The Creative Shift with Dan Blank

Today I talk to author Jenny Blake about how to navigate change and uncertainty. Her book, Pivot, The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, showcases her process for this, but our chat goes deeper. When everything shut down in March, her entire speaking and workshop business got “wiped out.” This is an honest … Continue reading "“What Can I Create?” The Powerful Question to Navigate Change, with Jenny Blake"

How can you launch a book in a constantly changing world? Author Leigh Stein is finding out. She has been focusing on what she can control, remixing strategic plans, and devising new ideas filled with creativity and connection. We dig into it all in today’s conversation. This interview is part 2 of my book launch … Continue reading "Focus on What You Can Control. A Book Launch Case Study with Leigh Stein"

In today’s episode, I speak with Shannon Connery, PhD about how many writers and artists give away their power to create and share. We dig into the narratives that tend to limit our potential, leaving us with excuses instead of creative actions. Shannon shares several stories to illustrate the point, digs into the psychology of … Continue reading "Giving Away Your Creative Power (and How To Get It Back), With Shannon Connery, PhD"

So many writers and artists I speak with regularly reassess the path they are on with creating, publishing, and sharing their work. They ask a version of “Why bother?” Today, author Jennifer Louden shares two incredibly useful resources with us. The first is to take us through her new book, Why Bother?: Discover the Desire … Continue reading "The “Why Bother?” Book Launch, With Jennifer Louden"

I’ve known author Kevin Smokler for years. Recently, he did something astounding: he helped create an amazing documentary film called Vinyl Nation. In today’s episode, I chat with Kevin about how he took that left turn creatively, and his advice for collaboration with people you admire. We also dig into the topic of the film: … Continue reading "Embracing Vinyl Records in a Digital Age, with Kevin Smokler"

So many writers and artists I speak with struggle to deal with anxiety. This is especially true when one also earns all or part of their income through their creative work. Today I chat with artist Jay Alders about how he manages the mental health side of working as a full-time artist, raising a young … Continue reading "Anxiety, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship, With Artist Jay Alders"

So many writers and artist struggle to consider how they can best market what they create. How they can develop a fanbase that leads to a sense of fulfillment and sales. I invited Tad Hargrave onto the podcast to have a candid conversation about marketing — what works, what doesn’t, and why so many of … Continue reading "A Radically Honest Conversation on Marketing, with Tad Hargrave"

I’ve been asking Betsy Brockett if I could interview her for awhile now. She finally said yes. What she shared in our interview was her journey not just to create, but to find who she is. The themes that we explore about Betsy’s journey align to what so many writers and artist struggle with. What … Continue reading "“Where is the real authentic me? Because she got lost somewhere along the way.” The Rewilding of Betsy Brockett"

Tony Bonds just took a big creative leap. He left his day job in order to do his creative business full-time, to double-down on his dream. I recorded my interview with him via online video, from his new office. That would be his garage, complete with messy shelves, exposed pipes, and baby carriages hanging from … Continue reading "“At least it’s my own desk, in my own garage.” The Creative Shift of Tony Bonds"

This week I’m considering how you can help others experience the transformation that your writing and art promises. All of us seem to be in the midst of a creative shift, whether we intended it or not. What is inspiring me this week are those who are reaching out to share, to connect, and to … Continue reading "The Transformation Your Writing and Art Promises"