Creative Moonlighting

Dive deep into the world of ocean art and conservation with our special guest, the renowned ocean artist, Guy Harvey!

Dive deep into the world of ocean art and conservation with our special guest, the renowned ocean artist, Guy Harvey!

Welcome to Episode 48 of the Creative Moonlighting Podcast!  In this episode, we sit down with Erik Flores to discuss his journey as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, and the making of the band's debut album, Nothing to Escape. Tune in for exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes stories as we explore the band's inspirational blend of folk, rock, and Americana.   Links: Fairbanks and the Lonesome Light's website: https://fairbanksandthelonesomelight.com/ Fairbanks and the Lonesome Light's Instagram Fairbanks and the Lonesome Light Facebook   Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to DT@griffynco.com or MT@griffynco.com   #FairbanksandtheLonesomeLight #ErikFlores #NothingtoEscape #podcast #music #folkrock #Americana #storytelling #interview #behindthescenes #creativemoonlightingpodcast #griffynco #griffyncoproductions

Please welcome local filmmaker, artist, and creative moonlighter - Konstantin Belyshev.  Konstantin graduated from Texas State University with a major in philosophy and a minor in English. Born to Russian immigrants and raised in San Marcos, Texas, he has worked as a data analyst, a media producer, concert photographer, cinematographer, and also currently leads a team that designs and leverages ontology and data modeling to help build Google's semantic understanding as it produces search results across various places on the globe. (A lot of deep thinking involved in his life!) As filmmakers, it is always a pleasure to meet a fellow artist who has similar interests, but in this case, it was very enlightening to speak in-depth with Konstantin who brings a completely different background to the world of film as we know it. We hope you enjoy this talk as much as we did. To view and follow more of Konstantin's work, please use the following links: Konstantin Belyshev - Website Konstantin Belyshev - Instagram Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to Griffyn.co@gmail.com  #konstantinbelyshev #filmmaker #atxartist #atxfilm #austinfilmmaker #ontology #mediaproducer #philosophy  #creativemoonlighting #griffynco #griffyncoproductions

Episode 46 welcomes Kent and Veerle Ullberg.  Over the past 46 years, this couple has built a life, a business, and a legacy with realistic wildlife sculptures, all serving to spread the beauty of nature and engage onlookers to recognize a need for the preservation of our natural environment. Kent makes the sculptures and Veerle runs the business. They have operated in exactly this way for nearly half a century!  For more on Kent's work as a sculptor and naturalist, view his bio below. Also note the headline quote by the late Roger Tory Peterson who, himself was an author, artist, and educator, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary work in the field of ornithology.  "No one during the latter half of this century has celebrated the animal form with greater enthusiasm and virtuosity. Very simply, Kent's public monuments have come close to symbolize an age of environmental awareness that is a stepping stone to the next millennium." –––––– Roger Tory Peterson A native of Sweden, Kent Ullberg is recognized as one of the world's foremost wildlife sculptors. He studied at the Swedish University College of Art in Stockholm and worked at museums in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Africa and Denver, CO. After living in Botswana, Africa, for seven years he has made his home permanently in the United States where he now lives on Padre Island, Corpus Christi, TX. He also maintains a studio in Loveland, CO. Ullberg is a member of numerous art organizations and has been honored with many prestigious awards. In 1990 his peers elected him a Full Academician (NA), thus making him the first wildlife artist since John James Audubon to receive one of the greatest tributes in American art. A selection of his memberships include the National Sculpture Society; the American Society of Marine Art; the Allied Artists of America; Nature in Art, Sandhurst, UK; the National Academy of Western Art in Oklahoma City, OK which awarded him the Prix de West, the foremost recognition in Western Art. In 2010 he received the Briscoe Legacy Award and in 2016 the lifetime achievement award from the Society of Animal Artists. Best known for his monumental works executed for museums and municipalities across the globe, his Fort Lauderdale, FL, and his Omaha, NE installations are the largest bronze wildlife compositions ever done, spanning several city blocks. Both earned him the coveted Henry Hering Medal Award from the National Sculpture Society, NYC. His most recent monumental installation is "Snow-Mastodon," a life-size bronze Mastodon placed outside the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Kent's work is nothing short of "larger than life". His Spirit of Nebraska in Omaha, NE for instance, consists of 67 bronze and stainless steel works.  This site occupies the Bank properties on all four corners of the 16th and Dodge intersection as well as works on 15th Street. This wildlife monument includes 3 bulls standing at 8' and weighing nearly 1,400 pounds, several yearling bulls, and 2 cows with their calves, as well as a large water feature with 8' Canada Geese in bronze taking flight. As the geese fly across the street they are attached to 18' bronze trees, a traffic signal, the corner of a building, a light post, 2 other poles, and culminate with several stainless steel geese suspended within the glass atrium of the Bank's headquarters. Each of these works has been strategically placed to engage visitors, particularly children, as they pass. To say that Kent and Veerle have built a "successful" life in the world of art and creativity would be a complete understatement. While their days as Creative Moonlighters passed back in the 1970's, hearing their story is awe-inspiring for any creative who is currently looking for a way to make the transition from moonlighting to daylighting.  Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to Griffyn.co@gmail.com  Visit www.kentullberg.net #kentullberg #sculptureandartist #becominganartist #spiritofnebraska #orinthology #naturalist #nature #realismart #wildlifeart #wildlifescuptures #environment #preservation #conservation #corpuschristi #padreisland #corpuschristimonument  #creativemoonlighting #griffynco #griffyncoproductions

Welcome back to Episode 45. No guests today, just Denise and Matthew chatting about the meaning of their mantra - Keep it Simple; Tell Your Story. For those who haven't heard, Griffyn.Co Productions is now a full-scale, full-time production company. Denise serves as the head of business development (aka - she handles the money) as well as the executive producer for all their projects, while Matthew maintains the role of creative director.     And now that they are approaching their work as "professionals" within the industry, today they take the time to discuss exactly what it means to be a PROFESSIONAL.   How can you tell the difference between an amateur and a professional?  Why is it important to practice minimalism / essentialism and allow the story shoulder the weight of any given project?  They address all of these questions and more as they attempt to define the real meaning of being a professional in the world of filmmaking.    Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to Griffyn.co@gmail.com    #artist #becominganartist #filmmaker #productioncompany #professionalvsamateur #keepitsimple #filmgear #storytelling #tellyourstory  #creativemoonlighting #griffynco #griffyncoproductions

Please welcome Stephanie Macias, a senior at Round Rock High School, and an up and coming artist / musician (who also happens to be a former student to Matthew at Chisholm Trail Middle School :-)     Stephanie joins Denise and Matthew to discuss all the exciting and challenging elements of being a young, but experienced musician - and especially, her process and experience in what it means to become an artist.  Stephanie is currently recording her first album of original songs, so please follow her journey and lend your support! You can follow and reach her on IG @fanymaciass to see / listen to her music and @fany_art22 to see her drawings and paintings.   We so enjoyed our sit down with this young woman and we will certainly be following her journey as she continues to make her dreams come true!    Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to Griffyn.co@gmail.com    #artist #becominganartist #musician #atxmusic #localartist #creativemoonlighting #griffynco #griffyncoproductions

Please welcome Suzanne Heintz - photographer, filmmaker, and all around artist. Her work is described as equal parts photography and theater. And although it is taboo to most in the art world, humor is her third and most important medium. At the risk of being perceived as a form of “Artertainment,” Heintz employs satire because she feels that it is crucial to the digestion of what might be perceived as a bitter pill – social criticism.  Please don't forget to scroll down and view the links below to access her work online!  Denise and I stumbled on Suzanne's work through the documentary film, IMITATING LIFE: THE AUDACITY OF SUZANNE HEINTZ (which premiered at Doc NYC Film Festival and can be accessed on Amazon; see below).  Needless to say, we were immediately drawn to the world she has created through her art. Ultimately, there isn't enough space here to describe the joy we received in meeting and having had the chance to talk with Suzanne about her work, her influences, her recent Dutch exhibit in the Netherlands, and most importantly, her BOTTOM LINE as an individual who is fully committed - for better or worse - to living life as an artist.     HER FILMS: Imitating Life: The Audacity of Suzanne Heintz View the Film Trailer here Suzanne's Vimeo Channel Do the Math Promo (mocking the Artist's Life) Netherlands Expo Artist Talk (filmed during her Dutch Exhibit in June 2022) PHP Chapter 1 - Postcards from Paris (a documentary by Suzanne Heintz) Temp password: creativemoonlite PHP Chapter 2 - The Vows (a documentary by Suzanne) Temp password: creativemoonlite   CONNECT w/ SUZANNE online: Artist Website:  suzanneheintz.com Social Media - FB * IG * LI   Creative Moonlighting is brought to you by Griffyn.Co Productions.  As always, we hope you enjoy the show!  Feel free to connect via email with questions or comments at: griffyn.co@gmail.com   And don't forget to follow us on IG @creativemoonlightingpodcast   #suzanneheintz #imitatinglifefilm #satireart #playinghouseproject #mannequinproject #artistforlife #dutchartexhibit #postcardsfromparis #thevows #theaudacityofsuzanneheintz

Please welcome Chris Norkus - bartender, storyteller, and the owner of Cocktails from Home.  Chris moved to Austin 10 years ago to explore bigger opportunities in the bar and restaurant industry.  When the pandemic hit, he found himself an unemployed bartender.  But it wasn't long before a friend hit him up to use his skills to entertain a virtual happy hour for a group of friends and co-workers.  This simple concept spawned Chris's new business, which is now known as COCKTAILS FROM HOME.    If you have ever had the impulse to invest in yourself and build a business around your skills, then this is the episode for you.      Check Cocktails from Home Online: Cocktails from Home Chris Norkus - Linkedin   Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to Griffyn.co@gmail.com  #cocktailsfromhome #investinyourself #bartender #virtualhappyhour #mixology #craftcocktails #buildingyourbusiness #workfromhome #beyourownboss #startingabusiness #creativemoonlighting #griffynco #griffyncoproductions

Please welcome Austin, Texas band, Yes Sir, No Sir.  Tonight, Denise and Matthew had the pleasure of sitting down with all six band members, Kevin Brinkkoeter,  Grant Chambers, Kyle Cox, Johnny Jeffers, Dave Dierksen and Ashton Acuna. While no strangers to the Austin music scene, the band explored the creative process behind their debut album, “Bright White Light,” recently featured on local Austin radio station KUTX. Free form conversation, a few beers, a bottle of vino and lots of laughter allowed us to discuss some of Creative Moonlighting's favorite topics: connections, creative tension, the nuance of musical collaboration, and the balance between family and artistic endeavors. Join us as we sit down with longtime friends sharing "a common desire to create music, art and entertainment they love and a family keepsake worthy of legacy."   Check out more of Yes Sir, No Sir: Official Yes Sir, No Sir Website KUTX Song of the Day - Bright White Light Bright White Light Music Video   Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to Griffyn.co@gmail.com  #ysnsband #atxmusic #atxmusician #austintexasmusic #atx #atxband #workhorsemarketing #kutx #atxartists #bandingtogether #indierock #indierockband #austintx #austinmusicscene #austinmusician #creativemoonlighting #griffynco #griffyncoproductions

Welcome back, Brian Cobos and Chris Thompson!  We cover a lot of ground today, so choosing a title was difficult.  However, don't be confused by the title we eventually landed on.  One of the most important questions every filmmaker must face surrounds the idea of taking a "paint by  numbers" approach to creativity:  Is there a formula for filmmaking? Chris and Brian re-edited one of their old films and landed it in the Austin Revolution Film Fest.  Amidst discussions about that experience, we also delve into the ongoing screenplay and pre-production process of West of Leona, a feature project they are adapting from another short they created in recent years.  There is no better way to discuss the ups, downs, and sideways alleys of making a movie than to talk with the folks who are in the thick of the process.  So, shout out to all filmmakers and creators out there:  This one is definitely for you! Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com    #buildingtheamericandream #atxfilm #lonestaremmywinner #texasemmys #austinfilmsociety #documentaryfilm #socialimpact #atxartist #impactplan #createart #griffyncoproductions #filmmaker

Please welcome 8-time Lone Star Emmy award winning director, producer, editor, and our dear friend - Chelsea Hernandez.  Chelsea is a Texas native Latina filmmaker who was born in San Antonio and raised in Austin. She studied film at Adelphi University and Brooklyn College, and then returned to Texas to complete her RTF degree at UT Austin.  She began her career at PBS as an assistant editor and associate producer, a job that set her on a path to making a series of short films, and eventually, her first feature length documentary - Building the American Dream.  She joins us today to talk about the nuts and bolts of the journey she took in making this award winning film.  Building the American Dream world premiered at SXSW in 2019 and was most recently nominated for a Texas Lone Star Emmy.  Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com  #buildingtheamericandream #atxfilm #lonestaremmywinner #texasemmys #austinfilmsociety #documentaryfilm #socialimpact #atxartist #impactplan #createart #griffyncoproductions #filmmaker

Saying "YES" to one thing in life often indirectly means to saying "NO" to something else.  Denise and Matthew chat in Episode 39 about what they have learned through the experience of NOT being parents.  Having children was at one time a part of their grand plan, but plans don't always work out.  Today, they delve into the idea of what it means to fit in, to be "normal", and to live up to the images that are often carved out for us by society.      As always, we hope you hear something that provokes thoughts of your own.  And please send questions and comments to Griffyn.Co@gmail.com . 

Today Denise and Matthew talk about the importance of managing your mental state.  Creative endeavors are difficult to pursue with the type of intensity that it takes to see the entire process through.  We all know the feeling that washes over us when our mental state seems to want to zap our energy and kill our drive.  Mental toughness is of key importance, but how do we maintain such a thing?  Among the many scenarios they discuss, Denise discusses her experience in having to become mentally tough and resilient as a child and as a student athlete up through college.     As always, we hope you hear something that provokes thoughts of your own.  And please send questions and comments to Griffyn.Co@gmail.com .    #managingstress #mentaltoughness #mentalstates #griffyncoproductions #creative moonlighting #alwaysbecreative #creativity

Today Denise and Matthew talk about the value of the creative process - the ups, the downs, and the feedback you seek along the way.  They discuss the trap of caring so much about the outcome of a project that the process of creating grows dull.  And they question the proper ways to seek feedback without wearing out your sources (who are likely family, friends, and other artists you respect).    As always, we hope you hear something that provokes thoughts of your own.  And please send questions and comments to Griffyn.Co@gmail.com .    #valuetheprocess #enjoytheprocess #trusttheprocess #feedback #griffyncoproductions #creative moonlighting #alwaysbecreative #creativity

Today Denise and Matthew talk about controlling the urge to control things.  They discuss plans, broken, plans, and finding the will to be resilient.  Creative Moonlighters will no doubt be able to relate.  As always, we hope you hear something that provokes thoughts of your own.  And please send questions and comments to Griffyn.Co@gmail.com .    #controlfreak #control #resilience #griffyncoproductions #creative moonlighting #alwaysbecreative #creativity  

Please welcome, Mike Greenlee - husband, father, and Moonlight Creator.  Mike has a math brain trapped in an artist's mind. And it's a very very good thing.  Matthew and Mike hash out the nuance of audience attention spans. Where are they today?  Where did they come from? And how are they changing?  Mike is the sole creator of Michael Greenlee Blackstone Cooking, a 1-minute a day episodic that can be found on just about any social media platform including his YouTube Channel:  Michael Greenlee Blackstone Cooking Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com  #audienceattentionspans #creativemoonlighting #blackstonecooking #cutthebullshit

Please welcome, Lawrence Stallings - husband, father, coast-to-coast actor, and all around creative.  Lawrence has performed in numerous Broadway shows (The Book of Mormon, Hair, and Passing Strange) in NYC, as well as episodic television and films in Los Angeles.  He is currently set to play the famous blues guitarist, Robert Johnson, in RL at the Crossroads - a one-man show that is to be filmed in Philadelphia this summer.     Matthew and Lawrence met on the set of a television show they did for TLC back in 2007 (Diagnosis X).  And today, they sit down (remotely) as old friends and discuss everything from creative ADHD, audience attention spans, and the future of film to writing, acting, envy, and creating your own whirlwind (as Lawrence puts it). Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com  #actors #creative #broadwayshows #bookofmormoncast #haircast #robertjohnson #diagnosisx #creativeadhd #audienceattentionspans #createyourownwhirlwind

Today Denise and Matthew talk about Main Character Syndrome and what it means to "have a sonder."  They discuss why Main Character Syndrome is seemingly so prevalent in the lives of creatives and artists and they ponder ways in which to overcome it.    #griffyncoproductions #creative moonlighting #alwaysbecreative #creativity #maincharactersyndrome #sonder   Please send questions and comments to Griffyn.Co@gmail.com . 

Denise and Matthew delve into the idea that creativity improves mental health.  They discuss the notion that mental health (or lack thereof) has historically led to great works of art, and they work through ideas about why being creative can give you an edge in mind, body, and spirit.   #griffyncoproductions #creative moonlighting #alwaysbecreative #creativity #mentalhealth #selfhelp #artandmentalhealth   Please send questions and comments to Griffyn.Co@gmail.com . 

Denise poses yet another big question this week (she has been on fire) about the role of sex in art.  Why is it so often such a prevalent factor in the things we create?  Is there are a proper balance or place for sex in the artistic endeavors we pursue?  Again, no right or wrong answers... Just questions, thoughts, and interesting conversations. #griffyncoproductions #creative moonlighting #alwaysbecreative #creativity #sexinart #sex #art  Please send questions and comments to Griffyn.Co@gmail.com . 

Denise poses a question today about the struggles of collaboration and how to handle resistance when operating in a "teamwork" setting.  She and Matthew discuss possibilities for ways in which creative minds might remain both open and assertive during collaborative negotiations.  #griffyncoproductions #collaboration #resistance #negotiation #neversplitthedifference #creative moonlighting #alwaysbecreative Please send questions and comments to Griffyn.Co@gmail.com .  For those who are interested in reading the book we mentioned by Chris Voss, here it is:Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss 

Denise was faced with a big work meeting this week that found her speaking on a panel of educators at MIT. The Challenge:  5 minutes. 1 slide.  How do you get your point across in a way that is short enough to hold their attention, but in-depth enough to stir their thoughts?  How do you work through imposter syndrome when speaking in front of a group of your most elite peers and colleagues?       As always, if you have a question, reach out via email at: Griffyn.Co@gmail.com.  Enjoy! #atx #atxartists #createart #createartnow #griffynco #griffyncoproductions #helloaudiio #impostersyndrome #highperfomance  

Welcome back our neighbor, family, and friend... Ashton Acuna! Ashton has finished his first semester of college (COVID-college) in virtual mode.  When he was here last spring, his senior year had been shutdown by the pandemic.  That day, we were talking about how to get started on a new creative project.  Today, we are flipping it around and talking about when you should walk away.  Ashton had been helping us record episode 25 and was intrigued to speak about his own creative process a bit further.  Sometimes walking away can offer the most benefits for your creativity.  Listen in to find out why.As always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com 

Please welcome keynote speaker, executive speech coach, and writer - Jim Comer.  Jim is both a neighbor and a friend, and we are extremely thankful he made the time to come down and join us on the podcast.  For all you writers out there, this one's for you!  In this nearly two hour episode, Jim, Denise, and Matthew traverse the wild world of using your life as a prompt for your work.  Along the way, they not only discuss ideas for finding something to say, but also for getting your thoughts on paper, targeting a focus point for your writing, and freeing your spirit to endure the intense rollercoaster ride upon which writing a book will send you.To learn a bit more about Jim, please visit his website at: https://www.comercommunications.com/ As always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com 

Welcome to EPISODE 25!  Thank you to all of you who have stuck with us through the first 25 episodes. Your participation has been greatly helpful in keeping the momentum going.Today, Denise and Matt will be discussing how to handle tense situations. As artists and creators, we all have to learn the art of collaboration.  But as we all know, the sun doesn't always shine on our collaborative relationships.  In this episode, we attempt to deconstruct some practical ways in which you might be able take a step back and make a thoughtful plan of action for the next time you find yourself in a tense situation at work, at home, or in any relationship you have.As always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com 

We all know that inspiration is at the root of creativity.  But we often forget that creativity also becomes the root for new inspiration.  And the cycle continues.  Today, Denise and Matt welcome Dave and Magda Acuna to talk about their latest creative venture, Three-Legged Pig Creations. Magda is an artist and Dave is a business-mind.  Both have full-time jobs and two children who are now young adults.  Both are grounded and comfortable (as comfortable as anyone can be in 2020) in their day-to-day routine.  But in spite of their comfort, they have decided that spending their days on the creative sideline is no longer an option as they have chosen to take a creative leap in starting a charitable business called, Three-Legged Pig Creations. We were fortunate enough to have them join us today in talking about the bubbling desire that caused them to take a step in the attempt to do something that is not only creative, but that is also inspiring, communal, and charitable for other creatives.  We hope you enjoy listening to their story! Special thanks to Ashton Acuna for his help with sound editing (and of course, for lending his guitar skills alongside Magda's voice at the end of the episode).As always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com 

Today, Creative Moonlighting welcomes storyteller, businessman, father, and all around creative, Torrey Kiolbassa.  We have often heard the concept that failure cuts the path toward success.  But most axioms are easier said than lived because they are usually only discovered by those who take the time to stop and look back on the journey in its entirety.  Torrey reminds us that success is not only made possible by taking the opportunity to fail, but it's also sweeter after you've experienced enough of life to be soured.  We hope you'll enjoy taking the time - as we did - to soak up some inspiration from this truly unique and joyful individual. As always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com 

This week Matthew and Denise sit down with Mary Richardson, owner of the Austin based yoga sanctuary, Studio Satya. Mary shares her journey of becoming a yogi and the life lessons learned during her time spent practicing yoga in India.  Mary delves into how she's learned to lean into discomfort, not only as a yogi, but as a mother, wife, and business owner during a pandemic. She shares her honest struggles and a resilient attitude that all listeners can connect to and learn from. Join Mary for a virtual yoga class at Studiosatya.com .As always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com 

Today, we delve into the often unacknowledged art of math.  Bob Ohanian is a math teacher in Round Rock who began his career in the world of business.  For all of our listeners and Creative Moonlighters, we realize that math and money management is likely the last item you want to hear about.  Bob Ohanian has often referred to it as, "good napping banter."  But make no mistake, if you're anything like us, you eventually reach an age where you realize that money is a problem that everyone must solve.  Some folks learn the lesson sooner than later (and more often than not, are better for it).  As artists we often sacrifice all our time to learn our respective crafts.  But today's show is meant to explore a flipside to that coin - and hopefully - to plant a seed regarding the concept that as artists, we can be both creative and math savvy with our bank accounts.  After all, having finances in order relieves the burden on our brains and frees us to be more creative.  We hope you'll take a moment to tune into what "Mr. Ohanian" (as he is known at school) is talking about.   As always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com 

This week, Denise sits down with the newly retired, Barbara Taylor.  Barbara reminisces about the pivotal moments throughout her 43 years as an educator that allowed her to understand how to make space for people to express themselves, and in turn, how to nurture confidence, responsibility and creativity. Listen and enjoy Barbara's infectious conversation as she embarks on a new chapter of life. As always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com 

This week, Denise sits down with the young and talented, Ashley Acuna, to discuss the role of resilience and resolve not just in creativity, but in life.  You'll be surprised by this young woman's maturity and insight.  Moreover, her attitude and ability to express her thoughts provides a great deal of hope for the next generation of adults.  Enjoy!As always, send questions and comments to Griffynco@gmail.com 

In this episode, Denise shares her perspective as the producer of a 21-day creative road trip.  She speaks of a multi-faceted approach that spanned over a year in her planning of the trip. This is the second of a two-part series in which the pair discusses how they balance productivity with pleasure while exploring national parks and off-the-beaten-path locations across the Great American West.   And for more specific details about the planning, please check out Denise's Blog at:  "Roadtrippin' During 'Rona Season" As always, please email griffyn.co@gmail.com if you have further comments or questions.  Otherwise, you may reach out to us on social media as well. 

In this episode, Matthew and Denise record their first podcast in the car while embarking on a 21 day road trip.  They dig into establishing creative routines and making intentional choices for maintaining a creative mindset while traveling.  This is the first of a two-part series in which the pair discusses how they balance productivity with pleasure while exploring national parks and off-the-beaten-path locations across the Great American west.  Matthew discusses how he determines what gear to pack, as well as when and how he chooses to use it.

Welcome back for the second part of our interview with Christopher Thompson and Brian Cobos.  In this episode, we will dig deeper into their experience of writing the feature adaptation of their short film, West of Leona.  If you missed episode 15, we urge you to go back and start there to get the full experience with these two talented guys.  If you would like to see some of their past work, please use (and share) the links below! Please use the following links to view some of Chris and Brian's work:https://vimeo.com/258679449https://vimeo.com/258679449 https://vimeo.com/chrisamfm/alifelost As always, if you have a question or comment you would like to have included, email us at griffyn.co@gmail.com.  Enjoy! 

This week, we are proud to welcome Christopher Thompson and Brian Cobos to speak on their experiences of having collaborated in film for nearly a decade.  They are currently writing a feature adaptation of their short film, West of Leona, and they were kind enough to visit with us in the middle of the pandemic to do a deep-dive on what it means to collaborate successfully.  If you would like to see some of their past work, please use (and share) the links below! As a further notice, this is the first of a two-part interview which will carry over to episode 16.  Please use the following links to view some of Chris and Brian's work:https://vimeo.com/258679449https://vimeo.com/258679449 https://vimeo.com/chrisamfm/alifelostAs always, if you have a question or comment you would like to have included, email us at griffyn.co@gmail.com.  Enjoy!   

Today, Denise and Matthew take a question from writer/actor, Brian Cobos, about the co-writing process (which hopefully will lead to a guest appearance by Brian and his writing partner Chris in a later episode ;).  They then turn their attention to the affect of music on creativity.  Denise has recently taken up the banjolele and the ukulele, and aims to share how learning to play music has served as a conduit for enhancing her own creativity at work. As always, if you have a question or comment you would like to have included, email us at griffyn.co@gmail.com.   

In this episode, Denise and Matthew talk bout the role of awards in success, and how creative folk might choose to view their success with or without a trophy to show for their efforts.

Welcome, Taylor Marie Zamora... Our Niece.  Our Goddaughter.  And more importantly, a very sharp young lady.  Creativity knows no bounds, especially when you're talking about the connection between humans and animals.  Taylor joins us today to share her experience as an equestrian and the ways in which her relationship she has built with her horse has made her a more thoughtful, reflective, and creative individual.  Enjoy! 

Today, Matthew takes a step aside and Denise gets her mom in the mix.  As a second generation Filipino-American, Denise finds a way to connect creativity to something larger than a product.  Rather, she examines the notion of survival and what it means to act in spite of fear.  We hope you all will enjoy this episode as much as we did.  It's rare that you get the real story of your roots.  Perhaps this could inspire anyone listening to go out and talk to their elders. So much gets lost in the ether.  But it doesn't have to... 

Attention all you CREATIVE WRITERS!  Denise and Matthew host their FIRST-EVER GUEST today - Mrs. Shirley Thornton (also Matthew's Mom)!  Shirley taught English - reading, writing, and grammar - for nearly 30 years, and has most recently taken on a career as a professional newspaper and book editor.  She joins the show to talk specifically about how authors can successfully use VOICE and DIALECT to improve the writing of their characters.  A quick note:  Today's show is quite a bit longer than our norm given the circumstances of the subject matter.  For you creative writers out there, this one is for you!  As always, if you have a question or comment you would like to have included, email us at griffyn.co@gmail.com. 

Denise poses the question:  What can creatives do when they feel stuck in a rut?  Some days it can be difficult to stay productive.  Matthew and Denise discuss everything they have tried to maintain focus during times of overwhelm when motivation seems be at its lowest.  As always, if you have a question or comment you would like to have included, email us at griffyn.co@gmail.com. 

Denise poses several questions today regarding the passing of information, knowledge, and wisdom from one generation to another.  They discuss everything from things they have learned from their grandparents to things they have learned from junior high kids in the classroom.  As always, if you have a question or comment you would like to have included, email us at griffyn.co@gmail.com. 

Denise and Matt discuss the ways in which they give and receive feedback from others.  And Monika McCown weighs in with a question from San Antonio, TX about creatives who bring ideas versus creative who bring specific skill sets.  As always, if you have a question, reach out via email at: Griffyn.Co@gmail.com.  Enjoy!

Denise and Matt delve into how they choose which projects they are going to put their energy into and how they go about finding the people they work with. Also featured on today's podcast are Wendy Flores of Corpus Christi, TX and Lauren Lansford of Round Rock, TX.  Each guest poses a personalized question related to the overall topic.  As always, thanks for listening!

Today, Denise and Matt discuss CONFIDENCE and IDENTITY, and the nuanced views of what each of those encompasses, as well as the role that each place in our lives. Trigger Warning: the name, Donald Trump does come into this discussion.  "Is Donald Trump confident?"... As always, thanks for joining us! 

Denise and Matt discuss - over a bottle of wine - what it means to think creatively across a wide range of topics and professions.  They also take their first round of listener questions.  Special thanks to Gil Hernandez for listening and reaching out with some thoughtful questions! 

Is there a specific process that works for getting a new project started?  Denise and Matt recruited their next door neighbor - a local Central Texas senior and a budding musician - ASHTON ACUNA.  Matt and Ashton wanted to create a video driven by Ashton's musical talent.  Apart from that, they had no idea what they were going to create. So they turned on the recorder and made this podcast as they fleshed out their ideas on the way to hatching a game-plan.    

In Creative Moonlighting's second episode, Denise and Matt talk about GENERATING IDEAS.  Is there a specific process that works for coming up with new ideas, blending multiple ideas, and ensuring that a given idea is not a complete waste of time?