Richard Tyler on Embracing Creativity and Overcoming Adversity
This is the second of three bonus episodes in the Summer Authors Special where Nikki Vallance talks to 3 talented and insightful writers as they dig into their inspirational stories and discuss the new books they have written.
In this episode of "The Creative Switch," host Nikki Vallance delves into the transformative power of creativity with guest Richard Tyler. Richard, a former West End star turned psychotherapist and author, shares his journey from the heights of musical theatre to the depths of battling stage four lymphoma. He discusses the importance of creativity in his life, how it has helped him navigate severe anxiety and cancer, and the therapeutic process of writing his new book, "As a Kite Falls." The conversation explores the essence of creativity, the societal pressures that stifle it, and the need for spaciousness and self-expression. Richard's story is a testament to resilience and the healing power of creative pursuits.
Richard Bio
Richard Tyler is a multifaceted individual: a dad, husband, musician, actor, writer, psychotherapist, and coach. He has transitioned from leading roles in iconic West End productions like Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables to becoming a significant figure in the personal development industry. Richard's latest creative project is his book "As a Kite Falls," which explores his journey through cancer and the profound lessons learned along the way.
TRIGGER WARNING Episode covers topics such as severe anxiety and cancer and has an open, frank and moving discussion which contains some swearing.
Episode Highlights
- [01:56] - The Edge
- Nikki shares up-to-date creative news and views, including a discussion on the benefits of failure and how to reframe it as a earning opportunity.
- Highlights from Tom May's article on failure and Elizabeth Gilbert's book"Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear."
- [05:20] - Richard's Background and Creative Journey
- Richard shares his diverse roles and recent move from London to Wiltshire.
- Discussion on the challenge of defining oneself as a creative.
- [06:52] - Defining Creativity
- Richard explores the distinction between being a creative and doing creative things.
- Creativity as self-expression and soul expression.
- The importance of attunement and balancing heart and head in creativity.
- [17:02] - Early Influences and Career in Theatre
- Richard's early inspiration from a performance of Barnum at the London Palladium.
- His journey from amateur dramatics to leading roles in major West End productions.
- Transition from feeling creatively fulfilled to experiencing performance anxiety and burnout.
- [29:09] - Transition to Personal Development and Psychotherapy
- Richard's shift from theatre to working in leadership development and executive coaching.
- Incorporating music and theatre into corporate training.
- Training as a psychotherapist and focusing on one-to-one work.
- [46:35] - Impact of Cancer Diagnosis
- Richard's stage four lymphoma diagnosis and its profound impact on his life.
- The role of writing and haiku in processing his experience and emotions.
- The concept of "descent" and its importance alongside "ascent" in personal growth.
- [57:28] - Richard's Book: "As a Kite Falls"
- The book's inspiration and structure, including haiku and contextual
narratives.
- Themes of spaciousness, creativity, and the balance of ascent and descent.
- Publication details: Launch on 27th June, with pre-order bonuses available.
- [59:34] - Creative Adventures and Visibility
- Nikki shares advice from previous guests Nadine Benjamin and Andrew Scheck on getting visible and staying inspired.
- Nikki's own experiences attending events and exhibitions to expand her network and boost her creativity.
Four Creative Nuggets
"Creativity is about soul expression, reconnecting with our deepest self."- RT
"Creativity is a way of expressing our pain, our trauma, our loss, and our grief." RT
"We need to be more like jazz instrumentalists, improvising and creating space between the notes in life."-RT
"In order to live a full life, we must embrace both ascent and descent." - RT
Links
Richard
https://thewillowtreefoundation.com/
https://btfileadership.com/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/As-Kite-Falls-Through-Descent/dp/1800132689/
https://www.facebook.com/RichardTylerBTFI/
The Edge
How to embrace failure and turn it into a creative superpower | Creative Boom
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/B012Y8IXNG/
Creative Adventures
Nadine Benjamin Episode
Andrew Szczech Episode
Nikki
https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/
https://www.nikkivallance.com/join-creative-switch-community/
https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/
https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/
Afflliate Links
Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53
Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq
Listen in next time and hear from one of my favourite authors the Sunday Times Best seller, Ruth Hogan as she generously shares great insights into her life, work and creative process. Oh and there might be a little surprise thrown in too!
And remember, why survive when you can thrive?
