The Wilderness of Creativity

Why do we still define fitness by how we look rather than how we feel, move, or live?

And what might shift if we treated movement not as punishment, but as play?

In this episode, Lucy chats with July, a health and fitness coach with a rich background in the creative arts. Together, they explore how mindset, joy, and values-driven habits are just as essential as physical training. From challenging appearance-based fitness myths to rediscovering the power of play, this conversation invites you to rethink what movement can look like on your terms.

Thank you for listening,

Stay wild x

Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan

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 extensive experience coaching individuals, groups, and mentoring early-career personal trainers, July is dedicated to supporting clients in building sustainable, long-term relationships with fitness. Her approach is personalised and effective, focusing on creating tailored training sessions that align with each person's goals and lifestyle. Grounded in evidence and backed by science, July's coaching style is compassionate, collaborative and creative ensuring clients feel supported every step of the way. She holds a Level 4 qualification in Strength and Conditioning, a Women’s Coaching Specialist Certification (GGS 2024), a Certificate in Nutrition specialising in Optimum Nutrition for Health and Performance, and a Level 3 in Personal Training and Gym Instructing. Her mission: to empower clients to achieve their fitness goals through thoughtful, measured, and science-based coaching.

https://trainwithsculpt.com/

https://www.instagram.com/trainwithsculpt/

What happens when a successful fashion career collides with motherhood and a kitchen table full of big ideas?

In this episode, we hear the real, raw, and inspiring story of turning passion into purpose - while juggling snack time and school runs. In this candid and uplifting conversation, we sit down with Rebecca Witham, who shares her incredible journey from the fast-paced fashion industry to launching her own business, Snuggles and Kisses. She opens up about how becoming a parent shifted everything, the emotional highs and real-life hurdles of building a brand while navigating family demands and the quiet moments of doubt in between.

Thank you for listening!

Stay wild x

Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan

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!

Hi, I am Rebecca, owner/founder of Snuggles and Kisses. We are a handmade and sustainable baby & childrens business. Our biggest seller is our clothing, but we also sell baby gifts, toys, accessories and books

Rebecca's Facebook page

Rebecca's Website

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What does it really take to keep showing up when the algorithm, the market or your mindset shifts?

In this episode, we explore the hustle, the heart and the pivotal choices that shape a creative path. Our guest, Laura Lawes shares the realities of building a small creative business, her experience navigating sliding door moments and the emotional rollercoaster of rebranding and evolving with purpose. We also unpack the challenges and surprising rewards of creating consistent, authentic content in the ever-shifting world of social media.

This one’s for the dreamers, the doers, and anyone daring to take the road less travelled!

Thank you for listening!

Stay wild x

Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan

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!

In 2021, Laura lost her job, which significantly impacted her confidence and left her wondering how she would ever be able to return to the workforce. Shortly afterwards, she accompanied her husband on a business trip and decided to do some sketching. As she watched little characters come to life on the page, she began to wonder if she could turn them into personalised paintings for children. However, her journey didn’t go exactly as planned, as her perfectionist tendencies meant each order would take days to complete. Recognising that her initial approach wasn’t sustainable, she realised she had fallen back in love with being creative and needed to find a new way to make it work. Laura then taught herself how to use the drawing app Procreate, allowing her to transform her sketches into children's prints. This led to a total rebrand and the birth of Mouse & Meg — a name inspired by her son Tom (whom she nicknamed Mouse since he was a baby) and her daughter Megan.

Laura's Facebook page

@mouseandmeg on Instagram

Laura's Website

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Ever felt like giving up before you’ve even started? This episode is your reminder that creativity is messy, growth is awkward, and no one begins as an expert!

This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Sarah McDowell (@seomindsetpod) for a conversation that’s equal parts celebration and creative therapy. We talk about the real story behind starting The Wilderness of Creativity, the self-doubt, the technical hiccups and the surprising moments of growth that keep us going!

Thank you for listening!

Stay wild x

Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan

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!

Check out Sarah's socials, The SEO Podcast and her recording studio:

https://lyrebirdstudios.com/

www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmcduk

https://theseomindset.co.uk/listen

https://sarahmcdowell.co.uk

What happens when you walk away from the familiar with the aim to go full time with a side hustle?

In this episode, Emily shares what it really takes to change careers, juggle multiple roles, and find creative confidence, even when imposter syndrome creeps in. She opens up about the highs and lows of navigating this transition, and how she balances multiple roles while working on passion-driven projects. Emily also discusses the mental side of creativity, sharing candidly about imposter syndrome, and the mindset shifts that helped her embrace her unique design voice. Whether you’re in the middle of a pivot or dreaming of one, Emily’s journey will leave you feeling both grounded and inspired.

Thank you for listening!

Stay wild x

Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan

Would you like to share your story with our listeners? Click here to express your interest!

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!

Have you ever felt stuck in a career that just doesn’t feel right? Or wondered what it takes to make a bold leap into something completely new? Today, we’re joined by Emily Labbate, a true jack of all trades who’s turned her passion into her new career.

@Lovea_project on Instagram

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Rough mornings, emotional outbursts, and bedtime struggles can feel even more overwhelming when you're parenting a neurodivergent child.

In this compassionate and practical conversation with Jo, we discuss how to handle emotional outbursts, support smoother transitions to school and create calmer mornings and bedtimes tailored to your child’s needs. We also explore how working with a parent coach can be a game changer: giving you the support, strategies, and validation you deserve. Most importantly, we talk about shifting the focus from 'managing behaviour' to truly recognising and celebrating your child’s strengths and brilliance. If you’re navigating parenting through a neurodivergent lens, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and more confident in your journey.

Thank you for listening,

Stay wild x

Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan

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!

Jo Long is a Parenting Coach for mums of Autistic/ADHD kids up to age 11, diagnosed or not. She combines lived experience with practical tools to help you move out of survival mode — fast. Her son is bright, autistic with ADHD. She knows the heartbreak of watching your child struggle, the self-doubt of wondering “Is it me?”, and the pressure to keep everything together when you’re crumbling inside. But she also knows there’s a better way.

Jo's Website

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*Trigger warning: Some of the topics discussed during today's episode may cause some listeners distress. Please take care when listening.

How can creativity, art, and music transform the journey of Dementia care?

In this episode, we explore recognising the early signs of Dementia and navigating the emotional challenges of caregiving. We dive into how trauma can influence cognitive decline and discuss creative expression, especially writing, as a powerful tool for coping and healing. Plus, we look at the role of art and music in care settings, showing how they can bring connection, joy, and meaning to both caregivers and those living with Dementia.

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!

@dementiatalkwithmandh on Instagram

Heidi Lee Cross is a copywriter and poet with a background in media. She worked as a producer for many years before focussing on writing. She has helped care and advocate for her mum who has Alzheimer’s for the last 8 years. She has self published two books, the second a mix of personal stories, poems, and tips about her experiences of dementia caregiving. She loves with her partner and 12 year old son in North London.

Dementia Support Line: Call 0333 150 3456

If you need dementia support, we’re here for you. All calls with the Dementia Support Line are recorded for training and quality purposes. Calls charged at standard local rate.

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 999 or 111.

Dementia UK: Call our Dementia Helpline 0800 888 6678

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What if the greatest act of courage is letting go of the shame that keeps us small, and choosing to live as our true selves?

In this episode, John shares his powerful journey of walking away from the expected path, embracing his identity through dance, and rewriting his story with pride and purpose. We discuss his creative journey, from childhood dreams to professional training, and how social media can both fuel and challenge artistic expression. John also speaks candidly about the unique struggles faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, and the essential role allyship plays in creating safer, more supportive spaces. From the power of community dance to his big dreams for the future, this is a story about courage, authenticity and the freedom to move.

Thank you for listening,

Stay wild x

Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan

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!

John Darvell is a dynamic professional with a truly inspiring journey that bridges the worlds of art, technology, and community. As the founder and director of NOCTURN, he’s led innovative dance projects that fuse digital technology with interactive storytelling, all while championing inclusivity and co-creation. With a background spanning creative arts direction, web and graphic design, and project management, John brings a versatile and insightful perspective to every conversation.

@nocturn_dance on Instagram

John's Facebook page

John's Website

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Ever felt stuck in a creative rut or like you're always pushing but never flowing? In this episode, we explore what a creativity coach actually does, and how understanding the natural cycles of creation can help you work with your energy, not against it.

Creativity isn’t a constant grind; it moves in seasons. In this insightful episode, we explore what a creativity coach is and how they support artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and everyday creatives in honouring the full cycle of the creative process. From bursts of inspiration to much-needed periods of rest, you'll learn why every phase, including stillness, has value. We also discuss simple, practical strategies and daily habits that can help you stay in creative flow longer, with more ease and less burnout. Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just getting started, this episode is for you.

Thank you for listening!

Stay wild x Tara's Website

Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan

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!

Tara is a creativity coach. She supports leaders to unlock creative ideas, nurture their unique gifts and skills, solve problems and identify areas for growth (with improved wellbeing as a side effect). She is also the author of four books (so far) – the Embodied series, and wrote and painted the Embodied Wisdom oracle deck.

@empathpreneurs on Instagram

What does it mean to be a creative in a world that keeps shifting beneath your feet?

In this episode, we explore the evolving post-Covid theatre landscape through the eyes of a freelance designer, and what it takes to create sustainable, meaningful work in an ever-evolving industry. From tightened budgets and shifting timelines to new expectations around sustainability and adaptability, Maria explains what it really means to create lasting, environmentally conscious designs for live productions, while also navigating the ongoing uncertainty that so many creatives face today. Whether you're in the arts or simply curious about how creativity survives and evolves in industry, this conversation offers insight, honesty, and hope for what’s possible when resilience meets innovation.

Thank you for listening!

Stay wild x

Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan

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!

Maria is a performance designer for live arts. She completed an MA Performance Design at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 2021, during which time she was awarded the John Elvery prize to recognise Excellence in Stage Design. Previously Maria studied at the University of York, before finding her feet as a scenic artist, designer and maker, working with a variety of companies across the UK. She is part of East Midlands collective B Team, who create theatre about the environment that provokes conversation and change. Maria is a regular speaker and workshop facilitator at UoD, NTU, University of the Arts London and for schools, youth and community groups. Maria is currently the Design and Technology Technician at a local Community School which enables her to focus on building her creative career, including renting her studio at Banks Mill Studios. Maria was Shortlisted for the coveted emerging stage design Linbury Prize in 2021 for her integrated approach towards sustainability.

@mariaterrydesign on Instagram

Maria's Website

@mariajaneterry on X

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