Creative Space Podcast

31/05/2024

On the latest interview episode of Creative Space, I got to chat with Brooklyn-based artist Annika Connor. She’s truly a renaissance woman and her work spans across canvas, screen, and screenplay.

On today’s episode of Creative Space, we have the pleasure of speaking with Brooklyn-based artist, actor and screenwriter, Annika Connor.Primarily known for ...

22/05/2024

At first glance, this idea seems a bit ludicrous. Shouldn’t we care about the quality of our work over the quantity?

But when it comes to creativity, hear me out.

We don’t have control over the results of what we create. All we can control is our own discipline when it comes to output. Committing to 100 songs, 100 podcast episodes, 100 pieces of art—you get the picture.

Julia Cameron talks about this in ‘The Artist’s Way’: “Great Creator, I will take care of the quantity. You take care of the quality.”

And there’s actually a study from the University of Florida to back up this idea.

Photography Professor Jerry Uelsmann divided his photography class into two groups—the Quantity group and the Quality group.

The Quantity group had to take 100 pictures to get an A at the end of the class and the Quality Group only had to hand in one picture at the end of the class to get an A, but it had to be perfect.

The result? The Quantity group completely dominated the Quality group because they were constantly practicing and experimenting. They weren’t afraid to make mistakes because they were being graded on the quantity of photos they were taking. The Quality group, however, spent more time theorizing about what made a perfect photo rather than learning through consistent practice.

You can listen to the full podcast here: https://bit.ly/44VXeSr

21/05/2024

On this episode of Creative Space, we explore Noah Kagan's Law of 100 and how it can apply to creatives.

If you have a tendency to quit projects too soon, this episode is definitely worth a listen! :)

On today’s episode of Creative Space, we’ll be exploring Noah Kagan’s Law of 100 and how it can apply to creativity.I first heard about the concept on his po...

10/05/2024

A big theme in this week’s episode of Creative Space was the idea of going the distance and seeing things through.

Corey Jones, co-founder of TREBEL, drew a lot of parallels between entrepreneurship and things like learning the guitar or marathon running. 🎸

Some milestones may take longer to hit than anticipated, but if you give up, you not only miss out on the potential prize at the end, but you miss out on something even greater than that—the journey and everything it could have taught you. ✨

07/05/2024

After the last 3 months of doing "The Artist's Way" on the podcast, we're back to our normal programming.

This interview was recorded back in February and it's with an old friend of mine with an incredible creative journey: Corey Jones, co-founder of the music streaming platform, TREBEL.

He got started in finance, which led him to Stanford to get his MBA in the heart of the Silicon Valley, but he's also passionate about music.

On the podcast, we'll learn how these two different passions of his ended up meeting in the middle through the work he does with TREBEL.

Enjoy! ✨

On today’s episode of Creative Space, we have the pleasure of speaking with Corey Jones, co-founder and Global Head of Music at TREBEL, one of the fastest-gr...

03/05/2024

I had the pleasure of interviewing Shivantha Wijesinha on the podcast shortly after he worked on the latest Mad Max film: "Furiosa" and looks like it just had its premiere in Australia! 🎥

It made me think back to this interview and how inspired I was by it. Shivantha left a career in law to dedicate himself to acting. If you're on the fence about going for your dreams, give this conversation a listen. ✨

ORIGINAL AIR DATE: January 15, 2023On today’s episode of Creative Space, we have the pleasure of chatting with Shivantha Wijesinha, an actor, musician, and o...

02/05/2024

Hello friends! 👋 It's been a minute since I've popped up in your feed, and I've got to say, it's been quite the journey. 🚀

For the past few months, I took a break from posting about Creative Space on social media to focus on doing the work in Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" for the first time. 📚

(If you’re not familiar with “The Artist’s Way,” it’s probably one of the most beloved books on creativity, creative discovery and recovery.)

It takes 12 weeks to complete and with work demands and all the different assignments that come with it (like morning pages, artist dates, and group check-ins), something had to give, and that was social media. ✨

But I kept up with weekly podcast episodes to chronicle my experience doing “The Artist's Way” for the first time, and I’m thrilled to finally share these with you! 🎙️

This experience has taught me so much about myself and the power of creativity. Whether you're an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to break free from the status quo, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give "The Artist's Way" a try. 🌟

Trust me, it's not just for artists—it's for anyone who's ready to get unstuck, ignite their creative spark, and get clarity on how to make the most of their time in this wild, wonderful world we live in. 🌍

And I'd love to hear from you—have you ever read "The Artist's Way"? What creative projects are you diving into lately? Let's spark some inspiration in the comments below! 👇

As any working creative knows, the work never stops—and that includes work on ourselves. I was first introduced to Julia Cameron’s seminal book on creativity, “The Artist’s Way,” when I was an aspiring singer/songwriter in New York. My guitar teacher had it sitting on his bookshelf and rec...

24/01/2024

“Every day you get a little better or a little worse.”

Tony Savant said this on the podcast and I remember it from my time as an acting student of his a few years back.

It’s something I need to frame and put on my wall, because it’s true of so many things, not just acting.

I think about this every morning when I’m too tired to sing, but do it anyway. The days I skip training, I can tell.

There’s so much power in the compounding interest of being consistent and disciplined with the things we’re passionate about, whether that’s acting, yoga, or learning how to code.

Every day can be a step forward or a step backward depending on the actions we choose.

I hope Tony’s wisdom inspires you to take a step forward today towards the things that matter most to you.✨

16/01/2024

On this week’s episode of Creative Space, I’m absolutely honored to have Tony Savant, Director of Playhouse West Philadelphia as our guest.

I had the privilege of studying acting with Tony at Playhouse West a few years back and it was a life-changing experience. It not only made me a better artist but a better human, and I think anyone who’s worked with Tony can relate.

Tony’s helped train some of the most successful actors working today: Ashley Judd, Scott Caan, Jim Parrack, Jean Elie, and Charisma Carpenter to name a few.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode, including what inspired Tony to start studying acting in the first place (which is a great story in itself) and well as how he started teaching. Apart from his creative journey, he shares so much wisdom. Take notes, seriously.

No matter what your medium is, there is so much to be learned from this conversation. One of the most important lessons I walked away with is the importance of betting on yourself.

One of my favorite quotes: “There’s not a single extraordinary accomplishment in the history of the world that did not come with great risk.”

Link in bio ⬆️

Enjoy! ✨

20/12/2023

On the latest episode of “Creative Space,” Bey brought up a really good point about taking risks and having a support system: it’s easier to take risks when you have a community behind you, because if you fall, they help soften the blow.✨

You just feel more confident in taking risks when you know that no matter what, your community has your back.✨

Being an artist is a double-edged sword. We can be incredibly independent and we need that independence to have that space to think, to create. But we also need community. We can’t develop our full creative potential without it. ✨

08/12/2023

On this episode of Creative Space, we have the pleasure of chatting with The Bul Bey aka Amir “The Bul Bey” Richardson.✨

By day, he’s the community conversation curator for Philadelphia's PBS and NPR affiliate newsroom at WHYY as well as the music careers coordinator at The Digilogue. But by night, he’s a beloved hip hop wordsmith.✨

Since emerging in 2015 with his LP, ‘Shaking Hands and Kissing Babies,’ he’s worked with Grammy-winning producer Illmind, shared the stage with celebrated rap veterans like Lupe Fiasco, and recently got a song placed in the hit television show, ‘Abbott Elementary.’✨

In our conversation, we talk about how he got his music on the show, his creative process as a hip hop artist, balancing his music career with a day job, and much much more.✨

Link in bio ⬆️

01/12/2023

In the interview with David Clifford, software engineer, epilepsy warrior and founder of Brain Ablaze, I mentioned to him how much his platform helps so many people living with epilepsy around the world—including myself. And then he said that his initial goal when starting Brain Ablaze, was to help one person.

It seems simple but it’s quite profound. I think some creatives get so hung up on thinking big that they forget the power of thinking small. 💜✨

Link in bio ⬆️

💜

28/11/2023

On this episode of Creative Space, we have the pleasure of chatting with David Clifford, a software engineer and entrepreneur who spent 20 years in Silicon Valley, working for companies like Apple, Twitter, eBay, and PayPal.

He’s also an epilepsy warrior and founder of the popular website and podcast, Brain Ablaze, which is dedicated to providing support for people living with epilepsy and their caregivers.

I’m a big fan of David’s work with Brain Ablaze and have personally benefited from the welcoming online community he’s built for epilepsy warriors like me.

This interview is chock full of inspiration as well as information on ways you can take action for Epilepsy Awareness Month.

I hope you’ll give it a listen! 💜✨

Link in bio ⬆️

15/11/2023

Having a support system is essential no matter what you’re going through. For people living with epilepsy, it’s especially important given the social stigma around the condition and the isolation that sometimes comes with it.

On the podcast, Jessica Keenan Smith, founder and CEO of Living Well With Epilepsy, talked about what keeps her going and she said this beautiful quote: “I have people around who love me.”

💜



Link to episode in bio ⬆️

10/11/2023

On this episode of Creative Space, in honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month, we chat with Jessica Keenan Smith—epilepsy warrior, advocate, and founder and CEO of the website Living Well with Epilepsy.

Listen as we explore her inspiring journey, from navigating her diagnosis to using her creativity to create a platform for positivity and support. 💜✨

Link in bio ⬆️

08/11/2023

It’s more people than you think. That’s why taking action and getting certified in seizure recognition and first aid is so important. There’s a free, online course available on the National Epilepsy Foundation website, if you’re interested.

And stay tuned tomorrow for our first interview for National Epilepsy Awareness Month. 💜✨

08/11/2023

As many of you may know, I am a person living with epilepsy. And since it’s National Epilepsy Awareness Month, I thought it would be cool to raise awareness on my podcast, ‘Creative Space,’ by going purple for the month of November.

All of the episodes will be epilepsy-themed, and we’ll chat with epilepsy warriors and advocates who are using creativity to be a beacon of light for others with the condition and their caregivers.

I hope you’ll tune in, get inspired, and most importantly—take action.

Appreciate your support! ✨💜

Link in bio ⬆️

02/11/2023

“I don’t have to be perfect to be impactful.”

Such powerful words from Jennifer Lynn Robinson on The Creative Space Podcast.

Perfectionism is something I’ve always struggled with, and after getting diagnosed with epilepsy as an adult a few years back, it became something I had to work on even more.

But to make an impact, we don’t need to be perfect. Perfection is subjective anyway. It’s just an unattainable ideal that keeps us from embracing our true selves fully and making the most of our time on this planet.

Link to full episode in bio ⬆️

25/10/2023

On this week’s episode of Creative Space, we have the pleasure of speaking with
Jennifer Lynn Robinson, a respected professional speaker, lifestyle and communications expert whose life story is as stirring as it is enlightening.

Initially a corporate attorney, her whole life changed in an instant after being hit by a truck and suffering a traumatic brain injury.

In the interview, Jen shares her arduous journey to recovery and the role creativity played in helping her transition from working as a lawyer to building a life and career she loves post-accident.

There’s so much to learn and be inspired by in this episode. Jen is truly a light everywhere she goes and it was such an honor to have her on the podcast.

Enjoy! ✨

Link in bio ⬆️

24/10/2023

Just in case you needed a reminder. You matter. Your art matters. Everything you create helps make the world a more beautiful, more loving and more empathetic place.✨

18/10/2023

I had another episode planned for the podcast this week, but it didn’t feel like the right time for it given everything happening in the world right now.

Creativity for me and I think for most artists, comes from a pure place and can be a source of healing, hope, and connection.

While some people may look at creativity as something soft or frivolous, I see it as a solution and a thing of great power.

When you think about how much the arts can bring us together, whether it’s a stadium full of Taylor Swift fans or even just one person feeling seen through the work of an unknown independent artist, it’s incredibly moving and powerful.

It transcends color, s*x, religion, political affiliation and all of the many things that divide us.

Few can deny the power of a catchy song or the catharsis that comes from a great comedy set.

And I say all of this as a reminder that the world needs artists more than ever.

Sending love and light to you all.✨

Link to this episode in bio ⬆️

13/10/2023

On this episode of Creative Space, director Chris Macken talks about how he doesn’t get insecure about getting personal with his art because he sees it as an opportunity to help people.

In his latest film, ‘For the Safety of Theo,’ he tackles a personal subject for him: OCD and s*xual intimacy, and has been able to make an impact on the lives of people living with OCD who face similar struggles.

I was super inspired by this episode as I’m learning to be braver in my own creative work.

We’ve got to fight through the insecurity, because as artists, expressing our most vulnerable truths is a service to our fellow humans.✨

06/10/2023

On this week’s episode of Creative Space, I got to chat with award-winning director Chris Macken about rising up the ranks in Hollywood and the lessons he’s learned along the way to fuel his own filmmaking.

He got his start as an actor’s assistant to Charlie Day and over the years, worked his way up to become Co-Producer on Day’s feature film debut, ‘Fool’s Paradise,’ which also stars Ken Jeong, Kate Beckinsale, and many others.

Chris also released a deeply personal short film about OCD and s*xual intimacy, ‘For the Safety of Theo,’ that’s currently on the festival circuit.

Finally, a project he co-created, ‘The Gamer and the Mouth’ (starring Youtuber Jacksepticeye and comedian Chris Redd), makes its debut at Cinemark theaters around the country on Saturday, October 7th.

Such a fun and insightful interview—enjoy!

Link in bio ⬆️

✨✨✨

27/09/2023

Last week, we chatted with the creative team behind ‘10 Days in a Madhouse,’ a world premiere opera that has officially sold out. And critics are raving about it. The NY Times calls it, “Harrowing, breathless.” The Washington Post describes it as, “An opera of unexpected immediacy.” Opera Now says, “It’s a vital new opera.”

I feel honored to have had the chance to speak with the creative team behind it. There were so many insightful moments in this conversation about the work itself as well as creativity, but I felt moved to share this one from director Joanna Settle.

“This is not a time for quiet art. Rene’s music is the dead center of that and it’s very brave.”

I have not seen the opera yet myself (later this week), but this quote speaks to its power as well as the magic of composer Rene Orth’s music.

I also love how much the creative team sung each other’s praises throughout the interview.

To the whole creative team, cast, and crew—congratulations! ✨✨✨

20/09/2023

Opera Philadelphia has a world premiere opera happening tomorrow for the O23 Festival: ‘10 Days in a Madhouse.’

It’s based on the story of 19th century journalist, Nellie Bly, who faked madness in 1887 to report on the conditions of Blackwell’s Asylum from the inside.

For this week’s episode of ‘Creative Space,’ I got to chat with core members of the creative team behind the opera: composer Rene Orth, director Joanna Settle, and conductor Daniela Candillari.

We talk about the making of an opera, creative team dynamics, the message the team hopes to convey with ‘10 Days in a Madhouse’ and so much more.✨

These ladies are beyond inspiring and this opera…well, I can’t wait to experience it. ✨✨✨

Link to podcast in bio ⬆️

18/09/2023

We’re not always going to feel motivated.
Sometimes it’s from losing the rush of starting something new. Sometimes it’s from not seeing results after being committed for a long time. Sometimes it’s because someone spoke discouraging words over you.✨

On those low motivation days, remember why you started. Sometimes, you have to take a step back and remember the excitement you felt when you first set out on this path. Remind yourself of the vision you had back then and let it fuel you as you push through to the next level.✨

14/09/2023

Let’s face it—we’re not always going to feel like it, whatever it is that we do.

And I have found this to be especially true when it comes to creativity.

When I was a young artist, I used to wait for perfect conditions before I would sit down to write a song, and looking back, I really did myself an injustice.

What I know now that I wish I knew then is that you can’t wait until conditions are perfect to create. Most of the time, we have to push ourselves.

So for this week’s podcast episode, I share 5 tips on pushing through and creating even when you don’t feel like it.

(Coincidentally, I got inspired to do this episode on a day I really didn’t feel like doing a podcast episode or much of anything for that matter.)

Enjoy! ✨

Link in bio ⬆️

12/09/2023

Bills are a fact of life but just because you’re not able to make a living from your creative pursuits doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue them! ✨

A super talented filmmaker I know works in tech. A photographer friend who I thought was a full-time photographer for the longest time actually works in finance by day. ✨

And the common thread between these two people? They are so happy and fulfilled. ✨

For a long time in my life, I thought that if I wasn’t able to make a living from my art, maybe that was a sign that I should just stop. ✨

But I soon found that not creating, not expressing myself, led to a lot of unhappiness. ✨

I think we can all drastically increase our levels of happiness and fulfillment if we make a little time outside of work for our creative pursuits. Not for fame. Not for money. Just for the joy of it. ✨

08/09/2023

Throughout my life, even during the most challenging times, I’ve maintained a pretty positive outlook. And I really believe a big part of that is that I always made time for creativity.✨

It can be easy to dismiss creative time as a “nice to have,” but I’ve come to the conclusion it’s a “must have” for my own health and happiness.✨

In this episode I talk about different studies that demonstrate the link between creativity and well being as well as offer a few tips on how to make time for creativity, even if you’re super busy.✨

Enjoy!

Link in bio ⬆️

05/09/2023

Something I have to be mindful of as a creative is getting caught up with what I don’t have, rather than making the most of what I do have right here, right now.✨

This can apply to what our natural abilities are or even resources.✨

In my case, I know I’m not a great instrumentalist, but my voice and ear for melody are my stronger abilities that can add value to a project. These abilities I'm continuing to make stronger in my daily practice—training with a vocal coach and studying music theory. When I stay present, there’s such joy and fulfillment that comes from making a little progress each day with what I have.✨

As humans, it can be easy to put the cart before the horse and jump ahead before we’ve really taken the time to bloom where we are. To make the most of the ingredients at our disposal before even worrying about that next step.✨

What ingredients do you have to work with today?✨