Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in Life

Dealing with personal loss, embarking on a nomadic lifestyle, and ultimately finding solace and purpose through writing.

For author Douglas Robbins the journey to creativity was anything but conventional. 

In this episode I chat with Douglas about his early creative influences, including his mother's theatrical background and his own musical experiences, and the cathartic nature of Douglas' travels across the United States, working various jobs to sustain his adventurous spirit while also taking college classes along the way. 

Douglas reflects on the significance of making conscious choices in life and how his experiences have fuelled his philosophical and socially conscious writing.

Now settled in New York with his family, Douglas continues to explore deep themes in his work, ranging from philosophical sci-fi to social commentary. He also shares his plans to transition fully into writing and coaching other writers, emphasising the importance of living a meaningful life and helping others find their voices.

Join us as we explore Douglas's unique journey, the emotional impact of his writing, and his aspirations for the future.

"We want to be seen, but we have to see ourselves first."

CreativityFound.co.uk

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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

How creativity can fit into the seasons of your life

Gina Farrar has embraced many facets of her own creativity in midlife, and loves to share how doing so can be a great tool for self-discovery and expression. 

In this episode I talk with Gina about her desire to and experiences of homeschooling her two girls, and how those same girls were pivotal in Gina's rediscovery of and explorations in watercolour and acrylic painting. 

Gina emphasizes that creativity doesn't have to be confined to traditional art forms, but can be expressed through cookery, gardening, home decorating, and more, and discusses the challenges and joys of working on a moving, three-dimensional canvas, as she has done in the past through makeup artistry and body painting.

Gina had a discouraging experience in art class in junior high, which she explains occurred at a particular season in her life that meant it hit her harder than it may have done at another time. Now, she can reflect on her current season of life, where she is evaluating what's next and making intentional shifts towards dedicating more time to her art. 

We also talk about Gina's podcast, Feminine Roadmap, which she started to create a platform for midlife women to discuss a wide range of topics, beyond just ageing and menopause. 

Above all, Gina encourages listeners – of Creativity Found and of Feminine Roadmap – to embrace creativity in whatever form it takes and to be open to trying new things without the pressure of perfection: revel in the act of creating and expressing oneself, rather than striving for mastery.

CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
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Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

At one time or another we all have our inner critics, undermining our confidence, but how do we deal with them?
My guest, Ela Wassell of Truly Boldly You, advocates for acknowledging them, since it is though understanding these voices that we can manage them, an approach that can empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves, free from perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies.
In this episode Ela also encourages us to seek external support when starting a small business, whether in the form of practical help, mentoring or emotional support, by learning how to ask for help gracefully as well as to appreciate those who give that support.
Ela has trained and is licensed in a number of time and energy management systems that she shares through one-on-one coaching and workshops, focusing on empowering women leaders to have an impact without burnout.

Ela and Truly Boldly You at creativityfound.co.uk
CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

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Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Making websites empathetic can improve your search engine rankings and discoverability.
In this episode I chat with Creativity Found Collective member and expert in search engine optimisation (SEO) Kelly Drewett, about the ways that business owners can improve the usability and accessibility of their websites, which in turn will enhance that site's performance on search engines such as Google.
We consider the different aspects of website work, from illustration, to design to development, as well as how outsourcing business tasks and leveraging the expertise of professionals can save you time and doesn't have to cost the earth.
Kelly touches on the mental health benefits she has experienced through recently re-finding her creativity, and we discuss the value of community and support networks for all small businesses.

Kelly Drewett at creativityfound.co.uk
CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Sewing up a storm.
In this episode of the Mother of All Solutions podcast, Laura Broderick chats with Great British Sewing Bee contestants Lauren Tedstone and Vicki Reid who discuss their careers before entering the Sewing Bee, plus their work, family and sewing lives now.

Mother of all Solutions
CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

From corporate communications to embracing personal creativity through writing, coaching, and more, Amy L. Bernstein illustrates in this episode that
owning your identity and being true to yourself can lead to a sense of empowerment and fulfillment.
Amy shares how she transitioned from high-paying corporate communications' jobs to pursuing more personally creative endeavours.
Amy's turning point came when she decided to write her first novel during her commutes, which lead her to explore playwriting as well as poetry and non-fiction writing. Now Amy also enjoys helping others to write their own non-fiction books, and encourages any one of any age to take their own creative risks and be prepared to succeed as well as fail.

CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

Want to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, here

Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Crafting inspired by nature and gardens
The creative workshops offered at Sussex Garden School range from garden design to pressing flowers, fused glass art, natural dyeing and rag weaving, all in a supportive and encouraging environment where adults can explore their creativity and unlock a sense of wonder and playfulness often lost in adulthood.
In this chat, Creativity Found Collective member Juliet Sargeant highlights the significance of fostering an atmosphere of encouragement and relaxation in the school's workshops. By providing a safe space for adults to experiment, make mistakes, and learn without fear of judgement, individuals can step out of their comfort zones and embrace the unknown, leading to personal growth and creative fulfilment.
Juliet also discusses how she values being a member of the Creativity Found Collective both for personal encouragement and practical business support.  She understands that having a network of individuals with similar business experiences allows for the sharing of knowledge, advice, and resources. This exchange of information can be invaluable for small business owners looking to grow and thrive in their ventures. By being part of a community, individuals can learn from each other's successes and failures, gaining insights that can help them make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Sussex Garden School at creativityfound.co.uk
CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Buying an embroidery kit is a great way to get started with this craft, and Mary Broddle creates modern kits using traditional methods, as well as teaching online and in person. In this chat, Creativity Found Collective member Mary discusses how embroidery engages the brain's reward centre, reduces stress and offers a productive way to relax. She also discusses her personal experience with chronic pain and fatigue due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and how embroidery has been a therapeutic outlet for her.
Mary also highlights the importance of trying new creative activities, especially for adults, to break out of routines and to practise self-care through small, daily acts of creativity.
We also discuss the benefits of being part of a creative community as Mary explains how the Creativity Found Collective has helped her connect with like-minded individuals across the country, providing support and opening up new opportunities for her business.

Mary Broddle Embroidery at creativityfound.co.uk
CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Creativity Found is 100 episodes old, something I never could have imagined when I started the show with a secondhand microphone and a good idea.
In this celebratory episode find out the whys, hows and whos of the show so far, including highlights from some of my guests.
And if you haven't listened to all 100 episodes, you'd better get started!!

Guests featured, in order of appearance:
Karen Joy
Gerry Coles
Fish Lee
Rowena Roberts
Rich Chambers
Leanne Tibiatowski
Peter White
Juliet Sargeant
Mary Broddle
Suzanne Noble
Lou Hamilton
Glasshouse Theatre
Tara L Lacey
Ruth Chipperfield
Natalie Smart
Gaelle Jolly
Sally Ward
Rebecca Norris
Annie Sloan
The Chelsea Pensioners potters
Bianca Giarola 

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Growing up, Joanne Robinson was creatively encouraged in primary school and loved to draw for hours at home. However, her passion for art was dampened when she entered secondary school and was told by an art teacher that she wasn't very good. This negative feedback led Joanne to believe that she didn't have a talent for art, and she abandoned her artistic pursuits.
Joanne joined the Royal Air Force and years later, while recuperating with a broken back, learned to paint and rediscovered her love for art.
Joanne learnt that drawing and painting can be taught, and the importance of practice. Just like musicians are encouraged to practice regularly to improve their craft, artists also need to dedicate time and effort to honing their skills.
Joanne's initial motivation to start The Little Art School stemmed from her own experience of how drawing and painting changed her life. She wanted to provide the same opportunity for others who may have doubted their abilities. By offering structured classes for both children and adults, Joanne and her business partner Melissa created a space where individuals could learn and grow at their own pace.

CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Join Pepli, the all-in-one app for creatives to monetize, build community and grow.

Support the show

Follow @CreativityFoundPodcast on Instagram

Want to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, here

Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout