Podcasts about creative life

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.

On this insightful episode of Authority on Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with Neil Laird to explore his remarkable journey from Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker to LGBTQ adventure fiction author.Neil shares how he embraced creative reinvention at 50, blending history, time travel, and identity into his Primetime Travelers series. He dives into his intuitive writing process, the power of trusting your voice, and why it's never too late to pursue the stories only you can tell.Key Takeaways:• It's never too late to start writing and pursue creative dreams• Your unique voice and life experiences are your greatest strengths• Trust your intuition—great stories don't always need rigid outlines• Blending genres can create fresh, compelling storytelling• Don't fear failure—it's part of finding your path as a writerIf you've been waiting for the “right time” to start, this is your reminder—start now. Your story matters, and no one else can tell it the way you can.Connect with Neil Laird:Email: neil@neillaird.comWebsite: https://www.neillaird.com/Fb: https://www.facebook.com/neil.laird.75/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primetimeauthor/

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 

Navigating creative nonfiction memoir jargon can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone! In this episode, I break down the real differences between memoir, autobiography, and business books—so you can confidently answer, “What are you writing?” I'll show you how understanding your book's category helps you write faster and finish stronger. Ready to ditch confusion and claim your story? Let's dive in! Watch this next to get going on your outline Work with Your Stories with Karen here: https://www.karenwilson.online/work-with-karen Let's reframe this season as your power era—where your wisdom, experience, and voice matter more than ever. Ready to write your next chapter? Download my free creative non -fiction outlining guide. Resources 7 Day Creative Non- Fiction Blueprint Challenge. Book: BE Weightless, Like Your Body, Love Yourself Your 28 day RESET GlowUP Youtube Series Work 1:1 With Karen If you're a midlife writer who wants to turn real-life moments into creative nonfiction, this podcast is for you. I'm a fellow writer, literally walking this path with you. Here, we focus on getting words on the page, honoring your voice, and making writing feel natural. You'll find practical tips, encouragement, and real talk about the ups and downs of starting your book, and finishing that rough draft. This is a place to practice, experiment, and see what your story can become. Let's create something extraordinary together!

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.

Creativity is going into the unknown with intention. Two “wings” of creativity are passion and play. Some people have titles for their role in creating, such as painter, writer, sculptor. Art connects us to who we really are; it's an expression of our essence. Creativity is a purpose of the universe. It isn't a luxury; it's a primary function of consciousness itself. The big picture is that our life is art. We can develop our own uniqueness so the divine power can express itself in an original way. Working with resistance may be the best way to open to the human impulse to be creative. When we are fully absorbed and engaged, we produce refined energies that the universe needs. Creativity is a kind of prayer. The main payoffs of creativity are our transformation and the benefit to the universe. The tangible result of creativity that is produced is icing on the cake. Art is one of the first things to be censored or banned in totalitarian regimes. Creative people draw outside the lines, and society is all about staying within the lines. Beginner's mind sees beauty, but it's hard for professional artists to keep beginner's mind. Objective art or aesthetic is hard to define but easy to get across through music, theater, painting and other art forms to viewers who are able to see it. Art can objectify the shadow and help us to face ourselves and the healing needed. Ways of bringing creativity into everyday life, such as in mothering, are discussed. Various forms of art are considered including painting and graffiti, architecture and cathedrals, and land art. Framing is also a way of creating beauty in art and in life. How we use our consciousness, where we put our attention—which is all we have—is the ultimate creative act. Karl Krumins has been a spiritual practitioner for forty years. He lived in India for seven years and has a passion for considering the essential similarities of spiritual traditions. 

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:

Unlock the power of story to grow your business on YouTube! In this episode, I chat with Meredith Marsh, founder of Video Brand Academy about building a thriving online community, using YouTube for client attraction, and the real impact of personal stories. We dive into consistency, overcoming perfectionism, and how story work creates deeper connections. If you're ready to show up authentically and turn your expertise into results, this is for you! Find Meredith here https://www.youtube.com/@meredithmarsh And get your Visibility report here - https://videobrandtoolkit.com/ Work with Your Stories with Karen here: https://www.karenwilson.online/work-with-karen Let's reframe this season as your power era—where your wisdom, experience, and voice matter more than ever. Ready to write your next chapter? Download my free creative non -fiction outlining guide. Resources 7 Day Creative Non- Fiction Blueprint Challenge. Book: BE Weightless, Like Your Body, Love Yourself Your 28 day RESET GlowUP Youtube Series Work 1:1 With Karen If you're a midlife writer who wants to turn real-life moments into creative nonfiction, this podcast is for you. I'm a fellow writer, literally walking this path with you. Here, we focus on getting words on the page, honoring your voice, and making writing feel natural. You'll find practical tips, encouragement, and real talk about the ups and downs of starting your book, and finishing that rough draft. This is a place to practice, experiment, and see what your story can become. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Join Bishop Graham Tomlin & Dr Belle Tindall-Riley at Renaissance London 2025 as they unpack Blaise Pascal's ‘night of fire' - the night that changed the way he interacted with the world around him. So, with Pascal as a case-study, we'll be asking - what is the link between the Holy Spirit and creativity? Does spiritual experience fuel a radical and creative life?For more information about Renaissance, head to https://renaissancemovement.org/ ✨

What if the tension you carry every day is not random… but communication?In this deeply personal episode, CJ shares his journey through unexplained physical pain and the surprising realization that the body holds its own intelligence — one that speaks not through words, but through sensation. After months of medical tests and treatments that offered little relief, he began to recognize a deeper pattern: chronic tension caused by living in a constant state of urgency.This talk explores the powerful distinction between what CJ calls “run mode” and “rest mode.” In modern life — shaped by social media, nonstop news, and pressure to achieve — many of us rarely allow the nervous system to return to a truly restorative state. The result can be fatigue, anxiety, creative blockage, and persistent discomfort.Through simple practices like body scanning, mindful walking, improving sleep, and learning to be present in ordinary moments, CJ invites listeners to rediscover a calmer rhythm of living. He reflects on how creativity, healing, and emotional clarity often emerge not through more effort, but through intentional restoration.This episode is both a reflection and an invitation: to listen more carefully to your body, to question the cultural obsession with constant productivity, and to experiment with spending more time in a state of ease.   Because sometimes the most profound creative breakthrough begins when we finally stop running.Want to learn more about CJ Miller? Check out his Spiritual Artist Retreats, 1:1 Personal Coaching, and Speaking Engagements at www.spiritualartisttoday.com. His retreats are designed to help you reconnect with your Creative Intelligence and express your true artistic voice. You can also find his upcoming schedule there, and his book, The Spiritual Artist, is available on Amazon.

Who am I now? If you've ever stared in the mirror and wondered, this episode is for you. I'm diving into the real challenges of midlife identity shifts, from changing roles to the power of creative nonfiction. Let's reframe this season as your power era—where your wisdom, experience, and voice matter more than ever. Ready to write your next chapter? Download my free creative non -fiction outlining guide. Resources 7 Day Creative Non- Fiction Blueprint Challenge. Book: BE Weightless, Like Your Body, Love Yourself Your 28 day RESET GlowUP Youtube Series Work 1:1 With Karen If you're a midlife writer who wants to turn real-life moments into creative nonfiction, this podcast is for you. I'm a fellow writer, literally walking this path with you. Here, we focus on getting words on the page, honoring your voice, and making writing feel natural. You'll find practical tips, encouragement, and real talk about the ups and downs of starting your book, and finishing that rough draft. This is a place to practice, experiment, and see what your story can become. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Bold Vision, Grounded Leadership, and the Relentless Pursuit of Purpose. In this deeply personal and strategic conversation, Corey Damen Jenkins shares the discipline, resilience, and intentional leadership behind his rise—from knocking on 779 doors to building a global design brand rooted in humility, creativity, and purpose. Corey Damen Jenkins is widely recognized for his exuberant interiors—fearless color, rich materiality, and a joyful sense of aspiration. But behind the visual confidence is a disciplined leader, strategic thinker, and resilient entrepreneur who built his career through persistence, focus, and unwavering belief in his purpose. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep In this conversation, Jenkins reveals the principles that guide both his creative and business decisions. His “toy box philosophy” of time management emphasizes prioritization and clarity, while his belief in editing—removing distractions in both design and business—ensures that his work remains intentional and impactful. Jenkins also shares the realities behind his success, including rejection, intellectual property challenges, and the pressures of leading a growing global brand. From licensing partnerships and product design to publishing and team building, every decision reflects his long-term commitment to protecting creative integrity and building something meaningful. More than a story of success, this is a conversation about purpose. Jenkins explains how staying grounded, hiring with intention, and embracing humility have allowed him to build not just a celebrated design firm, but a life aligned with creativity, impact, and service. Key Themes and Insights Purpose-Driven Career Transformation Transitioned from automotive corporate buyer to interior designer after a layoff. Launched his firm during the 2008 recession—one of the most challenging economic periods. Persistence defined his early career, including knocking on 779 doors to secure his first major client. The Toy Box Philosophy: Strategic Time and Energy Management Prioritize the most important commitments first. Apply discipline to protect creative energy and focus. Editing is essential in both design execution and business leadership. Editing as a Creative and Business Discipline Great design is as much about restraint as expression. Strategic clarity requires removing distractions and excess. Focus strengthens creative voice and brand identity. Leadership Through Humility and Intentional Hiring Values humility, integrity, and character over pure talent. Builds teams based on trust, collaboration, and shared values. Leadership grounded in humility creates resilience and longevity. Protecting Creative Vision Through Licensing and IP Strategy Strategic licensing partnerships expand reach while protecting creative authorship. Collaboration with global brands strengthens business stability. Intellectual property protection is essential in today's copy-driven market. Designers as Emotional and Strategic Partners Designers serve as advisors, therapists, and trusted confidants. Design has emotional, psychological, and lifestyle impact. Interiors shape not only how spaces look—but how people live and feel. Corey Damen Jenkins: “Success requires focus. You have to put the big priorities in first.” “Rejection isn't failure—it's part of the journey.” “Humility keeps you grounded and makes you a better leader.” “Design isn't just about beauty. It's about transformation.” “I didn't just want a career. I wanted a purpose.” Purpose Before Prestige: Corey Damen Jenkins on Building a Life—and Career—by Design Corey Damen Jenkins has built a career defined by bold interiors, fearless creativity, and unmistakable confidence. But the true foundation of his success isn't aesthetic—it's discipline, humility, and purpose. Long before his work appeared in books, product collections, and design publications, Jenkins faced the uncertainty of reinvention. After losing his corporate job, he committed fully to interior design, launching his firm during one of the most volatile economic periods in recent history. The early days tested his resolve. He knocked on 779 doors before securing his first major client—a defining experience that shaped his perspective on perseverance and belief. Today, that same discipline informs every aspect of his work. Jenkins approaches both design and leadership with intentional focus. His “toy box philosophy”—prioritizing the most important commitments first—guides how he manages his time, his studio, and his creative energy. Editing, he believes, is essential not only to great interiors but to building a meaningful business. As his influence has grown, Jenkins has expanded into licensing, publishing, and product design, carefully selecting partnerships that align with his values and protect his creative voice. Yet despite his success, he remains grounded in humility—a principle he considers essential to leadership, growth, and longevity. For Jenkins, interior design is more than aesthetics. It is emotional, personal, and transformative. Designers shape how people experience their homes and their lives. His journey serves as a reminder that meaningful success isn't defined by visibility or recognition. It's defined by purpose, resilience, and the courage to pursue a creative life with intention.

EP 24 - Lessons from a Creative Life | Kate Murdoch | Australian Artist and WriterAustralian artist-turned-novelist Kate Murdoch joins Nicole to unpack what a lifetime of creativity really looks like—spanning gallery walls, award-winning historical fiction, international residencies, and the daily rituals that keep her inspired. Together, they explore the power of early mentors, the discipline behind "play," and why beauty and refuge still matter in a hyper-digital world.

Sally Mann is one of the most significant American photographers of the late 20th and 21st centuries. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Mann has explored childhood, family, memory, mortality, and the passage of time, often through experimental and historic photographic processes. From At Twelve: Portraits of Young Women (1988), a nuanced study of girls on the cusp of adolescence, to her landmark series, Immediate Family (1985–1994), occasionally staged photographs of her three children, taken with an 8×10 view camera. In more recent years, Mann turned her lens toward the land itself, using the American South as a site of both personal and collective memory. Mann is the subject of the documentary films Blood Ties: The Life and Work of Sally Mann (1994). Her memoirs include Hold Still, and now Art Work: On the Creative Life.On February 11, 2026, Sally Mann came to the Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco for an onstage conversation with teacher, writer, and photographer Ted Orland. 

EP 22 - Living a Creative Life | Lori Siebert | Artist, Designer & Creative EntrepreneurIn this beautifully insightful episode, Nicole Thomas welcomes multi-faceted artist and creative entrepreneur Lori Siebert to discuss what it truly means to live a creative, joy-filled life. From private art lessons at the age of seven to licensing work with major brands like Target and Nickelodeon, Lori's story is both inspiring and instructive for artists and entrepreneurs alike.

Shara Nova joins Jocelyn to talk about her many and multi-faceted musical endeavors. They discuss music's role in love, loss, family, and why everyone should try to make a joyful musical noise together.     Episode transcript   Companion playlists: Youtube, Spotify   Follow us: @composelikeagirl on Instagram and Facebook Learn more: Compose Like a Girl   Relevant Links:   AwRY My Brightest Diamond Bring Me the Workhorse - Golden Star This is My Hand All Things Will Unwind Titration  “III. Resolve” from Carols After a Plague - The Crossing Death Speaks by David Lang   Earl Harvin - drummer  Chris Bruce - bass Eighth Blackbird Philip Glass  Nina Simone Nico Muhly Owen Palette Brooklyn Youth Chorus yMusic Zac Rae Bryce Dessner  Aaron Dessner Laurie Anderson    Homeland, Joe's Pub Vanguard Artist & Residency  Crossing Brooklyn Ferry at BAM Texas Conspirare 2022-2023 Hear Me Out Program  MusiCares Article: Client Spotlight: How Shara Nova Amplified Her Career By Keeping A "Wild Belief" In Herself & Other Women   ProTools Sibelius

If your art keeps collapsing under the weight of your life, this episode will help you rethink the structure holding it.You're listening to Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist, the podcast that helps artists, performers, makers, storytellers, and creative souls of any kind reconnect with their creative identity in a world that moves too fast.In this launch week episode, Lara explores what it really means to build a life as an artist — not just a body of work. This conversation dives into sustainable creative life design, nervous system regulation, and long-game artistry. You'll walk away with a grounded framework for building structural support around your creative identity instead of relying on emotional momentum alone.Blog version: https://larabiancapilcher.com/2026/02/13/how-to-build-a-life-that-can-hold-your-art/↗

In this episode of the Help! I Am Artist podcast, I'm joined by Canadian artist Valerie Capewell for an honest conversation about creativity, courage, and building a sustainable life as an artist. Valerie shares her journey from running a successful graphic design business to becoming a full-time painter, and how trusting her process, even when it feels messy or uncertain, has shaped her unique artistic voice. We talk about the creative roller coaster of making art, finding your audience, balancing business with personal expression, and why structure and consistency can actually support artistic freedom. Valerie also opens up about pricing, working with galleries, and the mindset shifts that helped her keep growing as an artist. If you've ever wondered how to keep pushing your work forward while staying true to yourself, this episode is full of insight and encouragement. Connect with Valerie Capewell: Website: https://www.valeriecapewell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriecapewell Want more focus in your creative practice? Download my free Focused Artist Planner here: https://www.sonjasmalheer.com/planner

What if I told you that making art literally changes your DNA? In a world that often treats creativity as a luxury or a hobby, the data is finally catching up to what artists have always felt: art is essential medicine. In this episode, Kat sits down with Daisy Fancourt, a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at University College London, whose groundbreaking research provides the "validation ammunition" every creative needs. We dive into her new book, Art Cure, which presents decades of evidence showing that arts engagement is a vital clinical intervention.From reducing stress hormones like cortisol to slowing biological aging and influencing gene expression, we explore why creative engagement should be recognized as the Fifth Pillar of Health alongside nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management.   In this episode, we discuss: The "Fifth Pillar" Concept: Why creative engagement is as vital to your longevity as diet and exercise. The Biology of Art: How making and viewing art creates measurable health benefits that accumulate over time. DNA & Gene Expression: The fascinating science behind how creativity affects our bodies at a cellular level. Validation for Artists: Why your work is a necessity for your collectors and the world, especially during turbulent times. The Psychobiology of Art: Daisy's journey from professional pianist to leading researcher at UCL.   Resources & Links Mentioned: The Book: Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt Daisy's Research Group: SBPR Research Create! Magazine: www.createmagazine.co Newsletter: Join the Weekly Newsletter Community: Follow Create! Magazine on Instagram   Connect with the Guest: Daisy Fancourt is Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at University College London where she heads the Social Biobehavioural Research Group, and Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health. She has published 300 scientific papers, won over two dozen academic prizes and is listed as one of the most highly cited scientists in the world. Daisy is also a multi-award-winning science communicator and has been named a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and BBC New Generation Thinker.

Crystal welcomes actor and filmmaker Shannon Wallace on the Keep It Positive, Sweetie Show to discuss Shannon's journey in both photography and acting. Shannon shares his experiences from growing up as a shy child in Long Island to gaining confidence in college. He talks about transitioning from social work to modeling and eventually acting, using each phase of his career to build skills and fulfill his artistic ambitions. They discuss his work in notable shows, the impact of personal loss, and how acting in 'City on a Hill' helped him deal with his brother's tragic death. Shannon highlights his new projects, including a film premiering at Slam Dance, and shares insights into his personal life and relationships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I want to hear your thoughts about the show and this episode. Text us here...In this episode of Casa De Confidence, Julie DeLucca-Collins sits down with acclaimed wildlife artist and gallery owner James Corwin for a powerful conversation about creativity, confidence, and building a sustainable business as an artist.James shares how growing up immersed in nature shaped his artistic voice, why discovering painting later in life changed everything, and how a single rhino painting sparked a breakthrough that transformed his career. Together, Julie and James explore the emotional power of storytelling through art, the importance of conservation, and how creativity can move people deeply, sometimes even to tears.This episode also dives into the realities of entrepreneurship for creatives. James opens up about the pressures of scaling too fast, the stress of running a second gallery, and the hard lessons he learned about focus, boundaries, and staying in his lane. His honesty about burnout, anxiety, and redefining success will resonate with anyone navigating growth while protecting their well-being.You'll also hear how travel fuels James' inspiration, from Africa to Costa Rica to underwater worlds discovered through scuba diving, and how he uses his art to support conservation efforts like Yellowstone Forever.Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone craving a more intentional, meaningful life, this conversation is a reminder that success doesn't have to come at the cost of your health or joy.In this episode, you'll learn:Why storytelling and emotion are at the heart of meaningful art The mindset shift creatives need to build profitable businesses Lessons learned from closing a high-stress gallery locationHow art can support conservation and environmental awareness Learn more about James' work, original paintings, prints, and commissions: https://www.jamescorwin.com https://corwingalleries.com Instagram Support the showOther helpful resources for you: For more about me and what I do, check out my website. Are you ready to get some help with:Podcast launch/re-launchPodcast growth, to increase your authority and position yourself as the thought leader you are. Or Leveraging your podcast to build your online biz and get more clientsSign up for a FREE 30 minute Confident Podcast Potential Discovery Call In this session I will: Identify the pain point that is holding you back. Suggest a next step strategy for solving the pain point.https://calendly.com/goconfidentlycoaching/30-minutes-free-coaching-sessioin Then we will talk about working together to accelerate the process. Do you want a podcast audit? Check out this link If you're looking for support to grow your business faster, be positioned as an authority in your industry, and impact the masses, schedule a call to explore if you'd be a good fit for one of my coaching programs. ...

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with Michelle Allen, the artist and creative force behind the globally recognized brand Allen Designs, for a heartfelt conversation about building a creative life by design. From the unexpected way cat clocks changed her life and career, to her love of list-making, bike riding, and creative structure, Michelle shares how motivation evolves over time—and what it really looks like to let go when burnout creeps in. Together, Dionne and Michelle explore the tension between discipline and play, productivity and rest, and how honoring your own rhythms can lead to more meaningful, sustainable creativity. Michelle reflects on decades of creative entrepreneurship, teaching, and fine art, offering wisdom on staying curious, embracing imperfection, and continuing to grow—even when motivation feels distant. This episode is a reminder that creativity doesn't have to be forced; it can be shaped gently, intentionally, and with joy. If you're a creative navigating burnout, craving clarity, or reimagining what's next, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and inspired to keep going. In this episode, we talk about: Motivation through different seasons of life Burnout and the permission to let go Why lists bring freedom (not pressure) Building creative momentum without overworking Finding inspiration in everyday rituals Designing a creative life that actually fits you About the Guest: Michelle Allen is a Tucson-based artist and founder of Allen Designs, known for her joyful, expressive functional art and iconic designs that celebrate beauty in imperfection. Her work has been featured at juried art fairs, wholesale markets, and in homes around the world. In addition to her commercial success, Michelle is deeply committed to teaching, painting, and inspiring others to live more creatively. Connect with Michelle: Website: michelleallenart.com Instagram: @michelleallenart YouTube: Michelle Allen Art New episodes of The Motivatarian Exchange are released every couple of weeks, featuring honest conversations with creatives about motivation, creativity, and connected growth.

Ep #101: Freedom, Flexibility, and Filling the Gap: How Melquea Smith Built a Creative Life Through Children's Book IllustrationSummaryIn this episode, I sit down with Melquea Smith, a children's book illustrator, author, and world traveler who's redefining what it means to build a creative life on your own terms. Fresh off five weeks in Belgium (with cats and a chicken!), Melquea shares how losing her nonprofit job became the catalyst for going full-time as an illustrator, why representation in children's books matters deeply, and how she's scaling her art through Brown Sugar Graphics—a clip art membership celebrating Black and Brown kids in all their beautiful diversity.We get into the nitty-gritty of how picture books actually get made, what authors should look for when hiring an illustrator, and why visual storytelling is so much more than "just drawing." Plus, Melquea drops gems on building a sustainable creative business, navigating perfectionism, and finding alignment between your work, your values, and your joy.If you've ever wondered what goes into those gorgeous picture books, dreamed of going location-independent as a creative, or just need permission to imagine a different way of living—this one's for you.Chapters00:19 - Introducing Melquea Smith: A Visionary in Children's Literature10:13 - Navigating Change: Embracing Freedom and Creativity20:00 - Transitioning to Children's Illustration35:06 - The Importance of Representation in Children's Literature56:41 - The Journey of Creating Diverse Clip Art01:02:01 - The Creative Journey of Brown Sugar GraphicsWhat We Talk AboutHow Melquea networked like a pro at the American Library Association Conference with custom postcards and a manuscript wish listLosing a job in the nonprofit world and choosing full-time illustration instead of going back to corporateLiving and working abroad: five weeks in Belgium, falling in love with the Netherlands, and becoming a global citizenThe actual process of illustrating a children's book—from thumbnails to color scripting to final artWhy illustrators aren't just "drawers"—they're visual storytellers, marketers, and business ownersThe severe lack of diverse, high-quality clip art featuring Black and Brown kidsHow Brown Sugar Graphics is filling that gap with joyful, authentic representations of kids with different skin tones, hair textures, body types, abilities, and moreWhat authors should know before hiring an illustrator (hint: it's not just about the art)The power of email lists, the exhaustion of social media, and showing up where it matters mostThings We Mentioned

Writer and editor Mason Currey on what artists' routines can teach us about focus, discipline, procrastination, and building a sustainable creative life.You'll learn:What led Mason to writing, and the early pressures that shaped his relationship with the work.Why he started Daily Routines as a side project, and what he was trying to solve with it.The moment the blog went viral, and what changed when an audience arrived.What it took to turn a quote-collecting blog into a book, including the research and structure behind it.Why routines work best when they're personal and flexible rather than prescriptive.Ideas for protecting your best hours, including Nicholson Baker's “double morning.”The difference between physical routine and creative routine, and why both matter.A realistic way to design an hour of writing, including what to do when “nothing happens.”What Worm Zooms are, and why “small progress” can be a powerful creative philosophy.The question underneath every routine: how artists make time for the work while paying the bills.Resources and Links:

Send us a textIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Amanda Wen. Amanda Wen's novels have released to both reader and critical acclaim. Her second novel, The Songs That Could Have Been, won both the Selah and the Carol Awards, and her debut, Roots of Wood and Stone, was a finalist for the Christy Award. In addition to her writing, Amanda is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church's worship team, as well as serving as a choral accompanist. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Amanda currently lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat. Today we are here today to discuss her latest novel, Echoes of a Silent Song.Episode Highlights:Life in the flatlands of the Midwest and how place shapes story.The setting and inspiration behind the next book in her Melodies and Memories duology.Balancing full-time creative work as a musician, writer, wife, and mom.How Amanda realistically fits writing into a very full life.Why kids are often unintentionally funnier than adults.The way music and writing inform and strengthen each other.Research fears, perfectionism, and the pressure of getting details right.A deeper look at Echoes of a Silent Song and the heart behind the story.Amanda also shares a book flight featuring novels about musicians across different genres of music—perfect for readers who love stories where art and storytelling intertwine.Connect with Amanda:InstagramFacebookWebsiteShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:O Little Town by Amanda Wen, Janyre Tromp, Deborah RaneyMy Friends by Fredrik BackmanThe 2026 Bookish Flights Reading Challenge is here - a simple, nostalgic way to be intentional with your reading. One book per month, with options for individuals and families. Download it at https://www.bookishflights.com/read/2026readingchallengeSpeculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut NovelMost writing podcasts just inspire. This one teaches the craft skills that hook readers.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Very few people ever take the time to actually ask themselves what they value in life. But having a core set of values that are the guardrails of your life can only lead to success, clarity and unshakeable strength. In this week's episode, we'll look at what a value actually is, what it's not, and how you can uncover yours.If you enjoyed this episode check out:#209: The One Clean Decision That Can Transform the Next 90 Days#188: How to Reign in Your Inner Squirrel#130: The 5 Biggest Business Myths and How to Bust Through ThemDon't forget to follow me on Instagram @thelesliebecker and join me for my live thought walks throughout the week.

In this episode, Josie and Sarah sit down with Andrés Galdames, a creative with two very different careers and a powerful recovery story that began later in life.

Dave Herring is a photographer, educator, and founder of Very Good CO. He's also a creative nomad and a long time friend. In this episode of Photo Fuel, I chat with Dave about how curiosity led him to a whole new career as a photographer and educator. From leaving the East Coast and relocating his family to California with no concrete plan, to working with brands like Leica and Hasselblad, Dave shares how paying attention to what felt meaningful—and staying generous along the way—shaped his career and a life that supports his ultimate measure of success: being in charge of his time. We talk about blending past experience into creative work and how free content and generosity have become foundational to his business. This conversation is packed with stories that will inspire you and leave you feeling hopeful for all that's possible. Even though Dave is primarily a landscape photographer, this episode offers new perspective we all need on the value of metrics, making decisions in your business, and what it really means to make art your work—one thoughtful step at a time.   // LINKS MENTIONED // Blog Post: "Generosity changed everything:" https://dave.online/writings/how-generosity-changed-everything Very Good CO: shopverygood.com Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/ STEPHEN SHORE Photo books: Stephen Shore by STEPHEN SHORE - Book: 9781633450486 | Rizzoli Bookstore // CONNECT WITH DAVE //  Dave's youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidherring DAVE'S WEBSITE: Dave.online // CONNECT WITH LEAH // Leah's website: https://www.leahoconnell.com Leah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/leahoconnell.photo

This week, we are revisiting our episode with photographer and writer Sally Mann about her book, Art Work: On the Creative Life. Medaya Ocher and Kate Wolf speak with Mann, whose book describes her path to becoming an artist and provides prospective artists with insights on how to weather everything from rejection and poverty, to failure, fallow periods, and the millions of things that can come between you and your work. The book includes selections from Mann's rich archive of photographic work prints, explaining some of the ideas that have gone into her pictures, as well early diary entries that portray a fierce determination alongside equally fierce self-doubt. She also includes excerpts from her long correspondence with a fellow photographer named Ted Orland. Mann's advice is to write letters, keep your receipts, make lots of lists, and remember that being an artist isn't necessarily such a big deal, it's a job like any other: you have to work at it.

Al Petteway was arguably one of the top ten guitarists who ever lived. I was also lucky enough to call him a dear friend. Enjoy this encore episode with a terrific human and a musical master. New episodes will return in the new year. This Week's Card to Contemplate: Confidence 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  

本期摘要 友友们冬天好！不知不觉已经十二月了，我们从今天起想跟大家分享一系列年度书影音总结类型的节目，第一期先来聊聊2025年看过最喜欢的书。希望你们听得开心，我们很快再见！ 本期提及 Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice by Virginia Roberts Giuffre Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell Odyssey by Homer The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Safekeep by Yael van der wouden Elena Knows by Claudia Piñeiro 《埃莱娜知道》 Intermezzo by Sally Rooney Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton 《金山的成色》 张辰极 冠绝文学史的恋爱脑：读安妮·埃尔诺的情欲告白 Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy by Julia Ioffe The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides 《婚变》 The Virgin Suicide & Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides 《在北海道盖面包屋：建筑家与面包师的书信集》中村好文，神幸纪 Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green 《星运里的错》& 《寻找阿拉斯加》by John Green Careless People：A Story of Where I Used to Work by Sarah Wynn-Williams This Is How You Lose the Time War Amal by El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone 《输掉时间战争的方法》 Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir by Tessa Hulls 《鼠族》 阿特·斯皮格曼 Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li Art Work: On the Creative Life by Sally Mann 《火车梦》《耶稣之子》 丹尼斯约翰逊 Flagrant, Self-Destructive Gestures: A Biography of Denis Johnson Ansel Adams's Photographs of Japanese-American Internment at Manzanar The Afterlife is Letting Go & The Grave On the Wall by Brandon Shimoda Homeland: The War on Terror in American Life by Richard Beck The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai 节目备注 好小气的电报频道 好小气的长毛象 支持我们 订阅听友通讯请点击这里。 欢迎通过微博关注我们的节目@不丧Podcast和女主播@constancy好小气。

In this episode, the first in a mini-series on creative process, the sisters explore the importance of making space for writing, both physically and emotionally, and share personal practices that have been helping them inch to the finish line on their respective book projects. ---⁠⁠⁠⁠TRANSCRIPT⁠⁠⁠⁠---⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT OUR SHOW⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/Endoftheworldshow---HTS ESSENTIALS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SUPPORT Our Show on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/Endoftheworldshow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PEEP us on IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/endoftheworldpc/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠