301. Turning Up Your Hue: Authenticity in Art, Life, and Business

In this engaging talk from The Thing Nashville 2025, Mike Brennan explores the themes of creativity, authenticity, and personal expression through the metaphor of color. He emphasizes the importance of embracing one's essence and showing up authentically in the world. By sharing personal anecdotes and insights, he encourages listeners to prioritize resonance over reach, fostering deeper connections with others. The conversation culminates in a manifesto that inspires individuals to recognize and carry their unique colors into every aspect of their lives.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Show Up as Your True Color – Mike urges creatives to move beyond blending into trends or copying strategies and instead focus on embodying their most authentic selves. When you show up in the vibrancy of your own color—whatever that may look like—you invite resonance and meaningful connection.

🎨 Value Resonance Over Reach – In a world preoccupied with going viral, Mike shifts the paradigm: it's not about how many people you reach, but how deeply your work resonates. By sharing vulnerably and honestly, you create moments where others see themselves in your story and art.

🎨 Create from Where You Are – Mike acknowledges that life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Whether you’re in a season of bold reds or quiet blues, he encourages you to create from your current reality, not from an idealized future. Authenticity sparks genuine conversation and connection.

Mike Brennan is the host of the Creative Chats podcast, an illustrator, speaker, and creator of resources for artists and makers. He is passionate about helping other creatives prioritize their passion, overcome creative block, and live out their unique story through art and creativity. Mike is the author of Make Fun a Habit and Blue: A Story of Letting Go.

Links and Resources:

• Mike Brennan’s Website & Resources - https://mikebrennan.me

  — Find the Daily Creative Habit Journal, books, and more

• Make Fun a Habit book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3sIFD1l

• Blue: A Story of Letting Go on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4kq6OE3

• Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikebone

Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your voice helps more creatives discover the show and find encouragement for their own journeys. Ready to take your next step? Explore the Daily Creative Habit Journal and more resources at mikebrennan.me, and start showing up as your true color today.

300. Building Creative Magic with Simon Rogers: Mission, Meaning, and Making an Impact

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with Simon Rogers, founder of A Little Better Co., about the essence of creativity, his evolution in professional life, and the importance of aligning creativity with personal values. They discuss the challenges creatives face in a tech-driven world, the role of curiosity, and the responsibility of creatives to use their power for good. Simon emphasizes the need for mission-driven creativity and the joy found in the creative process, encouraging listeners to engage actively in their creative journeys.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Creativity as Connection – Simon shares how creativity is more than just making art—it's about connecting ideas, people, and purpose to create something bigger than the sum of its parts.

🎨 Purpose-Driven Impact – The conversation dives into why working with mission-driven organizations matters, and how aligning creativity with values can amplify both joy and results.

🎨 Responsibility & Conscience – Simon urges creatives to consider the ethical impact of their work, advocating for using creativity as a force for good rather than simply as a deliverable.

Episode Highlights:

• Growing up in a musical family and how curiosity shaped Simon’s creative journey

• Why ALBC focuses on working with mission-oriented organizations

• The need for empathy and community in today’s creative landscape

• How Simon’s agency shifts the conversation from creative “deliverables” to solving strategic challenges

• The vital role of curiosity—and how large organizations sometimes fear it

• Simon’s call for creatives to bring more humanity and conscience to their work

Guest Bio: Simon Rogers is the founder of A Little Better Company (ALBC), a strategic creative agency working with mission-oriented organizations to make a positive impact. With roots in music, multimedia, and problem-solving, Simon’s passion lies in orchestrating creative solutions that serve both people and purpose. He’s a champion for elevating creativity, responsibility, and empathy in both business and society.

Links and Resources:

• A Little Better Company: alittlebetter.co

• Instagram: @littlebetterco

• LinkedIn: A Little Better Company

• Connect with host Mike Brennan: mikebrennan.me

Feeling inspired?

Subscribe to Creative Chats and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring more thought-provoking stories and actionable insights to fuel your creativity. Looking to elevate your creative practice? Join the Daily Creative Habit Membership at mikebrennan.me and connect with fellow makers, artists, and innovators. Don’t just spectate—be an active part of the creative conversation!

299. Breaking Procrastination and Boosting Creativity with Robin J. Emdon

In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Robin J. Emdon about creativity, procrastination, and productivity. They explore Robin's early influences in the arts, the importance of thinking time, and strategies for overcoming procrastination. Robin shares insights from his book on understanding procrastination, the role of passion and purpose in achieving goals, and the significance of accountability in personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-actualization and the importance of making space for creativity in our lives.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Clarity Fuels Action – Robin emphasizes the importance of identifying what you truly want and why you want it. Without a clear, emotionally-driven vision, procrastination thrives and momentum stalls.

🎨 Create Space to Think (and Not Think) – Innovation and motivation don’t spring from a jam-packed schedule. Making intentional time for reflection or even “not thinking” creates the mental space needed for true creative breakthroughs.

🎨 Accountability Accelerates Results – Whether it’s self-accountability or bringing in outside support, holding yourself responsible—especially when working solo—can increase productivity by up to 33% and help you move from “I’ll do it tomorrow” to “Do it today, profit tomorrow, and repeat.”

Robin J. Emdon is an accomplished accountability coach, author, and creator of “Resultology.” A former life coach trained by Tony Robbins and a passionate advocate for helping others break through cycles of procrastination, Robin distills the science of productivity into practical, everyday steps. His unique approach blends research-backed strategies, personal experience, and a focus on aligning action with purpose.

Links and Resources:

• Download Robin’s full book “Resultology” as a free PDF: reallyusefultips.com - https://www.reallyusefultips.com

• Connect with Robin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinjemdon/ (Search: Robin J. Emdon)

• Purchase “GetResultsology®: The Science of Getting Stuff Done!” on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4lG0dFS (also available as Kindle or paperback)

• Mike Brennan’s site: mikebrennan.me - https://mikebrennan.me

Feeling inspired to finally conquer procrastination and get moving on your creative projects? Download Robin’s free book, connect with him on LinkedIn, and visit reallyusefultips.com for practical resources. And don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your voice helps us keep bringing you stories, insights, and tools to unlock your creative momentum. If you’re ready to go deeper, discover ongoing support and community through the Daily Creative Habit Membership at MikeBrennan.me https://mikebrennan.me

298. Following Curiosity and Craft: Nicole Leverett on Honoring Your Creative Process

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with Nicole Leverett about her creative journey, exploring her childhood influences, the evolution of her artistic pursuits, and the balance between passion and monetization in creative work. Nicole shares her experiences with photography, graphic design, and the importance of empowering others in their creative endeavors. The conversation highlights the significance of personal projects, technical skills, and the joy of creating without the pressure of commercial success.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Nurture Your Curiosity – Nicole shares how exploring multiple creative outlets, from calligraphy and jewelry-making to digital art and photography, helped her discover her unique voice. Embrace experimentation and allow yourself to follow where curiosity leads.

🎨 Balance Passion and Profit – Monetizing creative skills can sometimes drain the joy from a craft. Nicole’s journey is a testament to the importance of protecting your passion projects, being selective with client work, and keeping creativity meaningful.

🎨 Share the Process – Nicole emphasizes the importance of transparency and community, freely sharing her artistic process and encouraging others to demystify creativity. By sharing behind-the-scenes, she invites others into the journey and nurtures collective growth.

Links and Resources:

• Nicole’s Website: staynfocus.com https://staynfocus.com

• Educational Resources: infocuslearning.com (for mentorship, digital and physical e-books, online education, and more)

• Social Media: @staynfocusimages on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads

• Daily Creative Habit Community: dailycreativehabit.com - https://dailycreativehabit.com

Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review!

Your feedback helps us bring more amazing content to fuel your creative journey. Explore Nicole Leverett’s imaginative work, dive into her education resources, and take your own creative practice to new heights. Looking for more community and accountability? Check out the Daily Creative Habit Membership at dailycreativehabit.com.

Thank you for listening, now go create something amazing!

297. Unlocking Your Creative Potential: The Power of Books

In this episode, Mike Brennan discusses the creative process and the journey of writing and publishing books. He emphasizes the importance of creativity in everyone's life and explores various formats for creative expression, particularly through books. Mike shares his personal experiences with creating multiple books, including 'Dear Snow', 'Dear Human', and 'Make Fun a Habit', detailing the inspiration behind each project and the self-publishing process. He encourages listeners to embrace their creativity and consider writing their own books as a means of sharing their unique perspectives and experiences.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Books as Creative Outlets – Books aren’t just for writers. Mike reveals how any creative, visual artists, musicians, and beyond, can use books to showcase their work, stories, or processes in fresh and meaningful ways.

🎨 Embrace Your Own Process – From angry tweets to collaborative art journals, Mike’s journey shows that there is no single “right” approach to book creation. Your unique skills and creative quirks can shape every part of the process, and every book can have its own form and flavor.

🎨 Self-Publishing Made Accessible – With platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, Mike demonstrates that anyone can self-publish without huge upfront costs or technical barriers. Plus, he shares practical tips for print-on-demand, formatting, and making your book available internationally.

Links and Resources:

• Website: http://mikebrennan.me

• Daily Creative Habit resources: https://www.dailycreativehabit.com

• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mikebone

• Amazon Books by Mike Brennan: Mike Brennan’s Amazon Author Page - https://amzn.to/44c4M3D

• Self-publishing platforms: Amazon KDP, IngramSpark

Feeling sparked?

If you’re ready to embrace your creativity and maybe publish your own book, take the next step with resources from Mike at mikebrennan.me or dailycreativehabit.com.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Creative Chats with your fellow makers! Your support helps us inspire more creators to show up, create, and share their stories with the world. Go make something!

296. Finding Your Creative Purpose with Judith Hill  

In this episode of Creative Chats, Judith Hill shares her journey to becoming a successful portrait photographer. She discusses the importance of community, facing fears, and the pivotal moments that led her to pursue her passion full-time. Judith emphasizes the significance of purpose in creative work and how passion projects can reignite momentum. She also highlights the need for connection and support in the creative industry, encouraging others to bet on themselves and follow their dreams.

Judith Hill is a Nashville-based portrait photographer and the founder of Judith Hill Photography. With over 13 years of experience in photography—including 8 years running her business full-time—Judith is known for her ability to empower clients through intimate, meaningful portrait sessions. Her work focuses on helping women rediscover their value and confidence, particularly through projects like her "40 Over 40" campaign. Passionate about purpose-driven creativity, Judith is also launching Judith Hill Academy to coach other creatives in building profitable, fulfilling businesses.

1. Purpose Drives Creative Success Judith emphasizes the importance of being deeply rooted in purpose. Knowing your "why" helps you navigate fear, make aligned decisions, and create work that truly resonates—with yourself and others.

2. Embrace the Pivot (and the Fear That Comes With It) Making a major career change is daunting, but Judith shares that fear is usually a biological response to the unknown. Success comes from acknowledging that fear, betting on yourself, and understanding that creativity often means continually reinventing your identity and business.

3. Community Over Competition Building a supportive community, and seeking mentorship, is crucial for creative growth. Isolation can stifle creativity, whereas community helps you stay motivated, share wisdom, and overcome challenges together.

• @JudithHillPhoto (Instagram) - https://instagram.com/JudithHillPhoto

• Judith Hill Academy - https://judithhillacademy.com/ (sign up for updates and newsletter)

• Daily Creative Habit - https://dailycreativehabit.com/

• Mike Brennan’s Website - https://mikebrennon.me/

Thanks for tuning in to another inspiring episode of Creative Chats! If today's conversation with Judith Hill encouraged or challenged you, be sure to follow her at @JudithHillPhoto and sign up for updates at judithhillacademy.com.

For more creative resources, check out dailycreativehabit.com and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast so more creatives can find these stories and wisdom.

Keep creating and remember—when you create, we all win!

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

• 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!

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!

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!

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!