Stay ConnectedIn (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen host Laurie Gallardo simply asks one question of her guests: What is the darkness to you? Or, what is dark to you?
The conversations that arise from this range from heartbreaking to inspiring, and get to the heart of the guests’ personal philosophies, internal struggles, and creative journeys.
In having these conversations, Laurie hopes to inspire listeners to reflect on their own experiences with darkness, and perhaps connect to others on their own journey.
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On this special bonus episode of (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen, audience members from our recent live taping at The Vortex share what the darkness means to them. (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
BLK ODYSSY talks about the darkness and reshaping the light, and offers his insight on connecting to the best frequency. This is a live podcast taping recorded at the Vortex on October 16th, 2025. (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
Grammy-nominated musician and composer Adrian Quesada reflects on the spectrum of darkness, and the meaningful experience of connecting music with memories. (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org. The full transcript of this episode of (SPF…
Comedian Avery Moore discusses the isolation of loneliness and lack of self-worth, and the revelation of actually liking oneself. (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org. The full transcript of this episode of (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is…
Professor and forensic researcher Dr. Daniel Wescott talks about the life that follows death, and darkness as an uncertainty. Learn More about the Forensic Anthropology Center aka the Body Farm (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
True crime historian and author Kate Winkler Dawson discusses the literal darkness of rural areas, and the role of empathy in true crime research. (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org. The full transcript of this episode of (SPF 1000) Vampire…
Singer and songwriter Kalu James talks about darkness as a space of safety, and the mindful acts of creating art in dark times, and letting go. (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org. The full transcript of this episode of (SPF 1000) Vampire…
Alex Maas of the Black Angels talks about the influence of childhood memories and raising a family during dark times. (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
Songwriter Alejandro Rose-Garcia, better known as Shakey Graves, talks about the ways darkness and his mental health journey have shaped his music and his outlook on life. He also discusses the art of – and the anxiety behind – self-promotion, and the desire to connect with others. (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas.
Season 2 of (SPF 1000) Vampire Sunscreen starts Friday, September 12. On the podcast, host Laurie Gallardo is back to ask one question of her guests: What is the darkness to you? Or, what is dark to you? In season 2, Laurie talks to musicians Shakey Graves, Kalu James, and the Black Angels’ Alex Maas. She talks to author and podcast host Kate Winkler Dawson, comedian Avery Moore…
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