The Creative Muscle

Jordan Critz is an award-winning composer and producer whose work has been featured on film and television including National Geographic, Disney, Apple and so much more. His uncompromised sincerity as an artist has Critz often taking time from writing commercial so he can self-release more personal projects. This interview cuts deep with The Creative Muscle co-hosts as Critz talks about seasons of creativity, how life outside of work should be a catalyst for art, and the deep hole of judging your life by everyone else’s highlight reel.

Song Excerpt: Jordan Critz "Polaris" from 2016 album "Parcel & Sky"

When Gregg Latterman was 10 years old, his father came home one day to find him on the phone with a famous Green Bay Packer whom he had cold called. Thus began Latterman's career of fearlessly reaching out to people who inspired him, eventually signing to his own joint Columbia Records label the likes of John Mayer, Train, Five for Fighting, and Mat Kearney. He has directed the careers of artists such as Brandi Carlile, The Fray, Michelle Branch, Liz Phair, and Jack's Mannequin. He spoke to The Creative Muscle about the value of hard work, talent, and character. Take a listen to learn about the importance of social media, the requirement of a local following before global recognition, and why Mayer's "Daughters" was never supposed to be a single.

It's 2018, and we're back with a special episode on New Beginnings! Featuring three mini-interviews with people who are using creativity to move forward through grief and turn their trauma into something beautiful. You'll hear from a former Bhutanese refugee, an 18-year-old who started his own non-profit, and a young widow using art to process her tragedy. Take a listen to start your year off right with stories of forging ahead, making a difference, and choosing gratitude.

To close out 2017, we take a look back at some of the best moments, most insightful quotes, and favorite lessons learned throughout this exciting year of interviewing a diverse array of creative professionals across multiple disciplines and platforms. Jeni Britton Bauer reveals the surprising power of in-the-box thinking, Seth Godin tells us that reassurance is futile, Ainsley Arment reminds us to keep our sense of wonder alive, Heather Headley emphasizes the importance of love, and so much more! Featuring a full length, Creative Muscle-inspired song by Praytell. 2017, you've been a stunner! [heart eyes emoji]

Pull up a chair at the Creative Muscle holiday table to get your yuletide fill of stories, laughter, live performances, and cookies! Well, you might be on your own for the cookies, but we've got the rest covered. You won't want to miss the hosts recalling old traditions, revealing holiday fails, recounting Christmas creativity, and reflecting on our fourth element of the creative life: You Are What You Give.

Audrey Assad is the daughter of a Syrian refugee, an author, speaker, producer, and critically lauded songwriter and musician. She releases music she calls "soundtracks for prayer" on the label Fortunate Fall Records, which she co-owns with her husband. She is also one half of the pop duo LEVV, whose debut EP peaked at #17 on the iTunes Alternative chart. In her interview with The Creative Muscle, she discusses the relationship between art and commerce, faith and doubt, trauma and the body, sexism in the music industry, catharsis, and the discipline of stillness.

How do you take something old and update it, re-frame and re-present it to a new audience in a fresh and engaging way? What if the thing in question is considered sacred? Should you even touch it? For the past 20 years, this week's guest, JQ, and his brother, GQ, have been translating classic plays into modern contexts while staying true to the original stories. The Q Brothers' hip hop "ad-RAP-tations" of Shakespeare have played all over the world -- from the Globe Theatre in London to the United Arab Emirates to Cook County Jail. We can't wait for you to hear JQ's reflections on working with institutions, side hustles, and the power of generosity. Take a listen!

Marc Malnati is the son of Chicago pizza legend Lou Malnati and the current chairman of the board of the Malnati Organization. When his father passed away in 1978, Marc stepped into a leading role in the family business, growing the operation from 3 stores to 45. But there were some difficult choices to make along the way. Marc shares stories of failure and recovery, the importance of always learning, resilience, and adapting to change in America's food culture. He also shares an interpersonal conflict-management strategy we think everyone should adopt in their own lives: "The 24-Hour Rule." Take a listen to learn more!

This week we bring you a special live episode recorded at Soho House and broadcasted on Chicago 105.5 FM as part of their Pop-Up Radio program. The Creative Muscle Crew returns to the very place where the dream for this podcast was born, reviewing the four creative elements, recalling lessons learned along the way, and highlighting our favorite moments from guest interviews so far. It's a great opportunity to brush up your knowledge of the four main principles that frame all our discussions and interviews. Check it out!

What do Backstreet Boys, Martina McBride, The Jonas Brothers, LeAnn Rimes, Nick Lachey and Clay Aiken have in common? They have all recorded songs written by this week's guest, Jess Cates. He tells us about managing inputs and outputs, self-care, quantity vs. quality, and why you should have a graveyard of completed work. If you want to know what that means, take a listen!