In this episode, I interview Ryan Dillon (@oysterpig), a classically-trained chef, punk rock and hardcore musician who’s been creative his whole life.
Growing up in Virginia, Ryan worked in restaurants and played music throughout his formative years, then studied at Virginia Tech and went to culinary school. He’s lived in Boston, Raleigh, and earlier this year returned to his hometown. No matter where he’s been, though, he’s partnered with other creatives in both music and food. If you like creating things with other people, this is the episode for you.
Scroll down to listen, or subscribe and listen through iTunes. If you like the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, as well.
During our chat, we discuss;
- Our mutual appreciation for Virginia after we each moved away.Ryan’s self-described eclectic background, which included college, culinary school, and punk rock.
- Why cooking and culinary arts is an interesting parallel to cooking.
- Attending culinary school and eventually moving into consulting for restaurants.
- What his childhood was like with one right-brained parent and one left-brained parent.
- How Ryan went from washing dishes to learning how to be prep cook.
- How screwing up a salad dressing piqued Ryan’s interest in cooking and led to becoming a chef.
- Ryan’s songwriting process and how he collaborates with his band members.
- His punk rock influences growing up in Virginia, and what it was like playing in a hardcore band in Boston.
- Hosting a punk radio show while in college at Virginia Tech.
- What encourages Ryan and motivates him to learn new things artistically.
- Why Ryan prefers to collaborate and create with others, rather than alone.
- How he raises a creative daughter.
- Ryan’s definition of creative success, and how it reflects mastery of talent to the point of simplicity.
In addition to Twitter, you can find Ryan on Instagram.