The Creative Switch

What if your creativity isn’t blocked—but waiting for better support?

In this Season 3 finale, I reflect on the conditions that have emerged across the season as essential for creative living, and why support so often makes the difference when creativity feels sidelined.

Creativity coach Helena Holrick helps me explore practical ways of supporting your creativity, from making a small, intentional space to recognising when pushing harder isn’t the answer.

And I share an exciting new way to find the right kind of creative support when you need it most.

Guest Bio:

Helena Holrick is a coach, mentor, and facilitator who supports creative individuals, entrepreneurs and business leaders to grow with clarity, confidence, and integrity.

She is the founder of Helping You Shine, a practice established in 2011 to help people stop hiding, honour their talents, and build success in ways that feel sustainable and true. Helena works with individuals who are often capable and experienced yet find themselves at a point of transition — questioning how they want to work, lead, and live next.

With over 30 years’ experience across organisational development, leadership, and entrepreneurship, Helena brings a rare blend of strategic thinking and deep human insight. She has trained and facilitated thousands of people across diverse organisations and coached hundreds of entrepreneurs, speakers, and thought leaders. Her work is known for being both spacious and practical: conversations don’t stay theoretical, they lead to grounded decisions, next steps, and real accountability.

Helena is trained in a wide range of tools and models including Clean Language, NLP, and Strategy on a Page, and she is an ILM Level 7 qualified Master Coach. She is particularly sought out by people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or at the end of their tether, and who want support that goes beyond strategy alone.

She is the creator of The SHINE Effect — a practical framework centred on five core needs: Safe, Happy, Inspired, Needed, and Expressed. Through this work, Helena helps people redefine success so it is manageable, meaningful, and genuinely life-enhancing.

Alongside her coaching and facilitation work, Helena hosts the Fire Up & Feel Alive Hub, a community and resource space for those who want to grow with intention, creativity, and care, in a safe, expansive environment where they can flourish.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

Chapters:

00:16 - Closing Reflections on Season Three

07:13 - Exploring the Theme of Support in Creativity

16:02 - Embracing Creativity: Overcoming Excuses and Finding Time

21:46 - Creating a Rhythm for Creativity

26:05 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Permission Issues

30:53 - The Nature of Creativity and Support

37:50 - Exploring Creativity and AI Collaboration

44:18 - Creative Pit Crew and Supporting Your Creative Journey

Four Creative Nuggets:

“The chances are that you’ve forgotten how to be excited.”

— Helena Holrick

“The trick is to make a 20‑minute date with yourself.”

— Helena Holrick

“If everyone else is allowed, why aren’t you?”

— Helena Holrick

“You put all the gremlin thoughts in the bag and you just go, I can revisit those in a minute.”

— Helena Holrick

Links:

Helena

https://www.helpingyoushine.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenaholrick/

https://www.instagram.com/helenaholrick/

Nikki Vallance

The Bold Types on Substack

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.nikkivallance.com/

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

The Hidden Cost of Not Starting Over: 3 Hard Truths from a Surgeon-Turned-Creative

What happens when a paediatric trauma surgeon dares to leave it all behind in search of a more authentic, creative life? In this episode boldness takes centre stage as Louise Morris shares the harsh realities of embracing radical change. The conversation explores the emotional toll of staying in a hard earned but unsustainable role, the paralysing perfectionism, and the sacrifices required to step away from external validation.

Through Louise's candid reflections, you are invited to consider the risks and rewards of forging a new path, discovering that genuine fulfilment demands a whole lot of courage to start over.

Louise Morris Bio:

Louise is a poet, storyteller, educator, craft-dabbler and community-gatherer who used to be a consultant paediatric, neonatal, and trauma surgeon. After 18 years in the NHS caring for children and families, she now writes full-time, with a focus on decision-making, career transition, feminist leadership, and everyday joy. Alongside her writing, she is developing a portfolio of work that includes reflective writing circles for clinicians, strategic support for women in leadership, and in-person gatherings for creatives seeking deeper connection. Louise lives in rural Nottinghamshire with her husband and two young children, and serves as a non-executive director at Lemon Jelly Press CIC, a small independent publisher with a mission to amplify unheard voices.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

1. 02:49 - The Edge
2. 00:18 - Reconnecting with Creativity
3. 06:21 - The Courage to Create: Louise's Journey
4. 13:14 - Exploring Creativity and Career Paths
5. 19:37 - Rediscovering Creativity Through Writing
6. 24:23 - The Art of Decision Making in Surgery
7. 31:45 - The Human Connection in Medicine
8. 33:48 - Finding Connection in a New World
9. 37:00 - The Journey of Fitting In
10. 44:11 - Navigating Change and Embracing Creativity
11. 45:03 - Creative Adventures - going back to singing

Four Creative Nuggets:

“When that fixed term post ended last July, I made a decision not to apply for any more jobs and I came home to my children.” — Louise Morris

“There was a little bit of me thinking, now that I'm finished training and I've ticked off all the boxes I had to tick to get to here, is this it? Is this my life for the next 20 years?” — Louise Morris

Talking about not taking up a permanent role. “My goodness, it's been such a gift not doing that. I feel like I've woken up to Mary Oliver's one wild and precious life.” — Louise Morris

In a high pressure, high commitment career, “You don’t have space to think about who you are and what you want… You don’t have that time to breathe.” — Louise Morris

Links:

Louise Morris

https://lulamorris.substack.com/

https://livestack.substack.com/

The Edge

https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/burnout-belief-reforming-the-nhs

https://www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk/site-content/young-people-get-insight-into-creative-jobs-in-discover-creative-careers-initiative

Creative Adventures

Episode mentioned: Caroline Pearce

Nikki Vallance

About my career switches

The Bold Types on Substack

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.nikkivallance.com/

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

How Xenia Davis Created Space for Creativity And Why You Can Too

What if the real secret to creative transformation lies not in doing more, but in allowing yourself the space to say yes? In this episode, Xenia Davis shares how stepping back from rigid plans and inviting spaciousness into her life led her from self-doubt to a thriving career as a community song leader. Through her story, you’ll discover how making room for possibility—emotionally and practically—can open the doors to confidence, community, and joy, even in the face of uncertainty.

Guest Bio:

Xenia Davis is an experienced song leader and workshop facilitator with a passion for bringing people from all walks of life together to sing in harmony. She uses her warm and inclusive style to create playful and supportive spaces for people of all levels of experience to explore their voices and enjoy singing together.

Xenia is a member of the Natural Voice Network and strongly believes that everyone can sing and should have opportunities to do so. Her teaching style reflects this inclusive approach. She teaches everything by ear, so it doesn’t matter whether or not you have previously learnt to read music.

Xenia currently runs 4 regular community choirs across south London (Sydenham, Catford, Peckham and Streatham), and works with over 180 singers a week. Her choirs have performed at a wide range of events from supporting local community fairs to performances at venues including the Southbank Centre, Southwark Cathedral and Lambeth Country Show, as well as occasional singing flashmobs. In addition to this she has led singing at Stonehenge as part of the winter and summer solstice celebrations, organises highly popular residential singing retreats, and runs workshops at workplaces, weddings, festivals and community events.

Her earliest musical memories are of dancing round the living room aged 3 in Mozambique, where she was living at the time, to gorgeous harmonies from the South African musical Ipi Ntombi. She has been singing for as long as she can remember, and can also (rustily!) play clarinet, piano and guitar. Aside from music, her background is in youth and community work, social action, participation, and training and facilitation.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

1. 02:03 - Creative News in The Edge
2. 06:22 - Introduction to Xenia Davis: Embracing Community Singing
3. 10:42 - The Turning Point: Embracing a New Passion
4. 22:03 - Exploring the Essence of Creativity
5. 29:44 - The Importance of Overcoming Self-Judgment
6. 34:16 - The Value of Creativity in Education
7. 40:54 - Exploring Creative Connections through Singing
8. 45:56 - Creating Space for Creativity
9. 46:44 - Creative Adventures

Four Creative Nuggets:

“Together we can make a sound that we can’t make on our own." — Xenia Davis

"I’ve got a bit more spare time in the day to start thinking about what could I do.” — Xenia Davis

“A really big part of a tricky warm up game is feeling okay and being able to laugh at ourselves and thinking, oh, that didn’t quite go right. But that’s okay… we’re not at the Proms.” — Xenia Davis

"I felt really scared about doing it and decided just not to tell my colleagues that I was really scared of doing it and did it anyway, which is the best thing to do.” — Xenia Davis

Links:

Xenia Davis

Xenia Davis - Choir leader and singing teacher

https://www.instagram.com/sing.with.xenia/

The Edge

‘Music reached a part of him that words no longer could’ | BPS

Bingley gears up for three-day community arts festival | Bradford Telegraph and Argus

Over 50 groups awarded micro-grants to take part in Bradford 2025 | Creative Lives

Creative Adventures

The Creative Switch Episode mentioned with Richard Tyler

Nikki Vallance

The Bold Types on Substack

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.nikkivallance.com/

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

How Rebecca Lacey Turns Collaboration Into Creative Courage

Collaboration can provide the support you need to transform fear into bravery. In this episode actor, coach, artist, and poet Rebecca Lacey shares how trusted networks and friendships, creative partnerships, and her work as a life coach have sustained her across her acting, fine art, and poetry. From secretly beginning her professional acting career at fifteen to navigating motherhood, coaching, and exhibitions, Rebecca reveals how leaning into support and offering it to others creates resilience and joy. Her journey shows that courage grows when creativity is encouraged, nurtured and shared.

Guest Bio:

Rebecca Lacey is an Actor , Artist , Poet and Life Coach . She has been a professional Actor since her youth, working across all mediums. She has appeared in many popular television shows with over 40 credits to her name and a Bafta longlist nomination. She has been in over 25 stage productions including the West End ( The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Dead Funny ) and most recently at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Barbican .

Her Art is expressive and gestural using colour and form. Her practice begins by connecting with a playful sense of awe with the world , both within and around her. Nature is a constant source of inspiration and an urgent motivation. She tries not to “think too hard”, believing it is in the gaps between conscious thoughts where creativity can grow. She studied Fine Art Foundation at Richmond School of Art and has subsequently been self-taught . She has had 3 solo exhibitions since 2020 , 2 at RuptureXIBIT Gallery, in London, where she was also currently Artist in Residence. She has participated in several group shows in London and has a representation at Saatchi Art online.

She has been a working Life Coach for 20 years with a Foundation and Masters qualification from ITS.

She has 2 poetry pamphlets out and has had several poems published.

She lives in S.W London with her husband and 2 children .

Episode Chapters

00:17.68 Finding Support for Creative Endeavors

03:53.22 The Importance of Support in Creativity

12:13.90 The Turning Point of Motherhood

18:15.45 The Journey of a Life Coach

21:50.16 Turning Points in Life and Career

26:39.52 Exploring Art and Poetry During Lockdown

31:02.96 The Intersection of Art and Audience

38:26.14 The Phases of Creativity

42:14.88 Our Uniqueness

46:28.15 Creative Process: Embracing Imperfection

53:01.81 Embracing Creative Opportunities

54:23.45 Finding Creative Support

Four Creative Nuggets:

"I was going to the theater whenever I could, was still in touch with all my friends. I was really on top of what everyone was doing, what was happening, what the new plays were. I was really, really connected." Rebecca Lacey

"A friend of mine who's an artist and runs a small art gallery came over and said, can I see your foundation work? So I showed her and she said, this is great. I want you to do an exhibition." — Rebecca Lacey

“We had a group show called Many Actors Make Art. And there were 70 actors who also paint beautifully. And everybody was different and it was wonderful.” — Rebecca Lacey

“If one person says, ‘I like that,’ then you’ve won. That’s enough to keep going.” — Rebecca Lacey

Links:

Rebecca Lacey

Acting Website: https://rebeccalacey.co.uk

Art Website: https://rebeccalaceyart.com

https://instagram.com//rebeccalaceyart

The Edge

A Creative & Cultural Country: our development actions | Arts Council England

Help Musicians | Get support

Creative Lives: What We Do

Creative Adventures

Episode mentioned: Melanie Cantor

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.substack.com

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ 



https://www.nikkivallance.com/

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

The Myth of Creative Balance with Nina Lenton

What if chasing creative balance is actually what’s throwing you off course? In this episode of The Creative Switch, creativity coach and former marketing project manager Nina Lenton unpacks the myth of balance, and shares how embracing life's different phases, custom systems, and imperfect rhythms can unlock deeper creative flow.

From her Friday morning ritual to her journey through regulated industries and motherhood, Nina offers practical insights for creatives navigating idea overload, neurodiverse planning challenges, and the tension between paid work and passion projects. Whether you’re stuck in overwhelm or resisting structure, this conversation invites you to rethink what balance really means—and how to reclaim your creative agency on your own terms.

Guest Bio:

Nina Lenton is a project manager and coach who works with creatives and creative thinkers (who have a lot of ideas). She helps them to get clarity, take action and find headspace so they can achieve their business goals AND enjoy being creative.

She believes that we are all creative, and that we all have our own form of creative expression and unique mix of creative thinking styles.

As well as untangling creative brains, she enjoys writing, photography and drawing penguin doodles.

Her creative rediscovery started over 10 years ago when she signed up to do a ’30-day challenge’ and started a blog - writing a post or poem every day during that time. That challenge led to more creative experiments with photos and writing, as well as helping her realise that her project management skills were really useful to people who have a lot of ideas.

At the time she was freelancing in marketing and communications, which she still does occasionally. Her focus changed last year when she trained in coaching skills and also gained a certification which enables her to use Creative ID (creative thinking styles) with her clients.

She now offers coaching, practical planning and mentoring sessions, gives talks and runs workshops about creativity and creative thinking styles. She recently published a book of her penguin doodles.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

• 00:18 - Finding Creative Balance
• 01:28 - The Edge - Creative news
• 04:10 - Balancing Creativity and Work
• 05:15 - Nina's Definition of Creativity
• 12:15 - The Origin of Nina's Coaching
• 15:15 - How Creativity Coaching works
• 19:58 - Overcoming challenges in a creative business
• 26:03 - Untangling Creativity: Structuring Support for Aspiring
• Creatives
• 29:09 - The turning point of earning from your creative passion
• 35:40 - Understanding the Balance of Creativity and Business
• 37:38 - Exploring Creative Expression
• 40:06 - What's next for Nina's own creative projects
• 42:26 - Creative Adventures - Finding balance

Four Creative Nuggets:

"I see it as phases… sometimes I’m doing something more for the money than the love. You need a foundation to be able to do the playing—until that playing makes you money." —Nina Lenton

"Everyone’s creative. And when you know what your way of being creative is, find ways to do it!" —Nina Lenton

"For me... from a freelance perspective... I see it as a portfolio in an ever changing balance.'—Nina Lenton

"You're not likely to get me to do anything on a Friday morning because that's when I will go for a walk and take some photos… it's just become a thing." —Nina Lenton

Links:

Nina Lenton

https://www.ninalenton.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/ninalentonbusiness/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninalenton/

https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/

The Edge

Creatives unite | Longstanding Health Crisis In Creative Industries Linked To Passion-Driven Work, Research Finds

How creatives are surviving the 2025 slowdown | Creative Boom

Skills Mismatches in the UK's Creative Industries - Creative Industries Policy andE vidence Centre

Creative Adventures

Episodes mentioned

Theo Michaels

Pernille Hughes

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ 



https://www.nikkivallance.com/

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

Comedy Agent to Novelist: Hannah Begbie with 3 Hard Truths About Switching Sides

What happens when the person behind the scenes decides to step into the spotlight? In this episode, Hannah Begbie—former comedy agent turned award-winning novelist—shares the emotional and professional recalibrations required to move from representing creatives to becoming one. Through three hard-won truths, she reveals the identity shifts, mindset traps, and unexpected freedoms that come with switching sides. From near-missed opportunities to the myth of innate talent, Hannah’s journey offers a candid, resonant roadmap for anyone considering a creative pivot later in life.

Hannah Begbie Bio:

Hannah Begbie studied Art History at Cambridge University before working as a talent agent representing award-winning television writers and comedians for more than a decade. While developing her debut novel Mother, she won the City University’s Novel Studio Prize for New Writing. Published by HarperCollins in 2018, Mother went on to win the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Award for New Writing. It was Book of the Month on Mumsnet and a pick for Fern Britton’s inaugural Book Club for Tesco. Hannah’s second novel Blurred Lines was published in July 2020. It was a Clare Mackintosh Book Club pick and won Woman and Home’s prize for Best Psychological Drama of 2020.

Hannah is currently adapting Mother with Tom Edge and Clerkenwell Films as a television drama for the BBC. She has worked in writers’ rooms and is developing several comedy dramas with leading TV producers.

The Last Weekend published on 10 April and is Hannah’s third novel. ‘

She lives in London with her husband and their two sons.

Episode Chapters:

• 00:17 - Intro
• 01:59 - Creative news in The Edge
• 05:57 - The Journey of Creativity: From Agent to Novelist
• 16:38 - The Transition to Writing
• 26:11 - Becoming a Published Author
• 39:21 - Fostering a Creative Mindset
• 45:00 - Navigating Creative Challenges
• 47:00 - Creative Adventures

Four Creative Nuggets:

“I grew up believing that creativity was something you were gifted before birth… like blue eyes or brown eyes.” —Hannah Begbie

“The only thing that can really keep you going in a situation like that is just grit and faith—getting up and failing and getting up again.” —Hannah Begbie

“I was in a silent room with a blank page… and it was an immense cultural shift for me.” —Hannah Begbie

“You’re not going to be able to do this unless you back yourself—because no one else is going to do it.” —Hannah Begbie

Links:

Hannah Begbie

https://www.hannahbegbie.com/

https://www.instagram/hannahbegbie/

The Edge

Rediscovering Creativity in the Age of Generative AI | Psychology Today United Kingdom

AI for Enhancing—Not Replacing—Human Creativity | Psychology Today

What is creativity without sweat and tears? — Harvard Gazette

Creative Adventures

Lorna Gibson Episode

Mentions

Radio 4 Desert Island Discs - Hilary Mantel

The eight "Wealth Profiles" in Wealth Dynamics

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ 



https://www.nikkivallance.com/

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

From Writer's Block to Breakthrough: Insights from Emma Stonex

Episode Summary:

If you’ve ever felt creatively adrift after a big win, this episode will speak straight to your soul. Emma Stonex—Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lamplighters—joins me for a candid, deeply resonant conversation about the emotional terrain of writing, the grief of letting go of a beloved project, and the quiet magic of finding your way back to joy. From pen names and bonkbusters to lighthouse keepers and revenge thrillers, Emma’s journey is a masterclass in trusting your instincts, honouring the muse, and knowing when to walk away. It’s one of those episodes that lingers—and might just unlock something you’ve been stuck on.

Emma Stonex Bio:



Emma Stonex was born in 1983 and grew up in Northamptonshire. After working in publishing for several years, she quit to pursue her dream of writing fiction. The Lamplighters was a Sunday Times bestseller and has been translated into twenty-five languages. Her second novel The Sunshine Man was published earlier this year. She lives in Bristol with her family.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

• 00:17 - Balancing Creativity and Focus
• 13:51 - The Journey to Becoming an Author
• 16:25 - The Journey to Writing My Own Book
• 33:25 - Exploring Creativity: A Journey Through Writing
• 38:05 - Navigating Creativity and Contractual Pressure
• 43:10 - The Journey of Writing: From Inspiration to Reality

Four Creative Nuggets:

1. “Creativity is ultimately a two-way street… hoping to sort of hold hands with somebody that I've never met.”

—Emma Stonex

2. “Writing was an opportunity to express myself without any pressure… there was a real lovely refuge in that.”

—Emma Stonex

3. “It was just this really gentle, organic, lovely journey of learning… and it was a proper love affair.”

—Emma Stonex

4. “Just be honest. If you're trying and it's not working and it's not coming, the wrong thing to do is to force it. And I've learned that the hard way.”

—Emma Stonex

Links:

Guest

https://x.com/stonexemma/

https://instagram.com/stonexemma/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lamplighters-Emma-Stonex/dp/1529047358/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sunshine-Man-Emma-Stonex/dp/1529047366/

The Edge

1. https://thehyphen.substack.com/
2. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/international-book-news/article/97957-u-k-publishing-in-2025-the-u-k-and-u-s-publishing-industries-are-growing-closer.html/
3. https://publishingperspectives.com/2025/09/the-uks-publishing-impact-in-focus-at-parliament/
4. https://theliteraryreporter.com/whats-ahead-in-publishing-key-trends-2025/
5. https://bookclb.com/contemporary-literature-in-2025-trends-reshaping-literary-world/
6. Self-Publishing’s Output and Influence Continue to Grow

Creative Adventures

Rachel Bamber Episode

Creative Retreat Blog

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ 



https://www.nikkivallance.com/

https://nikkivallance.substack.com/

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

A Creative Encounter with Juliette Crosbie: From Orange Boots to Bold Truths

Episode Summary:

I met Juliette Crosbie because I wore my orange boots—and thank goodness I did. Our conversation dives deep into what it means to live creatively, how discomfort can be a sign you're on the right path, and why letting your humanity show in your art is never a weakness. Juliette’s honesty, warmth and fierce insight make this one of the most memorable episodes I’ve recorded.

If you’ve ever felt torn between discipline and play, or wondered how to stay authentic when the world demands polish—this one’s for you.

Juliette Crosbie Bio:

Juliette is a graduate of Gaiety School of Acting, and a native of Louth. She recently starred in The Old Vic’s critically acclaimed A Christmas Carol, alongside John Simm (Life On Mars). She will feature in John Carney’s upcoming feature film Power Ballad, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, Báite (Danú Media) and the highly anticipated new comedy How To Get To Heaven From Belfast (HatTrick Prod). Other credits include Don’t Go Where I Cant Find You (Best Actress, Jim Thorpe Film Festival, DIFF Aer Lingus Discovery Award Nomination), Last Orders At The Dockside, Me, Sara (The Abbey Theatre) and the Irish Stage premiere of Maeve Binchy’s beloved novel Circle of Friends (The Gaiety Theatre).

As a singer, Juliette regularly performs as a soloist with The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, most recently with Killian Donnelly for A Celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber. She will join them again this May for Movies and Musicals (Bord Gais Energy Theatre). She has also performed with both The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and The Hallé, Manchester.

As a voiceover artist, Juliette provides the sounds of lead heroine Anna Myers in award winning Video game Murder in the Alps, animal-whisperer Anna Banana in Nickoloedon Jnrs tv series Rainbow Rangers and Promi, in Toonz Zoonicorns.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

• 00:17 - The Art of Finding Guests
• 07:05 - The Journey of Creativity: Embracing Change and Expression
• 23:49 - The Essence of Creativity
• 40:40 - Exploring Creativity and Process in Art
• 53:18 - Navigating the Creative Process: The Balance Between Clarity and Expression

Four Creative Nuggets:

"Creativity at the moment seems to kind of blend into everything in my life... which liberates everything." — Juliette Crosbie

"If it feels really raw and difficult and like you're going to burst into flames, you're probably on the right track." — Juliette Crosbie

"We're not saving lives on any level, but we are trying to help people make sense of what it is to be alive." — Juliette Crosbie

"You have to let the creative bit take control and not nitpick all the way through it." — Juliette Crosbie

Links:

Juliette Crosbie

https://www.instagram.com/juliette.crosbie/

Movies and Musicals Saturday 7 June 2025 - Movies and Musicals with Aedín Gormley

https://www.threads.com/@juliette.crosbie

Susannah Norris Agency

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Free-Play-Improvisation-Life-Canons/dp/1805301926/

The Edge

1 https://www.screendaily.com/news/2025-film-and-high-end-tv-productions-shooting-in-the-uk-and-ireland-latest-updates/5200306.article

2 https://www.screendaily.com/features/bafta-nominated-casting-directors-talk-process-self-tapes-and-why-availability-has-become-an-insane-problem/5201553.article/

3 https://www.screendaily.com/features/you-have-to-carry-on-pushing-good-chaos-founder-mike-goodridge-reflects-on-life-in-the-international-producer-fast-lane/5208288.article/

4 https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/musicians-silent-album-protest-ai-plans/

5 https://www.deloittedigital.com/us/en/insights/perspective/ai-ready-creatives.html

6 https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/about/global-annual-review/artificial-intelligence.html

7 https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=12d09254-57da-4388-8df9-ff39284f2a4c

Creative Adventures



Harriet Kelsall Episode

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ 



https://www.nikkivallance.com/

https://nikkivallance.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/

https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/ 

Afflliate Links

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Lisa Maltby on Balancing Passion and Profit in Creative Freelancing

Episode Summary:

Today, we dive deep into the world of creativity and freelancing with the talented digital illustrator and designer, Lisa Maltby. After a decade in creative agencies, Lisa made the leap to freelance, and she shares the realities of balancing a stable income with the need for creative expression. We explore practical tips for anyone considering a similar transition, as well as the importance of understanding your audience and the unique challenges faced by freelancers in today’s market. Lisa's journey is not just about the work she produces but also her commitment to mentoring others and advocating for underrepresented voices in the creative industry. Join us for a conversation rich with wisdom, humor, and inspiration that will help you navigate your own creative path!



Lisa Maltby Bio:

Lisa Maltby is an illustrator and designer based in Sheffield, specialising in food and heritage brands. Her work blends beauty with functionality, creating thoughtful visuals that connect with audiences and bring stories to life. Grounded in craftsmanship and rich in detail, her designs are both purposeful and eye-catching.

With a diverse portfolio spanning publishing, editorial, branding, and heritage, Lisa has worked with clients including Penguin Random House, The Guardian, National Trust, Politico, and Waitrose Food. Whether through intricate digital illustrations, book covers, or large-scale murals, her approach is always led by storytelling, preserving tradition while engaging contemporary audiences.

Beyond her client work, Lisa is a lecturer and writer, contributing insights to creative industry publications and blogs. She is also an advocate for equal access to the arts, supporting initiatives that champion opportunities for young creatives from all backgrounds.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

Chapters:

• 00:19 - Starting a Freelance Creative Career
• 05:41 - Introducing Lisa Maltby: A Journey in Creativity
• 12:32 - Exploring Creative Freedom in Professional Work
• 20:23 - Finding Your Audience as a Creative
• 24:03 - Exploring Creative Identity and Financial Realities
• 36:22 - Navigating the Creative Industry: Insights and Reflections
• 42:13 - Navigating Creative Careers: Challenges and Strategies
• 48:28 - Exploring Creative Freedom and Constraints
• 56:13 - Creative Paths and New Beginnings

Four Creative Nuggets:

“Creativity is just the freedom to explore ideas and using those ideas to engage with others.” — Lisa Maltby

“I often will implement boundaries on myself on purpose because I know that if I'm just left to my own, I would use every single color and every single material, and it would just be a mess.” — Lisa Maltby

“You're essentially identifying problems and coming up with solutions for people… you're thinking a little bit more commercially about how your work solves problems.” — Lisa Maltby

“Creative careers are always changing and pivoting… I have a vision and I'm creative, so I can't not be that.” — Lisa Maltby

Links:

Lisa Maltby

https://www.lisamaltby.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lisamaltbystudio/

https://www.instagram.com/lisamaltbystudio/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-maltby-28aa675b/

The Edge

1.   Caroline Norbury to step down as Chief Executive of Creative UK https://www.screendaily.com/news/caroline-norbury-to-step-down-as-creative-uk-chief-executive/5208669.article

2.  Ian Murray MP reappointed as Minister of State for Creative Industries

https://www.conference-news.co.uk/news/the-business-of-events-welcomes-appointment-of-ian-murray-mp-as-minister-of-state-for-creative-industries

3.  UKRI confirms next wave of Creative Industries Clusters launching January 2026

https://www.ukri.org/blog/creative-industries-clusters-the-next-chapter-in-a-uk-success-story

4.  Creative Boom – Illustration trends for 2025 https://www.creativeboom.com/insight/illustration-trends-what-creative-directors-are-commissioning-in-2025/

5.  Scream Digital – Illustration trends set to shape 2025 https://screamdigital.co.uk/blog/web-design/illustration-trends-set-to-take-shape-in-2025

Creative Adventures

Mike Hall Episode

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ 



https://www.nikkivallance.com/



https://nikkivallance.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/

https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/ 

Afflliate Links

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Scores Sketches, & Stories: Self-Redesign with Hannah Ashe

Episode Summary:

After a highly successful career as a music teacher Hannah Ashe teacher made a pivot to interior design before discovering an additional and entirely different form of creative expression through her Substack publication, Chez Hanny. Her creativity knows no limits and I am excited for you to hear how it fuels everything she does.

The episode highlights the importance of embracing creative reinvention and nurturing creativity in various forms, including in education and through personal expression.

Hannah Ashe Bio:

Hannah’s interior design journey began in 2012 when she bought her first London flat which needed a serious revamp. Together with her husband, she went on to fully renovate two further homes and now lives in a beautiful Edwardian house in SW London where there are always new projects on the go. It often features on Hannah’s Instagram page.

In 2023, Hannah left her teaching career and position of Director of Music to follow her passion and retrain as an interior designer. She is a keen gardener and the natural environment and biophilic design concepts play a pivotal role in her design schemes. Hannah uses natural materials and forms in her design schemes as she believes they bring a sense of calm to the home. Helping clients to discover their unique personal style brings joy and satisfaction to Hannah's work and encourages a new sense of design confidence in those that she has worked with.

The creative arts still play a significant role in her life and Hannah writes a Substack newsletter - Chez Hanny - and hosts a podcast on Creative Career Change.

As well as a great eye for colour and detail, Hannah is particularly skilled in transforming Edwardian houses. She has excellent communication skills honed through 16 years of teaching, and she brings a calm presence and personal approach to every design project.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

• 00:17 - Introducing Hannah Ashe
• 07:40 - Meeting Hannah Ashe: A Creative Switch
• 11:38 - Exploring Creative Paths
• 15:55 - The Realization of Change
• 21:09 - Starting a New Chapter in Interior Design
• 26:59 - Exploring the Transition to Substack
• 35:01 - The Journey to Embrace Creativity
• 39:56 - Embracing Creativity and Structure
• 44:07 - The Journey of Creative Intuition
• 49:54 - Exploring Creativity and Connections
• 51:05 - Introducing The Bold Types - Exploring the Art and Science of Creative Living

Four Creative Nuggets:

“Creativity is very much linked to time and headspace… it’s about carving out specific pockets of time and space that enable those thoughts and ideas to come.” Hannah Ashe

“These creative switches don’t necessarily just happen instantly… it can be a gradual process that is evolving over time—and that’s definitely what worked for me.” Hannah Ashe

“If we write something just because we want to write it… not because we’re thinking, how can I market this… those are the things that people resonate with the most.” Hannah Ashe

“I don’t think I ever want creativity to be pigeonholed… they all just mush and merge into one—and the more that I embrace that, the more creative I can be.” Hannah Ashe

Links:

The Edge

1 Luxury London – 2025 Interior Design Trends

https://luxurylondon.co.uk/lifestyle/interiors/2025-interior-design-trends-texture-art-historical-touches

2 Houzz UK – Emerging Trends Report

https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/2025-houzz-uk-emerging-trends-report-stsetivw-vs~182019964

3 John Lewis – Press Release on John Cooper Collaboration

https://www.johnlewispartnership.media/pressrelease/johnlewis/details/23475

4 BBC – Interior Design Masters Series 6 Episodes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0029tns/episodes/player

5 UK Parliament – Debate on Music Education (3 July 2025)

https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-07-03/debates/453D1DF2-6E16-4049-8767-17A00A9ABFCA/MusicEducation

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0148/

Creative Adventures

Kevin Chesters Episode

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7f1d51f6-e7bb-4af2-92ff-90746c1c87de

Hannah Ashe

www.hannahashe.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/chez_hanny/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chez-hanny

https://chezhanny.substack.com

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/ 



https://www.nikkivallance.com/

https://nikkivallance.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/

https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/ 

Afflliate Links

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