January 1

Ryan Oelke’s 2008 Year in Review

2008 has been an amazing year for me, so amazing that I’ve hardly posted:) Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happened in 2008 for me:

Startup. Shutdown.
In April 2008 I was CEO and Executive Producer for what would be the last month of startup company, Falling Fruit, started 1 year prior. Falling Fruit was a great attempt at creating a professional and entertaining network of podcasts targeting the cultural creatives/post-modern crowd. I learned a LOT about business basics that are helpful no matter what I do. I was part of an amazing team, people with whom I’m still friends and collaborate.

Unemployment
In the past I might have thought about unemployment as this completely horrible, depressing, and degrading experience. Completely the opposite for me. I was happy to receive the government’s help:) It allowed me a period of reflection and redirecting in my life. Falling Fruit’s “failure” was just the opportunity I needed to clear the way and see who I am and what I want to do. I’m an artist, not a business person. I want to create art, film and music. Had I not had some pressure free space to realize that, I might still be pushing on in less meaningful way.

Freelancing
I also had the opportunity to venture out as a freelancer, which also suits me much, much more than working a regular 9-5 job. ugh! I’ll take the rewards and challenges of freelancing without hesitation. I spent the summer and unemployment creating PowerUp Productions, setting up my studio, and creating the foundations to be successful. Got a fair amount of gigs in audio, including freelance content editing for Sounds True, thanks to my buddy, Vince. My studio has been on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder and is now at the loving and exciting home of Boulder Integral.

Sex, God, Rock ‘n Roll
This is THE most exciting development of 2008 for me and it ranks up as one of the best experiences of my life. I’ll actually dedicate several posts to my experience, but here’s a brief wrap-up: I was brought on as a Producer for Stuart Davis’s live TV show, Sex, God, Rock ‘n Roll. In addition to generally producing the show with Jason Lange and Jason Digges, I headed up the live elements of the show and was the sound mixer for post-production, which we just wrapped up. The show is on it’s way to Hollywood to be shopped to cable networks (and we’re already getting great responses). It will also be distributed on our shiny new website that will launch this month. It was an absolute blessing to work with Stuart and all of the crew. Wonderful and amazing experience.

Buddhist Geeks
Buddhist Geeks has done nothing but continue to grow and we have the most amazing listeners. We cracked 40,000 downloads this year, each month breaking the previous month’s record. We also started to live-stream our interviews, video and audio, which our hardcore listeners seem to really enjoy. Look for some exciting and new developments this year.

Contemplative Practice
Well, this has been pretty much shitty sauce:P However, there was one important discovery I made, thanks again to my awesome friend, Vince. I realized that in my solitary retreat two years ago I hit the dark night. Basically, it left me not very interested or motivated in contemplative practice or study, but I had no idea way. I now have a much better understanding and a renewed motivation to continue on the path.

Health
Overall, kind of weak. I did 75% complete the 12-week Strength for Life program, but I wasn’t able to go at the intensity I hped for and I let things drop (consciously) after I finished. Really looking forward to 2009 as a great year for my health.

Film Study and Experience
I’m extremely pleased with the development my film abilities and experience in only 6 months since directing my life towards this. In addition to being a Producer and Sound Mixer for SGRR, I spent a good deal time developing foundational skills in film, primarily screenwriting.

Experience is the best teacher for arts, in my opinion, and my goal has been to gain some knowledge and understanding through study, and then to put it into lots and lots of practice. Written a few sketches, filmed one. Read Story by Robert McKee, perhaps the best book on screenwriting and storytelling. Also studied a bit from a few other screenwriting books. Read some from Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics, as well as The Ultimate Filmmaker’s Guide to Short Films, both great books.

I’ll be sharing my 2009 goals in an upcoming post….after I figure them out:)