Are you feeling the pressure to make the rest of the year count?

In this episode, I reflect on why mid-year goal setting has often left me feeling restricted rather than motivated and share a simple shift in perspective that has recently changed the way I think about my creative progress.

Inspired by The 12 Week Year and the recording of our 100th podcast episode, we explore the power of shorter creative seasons, consistent habits and why what we choose to practise every day has the potential to change everything.

Key takeaways:

• Why annual thinking can leave us feeling overwhelmed and behind.
• How six-week creative 'sprints' can help you build momentum and what sport can teach us about periodisation and focused practice.
• How our thinking shapes our actions and our actions shape our results.

Download your free Creative Habits Reflection Template - a simple resource to help you identify one creative habit, track your progress over the next six weeks, and reflect on what you're learning along the way. Share your thoughts using #taketheroadlesstravelled and tag @the_wildernessofcreativity so I can cheer you on!

Also mentioned:

• The 12 Week Year
• This week's Substack on Creative Habits
• Previous podcast conversations exploring creativity, consistency and showing up (links below)

Urmi Hussain

Una Cartwright '94 Years' Young' (Lifelong creativity, ageing with purpose and the joy of staying curious.)

John Darvell, 'Workin 9-5' (Dance, LGBTQ+ experiences and creative habits that help us)

Don't miss it! Episode 100 will be available from Thursday 20th August, 5am GMT!

I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter!

Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming!

About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Mentioned in this episode:

You Tube channel

Before we celebrate Episode 100, here's a quick preview of what's coming!

We discuss some of the biggest moments, favourite conversations and lessons learned from the wilderness so far, and look ahead at what's next!

A huge thank you to Sarah for hosting the 100th episode and thanks to every single one of you for being part of the first 100 episodes. The best is still to come!

Save the date! The 100th episode will be available on 20th August 2026!

Stay wild x

I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter!

Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming!

About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Co-host of The SEO Mindset podcast

What if the biggest thing standing between you and your next chapter is the story you've been telling yourself?

In this episode, founder of Calluna and Tyme Amber Lucas reflects on her journey from the wedding industry to becoming a website designer and digital product creator for wedding businesses. She shares the mindset shifts, fears and defining moments that shaped her path and why rewriting your own narrative can unlock the confidence to move forward.

I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter!

Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming!

About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below!

Amber is the founder of Calluna & Thyme, a Showit website design studio built exclusively for the wedding industry. After years working inside weddings, she noticed the same pattern everywhere - brilliant, experienced wedding businesses with websites that didn’t come close to saying how good they actually were. Now she helps wedding professionals turn their websites into something that finally reflects the creativity and care they put into their work, while building a business of her own that fits around family, freedom, and a well-earned cup of tea!

@Callunaandthyme on Instagram

Amber's Website

Mentioned in this episode:

You Tube channel

Sometimes the greatest act of courage isn't holding on, it's imagining something entirely new.

In this episode, Lucy challenges conventional ideas of resilience, revealing that true transformation begins when we dare to let go of what no longer serves us and embrace the uncertainty of becoming. Her message is a powerful reminder that change isn't the end of our story, it's often where our most meaningful chapter begins.

I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter!

Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming!

About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

What if the key to innovation, resilience and personal growth isn't working harder, but learning to play again?

In this episode, we explore how the principles of improvisation can help individuals and organisations overcome fear, unlock creativity, and create environments where people feel energised, alive and empowered to adapt in an ever-changing world.

The full episode with Michelle James is out next week! Don't miss out - subscribe to The Wilderness of creativity podcast today!

I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter!

Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming!

About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below!

Michelle James, founder of The Center for Creative Emergence, is a seasoned applied creativity facilitator, coach, and pioneering catalyst who has been using creative principles and practices, and the process of emergence, as the basis for her work with thousands of people—corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, universities, and communities of practice—for over two decades. Michelle also works with passion-centered entrepreneurs in her Creative Emergence Coaching and Creative Facilitation Coaching practices Michelle performed full-length improvised plays with Precipice Improv for ten years, and currently performs with Virginia Playback Theater. She is an abstract painting artist, CoreSomatics™ Movement and Bodywork Master Practitioner, and TEDx speaker. Her book, Patten Breaks: A Facilitator’s Guide to Cultivating Creativity, is available now.

Michelle's Facebook page

Michelle's Facebook group

Michelle's Website

@CreatvEmergence on X

Michelle on YouTube

What role does music play in building confidence, creating community and supporting mental health?

Becky Oakland is a musician, choir leader and music educator. With more than 17 years of experience teaching and leading singers of all ages, Becky shares how music education can shape children's learning, why community choirs are thriving and how singing creates meaningful connections between people. We also chat about creative process behind arranging songs, the challenges and rewards of running a community music business and the balancing act between strategic planning and creative freedom.

Becky also reflects on the teachers who inspired her musical journey, her decision to leave classroom teaching to focus on community music projects, and her vision for growing inclusive musical opportunities for people of all ages.

If you're interested in music, wellbeing, creativity, education, or community building, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter!

Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming!

About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below!

Becky Oakland is a musician, singing leader and music educator with over 17 years of experience helping people of all ages build confidence and discover the joy of music. Having studied piano to Grade 8 and learned multiple instruments from a young age, she is passionate about the positive impact singing can have on wellbeing and mental health.

Becky's Facebook page

@beckyoaklandmusic on Instagram

Becky's Website

Mentioned in this episode:

Like this show?

Feeling overwhelmed by social media? Wondering what content to post, which platform to focus on or whether the algorithm is working against you?

In this episode, I'm joined by Katie Shaw, founder of Shaw Socials and a trusted social media sidekick for small business owners. Katie helps businesses build an authentic online presence through social media training, content creation, masterclasses, and full social media management.

We explore what's working on socials right now, discuss content creation tools like Canva and the Edits app, chat the latest trends and explore practical ways to build genuine engagement and community online. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refresh your social media strategy, this conversation is for you!

I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter!

Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming!

About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below!

Katie Shaw is the founder of Shaw Socials, helping small businesses navigate the challenges of social media with confidence and clarity. Through social media training, online masterclasses, content creation, and full social media management, she supports business owners in building an authentic online presence that reflects who they are. Katie acts as a trusted social media sidekick, helping to reduce the time, pressure, and overwhelm that often comes with creating content and showing up online. Whether providing hands-on support or strategic guidance, she works alongside her clients every step of their social media journey, usually with a coffee close by.

Katie's Facebook page

@ShawSocials on Instagram

Katie's Website

What does it really mean to live your brand?

This week, Lucy introduces her new podcast 'In the Wrong Room,' designed to support Secondary teachers transitioning into Primary or EYFS settings. She shares her reasons for launching this new platform, how she continues to build a life and career that embraces multiple passions as proof that you don't have to be defined by one title, industry or expectation.

You can listen to 'In the Wrong Room' here

I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter!

Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming!

About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Mentioned in this episode:

You Tube channel

Did you know NASA research found that 98% of children demonstrate 'creative genius' levels of divergent thinking, compared to just 2% of adults? What happens to our creativity as we grow up and can we get it back?

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the science of creativity, why it appears to decline from childhood to adulthood and how we can reignite our creative potential at any stage of life. Joining us is AMC Newton FRSA, who shares powerful insights into creativity, neurodiversity, and the importance of treating creativity like a muscle that can be strengthened through practice. Together, we examine how childhood experiences, education systems, workplace culture and societal expectations influence the way we think, innovate, and solve problems.

We also challenge the common belief that creativity is something we lose over time. Instead, we discuss how creativity often becomes underused and how intentional habits, play, curiosity, and experimentation can help us reconnect with it.

Key Takeaways

• The connection between ADHD and creative thinking
• How LEGO® Serious Play® supports innovation, ideation, and self-expression
• The impact of education and social conditioning on creative confidence
• Practical strategies to rebuild creativity through play, curiosity, and experimentation

I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter!

Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming!

About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below!

Link to get on the IAF #Faciltiate2027 waitlist: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/iafenglandandwales/2169697

Also a link for anyone interested in signing up for the LEGO® Serious Play® & Neurodiveristy project: https://forms.gle/CjT8DGw3Gh3ts1Ne6

More information about LEGO® Serious Play® for anyone interested: https://www.lego.com/en-gb/themes/serious-play/background

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amc-newton-orange/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/creative_orange_studio/

Website;https://www.creativeorangestudio.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

You Tube channel

This episode is a little different from the usual format! Earlier this year, I attended the Arts Education Conference hosted by Captivate Notts where I had the opportunity to speak with a range of artists, educators, cultural leaders and advocates about the future of arts education and the wider cultural sector.

Rather than a single interview, this episode brings together highlights from those conversations, capturing the energy, ideas, and challenges being discussed across the field. As a first attempt at editing an episode built from multiple conversations, this feels like a snapshot of the conference experience itself, full of different perspectives and inspiring possibilities.

Throughout the episode, we explore:

• The role of sector gatherings in fostering collaboration and connection
• The challenges and opportunities facing arts education today
• How access, funding, curriculum design, and community engagement continue to shape creative learning
• The need for systemic change across arts and cultural organisations
• What a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future for the arts could look like

If you found this conversation valuable, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing the episode with someone you know! Your support helps more people discover these conversations and strengthens the wider discussion around arts education and cultural change.

I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter!

Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming!

About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Find out more about the organisations and people featured in this episode:

Stacey Moon-Tracy - Stacey's new play 'Critical Care' launches its UK tour at The Belgrade Theatre. Book your tickets now!

Chris White (The Doodling poet)

Caroline Rowland (Community Engagement Producer at NonSuch Theatre)

Sarah Shemilt - STEP Fusion and outreach officer

Katie Culbard - Programme Manager - Open Doors (Newark)

Rachel Scanlon (Artist)

Emily Minnett (Captivate Co-ordinator)

Mentioned in this episode:

You Tube channel