315. From Leaving Law to Embracing Creativity: Casey Berman's Journey

In this episode of Creative Chats, Casey Berman shares his journey from law to creativity, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in career transitions. He discusses the significance of identifying one's unique skills and strengths, overcoming fear, and embracing curiosity as a pathway to personal growth. Casey also highlights the role of creativity in professional development and offers practical strategies for managing fear and navigating change. The conversation concludes with insights into Casey's future aspirations and creative processes.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Think Critically About Your Career Choices Don't just wander—while nonlinear paths are normal, Casey stresses the importance of critically evaluating each step. Informational interviews and real-world research can help pressure-test your next move, giving you more confidence in any transition.

🎨 Leverage Your Unique Genius You're more creative than you think. Casey introduces his "unique genius" approach: identifying your core strengths, skills, and values through honest self-assessment and feedback from others, then using those insights as the foundation for meaningful professional change.

🎨 Face Fear with Action and Curiosity Fear is natural—but it can be mitigated with baby steps and reframed as a signal for growth. Casey shares practical methods to confront and lessen fear, leaning into curiosity and small actions that build momentum and unlock new possibilities.

Episode Highlights:

• Casey's transition from law to entrepreneurship and coaching

• Overcoming fear, perfectionism, and the belief that your past was "wasted"

• How curiosity and creativity spark career and personal transformation

• Practical exercises for discovering your transferable skills and strengths

• The power of community and resources to support your creative journey

Links and Resources:

• Leave Law Behind - https://leavelawbehind.com

• https://caseyberman.com

• Casey Berman on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseybermansf

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

• Mike Brennan's Website - https://mikebrennan.me

Feeling inspired? Subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us keep sharing powerful conversations that fuel your creative growth. Want daily accountability in your own creative journey? Join the Daily Creative Habit Community and grab your copy of the Daily Creative Habit Journal at DailyCreativeHabit.com. Dive deeper and connect with fellow creators—your next creative breakthrough starts here!

314. Finding Beauty in Brokenness Lessons from Kintsugi for Creatives

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares his experience with Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold. He reflects on the symbolism of Kintsugi, emphasizing the beauty of embracing imperfections and the stories behind our struggles. Through personal anecdotes, he encourages listeners to find value in their brokenness and to keep creating despite challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of art in our lives.

Here are 3 key takeaways I hope resonate with you:

• Embrace Imperfection: The gold-filled cracks are not just repairs, but enhancements that add to the character and story of the piece (and of ourselves). Our mistakes and setbacks are part of our unique journey.

• Redemption Over Perfection: Often, the most beautiful outcomes grow from what's been broken and made new again. Whether it's our creative projects or personal stories, choosing restoration over discarding leads to resilience and authenticity.

• Share Your Story: Vulnerability builds real connections. Just as the cracks in pottery invite curiosity, sharing our struggles invites support and inspiration—not only for ourselves, but for others who may feel alone in their journey.

If you're facing a season of brokenness or frustration in your work or life, remember: the cracks can become the most beautiful part of the story. Keep showing up, and let your gold shine through.

Feeling inspired? Subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach and encourage more creatives on their journeys. Ready to deepen your creative practice? Explore Mike's Daily Creative Habit resources and books at https://mikebrennan.me. Remember: go create or recreate something today!

313. Rediscovering Childhood Creativity

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan explores the themes of creativity, mental health, and the importance of rediscovering childhood creativity. He shares his journey of self-publishing, the significance of networking, and how professional pressures can stifle joy in creative expression. Mike encourages listeners to reconnect with their creative roots and emphasizes the value of creating for joy rather than profit. He also discusses tools and resources to help individuals reignite their creative passions and the lifelong journey of maintaining creativity in their lives.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Childhood Creativity Remains Powerful – The creative play, curiosity, and expression we enjoyed as kids lay the groundwork for our adult creative lives. Mike encourages reflecting on those formative experiences and uncovering lasting threads that continue to inspire us.

🎨 Creative Practice Needs Space – Professional creatives often risk losing personal joy when creativity becomes only a career. Mike stresses the importance of nurturing a practice just for you, outside deadlines, clients, or commercial pressure.

🎨 Reconnect, Rediscover, Reclaim – If creative frustration or "low-grade dissatisfaction" is present, Mike urges listeners to intentionally recapture that childlike wonder. Make sacrifices for joy, track your creative habits, and prioritize activities that bring personal fulfillment—even coloring for coloring's sake!

Episode Highlights:

• How crashing an event led to unexpected speaking opportunities and creative connections

• Mike's memories of drawing comics and making greeting cards as a child

• The struggle of balancing professional creativity with personal expression

• The role of community, tools, and daily habits for staying creatively engaged

Links and Resources:

• Mike Brennan's Website: https://mikebrennan.me

• Books by Mike (Shop Tab): mikebrennan.me/shop

• The Daily Creative Habit Free Facebook Group: Join here

Feeling inspired to recapture your creative spark?

Subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a rating and review—it helps us connect with more creators like you! Visit mikebrennan.me to explore resources including the Daily Creative Habit Journal, and don't miss the supportive community in our free Facebook group. Go create something today and revive the joy that started it all!

312. Building a Culture of Curiosity with Dustin Black

In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Dustin Black, an executive creative director at Preston Spire. They explore Dustin's unique perspective on creativity, the importance of resourcefulness, and how to teach creativity to the next generation. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on creative processes, the necessity of adapting to change, and the significance of fostering a culture of curiosity within teams. Dustin shares insights on celebrating wins in creative work and offers advice on balancing personal and professional growth.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Cultivate Curiosity – Dustin emphasizes the importance of adopting a "culture of curiosity." Whether you're learning a new technology or navigating uncharted creative waters, staying curious helps you adapt, grow, and keep your work fresh.

🎨 Creativity Thrives Beyond the Rules – Mastering the fundamentals is essential, but true innovation happens when you push beyond the boundaries. Dustin encourages not just following patterns but making them your own, and experimenting—failures included—along the way.

🎨 AI is a Tool, Not a Threat – Rather than fearing advances in AI, Dustin discusses how creatives can leverage these new tools to eliminate excuses and unlock new possibilities. Human insight and curation remain indispensable, even as technology transforms the creative process.

Links and Resources:

• Dustin Black's personal site: https://dustinblack.com

• Preston Spire https://prestonspire.com

• Mike Brennan's Daily Creative Habit Journal & Resources: https://dailycreativehabit.com

• See Dustin's artwork in-person: Minneapolis Airport, Terminal 1, F4 through October 2026

Feeling inspired?

Make sure you subscribe to Creative Chats and leave us a review! Your ratings help us reach more listeners and bring you stories from exceptional creatives like Dustin Black. And if you're ready to level up your own creative routine, check out the Daily Creative Habit Membership at dailycreativehabit.com to join a supportive community and access exclusive resources.

Stay curious, keep creating, and we'll catch you in the next episode!

311. How Children's Books Change Lives: Kat Kronenberg's Story and Creative Advice

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with children's author Kathryn about the magic of creativity, the journey of writing children's books, and the importance of imagination. Kathryn shares her personal experiences of overcoming doubts and rediscovering her creative spirit later in life. They discuss the intricacies of crafting stories for children, the publishing process, and the significance of collaboration with illustrators. Kathryn emphasizes the value of feedback and community in the creative process and shares inspiring moments from her interactions with young readers. The conversation concludes with Kathryn's aspirations for future projects and encouragement for aspiring creatives to pursue their dreams with joy and tenacity.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Reclaim Your Imagination – Kat's journey reminds us that everyone is creative at their core. Even if you've set creativity aside or faced life's hardships, you can reignite your imagination and let your unique magic shine.

🎨 The Power of Persistence – Kat describes writing her first book as a wrestling match but urges us to keep "falling forward." Whether you're learning new skills, facing rejection, or working with limited resources, tenacity and small daily steps matter most.

🎨 Impact Beyond the Page – Children's books aren't just for kids. Kat demonstrates how powerful, distilled messages—delivered through stories and smiles—can profoundly affect people of all ages and backgrounds, helping us all to dream big, love big, and think big.

Links and Resources:

• Kat Kronenberg's Website: https://katkronenberg.com/

• Kat's Books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KugZuj

• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI): https://scbwi.org

• Mike Brennan's Website & Daily Creative Habit Resources: https://mikebrennan.me

Feeling inspired?

Subscribe to Creative Chats and leave us a review—your feedback helps our show reach more passionate creatives like you! Want to build your own creative momentum?

Explore the Daily Creative Habit Membership and resources at https://mikebrennan.me. And remember: whether you're writing, illustrating, or just beginning to dream, embrace the fun and keep showing up—your creativity has the power to change the world!

310. Creativity, Healing, and Entrepreneurship in Music: Marc Christian's Story

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan interviews Marc Christian, a talented musician who shares his journey from discovering his passion for music at a young age to navigating the complexities of the music industry. Marc discusses the healing power of music, his creative process, and the importance of building connections. He emphasizes the entrepreneurial aspects of being a musician and how his experiences have shaped his artistic evolution. The conversation also touches on the realities of celebrity opportunities and the significance of being open to new avenues in one's career.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 The Healing Power of Music – Marc shares how music served as a critical outlet for self-expression and emotional processing, both in his own life and in the lives of those who experience his performances. From childhood shyness to impactful moments performing in care centers, music becomes a language of connection and healing.

🎨 Embrace the Creative Entrepreneurial Journey – Transitioning from freelance gigs and teaching to building his own event business, Marc reveals the often-unseen grind, adaptability, and ongoing learning required for artists to succeed professionally. He emphasizes how creatives must wear many hats, serve their audience, and find fulfillment beyond the "flashy gigs."

🎨 Be Open to Unexpected Paths – Marc offers a reality check for those chasing "big breaks." The most rewarding or important opportunities often arise from small, local, or seemingly mundane moments—sometimes years later. He illustrates how being humble, prepared, and willing to serve opens doors in unexpected ways.

Episode Highlights:

• Marc's early inspiration and how the cello became his "voice"

• Real-life stories of music's impact, from memory care centers to personal grief

• Honest discussion on the business side of creativity: entrepreneurship, financial stability, and the importance of adaptability

• The reality behind high-profile gigs like the Grammys—and why smaller, "unsexy" events can be more fulfilling

• The importance of networking, reputation, and being present in the local music scene

• Marc's current work with immersive art experiences and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration

Links and Resources:

• Marc Christian's Instagram: instagram.com/marcchristiancello https://www.instagram.com/marcchristian.cello/

• Host: Mike Brennan's website and creative resources: https://mikebrennan.me

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. And if you're ready to deepen your creative practice and connect with like-minded makers, check out the Daily Creative Habit Membership at https://www.dailycreativehabit.com. Follow Mark Christian on Instagram to see his latest projects and performances!

309. The Art and Magic of Feedback: Navigating Critique as a Creative

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan discusses the significance of feedback in the creative process. He emphasizes the importance of seeking constructive critique while also learning to trust one's own instincts and taste. The conversation explores the balance between receiving feedback and maintaining personal vision, as well as the distinction between the creation and revision phases of artistic work.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Invite Feedback Intentionally – Mike shares why it's crucial to be selective about who you ask for feedback. Not all opinions are created equal—seek input from those with the right expertise and context for your work.

🎨 Discern Constructive Critique – Learn to sift through feedback like you would sand at the beach, keeping only the valuable bits that help you improve and letting the rest wash away. Constructive feedback should be actionable, not rooted in personal bias.

🎨 Trust Yourself as the Creator – Ultimately, you are the one who makes the final call on your creative work. Practice self-validation and separate your need for external approval from your drive to make the best art possible.

Links and Resources:

• Connect with Mike Brennan: https://mikebrennan.me

• Explore graphic design work: https://mikebrennandesigns.com

• Daily Creative Habit Journal & Resources: Daily Creative Habit

Feeling inspired?

Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review!

Your feedback helps us bring even more insight and encouragement to creators like you. Ready to level up your creative journey? Visit mikebrennan.me to explore the Daily Creative Habit Journal and other resources designed to fuel your artistic growth.

Keep creating, and don't forget, you hold the final brushstroke!

308. Are You Cheating Yourself? AI, Creativity, and the Importance of Process

In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan discusses the struggles of consistency in creativity and the importance of daily creative habits. He emphasizes the need for encouragement and progress tracking in the creative process. The conversation then shifts to the impact of AI on creativity, exploring both the opportunities and challenges it presents for artists. Brennan encourages listeners to maintain their creative agency and engage in meaningful dialogue about the evolving landscape of creativity and technology.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Don't Delegate Your Agency – Mike cautions against letting AI or any tool do all the heavy lifting in your creative work. The essence of your originality and growth comes from the hands-on process—not just the outcome.

🎨 Intentional Use of Tools – AI is just that: a tool. Using it thoughtfully and with purpose can enhance creativity, but over-reliance can dull your skills and creative "muscles." Know when to lean in—and when to lean on your own abilities.

🎨 Embrace Dialogue, Not Division – As the creative world navigates change, Mike urges listeners to keep conversations around AI open, empathetic, and respectful. Diverse perspectives are vital, and we all stand to grow by genuinely engaging with opposing viewpoints.

Episode Highlights:

• The struggle for consistency and creative confidence, and how the Daily Creative Habit can help (00:00–00:05)

• Real-world observations from networking events and art crawls about attitudes toward AI (00:05–00:17)

• The danger of "cheating yourself" by overusing AI or shortcuts in the creative process (00:12–00:14)

• The importance of community, conversation, and staying true to your unique creative voice (00:16–00:20)

Links and Resources:

• Mike's Website

• Daily Creative Habit Resources

• Daily Creative Habit Membership & Journal

• Explore Mike's art, books, and coaching: mikebrennan.me

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.

And, if you're ready to deepen your creative practice, explore the Daily Creative Habit Membership and other resources at dailycreativehabit.com. Keep creating. When you create, we all win!

307. Why Your Creative Process Needs More Boredom

In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan delves into the often-overlooked role of boredom in sparking creativity. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from thought leaders like Simon Sinek, Mike explores how moments of boredom can open the door to imagination and innovation. Discover how stepping away from constant stimulation can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs. Tune in to learn how embracing boredom might just be the key to unlocking your creative potential. Don't forget to check out Simon Sinek's podcast for a deeper dive into this intriguing topic.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Boredom Unlocks Creativity – Instead of filling every moment with digital distractions, allowing yourself to experience boredom creates fertile ground for innovative thinking and problem solving.

🎨 Consistency Through Small Habits – Mike shares from his 13 years of daily creative projects how simple, consistent habits, like journaling or daily art, keep your creative muscles strong and ideas flowing.

🎨 Intentional Margin Matters – Creatives need breathing room to let thoughts marinate. Mike encourages intentionally carving out technology-free time to let your brain roam and generate deeper, more meaningful work.

Links and Resources:

• Mike Brennan's Website

• Daily Creative Habit

• Simon Sinek's Podcast Episode (ft. Elle Cordova) The Beautiful Brilliance of Boredom with creative polymath Elle Cordova | A Bit of Optimism Podcast: https://youtu.be/KffuNf-pAQE?si=vqeXZ1OYUTL_qXUL

Feeling inspired to try a little boredom? Take a mindful moment today, leave your phone behind and give your thoughts some space to breathe.

Want more support on your creative journey? Subscribe to Creative Chats, leave a review, and explore free resources and the Daily Creative Habit Journal at dailycreativehabit.com. And don't forget to check the show notes for a link to the Simon Sinek episode that kicked off this conversation!

Go create something today, and let us know how boredom shapes your next big idea!

306. Painting Life's Moments: How Heidi Schwartz Turns Events into Lasting Art

In this episode of Creative Chats, we embark on a journey through the creative mind of Heidi Schwartz, live painter and artist based in Nashville. Heidi opens up about her unconventional path from music to painting, her unique process of painting live at events, and how art has served as both a healing agent and a transformative practice in her life. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about embracing their creative instincts, navigating the evolving road of artistry, or learning to blend personal healing with the act of creation.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Embrace Instinct and Play - Heidi reveals that her creative journey began with daydreaming and "spacing out" as a child, emphasizing that primal instinct is often at the heart of true artistry. She encourages creatives to lean into their natural inclinations and allow play and curiosity to guide their process.

🎨 The Power of Presence and Process - Performing live paintings in front of audiences, Heidi shares how grounding herself in both the internal and external worlds allows her to weave moments, emotions, and memories together on canvas. She highlights the importance of being present and letting go of overthinking in order to create authentic, meaningful work.

🎨 Art as Healing—And Evolution - Heidi discusses art's unique ability to process emotion, noting how some of her most profound work emerges from personal struggle. She underscores the necessity of balancing personal projects for self-discovery with client work, and how consistent creative practice deepens access to our most authentic voices.

Episode Highlights:

• Heidi's journey from Nashville music student to pioneering live painter

• How "daydreaming" and obsession have fueled her growth and tenacity

• The improvisational magic and pressure of live event painting

• Navigating the evolving nature of creative careers and not getting stuck on old formulas

• The intersection between personal healing and making art for others

• Why rest, reflection, and play are essential to sustained creativity

Links and Resources:

• Heidi Schwartz's Live Painting: paintyourevent.com

• Heidi's Studio Work: heidischwartz.com

• Instagram: @paintyourevent

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintyourevent

• Mike Brennan's Website & Daily Creative Habit: http://www.mikebrennan.me

Feeling inspired by Heidi's creative magic?

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. Interested in building your own daily creative practice?

Make sure to check out the Daily Creative Habit Membership and resources at mikebrennon.me. Keep showing up and let your creativity evolve!