E150 - Matt Barnes of The Leisure Club | Third Places, Navigating the World as an Artist, Entrepreneur Hardships & More!
Mon Dec 29 2025
Matt Barnes is the Founder and Owner of The Leisure Club (@leisureclub.co) here in Columbus, Ohio.
From knowing he always had a passion for the arts, community and entertainment, the journey Matt takes on us in this episode ventures from; an original interest in performance and theater, to obtaining a business degree as a safety plan, living in 27 different places before he was 30, an experiential art project turning into a full on creative agency, to eventually learning it was a struggle to work for others and deciding to go out on his own. In all of that, the concept of "The Leisure Club" third space was taking shape. From a small rented studio space to hangout with friends, to a physical venue space where others can bring their own commuities together. We cover it all!
This is indeed a great conversation with Matt as we also talk about navigating the world at large as an artist, the woes of freelance and client culture, learning the power of saying "no" and setting boundaries as a creative, the ups and downs of running a business, and why third places matter! Lots of great stuff in this one folks!
----THIS EPISODE IS PARTNERED WITH:
PromoWest Productions - @promowestlive
For all upcoming shows & event info of who's coming through Columbus, OH, visit promowestlive.com or to purchase tickets directly, visit AXS.com
The Scatter Joy Project - @thescatterjoyproject
The Scatter Joy Project is a local Columbus nonprofit focused on fighting for mental health. They aim to make mental health care accessible and affordable for everyone. They sell apparel with 100% of the profits funding their crisis text line, their network to help people find the mental health help they need, and their very own therapy fund. So whether you're looking to get help or want to donate to help support the cause, Scatter Joy is right for you. Find more info at www.thescatterjoyproject.com
Makers Social - @makers.social
Maker's Social is a DIY Project Bar located in the Franklinton Arts District of Columbus, OH! To book a reservation, go to makerscolumbus.com enter "WYDH" in the notes of your checkout for $10 off!
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Matt Barnes is the Founder and Owner of The Leisure Club (@leisureclub.co) here in Columbus, Ohio. From knowing he always had a passion for the arts, community and entertainment, the journey Matt takes on us in this episode ventures from; an original interest in performance and theater, to obtaining a business degree as a safety plan, living in 27 different places before he was 30, an experiential art project turning into a full on creative agency, to eventually learning it was a struggle to work for others and deciding to go out on his own. In all of that, the concept of "The Leisure Club" third space was taking shape. From a small rented studio space to hangout with friends, to a physical venue space where others can bring their own commuities together. We cover it all! This is indeed a great conversation with Matt as we also talk about navigating the world at large as an artist, the woes of freelance and client culture, learning the power of saying "no" and setting boundaries as a creative, the ups and downs of running a business, and why third places matter! Lots of great stuff in this one folks! ----THIS EPISODE IS PARTNERED WITH: PromoWest Productions - @promowestlive For all upcoming shows & event info of who's coming through Columbus, OH, visit promowestlive.com or to purchase tickets directly, visit AXS.com The Scatter Joy Project - @thescatterjoyproject The Scatter Joy Project is a local Columbus nonprofit focused on fighting for mental health. They aim to make mental health care accessible and affordable for everyone. They sell apparel with 100% of the profits funding their crisis text line, their network to help people find the mental health help they need, and their very own therapy fund. So whether you're looking to get help or want to donate to help support the cause, Scatter Joy is right for you. Find more info at www.thescatterjoyproject.com Makers Social - @makers.social Maker's Social is a DIY Project Bar located in the Franklinton Arts District of Columbus, OH! To book a reservation, go to makerscolumbus.com enter "WYDH" in the notes of your checkout for $10 off!