Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

326. Devon MacDonald on Leadership, Curiosity, and Creative Problem Solving

In this episode, Mike Brennan sits down with Devon MacDonald, president of Cairns Oneil, to explore how creativity shows up in media strategy, leadership, and problem-solving. Devon explains how a media agency helps place ads with the right creative context, why curiosity is a core professional skill, and how AI can support rather than replace original thinking.They also get into self-awareness, passion projects, and why the best creative work often comes from reframing a problem instead of repeating what has always been done.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Curiosity Fuels Creativity – Devon emphasizes that innate curiosity is the number one skill for success in creative and agency spaces. Staying open to new experiences, learning across industries, and continually asking "what if?" unlocks both personal and professional growth. (13:15)

🎨 Creativity Belongs to Everyone – Creativity isn't limited to artists; it thrives in organization, strategy, and problem solving. Devon advocates recognizing all contributions as creative, from analytical work to innovative business processes, breaking down the myth that only final artistic outputs are "creative." (33:43)

🎨 Self-Awareness & Passion Projects Matter – Sustainable creativity relies on both self-awareness and allowing space for personal projects. Devon and Mike speak to carving out time for passion pursuits and self-exploration and how these investments recharge and enhance professional output. (42:06)

Episode Highlights:

06:09 – Devon reflects on early creative acts with woodworking and Lego, and the importance of improvisation in making.

13:15 – The critical role of curiosity in fostering innovation and staying agile in a fast-changing media landscape.

23:57 – How Devon leveraged self-awareness and cross-industry thinking to develop a groundbreaking AI integration in digital advertising.

33:43 – Challenging the narrow definition of creativity and recognizing the creative acts across all roles within an organization.

Guest Bio: Devon MacDonald, President Cairns Oneil Cairns Oneil is on a mission to change the way that media is planned and valued. Devon is the President of the agency, overseeing the vision, direction, and growth of the organization. Prior to leading Cairns Oneil, Devon led various companies in the media, creative and technology fields in the United States and Canada. He launched 360i in Canada and was previously the CEO of Mindshare. Devon is a sought after thought leader and speaker. He was a 2026 nominee for the Campaign Canada Media Agency Leader of the Year, and past recipient from Strategy. Devon is chair of the ICA Media Council, and Vice Char of the CMDC. Devon is also a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for his work in the community.

Links and Resources:

• Cairns Oneil: www.cairnsoneill.com

• Devon MacDonald's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonmacdonald

• Devon McDonald's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_devon.macdonald/

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

Inspired to ignite your own creative journey?

Be sure to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review—your support helps us bring more creative voices and insights to you. Want to reconnect with your creativity? Visit the Daily Creative Habit Membership at mikebrennan.me for resources and community to support your artistic growth. And don't forget to connect with Devon MacDonald to continue the conversation!

325. The Power of Creativity and Connection with Jim Morris

In this episode of the Creative Chats podcast, Mike Brennan and Jim Morris explore the profound themes of creativity, connection, and personal growth. Jim shares impactful stories from his childhood that shaped his understanding of creativity and the importance of connection. They discuss the challenges of navigating personal struggles, the role of AI in human connection, and the process of writing Jim's book, 'Connect or Die: How to Survive AI.' The conversation emphasizes the need for vulnerability, community, and the power of storytelling in fostering meaningful connections.

In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan sits down with Jim Morris, keynote speaker, author, and founder of Human Touch Publishing. Jim Morris opens up about his creative journey, writing his book 'Connect or Die: How to Survive AI', the essential power of human connection, and the importance of authenticity in an AI-driven world. This heart-to-heart conversation is packed with wisdom for creators, storytellers, and anyone seeking deeper meaning through creative work and real relationships.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Embrace Creativity Through Challenge – Jim Morris shares how moments of uncertainty and challenge—like his childhood "Tin Man" project—ignite creativity and set the stage for lifelong growth and innovation. When you don't know what to do, it's your opportunity to create (05:28).

🎨 Connection Fuels Resilience and Impact – This episode powerfully demonstrates that creativity is most meaningful when paired with human connection. Jim Morris explores how authentic relationships, community, and shared experiences provide support through adversity and help creators thrive (15:01).

🎨 Don't Outsource Your Genius – As AI becomes ever-present, Jim Morris reminds us to use technology as a tool, not a crutch. True creative impact comes from your own lived experience, stories, and soul—not from outsourcing your purpose or voice to machines (26:46).

Episode Highlights:

• 05:28 – Jim Morris recounts his sixth-grade "Tin Man" experience and reveals how creativity and family connection shaped his outlook.

• 15:01 – Discussing how losing connection in tough times inspired Jim Morris to become a confidant for others and champion for real relationships.

• 26:46 – Jim Morris shares a crucial story about the dangers of outsourcing your voice to AI at a TED Talk, contrasting machine-generated speeches with authentic, lived stories.

Brief Bio: Jim Morris is a keynote speaker, author, and founder of Human Touch Publishing. Known for his passionate advocacy for authentic connection, Jim Morris hosts events and podcasts, and is the author of Connect or Die: How to Survive AI, where he tackles the importance of meaningful relationships and self-expression in an increasingly automated world.

Links and Resources:

• Connect or Die: Surviving AI Book Website - https://connectordiebook.com

• Buy Connect or Die on Amazon

• Follow Jim Morris on social media https://www.realjimmorris.com/

• Check out Mike Brennan's Daily Creative Habit at www.mikebrennan.me

Feeling inspired?

Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us share more conversations that encourage you to show up and create. Want to commit to your own creativity and community? Join Mike Brennan's Daily Creative Habit Membership at www.mikebrennan.me. Keep connecting and keep creating—because when you create, we all win!

324. Unlocking Creativity by Honing Your Inner Voice with Natalie Hanemann

In this episode of Creative Chats, we welcome Natalie Hanemann, a writer and ghostwriter who thinks deeply about how ideas are formed before they become finished work. This episode is especially useful if you've ever felt stuck between making work for other people and making something that feels genuinely yours. Natalie shares how she came to see herself as creative, why solitude and journaling changed her process, and how to move from survival mode into a more intentional interior life. Mike and Natalie also talk through the tension between client work and personal projects, and what it takes to protect your own voice.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Cultivate Your Interior Landscape – Natalie Hanemann shares how transformative solitude and intentional reflection are to creativity. She offers actionable advice for those hesitant or uncomfortable with being alone, emphasizing the necessity of tuning into your own thoughts to unlock new ideas 16:27.

🎨 Acknowledge the Emotional Weight of Creation – Writing for oneself versus clients is a very different process. Natalie Hanemann highlights the greater emotional and creative demands that come with expressing your own story, and the importance of recognizing and honoring that weight 14:05.

🎨 Accountability and Self-Discovery – The episode explores the power of community and accountability. Natalie Hanemann encourages listeners to talk about their projects, invite feedback, and surround themselves with people who believe in their creative journey. Making a plan and having accountability partners are vital to moving sidelined passion projects forward 49:04.

Episode Highlights:

05:34 – Natalie Hanemann recalls falling in love with the physicality of books rather than content, describing the sensory joys of reading.

15:10 – Exploring the difference between ghostwriting for others and writing your own original work.

26:27 – Practical strategies for starting small with solitude, even if it feels uncomfortable, and using everyday moments for internal exploration.

34:27 – How journaling can unlock patterns in your thoughts and pave the way to self-revelation.

49:04 – Inviting accountability and setting personal deadlines to make creative projects happen.

Links and Resources:

• Website: https://youbewilder.com/

• LinkedIn: Natalie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-hanemann-14ab7630/

• Instagram: @nataliethewildwriter - https://www.instagram.com/natalie_the_wild_writer/

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

Feeling inspired?

Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring even more insightful conversations to fuel your creative journey.

Want to rekindle your own creative practice or stay accountable to your artistic goals? Visit mikebrennan.me to explore Daily Creative Habit and connect with fellow creatives ready to champion your next big idea! Keep creating! When you create, we all win.

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!

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!

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

• Charity: bagsandgrace.com

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

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.

• 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

• 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

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

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.

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!