Your Creative Mind

What makes a story both unforgettable and transformative? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, I sit down with author and playwright Susan Sloate, whose work spans novels, musicals, and autobiographical love stories. Susan shares why she believes happy endings carry lasting value, how outrageous creative choices often lead to the strongest storytelling, and what writing across different forms has taught her about character and structure. You’ll hear practical strategies to turn roadblocks into breakthroughs, insights on weaving life experiences into art, and how to rekindle joy in your creative routine. If you’re searching for long-lasting writing inspiration, actionable tools, and a fresh perspective on building confidence through storytelling, Susan’s wisdom will give you both guidance and motivation.

Connect with Susan

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Website: https://IzoldaT.com

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 https://crossroads.consulting/ 

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

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Ever wonder why you feel a pull to tell stories, even if you’ve never written a word? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, we explore the deep-rooted instinct to create and share stories, whether through books, plays, films, or everyday conversations. You’ll learn how storytelling strengthens emotional intelligence, builds human connection, and sparks creative flow even if you think you’re “not a writer.” Tune in to gain confidence in your voice, understand how your brain and soul work together when you tell a story, and walk away with a simple practice to start shaping the story only you can tell. If you're a creative professional, storyteller, or just someone with ideas itching to be expressed, this episode will meet you right where you are and give you the push to begin.

Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon.

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call

New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg

Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series

https://crossroads.consulting/ 

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

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What can a directing class teach us about creativity, leadership, and the art of telling stories that connect? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg sits down with fellow directors Basil Rodericks, Andy Reiff, Sara Ruiz, and Stacy Zuberi to share lessons from their time training with master teacher Karen Kohlhaas. You’ll hear how working on plays like Sweet Bird of Youth, A Streetcar Named Desire, Mala Hierba, and The Revolutionists shaped their vision, sharpened their communication, and strengthened their confidence as creative leaders. If you want practical strategies for directing theatre, leading collaborative projects, or building a more mindful creative practice, this conversation is full of insights you can put to work in your own life.

Andy Reiff is a director and costume designer. Most recently, Andy directed and designed the costumes for Sugar and Salt as part of the Circle Theater Festival, produced by RJ Theatre and The Actor Launchpad. Directing credits include: Anton Goes to Heaven (?) at Theater for the New City. Costume design: The Fundamentalist (Theaterlab), My Name is Susan (Scandinavian American Theater Company), Miracle of the Danube (Philipstown Depot Theatre), Expression of Regret (Philipstown Depot Theatre). Film: "Down the Shore", "Gender Studies", "Goodboy", "Egg", "Lifted" for Gucci and Garage magazine. Styling credits include music videos, editorial projects, red carpet styling for Tony nominee Max Vernon for the opening of KPOP on Broadway and Ben Levi Ross for the premiere of Tick, Tick…Boom!. Andy is passionate about creating opportunities for trans actors onstage. For three years, Andy has been working towards directing and playing Sally Bowles in Cabaret, which you can follow at @prairieoysterclub. @andyreiff andyreiff.com

Basil Rodericks trained with John Basil at the American Globe Conservatory Theatre, where he performed for more than ten seasons. He later continued classical work with unShout the Noise (Tricia Mancuso Parks) under Ron Canada and as a member of Hedgepig Ensemble Theatre Company. Favorite roles: Othello, Iago, Claudius, the Ghost, Lord Capulet, Oberon, and the King of France. Recent: Langston Hughes in Harlem to Moscow: A Soviet Film on Negro Life as Told by Langston Hughes and Bill in PINK, both by Alle Mims under David Henry Hwang/Columbia U.. Directing: Kindergarten Confidential (Debbie Goodstein), The Wanderer (David Glover), and Pecking Order (59E59). Basil served as an evaluator for Hedgepig’s “Expand the Canon” initiative and a nominator for The Drama League. An accomplished theatrical photographer, he teaches photography at a South Bronx high school. basilrodericks.com

Currently: 2nd Murder, Soho Shakes at the Flea Oct 9-Nov 1. Tix: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2nd-murderer 

Sara Ruiz is a director, producer, writer, actor and activist from the San Fernando Valley. In 2020, she graduated with degrees in Political Science and Theatre from CSU Channel Islands. Since she was in high school her passions have been making politics and policy more accessible through the use of theatre and film. She believes that the arts can be used as a tool to break down barriers in the political world. Previously, she served as President of Ventura based theatre company, Unity Theatre Collective and is a founding member of Sana Sana Productions, a guerilla theatre and film production company based in LA. Currently she is Co-Directing "Everybody" by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins at CSU Channels Islands alongside her former Professor Laura Covault. Her past directing credits include: Asteroid Belt by LM Feldman, Collective Rage: a Play in 5 Betties by Jen Silverman, (un)American Activities, Sana Sana’s first original short film, Mi Cielo, an original radio play, and a handful of staged readings.

Stacy Zuberi has been acting since 2020. She has been in several short films and community plays. Her most recent stage productions were playing Mary in City Jail, Lorna in Surviving Grace and Mrs. Soames in Our Town. She has also been the director of Walnut Springs Middle School Drama Club since 2023. This past year they produced Shrek jr., the musical. In her spare time she loves hiking and biking and playing with her grandkids.

https://www.instagram.com/zuberistacy/

Izolda Trakhtenberg is a director and playwright whose work spans stage and screen. Many moons ago, she directed Pam Gems’ Dusa, Fish, Stas, Vi on a 50.00 budget. She also created original projects including the One-Minute Movies community short film series. With NASA, she wrote, directed, and produced award-winning films such as Breathable: A Story of Air Quality and Touch the Earth, along with over 30 films on Earth’s biomes. As a playwright, her work has been featured in festivals across the USA, including Expiration Date at the 29 Palms Festival and Perhaps, Maybe? at Gi60. She is the creator of the If She Had Lived play cycle, exploring untold women's stories. She's currently writing three books, two plays, and a musical. She's also the president of the Tri-state New York chapter of Sisters in Crime, crime writers organization.

Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon.

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call

New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg

Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series

 https://crossroads.consulting/ 

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

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In this episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg explores how intentional stillness restores your creativity, focus, and joy even when you only have five minutes. You’ll learn why pausing your productivity actually strengthens your imagination and how to practice three simple “do nothing” techniques that help you reset your nervous system and open the door to new ideas.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, creatively blocked, or just plain tired, this episode will show you how to reclaim your energy one breath, one pause, one moment at a time.

What if doing nothing was the most creative thing you could do?

In this episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg explores how intentional stillness restores your creativity, focus, and joy — even when you only have five minutes. You’ll learn why pausing your productivity actually strengthens your imagination and how to practice three simple “do nothing” techniques that help you reset your nervous system and open the door to new ideas.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, creatively blocked, or just plain tired, this episode will show you how to reclaim your energy — one breath, one pause, one moment at a time.

Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon.

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call

New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg

Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series

 https://crossroads.consulting/ 

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

Listen on These Channels

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

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Do you wish you had more time to be creative but feel like every minute is already spoken for? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg shares three simple, proven strategies to help you carve out a few minutes each day for creativity or your favorite hobby without overhauling your schedule. You’ll learn how to use micro moments for self-expression, pair habits to make creativity automatic, and set small, achievable goals that actually stick. By the end, you’ll see how just a few mindful minutes can recharge your energy, sharpen focus, and boost your sense of accomplishment. Join the growing community of creatives building sustainable daily practices that fit real life.

AND Izolda be giving you a sneak peek into some other cool changes coming to the show. Plus, she discusses Yo-Yo Ma, Grand Central Terminal, the new book, "Dear New York," and piano.

Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon.

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call

New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg

Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series

 https://crossroads.consulting/ 

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

Listen on These Channels

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

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What can three actors teach you about memory, silence, and creativity? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, I sit down with Jaqui Shiel, Mark Cosby, and Lori Kee, three accomplished performers who brought Harold Pinter’s Old Times to life in a Zoom performance in Karen Kohlhaas’ directing class that I took.

You’ll hear how they build layered characters, balance artistic work with everyday demands, and use pauses and presence to create powerful moments on stage and in life. Their stories offer practical strategies you can apply to your own communication, whether you’re leading a team, teaching a class, or crafting your next project.

If you want fresh insight into acting craft, collaboration, and the artistry of silence, this conversation will spark new ideas and confidence in your own creative journey.

The actors in this project were: Jaqui Shiel as Kate, Mark Cosby as Deeley, and Lori Kee as Anna. See below for their information. If you're a producer or a casting director, book them for shows. They are tremendous at their art and craft.

See the production on YouTube.

Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon.

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call

New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg

Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series

https://crossroads.consulting/ 

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

Listen on These Channels

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

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What happens when you’re on stage and suddenly feel your audience slip away? In this Creatives at Work episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg shares why losing an audience isn’t a failure. It’s a normal part of creative life. And, more importantly, how you can bring people back with confidence and grace.

Drawing on lessons from seeing the legendary Itzhak Perlman live at the Beacon Theatre, Izolda breaks down three practical techniques any artist, performer, or speaker can use to re-engage a drifting audience. You’ll walk away with tools to strengthen your stage presence, connect more deeply in the moment, and transform tension into trust. If you’ve ever wanted to communicate with clarity, courage, and impact, on stage or off, this episode will help you do just that.

Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon.

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call

New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg

Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series

 https://crossroads.consulting/ 

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

Listen on These Channels

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

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What happens when you stop asking for permission and start using your voice fully and unapologetically? In this powerful episode of Your Creative Mind, Grammy-nominated artist, poet, and activist Mary Lambert shares how creative self-trust, emotional truth, and artist activism fuel her work. You’ll hear how she turned personal pain into bold purpose and how you can do the same whether you’re writing, leading, or building your business. Hosted by Izolda Trakhtenberg, creativity coach and communication expert, this show helps entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders grow their creative courage and connect with their voice so they can create meaningful impact. If you're looking for a roadmap to resilience, expression, and lasting creative confidence, this conversation will light the way.

https://marylambertsings.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/marylambertsing/

https://www.facebook.com/marylambertsings

https://www.youtube.com/marylambertsings

https://bsky.app/profile/marylambertsings.bsky.social

https://www.patreon.com/marylambert

Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon.

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call

New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg

Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series

https://crossroads.consulting/ 

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

Listen on These Channels

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

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A brand new segment/episode style of this podcast. When I see, do, or experience creatives at work in a way that highlights curiosity and using our brains and minds to create or change worlds, I'll do an episode like this one.

On this one, I explore Playhouse Creatures' production of Tennessee Williams' Two Character Play starring Irene Glezos and Joseph Rodriguez directed by Anthony Biggs.

I saw it at Maison10 ( a super cool art gallery and performance space in Nomad, NYC). It's going to the Provincetown Theatre Festival the weekend of September 25th.

For more information: https://playhousecreatures.org/tennessee-williams-two-character-play/ 

Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon.

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call

New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg

Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series

 https://crossroads.consulting/ 

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

Listen on These Channels

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

**Affiliate Link

What does it take to truly hear creativity across cultures, genres, and geography? In this episode, Izolda sits down with Josh Rogosin, the sound mind behind over 800 NPR Tiny Desk Concerts and founder of Global Sound Concerts. You’ll hear how music becomes a bridge between people, how deep listening changes everything, and why imperfections often carry more truth than polish. If you’re a creator, storyteller, or someone who wants to connect more deeply, with your audience or your own voice, this episode offers insight and inspiration in equal measure. Josh shares what makes a performance memorable, how sound captures emotion, and how to create work that resonates. Tune in for tools that can reshape how you listen, create, and communicate in your own life and work.

https://globalsoundconcerts.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/joshrogosin/?hl=en

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

https://www.patreon.com/joshrogosin 

https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalSoundConcerts 

BONUS: Little Kruta appears courtesy of Josh Rogosin and the Global Sound Concerts. They perform an excerpt of their original piece, "Sandra Bullock." 

https://www.patreon.com/littlekruta 

Watch Little Kruta's entire performance at the main branch of the New York Public Library.

Musicians at the special performance from the main branch of the New York Public Library were:

Performers:

Credits: Creative Director – Josh Rogosin Videographer – Richard "Ricky" Hood Intro Animation – Kaz Fantone. Special Thanks: The incredible staff and volunteers at The New York Public Library, Jenna Li, Walter Ferguson, Kari Davis and TJ Woods. Filmed live at The New York Public Library's Astor Hall – a breathtaking intersection of sound, story, and space.

Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon.

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call

New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg

Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series

https://crossroads.consulting/ 

This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)

It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

Listen on These Channels

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

**Affiliate Link