Creative People Podcast

This week I’m joined by VR expert and filmmaker Nelson Dunk, owner of Hammer & Anvil. Nelson builds full VR theatre installations for museums and creates immersive films designed to make people feel like they were actually there.

We talk about the concept of presence in VR, how his team avoids motion sickness, and why immersive storytelling can spark curiosity, empathy, and a deeper connection to history, science, and culture. Nelson also opens up about imposter syndrome, pioneering a new medium, and taking big creative dreams one step at a time.

I’ve known Nelson for years, and it’s been amazing to watch his work evolve — including his current exhibit at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener.

Highlights:

1. How VR creates real presence and empathy
2. The science behind avoiding motion sickness
3. Making work that takes people somewhere new
4. Staying naturally curious
5. The weird world of building VR theatres
6. Imposter syndrome when you’re breaking new ground
7. Why the next step is the only step you need to take

A thoughtful, inspiring conversation. Let’s go.

https://www.hammeranvilvr.com/

https://x.com/HammerAnvilVR

#125: Actor: Dylan Simpson – “I’m Different Now.”

This week on the podcast, actor Dylan Simpson joins me to talk about the moment acting grabbed hold of him and connected him to a feeling he had not felt since he was a kid.

We talk about creativity, ambition, and the “zone” that shows up in sports, performance, and art. Dylan shares how one acting class changed the direction of his life, why creativity is not sacred but meant to be used, and how he approaches his work with a Swiss Army knife mindset through acting, writing, and constant learning.

We also get into imposter syndrome, inspiration versus doing the work, and what it feels like to be fully present inside a creative act.

A thoughtful, honest conversation about showing up, following the thread, and letting creativity change you.

For more information about the podcast, Ryan and his work, including the new horror zine Lonnie, visit

ryanleacock.ca

Follow Dylan on Instagram at

https://www.instagram.com/dylansimpson_/?hl=en

This week I’m joined by Lori and Piper Distel, the creative force behind Penny and Pound Theatre in Cambridge, Ontario.

pennyandpoundtheatre.com

We talk about building a company that values community, the power of fellowship in the creative process, and how some shows just need to be born. They share how they’ve developed original musicals together and what it takes to keep a small theatre company going with heart, grit, and a lot of love for their people.

I’ve had the privilege of working with these two on a couple productions, including singing a solo in Little Heaven last September. It was a big moment for me, and they made it a great experience.

🎧 Highlights include:

• Creating space for young artists to thrive
• Balancing structure with inspiration
• How collaboration fuels their work
• The importance of kindness and trust in creative environments
• What it feels like when a show clicks
• Why theatre still matters, especially now

It’s a great one. Let’s go.

This week I’m joined by Deborah Puette, a longtime working actor in Los Angeles who has recently added writer and director to her already stacked resume.

deborahpuette.com

suchaprettygirlfilm.com

We talk about the hunger that keeps artists evolving, the difference between rejection as an actor and as a writer, and what it really means to collaborate when the work is personal. Deborah shares how writing her first short film, Cash for Gold, opened a new creative path and why she’s now focused on directing. Her latest short, Such a Pretty Girl, is currently making the festival rounds.

This is a wide-ranging and honest conversation about staying creatively alive while juggling ambition, discipline, and a mind full of ideas.

🎧 Highlights include:

• Going from stage to screen to behind the camera
• Why she finally stopped “playing small”
• The difference between theater in LA vs. Chicago
• Directing your own story and letting others bring it to life
• Using body-doubling and discipline to get writing done
• Living a creative life like a lottery ticket — not a sure thing

It’s a good one. Let’s go.

This week, I’m joined by photographer and branding specialist Curtis Grimba—a guy who brings a sharp eye, a playful spirit, and a deep sense of presence to his work.

cgrimba.com

We talk about what it really takes to create meaningful portraits—building trust, embracing imperfection, and staying open even when burnout hits. Curtis shares how discomfort and spontaneity actually fuel his best work, why he still loves shooting on film, and how he keeps his creativity alive by stepping back, switching gears, and sometimes just being a goof behind the camera.

This conversation was the first I recorded after a hiatus, and it reminded me exactly why I started this podcast. Honest, grounded, and full of insight—this one’s a solid start to Season 5.

It’s a great chat - do it up!

🎧 Highlights include:

• The influence of graphic design on his photography
• Shooting portraits like conversations, not poses
• Navigating discomfort and vulnerability on both sides of the lens
• The value of imperfection and play in creative work
• Burnout, boundaries, and creative recovery
• Climbing, books, guitars, and finding joy outside the work

Welcome back to Creative People Podcast! I’m about to kick off Season 5—but before I do, I wanted to take a moment to look back before moving forward.

In this episode, I’m reintroducing myself and the podcast, sharing where I’ve been, where I’m headed creatively, and revisiting some of the best moments from Season 4. You’ll hear clips from incredible conversations with Amy Silva, Matty James, and Stacey Tookey, offering a chance to catch the heart of what I’m building with this podcast.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or just tuning in for the first time, this episode is a great way to get a feel for what Creative People Podcast is all about.

New season, new conversations—let’s get into it!

In this episode of Creative People Podcast, we are thrilled to have Stacey Tookey, a renowned choreographer and dancer who has been nominated for 3 Emmys for her work on So You Think You Can Dance. Stacey shares her story of how she started dancing at the age of four in Edmonton, Canada, and how she pursued her dream of becoming a professional dancer in Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles. She also talks about the challenges and rewards of being a choreographer, and how she balances her artistic vision with the demands of the industry.  Stacey tells us about her passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers through The Bridge Movement and The Protégé Movement . Stacey is a creative force who moves with grace and grit, and we are honored to have her on the podcast. Tune in to Creative People Podcast and get ready to be moved by Stacey Tookey.

staceytookey.com

instagram.com/sjtookey

www.creativepeople-podcast.com

Back at it with local KW favourite, graphic designer Brie Pointer! 

Brie is a ray of sunshine and full of heart - she tells me about the farm she started with her family, crafting with glitter and knowing your worth.  We chat about some of the hard stuff she's been through in the last few years.  Through it all though, Brie's sunshine shines through.  Great episode!  Do it up!

Work with her:
https://www.briepointer.ca/

Check out her farm, Wayward Farm
https://waywardfarm.ca

www.creativepeople-podcast.com

This week comedy writer, Amy Silva is in the studio.  She tells me about attending the Humber Collage's Comedy Writing and Performance program, and her love of cringe.  We chat about perfectionism and if she actually thinks she's funny.
Super fun one.

https://www.instagram.com/amydsilva_/

www.creativepeople-podcast.com

Hey buds, this week we're chatting with Special Effects Make-up Artist - Brandi Boulet
 
Brandi has worked on some of the most acclaimed films and TV shows of the past decade. In this podcast, she shares her insights and stories from behind the scenes of projects such as See, The Horror of Dolores Roach,, Star Trek: Discovery, and The Changeling.

https://www.instagram.com/brandi.boulet/

Brandi tells me about her love of Ewoks, we chat movie magic and escaping a government work cubical.  It's a great chat, perfect for Halloween!

www.creativepeople-podcast.com