In this powerful and unflinchingly honest conversation, musician and storyteller James Byous shares the full arc of his journey—through addiction, sobriety, bipolar disorder, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of meaning.

James opens up about the terrifying manic episode that led to transient psychosis, the therapist who helped ground him during the crisis, and the profound onstage experience that reshaped how he performs, writes, and understands himself. He talks candidly about his eight years of sobriety, the emotional myths artists believe about “losing their edge,” and the night captured on Westside (Netflix) that became his final wake-up call.

We explore Jimi Darkness, his new concept album and live show—a superhero myth built from the wreckage of his former self—and why releasing it now marks a turning point in his life. James also discusses the reality of being an artist in L.A., the heartbreak of unmet career expectations, and the unexpected grace he found in discipline, structure, and community.

A major part of our conversation centers on Rolling Sober, the men’s sober Brazilian jiu-jitsu club James founded. He explains how BJJ became a cornerstone of his recovery, offering connection, challenge, and a healthier identity than the chaos he once lived in. His reflections on masculinity, vulnerability, addiction, and artistic purpose are some of the most grounded and insightful you’ll hear.

This episode dives into: • Addiction, recovery, and what sobriety really changes (and doesn’t) • Bipolar disorder, mania, and navigating mental health with honesty • The making of Jimi Darkness and the mythology behind it • Performance, vulnerability, and the evolution of artistic identity • The truth behind the Westside experience • Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a path to growth and stability • The philosophy of songwriting and creative expression • What it means to live a meaningful, disciplined life after chaos

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, James welcomes you to reach out. Find him on Instagram at @jamesbyous, and stream his music on all major platforms, including Bandcamp where his upcoming vinyl release is available. https://jamesbyous.bandcamp.com

This is an episode about survival, clarity, transformation, and the strange luck of being alive at all. I hope you find as much value in it as I did.

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most defining—and divisive—topics of our time. For artists, it sits at the crossroads of excitement and anxiety: a powerful new tool full of possibility, but also a force that raises profound questions about authorship, originality, and the future of human creativity.

In this episode of At The Vanguard, we do something different. Instead of hearing more opinions about AI, we hear directly from it.

My guest is ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence capable of conversation, reflection, and insight. Together, we explore some of the most compelling questions facing the creative world today:

• Can AI truly be creative?
• What does art reveal about the human condition?
• Should AI-generated work be considered art—and who owns it?
• Does AI have a “shadow side”?
• How will AI reshape training, mentorship, and creative work?
• And what does the future of art hold for humans?

This episode isn’t about hype or fear—it’s about perspective, nuance, and the evolving relationship between humanity and the technologies we create. Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or somewhere in between, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

At The Vanguard is hosted by Christopher Lloyd Bratten-Zappala.

In this episode of At The Vanguard, host Christopher Lloyd Bratten-Zappala sits down with Michelle Loucadoux and Kristin Deiss, founders of Danscend — a groundbreaking organization bringing mental wellness education to the dance world.

Together, they unpack the myths and realities of mental health in the arts, exploring why toughness and compassion are not opposites, how the dance industry can evolve beyond tradition, and what it means to truly support artists from the inside out.

From confronting perfectionism and body image to re-defining what it means to be “mentally tough”, Michelle and Kristin share personal stories, hard truths, and practical tools for dancers, teachers, and anyone striving for resilience in a demanding world.

Key Topics:

• Why “mental health” and “mental comfort” are not the same thing
• Building mental toughness without losing compassion
• The hidden toll of comparison and social media
• How Danscend helps dancers, educators, and studios create healthier spaces
• The future of mental-wellness education in the performing arts

Listen to learn: How awareness, science, and community can transform not just dancers—but humans.

Learn more: www.danscend.com Instagram: @danscendofficial YouTube: @danscend Contact: hello@danscend.com

At The Vanguard — Elevating the arts. Empowering the artist.