From History to Screen: Michael Russell Gunn's Creative Approach to The Brink of War

In this episode of Creative Chats, we sit down with Michael Russell Gunn, acclaimed screenwriter and director, for an inside look at the making of The Brink of War. Michael Russell Gunn pulls back the curtain on his creative process, blending historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling, and shares how real-life events continue to shape his work. Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, or creative thinker, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your journey and seek out the power of story.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Embrace the Unknown in Creativity – Michael Russell Gunn reveals the value of immersing yourself in nature, listening for inspiration, and being open to unexpected creative pivots, both in writing and on set.

🎨 Preparation Meets Opportunity – The importance of being prepared shines throughout Michael Russell Gunn's story, from having a ready script to seizing the right moment when opportunity knocks. "Best prep wins" becomes a guiding mantra.

🎨 The Power of Dialogue – The film's core message echoes today: meaningful conversations, even with adversaries, can build bridges, break down walls, and foster hope, both on screen and in real life.

Episode Highlights:

05:09 – Michael Russell Gunn describes his longstanding practice of retreating into nature before writing a feature, and how this clears mental space for creativity.

10:25 – The story behind The Brink of War: how a chance conversation and years of preparation led to the film's financing and production.

13:44 – Behind the cinematic craft: intentional visual storytelling, using split screens and staging to mirror the narrative's emotional arc.

27:57 – Lessons from production: adapting to unpredictable weather, improvising on set, and the humility required to serve the story in the edit bay.

Guest Bio: Michael Russell Gunn is a screenwriter and director known for his thoughtful approach to true stories and cinematic storytelling. His credits include the acclaimed TV series Black Sails and the new historical drama film The Brink of War, which recounts the high-stakes 1980s summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. With roots in novel writing and a passion for history, Michael Russell Gunn seamlessly blends fact and artistry in his work.

Links and Resources:

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

• The Brink of War – In theaters August 14th - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33070884/

Feeling inspired?

Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review—your feedback helps bring more inspiring stories to light!

Want to supercharge your creative practice? Explore Daily Creative Habit™ at mikebrennan.me, and make sure to catch The Brink of War in theaters for a moving creative experience you won't want to miss!

322. The Courage to Leave: Adrienne Dorison on Creative Endings and New Beginnings

In this episode of Creative Chats, we dive into the art of reinvention and leadership with Adrienne Dorison, Founder & CEO of Level 11 Leaders and co-creator of the transformative Clockwork framework. Adrienne Dorison opens up about navigating creative pivots, letting go of past successes, and building owner-independent businesses. Her powerful story and hard-won wisdom are a must-listen for anyone seeking to grow, reimagine their work, and pursue creative freedom.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Redefining Creativity - Adrienne Dorison challenges the traditional definition of creativity, sharing how creativity isn't limited to art but includes visionary thinking, leadership, and innovative problem-solving (05:05).

🎨 Embracing Evolution - Seasons change, and so do we. Adrienne Dorison discusses the importance of recognizing when it's time to move on from projects—even if they're "your baby"—and how to gracefully navigate transitions for deeper creative fulfillment (25:30, 27:14).

🎨 The Power of Vulnerability & Community - Facing crossroads can be lonely, but saying things out loud, seeking support, and letting people in is crucial. Adrienne Dorison highlights the courage it takes to ask for help and how authentic community is key to surviving and thriving through reinvention (38:33).

Episode Highlights:

05:05 – Adrienne Dorison reframes creativity as visionary and strategic thinking, not just artistry.

14:09 – The journey from corporate to entrepreneurship—and how family influences shaped her path.

25:42 – Recognizing creative suffocation as a sign it's time to move on, and the challenge of separating ego from purpose.

38:33 – The essential role of speaking candidly with peers and allowing yourself to borrow their courage in difficult times.

45:06 – Adrienne Dorison shares her renewed focus on helping founders remove owner dependency for greater freedom and resiliency.

Links and Resources:

• Adrienne Dorison's Website: Level 11 Leaders - https://level11leaders.com

• Adrienne Dorison on Instagram https://instagram.com/adriandorison

• Sorta Bossy Podcast

Feeling inspired? Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more amazing guests and stories to fuel your creative journey. And if you're seeking practical support to deepen your personal practice and business, check out Daily Creative Habit at https://mikebrennan.me

321. Overcoming Creative Setbacks and Rejection

In this solo episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan shares a candid look into the realities of the creative journey. Drawing from a month filled with rain-soaked events, rejection letters, and introspection, Mike offers hard-earned wisdom on what to do when creative opportunities don't go your way. This episode is an honest companion for artists, makers, and creative thinkers who seek encouragement and practical advice for navigating rejection and creative ruts.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Love the Process – Sustainable creativity isn't just about accolades and recognition. A key theme that emerged is that true creatives must fall in love with the act of creating itself, not just the outcomes or external rewards. Cultivating this passion fuels perseverance through inevitable setbacks.

🎨 Rejection Is Part of the Journey – The discussion explored how rejection and missed opportunities are unavoidable and, in fact, vital aspects of a creative life. Processing these experiences constructively—rather than internalizing self-doubt—helps creatives build resilience and uncover new paths.

🎨 Find the Balance Between Retreat and Action – One concept discussed was navigating the extremes of swinging at every opportunity versus hiding from fear of rejection. Instead, the podcast encourages a rhythm of honest assessment, strategic action, and rest to support long-term creative growth and prevent burnout.

Episode Highlights:

02:56 – Rain derails local events, showing how external factors outside of one's control can impact even the best-prepared creative efforts.

06:03 – Processing the disappointment of repeated rejections, and how not being selected doesn't define your talent or worth.

18:32 – Identifying your natural response to setbacks and learning how to channel your energy productively—whether that's resting, regrouping, or reigniting your creative drive.

Links and Resources:

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

• Daily Creative Habit™ Journal & Newsletter: Available under the "Daily Creative Habit" tab on Mike's website

Feeling encouraged by this episode? Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps bring more conversations and insights to fellow creatives. To deepen your own creative practice, check out the Daily Creative Habit™ resources at https://mikebrennan.me—and remember, the next opportunity always starts with showing up. Go create something!

320. Tom Provost on Young Washington, Writing, and Servant Leadership

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan sits down with screenwriter, filmmaker, teacher, and creative storyteller Tom Provost for a conversation about his journey through film, writing, teaching, and the making of Young Washington. Tom shares the childhood experiences that sparked his love of stories, the long road of perseverance in Hollywood, and how his creative life has evolved in unexpected but deeply meaningful ways.

3 Key Takeaways for Creatives and Storytellers:

• Embrace Unexpected Paths: Tom Provost encouraged staying open to new and surprising opportunities. Sticking too rigidly to a plan may mean missing out on something even greater (11:02).

• Power Through the "Dark Nights": Long periods of uncertainty are common in any creative career. Perseverance, self-belief, and a little stubbornness can keep you moving forward—even if the journey takes years (09:13).

• Storytelling as a Force for Good: The stories that shaped Tom Provost, from "Chinatown" to "Close Encounters," drove home the value of art as a tool for empathy, justice, and communal reflection (07:00). His hope? That "Young Washington" inspires audiences of all ages, making history vibrant and relatable.

Looking for creative inspiration or tips on turning setbacks into breakthroughs? Check out the full episode and dive into Tom Provost's fascinating journey!

Tom Provost's websites

• Food & Film blog: foodandfilm.com
• Professional site: cinemalanguage.org

• Charity: bagsandgrace.com

Final thoughts

This conversation is a reminder that creative work is shaped by persistence, humility, and the willingness to follow unexpected doors when they open. Tom's story is especially encouraging for anyone navigating uncertainty while trying to make meaningful work that reaches others.

Young Washington releases July 3rd, 2026.

Check out Mike's AMerica 250 art series celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States:

https://www.mikebrennan.me/art-prints

319. Cuffy and the Power of Letting Go

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares a personal story about bowling, his playful alter ego "Cuffy," and the surprising power of loosening control. What begins as a funny family memory becomes a deeper reflection on perfectionism, creativity, and the freedom that comes from showing up with more joy and less pressure.Mike explains how trying too hard often creates tension, frustration, and disappointing results—whether in bowling, pickleball, drawing, or creative work. He encourages listeners to stop white-knuckling their way through life, embrace imperfection, and make room for fun as part of the process, not just the reward at the end.He also reflects on how creativity has helped him reconnect with himself and how his book, Make Fun a Habit, explores this same idea through short stories, reflections, and exercises.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• The story behind Mike's alter ego, Cuffy
• Why trying to control too much can backfire
• How silliness can reduce pressure and improve performance
• A reminder that creativity should feel alive, not just productive
• How fun can be a practice, not a prize

Key takeaways:

• Perfectionism can disconnect you from joy and creativity
• Loosening up can create better results and a better experience
• You don't have to compare your beginning to someone else's middle
• Creativity is a personal resource for problem-solving, expression, and life

Mentioned in this episode:

• Mike Brennan's book: Make Fun a Habit
• Website: mikebrennan.me

About the host

Mike Brennan is a creative guide who helps people reconnect with themselves through creativity. His work encourages listeners to live more colorfully, embrace their creative voice, and build a daily creative habit.

Closing thought

If you've been feeling stuck, tense, or overly serious in your creative life, this episode invites you to try something different, have some fun, and see what changes.

318. 14 Years of Daily Creativity: Embracing Imperfection and Rest

Mike Brennan shares his personal journey through a health crisis, reflecting on the importance of embracing seasons of pause in creativity, and redefining what it means to practice consistently. This heartfelt episode explores vulnerability, resilience, and the true essence of a sustainable creative practice.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Imperfection: Even after years of consistency, life can throw you a curveball. It's okay if your creative streak isn't perfect—progress matters more than perfection.

• Prioritize Rest and Self-Compassion: Sometimes, your body or circumstances demand a pause. Pausing doesn't erase your achievements; it offers space to reflect, heal, and return stronger.

• Identity Beyond the Work: Tying your identity too closely to what you produce can be dangerous. Remember who you are apart from your creative output—your value isn't tied to productivity.

If you're in a season of pause, burnout, or transition, you're not alone. Give yourself grace. Creativity should be life-giving, not a prison. Let's normalize talking about the messy, imperfect, and restorative sides of creative living.

You can listen to our full conversation wherever you get your podcasts, or now watch on YouTube too: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@mikebone

And as always, you'll find the episode at www.CreativeChats.me.

317. Live from Columbia TN: Creative Problem Solving and Jewelry Design with Warren Feld\

In this episode of Creative Chats, we dive into the intricate world of jewelry design and creative problem-solving with Warren Feld, accomplished jewelry artist, designer, educator, and author. Warren shares his journey from creative discouragement in childhood to becoming a master of contemporary jewelry artistry, navigating challenges from material limitations to collaboration with clients. This conversation is packed with insights for artists, makers, and any content creators eager to expand their understanding of creativity, craft, and the ongoing dialogue between maker and audience.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 The Creative Challenge of Jewelry Design – Warren discusses why jewelry design is uniquely complex among the arts, due to its dynamic interaction with the wearer and ever-changing contexts, requiring both artistry and engineering.

🎨 Design as Dialogue – Successful creation means anticipating and negotiating with your audience or client, constantly adapting design choices to meet both artistic vision and user needs.

🎨 Lifelong Learning & Adaptation – Warren emphasizes the importance of continual growth, education, and reflection. He shares how staying curious and open—whether with students, new technologies, or changing cultural contexts—is essential for creative survival, especially in fields facing rapid technological change.

Episode Highlights:

• Warren's creative origin story: from discouragement to discovery (00:03:47)

• The nuances of designing jewelry for movement, light, and perception (00:06:10)

• Lessons in creative problem-solving, client collaboration, and "designing backwards" (00:11:08)

• Navigating difficult client requests with tenacity and investigation (00:14:44)

• The necessity of lifelong learning and adapting to technological shifts in the jewelry industry (00:19:42)

• Warren's current work on contemporizing traditional designs and his upcoming projects (00:22:55)

Links and Resources:

• Warren Feld's Website: https://www.warrenfeldjewelry.com/

• Warren Feld's Books: Available on Amazon https://amzn.to/4p2ZiB0

• Mike Brennan's Website: www.MikeBrennan.me

Feeling inspired? Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps this podcast reach more artists, makers, and creative thinkers just like you. Want to dive deeper into your creative journey? Check out the resources at www.mikebrennan.me and get in touch with Warren for more on jewelry artistry and creative wisdom. Keep creating, keep connecting, and join us next time for more Creative Chats!

316. Stop Giving Away Your Creative Power In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan discusses the importance of valuing oneself as a creative individual. He emphasizes the need for creatives to recognize their worth and not to seek validation externally. The conversation explores the challenges faced in the creative job market, including the pressure to accept undervalued work and the importance of self-awareness in navigating these situations. Mike shares personal experiences and insights to encourage listeners to stand firm in their creative power and pursue opportunities that align with their values.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Value Your Creative Power – Mike Brennan explores the critical concept of self-worth, emphasizing how vital it is for creatives to own their abilities and not chase external validation.

🎨 Know Your Worth in the Marketplace – Through real-world examples and analogies, Mike Brennan illustrates how creatives can protect themselves from exploitative opportunities, like unpaid test projects and undervalued contracts.

🎨 Choose the Right People and Projects – Instead of saying "yes" to every opportunity, focus on seeking collaborators, clients, and communities that truly align with your skills and values—because not every client is your client!

Links and Resources Mentioned:

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

• Daily Creative Habit Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailycreativehabit/

• Daily Creative Habit Journal (details on Daily Creative Habit Journal - https://amzn.to/3EpKoCZ)

• SmartLess Podcast (episode referenced: David Duchovny)

Feeling inspired? Subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review—your support helps us reach and empower more creators! Ready to level up your creative journey? Explore the Daily Creative Habit Membership and resources at mikebrennan.me. Take action on your creative goals, connect with the community, and remember: Know your worth and stand in your power!

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!