Creative Chats podcast

• 295. A Story of Letting Go

  295. A Story of Letting Go In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares his journey of writing his new book 'Blue', a story about letting go and transformation. He discusses the emotional challenges he faced while writing, the importance of authenticity in creative work, and encourages listeners to create meaningful projects that resonate with their personal experiences. Top Three Key Takeaways Creativity as a Tool for Processing Pain and Growth Mike opens up about how his latest book was inspired by a difficult personal experience. He emphasizes that creativity can be a therapeutic outlet for processing pain, grief, and major life changes, sometimes, our most meaningful creations come from our most challenging seasons. The Importance of Authenticity in Creative Work While developing the visuals for his book, Mike struggled to find a style that felt true to himself. Through experimentation and self-reflection, he discovered that authentic self-expression resonates more deeply than following someone else’s template, encouraging listeners to create with vulnerability and honesty. Releasing Your Work and Letting Go of Expectations Mike discusses the process of letting go, not just as a theme in his new book, but as a creative act itself. He describes the freedom in releasing a project to the world without being attached to outcomes, and how sharing our stories can become a source of hope and connection for others. Mentioned Links & Resources Mike’s Website: https://www.mikebrennan.me/ Daily Creative Habits: https://dailycreativehabit.com/ New Book “Blue: A Story of Letting Go”: Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kq6OE3 and Mike’s Website: https://www.mikebrennan.me/books/blue If you’ve been sitting on a creative project, or if there’s an idea tucked away that’s close to your heart, take inspiration from Mike’s story and bring it into the light. Finish the thing. Share it with your community. Your story, told authentically, has power to encourage and connect. Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and let us know what you’re working on. Together, let’s create work that matters!

  --------  

  21:09
• 294. From Fear to Action: Building Daily Creative Habits That Move You Forward

  294. From Fear to Action: Building Daily Creative Habits That Move You Forward In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan explores the relationship between fear and creativity. He discusses how fear can hinder our creative processes and shares personal stories that illustrate the impact of fear on decision-making. Through actionable insights, he encourages listeners to confront their fears, take small steps towards their goals, and embrace imperfection in their creative endeavors. The conversation emphasizes that fear should be viewed as a signal to pay attention to rather than a stop sign, urging individuals to take brave next steps in their creative journeys. Listeners are also invited to join The Thing Nashville, a creative community event in Nashville (June 30 & July 1 2025) - https://thething.live/ (use code “CREATIVE” for a discount) 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Fear is a Signal, Not a Stop Sign – Mike explains how fear often tries to protect us, but it shouldn’t dictate our decisions. Treat fear as data to learn from and move forward, instead of letting it halt your progress. 🎨 Start Small, Start Now – Momentum in creativity is built by taking small, bold steps today. You don’t need a perfect plan before you begin; imperfect action beats endless planning and perfectionism. 🎨 Action Creates Courage – Waiting to “feel ready” can leave you stuck. Courage grows through action; the more you try, the less power fear holds, and the closer you get to creating the life and work you desire. Resources Mentioned: Mike Brennan’s website - https://mikebrennan.me/ Daily Creative Habit - https://dailycreativehabit.com/ The Thing Nashville event - https://thething.live/(use code “CREATIVE” for a discount) Feeling motivated to take your next brave step? Subscribe to Creative Chats and leave us a review—it helps more creatives find the show and grow their own journeys!

  --------  

  37:33
• 293. Writing for Impact: Shazad Carbaidwala on Creativity and Helping Others

  293. Writing for Impact: Shazad Carbaidwala on Creativity and Helping Others In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan interviews Shazad Carbaidwala, who shares his journey from a childhood filled with creativity and athletics to becoming an author and mentor. Shazad discusses the importance of personal branding, the role of mentorship in his life, and the challenges he faced while writing his books. He emphasizes the impact of his work on others, particularly through his recent children's book, and reflects on his aspirations to continue helping people through his experiences and stories.   3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Turn Life Experiences into Creative Fuel Shazad shares how both good and challenging life experiences have shaped his creative process. By embracing your journey and transforming it into art or service, you discover meaning and create value for others. 🎨 Mentorship & Accountability are Game Changers Shazad credits coaching and mentorship—especially from his athletic background—with instilling discipline and resilience. He emphasizes the lifelong impact of finding supportive mentors, asking for help, and later giving back as a mentor yourself. 🎨 Creativity Evolves with Service in Mind Shazad’s work, from his memoir to his children’s book co-created with his daughter, highlights how creativity is most powerful when tied to service and community. Giving proceeds to charity, visiting prisons, and centering family in his work show creativity’s profound ripple effect.   Links and Resources: Shazad Khorbidwala on LinkedIn: Contact Shazad - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shazad-carbaidwala-mba-csm-1088ab91/  Mike Brennan’s Website: mikebrennan.me Daily Creative Habit resources & free Facebook group: dailycreativehabit.com Buy Shazad’s Books: Row - https://amzn.to/4krZlUP The Case of the Missing Mughal Bakery Cookies - https://amzn.to/44BzXXY For signed copies, contact Shazad directly through LinkedIn.     Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more conversations to fuel your creative path. Want help staying consistent in your creative practice? Explore the Daily Creative Habit membership and resources at dailycreativehabit.com. Support Shazad’s mission—grab a copy of his books, connect on LinkedIn, and consider how your experiences might help someone else. Keep showing up and sharing your creative gifts—your story matters!

  --------  

  37:22
• 292. Exploring Creativity and Journaling with Lindsey Ellyn: From Shame to Creative Breakthroughs

  292. Exploring Creativity and Journaling with Lindsey Ellyn: From Shame to Creative Breakthroughs In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan and Lindsey Ellyn explore the multifaceted nature of creativity, the importance of journaling, and the journey of writing her book, 'The Shame Game.' They discuss how creativity manifests in various forms, the process of trend forecasting, and the power of self-discovery through writing. Lindsey shares her personal experiences with mental health and how journaling has been a transformative tool in her life and creative process. In this engaging conversation, Mike Brennan and Lindsey Ellyn explore the transformative power of storytelling and journaling. They discuss the courage it takes to share personal narratives and the importance of empowering others to express their creativity. Lindsey emphasizes the need for accessibility in creative endeavors and the impact of shared experiences on community building. The discussion also touches on the significance of releasing creative works into the world and the joy of rediscovering childlike creativity. Lindsey shares details about her upcoming journaling workshop, aimed at helping others unlock their potential through writing. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Creativity Has Many Forms – Lindsey reminds us that creativity isn’t limited to traditional artistry. Whether it’s writing, food, trend forecasting, or problem-solving, leaning into your unique creative process can lead to unexpected and fulfilling expressions. 🎨 The Power of Journaling – Journaling isn’t just a record of your days; it’s a meditative practice that sharpens self-awareness, helps uncover patterns, and anchors personal growth. Lindsey shares how journaling helped her process emotions, build confidence, and ultimately, write her book. 🎨 Courage to Share Your Story – Publishing your story—whether through a book or a private journal—is an act of bravery that can break shame’s hold and inspire others. Lindsey’s journey from private processing to public vulnerability is proof that our authentic stories create ripple effects of encouragement and change. Lindsey Ellyn is an author, trend forecaster, and lifelong creative whose work spans visual communication, product design, songwriting, and memoir. Her book The Shame Game details her journey through mental health struggles, the transformative power of journaling, and how vulnerability catalyzed her creative confidence. Lindsey is passionate about helping others find their voice and break free from the shame that keeps stories hidden. Links and Resources: Lindsey’s Website: lindseyellyn.com Lindsey’s Book on Amazon: The Shame Game - https://amzn.to/4dkFch7 Daily Creative Habit Journal: dailycreativehabit.com - https://amzn.to/4j5SSNW Workshop Info: Details and tickets for Lindsey’s journaling workshop (Franklin, TN) are available via her website. Mike Brennan’s Website: mikebrennan.me Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave us a review—it truly helps more creatives find the show! Ready to cultivate creative consistency? Check out the Daily Creative Habit Journal at dailycreativehabit.com or on Amazon, and unleash your best self. And if you’re local to Franklin, TN, grab your spot at Lindsey’s upcoming journaling workshop—details at lindseyellyn.com. Your creativity matters—when you create, we all win!

  --------  

  48:51
• 291. The Ripple Effect of Creativity: Art, Purpose, and Healing with Reanna Shay Holt

  291. The Ripple Effect of Creativity: Art, Purpose, and Healing with Reanna Shay Holt In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with Reanna Shay Holt about her multifaceted artistic journey, exploring her childhood memories, the evolution of her creative pursuits, and the balance of multiple art forms. They discuss the healing power of art, the role of journaling in creativity, and the impact of sound healing. Reanna shares her insights on the interconnectedness of different art forms and the importance of creating meaningful connections through art. The conversation culminates in Reanna's current projects and her aspirations to empower others through her work. Be sure to listen for Reanna's song at the end of the episode: ALL IS FAIR VISUALIZER Shot by: Raquel Fraticelli Music written & performed by Reanna Shay Produced/Mixed/Mastered by Christian Holt 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Creativity as a Holistic Journey – Reanna shares how creativity shouldn’t be boxed into one medium or expression. Instead, following curiosity across dance, music, and sound healing allows all parts of your creative soul to flourish and support each other. 🎨 Art as Healing – The arts aren’t just for show—they are powerful tools for healing and self-understanding. Whether through movement, music, or journaling, allowing yourself creative expression can help move energy, process emotions, and foster genuine transformation. 🎨 Openness Fuels Impact – Reanna and Mike discuss the importance of remaining open and curious, embracing new forms of art, and inviting others into creative experiences. This openness not only deepens personal growth but builds community and creates ripple effects that can inspire change in others. Episode Highlights: Reanna’s creative roots in childhood performances and early dance classes Balancing a multi-passionate life: allowing seasons of focus, rest, and re-alignment The merging of art forms—creating immersive, holistic experiences combining movement, music, journaling, and sound healing Sound healing: demystifying the practice and highlighting its scientific and emotional benefits The importance of journaling and introspection as part of the creative and healing process Inviting listeners to step beyond labels and self-doubt into their own unique creative expressions Links and Resources: Reanna Shay Holt on Instagram: @reannashay  Mike Brennan: mikebrennan.me Daily Creative Habit Journal & Membership: dailycreativehabit.com Feeling inspired? Subscribe to Creative Chats and leave us a review—your feedback helps us share more stories and spark more creative journeys. If you’re looking to deepen your daily creativity, join the free Daily Creative Habit Facebook group or explore the journal and membership options at dailycreativehabit.com. And don’t forget to check out Reanna Shay Holt’s music and wellness offerings for your own dose of inspiration and healing!

  --------  

  49:41

Fler podcasts i Konst

Trendiga poddar i Konst

Om Creative Chats podcast