalka Guitars . Simon’s journey into guitar-making began in 2011 in his hometown of Krasnodar, Russia. Though he earned a master’s degree in architecture in 2012, his passion for craftsmanship and design led him to trade blueprints for tonewoods, fully dedicating himself to building boutique electric guitars and basses. Coming from a family of architects, Simon developed a deep appreciation for high-quality materials, structural integrity, and refined aesthetics—elements that are now signature traits of his instruments. By 2015, with the support of his family, he expanded his workshop and introduced new models that became the foundation of the Padalka brand. Simon’s reputation grew internationally as he showcased his work at prestigious events like the Holy Grail Guitar Show in 2018, followed by NAMM in 2019 and 2020 . However, in 2022, faced with geopolitical challenges, he made the bold decision to leave Russia and restart Padalka Guitars in Canada, joining Dingwall Guitars along the way. Now based in Canada, Simon has refined his craft to an even higher level, focusing on a limited number of builds per year—just 5 to 10—ensuring each instrument embodies his signature blend of refined design, flawless craftsmanship, and phenomenal playability . Simon, welcome to the show! ~ Padalka Guitars: https://www.padalka-guitars.com/ ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale…

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Life With Strings Attached

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Why Handmade Guitars Matter | Eric Weigeshoff 1:59:36

23 days ago1:59:36

1:59:36

Today on Life With Strings Attached, we’re joined by Eric Weigeshoff, the visionary luthier behind Skytop Guitars. With a background in design and film, Eric approaches guitar-making as both an art form and an immersive experience. His passion for rock climbing and the natural world informs his craft, leading him to create guitars that are not only sonically rich but also visually striking. What truly sets Eric’s work apart is his innovative side-soundport design—foregoing the traditional soundhole, he directs the guitar’s resonance toward the player, creating an intimate and immersive playing experience without sacrificing projection. His instruments bridge time-honoured craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering a connection between musician and instrument that is deeply personal. Beyond building extraordinary guitars, Eric is dedicated to making each client a part of the journey. When you commission a Skytop Guitar, you’re not just purchasing an instrument—you’re collaborating in its creation, watching it evolve from raw wood into a one-of-a-kind expression of your artistry. Eric, welcome to the show! Skytop Guitars: https://www.skytopguitars.com/ Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale…

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Life With Strings Attached

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Redesigning A Country Music Icon | Ric Riordon 1:47:39

5 weeks ago1:47:39

1:47:39

What does it mean to redesign a cultural icon? Ric Riordon was already a well-established designer when, over two decades ago, he and his team were asked to redesign the trophy for the Academy of Country Music Awards. The original had barely changed since the mid-’60s, so the team were taking on quite a challenge: replacing a recognisable icon that had been in the hands of famous musicians for almost half a century. Ric joins me this week to share the full story and discuss the role of imperfection in art and why humans are designed to design. With a rich career over three decades – having shaped iconic brands in corporate and entertainment sectors and designed over 800 album packages – Ric certainly has plenty of wisdom and insight to share. Ric's work: https://www.culturecuedesign.com/ The Fussy Gardener: https://www.fussygardener.com/ Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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Life With Strings Attached

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Building Guitars for Steve Vai, Jerry Cantrell & Slash | Stephen McSwain 1:20:19

6 weeks ago1:20:19

1:20:19

How in the world do you get your first guitar build in Steve Vai's hands? Well, you take some big risks and make some bold choices, and Stephen McSwain has certainly done plenty of both. From hand carving horror-themed installations for Slash to working with world-renowned visual artists, Stephen has time and again gone where no luthier has gone before – and come back with plenty of amazing stories. He joins me this week on Life With Strings Attached to tell a few of them and talk about some of the valuable lessons he's learned through it all. McSwain Guitars: mcswainguitars.com Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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Life With Strings Attached

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Making The Crazy Leap To Guitar Making | Michael Bashkin 1:47:56

7 weeks ago1:47:56

1:47:56

Michael had his dream job working for the US Forest Service – until the sight of a luthier's workshop turned his interest in guitars into an obsession that couldn't be ignored. Now, Michael is a master guitar maker with over 25 years of experience crafting exquisite acoustic guitars in Fort Collins, Colorado. Renowned for his signature designs featuring art nouveau and art deco inlays, his guitars are celebrated worldwide for their natural beauty and craftsmanship. Drawing from his past as a soil scientist, he brings a unique perspective to his work, emphasizing sustainable wood selection and a deep connection to nature. Beyond the workbench, Michael is a sought-after presenter, educator, and the host of Luthier on Luthier, a podcast for Fretboard Journal Magazine, where he dives into the world of guitar making with fellow craftsmen. He joins me this week to talk about taking big leaps, bringing the scientific method into the workshop, and staying in love with guitar making. Bashkin Guitars: bashkinguitars.com Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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Life With Strings Attached

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AI & The Artist | Kosta Lagis (Pt. 2) 1:34:16

8 weeks ago1:34:16

1:34:16

Here's part 2 of my conversation with visual effects artist Kosta Lagis, whose credits include blockbusters like Prometheus, Man of Steel, and Deadpool. In this episode, we dive deeper into Kosta's experience with generative AI and what this technology means for the future of artists and creatives. We also explore the role of religious and unifying narratives in culture and the question of whether we really have free will. We covered so much in this conversation, and I want to thank Kosta for being so generous with his time and insights. Kosta's credits: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4903106/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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Life With Strings Attached

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Creating Visual Effects For The World's Biggest Movies | Kosta Lagis (Pt. 1) 1:47:28

8 weeks ago1:47:28

1:47:28

With over 25 years of expertise in film, advertising, and industrial design, Kosta Lagis has worked on blockbuster movies like Prometheus, Man of Steel, and Deadpool, as well as high-profile commercials for brands such as Huawei and Mobil. He's currently the creative Director for Computer Graphics at The Mill in Shanghai. With a deep technical foundation in illustration, photography, digital imaging, and audio production, he now explores the creative and ethical implications of AI-driven imaging technologies. As well as hearing his views on the role of AI, I wanted to talk with Kosta about his incredibly varied career, life in China, the magic of cinema, the cultural role of religious narrative, and lots more – unsurprisingly, this was a long conversation. We've split it into two parts, with part two coming next week. Kosta's credits: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4903106/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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Not Taking Seriously Good Guitars Too Seriously | Doug Kauer of Kauer Guitars 1:43:34

9 weeks ago1:43:34

1:43:34

Doug Kauer is always the least serious guy in the room, which makes him a great podcast guest – it’s also part of what makes him a successful guitar maker with his own unique style. Doug started building guitars when a lifetime of woodworking combined with a love of guitar. Spurred on by the support of other luthiers, he found his direction in what appealed to him: less mainstream jet-set design meets a tireless pursuit of improvement. Started officially in 2008, Kauer Guitars reflects the love of craft, creativity and dumb jokes Doug is known for, and today builds eye-catching instruments for some of the world's top musicians – without ever taking themselves too seriously. With plenty of laughs along the way, Doug joins me to talk about scaling up a business, embracing failure, and how we find solutions. Kauer Guitars: kauerguitars.com Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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Life With Strings Attached

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A Game-Changing New Guitar From Verso Instruments | Robin Stummvoll 1:42:05

10 weeks ago1:42:05

1:42:05

Robin Stummvoll of Verso Instruments joins me to talk about the release of his new, highly innovative guitar, Sine, which will be exhibited in the Boutique Guitar Showcase at NAMM 2025. Having gained worldwide attention for his Cosmo model, Robin has plenty to share about the role of playfulness in creativity, escaping the constraints of established guitar design, and how to still bring innovative leaps forward to the electric guitar. Verso Instruments: versoinstruments.com Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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Life With Strings Attached

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The Challenge of True Innovation | Ola Strandberg 1:26:17

12 weeks ago1:26:17

1:26:17

Ola Strandberg is a true innovator, having redefined modern guitar-making with his .strandberg* brand. Pioneering the resurgence of headless guitars, Ola combines ergonomic innovation, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge aesthetics to create instruments that inspire musicians and luthiers worldwide. With so much change occurring, now is a good time for those with a future forward mindset, like Ola. But being a renowned innovator comes with its own challenges. In this episode, we talk about the different needs of emerging guitar markets, the difficulties of reaching the mainstream as a futurist, and whether there can ever be an iPhone of guitars. .strandberg* Guitars: https://strandbergguitars.com/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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Life With Strings Attached

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Contrarian Guitars With '80s Roots | Jon Sullivan Of Sully Guitars 1:16:38

13 weeks ago1:16:38

1:16:38

Jon “Sully” Sullivan is the founder of Sully Guitars, a brand known for blending innovation with the spirit of '80s hot rod guitar culture. But, as Sully explains in this conversation, his guitars are far more than a nod to the era he grew up in. We talk about what it means to go beyond your influences, to build guitars out of spite and to live your life as a committed contrarian. As always, it was so much fun talking with Sully, and I hope you all enjoy this one as much as I did. Sully Guitars: https://www.sullyguitars.com/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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Life With Strings Attached

Life With Strings Attached podcast artwork

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Structural Engineering Meets Guitar Design | Enrico Di Donato 1:33:13

13 weeks ago1:33:13

1:33:13

What would a structural engineer bring to guitar making? In his career as a structural engineer, Enrico Di Donato collaborated with renowned architects like Renzo Piano and Arata Isozaki. After years of exploring composite materials for seismic reinforcement and authoring publications on the subject, Enrico shifted his focus to luthiery, combining his scientific expertise with artistic craftsmanship. His “Hasaki” electric guitar, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, has been featured at prestigious events like Art Basel, the Venice Biennale, and the Boutique Guitar Showcase at NAMM. For Enrico, the electric guitar is not merely a tool, it’s an evolving fusion of art and science. He joined me on this week's episode of Life With Strings Attached to discuss this approach to guitar making and where his current projects are taking him. Di Donato Guitars: https://www.didonatoguitars.it/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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Why We Make Things & Why It Matters | Peter Korn 1:22:00

15 weeks ago1:22:00

1:22:00

Why do we make things? What is it that draws so many of us to hunker down in dusty workshops, pick up some hand tools, or devote hours to any kind of craft and creation? We might sometimes be mystified by our own obsession or powerful draw towards making things – that feeling of a need to create. Exploring this is part of exploring what it means to be human, and I can think of no one better to discuss this with than Peter Korn. Peter is a master craftsman, author, and the founder of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine, where he served as Executive Director from 1993 to 2021. With a career spanning decades as a furniture maker, educator, and leader, Peter’s work has been exhibited nationally and celebrated for its artistry. He is the author of Why We Make Things and Why It Matters, a profound exploration of craftsmanship’s transformative power. Peter continues to design furniture and share his knowledge through workshops, inspiring a new generation of makers. He has so much knowledge and wisdom to share, shedding light on what it is that spurs our creative need. Peter's work: https://peterkorn.com/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar…

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