At The Vanguard

Music, Sobriety, & Keeping Your Edge (James Byous)

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.

An AI Speaks On The Future Of Art (ChatGPT)

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.

Solving The Dance World’s Mental Health Crisis (Michelle Loucadoux & Kristin Deiss)

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.comInstagram: @danscendofficialYouTube: @danscendContact: hello@danscend.com
At The Vanguard — Elevating the arts. Empowering the artist.

Owning The Stage, Owning Yourself (Tomasina Abate)

Tomasina Abate is a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and creative visionary whose career has spanned Disney’s Tomorrowland stages, arena crowds, and independent artistry. In this conversation, she opens up about the courage it takes to stand alone, the cost of excellence, and why real artistry begins the moment you stop asking for permission.
We talk about:• Building a cult-favorite band at Disneyland and redefining what it means to "own the stage".• The tension between perfection and vulnerability—and why audiences crave the cracks.• Creating Plate of Gold, her upcoming disco-/EDM-inspired album born of love, loss, and rediscovery.• Surviving the industry by choosing independence, authenticity, and emotional truth.• Resilience, healing, and the fight to make music that actually helps people live.
This episode embodies everything At The Vanguard stands for: truth without polish, craft without ego, and the relentless pursuit of artistic transcendence.
Find Tomasina’s music at tomasina.netCurrent album: Painted Crown | Upcoming album: Plate of GoldFeatured tracks: "Nothing's Gonna Save You", "Cautionary Tale", "Joy Ride", and "Point Of No Return".
At The Vanguard is a podcast about elevating the arts and empowering the artist in each of us.
Hosted by Christopher Lloyd Bratten-Zappala.

Lead With Light, Play With Heart (Sarah Tubert)

Deaf actor, motivational speaker, and athlete Sarah Tubert joins host Christopher Lloyd Bratten-Zappala on At The Vanguard for a deeply inspiring conversation about art, identity, and resilience.
From voicing Lucita in Disney’s Primos to captaining Team USA at the Deaf Olympics, Sarah shares how creativity has been her bridge between worlds — and how breaking barriers in entertainment can start with one powerful question: "What do you need?"
She opens up about representation in Hollywood, accessibility in the arts, and her children’s book The Girl With The Crooked Smile, which teaches young readers to embrace their differences.
This episode is about courage, compassion, and redefining what it means to shine.
Buy Sarah's book at TheGirlWithTheCrookedSmile.comDeaflympics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deaflympics_icsdDeaflympics website: https://deaflympics2025-games.jp/en 
At The Vanguard is a podcast about elevating the arts and empowering the artist in each of us.
Hosted by Christopher Lloyd Bratten-Zappala.

The Vanguard Vision

Welcome to At The Vanguard, a podcast about elevating the arts and empowering the artist in each of us.
In this inaugural episode, host Christopher Lloyd Bratten-Zappala shares the story and philosophy behind The Vanguard Institute for the Arts — a bold movement dedicated to creativity, mindfulness, and artistic excellence. Through reflection and hard-won insight, Christopher invites listeners to rediscover the art within themselves, reconnect with purpose, and rebuild from burnout toward a life of meaning and creation.
You’ll hear how art lives not only in music, theatre, and design but in how we think, connect, and show up in the world. This episode is both a declaration and a call to action for artists, educators, and dreamers ready to rise.
Subscribe and join the movement to elevate the arts, empower artists, and keep the flame of excellence alive.

At The Vanguard: Trailer

Welcome to At The Vanguard — a show about elevating the arts and empowering the artist in each of us.
Hosted by musician and educator Christopher Lloyd Bratten-Zappala, this podcast explores the creative spirit through conversations with artists, thinkers, and innovators who are redefining what it means to lead with vision and create with purpose.
In this trailer, Christopher introduces the mission behind At The Vanguard and invites you to join a community built on curiosity, accountability, and transcendence.
Follow now to hear the premiere episode on November 1.