Your World of Creativity

Today we have a guest whose creative journey has taken him from dance floors to construction sites, and now to the silver screen. Join me as we dive into the world of creativity, motivation, and tapping into one's potential -- with Atticus Ray.Here are the highlights of Mark's questions for Atticus:1.    Atticus, your journey has been nothing short of fascinating. From creating a dance company to performing at renowned venues and now starring in a musical phenomenon, "Rhythm With Views." Can you share with our listeners how your creative journey began and what drives you to keep pushing your boundaries?2.     You've worn many hats throughout your career, from dancer to real estate developer. How have these diverse experiences influenced your creative approach and your ability to tap into your potential?3.    "Rhythm With Views" seems to be a groundbreaking project that combines your passion for performance and music. Can you tell us more about the musical and how your experiences as a dancer and performer have contributed to its success?4.    You've had the opportunity to work with legends like Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, as well as business moguls like Tom Monaghan. How have these collaborations shaped your perspective on creativity, mentorship, and seizing opportunities?5.    Going from the world of construction to production is quite a leap. What advice can you give to aspiring creatives who might be hesitant to take that leap and explore new avenues for their talents?6.    "Tap Your Potential" is a powerful mantra that encapsulates your journey. As we wrap up our conversation, could you share a few key insights or steps that listeners can take to start tapping into their own creative potential?Thank you, Atticus, for sharing your journey and insights with us today. From dance floors to the silver screen, your story is a testament to the endless possibilities that come with embracing creativity and pushing your boundaries.And to our listeners, remember to check out "Rhythm With Views" on Amazon Prime and Apple TV +. For more inspiration and to stay updated on Atticus's journey, make sure to follow him on social media.Atticus's Website Atticus's Facebook page

In this podcast update from Oslo Innovation Week, Mark Stinson reports on a presentation by Camilla Gramstad, Head of Sustainability at Elkjøp, Scandinavia's largest consumer electronics retailer. Here's a summary of the key points covered:- Camilla's presentation sheds light on Elkjop's sustainability commitment to promoting the circular economy in the consumer electronics retail industry.- Elkjøp operates 414 stores across six countries and employs around 12,000 people.- The focus of the presentation was on how electronics fit into the circular economy, considering the raw materials, recycling, upgrading, and repairing of electronic products.- Electronics are a priority product group in the circular economy, given the materials used and their environmental impact.- Approximately 5.3 billion phones were discarded globally the previous year, leading to increased governmental regulations in Nordic countries.- Elkjøp's mission is to enable everyone to enjoy technology, emphasizing a vision of being the best partner for customers.- Four key aspects of Elkjøp's approach include ease of finding products, ease of purchase with sustainability in mind, convenience in receiving products and installation, and providing support and service.- Elkjøp focuses on spare parts, repairs, trade-ins, recycling assistance, and improving the overall circular nature of the product lifecycle.Camilla had to leave the presentation early to meet with the Secretary of State to discuss government collaboration on these sustainability initiatives. They propose reducing or eliminating VAT on repairs to incentivize customers to repair rather than discard products.- The day also featured case studies from NAV and InnoBoost, highlighting various approaches to the circular economy.

This is a special episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity" with Mark, recorded in Oslo, Norway.Mark shares real-time updates during Oslo Innovation Week. He delves into the history and significance of the Nobel Peace Prize, which is set to be announced on October 6th. Mark takes you on a virtual tour of key sites related to the Nobel Prize, including the Nobel Peace Center, Oslo City Hall, the Parliament, and more. He discusses the unique process of selecting Nobel Peace Prize laureates and highlights the committee's efforts to rise above modern-day politics. Tune in for a firsthand account of the anticipation surrounding this prestigious award and its impact on global issues. Learn more about the Center at www.nobelpeacecenter.orgMark continues to explore the world of creativity, sharing insights and updates from Oslo. Stay tuned for more exciting content in the episodes to come.

Welcom to the podcast where we dive into the minds of creative thinkers, explore their journeys, and uncover the secrets to unleashing creativity.In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bracha Goetz, a Harvard-educated author of 41 books that inspire and nurture the souls of children. She's also penned a candid memoir for adults, sharing her incredible journey to joy. You can explore her books on Amazon, in libraries, and at www.goetzbookshop.com.Here are some of the questions Mark asks Bracha:1.    Your journey has taken you from Harvard to becoming an author of children's books and a memoir. How did you find your passion for writing, especially in the realm of children's literature?2.    Your books are known for helping children's souls shine. Can you tell us more about the themes you explore and the impact you hope to achieve through your work?3.    Your latest project is a candid memoir for adults about your journey to joy. Can you give us a glimpse into your memoir and how your personal experiences have influenced your creative process?4.    With such a prolific body of work, what advice do you have for aspiring writers who want to tap into their own creativity and make a positive impact?Bracha's Website Bracha's Facebook page @brachagoetzbooks on Instagram If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. And remember, your creativity has the power to change the world. So, until next time, I'm Mark Stinson. Keep unlocking your world of creativity.Thanks to the folks at HEADFONE for their support. On HEADFONE, you can listen to Premium Audio dramas - like Romance, Thriller, and Horror. For a 10% discount, use coupon code - MARKCREATIVITY10Go to - https://headfone.page.link/MARKCREATIVITY10

Welcome back. I'm Mark, and today I'm bringing you a special bonus episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity" direct from Oslo, Norway, where I'm diving into the fascinating world of conscious brands during Oslo Innovation Week.In this illuminating session titled "Conscientious Innovation," hosted by the Medinge Group and organized by the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), we explored how innovation, sustainability, and creativity intertwine to make the world a better place.The first 3 distinguished panelists of the morning led us on an eye-opening journey:Christian Lodgaard: As the Chief Design Officer of Flock, one of Scandinavia's largest furniture manufacturers, Christian delved into the concept of designing products to last. He emphasized the significance of considering materials, structure, and repairability right from the start. The goal? To create furniture with lasting value and minimal environmental impact.Brigitte Stepputtis: The Global Head of Couture at the fashion brand Vivienne Westwood, revealed how this fashion icon leads the way in conscious design. Vivienne Westwood's reduced impact strategy includes fewer collection changes, fewer fashion shows, and streamlining product lines -- while even exploring the repurposing of bridal gowns.Joana Sá Lima: Joana, a partner and architect at Comte Bureau, introduced us to the idea that sometimes the best decision is not to build anything new at all. She highlighted innovative ways to rethink construction materials, design, and waste reduction. Asking the right questions, she argued, can lead to surprising and sustainable solutions.Taken together, hese panelists illuminated some key takeaways:1. The Art of the Possible: Concrete examples showed us what's achievable in the realm of conscientious innovation, dispelling the notion of mere theoretical ideas.2. Defining Circularity: They provided a clear picture of how individual brands and products can embrace circularity, pinpointing where improvements can be made.3. Empowering the Consumer: Educating customers about their choices can steer them toward more sustainable options, fostering informed decisions.Stay tuned for more updates from Oslo Innovation Week as I continue my exploration of global creative and innovative endeavors. I'm Mark, inviting you to join me on this inspiring journey of unlocking creativity.

Here are the podcast highlights:1. **Oslo Innovation Week:** Mark travels to Oslo, Norway, for Oslo Innovation Week, focusing on innovation and sustainability.2. **Edvard Munch Museum:** Mark visits the newly designed Edvard Munch Museum with 28,000 of Munch's works on display.3. **The Infinite and Monumental Exhibits:** Mark explores "The Infinite" and "Monumental" exhibits, showcasing the scale and scope of Munch's works.4. **Resilience and Artistry:** Mark reflects on Munch's resilience as an artist, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and creativity.5. **Signature Work:** Mark notes the power of a signature piece of art, which can lead to the discovery of a vast body of work.6. **Prolific Creativity:** Mark highlights the prolific nature of Edvard Munch's work, inspiring listeners to embark on their creative journeys.Join Mark in his creative journey through Oslo, Norway, and stay tuned for more insights and discoveries on the next episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity."

In this episode, Mark interviews Dr. Paul J. Zak, a distinguished scientist and professor at Claremont Graduate University, known for his extensive research in the fields of creativity, neuroscience, and happiness. Dr. Zak's work has taken him from academia to entrepreneurship, and he's a four-time tech entrepreneur, TED speaker, and author of "Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and the Source of Happiness."1. **The Journey to Understanding Happiness and Creativity:** Dr. Zak's journey began with a passion for helping people lead happier and healthier lives. His research aims to understand the science behind happiness and creativity, ultimately bringing academic findings to the real world.2. **Immersion Neuroscience:** Dr. Zak founded Immersion Neuroscience, a software platform that measures real-time brain activity to determine what the brain loves. This platform has applications in entertainment, education, advertising, and monitoring emotional wellness.3. **Narrative Structure Enhances Experiences:** Dr. Zak emphasizes the importance of a narrative structure in creating immersive experiences. By telling stories that engage and emotionally resonate with the audience, businesses can enhance customer experiences.4. **Measuring and Enhancing Customer Experiences:** Dr. Zak's research highlights the importance of psychological safety, narrative, and passionate delivery in creating immersive customer experiences. Social interactions and connections play a vital role in this process.5. **Predicting Hit Songs with Brain Science:** Dr. Zak's work extends to predicting hit songs using brain activity data. By understanding how the brain values music, his team achieved 97% accuracy in predicting hit songs three months in advance.6. **Brain as Predictor:** The brain can serve as a predictor for market outcomes, and measuring brain activity from a moderate number of individuals can yield highly accurate predictions, simplifying the need for massive data collection.In summary, Dr. Paul J. Zak's research demonstrates the powerful intersection of neuroscience, creativity, and happiness, offering insights into enhancing customer experiences and even predicting hit songs using brain science. This episode provides valuable insights for businesses and individuals seeking to tap into the science behind extraordinary experiences and emotional connections.Paul's Website www.getimmersion.comCopyright 2026 Mark Stinson Thanks to the folks at HEADFONE for their support. On HEADFONE, you can listen to Premium Audio dramas - like Romance, Thriller, and Horror. For a 10% discount, use coupon code - MARKCREATIVITY10Go to - https://headfone.page.link/MARKCREATIVITY10

The podcast episode features Jeff Friesen, an award-winning photographer, author, LEGO artist, and creator of miniature worlds.Jeff's work has received recognition in the photography world, including an Award of Excellence from Communication Arts, and his LEGO art has garnered international attention.The interview explores Jeff's journey into the world of LEGO art, his creative process, and his book, "The LEGO Engineer."Key Topics and QuotesInspiration for LEGO EngineeringJeff's interest in LEGO engineering stemmed from his desire to understand complex engineering concepts and make them accessible to a general audience.Jeff: "If someone could explain to me how an airplane flies in a way that I, as a layperson with no engineering background, could understand, then it would be valuable to others too."Balancing Aesthetics with EngineeringJeff's LEGO creations not only focus on aesthetics but also delve into the engineering principles behind each model.Jeff emphasizes the importance of combining beauty with functionality in LEGO creations, mirroring real-world engineering challenges.Iterative Process and Problem-SolvingBuilding with LEGO is akin to solving a puzzle, and the process involves constant problem-solving.Jeff describes the iterative nature of LEGO building and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges: "You're always limited by the shape of the bricks, so you have to think creatively to deal with these limitations."Publishing "The LEGO Engineer"Jeff's book, "The LEGO Engineer," focuses on explaining engineering concepts through LEGO creations.He highlights the collaborative process with his publisher, No Starch Press, and the importance of proving oneself through previous publications.Jeff mentions the challenge of combining technical and aesthetic aspects in the book's design.Advice for Creative PractitionersJeff advises creatives to continually refine their work, even when they believe it's complete, and to focus on personal projects.He emphasizes the potential of personal projects as gateways to larger opportunities, highlighting that his LEGO journey began with playing with his daughter.ConclusionThe interview with Jeff Friesen showcases the intersection of art and engineering in LEGO creations. Jeff's dedication to making complex engineering concepts accessible to a broader audience offers valuable insights for creative practitioners. His iterative process and commitment to personal projects underscore the importance of persistence and continuous improvement in creative endeavors.Jeff's Website @jeff_works on Instagram Book: The LEGO EngineerCopyright 2026 Mark Stinson Thanks to the folks at HEADFONE for their support. On HEADFONE, you can listen to Premium Audio dramas - like Romance, Thriller, and Horror. For a 10% discount, use coupon code - MARKCREATIVITY10Go to - https://headfone.page.link/MARKCREATIVITY10

In this episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," host Mark interviews Bill Hammack, the author of "The Things We Make: The Unknown History of Invention, From Cathedrals to Soda Cans." Book: https://www.amazon.com/Things-We-Make-Invention-Cathedrals/dp/1728215757Bill, known as the "Engineering Guy," shares insights on engineering and ingenuity, reflecting on his own journey from radio to YouTube fame. Here are five key topics and quotes from Bill Hammack in the interview:1. **Engineering and Creativity:** Bill discusses how engineering has become an internet sensation through platforms like YouTube. He emphasizes the importance of creativity in engineering and how it's not just about the technical aspects but also storytelling. > "That is at the heart of your podcast. We're talking about creating things. But there's a way in which at the beginning we were a little bit alone in doing it."2. **Iterative Process:** Bill explains how he adopts an iterative approach to his creative work, emphasizing the importance of structure and crafting the narrative in his videos. > "And that's where I spend most of my effort, is what is the order of the information going to do, to, to, what's going to happen with it?"3. **Collaboration in Invention:** Bill delves into the collaborative nature of invention and how even famous inventors like Edison worked with teams and collaborators. He highlights the importance of acknowledging the collective effort behind inventions. > "By not looking at it as a system of people that do it, we actually lose the engineering and we lose sight of it."4. **Creativity as Problem-Solving:** Bill explains that engineering is fundamentally about solving problems before science has all the answers. Engineers use trial and error, rules of thumb, and creative thinking to innovate and make things work. > "And this is something that I do find upsets people; it is its own method and it uses trial and error."5. **Embracing Imperfections:** Bill shares the value of embracing imperfections and the idea that every creative work will have its defects. He encourages creators to let go and focus on the beauty within their creations. > "Let go. Look, everything I've made has defects in it. You're not going to get perfection, and you just have to let it go."Bill's Website Bill on YouTube @billengineerguy on Instagram Bill's Facebook page Bill Hammack's insights highlight the intersection of engineering, creativity, and storytelling, offering valuable lessons for creators and innovators in various fields.Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson Thanks to the folks at HEADFONE for their support. On HEADFONE, you can listen to Premium Audio dramas - like Romance, Thriller, and Horror. For a 10% discount, use coupon code - MARKCREATIVITY10Go to - https://headfone.page.link/MARKCREATIVITY10

Welcome to Joel Cohen, Emmy award-winning writer/producer "The Simpsons." and co-author "The Occasionally Accurate Annals of Football"Joel Cohen's Background:·      Joel is a writer and producer for "The Simpsons," having won three Emmys and a Peabody award. (we had a humorous exchange about the mystery of receiving a Peabody award)The Occasionally Accurate Annals of Football:·      Joel and Dan Patrick co-authored the book "The Occasionally Accurate Annals of Football."·      Origin of the collaboration: Joel reached out to Dan Patrick with the idea for a funny book about football.·      The book's release date was September 5, and they've been working on it for a year and a half.·      Joel praises Dan Patrick's humor and willingness to collaborate.Book Content and Style:·      The book is a humorous take on NFL history, including true stories, jokes, and baseless conspiracies.·      Covers every team, player, and many Superbowl moments.·      Features contributions from writers of popular shows like "Saturday Night Live," "The Simpsons," and more.·      The book blends recollections, funny moments, and anecdotes about football.·      We discuss how collaboration is key in both TV writing and book writing. Favorite Book Passage:·      Joel reads a passage from the book about Don Malbach, the Detroit Lions' long snapper, adding humor and illustrations.·      Emphasizes how humor and storytelling contribute to the book's narrative.Business of Writing and Entertainment:·      Discusses the ongoing strike in the entertainment industry.·      Addresses the need to ensure that writing remains a viable career path.·      Mentions AI as a looming threat to writers and actors.·      Talks about the importance of fair compensation for creators.Future Trends in Entertainment:·      Recognizes the fragmentation of content and the rise of niche audiences.·      Highlights the potential impact of AI on content creation.·      Mentions the need for creators to adapt to changing media landscapes.Future Projects:·      Expresses interest in writing another book and exploring other movie and TV ideas.·      Discusses how the strike has temporarily frozen some of his projects but remains creatively active.Joel's Website @sportswrong on Instagram Thanks to the folks at HEADFONE for their support. On HEADFONE, you can listen to Premium Audio dramas - like Romance, Thriller, and Horror. For a 10% discount, use coupon code - MARKCREATIVITY10Go to - https://headfone.page.link/MARKCREATIVITY10

Today's guest is Polina Pompliano, author of "Hidden Genius"We are exploring the creative thinking and mental frameworks of exceptional individualsPolina's Book "Hidden Genius":Polina's book is "Hidden Genius," a collection of stories that demystify the thinking processes of exceptional individuals.The book sheds light on how smart and exceptional people think, breaking down their methods for practical takeaways.Approaching Exceptional Thinkers:Polina discusses her approach to understanding how exceptional thinkers approach creativity and other aspects.Every chapter focuses on a different theme, offering practical takeaways that readers can implement in their own lives.Creativity as a Skill:Polina emphasizes that creativity is a skill that can be learned and mastered through practice and discipline.Exceptional individuals recognize creativity as a skill and work to develop it.Mental Frameworks and Creativity:Polina explores the concept of mental frameworks and how they affect creativity.Creative people often look at the world through specific lenses, generating fresh ideas even from unrelated experiences.Connecting the Unconnected:Polina discusses the importance of connecting seemingly unrelated concepts for enhanced creativity.Examples include Chef Grant Akitz finding inspiration in unconventional places and Da Vinci's practice of connecting unconnected concepts.Generating Ideas through Rote Activities:Polina explains how rote activities like showering or running can promote creativity by allowing the brain to wander.These activities create space for new ideas to form and develop in the background.Aim to Fail the Elevator Test:Polina introduces the concept of aiming to fail the elevator test, where the goal is to explain complex, original ideas in 30 seconds or less.Truly original ideas may not be easily explained in a short time, indicating their uniqueness and potential for success.Resilience and Consistency:Polina highlights the importance of resilience in creative pursuits, drawing from her own experience of consistently writing her newsletter.Consistency over time builds trust with readers and audiences, leading to successful engagement.Defining Success:Polina redefines success as a life well lived, encompassing both achievements and failures, and the lessons learned from them.The book aims to learn from exceptional people rather than idolizing them.Craftsmanship and Creativity:Polina discusses how she maintained her consistency in writing despite challenges, acknowledging readers' expectations.Maintaining a backup plan and being prepared helps overcome challenges and maintain a consistent creative output.Finding Smallest Pieces of Hope:Polina advises creators to find the smallest pieces of hope during challenging times to keep the momentum going.The smallest ideas or inspiration can lead to breakthroughs in creativity and productivity.Lessons from Exceptional Thinkers:Polina emphasizes the uniqueness of the book's content and the diverse nature of the exceptional thinkers profiled.Success doesn't exist in a vacuum, and the book aims to provide readers with diverse ideas to apply in their lives.Connecting with Polina:Polina invites listeners to connect with her through "The Profile," her weekly newsletter that inspired the book.Polina Marinova Pompliano is the author of 'HIDDEN GENIUS: The Secret Ways of Thinking That Power the World's Most Successful People.' She is also the founder of The Profile, a media organization that studies successful people and companies. Previously, she spent five years at FORTUNE where she wrote more than 1,300 articles and earned the trust of prominent investors and entrepreneurs. As the author and editor of Term Sheet, FORTUNE’s industry-leading dealmaking newsletter, Polina interviewed the industry’s most influential dealmakers, including Melinda Gates, Steve Case, Chamath Palihapitiya, and more. Polina's Website Polina on YouTube @polinampompliano on Instagram Thanks to the folks at HEADFONE for their support. On HEADFONE, you can listen to Premium Audio dramas - like Romance, Thriller, and Horror. For a 10% discount, use coupon code - MARKCREATIVITY10Go to - https://headfone.page.link/MARKCREATIVITY10

In this interview with Ozan Varol, the author of "Awaken Your Genius," the conversation revolves around the challenges of embracing creativity and escaping conformity. Ozan Varol's book focuses on breaking free from societal norms and finding one's unique creative voice. The interview emphasizes the importance of authenticity, individuality, and the journey to creativity.Ozan Varol's book, "Awaken Your Genius," encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and develop their own perspectives on creativity. The conversation highlights the story of Johnny Cash's audition, where he resisted conformity and showcased his uniqueness, leading to his success. The author emphasizes that true creativity arises when one dares to be different and not just follow the herd.Here are some topics we discussed:1. Can you share with us the inspiration behind writing "Awaken Your Genius"? What motivated you to explore the concept of unlocking one's originality?2. In your book, you talk about discovering "first principles" as a way to tap into our genius. Could you explain what first principles are and how they can help us generate original insights? 3. Creativity often involves letting go of preconceived notions and thinking beyond conventional boundaries. How can we discard what no longer serves us to foster a more creative mindset?4. "Looking where others don't look" and "seeing what others don't see" are intriguing concepts. How can we develop this unique perspective to fuel our creative thinking?5. As we embark on a journey of A WORLD OF CREATIVITY, we might encounter self-doubt or fear of failure. You were born in Istanbul, Turkey, came to US to study, worked on two Mars expeditions, and now lecture ---- How do you suggest overcoming these mental barriers to fully unleash our creative potential?6. Can you share a practical exercise or technique from your book that our listeners can use to kickstart their creativity and begin their path toward awakening their genius?The interview touches on two key aspects of fostering creativity: geographical and disciplinary exploration. Ozan Varol suggests stepping outside one's familiar surroundings, whether by traveling or changing physical environments, as a means to break free from routine thinking. He also emphasizes the value of embracing ideas from various disciplines to create innovative connections and approaches.The conversation ends with Ozan Varol reading a passage from his book's introduction, which focuses on the concept of tapping into one's untapped wisdom and embracing individuality to contribute uniquely to the world. The interview concludes by urging listeners to put themselves on "airplane mode," allowing themselves time and space for reflection and imagination, which are vital for nurturing creativity.Overall, the interview provides insights into Ozan Varol's philosophy on creativity, the essence of his book, and practical steps individuals can take to awaken their own creative genius.If you're in the United States, text his first name, Ozan, to 55444.Ozan's Website Thanks to the folks at HEADFONE for their support. On HEADFONE, you can listen to Premium Audio dramas - like Romance, Thriller, and Horror. For a 10% discount, use coupon code - MARKCREATIVITY10Go to - https://headfone.page.link/MARKCREATIVITY10

Our guest is Christina Wallace, Senior Lecturer of Entrepreneurial Management at Harvard Business School, where she leads HBS Startup Bootcamp, Her latest book is "The Portfolio Life: How to Future-Proof Your Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build A Life Bigger Than Your Business Card."From Hachette Book GroupChristina's Website @cmwalla on Instagram Here are the topics we discussed:1. As a self-described "human Venn diagram," you've crafted a diverse career at the intersection of business, technology, and the arts. How has this unique combination influenced your approach to entrepreneurship and teaching?2. Your latest book, "The Portfolio Life," delves into future-proofing careers and avoiding burnout. Could you share some key insights from the book and how individuals can apply them to build a fulfilling life beyond just their professional identity? 3 tenets of a Portfolio Life:You are more than any one role or opportunity.Diversification will help you navigate change and mitigate uncertainty.When (not if) your needs change, you can and should rebalance.3. You explore portfolio careers. How do you believe these non-traditional career paths can foster creativity and lead to a more fulfilling professional life?4. Co-authoring "New To Big" with David Kidder provided insights into creating like entrepreneurs and investing like venture capitalists. How can companies strike a balance between fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and business profitability while maintaining a focus on people -- their growth and their success – building THEIR portfolio life?5. Your background in edtech startups, corporate innovation, and venture-backed fashion companies showcases your versatility. How has your experience in various industries shaped your understanding of creativity and innovation?6. With a rich background in music and arts, how do you see the integration of creativity in the business world, and what role does it play in fostering innovation and problem-solving? How can individuals leverage their artistic interests to enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors?Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson Thanks to the folks at HEADFONE for their support. On HEADFONE, you can listen to Premium Audio dramas - like Romance, Thriller, and Horror. For a 10% discount, use coupon code - MARKCREATIVITY10Go to - https://headfone.page.link/MARKCREATIVITY10

Tom Vaughan has been writing professionally for nearly thirty years. He studied at the University of Houston with Broadway legend Jose Quintero and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Edward Albee. It was his work as a writer and director in Houston theatre that got him recognized by Hollywood. WINCHESTER, the film he co-wrote starring Helen Mirren and Jason Clarke, about the infamous Winchester Mystery House, opened nationwide in 2018. His eighth film, THE QUEEN MARY will release in August 2023 and DADDY'S GIRL for XYZ Films will shoot later this year (WGA strike willing.) Tom recently set up MOST WANTED at Miramax with director Ruben Fleischer (ZOMBIELAND, VENOM) attached. He teaches privately at storyandplot.com and is currently the screenwriting instructor at his beloved alma mater, The University of Houston.Tom created a link just for our listeners, with a 10% discounthttps://storyandplot.com/creativity/Here are six questions we asked Tom Vaughan, focusing on creativity, screenwriting, and his experiences in the film industry:1. Can you share with us how your background as an actor and improviser has influenced your approach to screenwriting? How does your experience in theater contribute to your creative process in writing for the screen?2. You've had the opportunity to work with renowned actors and directors throughout your career. How does collaboration play a role in fueling creativity and bringing out the best in a screenplay?3. From writing for television networks like ABC and NBC to major film studios like Warner Brothers and Disney, you've had an impressive range of projects. How do you adapt your creative storytelling to different platforms and audiences?4. The film industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies shaping storytelling. How do you stay creatively inspired and relevant in such a dynamic environment?5. Your film "Winchester" brought to life the mysterious Winchester Mystery House, and "Queen Mary" explores the famously haunted cruise liner. How do you approach writing stories based on real-life events while maintaining a balance between creative freedom and historical accuracy?6. As a seasoned screenwriting teacher, what advice would you give aspiring writers looking to tap into their creativity and make their mark in the industry?Tom's Website Tom on YouTube @storyandplotclasses on Instagram Tom's Facebook page Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson Thanks to the folks at HEADFONE for their support. On HEADFONE, you can listen to Premium Audio dramas - like Romance, Thriller, and Horror. For a 10% discount, use coupon code - MARKCREATIVITY10Go to - https://headfone.page.link/MARKCREATIVITY10

When it comes to Mariah Carey, star power is never in doubt. She has sold hundreds of millions of albums and cut more chart-topping hits than any other solo artist—ever. And she has that extraordinary five-octave vocal range. But there is more to her legacy than eye-popping numbers.Why Mariah Carey Matters examines the creative evolution and complicated biography of a true diva, making the case that, despite her celebrity, Carey’s musicianship and influence are insufficiently appreciated. A pioneering songwriter and producer, Carey pairs her vocal gifts with intimate lyrics and richly layered sonic details. In the mid-1990s, she perfected a blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B with songs such as “Fantasy” and “Honey” and drew from her turbulent life to create the introspective masterpiece Butterfly.Andrew Chan looks beyond Carey’s glamorous persona to explore her experience as a mixed-race woman in show business, her adventurous forays into house music and gospel, and her appeal to multiple generations of queer audiences. He also reckons with the transcendent ideal of the voice that Carey represents, showing how this international icon taught artists around the world to sing with soul-shaking intensity and a spirit of innovation Andrew Chan writes regularly about music, film, and books for 4Columns. His work has also been published by the Criterion Collection, Film Comment, NPR, the New Yorker, and Reverse Shot.Here are some of the topics Andrew and Mark discuss about his book, "Why Mariah Carey Matters":1.    What attracted and compelled you to delve into the creative evolution and legacy of Mariah Carey, highlighting her musicianship and influence?2. Mariah Carey's vocal range and powerful performances have captivated audiences worldwide. In your book, you discuss how she taught artists to sing with soul-shaking intensity. Could you elaborate on the impact she has had on the music industry and her contributions as a vocal pioneer?3. The book also explores Mariah Carey's experience as a mixed-race woman in the entertainment industry. How does her identity and background influence her music and shape her connection with diverse audiences?4. "Why Mariah Carey Matters" delves into her adventurous forays into different music genres, such as house and gospel. How did these explorations contribute to her growth as an artist, and what unique elements did she bring to each genre? Can you share with us some of the lesser-known aspects of her artistry that you uncovered during your research?5. Carey's personal life and struggles have often been under scrutiny. How did her turbulent experiences, as portrayed in songs like "Butterfly," influence her songwriting and connect with her listeners on a deeper level?6. Mariah Carey's fanbase spans multiple generations and includes a significant LGBTQ+ following. Can you discuss how she appeals to such diverse audiences, and what do you believe makes her a timeless icon in the music industry?In the second part of the interview, Andrew helps unravel the complexities and insights in writing and publishing:1.    Part of Music Matters series – special considerations, extra pressure?2.    References – rigor and craftsmanship?3.    Collaboration – support and mentorship?Thanks to University of Texas Press for support of this episode.@wenyeow on Instagram

Esther Lamm is CEO of LAMM Industries, the company her father, Vladimir Lamm, founded. Ever since he brought her to her first Consumer Electronics Show when she was 14, Vladimir instilled in his daughter an abiding interest in the audio industry and in his ongoing pursuit of the purity of sound. In everything she’s done, she’s been preparing herself to honor her father’s legacy from all her experiences. https://www.lammindustries.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-lamm-6780141/https://www.youtube.com/@estherlamm7559IG: @lamm_industriesFB: https://www.facebook.com/LammIndustriesInc/

The Music We Make: Unlocking Creativity and Making Sense of HumanityThis episode of the "Unlocking Your World of Creativity" podcast features host Mark Stinson interviewing author Michelle Rene DeBellis about her award-winning novel, The Music We Make. Michelle shares her unique approach to creativity, using storytelling to make sense of our humanity. The book, nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, centers around a young man struggling with addiction and grief after losing his mother. As he hits rock bottom, he receives inspiration from his mother to write a song that will help him find solace. The story delves into the power of relationships and explores the importance of growth as creative individuals.Michelle emphasizes the significance of literature in fostering empathy and understanding among people from different backgrounds. She believes that stories have the ability to bridge divides and allow us to connect with unfamiliar human experiences. Writing The Music We Make was a testament to her commitment to personal growth as a writer and a creative person. She mentions the importance of surrendering to the creative process and finding a balance between focused writing sessions and allowing her imagination to roam freely.Quotes from Michelle DeBellis:"I think literature is so incredibly powerful... It helps us to empathize with human experiences that we don't understand.""Growth as creative people is paramount. It is the goal, it is the important thing.""The music we make is really a metaphor for the connections that we make and for the relationships that we make."Michelle highlights the collaborative experience of making music within the story and its reflection on the interconnectedness of human relationships. The novel aims to entertain readers while also delivering a powerful message about the human experience.Overall, this podcast episode offers insights into the creative process, the significance of literature in understanding humanity, and the transformative power of storytelling. The pull-out quotes from Michelle highlight the importance of empathy, growth, and the metaphorical significance of music in the book.Michelle Rene 's Website @Michellerenedebellis on Instagram Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Welcome back to the podcast "Unlocking Your World of Creativity."In this episode, we follow up on our journey in Episode 237 to Giske island off the coast of Norway, home to the renowned studio, Ocean Sound Recordings. Our guest for today is Henning Svoren, one of the masterminds behind this technological marvel and creative haven.Henning shares how Ocean Sound Recordings was built from scratch in 2009, a time when many big studios around the world were shutting down. They acquired equipment from the prestigious Mayfair Studio, which had been used by the likes of Radiohead, Spice Girls, and Madonna. Despite the challenges, their unique approach and diverse range of genres have allowed them to thrive. They combine retro and cutting-edge technology, such as their newly installed Dolby Atmos system, to offer both the warmth of analog and the possibilities of digital.Ocean Sound has become a sanctuary for artists seeking peace, quiet, and inspiration. While they initially expected to attract more acoustic and pop musicians, they were surprised to find themselves hosting urban music, German hip-hop, jazz, and even black metal. Henning emphasizes the role of engineers as creative contributors who help musicians realize their vision and provide fresh perspectives. They play a crucial part in the overall creative process, not merely operating the equipment but actively participating in the music-making journey.In the updated episode, we’ve added samples of the work produced at Ocean Sound, including:·     Non-Euclidean Heart, by Maraton·     Right Here, by Emilie Malene·     Ta Kvelden, by Mahogny·     Bilkollektivbil, by Sinsenfist·     Home, by Daniel HerskedalHenning and Mark Stinson discuss the potential for unexpected discoveries during the recording process. A random guitar riff or a unique tweak can transform a song in ways no one anticipated. The studio and engineer can elevate good music to something extraordinary.As the conversation draws to a close, Henning highlights the importance of a good studio environment and recording process in enhancing music. He emphasizes that music is both a technical and creative endeavor and acknowledges the enthusiasm and passion for music.Henning's Website @oceansoundrecordings on Instagram Music tracks are copyrighted, provided by the studio, and used with permission.

In this episode, we travel to Portugal to chat with José Vieira, the owner of Viarco Pencil Co. José shares his perspective on the pencil as a tool for creativity and how his family business, which dates back to 1907, has embraced innovation and collaboration to survive in a competitive market. José discusses the challenges faced by his company in the wake of Portugal's revolution in the 1970s, which led to a loss of competitiveness against larger brands. However, instead of giving up, José and his wife decided to buy the company in 2011 and pursue a different approach. They recognized the heritage and value of their business, and saw an opportunity to create a space for artists to experiment and collaborate.Located in the town of São João da Madeira, known for its labor and textile industries, Viarco Pencil Co. benefits from its close proximity to various craftsmen and access to both traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. José describes their factory, a building with a rich history that houses their production line and even an area dedicated to artistic residencies. This space allows artists from the local community and beyond to freely explore their creativity without any obligations or restrictions.José emphasizes the importance of learning from artists and users of their products to better understand the needs and potential applications of their pencils. By fostering a community of experimentation, Viarco Pencil Co. has gained valuable insights and expanded their knowledge about the diverse possibilities of pencil manufacturing.Throughout the episode, José highlights the significance of combining ideas and embracing creativity to drive innovation. He shares his vision of the future, where Viarco Pencil Co. continues to preserve its heritage while adapting to new technologies and exploring collaborations with artists, companies, museums, and other manufacturers.

In this episode of the podcast "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," Mark interviews Dan Rockwell, author of the upcoming book "The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership." The interview begins with Mark sharing his personal reaction to the book, noting how it unexpectedly struck a personal chord right from the third page. The conversation delves into the profound nature of leadership as a personal journey, drawing insights from conversations Dan had with influential leaders like Jim Parker, Francis Haine, and Harry Kramer. These conversations led Dan to realize that leadership is about becoming oneself, a transformative and often elusive task for high-performing individuals. Mark also highlights Warren Bennis' quote on the simplicity and difficulty of becoming oneself.Dan explains the significance of the book's title, "The Vagrant," which refers to being blown off course, both in terms of a bird's migration and an individual's journey in leadership. He shares how high performers can sometimes lose sight of themselves and struggle to find their way back on track. The interview touches upon Dan's diverse background, including degrees in theology and ministry, as well as construction and design, and how these areas overlap in the realm of leadership. Mark further explores the commonalities among Dan's varied clientele, ranging from Chick-fil-A to the National Institutes of Health and Royal Caribbean.The conversation then shifts to the creative process behind the book and Dan's collaboration with co-author John David Mann, known for his work on "The Go-Giver." Drawing inspiration from classic parable books, the authors chose a storytelling approach to convey their leadership insights. Dan expresses his gratitude for working with BenBella Books and their valuable contribution to the project. The interview concludes with Dan sharing a leadership insight for individuals who may think they are getting promoted but could potentially face termination. The book will be released in September 2023 and is currently available for pre-order.Overall, the interview explores the personal and collaborative aspects of leadership and creativity, shedding light on the inner journey of leaders and the importance of self-discovery.Dan's Website Dan on YouTube @leadership_freak on Instagram Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

In this episode of the podcast "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," Mark interviews Katrin Zimmermann, the CEO and Managing Director of TLGG USA consultancy, an Omnicom Group company. Katrin advises some of the world’s leading mobility, healthcare and finance companies on digital and organizational transformation, globalization and business model innovation.We discuss the accelerated speed of innovation and the challenges and opportunities it brings to various industries. Katrin emphasizes the importance of experience design in sectors like hospitality and healthcare, where improving customer/patient experiences can have a significant impact. She also highlights the role of data-driven innovation and technology in enhancing patient interactions, clinical decision-making, and overall outcomes in healthcare.Before joining TLGG, Katrin co-founded the Lufthansa Innovation Hub and led its global business innovation efforts from Berlin to Seoul, served as chief of staff to both the CHRO and CFO at Lufthansa Group and managed growth and restructuring efforts at LSG Sky Chefs Germany.With a proven record of pushing boundaries, Katrin shares her humanistic and humorous perspective on corporate innovation, digital transformation and female empowerment alongside diversity and intercultural competence.Key Points:1. The current era is characterized by rapid innovation, new inventions, and overwhelming possibilities, posing challenges and opportunities for organizations and society.2. Experience design plays a crucial role in industries like hospitality and healthcare, redefining human interaction and leveraging technology for improved customer/patient experiences.3. Healthcare can learn from hospitality by treating patients as guests, incorporating storytelling and customization into product and experience design.4. Data-driven innovation enables better patient outcomes and interactions, leveraging technology like AI, clinical decision support systems, and improved therapeutic approaches.5. Overcoming obstacles to corporate transformation requires fostering a culture of innovation, allowing for creativity, and combining structured processes with effective communication and organizational buy-in.Pull-out quotes from Katrin:- "We are almost in a moment where everyone is halting for a second, thinking of, wow, can we handle all of the things that are potentially possible with the systems and infrastructures and way of thinking that we have today?"- "Experience design heavily influences industries like hospitality, redefining human interaction at different touchpoints and leveraging technology for value creation and moments of delight and surprise."- "Innovation is not just about coming up with ideas; it's about executing them and putting them into practice to create impact and advance models."Katrin holds a Master of Science in Innovative Hospitality Management from the Universitat Ramon Llull in Barcelona and a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from London Open University.Katrin's Website Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

MUSIC PANEL: Process, Inspirations, and Collaborationswith Kevin Dorin, Gabe Furtado, and TeedeeveeIn this episode, host Mark Stinson brings together a panel of talented singer-songwriters, musicians, and producers to discuss their creative processes, inspirations, and collaborations. Joining the conversation are Kevin Dorin, Gabe Furtado, and Teedeevee, who share insights into their current projects and the multifaceted nature of their creative pursuits.Current Projects:·     Kevin Dorin: "I've been focusing on performing and writing, but I also work as a music business consultant and manage a beautiful venue in northern Idaho called The Hive."·     Teedeevee: "I'm working on a collaborative project with a fellow Nigerian artist, aiming to create a unique love and loss story through our music. We're dropping an EP next month and working on promotions and marketing to create a niche for our music."·     Gabe Furtado: "I just released a collaboration with a Nigerian artist called 'Green Lights' and have an upcoming release of the Lux version of my album 'Flowers.' I'm also launching my book 'Living Flourishing' and music videos."Inspiration:·     Gabe: "I draw inspiration from a wide range of music genres, allowing me to write about self-love, losses, and romantic experiences. I believe in writing about anything and everything that inspires me."·     Kevin: "I always try to serve the song and its intent. Whether it's producing my own music or working with others, I focus on bringing out the essence and connecting with the audience."·     Teedeevee: "My lyrics are deep and meaningful, touching on topics such as love, hope, and not giving up. I strive to deliver powerful messages while also creating music that makes people move and feel good."·     Gabe Furtado: "I find that dancing around the house gets me in a more creative spirit. Movement and embodiment play a significant role in connecting with the music and enhancing the creative process."Collaboration:·     Kevin: "Collaboration has been crucial in shaping my work. Living with fellow musicians during my music school days exposed me to different styles and creative processes, influencing my own approach."·     Teedeevee: "Collaborating with others helps me explore new perspectives and bring fresh ideas to my music. It enriches the creative process and expands the depth of my artistry."·     Gabe: "Collaboration allows us to tap into diverse influences and create something unique. It's a reminder that while we may be individual artists, the collaborative spirit brings out the best in our work."Conclusion:In this engaging panel discussion, Kevin Dorin, Gabe Furtado, and Teedeevee share their experiences and perspectives as singer-songwriters and musicians. From their diverse inspirations to the importance of collaboration, their stories offer valuable insights into the creative process and the path to success in the music industry. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how these artists unlock their creativity and connect with their audiences.Music tracks are copyrighted, provided by the artists, and used with permission.

In this milestone episode 250, host Mark Stinson re-issues one of the first interviews in the podcast series from 2019. The early guests exemplify the world of creativity in business.Bob Baurys, CEO of 83bar, and Cristián Saracco, founder of Allegro 234, shared their insights and experiences in nurturing ideas and growing successful enterprises.In this episode, you’ll discover:·      How to grow your business through the power of branding·      The value of personalizing your product or service when making business decisions·      The reason why the employees you start your business with often times are not the same employees you’ll need to scale your business later on·      How to successfully sell your ideas to clients·      Why Bob feels that “Speed reduces risk at every single level”Bob is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach. He emphasizes the importance of empowering patients to take charge of their healthcare through systematic and personalized approaches. By personalizing the idea and envisioning the individuals they aim to serve, Bob and his team maintain focus and passion for their mission.Cristián and his company emphasize helping clients grow through their brands, and they continuously evolve their services and products to cater to changing customer journeys and experiences. By considering a triple-bottom-line approach, Allegro 234 integrates social and environmental factors alongside profits, ensuring a holistic approach to branding.Both guests discuss the challenges of scaling businesses and staying true to the core idea as they add more team members and clients. Bob emphasizes the need for different types of people in different stages of a business. Early on, independent thinkers who can break the rules and develop new pathways are vital. As the business matures, structured thinking and replication of systems become crucial for scaling.Cristián highlights their process of building a team that not only possesses the necessary capabilities but also shares a personal connection and alignment with the company's culture and purpose. This approach has led to a stable and cohesive team that has worked together for an extended period.The episode concludes with a discussion on idea generation. While both guests acknowledge that ideas can come intuitively, they also actively seek inspiration by exploring history, art, and other sources. Urgent needs and pressure often spark the most innovative ideas, pushing them to think outside their normal toolbox and find creative solutions.Throughout the episode, Bob and Cristián highlight the importance of personalization, passion, and adaptation in keeping ideas alive and transforming them into successful businesses. Their stories inspire listeners to embrace creativity and evolve their approaches in the ever-changing business landscape.Highlight quotes:- "When you focus on the core constituency, the idea burns deep and passionate." - Bob Baurys- "Ideas come by compression, the accumulation of stuff that really moves the needle." - Bob Baurys- "We go to look for ideas, ideas come by intuition." - Cristián SaraccoIn the second half of this interview, the group discuss the process of creative problem-solving and how to generate innovative ideas. Bob mentions using a three by three grid. He explains that he puts the problem in the upper left corner, potential solutions in the left column, reasons why they would work in the middle column, and reasons why they wouldn't work in the right column. Bob finds that the solution often comes from a hybrid of the first three ideas.Cristián talks about their methodological framework called A B C D E. They establish objectives, create tension to stimulate new ideas, anticipate trends, blend ideas, create different concepts, and finally, execute the chosen idea. They emphasize the importance of setting achievable goals to avoid frustration and involve clients in the ideation process to ensure understanding and excitement.On the subject of developing creative capabilities. Cristián believes creativity is not just inspiration but also requires effort and work. Bob suggests getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, as it enhances the brain's elasticity and intuition.Regarding selling ideas to clients, Cristián mentions tailoring the communication style to the client's deductive or inductive thinking approach. They engage clients in the creative process, making the idea more obvious and tangible for them. Bob adds that finding the right client and showing how the idea benefits both their business and career can build momentum and ownership.In terms of cultural and global differences in creativity, the guests highlight the need to adapt to different clients and markets. They emphasize the importance of understanding clients' perspectives and working collabora

Alex Pappademas and Joan LeMay, "Quantum Criminals": Exploring Steely Dan Characters and Artistic CollaborationIn this episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," host Mark Stinson delves into the fascinating world of storytelling, art, music, and character development with author Alex Pappademas and artist Joan LeMay, the creative duo behind the book "Quantum Criminals: Ramblers Wild Gamblers. Another Soul Survivors from the Songs of Steely Dan." The book explores the rich tapestry of characters found within the songs of the legendary band Steely Dan.The conversation begins with Alex discussing the genesis of the book and how Joan's idea to base it around characters transformed the project. Their collaboration, guided by a massive spreadsheet of 160 characters created by Joan, allowed them to explore the extensive catalog of Steely Dan's characters and bring them to life in a unique way. Alex highlights how the character-based approach enhanced the writing process, adding depth and humanity to their portrayal of the band's history.Joan discusses her artistic process and how her lifelong fandom of Steely Dan influenced her visual interpretations of the characters. With a penchant for high chroma and psychedelic aesthetics, her vibrant paintings captured the essence of the colorful and sometimes enigmatic characters. The collaborative nature of the project brought a new dynamic to both Alex and Joan's creative processes, providing support, encouragement, and a fresh perspective.The interview also delves into the research behind the characters and the extensive exploration undertaken by Alex. While the band members, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, didn't provide much information about the characters, Alex's research led him down intriguing rabbit holes, uncovering fascinating connections and stories. He shares examples such as the inspiration behind "Kid Charlemagne" and the story of Sayoko Yamaguchi, the model featured on the cover of Steely Dan's album "Asia."Throughout the conversation, the evolution of Steely Dan's characters over time is explored, with Alex noting that the reunion albums allowed for a clearer understanding of the individual songwriting contributions of Fagen and Becker. The duo's sensibility shifts and a touch of sentimentality emerges in their later work, which can be heard in songs like "Shame About Me."Highlight Quotes:·      "I think that was what was exciting about it because I, this started out, I was going to write a Steely Dan book before Joan came into the picture. But the idea to base it around characters was an idea that Joan had." - Alex Pappademas·      "Joan made a giant spreadsheet. At the beginning of this process that had 160 characters on it, which is like a Robert Altman level of character." - Alex Pappademas·      "I prior to diving into this I've always painted in a very high chroma way. All of these are gush paintings that are 18 by 24 or nine by 12. And I I've always. I've always painted slightly psychedelic in, in terms of pallet. So it it was an easy, it was an easy application of that natural tendency here, for sure." - Joan LeMay·      "So I when this project started to I had thought about I, I'd start, I had started. Making a fanzine called Danze, where I was going to depict every single named character in the entire Steely Dan universe." - Joan LeMay·      "I think for years, Several friends and I who are Steely Dan fans have been like, oh, they're such a major dude. As a, as, just as a colloquial way to refer to somebody referring to the song, but to refer to somebody who is a solid friend, who's somebody you're gonna call if you're in trouble." - Joan LeMayOverall, this podcast episode explores the captivating journey of Alex Pappademas and Joan LeMay as they delve into the world of Steely Dan's characters, combining storytelling, art, and music to create a unique and visually stunning book, "Quantum Criminals." Listeners are taken on a deep dive into the creative process, research, collaboration, and the evolution of Steely Dan's characters over time.Alex Pappademas is the author of Keanu Reeves: Most Triumphant—The Movies & Meaning of an Irrepressible Icon and the writer and host of the acclaimed podcast The Big Hit Show. His work has also appeared in GQ, the New York Times, and Grantland. https://www.instagram.com/pappademas/Joan LeMay is an artist based in London and New York City (although the paintings for this book were created in Portland). Her work appears in multiple publications and books and has been shown in museums, galleries, and public spaces internationally. https://www.instagram.com/joanlemay/From University of Texas Press

Exploring the World of Digital Puzzle Games with Jonathan Knight, Head of Games at The New York TimesIn this episode, host Mark Stinson sits down with Jonathan Knight, the Head of Games at The New York Times, to delve into the world of digital puzzle games. They discuss the Times' foray into gaming, the importance of games in the overall growth strategy of the paper, and the creative development process behind their popular puzzle games.Jonathan has been working in the Computer and Video Game industry for over 25 years,beginning as a Producer at Activision, and having worked as an Executive Producer orGM/Studio Head at major publishers including EA, Zynga, and Warner Bros. Interactive. He hasbeen a production or creative leader on a number of major game franchises, including TheSims, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, The Simpsons Game, FarmVille, Words With Friends,Wolfenstein, and DC Comics. At EA, he was the creative force behind the blockbuster gameDante’s Inferno, overseeing the game’s story, development, and trans-media projects, includinga comic book series, an animated feature, and the action figure. Jonathan lives in California, and is currently the GM of Games for The New York Times, operating and empowering the team that brings daily joy to puzzle solvers with games like Wordle, Spelling Bee, and the legendary New York Times Crossword.Key Points:1. The New York Times and Puzzle Games:  - Knight explains that the New York Times offers a collection of digital puzzle games alongside their renowned crossword puzzle.  - The crossword puzzle has been a staple since 1942 and has transitioned to digital platforms.  - Additional games like Spelling Bee and Wordle have been introduced, with Wordle becoming an internet sensation.  - The New York Times aims to provide engaging and human-crafted puzzles on a daily basis.2. Games as an Essential Part of the New York Times:  - Knight acknowledges that some may find it surprising that games play an important role at the New York Times.  - The organization has made investments in the games business, including a separate subscription that offers games alongside other New York Times products.  - Games serve as a distraction from the news, attracting and retaining subscribers who engage with both the news and games offerings.3. Games and Subscriber Retention:  - Knight emphasizes that games contribute to subscriber retention at the New York Times.  - Subscribers who engage with both news and games have the highest long-term retention rates.  - The daily habit of playing games, such as solving puzzles, creates ongoing engagement and value for subscribers.4. Creative Development and the World of Wordle:  - Knight discusses the unique acquisition of Wordle, a viral internet sensation.  - Wordle was initially created by an engineer named Josh Wardle and caught on rapidly, eventually leading to its acquisition by the New York Times.  - The New York Times' creative development process involves internal prototyping and a green light process to determine the viability of new ideas.  - The team continually works to improve existing games and keep them fresh, ensuring engagement and satisfaction for players.5. Balancing Business and Creativity:  - Knight reflects on his previous experiences in the gaming industry, including working on major franchises like The Simpsons and Harry Potter.  - Developing games based on licensed properties presents different challenges compared to creating original IP.  - The New York Times Games team focuses on the audience and the meaningful impact their games have on people's lives, which fuels their creative drive.Conclusion:Knight highlights the New York Times' focus on its games app, upcoming updates, and new game releases. The team is dedicated to maintaining the quality of their core puzzle offerings while also exploring new ideas and engaging with their audience in innovative ways.Key Quotes from Jonathan Knight:- "We have a collection of digital puzzle games. They're human-crafted people make these puzzles every day for you to solve."- "Games are a distraction from the news. They're not the news. We hope that people come for the news and stay for the games."- "When people subscribe to the New York Times and they engage with both news and games, their long-term subscriber retention is the highest of any of our product combinations."- "Millions of people are playing your game. Millions of people are solving the Wordle this morning. That's what keeps you going. It's important. These are important things in people's lives. It's meaningful."

Elizabeth Winkler, a renowned journalist and book critic, joins us from Washington, DC to discuss her latest book, "Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature." This thrillingly provocative investigation delves into the Shakespeare authorship question and explores why questioning the identity of the god of English literature has become unacceptable and even considered immoral.In her book, Winkler taps into the approach of "heresies" to make her research and writing more engaging. She highlights how the theory that Shakespeare may not have written his plays is an unspeakable subject in the history of English literature. Scholars acknowledge the lack of concrete information about the Bard's biography, yet publicly questioning his authorship is deemed blasphemous. Winkler sheds light on the forces of nationalism, empire, religion, mythmaking, gender, and class that have shaped our admiration for Shakespeare over the centuries.Drawing on the insights of writers and thinkers like Walt Whitman, Sigmund Freud, and Supreme Court justices, Winkler explores the potential identities of the true author hiding behind Shakespeare's name. Could it be a forgotten woman, a disgraced aristocrat, or even a government spy? The plays themselves, with their themes of mistaken identities and concealed truths, add an intriguing layer to the mystery.As Winkler interviews scholars and skeptics, she also delves into the larger issue of historical truth and how human imperfections shape our understanding of the past. She emphasizes that history is a story, and the narrative we construct depends on the story we seek. By examining stories like the 1964 case of Miss Evelyn May Hopkins, who left a third of her inheritance to the Francis Bacon Society to find the original manuscripts of Shakespeare's plays, Winkler explores the deep-rooted beliefs and biases that influence our perception of history.Throughout our interview, Winkler shares her inspiration and how it can benefit other writers. She discusses specific tools, exercises, and formulas she used to organize her ideas, such as the captivating story of Miss Evelyn May Hopkins and her connection to the Bacon-Shakespeare manuscripts.Furthermore, Winkler reflects on how she has made connections and created opportunities to produce and promote her creative work. Her relentless pursuit of the Shakespeare authorship question and her ability to engage with scholars and skeptics have propelled her career as a journalist and literary critic.Our thanks to Simon & Schuster for supporting this podcast episode.Elizabeth's Website @elizabethlaurenw on Instagram Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

In this podcast interview, host Mark Stinson talks to composer Craig Dobbin about his work in the music industry, specifically in TV and film. Dobbin has been working on the popular TV show "NCIS: LA" for half of its run, and he discusses his creative process for keeping the music engine and score behind the show running smoothly. CREATIVE PROCESSHe explains that the show follows a weekly schedule, where he watches the episodes on Fridays, has a spotting session on Mondays to discuss music placement, and then works on composing from Tuesday to Saturday. They mix the show on Sundays, and then Dobbin moves on to the next episode. He describes the musical style of "NCIS: LA" as more modern and injected with humor, giving it a slightly different feel from the flagship "NCIS" and "NCIS: Hawaii" shows.KEEPING IT FRESHDobbin shares insights into his creative approach and how he keeps the music fresh every week. He talks about the challenge of working within the established sonic world of the show while injecting his own voice gradually over time. He mentions learning from past experiences where he went too far with his musical choices and had to adjust based on feedback from the production team. Dobbin emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork in the creative process, noting that he is in the service industry, fulfilling someone else's vision. He discusses the need to understand the producers' and writers' perspectives and create music that effectively conveys their vision.COLLABORATIONThe conversation also touches on Dobbin's experience working with the cast of "NCIS: LA" and the collaborative nature of the show. He mentions that he only recently met most of the actors at the show's wrap party, highlighting the separation between different departments in such a large production. Dobbin also briefly discusses his work on other projects, including Shark Week, where he has been composing for 33 years. He shares his long-standing collaboration with a specific editor for Shark Week and the level of understanding they have developed over time.HIGHLIGHTED quotes from Craig:1. "I felt like I was jumping onto a treadmill going a hundred miles an hour, and I just had to run as fast as I could to try to catch up and get myself up to speed."2. "Creativity is the most fun when there are lots of parameters and boundaries that give me... It's like when you can set those limits for yourself, and so you've got this established sonic world, how can I express myself within these confines?"3. "If you want a career in this, you've gotta get really good at delivering someone else's vision."4. "I always try to watch something that I'm working on once as a fan, before I start listening to the music and trying to figure out how I'm gonna approach it."WHAT'S NEXTStarting to work on the score for a new film, "THE TASTING"Craig's Website @cdscores on Instagram Craig's Facebook page Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson Music tracks are copyrighted and used for creative review purposes.

Join our conversation on how live theater can be “modernized” and used to challenge the negative contemporary cultural side effects like extremism and alienation with Award-Winning Playwright, Jack Canfora. For centuries people have found inspiration, beauty, and expression in live theater. The Ancient Greeks were the first to wade into the waters of this novel art form, using dance, song, and choral chants to play out their mythic past. Today, many see live theater as a dying art as multimedia storytelling modalities, like streaming TV, film, and the internet, hold a monopoly on our attention. In the face of this threatening final nail in the coffin, Jack is dedicated to presenting both new and underproduced plays via the internet, in ways that maintain the essential dramatic spirit while using the theatrical experience to explore the historical, cultural, and psychological forces shaping life in America and beyond in the 21st Century. He shares on Unlocking Your World of Creativity how to reshape our storytelling imagination to better understand the beauty and potential this ancient art form still holds. Topics Jack Discusses:Re-Lighting The Storytelling Campfire: Why Sharing Stories Is The Glue That Holds Cultures & Communities Together Live Theater Is NOT Dead (It Just Needs Some Reimagining): How To Make Theater More Available, Affordable, & Widely Attended “Democratizing” The Theatrical Experience: Bringing Theater Home To Underprivileged, Underserved, & Ignored Audiences How This Ancient Art Form Can Evolve To Keep Up With The Era Of Netflix & ChillBreaking Down The Barriers That Are Preventing Underproduced, Lesser Known Playwrights From Making On-StageUsing The Theatrical Experience To Change The Culture Of Modern Alienation To One Of Belonging, Empathy & Human ConnectionMore About Jack:John Lawrence "Jack" Canfora is an Award-Winning American playwright, actor, musician, and teacher. After receiving his dramatic training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he began his career as an actor in regional theater, working mostly in Shakespearean roles such as Mercutio and Macbeth. He’s been hailed by the Associated Press as “White-hot Entertainment” for his off-Broadway plays including Poetic License, Place Setting, and Jericho, a New York Times “Critics Pick.” He was nominated along with Edward Albee, Elaine May, and Teresa Rebeck for The Newark Star Ledger’s Best Play, 2007. Jack is the recipient of two Edgerton Playwriting Awards, for Jericho (2010) and The Source (2018). He won the 2016 Webby Award for Best Writing in a Web Series. Jack is also the Artistic Director of New Normal Rep.Troy's Website Troy on YouTube Troy's Facebook group Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Many writers don't know the fundamentals of process and mindset management, which results in unnecessary struggle, doubt, and despair. Even worse, they start to believe that if they were only a "better writer" the journey would be easier. That kind of inner critic thinking further dents their confidence.Fueled by the belief that the writing adventure doesn’t have to be so hard, Christine Carron launched her company Goodjelly in 2021. To do so, she combined her love of writing with 25 years of experience as a process improvement expert and project manager. The Jam Experience, Goodjelly's multi-signature small-group coaching program, teaches writers how to cultivate flow, handle blocks with ease, build their confidence, and make consistent writing progress. The results have been transformative.Christine also blogs weekly, furthering her mission to help as many writers as possible take charge of their writing adventure using the three pillars of Goodjelly: Smart Process, Grounded Power, and Inner Kindness.Today's Interview Topics·     Sustainable creative productivity·     Total Writing Work Management·     Handling your Inner Critic Goodjelly-style·     How to delight in your creative process·     Building creative momentum·     Cultivating a productive mindset·     Agile for ArtistsQuestions we explore:·     What are the 3 keys to unlock sustainable creative productivity?·     What are the three pillars of consistent writerly progress?·     What is invisible work and how does it mess with creative momentum?·     What is code and context and how do those two concepts impact your creative productivity?·     What are some creative productivity styles and why is it important that writers know (and embrace) their productivity style?·     What is one no-fail way to get out of a writing slump?·     What is a "Done Boost" and why should writers want a lot of them?·     How can writers work through any writing block?Discover more in these articleshttps://www.goodjelly.com/blog/pillars-of-progresshttps://www.goodjelly.com/blog/4-productivity-typeshttps://www.goodjelly.com/blog/7tips-q4planninghttps://www.goodjelly.com/blog/bouncehttps://www.goodjelly.com/blog/courage-practicesChristine's Website @leagueofgoodjelly on Instagram Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

In this podcast episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," host Mark Stinson interviews Adam Alter, the author of the book "The Anatomy of a Breakthrough." The episode explores the concept of getting unstuck creatively and provides strategies to overcome creative blockages. Alter's book is well-researched and practical, focusing on four steps to getting unstuck: help, heart, head, and habit.Adam's Website The first section, "Help," aims to demystify the experience of being stuck and emphasizes that it is a universal phenomenon. The subsequent sections provide strategies for addressing the emotional consequences of feeling stuck (heart), using cognitive strategies to get unstuck (head), and taking action to overcome stuckness (habit).Alter highlights the experiences of well-known individuals like Harper Lee and George R. Martin, demonstrating that even highly successful and talented people face creative blockages. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding that being stuck is a common experience and that there are ways to overcome it.The podcast also explores the concept of "lifequakes," major life-altering events that can contribute to feeling stuck. Alter references the work of Bruce Feiler, who emphasizes the universality of these changes and the need to navigate them effectively.The episode further delves into the idea that creativity often involves recombination rather than radical originality. It highlights examples like Bob Dylan, who combined elements from different musical genres to create something new. Additionally, the benefits of crowdsourcing and diverse perspectives in overcoming creative blockages are discussed.The final section of Alter's book, "Habit," emphasizes the need to break free from old ideas and explore new approaches to getting unstuck. The podcast concludes by highlighting the extensive list of techniques provided in the book, offering listeners numerous ways to overcome creative blockages.Key Quotes from Adam Alter:- "A lot of us don't fully understand what it is to be stuck. We seem to be blindsided by stuckness and by change... That first section is designed to demystify what it is to be stuck, to explain it, and to tell people that it's gonna happen, so they should be ready for it." - "The best ideas, even if they look like they're radically new, are actually a combination of two or three or more things that existed before. The genius is in the new combination."- "You want people, specialists, from all sorts of different areas so that they all bring their own lens to the problem." - Adam Alter@adamleealter on X Adam's Facebook page Adam Alter is a professor of marketing, and the Stansky Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He also holds an affiliated professorship in social psychology at NYU’s psychology department. In 2020 he was voted professor of the year by the faculty and student body at NYU’s Stern School of Business, and was among the Poets and Quants 40 Best Professors Under 40 in 2017. Alter is the New York Times bestselling author of two books: Drunk Tank Pink and Irresistible. Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Ross Symons is our guest today on the Unlocking Your World of Creativity podcast.Ross is an origami expert, and he has become an internet sensation by fusing this skill with animation and video production. Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper-folding that's never really gone out of fashion and is now becoming a modern fad in the era of YouTube instructions and Instagram.Here is an example of his work: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdNKaSjqi00/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=He has created engaging stop motion animations for some of the world's biggest brands, including Red Bull, Adidas, Disney Plus, Nordstrom, Sony, PlayStation, Converse, McDonald's, Samsung, and Dior, which has helped them stand out in the crowded digital landscape.Ross successfully completed a 365-day origami Instagram project in 2014 and 2017, folding and posting a different origami figure each day for an entire year onto Instagram, all the while making animations between the single photo posts.The projects grew his following on the platform from 120 to 100K+ and helped him to capture the attention of the big brands he works with today.Like many entrepreneurs, Ross worked a 9 to 5 job as a website developer at Ogilvy, one of the top advertising, marketing, and PR firms in the world, before founding his company White on Rice.Over time, he came to realize that working for someone would never allow him to live the happy, free life he desired, and he took the risk of leaving a secure and well-paying profession in 2014 to pursue his passion for origami, which he had done since 2002 as a hobby.Ross's gamble paid off as he grew his business into a sought-after creative agency in less than four years. He has been featured on major media outlets, including CNN, Business Insider, and The Times.On the podcast, Ross talks about:How he built a thriving creative business that collaborates with some of the world's biggest brands out of his genuine passion for origami.How agencies and creatives can help brands they work with standout using stop motion animations and origami.Do you want to quit your 9-to-5 job to become a creative entrepreneur? Ross's reasons you should do it and advice on how to successfully make the switch from employment to entrepreneurship.How to connect with other creatives online using social media. The importance of understanding money and entrepreneurship as a creative/artist. Ross's tips for young creators who are just starting out.The impact of A.I. on the creative industry.Ross's Website @white_onrice on Instagram Ross on YouTube Ross's Facebook page Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Today's guest is Egle Karalyte, a brand strategist and creator of multiple branding tools, including the Bloomerang Game. Over the last 15 years, Egle has been catching waves of creativity with top brands on almost every continent. She had worked with Adobe/Fotolia, Google Campus London, Paris Telecom, MTV Lebanon, etc. She has lived and worked in the world’s most captivating cities: NYC, London, Paris, Santiago de Chile, Casablanca, Barcelona, and Beirut. In fact, we caught up with Egle on her travels to Lisbon, Portugal. Here are some ideas we discuss in this episode with Egle:Next Generation Creator’s Mindset on Creating a Meaningful Brand for the WorldCreativity Activation in Teams: how to harmonize and mobilize a team for a common good?Creativity and EntrepreneurshipHow to Build a Meaningful Brand that’s aligned with your vibe, values, and lifestyleweb: www.https://karalyte.com/Instagram: egle.karalyteYouTube: @bloomerang-gameLinkedIn: ekaralyteCopyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Jude Warne, Rock Reviewer on Bob DylanThis podcast welcomes Jude Warne, a rock biographer, music reviewer, and author. We discuss Bob Dylan's creativity in his book “The Philosophy of Modern Song” -- as well as the book “Folk Music of Bob Dylan: Biography in Seven Songs.”Bob Dylan's book, The Philosophy of Modern Song, captures the mystery and creativity of his immense body of work with references to other famous songwriters. It showcases his creative voice as a critic, author, and biographer to discuss the writerly quality of other musicians' songs and their lives.Jude says, “It highlighted for me a lot of the songwriters and songs that he touches on, he brings out their mystery or the mystery going on with the characters in each of the songs he talks about. So there's, the theme really is consistent in my opinion throughout the whole book.”I replied, “It's exciting. And mystery is a nice word because how many people have tried to interpret a Bob Dylan song, and it's like how much meaning could we infuse in it? But often to look at it the other way and say, how does somebody like Bob Dylan interpret other people's songs?”·     Bob’s creative, conversational tone has opened listeners' minds as he riffs and creates new stories for his songs that showcase his writing talent and insight.·     Bob is an experienced music reviewer who notes the influence of older genres in modern songs, having charted on the Billboard charts since the 1950s and 60s.·     Bob Dylan's selection of music speaks to artists of all eras, regardless of gender, race, or background, showing his unique creative vision and critical insight. Even though it may not seem like a “diverse” selection of artists to profile.·     Through reflection on the works of great artists Bob Dylan questions if sacrificing one's personal identity is necessary to create strong and meaningful works.·     We shared a laugh while envisioning Bob Dylan doing some real-life mundane tasks like sorting the photos used in the book, because of his persona of a philosophical approach to writing.In the second half of the interview, we discussed a Bob Dylan biography on his creative journey through influences and contributions to history and culture, written by Rolling Stone critic and author Greil Marcus.As we closed, Jude talked personally about her work as a creative critic, author, and biographer—and her secret dream to DJ in her own club where she can choose what songs to play.We promised to keep the conversation going and check in periodically on new books and albums, especially ones that Jude reviews on platforms like The Vinyl District.Jude is now working on a new book about a seventies rock artist which is set to be released in Fall of 2024.Follow her work on the web at www.judewarne.com and on Instagram @judewarnewriterMy thanks to Larry Hughes at Simon & Schuster Publishing for an advanced introduction to the Bob Dylan "Philosophy of Modern Song" book.

Today we talk sonic branding with Jeanna Isham of Dreamr Productions Jeanna creates, consults, and educates on the power of sound in marketing. She is founder and sonic branding composer and started the company back in 2009. Her career in music and marketing has been a 20-year journey in the making. She is well versed in the art of traditional music composition as well as being a thought leader, author, and speaker in the sound in the marketing and advertising industry.Website: https://www.soundinmarketing.comYouTube: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sound-in-marketing-47922539/episode/sonic-branding-for-the-small-business-108455421/

This is a special BONUS, LIVE episode with my guest, Anita Sonya Sonya is a highly respected live streaming coach and consultant, and the founder of LivePodcast Media. Her passion lies in helping business owners, entrepreneurs, digital creators, and professionals transform their businesses through live streaming.LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/livepodcastmedia/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCly3HVYidu0_6uPa4opqvZgFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/livepodcastmedia/INSTAGRAM: @livepodcastmediaWEBSITE: https://anitasonya.comSonya has organized multiple international summits, supported by leading brands such as Blubrry, Ecamm Network, Wave.video, and Restream. These events have brought together top expert speakers from diverse industries to share their knowledge and expertise.If you're looking to transform your business through live streaming, Sonya is the partner you've been searching for. With her vast knowledge, experience, and unparalleled passion for helping others, she is the perfect choice to help you take your business to the next level. Don't miss the opportunity to work with her and attend the upcoming Bali LivePodcast Summit, scheduled for September 19-24, 2023.

Today's guest is Henning Svoren of Ocean Sound Recording in Giske, Norway.https://www.oceansound.noHenning is a Norwegian music producer and engineer, who has been part of running the recording studio Ocean Sound on the island of Giske in Norway since 2009.He says, “My responsibilities are pretty wide from developing the business and studio itself to working on the songs and actual music through mixing, recording and producing. In my spare time I like to go hiking or skiing in the mountains and fjords around here.”Here are some of the key topics we discuss:·     Henning believes that the natural surroundings of an island contribute to the creative process. For example, he learned Peter Gabriel's studio was designed with creativity in mind, as the flowing water outside provides inspiration.·     As the owner of the studio, he explains how the studio was built and how it is different from other studios in New York and London.·     Why the artists are drawn to the studio's setting and equipment. They have kept up with the latest technology by installing a Dolby Atmos system in their studio.·     Henning describes how their music is influenced by the environment, ranging in styles which include sixties pop, German hip-hop, jazz, and even meditation sounds.·     “We had one of my favorite Norwegian bands called Motorcycle which I've been a fan of since I was a kid. I was finally asked to work with them as an engineer a couple of years ago. Their guitar player lives in Trondheim, a Norwegian city. He decided that he is not going to bring any guitars or any pedals or anything. He's just going to use what's in the studio because the different instruments will inspire him to play something different than a normal would. So we also try to have a few weird instruments lying around, like strategically placed around the studio. So if you get stuck with a song you're working on, why don't you try this weird Indian thing?”·     The role of the Engineer. Musicians need an engineer to do more than push the buttons and make them sound great. They need someone who is not close to the project with fresh ears to help contribute to the creative process. The studio and engineer can help the band capture their musical vision.·     The challenge of finding the balance between wanting to be popular and wanting to be unique. Ocean Sound wants to help create new tastes in music and that helps decide what sort of projects they would like to work on.As we closed, Henning added, “I'm touched by your enthusiasm, both for the music-making process and for our studio.” Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Mary Gauthier, The Healing Power of SongwritingToday's guest is Grammy-nominated folk/Americana/country singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier.We discuss her experiences in:the healing power of writingworking with veteranssongwriting groupsobstacles in the processtours and life on the roadWhat's ahead for music and lifeLearn more about Mary, her music, her book, and upcoming tours dates at:Mary's Website

For marketers, creating a powerful connection with consumers is key — and audio plays an important role in that connection. Audio branding and radio expert Paul Suchman has dedicated his career to honing audio into the perfect tool of engagement for brands large and small. We recently had the chance to sit down with Paul to discuss what it takes to create powerful audio brand experiences, as well as how you can get started leveraging sound in your own marketing efforts.Audacy is a production company specializing in creating narrative audio content for brands, agencies, and networks. "We're always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of storytelling through sound," Paul says. "It's really exciting because there are so many different components that go into producing great audio – sound design, music composition, voice direction – all of these things come together to make something special. But I think the most important thing is finding a way to tell a story that resonates with listeners. That's the key to success." It's truly an art form, and there are endless possibilities that come with creating audio content. You never know what kind of stories you're going to uncover and how they'll be received by your audience. That's what makes it so exciting! "At Audacy we pride ourselves on having some of the best producers in the industry – people who understand how important storytelling is and know how to craft something special out of their work. Our team works hard to ensure that the audio content we create accurately reflects our brand and its values," Paul says.Since Audacy rebranded from Entercom, the team has been working diligently to uphold the mission behind it. "We've worked on creating memorable audio content that resonates with our audience and is in line with our brand identity. We want people to feel like they're connected to us, whether through a podcast or a radio show, and recognize the work that goes into making this content," Paul described. "We are continuously pushing ourselves to create something new and innovative while staying true to who Audacy is as a company – a conglomeration of many different audio brands coming together under one roof. It's an ongoing process, but we believe it's the best way to keep our partners and advertisers engaged and looking forward to what comes next. We strive to maintain a level of transparency when it comes to how we are creating, distributing, and marketing our content so that everyone involved has an understanding of where their investments are going.""We also want to make sure that our team is supported in any way possible – with the right tools, resources, guidance, etc. Our goal is for everyone who interacts with Audacy's brand experience to feel good about what they're getting out of it so that they keep coming back again and again. We believe this is how businesses can not only survive but thrive in today's competitive audio landscape," Paul says. To accomplish this, Paul says they focus on creating a comprehensive experience from the moment our partners decide to advertise with us. Audacy offers detailed insights into our listener base and track their engagement with our content so that they have an accurate understanding of how their campaigns are performing. We also strive to provide regular updates throughout the entire process – from initial strategy meetings before the campaign even launches, to analyzing metrics after it is completed – in order to give everyone involved a clear picture of what has been achieved and where there is still room for improvement. At Audacy, we understand that brand experience matters and are committed to delivering unparalleled support and service to ensure each business partner's success. That's why we constantly refine our approach based on feedback, find and develop new research methods, and continually look for ways to improve our performance. We also place a lot of importance on building strong relationships with our partners, so that we can work together towards common goals. We want to ensure that everyone involved in the process feels confident and excited about how their campaigns are being managed on our platform. In doing so, we believe that both Audacy and our business partners will experience greater success. It's all about creating an effective brand experience for our advertising partners – one that makes them feel supported during each step of the campaign journey. With this goal in mind, we continuously strive to provide valuable insights through data-driven decisions and feedback from both sides so they can get the most out of their partnership with us. We also ensure that each campaign is as efficient and effective as possible by streamlining our process to provide the most relevant, up-to-date information in real time. By doing this, we can be sure that our advertising partners feel taken care of throughout their campaigns with Audacy. We are dedicated to fostering relationships with all

Today, we're stamping our creative passports in one of my favorite capital cities of the world, Copenhagen, Denmark, and my guest Salome TrambachSalome describes her favorite hidden coffee spot in Copenhagen, which is in a park behind a university. (Landbohøjskolen Garden. In the garden you will find the cozy Væksthuset café where the barista brewed coffee is so good that the place has won the University Post prize for the University of Copenhagen’s best coffee shop.)She talks about the leadership and guidance that is provided to help people start their own businesses. We discuss the idea of moving from founder to leader and what that means for creative people. People often found their own businesses because they feel compelled to break free from the corporate environment.Taking small steps that could be big is an important part of life. The person needs to be passionate about their project and have a good reason for starting it in order for people to want to listen.Founders should make contingency plans, but not let the fear of the worst-case scenario paralyze them.Salome shares her model and her opinion on leadership development and personal development. She says leaders need to understand themselves in order to be effective. Self-awareness and self-mastery lead to trust in oneself, which is necessary to start a business and garner a higher price. It starts with self-worth.Salome was Born in Paris, and grew up in Copenhagen; her bio says that she is half French and half Moroccan. Speaks four languages and loves to travel. Learned a love of dance in Ghana. All these things feed her creative spirit. She tells us how she is inspired by nature and the things she has experienced while traveling. She recommends integrating new experiences into your daily life to increase creativity.Salome 's Website Salomé Trambach offers years of extraordinary success in a series of high-level roles at top-tier companies that include HybridLedelse.dk, Mentoring Club, LifeX, Softbank's Emerge Accelerator, China Experience, PriceWaterHouseCoopers Mexico, P.20, Gaia Solar, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Coloplast, JOY 94.9, and AIESEC Denmark. Salomé is one of the members of the Board of Directors at Movinn (Real Estate) and a Senior Leadership Consultant at Safe2Great (Leadership Consultancy). Salomé is a certified Safe2Great Practitioner with a focus on Culture Assessment, Growth Mindset & Psychological Safety. Salomé’s invaluable expertise and broad business experience have powered a history of developing successful process improvements that drive productivity, reliability, and client satisfaction. @salometrambach on Instagram Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson  

OLESIJA SAUEwww.olesijasaue.comlinkedin.com/in/olesijasauePersonal Branding & Executive Coach. Social Media Strategist & Partner at Goal Marketing-multiple-awards winning Social Media agency Founder at Personal Branding Agency Maximizer150 Women B2B Thought Leaders You Should Follow in 2022(Thinkers 360)Serial entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in Sales and Marketing.2x Amazon best-selling author "The Brand Named You(www.thebrandnamedyou.com) and BLU talks "Business Life and the Universe. Vol 4" (www.blutalksbook.com) Lecturer on Personal Branding at Estonian Business School Contributor at Thrive Global, Modern Warrior Magazine, Expert Circle, Thinkers360M.B.A in International business administrationAoEC Accredited Executive CoachNLP Classic Code & New Code PracticionerMember of the International Coach Federation.Managed a steel galvanizing plantBuilt her own steel trading companyAs a former CEO of Forbes Estonia, she helped to bring the world's most trusted business media brand to the business audience in Baltics. Today she helps corporate clients as well as aspiring start-ups and small-to-medium sized businesses to stand out from the competition and achieve their business goals through the strategic use of social media and personal branding of the CEOs and employees.She is also helping with in-house brand ambassadors programs development & implementation as well as strategical usage of personal branding in corporate communication and employer branding.S T O R YThe start of Olesija's career was like a rocket launch. Within less than a year, she went from the position of HR specialist to the position of CEO of a galvanizing steel plant, followed by the establishment of her steel trading company a couple of years later. For several years business was growing exponentially and by the age of 25, she had everything she could possibly dream of. But then came the crisis of 2007/2008, and in a matter of months, she was completely broke and massively in debt. But looking back, she believes that this was the best possible blessing in disguise.As she had nothing, and she means absolutely nothing, left from her previously highly successful life, she had to start reinventing herself from below zero. And she discovered that one thing that we all have at all times, one thing that no one can take from you no matter what happens, is your true essence, your personal brand DNA- your why, your unique strengths, your true values, your story, your network and how you make people feel. And the moment she realized this, her life changed. She found a way to make things work again. She published a book and runs a successful coaching and consulting business, inspires individuals and businesses to take action, make the most of themselves and truly make a difference. She also discovered that knowing who you really are and what do you really want to do and most importantly WHY is the only way to build an authentic personal brand. And the biggest problem that most of us have is that we don't have time to stop and really look inside. And as Carl Jung said, your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Olesija's Website @olesija on Instagram

Robin Landa is a distinguished professor at Kean University and a globally recognized ideation expert. She is a well-known “creativity guru” and a best-selling author of books on creativity, design, and advertising. She has won numerous awards and The Carnegie Foundation counts her among the "Great Teachers of Our Time."She has written twenty-five books, including Strategic Creativity, Graphic Design Solutions, Advertising by Design, Build Your Own Brand, Designing Brand Experiences, and Nimble.About The New Art of Ideas: Unlock Your Creative PotentialIn a world with a surplus of ideas, what separates a good idea from a bad one?In her breakthrough book, The New Art of Ideas: Unlock Your Creative Potential (Berrett-Koehler Publishers; November 8, 2022), Robin Landa offers a comprehensive and actionable guide on how to produce the kind of ideas people can’t turn down.The New Art of Ideas is designed to help readers consistently produce worthwhile ideas by becoming nimble and imaginative thinkers better equipped to compete and produce in a global economy.In the book, Landa presents her proven framework for generating consequential ideas,The Three Gs— the first new idea generation technique since brainstorming.• Goal—What you want to achieve• Gap—The missing piece that your idea provides• Gain—The overall benefits of your ideaThis book is about how to get great ideas. Not just lots of ideas, but ideas worth pursuing that get results. With explanations and examples of each component, The New Art of Ideas demystifies the process of effective ideation and hands you the key to unlock your creative potential.Actor Holly Taylor (Manifest; The Americans) illustrated the book and Broadway director and choreographer Lorin Latarro wrote the foreword.Drawing from her expertise and key themes in The New Art of Ideas, we discuss:· The new framework for valuable ideation: The Three Gs — Goal, Gap, and Gain· How to use the fluid process (in any order) to generate, crystalize, amplify, and evaluate worthwhile ideas across disciplines and industries· How to evaluate the validity of your ideas so that you don’t waste time on fruitless endeavors· How the Three Gs process differs from others— It’s an actionable system vs. a black box ideation method that depends on an elusive Aha! moment· The benefits of the Three Gs: How worthwhile ideas impact profit, people, and the planet· How diversity, equity, and inclusion can amplify the Three Gs process· How leaders and organizations can employ this process in their companies to get ahead of the competition in an idea-based economy· How individuals at any level can develop creative habits— and where to start· Are you a gap seeker? Critical steps to identify key growth opportunities· The impacts that emotion and doubt play in goal setting— and how to overcome the obstacles· Notable examples of how impactful ideas were developedThe New Art of Ideas is available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold.For more information, please visit: Robin 's Website Robin on YouTube @proflanda on Instagram

Maybe you just got promoted. Maybe you're a new manager, you finally got the promotion you've been asking for three years.And so now you say, What do I need to do as a new manager? What are some of the tools I need to add from being an individual contributor to being a leader of a team?Today, we discuss these topics with our guest today, Ramona Shaw, stamping our creative passport in San Francisco. We've also got a special guest, Susan Sutton, who's one of Ramona's leadership program and managerial workshop participants.Here are some highlights of our discussion:·     People often become managers because they are good at their jobs, but this is not always the right fit for them.·     Most people feel unprepared when they are promoted into their first leadership role.·     Leaders can improve their skills by taking leadership training courses.·     The self-leadership mindset enables people to focus on new management core competencies and skills.·     The program is designed to help participants make a big transformation and provides personalized support.Susan Sutton was preparing for a promotion when she met Ramona and went through her program. Ramona was a helpful guide to Susan during a difficult time. One of the things Ramona teaches is that you can't expect everyone to do things like you would. She reminded Susan of the importance of curiosity and communication. People often unintentionally give advice that is counterproductive because they are trying to help.Ramona says leaders often feel overwhelmed with new responsibilities, but this is something that can be managed by looking at the facts. People can get overwhelmed with stress when they focus on the emotion of a situation rather than the facts.Ramona believes that before managing people, it is important to manage your mind. She even says that people working for a micromanager might try to create a “hardship” for themselves, in order to make the boss feel engaged. She feels that their boss does not trust them, and this is causing them to disengage from their work. You can't control your boss, but you can try to influence them and make them feel comfortable.Now let's look ahead: People are setting different goals in light of current situations.Mark said, “By the time we're listening to this podcast, we're into the first quarter of 2023, which is that kind of mind-boggling anyway, but it seems we've said all the things about the “great something,” -- there was a resignation, now a restart, a re-engagement mindset. I don't think since 2019 have we had the normal goal setting. We need to make these numbers or we need to get these goals in place because there's always been, something we are reacting to.”Ramona said goals are fluid and can change, but the direction and end goal stay the same. Companies need to continually check in and realign on goals with employees in order for them to feel engaged and aligned. Experiment with different communication modes to find what works best for her students.Our podcast will continue to have conversations with creative managers and practitioners to help individuals make an impact on a bigger team.Ramona's Website Ramona on YouTube @ramona.shaw.leadership on Instagram Ramona Shaw is a Certified Professional Leadership Coach, podcast host, and best-selling author of “The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role.” She is passionate about helping new and midlevel managers become leaders people love to work for by strengthening their leadership and communication skills, raising their confidence and resilience, and increasing their focus and emotional intelligence. After graduating with a Masters Degree in Finance, Ramona entered the field of private equity and ultimately led strategic projects and international teams as a VP of Client Services at a renowned global private equity firm. She now specializes in delivering coaching and training programs for leaders at fast-growing startups and companies such as Twitch, UBS, Google, Dropbox, Lionsgate, Asana, Stitch Fix, Sequoia Capital, and dozens of others.

Today I'm so lucky to have Maureen Falvey as my guest! She is a marketing powerhouse, with wide-ranging experience in advertising agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi, and Grey. We were just having a chat about how we might miss those midnight flights from California - but you can't help reminiscing on all that creative energy swirling around us at exciting moments of big launches or strategic brand planning sessions. It's such an honor for me to be talking with this astute ad expert today; let's see what she has in store for us!Coaching and mentorship in professional fields like advertising can be a huge asset for any individual’s success. But why do even the most seasoned pros need one? Maureen shares her insight here, explaining that we often rely too heavily on our habits when it comes to achieving goals - both good and bad ones! Having an external figure hold us accountable allows us to break out of those patterns and stay focused on what truly matters. It's clear how having someone keeping you motivated along the way is such a critical part of growth- no matter where you are with your career journey.Mark reflected, “As a long-time industry veteran in advertising, it took me 10 years before I even knew the concept of mentoring. Sadly, this is an environment that often rewards cutthroat competition and short-term wins rather than fostering growth for its professionals. So when did we see a shift to investing more energy into cultivating talent?”Maureen shared, “Well as experienced by many others like myself, this transition began when people started to leave their positions - prompting us to ask ‘what should we be doing differently?’. From there my journey as a mentor truly blossomed; allowing me now use my expertise gained from decades of playing the game of advertising & marketing talent acquisition.Many advertising professionals are now looking to develop their leadership and managerial style, beyond individual contribution. It's important for these individuals to not only look after themselves but also extend that care to others in order to create a strong followership. While many people think they're self-aware, the reality is usually far from it - 10% or 15 % of them actually demonstrate this quality due to its complexity. This is where coaching and training come into play as an essential part of professional development.Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with a coach?Exploring the tools and techniques that can reprogram your approach is something many strive for. As an expert, I'm here to offer one of those tools - coaching yourself! With this powerful tool in mind, my wish for everyone is empowerment; harnessing our inner accountability partners so we may reach peak performance levels. At Strong Training & Coaching Inc., not only do coaches receive top-notch Harvard Business Review training but produce results efficiently as well.Have you ever felt like the obstacles in your way are just too intense to overcome?Well, we could all agree that there isn't enough time for everything. But what if instead of focusing on why something can't be done, we tried creating contingency plans and dialing down those intimidating challenges? That's where a coach comes into play! Unlike mentors who tell us how things should go and provide answers from their own experiences; coaches ask questions that build our confidence as they guide us toward finding solutions ourselves. They may even offer suggestions based upon years of insight - but ultimately it is up to each individual person’s inner knowledge that will lead the way forward.Today on the show, we've been talking with Maureen Falvey from Mark Strong Training and Coaching about achieving our goals. Through her real-life examples and tips & exercises, she's given us insight into what it takes to be successful - not just setting a goal but proactively addressing potential obstacles along the way! In summing up today’s episode, Maureen suggests one simple first step: find someone who you trust to listen as you articulate your dreams out loud – then take that next move towards success!

Welcome back friends to our podcast, Unlocking Your World of Creativity.Today we talk with NY Times bestselling author and the founder of Voices of Eden, an Ancient Wisdom and Healing Music Institute, Eliana Gilad. Eliana is a healing voice mentor, therapeutic singing pioneer, and founder of the Find Your True Voice program. She helps heart centered entrepreneurs and healing professionals embody their own unique voices and confidently express their truth from the inside out.This brings us to today's interview. Mark discusses with Eliana about: Unlocking creativity through unleashing the power of our voice, our inner voice, and the ability and power to shine through that voice. Insightful stories of her journey that lead her to unlocking her true voice. Bonus: Heart Voice Healing Activation focused on Unlocking Your Creativity. **Stay tuned for that after the episode. How can people start to find their voice in these uncertain times? Turn off your mediaYou're not going to find it by trying to figure things out The Choice is yours. You want expand and thrive, let go and get ready for adventure!Being who you already are: Eliana explains that daring to stop the drug of scrolling or the drug of whatever the autopilot is.We knew the power of voice literally and figuratively in ancient times. It got forgotten, and we disconnected from it. Your voice, your human voice, is the instrument that bridges your inner clarity, your inner world with your outer expression. An insightful part of Eliana’s JourneyAfter extensive research into vibration of sound studying anything from science to archaeology to medicine, Eliana compiled 16 studies that were conducted where sound was used as a healing technique. Finally convincing a doctor to try it she was allowed to work on a premature infant in an intensive care unit. The baby weighed less than a pound. Eliana began to sing, and the baby began to move! This proved three things to the doctors. He was hearing.The specific part of his brain to hear was working.He enjoyed the music. Not only did they see how the power of sound healing was working it helped the medical staff in their own work with focus and they felt calmer.This experience allowed Eliana into receiving a fully funded research project for three years and paying her salary to study babies in the NICU.  “When there's something in you that's an impulse, that's a hunch, trust it, even if it doesn't make sense. it's your true voice.” **Bonus Voice Healing ActivationEliana explains in ancient times the leaders would go to temples and avail themselves of special applications of voice and rhythm that would bypass the intellect and connect them inwardly to their higher mind. There was always a focus. This is an activation focused on Unlocking Your Creativity.Enjoy! You can find Eliana Gilad and more of what she does at Voices of Eden. There you can explore her different types of healings and offerings along with free resources to get you started. Be sure to check out her best-selling book Emerge Triumphant: Thrive Through Uncertainty on Amazon.Lastly, you can listen to her ted talks here: Trust Your Silent Voice: Find Your Power and Your Voice, Make it Heard

Welcome back to our podcast, Unlocking Your World of Creativity. We are so pleased to welcome on our program today a designer, a creative director, a filmmaker, an animator, and a man that wears many more hats, Hussain Almossawi. Hussain Almossawi is an innovator, product designer and visual effects artist who has worked across industries and around the world consulting for companies such as Nike, Apple, Google, Adidas, Intel, and Ford Motor Company, among others. He is a regular keynote speaker on innovation and design and has taught at several universities. In 2019, Hussain founded Mossawi Studios, a multi-disciplinary design studio specializing in creating memorable, iconic, and bold experiences. He loves blurring the lines between product design, visual effects, and storytelling.In today’s episode, we discuss: Hussain’s new book The Innovator's Handbook, a short guide to Unleashing Your Creative Mindset and we get to hear a short excerpt from Chapter five, Cultivate Curiosity.Encouragement for young creatives moving up in their careerLastly, what’s coming up next in Hussain’s creative future “As a designer, as a creative, the way I look at it, you can either act or react. You can be a leader or a follower. That's the cool thing about it, there's no right or wrong.” The Innovator's Handbook, a short guide to Unleashing Your Creative Mindset  In Hussain’s book he helps designers and creatives harness their fire, flex their courage, and supercharge their ideas to create remarkable products, services, and experiences.What was Hussain’s intent when he decided to create this book? He wanted to be a quick read, A short, fun read with lots of illustrations in it. Something that was not overwhelming to him. He explains that Innovation always felt overwhelming to him, even the books that he has that are super insightful. He tried to break it down. Create something to get a person’s ideas going and start to make the reader think outside the box. **At 11:23 minutes we hear a short excerpt from Chapter five, Cultivate Curiosity that Hussain reads for us. Encouragement for Young People and InspirationHussain’s advice to somebody who is young in this space or wants to get into it is:Always be humble and hungry. Always try to see how you can go to the next level. There's no right and wrong in innovation. Every idea can become something.Dream big, think big. Don't limit yourself. “Fear. It all goes back to fear. Fear is the number one thing that stops you from coming up with ideas, fear of speaking, fear of thinking out loud, fear of sharing ideas with other people and so on. So, be fearless. Be humble, and be hungry. And that will take you very far.”** Where you live shouldn’t be an inspiration for what you create. It doesn't matter where you are, he says. There's always hidden stories that you can use as your insights when you're designing.What next?First, Hussain is trying to find ways to blend the digital space and the physical space. Mixing the two and taking him back to the idea of intersections and mixing two things together. He has found it’s opened a lot of new doors to be more innovative and creative and come up with amazing ideas. He wants to keep pushing that.Secondly, he’s working on teaching and doing more workshops. Whether it's in 3d, industrial design, creative thinking, or innovative thinking. Lastly, he’s thinking about his second book and what the design will look like all while getting out in the world and seeing people's feedback.It was such a pleasure sitting down and speaking with Hussain today. Check out his book The Innovator's Handbook, a short guide to Unleashing Your Creative Mindset on Amazon. Also, Mossawi Studios where you can learn more about Hussain and his current projects. We look forward to seeing what he comes up with next. Hussain's Website @mossawi_ on Instagram @mossawi_ on Instagram Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Today we traveled to sunny L.A. to sit down with the Founder and Producer of Pink Poodle Productions, Marlene Sharp. Marlene has quite an impressive resume wearing many different hats in the Entertainment Industry. To name a few, Marlene has worked as a director and producer and an all-around key contributor in both iconic and niche franchises such as YO-KAI WATCH, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, POWER RANGERS, PINK PANTHER, and POSTMAN PAT.In this episode we some of the topics we talked with Marlene about are:The creative journey from growing up in New Orleans to working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.Her role as a mentor for autistic artists at The Center for Learning Unlimited, &The new film trilogy she’s working on, Young Captain Nemo.  “I cannot lie and say that developing video game characters was my dream as a girl. It was not. I was interested in all different aspects of the entertainment industry, deal-making, writing, and producing, especially as it concerned me because there aren't as many roles for women.”Marlene’s Creative Journey When Marlene got to Hollywood she fell into the video game-driven content business through her first temp job. She worked for a company called Bandi. The owner of the Bandi worked closely with Japan, which owned Power Rangers at the time. Her company was concerned with selling toys. Marlene talks a lot about the anime industry in this segment explaining that 99% of what kids entertainment business is about is first selling stuff, to sustain the business and this is mostly through consumer products. She would have to follow the development and then the production to make sure that the toys were being played within the correct play pattern to make kids want to buy them. imitating that role-playing in real life. A lot of the anime she received was very stream-of-consciousness storytelling. Which is not ideal for western audiences. They had to create a beginning, middle, and end.“There was a lot, there was creativity in the sense that we had to disguise the fact that we were selling so much because it wasn't supposed to be just a commercial for, for toys, there needed to be storytelling.”Marlene attended an all-girls school growing up in New Orleans. She went through what she explains as the hard knocks going through the “mean girl” experience. She feels this prepared her for the cutthroat industry in Hollywood. She felt a big change coming into Los Angeles from New Orleans with how people are very career conscious in L.A. She said she sees people buckle down and work insane hours and will make all kinds of sacrifices for their careers. Being a MentorMarlene mentors a special group of artists at a school called The Center for Learning Unlimited in Torrance, California. The school has an animation career training program for adults on the autism spectrum. She works with adults 18 and over. There’s a lot of diversity, age ranges, and backgrounds in the program.  Three-year certificate training program When the students finish that program, they go into Brainstorm Productions, the companion studio. The studio serves as a traditional studio that takes work for hire opportunities. It's a bridge between the academic program and working at a big third-party studio.Young Captain NemoThe company that is behind it is called Rain Shine Entertainment based in Mumbai in India. Rainshine, which pitches itself as one of the first Indian content studios targeting the global market. This is the first of a trilogy of animated action-adventure films. The story focuses on Gabriel Nemo, a young modern-day descendant of Jules Verne’s famous literary figure Captain Nemo in the classic novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Stay tuned for when the movie makes its release. Also, follow and connect with Marlene on social media. She says she’s a maniac on Linkedin so definitely connect with her there. Pink Poodle ProductionsIMDB

Claudia is an artist, writer, philanthropist, life coach, mentor, mother, and wife. During her career as a journalist, she has worked for magazines and television in South America and the US, touching on subjects from parenting, forgiveness, and growth to political issues. "Everything I know about love is taught by the people who really never loved me. We strive to be loved… we do… and we hope to be loved back but sometimes what we give is not returned in the same authentic way… so let’s don’t allow this to change our hearts. Let’s learn from it. Keep on spreading love around as love is really all we need," says Claudia.¿Alguna vez te has sentido perdida, confundida, desmotivada?Llevo más de treinta años en un viaje de crecimiento personal. He cambiado la forma en la que como, la forma en que me visto, la forma en que pienso, la forma en que “digiero” las cosas y la forma en que gasto mi dinero, entre otras cosas, porque siempre sentí que todo era parte de convertirme en el Yo auténtico que estaba destinada a ser. Pero la sensación de vacío no desaparecía hasta que decidí buscar la felicidad dentro de mí, reconocer mis dones y apreciar lo que realmente es.En este viaje, he aprendido que todos los días una versión de mí expira. Que me acerco más y más a quien estoy destinada a ser, convirtiéndome en mi verdadero yo. La persona que conociste o pensaste que era, ya no existe, ya que ella es sólo un boceto de la obra maestra que intento ser. También he aprendido que no necesito encogerme para encajar y que ese sentimiento de amor y aceptación debe comenzar conmigo.Tu crecimiento es inminente y no le debes una disculpa a nadie. Aquí estoy compartiendo ejemplos y anécdotas de mi viaje para así mostrarle las lecciones esenciales que he aprendido, algunas historias que amo y memorias inspiradoras de familia, matrimonio, amor y ansiedad.Después de leer este libro:-Tendrás las herramientas que necesitas para evitar que el pasado se repita.-Abrazarás tu poder y visualizarás la vida que deseas.-Finalmente aprenderás cómo ponerte en primer lugar y no permitir que las conversaciones negativas dentro de tu cabeza, te impidan alcanzar tus sueños.-Aprenderás a elegir tu tribu y dejarás ir a las personas tóxicas en tu vida.¡Tu puedes vivir la mejor versión de tu vida! ¡Empieza ahora!Claudia Noriega-BernsteinClaudia es artista, escritora, filántropa, coach de abundancia/vida, mentora, madre y esposa. Durante su carrera como periodista y escritora, ha trabajado para revistas y televisión en el Peru y Estados Unidos, tocando temas desde la crianza positiva, el perdón y el crecimiento emociona, hasta temas políticos y de inmigración. Comenzó su carrera en televisión a los 17 años como actriz de la conocida telenovela Carmin con el personaje de Monica, donde co-protagonizo con el actor Jorge Garcia Bustamante, una de las telenovelas más populares del Peru y que se transmitió en más de 37 paises, así como Zańa y Kerara Marka, produccion filmada en el Cuzco. Participo en importantes campañas publicitarias internacionales como Levi’s entre otras, pero poco despues le encontró el gusto a la producción y a estar detrás de la cámara. A los 21 años y se convirtió en una de las Co-productoras más jóvenes de su país donde escribió un manual que luego se usó para capacitar a otros productores jóvenes. Estudió Arte desde muy joven, desde acrílico y óleo hasta esculturas en piedra. Actualmente esta trabajando en una colección de pinturas que será expuesta en el extrajero el proximo año. También estudio Dirección de Cine y televisión. Después de mudarse a los EE. UU., trabajó como modelo en la Florida y luego se mudo a Las Vegas donde produjo espectáculos musicales en importantes Hoteles del Strip de Las Vegas. Y otras ciudades  Hija del periodista, escritor y poeta Julio Noriega Garland, Claudia siempre tuvo un gusto especial para la escritura pero cuando se convirtió en madre soltera de tres hijas, tuvo que dejar de lado su pasión y explorar otros medios.En 2008, mientras participaba en un entrenamiento de Inteligencia Emocional en Choice Center University, descubrió el “coaching” lo que se convirtió en otra de sus pasiones. “Ayudar a otros a encontrar su autoestima, crear relaciones sanas, su propósito de vida y convertirse en líderes auténticos, es mi misión; especialmente cuando los ayudo a mantenerse en su propio poder y tener claridad sobre quiénes son y a dónde quieren llegar poder convertirse en la mejor versión de ellos mismos.”Ella ha dedicado los últimos doce años de su vida a empoderar a personas que bucan ser la mejor version de ellas mismas, especialmente a los niños y las mujeres. Como entrenadora de vida y abundancia( Life and Abundance Coach), ha ayudado a personas de diferentes orígenes a descubrir e implementar todo el potencial de sus propios poderes creativos para el crecimiento personal y la autocuración.Nacida en el Perú, proviene de una cu

Welcome back to another interview on Unlocking Your World of Creativity. We had the pleasure and honor to sit down and speak with Major General Robert W. Mixon, Jr. In the US Army, General Mixon commanded the 7th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, Colorado. He has served in executive leadership positions in both for-profit and not-for-profit companies prior to starting his own leadership company, Level Five Associates, in 2014. He is also the co-author of a best-selling book on Amazon, “Cows in the Living Room: Developing an Effective Strategic Plan and Sustaining It” and the author of “We're All In: The Journey to a World-Class Culture”, which became a "Best New Release" on Amazon in 2017. In today’s episode: Major General Mixon breaks down his 6 key principles of success in leadership The value veterans bring to the workplace General Mixons company, Level Five Associates and how his time in military service developed the insights, discipline, and vision necessary to transform capable people into unsurpassed business leaders.6 Principles of SuccessAzimuth - A term learned in the military. It's your cardinal direction for the organization, for the team. You set the azimuth, which includes your mission intent. Listen - Becoming more effective listeners. Trust and Empower - Empowerment is the embodiment of trust. But if we don't nurture that aspect of our culture, then we'll end up with an environment of distrust, which is toxic. Do the Right Thing When No One is Looking - “As we say, at the Pentagon, that briefs well, but it's very difficult to do because we have to value the process over the outcome and do the right thing.”  When in Charge Take Charge - It's not being loud and profane and directive. It's being calm in the chaos.Balance the Personal and Professional - Taking your careers very seriously, your mission very seriously, but not taking ourselves that way. Promoting balance among each other. It's not all about time with work life. It's about having the values that you really believe in guide your actions, and that's where balance lives.“The plan is a basis for change. And if we are not adaptive as leaders, as organizations, and we are rigid in our fixation on the plan, then I think our chances of success are very low.”Value Veterans bring to the Workplace a sense of duty, a sense of doing what needs to be done.   They're reliable.  They're gonna be used to getting the mission accomplished. Sometimes when it runs beyond five o'clockThey're going to be team players. They understand that there's no eye in team.After General Mixon left military service, he continued to support and work for veterans with disabilities, mental health challenges, and has worked extensively in nonprofit work. Two organizations he is privileged to be a part of are:CDS Life Transitions - An organization providing life and job transition for men and women with intellectual disabilities Warrior Salute  - Provides meaningful platforms and events to raise funds for other warrior and veteran organizations.Level Five AssociatesLevel Five Associates’s goal is to provide individuals and organizations with leadership tools that work, that are values based and based on the right values.offering individuals and organizations one on one in strategic planning and executive coaching conduct workshops for teams and individuals on each of the big six principles focusing on discovery, learning on practical applicationprocess of engagement where we seek to “learn about you”,giving practical application tools that they can employ every day. “Taking charge is promoting positivity, promoting a learning culture.”Find out more about Major General Robert W. Mixon, Jr. by going to Level Five Associates, Linkedin, and Amazon to purchase his books. 

Get to know Ken Dychtwald, his Influence on the Age Wave, and his book RADICAL CURIOSITYFor those with an interest in marketing, health care, and the workforce, it's impossible to ignore the influence of Ken Dychtwald. A psychologist and gerontologist, Dychtwald is a best-selling author of 16 books on aging-related issues, including Radical Curiosity. He is also the founder and CEO of Age Wave—a firm created to guide companies and government groups in product/service development for boomers and mature adults. With more than two million people worldwide having heard his speeches to corporates, associations, social services, and government groups, let’s take a closer look at who Ken Dychtwald is and why he is so influential today. Ken Dychtwald's Impact on Businesses Dychtwald’s work centers around understanding how businesses can capture the attention of mature consumers as they age. He provides advice on how businesses can use this knowledge to create products that better serve mature consumers’ needs while increasing their own profits. According to Dychtwald's research, older adults are some of the most affluent consumers in the market today – making them prime targets for any business looking to increase its customer base. His approach has been adopted by many companies looking to expand their product lines into age-specific markets as well as attract more customers from different generations. Dychtwald's Impact on Health Care In addition to his work in business, Dychtwald has also had a significant impact on health care systems across North America. He has argued that our current health care system does not adequately address the needs of older adults – particularly those living with chronic conditions or disabilities – because it fails to recognize their unique circumstances and challenges faced by caregivers. As such, he advocates for changes in policy that would better equip health care providers with strategies for addressing these needs more effectively. Additionally, he works with governments around the world on programs designed specifically for older adults—such as enhanced home-based medical services or improved access to quality nutrition programs—in order to improve their overall quality of life and well-being. Conclusion: In short, Ken Dychtwald has become one of the leading voices when it comes to understanding how aging impacts businesses and society at large. Through his work at Age Wave, he continues to provide valuable insights into how companies can better target older consumers while also advocating for policies that will improve the elderly's quality of life through better access to healthcare services when needed. Whether you are a business owner or simply someone interested in learning more about how aging affects us all —Ken Dychtwald is an essential source of information worth investigating further!Ken's Website Over the past 40+ years, Dr. Ken Dychtwald has emerged as North America’s foremost visionary and original thinker regarding the lifestyle, marketing, health care, and workforce implications of the age wave. Ken is a psychologist, gerontologist, and best-selling author of 16 books on aging-related issues, including Radical Curiosity. Since 1986, Ken has been the founding President and CEO of Age Wave, a firm created to guide companies and government groups in product/service development for boomers and mature adults. Ken was recently honored by Investment Advisor as one of the 35 most influential thought leaders in the financial services industry over the past 35 years. He has served as a fellow of the World Economic Forum, and he was a featured speaker at two White House Conferences on Aging. During his career, Ken has addressed more than two million people worldwide in his speeches to corporate, association, social service, and government groups. Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson

Welcome back everyone to Unlocking Your World of Creativity.Today we are talking with Joe Hart, the President and CEO of Dale Carnegie & Associates. He’s also co-author of a Dale Carnegie book called, Take Command: Find Your Inner Strength, Build Enduring Relationships, and Live the Life You Want.In today’s episode we talk to Joe about Take Command, his inspiring journey to embrace change in the modern world, and working alongside the grandson of Dale Carnegie and co-author of Take Command, Michael Crum. **A special note: At the end of this episode Mark asks Joe to give his 2-minute talk on Take Command - an exercise practiced worldwide in the Dale Carnegie course in which you stand up and tell your story in 2 mins. Listen to the end for this. "Take Command builds beautifully on the ideas in my fathers’ books and takes those insights even further with innovative and effective ways to implement them. For those seeking inner strength, greater confidence, and truly meaningful relationships, Take Command will be an invaluable guide.”Donna Dale Carnegie Take Command - What’s it about?Joe says he has been told by friends and readers that, “This is not a book that you just read. This is a book that I'm going to need to come back to over and over and over ``. The book guides the reader to:take command of their thoughts and emotions.take command of your relationships Take command of your future, your vision. Joe explains he sees this as a manual or roadmap that people will come back to and read, then apply, and practice. The goal is for this to be a transformative work in the lives of the readers. Part of what makes all of this book so compelling are the powerful stories. The stories are combined with what might be research or insights or other kinds of lessons. “The story teaches.”Inspired Journey - Embracing Change in the Modern World“The concept of embracing change, whether it's in something big or something small, is the reality that often the problem with change is our response to it.” One of the principles that Dale Carnegie teaches in How to Win Friends or How to Stop Worrying and Start Living is to cooperate with the inevitable.Joe gives an example: Say there's a change at work or there's a policy at work that changes, or there's someone who says there's going to be a merger. Does our mind automatically go to the worst possible situation? Or do we think to ourselves, where's the opportunity? Part of the book is to help people work on their mindset. How do we reframe our thinking? How do we condition our minds and ourselves for success so that we can become resilient and agile and really strong, face some adversity?The book teaches you that YOU CAN work through it and keep on moving and find opportunity and thrive even during difficult times. “Embracing change is a really important part of that whole process.”Co-Author Michael CrumJoe has known Michael for over 20 years. He says Michael is a “tremendous human being and someone who just has such a breadth of knowledge.” When Joe had the idea to write the book the first person he thought of was Michael Crum. Michale was already interviewing Fortune 30 under 30 people and he’s an extraordinary interviewer. His interviews were a foundation for the book, rich with stories. It was a lot of fun working with Michael, and from a creative standpoint because they were in agreement with pretty much everything so there wasn’t any conflict in the writing. *Michael is the grandson of Dale Carnegie and grew up practicing the principles of his grandfather's teachings. Check out Joe’s and Michael's book: Take Command: Find Your Inner Strength, Build Enduring Relationships, and Live the Life You WantYou can also find Joe Hart on Linkedin and Twitter (@josephkhart) or go to www.dalecarnegie.com to learn more about Dale Carnegie books, courses/classes, inspiring stories, and teachings.@joseph_k_hart on Instagram Joe on YouTube Copyright 2026 Mark Stinson