Podcasts about Creativity

Phenomenon whereby something new and somehow valuable is formed

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    TED Radio Hour
    The price of creativity

    TED Radio Hour

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 50:03


    The words "content creator" may make you roll your eyes. But in part 1 of our series, Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Strickler explains how the creator economy is changing work, art and what we value.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show's perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Unleash Your Inner Creative with Lauren LoGrasso
    Stop Living for Other People's Comfort: The Truth About Turning 40 | Stacey Lindsay

    Unleash Your Inner Creative with Lauren LoGrasso

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 69:11 Transcription Available


    Have you ever wondered if the reason you feel stuck isn't because you don't know who you are... but because you've spent years hiding parts of yourself to make other people comfortable?In this episode, I'm joined by journalist, editor, and author Stacey Lindsay to explore what it really means to become more of yourself. We talk about why getting older can be one of the most freeing and creative experiences of your life, how to stop living for other people's expectations, and why your 40s might just be the beginning of your most authentic chapter yet.From this conversation, you'll learn:-Why so many of us shrink ourselves to make others comfortable.-How to stop living by other people's expectations.-Why courage is built through small, everyday choices.-How to reconnect with the parts of yourself you've hidden.-Why your 40s can be one of the most creative and empowering seasons of your life.Whether you're approaching 40 or simply longing to feel more like yourself, I hope this  conversation reminds you that it's never too late to become who you've been all along.

    The Endurance Drive Podcast
    Episode 144: Workout Creativity, Key Recovery Principles, and Ironman Canada Review

    The Endurance Drive Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 56:02


    In this week's episode, we talk about getting creative with your workouts when heat, time, terrain, or life get in the way, and why understanding the intention of a workout gives you more flexibility than you might think. We also dive into key recovery principles for high-volume training as Jim prepares to tackle the Haute Route, a seven-day cycling race in the Alps, including fueling before the workout is even over, hydration, sleep, cooling down, and arriving at a big event with a full "body battery." Finally, we take a closer look at Ironman Canada in Ottawa and how it stacks up against Ironman Lake Placid, from travel and logistics to course difficulty and choosing the race that best aligns with your goals. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

    You're The Voice | by Efrat Fenigson
    Freedom, Forged in Art - MADEX | Ep. 155

    You're The Voice | by Efrat Fenigson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 76:40


    MADEX is an internationally renowned artist, designer and creative director from Alberta, Canada. He built the Bull Bitcoin brand alongside Francis Pouliot, and runs MADEX, a fine art, jewelry and regalia project he describes as a freedom project. In this rare conversation, MADEX explains why art has been captured as a vehicle for collectivist ideas and how he is pushing the opposite, what his three pillars of freedom are, why he refuses to put the Bitcoin ₿ on anything he makes, and why everyone should have children.→ Please like, comment, share & subscribe, to help me beat the suppressing algo's. Thank you!– SPONSORS –→ Download the free report on second citizenships & setting up a plan B in another country with Expat Money: https://expatmoney.com/efrat→ Access liquidity without selling your Bitcoin with Ledn, get 0.25% off your first loan: https://ledn.io/Efrat    → Get your TREZOR wallet & accessories, with a 5% discount, using my code at checkout (get my discount code from the episode - yep, you'll have to watch it): https://affil.trezor.io/SHUn→ Have you tried mining bitcoin? Stack sats directly to your wallet while saving on taxes with Abundant Mines: https://AbundantMines.com/Efrat - Claim your free month of hosting via this link– AFFILIATES –→ Get 15% off “Born To Be Free” all-natural, tallow-based skincare products on a bitcoin standard, using code EFRAT: https://oshi.link/1nvZYq  → Join me in these upcoming events & use code EFRAT for discounted tickets: https://www.efrat.blog/p/upcoming-events→ Get 10% off on Augmented NAC to detox Spike protein, with the code YCXKQDK2 via this link: https://store.augmentednac.com/?via=efrat (This is not medical advice, please consult your MD)→ Watch “New Totalitarian Order” conference with Prof. Mattias Desmet & Efrat - code EFRAT for 10% off: https://efenigson.gumroad.com/l/desmet_efrat– LINKS –MADEX on Nostr: https://primal.net/madex MADEX on X: https://x.com/spacebull MADEX art: https://madex.art/ Efrat's X: https://twitter.com/efenigsonEfrat's Channels: https://linktr.ee/efenigsonWatch on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/yourethevoiceSupport Efrat's work: ⁠https://bit.ly/zap_efrat– CHAPTERS – 00:00 - Coming Up...01:33 - Introduction: MADEX05:28 - Why MADEX Is a Freedom Project08:41 - Judge a Society by How It Treats Its Entrepreneurs09:32 - Ad-Break: Expat Money & Ledn13:01 - Why American Pickup Trucks Keep Getting Bigger17:56 - Fiat & Global Agendas Influencing Companies & Brands20:03 - Madex' Childhood in Alberta, Building Toys24:35 - The Three Pillars of Freedom: Transact, Defend, Communicate27:48 - No Compromise on Quality & Great Products32:35 - Bitcoin as a Patron of Arts38:40 - AI, Creativity & Divine Connection42:14 - Ad-Break: Trezor & Abundant Mines44:03 - Beyond the "B" in Bitcoin Art50:55 - "MADEX Manifesto" Film and a Future One55:55 - Value Has to Be Created Before It Can Be Stolen59:34 - What Makes MADEX Bullish1:05:27 - Free Your Mind & Soul1:11:28 - "MADEX Manifesto" Short Film

    foHRsight
    Why Great Ideas Get Stuck with Fiona Stevenson

    foHRsight

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 39:54


    Your organization probably has more good ideas than you realize.The challenge is what happens next.Employees learn quickly whether an unconventional suggestion is genuinely welcome, whether failure will be treated as information or incompetence, and whether leadership is open to an outcome it did not already choose. When those answers are unclear, people protect themselves. They offer safer ideas, wait for direction or stop speaking up entirely.In this episode, Naomi Titleman Colla speaks with Fiona Stevenson about the human dynamics that cause innovation to stall. They explore why fear of taking action can be stronger than the fear of doing nothing, how leaders unintentionally become more rigid when the stakes are high, and why psychological safety must be built into the work rather than treated as a separate culture exercise.Fiona also shares a practical process for moving from a clearly defined problem to human insight, inspiration, ideas, iteration and implementation. For HR leaders, the conversation offers a clear challenge: examine whether your performance measures, reward systems and everyday leadership behaviours actually support the experimentation your organization says it wants.Guest ResourcesWebsite: fionastevenson.comOpen State (with co-founder Alyssa Kerbel): openstate.ca — bringing nervous system regulation, music, and movement into the creative processKindness at Work: kindnessatwork.com — inaugural Workplace Kindness Awards ceremony in New York City during Kindness Week (November); nominations now openLinkedIn: Connect with Fiona StevensonAbout Our GuestFiona Stevenson is CEO and founding partner of the Idea Suite, where she helps organizations turn human insight into commercially viable ideas. With a background in psychology, more than a decade at Procter & Gamble and experience leading hundreds of innovation projects around the world, she brings a deeply human and practical perspective to how ideas move through organizations.Stay Connected with foHRsightTo sign up for our monthly newsletter, foHRsight, click HERE Follow us on LinkedIn:Mark EdgarNaomi Titleman Collafuture foHRward Follow us on InstagramIf you are looking for more foHRsight, sign up for our monthly foHRsight newsletter. It's free and includes access to our quarterly white paper. This quarter's white paper is about Rethinking Entry-Level work in the Age of AI, produced with Dr. Miranda Rodak from Indiana University's Kelley school of business - an important topic for HR, Leadership and parents, students and society as a whole! https://www.futurefohrward.com/subscribeSupport the show

    Follow Him: A Come, Follow Me Podcast featuring Hank Smith & John Bytheway
    Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46 Part 1 • Steven Sharp Nelson • August 17-23 • Come, Follow Me

    Follow Him: A Come, Follow Me Podcast featuring Hank Smith & John Bytheway

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 73:18 Transcription Available


    Is the Lord actually listening or just cataloging your complaints? Steven Sharp Nelson joins Hank and John to examine the Psalms as the ancient “people's hymnbook,” showing how prayers of praise and lament can heal burnout, quiet the inner critic, and turn everyday creativity into worship.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT234ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT234FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT234DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT234PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT234ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/mbkORPrBrxUALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE:0:00 - Part 1 - Brother Steven Sharp Nelson0:33 Welcome3:39 Victor Borga story6:30 Today's roadmap8:06 John's “translation” of Steven's bio11:33 Steven's parents and his musical childhood12:45 Come, Follow Me Manual13:39 Why love the Psalms: The People's Hymnbook16:34 Psalms, joy, and Team Jesus19:25 “Rehash browns”22:41 Wrestling with the Adversary25:29 Jesus's final words were Psalms28:32 Becoming psalmists33:46 Creativity forces its way into its secrets36:29 Divine nature is creative nature39:28 Why Steven smiles while he plays42:09 Play to the one45:12 Is that me or the Adversary?48:10 The Piano Guys' Origin and burnout51:54 The Broadway musical revelation55:02 Look for the “packets”58:40 “Be still and know”1:01:46 Brother Dallas Jenkins and The Chosen1:05:04 The 911 protection psalm1:07:25 the temple as a place of connection1:09:57 Korean mission story: “trees, not sisters”1:12:52 End of Part 1 - Brother Steven Sharp NelsonThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

    Entrepreneurs on Fire
    Real Solutions to Real Problems: Inside the Business of Funding Transformative Innovations with Francois Lamoureux

    Entrepreneurs on Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 23:38


    Francois Lamoureux is CEO and co-founder of CXC, which funds Real Solutions to Real Problems, drawing on a Grammy‑winning creative career bridging art, science and entrepreneurship. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Purity of intent matters more than chasing money because authentic motivation compounds over time. 2. Creativity becomes a curse when you ignore the gifts you know you are meant to pursue. 3. Simplicity, focus, and patent-protected innovation can create massive value without chasing traditional revenue models. Check out Francois' website to learn more about CXC and its innovations - CXC Website Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Nexus Install - Have a high-ticket offer? Nexus Install builds you a custom LinkedIn prospect booking system designed to generate more quality sales calls. Email JLD at John@EOFire.com to learn more.

    Gaslit Nation
    A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women

    Gaslit Nation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 43:48


    The brilliant Wajahat Ali, author of Go Back to Where You Came From, and playwright of The Domestic Crusaders, had me on The LeftHook to share my new book A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women: 20 Steps to Find Your Purpose and Power in a World on Fire. Watch or listen to the full discussion on how to overcome the very real and urgent threat of fascism. (Side note: In France, Marine Le Pen is campaigning for president wearing an ankle monitor, following in the footsteps of her fellow Russian asset, the convicted felon/Epstein wing-man). Trump is doing to our country what he did to the East Wing of our White House. How do we rebuild from the wreckage? That's what A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women is about. It's for anyone tired of Steve Bannon trying to demoralize us and flood the zone with sh*t. It's about concrete steps to stay grounded and focused in a world of chaos, to align your deepest needs and dreams with a higher purpose, creating world domination for the collective good. My own journey begins with being raised on stories of the government trying to kill you, and blame you for the crime, helped by Western corruption to cover-up the torture and murder. I am of course speaking of my Ukrainian heritage and the Holodomor, Stalin's genocide famine in Ukraine. In all my years of studying my family's history and the two monsters, Hitler and Stalin, who drove that history, I look back on America's own, and see the authoritarianism that established this country. The white supremacy blood lust terrorizing Black Americans, Native Americans, mass discrimination and violence against immigrants, and the list goes on. Trump, Stephen Miller, Peter Thiel, and too many others carry on that violent legacy. That's why they're aligned with the Kremlin, which sees Ukrainians as inferior.  In Ukrainian culture, we're taught to fight for our very lives, our voice, our art, our culture, our language, because no one else will. They want to erase us, so we must do the opposite and shine, shine, shine. In Ukrainian culture, art is literally survival. The coded language of poetry preserves historical truth, our shared humanity, our courage and defiance.  Life is incredibly stubborn. Creativity is how we fortify our resilience. A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women provides 20 concrete steps for women–who are the favorite target of fascists, because they fear the fight in us–and their allies–to dream big for themselves and the kind of world we want to live in. That is how we reset the culture, overcome their darkness with our light, and gather our people to create a better world. We are the alternative to their dystopian vision for our future, a future that belongs to us.  To better get to new my new and most personal book, I put together this Q&A:  Empowerment can be a privilege. Many nonwhite women, especially immigrants, are juggling several jobs just to survive. How does this book make space for different lived experiences A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women is based on my own lived experience of being raised in a Ukrainian immigrant family. My grandmothers both worked as maids to survive. So I take nothing for granted when it comes to the diversity of demands on women today. Throughout the book, I share wisdom and insights from women across history. There's also a recommended reading guide in the book, featuring an incredible list of women authors, like Mikki Kendall and trans activist Raquel Willis. I also share a troubling story about a Black mentor telling me to get a white man to join me for my pitch meetings and just sit there. I'm sad to say it did make a difference.  Planting seeds of hope and change – whether that's through launching a dream project like a film, book, business, non-profit, or some other ambitious goal – can be a grind. Does this book highlight organizations on the frontlines doing that unglamorous work in the shadows, helping us build that collective power?  Yes, absolutely! And I made sure that the blurbs (endorsements) featured at the front of the book included voices from grassroots groups, to promote their efforts to a wider audience. Julie Delaurier of Rise and Resist began as an organizer in ACT UP and helped organize Tesla Takedown and No Kings. She also organizes to track and resist ICE raids in NYC. She read the book and provided a heartfelt endorsement. So did civil rights leader Maya Wiley, President of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and Holley Atkinson of the grassroots group the Media and Democracy Project bringing legal challenges to the existence of Fox News. Isn't self-help ego-driven?  A Reasonable Guide is all about collective action. Individual choices produce collective action. Think of A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women as Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way meets Timothy Snyder's On Tyranny. Self-knowledge isn't the end goal here; it's the foundation for knowing where you can make an impact. It cites women across movements and their advice on how to stay creative and build power in a time of mass destruction.  But isn't this focus on the self just new age nonsense which is a slippery slope to fascism, given reports of new age online movements being breeding grounds for fascist cult recruitment? This book follows an ancient tradition of taking on an empire with the power of ideas. Ideas cannot be killed. And you cannot stop an idea whose time has come.  Know thyself was popularized by the ancient Greeks, most famously by Socrates who was a champion of women for that time. The Greeks were conquered by the sadistic and corrupt Roman Empire. A couple hundred years later, the Greeks conquered them right back through the power of self-knowledge and ideas. Greek became the dominant language of the Roman Empire. Self-knowledge is not ego. The book walks you through steps to think creatively and conquer doubt in order to build meaningful collective action.  I had to produce my film Mr. Jones myself because no one wanted it. Mr. Jones was a film to bring historical justice and truth to a massive genocide by the Kremlin, covered up for generations, including with the help of Western corruption. A former Ambassador to Ukraine called Mr. Jones Ukraine's Schindler's List. A screening was shut down in Moscow, and Memorial, Russia's once largest NGO that dared to screen it, was liquidated. There were death threats and harassment during the making of the film, but still the team and I fought on, holding on to the power of our creativity and voices. That is what A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women is about: remembering the power of your voice in a world that wants to silence you and kill you. It's also a damn good time.  I hope you will consider checking it out and pre-ordering A Reasonable Guide for Unreasonable Women, which helps build buzz in the industry and gets the word out. Thank you to everyone who has supported my work over the years. It means so much.   

    Moonbeaming
    The Secret to Finishing Creative Projects with Lee Starfield

    Moonbeaming

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 47:31


    Today, Sarah is joined by gender-expansive and nature-based tarot reader, workshop facilitator, and writer Lee Starfield for a live coaching session on one of the biggest challenges many creatives face: finishing what they start. Together, they explore how redefining success can help you finally complete the work that's calling you. On this episode of Moonbeaming you'll hear: Why perfectionism often keeps us from finishing our creative projects How to balance discipline with intuition without becoming overly rigid Why fear of finishing is often rooted in scarcity and self-worth Why showing up for your creative practice matters more than feeling inspired How devotion, rather than discipline alone, can transform your relationship with creativity Why community and collaborative art-making can quiet the inner critic and reconnect you with play Whether you're writing, painting, making music, or simply trying to finish something you've been carrying for years, this conversation offers practical tools and compassionate encouragement to help you trust your creativity again. --- Meet Lee: Lee Starfield is a gender-expansive and nature-based tarot reader, workshop facilitator and writer from Brooklyn, NY currently based in Boulder, Colorado. They serve as a conduit between earth and ether and are passionate about creating spaces for clients to connect with their creativity, intuition and community. Website: https://www.leestarfield.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leestarfield/ --- Join Our Community: Join the Moon Studio Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themoonstudio Buy the 2026 Many Moons Lunar Planner: https://moon-studio.co/products/many-moons-2026?srsltid=AfmBOopThx1yrmKl0tMjecc_EFeeN5DAiIafqPqvQ4Uke1WEi5droeam Subscribe to our newsletter: https://moon-studio.co/pages/newsletter Find Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gottesss/  

    The Chase Jarvis LIVE Show
    Summer School: Elizabeth Gilbert on Truth-Telling, Mercy, and the Art of Being Yourself

    The Chase Jarvis LIVE Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 57:49


    Hey friends, Chase here. Every summer, I revisit conversations from the archive that have stood the test of time. Not because I'm nostalgic, but because the best ideas don't expire. They deepen. This is the sixth and final installment of Summer School 2026—episodes I personally returned to most this year when I was stuck, blocked, or facing a very particular need. This one with Elizabeth Gilbert is the closer for a reason. I kept finding myself spending so much time navigating my internal landscape that it felt like it was taking me away from everything I wanted to do out in the world. And then I remembered something Liz said that rearranged the frame: she considers mental health her full-time job. Writing—being a professional creator—is a hobby she does on the side. That line alone is worth revisiting every summer. Liz Gilbert is the bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love (more than 12 million copies), a Time 100 most influential person, novelist of City of Girls, and the rare creative who can talk about fear, mercy, grief, and truth-telling without flinching—and without performing enlightenment. She's a force of nature. Spend a few minutes with her and you'll know why. In this conversation, she makes the case that the way out of pain is through honesty. That grace can take you places hustling can't. That mercy is the foundation of any healthy creative life. And that you make the world safe for yourself by telling the truth in it. Grace can take you places where hustling can't. Summer School: Elizabeth Gilbert on Truth-Telling, Mercy, and the Art of Being Yourself Liz opens with City of Girls—a novel about promiscuous girls in 1940s New York theater who behave recklessly with their sexuality and aren't ruined by it. A palate cleanser, she jokes, from Anna Karenina: one orgasm and then you're under the train. Underneath the glamour is a deeper subject: how do you become yourself? How do you just be—not a role, not a brand, not a performance of "good girl"? Her aspiration is almost revolutionary: to be the most relaxed person in every room she's in. To show what it might look like for a woman—for anyone—to be at ease in a world of nearly universal anxiety. How do you get there? Not by hustling harder. Through foundational, almost unbelievable honesty—truth to yourself and truth to others. Spending most of the day saying no. Ending the hustle so grace has room to work. Her great love and teacher, Rayya (Ria in the transcript), lived by a line Liz now lives by too: the truth has legs. It's the only thing left standing in the room at the end of the day. Everything else blows up into drama. Since you're going to end up at the truth anyway—why not start there? If you've ever felt that taking care of your inner world is somehow stealing time from your "real work," this episode will reframe that entirely. The care is the real work. What You'll Hear in This Episode Why City of Girls is about becoming yourself—and why "just being" is rarer than we admit Liz's aspiration to be the most relaxed person in the room—and why honesty makes that possible "The truth has legs"—and how Rayya schooled her in radical truth-telling How withheld truth eventually breaks the body and mind—and why die-or-tell-the-truth becomes the only choice Why people-pleasing is really self-protection, not generosity Creativity and fear: being just 1% more curious than you are afraid A working definition of a creative life: decisions based more on curiosity than fear Mercy as the foundation—for self, for others, for the inevitable disappointment of making imperfect work Mental health as the full-time job; writing as the side practice The daily dialogue with Love that has saved her life for 20 years—and why writing slows the mind What to do when you're creatively stuck: walk away and do something with your hands Truth Has Legs Liz is clear: try to have a completely honest relationship with at least one person in your life—and it's best if that person is yourself. When she was younger, she thought she couldn't tell the truth because the world wasn't safe for it. Later she learned the reverse: you make the world safe for yourself by telling the truth in it. Around 30, the first major truth she couldn't say—ending her marriage—nearly destroyed her. Sleep gone. Appetite gone. Twenty pounds lost. Mental health broken. Physical health broken. Die or tell the truth. She finally told it. Instead of killing her, it brought her to life. And if she'd said it two years earlier, it would have been a greater gift to him as well. People-pleasing, in her frame, isn't kindness. It's manipulation for perceived safety. The other person deserves to know who they're actually talking to. And truth-telling isn't a one-and-done graduation. Life keeps offering another chance to be brave. The only way out is through honesty. Do it again. Trust builds. It gets easier—not because the stakes drop, but because you finally believe the method. Rayya's cancer journey deepened this. When Liz couldn't cope by clinging to her partner as salvation, she had to become the steady one. Wisdom she doesn't share, she says, starts to hurt—like unused talent turns into pain. So she shares. Not out of marketing duty to readers. Out of self-preservation and love. Mercy, Curiosity, and Mental Health as the Job Asked for compressed creative advice, Liz answers in one word: mercy. Mercy for yourself. Mercy for others. Mercy for the inevitable disappointment when what you make isn't the tourmaline butterfly you dreamed—when day one excitement becomes day two self-hatred. The only people who get to day three are the people who have mercy. Ann Patchett's image: smash the gemstone butterfly on day one, then make the weird little thing out of chewing gum and baseball cards and twigs—and say, good job, self. No one's ever made one like that before. That's compassion: ending the argument against reality. This is what we've got. Flap flap. A piece falls off. Keep going. On fear, Liz's saving grace is curiosity—just 1% more curious than afraid. That's enough. Her definition of a creative life isn't watercolor class. It's any life where your decisions are routinely based more strongly on curiosity than fear. Then the life itself becomes the work of art. And here's the Summer School lightning bolt: an enormous percentage of Liz's days is spent managing her mental health—the "dysfunctional family" inside her mind. Writing is what she does on the side. She was managing her mental health on the plane that morning. There are very few days off from saving her own life. Her primary practice for twenty years: a daily dialogue with Love (capital L)—writing the words she always wanted someone to say. I'm right here. I've got you. You can't tire me out. Love doesn't need the room to be different. Love doesn't issue a five-point improvement plan. Love is company in the darkest hour. Writing slows the mind enough to receive that. When creativity is stuck? Don't force the tormented artist fantasy. Walk away. Garden. Fix a bicycle. Power-wash a driveway. Get out of your head and into your hands. Inspiration returns after embodiment—not after more self-punishment. Timecodes So You Can Jump Around 00:00 – Welcome and why this episode closes Summer School 2026 04:24 – Liz joins; City of Girls, becoming yourself, and the aspiration to be relaxed 13:32 – Honesty, saying no, and "grace can take you places hustling can't" 15:12 – Rayya, addiction, and "the truth has legs" 19:00+ – The first major truth at 30: breakdown, then coming alive 22:23 – Truth-telling and creativity; Eat, Pray, Love as a story of learning to tell the truth 30:00+ – Rayya's illness, grief, and why unshared wisdom becomes pain 36:14 – Fear, curiosity, and the definition of a creative life 38:51 – Mercy: the foundation (and the tourmaline butterfly) 43:40 – Mental health as the full-time job; writing as the hobby 45:00 – The daily dialogue with Love 51:38 – Scrapping a book, gardening, and what to do when you're stuck 54:21 – Paint bicycles / power-wash driveways: walk away into the present Why This Conversation Still Matters We still live in the anxiety virus Liz named—exported globally, amplified by politics, climate dread, and the demand to be a thing at all times. Creators still treat self-care as optional overhead between "real" output. Hustle culture still pretends grace is lazy. This conversation is the antidote. Mental health isn't what you do after you're successful. It's the work that makes everything else possible. Truth isn't a brand strategy. It's how you stop poisoning your own body with secrets. Mercy isn't soft. It's the only way anyone ever reaches day three. That's why this episode earned the final Summer School slot. The year asked a lot of our inner landscapes. Liz's answer is still the one that helps me return to the world without abandoning myself: tell the truth. Tend the mind. Prefer curiosity over fear. Make the imperfect butterfly. Keep company with Love. Class dismissed—until next summer. Keep Going Deeper If this conversation resonates: City of Girls Big Magic Eat, Pray, Love Liz online: elizabethgilbert.com Follow Liz: Instagram | X/Twitter | Website Questions to Reflect On Where am I hustling for a result that only grace—and honesty—can deliver? What truth do I already know I'm going to end up telling—and what would it cost to start with it? Am I making the world safer for myself through honesty, or waiting for the world to feel safe first? Where has people-pleasing become self-protection dressed up as kindness? In my creative work, am I on day two (self-hatred) or practicing the mercy that gets me to day three? If mental health were my full-time job this week, what would change about how I schedule my days? When I'm stuck, am I forcing the art—or am I willing to power-wash a driveway and return to the present? The Core Idea You don't graduate from truth-telling. You practice it. You don't earn rest by producing enough. You save your own life daily so you have a life worth creating from. Liz's invitation—as the last lesson of this Summer School season—is both soft and severe: tell the truth until the room is safe. Put mercy under every creative attempt. Be just slightly more curious than afraid. Tend the warring neighborhood in your mind like it's the job. Write love to yourself when no one else can hold the need. And when the work won't move—move your body instead. If there's one lesson worth carrying forward from this final Summer School session, it's this: Mental health is the work. Creativity is what you get to do when you've tended it—and the only way out of the hard parts is through honesty.

    The Dream Bigger Podcast
    Tezza Barton: ‘You're Cringe Until It Works' — On Motherhood, $0 in the Bank, and Building One of the Most-Used Creative Apps in the World

    The Dream Bigger Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 51:27


    On today's episode, I'm joined again by Tezza Barton, founder of the Tezza App, to discuss building one of the most-used creative apps in the world, finding her voice as a creator, and what it's like to build a business alongside your partner. We also dive into motherhood, navigating grief after the loss of her sister, and how those experiences have shaped the way Tezza chooses to live, create, and inspire her kids. Plus, Tezza shares how she found her creativity again after becoming a mom, how she helps keep her kids inspired, and what she would do differently if she were starting her creator journey today. Whether you're building a business, navigating motherhood, finding your creative voice, or simply looking for inspiration to live more intentionally, this episode is packed with honest insights and inspiration. Enjoy!To connect with Siff on Instagram, click HERE.To connect with Siff on Tiktok, click HERE.To learn more about Arrae, click HERE. To check out Siff's LTK, click HERE.To check out Siff's Amazon StoreFront, click HERE. To connect with Tezza Barton on Instagram, click HERE.To connect with Tezza Barton on Tiktok, click HERE.To download the Tezza app, click HERE.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Head to vitaclean.co and use code DREAM at checkout (Shower Head Starter Kits). Again, that's code DREAM at vitaclean.coText DREAM to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply.Right now, you can save up to $230 on the 12 piece cookware set vs buying the products individually. And you can find even more set savings when you shop Caraway's full Kitchenware collection. Plus For a limited time, every dollar you spend on clean kitchenware gets you closer to your dream kitchen – or $100,000 cash! Visit Carawayhome.com/BIGGER to take an additional 10% off your next purchase. This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/BIGGER or use code BIGGER at checkout.Upgrade your everyday. Go to Quince.com/dreambigger for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. That's Quince.com/dreambigger for free shipping and 365-day returns. Quince.com/dreambiggerProduced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The CMO Podcast
    Stop Chasing Attention. Start Creating Desire // Lessons from Best Buy, AB InBev and Reckitt

    The CMO Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 36:51


    "Creativity is all about creating desire." So what makes people truly desire a brand?This week, we're back at the Havas Café for the second of our three-part series exploring Creating Desire. This conversation focuses on one of the most powerful drivers of all: creativity.Jim is joined by:Ryan Dullea, Chief Growth Officer at ReckittJennie Weber, Former Chief Marketing Officer at Best BuyMatthew Bull, Chief Creative Advisor at AB InBevTogether, they discuss how leaders create cultures where creativity can thrive, why teams need permission to take risks, how healthy debate leads to stronger ideas, and why AI should accelerate human creativity rather than replace it. Along the way, they share lessons from building some of the world's most iconic brands and explain why the best marketing doesn't just capture attention. It creates genuine desire.Recorded live during the Cannes Lions Festival, this conversation is packed with practical leadership lessons for anyone looking to build stronger brands, stronger teams, and more creative organizations.—This week's episode is brought to you by Havas and Infillion.—Meet The CMO Podcast On the RoadThe CMO Podcast will be on the road throughout Q4 2026, capturing conversations with the leaders shaping the future of marketing, leadership, and business. If you'll be attending one of these events, we'd love to connect. Let us know!BLINK Cincinnati | October 8-9ANA Masters of Marketing | October 19–22—Interested in partnering with The CMO Podcast?!Looking ahead to the rest of 2026 and into 2027, we're partnering with brands to create executive content platforms that extend far beyond a single event. From pop-up podcast studios and live recordings to executive roundtables, keynote conversations, and bespoke thought leadership programs, we work with partners to build meaningful experiences that connect with senior marketing leaders.Whether you'd like to partner with us at one of the industry's biggest marketing events or create a custom experience designed specifically for your brand, we'd love to explore what's possible. Reach out to learn how we can build something together.Email us at podcasts@vyve.co—Produced by vYveThe CMO Podcast is proudly produced by vYve Production, a full-service production and content studio specializing in podcasts, executive storytelling, branded content, and live experiences. vYve is a community of ambitious leaders dedicated to unlocking what's next in business and in life. Through executive coaching, transformative experiences, strategic content, and communities like The CMO Podcast, vYve helps entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and teams grow their businesses, strengthen their leadership, and build meaningful connections that last.Learn more about vYve and The CMO Podcast community at www.vyve.co.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Passionate & Prosperous with Stacey Brass-Russell
    Ep 236 | You Can't Outsource Your Creativity To AI (And That's Good News) with Terri Trespicio

    Passionate & Prosperous with Stacey Brass-Russell

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 75:02


    There are two stories being sold about AI right now, and both of them will keep you stuck. One says it's going to replace you and everything you do will be obsolete. The other says you're already behind and if you're not using it for a hundred things you'll never catch up. If you've been feeling some version of both at the same time, this conversation is for you.In this episode I'm joined by my friend Terri Trespicio — messaging expert, author of Unfollow Your Passion, and the voice behind a viral TEDx talk with more than eight million views — and we're getting into what this moment actually asks of us as people who do human-centered work. This isn't an anti-AI conversation. We both use it every day. What we're really talking about is what the tool can carry and what it absolutely cannot, and why the part it can't carry is the part your entire business is built on.Terri makes a case in this conversation that I have not been able to stop thinking about: AI isn't replacing creativity, it's relocating it. The work moves upstream, into your choices, your questions, your judgment about what's even worth making. Which means the better you know what's yours, the more useful the tool becomes — and the less you know, the more generic everything you produce will be. We go back and forth on what that looks like in practice, where each of us draws the line, and why the thing that makes your work worth paying for was never the output in the first place. It was the taste, the lived experience and the stories behind it, and none of that exists inside a machine.In this episode you'll hear:The two fear stories about AI that are keeping people paralyzed — and why neither one is serving youWhat AI genuinely can't do, no matter how good it gets — and why that's the most valuable real estate in your businessWhy you are a creative even if you have never once thought of yourself that wayWhat it actually takes to get something out of these tools that sounds like you and not like everyone elseWhy there is no perfect template, formula, or launch sequence — and what to trust insteadWhat human-centered work requires that an automated business never willTerri is also the founder of The Studio, a virtual, critic-free, judgment-free writing room that runs in real time Monday through Friday — for business owners, brand owners, authors, and anyone who wants to write. And Terri is going to be in the room with us at Passionate & Prosperous LIVE! this October, on the panel I built specifically for this conversation — The Human Edge: Building Your Personal Brand in the Age of AI. She was the very first person I invited, before I even knew what the panel was going to be. And she's not just showing up for her hour and leaving — she'll be there with all of us, which means you get to actually meet her.If you've been quietly wondering how much of your thinking you're supposed to be handing over — this one will settle you down and remind you what you're actually here to do.Find Terri:Website: territrespicio.com Instagram: @territrespicioNew Rules Studio https://members.territrespicio.com/~access/a1c2024f/The Profitable Coaching Business Bootcamp is a FREE five-day virtual event starting Monday, August 17th — you'll leave knowing exactly what to focus on, and you get a free coaching call. Registration is open now: https://www.staceybrassrussell.com/the-profitable-coaching-business-bootcamp Passionate & Prosperous LIVE!: Your Genius Edge is October 16th & 17th in New York City — two days in a gorgeous Union Square loft with Terri and the rest of an incredible room. Half full already: https://www.staceybrassrussell.com/passionate-prosperous-live-2026

    Culture Study Podcast
    How Does AI Mess With Our Creativity?

    Culture Study Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 75:34


    More than a year ago, Melody put a placeholder in our shared podcast planning document: SOMETHING SMART ABOUT AI. We were sick, bored, or frustrated with the way so many podcasts were talking about it — usually because it involved dudes talking with other dudes and universalizing proclamations about whether artificial intelligence was going to usher in an age of utopia (doubtful) or kill us all (doubtful but more probable). We wanted someone willing to get into the gray areas of LLM and chatbot use in particular — someone with real experience with what they can do and real ambivalence about what they do to us. That person is Vauhini Vara, author of Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age, and one of my absolute favorite thinkers working and writing today. In this episode, we talk about how LLMs short circuit the creative process, how they're changing the way students learn to think and discern, the specious argument that AI "democratizes creativity," really bad AI art, and why it's so hard to talk about AI usage just generally. I loved this conversation and keep coming back to the ideas, challenges, hopes, and frustrations we discussed — I think you will too. AI comes for the Community Flyer Thanks to the sponsors of today's episode: Ollie. Feed the Obsession. Go to ollie.com/culture and use code CULTURE to get 70% off your first box! Wake up with clearer skin, smoother hair, and cooler sleep. Use code CULTUREPOD for an extra 30% off at blissy.com/CULTUREPOD. Use code CULTURE at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a free gift with your first purchase! If you're looking to make a small change in your routine, you can get 15% off your first order at Blueland.com/CULTURE**.** Show Notes: Follow Vauhini on Bluesky here and learn more about her work here Buy Searches (which you know I LOVED!) here Read my interview with Vauhini from last year about Searches here Vauhini's essay in the The Believer that we repeatedly reference — "Ghosts" Vauhini's piece in Bloomberg on chatbots and AI in kids' classrooms You can find a transcript of this episode here We're currently looking for your questions on the following topics: HOW TO FIGHT! Priya Parker has a new book on how to actually disagree (fruitfully!) with others, so this is your opportunity to ask all those questions about the people in your life who shut down when you disagree / escalate unnecessarily / immediately throw straw-men your way ('people in your life' can also include you, of course) WTF IS GOING ON WITH DUDES/ DESPERATE MASCULINITY RIGHT NOW with Jon Ronson. You can read about his incredible new book here, but the gist is: the old order of masculinity is collapsing, and some very weird behaviors are emerging amidst that collapse. What have you noticed, what's alarming, what are your theories about how dudes are dude-ing the way they are — let's go. FINANCIAL INTERDEPENDENCE with Maria Melchor, author of Always Have Enough. Instead of aiming for financial independence, what does it mean to try and build a sort of collective wealth for your family and community? How does the idea of wealth operate differently for first-generation immigrants — and what lessons should everyone adopt? All things CODE-SWITCHING with Ari Shaprio and Audie Cornish (how do you change your voice, your posture, your demeanor, your subject areas, the way you talk about reality television, whatever, depending on layered context) Anything you need advice for/want musings about for the AAA segment. You can ask about anything — it's literally the name of the segment. Join the ranks of paid subscribers and get bonus content, access to the discussion threads, ad-free episodes, and the knowledge that you're supporting an indie pod trying to make its way in the world.Got a question to submit, a prompt for Ask Anne Anything, or an idea for a future episode? Tell us here.Catch up on everything else happening in the Culture Study universe here.Transcripts will be available here within 24 hours of publishing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The CPG Guys
    Opella's Philip Durocher & CMX's Kristen DiCorleto: How Brands are Showing Up In-Store

    The CPG Guys

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 38:29 Transcription Available


    The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Philip Durocher, CMO of Opella, maker of iconic OTC health products include Xyzol, Allegra, Dulcolax & IcyHot and Kristen DiCorleto Head of Marketing for CVS Media Exchange (CMX) the Retail Media Division of CVS Health.This episode was recorded in Cannes France at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.This episode is sponsored by CMX.Follow Philip on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-durocher/Follow Opella online at: http://opella.comFollow Kristen on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-dicorleto/Follow CMX online at: https://www.cvsmediaexchange.com/CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

    The Jenni Catron Leadership Podcast
    337 | Protecting the Rhythms that Keep You Healthy, Purposeful, and Present as a Leader

    The Jenni Catron Leadership Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 19:59


    In this episode of Lead Culture, Jenni Catron shares what she learned during an extended summer break and why stepping back can be essential for sustainable leadership. She reflects on the tension between doing and being, the challenge of slowing down, and how time away revealed deeper questions about purpose, significance, and identity.Jenni opens with a reminder that culture does not take care of itself and that leaders must lead with intention. She then shares how her sabbatical included time with friends and family, reading, rest, and intentional disconnection from social media, email, and Slack. Even though the break was restful, it also surfaced a struggle many overachievers face: feeling significant only when they are productive.A major takeaway from the episode is that nothing magical happened on sabbatical — and that was the point. Instead of chasing big ideas or a new vision, Jenni focused on stillness, presence, and making space for what matters most. She describes how this time helped her recognize the importance of creative space, mental rest, and the right-brain work of meaning-making and reflection.Jenni also connects her personal experience to a broader cultural insight, referencing Arthur Brooks' research on how modern life often overvalues efficiency and problem-solving while undernourishing meaning, creativity, and human connection. She shares how this tension was made even more vivid in the wake of an EF3 tornado in her community, where people rallied together and reminded her that people are the point.Key TakeawaysHealthy leaders need rhythms that sustain them.Rest is productive when it creates space for meaning and clarity.Leaders often confuse being with doing.Creativity, stillness, and reflection are essential leadership practices.People should remain the priority, even in busy or crisis-filled seasons.Questions Jenni Asks LeadersWhat can you do that disrupts your rhythms and lowers your heart rate?How can you disconnect your doing from your being?Are you making space for quiet, creativity, and presence?What rhythms do you need to lead in a healthy, sustainable way?Resources MentionedInvitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Haley BartonThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerThe Sabbatical Journey by Alan BriggsThe Meaning of Life by Arthur BrooksJenni's book Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-given InfluenceClosing EncouragementJenni ends by encouraging leaders to protect the rhythms that keep them healthy, purposeful, and present — not only for their own well-being, but for the health of their teams and cultures. To connect with Jenni, email jennicatron@get4sight.com.We need your help to get the LeadCulture podcasts in front of more leaders! There are three simple things you can do that truly help us:Review us on Apple podcasts Subscribe - we're available wherever you listen to podcasts.Share - let your friends know about the podcast by sharing your favorite episode on social media!

    The Healing Heroes
    Cancer, Creativity, and Finding Herself Again: Nerissa's Story | Healing Heroines

    The Healing Heroes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 63:23 Transcription Available


    Nerissa Balland was five months pregnant, working full-time, and had a 1-year-old at home when her dermatologist said the word malignant. Her first instinct was to keep going, but of course, cancer didn't care.What happens when a life-changing diagnosis unravels your life and you don't have the words for any of it?After two decades chasing corporate titles and pursuing nonprofit work, Nerissa had quietly set aside the one thing that had always made her feel free: art. A diagnosis of metastatic melanoma at 38 forced her to reckon not only with her health, but with the parts of herself she'd abandoned along the way.Now, she's the author of Canvas of Courage and a therapeutic arts practitioner who reminds people that broken crayons still color.What You Will Learn[00:09:00] Validating herself through every promotion and job change[00:12:30] Cancer diagnosis at 38, five months pregnant[00:16:30] Making the invisible visible without words[00:19:30] Why non-artists have the real advantage[00:39:00] Ranch visit that rewired Nerissa's mindset[00:43:00] Overthinking her return to art[00:47:00] Broken crayons still color[00:58:00] Shifting from "why me" to "what now"Resources MentionedCanvas of Courage by Nerissa BallandByron KatieLet's Connect!Nerissa BallandWebsite | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeChandler StroudWebsite | LinkedIn | InstagramHappiness Academy is now Healing Heroines, a signature space for women who are ready to feel more grounded, more peaceful, and more aligned — inside and out. Download a complimentary Healing Roadmap to discover our Past, Present, and Possible framework.Want personalized guidance for your healing journey? Book a call with Chandler!Mixing and editing provided by Next Day Podcast.Text message us questions, requests, or comments!

    Time To Practice
    137 | Creativity that Fuels Motivation: A Practice Tip from Laura Nerenberg

    Time To Practice

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 5:34


    This week Laura Nerenberg, performing musician, music educator, and parent, is sharing a practice tip with us and I can't wait for you to hear it! Laura first came on the podcast on episode 127 (link below) if you enjoyed this tip, you'll want to check out our conversation from earlier this year all about practice and improvisation. Meanwhile, I hope this practice tip inspires you this week! Thanks for sharing your tip with us Laura! Links in this episode: Laura Nerenberg's website  Laura Nerenberg's full length interview from earlier this season Parent Talk with Barbie Wong: August 15th at 9am Pacific  Studio Rate: Parent Talk with Barbie Wong (or link to purchase the recording if you're seeing this afer the event)    Resources at SuzukiTriangle.com SIgn up for the Monthly Newsletter: SuzukiTriangle.com/Newsletter Connect with Christine on Instagram Email: Christine@SuzukiTriangle.com TRANSCRIPT  

    THE Leadership Japan Series by Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo,  Japan

    There are tons of things leaders should be doing. The sheer volume of advice can become a mental blizzard—a complete leadership whiteout. That is why it helps to isolate a few essential leadership practices and remind ourselves why they matter. These are not complicated theories. They are practical leadership disciplines that determine whether teams produce results, understand expectations, cooperate effectively and continue moving in the right direction. Here are eleven leadership basics worth revisiting. What should leaders focus on first? Leaders should focus chiefly on the results to be achieved rather than simply on the activities being performed. Everything happening in the organisation should move the team towards a desired outcome. That sounds obvious. However, analyse your diary and look closely at where your time is going. You may be shocked by how few appointments, meetings and activities are directly propelling important results. Busy work is seductive because it creates the sensation of progress. Emails are answered, meetings are attended and reports are produced. Yet activity is not the same as achievement. Leaders also need to plan and organise effectively around the desired result. They must coordinate everyone involved so that individual contributions combine into meaningful organisational progress. Markets change, customer expectations move and circumstances can run over the top of even a good plan. Leaders must therefore keep asking whether the current plan is still relevant, whether the organisation is properly structured and whether the balance between individual responsibility and teamwork is right. Do now: Review your calendar and identify which activities directly contribute to your organisation's most important results. Reduce, delegate or eliminate the rest. How should leaders turn major objectives into action? Major objectives should be divided into bite-sized pieces, communicated clearly and supported by deadlines, measurements and individual accountability. Large organisational goals can sound inspiring but remain useless if people do not understand what they personally need to do. Leaders must translate strategic objectives into specific actions, time targets and measurable outcomes. Every important objective needs an accountability system. Without measurement, deviation from the plan can remain invisible until it is too late to make an easy correction. The post-pandemic workplace has made this more difficult. For many organisations, the orderly pursuit of targets was replaced by constant disruption, emergency responses and scrambling to survive. Even after the immediate crisis passed, hybrid work, shifting customer behaviour and economic uncertainty continued to complicate performance management. Textbook answers are not always enough. Leaders must combine data, judgement and practical experience to decide which performance standards remain realistic. Do now: Take one major organisational objective and break it into milestones, owners, deadlines and measurable indicators of progress. How can leaders establish effective performance standards? Leaders must make expectations explicit so that people know what successful performance looks like, why it matters and how it will be measured. Vague expectations create frustration. Employees believe they are doing well, while managers quietly feel disappointed. Effective performance standards remove this ambiguity. Standards should guide people towards profitable and productive action. They should be demanding enough to encourage growth but realistic enough to maintain credibility. Leaders must also build a results-oriented attitude throughout the organisation. This means helping people develop self-reliance, confidence and ownership of their goals. Remote and hybrid work have shifted visibility. Leaders can no longer judge contribution by who arrives early, stays late or appears busy in the office. Performance is increasingly represented by customer outcomes, project completion, financial measures and numbers on a spreadsheet. Some people thrive with autonomy. Others struggle without direct supervision, informal contact and frequent teamwork. Leaders must recognise these differences rather than assuming one working style suits everyone. Do now: Ask each team member to explain what is expected of them and how success is measured. Any inconsistent answers reveal a communication gap. Can leaders really motivate their people? Leaders cannot directly inject motivation into another person. They can, however, create an environment in which people are more likely to become self-motivated. Try yelling, "Be motivated, be motivated, be motivated," at your team and see how far that gets you. Leaders can motivate themselves, but they cannot control the internal drive of another person. Their real task is to understand what helps each individual perform at their best. That may include recognition, autonomy, meaningful work, career growth, financial reward, mastery, belonging or the opportunity to contribute to something important. The correct combination varies from person to person. This is where leadership becomes difficult. There is no universal motivational switch. The leader has to understand people individually and deliver the right environment one person at a time. Leaders should also encourage creativity. Creativity can be learned, but many leaders have never studied how creative thinking works. If leaders do not know how to generate ideas, challenge assumptions or explore alternatives, they will struggle to develop those abilities in others. Do now: Ask each team member what conditions help them do their best work. Do not assume their answer will be the same as yours. How should leaders track progress and coordinate people? Leaders must track progress consistently and coordinate everyone whose contribution affects the final result, both inside and outside the organisation. Tracking progress sounds easy. The reality is that leaders are often lost in the weeds, pulled hither and thither and overwhelmed by constant urgencies. Following up on planned results gets postponed because something more immediate demands attention. Yet when leaders stop tracking, deadlines slip, responsibilities blur and small problems grow into expensive ones. Coordination has also become more demanding in remote and hybrid workplaces. When everyone was in the office, people could exchange information informally, notice emerging problems and resolve misunderstandings quickly. When employees, clients, suppliers and partners are separated, leaders must expend more time and energy ensuring that the right people know what they need to know. They must also confirm that tasks are being completed when they need to be completed. Communication cannot be left to chance. Coordination requires deliberate updates, clear decision rights and reliable follow-through. Do now: Establish a simple review rhythm showing each priority, its owner, its current status, the next action and any obstacle requiring leadership intervention. Why must leaders keep communicating purpose and teamwork? Leaders must repeatedly connect everyday work to the organisation's continuing purpose and demonstrate through their decisions that teamwork is genuinely expected. Leaders often pontificate from on high about purpose and imagine everyone is on board. They assume the message was received, understood and accepted. It is always a shock to discover that not everyone got the message—or that they interpreted it differently. Purpose must therefore be communicated repeatedly. Leaders must explain what the organisation is trying to achieve, why it matters and how each person's work contributes. They must also check for understanding rather than assuming agreement. Leadership credibility is tested most severely when a high performer refuses to act as a team player. Are you prepared to confront—or even fire—a top performer who persistently undermines teamwork? This is where the rubber meets the road. If leaders praise collaboration but tolerate the corporate outlaw who does whatever they want, everyone learns how the organisation really operates. Behaviour that is tolerated becomes part of the culture. Do now: Identify one behaviour that contradicts your stated values. Address it directly before it becomes the organisation's unofficial standard. What is the most important leadership starting point? The most important starting point is self-awareness. Very few leaders can give themselves a perfect score across all eleven areas: Focusing on results Planning and organising effectively Breaking objectives into manageable actions Establishing clear performance standards Building a results-oriented culture Creating conditions for self-motivation Developing creativity Tracking progress Coordinating people and resources Communicating organisational purpose Demonstrating leadership and teamwork I certainly cannot give myself a perfect score. Reviewing this list is a painful reminder of my own failings and imperfections. That is the point. Busy work can mask what is vital. Leaders become tied up in meetings, messages, minor decisions and operational stuff. Eventually, they lose sight of the leadership responsibilities that matter most. Let's get back to basics. We are not divine. We still have work to do on ourselves. Author Bio Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie One Carnegie Award in 2018 and 2021 and received the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2012. As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver leadership, communication, sales and presentation programmes globally, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including the bestsellers Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery and Japan Presentations Mastery, as well as Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His books have also been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō(ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin(プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō(トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう)and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā(現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg publishes regular business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook and X and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery and Japan's Top Business Interviews for executives and professionals seeking practical strategies for succeeding in Japan.

    Brewtifully Made
    I Am Learning To Grieve And Create At The Same Time

    Brewtifully Made

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 20:36 Transcription Available


    Send us Fan MailWatching a home you loved turn into a listing can feel like losing it twice. I'm Tracy, and I'm sharing what it's like to put my Ohio house on the market while I'm still carrying fresh grief, big feelings, and the weird in-between space of a brand-new life. I talk about the pride and heartbreak of leaving behind years of design choices, routines, and neighbors I truly care about, plus why counseling days have become an anchor.Creativity is still my work, but it's also my way back to myself. I share how I'm getting paint on the page again with watercolor florals, and I explain a new limited edition mahjong mat release tied to my own artwork, including the surprise gift that comes with each mat. We also get real about what it takes to keep a small creative business going while you're grieving: commissions, wholesale orders, restarting a newsletter, and leaning on community support without feeling like you're “selling” your sadness.Grief isn't just emotional, it's sensory. I talk about why certain sounds and songs are suddenly hard to tolerate, why lo-fi music helps when lyrics feel loaded, and how I'm trying to replace old memories with new experiences. From knitting classes and teaching mahjong locally to line dancing lessons, bike rides, and exploring Edmonds, this is a conversation about rebuilding after loss one hour at a time, with honesty, anger, tenderness, and a little hope for what comes next.If this resonates, listen through, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review or subscribe so you don't miss what comes next.Support the showCatch the doodles on YouTubeMy socials:Sign up for my monthly newsletterPortfolio website: Brewtifully.comInstagram: /BrewtifullyFacebook: /brewtifullyTikTok: GettingSmallwithGrandmaLinkedIn: Tracy Dawn Brewer

    Celestial Curiosities
    #120 - Leadership & Creativity with Eddie Kopp, Creative Director of Sugarshack Sessions

    Celestial Curiosities

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 83:11


    All humans are innately creators, and the Leo archetype reminds us most of this... It also, like the fierce leader of a lion's pride, reminds us how powerful heart-centered leadership is. Leadership nor creativity fit inside a box, and in this episode, we chat with a natural born leader who couldn't imagine life without creative expression. Tune in to hear from Eddie Kopp, Creative Director and co-founder of Sugarshack Sessions talk about:the roles of intuition, pride & trust in navigating life and the creative processhis story from drummer to the Air Force to cinematographer and entrepreneurthe importance of prioritizing creation balancing leadership, ego and being part of a team with a big purposea look at Eddie's chart and a couple of significant moments for him& more!Enjoy, and as always: stay curious!-LINKS from today's episode:- subscribe to Sugarshack Sessions on YouTube -> HERE- check out Sugarshack Downtown -> ⁠HERE⁠- see what all Sugarshack is up to -> HERE- Follow Eddie on instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@natashanazerali⁠⁠--Celestial Essentials is our 10-week course with weekly live calls led by us, intentional practices via workbook, study materials and real-life practice alongside others.This course is for anybody who:wants to understand themselves and the people in their lives on a deeper levelhas looked at an astrology chart and been interested, but have no idea what you're looking athas a beginner-to-intermediate understanding of astrology and wants to take their knowledge to the next levelCheck out all of the details ->⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠--Ready to look at charts in the most beautiful and functional way? Look no further than →⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LUNA Cloud Astrology Software⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ← this link saves you 10%, or enter STAYCURIOUS on the signup page.Explore our first full season (Episodes 1-50) to explore our living astrological library!Sign up for our newsletter →⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠*HERE!*⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on →⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Drop us some love in the form of a 5-star review and follow. :)

    The Pain Podcast
    Episode 80: Playfulness, Creativity & Variability in Pain Rehab - Why It Doesn't Have to Be Boring

    The Pain Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 39:16


    Rehabilitation for persistent pain often defaults to structure — sets, reps, progressions. But what happens when the people in front of you have already tried all of that? In this episode, Bart van Buchem and Tim Beames make the case for playfulness, creativity, variability, and abundance as genuine therapeutic tools. They share practical clinical examples including constraint-based learning, metaphorical movement, and using distraction to unlock different movement strategies. They explore when patients need structured programmes and when they need permission to let go, why more control doesn't always mean better outcomes, and how small shifts in context can dramatically change someone's experience — drawing on Charles Spence's perceptual experiments as a vivid example. A hands-on, clinically grounded conversation for therapists ready to move beyond the exercise sheet.

    Disruptive Influence with Jeff Abracen
    Creativity Isn't Efficient (and That's the Point) with Joel Holtby

    Disruptive Influence with Jeff Abracen

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 51:24


    Joel Holtby believes creativity should be the most exciting part of any business — not something optimized into submission.As Founder & Global Co-CCO of Courage, one of Canada's most awarded creative agencies, Joel has helped build work for brands including KFC, KitKat, CIBC, Nescafé and more.In this conversation, Joel & Jeff get into why creativity and efficiency often sit at opposite ends of the spectrum, why people don't actually hate advertising, how Courage finds human truths that travel beyond borders, and why craft still matters in an AI-powered world.We also talk about the agency's philosophy of courage, turning down the wrong clients, the story behind KitKat's security convoy, Joel's experience creating IKEA's Lamp 2, working with people like Seth Rogen and Connor McDavid, and why AI should remain a tool - not become the creative.In this episode: Why creativity is a powerful business driver  The difference between courage and risk  Why efficiency can work against creativity  How simple ideas become memorable through craft  Why people don't hate ads - they hate bad ones  Creating work that enters culture instead of interrupting it  How Courage chooses clients  Why brand DNA can be a creative “cheat code”  The enduring power of human insight  Joel's concern with using AI to replace creative problem-solving  Why the next generation of creatives should become sponges, not trend-chasers Chapters00:00 — People Don't Hate Advertising. They Hate Bad Ads.00:35 — Meet Joel Holtby & Courage01:43 — Creativity as a Business Driver04:02 — Finding the Feeling of a Great Idea06:05 — Awards, Ego & Finding Joy in the Work09:25 — Building Courageous Brands11:02 — Courage's First Big Creative Bet14:52 — The Secret Sauce of Storytelling17:50 — Why Creativity Isn't Efficient20:22 — What Makes Advertising Memorable23:07 — People Don't Hate Ads - They Hate Bad Ads25:14 — The KitKat Security Convoy27:40 — Courage as a Client Filter30:12 — Rich and Miserable vs. Great Work32:21 — The Ad That Changed Joel's Creative Philosophy36:13 — IKEA's Lamp & The Art of the Rug Pull38:15 — The Pressure of Creating Lamp 240:01 — Finding the DNA of a Brand42:57 — Seth Rogen, Connor McDavid & Celebrity46:01 — AI vs. Lived Human Experience49:39 — Advice for the Next Generation of CreativesConnect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024-2026 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

    Expression58's Services
    Beautiful Friendship | Jona Toledo | 08.09.26

    Expression58's Services

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 38:14


    Our mission is to foster personal and cultural transformation through Love, Creativity, and Justice. We are a diverse community that seeks to live our faith in an authentic way, we long for the undiluted gospel, and for the world to see and know how good God really is. Listen Here:  Spotify: https://expression58.org/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://expression58.org/apple Follow us: Website: https://www.expression58.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expression58/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expression58/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Expression58media   

    The Long and The Short Of It
    411. Proposals

    The Long and The Short Of It

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 19:43


    After submitting many proposals between the two of them, Pete and Jen noodle on their proposal writing process, and how they might help their clients to write their own. Specifically, in this episode Jen and Pete talk about: What are the three key questions to answer when writing a proposal? How might you identify the core problem that your proposal is meant to solve? Why is it important to consider who will be reading the proposal you submit?   More from us in your inbox. Subscribe to Box O' Goodies. A weekly email with the books, podcasts, quotes, and other noodles Jen and Pete are mulling over.Listen to all episodes and read full transcripts at thelongandtheshortpodcast.com.Reach us: hello@thelongandtheshortpodcast.comPete's work: humanperiscope.com · Jen's work: jenwaldman.com

    Voices of VR Podcast – Designing for Virtual Reality
    #1787: Blending the Elements of Experiential Design & Process-Relational Foundations of the Elements

    Voices of VR Podcast – Designing for Virtual Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 68:24


    I gave a lecture about "Blending the Elements of Experiential Design" on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Seattle XR in Seattle, Washington. (PDF of Slides]. At the end, I run through some examples of the types of interdisciplinary fusion that I see within the context of immersive storytelling and immersive art. This lecture also digs into the process-relational philosophical foundations, as well as how I'm gaining additional inspiration from Empedocles, Aristotle, and the Classical Quadrivium (Four Arts) of Math, Music, Geometry, and Astronomy. For my 30+ hours of coverage of Venice Immersive, then I apply this archetypal framework to help describe the context, quality, character, and story of each of these projects. You can see an overview of how I've been using this framework in this PDF on "Venice Immersive 2025 Archetypal Categorizations" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01M5NcOYzx0 One of goals of this talk was to further define the archetypal nature of the elements, and how I'm conceiving of them as a possibility space of design tradeoffs (C.S. Peirce's "Firstness"), but also as the concrete decisions that an experiential designer makes ("Secondness"), and then finally how these decisions are experienced more from a phenomenological experience as the audience as we feel, sense, act, and make sense of these experiences, and what they might mean ("Thirdness"). I do not actually dive into Peirce's concepts of Firstness, Secondness, or Thirdness in this specific talk, but I wanted to elaborate on these concepts in this write-up as these have been crucial concepts to help translate the overall abstract Firstness quality of my talk, and ground it into the Secondness of something that is a bit more practical and pragmatic. For Peirce, his semiology is grounded into a triune theory of actualization that goes from a non-Boolean possibility space as Firstness, and then grounds into a Boolean actualization of secondness, and then an interpretant mediates from the concreteness of the Secondness object back to the Firstness of the fundamental archetypal qualities or meaning. I find speculative philosopher James Bradley's summary of the Peirce's triune semiology to be the most easy to digest in his essay titled, "Beyond Hermeneutics: Peirce's Semiology as a Trinitarian Metaphysics of Communication." I can also recommend this article on "Peirce's Theory of Signs" from the The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for a comprehensive recap, and there's also this excellent YouTube series primer by Philosign's Markus Raninen titled The Basics of Semiotics. But here's Bradley's description of Firstness, Secondness, and Thirdness, which I find myself coming back to again and again. "Within the fundamental speculative triunity of activity, difference and order, or firstness, secondness and thirdness, semiology is an analysis of order or thirdness… Thirdness is analyzed as idea or sign, as the exchange of information between individual entities, and as interpretation; in other words, thirdness is itself a threefold of sign, object and interpretant. Here, sign occupies the position of firstness because it is the potentiality for interpretation; object occupies that of secondness because it is determinate; and the interpretant occupies that of thirdness because the interpretant has the sign-interpreting or sign-ordering role, and so has the status of a third. [24] Thus for Peirce semiology is the analysis of the triune relation of sign, object and interpretant." It's still a bit obtuse, and one way that I like to think about it is through the experience of communication. You have a possibility space of meaning you want to convey (Firstness of the sign/potential), then you choose specific words that convey that meaning (Secondness of the object), then someone listens to those words and phrases, and then connects those words back to a meaning space (Thirdness of the interpretant mediating between the two). For Peirce, each of the Firstness, Secondness, and Thirdness can also refer to themselves, like you can have a Firstness of Thirdness or Secondness of Firstness. It gets a little bit confusing, but I found the following graphic from Collected Essays in Speculative Philosophy (2021) by James Bradley and edited by Sean McGrath to be very useful. Within the context of immersive storytelling, then it's a semiotic process of communication of meaning where you're able to use all sorts of affordances from game design, literature, social dynamics and relations, music, film, lighting, architecture, dance, theme park design, sensory design, and embodiment. My Elemental Theory of Presence attempts to simplify this into the following: Fire Element of Active Presence: Interactivity, Agency, Game Design Air Element of Mental & Social Presence: Meaning, Semiotics, Language, Possibility, Form, Relationality Water Element of Emotional Presence: Experiential Processes, Story, Film, Music, Cycles, Time Earth Element of Environmental & Embodied Presence: Sensory, Immersive, Worldbuilding, Space I elaborate on the various philosophical frameworks that I'm leaning up within this talk that I gave on June 6, 2026, but since then I've been diving more into Peirce and his Triune Metaphysics and Semiology of Firstness, Secondness, and Thirdness, which has been a helpful framework as I've been applying the elements to my Venice Immersive Coverage and categorizing the elemental center of gravity for each of the nearly 40 projects that I covered. Again see this framework in this PDF on "Venice Immersive 2025 Archetypal Categorizations" to see how I have been thinking about each of these projects. I used this approach in the introductions for each of my podcast episodes from Venice (see the links down below). Firstness of Fire: Creativity, Novelty, Intention, Purpose, Goals, & Aristotle's Final Cause Secondness of Fire: Interactivity & Core Gameplay Loops Thirdness of Fire: Agency & Will For Active Presence Examples of Fire: Game Design, Locomotion Options: No Movement, Automatic movement, Teleportation, or free roaming. The LIVENESS of the Live, To what degree does the experience encourage the expression of will and agency? And to what degree does that alter how the narrative unfolds (narrative agency vs participatory interactive moments that customize and flavor the experience)? Adventure, Exploration, Creativity, Novelty, Freedom, Will, and Collective Action. System Dynamics, & iterative feedback loops Firstness of Air: Peirce's "Sign," Intended Meaning, Pattern & Form, Archetypal Possibility Spaces, Relationality, & Aristotle's Formal Cause Secondness of Air: Peirce's "Object" Within A Triadic Semiotic Process (i.e. a specific action, word, harmonic, or action that points to a larger meaning.) Thirdness of Air: Peirce's "Interpretant," Sensemaking Thoughts, Expectations, & Social Dynamics For Mental & Social Presence Examples of Air: Literature, Language, Semiotics, Communication, Symbols, Abstractions. Single Player vs Multi-Player, Suspension of Disbelief and Plausibility, Social Dynamics, Anticipation of the Future, Possibility Spaces, Types of Choices. Realms of Speculative Imagination, How is meaning communicated? Dialogue amongst characters, voice-over narration, environmental storytelling, non-verbal associative dream logic. Mental friction from puzzles. Rules & Mechanics. Use of certain types of AI and Conversational Interfaces with Virtual Beings Firstness of Water: Time, Cycles, Harmonics, Value, & Aristotle's "Material Cause" (in Whitehead's event ontology, then base reality is processes, relationships, and possibilities of value & not Substance) Secondness of Water: Experiential Processes That Provide Contrasts Thirdness of Water: Feelings for Emotional Presence Examples of Water: Cinematic Film Tradition, Music, Harmonics, Rhythm, Pacing, Editing, Contrasts, Emotion, Memory, Dreams, Images, Soul, Psyche, Symbols, Lighting, Mood, Collective Unconscious Firstness of Earth: Space, World, Context, & Aristotle's Efficient Cause Secondness of Earth: Environment & Worldbuilding With Situated Perspectives in that Context Thirdness of Earth: Sensory Perception & Sense of Place for Embodied & Environmental Presence Examples of Earth: Worldbuilding of a spatial context & culture. Architecture, Theater, Theme Park Design, Dance, Are you a ghost or an embodied character? Sensory Experience: Touch/Haptics, Hearing/Spatial Sound, Smells, Vision. Relation of Immersive Tech to Environment as either VR, MR, or AR. Virtual CGI vs Cinematic 180/360 Video, Again, check out this PDF on "Venice Immersive 2025 Archetypal Categorizations" to see how I've ranked nearly 40 projects from Venice Immersive 2025 on the relative elemental center of gravity. Some projects feel more like a cinematic immersive film, which would be a bit more biased towards the Water Element. Some projects are more focused on the experience of a world that was build, and more focused on the Earth Element. Some projects are asking you to Read a book together with other people, which is more focused on the Air Element. And then other more game-like experiences are focused on using interactions as their primary mode of engagement, and so they're more focused on the fire element. There are 64 total combinations of the elements in terms of the first, second, third, or four centers of gravity, and you can see the comprehensive visualization here: Technically, all four elements are always happening all at once all at the same time. However, in experiential design, then creators can emphasize and blend elements together. So I find that ranking the elements can be helpful in determining an overall center of gravity, and that looking at the first two centers of gravity can achieve a sufficient job of creating some ad hoc, immersive and "elemental genres....

    ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society
    Thirty Gigs a Month Is the Practice | A Music Evolves Conversation with Frankie Raye, Singer-Songwriter

    ITSPmagazine | Technology. Cybersecurity. Society

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 35:16


    Show Notes There is a version of the music career that gets written about, and there is the version that gets played. Frankie Raye lives in the second one. She performs six or seven nights a week across the greater Tampa Bay area, mixes covers with originals depending on what the room wants, and treats the gig itself as the practice session. She points at old video of herself and measures the distance she has traveled, not against a chart position, but against her own playing. That volume changes how craft works. Frankie Raye does not describe herself as a guitar player. She describes herself as a singer whose guitar carries her voice, and she is direct about the shortcuts that make a set possible: capo up, transpose on the phone, skip the bridge if the chords are ugly, come back to the chorus. The room is singing along to the chorus anyway. What sounds like a confession is closer to a working method, and the results are visible over 12 years of professional performing. Her songwriting has flipped in the past few years. Frankie Raye used to build the music first and squeeze lyrics into it. Now the hook arrives first, often from a conversation or a road sign, and lives in her phone until a riff comes along that fits. A song she is recording this year began as a complaint about venues that want maximum energy on a minimum budget. Another began as a poem written from the passenger seat on a drive south. She performs that one, "Wasting Time," live during the episode. On artificial intelligence she is unambiguous. Frankie Raye does not use it for music, and her objection is not about quality but about origin and consequence: the material was written by people, and the person who could have been hired to write a song for a friend was not hired. That position leads somewhere unexpected. If machine-generated tracks are charting, she reasons, then chasing that sound is chasing something that no longer rewards a human for reaching it. So she stopped. She writes what she wants and releases what she wants, and she has decided against the label path she once wanted, choosing instead a following small enough to know by name. The measure she offers at the end of the conversation is not streams or signings. It is 50 people who bought tickets because they wanted to be in the room. That is a quieter ambition than the industry usually rewards, and it may be the only one currently under an artist's own control. Host Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ Guest Frankie Raye, Singer-Songwriter | Website: https://frankieraye.com/ Resources Frankie Raye Official Website: https://frankieraye.com/ Frankie Raye Live Show Schedule: https://frankieraye.com/live-show-schedule Frankie Raye Electronic Press Kit: https://frankieraye.com/electronic-press-kit Frankie Raye on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankierayemusic/ Myrtle Beach Songwriters Festival, November 13-14, 2026: https://myrtlebeachsongwritersfestival.com/ Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/ Keywords frankie raye, sean martin, independent artist, singer songwriter, songwriting process, working musician, live music economy, ai in music, cover songs, gigging, tampa bay music scene, independent music career, hook writing, music, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcast More From Sean Martin on ITSPmagazine More from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-location ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine Be sure to share and subscribe! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Fueling Creativity in Education
    10 Actions for Fueling Creativity: Face the Feelings

    Fueling Creativity in Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 9:59


    Excelsior Journeys with George Sirois
    40th Anniversary Re-Release: Heaven Only Knows What You Might Find - The Music of TransFormers: The Movie

    Excelsior Journeys with George Sirois

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 39:25


    Five years ago, producer & host George Sirois released a five-part miniseries on this show, celebrating the 35th anniversary of TransFormers: The Movie. This week on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity, George has re-launched the third part of the miniseries to celebrate the 40th anniversary and upcoming re-release of the film. "Heaven Only Knows What You Might Find" features composer Vince DiCola telling about how his work on the music of Rocky IV led to him becoming a part of Hasbro History. PRODUCER'S NOTES: This episode was the second appearance for Vince DiCola on Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity. The first one took place a year before, when he shared stories of how he started his journey as a musician, how working with Frank Stallone on the Sylvester Stallone-directed Staying Alive led to him co-writing the hit song "Far from Over," and how he would blow Stallone's mind with his demo recording of "Training Montage" and get the job composing the score to Rocky IV. This week's conversation acts as a Part 2 of an interview duology. Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity exists primarily as a platform for creatives of all kinds (authors, filmmakers, stand-up comics, musicians, voice artists, painters, podcasters, etc) to share their journeys to personal success. It is very important to celebrate those voices as much as possible to not only provide encouragement to up-and-coming talent, but to say thank you to the established men & women for inspiring the current generation of artists.If you agree that the Excelsior Journeys podcast serves a positive purpose and would like to show your appreciation, you can give back to the show by clicking HERE.Excelsior Journeys: The Road to Creativity is now a proud member of the Podmatch Podcast Network, and you can access all shows in the network by clicking HERE.

    Second City Works presents
    Getting to Yes, And… | Amos Winter – “Innovation Gone Global”

    Second City Works presents "Getting to Yes, And" on WGN Plus

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026


    Kelly sits down with Amos Winter, the Germeshausen Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the K. Lisa Yang Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His new book is called “Global by Design: How to Create Innovations That Scale, Travel and Transform.” “Become a tempered dreamer.”  “Technology is not the […]

    The Marketing Architects
    Marketing Effectiveness and the Proof Problem with Andrew Tindall

    The Marketing Architects

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 43:19


    Ignaz Semmelweis proved handwashing saved lives, but doctors ignored his messy data for decades. Thousands died waiting for perfect proof.This week, Elena and Rob sit down with System1 Chief Growth Officer Andrew Tindall to talk about what makes marketing research worth trusting. Andrew breaks down why distinctiveness alone won't grow your brand, and why emotion is the real profit driver. The conversation also covers his research on creators, consistency, and why audio remains one of the most underrated channels in the industry. It's a must-listen for any marketer trying to separate real evidence from marketing hype. Topics covered: [03:00] What "useful evidence" means for marketers[10:00] Andrew's favorite research-backed finding on emotion [13:00] Surprising results from the Creator Effectiveness Playbook [17:00] Why distinctive and emotional ads drive more profit [20:00] The case for "compound creativity" and consistency [25:00] Why audio and radio remain overlooked and undervalued [32:00] Andrew's most contrarian marketing opinion To learn more, visit marketingarchitects.com/podcast or subscribe to our newsletter at marketingarchitects.com/newsletter.  Resources: 2026 The Drum Article: https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/andrew-tindall-marketing-doesn-t-need-perfect-evidence-it-needs-useful-evidenceAndrew Tindall's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-tindall/ Get more research-backed marketing strategies by subscribing to The Marketing Architects on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    AttractionPros Podcast
    Episode 466: Ryan Allen talks about how creativity builds community, the intentionality of hospitality, and quicksand

    AttractionPros Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 50:01


    Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2026, happening in Orlando, Florida, November 16th - 20th. It's where more than forty-thousand professionals come to share the wonder, explore over a thousand innovative exhibitors, and discover future-focused solutions. From education to networking to ideas that drive real business impact, IAAPA Expo is where what's next takes shape.   Register now and save up to 30% at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo.   Ryan Allen is the Lead Wingman of Little Birdie Consulting. With more than two decades in the attractions and hospitality industry, Ryan has built a career spanning Kings Dominion, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Cruise Line, Carowinds, and now Six Flags Magic Mountain. Through Little Birdie Consulting, he helps organizations create stronger leaders, more connected teams, and more meaningful guest experiences by blending hospitality, creativity, and community. In this interview, Ryan talks about how creativity builds community, the intentionality of hospitality, and quicksand. Creativity Builds Community “Creativity builds community.” Ryan challenges the common belief that creativity belongs only to artists, musicians, or performers. Instead, he argues that creativity is found in every profession, whether someone is designing an experience, organizing a warehouse, solving operational problems, or managing finances. When people stop limiting themselves with labels like "I'm not creative," they begin approaching challenges with fresh perspectives and greater confidence. He explains that creativity also strengthens relationships. By inviting people with different skills and viewpoints into the process, organizations build stronger communities where everyone contributes in meaningful ways. That sense of shared ownership ultimately leads to better experiences for both employees and guests. Intentionality Of Hospitality “I think intentional hospitality means that everyone knows what the goal is.” For Ryan, hospitality is not reserved for guests. Leaders must treat their own team members as guests first. He shares how small details, from preparing a meeting room before participants arrive to creating memorable first-day experiences for new employees, communicate respect and care long before any formal training begins. Throughout the conversation, Ryan emphasizes that hospitality is demonstrated through preparation rather than good intentions. Organizations often focus on serving external guests while overlooking the everyday moments that shape the employee experience. By becoming more intentional behind the scenes, leaders create cultures where exceptional hospitality naturally extends to every guest interaction. Quicksand “When you say you're busy, that's quicksand.” Ryan uses the idea of quicksand as a metaphor for the beliefs and phrases that quietly trap leaders. Labels like "we're too busy," "communication is our problem," or "there's too much drama" become excuses that prevent organizations from identifying the real issues underneath. Instead of accepting broad statements, leaders should dig deeper to understand what is actually creating friction. He encourages leaders to recognize the "stick" that helps them escape quicksand by replacing assumptions with curiosity, specificity, and action. When leaders challenge limiting beliefs, they create healthier workplaces that are better equipped to support both employees and guests.   Ryan invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn and follow Little Birdie Consulting on Instagram, where he shares leadership insights, hospitality ideas, his bi-weekly podcast, and curated "Birdie Beats" playlists designed to inspire and energize. To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

    Sustaining Creativity Podcast
    Crossroads of Creativity with Regina Linke

    Sustaining Creativity Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 34:21 Transcription Available


    Creativity through the lens of an author and illustrator"Being a creative person, you can just do whatever you want."I'm Regina, a Taiwanese American author and illustrator specializing in contemporary Chinese gongbi-style painting, an ancient form of brush painting that depicts narrative subjects in colorful high detail. Using traditional ink and wash techniques in digital painting, my illustrations deliver classic subjects through a modern lens.I did not go to art school! Born and raised in Texas, I've always enjoyed the creative arts, but I didn't learn traditional Chinese painting until after I moved with my young family to Taiwan in my mid-thirties. Holding management degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and Cornell University, I've worked in marketing technology and information systems for the travel and tourism industry. Now, I create stories that celebrate East Asian folklore and philosophy in an accessible way.My most notable creations are the characters from The Oxherd Boy, an inspirational webcomic that started on Instagram. A young boy, his family ox, and a rabbit living in his garden convey the three core schools of Classical Chinese thought: Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The collection of these inspirational pieces called THE OXHERD BOY: Parables of Love, Compassion, and Community released as a bestseller in 2024, and was followed in 2025 by an award-winning original story for children called Big Enough. Its companion book Little Helper, which expands on the themes and message of community, comes out in May 5, 2026.I'm currently working on The Tao of Nature, an illustrated collection of meditations sharing examples of Taoism found in the natural world.I'm happy to live in Rhode Island with my husband, kids, and our rescue, Yuki.https://reginalinke.com/https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/regina-linke/little-helper/9780316531252/?lens=little-brown-books-for-young-readershttps://www.instagram.com/reginalinkeart/https://www.amazon.com/Little-Helper-Regina-Linke/dp/0316531251/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BIG0S5LGH86Z&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.StdbX6LzRDwysizeKRnaicEFd1iO9FRyTxknbwF7KBwuWWUve1--byqyGluwDPSHZQ6Og5bbopJVAt7nBQEMY3midUZk3kMGWIJmhkaaWXDqIVGRIqmxod3tFkZpke6eHZGx2OHPQBsf7xOMBA1CeQm2dPafZ7bn4ODkUluJQnH07_VkwSsU0boGG92i0iGJVPwcnFXktKzqfFmHglHiOUvqjwcZXVfJOkEE6ZQDbSs.ronwEfZ7Y_a-A6_K6_K6ud3WIWO6CQ039gQsG1efabU&dib_tag=se&keywords=linke+little+helper&qid=1780427700&sprefix=linke+littl%2Caps%2C974&sr=8-1Send us Fan Mail

    Taking Flight
    When Self-Improvement Becomes Self-Rejection

    Taking Flight

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 33:12


    What if constantly trying to become your "best self" is actually making it harder to love the person you are right now?We're big believers in growth, healing, learning, therapy, and becoming more of who you want to be. But in this episode, we're asking a harder question: When does self-improvement stop supporting you and start becoming self-rejection?We talk about the endless hamster wheel of healing, self-help books, wellness advice, comparison, courses, experts, fitness goals, and the sneaky belief that happiness is waiting somewhere in the future."When I lose the weight...""When I heal this...""When my business reaches this level...""When I finally fix this part of myself..."But what happens to the version of you who's here right now?In this episode, we're talking about finding the middle ground between staying stuck and constantly treating yourself like a project that needs fixing. We unpack self-trust, personal mission statements, comparison, anxiety, listening to your own needs, and learning how to pursue growth without abandoning yourself in the process.We talk about:• Self-improvement vs. self-rejection• Why there's no finish line for healing• The "I'll be happy when..." trap• How comparison fuels self-abandonment• Knowing your WHY before chasing another goal• Why every expert doesn't have your answer• Trusting yourself again• Finding the healthy middle ground between growth and acceptance• Loving who you are while still wanting more for yourself

    Huberman Lab
    Using AI to Increase Your Intelligence & Enrich Humanity | Dr. Fei-Fei Li

    Huberman Lab

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 128:27


    Dr. Fei-Fei Li, PhD, is a professor of computer science at Stanford University and a pioneer and expert in artificial intelligence (AI). We discuss how AI can be used safely and effectively to extend human capabilities – not just to search for information but specifically to increase human intelligence and creativity. We also discuss how humans collaborating with AI and robots stand to positively transform human health and one's experience of life. And we cover what makes AI fundamentally different from human cognition, and why your intuition and unique experiences are not replicable by AI or machines. Both AI enthusiasts and skeptics are sure to benefit from the information and tools Dr. Fei-Fei Li shares in this episode. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Lingo: https://hellolingo.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Wealthfront*: https://wealthfront.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Fei-Fei Li (00:03:46) Vision & Intelligence; Human Vision & Contribution to AI (00:12:11) Computer Vision & the AI Revolution (00:18:34) Sponsors: Lingo & Wealthfront (00:21:19) Speech, Sound & AI Development (00:23:36) AI & Contextual Learning, Human Intelligence (00:33:43) Current AI Gaps, Emotion & Creativity (00:45:48) Computers Enhancing Humanity; Tool: Personal Agency & Learning about AI (00:53:04) Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT (00:55:37) Public Discourse about AI (00:57:34) AI to Enhance Scientific Discovery & Healthcare; Human Collaboration (01:07:38) Intuition, Motivation & Human States Beyond AI (01:19:18) Sponsor: David (01:20:37) Social & Ethical Considerations for AI (01:27:38) Kids, Development & AI Tools; Tool: Prompt AI Effectively (01:35:04) Next Frontier for Robotics & AI; Human Agency (01:43:52) Human-Centered AI Future (01:50:10) World Labs, Spatial Intelligence (01:54:12) Concerns about AI & Creativity; Movies, Art, Storytelling (01:59:51) Younger Generation & AI, Teachers (02:05:38) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Sponsors, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter *This experience may not be representative of other Wealthfront clients, and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Experiences will vary. Andrew Huberman receives cash compensation from Wealthfront Brokerage for paid testimonials in his podcast, creating a conflict of interest. The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The base APY is 3.30% on cash deposits as of January 30, 2026, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. If eligible for the overall boosted rate of 4.05% offered in connection with this promo, your boosted rate is also subject to change if the base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period. Additional terms and conditions apply, which can be found on Wealthfront.com/Huberman. Funds in the Cash Account are swept to program banks, where it earns the variable APY. Same-day withdrawal or instant payment transfers may be limited by destination institutions, daily transaction caps, and by participating entities such as Wells Fargo, the RTP® Network, and FedNow® Service. New Cash Account deposits are subject to a 2-4 day holding period before becoming available for transfer. Investment advisory services are provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Securities investments: not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value. Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Unlocking Your World of Creativity
    Hamid Ghanadan, CEO, LINUS Consulting on Persuading the World's Most Skeptical Audiences

    Unlocking Your World of Creativity

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 24:15


    On Your World of Creativity, we explore how innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and thought leaders transform ideas into impact.Today's guest has spent three decades helping some of the world's most sophisticated science and healthcare companies answer a deceptively simple question:How do you persuade people who pride themselves on not being persuaded?Hamid Ghanadan is the founder and CEO of LINUS, a commercial strategy consultancy serving life science and healthcare innovators. A former biochemist turned strategist, Hamid has guided organizations including Twist Bioscience, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and 10x Genomics through product launches, market development, and growth initiatives.His new book, Not Buying It: The Art of Selling to Scientists, Doctors, and Other Professional Skeptics, challenges conventional thinking by arguing that even the most technical buying decisions are ultimately driven by psychology, empathy, and human behavior—not just data.Hamid 's WebsiteHamid on YouTubeHamid LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hghanadan/Let's explore creativity, persuasion, science, and what it takes to influence skeptical minds.Guest BioHamid Ghanadan is the Founder and CEO of LINUS, a commercial strategy consultancy focused on life sciences, healthcare, diagnostics, medical devices, and biotechnology.Originally trained as a biochemist, Hamid became fascinated with a question that would shape his entire career:How do scientists make decisions?That curiosity led him from the laboratory into marketing, strategy, and behavioral psychology. Over the past 30 years, he has developed what he calls an Insights-Led Commercial Strategy, helping science and healthcare organizations better understand customer decision-making and create meaningful demand.His new book, Not Buying It, explores how technical professionals evaluate information, why traditional marketing often fails with scientific audiences, and how empathy becomes a competitive advantage in high-stakes commercial environments.1: From Biochemist to Behavioral StrategistHamid, one of the stories I found fascinating is that your career began in a biochemistry laboratory.You describe an early encounter watching a salesperson struggle to connect with scientists, which sparked a question that changed your professional trajectory: How do you sell to such a skeptical audience? What was it about that moment that stayed with you, and how did it eventually lead you from science into strategy?2: The Psychology Behind Technical DecisionsOne of the central themes of your book is that commercial strategy is fundamentally a game of psychology. That can sound counterintuitive in industries built on evidence, data, peer review, and rigorous analysis. Yet you argue that scientists, doctors, engineers, and other technical professionals are still human beings first. What do most companies misunderstand about how highly educated professionals actually make decisions? Why isn't more data necessarily more persuasive?3: The Soul of the BrandLet's apply my favorite framework—the Soul of the Brand. Thinking about LINUS:What is your focus?What work are you really doing?Who are you serving?What gives you credibility?What industry assumptions are you challenging?And what larger mission drives the organization?4: Persuasion, Creativity, and the Age of AIIn the book, you make an interesting observation. AI is making it easier than ever to create content, automate outreach, and scale communications. But you suggest that simply producing more content creates more noise—not more influence. As someone who studies persuasion and decision-making, what concerns you most about how organizations are currently using AI? What human skills become more valuable in an AI-enabled world?5: Unlocking Influence Through EmpathyOne of the ideas that really resonated with me is your belief that the key ingredient of an effective strategy is a unique insight into audience psychology—and that finding that insight requires empathy. For leaders, marketers, entrepreneurs, healthcare innovators, and creative professionals listening today: How can they become better observers of human behavior and uncover those insights that others miss?If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

    Todd Durkin IMPACT Show
    A Chat with Brady Durkin--Storytelling, Creativity & Chasing God-Sized Dreams | Ep. 491

    Todd Durkin IMPACT Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 64:15


    What a special month this has been thus far! Last week, you got to meet my oldest son, Luke. This week, I'm sitting down with my middle son, Brady Durkin, and I can't wait for you to hear this conversation. Brady is entering his senior year at High Point University (NC), pursuing his passion for media production, film, and storytelling. But this episode goes way beyond cameras, movies, and books. It's about purpose. It's about discipline. It's about creating something that matters. I's about learning to stay present while chasing big dreams. As Melanie and I prepare to become empty nesters, these conversations with my kids have become even more meaningful, and I pray they encourage you as much as they've inspired me. In true IMPACT SHOW podcast fashion, we flip the script halfway through the episode, and Brady turns the microphone around to interview me with some deep, thought-provoking questions. Let's just say...he definitely didn't go easy on his dad! In this episode, you'll hear: Why Brady believes stories have the power to change lives How and why he's pursuing a career in film production and creative storytelling The incredible experience of working behind the scenes on the upcoming Christmas film All That Glitters at Christmas Lessons learned from director Paul Joyner about servant leadership and caring for people The story behind Brady's first novel, Lesser, and what inspired him to write over 70,000 words while balancing college life Why consistency—not perfection—is the key to accomplishing big dreams The importance of staying present instead of constantly worrying about the future How discipline is built one day, one decision, and one small win at a time Brady's vision for graduate school, filmmaking, and creating stories that leave a lasting impact Our favorite family memories—from Disneyland to Europe—and why those moments matter more than ever Brady's honest questions for me about regrets, work-life balance, coaching, leadership, and dreaming big My advice for young leaders about networking, taking action, and putting your work out into the world before it's "perfect" Why your purpose is discovered by doing—not waiting One of the things I admire most about Brady is that he's never been afraid to walk his own path. He's a deep thinker, an incredible storyteller, and someone who genuinely wants to use his gifts to make people better. Whether it's through film, writing, or simply serving the people around him, I believe God has incredible things in store for him. As you listen today, I hope you're reminded that your dreams do matter—but so does today's work. Stay faithful to the process. Stay present. Keep showing up. And don't be afraid to create the thing that's been stirring in your heart. You never know how God will use it. If this episode encouraged you, would you please do me a favor? Share it with a friend or family member, post it on social media, and be sure to leave a five-star review. Your support helps us continue reaching more people with messages that inspire, encourage, and create impact. Please tag Brady & I at: IG: @ToddDurkin @BradyDurkinCreates Note: Don't miss next week's episode as we wrap up our special family series with my daughter, McKenna! ************ Would you like to become a Motivational Speaker (local or national)? FREE WEBINAR on Thursday August 13th. SEE BELOW… Please join me for an exclusive, LIVE on ZOOM webinar that I will be personally leading on Thursday August 13th at 11 am PST/2 pm EST. If you're ready to... Gain clarity on your message and purpose. Become a more confident and compelling communicator. Learn how to build a speaking business and personal brand. Master the strategies that create unforgettable presentations. Use your voice to inspire, serve, and change lives... ...then I invite you to join me for a FREE "Become a Motivational Speaker" Webinar on Thursday, August 13th at 11 am PST/2 pm EST. SIGN-UP TODAY!! (If you are not on LIVE, I will still give you access to the recording but you MUST sign- up…)

    On Your Terms
    How My Productivity Killed My Creativity [Summer Read-Aloud]

    On Your Terms

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 10:14


    We've lost the plot when it comes to creating content. In this week's summer read-aloud, I share a personal essay on how my own productivity systems, batching, optimizing, and keeping up with an AI fueled content arms race, ended up killing my creativity.So kick back, pop in your headphones, maybe go for a walk, and let's talk about why being productive and being creative aren't always the same thing.In this episode, you'll hear…Why I'm running low on content ideas for the first time in a decade, and what that taught meHow my 2026 "gap year" backfired into more batching and pressure instead of the spaciousness I wantedThe real cost of optimizing everything, and why productivity can quietly kill creativityWhy AI is making the content arms race worse, not betterWhat actually refills my creative well, and why living your life is the best content strategy there isClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Subscribe to Sam's SubstackRead today's essay How my productivity killed my creativityGet Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarIf you have a question you'd like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's SubstackTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

    The Sales Life with Marsh Buice
    How to Solve Problems When You Feel Stuck

    The Sales Life with Marsh Buice

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 14:22 Transcription Available


    Episode 1020: In this episode, I want to challenge the way you think about imagination.Most people hear that word and immediately think of artists, filmmakers, inventors, or people who are naturally creative. And because they don't see themselves that way, they assume imagination just isn't one of their strengths.I don't believe that.Napoleon Hill calls imagination “the workshop of the human mind.” That definition changes everything. Imagination isn't fantasy. It's the ability to take old ideas, established facts, past experiences, mistakes, skills, and lessons and put them together in new combinations.That matters when you feel stuck.Sometimes the problem isn't that you need more information, more money, more time, or another opportunity. Sometimes you need to stop treating the facts of your situation like permanent limitations and start asking a better question:What else can I build with what I already have?I also share one simple practice I use to keep that workshop active: a few minutes of random reading to introduce new ideas and create new connections.Your experience is inventory. Your failures are inventory. Your old ideas are inventory.The workshop is already there.This episode is about learning how to use it again so you can see more possibilities, solve problems differently, and get moving when you feel stuck.Keep it simple. Keep it moving. Never settle. Stay tough.TEXT ME!Support the show

    Igniting Courage with Anne Bonney
    Stop Trying to Solve Your Life (Start Discovering It) | Dr. Kelsey Miles

    Igniting Courage with Anne Bonney

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 49:55 Transcription Available


    Have you ever worked your butt off to build the life you thought you wanted...only to get there and think,  "...Wait. Is this it?"Dr. Kelsey Miles (https://www.drkelseymiles.com)  knows that feeling firsthand.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/K83AKk4gm7kAfter earning a PhD in chemistry, she walked away from the career she'd spent years building to become a touring blues musician. Today, she's somehow both and she's discovered that science and creativity aren't opposites at all.In this fascinating conversation, we explore why so many of us treat life like a problem to solve instead of an experiment to run, how curiosity beats certainty, and why the scientific method might be one of the best tools for navigating change, uncertainty, and personal growth.If you've ever felt stuck, questioned your path, or wondered whether you're becoming the person you actually want to be, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Dancing in the Discomfort Zone03:10 From Chemistry to Music: A Journey of Self-Discovery05:48 The Power of Music in Healing08:57 Finding Common Ground Through Music11:54 The Intersection of Science and Art15:04 Embracing Change and New Opportunities23:10 Redefining Success and Personal Discovery30:09 Embracing Change and Continuous Growth37:04 Navigating Discomfort and Life's Challenges44:59 The Science of Experimentation in LifeWant more from Dr Kelsey?https://www.drkelseymiles.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/iamkelseymileshttps://www.youtube.com/@iamkelseymileshttps://www.instagram.com/iamkelseymileshttps://www.facebook.com/iamkelseymiles Dr. Kelsey Miles invites audiences to stop treating life like a problem to solve and start approaching it as something to discover. Through live science and live music, she shows people how to read the signal, cut through the noise, and make decisions that feel more aligned with who they are becoming. She is the 2026 Professor of the Year at Avila University in Kansas City.Anne Bonney is a keynote speaker and emcee who helps organizations lead through change by building resilience, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication.

    AFOLs Welcome: A Lego Podcast
    Is LEGO Losing Its Creativity? - AFOLs Welcome: Episode 110

    AFOLs Welcome: A Lego Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 94:44


    In this week's episode, Grinch and Cat are discussing LEGO and creativity.  Specifically, is LEGO losing its creativity? And if it is, is this a bad thing? In some ways it feels more creative than ever before, but in others ways less. Join in the discussion in the comments.    Socials: https://www.instagram.com/afols_welcome/ https://www.youtube.com/@AFOLsWelcome https://www.tiktok.com/@afols.welcome https://bleav.com/shows/afols-welcome-a-lego-podcast/   Episode Timestamps: 0:00 - 7:51Intro / Brick Banter  7:51 - 24:05 Exciting Lego News 24:05 - 1:19:53 Today's Topic 1:19:53 - 1:34:44  Brick-Mail   The music we use in our show is our own, please inquire for questions.    About AFOL's Welcome: AFOLs Welcome is a weekly podcast where co-host Grinch and Cat have discussions about the brick built world of LEGO. Join us as we dive deep into hot topics, LEGO themes, and more from the perspective of two adult fans of Lego.    If you would like to reach out to the podcast and be featured in an episode please email us at AFOLsWelcome@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram at AFOLs Welcome.    Reviews and constructive polite feedback are strongly encouraged. Please review, like, or subscribe wherever you find yourself listening to our show!    As always thank you for listening and we'll catch you on the next one!   Please Note: LEGO is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Fluent Fiction - Catalan
    Finding Inspiration: Oriol's Tale of Creativity and Courage

    Fluent Fiction - Catalan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 18:35 Transcription Available


    Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Finding Inspiration: Oriol's Tale of Creativity and Courage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-08-10-22-34-01-ca Story Transcript:Ca: El sol brillava intensament a la Plaça Major.En: The sun shone brightly in Plaça Major.Ca: Era la festa de la Mare de Déu d'Agost, i tot el poble estava ple de vida i color.En: It was the festival of Mare de Déu d'Agost, and the whole town was brimming with life and color.Ca: Les banderoles onejaven amb la brisa estiuenca i les olors de les delícies catalanes, com les coques i les botifarres, omplien l'aire.En: The flags fluttered in the summer breeze, and the scents of Catalan delicacies, like coques and botifarres, filled the air.Ca: Oriol, un jove artesà, havia muntat el seu estand prop de la font antiga, intentant venedors de ceràmica.En: Oriol, a young craftsman, had set up his stall near the old fountain, attempting to sell ceramics.Ca: Les seves mans treballaven amb habilitat sobre l'argila, però el cor li bategava amb impaciència i nerviosisme.En: His hands worked skillfully over the clay, but his heart beat with impatience and nervousness.Ca: Oriol lluitava amb ell mateix.En: Oriol struggled with himself.Ca: Sabia que la seva feina era bona, però el dubte s'instal·lava dins seu.En: He knew his work was good, but doubt crept inside him.Ca: Sempre havien estat els altres expositors, amb anys d'experiència, qui captivaven l'atenció del públic.En: It had always been the other exhibitors, with years of experience, who captivated the audience's attention.Ca: Els seus treballs es trobaven en una cantonada poc transitada de la plaça, i això li feia por.En: His works were located in a less-traveled corner of the square, and this frightened him.Ca: Però Oriol no volia rendir-se.En: But Oriol didn't want to give up.Ca: Va decidir fer demostracions en directe del seu art per atreure compradors.En: He decided to do live demonstrations of his art to attract buyers.Ca: Amb fermesa, va col·locar la seva taula de treball al mig i va començar a modelar.En: With determination, he placed his worktable in the middle and began to sculpt.Ca: La gent es parava, observant amb interès.En: People stopped, watching with interest.Ca: Oriol, absorbit en el seu art, gairebé no va notar la presència de Núria i Pere, dos veïns molt respectats al poble.En: Oriol, absorbed in his art, almost didn't notice the presence of Núria and Pere, two very respected locals in the town.Ca: Però just aleshores, el seu torn giri va fer un grinyol esgarrifós i va parar sobtadament.En: But just then, his potter's wheel let out a chilling screech and suddenly stopped.Ca: La màquina havia deixat de funcionar.En: The machine had stopped working.Ca: Oriol es va quedar immòbil per un moment, les mans suspeses en l'aire.En: Oriol stood motionless for a moment, his hands suspended in the air.Ca: El seu primer impuls va ser rendir-se, però llavors va recordar el desig ardent de triomfar.En: His first impulse was to give up, but then he remembered his burning desire to succeed.Ca: Amb determinació, es va agenollar i va començar a arreglar el torn.En: With determination, he knelt down and began to fix the wheel.Ca: Les seves mans van treballar febrils i, finalment, després d'uns minuts que van semblar eterns, la màquina va tornar a la vida.En: His hands worked feverishly, and finally, after a few minutes that seemed eternal, the machine came back to life.Ca: L'audiència, que havia estat observant plenament atenta, va esclatar en aplaudiments.En: The audience, which had been watching intently, burst into applause.Ca: Entre els que aplaudien estaven Núria i Pere, que, impressionats pel coratge d'Oriol, es van apropar per parlar amb ell.En: Among those applauding were Núria and Pere, who, impressed by Oriol's courage, approached to speak with him.Ca: Van lloar el seu talent i van comprar diversos articles del seu estand.En: They praised his talent and bought several items from his stall.Ca: Els dos van prometre parlar amb els amics i familiars sobre la qualitat del seu treball.En: They both promised to tell friends and family about the quality of his work.Ca: Amb el suport d'aquests dos influents vilatans, altres també es van sentir atrets.En: With the support of these two influential townspeople, others also felt drawn.Ca: Oriol va començar a vendre peces amb una nova confiança.En: Oriol began to sell pieces with newfound confidence.Ca: Va entendre que la seva passió i la seva determinació podien portar-lo lluny, fins i tot quan les coses no anaven com ell esperava.En: He understood that his passion and determination could take him far, even when things didn't go as he expected.Ca: Els somriures dels compradors li donaren una nova esperança.En: The smiles of the buyers gave him new hope.Ca: La Plaça Major, sota aquell sol estival radiant, va presenciar el naixement d'un artesà digne de reconeixement.En: Plaça Major, under that radiant summer sun, witnessed the birth of a craftsman worthy of recognition.Ca: Oriol havia trobat la seva veu i, amb ella, el seu lloc.En: Oriol had found his voice and, with it, his place. Vocabulary Words:the festival: la festathe craftsman: l'artesàthe stall: l'estandthe fountain: la fontthe clay: l'argilaskillfully: amb habilitatthe doubt: el dubtethe exhibitors: els expositorsto captivate: captivarthe audience: l'audiènciato frighten: fer porto give up: rendir-sedetermination: la determinacióthe worktable: la taula de treballto sculpt: modelarabsorbed: absorbitrespected: respectatthe potter's wheel: el torn girichilling: esgarrifósmotionless: immòbilto succeed: triomfarthe impulse: l'impulsfeverishly: febrilmenteternal: eternthe applause: els aplaudimentscourage: el coratgeto praise: lloirto burst: esclatarinfluential: influentnewfound: nova

    The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style
    No. 32 — Catching Creativity: Un Moment de Méditation

    The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2026 6:25


    Find the text for this mini-episode on The Simply Luxurious Life - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/moment32

    The Daily Dad
    Your Kids Might Be the Key to Your Creativity | Austin Kleon

    The Daily Dad

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026 14:57


    Kids approach creativity with a freedom most adults have forgotten. In this episode, Ryan talks with bestselling author Austin Kleon about why having children can enrich your creative life, finding time for creative work, and why parenting and creativity do not have to compete with each other.Austin Kleon is a writer, author, artist, speaker, and blogger. He is most known for his New York Times bestselling books Steal Like An Artist:10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, Show Your Work!, Keep Going, Steal Like An Artist Journal, Newspaper Blackout, and now his new book: Don't Call It Art: 10 Ways To Create Like A Kid Again

    The CPG Guys
    Newell Brands' Nick Hammitt - Live from Cannes Lions 2026

    The CPG Guys

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026 36:27 Transcription Available


    The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Nick Hannity, CMO at Newell Brands, a major American global consumer and commercial products conglomerate. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company manufactures, markets, and distributes over 50 well-known brands across three core segments: Home & Commercial Solutions, Learning & Development, and Outdoor & Recreation.This episode was recorded in France at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Follow Nick Hammitt on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-hammitt-2491a1/Follow Newell Brands online at: https://www.newellbrands.com/Nick answers these questions:Chris told us at CAGNY and then again on the podcast that Newell's digital content output increased 500% in 2025 with the same headcount. As CMO, walk us through what that transformation actually felt like inside the marketing organization — was it exhilarating, terrifying, or both?We're sitting here at Cannes Lions, the global festival of creativity. There's a real tension in our industry right now between AI-generated content at scale and genuinely breakthrough creative work. How does Newell think about that balance — and does AI make your creative better or just faster?Chris described Newell's "Inogen" platform — digital AI personas built on consumer segments that function as always-on focus groups. As CMO, how are you actually using those in briefing and campaign development, and how much do you trust them versus traditional research?Chris was incredibly sharp on the shift from SEO to GEO — optimizing content for LLMs rather than search engines. What does that mean practically for how your brand and content teams are now being briefed and structured?Given the scale of what Newell is building internally on AI, how has your relationship with your agency partners evolved? Are they keeping pace with where you are internally, or are you finding yourself ahead of them?Chris mentioned that retailers are actually coming to Newell and asking to be taught what you're doing with AI. That's a remarkable reversal of the traditional power dynamic. How are you as CMO leveraging that credibility in your joint business planning conversations?You're here at Cannes Lions surrounded by the best creative and marketing minds in the world. It's your first time here. What are you here to learn or solve? And what's the one conversation you're hoping to have this week that you can't have anywhere else?Chris talked about younger employees being hungry for AI training and threatening to leave if they don't get it. From a marketing talent perspective, what does the ideal marketer at Newell look like today versus three years ago, and how are you recruiting and developing for that?If the Chris Peterson episode was the enterprise AI masterclass, what's the one chapter you'd add that he didn't cover — the CMO's perspective that doesn't necessarily get told when the CEO is in the room?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

    Heart 2 Talk Podcast
    Clarity Before Creativity: Building Brands with Jeannine Sharp Mason

    Heart 2 Talk Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026 34:15 Transcription Available


    In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Jeannine Sharp Mason, founder of J9 Brandworks. We explore what it really takes to build a brand with clarity, intention, and purpose—far beyond just a logo.Jeannine shares her journey from corporate marketing and creative leadership to launching her own boutique consultancy. We talk about why clarity comes before creativity, how storytelling shapes a memorable brand, and why consistency across every touchpoint matters.We also explore strategic partnerships, visibility, career transitions, and the courage to trust the skills you have already earned. Jeannine opens up about how her daughter's cancer journey deepened her commitment to community, philanthropy, and purpose.This episode is for founders, creatives, athletes, and anyone ready to stop blending in and build a brand that reflects who they truly are.Connect with Jeannine Sharp MasonWebsite: j9brandworks.comInstagram: @j9masonEpisode Sponsor: Kimberly WitortBook your As You Are session:  https://kimberlywitort.com/asyouarebooking https://kimberlywitort.com/ @kimberlywitorphotagrapherSupport the show

    Now I've Heard Everything
    The Myth of "Normal": A Neurodivergent Mom Championing Neurodivergent Kids

    Now I've Heard Everything

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2026 32:41


    In this episode of *Now I've Heard Everything*, host Bill Thompson sits down with author, law professor, and creative writing instructor **Katie Rose Pryal** to discuss her book, *Your Kid Belongs Here: An Insider's Guide to Parenting Neurodiverse Children* (Johns Hopkins University Press). Drawing from her personal journey of growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and autism, as well as her experiences raising two neurodivergent children, Pryal examines the systematic exclusion of neurodivergent youth from public life—and how we can rebuild environments where every child thrives. Together, they explore the nuance between identity-first and person-first language, why neurodivergence shouldn't be reduced to a "superpower" or a deficit, and practical guidelines for parenting publicly without compromising a child's dignity or privacy.Get your copy of Your Kid Belongs Here by Katie Rose PryalAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters:00:35 Who Is the Book For? 00:55 Personal Experience with Neurodivergence 03:11 Origins of the Book: Essays and Society 04:35 Systematic Exclusion of Neurodivergent Kids 06:12 The Evolution of Neurodiversity in Public Discourse 08:10 Language: Autist vs. Person with Autism 09:42 The Strengths and Struggles of Neurodivergence 11:43 Neurodivergence and Creativity 13:09 Diagnosis Challenges for Adults 15:03 Supporting Strengths and Acknowledging Struggles 16:43 Identity-First vs. Person-First Language 20:00 Parenting Rules and Social Media 22:45 Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Society 24:39 Reflections on Parenting and SocietyGuest InformationKatie Rose PryalWebsiteSocial:YouTube Facebook Instagram1995 Barack Obama interviewFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on:Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube

    Yoga Girl Daily
    Stoking Your Creativity for Self-Care

    Yoga Girl Daily

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 4:09


    Keeping our inner fire and creativity stoked is a form of self-care that we should never neglect. Today's episode offers you a practice that will help you forget your to-do list and the problems in your life, be present in your body, and just create. It will ignite that inner spark of creativity and the fun of making something just for the sake of making it. You will get out there and create some art. Tune in as Rachel shares exactly how to do it.

    Threedom
    Comedy Bang! Bang! Live In Seattle, WA 2016

    Threedom

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 98:57


    As Them Threedom Boys take a short hiatus, they give you a treat to tide you over: Live Comedy Bang! Bang! performance from Seattle May 25, 2016 - featuring Scott Aukerman, Paul F. Tompkins as Gary Marshall, Lauren Lapkus as Carmela Pointe, Mike Hanford as owner of the Gummy Bright Candy Factory Peter Finn and Tim Baltz as EVP of Creativity at LinkedIn Tom Boreman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Daily Boost | Coaching You Need. Success You Deserve.

    Daily Boost Podcast Why You Should Skip Vacation August 6, 2026 | Episode 5514 Host: Scott Smith Episode Description I skipped my vacation this year. Everybody disappeared over the 4th of July, and instead of going with them, I told everyone I'd be out of town, stayed home, and wrote a book. Best vacation I never took. Seven days later I had 30,000 words — not because I got smarter, but because I finally got quiet enough to hear what was already inside me. Today I'll show you what's really hiding behind your calendar, and how one dense day of discovery can outproduce months and months of busy work. Featured Story The morning I started, I had no idea what I was going to write. I headed out the door to walk my dogs, an idea popped into my head, and I hit record on my watch. Then I forgot it was running. It recorded me at the gym. It recorded two guys pushing back on my stories and feeding me ideas. It recorded me talking to myself on the drive home. Two hours and eight minutes of everything I said. I ran it through transcription, sat down, and fought with it for about six hours. That accidental recording became the base of the entire book outline — and seven days later, the book was nearly finished. Important Points Your best work isn't hiding from you. It's waiting behind your calendar, buried under everyone else's appointments. Clearing the runway matters more than getting smarter. Quiet is what lets you hear what's already inside of you. One wide open day of discovery can produce more than months of busy work. Creativity shows up when you make space. Memorable Quotes I didn't get smarter that week. I finally got quiet enough to hear what was already inside of me. I just made space. Your best work is not hiding from you. It is waiting behind your calendar — behind your boss, your clients, your stuff. Skip a vacation for something you really want, and you'll have more energy than you ever thought was possible. Scott's Three-Step Approach Clear the runway completely — tell everyone you're gone, go quiet, and protect one wide open week or even one day. Capture what shows up in the space. Hit record, talk it out, walk the dogs, and let your brain finally speak up. Sit down with what you captured and fight it onto paper for six dense hours. The outline will show up as you work. Chapters 0:16 - The official vacation I skipped this year 0:59 - Deciding the book had to get done right now 2:59 - My watch recorded two hours of pure gold 4:02 - Thirty thousand words in just seven days 4:44 - Your best work hides behind your calendar 5:32 - Nobody missed me, and the world kept spinning 7:12 - What you need now is a dense day of discovery Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices