Podcasts about creative life

If staying focused feels like a losing battle, this episode is for you. Danielle McGeough joins Sam Cotterill and Jake Parker to talk about creating a creative life that's both fruitful and sustainable through play, introspection, and aligned expectations.

Join in the conversation!Welcome back to another episode of the Hella Chisme PodcastThis week we diver bak into a conversation with Ryan and Mike Brown. The dream you're chasing shouldn't cost you your peace or your rent. On our 100th episode, we sat down with multidisciplinary creatives Ryan (visibility coach, founder of Get a Grip, host of Lion Ryan) and Mike Brown (award-winning podcast producer, creator of The Art of Letting Go) for the conversation most creatives avoid: how to keep making art when the algorithm, the bills, and the burnout all want a piece of you.LINK: https://linktr.ee/hellachismepodcastFollow She's Ryan:IG: https://instagram.com/shesRYANTikTok: https://Tiktok.com/shesRYANYoutube: https://Youtube.com/@RYANVIBESFollow Mike Brown:https://linktr.ee/theartoflettinggoInsta: https://www.instagram.com/theartoflettinggopodcast/The Art of Letting GoTopics to include: creative burnout, balancing passion and career, redefining success, financial freedom for creatives, charging your worth, freelance pricing, imposter syndrome, self doubt, comparison, social media algorithm pressure, detaching from metrics, journaling for mental health, content batching, creative block, unlearning societal expectations, queer creators, queer podcast, lgbtq community, mental health for creatives, work life balanceSupport the showFollow Hella Chisme for more culture, conversation, and creative storytelling. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and keep up with us on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok at @hellachismepod. Join the chisme, share the episode, and leave a review or comment to support the show.

Margo is joined by Kim Robinson, founder of 3pts and a longtime contributor to and advocate for creative communities. With more than 15 years of experience at cultural platforms including The FADER, Complex, Red Bull, and the American Museum of Natural History, Kim has worked alongside artists like Solange, Kendrick Lamar, Spike Lee, Erykah Badu, and Tyler, the Creator. Raised within underground punk, hip-hop, electronic music, and art scenes, Kim eventually founded 3pts to put his experience directly in service of makers and creative entrepreneurs, helping them build sustainable careers on their own terms. Kim and Margo explore what working behind the scenes in music and culture taught him about what artists actually need, why he continues to approach his work as a fan first, and the role community plays in building a sustainable creative life. Margo and Kim discuss: How growing up in DIY punk, hip-hop, electronic music, and art scenes shaped Kim's approach to creativity and community What working with major artists and cultural platforms taught him about the realities of building a creative career Why Kim leads with a "fan first" mentality and how genuine curiosity has guided his career Why community is the invisible infrastructure behind so many successful creative careers Moving beyond the myth of the self-made artist and recognizing the people, resources, and relationships that help us grow Defining success on your own terms rather than following someone else's blueprint for a creative business The value of practical support—from sharing opportunities and resources to having someone a few steps ahead show you what's possible Connect with Kim: Website: www.3pts.co Instagram: www.instagram.com/3ptsco Substack: 3pts.substack.com A monthly newsletter dedicated to sharing opportunities for makers such as grants, residencies, open calls, markets and more. https://us7.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=eb522373216e8266b4805a156&id=45f83f7c19 Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Dave Holmes spent the late '90s and early 2000s as one of the faces of MTV, and these days he's a sharp, funny voice at Esquire — but before any of that, he spent six years being told he had type 2 diabetes when he actually had type 1. This week, Rob sits down with Dave to talk about that misdiagnosis, the strange cluster of friends who were diagnosed around the same time, and a diabetes-age chart Rob saw at a conference that will change how you think about who gets T1D. From there, the conversation turns into a real, unpolished look at what it takes to live a creative life. Dave and Rob are both working through Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way right now — morning pages, artist dates, and all — and they get honest about guilt, perfectionism, and the fear of putting out work that isn't ready. Dave, a professional writer with a book and a byline at one of the biggest magazines in the country, admits he still feels like a fraud turning in a rough draft. It's a good reminder that "getting easier" was never really the goal — getting better at the hard parts is. Along the way, Dave and Rob swap stories about the universe nudging you toward where you're supposed to be — a DJ gig that came out of nowhere, a stranger at a DVD store, a maintenance worker who turned out to also be living with diabetes. It's the kind of episode that starts as a diabetes story, turns into a conversation about creativity, and ends up being about paying attention to your life. And because no DDT episode is complete without some fun, Dave and Rob close it out with a segment they're calling the Bad Advice Song Draft — three rounds each of picking the most beloved songs with the absolute worst advice buried in the lyrics. Stalking anthems, teenage recklessness, and one song so ethically questionable that Kidz Bop wouldn't touch it. Tune in for all of it. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Dave Holmes: MTV VJ turned Esquire writer 02:52 Dave's six-year road to the right diagnosis 05:54 The surprising truth about T1D and age 07:13 How The Artist's Way found them both 08:37 Why Dave restarted the 12-week program now 12:48 Comparing morning page routines and habits 15:39 Getting unstuck: movement, walks, dumb writing 17:30 An artist date leads to an unplanned DJ gig 20:10 Beginner's mind and the fear of being filmed 21:09 Dave on perfectionism and feeling like a fraud 25:18 Resilience: "it doesn't get easier, you get better" 27:36 A screenwriter's ultimatum sparks Dave's fiction project 30:41 Meditation, synchronicity, and a DVD store coincidence 33:28 The ball-spinning experiment: "you can just do stuff" 38:05 Signs from Rob's dad, and a Disney parking-lot miracle 42:19 The Bad Advice Song Draft begins Resources: 1. The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron 2. Dave Holmes on Instagram 3. Dave Holmes at Esquire — his latest writing and pop culture commentary.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Valerie interviews John Hendrix, a New York Times bestselling illustrator and author of children's books. They discuss his latest book, 'The Mythmakers,' which explores the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and their impact on storytelling and literature. They also talk about the power of myth and fantasy, the complexities of friendship, and the importance of community for artists. John shares his advice for parents of creative children and gives a sneak peek into his upcoming projects.TakeawaysThe Mythmakers explores the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and their influence on storytelling and literature.Myth and fantasy have the power to convey truth and engage readers of all backgrounds.Friendship can be complex, and it's important to have mutual respect and love even when disagreements arise.Artists should embrace their interests and create work that is interesting and engaging, regardless of whether it is explicitly faith-based.Encourage children's creativity by providing them with art supplies and opportunities to practice and share their work.Art doesn't have to be perfect; it's about the process and expression.Community is essential for artists, and being part of a supportive creative community can enhance one's work.John Hendrix has upcoming projects, including the release of The Mythmakers and a follow-up to his book Drawing is Magic. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview04:47 The Power of Myth and Fantasy in Storytelling12:45 Navigating the Complexities of Friendship23:30 Encouraging Children's Artistic Journey28:13 Upcoming Projects: 'The Mythmakers' and MoreListener Survey invitationLet's discover great books together!Follow for more:FB: @bookworthypodcastInstagram: @bookworthy_podcastYouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTubetiktok: @valeriefentress

His Affair With a Festival Colleague Ended Our Shared Creative LifeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cheat-stories-official--5689182/support.

In this episode of Art Wank, we chat with artist Sophie Cape about the winding path that led her from elite sport to a life in contemporary art. Before establishing herself as an artist, Sophie competed at a high level in both skiing and cycling, dedicating years to training, competition, and the pursuit of performance. She reflects on the mindset required to succeed in sport and how those experiences continue to shape the way she approaches her work today.Sophie also shares what it was like growing up with artist Ann Cape as her mother. Surrounded by creativity from an early age, art was always present in her life, although it would take many years and several career changes before she fully embraced it as her own path. We discuss the influence of family, the balance between inspiration and independence, and how her creative identity developed over time.A major turning point came with a series of injuries that ultimately brought her sporting career to an end.Sophie speaks candidly about the emotional impact of stepping away from elite competition and the challenge of rebuilding a sense of purpose after sport. What followed was a gradual shift towards art making, where she found a new outlet for curiosity, experimentation, and ambition.We delve into Sophie's distinctive creative process, which often invites chance and the natural environment into the making of the work. Rather than treating the canvas as a static surface, she subjects it to weather, landscape, and time. Canvases are dragged across the ground, exposed to wind and rain, or left outdoors for weeks at a time, allowing the elements to leave their own marks. The resulting works become collaborations between artist and environment, capturing traces of movement, place, and duration.We also celebrate Sophie's success as winner of the Hadley's Art Prize, a significant milestone that brought wider recognition to her practice. She reflects on what the award meant for her career and the opportunities that followed, alongside the realities of sustaining a creative life.Sophie is represented by Liverpool St Gallery in Sydney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HT2699 - The Creative Life Is a Daily Habit It's almost a cliché to suggest that a creative life is a daily thing. The truth is that it's true. A drop of ink in a gallon of water changes the entire gallon. A drop of creativity in an ordinary day changes the entire day. Does that mean you need to shoot pictures everyday? Might be fun, but for most of us that's impractical. The only thing I know that I can do every day of my life is think about creativity, about photography, about locations, about ideas. Thinking can go with me everywhere, fill a minute here or there, and introduce a drop of creative momentum into every day. Show your appreciation for our free weekly Podcast and our free daily Here's a Thought… with a donation Thanks!

In the spotlight is Kate McKean, literary agent at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency in Brooklyn, New York. She earned her master's degree in fiction writing at the University of Southern Mississippi, and her work has appeared in Poets & Writers, Electric Literature, and Catapult. She recently published her first book. The title is Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life. She also writes the Agents & Books newsletter at agentsandbooks.com.   Learn more about Kate McKean here: https://www.katemckean.com/  McKean's book, Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life, can be purchased here: https://snip.ly/nccjn7  Novelist Spotlight is produced and hosted by Mike Consol. Check out his novels here: https://snip.ly/yz18no     Write to Mike Consol at novelistspotlight@gmail.com 

Bestselling author J.T. Ellison shares what it really takes to build a creative life that stands the test of time. From honoring the seasons of your writing career to navigating burnout and rediscovering joy, J.T. offers candid insights into the mindset shifts, boundaries, and community connections that keep creativity sustainable. Whether you're in the trenches of a first draft or navigating the ups and downs of publishing, her wisdom is a reminder that longevity in the creative world isn't about hustle—it's about alignment, intention, and protecting what matters most.Find more on J.T. Ellison here and here.Find more in Nicole Meier here.

Bestselling and award-winning writers Seth Godin (The Practice), Amie McNee (We Need Your Art), Mason Currey (Daily Rituals) and Bec Evans & Chris Smith (Written) on choosing yourself before anyone else does, protecting the hour you actually have, and why the writing rules you were handed were the rules that worked for someone else.   You'll learn Why "grow a thicker skin" is the wrong advice for a writer facing rejection. What shifts when you notice the harshest rejection you face each day is your own. The case for lowering your standards if your ambitions are big. How an hour that doesn't look like writing can still be an hour of writing. What the word discipline shares with the word disciple, and why it changes how a project turns out. A quiet argument for half an hour a day over the perfect routine you can't sustain. Three questions worth asking at the end of every writing session. Why the writing rule that failed you was probably never yours to begin with. When a good outcome hides a bad decision, and what that means for your practice. The difference between talent and skill, and why only one of them applies to writing. Episode Links #150: Seth Godin — Obscurity Is the Enemy, Here's How to Stop Seeking Validation, Find Your Audience and Build a Creative Practice #158: Amie McNee — Creating Without Permission, Overcoming Self-Doubt, Facing Rejection, Building a Life on Your Own Terms, Embracing Social Media as an Artform #177: Mason Currey — Daily Routines and How Artists Work, Focus Time and Protecting Your Best Hours #046: Bec Evans & Chris Smith — Overcome Creative Blocks, Get It Written About the Guests Seth Godin is the author of twenty-plus international bestsellers that have changed the way people think about work and have been translated into 39 languages – among them Unleashing the Ideavirus, Permission Marketing, Purple Cow, Tribes, The Dip, Linchpin, Poke the Box, and All Marketers Are Liars. He writes the most popular marketing blog in the world and speaks to audiences worldwide. He is the founder of the altMBA, the founder and former CEO of Squidoo.com, the former VP of Direct Marketing at Yahoo!, and the founder of the pioneering online startup Yoyodyne. Amie McNee is a trained historian turned creativity coach, writer, and speaker best known for her popular Instagram account, @InspiredtoWrite, and The Unpublished Podcast. She's self-published two historical fiction novels: The Rules Upheld by No One and Regrettably, I Am About to Cause Trouble. Her book We Need Your Art: Stop F*cking Around and Make Something is a manifesto on the vital, human importance of creating. Her most recent novel, To Kill a Queen, a queer historical mystery set in Elizabethan London, was published in 2025. Mason Currey is a writer and editor living in Los Angeles and the author of the Daily Rituals books. In addition to compiling the Daily Rituals books, Currey was a design-magazine editor for ten years, working as the managing editor of Metropolis, the executive editor of Print, a senior editor at Core77, and the programming chair for the 2015 Core77 Conference. His freelance writing has appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, and Slate, and he has delivered talks on the creative process to high school and college students, writers' groups, and the partners of the design consultancy IDEO. He sends out a fortnightly newsletter on routines, rituals, and wriggling through a creative life. His latest book, Making Art and Making a Living: Adventures in Funding a Creative Life, was published by Celadon Books in 2026. Bec Evans and Chris Smith are the co-founders of Prolifiko, a coaching business that helps people build productive writing habits. They met while working together in a bookshop more than 20 years ago and have spent a lifetime writing and working with other writers. Prior to Prolifiko, Bec worked in publishing, led teams of writers and managed a writing centre for Arvon. She's also the award-winning author of How to Have a Happy Hustle. Chris has a background as a ghostwriter and content consultant to global business brands, charities and the public sector. He worked as an agency director before setting up his own communications consultancy and has written for national newspapers and magazines. He is also an award-winning comedy scriptwriter. The authors live in Yorkshire with their dog, Peggy. Their book Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That Lasts was published by Icon Books. For show notes, transcripts and to attend our live podcasts visit: podcast.londonwriterssalon.com.For free writing sessions, join free Writers' Hours: writershour.com.*FOLLOW LONDON WRITERS' SALONTwitter: twitter.com/​​WritersSalonInstagram: instagram.com/londonwriterssalonFacebook: facebook.com/LondonWritersSalonIf you're enjoying this show, please rate and review this show!

Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Ed Hinman, Marine infantry officer veteran, public figure protection specialist, historian, and author of The Barbarian in You. Ed shares how his time at the Naval Academy, deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Africa, and a pivotal reckoning with ego and identity led him to build a life around three core principles: vigor, wonder, and fellowship. Drawing on history, philosophy, and hard experience, Ed makes the case that living a full life is not about optimization — it's about reconnecting with the most primal, truest parts of yourself. The conversation weaves through the creative life, the craft of writing, the mentorship of Steven Pressfield, the wisdom of Montaigne, Emerson, and Marcus Aurelius, and the courage it takes to follow what resonates rather than what looks good on paper. Episode Highlights: 1:54 - Ed and Marcus discuss the mentorship of Steven Pressfield and the discipline required to show up for the creative life 29:44 - Ed introduces his three-part philosophy of vigor, wonder, and fellowship as a framework rooted in how pre-civilized humans actually lived 49:23 - Ed recounts his Marine Corps career, the ego-driven disappointment of deployments that went nowhere, and how psychosomatic pain forced him to ask what he actually wanted 58:58 - Ed and Marcus explore the idea of listening to intuition over empirical evidence, following resonance rather than a prescribed path, and why the barbarian in you is the truest version of yourself Ed Hinman served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, graduating from the Naval Academy and deploying five times across Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Africa before earning a master's degree in history and building a career in public figure protection with Gavin de Becker's firm. He is the author of The Barbarian in You and the founder of the Barbarian in You blog, where he writes about history, strength, friendship, and the philosophy of living with vigor, wonder, and fellowship. Visit barbarianinyou.com to find Ed's book, blog, and writings. Follow him on Instagram at ed_hinman. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Country Proud Living "Where Nurturing Spaces Empower Your Life and Everyday Feels a Little More Like Home." What if creativity isn't reserved for artists—but is simply a way of living?Because the creative life is calling... and perhaps today is the day you answer. You don't need a perfect plan—you simply need enough curiosity to take the next step.In this inspiring episode of Country Proud Living, LoriLynn explores how creative living can help us rediscover joy, curiosity, and purpose in midlife. Whether you're refreshing a room in your home, planting flowers, trying a new hobby, or simply noticing beauty in everyday moments, creativity invites us to become active participants in our own lives again.Drawing on the wisdom of Elizabeth Gilbert, Julia Cameron, and Maya Angelou, this episode offers gentle encouragement to let go of perfection, follow your curiosity, and create a home—and a life—that reflects who you truly are.

Episode 178 - Leadership Reflections (Pt 2) - Tiny Habits Bold Leadership with Mike Coulter, Creative Director of The DO Lectures on the Moments that Shape a Creative Life.Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

Books That Matter for Photographers: Elizabeth Gilbert's ‘Big Magic' — Recalibrating Your Relationship with Fear While Living a Bold, Creative Life.Fresh off a month in Botswana, Richard tackles Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert for the 'Books That Matter' series, and makes the case that fear isn't the enemy of creativity: it's a necessary ingredient. Seneca, mall cops, perfectionism, and why fear is just plain boring, all in service of one idea: stop waiting to feel ready and make the next frame anyway.Big Magic (2015) is Elizabeth Gilbert's book on creativity and fear, arguing the two aren't opposites but constant companions, so the goal isn't to eliminate fear but to keep it out of the driver's seat. Organized loosely around courage, permission, persistence, trust, and letting go of perfectionism.Notable Links:Big MagicElizabeth Gilbert WebsiteBooks That Matter: Episode 106 — Stephen Pressfield and 'The War of Art'Books That Matter: Episode 114 — John Szarcowski and 'The Photographer's Eye'*******MUENCH WORKSHOPS GIVEAWAY** Win a free workshop with me to Bosque del Apache, New Mexico in January, 2027. Application is free! CLICK HERE to learn more.Follow Richard Bernabe:Substack: https://richardbernabe.substack.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernabephoto/Twitter/X: https://x.com/bernabephotoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bernabephoto

To attract someone honest, you don't need to be honest. You need to be a space that can hold honesty. That distinction — the match, not the mirror — is one of a dozen reframes in this conversation that will quietly rearrange how you think about love. Adam Roa is a poet, artist, and coach whose spoken word performance "You Are Who You've Been Looking For" became the most viral poetry performance in history — over 250 million views. But the man behind the poem spent years unable to express emotion at all, raised in a home where feelings weren't safe. His new book, Crazy Love, opens his actual journals from nearly two decades of searching for love, finding it, losing it, and putting himself back together. In this episode, Adam and Michael go deep into: — The mechanics of masculine and feminine energy — and the two karmic wounds ("I am not enough" / "I am too much") that every relationship will eventually force you to face — Why the Gottman Institute found that couples together fifty years are still fighting about the same things they fought about on their first dates — and why that's actually the key to lasting love — The "goddess time" problem: what to do when your partner's relationship to time (or anything else) triggers you — and how to build agreements instead of resentment — Why your triggers in dating are rarely about the thing itself — the body count, the lateness — and how to gather the data that actually matters — Creativity as life force: why your unique frequency is the most healing thing you can offer the world, and how to find the clues your soul has left you — The practice behind the virality: how showing up to create, over and over, without needing to know where it leads, is what makes you ready when the moment arrives Adam also performs two poems in full — including the one that reached a quarter of a billion people. "Vulnerability is the gateway to connection. If we are seeking connection — to each other, to ourselves, and to life itself — we have to be willing to be vulnerable through the authentic expression of our creative energy." — Adam Roa Adam's book Crazy Love is available now. Find Adam at adamroa.com and on Instagram @adam.roa. Michael Trainer has spent 30 years learning from Nobel laureates, neuroscientists, and wisdom keepers worldwide. He's the author of RESONANCE: The Art and Science of Human Connection (March 31, 2026), co-creator of Global Citizen and the Global Citizen Festival, and host of the RESONANCE podcast.Featured in Forbes, Inc, Good Morning America. Follow on YouTube

Midlife awakening is real, and rewriting your identity through story is powerful! In this episode, I share my path of self-discovery, the challenges of letting go of old labels, and how writing a book....even just for yourself can help you connect with who you truly are. If you're ready to explore your story and welcome the next chapter, you're in the right place. Get the ideas out of your head and onto the page right here Your story matters. So does the way you tell it. Your lived experience becomes powerful, authentic communication—on the page, on stage, and in everyday life. I'm Karen Wilson Indie author, speaker, and personal communication mentor. I founded Creative Life in Motion™ in BC, Canada, where I help people document their lives, trust their voice, and communicate from the truest version of themselves. I offer writing mentorship, workshops, and conversations that keep you in motion and connected with the right people. Connect Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenWilsonOnline Instagram: @karenwilson.online Find more articles, resources, and updates on my website.

Episode 177 - Leadership Reflections (Pt 1) - Tiny Habits Bold Leadership with Mike Coulter, Creative Director of The DO Lectures on the Moments that Shape a Creative Life.Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

Starting with the surprisingly complicated question, “Does a book ever actually feel finished?”, they wander into the deeper realities of creativity, friendship, identity, vulnerability, and hope. Together they explore: Why is releasing creative work emotionally complicated? The people who quietly shape our work behind the scenes. How trusted relationships help us become better artists and better humans. Why uncertainty is an essential part of every creative process. Living as a “border walker” between certainty and mystery. The importance of staying curious instead of rushing toward resolution. Why does making art ultimately become a way of making a life? Whether you're writing a book, starting a business, raising a family, or simply trying to become more fully yourself, this conversation offers an invitation to embrace the unfinished nature of the creative life. Pick up Jess's new book, "The Table Where we Meet," here - https://www.jessjanz.com/book Links For Justin:Read Justin's SubstackOrder In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

What does it mean to stay creative for life? At 93, retired architect Graham Bligh proves that curiosity, creativity, and connection don't have an expiry date. From designing iconic buildings to embracing art and lifelong learning in retirement, Graham reflects on a remarkable career spanning decades. He shares how staying open to new experiences, nurturing community, and continuing to create has kept his passion alive well into his 90s. Whether you're building a career, exploring a new hobby, or redefining retirement, this conversation is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to learn, create, and make a meaningful impact. Graham Bligh - Special Guest Documentation - https://youtu.be/WVtYdncKda4 Paul Fairweather - Co-host https://www.paulfairweather.com Chris Meredith - Co-host https://www.chrismeredith.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your inner critic isn't actually yours.That's where we're starting this week on This Is Soul Therapy — because before we can do anything about the voice that tells you to put the camera down, close the sketchbook, and forget the whole idea, we need to understand where it actually came from.Spoiler: you didn't arrive here with it. You picked it up. From a fifth-grade bully, a terrifying client, a mentor who laughed at the way you held your camera, a partner, a parent. All of it tangled together into this very specific, very personalized thing that knows exactly which lever to pull to get you to stop.I share a photo walk I took when I was deep in a creative funk — and what happened when my inner critic realized I wasn't going home. It started small. Then it escalated. And when I kept going anyway, it pulled receipts — actual memories, actual moments of failure and shame — trying to prove it was right.And then I share the sneakier version: how my inner critic spent over a year quietly talking me out of launching a creative community by cycling me between two arguments that were actually the same argument in different clothes. Once I saw it for what it was, it lost its power almost immediately.We Cover:Where your inner critic actually comes from and why it is not your voiceThe predictable three-stage escalation pattern your inner critic follows every single time — and how to recognize it before it shuts you downWhy your inner critic gets loudest right before you expand, not because something is wrong, but because something is workingThe photo walk as a low-stakes way to meet your inner critic face to face and hear what it's actually sayingHow the same core wound can wear a hundred different disguises and keep you circling for yearsWhat it actually means to work with your inner critic instead of trying to silence or heal it firstThis episode is for you if you keep almost starting something — and you've been telling yourself it's a block, or bad timing, or you're just not ready yet. You're ready. Your inner critic is just very, very good at its job.Plus — I'm finally launching Creating Space, the year-long creative community I've been sitting on for four years. Photography, therapeutic arts, shadow work, and self-expression through the lens — all in one place. Details and a link to book a call are in the show notes.Head to jenniferhulley.substack.com for the full community and everything mentioned in this episode.Support the showContinue The Work:✨ Book Soul Therapy Sessions

Host Chad Prevost and co-host Genesis launch the first live happy-hour episode of The Difficulty from Home Bar in downtown Chattanooga, inviting listeners to join Fridays and describing the city as a creative crossroads. They discuss Chattanooga's “animal” vibe, then welcome Chicago-based curator/artist LaRon Dittoe, who works in finance and commits to a monthly creative practice through gallery shows and artist dinners, and shares her handle and a planned September Chicago exhibition. Another guest, Nic Chung (an artist in Chattanooga), argues creativity is an identity beyond mediums and reflects on a dream of dying that shifted him toward minimizing regret rather than fear. The group talks about confronting “the bottom,” social anxiety, community, sponsors, the show's growth, weekly giveaways (including The Artist's Way next week), Chad's daily reader book structure, and brief UFO skepticism and faith-versus-doubt discussion.Tune in every Friday for conversations that begin one place and always take you somewhere else like a good poem. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chadprevost.substack.com

"The absence of social and the introduction of more silence is what's nourishing my creativity." — Jessica MurnaneThis episode is your invitation to rethink creativity through the lens of nature, generosity, and play. I'm joined by gardener, author, horticultural therapy practitioner, and founder of Basker, Jessica Murnane, for a conversation about growing cut flowers, stepping away from social media, and cultivating a creative life that feels deeply nourishing.Jessica shares how gardening became a turning point in her own healing journey after recovering from major surgery. What started as learning to grow cut flowers evolved into a practice of creativity, hope, and connection. She explains why gardening isn't just about growing plants. It's about growing calm, reducing stress, creating community, and reconnecting with yourself.We talk about creativity beyond productivity and the pressure to monetize every hobby. Jessica reflects on creating simply for the joy of making, whether that's growing varieties of cosmos, arranging flowers, or filling your home with beauty that doesn't need to become a business. Creativity, she reminds us, can simply exist for you.Jessica also shares why she made the bold decision to leave Instagram. After years of creating online, she realized social media was limiting her creativity through comparison, noise, and constant visibility. Instead, she now finds inspiration through books, magazines, silence, and nature, while creating her own “social feed” directly on her website as a slower, more intentional way to share her work.Whether you're growing a flower garden, writing a book, taking a break from social media, or looking for a gentler way to nourish your creativity, this conversation is a reminder that creativity doesn't always ask us to be “on”. In fact, Jessica is on a break from her Substack. Perhaps, you can align yourself with her vibe, even for a moment, this summer.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @jessicamurnane to share your takeaways from the episode.xo CarlaPS: Working on your visibility this summer? Join me and Valerie Oula inside the Creative Visibility Summer Immersion.Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Jamesy and Amsy Q&A, in which we discuss high school romance, creative chemistry, business roles, blurred boundaries, editorial bluntness, Steam Deck timing, Space Story, travel chaos, alternative careers, and whether an ibis is from Egypt. It is not. We checked.We talk about what it's really like to work with your spouse when one of you is a vibes guy and the other is building probability models in his head. We get into how we make creative decisions, why we text each other business thoughts even when we're in the same building, why travel wrecks our routines, and why collaboration can be both the greatest joy and the hardest part of our relationship.Order Amie's book We Need Your Art: https://www.amiemcnee.com/order-we-need-your-art-book-amie-mcneeRead Amie's Substack: https://substack.com/@amiemcnee

Storytelling doesn't have to be complicated! In this episode, I share how to find your voice and tell stories that connect. Forget the marketing jargon and dramatic scripts. Let's uncover the everyday stories that make you relatable, build trust, and help your message land naturally. Ready to stop overthinking and start connecting? Let's dive in! Work 1:1 With Karen Your story matters. So does the way you tell it. Your lived experience becomes powerful, authentic communication—on the page, on stage, and in everyday life. I'm Karen Wilson Indie author, speaker, and personal communication mentor. I founded Creative Life in Motion™ in BC, Canada, where I help people document their lives, trust their voice, and communicate from the truest version of themselves. I offer writing mentorship, workshops, and conversations that keep you in motion and connected with the right people. Connect Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenWilsonOnline Instagram: @karenwilson.online Find more articles, resources, and updates on my website

Jotham Hung is a ceramic artist and educator based in Southern California reflecting on his early experiences with art. Late last year I sat down to speak with Jotham about his evolution and journey to becoming a full-time educator artist and he shared the dark moment that led to his creative process which has resulted in pieces that reflect the themes of deconstruction & reconstruction, damage & repair.   If you think you're not creative, don't write yourself off. Jotham believes everyone is an artist and has the potential to be creative.     This episode is sponsored by the Taiwanese United Fund (TUF). TUF is an arts and culture foundation that celebrates the cultural heritages of Taiwanese Americans. Established in 1986, the foundation's mission is to facilitate cultural exchange between the Taiwanese American community and other American cultural communities, hoping to enrich and expand our cultural experiences.   Related Links:  

https://manuchevalier.com/YoutubeInstagram BioManu Chevalier is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, songwriter and producer fromMarseille, France with a wealth of knowledge and love for all kinds of music. His latestrelease, which features vocalist Lumina B, sits comfortably in the disco/pop/funk lane.Titled “I'm Alright,” the track is designed to get people dancing but the lyrics tell adeeper story.The track “I'm Alright” went through some transformations in its creative process andManu is proud of the final result. He was a student at a songwriting academy in Londonand naturally, was tasked with writing a song. Several mentors at this academy havemultiple accolades in the music world and they gave Manu direct feedback. However,some changes had to be made before the song was officially released.“Originally, the song sounded like ‘Levitating' by Dua Lipa. So I made several changesand adjustments, which was a multistep process.” he said.While Manu does sing on the demo version of the song, he knew he wanted a femalevocalist on the final version and he came across Lumina B who loved the song. Hervocals on the song enhance the uplifting atmosphere of the song and the multilayeredlyrics. .Manu Chevalier plays formerly both tenor and alto sax as well as the keyboard. Butironically, the saxophone heard on “I'm Alright” is a MIDI sax sounding keyboard thatManu plays for artistic or ethical reasons.Manu's musical background includes jazz and bossa nova and he is no stranger to thejoy that comes from performing music live.“I love communicating with the audience as I perform. I often left the stage and wouldwalk down the aisles, playing directly in front of the audience. I loved enjoying theirenergy, dancing and happiness.” he said.Manu's experience with playing with music live enhanced his love for doing surprisingthings with the audience. In addition to leaving the stage, he also enjoyed doing newarrangements and versions of songs or adding his own solo parts to covers his bandwas doing. With a musical ear that was trained from his older sisters showing him aplethora of music growing up, he grew to have an appreciation for all genres frommultiple decades.“From listening to all of these artists and genres, I began to form melodies in my ownhead. At that age, I didn't realize I was composing. I kept listening to more and moreartists and began to seek out artists on my own too.” he said.Manu's musical foundation led him to creating all kinds of tracks in his career rangingfrom tracks like the disco/pop/funk of “I'm Alright” to soul, R&B, jazz, reggae,bossanova.One of his biggest musical collaborations includes a remix that featured rapperAlonestar, who is Ed Sheeran's cousin, Snoop Dogg and uncredited (for legal reasons)vocals from Ed Sheeran himself. He also has worked with vocalists and songwriters likePaul Statham (Dido, Kylie Minogue), Morris Pleasure (Michael Jackson , Earth Windand Fire) who were also belonging to his mentors at the songwriting academy and alsosome songwriters/artists like Tamra Hayden.Manu has plans for the future like reworking and rereleasing some of his earlier trackslike “Get On The Dance Floor.” He will also release new music that will continue toshowcase a plethora of genres and elements that will get listeners up and ready to havea good time.“I'm Alright” by Manu Chevalier featuring Lumina B is available on streaming servicesand for download. It can be bought on Amazon and Apple Music from May 22nd, 2026.You can see more of Manu Chevalier's music by keeping up with him on theseplatforms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/creator-to-creators-with-meosha-bean--4460322/support.

With rejection and intense commitment being such integral parts of any artist's life, many struggle to stay with the creative process. Author and CIIS Faculty in the Interdisciplinary Arts program, Cindy Shearer has spent decades helping artists stay with their craft. In her book, Stay with Writing, Cindy encourages writers to understand themselves as artists, and for artists across all mediums to learn about themselves from writing. She offers practices for artists across mediums to help sustain and live a creative life. * In this episode Cindy is joined by theater artist Emlyn Guiney. Together they dive into the nature of artistic practice, meaning-making, failure, and ways to reconnect with yourself, your art and your process. * This episode was recorded during an in-person and live streamed event at California Institute of Integral Studies on March 5th 2026. You can also watch it on the CIIS Public Programs YouTube channel. A transcript is available at ciis.edu/podcast. To find out more about CIIS and public programs like this one, visit our website ciis.edu and connect with us on Instagram @ciispubprograms. * Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links below. * We hope that each episode of our podcast provides opportunities for growth, and that our listeners will use them as a starting point for further introspection. Many of the topics discussed on our podcast have the potential to bring up feelings and emotional responses. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health care and support, here are some resources to find immediate help and future healing: * -Visit 988lifeline.org or text, call, or chat with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 from anywhere in the U.S. to be connected immediately with a trained counselor. Please note that 988 staff are required to take all action necessary to secure the safety of a caller and initiate emergency response with or without the caller's consent if they are unwilling or unable to take action on their own behalf. * -Visit thrivelifeline.org or text “THRIVE” to begin a conversation with a THRIVE Lifeline crisis responder 24/7/365, from anywhere: +1.313.662.8209. This confidential text line is available for individuals 18+ and is staffed by people in STEMM with marginalized identities. * -Visit translifeline.org or call (877) 565-8860 in the U.S. or (877) 330-6366 in Canada to learn more and contact Trans Lifeline, who provides trans peer support divested from police. * -Visit ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics to learn more and schedule counseling sessions at one of our centers. * -Find information about additional global helplines at befrienders.org. * LINKS * Podcast Transcripts: https://www.ciis.edu/podcast * California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Website: https://www.ciis.edu/ * CIIS Public Programs YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ciispublicprograms * CIIS Public Programs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciispubprograms/ * Mental Health Care and Support Resources: https://988lifeline.org/ https://thrivelifeline.org/ https://translifeline.org/ https://www.ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics https://befrienders.org/

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the thing you love most becomes the thing you can never completely walk away from?This week on Here's What We Know, conductor and pianist Robert Emery returns for a conversation about creativity, music, and the curious ways our minds work. From practice rooms to Abbey Road Studios, Robert shares what life is really like for a professional musician, why creative people often struggle to switch off, and what he's learned from spending a lifetime immersed in music.Gary and Robert also trade stories about family, parenting, travel, questionable hotel experiences, and the challenges that come with building a career around passion. They explore the lives of Mozart, Franz Liszt, and Berlioz, uncovering the very human struggles, quirks, and triumphs behind some of history's most celebrated composers.Robert also shares the story behind Orchestral Meditations, his latest project featuring meditation music recorded at Abbey Road Studios with a full symphony orchestra and choir.In This Episode:• Why musicians never really leave work behind• The truth about practicing and mastering a craft• What Mozart and Michael Jackson may have had in common• How creativity affects everyday life• Stories from Abbey Road Studios• The fascinating history of Franz Liszt and musical celebrity• Why travel helps reset the mind This episode is sponsored by: Reed Animal Hospital Bio:Robert Emery is a conductor, pianist, and serial entrepreneur. He is lucky enough to travel the world; ranging from performances in London's Royal Albert Hall, through to the Sydney Opera House, Robert has seen them all.Besides music, he is the Founder & Director of The Arts Group, one of the most diverse entertainment companies in the UK. Within the portfolio is a national music tuition agency, symphony orchestra, choir, artist agency, record label, and production company.Aside from that, he lives in London and Cambridge, has a wife (Mrs. E), a toddler (Master T), a baby (Master A), and 4 cats.Website: https://robertemery.com/Orchestral Meditation: http://orchestralmeditation.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertemeryofficial/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertemeryofficial/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertemeryofficial/Tags: Robert Emery, Creativity, Classical Music, Professional Musician, Music Career, Mozart, Franz Liszt, Music History, Conducting, Pianist, Abbey Road Studios, Orchestral Meditations, Creative Process, Creative Life, Music Industry, Composers, Arts & Culture, Creativity and Purpose, Work-Life Balance, Performing Arts, Creative Careers, Music Education, Connect with Gary:Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!

What does it mean to live creatively in a world shaped by pressure, productivity, and performance? Drawing on his forthcoming book, Grace In the Making, Alastair leads us in exploring the relationship between art, faith, and the slow work of becoming.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L'Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com

A CREATIVE LIFE: THE JOURNEY OF PHIL SVITEK is a personal reflection on filmmaker, storyteller, and 360 Creative Coach Phil Svitek's two-decade journey through the world of storytelling. The film traces a path from Connecticut to Los Angeles, from student projects and indie filmmaking to podcasting, animation, coaching, and beyond.Blending archival footage, behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, and candid self-reflection, Phil revisits the people, experiences, successes, setbacks, and lessons that shaped both his creative career and personal growth. What emerges is not a chronology of accomplishments, but a meditation on perseverance, curiosity, and the evolving meaning of success.Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, filmmaker, or simply someone navigating your own path, 20 Years of Creativity offers an honest look at what it takes to keep creating, keep growing, and keep showing up. It's a reminder that a creative life isn't defined by a single achievement—it's built one story, one risk, and one lesson at a time.

This week on Sol Meets Heart, Hugs reconnects with his former Philadelphia neighbor JG (Justin Geller) — sound designer, light architect, music producer, and one of those rare people who just makes the world feel more alive. JG's career is built on saying yes before he knows how, learning fast, and translating the invisible into something you can walk through and feel. They cover his journey from electronic music obsession to designing immersive installations for places like Longwood Gardens and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, what it means to be creatively fulfilled by helping others realize their visions, and the 15-minute habit that reignited his own music after five years of silence. JG also previews his first new Remote Places track in nearly seven years. If you've ever wondered how to plant small seeds that grow into the life you actually want — this one's for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sol-meets-heart--3691166/support.

In this episode, Jocelyn talks with Nathalie Joachim about different musical modalities as vehicles for creative expression, being present and resisting the pressures of capitalist-demanded output, and unlearning perfectionism.  Companion playlists: Youtube, Spotify Episode Transcript   Follow us: @composelikeagirl on Instagram and Facebook Learn more: Compose Like a Girl   Relevant Links:   Nathalie Joachim Flutronix Fanm d'Ayiti, Album Ki moun ou ye, Album Erin Patrice O'Brien, photographer  Malin Lindaeus Vintage Store in Brooklyn, NY Blood Sister from She is Called: Dear Stranger, Brooklyn Youth Chorus

Bestselling novelist Holly Ringland on writing from joy instead of fear, the toolkit she built to meet the inner critic with self-compassion, and finding the first true sentence of her debut after decades of silence.   We discuss Why the pain of not writing eventually outweighs the pain of writing. What grief and loss can crack open in a writer that nothing else can. How the first true line of a novel can arrive once you stop listening to the reasons you can't write it. A bullet-point approach to plotting that protects the nervous system from the blank page. What to ask for from early readers, and what to refuse. The distinction between self-doubt and the inner critic, and why it matters. Meeting the inner critic with an equal and opposite internalised force. Breaking procrastination by making the next step impossibly small. Fiction as the lie that tells the truth truest.   Resources & Links

What if the first step to living a creative life is simply believing you are worthy of one?In this inspiring conversation, Carrie Schmitt shares how creativity begins with self-worth. Together, Brandi and Carrie discuss the stubborn courage required to protect your energy, say no to what no longer serves you, and remain devoted to the life you know you are meant to live.This episode is a reminder that creativity is not reserved for a select few. It is a relationship, a calling, and a sacred force waiting patiently for you to say yes!Two Takeaway Tips:1. Believe You Deserve to CreateA thriving creative life starts with self-worth. When you recognize that your ideas and perspective are valuable, you give yourself permission to pursue creativity with confidence. This is so important, if we can do you it that means you can too!2. Build a Temple for Your Creativity Design your environment and daily habits to nurture your imagination. Whether it is a dedicated studio, a sketchbook by your bedside, or simply protecting your mental energy, creating supportive space allows your creativity to flourish.

This week Brad is sitting down with Kate Thompson for a conversation about creativity, parenthood, burnout, ambition, and the discipline of protecting the parts of yourself that make meaningful work possible in the first place.Over the last several years, we've watched Kate intentionally refine her work and her business, but what surprised us most in this conversation wasn't hearing about “leveling up” or entering the "luxury market"... it was hearing what happened underneath all of it.Kate shares openly about navigating postpartum depression during the pandemic, learning to detach her self-worth from success, and the tiny daily habits that slowly helped her rebuild her creativity, confidence, and joy.We also explore:her background in speech pathology and linguisticsworking alongside her sister at Palindrome Creative Co.creating personal work in seasons of limitationsimplifying her business and refining her editing processwhy curation mattersand how learning to quiet outside noise helped her trust her own artistic voice againThis episode was so special and is a refreshing and honest look at what it takes to sustain a creative life over the long haul.In This EpisodeProtecting your creativity in a noisy industryTiny habits, self-care, and rebuilding after burnoutMotherhood, surrender, and creative ambitionDetaching self-worth from successThe role of personal work and bookmakingLearning to trust your artistic intuitionSimplifying your business and editing processWorking in both weddings and commercial photographyCreating meaningful work in real-life seasonsQuote Worth Remembering“I had to create this fortress to protect my internal fire of inspiration. I had to redefine what success looked like for me. And for a while, success just meant staying inspired.”  Books MentionedNorth Woods — Daniel MasonI Cheerfully Refuse — Leif EngerConnect with KateKate Thompson WeddingsPalindrome Creative Co.Connect with Brad & JenJoin Purpose & Profit – A Roadmap to 10k WeddingsApply for the Mastermind ProgramInstagram: @bradandjeneducation @bradandjen

One Casualty of the Trump Era: America Is Losing Its Inspiration Has America lost its ability to dream, create, and feel inspired? This week on The Karel Show, Karel shares a deeply personal realization after spending hours in a camera store for the first time in nearly 50 years. What started as a search for a new camera became something much bigger: a conversation about creativity, burnout, fear, politics, and why so many Americans are desperate to reconnect with inspiration again. A 70-year-old woman searching for a camera to reignite her love of night photography. Musicians upgrading studios to create again. Artists trying to unplug from endless chaos, war, inflation, and division. The message was everywhere: People are exhausted by survival mode and want their lives back. In this episode: * Why inspiration is becoming one of the biggest casualties of modern America * The emotional toll of nonstop politics, war, and economic anxiety * How rising prices and uncertainty are crushing creativity * Why people are searching for hobbies, art, music, photography, and meaning again * UK voters send a warning shot to leadership as global frustration grows * Iran, Ukraine, Putin, Trump, and the nonstop pressure of the modern news cycle Plus: Why creating art may now be an act of resistance.

This week, Katy sits down with senior designer Natty Harris for a deeply honest and emotional conversation about grief, loss, and rebuilding your life when everything changes. At the heart of the episode is Natty's brother Thomas, who died suddenly at 24, and the profound impact he had on shaping who she is today. Together, they explore the many forms grief can take, from losing a loved one to navigating life changes that quietly alter who we are. Natty shares what it was like growing up as a young carer, the complicated mix of love, responsibility and identity that came with it, and how those experiences continue to influence her work as a designer and storyteller. The conversation gently moves through the realities of grief. The chaos, the stillness, the strange moments of laughter, and the importance of allowing yourself to feel everything rather than pushing it down. Natty reflects on therapy, timing, and how doing the work before loss changed the way she was able to process it when it came. There's also a wider thread here about creativity. What it means to show up when your emotional tank is empty, how grief shifts your perspective on work, and why so many creatives are feeling exhausted right now. This is an episode about humanity as much as it is about loss. Ultimately, it's a conversation full of hope. About carrying the people we've lost with us. About finding courage in the hardest moments. And about learning, slowly, who you are on the other side.

This week on Paige's Pod, I'm joined by artist and entrepreneur Forrest Elliot for a deeply real conversation about creativity, reinvention, and building a life that actually feels aligned. We talk about everything from art school and career pivots to treating art like a business, trusting your gut, and learning how to become a friend to yourself. Forrest shares his journey from photography to painting, launching multiple creative ventures, and creating intentional spaces - like his upcoming retreat that help people reconnect with themselves and their creativity. If you've ever felt stuck, boxed in, or unsure what's next…this one's for you. We get into:Creative pivots + starting overArt as a business (without losing the soul)Confidence, healing, and identityCommunity + connectionTaking risks and trusting your intuitionMain takeaway:Burn the box. Do the thing.https://www.forrestelliott.comhttps://www.instagram.com/forrestkelliottRead Paige's substack article HERE

Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Nicki Traikos for a conversation on creativity, perfectionism, and building a life rooted in art. Known for her approachable watercolor teaching style and the global community she's built through life i design, Nicki shares the winding journey that took her from a corporate career and makeup artistry into the world of watercolor, online education, and publishing. Margo and Nicki explore the realities of creative growth—the messy middle, the pivots, the comparison traps, and the courage it takes to keep showing up for your art. Nicki opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the pressure artists face in the age of social media, and why embracing imperfection is often where the real breakthroughs happen. They also discuss her newest book, Watercolor Made Simple Workbook, and how approachable creativity can transform not only artistic confidence, but overall wellbeing. Margo and Nicki discuss: Nicki's unexpected path from corporate work and makeup artistry to becoming a full-time artist and educator The importance of embracing a "twisty, turny" creative journey instead of chasing overnight success How comparison and curated social media can hold artists back from starting Why messy sketchbooks and imperfect practice are essential to creative growth Letting go of perfectionism and learning to enjoy the tactile experience of making art The evolution from artist to teacher and building an online creative community during COVID The pressure to "find your style" and why multi-passionate creativity deserves space Practical ways to restart a creative practice and make art feel approachable again Connect with Nicki: Website: https://www.lifeidesign.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeidesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeidesign Substack: https://lifeidesign.substack.com  

Dr. James Hollis is a Jungian analyst, trained in Zurich, Switzerland, and based in Washington, D.C. He is the author of twenty-two books, including The Middle Passage, Swamplands of the Soul, The Eden Project, Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life, Living an Examined Life and his latest book, co-written with L.A.-based artist Enrique Martínez Celaya, Tending the Fire: Creativity, Purpose, and the Unfolding Self. Hollis taught humanities for twenty-six years in various colleges and universities before retraining as a Jungian analyst at the Jung Institute of Zurich. He served for many years as Executive Director of the Jung Educational Center in Houston, Texas and was Executive Director of the Jung Society of Washington until 2019, where he now serves on the Board of Directors. He is a retired Senior Training Analyst for the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts, was the first Director of Training of the Philadelphia Jung Institute, is Vice-President Emeritus of the Philemon Foundation and serves as Professor of Jungian Studies at Saybrook University. Explore more https://creative.voyage/

Think you need a rigid 5 AM writing routine to finally finish your book? Think again. Most writing advice tells you that if you don't write every single day, you aren't a "real" author. But for midlifers, a rigid schedule is usually a one-way ticket to a shame spiral. In this video, I'm sharing why your writing routine might actually be the thing holding you back—and what you should use instead. I'm breaking down the difference between a fragile schedule and a forgiving rhythm, and I'm giving you my personal "Comeback Ritual" for returning to the work when life "gets in the way". WATCH THIS NEXT: If your manuscript has been sitting in a drawer for months and you're ready to pick up the pen again, watch this next:

​ @DarkHorsePod  Vultures and the Public Health: The 323rd Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying https://www.youtube.com/live/IfTjMhJ7bkU?si=BgQqcOGIbARv-ICp   @JonathanPageau   @JordanGreenhall  Is God More Than a Story? Jonathan Pageau  with Jordan Hall on DarkHorse https://youtu.be/lDljYM2oJHs?si=M_P1WNxeeafLbya9  Jonathan Pageau: The Prophet of Verticality https://youtu.be/GZcISmMJ1F8?si=RyRJjgLpu10ARi40  The Real Secret to a Creative Life. Dr. Martin Shaw https://youtube.com/shorts/zqGG4IAaJ0I?si=a2u2LzOIis-P5ZP9  What is the TLC? ("This little corner of the Internet" also know as "the corner" https://youtu.be/Y3vqSjywot8?si=IVS3bnriwje5syPO TLC Search tool. https://tlc.ghost.tel/ The Flotilla List: https://thislittlecorner.net/channels https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give Paul Vander Klay clips channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0jIcadtoxELSwehCh5QTg https://www.meetup.com/sacramento-estuary/ My Substack https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/ Bridges of meaning https://discord.gg/b7ueHNh5 Estuary Hub Link https://www.estuaryhub.com/ There is a video version of this podcast on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/paulvanderklay To listen to this on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/paul-vanderklays-podcast/id1394314333  If you need the RSS feed for your podcast player https://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/feed/  All Amazon links here are part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Amazon pays me a small commission at no additional cost to you if you buy through one of the product links here. This is is one (free to you) way to support my videos.  https://paypal.me/paulvanderklay Blockchain backup on Lbry https://odysee.com/@paulvanderklay https://www.patreon.com/paulvanderklay Paul's Church Content at Living Stones Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7bdktIALZ9Nq41oVCvW-A To support Paul's work by supporting his church give here. https://tithe.ly/give?c=2160640 https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give  

Send us Fan MailA crowded studio, a “cap it at 40” plan that turns into 50-plus guests, and a spring season that suddenly feels like it's accelerating. I'm checking in from Brewtifully with a real-time look at what it takes to grow a creative studio around mahjong, art, and community and what happens when you let people in, even when the day doesn't go exactly as planned. National Mahjong Day brought tables full of laughter, unexpected visitors, and the kind of feedback that makes me want to schedule more events immediately. Next up, I'm leaning into collaborations that connect new audiences: a June pickleball mahjong event at a new spot called Hotshots, plus another gathering tied to the Ohio State University Alumni Association. I also share an invitation to Art in the Park in Hartville, where I'll be setting up tables and teaching the art of mahjong to anyone curious. If you're building a small business, planning community events, or trying to grow a creative brand, these partnerships are a practical reminder that you don't have to do it alone. On the making side, I talk through how I'm creating my own mahjong tiles from blank tiles to drawing, laser engraving, and hand painting, plus how manufacturing and licensing help turn artwork into products people can actually buy. The biggest takeaway is simple and hard-earned: leave room in your plans for the unplanned, share the littlest thing, and let it grow into something bigger than you could have mapped out. If you like this kind of creative business update, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a quick review so more makers and mahjong lovers can find us.Support the showCatch the doodles on YouTubeMy socials:Sign up for my monthly newsletterPortfolio website: Brewtifully.comInstagram: /BrewtifullyFacebook: /brewtifullyTikTok: GettingSmallwithGrandmaLinkedIn: Tracy Dawn Brewer

This week on bigcitysmalltown, Cory Ames moderates a live panel from Creative Futures, a two-day summit in San Antonio bringing together creators, builders, entrepreneurs, and civic thinkers. The conversation centers on what it looks like to build a creative life and creative career in San Antonio — and what the city still needs to get there.Joining Cory are Lionel Sosa, founder of what became the largest Hispanic advertising agency in the United States, a consultant on multiple national presidential campaigns, and a portrait artist whose work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian and presidential libraries; Kathy Sosa, co-founder of one of the Southwest's largest independent Hispanic ad agencies, a veteran of national political campaigns, and a mixed media artist whose work exploring the Texas-Mexico borderland has earned national recognition; and Andi Rodriguez, Vice President of Cultural Placemaking at Centro San Antonio, whose Art Everywhere project has placed hundreds of commissioned works by local artists throughout downtown since 2020.They discuss:How San Antonio's arts infrastructure has grown — from grant programs to the 1.5% public art provision in city building projectsWhy strong mayoral leadership has historically driven the city's creative identity, and what a leadership vacuum means for the arts communityWhat the Art Everywhere project has taught Andi about building a supply chain for public art in the private sectorWhat Lionel and Kathy have observed in Querétaro, Mexico — including a program that lets artists pay income taxes with their workThe mindset differences between artists who thrive and those who don't — and why shameless self-promotion is a survival skillHow the discovery of a Querétaro church's role in building San Antonio's missions led to a documentary, a binational art show, and a student cultural exchangeRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶ 64. Kathy Sosa and Antonio Arelle Barquet: The Other Side of the Mirror — Kathy Sosa and Antonio Arelle Barquet, director of the Museum of Art in Querétaro, discuss the binational art project that grew out of the historic connection between Querétaro and San Antonio's missions — the same story Kathy and Lionel recount in this episode... ..GET THE NEWSLETTER

Send us a message.We open with a 93-year-old woman who ran an oil pump valve repair business and a boutique until she was nearly 100, and what her life says about the post-WWII metrics we've organized our sense of security around — the 401k, the house, the college fund, the car in the driveway. We dig into EM Forster's observation that the novel is sogged with humanity, and what happens to a life when the humanity gets exercised out of it in favor of the spreadsheet.That leads us to a visit with a former fighter pilot and lawyer in Plattsmouth — a man with signed baseballs, original paintings, a wall of 14,000-foot summits, and no visitors. We talk about legacy anxiety, what it means when your life's work has nowhere to go, and why the things that actually give this sliver of time any quality are exactly the things that resist being measured. We end somewhere near the question AI keeps raising: why are you doing this in the first place, and what happens if the answer isn't good? -AiSupport the show If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode. Links To Everything: Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT Matt's YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT Matt's 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT Alex's YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT Matt's Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG Alex's Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG 

Bestselling author Aaron Ryan has written 41 books and reinvented himself more times than most creatives attempt in a lifetime. In this conversation, we explore how he found his voice, rebuilt after toxic environments, and continues to thrive in a world reshaped by AI. This episode is a powerful look at resilience, storytelling, and the courage to evolve as a creator.Creativity isn't a straight line — it's a lifelong act of reinvention. In this episode, Michael sits down with bestselling and award‑winning author Aaron Ryan, a storyteller whose career embodies resilience, transformation, and the courage to evolve.With 41 published books, multiple screen adaptations, and a creative journey that spans writing, voice acting, music, and more, Aaron brings a rare depth to the conversation. Together, they explore:How to find (and protect) your authentic creative voiceThe intersection of storytelling and lived experienceReinventing yourself after leaving toxic spacesNavigating the shifting landscape of AI and the voiceover industryThe realities of self‑publishing and creative marketingWhy adversity often becomes the fuel for our best workThis is a powerful, honest conversation about what it means to be a creator today — the reinvention, the risk, the resilience, and the unshakable drive to keep telling stories that matter.If you're a writer, artist, or anyone standing at the edge of your next chapter, this episode will meet you right where you are.Find us on Apple, Spotify or your favorite listening platform; visit us on our YouTube channel Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcastWant to be a guest on One More Thing Before You Go? Send Michael Herst a message on PodMatch, here: PODMATCH Proud member of the Podmatch Network of Top Rated- PodcastsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

My guest in this week's Book Club podcast is Mason Currey, author of the new book Making Art and Making a Living: Adventures in Funding a Creative Life. He tells me how artists, writers and composers have wrangled through history with the challenge of scraping by, and how that has affected their art, from Baudelaire's lifelong outrage at being forced to live on an allowance and John Berryman's disastrous stint as a door-to-door encyclopaedia salesman to Haydn reinventing the musical idiom of his time because he was so far in the boondocks with his day job that he didn't know what the musical idiom of his time was, exactly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest in this week's Book Club podcast is Mason Currey, author of the new book Making Art and Making a Living: Adventures in Funding a Creative Life. He tells me how artists, writers and composers have wrangled through history with the challenge of scraping by, and how that has affected their art, from Baudelaire's lifelong outrage at being forced to live on an allowance and John Berryman's disastrous stint as a door-to-door encyclopaedia salesman to Haydn reinventing the musical idiom of his time because he was so far in the boondocks with his day job that he didn't know what the musical idiom of his time was, exactly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcastsContact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter and author Josh Ritter on writing songs for the muse instead of waiting for it, letting creative ideas find their shape across songwriting, painting, and fiction, and building a sustainable creative life over more than two decades. We discuss: Writing for the muse instead of waiting for it. Why working across multiple art forms keeps each one alive. The craft behind a single narrative song, from first image to finished track. Balancing creative compulsion with everyday life. What sharing work publicly teaches you about your own work. How the relationship between an artist and their audience evolves over decades. Mental health and the myth of the tortured creative. Getting through the dead stretch when nothing seems to come. The campfire model of building a creative career. Resources & Links: