In a dark basement, a mysterious man sits at a desk, scanning pages upon pages of documents, articles, books, and images. His wife and children above tread lightly, to avoid capturing their footsteps on the recording audio. This man is a curator―a keeper of cultural heritage and collector of hidden stories and treasures. This man is Nathan Olli.
Many individuals know Nathan Olli as the multi-talented iCenter Aide at Farmington STEAM Academy. However, just like the books that surround him in the library, there are a lot of stories beyond the cover. Nathan Olli began his career in media as a radio broadcaster, production manager and night-time DJ in Toledo, Ohio. When his children were born, he ditched the late nights and the long rides home and replaced it with...well, more late nights but without the drive. However, he did not cut out the creativity that he had cultivated throughout his career.
“Every day is a creative outlet,” said Olli. “I’m never not thinking about something.”
He found himself captivated by many projects, including writing a true crime novel about a murder in Livonia, Michigan. He worked to uncover the mystery, interviewing the accused, talking to police, even taking trips to the graveyards where the victims lay. It was in these projects that he harnessed the skills that would lead to his most recent creative endeavor.
“People around me that I greatly respected pushed me to do a podcast,” said Olli.
Olli would create Curator 135―a podcast inspired by his desire to collect unique stories and the Dewey Decimal System, 135, where one can find stories surrounding Mysteries & Dreams. From crafting myths, exploring the origins of zombies, and discussing the changes of Valentine’s Day, the podcast does exactly that.
Ultimately, Olli creates a theatre of the mind, in which through sound and sound effects alone, vivid stories are summoned in the listener’s imagination.
“Creativity is important and should never go away,” said Olli.
Through the experience, Olli has learned a lot about the creative process and has advice for other individuals who want to pursue a podcast, video, or any creative work.
“There is something out there for everyone. If you feel you have something to say, it is worth it.”
Olli suggests to carry around a notebook, and jot down any idea that comes to mind. You never know when inspiration will appear. Don’t be afraid to become a curator like Olli, and discover the many mysteries and dreams that life has to offer.
As Olli said, “You must tell some stories. If you don’t know any, and you are lucky enough to have access to someone who does. Ask. You are never too old to learn.”
To listen to Curator 135, please visit https://curator135.com/
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