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October 18, 2025 67 mins

This discussion also explores the concepts of play and creativity, the role of nourishment in work, and the balance between technique and artistic freedom. In this engaging conversation, David Kolmer interviews his old friend Caleb Willitz, exploring Caleb’s journey from a music student to a recording engineer and artist. They discuss Caleb’s transition from classical music to exploring various instruments and his passion for helping young artists in Chicago.

OUTLINE

00:00 Welcome and Studio Tour

04:04 Musical Background and Evolution

07:12 Exploring Player Taxonomy

11:43 The Role of Technique in Art

19:14 The Intersection of Art and Education

29:49 Visual Art vs. Audio Recording

32:57 Supporting Aspiring Artists

34:18 Supporting Emerging Artists

36:33 The Mutual Benefits of Collaboration

39:06 The Concept of Nourishment in Work

44:45 Exploring Spirit Animals

48:14 Games as Social Experiences

53:04 The Role of Games in Human Interaction


Caleb Willitz Music

https://calebwillitz.com/

https://calebwillitz.bandcamp.com/album/home

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5HBn08d5xK4knBUf9HZbId


Keywords

Caleb Willitz, David Kolmer, music, recording engineer, Chicago, creativity, play, artistic freedom, nourishment, young artists


Takeaways

  • Caleb transitioned from classical music to exploring various instruments.
  • He became a recording engineer in Chicago, focusing on independent artists.
  • Caleb emphasizes the importance of nourishment in work beyond financial gain.
  • He has helped young artists by providing recording opportunities and support.
  • The conversation explores the balance between technique and artistic freedom.
  • Caleb values the concept of play in creativity and artistic expression.
  • He discusses the role of improvisation and exploration in his music journey.
  • Caleb's work in the arts has been both a personal and a community endeavor.
  • The discussion highlights the importance of socializing and collaboration in art.
  • Caleb shares insights on the challenges and rewards of being an artist.


Sound bites

"Caleb transitioned from classical music to exploring various instruments." "He became a recording engineer in Chicago, focusing on independent artists." "Caleb emphasizes the importance of nourishment in work beyond financial gain." "He has helped young artists by providing recording opportunities and support." "The conversation explores the balance between technique and artistic freedom." "Caleb values the concept of play in creativity and artistic expression." "He discusses the role of improvisation and exploration in his music journey." "Caleb's work in the arts has been both a personal and community endeavor." "The discussion highlights the importance of socializing and collaboration in art." "Caleb shares insights on the challenges and rewards of being an artist."


CREDITS

GAMELAYER RADIO is found wherever you get your podcasts. Transcripts and swag at Gamelayer.fm

Theme Music by Caleb Willitz. calebwillitz.com/ calebwillitz.bandcamp.com/music


Interlude Music

Found Sound on the "domain of play" borrowed from ⁠⁠Balance in the Spiritual Life Dharma talk by Sr. Trai Nghiem⁠⁠ ⁠https://youtu.be/yZag9LOp7uc?si=T2Qyfc-4y-XJoSOz&t=3301⁠


MUSIC:

HomeStretch - Caleb Willitz & David Kolmer

Simple Jewels - David Kolmer - Manchester BOA

Dionysian Pianowax - David Kolmer - Manchester BOA

Water - David Kolmer - Manchester BOA


PODCAST APP LINKS

♥️ Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gamelayer/id1804386590

♣️ Pocket Casts

https://pca.st/ch0fdeon

♠️ Amazon Music

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a617d81-2f96-43a3-9938-7f0b2ad7e49d/gamelayer

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