This week on Diamond Cast, we’re talking about identity — in music, in art, and in the instruments we carry with us for years.
Ben’s long-lost guitar has finally returned, which sparks a wider conversation about why certain guitars become deeply personal and tied to creativity itself. We also discuss dream guest guitarists, the artists who continue to influence our songwriting, and how identity is explored through films like The Cable Guy, The Fisher King, and the work of Andy Kaufman.
Along the way, Natalie goes on a passionate rant about Enduring Love, and Ben shares more details about his university songwriting lectures — including thoughts on formal music education, practice, performance, and whether there’s actually a “correct” way to hold a guitar pick.
A thoughtful and surprisingly wide-ranging episode about art, performance, and the strange things that shape us creatively.
00:00 – Intro
00:34 – Welcome to the Black Charade
02:29 – Ben’s long-lost guitar returns
05:40 – Why instruments become part of our identity
07:53 – Dream guest guitarists
13:43 – The artists who stay with us creatively
16:12 – Natalie’s Enduring Love rant
20:42 – Identity in art: The Cable Guy, Andy Kaufman & The Fisher King
26:18 – Update on Ben’s university songwriting lectures
31:15 – Inside Ben’s songwriting class
35:25 – Is there a “correct” way to hold a pick?
38:50 – Formal lessons vs teaching yourself
42:35 – Does performing arts school help or hinder?
45:33 – Practice makes perfect?
47:18 – Performing in lecture rooms vs onstage
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