logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2023
1h 18m

Drew Damron: Adventures from Libraries t...

ADSR Collective
About this episode

Drew Damron's journey took an unexpected turn when he arrived in Japan from Grand Rapids Michigan over seven years ago. Originally planning a brief stay while pursuing his Master’s of Library and Information Sciences degree, Drew's fascination with the country’s culture, traditions and nature has captivated him ever since. As a community-oriented librarian and archivist, Drew has already left his mark on two major Tokyo libraries, bringing his skills for archiving and connecting people to the forefront. Beyond his dedication to libraries, Drew's adventurous spirit extends to his love for outdoor activities. An avid trail runner, rock climber, and skier, he finds solace and mental fortitude in Japan's natural beauty. Drew also channels his outdoor experiences into his role as a contributing writer for The Japan Times, where he shares his adventures and insights within the realm of outdoor lifestyle content.

In this episode of ADSR Inspirations, we dive into Drew's exceptional career path, from his early days as a library assistant to his current role as Senior Librarian at Temple University. Drew shares insights on how to work at foreign libraries in Japan. He also speaks about the role and connections between libraries and artists while sharing his own passions for drawing and writing. Drew gets into his love for outdoor activities and exploring the mountains of Japan. He connects the physical to the mental and speaks to the balance of the body and mind in art and in everyday life.

Connect with Drew: Website // Instagram // YouTube

More from us on ADSR Collective
Follow us on Twitter + Instagram @adsrpod

Please show some love by rating our show!

Up next
Nov 2023
Yuri Nagahori - From the Dancefloor to the Studio
Yuri Nagahori is a Tokyo-based DJ, promoter and producer who has been captivating hearts and dancefloors with her infectious beats. Music has been a constant throughout Yuri's life, with early expressions through piano, drums, and dance. Her journey led her to study abroad in Can ... Show More
1h 16m
Nov 2023
Ian Lynam - A life of teaching and learning in design and typography
Ian Lynam is the product of a life lived with post-modern art and endless curiosity. Originally from the small town of Averill Park, New York. He holds a BSc in Graphic Design from Portland State University and an MFA in Graphic Design from CalArts. Since 2005, he has led his Tok ... Show More
1h 41m
Oct 2023
May Inoue: Expressions in Japanese Jazz
Meet May Inoue, the remarkable young Japanese jazz guitarist known for his electrifying sound and dynamic career. Hailing from Kawasaki in Kanagawa, May's journey into jazz began at just 15 years old inspired by a Mike Stern concert. He later honed his craft at Berklee College of ... Show More
1 h
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
Alcoholism Recovery, Leaving Hollywood, and January 6 (Siaka Massaquoi) | Ep. 503
Siaka Massaquoi is a versatile actor, producer, and writer. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for engaging audiences, Siaka has also made a mark in the world of podcasts and online media, collaborating with influential voices like JP Sears and The Babylon Bee. Off-scree ... Show More
4 h
Feb 2024
Ep. 207: Creative Pep Talk’s Andy J. Pizza on ADHD, the Heroine’s Journey, & Invisible Things
Illustrator, graphic designer, speaker and picture book-maker Andy J. Pizza grew up in the Indiana suburbs, the child of two diametrically opposite parents - dad in corporate finance and mom an artist. Often feeling out of place, he learned to cope by drawing and smoking cigarett ... Show More
57m 10s
Oct 2024
Cracking the Code with Allan Peters
Teresa Au chats with Allan Peters of Peters Design Company. He’s a brand mark expert, the author of Logos That Last, and the guy who blew up on Instagram Reels reimagining classic logos like Citibank, UPS, and Gatorade. They talk about Allan’s strategic path to launching his own ... Show More
29m 36s
Aug 2024
Radical Generosity with Tina Roth Eisenberg
Teresa Au talks to the legendary founder of Creative Mornings and design blogging pioneer Tina Roth Eisenberg, also known as Swiss Miss. They explore how Tina’s love of gathering and community both feeds her soul and has led to three thriving design businesses. Tina shares the ne ... Show More
30m 13s
Aug 2024
From Graphic Designer to Design Community: Big Mike Jones on Growing Creative South
What makes Graphic Designers truly thrive? Some believe it's community, passion,  the power of connection. And the Creative South Graphic Design Conference is one place that truly exists. In this episode, we sit down with Big Mike Jones, the mastermind behind Creative South, ... Show More
1h 14m
Jul 2024
N°090 - Kyle Ng / Brain Dead / Fashion For Futuring
Near Future Laboratory Podcast Episode 90: Exploring Creative Worlds with Kyle Ng Support the podcast on Patreon: https://patreon.com/nearfuturelaboratory Join us at Detroit Imagines Harder: https://detroit.imaginesharder.com $55 Gets You 4 Design Fiction Books (Plus Electronic S ... Show More
58m 57s
Mar 2020
Dustin Yellin on His Quest to Reimagine Learning in the 21st Century
Since establishing the Pioneer Works nonprofit cultural center in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood in 2013, artist Dustin Yellin has slowly grown the place into a powerhouse hub at the nexus of art, technology, music, and science (with literature and food sprinkled in). Like the ... Show More
52m 50s
Jul 2024
Learn by Teaching with PiXimperfect’s Unmesh Dinda
Teresa Au talks with PiXimperfect’s Unmesh Dinda, who teaches Photoshop to over 6 millions followers via fun and accessible videos. They discuss Unmesh’s passion for teaching, his philosophy of progress over perfection, and the challenges of running a creative business. Plus, Ter ... Show More
24m 37s
Apr 2024
Amy Vincent ASC on A Nice Indian Boy, Hustle & Flow, Eve’s Bayou
Amy Vincent, ASC did not originally set out to become a cinematographer. While studying veterinary medicine at UC Santa Cruz, she got a work study job hanging lights for the theater department. She fell in love with the creative art of lighting, and soon transitioned to the theat ... Show More
35m 51s
Jun 18
Uplift: Singer is dedicated to uplifting underserved communities of color.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Raheem DeVaughn. 🎵 Key Topics Discussed 1. Independent Artist Journey Raheem defines independence as being “self-made,” trusting intuition, and investing in oneself ... Show More
28 m