Talor Stewart is a licensed architect with more than 25 years of experience and the author of the #1 bestselling book Conscious Home Design, which has reached the top of the charts in seven countries. An award-winning architect, Talor specializes in single- and multi-family homes as well as intentional communities, working with clients across the United States and select international locations.

Talor's Website

@conscioushomedesign on Instagram

Talor's Facebook page

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talorstewart/

Over the past two decades, Talor has developed the Conscious Home Design (CHD) philosophy and system—an approach that helps people understand how their homes can actively support wellbeing, relationships, and personal growth. In addition to his design practice, he teaches and certifies other designers and architects in the CHD method, empowering them to bring these life-changing principles to clients everywhere.

Talor’s work expands the familiar mind-body connection to include the built environment, helping people—whether they own or rent—make simple, meaningful changes that uplift daily life.

1) What Really Makes a Good Life?

Talor, you often reference long-term research on happiness. What does the research—especially the Harvard Study on Adult Happiness—tell us about what actually helps people thrive as they age, and how did that insight influence your approach to home design?

2) Relationships, By Design

One of the exercises in your workbook is about three different types of relationships that are essential to our wellbeing. Can you break those down for us—and explain how the bones of our homes can either support or undermine those relationships?

3) From Maslow to the Floor Plan

When you’re thinking about what a home truly needs to provide, what framework do you use? How does Maslow’s hierarchy of needs translate into your concept of the nine essential spaces, and why does that matter whether someone lives in a house or a small apartment?

4) The “Sunny Window Effect”

You’ve coined the term sunny window effect. What is it, and why does access to sunlight have such a powerful influence on motivation, mood, and daily behavior?

5) Small Shifts, Big Impact

For listeners who may not be building a new home—or who rent—what are a few small, practical changes they can make right now to shift their environment and, in turn, shift their life?

If someone listening today wants to start living more intentionally—but feels overwhelmed—what’s one simple step they can take this week to let their home support them more fully?

What could we do to start making a “Creative Room: Express Yourself! Making Room for Creativity”?

Pallavi Ridout is an executive leadership coach, keynote speaker, facilitator, and emcee who helps leaders unlock confidence, clarity, and purpose. After a 20-year corporate career, she stepped into her calling full-time—guiding individuals and teams through her signature work, Leading a Life of No Regrets.

And outside of leadership development, Pallavi is a global traveler who has visited 30 countries—including an “Around the World in 80 Days” adventure with her son—and she even competes in pool championships.

Pallavi's Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallaviridout

Book: https://a.co/d/2FcPIoy

1) The Pivot: From Corporate Success to No Regrets

Pallavi, you had a 20-year corporate career across global industries—entertainment, internet, aerospace—and then made the bold decision to build your own path. What was the moment—or season—that made you decide: “I’m going to lead a life of no regrets”?

2) Confidence + Clarity: The Foundation of Creative Leadership

A lot of creatives struggle with visibility—speaking up, owning their value, pitching ideas, asking for opportunities. When you coach leaders, what are the most common confidence blockers you see… and what’s one practical way people can start building confidence quickly?

3) Executive Presence Without “Performing”

You specialize in executive presence, emotional intelligence, and communication. How do you help leaders develop executive presence in a way that feels authentic—especially for thoughtful, introverted, or highly creative people who don’t want to feel like they’re “acting” in professional settings?

4) Turning Loss Into Leadership: Your Chapter in Lives Lost and Leadership Found

You’re a contributing author to Lives Lost and Leadership Found, a powerful collection where leaders reflect on how grief, loss, and “special somebodies” shape our capacity to lead. What inspired you to contribute your story—and what did the writing process unlock for you personally or professionally? And what was it like being part of a multi-author collection where so many voices are transforming loss into leadership wisdom?

5) Purpose, Courage, and Community Impact

You devote 25% of your work to purpose-driven efforts that strengthen communities and amplify unheard voices. How do you personally stay grounded in purpose while also growing a business—and what does “living with no regrets” look like in real life, not just as a keynote theme?

If someone listening today is ready to lead with more courage—but they’ve been hesitating—what’s one small step they can take in the next 24 hours to move toward a life of no regrets?

Today, I’m joined by Adrienne Shoch, Founder of 5 to 1 Consulting. Adrienne brings more than 25 years of global experience in communication-focused leadership and team development. Her work blends communication science, positive leadership, neuroscience, and awareness practices to help leaders and teams create meaningful, lasting change.

Adrienne's Website

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-shoch/

Book: https://a.co/d/be0u3kH

Adrienne has led Thales University North America, managed HR across Europe as an expatriate for CGI/AMS, consulted for the World Bank, facilitated at Wharton Executive Education, and guest lectured at Salisbury University and UNC Asheville.

She’s authored a business case quantifying something staggering: the $1.2 trillion annual cost of poor communication in U.S. businesses.

She also recently contributed a chapter to the new book Lives Lost and Leadership Found

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-shoch/

1) Why Conversation Quality Is a Competitive Advantage

Adrienne, you’ve made a bold claim that conversational excellence isn’t a “soft skill”—it’s a hard business driver with measurable impact.

Where do most organizations underestimate the cost of poor communication, and what’s the most surprising consequence you’ve seen play out in the real world?

2) The $1.2 Trillion Problem

You quantified the annual cost of poor workplace communication at $1.2 trillion in the U.S.—that’s not a rounding error, that’s a national business crisis.

What are the biggest “hidden drains” that create that number—misalignment, rework, turnover, conflict, decision delays—and what do leaders need to start measuring differently?

3) Trust, Awareness, and Generative Conversations

A lot of leaders think communication means: “I said it clearly.”

But your work focuses on trust, verbal awareness, and high-quality generative conversations.

What are the key ingredients of a truly great conversation inside a team—and what habits immediately kill trust and connection?

4) The Human Side: Loss, Compassion, and Leadership Growth

You also wrote a chapter in Lives Lost and Leadership Found called:

“A Journey through Compassion, Transformation, and the Practice of Letting Go.”

How does loss reshape a leader’s ability to listen, relate, and communicate—and what does it look like to lead with compassion without losing performance and accountability?

5) A Practical Path Forward for Leaders and Teams

If a leader is listening right now thinking, “This is us—we’ve got meetings, we’ve got Slack, we’ve got email… but we don’t have real conversations,” where should they start?

What are 2–3 simple practices teams can implement this week to improve conversational competence and build a healthier culture—fast?

Adrienne, what’s one reminder you want every leader to carry into their next conversation—something simple, practical, and transformative?

Matt's Website

@5k50ss on Instagram

Matt's Facebook page

Matt's Facebook group

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-harmody-97988311/

He currently serves as Board Chair of the National Kidney Donation Organization, is a founding member of the Coalition to Modify NOTA, and has just released a remarkable new book, Ascending America: Five Kidney Donors, Fifty States, One Record-Breaking Journey. The book chronicles an extraordinary feat—summiting the highest point in all fifty states in record time—while carrying a much bigger message about courage, health, and the power of giving.

1. From the ER to Altruism in Action
2. Matt, you spent years as an emergency physician—trained to assess risk, act fast, and save lives under pressure. What first inspired you to donate a kidney to a stranger, and how did that single decision redirect the course of your life?
3. Donor Myths vs. Reality
4. Many people believe kidney donation is dangerous, permanently limiting, or something only done for family. What surprised you most—physically and emotionally—about living with one kidney, and what do you wish the public understood about life after donation?
5. Climbing for a Cause
6. Ascending America documents your team’s Guinness World Record journey summiting the highest point in every state. How did this extreme physical challenge become a platform for kidney donation advocacy—and what moments on that journey stayed with you the most?
7. The Science of Selflessness
8. You’ve spoken about the neuroscience behind altruism. From your perspective, what does science tell us about why people give so selflessly—and how might understanding that help normalize and expand living kidney donation?
9. Changing the System, Not Just the Story
10. Beyond individual donors, you’re working to change federal policy through efforts to modify the National Organ Transplant Act. What needs to change to eliminate the kidney waitlist—and how can everyday people support this mission?

Matt, after everything you’ve experienced—as a physician, a donor, an athlete, and an advocate—what do you hope people take away about courage, health, and the power of giving?

Greg's Website

Greg on YouTube

@ultraleadership on Instagram

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggiuliano/

In this book, Greg challenges traditional command-and-control leadership and offers a practical alternative: coaching. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, he introduces the GR8 Coaching Framework, a set of eight powerful questions designed to help leaders shift from being expert problem-solvers to facilitators of ownership, engagement, and real change.

1. Why This Book, and Why Now?
2. Greg, let’s start at the beginning. What experiences or patterns in your leadership and coaching work prompted you to write Coaching for (a) Change? What problem were you seeing leaders struggle with most?
3. From Manager to Coach
4. You talk about the need for leaders to shift from “manager” to “coach.” What does that shift really mean in day-to-day leadership—and why does the old command-and-control model fall short?
5. Ultra Leadership vs. Traditional Leadership
6. You distinguish between traditional leadership and what you call Ultra Leadership. How are they different, and what behaviors separate leaders who engage and empower people from those who unintentionally shut them down?
7. The Power of Coaching (and the Misconceptions)
8. Many leaders say they don’t have time to coach—or that coaching is soft or optional. Why is coaching actually a critical leadership skill today, and what are the biggest misconceptions leaders have about it?
9. The GR8 Coaching Framework
10. Let’s get practical. Walk us through the GR8 Coaching questions. How do these questions help leaders kick the “expert problem-solver” habit and activate ownership, accountability, and change?

For leaders listening right now who want to start coaching for change—but don’t know where to begin—what’s one question they can ask this week that would immediately shift how their people show up?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, you can download a free copy of my e-book A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Sophia's Website

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiakristjansson/

With more than 25 years of experience guiding organizations through growth, change, and transformation, Sophia works closely with leadership teams to restore clarity, align people and process, and build traction when momentum starts to stall. She also teaches graduate courses in business strategy and organizational transformation at the University of Denver

She’s a contributing author to Lives Lost and Leadership Found, edited by Ian Ziskin—who joined us a few episodes back.

1. Why Strategy Fails at the Finish Line
2. Sophia, many organizations have smart strategies—but struggle with execution. From your experience, where do things most often break down between intention and action?
3. Closing the Strategy–Execution Gap
4. At Lexicon Lens, your work centers on alignment, collaboration, and leadership development. What are the first signs you look for that tell you a team is losing traction—and how do you help them regain momentum? Sophia shares these six signs:
5. Misaligned success signals – Leaders focus on the wrong metrics, missing what truly indicates performance or risk.
6. Organizational silos – Limited cross-functional visibility creates blind spots that hide emerging problems.
7. Communication mistaken for clarity – Sending emails or memos is assumed to solve issues, without ensuring understanding or follow-through.
8. Execution problems misdiagnosed – Symptoms are addressed instead of root causes, leading to recurring issues.
9. Outdated mental models – Leaders rely on old assumptions and ways of thinking without realizing they no longer fit current realities.
10. Human risk ignored – The people impact (capacity, morale, alignment, burnout) is not surfaced or discussed openly.
11. These six signals indicate leaders may not be seeing the real problem. Bringing leaders together to surface these blind spots enables shared understanding, innovation, and collaboration—often prompting the realization that the issue isn’t execution alone, but perception and alignment.
12. Turning Ideas into Action in Complex Environments
13. Leaders today are navigating constant change, competing priorities, and growing complexity. What practical frameworks or habits help leaders move from analysis paralysis to decisive action?
14. Lessons from “Lives Lost and Leadership Found”
15. You contributed to Lives Lost and Leadership Found, a book that explores how personal loss and reflection can deepen leadership capacity. How did that experience shape—or reinforce—your perspective on leadership, resilience, and execution?
16. Teaching the Next Generation of Leaders
17. You teach graduate students in business strategy and organizational transformation. What do you see emerging leaders getting right—and where do they most need to develop skills to lead effectively in today’s organizations?

For leaders listening right now who feel stuck between a clear vision and uneven execution—what’s one small, meaningful step they can take this week to move forward?

ROBERT's Website

ROBERT on YouTube

From hot tub manufacturing to founding the beloved Redwood Café in Modesto, to leading Redwood Café Tours across Europe, Asia, and Oceania, Bob’s career is a living case study in adaptability, optimism, and grit.

He’s also the author of the book Don’t Look Down! The Improbable Adventures and Battle-Tested Lessons of a Serial Entrepreneur, where he shares candid lessons learned from a lifetime of figuring it out as he went. Bob has his own entrepreneurship podcast, continuing his mission to share what really happens behind the scenes of business building.

1. A Lifetime of Reinvention

Bob, you’ve built businesses in very different industries—from manufacturing to hospitality to aviation. Looking back over 40 years, what allowed you to keep reinventing yourself rather than getting stuck in one version of success?

2. Risk, Fear, and the Title “Don’t Look Down!”

Your book title says a lot. Don’t Look Down! suggests both courage and consequence. How have you learned to take risks without being reckless—and what’s one moment when looking down might have stopped you if you’d let it?

3. Building Places That Connect People

Redwood Café became more than a restaurant—it became a community hub, and now it’s evolved into Redwood Café Tours around the world. What do you think makes an experience or a business truly memorable to people? (Bob recommends two books. “Moments of Truth: How the SAS President and CEO Adapted to the New Customer-Driven Economy” by Jan Carlzon. “Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business” by Danny Meyer.)

4. Lessons Earned the Hard Way

Your book promises “battle-tested lessons,” not theory. What are one or two hard-earned truths about entrepreneurship that you wish more people understood before they start their first venture?

5. What’s Next—and Why Keep Going?

You’re still expanding into real estate and aircraft leasing, writing books, and launching a podcast. What keeps you energized at this stage—and what advice would you give to entrepreneurs who wonder if it’s too late to start something new?

Bob, if you could leave our listeners with one mindset or principle that’s helped you navigate uncertainty over four decades, what would it be?

Teamwork.

When creative outcomes depend on dozens—or even hundreds—of contributors, how do you align vision, manage complexity, and still leave room for magic?

Today’s Panelists

1. Michael Robinson — Hotel & Hospitality Operations Leader
2. Diego Pulido — Lead UX Designer, Amazon (formerly Google, Walmart, Adobe, JPMorganChase)
3. Matt McLean — Organic Consumer Juice Brand Founder
4. Tom Bairstow — Event, Concert Production & Immersive Visual Experiences
5. Rich Magallanes — Children’s & Animated Content Producer
6. Steven Puri — Focus app creator, ex-studio exec/producer Fox, DreamWorks, Sony

Together, they share real-world lessons from film sets, animation studios, hospitality teams, live events, consumer brands, and product design at scale.

In This Episode, We Explore:

1. Creativity as a Team Sport. What great collaboration actually looks like across industries—and why creativity doesn’t happen in isolation.
2. Aligning Vision Across Many Contributors. How leaders communicate creative direction clearly when working with writers, designers, engineers, performers, vendors, and operational teams.
3. Conflict, Constraints & Creative Breakthroughs. How budget limits, timelines, technical requirements, and differing opinions can either block creativity—or unlock it.
4. Leadership in Collaborative Environments. What it means to lead when you’re not the only decision-maker, how to build trust quickly, and why delegation is essential for scale.
5. Practical Takeaways for Better Collaboration. From film crews to UX teams, each panelist shares what actually helps teams work better together—and what listeners can apply immediately.

Final Lightning Round

Each panelist shares one simple action listeners can take this week to become a better collaborator.

Huge thanks to our panelists. Be sure to connect with them.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-robinson-a6985735/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegopulido/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mclean-5507733/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombairstownorthhouse/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-magallanes-executive-producer-15290776/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity. It helps more creative leaders discover the show.

And come back next time, when we’ll sit down with another creative professional to explore how they get inspired, organize ideas, and turn imagination into impact.

New Book Announcement

Mark’s new book is coming soon.

UNLOCK Your World of Creativity: 6 Key Lessons Learned from More Than 250 Creatives Worldwide

Built from the first 250 conversations on the podcast, this book distills practical insights from founders, artists, designers, musicians, healers, strategists, and innovators around the globe.

Inside you’ll discover:

• how creative people get inspired

• how they organize ideas into action

• how they move through doubt, burnout, and uncertainty

• how they turn creativity into meaningful work and real-world impact

It’s designed to be practical, reflective, and encouraging—whether you’re leading a business, building a creative practice, or bringing a new idea into the world.

UNLOCK Your World of Creativity coming on Amazon.

Just search the full title or look for Mark Stinson.

Thanks for being part of this creative journey—and for supporting the podcast and the book.

Set during the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Fission explores love, ambition, secrecy, identity, and moral conflict at a moment when the world was being reshaped—both scientifically and emotionally.

Drawing on her parents’ lived experiences and her own deep understanding of relationships, Leslie brings a uniquely human lens to one of history’s most consequential chapters.

1. From Family Stories to Historical Fiction
2. Fission is rooted in the stories your parents told about life in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project. When did you first realize these personal memories could become a novel—and what shifted for you in turning family history into fiction?
3. Atomic Power and Emotional Fission
4. The title Fission works on so many levels—scientific, emotional, relational. How did you think about the parallel between splitting the atom and the fractures within marriage, identity, and moral responsibility?
5. Doris Friedman: Ambition, Identity, and Constraint
6. Doris is such a complex character—a young mother, a frustrated artist, a woman navigating marriage, ambition, antisemitism, and gender expectations in the 1940s. What drew you to tell the story through her eyes, and what does she represent to you?
7. Psychology, Secrecy, and Relationships Under Pressure
8. As a clinical psychologist, you’ve spent decades studying relationships, sexuality, and identity under stress. How did that background shape the way you portrayed marriage, desire, betrayal, and resilience in a world defined by secrecy and existential fear?
9. Moral Ambivalence and Legacy
10. By the end of the novel, Doris and Rob are left with pride, guilt, love, and doubt—having helped save the world and also put it at risk. What questions do you hope readers sit with after finishing Fission, especially as we think about scientific progress and ethical responsibility today?

As someone who returned to fiction after a long and impactful career in psychology and healthcare, what would you say to creatives who feel it may be ‘too late’ to return to an earlier calling?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tchristianhelms/

T. Christian's Website

Over the past 15 years, Christian has led creative strategy for beloved names like Jack Daniel’s, Hershey, Austin Beerworks, and Howler Brothers—helping them clarify their voice, tell authentic stories, and bring creative visions to life.

But what makes Christian’s creative journey especially powerful is the transformation behind the work. After years struggling with an undiagnosed illness, he rebuilt his life and his business using the same creative tools he teaches—clarity, storytelling, curiosity, and purpose. Today he helps companies and creators alike rediscover their creative spark and turn ideas into meaningful impact.

1. Rebuilding Through Creativity
2. Christian, your story includes a long period of illness and recovery—and ultimately a complete personal and creative reset. How did those challenges shape the way you think about creativity, purpose, and your role as a storyteller and brand builder?
3. The Spark of Curiosity and Play
4. You often talk about the importance of curiosity and play in breaking out of creative ruts. How do you intentionally bring curiosity into your process, both for yourself and for the brands you help shape?
5. Storytelling as Strategy
6. Your agency is known for helping brands find their soul and voice. What’s your approach to uncovering an authentic story—whether you're working with a global brand like Jack Daniel’s or an emerging creative business?
7. Rebuilding Creativity After Burnout
8. Many of our listeners have faced burnout, adversity, or seasons where their creative energy felt depleted. From your own journey, what have you learned about restoring creativity when the tank feels empty?
9. Creating Meaningful Impact
10. You’ve said that great design connects—and great stories endure. What does “impact” look like to you now? And how can today’s creators translate their ideas into work that actually makes a difference for others?

Christian, for creatives who are listening and may be at a crossroads—professionally, personally, or creatively—what’s one small step they can take today to reconnect with their creative spark?”

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters, fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, download your free e-book A World of Creativity, featuring insights and interviews from the podcast. Visit mark-stinson.com

Dennis's Website

Dennis on YouTube

@Poo_Welch on Instagram

Dennis's Facebook page

After recording an album in 2000, Dennis continued writing but went 18 years without releasing new music… until a single moment changed everything. When his longtime friend, Little River Band guitarist Rich Herring, heard one of Dennis’s songs, he offered to produce a single — which turned into an album, and then another, all landing on the first Grammy ballot in multiple categories.

His newest album, Strong, released this July, continues this extraordinary creative chapter. Dennis’s message is simple but powerful: Never give up. Keep creating. You never know what’s around the next corner.

1. A Renaissance at Sixty: Why Now?
2. Dennis, your story is such a powerful example of perseverance. After releasing an album in 2000, you kept writing but didn’t return to the studio for nearly two decades. What was happening creatively during those years — and what made this the right moment to reemerge?
3. The Song That Changed Everything
4. When Rich Herring heard one of your songs and offered to produce a single, it sparked an entire new era of your career. Tell us about that moment. What did you feel when you realized this might be the beginning of something big?
5. Storytelling as Your Legacy
6. You’ve said that if you could be remembered for just one word, it would be storyteller. How does storytelling show up in your songwriting today, and how has your perspective evolved across 500+ songs?
7. Three Albums, Two Grammy Ballots, and a Creative Surge
8. What Love Makes Us Do and If I Live to Be a Hundred both made the first Grammy ballot in five categories — and now you’ve released Strong. What themes, emotions, or experiences shaped this newest album?
9. Advice for Creatives Who Feel “It’s Too Late”
10. Your message is incredibly encouraging: Don’t ever give up. Tune out the naysayers. Do what you’re here for. What do you want other artists — especially those who feel their creative window is closing — to understand from your journey?

Dennis, if you could leave our listeners with one thought about sustaining creativity across a lifetime — what would it be?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners can enjoy 10% off your first order — just use the code CREATIVITY at checkout at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And don’t forget to download your free e-book, A World of Creativity — a collection of inspiring interviews from the podcast. Visit mark-stinson.com to get your copy.

Greig's Website

@greigwatts on Instagram

Greig's Facebook page

Greig's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greigwatts/

For songwriters who feel stuck, discouraged, or tired of rejection, his mission: help creators overcome setbacks, rediscover joy, and keep fighting for the dream that first sparked their love of music. Greig has captured decades of experience—and the heart of his creative philosophy—in his bestselling book, Keeping the Dream Alive. It’s part memoir, part guide, and part rallying cry.

He’s overseen 16 Eurovision entries in 10 consecutive years, coached dozens of successful writers, spoken at industry conferences from Moscow to Taiwan to Amsterdam, served as a BBC Music Consultant, and mentored songwriters around the world.

1. From Almost Quitting to International Success

• Greig, your book opens with a vulnerable story—by 2003 you almost walked away from music entirely. What helped you turn rejection into fuel instead of failure, and how did that turning point shape the book Keeping the Dream Alive?

1. The Mindset of Persistence

• You say showing up matters more than talent. What does “showing up” actually look like for songwriters—and how can creatives overcome procrastination, self-doubt, and the belief that they’re not good enough?
• What’s the secret to finishing songs instead of endlessly rewriting them?

1. Protecting Creativity While Treating Music as a Business

• You’re very honest that loving music isn’t enough—you also have to monetize it to keep going. How can songwriters protect their creativity from burnout while still building a viable career in an intensely competitive industry?

1. Finding Success in Unexpected Places

• You and DWB broke into Japan and Korea long before most UK or US writers even knew those markets existed. You also helped make Eurovision songwriting camps what they are today. How has seeking out “the niche” shaped your creative and business success?

1. Mentorship, Neurodiversity & Keeping the Dream Alive

• You’ve launched courses supporting songwriters—including neurodiverse creatives—and you speak often about defending the underdog. How do you help writers identify their strengths, build a supportive team, and keep the dream alive even when people around them doubt them?
• Greig, for any songwriter listening who feels like their dream is slipping away—what’s the one thing you want them to hear today?”

Book link for listeners:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keeping-Dream-Alive-Songwriters-Overcoming/dp/195725551X

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com

And before you go, be sure to grab your free e-book A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Her book Turn Words Into Wealth: Blueprint for Your Business, Brand, and Book to Create Multiple Streams of Income & Impact won Outstanding Non-Fiction Book of the Year in 2022 and many other awards since then.

Aurora's Website

@aurorawintermba on Instagram

Aurora on YouTube

Aurora left a lucrative career as a TV executive to pursue a life built on storytelling, creativity, and contribution. Today she empowers entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers to turn their words — and their wisdom — into wealth.

1. Turning Words Into Wealth

• Aurora, you help entrepreneurs and experts use books as a centerpiece for their brand and business. What are the most powerful ways someone can turn their words into multiple streams of income today?

1. The Neuroscience of Memorable Messages

• You’re known for blending filmmaking, storytelling, and neuroscience. What does science tell us about why certain messages stick — and how can listeners apply this to their own communication, branding, or writing?

1. The 27X Power of Story

• You talk about the “27X value of a story.” What does that mean — and why is story still the most persuasive, profitable, and memorable tool in business?

1. New Ways to Market — AI, Kickstarter, and Beyond

• The landscape for authors and entrepreneurs is shifting fast. What new marketing approaches should people be paying attention to — including AI, Kickstarter, or other platforms?

1. Pivoting From Business to Award-Winning Fantasy

• You’ve recently stepped into writing fantasy — and winning awards for it. How has writing fiction influenced your creative life? And in your view, how can fiction shape or illuminate real-world issues.
•  “Seven Ways to Make 7 Figures”: Could you share one or two of your favorite strategies that listeners could begin applying today?

· Gift for Our Audience - Includes your Turn Words-to-Wealth starter library and a video masterclass on how to attract capital, clients, and media coverage.: https://turnwordsintowealth.com

· Marketing Fastrack: The Little Book That Launched a New Business by Aurora Winter- on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8xrIglK

· Turn Words Into Wealth: Blueprint for Your Business, Brand and Book by Aurora Winter - on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7RRkVYb

· Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse Book 1 Amazon: https://a.co/d/5cmA6Um

· LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/AuroraWinter

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, you can download a free copy of my e-book A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

We welcome Matt Ross — entrepreneur, media executive, and author of the book Grow or Fold: Transform Yourself in Midlife & Beyond.

Matt's Website

Matt's Facebook page

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ross-entrepreneur/

Matt has spent nearly 30 years building businesses at the intersection of creativity and leadership. He led New York’s legendary rock station Q104.3 and hip-hop station Hot 97, helped scale School of Rock from a struggling startup into a global franchise, and later founded One River School, a first-of-its-kind art education company now with fifteen schools across six states.

1. Grow or Fold — Why This Book, and Why Now?
2. Matt, you’ve spent decades building creative organizations—from School of Rock to One River School. What inspired you to write Grow or Fold, and what does that title mean to you personally?
3. From Rock Stages to Art Studios

o Throughout his career, Matt has made creativity the core of every organization he’s led, whether inspiring musicians, mentoring young artists, or empowering educators to think like innovators.

1. What lessons carried over from building School of Rock that helped you launch One River School—and how did those experiences change your view of what creativity really means?
2. Building Communities Through Art
3. One of your core beliefs is that creative spaces are essential for wellbeing and connection. How have you seen art schools, studios, and community programs transform the lives of students and adults alike?
4. Creative Growth and Leadership at Every Age
5. You’ve said that creativity isn’t just for the young—it’s the key to staying sharp as we age. How can leaders, educators, and professionals rediscover their creative edge during midlife transitions or after major life changes?
6. The CEO as Creative — and the Creative as CEO
7. You’ve lived in both worlds—the creative studio and the C-suite. What can business leaders learn from artists about innovation, and what can artists learn from CEOs about sustainable growth?
8. You write about nurturing originality and trust in teams. What are the most effective ways leaders can foster that kind of environment?
9. You’ve described Grow or Fold as a mindset for sustainable creativity and leadership. How can people apply that mindset to their daily lives, especially in times of uncertainty or change?

Matt, for listeners who might be standing at a crossroads in their own careers or creative paths — what’s one action they can take today to start ‘growing’ rather than folding?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com

And before you go, be sure to download your free e-book of A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Rachel's Website

@Catamentum on Instagram

Rachel's Facebook page

Rachel is an executive coach and leadership consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping leaders navigate the complex, unpredictable world of human dynamics. She knows that leadership can be messy — because people are unpredictable — and most leaders are promoted for technical excellence, not people skills.

Rachel specializes in human-centered leadership, guiding executives to build self-awareness, empathy, and relational intelligence. Her book Butterfly Goo beautifully compares leadership growth to a caterpillar’s transformation — messy, nonlinear, and deeply transformative.

1.    From Caterpillar to Leader — Why “Butterfly Goo”?

• Rachel, your metaphor of transformation is so vivid — comparing leadership development to the chaos of metamorphosis. What does that “goo” stage represent for leaders, and why do you think so many get stuck there instead of breaking through?

1. Human-Centered Leadership in a Technical World

• You often say leaders are promoted for technical excellence, not people skills. What are some of the most common people-dynamic challenges leaders face — and how can they start to build emotional and relational intelligence?

1. Overcoming Fear and Finding Fulfillment

• Many of your clients struggle with fear — of failure, of being vulnerable, of not being enough. How do you help leaders confront those fears and replace them with a sense of purpose and fulfillment?

1. Navigating Complex Workplace Dynamics

• With your background in organizational development and clinical psychology, what practical tools or exercises do you use to help leaders manage interpersonal challenges and organizational change — especially in high-pressure environments?

1. Humor, Humanity, and Real Change

• You use humor and practical exercises to make deep transformation approachable. Why is it important for leaders to lighten up — and how can humor actually support growth, empathy, and connection?

Rachel, as we wrap up this milestone episode and our seventh year of Your World of Creativity, what’s one piece of advice you’d offer to leaders — or anyone listening — who’s ready to embrace their own transformation and move from stuck to unstoppable?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com

And before you go, be sure to download your free e-book A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Then come back for our next episode — as we begin our eighth year of creative conversations — where we’ll continue to travel around the world to talk with creatives about how they get inspired, how they organize ideas, and most of all, how they gain the confidence and connections to launch their work out into the world.

I’m thrilled to welcome Amani Roberts — an award-winning music business professor, international keynote speaker, and global DJ performer.

He’s a USA Today bestselling author, and his upcoming book, The Quiet Storm: A Historical and Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion, and Pain of R&B Groups, offers a powerful deep dive into how Black R&B groups shaped music, identity, and community.

Amani's Website

@amaniexperience on Instagram

Amani on YouTube

1. From DJ Booth to Classroom — The Creative Journey

• Amani, your career bridges music, business, and education. How did your early experiences as a DJ evolve into this mission of helping others unlock their creativity and confidence?

1. The Quiet Storm — Why This Story Matters Now

• Your new book, The Quiet Storm, is a cultural and historical analysis of Black R&B groups — from The Temptations to TLC. What inspired you to take on this topic, and why do you think it’s so important to tell this story today?

1. Beyond Entertainment — R&B as Social Commentary

• You write that R&B groups didn’t just make music — they moved culture. How did these artists influence identity, social change, and even the civil rights movement through their art and community presence?

1. Resilience, Reinvention, and Relevance

o  With over 30 years in hospitality and 17 years in the music industry, Amani has collaborated with brands like Marriott, 7-11, Calendly, and Chartmetric, generating millions in revenue while inspiring professionals to unlock their creativity, take risks, and stay resilient.

o  You’ve led in corporate settings, creative spaces, and classrooms. What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned about staying relevant and resilient — whether you’re spinning records, teaching students, or advising executives?

o  Amani’s leadership extends beyond the stage — he was the first African American President of Meeting Professionals International’s Southern California Chapter in 45 years and is co-host of the podcast Adventures in Business. His work has been featured in Forbes, People Magazine, NBC, and Yahoo! Finance.

1. The Future of R&B and Creative Leadership

• As we look forward, how can today’s creatives — musicians, entrepreneurs, or educators — apply the lessons from R&B’s rise, dominance, and decline to keep their work meaningful, collaborative, and authentic?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And as we close out this special 7th anniversary episode of Your World of Creativity, remember to grab your free e-book, A World of Creativity, when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Join us next time as we continue our round-the-world journey, talking with creative people about how they get inspired, how they organize ideas, and how they build the confidence and connections to launch their work into the world.

Stan's Website

@Stanlai99 on Instagram

Stan on YouTube

Born in the U.S. and raised in both America and Taiwan, Stan earned his PhD from UC Berkeley before launching a groundbreaking career in Taiwan that now spans over 40 acclaimed plays, including masterpieces like A Dream Like a Dream and Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land. He’s also the co-founder of the Wuzhen Theatre Festival and Huichang Theatre Village in China, and his Shanghai venue, Theatre Above, is dedicated entirely to his work.

Stan joins us today to discuss his new book, CreativitRy: Asia’s Iconic Playwright Reveals the Art of Creativity, coming in November 2025 from Anthem Press — a transformative guide that blends memoir, Buddhist philosophy, and practical methods for unlocking the creative potential that lives within each of us. https://a.co/d/56PRqeG

5 Questions

1. The Source of Creativity

• Stan, you’ve said that CreativitRy explores “where creativity lives — within each and every one of us.” How did your own creative process as a playwright and director lead you to this realization, and what inspired you to put these ideas into book form?

1. From Stage to Page — Translating Art into Insight

• Your plays are known for their emotional depth and philosophical reach. How was writing about creativity — in prose rather than in performance — a different kind of creative act for you?

1. Buddhist Wisdom and Creative Flow

• You describe the book as rooted in Buddhist thought, guiding readers to unlock creativity through introspection rather than productivity hacks. How do mindfulness and spiritual awareness shape your own approach to artistic creation?

1. Creativity as Education — A New Frontier

• CreativitRy is being adopted as the foundational text for a new Department of Creative Studies at major Chinese universities. How did that initiative come about, and what does it say about the growing importance of creativity in education and society today?

1. The Universality of the Creative Journey

• You’ve been praised by artists like Ang Lee and Jack Ma for bridging the arts, business, and human growth. What do you hope readers — whether they’re artists, entrepreneurs, or students — will take away from CreativitRy about living a truly creative life?

Stan, as we close, what’s one piece of advice you’d offer to someone who feels disconnected from their creativity — someone who wants to rediscover that creative energy in everyday life?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And be sure to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Oswald's Website

Oswald's Facebook page

This powerful collection features first-hand stories from individuals impacted by incarceration — stories of struggle, triumph, and transformation. Oswald’s own journey is especially compelling: sentenced to life at 20, he has emerged as a leader in mediation, education, and criminal justice reform.

Through Breaking Chains, Building Futures, Oswald and his co-authors shed light on how redemption, education, and empathy can create real pathways toward healing and social change.

1. Breaking Chains — Finding Purpose in Pain

• Oswald, your story in Breaking Chains, Building Futures is both raw and inspiring. What led you to share such a personal journey in this book, and what do you hope readers take away from it?

1. From Lived Experience to Leadership

• You were sentenced to life at 20, and yet you’ve turned that experience into a lifelong mission to mediate conflict and help others rebuild their lives. What inspired you to take on a leadership role in reentry services and criminal justice reform?

1. The Power of Education and Mediation

• Your background in mediation and conflict resolution is remarkable — with a 90% success rate and now a youth program training young people as certified mediators. How did your own access to education, both formal and informal, shape your path toward healing and leadership?

1. Collaboration and Creative Process

• This book brings together deeply personal stories from many voices, under Dr. Stanley Andrisse’s vision. What was it like to collaborate with other contributors on such emotionally charged material, and how did that creative process affect you?

1. Building Futures — From Systemic Change to Personal Hope

• In your view, what are the biggest barriers people face when reentering society after incarceration? And what gives you hope that we can create more equitable and effective pathways to redemption?
• You’ve built a career around conflict resolution — from prisons to communities to youth programs. What lessons from your time mediating behind the wall still guide you today?
• How do you maintain your own sense of balance, hope, and self-care while doing such emotionally demanding work?
• What does redemption mean to you now, both personally and professionally?
• For listeners who may be navigating their own second chances, or trying to turn pain into purpose — what’s one message you’d like them to carry forward from your story?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com

And before you go, remember to download your free e-book of A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Robin is a distinguished professor at Kean University and a globally recognized expert in creativity and branding. She received the 2024 Gold Design Education Recognition Award, was named by the Carnegie Foundation among the ‘Great Teachers of Our Time,’ and will be inducted into the New Jersey Advertising Hall of Fame in 2025.

Robin 's Website

@proflanda on Instagram

Robin 's Facebook page

Robin on YouTube

Author of 25 books—including Graphic Design Solutions, Strategic Creativity, Advertising by Design, and Shareworthy (with Greg Braun)—Robin now turns to her new release: Branding as a Cultural Force: Purpose, Responsibility, and Resonance

1. From The New Art of Ideas to Cultural Force

• Robin, when we talked in February 2023, you laid out a practical pathway for generating and shaping ideas. What’s evolved in your thinking since then—and how did that trajectory lead to Branding as a Cultural Force?

1. Branding as a Vehicle for Systemic Change

• Your new book argues that branding can—and should—shape culture, not just reflect it. What catalyzed this call to action, and how does it challenge conventional brand playbooks?

1. From Product Stories to Cultural Movements

• Which brands or campaigns today truly function as cultural forces? What makes them work—and what can creative teams learn about purpose, responsibility, and resonance?

1. Authenticity, Accountability, and Risk

• When brands take a stand, what’s the right balance between authentic purpose and measurable responsibility? How should leaders navigate backlash, skepticism, and “purpose-washing”?

1. Teaching Creative Courage

• You’ve shaped thousands of careers through teaching, mentoring, judging, and writing. What practices help people move from safe, incremental ideas to bold, world-shaping concepts—without losing strategic clarity?

1. The Next Generation of Brand Leaders

• With AI, rapid cultural shifts, and fragmentation of attention, what skills—and mindsets—will define tomorrow’s most effective brand leaders?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, remember to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

For more than 35 years, he’s led The Selig Capital Group, named the Best Sustainable Investment Banking Firm in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2024 by Wealth and Finance International. Rand is also the author of the award-winning book Thriving! How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life — a 333-page guide that’s been inspiring readers around the world since its release through selfpublishing.com.

Rand's Website

@Rmsinstat on Instagram

Rand on YouTube

Rand's Facebook page

Thriving! resonate with readers seeking practical guidance for designing a life filled with purpose, vitality, and joy.

1. The Power of Choice — Why “Thriving” Matters

• Rand, your book is built on the idea that intentional choices can completely reshape our lives. What inspired you to write Thriving! and how do you define what it truly means to “thrive” in today’s fast-paced world?

1. Overcoming Setbacks and Building Resilience

• You write about turning obstacles into opportunities — something you’ve clearly practiced in your own entrepreneurial and personal journey. What are some of your favorite tools or mindset shifts for building resilience through life’s challenges?

1. The Science of Thriving

• With your background in both psychology and mathematics, you take a unique, evidence-based approach to personal growth. How do you bridge scientific insights — like self-awareness and behavioral psychology — with practical, everyday tools your readers can apply right now?

1. Designing Your Life — Becoming the Architect of Your Future

• You often say we can design our own lives. What does that process look like in practice? Could you share a few of the most powerful exercises or decisions that help people move from drifting through life to actively creating it?

1. The Ten Keys to Aging Well and Living with Vitality

• One of my favorite parts of the book is your section on “The 10 Keys to Aging Well.” You emphasize that aging well is about vitality, not longevity. What are some of the key choices we can make today — psychologically, emotionally, and physically — to keep thriving as we age?
• You talk about defining success on your own terms. How can people begin that process when society tends to equate success with money or status?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, remember to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Ian's Website

Ian first joined us on Your World of Creativity back in 2022, when he shared insights from another collaborative anthology project that brought together diverse voices in leadership. Today, he returns to discuss his new book, Lives Lost and Leadership Found, just released by Routledge. The book blends neuroscience, survey insights from 150 professionals, and deeply personal essays from dozens of contributors to explore how grief, loss, and connection can actually deepen our leadership capacity — and how our ‘special somebodies’ may be our most powerful teachers.

1. Why This Book, and Why Now?

• Ian, you’ve written and spoken extensively about leadership and HR — but Lives Lost and Leadership Found takes a much more personal and emotional turn. What inspired you to write this book, and why was now the right time?

1. Neuroscience, Grief, and Growth

• The book explores how neuroscience rewires our leadership capacity through experiences of loss. What did you discover about the connection between grief, empathy, and leadership resilience?

1. Collaborative Creativity, Round Two

• You were last on the podcast in 2022 discussing another anthology you co-created. How has that collaborative creative process worked for you over the years — and what lessons did you carry forward into this new project?

1. Leading Together — The Power of Many Voices

• In Lives Lost and Leadership Found, you serve as the lead author but included essays from dozens of contributors. What were the benefits — and maybe the challenges — of weaving so many perspectives into a single narrative?

1. Lessons from the Data and the Stories

• You surveyed 150 professionals and featured essays from leaders and coaches across industries. What key lessons or themes emerged — and were there any surprises in how people transformed loss into growth?

1. Music, Reflection, and Renewal

• You even wrote and recorded a song for the book, “Here and Gone,” to honor your parents and brother. Tell us about the story behind that song — and why you encourage readers to write their own essays about their “Special Somebodies.

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, remember to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Steven's Website

The Journey from Hollywood to Happiness

• Steven, you’ve had such an eclectic career—from film production and tech startups to founding a company devoted to focus and balance. Steven’s creative journey spans journalism, film, technology, and now mindfulness. He began as a newscaster for the #1 youth news show in the DC/Baltimore market, then went on to work as a software engineer and Thomas J. Watson Scholar at IBM.
• From there, he entered the film world—producing computer-generated visual effects for Independence Day and 13 other movies, launching his first company, Centropolis Effects, which he later sold to German media conglomerate Das Werk. He went on to senior leadership roles at 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks, developing hit franchises like Die Hard, Wolverine, Transformers, and Star Trek.
• What turning point inspired you to create The Sukha Company?

Creative Systems and Science

• You’ve led creative and technical teams at the highest levels—from Independence Day to Transformers. What lessons from those high-pressure creative environments have shaped how you now think about productivity, empathy, and well-being at work?

Defining “Sukha” in Modern Work

• The Sanskrit word sukha means happiness through self-fulfillment. How does that philosophy show up in your company’s products—and in your own daily focus habits?

Focus in the Age of Overload

• You’ve built an app to help people stay focused in a world of constant distraction. What are the biggest focus challenges you see today, and how does The Sukha help users navigate them?

The Future of Work and Well-Being

• You talk about “healthy productivity.” What do you see as the next evolution for creative professionals and organizations who want to get more done without burning out?

Steven, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to creatives and leaders who are trying to find focus, fulfillment, and flow in their daily work?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Dave on YouTube

@cardboardsessions on Instagram

From cardboard Stratocasters and Telecasters to full drum kits, Dave and his team turn imagination into reality, documenting the process in stunning behind-the-scenes videos that blend art, science, and pure creative courage.

The Spark of Cardboard Chaos

• Dave, where did this idea begin—what first made you look at cardboard and think, “let’s make a snowboard, a guitar, or a pair of Vans out of this”? What was the creative leap from Cardboard Chaos to Cardboard Sessions?

Engineering Meets Art

• You’ve built fully playable instruments out of cardboard—something that sounds impossible until people see and hear it. If you’ve ever looked at an everyday object and thought, ‘What if we made this out of cardboard?’—Dave’s probably already done it. Your creative journey—from Cardboard Chaos experiments to collaborations with icons like Tony Hawk, Marcus King, and Keanu Reeves—proves that true innovation often starts with the simplest materials and the boldest questions. I was watching the Cardboard Session with Peter Yorn -- How do you and your team balance the technical precision of engineering with the spontaneity of creative experimentation?

The Magic of Unrehearsed Music

• Each Cardboard Session is unrehearsed, unfiltered, and full of creative risk. What do you think happens to artists when the normal studio structure disappears and they’re just responding to the moment—with instruments made of paper?

Collaboration and Creative Flow

• You’ve brought in everyone from ZZ Top to Marcus King to Keanu Reeves. What have you learned about collaboration from these sessions—and how do you create an environment that invites trust, play, and genuine creativity?

The Lesson for Creatives Everywhere

• Your work embodies the idea that creativity thrives on limits and curiosity. What’s your advice for listeners who want to tap into that “build it anyway” mindset—especially when they’re facing doubt or resistance?

What’s one takeaway you hope creators remember from your work—about staying inventive, curious, and hands-on in a digital world?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Then, I learned Duncan appeared on Channel Seven’s The Voice, where his raw, powerful vocals won over the hearts of millions. His original song, Steel on Steel, went viral with nearly 3 million viewers tuning in, and it has since reached audiences worldwide on TikTok and Instagram.

Duncan is also a nine-time Golden Guitar Award winner, an ARIA #1 album artist with Steel on Steel, and a Hands of Fame inductee.

Duncan's Website

@duncantoombs on Instagram

Duncan's Facebook page

Duncan on YouTube

Here is an overview of our conversation, plus you'll hear samples from 3 of Duncan's songs:

The Voice & Viral Breakthrough

• Duncan, your performance of Steel on Steel on The Voice captivated millions and went viral globally. What was that moment like for you—and how did it change the way people connect with your music?

Storytelling Through Song

• Your songs are deeply rooted in love, life, and family. How do you translate personal experiences into stories that resonate so universally with listeners?

Crafting an Album

• Your album Steel on Steel reached ARIA #1. What was your creative process in pulling that project together, and what makes it different from your earlier work?

Sustaining a Career in Music

• With nine Golden Guitars and a Hand of Fame induction, you’ve already built an incredible legacy. What has kept you inspired to keep writing, performing, and pushing your artistry forward?

The Other Creative Pursuit: Filmmaking & Content Creation

• Many of our listeners are creatives themselves—writers, musicians, makers—trying to find their voice. What advice would you share about staying true to your craft while navigating other creative pursuits and an ever-changing industry?

Duncan, what’s one message you’d like to leave with listeners about the role of music in keeping us connected to each other and to what really matters in life?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com

And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Kay's Website

@discerningKSB on Instagram

Kay's Facebook page

A longtime Seattle resident, Kay has recently been honored with multiple awards for her debut novel TANGLES, including Best Historical Mystery/Suspense at the 2025 American Fiction Awards, Best Debut Fiction by the American Writing Awards, Best Regional Fiction/West by the National Indie Excellence Awards, and Book of the Year by the Literary Global Book Awards.

Inspired by the mid-20th century and the haunting realities of leaking radioactive waste tanks at the Hanford Nuclear Site, Kay brings history, suspense, and humanity together in her storytelling.

The Spark for TANGLES

• You’ve said that the recent controversies around radioactive waste tanks at Hanford compelled you to write this story. What was the moment or piece of history that made you say: this has to become a novel?

From Fashion to Fiction

• Your background includes running a successful fashion business and serving as Seattle School Board President. How did those experiences shape your perspective as a writer—and ultimately lead you to TANGLES?

Historical Suspense & Craft

• TANGLES blends mystery, suspense, and historical detail. How did you balance historical accuracy with narrative drive? What were the biggest challenges in weaving fact with fiction?

Writing Process & Rituals

• You describe yourself as a sunrise writer who works out writer’s block in gardens and lap pools. Could you share more about your creative process—and how these routines fuel your storytelling?

Recognition & Next Steps

• With TANGLES winning so many awards—including Book of the Year—what has this recognition meant for you personally and professionally? And what’s next on your creative horizon?

What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to aspiring authors who feel drawn to tackle historical or regional stories, but maybe hesitate to take the leap?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

Also, as a thanks to you for listening, I’d like to offer you a free download of my e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Gail 's Website

Gail is the author of eight other acclaimed books, including the best-selling Empowerment, co-authored with her husband David Gershon, as well as The Rhythm of Compassion, Returning to My Mother’s House, and The Ashokan Way. She has won multiple Nautilus and Foreword Reviews awards for her writings on feminism, nature, and healing.

Beyond her books, Gail cofounded the Empowerment Institute in 1981 and later IMAGINE: A Global Initiative for the Empowerment of Women, which has impacted millions of lives across Africa, India, and the Middle East. She is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on empowerment and continues to blend personal storytelling with global activism.

Here's an outline of our conversation:

Home and Belonging

• After a lifetime of travel across cultures and causes, what does “home” mean to you now—and how did writing Home Inside the Globe help you integrate your inner and outer journeys?

Empowerment Across Generations

• Since cofounding the Empowerment Institute in 1981, how has your definition of “empowerment” evolved, particularly as you’ve worked with women around the world?

Global Voices, Local Lessons

• Through IMAGINE, you’ve supported women in Africa, India, and the Middle East. What have you learned from their resilience, and what lessons could Western feminism draw from those experiences?

Balancing Activism and Storytelling

• You’ve written nature meditations, feminist memoirs, and now a life-spanning reflection. How do you balance personal storytelling with activism in your work—and what role does compassion play in sustaining that balance?

Legacy and Future Changemakers

• With Home Inside the Globe, what legacy do you hope to leave for readers—and what message do you want to pass on to the next generation of changemakers, especially those searching for purpose later in life?

 Gail, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to listeners about finding both courage and compassion on their own creative and activist journeys?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com

And don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

https://www.dromiackinvention.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beau-dromiack-aia-dbia-ncarb-scup-310747124/

https://a.co/d/5NSYyZX

1. The Call for Craft

• You’ve said, “Craft is Care—Care is our Craft. Less craft means less humanity.” Why is reviving craft so critical to the future of architecture—especially in a world driven by speed and AI?

1. The Super-Architect

• In your new book, you define the “Super-Architect” through values, skills, and optimism. Walk us through those qualities—and how they help architects build resilience amid today’s pressures and opportunities.

1. Empathy and Education

• You teach “success empathy.” How do you cultivate those soft skills and a high-craft mindset with your ASU graduate students and emerging professionals?

1. AI, Speed, and Sustainability

• Your Roadmap for Resilience aims to protect craft and humanity while embracing tech. How can architects balance AI’s efficiencies with imagination, creativity, and care?

1. Relevance and Responsibility

• Many argue architecture faces a relevance crisis. How can architects reclaim influence in the built environment—and what role does optimism play?

Beau, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to both seasoned professionals and students on keeping imagination, empathy, and craft alive as design accelerates?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Come back for our next episode, when we’ll continue our round-the-world travels to talk with creatives about how they get inspired, how they organize ideas, and most of all, how they gain the confidence and connections to launch their work out into the world.

Today, we’re diving deep into the high-stakes, high-impact world of healthcare branding. Our guest is Joe Daley, President of Addison Whitney, a global leader in brand strategy, identity, and naming — especially in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

https://www.addisonwhitney.com/

linkedin.com/in/joseph-daley-4535698

Joe brings decades of experience across healthcare sales, marketing, advertising, and strategy, and now leads an award-winning team that's behind the names of nearly 50% of the top 200 prescription drugs on the market.

He’s here to share how Addison Whitney is pioneering the use of AI in brand naming — especially with the launch of Ari™, the first AI-based brand design application tailored for pharma.

1. From Sales to Strategy to Creative Leadership

“Joe, your journey from pharmaceutical sales rep to global branding leader is quite remarkable. How has that full-spectrum view of healthcare shaped the way you approach brand strategy today at Addison Whitney?”

2. The Art and Science of Naming Pharmaceuticals

“You’ve said naming a drug is a peculiar and specialized process. Can you walk us through what makes naming in the healthcare space so unique — and what success looks like in this arena?” “What are some recent branding trends you're noticing in clinical trial naming or tech-health crossover products?”

3. Ari™ – Merging Human Expertise with AI

“Tell us about Ari™ — your proprietary AI platform. What inspired its development, and how does it amplify rather than replace the creative work your team does?”

4. Creative Compliance: Balancing Innovation and Regulation

“Pharma branding has to navigate regulatory approval, global trademark clearance, and more. How does your team maintain creativity within these tight guardrails?” “How does your team collaborate globally across cultures and languages to develop universally resonant brands?”

5. Future Vision: Creativity in a Regulated World

• “As the boundaries between healthcare, tech, and consumer branding blur — where do you see the next frontier of creative innovation coming from in brand design?” “What advice would you give to a young creative entering the healthcare branding space?”

Joe, thank you for sharing such incredible insights into the fascinating world of brand naming and strategy — especially how you're combining three decades of expertise with the power of AI to shape the future of healthcare brands.

Listeners, as always, we want to thank our sponsor White Cloud Coffee Roasters. You can get 10% off your first order by using the promo code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com to learn more.

Make sure to subscribe to Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app, leave us a rating and review, and join us next time as we continue to explore the creative process around the world and across industries.

Here are links to #LightUpMBC resources:

www.lightupmbc.org

https://www.instagram.com/lightupmbc/

https://www.instagram.com/metavivor/

After 20 years in media sales leadership at Condé Nast and Hearst, holding roles like Associate Publisher of Marie Claire and Teen Vogue, Tami’s life changed at 41 when she was diagnosed de novo with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer while raising two young children.

She transformed her energy into advocacy, creating #LightUpMBC LIVE, She also co-produces The Janice Jam, Broadway for Breast Cancer, and has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and beyond. She’s here to share her journey of resilience, advocacy, and creativity.

1. From Publishing to Purpose: Tami, you spent two decades leading in the media world. Can you share what skills and experiences from that career you drew upon when shifting your energy into advocacy and creating #LightUpMBC LIVE?
2. The Power of Visibility: Close to 300 landmarks across 166+ cities around the world will be illuminated on Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13 as part of the incredible global campaign. How are landmark owners joining the #LightUpMBC campaign by lighting in the symbolic MBC colors of green, teal and pink on October 13? Why is visibility — literally lighting up the world — such a powerful metaphor and tool for raising awareness and hope in the MBC community?
3. Patient Voices & Advocacy: You’ve said your mission is to amplify patient voices. What are some of the most important stories and lessons you’ve witnessed through the livestreams and advocacy work that you think the wider world needs to hear?
4. Survive and Thrive: You’ve been honored with awards and legislative recognition for your impact. But beyond the spotlight, what does “survive and thrive” mean to you personally, as a mother, a patient, and a leader?
5. The Eagle Method: You’ve created The Eagle Method as a framework to build resilience, embrace uncertainty, and improve mental health. Can you walk us through what it is, and how you apply it in your own life and with others?

Tami, what’s one piece of advice you would share with someone facing uncertainty or adversity about finding their voice and turning it into something that helps others?

Connect with Tami at Tami's Website , and @EagleMethod on Instagram

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee, fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

My guest is Schuyler Dragoo—an interdisciplinary artist and researcher whose work spans painting, performance, music, video, sculpture, and beyond. But what sets Schuyler apart is her deep inquiry into the intersections of technology, neurodivergence, and nonhuman perception. She’s recently completed an MFA at Tufts and an MA in Psychology, bringing together art, science, and strategy in ways that are absolutely captivating.

Schuyler's Website

@painted.goose on Instagram

1. Art and Awareness Across Species

“You explore nonhuman perception and interaction—something most artists never even think about. What first drew you to this idea of creating work that bridges the human and nonhuman experience?”

• Sensory translation, AI interpretations of animal behavior, or speculative interaction.
• Examples from her painting, sculpture, or video installations.

2. Neurodivergence as a Creative Lens

“You’ve mentioned neurodivergence in your work—not just as a subject, but also as a mode of perception and creativity. How does neurodivergence inform the way you see or create systems, art, and technology?”

• Non-linear thought, pattern recognition, or how psychology and art intersect in her process.

3. From Concept to Code: Building Tools, Not Just Ideas

“Unlike many artists, you actually build things—AI bots, automation systems, narrative engines. Can you share an example of a tool you’ve created that brought together creativity, strategy, and real-world performance?”

• Her work in performance marketing or AI-driven behavior tools.
• How does creative strategy function like anthropology?

4. Making Systems Feel Human

“You’ve said you approach creative work as a system—and you design systems that feel human. What does that look like in practice? And how do you make sure technology doesn’t lose its emotional resonance?”

• Walkthrough of design thinking + behavioral insight
• Discussion on ethics, empathy, and human-centered design.

5. What’s Next in the Ecosystem of Your Work?

“With your background in psychology, tech, and performance art—what kinds of projects are on the horizon for you? Where do you see the biggest potential for impact next?”

• MFA and MA capstone projects
• Upcoming collaborations, gallery shows, or tool launches
• Vision for AI and neurodiverse design spaces

Schuyler, thank you for opening up your world of creativity with us today. From speculative design to neurodiverse intelligence, your work really reminds us how broad and brilliant the creative landscape can be when we embrace systems thinking and cross-domain fluency.

As always, we want to thank our sponsor—White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners, you can enjoy a 10% discount off your first order when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Just visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.

Until next time, keep exploring your world of creativity. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite app. We’ll see you in the next episode!

Today we’re diving deep into the wild terrain where art, animals, plants, and posthuman philosophy meet. Our guest is Dr. Giovanni Aloi

Giovanni's Website

@dr.aloi on Instagram

Giovanni on YouTube

He is an acclaimed author, educator, curator, and Editor in Chief of Antennae: The Journal of Nature in Visual Culture. He’s also the author of many influential books, including Art & Animals, Speculative Taxidermy, Why Look at Plants?, and most recently, I’m Not an Artist: Reclaiming Creativity in the Age of Infinite Content.

1. "Reclaiming Creativity for Everyone"

Giovanni, your new book I’m Not an Artist opens with a bold statement: that the label “artist” may be holding us back. What inspired this reframe, and how did you come to the conclusion that we need to dismantle the myth of the artist? How do you see this redefining everyday creativity—whether someone is painting, gardening, or arranging a bookshelf?

2. "Do Animals Make Art?"

You’ve challenged the age-old question—“Do animals make art?”—not to answer it definitively, but to expose our biases about creativity. What do you believe animal behavior teaches us about intelligence, design, and expression? You write beautifully about leopard slugs, spiders, and birds. How do their acts of building, weaving, and mating performances reframe what we consider “artistic” or “creative”?

3. "Plant Thinking and Posthuman Aesthetics"

In books like Why Look at Plants? and Estado Vegetal, you explore what plants can teach us about attention, slowness, and presence. What is plant thinking, and how might it change the way we make or appreciate art? You’ve curated exhibitions on vegetal aesthetics—what kind of work emerges when artists engage plants not as symbols, but as collaborators?

4. "Creativity Beyond the Gallery"

You argue that art institutions and academia often perpetuate colonialist and elitist views of creativity. What are some ways we can decentralize this power and expand the definition of who gets to be creative? Can you give an example from your curatorial or academic work where you've seen this kind of creative equity in action?

5. "From Genius to Generosity"

You critique the idea of the “artist genius” as isolating and ego-driven. What happens when we replace genius with generosity, and art with acts of care? In this context, what role do educators, curators, and even podcasters play in cultivating shared creativity?

A big shoutout to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. You can enjoy a 10% discount on your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com with the code CREATIVITY at checkout.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app. And we’ll see you next time as we continue our journey to explore how creators around the world turn inspiration into action.

Our guest today is Judy Winslow, known as The Brandologist. With more than three decades of experience in marketing and branding, Judy’s helped Fortune 100 companies and visionary entrepreneurs build powerful brands that leave lasting impressions. She’s the author of Ignite Your Faith and Third Act Encore, and she brings a unique blend of marketing strategy, personal development, and innovation to her work.

Judy's Website

@jWINSceoPRO on Instagram

Judy's Facebook page

1. The DNA of a Memorable Brand

“Judy, your clients often come to you seeking that ‘it factor’—something to make their brand unforgettable. In your experience, what are the key ingredients that turn a brand into an emotional, authentic, and lasting connection with its audience?”

2. Aligning Purpose with Profit

“You often say that it’s a disservice not to share your unique gifts with the world. How do you help clients align their purpose and passion with a profitable brand strategy, especially in industries like health, wellness, and personal development?”

3. Standing Out in a Crowded Market

“In a world of endless noise and digital clutter, what’s your advice to someone trying to get their voice heard and their brand noticed—without falling into gimmicks or losing authenticity?”

4. Building the Brand from Within

“You’ve said that confidence and clarity are crucial in brand-building. How do you guide individuals—especially solopreneurs or creatives—through the inner work of discovering their true gifts and strengths?”

5. The Brandologist's Legacy: What Lasts?

“You’ve worked with icons from Cover Girl to Yves Saint Laurent and now with inspired entrepreneurs. What have you learned about the evolution of branding—and what do you think it takes to really leave a legacy?”

This episode was brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters—because bold ideas deserve bold coffee. Get 10% off your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com with the code CREATIVITY at checkout.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast platform. And join us again next time as we continue unlocking your world of creativity.

J. Winslow is “The Brandologist”, developing strategies to build your business & life. With 3+ decades of experience and a 93% success rate, she’s won numerous awards, co-founded a marketing firm in NYC working with Fortune 100s to start-ups, founded TEDxSarasota and is an International Best Selling author and speaker. Her global roster of CEOs and Founders focuses on impactful innovation, leadership and brand expansion. She’s appeared on ABC TV, SmileJamaicaTV and is a frequent podcast guest.

Today, we’re welcoming Pia Leichter: a creative partner, certified coach, best-selling author, and founder of Kollektiv Studio. Pia’s work spans journalism, branding, design, and deep creative transformation.

She’s here to talk about her new book Welcome to the Creative Club: Make Life Your Biggest Art Project. It’s part memoir, part manifesto, and a full-on invitation to become the creative director of your own life.

Pia's Website

@pia.leichter on Instagram

@pialeichter on X

1: “Unlearning and Reclaiming Creativity”

“Your book begins with a journey of ‘losing and finding’ your creative power. What were some of the stories or beliefs you had to unlearn in order to reconnect with that creativity—and how did that process shape the book?”

2: “From Therapy Couch to Studio Session”

“You take us behind the scenes of some intimate and bold conversations—with your therapist and even with fashion icon Betsey Johnson. What was it like weaving these voices into your own narrative? And what do they reveal about the creative process that people might not expect?”

3: “The Science Behind the Magic”

“Welcome to the Creative Club smashes myths with neuroscience. What surprised you most in the research about how creativity actually works—and how can listeners apply these insights to their daily lives or creative work?”

4: “Designing Your Life as a Creative Project”

“You invite readers to become the ‘creative director of their life.’ For someone listening right now who feels stuck or unsure, what’s the first step to embracing that role and turning life into an art project?”

5: “Burning Down the Box” (4 minutes)

“You’ve worked with major brands and also coached individuals through transformative change. Whether it’s building a brand or rewriting your story, what does it mean to you to ‘redesign the box’—or sometimes, burn it down entirely?”

“Pia, what a rich and refreshing conversation—thank you for inviting us into your creative club. Your book is bold, honest, and truly inspiring. To our listeners, grab Pia’s book Welcome to the Creative Club—it’s more than a read, it’s a creative reset. We’ll link to it in the show notes.”

As always, this episode is sponsored by our friends at White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Fuel your creative mornings with handcrafted blends—and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code CREATIVITY at WhiteCloudCoffee.com.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app. And join us next time as we continue to unlock your world of creativity!

Pia Leichter is a creative partner, best selling author, certified coach, and founder. Her path has been anything but ordinary: a recovering nomad, she’s reported as a journalist in Sri Lanka, graduated summa cum laude from NYU, and worked as an award-winning creative director for some of the biggest brands in the world. Now, as the founder of Kollektiv Studio, she’s uniquely positioned to help people create their wild ventures. With over a decade of experience, Pia has built brands, launched a creative studio, and served as a judge for top industry competitions. Along the way, she’s earned a stack of awards and the trust of creators across the globe. Whether creatively partnering with visionaries or helping people reclaim their creativity, Pia doesn’t just think outside the box—she redesigns it and, occasionally, burns it down.

Today’s guest is John Pawlowski, a seasoned brand strategist and marketing executive with over a decade of experience leading innovation and growth in the consumer packaged goods industry.

From household names like Marie Callender’s and PF Chang’s to the bold new frontier of premium pet food with Heckova, John brings a creative mindset to every stage of brand development.

John's Website

@heckovapet on Instagram

linkedin.com/in/pawlowskijohn

1: The Brand-Building Mindset

You’ve launched and revitalized iconic brands in the highly competitive world of frozen foods. What’s your process for identifying the creative white space in a crowded category—and turning that into a compelling brand identity? What lessons from CPG branding did you find most transferable when you transitioned into pet food marketing?

2: The 'Mega' Moment

At Conagra, you spearheaded the launch of a 'Mega' brand, which went on to surpass $200 million in sales. What was the creative spark behind that brand, and how did you translate that into product, messaging, and ultimately, consumer loyalty? Were there any big risks or bold decisions in that process that paid off?

3: The Humanization of Pets

The humanization of pets is one of the biggest trends in the pet food industry. How do you creatively tap into the emotional connections people have with their pets when crafting messaging for Heckova? What role does storytelling play in gaining the trust of pet parents?

4: Innovation in a Regulated Space

CPG and pet food are both highly regulated, especially with claims and ingredients. How do you foster creativity within those constraints, especially when developing new products or campaigns? How do you balance the creative drive with the analytical, P&L-focused mindset required in your role?

5: Creative Leadership in Action

From managing agency partners to internal teams, you’re constantly leading others through the creative process. What’s your approach to building a culture of innovation and alignment? What advice would you give to young brand marketers who want to lead with both strategy and imagination?

John, this has been a great look into the creative strategies behind some of the most recognizable brands—and now, one of the most exciting in pet food. Thanks for joining us on Your World of Creativity.

This episode was brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Get 10% off your first order of freshly roasted, ethically sourced coffee with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast app—and come back next time for more conversations at the intersection of imagination and industry.

John has classical training as a brand marketer and P&L manager and over a decade of experience leading brand growth in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry at Conagra Brands (Omaha and Chicago) and Bellisio Foods (Minneapolis). He led growth, turnaround, and new launch strategies on major brands such as Marie Callender’s, Banquet, Kid Cuisine, PF Chang’s, Boston Market, and Atkins. While at Conagra, John spearheaded the launch of a new “Mega” brand that surpassed $200MM in sales. With the humanization of pet food as the biggest trend in the pet industry, John’s experience in tapping into the human psyche has proven to be a valuable and dynamic link to communicating adeptly with human pet parents. His expertise is in strategy, consumer marketing, innovation, and general management. In May of 2022, John began a process to research and assess the needs of the super premium pet food landscape and enlisted agency partners to build a new consumer facing brand.

We’re joined by two powerhouse thought leaders in leadership and communication—Meaghan Benjamin and Phyllis Dealy. They’re the co-founders of Studio Reinvent and the creators behind the groundbreaking leadership frameworks and services.

Phyllis's Website

1. Presence seems to be a cornerstone of your work...

You teach presence not as performance but as a way of being. What does presence look and feel like in a high-stakes leadership setting—or even on a global stage? How can leaders begin cultivating this sense of presence in everyday communication? They’ve coached teams from PepsiCo, Aetna, and Susan G. Komen.

2. You both emphasize the science of communication...

Meaghan, with your background in neuroscience and psychology, how do tools like brain-coupling and conscious listening elevate communication? (Phyllis): How do you incorporate systems thinking and storytelling to turn communication into a competitive edge? You’ve described The Awareness Factor® as a leadership framework that brings alignment, momentum, and measurable results. What inspired its creation—and how does it differ from other leadership models we hear about today? How have executive teams responded when first introduced to this model?

3. Many of our listeners are creatives and entrepreneurs...

What are some of the most common communication pitfalls you see in founders and creatives—and how can they improve clarity and confidence in pitching, leading, or collaborating?

4. Let’s talk reinvention...

Your work is all about reinvention—whether it’s personal leadership or brand transformation. What does it take for a company—or a person—to truly reinvent themselves today?

Such rich insights today from Meaghan and Phyllis—thank you both for helping us see communication, leadership, and reinvention through a creative and scientific lens. Listeners, you can learn more about their work at StudioReinvent.com and keep an eye out for their upcoming book, The Awareness Factor®.

Sponsor Message:

This episode was brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters—where great ideas begin with great coffee. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com and use the code CREATIVITY for 10% off your first order.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app—and come back next time as we continue our journey to ignite creative thinking and innovation around the world.

Dominic's Website

@dominicalegrete on Instagram

Dominic on YouTube

1: Dominic's unconventional entry into tech -- Dominic, your journey into cybersecurity is quite unique—starting at 18 without a college degree. Can you share how you navigated this path and what motivated you to pursue a career in tech?

2: Building a personal brand and online presence -- You've grown a substantial following by sharing your experiences and insights. How did you approach building your personal brand, and what impact has it had on your career?

3: The role of writing in cybersecurity -- You've emphasized the importance of writing in cybersecurity roles. Can you elaborate on how writing skills contribute to success in this field?

4: Integrating wellness into a tech career -- Beyond your professional work, you're passionate about health, wellness, and personal development. How do these aspects influence your approach to your career and life?

5: Advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals -- For those looking to break into cybersecurity, especially from non-traditional backgrounds, what advice would you offer to help

This episode is brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters Enjoy a 10% discount on your first order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com to explore their selection.

Thank you for joining us on Your World of Creativity. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite podcast app. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we continue to explore the creative journeys of inspiring individuals.

Dominic is a 21-year-old with a growing presence in the tech space, currently working as a SOC Analyst. While his start in cybersecurity is impressive, what truly sets him apart is his focus on building a life rooted in consistency, growth, and purpose. He’s passionate about health, wellness, and developing strong habits—financially, spiritually, and mentally—that set the foundation for long-term success. Whether it’s in his career or his personal life, Dominic is all about staying grounded while aiming high.

Joining us is Steve Haddadin, an accomplished entrepreneur with a decade-long real estate career, a newly sworn-in attorney, and the founder of National Wagyu Day—celebrated every June 21st on his birthday.

Steve's Website

@stevehaddadin on Instagram

Steve's Facebook page

We’ll hear how this idea came to life, and how Steve continues to blend innovation into every area of his career.

1: THE BIRTH OF NATIONAL WAGYU DAY

Steve, let’s start with what makes this episode so delicious—National Wagyu Day. What inspired you to create this celebration of Wagyu beef, and how did you go about officially declaring it?

•  You’ve said the day welcomes both seasoned connoisseurs and first-timers—why was that inclusive spirit important to you?
• Why June 21st—and how does the symbolism of the summer solstice add to the day’s meaning?

2: THE FLAVOR OF CREATIVITY

Your creativity clearly doesn’t stop at business—tell us about the Smokin’ Steve Old Fashioned cocktail you developed. What sparked that idea, and how does a drink become an experience?

•  What role does sensory experience play in your creative work?
• How did your travels—like Japan or the Whiskey and Bourbon trails—influence your flavor creativity?

3: BUILDING BRANDS WITH BOLD IDEAS

Let’s zoom out a bit. You've scaled a real estate brokerage, installed EV charging stations, and passed the bar exam—all while launching personal brands. What’s your framework for bringing an idea to life?

•  You’ve said, ‘The more something is looked at as crazy or impossible, the more excited I get.’ How do you manage risk while staying excited about disruption?
• How do you decide when an idea is worth turning into a movement—like you did with Wagyu Day?

4: CREATIVE LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY IMPACT

 Your work with the CSUF Center for Real Estate and your student endowment shows a passion for giving back. How do you bring creativity into mentorship and leadership?

•  What does legacy mean to you?

5: WHAT’S NEXT ON YOUR CREATIVE MENU?

You’ve accomplished so much already—and at such a young age. What’s next for you creatively? More food ventures, legal advocacy, tech innovation?

Steve, what a treat—literally and creatively. Thanks for sharing your journey and how you’ve brought bold, flavorful ideas to life across industries. And listeners, whether you’re enjoying Wagyu or Old Fashioneds—or just building your next creative venture—we hope this episode inspired you.

And a special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. You can enjoy 10% off your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com with the code CREATIVITY at checkout.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity wherever you listen to podcasts—and come back again as we continue exploring how creative professionals around the world turn ideas into action.

Today’s guest is Jamie Schwartzman, Chief Creative Strategist and founder of Flux Branding. With over 25 years of experience, Jamie has helped transform businesses through bold storytelling, innovative strategy, and his signature IDEA Method. He’s a trusted advisor, a creative force, and a name you might recognize from Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars.

Jamie's Website

@fluxbranding on Instagram

Jamie's Facebook page

1 – The Power of Brand Transformation

You’ve led rebranding efforts that have had measurable impact—like helping Motor Car Parts of America go from $2 to $38 a share. What are the core elements of a transformational brand strategy that delivers results like that? What do many companies get wrong when they try to ‘refresh’ their brand?

2 – The IDEA Method

Your IDEA Method is a four-step branding process designed to reduce risk and reveal identity. Could you walk us through each of the four steps and share how you developed this framework?

3 – Branding, Storytelling & Authenticity

You often say that storytelling and authenticity are critical in branding. How do you guide companies to uncover and communicate their true identity, especially if they’ve been operating on ‘autopilot’ for years? How do you balance bold creativity with the need for brand consistency and customer trust?”

4 – Leading Through Change

You say that ‘change is the only constant.’ That’s not just a tagline—it’s the core of your company’s name, Flux. What advice would you give to business leaders struggling to embrace change creatively?

5 – Trends, Lessons & Food Stars (4 minutes)

You’ve been featured as an Expert Brand Strategist on Food Stars and you write the ‘First Tuesday’ newsletter. What branding trends are you watching right now, and what’s one key insight from your work that our listeners can apply today?

Jamie, thank you for the wit, wisdom, and perspective you’ve shared with us today. It’s been fantastic to hear how creativity, clarity, and strategic storytelling can truly move the needle for brands.

This episode was brought to you by our friends at White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Get 10% off your first order when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.

Thanks for listening to Your World of Creativity. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite podcast app. And come back again for the next episode, where we continue to explore how creative professionals inspire the world.

Today, we’re talking music, creativity, and collaboration with the genre-defying band, The Empty Pockets. This Chicago-based quartet has backed legends like Kenny Loggins and Al Stewart, topped the Billboard Blues charts—twice—and brought their folksy Midwestern rock-blues blend to stadiums and stages around the world. Their latest release is a Live in Buffalo album just out

Joining us today are Josh Solomon, Erika Brett, Nate Bellon, and Adam Balasco—the musical family behind The Empty Pockets.

josh 's Website

@theemptypockets on Instagram

josh 's Facebook page

josh on YouTube

1: Genre-Bending Identity

You’ve been described as everything from Americana to Chicago-style yacht rock—with a side of blues and soul. How do you describe your sound? And how has your style evolved across the years and albums?  What do you think it is about your sound that resonates across such a wide audience—from MLB stadiums to blues charts?

2: Life on the Road + Collaboration

You’ve toured with iconic artists. How have those collaborations shaped your sound or songwriting process?  What’s it like writing and performing as a group with such tight chemistry? Is there a secret to staying creatively in sync? Touring this summer with Al Stewart.

3: Inside Gotta Find the Moon

Your latest #1 album Gotta Find the Moon was recorded with a unique, ‘one-room’ process—much of it at Abbey Road Studios. What was that experience like, and how did it influence the vibe of the record?  You’ve mentioned tributes to family, political inspiration, and even puns—how personal do these songs get, and how do you balance the intimate with the universal?

4: Performance Moments + Live Magic

Your latest release Live in Buffalo album captures that spontaneous, road-tested energy. What’s the difference between your studio work and your live shows—and do you have a favorite on-stage memory that captures your creative spark?  How does adding collaborators like jazz saxophonist Elliot Scozzaro or guitarists from Marbin and Vulfpeck elevate your performances?

5: Creativity in Motion

You’ve made your own creative lane, and done it as an independent band. What advice would you give to other creatives—musicians or otherwise—about building a lasting, authentic career in today’s world?  What’s next for The Empty Pockets? Any new directions, surprises, or dream collaborations coming up?

Josh, Erika, Nate, Adam—thank you so much for sharing your creativity and stories with us today. Your passion and joy for music is contagious.

And thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters—listeners can get 10% off their first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com with the code CREATIVITY at checkout.

Until next time, keep creating, keep sharing your light—and be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m Mark Stinson. See you next time!

The Empty Pockets' versatile pedigree backing up renowned 70’s artists like Al Stewart, Gary Wright, Simon Kirke, and Kenny Loggins, gives life to a genre-bending Folksy Midwestern Blues jam with killer vocals and memorable songs. You could call it Chicago-style yacht rock. Or call it something else entirely. But this “baseball band” makes good; hitting up MLB and MiLB stadiums all over the country while touring in support of their two independently-released #1 Billboard Blues albums.

Tim's Website

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/timpackerfinearts

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpacker1/

1.    From the Badge to the Brush

“Tim, let’s start with your backstory—what was the moment when you realized you had to walk away from police work and fully commit to your art? What fears did you face, and how did you overcome them?”

2.    Why Talent is Overrated

“You say that talent is a myth and that success in art isn’t about being ‘born with it.’ What do you believe actually sets successful artists apart—and what are most creatives getting wrong?”

3.    The Missing Curriculum

“You’ve said the traditional art school system is broken. What are the most important things you had to learn outside the classroom about building a sustainable career—and how do you teach that in your academy?”

4.    The Business Side of the Brush

“Let’s talk dollars. Pricing art is something many creatives struggle with. What’s your philosophy on pricing, and how can artists overcome the fear of ‘asking too much’ or ‘selling out’?”

5.    Building a Creative Empire

“From originals and prints to your online academy and now your book, you’ve built a multi-million dollar art business. What’s your advice to artists who want to think bigger and diversify their income streams—while still staying true to their creative voice?”

Sponsor Shout-Out:

“Today’s episode is brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners, you can enjoy 10% off your first order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.”

 “Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity wherever you get your podcasts—and come back next time as we continue to explore how creative professionals like you bring their ideas to life, and the world!”

Today’s guest is Chance McClain, a master storyteller and the creative force behind Heritage Films. With over 800 feature-length family documentaries to his name, Chance preserves the essence of individuals and generations. A proud Army veteran, a sports radio pioneer, and even a Broadway musical writer, Chance has done it all—and done it with heart.

Chance's Website

Chance's Facebook page

1: "The Radio Guy Turned Legacy Filmmaker"

You’ve worn so many creative hats—radio host, playwright, filmmaker. Can you walk us through the journey from radio and Broadway to founding Heritage Films?

Follow-up: What was the moment when you realized storytelling through film was your true calling?

2: "Inside the Business of Heritage"

Prompt: Creating personal documentaries isn’t your average gig. What does it take—behind the scenes—to deliver such high-end, deeply personal films? How do you strike the balance between cinematic quality and emotional truth in these projects?

3: "800 Documentaries Later..."

You’ve made over 800 legacy films. That’s incredible. What patterns or lessons have emerged from these hundreds of interviews and stories? What’s one story that surprised you or stuck with you in a profound way?

4: "Legacy, Leadership & Resilience"

Through your lens, you’ve captured themes of courage, loss, love, and purpose. What has making these films taught you about leadership, failure, and resilience? As a veteran and entrepreneur, how do those life experiences shape your creative process?

5: "Future-Proofing Storytelling with Technology"

You’re a traditional storyteller using modern tools. How do you embrace technology to enhance—not dilute—the power of legacy and memory? Where do you see personal documentary filmmaking going in the next 5 to 10 years?

And thanks to our sponsor White Cloud Coffee Roasters—listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com with the code CREATIVITY.

We’ll see you next time on Your World of Creativity. Until then, subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast app—and keep bringing your ideas to life.

Our guest today is Jordan Morris—an award-winning producer, director, and screenwriter known for Nintendo Quest and Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, which won TIFF’s People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary. He’s also the creator of the Life & Death Story Model™ and founder of the Six Months to Screenplay program. Jordan is known as The Writer Igniter—and we’re excited to explore how he helps writers bring emotionally powerful stories to life.

Jordan 's Website

Here's an overview of our conversation:

1. The Story Starts Here

Jordan, your Life & Death Story Model™ is a fascinating framework. What inspired you to rethink traditional narrative structures, and how does it shift the way writers approach their scripts from the start? Can you give us a quick example of this model in action?

2. From Plot to Pulse

You say, ‘Plot grabs attention. Emotion keeps it.’ What does it take for writers to master The Emotional Arc™—and why do so many scripts fall flat in this area? How do you help writers dig deeper emotionally without losing structure?

3. Story Forge & Undercooked Concepts

You’ve coined the term ‘undercooked concepts’—which feels painfully accurate for many writers. What’s your process for Story Forging™, and how can it help pressure-proof a story idea before diving into draft one?

4. The Writer’s Voice & Mindset

Originality isn’t always about ideas—it’s about voice. How do you coach writers to uncover a voice so distinct it can’t be ignored? And what mindset shift must occur for a writer to go from aspiring to producing? How do you balance preserving voice with the demands of marketability or genre?

5. Creativity in a Changing Landscape

You’ve worked across theatre, film, and now community-building with Storytowne. How do you see the creative process evolving today—especially with new tools like AI? Are we witnessing the revolution or the ruin of storytelling? What role does Six Months to Screenplay play in future-proofing storytellers?

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Use the code CREATIVITY at checkout for 10% off your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com

Be sure to subscribe to Your World of Creativity, rate us, and leave a review on your favorite podcast app. Join us again for more insights into how creative professionals around the world bring their ideas to life.

Today, we’re welcoming another extraordinary guest — Nina Worsley. Nina is a jazz singer, classical composer, and theater veteran whose music and performance career spans more than a decade. She’s also a creative coach helping women entrepreneurs clear blocks and unlock their inner artistry by blending faith, healing, and creative freedom.

Nina on YouTube

@composedbynina on Instagram

Here's an outline of our conversation:

1. Your Creative Journey

Nina, your creative roots are in eastern Pennsylvania, and since then you’ve built a unique blend of performance, composition, and coaching. Can you share a bit of your personal journey—from theatre to jazz to classical composition—and how it shaped your view of creativity?

2. The Intersection of Healing, Faith, and Creativity

One of the things that sets your coaching work apart is how you incorporate faith and healing into the creative process. How do those spiritual and emotional dimensions help artists and entrepreneurs push through creative blocks?

3. Composing Across Genres

You’ve written music that’s been performed by both professional and amateur musicians. What’s your approach to composing across genres, and how do you balance technical discipline with raw creative expression?

4. Coaching Women Entrepreneurs

In your work with women business owners, what’s a common mindset hurdle you see—and how do you help them move from hesitation to confidence in expressing their creativity?

5. Tools for Everyday Creativity

Whether someone’s a full-time artist or simply trying to tap into their creativity more consistently, what are a few tools or practices you recommend to stay inspired and avoid burnout?

Closing:

Nina, thank you so much for sharing your story and creative insights with us today. It’s inspiring to hear how you help others navigate their path with so much passion and purpose.

Sponsor:

Today’s episode is brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters—where flavor meets inspiration. Listeners, you can enjoy 10% off your first order when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com to discover your new favorite roast.”

Thank you for tuning in to Your World of Creativity. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show on your favorite podcast app—and come back next time as we continue to explore the world’s most creative minds and projects.

Matthew's Website

@matthewstafford815 on Instagram

Matthew on YouTube

Matthew's Facebook group

Matthew's Facebook page

Here's a guide to our conversation:

1: Unlocking Conversions Without Bigger Ad Budgets

Matthew, one of your specialties is helping brands increase conversion rates without necessarily spending more on ads. What are a few of the most effective strategies you recommend for ecommerce store owners looking to maximize their existing traffic? What are some quick wins versus long-term strategies you’ve seen work best?

2: Avoiding the Biggest Conversion Killers

You’ve reviewed thousands of ecommerce sites. What would you say are the top three biggest conversion killers that you spot over and over again? And how can businesses fix them? Any common myths or mistakes people should be aware of when diagnosing conversion issues?

3: Data-Driven Optimizations for Growth

In your experience, what key data points should ecommerce brands focus on when trying to make smarter conversion decisions? How can tools like heatmaps, A/B testing, and session recordings really move the needle? Can you share an example where a simple data insight led to a major breakthrough?

4: Creating a Personalized Customer Journey

You talk a lot about personalizing the user experience. How can ecommerce brands use AI, segmentation, and behavioral data to create shopping journeys that feel custom-tailored — and ultimately boost customer retention? How can even small brands, without giant tech budgets, start implementing personalization?

5: Remarketing and Retargeting with Impact

We know that most visitors don’t convert on their first visit. What are the smartest ways to run remarketing campaigns that actually bring people back — without being creepy or annoying? Any trends you’re seeing with how brands can re-engage cart abandoners more creatively?

Today’s episode was sponsored by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a 10% discount on your first order when you use the code 'CREATIVITY' at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.

Be sure to come back again for our next episode, and if you liked what you heard today, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app.

DAcide 's Website

@dado150 on Instagram

Davide is the founder of the award-winning digital branding agency 150UP and has led projects for Ferrari, Prada, Amazon, and many more. He's also co-founder of Viento Padel, creating products that connect sport, lifestyle, and passion.

Here is an overview of our conversation:

1.   Davide, you've worked with brands that are synonymous with style and innovation — Ferrari, Armani, Alessi. When you first approach a brand like that, how do you begin crafting a narrative that stays true to their DNA but still brings something new and inspiring? How do you balance respecting tradition while pushing toward innovation?

2.   Your love for technology is clearly intertwined with your design philosophy. How do you see emerging technologies — like AI, VR, or AR — changing the future of brand storytelling and user experience? Are there any recent projects where you've integrated these technologies in surprising ways?

3.   In founding Viento Padel, you moved from working with brands to building one yourself. What lessons from your agency and branding work did you apply — or maybe re-learn — when creating a brand from scratch? What has surprised you most about being on the entrepreneur side of the table?

4.   You emphasize creating 'solid foundations' for brands that can be shared with the world. In today's fast-paced digital world, what does a solid brand foundation look like to you? Where do you think brands sometimes cut corners that hurt them in the long run?

5.   As a creative director and mentor, what advice do you give young designers and entrepreneurs who want to build brands that last and influence culture? What qualities or mindsets do you think are essential today?

Special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. You can enjoy a 10% discount off your first order when you use the code 'CREATIVITY' at checkout. Just visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com

And thank you, listeners! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app. We’ll see you next time as we continue our journeys to unlock … your world of creativity.

Kevin's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkennonarchitect/

Kevin 's Website

Kevin 's Facebook page

@pkk2418 on Instagram

Here's an outline of our discussion:

1: ORIGINS OF DESIGN THINKING

•  “Kevin, take us back to the beginning. What sparked your passion for architecture, and how did your early work shape your current focus on sustainability?”
• “When did you first begin to integrate sustainability into your design process?”

2: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

•  “Your firm, Beyond Zero DDC Inc., focuses on zero-carbon emission resorts. What inspired this concept of sustainable luxury?”
• “What are the biggest challenges when building in remote wilderness areas—and how does your team overcome them creatively?”
• “How do you balance aesthetic excellence with environmental responsibility?”

3: IMPACT ON URBAN PLANNING

•  “A 2019 UN report said cities contribute 70% of global carbon emissions. In your opinion, what role does creative urban planning play in reversing this trend?”
• “How can architects, developers, and city planners collaborate better to create truly sustainable cities?”
•  “We recently spoke with architect Joana Sa Lima in Oslo, who told us that good design can make cities more livable. How do you approach livability in your urban work?”
• “Another previous guest, Dr. Esther Sternberg, author of WELL AT WORK, discussed how architecture affects our health. How do you see design impacting physical and mental well-being?”

4: ICONIC PROJECTS & LESSONS

•  “Tell us about one of your most memorable projects—perhaps Barclays or the Rodin Museum—and what you learned from it.”
• “You were part of United Architects, a finalist in the World Trade Center design competition. What was that experience like, and how did it shape your thinking about architecture’s cultural impact?”

5: WHAT’S NEXT IN SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE?

•  “What innovations are on the horizon in sustainable architecture?”
• “Are there any emerging materials, technologies, or design philosophies you’re excited about?”

Sponsor:

• Before we go, a big thanks to our sponsor White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Get 10% off your order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app.

Join us again next time as we continue to explore the creative journeys of the world’s most innovative minds.

Kevin Kennon is an internationally renowned architect with over 40 years of experience, specializing in environmentally sustainable and innovative design. As the founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., Kevin leads the development of zero-carbon emission luxury eco-resorts in remote wilderness locations worldwide, merging design excellence with ecological responsibility. His extensive portfolio includes projects like the 1.5 million square foot Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. Additionally, he led United Architects, a finalist in the prestigious World Trade Center design competition, further solidifying his impact on architectural innovation.

Jacqueline's Website

@jsuskin on Instagram

Jacqueline's Facebook page

Book order page: https://www.flowerflowerpress.press/shop/the-verse-for-now

Here is an outline of the conversation:

Evolution of Creative Cycles:

"Jacqueline, welcome back to the show! In our January conversation about A Year in Practice, you emphasized the cyclical nature of creativity and the reflective power of winter. With The Verse for Now, you delve into the idea of accepting ourselves as both vast and intimate—planetary yet personal. Can you share what inspired this shift and how your approach to creativity has evolved since then?"

Nature as a Muse:

"Your latest work invites us to find guidance in moments of contemplation: kneeling by a rushing creek, walking city streets, or sitting under an old growth redwood. Could you describe a personal moment from your creative journey when nature transformed into a profound source of poetic inspiration?"

Spontaneity vs. Craft:

"Given your impressive portfolio of over forty thousand improvisational poems through Poem Store, how do you balance the spontaneity of in-the-moment creation with the intentional craft required for a cohesive work like The Verse for Now? What role does each play in your creative process?"

Teaching & Community Impact:

"As a teaching artist with InsideOut Literary Arts and the mind behind the Poem Forest curriculum, how does engaging with communities and young creators influence your own writing? In what ways do these experiences inform the themes of interconnection and transformation in your latest book?"

Message for Challenging Times:

"In a world marked by environmental challenges and rapid change, The Verse for Now speaks to finding solace and agency through poetry. What message or practical guidance would you like to share with our listeners who are seeking to nurture their creativity and connection to the earth during tumultuous times?"

A special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners can enjoy a 10% discount off their order using the discount code CREATIVITY at check-out. Visit www.WhiteCloudCoffee.com for more details.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue these inspiring conversations.

Jacqueline Suskin is a poet and educator who has composed over forty thousand improvisational poems with her ongoing writing project, Poem Store. Suskin is the author of nine books, including The Edge of The Continent Volume 1-3, Help in the Dark Season, Every Day is a Poem, A Year in Practice, and The Verse for Now, with work featured in various publications including the New York Times, the Atlantic, and the Los Angeles Times. An ecstatic earth-worshiper, she lives in Detroit where she works as a teaching artist with InsideOut Literary Arts, bringing nature poetry into classrooms with her Poem Forest curriculum.

Bonnie's Website

Bonnie's Facebook page

Bonnie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bingenetworks

Here is an outline of the conversation:

Segment 1: Breaking the Rules of Streaming

•  “Let’s talk about BINGE Networks. What made you want to break the mold of traditional content licensing?”
• “How is BINGE different from platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or even Netflix?”
• “What kind of creator was BINGE built for?”

Segment 2: From Filmmaker to Media Mogul - The Origin Story

• “Take us back to the early days—how did your career in media at NBC Internet and CitySearch shape your path?”
• “What problem did you see in the market that no one else was solving?”
• “How did your experience as a filmmaker give you a unique edge?”

Segment 3: Making Content Pay

•  “So many creators struggle to make money from their content. What are they missing?”
• “What are some of the smartest or most surprising ways creators are monetizing their work on BINGE?”
• “What advice would you give a podcaster or filmmaker just starting out in terms of building revenue from day one?”

Segment 4: Distribution Masterclass - Syndicate, Scale, Succeed

• “Let’s dig into syndication—how do you get 15,000+ shows onto 100+ platforms?”
• “What does ‘global distribution’ really look like for an independent creator?”
• “Are there any industries or niche categories that are seeing huge growth right now through BINGE?”

Segment 5: The Future of Media -- AI, Influencers & Owning Your Revenue

• “Where do you see the future of streaming and media going in the next 3-5 years?”
• “How is AI already changing the game for content creators?”
• “What does it mean to truly own your revenue in today’s media landscape?”

Segment 6: Creator Success Stories & Final Thoughts

• “Can you share a favorite success story from someone on the BINGE platform?”
• “If you could leave creators with one piece of advice today, what would it be?”
• “Where can listeners go to learn more, join the platform, or connect with you?”

Thanks again to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners, you can enjoy 10% off your order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Just visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.”

If you enjoyed today’s conversation, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app. And come back again next time, where we’ll continue to unlock … your world of creativity.

As the CEO of BINGE Networks, I have been leading the streaming distribution and licensing industry for over nine years, helping filmmakers and producers get their projects placed and monetized on all major streaming platforms, such as Tubi, ROKU, Apple TV, Amazon, and more. With my extensive background in online marketing, online advertising, and public relations, I have developed a turnkey solution that offers licensing, distribution, and syndication services for any film or TV show, with fast and proven results. My mission is to support and empower video creators and filmmakers to reach their audiences and generate revenue from their content, without the hassle and complexity of dealing with streaming networks, agents, and aggregators. I have leveraged my deep relationships and expertise in the industry to negotiate thousands of licensing deals and generate millions in revenue for our clients.

Today, we’re talking about mental wellness, creative connection, and a new way to approach communication—with our guest who is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with over four decades of experience -- Jill Robin Payne.

Jill 's Website

Jill on YouTube

Jill is a true trailblazer—starting as her college’s first intern at the National Institutes of Health, later continuing her journey through the VA Hospital in Houston and authoring a rehabilitative activities guide while still earning her master’s degree.

But what truly sets Jill apart is her original, trademarked concept called Bempathy®—a blend of banter and empathy—which fosters reciprocal, harmonious relationships through meaningful, human-centered communication.

1. Origins and Early Inspiration

• “Let’s start at the beginning—what led you to pursue mental health as your life’s work?”
• “You were a pioneer even in your college years—how did your internships at NIH and the VA Hospital influence your understanding of human behavior?”

2. Introducing Bempathy®

• “You’ve created and trademarked an innovative concept—Bempathy®. What is it, and how did the idea first come to you?”
• “You describe it as a mix of banter and empathy—how does that play out in practice, particularly in communication or counseling?”
• “Can Bempathy® help resolve conflict or improve creative collaboration?”
• “What are some ways individuals or teams can begin to integrate Bempathy® into their everyday interactions?”

3. Creativity and the Human Experience

• “In your experience, what is the relationship between mental wellness and creativity?”
• “Do you find that creativity itself can be a healing process?”
• “What mental roadblocks do creatives often face, and how might Bempathy® offer a path through them?”

4. Behavior, Habits, and Wellness

• “You’ve taught behavior modification and written rehabilitative guides. What role do habits play in our personal growth?”
• “How do we begin to reframe habits that might be limiting our emotional or creative potential?”

5. Helping Creatives in Recovery

• “Your work in chemical dependency counseling intersects with many creatives who struggle with substance use. How can creativity aid in the recovery process?”
• “What support systems are especially effective for creatives in recovery?”

6. From the Heart: Spreading the Goodness

• “All of your work seems to come from a very personal and heartfelt place. How does your philosophy of ‘spreading the goodness’ guide your everyday approach?”
• “If our listeners were to take just one idea from today’s conversation into their lives and work, what would you want that to be?”



Closing Remarks:

“And thanks again to our sponsor—White Cloud Coffee Roasters—for supporting this episode. Don’t forget, listeners: you can enjoy 10% off your order when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Just visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com and explore their amazing artisan blends.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app—and join us again next time as we continue unlocking your creative potential.”

And today our creative passport is being stamped in Sydney, Australia. And we're talking to designer, creative director and founder of his own design firm, Ben Rennie. He is the author of a new book, Lessons in Creativity.

Ben's Website

@benrennie on Instagram

Ben's book: https://www.wiley.com/LessonsinCreativity

1. Your Creative & Entrepreneurial Journey

Ben, you’ve worked with some of the world’s biggest brands—Patagonia, Google, K-Mart, Canon, Nike, Adidas, American Apparel, Dolce & Gabbana, Ray-Ban, Chanel, Prada, and more. What sparked your journey into design and creativity, and how did it evolve into leading a global brand and UX agency?

2. The Power of Creativity in Everyday Life

Your book, Lessons in Creativity, emphasizes that creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s essential to work, relationships, and personal fulfillment. Can you share a moment when embracing creativity transformed your approach to life or business?

3. Unlocking New Horizons Through Creative Thinking

You talk about creativity as a tool for forming new habits, crafting fresh narratives, and unlocking unseen potential. What strategies or mindset shifts help people break out of creative ruts and reimagine possibilities?

4. Overcoming Creative Blocks and Taking the First Step

For those feeling stuck or disconnected, your book serves as a guide to reigniting creativity. What’s one actionable step someone can take today to overcome fear and start engaging with their creative potential?

5. The Intersection of Design, Technology, and Purpose

As Chair of Design Declares Australia and an advocate for sustainability, how do you see design and technology shaping a more meaningful and purpose-driven future?

Special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters—listeners can enjoy 10% off with the code "CREATIVITY" at checkout. Visit www.whitecloudcoffee.com.

Listeners, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

Victoria's Website

@Victoria.glam on Instagram

Victoria on YouTube

Here is a guide to our interview:

1. Building an Empire in Beauty

• Victoria, you’ve built not just one but two thriving businesses in the beauty industry. What first inspired you to enter this space, and what was the moment you knew you were onto something big?

1. From Microblading to Manufacturing

• Many entrepreneurs focus on either services or products, but you’ve mastered both. How did BrowSister come about, and what challenges did you face in launching a product internationally?

1. Scaling Through Education

• Your Microblading Institute is franchised under the Board of Regents—an impressive achievement! What was the process of getting it accredited like, and how has it helped you impact the industry on a larger scale?

1. Coaching Beauty Businesses for Growth

• Through your Revenue Growth Systems program, you help beauty professionals scale their businesses. What are the biggest mistakes you see entrepreneurs making, and what’s one key piece of advice you give them?

1. Balancing Business & Family

• As a wife and mother running multiple businesses, what’s your approach to maintaining balance? Are there any routines or strategies that help you stay grounded while growing your empire?

Sponsor Shoutout:

A big thank you to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters! Listeners, enjoy 10% off your coffee order with the code "Creativity" at checkout at whitecloudcoffee.com.

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the show on your favorite podcast platform. Until next time, keep unlocking your world of creativity!

John's Website

@johnklemmersaxophonist on Instagram

John's Facebook page

John's Facebook group

Here's a guide to our interview.

1. Pioneering New Sounds & Genres

John, your career is filled with groundbreaking moments—many credit you with creating the first jazz fusion album, pioneering smooth jazz, and introducing electronic effects into jazz saxophone. Looking back, what was driving your constant push for innovation? Did you ever feel resistance from the industry or audiences when breaking new ground?

I was in Chicago when WNUA Radio launched the Smooth Jazz format, and I remember how your music, alongside artists like Ramsey Lewis, Larry Carlton, Dave Koz, and Richard Elliott, helped define an entirely new listening experience. Did you see the rise of Smooth Jazz coming, or was it a surprise to you how your sound became such a central part of the movement?

2. The Evolution of an Artist

Your music has evolved across many different styles—straight-ahead jazz, jazz-rock fusion, smooth jazz, solo sax, and even New Age music. You’ve said that some people only know you from one era and may not realize the full scope of your work. How do you personally define your artistic identity? Do you see all these phases as part of one larger creative vision? Collaborations?

3. The Art of Reflection & Reinvention

You’ve taken several sabbaticals throughout your career—pausing to reflect, compose, and reimagine your music. In today’s fast-paced digital age, artists often feel pressure to constantly release new content. What advice would you give to younger musicians about the importance of reflection and artistic reinvention?

4. The Intersection of Music & Emotion

Your album Touch became an unexpected worldwide sensation, connecting deeply with listeners on an emotional level. You’ve mentioned that this wasn’t a commercial decision but rather an honest artistic expression. What do you think made Touch resonate so profoundly with people, and how do you approach translating raw emotion into sound?

5. Innovation in a Changing Music Industry

With the rise of digital streaming, independent labels, and new technology, the music industry has changed drastically since your early days at Cadet/Chess and Impulse! Records. As someone who has always been ahead of the curve, how do you see the future of jazz and experimental music evolving? What excites you about where music is headed?

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters—use code "Creativity" for 10% off your next order.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast platform!

He joins us from Philadelphia.

Carter's Website

@carterfoxmarketing on Instagram

Carter on YouTube

Carter's Facebook page

Guide to the Interview

1️ Blending Music & Marketing – Carter, your career bridges both the artistic and business sides of the industry. How did you first realize the importance of marketing for independent musicians? What are some of the biggest mistakes artists make when promoting their music?

2️ The Power of Branding – You emphasize the importance of artist branding. In a crowded music landscape, what are the key elements of a strong artist brand. How can musicians create a compelling identity that resonates with both fans and industry professionals?

3️ Touring & Collaboration Insights – You've toured with legends like Freddie Jackson and collaborated with both major and indie artists. What lessons have you learned from these experiences? How have they shaped your approach to music and business?

4️ Building a Sustainable Career in the Digital Age – With streaming, social media, and evolving tech, the music industry is constantly changing. What are the most effective strategies today for independent artists to build a long-term, financially sustainable career?

5️ The YouTube/Google Ads Rockstar Approach – Your book offers a three-phase plan for musicians to promote their work effectively. Could you break down this framework and share one key tip that any artist can apply right now to improve their reach and engagement?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters—get 10% off with the code CREATIVITY at www.whitecloudcoffee.com.

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app!

Troy's Website

Troy on YouTube

Troy's Facebook group

Discussion overview:

1.   The Evolution of Digital Art & Animation "Troy, you’ve been at the intersection of art and technology for over three decades. What first inspired you to create tools like Plotaverse, and how has digital artistry evolved since you started?" Follow-up: “What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in getting Plotagraph off the ground, and how did you overcome them?”

2.   The Rise of Plotaverse & Global Impact "Plotaverse has grown into a global creative platform with over 10 million downloads. What do you think has made it so successful, and how have you seen it impact creators around the world?" Follow-up: “Can you share any standout stories of artists or brands that have used Plotaverse in groundbreaking ways?”

3.   AI & The Future of Creativity "You’ve recently launched The Why of AI?—a show dedicated to AI-driven content creation. How do you see AI shaping the future of digital art, and what excites you most about this new era?" Follow-up: “Some artists worry that AI could replace human creativity—what’s your take on AI as a tool versus a threat?”

4.   Innovation & Staying Ahead in a Changing Industry "Technology evolves fast. How do you stay ahead of trends and continue to innovate in such a competitive space?" Follow-up: “What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to build creative tech startups in today’s landscape?”

5.    The Future of Plotaverse & Your Mission "Looking ahead, what’s next for Plotaverse and for you personally? Any exciting projects or new innovations on the horizon?" Follow-up: “You’ve built a powerful community of digital creators. How do you see that evolving in the coming years?”

• Sponsor: a big thanks to White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy 10% off your order by using the code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to grab your discount.”
• Listeners: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Your support helps us bring more creative voices to the mic.

Throughout our interview, we hear excerpts of 3 new songs by Olivia.

@Oliviaamillinn on Instagram

Olivia on YouTube

Olivia 's Facebook page

1.    The Fusion of Cultures "Your music beautifully blends J-Pop with Western influences. What first drew you to Japanese music and culture, and how has that shaped your artistry?" Follow-up: "What challenges have you faced in merging these styles, and what do you think makes your approach unique?"

2.    The Journey of Start Again "Your latest album, Start Again, resonates with fans across the globe. What’s the story behind this project, and what emotions or themes did you want to capture?" Follow-up: “Your song Broken Piece of Joy hit #1 in the UK on the iTunes J-Pop charts—how did it feel to see your music connect with an international audience?”

3.    Balancing Music and Academia "You’re not only an artist but also a student, majoring in Japanese Liberal Arts at a top university. How do you balance your academic pursuits with writing, recording, and performing?" Follow-up: “Do you find that your studies deepen your connection to your music, or do they pull you in a different creative direction?”

4.    Musical Influences and Evolution "You’ve mentioned being inspired by artists like Yoasobi, Iris, Atarashii Gakkou, and even Lady Gaga. How have these influences shaped your sound and performance style?" Follow-up: “Looking ahead, how do you see your music evolving? Any new directions or sounds you’re excited to explore?”

5.    The Future & Message to Fans "You’ve accomplished so much at just 20 years old. What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or dreams you’re working toward?" Follow-up: “For young artists inspired by your journey, what advice would you give about staying true to their creative vision?”

A big thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners, you can enjoy 10% off your order by using the code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to grab your discount.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Your support helps us bring more creative voices to the mic.

Geordy's Website

Geordy on YouTube

Geordy's Facebook page

If you’re in the restaurant industry, you know how challenging it can be to keep up with shifting costs, evolving trends, and customer expectations. Geordy is here to share how real-time profit tracking and financial insights can transform the way restaurants operate—leading to smarter decisions and bigger margins.

1. Mastering Restaurant Margins

"Restaurants are famous for razor-thin margins, and many struggle with financial blind spots. How does FobeSoft help restaurateurs make real-time, data-driven decisions that boost profits?"

• What are some of the most common financial mistakes restaurant owners make?
• Can you share a success story of a restaurant that turned things around using FobeSoft?

2. Creating Buzz-Worthy Concepts

"Beyond numbers, a restaurant’s concept and experience are key to success. What strategies do you recommend for crafting dining experiences that dominate the market?"

• What trends are you seeing in restaurant branding and customer experience?
• How can data help restaurateurs refine their concept to stand out?

3. Leading Through Change

"The restaurant industry is always evolving—what key trends should owners be watching, and how can they adapt to stay ahead?"

• How do economic shifts, labor challenges, and technology advancements impact restaurant operations?
• What innovations are you most excited about in the next few years?

4. The Intersection of Tech & Hospitality

"Some restaurateurs are hesitant to embrace tech, fearing it takes away from the hospitality experience. How do you balance digital innovation with personal service?"

• What’s the biggest misconception restaurant owners have about using tech in their business?
• What advice would you give to those hesitant to adopt data-driven solutions?

5. Geordy’s Creativity & Inspiration

"At Your World of Creativity, we love to explore what fuels innovation. What inspires your creative approach to hospitality and business?"

• What sparked your journey into restaurant tech?
• How do you stay creative and innovative in such a fast-changing industry?

A big thank you to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters! Listeners, enjoy a 10% discount on your order at whitecloudcoffee.com by using the code CREATIVITY at checkout.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps us bring more inspiring guests like Geordy to the show!

Joining us is Marta Grumberg, the driving force behind Grumberg Accounting, a firm that specializes in bookkeeping, payroll, and tax consulting, particularly for the restaurant, bar, and catering sectors. We’ll be discussing how proper financial structures can fuel business growth, identify hidden costs, and optimize cash flow.

Marta's Website

@grumberg_accounting on Instagram

Interview Guide:

The Hidden Costs in Restaurant Operations

“Restaurant owners often focus on front-of-house operations, but hidden costs can eat into profits. What are some of the most common overlooked expenses in restaurant operations, and how can owners stay ahead of them?”

Strategies to Optimize Cash Flow

“Managing cash flow is one of the biggest challenges in the food industry. What practical steps can restaurants take to improve their financial health and ensure long-term sustainability?”

The Role of Cost Analysis in Menu Pricing

“Many restaurants struggle with pricing their menu items competitively while maintaining profitability. How does proper cost analysis help in setting the right menu prices, and what mistakes should owners avoid?”

Specialized Accounting and Business Growth

“How does working with a specialized accounting firm like Grumberg Accounting give restaurants a competitive edge compared to traditional bookkeeping services?”

Adapting Financial Structures to Industry Trends

“The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, from supply chain challenges to changing labor costs. How can restaurant owners adapt their financial strategies to keep up with these trends?”

Listeners, you can learn more about Marta and her team at GrumbergAccounting.com.

Special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a 10% discount off your specialty coffee order with the code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com

Melissa's website -- https://melissadinwiddie.com

Melissa's Instagram -- @a_creative_life

Melissa's YouTube channel -- https://youtube.com/@MelissaDinwiddie

Melissa's LinkedIn -- https://linkedin.com/in/melissadinwiddie

Special Offer: Get book excerpt --  https://bit.ly/YWoCthankyou

From dreaming of Juilliard as a teenager to now empowering leaders and teams through her Create the Impossible™ keynotes and workshops, Melissa has mastered the art of making big dreams come true.

1. Your journey from taking your first dance class at 16 to attending Juilliard just three years later is inspiring. What mindset shifts did you have to embrace to turn what seemed impossible into reality, and how do you help others do the same?
2. You have such an eclectic background—calligraphy, jazz singing, and now corporate innovation coaching. How have these diverse creative experiences influenced your approach to fostering innovation in major companies like Google and Meta?
3. Your book, The Creative Sandbox Way™, encourages readers to play and experiment. What role does playfulness have in achieving breakthrough innovation, especially in high-pressure corporate environments?
4. You work with analytical minds, helping them adopt a creative mindset, skillset, and toolkit. What are some common challenges these individuals face, and how do you guide them past those barriers?
5. Your workshops and retreats are known for being highly interactive and results-driven. Can you share a standout success story where a team truly embraced your approach and achieved remarkable outcomes?

Listeners, if you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to leave us a review—it helps more creative minds like you discover the show. And don’t forget to tune in next time, when we’ll continue to explore the many facets of creativity with another incredible guest.

A big thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a 10% discount when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to grab your next favorite brew.

Jarrod 's Website

The Creative Digital Performance Edge

• Noble Studios has built a reputation for blending creativity with digital performance. How do you foster a culture of innovation while maintaining measurable results for global brands?

Emerging Technologies & Digital Marketing

• You're passionate about AI and sustainability. How do you see these emerging technologies shaping the future of digital marketing strategies for B2B and travel industries?

High-Performing Teams & Culture

• Built and led high-performing teams that deliver award-winning work. What are the key elements you focus on to create a sustainable and thriving company culture?

The Intersection of Creativity and Strategy

• Many companies struggle to balance creative ideas with strategic business goals. How does Noble Studios achieve this balance, and what advice would you give to companies looking to do the same?

Advice for Aspiring Digital Leaders

• For our listeners who are aspiring digital marketing leaders, what key skills or mindset shifts should they embrace to stay ahead in such a rapidly evolving industry?

To our listeners, thanks for tuning in and for your continued support. We love hearing from you, so keep those reviews coming!

A special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a 10% discount when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout.

Be sure to join us next time as we continue exploring the creative journeys of innovators and thought leaders from around the world. Until then, keep creating!

Alaura's Website

@alauralovelight on Instagram

Alaura on YouTube

Alaura's Facebook page

I’ll be sharing how she helped me bring together my own passions into a business deal.

Interview Guide:

1. Alaura, you’ve developed a concept called 'Conscious Creativity.' Can you share with us what that means and how it helps creatives align their artistry with their higher purpose?
2. You wear many hats—R&B artist, producer, and business coach. How do you balance these roles while staying true to your creative vision and maintaining mindfulness in your work?
3. Many creatives struggle with self-doubt and burnout. How does your approach incorporate healing and self-care to help artists thrive in their careers?
4. Your work focuses on combining creativity with business strategy. What are some key insights creatives should consider when trying to turn their passion into a sustainable career?
5. In your journey, what has been the most transformative lesson you've learned about the connection between creativity and spirituality, and how has it influenced your work?

To our listeners, thank you for tuning in and for all the great reviews and feedback. Your support keeps us going, and we love hearing how these conversations inspire your own creative journeys.

A special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a 10% discount when you use the code "CREATIVITY" at checkout.

Be sure to join us next time for more conversations with creatives from around the world. Until then, keep unlocking .. your world of creativity

Kerri's Website

@kerri.hummingbird on Instagram

Kerri on YouTube

Kerri's Facebook page

Kerri is the founder of Inner Medicine Training, a Mystery School that shares ancient wisdom from the Andes and Himalayas. She’s also the #1 international best-selling author of several transformative books, including Inner Medicine: Becoming One with Mother Earth for the Survival of Humanity. Her work encourages us to tap into our own inner medicine to heal and to thrive.

Discussion Guide:

1. “DISCONNECTION”: Kerri, your book Inner Medicine addresses mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, which seem to be spreading globally. Can you explain how these issues are connected to our disconnection from Mother Earth and our own inner wisdom?
2. INNER WISDOM: You’ve shared that we must listen to our intuition and build our own inner medicine. For someone who may feel lost or disconnected, what are some practical steps they can take to begin cultivating their own inner wisdom?
3. LEARNING FROM TRADITIONS: As the founder of Inner Medicine Training, you’ve been working to bring ancient teachings from the Andes and Himalayas to the modern world. What wisdom from these traditions has been particularly transformative for you, and how do you incorporate it into your life and work?
4. CREATING UNITY: You’re also an advocate for transcending racism and creating unity. In your experience, how can we create a more unified world that honors each person’s unique truth and inner guidance?
5. PIVOTAL MOMENTS: Your journey to healing and becoming a thought leader wasn’t easy, and your books describe the dark nights of the soul you’ve been through. Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that changed everything for you, helping you rise above the challenges you faced?

Kerri's work is a beacon for anyone looking to heal, grow, and connect to something greater than themselves. Her book, Inner Medicine is a heart-filled guide to grounding yourself in the Earth and finding your own path to healing and purpose.

A special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Don’t forget, you can enjoy a 10% discount off your specialty coffee order when you use the code “CREATIVITY” at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com

Thank you for listening and please leave us a review on your favorite app. And we’ll keep unlocking Your World of Creativity

Daniela's Website

@tinzeltowndesign on Instagram

Daniela's Facebook page 

Highlights from the Conversation:

• The Evolution of Creativity: Daniela explains how her creative journey—from copywriting to restaurateur and therapist—culminated in her passion for designing unique, engaging spaces.
• Design Philosophy: She discusses how her interior designs reflect a blend of freedom, bold colors, and retro glam, evoking a luxurious and carefree 1960s Palm Springs vibe.
• Hospitality Meets Design: Daniela reveals how her background in hospitality informs her design approach, creating spaces that entertain, comfort, and inspire.
• Cape Town's Creative Energy: She highlights the city’s vibrant, unpretentious creative community, where freedom of expression thrives and opportunities for innovation abound.
• Breaking Rules, Finding Freedom: Daniela emphasizes how her work pushes boundaries, combining unexpected elements and giving people the courage to think and live "outside the box."

Quote:

"Creativity is about giving things new meaning—placing them differently, combining them boldly. It’s about freedom, self-expression, and living outside the box." – Daniela Gottschalk

Thank you to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters, crafting exceptional blends to fuel your creative adventures. Discover your new favorite coffee at whitecloudcoffee.com.

Amy's Website

@amy_gamerman on Instagram

Here's a guide to Mark's interview:

Your new book, The Crazies, has been described as an evocative story set against the backdrop of Montana’s Big Timber and delves into the collision of tradition, innovation, and identity. Yellowstone meets Amity & Prosperity. It’s a compelling exploration of power, community, and environmental stakes in the American West. Before we dive into the details of your book, let’s start by exploring your creative journey and process."

1: "You’ve had a distinguished career in journalism, from drama critic to real estate writer for the Wall Street Journal. What inspired you to transition into writing a full-length narrative nonfiction book, and why was this story the one you chose to tell?"

2: "The book features a rich tapestry of characters: from a Crow activist to a Texas oil tycoon to an Olympic athlete-turned-attorney. How did you go about finding and building these voices into a cohesive and dynamic narrative?"

3: "Themes of tradition, innovation, and conflict permeate The Crazies. What did you discover about the delicate balance between preserving a way of life and embracing necessary change?"

4: "Your writing style is both journalistic and lyrical, with a deep sense of place. How do you approach the challenge of immersing readers in such a ruggedly beautiful yet complicated setting like Big Timber, Montana?"

5: "The book has been praised for its relevance in the broader conversation about climate change and community. What do you hope readers take away from this story, not only about Montana but also about the challenges we face as a global community?"

Thanks, as always, to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Don’t forget to use the code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout for a 10% discount on your specialty coffee order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com

@franciscoaboitiz.neuroscience on Instagram

Here's an overview of our conversation:

• Setting the Stage: Dr. Aboitiz, your book explores one of the most profound mysteries of our time—consciousness. To start, could you summarize the key events in brain evolution that have led to the emergence of consciousness, as you outline in your book?
• Theories of Consciousness: You delve into theories like the Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and the Global Workspace Theory (GWS). What do these theories offer to our understanding of consciousness, and where do they fall short in explaining subjective experience?
• Beyond Humans: Your book raises fascinating questions about consciousness in non-human animals. How do researchers measure consciousness in animals, and what ethical considerations should guide this work?
• Artificial Consciousness: You also explore the potential for consciousness to emerge in artificial systems. Do you believe systems like large language models could one day achieve consciousness, and what would that mean for society?
• Your Creative Process: Writing and publishing a book like A History of Bodies, Brains, and Minds requires a deep creative effort. Could you share a bit about your creative process, any key collaborators or co-creators, and how this project came to life?

We learned so much from Dr. Aboitiz’s insights on the global creative spirit.

Thank you to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a 10% discount on your order when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com to explore their specialty blends.

Today, I’m thrilled to be stamping our passport in Cincinnati, Ohio – joined by Jennifer Roig-Francolí—an international prize-winning violinist, creator of The Art of Freedom® Method, and author of the Amazon bestseller Make Great Music with Ease! Jennifer’s groundbreaking approach helps musicians and creatives overcome mindset and physical obstacles, transforming their personal and professional lives.

Jennifer's Website

Jennifer on YouTube

@jennifer.roigfrancoli on Instagram

Jennifer's Facebook group

Today, we’ll explore her inspiring journey and practical advice for unlocking your true creative potential.

• Journey to Mastery: Jennifer, your career as a violinist has taken you from Carnegie Hall to Grammy-winning performances. Can you share some of the defining moments in your journey as a performer and how they shaped your unique perspective on creativity?
• The Art of Freedom® Method: You created The Art of Freedom® Method, blending your experience as an Alexander Technique teacher with your love of meditation. How does this approach address the challenges of stress, anxiety, and even physical pain that so many musicians and creatives face?
• Insights from Make Great Music with Ease: Your book, Make Great Music with Ease! has become a #1 bestseller, offering practical solutions for overcoming obstacles like burnout and performance anxiety. What’s one surprising mindset or technique from the book that you think could benefit not just musicians but anyone striving for creative success?-
• Creativity and Resilience: You’ve had an incredible career, balancing professional success with personal growth. What advice would you give to creatives about staying resilient and fulfilled in the face of setbacks or high expectations?
• Vision for the Future: As a coach working exclusively online now, what’s your vision for how creativity and technology can intersect to help artists and creatives thrive in the future?

For anyone interested in learning more, be sure to check out Jennifer’s book, Make Great Music with Ease!, and explore The Art of Freedom® Method.

And thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Don’t forget to enjoy a 10% discount with the code CREATIVITY at checkout on whitecloudcoffee.com.

Gui's Website

https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredhospo/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/unfilteredhospo/

From being named one of Food and Wine Magazine's 10 Best New Mixologists to leading global beverage innovation at sbe, Gui has been a force in transforming the beverage industry.

His work earned James Beard Award nominations and a spot on the 50 Best Bars list.

Gui’s collaborations with brands like Williams Sonoma and The Smithsonian showcase his creativity and expertise.

Origins in Mixology

• Gui, you grew up in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant culture. How did your upbringing shape your path toward becoming a mixologist and innovator in the beverage world?

Defining Creativity in Mixology

• You’ve been named one of Food and Wine Magazine’s 10 Best New Mixologists and led groundbreaking concepts like the Broken Shaker. What does creativity mean to you in the context of crafting cocktails and creating bar experiences?

The Story Behind Unfiltered Hospitality

• As the co-founder of Unfiltered Hospitality, what inspired you to start this venture, and how does it reflect your personal philosophy in the industry?

Collaborating with Iconic Brands

• You’ve worked with major brands like British Airways and The Smithsonian. How do these collaborations push the boundaries of traditional mixology and expand your creative vision?

Advice for Aspiring Innovators

• What advice would you give to young mixologists or creatives who want to carve out their own space in such a competitive and evolving industry?

A special thank you to today’s sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Don’t forget, you can enjoy 10% off your coffee order by using the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to claim your discount and elevate your coffee experience.

His latest book, Consolidated Wisdom, is a treasure trove of profound insights and quotations from the past 5,000 years, accompanied by Gene’s thoughtful commentary.

Gene's Website

The Creative Journey

• Gene, your career spans so many unique roles—How have these experiences shaped your understanding of creativity, and what inspired you to channel it into writing Consolidated Wisdom?

The Power of Quotes

• In Consolidated Wisdom, you’ve curated over 1,500 profound quotes. What drew you to this project, and how do you see these quotes serving individuals and businesses in their daily lives?

Wisdom Meditation

• The final chapters of your book introduce the concept of Wisdom Meditation. Can you explain how this method works and how it helps readers apply the wisdom they’ve learned to their lives?

The Evolution of Thought

• Your book highlights a panoramic view of human thought over 5,000 years. What are some of the most surprising or impactful insights you discovered during your research?

Creativity in Action

• Beyond your book, you’ve hosted thousands of game shows and taught creativity seminars. How do you guide individuals and organizations to unlock their creative potential? What’s one tip our listeners can apply today?

Special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters! Enjoy a 10% discount on your next coffee order using the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to learn more.

David's Website

@abetterdesignco on Instagram

1. Finding Inspiration in Product Development

You’ve worked on products as diverse as toys and gourmet ice cream cones. Where do you typically find inspiration for new ideas? Are there particular moments or experiences that spark your creativity?

2. From Idea to Reality: The Product Development Process

Taking an idea from concept to market is no small feat. Can you walk us through your approach to product development? How do you navigate challenges like prototyping, manufacturing, or marketing?

3. The Story Behind Cornhole Shootout and Bank-A-Ball

Your recent toys, Cornhole Shootout has captured the public’s attention and imagination. What’s the story behind these products? How did they evolve, and what do you think has made them resonate with consumers? Cornhole Shootout, was nominated for a prestigious award in the toy industry -- Toy of the Year in the Outdoor Toys category!

4. Lessons from a Global Perspective

Your career spans diverse industries and countries—from Minnesota to Israel, from ice cream to humanitarian aid. How have your experiences in different fields and cultures shaped your approach to business and creativity?

5. Balancing Family and Innovation

As a father of six and a business leader, how do you balance family life with the demands of entrepreneurship? Has your family ever inspired your creative process?

And as always, thank you to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a 10% discount when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to explore their handcrafted blends.

Today's guest is Chris Tripoli, highlighting his extensive 45+ years in the hospitality industry, with his achievements in restaurant concept development, consulting, education, and podcasting.

Chris's Website

Here's a guide to our discussion --

1: The Art of Concept Development

You've developed award-winning restaurant concepts and consulted on a diverse range of projects. What key elements do you think make a hospitality concept stand out in a competitive market? Could you share an example?

2: Consulting in a Changing World

You’ve worked on food service programs for airports, parks, arenas, and even medical centers. How do you adapt your strategies to meet the unique demands of such varied environments? What emerging trends do you see shaping the future of hospitality consulting?

3: Supporting Entrepreneurs

Through your work with RestaurantOwner.com and the Foodservice Consultants Society International, you’ve been a mentor to many. What are the most common challenges you see aspiring restaurateurs face, and how do you guide them through? What advice would you give someone with a great idea but limited resources or industry experience?

4: Lessons from "Corner Booth"

As the host of the "Corner Booth" podcast, you’ve interviewed many in the industry. What have been some of the most memorable or surprising lessons you’ve learned from your guests?

5: Creativity in Hospitality

This podcast focuses on creativity across disciplines. From your perspective, how does creativity drive innovation in the hospitality industry?

This episode is brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a 10% discount with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to explore their exclusive blends.

Marley Majcher shares how she elevated event planning to an art form, blending high-level creativity with logistical precision to craft unforgettable experiences for A-list celebrities and luxury clients. From TikTok-inspired sensory events to unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments (think trained dolphins in a pool!), Marley reveals the extraordinary demands of modern events.

Marley's Website

@thepartygoddess on Instagram

Marley's Facebook page

1. The Journey of "The Party Goddess"

Learn how Marley turned a challenging personal and professional moment into a thriving brand. The bold name "The Party Goddess" became a beacon of creativity and innovation, carving out a signature approach that embraced fun, flair, and a fearless redefinition of luxury.

2. Balancing Creativity and Profitability

As the author of But Are You Making Any Money?, Marley offers insights into bridging the gap between creative vision and business acumen. Discover her tips on pricing, maintaining profitability, and mentoring entrepreneurs—especially women—on how to confidently navigate the business side of creativity.

3. Selecting the Best Collaborators

Marley discusses the importance of finding contributors with an edge—be it DJs, photographers, or specialized entertainers. Beyond talent, she values reliability, organization, and chemistry, ensuring every team member delivers excellence under pressure.

4. The Future of Event Planning with AI and Sustainability

Marley shares her excitement about the future, from leveraging AI to enhance productivity and creativity to incorporating sustainable practices in event design. As technology evolves, so does the potential for innovation in crafting events that resonate on every level.

5. Her Passion Project: "Say Yes to Sheep"

Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with actionable insights, hilarious anecdotes, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of high-end event planning!

And thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee, where you can enjoy a 10% discount with code 'Creativity' at checkout. Visit Whitecloudcoffee.com for your next coffee order.

Kate's Website

@bloom_art_experiences on Instagram

Kate's Facebook page

Here's a guide to our conversation:

1. The Bloom Workshop Experience -- Your workshops take place in some incredibly beautiful locations, like flower farms, wineries, and galleries. Could you describe how these unique settings shape the experience for participants? And how do you go about finding and collaborating with local producers and guest artists to make each workshop feel distinctive and immersive?

2. The Origins of Bloom Art Experiences -- Kate and Emily, you both come from diverse professional backgrounds—Kate in social work and Emily in architecture. What inspired you to leave those paths and launch Bloom Art Experiences in 2022? How did your backgrounds contribute to the creation and unique approach of your workshops?

3. Art for All Levels: Breaking Down Barriers -- One of the hallmarks of Bloom Art Experiences is that it’s welcoming to both beginners and hobby painters. What are some techniques or teaching approaches you use to make art accessible and enjoyable for people with different levels of experience? And what’s it like to see participants develop their skills and confidence over the course of a day?

4. Going Digital with Bloom Online -- With the recent launch of Bloom Online, you’ve made it possible for people to enjoy your art experiences from anywhere. What was the process of adapting your in-person workshops to an online format like? And how does Bloom Online continue to capture the spirit of what you do in-person, even in a digital space?

5. Building a Sustainable, Creative Business -- As artists and business owners, you’re balancing both the creative and logistical sides of Bloom Art Experiences. Could you share some of the challenges and rewards of running a creative small business? And what advice would you give to other artists looking to diversify their income or transition from other careers into the art world?

Thanks for Kate and Emily for the dynamic and insightful conversation, helping listeners gain a sense of the creativity, dedication, and community focus that make Bloom Art Experiences so unique.

And thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee, where you can enjoy a 10% discount with code 'Creativity' at checkout. Visit Whitecloudcoffee.com for your next coffee order.

Ella's Website

@ella.davar on Instagram

Ella on YouTube

Here's an overview of the interview:

1. Building a Health and Wellness Career as an Immigrant

2. Gut Health and Longevity: Key Insights and Misconceptions

3. Developing the "GutBrain Method": From Concept to Program

4. Branding and Marketing in the Health and Wellness Space

5. What’s Next for Gut Health and Wellness?

Thanks to Ella, for sharing her journey and insights

And thank you to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters, for fueling our creative conversations. Enjoy a 10% discount on your order with the code 'Creativity' at checkout. Visit Whitecloudcoffee.com.

Nadine's Website

Nadine on YouTube

@Nadineroyale on Instagram

Nadine's Facebook page

Here's a guide to our interview:

 1. Cultural Influences on Artistry 

  - Can you share how your Egyptian-German heritage has influenced your music and acting style? 

  - How have these cultural elements helped shape "War Cry" and your latest works?

 2. Path to Becoming a Multidisciplinary Artist 

  - What was your journey like moving from Germany to the U.S. and then attending Berklee College of Music? 

  - How did your time at Berklee help refine your vision for music and entrepreneurship?

 3. "War Cry" and Empowerment 

  - "War Cry" is described as an anthem of strength and inclusivity. What inspired you to create this track, and how does the music video represent these themes? 

  - How do you hope listeners will connect with this message?

• We feature a sample of Nadine's song "War Cry"

 4. Entrepreneurial Pursuits: Nadine Royale Studios & Ascendi 

  - Tell us about Nadine Royale Studios and Ascendi. What sparked the idea to merge fashion with affirmations? 

  - How do you see these ventures supporting your mission of empowerment?

 5. Upcoming Projects: "The Alchemist" Album and "Love and Lithium" TV Series 

  - What can you share about your upcoming album, "The Alchemist," and its themes? 

  - With "Love and Lithium," how are you addressing mental health, and what inspired this new direction in your storytelling?

Thanks to our sponsor – WHITE CLOUD COFFEE – enjoy a 10% discount on your order when you use the promo code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout – www.whitecloudcoffee.com

Our guest is Lisa Tener: book coach, author and creativity catalyst. Her newest book is, Breathe. Write. Breathe.: 18 Energizing Practices to Spark Your Writing and Free Your Voice

Lisa's Website

@lisa_tener_writes on Instagram

Lisa on YouTube

Lisa's Facebook group

Lisa's Facebook page

Here's a guide to our discussion:

1. Book Origins and Creative Journey 

  - "Breathe. Write. Breathe." has already won 9 book awards and is now a finalist for the Stevie Awards’ "Book of the Year" for Women in Business. Could you walk us through what inspired this book and the journey that led to its creation? How did these energizing practices impact you and your clients?

 2. The Power of Breath in Creative Writing 

  - You’ve highlighted breathwork as a foundation for sparking creativity. Can you share specific examples of how breathing practices unlock creativity and even influence the quality or depth of writing?

 3. From Idea to Published Book: Writing and Publishing Insights 

  - You’re known for helping authors land major publishing deals and connect with audiences. What guidance do you offer to writers aiming to publish life-changing books, especially in today’s competitive market?

 4. Cultivating Creative Flow and Overcoming Blocks 

  - Many writers struggle with creative blocks. What unique practices or techniques from Breathe. Write. Breathe. or your workshops have you found most effective for freeing one’s voice and accessing a natural flow?

 5. The Broader Impact of Writing on Well-being and Purpose 

  - Your previous book, The Joy of Writing Journal, connects creativity with well-being. How does journaling or daily writing impact a person’s sense of purpose and mental well-being, and how might aspiring writers incorporate these principles into their lives?

We hope you've enjoyed learning from Lisa’s expertise, practical techniques, and insights into the intersection of creativity and well-being

Thank our sponsor – WHITE CLOUD COFFEE – enjoy a 10% discount on your order when you use the promo code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout – www.whitecloudcoffee.com

enzo's Website

@enzodalverme on Instagram

enzo's Facebook page

From his illustrious career in celebrity photography to teaching meditative retreats, Enzo shares how art can foster deeper connections with both subjects and oneself. Here’s a glimpse into the conversation:

- Creative Shift: Enzo describes moving from high-profile photography to using photography as a tool for self-awareness and mindfulness.

- Meditation & Photography: How Enzo integrates his 35-year meditation practice into photography to create calm and focus during photoshoots.

- Teaching Philosophy: Enzo explains his unique approach to photography retreats, focusing on the emotional connection between photographer and subject, not just technical skills.

- Creativity Tips: Enzo suggests balancing exposure to inspiring work with moments of silence to unlock creativity.

- Self-Care for Creatives: He emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself, particularly when balancing creativity and personal limits.

“When a bottle is full, there is no more room for anything else.” — Enzo Dal Verme

Sponsored by: White Cloud Coffee Roasters—crafting rich, flavorful roasts to inspire your creative journey.

DAVID's Facebook page

David shares his passion for storytelling in the food world and how he’s using this platform to highlight the diverse personalities behind the culinary industry. The conversation dives into the art of podcasting, the beauty of open-ended conversations, and why passion matters in any creative venture.

- David’s new podcast features open-ended, deep conversations with chefs and food innovators.

- He reveals fascinating backstories of culinary legends like Nancy Silverton and emerging talents like Christina Nguyen.

- Passionate local chefs are equally important as Michelin-starred legends in keeping great cooking alive.

- David shares insights into how food culture in America is constantly evolving and why authenticity doesn't mean rigid tradition.

- The beauty of long-form storytelling: letting characters express themselves fully beyond a 30-second soundbite.

Pull-out Quote from David Page:

"Anybody who cares deeply about doing something better than good enough—that is a personality that explains to me who you are."

Special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters.

- From Acting to Writing: Russell discusses the transition from acting out others' stories to creating his own, with *Shoes* marking his debut as an author.

- The Origins of "Shoes": The inspiration came from a brief but impactful encounter with a family in a Salvation Army store, a moment Russell never wanted to forget.

- Creative Courage: Russell reflects on overcoming the fear of writing such a simple story without dramatic elements like drugs or violence.

- The Power of Storytelling: We explore how Russell's career has been centered around telling meaningful stories, whether on stage, screen, or in print.

- What’s Next: Russell shares upcoming projects, including a short film adaptation of "Shoes" and ongoing auditions.

Key Quote:

"I just didn’t want to forget that young man. He’d be 49 right now, and I never saw them again, but that moment has lived with me ever since." — Russell Andrews

Summer can be a busy time, and it’s easy to miss new music. That’s why we’re thrilled to showcase these artists and their creative work, offering you a chance to discover some great songs that might have flown under your radar.

Featured Songs and Artists:

1.    Robert Ross, Canadian/Australian Country Chart-Topper, released “Mamma’s Song” on July 26. It’s from his upcoming sophomore album, “Better With Time.” We also feature a song from his debut album, “For You Girl.”

2.    Ohio Country Music Hall of Famer Richard Lynch released his highly anticipated new album, “Pulling Up the Covers,” on July 26. This collection is not just a covers album; it is a heartfelt journey through the songs that have defined country music and shaped Lynch’s own life and career. We feature Richard’s cover of the Barry Gibb-penned, Conway Twitty country hit, “Rest Your Love on Me.”

3.    Acclaimed songwriter and musician, Tim Tye and his project, Midnight Sky, released of the highly anticipated lyric video for their latest single, “Every Now and Then.” Following the success of their two Top 10 UK iTunes Country hits and two more Top 25 singles, Midnight Sky continues to captivate audiences with their unique blend of country and Americana.

4.    Eddy Mann, the acclaimed Christian folk rock music artist, released his latest single, “I’m Coming,” from his album, “Turn Up the Divine,” on June 7. This powerful new single underscores the themes of divine presence and unwavering faith, offering comfort and inspiration to listeners worldwide.

5.    Here's the new single from chart-topping, award-winning singer-songwriter, Jeremy Parsons. His innovative productions have won him critical acclaim and a place among today's most unique and exciting new country artists.

6.    Cliff & Susan, the dynamic married country music duo, released of their rendition of Van Morrison’s timeless classic, “Into the Mystic” on all major streaming platforms July 5. The song was recorded at the legendary FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Their version captures the soulful essence of the original while injecting it with their signature country flair.

7.    Erin Enderlin is a force in the country music world, known for her storytelling and vocal prowess. Her accolades include multiple albums, performances at the Grand Ole Opry, and numerous awards from the ACMAs. Her recent songwriting credits include cuts by Willie Nelson and Trisha Yearwood. 

8.    Country artist Lady Redneck, known for her high-energy performances and fun, tongue-in-cheek songs, released her latest single on June 7 -- a cover of The Police’s iconic hit, “Every Breath You Take.”

Bonus Track

9. Renowned for his profound musical prowess and heartfelt melodies, Michael Zuzek is thrilled to release his new single, "Graystone," June 21. This track promises to be a captivating addition to the pop-rock genre, merging nostalgic influences with a fresh and invigorating sound. The track is from his upcoming 2024 album release, “Everest,” encapsulating the essence of the 60s and 70s while infusing it with contemporary vibrancy.

Special thanks to the artists for allowing us to share their music, and to their management for supporting our creative community, especially Michael at MTS Management Group.

We appreciate you for tuning in to Your World of Creativity! We hope you enjoy these fantastic new country tracks as much as we do. Be sure to follow and support these independent artists, and let us know which songs you loved the most.

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.mark-stinson.com

- Instagram: @YourWorldofCreativity

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Scott and Armando discuss the collaborative process behind the book, which blends fiction, essays, and stunning visuals to address the role of design in an ever-changing world. The conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies, the importance of creative partnerships, and the concept of thriving as a guiding principle for the future.

Key Takeaways:

1. Designing in an Unpredictable World: Scott emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability in design, especially in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and constant change.

2. Creative Collaboration: The unique partnership between Scott and Armando highlights the power of integrating design and illustration from the start, allowing for a fluid exchange of ideas that enriches both the visual and textual narratives.

3. The Role of Fiction in Design: Incorporating fictional elements into the book was crucial for exploring not just what is, but what could be, encouraging readers to think beyond the present.

4. Human Touch in a Technological World: Armando’s hand-drawn illustrations provide a necessary human element in a book that grapples with complex technological themes, striking a balance between the organic and the mechanical.

5. Thriving as a Design Goal: The book’s focus on thriving—rather than simply improving or progressing—reflects a holistic approach to the future, where harmony, sustainability, and individual potential are paramount.

Pull-Out Quote:

“In an unpredictable world, the goal isn’t to get it perfect, but to create something that’s changeable, something you can shepherd and adapt as the world evolves.” – Scott Doorley

Ben shares his unique perspective on how the digital age's innovations come with significant privacy and security concerns that every family should be aware of. He offers practical advice on how to protect personal information and minimize risks, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant in the face of increasingly sophisticated online threats.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding the Stakes: Internet safety extends far beyond physical threats; it includes privacy, emotional well-being, and protecting against the monetization of our digital behaviors. Major companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft are financially motivated to collect and utilize personal data to enhance their advertising revenue, often at the cost of user privacy.

2. The Hidden Dangers of Data Collection: Seemingly harmless online activities can lead to significant behavioral and information exposure. For instance, social media platforms like Facebook track user behavior across the internet, leading to data breaches like the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal data was exploited for political gain.

3. Children and Internet Safety: Giving children unfiltered access to the internet is akin to leaving your home’s front door unlocked. Ben stresses the importance of monitoring and controlling internet access for children and gradually increasing their exposure as they mature and develop better judgment.

4. The Illusion of Free Services: Many free apps and services are designed to capture and monetize user data. Ben advises listeners to be skeptical of "free" offerings, as they often come with hidden costs, such as compromised privacy and personal information being sold to third parties.

5. Practical Solutions for Families: There are actionable steps that families can take to protect themselves, such as using child safety apps like Bark, which offer comprehensive monitoring of children’s online activities. However, as children grow older, it’s essential to balance technical controls with education on digital literacy and responsible online behavior.

Quote:

*"You are safer removing the locks in your house than you are giving your kids unfiltered access to the Internet." — Ben Gillenwater

Don’t miss this episode if you want to learn how to safeguard your family’s digital life and navigate the complexities of internet safety in the modern age.

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes of Your World of Creativity by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform and following us on social media.

- Matt McLean (Uncle Matt's Organic Juices): Discover how Matt built a thriving business from humble beginnings and overcame the unpredictable challenges of agriculture.

- Jeff Wetzler (Author of "Ask"): Learn how to tap into the hidden wisdom of those around you for unexpected breakthroughs in leadership and life.

- Sustainability Book Panel: Explore the collaborative process of bringing together global authors and illustrators to tackle sustainability through creativity.

- John Novello (Musician, Author): Journey through John’s evolution from a Grammy-winning jazz pianist to an author exploring metaphysical creativity.

- Karin Hurt & David Dye (Leadership Experts): Uncover powerful phrases that can foster creativity and resolve conflicts in the workplace.

- Geoff Thatcher (Experience Designer): Delve into the future of AI in storytelling and how it's revolutionizing experience design.

- **Henry Alexander Wiencek (Historian/Author): Revisit the historical significance of North Louisiana’s oil cities and their impact on society and economy.

- Alice Austin (Singer-Songwriter): Enjoy insights from a globetrotting musician who blends creativity with cultural exploration.

Key Quotes:

- Matt McLean: "If you love change, get into agriculture."

- Jeff Wetzler: "We often overestimate sensitivity when people are dying to be asked a question."

- Katja Schimmel: "Use creative thinking to approach the global goals in many different ways."

- John Novello: "As we think and believe within, so without."

- Karin Hurt: "On the other side of disagreement is often where the real creative breakthroughs happen."

- Geoff Thatcher: "AI is just another arrow in my quiver of experience design."

- Henry Alexander Wiencek: "The oil cities of North Louisiana were pivotal from both an economic and societal standpoint."

- Alice Austin: "Music is a universal language that connects us to every corner of the world."

Enjoy these highlights, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review *Your World of Creativity* on your favorite podcast platform. It’s the best way to stay inspired and support the show!

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy 10% off online orders with the promo code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit http://whitecloudcoffee.com to explore their artisan blends!

web: https://aliceaustinmusic.com/

IG: @thealiceaustin

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aliceaustin

Here are five key topics from their conversation:

1. **Genre-Bending Music**: Alice discusses her approach to music, stating, “I just write songs and then figure out the rest later.” Her versatility spans from punk to soft rock to country, reflecting her belief in following the creative element first and foremost.

2. **Finding Your Voice**: Emphasizing artistic authenticity, Alice says, “Finding your voice as an artist is key if you're going to do something like that.” Whether singing metal or Americana, her voice remains distinct and true to herself, similar to how Beck’s diverse music always sounds uniquely like Beck.

3. **The Power of Collaboration**: Alice talks about the transformative power of collaboration, noting, “It's an exercise in surrendering the ego to something greater.” Working with others has pushed her creativity beyond her expectations, leading to richer and more innovative music.

4. **Breaking the Spell**: Reflecting on her album *Break the Spell*, Alice reveals, “It was a departure from anything I'd done...more of a synth-pop album.” The project was a collaboration with producer Dave Drouin, blending 80s influences with modern production to create a nostalgic yet fresh sound.

5. **Authenticity in Marketing**: Alice highlights the struggles of self-promotion as an indie artist, stating, “It's soul-sucking to put yourself out there on social media.” To stay grounded, she released an acoustic album, *Neon Pink*, with minimal marketing, focusing on the therapeutic aspect of creating music.

Alice also shares her excitement for upcoming projects, including her band *Tears on Denim*, and her role as the lead singer for *Black Sabbitch*, an all-female Black Sabbath tribute band.

To aspiring musicians, Alice offers this advice: “There are so many opportunities...keep your mind open and talk to people. There's a different path for you.” Her journey underscores the importance of staying true to oneself while remaining open to new possibilities and connections.

Jeremy's Website

@1passioncompany on Instagram

Jeremy on YouTube

Jeremy's Facebook page

- **Body, Mind, Spirit as Technology:** Jeremy introduces the concept of treating the body as hardware, the mind as software, and the spirit as the user interface, creating a holistic approach to human potential.

- **Passion as Fuel:** Unlike the fear and negativity that drive the survival of the fittest, Jeremy advocates for passion as the primary energy source for human evolution.

- **Scarcity vs. Abundance:** Jeremy discusses how creatives often struggle with scarcity mentality and how shifting to a mindset of abundance can transform their approach to work and life.

- **Personal Development:** Sharing his personal journey, Jeremy emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and personal growth in overcoming negativity and embracing a passion-driven life.

- **Imagination Technology:** Jeremy explains the new operating system he developed, which challenges the traditional survival of the fittest paradigm and promotes a cleaner, passion-driven energy.

Pull-Out Quote:

"Passion is the fuel of human energy, and especially what distinguishes humans from animals and machines." - Jeremy Lasman

**Resources and Next Steps:**

- Take the "Energy" Quiz at thepassioncompany.org to discover how you can optimize your inner energy.

- Explore the manual and eBook on Imagination Technology for a deeper understanding of Jeremy's revolutionary approach.

- Book a demo call with The Passion Company to see how imagination technology can benefit you.

Jeremy's insights provide a thought-provoking perspective on how we can harness passion and imagination to drive personal and collective evolution. Tune in to learn more about this transformative approach and how it can impact your creative journey.

**Connect with Jeremy Lasman:**

• https://www.thepassioncompany.org

**Special Offer:**

- Save 10% at White Cloud Coffee Roasters with the code "CREATIVITY" at checkout at https://www.whitecloudcoffee.com.

Join us next time as we continue our global journey, exploring the minds of creative entrepreneurs shaping the future with their innovative ideas. Until then, keep unlocking your world of creativity with Mark Stinson.

In this captivating episode, we delve into the rich history of North Louisiana's early 20th-century oil boom with Dr. Henry Alexander Wiencek. His new book, "Oil Cities," offers a profound exploration of this transformative period, highlighting the social, economic, and environmental impacts on the region. Host Mark Stinson, with personal ties to North Louisiana, engages in a thoughtful discussion about the intersection of history, community, and industry.

Oil Cities book publisher link