Ep 34 - LIVE - "We Are Yet to Take the Helm of This Spaceship" Artwork

The Firehouse Salon

The Firehouse Salon brings together diverse minds – makers, thinkers, creators – to explore how communication shapes our world. Inspired by Howard Gossage's maverick spirit, each conversation delves into the intersection of ideas, creativity, and effective change-making. More than just discussing advertising, we investigate how different perspectives and approaches can solve real problems and create meaningful impact. Originally inspired by our BBC Radio 4 documentary 'The Socrates of San Francisco'.

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The Firehouse Salon

Ep 34 - LIVE - "We Are Yet to Take the Helm of This Spaceship"

May 22, 2025 • Tediophobes • Season 1 • Episode 34

In this episode, we dive into the legacy of Howard Luck Gossage and explore creativity, environment, and unconventional thinking.

Guests:
Ali Grant - Designer and inventor of the Halo - https://www.instagram.com/halosoundsystems/
John Kieselhorst - Co-Creative Director of Geezer Creative - https://www.geezercreative.com/

Ali discusses his pioneering work with Halo Sound Systems and his focus on creating immersive, respectful sound experiences in nature.

John explores the overlooked potential of the over-fifty demographics & creatives in advertising and the significance of purpose-driven creativity.

We talked about the historical and cultural parallels between the 1960s and today, touching on the transformative periods, sound healing, and the influence of mindfulness and nature on creative processes.

01:06 Introduction to the Salon

01:21 Discussing 99 Non Zebras and Creativity

02:01 Meet the Guests

02:20 Ali Grant on Halo Sound Systems

02:40 John on Geezer and Age in Advertising

05:47 The Role of AI in Creativity

07:26 Ali Grant on Music and Community

10:02 John on Marketing to Older Audiences

16:08 The Power of Music and Shared Experiences

25:47 Exploring Consciousness and Psychedelics

27:51 Inspiration from Buckminster Fuller and Hacken Bay

32:22 Reflecting on Historic Times

33:53 Impact of the Pandemic

35:35 Personal and Professional Shifts

36:45 Environmental Observations

37:23 Cultural and Political Consequences

49:46 Creative Processes and Mindfulness

54:37 The Role of Environment in Creativity

Mentions this time:

Books

"Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth" by Buckminster Fuller - Referenced by Ali Grant
"The Incal" by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Moebius - Graphic novel mentioned by John about inducing theta states
"Mood Mapping" by Dr. Liz Miller - Book about neuroscience and bipolar disorder

Companies/Organisations

Halo Sound Systems - Ali Grant's startup for sound cancellation technology
Geezer - John Kemo's startup agency targeting 50+ demographics
Temporary Autonomous Art Exhibitions - Art collective inspired by Hakim Bey's concept
Walker Art Center - Museum that held Buckminster Fuller retrospective

Films & Media

"Jodorowsky's Dune" - Documentary about the unmade film adaptation