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The 21st Century Creative episodes
- John T. Unger (Rachael Que Vargas): 21st Century Artist
The 21st Century Creative returns with an extraordinary tale of reinvention – meet sculptor-mosaicist Rachael Que Vargas, formerly known as John T. Unger, whose fire-and-stone artworks have travelled far beyond her Hudson, New York studio.
From cutting scrap steel with a 45,000 °F plasma torch to painstakingly shaping gemstones for life-size anatomical mosaics, Vargas shows how audacity, craft and a good story can ignite a global audience for handmade art.
‘I’ve always made things since I was a wee little kid.’ – dive into the episode to hear how that childhood spark became a blazing career.
Episode summaryRachael Que Vargas (formerly John T. Unger)Vargas is a 21st-century artist who forged her reputation with Sculptural Firebowls – recycled-steel fire-pits collected by Calvin Klein, hotels and public spaces on four continents. Now presenting publicly as Rachael, she is tackling her most ambitious work yet: Anatomy Set in Stone, a touring suite of fourteen seven-foot marble mosaics after 16th-century anatomist Bartolomeo Eustachi.
Her story weaves poetry slams at Lollapalooza, bartering mosaics for a mortgage, and harnessing early blogging and e-commerce to sell more than 2,000 firebowls worldwide.
Big ideas in this conversation- Art as narrative fuel – memorable stories propel sculptures into magazines, museums and music festivals.
- Internet-age craftsmanship – blogging and social media let a self-taught artist bypass galleries and sell direct.
- Turning scrap into luxury – recycled steel and bottle-caps become heirloom objects through design and grit.
- Scale and ambition – investing firebowl profits into a museum-grade marble project aimed at immortality.
Advice worth hearing in full- Raise the bar on what you already do well – stretch strengths rather than fixating on weaknesses.
- Think centuries, not seasons – choose materials and formats that can outlast trends, even outlast us.
- Seek offline stages – digital buzz matters, but nothing matches the impact of encountering work in the real world.
Where next?Explore Rachael’s firebowls and mosaics at rachaelquevargas.com, watch her working on projects on her YouTube channel.
About The 21st Century Creative podcastHosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post John T. Unger (Rachael Que Vargas): 21st Century Artist appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
Click the icon below to listen.1 hr 23 min - Voicing Your Truth with Monique DeBose
What would happen if you stopped hiding the most uncomfortable parts of yourself – and sang them out instead? Jazz-soul artist and playwright Monique DeBose did exactly that after a life-changing health scare, turning fear into songs, a hit one-woman show and a mission to help others voice their truth.
In this episode she talks candidly about writing her chart-topping album The Sovereign One, creating the award-winning show Mulatto Math and why improvising with your body’s wisdom can change everything.
‘You were born exactly the way you were supposed to be’ – hear how Monique turns that conviction into music and theatre that heals.
Episode summaryMonique DeBoseLos Angeles-based singer-songwriter, playwright and coach, Monique’s third album The Sovereign One debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes Jazz Chart. Her one-woman show Mulatto Math: Summing Up the Race Equation in America weaves stand-up, storytelling and original songs to spark honest conversations about identity and belonging. Off-stage she helps clients live ‘fully expressed, clear and unapologetic’.
Big ideas in this conversation- Tumour as teacher – a medical diagnosis became the catalyst for radical self-expression.
- Improvisation for healing – letting the body ‘sing’ uncovers hidden emotions and creative fuel.
- Owning every facet – integrating the parts we’re told to hide makes art – and life – magnetic.
Advice worth hearing in full- Voice your body – daily, ask one body part to make a sound and let it out without judgement.
- Use family stories – personal truth can open universal dialogue when shared bravely.
- Integration beats perfection – stop chasing an ideal and channel the voice you already have.
Where next?Stream the album on Spotify, catch clips from Mulatto Math and future tour dates at mulattomath.com, or explore Monique’s music and coaching work at moniquedebosemusic.com.
About The 21st Century Creative podcastHosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post Voicing Your Truth with Monique DeBose appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
Click the icon below to listen.1 hr 3 min - Bat-Signal Marketing for Creatives with Ilise Benun
However brilliant your craft, it will languish in obscurity if the right people never discover it. Yet marketing can feel baffling – or downright distasteful – to many creatives.
Enter Ilise Benun, the ‘Marketing Mentor’ who has spent three decades helping designers, writers and artists promote their work with the same imagination they pour into it.
‘Generosity and curiosity are under-used marketing tools’ – listen in to learn how Ilise turns them into a practical plan.
Episode summaryIlise BenunFounder of Marketing-Mentor, Ilise coaches ‘the creatively self-employed’ to earn what their talent deserves. A HOW Design Live programme curator, conference speaker and host of more than 300 podcast episodes, she specialises in turning marketing from dreaded chore into rewarding habit.
Big ideas in this conversation- Bat-signal content – create material that lights up the exact clients you seek and nobody else.
- Three-tool toolkit – strategic networking, targeted outreach and pain-point content work best in concert.
- Marketing is creative work – apply the same curiosity and experimentation you use in the studio.
Advice worth hearing in full- Commit 30 minutes a day – make business development a non-negotiable creative practice.
- Let the market speak first – identify the clients who value you most, then tailor your message to them.
- Use generosity & curiosity – ask smart questions, share useful insights, and trust that visibility will follow.
Where next?Explore Ilise’s free Quick Tips, her downloadable Marketing Planner and details of one-to-one mentoring at marketing-mentor.com.
About The 21st Century Creative podcastHosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post Bat-Signal Marketing for Creatives with Ilise Benun appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
Click the icon below to listen.1 hr - What’s Your Excuse for Not Succeeding as a Creative? with Deborah Henry-Pollard
However talented we are, most of us can recite a personal anthology of reasons why our artistic dreams must wait until ‘someday’. Creative coach Deborah Henry-Pollard has heard them all – and written the field-guide to dismantling them.
In this lively episode the London-based author of What’s Your Excuse for Not Succeeding as an Artist? explains why excuses feel protective yet keep us small, and shares practical ways to turn fear into forward momentum.
‘I wanted the book to be a hug on a shelf’ – listen to hear Deborah’s no-nonsense compassion in action.
Episode summaryDeborah Henry-PollardDeborah is the founder of Catching Fireworks, a coaching practice dedicated to helping creatives turn big ideas into finished work. Her clients range from West End theatre companies to independent artists and writers. In her debut book she lists the most common self-sabotaging stories – then offers quick, coach-tested antidotes for each one.
Big ideas in this conversation- Excuses are over-protective friends – they arise to keep us safe, but ultimately fence us in.
- Confidence is renewable – a personal ‘success list’ can reboot self-belief on demand.
- Success is self-defined – knowing what achievement looks and feels like to you is a daily compass, not a distant milestone.
Advice worth hearing in full- Create an anchor – a physical object or phrase that drops you instantly into your ‘bigger self’ before pitches, launches or shows.
- Compile a ten-item confidence list – record wins large and small; revisit it whenever ‘not good enough’ strikes.
- Reframe self-promotion – sharing work isn’t indulgent, it’s a public service: ‘Your country needs you!’
Where next?Dive into more excuse-busting tips, coaching options and Deborah’s tango-inspired short film at CatchingFireworks.co.uk.
About The 21st Century Creative podcastHosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post What’s Your Excuse for Not Succeeding as a Creative? with Deborah Henry-Pollard appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
Click the icon below to listen.1 hr 10 min - The Freelance Way with Robert Vlach
What does it really take to thrive as a one-person business? Czech business consultant Robert Vlach has spent two decades answering that question for thousands of independent professionals across Europe.
In this conversation Robert draws on his bestselling manual The Freelance Way and his experience founding one of Europe’s largest freelance communities to share battle-tested advice on money, pricing and reputation management – the essentials he believes every creative needs to master.
‘Freelancing is a way to do business on an individual level without big capital or huge risks’ – listen in for Robert’s roadmap to sustainable independence.
Episode summaryRobert VlachRobert is the founder of Na Volné Noze, a 150,000-strong network of Czech and Slovak freelancers, and runs a Prague-based think-tank exploring the future of independent work. His English-language book The Freelance Way distils interviews with hundreds of freelancers, plus insights from thought-leaders such as David Allen and Austin Kleon, into a practical playbook for anyone who works for themselves.
Robert’s own journey – from burnt-out coder to vineyard hand to consultant – fuels a pragmatic approach: freedom is the prize, but solid business systems are the price of admission.
Big ideas in this conversation- You are your capital – skills, reputation and networks replace factories and funding.
- Price is a signalling device – raising rates filters clients and pushes you to raise your game.
- Finance is self-management – cash-flow tracking and reserves turn feast-and-famine into stability.
Advice worth hearing in full- Record every penny – monthly income and spending data reveal patterns (and anxieties) at a glance.
- Adjust rates several times a year – stay aligned with demand, capacity and growing expertise.
- Craft a coherent story – a clear narrative of your career helps others spread your ‘good name’.
Where next?Explore the book, download free resources or contact Robert for consulting at FreelanceWay.eu – the hub for tools, strategies and community events built around The Freelance Way.
About The 21st Century Creative podcastHosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post The Freelance Way with Robert Vlach appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
Click the icon below to listen.1 hr 19 min - The Essential Elements of a Successful Story with Erik Bork
What separates the handful of screenplays that spark bidding wars from the mountain of scripts that never leave the slush pile? Two-time Emmy-winning writer–producer Erik Bork argues it all starts with one thing: the core idea.
In this episode Erik – whose credits include HBO’s Band of Brothers and From the Earth to the Moon – explains the seven-part test he uses to decide whether a story concept is truly worth months (or years) of drafting.
‘If the writer doesn’t start with a rock-solid idea, they’re building a house on sand’ – listen for Erik’s blueprint for the foundations of success.
Episode summaryErik BorkErik is an award-winning screenwriter, producer and script consultant best known for helping Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg turn epic true stories into acclaimed HBO mini-series. His book The Idea distils decades of industry experience into a practical checklist that shows writers – for screen, stage or page – how to tell at a glance whether their concept could capture a mass audience.
In this conversation Erik recalls breaking into Hollywood from an assistant’s desk, writing under the pressure of multi-million-dollar productions and why he now believes 60 per cent of a project’s success is decided before you outline a single scene.
Big ideas in this conversation- The 60/30/10 rule – why the logline matters more than structure or dialogue.
- Seven tests of a viable story – a PROBLEM must be Punishing, Relatable, Original, Believable, Life-altering, Entertaining and Meaningful.
- Iterate before you write – refining the premise saves months of futile drafting.
- Borrow and twist – how to generate fresh concepts by tweaking one element of a favourite classic.
Advice worth hearing in full- Slow down at the start – spend more time thinking, less time typing.
- Pitch early, pitch often – test the temperature of your idea with trusted readers before diving into pages.
- Emotional stakes are king – audiences invest when a dilemma feels life-changing.
Where next?Pick up The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage or Fiction on Amazon, read Erik’s blog and explore his coaching services at FlyingWrestler.com.
About The 21st Century Creative podcastHosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post The Essential Elements of a Successful Story with Erik Bork appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
Click the icon below to listen.1 hr 8 min - Mindful Drumming with Maria Bovin de Labbé
Drummer and composer Maria Bovin de Labbé swapped Stockholm’s rock clubs for a quiet Norwegian peninsula, where she explores rhythm as meditation rather than machismo.
Her ‘mindful drumming’ blends frame drums, clay darbuka and classic kit work into melodic soundscapes that invite listeners to breathe, slow down and feel every beat.
‘When I first sat behind a drum kit it felt like coming home’ – join Maria to hear how that moment sparked a lifelong journey into mindful rhythm.
Episode summaryMaria Bovin de LabbéMaria is a Swedish drummer, artist and teacher whose ‘mindful drumming’ prioritises presence, lightness and melody over volume and speed. Trained in styles ranging from hard rock to Middle-Eastern hand drums, she now performs solo, with her trio Sweet Like Time and at intimate events, using rhythm to create contemplative space.
In this interview she explains how drumming aided her recovery from anorexia, why silence is as important as sound and what she learned by drumming with pregnant women for a music-therapy research project.
Big ideas in this conversation- Mindful drumming – connecting body, mind and spirit through rhythm rather than raw power.
- Silence as music – spacious pauses give each beat its emotional weight.
- Art as healing – the drum became Maria’s refuge during illness and stillness remains central to her practice.
- Finding your own voice – abandoning ‘play like a guy’ expectations unlocked her distinctive melodic style.
Advice worth hearing in full- Practise awareness first – notice your intentions before you strike a note.
- Drop the wrong battles – work on weaknesses that matter, let go of those that do not suit your nature.
- Anchor creativity in the body – listening to your heartbeat is a daily reminder of rhythm at its most fundamental.
Where next?Experience more of Maria’s music, videos and teaching at BovinDeLabbe.com, and follow her rhythmic experiments on Instagram or YouTube.
About The 21st Century Creative podcastHosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post Mindful Drumming with Maria Bovin de Labbé appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
Click the icon below to listen.58 min - Peleg Top on Fear, Love, Money and Creativity
Peleg Top built a thriving Los Angeles design agency creating album covers for the likes of Capitol Records – then walked away to discover what success really means.
In this conversation he traces a journey from graphic designer to globetrotting seeker, artist and coach, sharing hard-won insights into fear, love, money and the creative spirit.
‘We only have two choices – we can come from fear or we can come from love’ – hear why that distinction matters for every creator in this episode.
Episode summaryPeleg TopPeleg Top is an Israeli-born artist, writer and speaker who spent eighteen years running Top Design, producing more than two hundred album covers and branding for The Grammy Awards and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Hitting every external marker of success, he realised fulfilment was still missing and embarked on a decade-long exploration of personal growth, spirituality and creativity.
Today he lives in Santa Fe, painters’ apron on one day, coaching hat on the next, guiding creative professionals to balance prosperity with self-awareness and to lead from love rather than fear.
Big ideas in this conversation- Fear versus love – every decision comes from one or the other; only love unlocks real creativity.
- The ladder on the wrong wall – outward success can conceal deep misalignment until we pause to look inside.
- Money as creative energy – financial freedom arises when you trust your ability to create value and serve.
- Pure service – moving from pleasing clients to truly serving them transforms both relationships and revenue.
Advice worth hearing in full- Slow the dial – practise daily self-observation to notice whether fear is steering the wheel.
- Give to receive – cultivate abundance by intentionally giving money away with joy, as in Peleg’s Creative Challenge.
- Nourish the free-spirit – engage in non-commercial play (for Peleg it was culinary school) to reignite artistic fire.
Where next?See Peleg’s latest artwork at ArtbyTop.com, follow his creative adventures on Instagram or explore coaching opportunities at PelegTop.com.
About The 21st Century Creative podcastHosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post Peleg Top on Fear, Love, Money and Creativity appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
Click the icon below to listen.1 hr 24 min - Good Little Wolf and Other Stories with Nadia Shireen
From a kitchen-table sketchbook to bestseller status, children’s author-illustrator Nadia Shireen has turned playful doodles into stories that families read on repeat.
In this episode Nadia opens her toolbox – revealing why a strict 32-page format, a perfectly timed page-turn and the odd shocking punchline are all part of the magic of a picture book.
‘I’m on the side of my reader before anyone else. I am on the kids’ side.’ – listen to discover what that means for every page.’
Episode summaryNadia ShireenNadia Shireen is an award-winning British children’s author and illustrator whose hit titles include Good Little Wolf, The Bumblebear, The Cow Who Fell to Earth and the bestselling Billy series. Her bold artwork, mischievous humour and refusal to patronise young readers have earned her a devoted following among children, parents and booksellers alike.
In conversation with Mark McGuinness, Nadia explains how she balances words and pictures, respects the emotional intelligence of her audience and squeezes maximum impact from every spread.
Big ideas in this conversation- Two stories at once – text and image should complement, not duplicate, opening a ‘gap’ the reader joyfully fills.
- The 32-page constraint – a fixed length forces clarity, pace and inventive page-turns.
- Respecting children’s feelings – young readers can handle surprise, tension and nuance if you trust them.
- Pacing through design – intricate artwork slows the reader; white space accelerates action.
- Self-amusement keeps the work fresh – in-jokes (a Bowie-inspired cow, for instance) sustain creative joy.
Advice worth hearing in full- Research your market – know whether you’re writing a picture book, middle-grade or YA before you pitch.
- Use limits as levers – constraints such as page count or trim size can spark originality instead of stifling it.
- Re-discover play – spend 30 minutes doodling with no goal to loosen up a tense creative mind.
Where next?Explore more of Nadia’s work at nadiashireen.org, follow her lively commentary on Twitter or browse limited-edition prints in her Etsy shop.
About The 21st Century Creative podcastHosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post Good Little Wolf and Other Stories with Nadia Shireen appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
Click the icon below to listen.59 min - What Creators Can Learn from Adventurers with Alastair Humphreys
What can a life of cycling round the world, rowing the Atlantic and busking penniless across Spain teach you about your own creative journey? British adventurer Alastair Humphreys has plenty of answers – and they’re as practical as they are inspiring.
In this episode Alastair joins Mark McGuinness to explore the surprising overlap between epic expeditions and artistic ambition, from conquering impostor syndrome to squeezing big dreams into the margins of a busy family life.
‘Replace ‘can’t’ with ‘choose not to’ and see where that takes your thought process’ – join the episode to discover how.
Episode summaryAlastair HumphreysNamed National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Alastair has cycled 46,000 miles through 60 countries, rowed an ocean, trekked deserts and pioneered the global ‘microadventure’ movement. His latest book My Midsummer Morning chronicles a month-long journey across Spain with no money, relying on a beginner’s violin to earn each meal – a feat that reframes adventure as a state of mind rather than a postcode on a map.
Big ideas in this conversation- Microadventures – short, local escapades that deliver the thrill of exploration without the airfare.
- Rewriting excuses – swap ‘I can’t’ for ‘I choose not to’ to expose self-imposed limits.
- The inner journey – why the mental game of adventure mirrors the creative process, from fear to flow.
- Five-to-nine thinking – carving out 16 off-duty hours for bold experiments when the nine-to-five feels immovable.
Advice worth hearing in full- Begin before you’re ready – the first pedal-stroke or sentence is harder than the next ten miles or pages.
- Make constraints your ally – time and money limits can spark ingenuity rather than kill ambition.
- Go public for accountability – sharing work (or a wobbly violin recital) raises the stakes and the learning curve.
Where next?Pick up Alastair’s latest book, explore his website for microadventure ideas, or follow his day-to-day escapades on Instagram and YouTube.
About The 21st Century Creative podcastHosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post What Creators Can Learn from Adventurers with Alastair Humphreys appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
Click the icon below to listen.1 hr 15 min
About The 21st Century Creative
From the publisher's feed
Poet and creative coach Mark McGuinness shares insights to help you thrive as a 21st Century Creative. He also interviews leading creators in the arts and creative industries. Every guest sets you a…
Creative Challenge based on the theme of the interview.
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