Podcasts about Creative

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss how to optimize your workspace to maximize productivity, focus and creativity. I explain how key environmental factors such as lighting, the physical layout of your work area and desk setup can influence attention and performance. I also discuss how specific types of sounds can enhance focus and how to adjust your work environment for particular tasks. These practical, flexible protocols can be applied whether you are working from home, in an office or on the road. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman ROKA: https://roka.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Workplace Optimization for Performance (00:00:36) Clutter, Variables for Workspace Optimization (00:02:41) Vision & Light, Tool: Mornings & Bright Light; Windows (00:04:45) Afternoon, Evenings & Light; Tool: Dimming Lights (00:07:13) Sponsor: Eight Sleep (00:07:13) Alertness & Visual Focus, Tool: Screen Placement (00:10:23) Vergence Eye Movement & Alertness, Tool: Visual Breaks (00:13:08) Cathedral Effect, Creative vs Analytical Thinking, Tool: Ceiling Height by Task (00:16:08) Sponsor: AG1 (00:16:08) Background Noise to Avoid; White Noise, Pink Noise (00:20:41) Sound Patterns to Improve Concentration (00:24:00) Tool: Binaural Beat Frequency for Focus; Dopamine (00:25:33) Tool: Managing Interruptions (00:25:29) Sponsor: ROKA (00:26:57) Sit or Stand for Work?, Tool: Sit-Stand Desk (00:30:45) Key Takeaways, Flexibility & Changing Locations Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your business ready for the AI deployment wave that just hit in 2025?Do you know which AI models and tools actually shipped—and which were just hype?Are you leveraging small and edge models, such as NanoBanana Pro, to stay ahead?What if your competitors are already using AI agents embedded in browsers and workflows?Hello, AI Entrepreneurs Community! Today, we are excited to break down the AI tsunami of 2025. This year, AI moved from headlines to hands-on usage across education, shopping, search, creative tools, and enterprise environments.We're diving through the most significant AI releases, from GPT-5.2's deep reasoning tiers to Gemini's takeover of the classroom, ChatGPT's entry into shopping, and China's explosive AI expansion with Moonshot, Quinn, and DeepSeek.This isn't just an update—it's your 2025 AI field guide, covering every verified product, platform, and deployment that truly mattered.Whether you're a founder, investor, or builder, this is your ultimate catch-up guide to the most verified, impactful, and game-changing AI developments across the globe

This week, Jen and Pete go through their intentions, phrases, and things they are thinking about in preparing for the year ahead.Specifically, in this episode Jen and Pete talk about:How do Jen and Pete reflect on the past year, in order to look ahead?How is an unexpected unknown shaping Jen's year?What intention is Pete going to set for his upcoming year?To hear all episodes and read full transcripts, visit The Long and The Short Of It website: https://thelongandtheshortpodcast.com/.You can subscribe to our Box O' Goodies here (https://thelongandtheshortpodcast.com/) and receive a weekly email full of book and podcast recommendations, quotes, videos, and other interesting things that Jen and Pete are noodling on. To get in touch, send an email to: hello@thelongandtheshortpodcast.com.Learn more about Pete's work here (https://humanperiscope.com/) and Jen's work here (https://jenwaldman.com/).

In the first Dead Drop Five episode of 2026, Spybrary host Shane Whaley welcomes new Spybrary guest host Bryan Boling for a deep dive into his five favourite spy books, the titles that Brian would request be stashed in the East Berlin Dead Drop. Full links to Brian's selection at https://www.spybrary.com/285 Join the Spybrary Community Today Brian, a history lover and spy book fan from Kentucky, categorizes his selections across nonfiction, classic and modern fiction, and reflects on what makes each pick significant—from the ingenious real operation at the heart of Operation Mincemeat to the classic The Odessa File and contemporary espionage series Slow Horses. Throughout the lively conversation, Shane and Brian explore not just plot summaries but why these books resonate, how historical context enriches them, and what makes a spy story timeless. The episode closes with Brian's picks for music, a luxury item, and the spy he'd want extracting him from East Berlin. Key Topics & Themes Discussed Music, luxury item, and fictional rescue fantasy Dead Drop Five format and ethos Creative real‑world espionage (Operation Mincemeat) The lasting appeal of Cold War and World War II spy stories Spy fiction from classic to modern Narrative style: writing that reads like thriller vs. traditional history Historical memory and the aftermath of war Reading mediums (audiobook vs. print) and engagement Spy culture, community, and recommendations Strap in—this is going to be a Spybrary episode to remember. The Dead Drop 5 is back! In this much-requested Spybrary feature, our guest is embedded behind the Iron Curtain and can request five spy books, a gadget, luxury items and more from their handler.  

Welcome to Nerd Alert, a series of special episodes bridging the gap between marketing academia and practitioners. We're breaking down highly involved, complex research into plain language and takeaways any marketer can use.In this episode, Elena and Rob explore how brand presence and timing shape viewer memory. They reveal why showing your brand early and often for at least two-thirds of the ad is critical for recognition.Topics covered:   [01:00] "Brand Recognition in Television Advertising: The Influence of Brand Presence and Brand Introduction"[02:00] How brand presence affects recall[03:00] The cost of delayed brand introduction[04:00] The two-thirds rule for optimal recognition[05:00] Building memory structures through creative[06:00] Why storytelling techniques can backfire  To learn more, visit marketingarchitects.com/podcast or subscribe to our newsletter at marketingarchitects.com/newsletter.  Resources: Gerber, C., Terblanche-Smit, M., & Crommelin, T. (2014). Brand recognition in television advertising: The influence of brand presence and brand introduction.Acta Commercii, 14(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v14i1.223  Get more research-backed marketing strategies by subscribing to The Marketing Architects on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Pre-Order “Mysterious Things” --- How do you get excited for the New Year when things feel so unstable? How do you get jazzed about planning and goals, when you don't know what future you're planning for? In times like these, I find it more effective to tap into the creative drives you already have, than working towards a future that may or may not come to pass. Tune in to check out the 3 creative drives and figure out which you can employ today to get excited about making creative work again!   SHOW NOTES: Mysterious Things by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Millerhttp://invisiblethings.co Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkemanhttps://www.oliverburkeman.com/fourthousandweeks Producer / Editor: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.coAudio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.coSoundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com   SPONSORS:SQUARESPACEHead to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK AEROPRESSCheck out Aeropress and use my code PEPTALK for a great deal: https://aeropress.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know we want kids to have choice. As much choice as possible in creating the education that is meaningful and helpful for them. That choice can come through choice over content, medium, expression of ideas, types of discussion, seating in the classroom, what to work on when, when to take a break...there are so many possibilities! If you make it a professional challenge to start seeing the possibilities for choice, you'll find them everywhere! As I've been working on choice as a theme for The Lighthouse this month, I knew that I wanted to create a final choice board project adaptable for any text that would provide a range of options for students. But I also knew I wanted to avoid the pitfalls of some of the choice projects I designed for my own classroom, when I ended up having to create seven different rubrics and rewire myself for a huge range of requirements on my different project options as I graded them. While I was glad to give my students those choices, it was frustrating how long it took to complete my comments. So I took some of my favorite types of projects, what I've learned about creating linked hyperdocs, and my strong desire for an easy grading situation and mashed it all up into an adaptable final project with nine choices, including one that allows students to create their own way to make meaning from what they've studied (so really, a million choices). I'm going to walk you through the process today, so you can do the same next time you'd like to create a project full of options, gifting your students agency as they synthesize what they've learned and create something new. Let's dive in. Go Further:  Explore alllll the Episodes of The Spark Creativity Teacher Podcast. Snag three free weeks of community-building attendance question slides Join our community, Creative High School English, on Facebook. Come hang out on Instagram. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider sharing it with a friend, snagging a screenshot to share on the 'gram, or tapping those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others discover the show. Thank you! Sources Considered: Beghetto, Ronald. "Does Assessment Kill Student Creativity?" The Educational Forum, 2005. Beghetto, Ronald. Killing Ideas Softly: The Promise & Peril of Creativity in the Classroom. Information Age Publishing, 2017. Accessed Online through the Ebesco Database. Chavez, Felicia. The Anti-Racist Writer's Workshop. Haymarket Books, 2021. Gabriel, Elise. "Six Ways to Help Kids Grow their Creativity." Greater Good Magazine Online: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_ways_to_help_kids_grow_their_creativity. Accessed 28 October 2025. Gonzalez, Jennifer. "Meet the Single Point Rubric." Cult of Pedagogy Online: https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/single-point-rubric/. Accessed May 2025. Pringle, Zorana Ivcevic. The Creativity Choice. Public Affairs: 2025. Wiggins, Grant. "Creative." https://grantwiggins.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/creative.pdf. Accessed 28 October 2025.  

Chris Duffy is an award winning comedian with experience working on comedy shows with Wyatt Cenac and John Oliver, and host of the podcast "How To Be A Better Human". He discusses his new book, Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy, which explores the science behind laughter, and why it is important. 

Suleika Jaouad, author of a bestselling memoir about her battle with cancer, and most recently, The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life (Penguin Random House, 2025), discusses her latest Substack essay on how New Year's resolutions almost never stick, and how she engages in the pleasures of small rituals instead. Listeners call in to share about the resolutions they made that they've actually stuck with... which may be more like smaller, daily rituals instead of lofty, life-changing goals. 

On today's solo episode, I'm back with Part Three of my 2026 Glow Up Series, breaking down the real business playbook for building a scalable brand. We talk about self-funding vs. raising capital, different funding rounds, how to get clear on what you actually need to start, and why staying scrappy early can be a major advantage. I also cover brand growth—how to build your Instagram as a founder, create content that resonates, network smarter, and move through imposter syndrome—plus key lessons from brands like Rhode, Good Girl Snacks, TYB, and Jacquemus. If you're building a brand in 2026 and want to do it intentionally, this episode is for you. Enjoy!To connect with Siff on Instagram, click HERE.To connect with Siff on Tiktok, click HERE.To learn more about Arrae, click HERE. To check out Siff's LTK, click HERE.To check out Siff's Amazon StoreFront, click HERE. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Visit durable.com/dream and get started with Durable for free today. When you're ready to publish your website, use code DREAMBIGGER for 30% off all plans.Set your best health goals in motion. Access 20% off and begin your journey toward sustained wellness today at Piquelife.com/dreambigger/ That's piquelife.com/dreambigger.This year, make one change you can actually stick with. Visit Rula.com/dreambigger to get started. That's Rula.com/dreambigger – mental healthcare that's actually built to last.Get started with the Experian App now! Results will vary. Not all bills or subscriptions eligible. Savings not guaranteed. Paid membership with connected payment account required. See experian.com for details.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe and Anthony discuss the current state of wrestling, focusing on WWE's use of old footage, the Netflix deal, and the value of nostalgia content. They critique modern wrestling's creative direction, the risks wrestlers take for fan approval, and the business of monetizing archival material. The conversation also touches on personalities like Chris Jericho, Mr. Beast, and the challenges wrestlers face after retirement, ending with commentary on the cyclical nature of wrestling trends and media.0:00 – WWE vault, nostalgia, and old footage4:00 – Classic wrestling humor, Andre the Giant stories15:00 – Humanizing wrestlers, behind-the-scenes moments40:00 – Modern wrestling risks, fan influence, dangerous spots1:00:00 – WWE's business model, YouTube/Netflix monetization1:15:00 – WWE creative team, bureaucracy, and lack of vision1:25:00 – Chris Jericho rumors, nostalgia pops, closing thoughts1:29:35 – EndBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

In today's episode, we explore what it means to create work that lasts not just for the next trend cycle, but for generations. We dive deep into the interplay of intuition, identity, and intentionality that underpins creative longevity, and how these often-invisible forces guide great design, resilient businesses, and enduring cultural impact.We sit down with two very different thinkers whose experiences mirror this theme. First, we hear from Robert Brunner, renowned industrial designer and founder of Ammunition Design Group, whose work includes designing Beats by Dre headphones and pioneering shifts at Apple. He shares stories of working with some of the world's most creative—and opinionated—collaborators, and how intuition fused with empathy leads to breakthrough products.Next, we talk with Neri Karra Sillaman, a scholar and author of Pioneers: Eight Principles of Business Longevity from Immigrant Entrepreneurs. Her research unpacks why immigrant-founded companies tend to outlast their peers—not simply due to external market factors, but because of internal clarity, community orientation, and the reframing of adversity.We broaden the lens from iconic objects to enduring enterprises, discovering through-lines that shape both remarkable products and resilient organizations.Five Key Learnings from the Episode:Intuition is Earned, Not Mystical: We learn that intuition isn't some innate gift—it's the result of deep attention, lived experience, and empathy, brought to bear at critical moments of creation.Identity Drives Longevity: Durable work starts internally, rooted in a clear understanding of who we are and what matters to us. This self-knowledge—tempered by adversity or migration—shapes everything from product design to business models.Collaboration Requires Respect and Empathy: Great breakthroughs often emerge from teams with diverse perspectives. Navigating strong personalities and creative differences means honoring others' ideas and creating environments where bold work can thrive.Community and Shared Value Matter: We see how leaders build enterprises to last by weaving strong communities and ecosystems, deliberately involving employees and stakeholders, and focusing on shared value over short-term profit.Resilience is Built Through Reframing Rejection: Successful creators and entrepreneurs don't see setbacks as verdicts on their worth—instead, rejection is information and an invitation to try again, often with even more clarity and resolve.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:The Brave Habit is available nowMy new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.Apply for Creative Leader Roundtable Leading creative people is rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. That's why I've started Creative...

Marine combat leader and entrepreneur Rich Brown shares how TBI ended his time in uniform, pushed him into building Honor Bound FIT, and led to GUIDON22, a 22-mile ruck that pairs hard miles with stories of veterans and first responders lost to suicide. You will hear how those stories, family testimonies, and simple phrases like "good friends have hard conversations" give vets a way to move, talk, and stop passing their pain to the people they love. Timestamps: 02:30: From Marine infantry and TBI to unexpected entrepreneurship 08:45: Launching Honor Bound FIT in a parking lot on Memorial Day 13:10: How GUIDON22 turns rucks and stories into suicide awareness 21:20: Passing on your pain vs letting your tribe carry it with you 33:40: Creative ruck events, community impact, and how to get involved Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://www.HonorBoundFIT.com Follow Rich Brown on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsRichBrown Follow Rich Brown on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisrichbrown Follow Rich Brown on Twitter/X: https://www.x.com/@sheepdogalpha1 Follow Rich Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheepdogalpha/ Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with children's author and activist Jess Hernandez to discuss her latest picture book, I Want to Dance in Pants. Jess explores the book's playful yet powerful message about comfort, identity, and self-expression, and how these themes resonate with both children and parents.The conversation also dives into Jess's work as an advocate for free speech and her opposition to book bans and censorship, highlighting why it's critical to teach children to use their voices in today's political and cultural climate. Jess shares how creativity and community engagement can drive meaningful change, even in challenging times, and offers a glimpse into her upcoming writing projects and the broader impact of her work.What We're Talking About...Jess Hernandez's children's book I Want to Dance in Pants addresses sensory processing disorder and encourages self-expression in kids.Allowing children to wear what makes them comfortable supports confidence, autonomy, and emotional well-being.Activism can take many forms, including writing children's books, storytelling, and community engagement.Teaching children about democracy, free speech, and their rights is essential in today's political climate.Small actions—such as writing postcards or speaking up locally—can create meaningful change.Community building plays a critical role in sustaining activism and mutual support.Creative expression, like sidewalk chalk messages and art, can be powerful tools for education and awareness.Jess Hernandez's advocacy work is deeply personal and shaped by her family's lived experiences.The publishing industry continues to face challenges, including book bans, censorship, and market uncertainty.Jess writes stories that help “reparent” her younger self while empowering the next generation of readers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jess Hernandez03:22 The Story Behind 'I Want to Dance in Pants'05:13 Navigating Sensory Processing and Parenting11:27 Activism and Book Promotion in a Challenging Climate17:21 Community Engagement and Local Activism23:08 Creative Expression and Future Projects29:49 Empowering Voices and Creative Expression30:15 The Importance of Sharing Stories and ResourcesLinks MentionedJess Hernandez's website: http://jesshernandezwrites.com

Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff welcomes Dr. Leah Hanes, CEO of Two-Bit Circus Foundation, to discuss how hands-on, experiential learning is transforming education for students across Los Angeles and beyond. After 13 years leading the organization, Dr. Hanes shares her personal journey from a student labeled a "slow learner" due to undiagnosed dyslexia to becoming a passionate advocate for reimagining how we teach creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The conversation explores the Foundation's innovative programs—STEAM Labs, Makerspaces, STEAM Carnivals, and immersive learning experiences—all designed to make education engaging and accessible regardless of economic background. A core theme throughout the episode is the failure of traditional, lecture-based education to engage modern learners. Dr. Hanes emphasizes that students retain only 10% of what they read after two weeks, while learning skyrockets when knowledge is applied to real projects. She advocates for "doing, not sitting"—flipping classrooms to spend 40 minutes making and 10 minutes talking, rather than the reverse. The episode also tackles timely issues like AI in education (which Dr. Hanes sees as an assistive technology when used ethically), the $25 billion annual cost of standardized testing with minimal educational value, and the power of collaborative group work to build empathy and real-world readiness. Dr. Hanes shares compelling stories, including a young artist who discovered she could become an engineer through a STEAM project and went on to UC Berkeley on a full scholarship—the first in her family to attend university. She also discusses the Foundation's "Trash for Teaching" initiative, which has diverted over 900 tons of manufacturers' clean waste from landfills, giving schools free creative materials while providing companies tax benefits. The Foundation recently opened a 13,000 sq. ft. warehouse and is planning to expand its teacher training programs, partner with local universities, and scale the Trash for Teaching model globally. Key Takeaways * Education should prioritize doing over sitting. Hands-on, project-based learning dramatically improves retention and student engagement. * Collaboration builds empathy and strength. Group work mirrors real-world environments and allows students to discover their unique strengths. * Creative materials (not kits) foster invention.  Open-ended "trash" encourages students to become designers and engineers, not 'instruction-followers'. * Teachers need to experience joyful learning themselves. Professional development that models creativity and fun transforms how teachers approach their classrooms. * Scaling innovation requires partnership. Two-Bit Circus Foundation's umbrella model brings together complementary nonprofits to reach more students sustainably. --- Resources & Links Small & Gutsy Podcast https://www.smallandgutsy.org Two-Bit Circus Foundation https://twobitcircus.org

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with acclaimed South African production designer Sabrina Linder for an intimate biographical conversation about life, creativity, and the winding path that leads to a career in film. Rather than focusing on technical process, this episode explores the human story behind the work. Sabrina Linder reflects on growing up in South Africa, the formative experiences that shaped her artistic sensibility, and how curiosity, resilience, and observation guided her toward a life in visual storytelling. From early influences and cultural identity to the emotional intelligence required to collaborate at the highest levels of film and television, Sabrina shares the moments that quietly — and sometimes unexpectedly — defined her career. Throughout the conversation, Sabrina opens up about navigating creative industries, finding confidence as an artist, and learning how to trust instinct over expectation. She discusses what it means to build worlds for the screen while simultaneously building a life, and how storytelling — whether through design or lived experience — remains at the center of her work. Chris guides the discussion with warmth and curiosity, allowing space for reflection on ambition, self-doubt, mentorship, and the invisible labor behind creative success. The result is a thoughtful portrait of an artist whose career is rooted not only in visual craft, but in empathy, memory, and lived experience. This episode will resonate with artists, filmmakers, designers, and anyone interested in the personal journeys behind creative careers, offering insight, honesty, and inspiration well beyond the screen. Sabrina's links:https://www.sabrinalindercreative.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9513117/ https://www.instagram.com/sabrina_linder_creative/ Fertile by Design on Substack - https://substack.com/@fertilebydesign Keywords / SEO Tags Sabrina Linder, South African production designer, AART podcast, Chris Stafford podcast, production designer interview, film industry careers, women in film, creative biography, artist life story, behind the scenes film, visual storytelling, art and cinema, creative journeys, film design careers, African artists in film, personal stories in art, creative identity, storytelling podcast, film and art podcast BIO South African born Production Designer Sabrina Linder is well known for her trademark work in I Swear 2025, Salvable 2025, The Last Victims (2019).  Her portfolio includes commercials, films, TV and music videos. Sabrina was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1992. to parents Helene Linder, an Artist and interior design enthusiast and father Desmond Lawrence Linder, a quantity surveyor and business owner.  She has one brother Brendan. Sabrina grew up in post Apartheid South Africa where artistic expression among women was not encouraged but subtle influences from her artistic mother subconsciously steered Sabrina towards fashion design. She attended Cornwall Hill College for Grades 0-12 after which she moved to Cape Town to study for her BA Degree in Fashion Design at FEDISA Cape Town. Upon graduating she deferred a BA Honours at the London College of Fashion instead breaking into her first job in film which opened the door to opportunities she had not imagined. Her path was now set in production design and she worked in Props, Costume and Design before focusing in the Production Design where she has found her creative home. She is a multi award winning designer with BFDG Design Award Nominations, the Berlin Music Video Award both in 2023 as well as Lourie Awards and Ciclope Awards in 2022. Sabrina moved to London in 2021 and is currently working on commercials before preparing for her next film production this spring. Sabrina lives in Beaconsfield, England with her partner, and the couple are expecting their first child in March. Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: theaartpodcast@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-unscripted--4769409/support.

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging episode of the AART Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with acclaimed South African production designer Sabrina Linder for an intimate biographical conversation about life, creativity, and the winding path that leads to a career in film. Rather than focusing on technical process, this episode explores the human story behind the work. Sabrina Linder reflects on growing up in South Africa, the formative experiences that shaped her artistic sensibility, and how curiosity, resilience, and observation guided her toward a life in visual storytelling. From early influences and cultural identity to the emotional intelligence required to collaborate at the highest levels of film and television, Sabrina shares the moments that quietly — and sometimes unexpectedly — defined her career. Throughout the conversation, Sabrina opens up about navigating creative industries, finding confidence as an artist, and learning how to trust instinct over expectation. She discusses what it means to build worlds for the screen while simultaneously building a life, and how storytelling — whether through design or lived experience — remains at the center of her work. Chris guides the discussion with warmth and curiosity, allowing space for reflection on ambition, self-doubt, mentorship, and the invisible labor behind creative success. The result is a thoughtful portrait of an artist whose career is rooted not only in visual craft, but in empathy, memory, and lived experience. This episode will resonate with artists, filmmakers, designers, and anyone interested in the personal journeys behind creative careers, offering insight, honesty, and inspiration well beyond the screen.Sabrina's links:https://www.sabrinalindercreative.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9513117/ https://www.instagram.com/sabrina_linder_creative/ Fertile by Design on Substack - https://substack.com/@fertilebydesign Keywords / SEO Tags Sabrina Linder, South African production designer, AART podcast, Chris Stafford podcast, production designer interview, film industry careers, women in film, creative biography, artist life story, behind the scenes film, visual storytelling, art and cinema, creative journeys, film design careers, African artists in film, personal stories in art, creative identity, storytelling podcast, film and art podcast BIO South African born Production Designer Sabrina Linder is well known for her trademark work in I Swear 2025, Salvable 2025, The Last Victims (2019).  Her portfolio includes commercials, films, TV and music videos. Sabrina was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1992. to parents Helene Linder, an Artist and interior design enthusiast and father Desmond Lawrence Linder, a quantity surveyor and business owner.  She has one brother Brendan. Sabrina grew up in post Apartheid South Africa where artistic expression among women was not encouraged but subtle influences from her artistic mother subconsciously steered Sabrina towards fashion design. She attended Cornwall Hill College for Grades 0-12 after which she moved to Cape Town to study for her BA Degree in Fashion Design at FEDISA Cape Town. Upon graduating she deferred a BA Honours at the London College of Fashion instead breaking into her first job in film which opened the door to opportunities she had not imagined. Her path was now set in production design and she worked in Props, Costume and Design before focusing in the Production Design where she has found her creative home. She is a multi award winning designer with BFDG Design Award Nominations, the Berlin Music Video Award both in 2023 as well as Lourie Awards and Ciclope Awards in 2022. Sabrina moved to London in 2021 and is currently working on commercials before preparing for her next film production this spring. Sabrina lives in Beaconsfield, England with her partner, and the couple are expecting their first child in March.Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: theaartpodcast@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.A Hollowell Studios ProductionInstagram: @theaartpodcast Email: hollowellstudios@gmail.com© Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell StudiosAll Rights Reserved

This week, we're scratching The Itch to start the year with joy. Micah Bournes returns to the show to discuss his new protest album Til We All Free, the first non-rock record to ever make The Itch's Top 20 list. Born out of a sense of urgency after America's sociopolitical climate changed again last year, the album is an exploration of abolition, the difference between legality and morality, and how to stay joyful while facing and fighting injustice. Micah's art inspires and influences The Itch, and we were grateful to start the year off with him. Enjoy. Micah's album is available to Name Your Own Price at Bandcamp, which means you can have it for free! But we recommend supporting him with a purchase, or via his Patreon. Micah also recommends the book We Do This 'Til We Free Us by Mariame Kaba as an introduction to learning about abolition. Listen to The Itch Rock Radio Show Rock with us every Sunday night from 6-9pm CST on KCLC-FM in St. Louis. Outside the area? Stream online at 891thewood.com, TuneIn, Radio.net, and OnlineRadioBox! And if you have the itch to hear some of the best new tracks in rock, follow our New Rock Roundup playlist on Spotify! Connect With The Itch For any and all friendship, questions, inquiries, and offers of pizza, The Itch can be found at the following: Website: itchrocks.com Facebook: Facebook.com/itchrocks Instagram: Instagram.com/itchrocks Email: itchrocks@gmail.com Support the Show Thank you so much for listening. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a positive review and rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podchaser to help our audience grow. Reviews only take a minute and help us reach more rock fans just like you. Credits Our theme song, "Corrupted", is used with permission from the amazing Skindred. All other content is copyright of The Itch. All rights reserved, including the right to rock on.

Creativity through the lens of the managing director of Truth Fitness"Creativity is about being nimble enough and creative enough to pivot"https://www.instagram.com/truth_fitness_/https://truthfitness.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/camtruth/?isSelfProfile=falsehttps://www.instagram.com/camhartrain/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/TRUTHFITN/Send us a text

What if the reason your book hasn't been written yet isn't procrastination—but protection? That quiet nudge that keeps whispering write the book isn't random. It's an initiation. In this episode of the Communication Queens Podcast, Kimberly Spencer sits down with author, storyteller, and book doula Amy Vogel to explore what really happens when women stop waiting for permission and start telling the truth of their lives. Amy shares her nonlinear journey—from tech sales to ministry, from certainty to collapse, from faith systems to self-trust—and reveals why writing a book isn't about having the answers. It's about being brave enough to live inside the questions. Together, Kimberly and Amy unpack the duality every woman faces when she dares to be seen: too much vs. not enough, creator vs. critic, artist vs. entrepreneur. They explore why books are both sacred art and business assets, why imposter syndrome simply means you've entered a bigger room, and why the feeling you're chasing matters more than bestseller status. This is a conversation about sovereignty, pleasure, power, and storytelling as reclamation. About why your story doesn't need to be perfect—it needs to be alive. And why the act of writing doesn't just change readers…it changes you. If you've ever felt the pull to write, speak, or share—but hesitated—this episode is your permission slip.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Michael Bailey, Deputy Director of Leadership Programs for the George W. Bush Institute. We talk about some of the initiatives of the Bush Institute, including the Veteran Leadership Program, the Democracy is a Verb initiative and the Bush Institute's efforts to celebrate America 250.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestMichael Bailey serves as Deputy Director, Leadership Programs, for the George W. Bush Institute. In this role, he manages the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, which focuses on developing the leadership skills of veterans and those who serve them and their families. Bailey also supports alumni engagement efforts for the Institute's international leadership programs.Prior to joining the George W. Bush Institute, Bailey provided operations, media, and communications support to The American Choral Directors Association, a music organization dedicated to the excellence and advancement of choral music.Bailey is a native of Arlington, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music (Voice) from The University of Oklahoma, and he holds a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in finance and real estate from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business. He has a passion for running and enjoys racing in half and full marathons.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeGeorge W. Bush InstituteStand-To Veteran Leadership ProgramAmerica 250Democracy is a Verb initiative  PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor course The Myths and Facts of Military Leaders. This course identifies four of the most popular myths about military leaders and how they don't align with the reality of working alongside Veterans and Service members. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/The-Myths-and-Facts-of-Military-Leaders Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Today, we're delighted to speak with entrepreneur Moza-Bella Tram, CEO and founder of Moza-Bella LLC. Moza-Bella is an immigrant with a remarkable entrepreneurial journey. She is a TEDx speaker, a mentor, a business consultant, and has written several books, including the bestseller Powerful Female Immigrants, which she co-authored. She is also the host of the digital TV show Lessons from Failures. Stay tuned as we explore Moza-Bella's fascinating journey and the experiences that have shaped her work. Moza-Bella's Journey Moz-Bella was born in Vietnam shortly after the Vietnam War. She came to the U.S. as an adult immigrant 25 years ago, leaving behind family, familiarity, and certainty. Her experience was similar to that of many immigrants- the unknown, limited support, and the pressure to succeed, for herself, and for her family. She was told she was too old to learn English fluently, but she pushed forward anyway, focusing on clear communication rather than perfection, and using frustration as motivation to grow. Early Career and Foundations in Hospitality Before immigrating, Moza-Bella worked in Vietnam's hospitality industry at Omni Saigon and later Sofitel Saigon, where she developed an appreciation for professionalism, service, and strategic promotions. Working in public relations exposed her to branding, credibility, and global perspectives, and hospitality became her first window into the world beyond Vietnam's borders. Education, Resistance, and Choosing Her Own Path After arriving in the U.S., Moza-Bella encountered skepticism and prejudice and was discouraged from pursuing higher education. Despite that, she earned her MBA in Marketing from the University of Hartford, driven by her parents' sacrifices and her belief in the right to choose her own future. Her early ambition was to build a global hospitality career, but over time, new opportunities and realities reshaped her direction. Adaptation, Grit, and Multiple Careers Moza-Bella supported herself through school and beyond by working in nail salons, restaurants, interpretation services, construction-related marketing, network marketing, real estate, and, eventually, nursing after the 2008 financial crisis. Each role added to her skills, perspective, and resilience. Redefining Success and Time Freedom Moza-Bella wanted the flexibility to care for her parents and shape her own life, so she chose to become an entrepreneur. She invested heavily in personal development and coaching, believing that free information offers knowledge, but paid learning creates transformation. Building a Consulting Business with Purpose Over the last five years, Moza-Bella built Moza-Bella LLC into a business consulting company with a growing team. Her mission is to help strong entrepreneurs become well-known in their industries, allowing them to create meaningful impact. She believes that change happens one person at a time, through a ripple effect of shared growth and visibility. Lessons from Failures and Shared Wisdom Through her digital TV show, Lessons from Failures, Moza-Bella highlights the realities behind success stories. Entrepreneurs, doctors, and professionals from many fields share how hardship shaped their decisions, often after years of trial and error. She emphasizes the value of learning lessons sooner, challenging entrenched systems, and prioritizing growth while time is still on your side. Meaning Behind the Name Moza-Bella The name "Moza" means mother of pearl, representing an oyster that transforms pain into something valuable by embracing it rather than resisting it. For Moza-Bella, that symbolizes human potential, cultivating adversity into wisdom, then opening oneself to share it with others. Bio: Moza-Bella Tram Founder and CEO, TEDx Speaker, Author, Mentor, Business Consultant Moza-Bella is an international speaker, author, and CEO dedicated to helping professionals find authentic fulfillment and success. She has over 15 years of experience in healthcare and more than 20 years in business development. She produces and hosts the digital TV show "Lessons from Failures," airing on FOX5 and PIX11 New York. She has been featured in Forbes and Yahoo Finance and is the author of "Luxury in YOU." She partners with Grant Cardone in the 10X movement in Vietnam. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Moza-Bella Tram On her website LinkedIn  

Dave's guest this week is Jordan Witmer, Managing Director of Retail Media & Consulting at Salt Media, where he helps brands unify creative, data, and performance across today's fragmented retail media landscape.Jordan's journey spans Black & Decker, Hershey, and Johnson & Johnson (now Kenvue), giving him a rare, full-funnel view of how commerce, media, and measurement intersect.In this episode, he and Dave unpack:Why ROAS isn't dead — it's just misunderstoodHow to balance brand goals and item-level data for smarter optimizationThe shift toward campaign-first creative that adapts across every platformWhy physical retail is making a comeback in an AI-saturated worldConnect with Jordan on LinkedInFollow Beyond the Shelf on LinkedInLearn More about It'sRapidGet the It'sRapid Creative Automation PlaybookTake It'sRapid's Creative Workflow Automation with AI surveyEmail us at sales@itsrapid.io to find out how to get your free AI Image AuditTheme music: "Happy" by Mixaud - https://mixaund.bandcamp.comProducer: Jake Musiker

Hello, Protagonists!Welcome to another episode of the Creative, Inspired, Alive podcast—where we go behind the scenes with the storytellers shaping our culture.New Year, New Name! - Creative. Inspired. Happy is now Creative, Inspired, ALIVE!Our guest today is Roshani Chokshi, New York Times Bestselling author. Her books have been translated into over two dozen languages, and one of them was even named in Time Magazine‘s Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time. Her latest novel, The Swan's Daughter, is out now.Today, we talk about:* using mythology and legend as inspiration in fiction,* how motherhood has changed her as a writer,* the long arc of a career over a decade,* shifting definitions of success, and so much more.xo,Joanna & Evelyn

This is a conversation about augmenting, not automating, creativity.Leslie Walsh is the Head of Strategy at RYA, the AI SaaS provider that's creating innovative campaigns for name brands. Leslie's experience as an advertising veteran includes leading brand and digital strategy for some of the world's biggest brands like MINI Cooper, Nestle, Oscar Mayer and AT&T. Leslie is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

Send us a textYou know, life has a way of surprising us with moments that we never quite feel prepared for.David receives news of two deaths on the same day: the death of Saul, the man who was his enemy and had hunted him for years, and the death of Jonathan, the friend who had stood by him through everything.And what's fascinating is the way David responds. His reaction teaches us something very important about grief, loyalty, integrity, and the way God shapes our hearts even through the most complicated emotions….Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

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Richard McGirr interviews Matt Drouin about what actually makes paid ads work for high-ticket offers—and why most people fail when they try to bolt ads onto capital raising without the right infrastructure. Matt breaks down the core “go/no-go” checklist (starting with a crystal-clear offer), choosing the right channel for your ICP (Meta for older, Facebook-group-heavy investors), and why your CRM, follow-up, and speed-to-lead matter as much as the ads themselves. They dig into lead-quality filtering (conditional logic on lead forms), training your pixel with the right conversion signals, and how to think about creative/VSLs, proof, and ad fatigue. Matt's biggest takeaway: stop DIY-ing it blindly—hire experienced help, because paid is a different beast than organic. Matt DrouinCurrent role: Partner, OakGrove Companies; Go Bigger Sooner Based in: Rochester, New York Say hi to them at: Website: http://www.oakgrovecompanies.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmdrouin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-drouin-b298b59/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.drouin.50 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCaKfIhzGtUH76cxgIofZwA?sub_confirmation=1 Facebook Group: Go Big! Live Real Estate Investors Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2297121873782562 Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/go-big-live-podcast/id1678794709 Visit bestevercrypto.com today to get started and earn up to $2,500 in bonus crypto. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/BESTEVER Join us at Best Ever Conference 2026! Find more info at: https://www.besteverconference.com/  Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠⁠ Podcast production done by⁠ ⁠Outlier Audio⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year, Beauties! I wanted to start 2026 by shifting focus from productivity to seeking inspiration from creative figures. Instead of advocating for work ethic and goals, I introduce you all to my 'creative board of directors' to offer perspective. Diana Vreeland, Andre Leon Talley, Zora Neale Hurston, Walt Whitemand, and Thich Nhat Hanh are the 'creative ancestors' who help guide the way I live and work. In this episode, we explore the wisdom I've gleaned from these people, from keeping one's imagination fresh like Diana Vreeland wrote about, to the importance of not shrinking oneself, as taught by Andre Leon Talley. I reflect on Andy Warhol's views on combining commerce with creativity, and highlight the spiritual resilience of writers Zora Neale Hurston and transcendentalist Walt Whitman. To conclude, I drew on the wisdom from the mindfulness teachings of Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh regarding the importance of being present. Tune in for a reminder to embrace the present moment, stay curious, and relish the current season of their lives.Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you're listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your greatest asset in leadership and communication… was your sense of humor? In this episode, comedian, writer, and speaker Chris Duffy reveals how laughter isn't just entertainment—it's a powerful tool for connection, influence, vulnerability, and growth in business and life. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or leader, this conversation will help you unlock the power of humor to boost your emotional intelligence, build deeper relationships, and even improve your performance in high-stakes environments. Connect with Chris chrisduffycomedy.com Buy the Book Humor Me - How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy

For People Who Want Depth, Not Drama and Expression Without Exhaustion What happens when your creative voice evolves, and you choose to evolve with it? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg shares why 2026 marks a turning point: a deeper focus on artists, makers, and anyone reclaiming confidence through creative expression. You'll hear the story behind the new Suit of Voices in the Functional Tarot, a practical tool for reflection, communication, and inner clarity. Izolda also offers a grounding breathing practice and a powerful question: Are you doing your best right now? It's designed to help you step out of overwhelm and into intentional choice. If you care about creative confidence, artistic growth, mindful decision-making, and practical tools for navigating drama without losing your voice, this episode is for you. This week's card to contemplate: Drama   Connect with Izolda Website: https://IzoldaT.com Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It's also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you've been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!** Listen on These Channels Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic | **Affiliate Link  

Unlock the secrets to turning distressed properties into profitable investments!

You Asked For It - Are People Predestined?Biblical answers to honest questions.

The Empty ChairThe untold part of the Christmas story.

Send us a textPlease be aware there may be some confusion and stake with my podcast category placement of episodes over the next few weeks as I attempt to migrate my future posts within the new five podcast framework I am rolling out beginning January 4th 2026.Welcome, friends, to a brand‑new season of The Bible Project Daily Podcast. This new season will go live worldwide on the 4th of January 2026. I'm so glad you're here for this early peek. Whether you've travelled with me for many seasons or you're joining us for the very first time, I want you to know this: you're in the right place, and I believe God has something meaningful for us in the days ahead.In this next season (Series 17) of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, we're stepping into the dramatic and deeply human world of 2 Samuel. It's a story that doesn't shy away from the complexity of real life, and yet through every twist and turn, it reveals a God who remains faithful, patient, and profoundly involved in the lives of His people.My hope is that as we walk through these 25 episodes together, you'll not only understand the text more clearly, but you'll also hear the gentle invitation of God calling you deeper—into wisdom, into trust, and into a renewed sense of His presence in your everyday life.So, settle in and let's begin this journey through 2 Samuel—one episode at a time, one passage at a time, one verse at a time, and let's take a step closer to the God who speaks through His Word….Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Four-Week Sunday SeriesBack To Basics 2026This Thing Called Youwith Josh ReevesSun., Jan. 4The Creator in You“Your mind is an outlet through which the Creative Intelligence of the universe seeks fulfillment.”In what is often an inability to understand the world around us, is the draw to reexamine that world which is within.When we understand ourselves, what Ernest Holmes referred to in his spiritual classic from 1948, as This Thing Called You, we begin to come to terms with the judgments and misconceptions we've had about the life that is within.We can come to realize the greater truth, that the life within is Sacred, it is Creative, and it is a Healing Power. Holmes tells us that It is the greatest discovery we will ever make and the greatest gift we have ever been given.

A new FCG series all about prayer to kick off 2026! Five times in one teaching Jesus said that if we ask the father anything in his name, the father will do it, but what exactly does asking “in Jesus' name“ mean? The Word gives us at least three requirements of what it means to ask “in Jesus' name” and when we know those requirements we can ask the Lord anything confidently and be as creative as we want in the asking!!

Biology explains how life evolves ... but culture follows different rules. Today we're looking at why human culture requires a separate evolutionary framework. Dr. Liane Gabora (University of British Columbia) traces how culture emerges through self-organizing minds, not genes, unfolding like a long riff that finds its meaning only while being played. Language, memory, and creativity arise through a sudden inner shift, where symbols begin talking to each other and thought turns inward on itself. What follows is an account of human origins that feels less like machinery and more like confession: culture as a conscious system, restless, cumulative, and unfinished.Part 2: https://youtu.be/nVpXwd9ke1APATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/demystifysciPARADIGM DRIFThttps://demystifysci.com/paradigm-drift-showHOMEBREW MUSIC - Check out our new album!Hard Copies (Vinyl): FREE SHIPPING https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/products/vinyl-lp-secretary-of-nature-everything-is-so-good-hereStreaming:https://secretaryofnature.bandcamp.com/album/everything-is-so-good-here00:00 Go! Evolution Beyond Darwin00:02:17 Humans as Uniquely Cultural Beings00:05:05 Evolution as a Creative, Systemic Process00:08:08 Modeling Cultural Evolution in Artificial Life00:11:13 Autocatalytic Networks and the Origin of Life00:14:00 From Pre-Darwinian to Darwinian Evolution00:17:08 Epigenetics and the Limits of Darwin's Model00:20:17 Autocatalysis vs Autopoiesis00:23:20 Molecular Cooperation and Phase Transitions00:26:20 Culture as a Cognitive Autocatalytic Network00:27:55 From Chemical Chaos to Genetic Fidelity00:30:09 Memory, Accuracy, and Cumulative Complexity00:32:43 What Culture Is (and Is Not)00:37:00 Cumulative Culture and Human Uniqueness00:38:56 Language as a Cultural Catalyst00:42:12 Pre-Language Symbols and Shared Meaning00:43:07 The Cultural Big Bang00:44:57 Minds as Autocatalytic Webs00:49:04 Time, Memory, and Abstract Thought00:53:26 Cognitive Integration and Creative Thinking00:56:28 Triggers for the Cultural Phase Shift01:00:00 Culture as a Phase Transition in the Mind01:02:18 Why Phase Transitions Feel So Strange #culturalevolution, #humanorigins, #creativity, #consciousness, #evolutionarytheory, #origins, #philosophyofmind, #humanbehavior, #language, #emergence, #complexity, #futureofhumanity, #deepconversations #philosophypodcast MERCH: Rock some DemystifySci gear : https://demystifysci-shop.fourthwall.com/AMAZON: Do your shopping through this link: https://amzn.to/3YyoT98DONATE: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaDSUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@UCqV4_7i9h1_V7hY48eZZSLw@demystifysci RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rssMAILING LIST: https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySciMUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671

Creative director Josh brings us his message "Align Your Time," part of our Best Year Ever series.Uncertain about God and faith? Peak City is a safe place to discover more about God and faith without any pressure. Come and see who Jesus really is and what he's really all about!Our mission is to help people discover Jesus and follow Him fearlessly by being raw, passionate, and clear. Visit ⁠peakcityco.com⁠ to find out more and we hope to see you in person soon!

Send us a textMy New Podcast launches today. "The Classic Literature Podcast".Subscribe and follow it wherever you get your podcast from.Podcast Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906The First Ever Episode of The Classic Literature Podcast.“In the beginning was the Word…” — John 1:1Welcome to The Classic Literature Podcast. I'm your host, Jeremy McCandless, and I'm so glad you've joined me for this first episode of a new bi-monthly journey—one that explores the great works of classic literature, approaching these great books via the world out of which they emerged—a cultural heritage, rich in spiritual metaphor.Each season, we'll walk alongside the giants of literary history—authors who in many ways have shaped nations, stirred hearts, whilst at the same time wrestling with the deepest questions of human existence. But we won't just admire their craft. We'll ask: What spiritual soil did these stories grow from? What echoes of grace and redemption resound within their pages?

According to the CDC, adults with disabilities are three times more likely to report suicidal ideation than those without — a staggering statistic that drives the heart of the new documentary, Meandering Scars. In this episode, filmmaker Alison Norlean  shares the story of Erica Bogan, a paraplegic athlete and survivor of domestic violence, who attempts the grueling climb up Mount Kilimanjaro to shine a light on the mental health crisis within the disability community. We dive into the physical and emotional challenges of filming at 19,000 feet, the logistics of a wheelchair ascent, and the profound realization that healing, much like the climb, is rarely a straight path. Ever wonder where Philly's creators go to build their big ideas? Shara Dae Howard heads to NextFab's Fishtown studio to check out their massive inventory of high-tech tools. Whether it's jewelry making, electronics, or woodworking, discover how this collaborative hub is fueling the next generation of Philadelphia creatives. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textMy latest podcast went live last night.This big step forward for me finds me podcasting within the area of Mental Health.The plan is for it to be a bi-weekly podcast and will be available on all the main Podcast platforms and found within the genres and categories of Mental Health, Self Improvement, Psychology, as well as Christian Spirituality. Pray that it reaches those in need.Please subscribe and follow it wherever you get your podcast from. Link to the website is below.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891Episode Notes:Welcome to The Renewed Mind, a podcast dedicated to the art of thriving in a broken world. I'm your host, Jeremy McCandless, and together, we are going to try and build a bridge between two worlds.The 2,000-year-old wisdom of faith and the last couple of centuries years of psychological discovery.Whether you're wrestling with depression, anxiety, or simply hungry for a deeper sense of purpose, pull up a chair. Your journey toward a whole heart and a healthy mind can start right now, today.Together, we will dive into some of the best of psychological history has had to offer, but also underpin it within a bedrock of spiritual truth in order to give you the tools you need to thrive—spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.If you're ready to break the chains of negative patterns and embrace the abundant life you are promised, you're in the right place. And let your transformation begin….Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Happy New Year 2026! I love January and the opportunity to start afresh. I know it's arbitrary in some ways, but I measure my life by what I create, and I also measure it in years. At the beginning of each year, I publish an article (and podcast episode) here, which helps keep me accountable. If you'd like to share your goals, please add them in the comments below. 2026 is a transitional year as I will finish my Masters degree and continue the slow pivot that I started in December 2023 after 15 years as an author entrepreneur. Just to recap that, it was: From digitally-focused to creating beautiful physical books; From high-volume, low cost to premium products with higher Average Order Value; From retailer-centric to direct first; and From distance to presence, and From creating alone to the AI-Assisted Artisan Author. I've definitely stepped partially into all of those, and 2026 will continue in that same direction, but I also have an additional angle for Joanna Penn and The Creative Penn that I am excited about. If you'd like to join my community and support the show every month, you'll get access to my growing list of Patron videos and audio on all aspects of the author business — for the price of a black coffee (or two) a month. Join us at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn. Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Leaning into the Transformation Economy The Creative Penn Podcast and my Patreon Community Webinars and live events Finish my Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture Bones of the Deep — J.F. Penn Add merch to CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com How to Write, Publish, and Market Short Stories and Short Story Collections — Joanna Penn Other possible books Experiment more with AI translation Ideally outsource more marketing to AI, but do more marketing anyway Double down on being human, health and travel You can find all my books as J.F. Penn and Joanna Penn on your favourite online store in all the usual formats, or order from your local library or bookstore. You can also buy direct from me at CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com. I'm not really active on social media, but you can always see my photos at Instagram @jfpennauthor. Leaning into the Transformation Economy I've struggled with my identity as Joanna Penn and my Creative Penn brand for a few years now. When I started TheCreativePenn.com in 2008, the term ‘indie author' was new and self-publishing was considered ‘vanity press' and a sure way to damage your author career, rather than a conscious creative and business choice. It was the early days of the Kindle and iPhone (both launched in 2007), and podcasting and social media were also relatively new. While US authors could publish on KDP, the only option for international authors was Smashwords and the market for ebooks was tiny. Print-on-demand and digital audio were also just emerging as viable options. While it was the early era of blogging, there were very few blogs and barely any podcasts talking about self-publishing, so when I started TheCreativePenn.com in late 2008 and the podcast in March 2009, it was a new area. For several years, it was like howling into the wind. Barely any audience. Barely any traffic, and certainly very little income.  But I loved the freedom and the speed at which I could learn things and put them into practice. Consume and produce. That has always been my focus. I met people on Twitter and interviewed them for my show, and over those early years I met many of the people I consider dear friends even now. Since self-publishing was a relatively unexplored niche in those early years, I slowly found an audience and built up a reputation. I also started to make more money both as an author, and as a creative entrepreneur. Over the years since, pretty much everything has changed for indie authors and we have had more and more opportunity every year. I've shared everything I've learned along the way, and it's been a wonderful time.  But as self-publishing became more popular and more authors saw more success (which is FANTASTIC!), other voices joined the chorus and now, there are many thousands of authors of all different levels with all kinds of different experiences sharing their tips through articles, books, podcasting, and social media. I started to wonder whether my perspective was useful anymore. On top of the human competition, in November 2022, ChatGPT launched, and it became clear that prescriptive non-fiction and ‘how to' information could very easily be delivered by the AI tools, with the added benefit of personalisation. You can ask Chat or Claude or Gemini how you can self-publish your particular book and they will help you step by step through the process of any site. You can share your screen or upload screenshots and it can help with what fields to fill in (very useful with translations!), as well as writing sales descriptions, researching keywords, and offering marketing help targeted to your book and your niche, and tailored to your voice. Once again, I questioned what value I could offer the indie author community, and I've pulled back over the last few years as I've been noodling around this. But over the last few weeks, a penny has dropped. Here's my thinking in case it also helps you. Firstly, I want to be useful to people. I want to help. In my early days of speaking professionally, from 2005-ish, I wanted to be the British (introvert) Tony Robbins, someone who inspired people to change, to achieve things they didn't think they could. Writing a book is one of those things. Making a living from your writing is another. So I leaned into the self-help and how-to niche. But now that is now clearly commoditised. But recently, I realised that my message has always been one of transformation, and in the following four areas.  From someone who doesn't think they are creative but who desperately wants to write a book, to someone who holds their first book in their hand and proudly says, ‘I made this.' The New Author. From someone who has no confidence in their author voice, who wonders if they have anything to say, to someone who writes their story and transforms their own life, as well as other people's. The Confident Author. From an author with one or a handful of books who doesn't know much about business, to a successful author with a growing business heading towards their first six figure year. The Author-Entrepreneur. And finally, from a tech-phobic, fearful author who worries that AI makes it pointless to create anything and will steal all the jobs, to a confident AI-assisted creative who uses AI tools to enhance and amplify their message and their income. The AI-Assisted Artisan Author. These are four transformations I have been through myself, and with my work as Joanna Penn/The Creative Penn, I want to help you through them as well. So in 2026, I am repositioning myself as part of The Transformation Economy. What does this mean? There is a book out in February, The Transformation Economy by B. Joseph Pine II, who is also the author of The Experience Economy, which drove a lot of the last decade's shift in business models. I have the book on pre-order, but in the meantime, I am doing the following. I will revamp TheCreativePenn.com with ‘transformation' as the key frame and add pathways through my extensive material, rather than just categories of how to do things. I've already added navigation pages for The New Author, The Confident Author, The Author-Entrepreneur, and The AI-Assisted Artisan Author, and I will be adding to those over time. My content is basically the same, as I have always covered these topics, but the framing is now different. The intent is different. The Creative Penn Podcast will lean more heavily into transformation, rather than just information — And will focus on the first three of the categories above, the more creative, mindset and business things.  My Patreon will continue to cover all those things, and that's also where I post most of my AI-specific content, so if you're interested in The AI-Assisted Artisan Author transformation path, come on over to patreon.com/thecreativepenn I have more non-fiction books for authors coming, and lots more ideas now I am leaning into this angle. I'll also continue to do webinars on specific topics in 2026, and also add speaking back in 2027. It's harder to think about transformation when it comes to fiction, but it's also really important since fiction books in particular are highly commodified, and will become even more so with the high production speeds. Yes, all readers have a few favourite authors but most will also read a ton of other books without knowing or caring who the author is. Fiction can be transformational. Reader's aren't buying a ‘book.' They're buying a way to escape, to feel deeply, to experience things they never could in real life. A book can transform a day from ‘meh' into ‘fantastic!' My J.F. Penn fiction is mostly inspired by places, so my stories transport you into an adventure somewhere wonderful, and they all offer a deeper side of transformative contemplation of ‘memento mori' if you choose to read them in that way.  They also have elements of gothic and death culture that I am going to lean into with some merch in 2026, so more of an identity thing than just book sales. I'm not quite sure what this means yet, but no doubt it will emerge. I'll also shape my JFPennBooks.com site into more transformative paths, rather than just genre lists, as part of this shift. My memoir Pilgrimage always reflected a transformation, both reflecting my own midlife shift but I've also heard from many who it has inspired to walk alone, or to travel on pilgrimage themselves. Of course, transformation is not just for our readers or the people we serve as part of our businesses. It's also for us. One of the reasons why we are writers is because this is how we think. This is how we figure out our lives. This is how we get the stories and ideas out of our heads and into the world. Writing and creating are transformative for us, too. That is part of the point, and a great element of why we do this, and why we love this. Which is why I don't really understand the attraction of purely AI-generated books. There's no fun in that for me, and there's no transformation, either. Of course, I LOVE using Chat and Claude and Gemini Thinking models as my brainstorming partners, my research buddies, my marketing assistants, and as daily tools to keep me sparkly. I smiled as I wrote that (and yes, I human-wrote this!) because sparkly is how I feel when I work with these tools. Programmers use the term ‘vibe coding' which is going back and forth and collaborating together, sparking off each other. Perhaps that I am doing is ‘vibe creation.' I feel it as almost an effervescence, a fun experience that has me laughing out loud sometimes. I am more creative, I am more in flow. I am more ‘me' now I can create and think at a speed way faster than ever before. My mind has always worked at speed and my fingers are fast on the keys but working in this way makes me feel like I create in the high performance zone far more often. I intend to lean more into that in 2026 as part of my own transformation (and of course, I share my experiences mainly in the Community at patreon.com/thecreativepenn ). [Note, I pay for access to all models, and currently use ChatGPT 5.2 Thinking, Claude Opus 4.5, and Gemini 3 Pro). So that's the big shift this year, and the idea of the Transformation Economy will underpin everything else in terms of my content. The Creative Penn Podcast and my Patreon Community The Creative Penn Podcast continues in 2026, although I am intending to reduce my interviews to once every two weeks, with my intro and other content in between. We'll see how that goes as I am already finding some fascinating people to talk to!  Thank you for your comments, your pictures, and also for sharing the episodes that resonate with you with the wider community. Your reviews are also super useful wherever you are listening to this, so please leave a review wherever you're listening this as it helps with discovery.  Thanks also to everyone in my Patreon Community, which I really enjoy, especially as we have doubled down on being human through more live office hours. I will do more of those in 2026 and the first one of the year will blearily UK time so Aussies and Kiwis can come. I also share new content almost every week, either an article, a video or an audio episode around writing craft, author business, and lots on different use cases for AI tools.  If you join the Patreon, start on the Collections tab where you will find all the backlist content to explore. It's less than the price of a coffee a month so if you get value from the show, and you want more, come on over and join us at patreon.com/thecreativepenn My Books and Travel Podcast is on hiatus for interviews, since the Masters is taking up the time I would have had for that. However I plan to post some solo episodes in 2026, and I also post travel articles there, like my visits to Gothic cathedrals and city breaks and things like that. Check it out at https://www.booksandtravel.page/blog/  Webinars and live events Along with my Patreon office hours, I'm enjoying the immediacy and energy of live webinars and they work with my focus on transformation, as well as on ‘doubling down on being human' in an age of AI, so I will be doing more this year. The first is on Business for Authors, coming on 10 and 24 January, which is aimed at helping you transform your author business in 2026, or if you're just getting started, then transform into someone who has even a small clue about business in general!Details at TheCreativePenn.com/live and Patrons get 25% off. In terms of live in-person events, it looks like I will be speaking at the Alliance of Independent Authors event at the London Book Fair in March, and I'll attend the Self-Publishing Show Live in June, although I won't be speaking. There might be other things that emerge, but in general, I'm not doing much speaking in 2026 because I need to … Finish my Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture This represents a lot of work as I am doing the course full-time. I should be finished in September, and much of the middle of the year will be focused on a dissertation. I'm planning on doing something around AI and death, so that will no doubt lead into some fiction at a later stage! Talking of fiction … Bones of the Deep — J.F. Penn The Masters is pretty serious, as is academic research and writing in general, and I found myself desperate to write a rollicking fun story over the holiday break between terms. I've talked about this ‘tall-ship' story for a while and now I'm committing to it. Back in 1999, I sailed on the tall-ship Soren Larsen from Fiji to Vanuatu, one of the three trips that shaped my life. It was the first time I'd been to the South Pacific, the first time I sailed blue water (with no land in sight), and I kept a journal and drew maps of the trip. It also helped me a make a decision to leave the UK and I headed for Australia nine months later in early 2000, and ended up being away 11 years in Australia and New Zealand. I came home to visit of course, but only moved back to the UK in 2011, so that trip was memorable and pivotal in many ways and has stuck in my mind. The story is based on that crossing, but of course, as J.F. Penn my imagination turns it into essentially a ‘locked room,' there is no escape out there, especially if the danger comes from the sea. Another strand of the story comes from a recent academic essay for my Masters, when I wrote about the changes in museum ethics around human remains and medical specimens i.e. body parts in jars, and how some remains have been repatriated to the indigenous peoples they were stolen from. I've also talked before about how I love ‘merfolk' horror like Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant, All the Murmuring Bones by A.G. Slatter, and Merfolk by Jeremy Bates. These are no smiling fantasy mermaids and mermen. They are predators. What might happen if the remains of a mer-saint were stolen from the deep, and what might happen to the ship that the remains are being transported in, and the people on board?  I'm about a third in, and I am having great fun! It will actually be a thriller, with a supernatural edge, rather than horror, and it is called Bones of the Deep, and it will be out on Kickstarter in April, and everywhere by the summer.  You can check out the Kickstarter pre-launch page with photos from my 1999 trip, the cover for the book, and the sales description at JFPenn.com/bones Add merch to CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com I've dipped my toe into merch a number of times and then removed the products, but now I'm clear on my message of transformation, I want to revisit this. My books remain core for both sites, but for CreativePennBooks, I also want to add other products with what are essentially affirmations — ‘Creative,' ‘I am creative, I am an author,' and variants of the poster I have had on my wall for years, ‘Measure your life by what you create.' This is the affirmation I had in my wallet for years! For JFPennBooks, the items will be gothic/memento mori/skull-related. Everything will be print-on-demand. I will not be shipping anything myself, so I'm working with my designer Jane on this and then need to order test samples, and then get them added to the store. Likely mid-year at this rate! How to Write, Publish, and Market Short Stories and Short Story Collections — Joanna Penn I have a draft of this already which I expanded from the transcript of a webinar I did on this topic as part of The Buried and the Drowned campaign. It turns out I've learned a lot about this over the years, and also on how to make a collection, so I will get that out at some point this year. I won't do a Kickstarter for it, but I will do direct sales for at least a month and include a special edition, workbook, and bundles on my store first before putting it wide. I will also human-narrate that audiobook. Other possible books I'm an intuitive creative and discovery writer, so I don't plan out what I will write in a year. The books tend to emerge and then I pick the next one that feels the most important. After the ones above, there are a few candidates. Crown of Thorns, ARKANE thriller #14. Regular readers and listeners will know how much I love religious relics, and it's about time for a big one! I have a trip to Paris planned in the spring, as the Crown of Thorns is at Notre Dame, and I have some other locations to visit. My ARKANE thrillers always emerge from in-person travels, so I am looking forward to that. Maybe late 2026, maybe 2027. AI + religion technothriller/short stories. I already have some ideas sketched out for this and my Masters thesis will be something around AI, religion, and death, so I expect something will emerge from all that study and academic writing. Not sure what, but it will be interesting! The Gothic Cathedral Book. I have tens of thousands of words written, and lots of research and photos and thoughts. But it is still in the creative chaos phase (which I love!) and as yet has not emerged into anything coherent. Perhaps it will in 2026, and the plan is to re-focus on it after my Masters dissertation.  I feel like the Masters study and the academic research process will make this an even better book, But I am holding my plans for this lightly, as it feels like another ‘big' book for me, like my ‘shadow book' (which became Writing the Shadow) and took more than a decade to write! How to be Creative. I have also written bits and bobs on this over many years, but it feels like it is re-emerging as part of my focus on transformation. Probably unlikely for 2026 but now back on the list … Experiment more with AI translation AI-assisted translation has been around for years now in various forms, and I have experimented with some of the services, as well as working with human narrators and editors in different languages, as well as licensing books in translation. But when Amazon launched Kindle Translate in November 2025, it made me think that AI-assisted translation will become a lot more popular in 2026. AI audiobook narration became good enough for many audiobooks in 2025, and it seems like AI-translation will be the same in 2026. Yes, of course, human translation is still the gold standard, as is human narration, and that would be the primary choice for all of us — if it was affordable. But frankly, it's not affordable for most indie authors, and indeed many small publishers. Many books don't get an audiobook edition and most books don't get translated into every language. It costs thousands per book for a human translator, and so it is a premium option. I have only ever made a small profit on the books that I paid for with human translators and it took years, and while I have a few nice translation deals on some books, I'm planning to experiment more with AI translation in 2026. More languages, more markets, more opportunities to reach readers. More on this in the next episode when I'll cover trends for 2026. Ideally outsource more marketing to AI, but do more marketing anyway You have to reach readers somehow, and you have to pay for book marketing with your time and/or your money. Those authors killing it on TikTok pay with their time, and those leaning heavily on ads are paying with money. Most of us do a bit of both. There is no passive income from books, and even a backlist has to be marketed if you want to see any return. But I, like most authors, am not excited about book marketing. I'd rather be working on new books, or thinking about the ramifications of the changes ahead and writing or talking about that in my Patreon Community or here on the podcast. However, my book sales income remains about the same even as I (slowly) produce more books, so I need to do more book marketing in 2026. I said that last year of course, and didn't do much more than I did in 2024, so here I am again promising to do a better job! Every year, I hope to have my “AI book marketing assistant” up and running, and maybe this will be the year it happens. My measure is to be able to upload a book and specify a budget and say, ‘Go market this,' and then the AI will action the marketing, without me having to cobble together workflows between systems. Of course, it will present plans for me to approve but it will do the work itself on the various platforms and monitor and optimize things for me. We have something like that already with Amazon auto-ads, but that is specific to Amazon Advertising and only works with certain books in certain genres. I have auto-ads running for a couple of non-fiction books, but not for any fiction. I'd also ideally like more sales on my direct stores, JFPennBooks.com and CreativePennBooks.com which means a different kind of marketing. Perhaps this will happen through ChatGPT shopping or other AI-assisted e-commerce, which should be increasing in 2026. More on that in trends for the year to come in the next show. Double down on being human, health and travel I have a lot of plans for travel both for book research and also holidays with Jonathan but he has to finish his MBA and then we have some family things that take priority, so I am not sure where or when yet, but it will happen! Paris will definitely happen as part of the research for Crown of Thorns, hopefully in the spring. I've been to Paris many times as it's just across the Channel and we can go by train but it's always wonderful to visit again. Health-wise, I'll continue with powerlifting and weight training twice a week as well as walking every day. It's my happy place! What about you? If you'd like to share your goals for 2026, please add them in the comments below — and remember, I'm a full-time author entrepreneur so my goals are substantial. Don't worry if yours are as simple as ‘Finish the first draft of my book,' as that still takes a lot of work and commitment! All the best for 2026 — let's get into it! The post My 2026 Creative And Business Goals With Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Our Mothers Knew It with Maria EckersleyA Creative Study of Come, Follow MeOLD TESTAMENT [GENESIS 1–2; MOSES 2–3; ABRAHAM 4–5]January 12–18 2026OBJECT LESSONS:“ALL THINGS…WERE VERY GOOD”: CREATION PYRAMID BOOKLET (CHART)BY MINE ONLY BEGOTTEN I CREATED: STICKY NOTE TRUTH TESTCHAPTERS=========00:00:14 INTRO00:04:06 INSIGHTS00:41:35 QUESTIONS 100:43:32 QUESTIONS 200:44:36 QUESTIONS 300:46:23 CREATIVE OBJECT LESSONS00:47:39 OBJECT LESSON 100:50:44 OBJECT LESSON 200:56:22 WRAP UPLINKS=====WEB: https://www.gather.meckmom.comETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/meckmomINSTAGRAM: Instagram @meckmomlifePODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST DISCLAIMER=================================This podcast represents my own thoughts and opinions. It is not made, approved, or endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Any content or creative interpretations, implied or included are solely those of Maria Eckersley ("MeckMom LLC"), and not those of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Great care has been made to ensure this podcast is in harmony with the overall mission of the Church. Click here to visit the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox explores how music can lift us out of depression and open doors to imagination. In today's episode, James sits down with the multitalented composer‑author Christopher Kaufman—a Brooklyn‑based classical composer, storyteller, and environmental sound‑artist whose work fuses symphonic scores, natural soundscapes, and illustrated fantasy.We'll hear Christopher describe life in his peaceful Brooklyn neighborhood, the eclectic musical “vibes” that swirl from jazz ensembles to full‑blown orchestras, and how his lifelong love for Stravinsky, Metallica and classic fantasy literature fuels his creative engine. Through a rapid‑fire “lightning round,” he reveals his artistic rituals—ink versus instruments, favorite mythic creatures, and the superpower he'd pick for a day (perfect emotional pitch).Christopher then takes us inside his magnum opus, Tales of the Ocean City, a series of eight immersive “audio‑books” that blend orchestral storytelling, original illustrations, and video‑book experiences. He explains how musical tension and resolution shape narrative arcs, how his telepathic Pegasus‑like “Parianths” echo his childhood bond with a beloved dog, and why an organ‑driven theme for King Brohuyn and an electric‑guitar leitmotif for the bard Elah perfectly capture each character's spirit.We'll also explore his belief that imagination can literally heal: by turning the gray sameness of modern life into vivid, musical worlds, we can push back against depression and find hope. Finally, Christopher shares upcoming projects—book 8 of the series, his “Fantastic Theater” performances, and the ever‑growing sound‑artist community on SoundArtists.com, Instagram, and Facebook.Stick around for a sneak‑peek audio excerpt from Tales of the Ocean City, and discover why, for James and Christopher, when words fall short, music tells the whole story.

What actually worked in 2025, and what is starting to fade in 2026?In this year-end panel, Jessey and Kevin sit down with Kay Walker, Josiah Ronco, and Scott Morongell to break down what's still working, what has slowed down, and how each investor is adjusting to new market realities. Direct mail is still strong. Infill lots are more competitive. Creative financing is helping close deals. This is a real look at how investors are shifting their approach and planning for what's next.What you'll learn:- What worked in 2025 and what did not- How infill lot demand is changing- Why creative financing is becoming essential- Direct mail strategies that are still working- Why some investors are mailing while others have stopped- What to expect from tighter markets and shifting buyer profiles

Life's responsibilities can slowly pull us away from the things that light us up. In this episode, Kessonga explores how mindfulness helps quiet external pressure, making room for creativity to return naturally — whether as a hobby, a passion project, or a simple moment of presence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Margo is joined by Sarah Walsh for part two of their heartfelt conversation where they discuss finding inspiration, committing time and energy to yourself, slowing down, and Sarah's Domestika class amongst more. Sarah is an illustrator, painter and designer with home goods, children's books, socially conscious based projects, nature and loves tapping into mystical subject matter as the mainstays of her work. She is also the co-proprietor of the illustrative product based brand Tigersheep Friends. She collects books, new and old, plants, adores folk art and also loves cooking, thrifting, listening to records, haunting coffee shops with her sketchbook and spending time with her favorite humans. Connect with Sarah www.sarahwalshmakesthings.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tigersheepfriends www.instagram.com/sarahwalshmakesthings Connect with Margo: Website: www.windowsillchats.com Instagram: @windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Team Simon is revisiting some of the episodes you helped make our favorites of the year until A Bit of Optimism returns on January 27, 2026, with brand-new episodes.We're rewinding back to August, when talented polymath Elle Cordova joined the show and unpacked how we're all wired to chase the next spark. We scroll, swipe, refresh, and repeat—but some of our brightest ideas sneak in when we stop chasing, let boredom settle in, and give our minds room to wander.Elle knows the power of that pause. When the pandemic hit pause on her life as a touring musician, she stumbled into new creative territory—making offbeat comedy videos about delightfully nerdy topics like particle physics, grammar, and fonts. Those sketches went viral, and suddenly she was thriving as a social media creator with a devoted following.In this episode, Simon and Elle talk about finding what truly lights you up, pushing through writer's block, working with anxiety—and yes, Star Wars makes an appearance (because of course it does). Plus, Elle treats us to a live, in-studio performance of her song “Roswell.”This… is A Bit of Optimism.---------------------------For more on Elle, check out: https://www.ellecordova.com/