Created Creative Podcast

Join Dawn and Ruth on a magical journey with Sarah from Sunlight Tours, where stories intersect with faith and community-building. From knitting excursions in Scotland to spiritual pilgrimages in Israel, Sunlight Tours crafts unforgettable odysseys that reshape the traveler’s narrative. Listen in as Sarah shares her unconventional path from pastoral work to story-driven travel adventures and how she has navigated through pandemic upheavals and geopolitical crises. The three also discuss some unique challenges of female entrepreneurs and brainstorm a new elevator pitch for Sarah’s business.

Find out more about Sarah's company and tours at sunlighttours.org

Dive into a kaleidoscope of laughter as Ruth and Dawn host Jeff Hiller, star of HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere.” Jeff, an actor, writer, and comedian, shares his whirlwind adventures through acting gigs and the magical world of one-man shows. Alongside, the dialogue touches on the nuances of church in media, the power of storytelling in fostering change, and the joyful rebellion of improvisation. With humorous anecdotes, introspective musings, and tips for rallying an audience in the most unexpected places, this episode will not disappoint fans of camp songs or campy humor.

https://www.hillertime.com/

https://www.max.com/shows/somebody-somewhere/f1e64d9c-cd12-4254-b980-7442ab8d82d3

Ruth and Dawn engage in a conversation with David Knutson, an author, veteran, and participant of the Norwegian reality show 'Alt for Norge'. They delve into various topics including the importance of community, the creative process behind writing a novel, and the impact of life experiences on personal growth and creativity. David shares insights from his journey of writing his first book '12 Beds', inspired by a combination of real-life experiences and fictional elements. The episode, garnished with laughter and sprinkled with wisdom on the thrill of meeting people from all walks of life, and the sweet serendipity of book promotions, serves as a reminder that creativity isn't just about producing work—it's about living fully, connecting deeply, and embracing every quirky twist and turn along the way.

The first episode of David and my season of Alt for Norge - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhWgsa4QE4E

Dawn and Ruth unpack the quirky yet profound world of Barn Geese Worship with two of its co-founders, Victoria Larson and Linnea Clark. Discover the serendipitous union of seminary friends turning into a formidable creative force, pushing the boundaries of liturgical content, fueled by deadlines and the unpredictable Holy Spirit. They share tales of collaboration and theological tug-of-wars, all while navigating the challenges of catering to a broad audience. Sprinkled with stories, such as St. Martin of Tours' comical attempt to dodge bishop duties, this episode underlines the enchanting mix of humor, spirituality, and creativity driving Barn Geese Worship. A testament to the triumphs of collective imagination, this episode is a heartfelt call to embrace the whimsical side of faith and creativity. https://barngeeseworship.com/

Dive into a world where dollar store aisles inspire sermons and squirrels symbolize thoughts as Ruth and Dawn explore the eclectic creative journey of John Stevens. From improvising children's sermons with whimsical dollar finds to penning haikus and brewing the perfect cup of coffee, John's approach to creativity blurs the lines between the divine and the everyday. The conversation meanders through the deep connections between creativity, spirituality, and community. With a generous dash of humor, this episode offers insights into turning everyday observations into profound reflections, all while keeping a keen eye on those creative ‘squirrels’ and embracing the quirky side of life's endeavors.

Find Dollar Store Children's Sermons here: https://dskidsermons.com/

Buy some amazing coffee! https://pastorjohnsblessedbeans.com/

This episode of 'Created Creative' features a fascinating conversation with Karen Nyberg, an astronaut turned artist, who shares her unique journey from space exploration to pursuing her passion in the world of art and fabric design. Karen discusses her experience living on the International Space Station, capturing the beauty of Earth through photography, and using those images as inspiration for her successful fabric line. The hosts, Dawn and Ruth, dive into Karen's creative process, her shift from astronaut to artist, and how she tackles imposter syndrome. Highlights include Karen's collaborative projects, the global quilt challenge inspired by her space mission, and her current exhibit at the National Quilt Museum. Karen also reflects on the importance of finding the right conditions for creativity and setting personal projects into motion. The episode ends with a commitment to kickstart another textile project, emphasizing the joy of beginning creative endeavors.

https://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/designers/karen_nyberg/

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth engage in a candid conversation with artist and iconographer, Kristen, who shares her journey of finding joy and pain in the stories of the saints and how it influences her artwork. The discussion delves into Kristen's creative process, her battles with lupus and its impact on her ability to paint, and her insights into the significance of icons in modern spirituality. Kristen talks about how her art serves as a bridge connecting people with saints, revealing the 'dark and dirty bits' of their stories through her unique portrayal. Kristen also discusses the challenges of getting her work seen and explores a more strategic approach to increase her visibility and impact through speaking engagements and social media. Find out more about Kristen and her art at: Ministry of Saints: Modern Iconography (moderniconographer.com)

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth dive into discussions about the early arrival of Holy Week, the intricate process of revising and expanding a book project, and the significance of book cover designs. The conversation also touches on the importance of community and connections, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences. Additionally, they discuss innovative solutions to the clergy shortage crisis, considering alternative paths for church leadership and the potential for lay leaders to take on more significant roles. The episode is rich with insights on creativity, change, and the power of stories in both personal and community contexts.

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth sit down with Diane Lanoue, a versatile entrepreneur who has recently transitioned from her business 'Little Ditty' to 'Well Nurtured with Diane', focusing on spiritual and wellness products. Diane shares her journey through personal challenges, including miscarriages and infertility, and how those experiences led her to discover and embrace Reiki energy work. She discusses the evolution of her business, her creative process, and how her spirituality guides her decisions and directions. Diane also opens up about the importance of community, support from other creatives, and maintaining a balance between business activities and personal health. The conversation touches on Diane's approach to business, highlighting her reliance on intuition and faith in abundance, and offers insights into the creative and spiritual dynamics of running a small business.

Learn more about Diane's business at wellnurturedwithdiane.com

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth engage in a lively conversation with Andrea Roske-Metcalfe, an ELCA pastor with a knack for narrative. A serendipitous encounter with The Moth forever altered Andrea's trajectory through a tapestry of tales. Andrea shares her exploits in molding stories within congregational settings, emphasizing the transformative power storytelling holds in fostering deeper connections within communities. The trio touches on everything from the trials of toddlerhood to the inspired inception of 'Praygrounds', proving that stories are indeed everywhere, shaping our lives in the most unexpected ways. This conversation bounds from practical to spiritual, underscoring the unmistakable impact of storytelling in marketing, ministry, and beyond, all while contemplating the creation of a groundbreaking book on the art that might just change the way we understand each other.

Andrea Roske-Metcalfe serves as pastor at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church. She's the founder of the Pray-Ground movement and a Moth GrandSLAM champion, teaching workshops on the craft of storytelling for churches and other organizations in the Twin Cities and beyond. She lives with her family in south Minneapolis.