Tiny Sparks, Big Flames with Deb Gaut

Every now and then, someone touches your life with the incredible power of their story.   Such is the case with Eneazer Layne, the beloved life and leadership coach, visionary founder of IMAGERY International “I Am” Movement, and the gifted speaker, writer, and gospel recording artist.  Known by those who love her as “Lady E,” Eneazer is my guest on today's podcast.  In this deeply personal interview, we talk about her journey, including her tragedies and triumphs; her superpower and kryptonite; and what gets her up and excited every morning.  We also talk about the personal identity crisis that ignited her passion for empowering women and girls, the things she loves most and least about her work, and her sage advice for anyone who wants to follow a passion or dream.  At times touching and poignant, at other times light-hearted and joyful, Eneazer's message of love will stay with you long after the interview wraps up.  Simply click the button above and off you'll go.  You're going to love this interview. Come join us for every episode of Tiny Sparks, Big Flames!

In this engaging masterclass in leadership and art, I talk with contemporary abstract oil painter, Mark Witzling. We talk about his unconventional journey from corporate America to leadership of a beloved, nonprofit arts organization to artist. In the process, we chat about the three powerful words that drive his life and work, his intriguing perspective on finding one's voice as an artist, and his honest take on the upsides and downsides of following an artistic passion. With candor and grace, Mark draws back the curtain on the fulfilling life and art he is creating, including the gifted artists who have influenced him most and the beautiful places from which he derives inspiration. Come join us for every episode of Tiny Sparks, Big Flames!

My guest today is executive leadership coach, Christi Nix Bloomer, founder of In the Arena Coaching. In this wide-ranging interview, we talk about her remarkable journey from small town America to consulting for a global company to becoming the powerhouse coach she is today. With wit and wisdom, Christi shares her interesting story, the paradox behind what she loves most and least about her work, and the hardest business lesson she's learned so far. Additionally, she gives us an inside look at the thought leaders who have most influenced her thinking—as well as a glimpse of her day-to-day life and the deep inner work that makes her such an amazing coach.   Come join us for every episode of Tiny Sparks, Big Flames!

In this delightful interview, I chat with award-winning artist Michelle McLendon, the founder and creative force behind The Purple Onion Books. We talk about her compelling story, the inspirations behind her exquisite, hand-bound journals and stationery, and the inside scoop on working and traveling on the juried art show circuit. With candor, grace, and more than a little laughter, Michelle shares her thoughtful insights, experiences, and advice about being a working artist, and the imaginative ways she keeps the creative fire burning bright.            Come join us for every episode of Tiny Sparks, Big Flames!

In this deeply personal interview, I talk with Kristen Edens, the talented quilt artist and founding owner of Edens Heirlooms. We talk about the difficult twists and turns of her earlier careers—and the month-long travel sabbatical that changed her life and launched her creative business. We also dive into the unique ways she works with clients to create one-of-a-kind quilts; quilting as a contemporary artform; and her passion for history and genealogy as driving forces. In the process, Kristen shares her wisdom for anyone who would love to follow a passion or dream, and her delightful ambitions for the next five years.        Come join us for every episode of Tiny Sparks, Big Flames!

This special episode of TSBF features internationally acclaimed artist Tommy Simpson, whose award-winning work has been shown in more than 100 exhibitions in the U.S. and around the globe. Truly a national treasure, Tommy is that rarest of artists: He has worked in almost every artistic medium, including wood, sculpture, painting, prints, rugs, jewelry, and more. He's also an accomplished writer and poet. In this wide-ranging interview, we talk about Tommy's remarkable journey; the ways that fun, joy, and whimsy reflect and infuse his life and work; his wonderful views on creativity; and the meaningful and deeply satisfying life and career he has created across his 80+ years. He also shares his sage advice for anyone who would love to explore their world through creativity. Later in the interview, the talented artist Amy Firestone Rosen joins us for an informative Q&A with our in-person audience. This interview was originally videotaped live and in collaboration with Craft Alliance in Saint Louis, MO.       Come join us for every episode of Tiny Sparks, Big Flames!

In this inspiring, deeply personal interview, I talk with Dr. Marty K. Casey, the talented actress, activist, and founder of Show Me Arts Foundation and UnGUN Institute. We dive into the pivotal moments and greatest challenges in her life and career. We also talk about the ways she has conquered those challenges, her advice for overcoming adversity and setbacks associated with trauma, and the people who have profoundly influenced her thinking. Between these moments, we chat about her “highest highs” as a professional actress, what gets her up and excited every morning, and her fascinating advice for playing bigger in our lives and careers. Come join us for every episode of Tiny Sparks, Big Flames!

In this refreshing, upbeat interview, I talk with Mary Beth Flynn, an exceptionally gifted watercolor and pen & ink artist and founder of Artfully Aging, a national, watercolor art program for senior living communities and clients at all levels of skill and care. We talk about her inspiring journey as an artist and entrepreneur, which began in early childhood, and the many ways she has turned enormous obstacles and challenges into business opportunities through her passion for art, compassion for others, and remarkable skills as an entrepreneur. With grace and generosity of spirit, Mary Beth offers us a master class in innovation and the incredible art of the pivot.        Come join us for every episode of Tiny Sparks, Big Flames!

As a young, hip, 30-something professional, Alyssa Hawn is anything but the stereotypical holistic health coach, whatever that might look like in your mind's eye. She's whip smart, light-hearted, and exceptionally witty. She's also gracious, poised and, at times, downright bubbly. In this fascinating interview, we talk about the ways that Alyssa helps her clients achieve optimum health using tools that marry the worlds of science and spirituality. We also discuss her vision for coaching all parts of the human being, and what she's passionate about that most health experts and coaches aren't talking about right now. Along the way, she gives us the inside scoop on surprising things she has learned on her intriguing journey, from the craziest idea she's ever had that paid off and her “$10,000 mistake” to her advice for following our passions and dreams. Come join us for every episode of Tiny Sparks, Big Flames!

In this powerful, uplifting interview, I talk with Katie and Steve Banister, two extraordinary disability educators and co-founders of Access-4-All. We explore their remarkable story of tragedy and triumph, what it takes to follow a passion or dream in the face of adversity, and advice they would offer to anyone who wants to play bigger in their life and career. In the process, we explore the surprising ‘crash' that sometimes follows a huge success, strategies for getting unstuck, and the incredible, healing power of listening. 

Bob Baker is that rarest of creatives. He's an accomplished musician, singer, song writer, author, improv performer, and YouTube content creator, and he's been successful in each of these arenas. In this delightfully inspiring and engaging interview, Bob reflects on a lifetime of experiences. You'll learn how he got started in his music and writing careers, and how he has leveraged multiple creative passions to generate unique business and career opportunities. You'll also hear how a difficult period in his life led Bob (and life partner Pooki Lee) to becoming the successful YouTube content creators they are today—with more than 302K subscribers and 1 million views per month. You'll love Bob's charming sense of humor, his marvelous stories, and the wonderful wisdom and success secrets he so generously shares.     

In this engaging interview, I talk with Linda Smith, an exceptionally talented leadership coach and learning consultant, and the founder of Jetstream Coaching and Consulting. We dive into her interesting journey in the world of coaching, the incredible obstacles she has faced along the way, and the power of friendship and community to help us overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. We also delve into the quiet ways she celebrates successes, the love of international travel that fuels her, and her sage advice for anyone who wishes to follow a passion or dream.          

Joining us for today's show is the remarkable international wildlife photographer Marian Brickner, who shares her fascinating story and the lessons she has learned from following her dreams. You'll hear about the surprising way she got started in her photography career, the driving force behind her passion for capturing the individual lives of animals, and her practical advice for creatives or anyone who wants to follow their passion. You'll love her delightful sense of humor—and how her captivating images landed her in National Geographic Kids, on the cover of a book by a famous Dutch primatologist and, yes, even on a billboard in France.          

Artist and gallerist Mary Martin is my wildly talented guest on today's show. As both an acrylic collage artist and the owner of Green Door Art Gallery in Saint Louis, Mary shares a wealth of knowledge and wisdom during our delightful interview. You'll hear about her surprising journey from a childhood steeped in creativity through her initial career as a respected physical therapist to a return to her passion and work as an artist, then gallery owner. You'll enjoy learning about the highlights and challenges she has faced in her artistic career, the driving force behind her life and work, and her success secrets for following your own passions and dreams.

Joining me for today's interview is LinkedIn guru Kathy Bernard, the delightful founder and CEO of WiserU, a company that specializes in helping people leverage the power of LinkedIn for business and career development. You'll learn about her journey from a company layoff to helping colleagues who had lost their jobs, and how she parlayed that experience into a successful coaching, consulting, and training company. You'll love hearing about the road Kathy has traveled; the valuable lessons she has learned about building connections and community; and the practical advice she offers for pursuing a passion or dream—or taking your game to the next level.      

My guest on today's episode is Sarah Schlafly, the pioneering founder and driving force behind Mighty Cricket, whose mission is “to build a more sustainable food supply to feed the world's exponentially growing population.” You'll hear her remarkable story about launching a clean protein company with global aspirations—and crickets as its primary ingredient; the unexpected twists and turns she has encountered while navigating her journey; and her sage advice for entrepreneurs about following a passion and mastering the art of the pivot.

My guest on today's episode is the wildly talented writer, Christine Webb, author of the forthcoming young adult (YA) book, The Art of Insanity. We dive into her fascinating story as an aspiring writer, beginning in middle school; the roles that courage, tenacity, and the refusal to take ‘no' for an answer have played in her writing career; and powerful advice from teachers, writers, and agents she has received along the way. Throughout the interview, Christine tells entertaining stories about her life and writing, and she offers a beautiful sneak preview of her delightful, new book. 

In this warm, light-hearted, inspiring interview, I'm joined by Michael and Charlotte Fritzius, the dynamic duo and co-founders of Exactly Zero, a clean-living company based in Saint Louis. We talk about how a cancer diagnosis for Michael became the spark behind creating clean products for their family - and how their personal mission morphed into a company that gives back by sharing these products with the world. In addition to their remarkable journey, we talk about the special role of family in their life and business, and their success secrets for navigating a partnership as a married couple. You're going to love Charlotte's passion for their work and Michael's comparison of running a business to “running with scissors.”   

In this inspiring interview, I talk with Bridgette Simmonds, the exceptionally talented life + leadership coach and founder of Limitless by Bridgette. We dive into her personal journey from corporate America to coach, speaker, and facilitator extraordinaire; the remarkable people who have influenced her life and work; and the greatest risks she has taken along the way. In the process, she shares her beliefs about the secrets to life and living fully and sage advice for overcoming our fears and living our purpose, passion, and dreams.          

In this powerful, engaging interview, I talk with Karen Hoffman, the visionary and chief possibilities officer of Gateway to Dreams – and founding publisher of Be the Change magazine. We dive into her remarkable story, real-life heroes who've helped her along the way, and the wildest, craziest risk she's ever taken that paid off – and what she learned about herself in the process. Along the way, we talk about the greatest challenges she's faced and how she's overcome them, and the ways she celebrates successes and honors mistakes.

Welcome back to the Tiny Sparks, Big Flames podcast. We're delighted to join you on your extraordinary journey! In Season 2, we take the podcast to a whole new level with 10 MORE inspiring creatives, innovators, and difference makers like YOU who are daring to live their dreams. If you have a passion, purpose, or dream you would love to pursue -- or want to show up, play full out, and step up your game -- come join us for these empowering, real-life stories.Here's a sneak peek at our exciting, new season in 3...2...1....

In this delightfully candid interview, I talk with the wildly creative Kina Crow, an ὕber award-winning, mixed-media artist.  Kina takes us on her fascinating journey from Hollywood wardrobe departments to the outdoor art festival scene with wit, wisdom, and spunk.  We chat about the secrets of her artistic success, the upsides and downsides of being a working artist, and opportunities for young artists in the art festival world.  Along the way, we discuss the merits of making stuff up and learning things the hard way, and she definitively dispels the myth of the flaky artist. [Adult Language]

This lively, informative interview features Fred Miller, a compelling speaker, writer, and international coach. Fred is the author of five popular books in his No Sweat Public Speaking series. In this episode, we talk about his journey from a single public speaking class to growing and developing his business; his dream of helping others to master public speaking; and the success secrets he's learned along the way. With wit and gentle humor, Fred highlights the importance of knowing your why, the power of the pivot, and the art of recovering from holy cow moments and epic fails.      

Today's interview features the delightfully creative mixed-media artist, Cynthia Correll.  We highlight her artistic journey from book artist to communication architect to mixed-media artist; the magic of visuals, words, and structure that drives her creativity; and the role of curiosity in following her dreams.  We also discuss the artistic process as an act of discovery, the Third Act as the best part of life, and the unexpected benefits of creating a 30-year plan. 

In this inspiring, deeply personal interview, I speak with Bonnie Sales, an award-winning contemporary artist and illustrator.  We talk about her earliest recollections of being an artist, the first time she dared to call herself "an artist," and her unexpected journey to becoming the creative she is today.  We also tackle the upsides and downsides of following her passion, the perils of comparing your artistic work to that of others, the importance of giving yourself permission to create, and the process of creating a headspace for art.     

Joining me for this lively interview is Rebecca Now, a gifted speaker, author, podcaster, and event planner whose passion is bringing women's history to life. Rebecca is the dynamic co-founder of Voices of American HERstory, an amazing ensemble of re-enactors who perform for events, schools, and suffrage celebrations. We talk about her life as an innovative historian; curiosity as the key to her success; and the importance of cheerleaders in her life. We also dig into what it takes to overcome our fears, get unstuck, and nurture our dreams.

In this episode, I have the joy of interviewing the incomparable Caren Libby, a wildly talented photographer, visual storyteller, content creator, and digital marketing guru, and the founder of Image Media Creative Studio. We explore her journey from capturing images as a young mom to growing the creative company she loves. We also chat about what it's like to view life as an Instagram grid and creativity as the best therapy. In the process, we delve into the power of visualizing what makes you successful, collaborating creatively with others, and leveraging mindset to achieve your vision and dreams.

In this delightful episode, I interview Scott Crosby and Patrick Dorsey, the dynamic producing, directing, and writing duo behind the Somebody Knows true-crime podcast. We talk about how they got started as a creative team, the importance of assembling the right team for a creative project, and their advice for aspiring writers, filmmakers, and other creatives. We also dig into the upsides and downsides of taking on a creative venture, the art of getting unstuck — and juggling a million moving parts — and the key to overcoming your fears. 

Today, my guest is Mich Hancock, the vibrant CEO of 100th Monkey, inspiring co-founder of TEDxStLouis, and host of the fun, fabulous MichMash Podcast.  Mich is also a sought-after speaker and workshop/seminar leader who teaches organizations and associations to TED-ify their presentations.  In this episode, we take a deep dive into her inspirations, the role curiosity plays in her life and work, and the value of finding great mentors to grow and scale a business.  We also talk about the value of regularly exercising our intuition, gut feelings, and spidey sense, and her insightful advice for stepping into the unknown.

Welcome to Tiny Sparks, Big Flames!  This powerful interview podcast is for and about inspiring creatives, innovators, and difference makers like YOU who are daring to live their dreams. If you would love to hear empowering, inspiring, real-life stories in a format that's fresh, informative, and entertaining, you've come to the right place. In this brief episode, you'll learn what we're up to in our exciting first season.(Program length: 25-30 mins each)