The Wilderness of Creativity

We give you the answers… but can you guess the questions?

Welcome to our brand-new game show, Knowing Me, Knowing you!

Three questions, three answers… but here's the twist: you only get to hear the answers! Can you work out what the questions were?

Play along and see if you can get all three right. No cheating!

Got a question of your own? Want to take part in a future episode? Get in touch with us via Instagram or Facebook. We'd love to hear from you!

Share your guesses on socials and tag The Wilderness of Creativity #knowingmeknowingyou

NEW EPISODE OUT THURSDAY!

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.

Book your place on the Lost and Found workshop here

Feeling creatively exhausted as the year comes to an end? You’re not alone!

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the challenges of maintaining creative energy, navigating motivation dips, and finding balance when everything feels like a lot. Through personal insights and thoughtful questions for reflection, Lucy reminds us that feeling tired, uninspired or ready for a break is a natural part of the creative process.

This episode is an invitation to practise self-compassion, celebrate the small wins, and recognise how far you’ve come, rather than focusing only on what’s left to do. Lucy explores the importance of rest, community, and connection in sustaining creativity, particularly for creatives and educators who often feel pressure to keep giving.

Sometimes, the most creative thing you can do is pause, breathe, and give yourself permission to rest.

Thank you for listening,

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.

What happens when we give ourselves permission to say yes to new opportunities?

From saying yes to new opportunities to watching creative projects evolve into podcasts, speaking engagements and photography exhibitions, Miriam Cunliffe highlights the power of embracing the unknown, trusting the process and allowing creativity to grow naturally. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we don't have to be perfect to make a difference. By showing up authentically and supporting one another, we can create meaningful connections and experiences that enrich both our lives and the lives of others.

Thank you for listening,

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.

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Membership

Sign up for the Trailblazer Membership to gain access to Part 2 of this episode!

What happens when we stop seeing change as something to fear and start seeing it as an invitation to listen and learn?

Andrea Clare describes herself as an eternal optimist, someone who, even when things are uncertain, difficult or not going to plan, can’t help but wonder: what if this turns out better than I imagined? I love this about her! Andrea's story is one of curiosity and resilience. Her upcoming event the 'Scottish Pause Summit' continues to open doors and into conversations about women's health, menopause and the importance of understanding our own bodies.

In this episode, we talk about the physical and emotional impact of hormones, the challenges women can face when navigating healthcare and support systems, and why education makes such a difference to helping young women prepare for periods of change. Underneath all of this, is a creative mindset: the ability to imagine that there might be another way. Creativity isn't always about making something, sometimes it's about being willing to ask a different question, to stay curious when you don't have the answer and to look at a difficult situation and think, there must be another possibility here.

Thank you for listening,

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!

Membership

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!

Andrea is an artist and menopause educator , helping women navigate midlife creatively. Andrea’s mission is to empower women with knowledge and, with this in mind, she is founder and host of a ground-breaking menopause event - the Scottish ‘Pause Summit - taking place in Glasgow City Centre on Sunday 18th October.

Andrea's Facebook page

Andrea's Website

For more information and tickets for the Scottish pause Summit visit the website here

Mentioned in this episode:

Membership

Are you midlife, midcareer and mid-crisis? You’re in the right place!

In this episode, Menstrual Cycle Coach Amy Blakeman returns to The Wilderness of Creativity to further explore the hot topic of the midlife awakening, hormonal shifts and how they impact self-perception, and why showing up to discuss this significant life transition can often be the starting point for creativity!

You can listen to our first conversation (Episode 29 'Creativity and your hormonal flow') here and find out more information about the Wellbeing in the Workplace event hosted by Nesha Canvas Creations and book tickets here!

Thank you for listening,

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.

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

With a background in Theatre and a thriving career in HR, Amy Blakeman has seamlessly blended her creative spirit with her passion for women’s health and wellbeing. After becoming a certified coach in 2021 and earning her Menstrual Cycle Coach accreditation, she’s on a mission to help women understand their menstrual cycles in a whole new way!

@Lifesync_coach on Instagram

Amy's Facebook page

What can linguistics teach us about creativity and the way we perceive the world?

In this episode, PhD Applied Linguist Abi Kinsella joins Lucy in the wilderness once more to explore the unexpected connections between linguistics, creative writing, media representation, research and, most importantly, personal growth.

Key discussion points:

• How language plays an important role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes.
• How interdisciplinary research can reveal connections that might otherwise be missed and why exploring diverse fields can broaden our thinking and open up new possibilities.
• Constraints can be a powerful catalyst for creativity and why.

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.

Why not become a Trailblazer member? Click here to sign up today and gain access to Part 2 of this episode with Abi.

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

Applied Linguist passionate about harnessing creativity in language and communication to make knowledge accessible and enjoyable for as many people as possible!

@abi_k_27_schwa on X

Trigger warning: this episode explores death, dying, grief and end-of-life experiences.

What if talking about death could actually help us live differently? What if ritual could help us process what words can't?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jade Adgate, a Certified Death Doula, founder of Farewell Fellowship and mentor through Farewell Education. Jade brings us into the world of death work, exploring the calling to support people at the end of life, the importance of ritual, the practice of detachment and compassion, and the delicate balance between loving someone deeply and knowing when to step back.

We talk about what it actually means to become a death doula, the role of community and mentorship, and how literature, art and storytelling can help us normalise conversations around death.

This conversation isn't just about dying; it’s about how we live, how we remember and how we hold space for the people we love when there are no easy answers.

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!

Ready to join the Trailblazer membership? Click the link and sign up today to continue to listen to part 2 of this conversation: Membership

Mentioned in this episode:

Membership

What does it mean to live life in all its fullness?

In this reflective solo episode, I wanted to explore the themes of change, living life fully and embracing uncertainty. At the beginning of August, I talked about different frameworks outlined in 'The 12 Week Year', and I wanted to continue to reflect on some personal insights as well as invite you to consider what living in fullness means for you.

Key discussion points:

• The importance of accountability, commitment, and greatness in the moment
• The emotional cycle of change and the concept of living life in all its fullness
• The impact of new beginnings, re-emerging after setbacks and practical strategies for taking action despite lack of motivation!

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.

It's hard to believe we've reached 100 episodes of The Wilderness of Creativity.

To celebrate this milestone, I headed to Lyrebird Studios to record a very special episode with the brilliant Sarah McDowell. Together, we reflect on the podcast so far, the lessons, the unexpected twists and what 100 conversations have taught me.

Whether you've been listening since episode one or you've only just discovered the podcast, this is a celebration of creativity, community and everything in between!

It's heartfelt, hilarious, a little bit chaotic, but absolutely worth a listen.

Thank you for listening,

Stay wild x

Fancy becoming a Trailblazer member? Join 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Membership

Membership

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