The Creative Rising

What are you doing here? It’s a big, scary question to discuss with visual artist and proud Atlanta native Shanequa Gay. As a painter, poet, storyteller, and justice advocate, she has worked through the intimidating process to discover her true purpose. Believing the journey is well worth taking, she shares her story and perspective on how to relentlessly pursue your purpose.

• For more on Shanequa Gay visit: www.ShanequaGay.com
• Special thanks to Matchstic: www.Matchstic.com
• Hosted and produced by Blake Howard
• Editing by Michael Engelking 
• Illustration by Rachel Eleanor www.rachel-eleanor.com

If the work from home walls are closing in, this episode will give you room to breathe. Host Blake Howard sits down with entrepreneur and developer Steve Nygren to unpack how our physical spaces have the potential to impact and inspire. From a famed Atlanta restaurant to an entire community built with intention, Nygren’s creations put a premium on community-building, art and human interaction.

• For more on Steve Nygren and Serenbe visit: www.serenbe.com
• Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com
• Hosted and produced by Blake Howard
• Intermission music & editing by Michael Engelking 

Anyone else getting stir crazy with the Covid-19 pandemic knocking on the global door? Yeah, us too. In this episode, host Blake Howard talks remotely with Dr. Jerome Lubbe, a functional neurologist and brain expert, on how to best cope with our changing world and still do creative work. 

• For more on Dr. Liubbe visit: www.thriveneuro.com
• Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com
• Hosted and produced by Blake Howard
• Editing by Michael Engelking 

***SPECIAL OFFER FROM DR. JEROME*** Free video series on "NeuroTheology of Self-Care" — https://www.thriveneurotheology.com/offers/zqrGEFA2/checkout

Andy Mineo is a certified gold hip hop artist and producer known for sold-out shows and honest lyrics. His story didn't start with a half million followers on Spotify. It started with humble beginnings and a relentless drive to master his craft. 

• For more on Andy Mineo visit: www.andymineo.com
• Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com
• Hosted and produced by Blake Howard
• Intermission music & editing by Michael Engelking 

A story has the power to change everything. It gives us understanding and perspective. Whether trying to put out fires or stay inspired, a deeper understanding of another’s perspective is the secret to sustaining a fulfilling creative career. This season on The Creative Rising we dive deeper into the cultural, social, and physical environments surrounding some incredible artists, designers, and creative leaders. The new season launches March 17th with hip hop artist and producer Andy Mineo as we talk about resiliency and advantage of restraints. 

• Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com
• Hosted and produced by Blake Howard 
• Editing by Michael Engelking

For a season 2 bonus, we are flipping the script and reposting a conversation from the Accidental Creative podcast with Todd Henry and our host, Blake Howard, as his guest. This is a chance to hear more about Blake's perspective on building brands, trends, life chaos and attempting to manage it all. 

• For more on the Todd Henry's Herding Tigers creative leadership workshop hosted at Matchstic on Nov. 8 visit accidentalcreative.com/atlanta 
• Get $50 off registration with promo code RISER 
• Special thanks to Matchstic: matchstic.com
• Leave us a review on Apple podcasts!  

How do you keep going and push yourself after years of creating on the job? We talk with contemporary street artist Greg Mike. Although he calls Atlanta home, Greg has painted hundreds of murals around the world — from the Swiss Alps to Venice Beach — and has built a strong following in the process. After years of hustling, grinding and creating, what keeps Greg Mike inspired, challenged and fulfilled? Find out in this episode. 

• For more on Greg Mike visit: www.gregmike.com
• Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com
• Hosted and produced by Blake Howard
• Intermission music & editing by Michael Engelking 
• Herding Tigers workshop with Todd Henry, register here: http://accidentalcreative.com/atlanta, use promo code "RISER" for $50 off. 
• We would love your feedback on how to make the show better: www.theCreativeRising.com/survey

How does the design community’s lack of diversity limit our collective creativity? How does privilege play into who gets hired? We go deep in the latest episode of The Creative Rising, unpacking diversity in design with writer, scholar and social entrepreneur Bethaney Bree Wilkinson, leader of The Diversity Gap project and director of programming at Plywood People. 

• For more on Bethaney Wilkinson and The Diversity Project visit: www.thediversitygap.com
• Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com
• Hosted and produced by Blake Howard
• Intermission music & editing by Michael Engelking 
• Have an idea for an episode? Leave us a comment on iTunes and let us know! 
• Give us your feedback! www.theCreativeRising.com/survey

“Vibe,” “values,” “vision” — call it what you will, but culture is an important component at any company. It's also a vague catchall term than can be confusing. Speaking with Gene Lee, Mailchimp’s SVP of Customer Experience and Design, we explore what culture means and how it filters into every aspect of the creative process.

• For more on Gene Lee visit: www.mailchimp.com/design
• Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com
• Hosted and produced by Blake Howard
• Intermission music & editing by Michael Engelking 
• Have an idea for an episode? Leave us a comment on iTunes and let us know! 
• Give us your feedback! www.theCreativeRising.com/survey

Which is better, having a “dream job” or chasing your dream? For many creatives, that’s the eternal question. In this episode of The Creative Rising, we talk with David Tann, former creative director of the Atlanta Hawks, who took a leap to strike out on his own, despite having a coveted creative role. 

• For more on David Tann visit: www.tantrumagency.com
• Special thanks to Matchstic: www.matchstic.com
• Hosted and produced by Blake Howard
• Intermission music & editing by Michael Engelking 
• Have an idea for an episode? Leave us a comment on iTunes and let us know! 
• For more on The Creative Rising visit: www.theCreativeRising.com