Your Creative Mind

I saw Adam Gwon's All the World's a Stage, and it sparked some deep realizations about my own life and the importance the arts played in my development and very survival. This is a special episode as a storyteller and as an artist. I hope you enjoy it.

All the World's a Stage at Theatre Row

Written by Adam Gwon (book, music, lyrics)

Eliza Pagelle as Sam

Jon Michael Reese as Michael

Matt Rodin as Ricky

Elizabeth Stanley as Didi

Directed by Jonathan Silverstein

Michael Starobin (orchestrations)

Movement by Patrick McCollum

Andrew Grody Musical Direction

Commissioned by the Keen Company

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

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

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Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series

One Minute Movies

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

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!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

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What makes a story impossible to put down? Whether you’re a writer or just love a gripping read, today’s episode has something for you. Award-winning author Dawn M. Barclay knows how to craft suspense that keeps readers hooked—and she’s sharing her secrets. Writing fiction and nonfiction, she’s mastered the art of storytelling, marketing, and staying true to her creative vision.

In this episode, we talk about what makes a book unforgettable, the biggest mistakes writers make when promoting their work, and how to build a successful writing career without selling out. If you want to write with confidence, market without feeling pushy, and create stories that stick, this conversation is for you. Tune in and learn how to bring your creative vision to life in a way that truly resonates.

dmbarr.com

https://Tiktok.com/authordmbarr

https://Instagram.com/authordmbarr

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

One Minute Movies

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

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!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

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What if the technology we create today ends up shaping our lives in ways we can’t control? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, astrophysicist J. Craig Wheeler, author of The Path to Singularity, shares his eye-opening insights into the rapid advancements in AI, genetic engineering, and space exploration. These technologies promise to transform our future, but are we prepared for their consequences? Craig walks us through the ethical dilemmas, the unexpected twists, and what we can do now to stay in control of our technological destiny. If you’re looking to understand how to navigate a rapidly changing world and make informed choices, this conversation is a must-listen.

jcraigwheeler.ag-sites.net/index.htm

https://x.com/ast309

https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-craig-wheeler-94024a97/

Prometheus: https://www.prometheusbooks.com/9781493085439/the-path-to-singularity/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wheeler+path+to+singularity&crid=VL1DNCFEBHJE&sprefix=Wheeler+Path+%2Caps%2C137&ref=nb_sb_ss_mvt-t2-ranker_1_13

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

One Minute Movies

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

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!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

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Ted McGuire (President) and Andy Quartin (CEO) of Thames and Kosmos

What if playing games could make you smarter, more creative, and a better collaborator? In this special Toy Fair 2025 episode, I sit down with Andy Quartin and Ted McGuire from Thames & Kosmos to explore how board games do more than entertain—they teach critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience. We discuss what makes a game truly great, how the industry is evolving, and why games like John Cooper and Kory Heath's The Gang are changing the way we think about strategy and cooperation. Whether you're a game designer, a lifelong player, or just curious about the creative magic behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in for a fascinating look at the power of play!

https://www.thamesandkosmos.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-quartin-65a79975/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thames-&-kosmos/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-mcguire-5026954/

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

One Minute Movies

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

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!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

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

Can a card game make you a better communicator? John Cooper thinks so. A retired NASA engineer turned game designer, John created The Gang, a cooperative twist on poker that reveals how we think, trust, and strategize under pressure. In this episode, we break down the psychology behind the game—how reading subtle cues can sharpen decision-making, why teamwork trumps individual genius, and what games teach us about real-life collaboration.

If you want to think faster, connect better, and spot patterns others miss, this conversation is for you. Join me, Izolda Trakhtenberg, as we explore creativity, curiosity, and the power of play in shaping how we work and interact. Tune in and get inspired to approach life with a sharper mind and a more open perspective.

https://linktr.ee/Cooperjohn

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/411567/the-gang

https://store.thamesandkosmos.com/products/the-gang

http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/10996/zarcana

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/123/john-cooper

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14634/homeworlds

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/225/icehouse

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

One Minute Movies

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

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!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

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What’s more important—saying it how you want or making sure your message is understood? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg challenges us to rethink communication and clarity. Through engaging storytelling, she explores the way we express ourselves, the importance of adapting to our audience, and how to find the balance between personal expression and being truly heard. Plus, she shares a fun insight from a brain-training app and a fascinating takeaway from a neuroscience of singing workshop! As Izolda prepares for a summer break from the podcast, she reminds listeners of the hundreds of past episodes filled with wisdom on creativity, mindfulness, and innovation. Tune in for practical, thought-provoking insights you can use right now to communicate with more impact.

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

One Minute Movies

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

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!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

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

Women in media, publishing, and storytelling—breaking barriers and writing fearlessly

How do you balance a high-pressure career, a thriving creative passion, and real-life challenges—all without losing yourself in the chaos? Kathleen Marple Kalb knows. As a top-of-the-hour radio anchor and an award-winning mystery author, she’s mastered the art of juggling storytelling, news, and family. In this episode, she shares the secrets of staying creative under pressure, pushing boundaries in genre fiction, and navigating the ever-changing media and publishing landscapes. You’ll hear how she built resilience after debuting in the middle of a pandemic, why she refuses to shy away from tough topics in her books, and how personal experiences shape powerful stories. If you’re looking for real-world strategies to fuel your creativity and build a career on your terms, this conversation is for you.

Website: https://kathleenmarplekalb.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kathleen-Marple-Kalb-1082949845220373/

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

Threads: @kathleenmarplekalb

Bluesky: @mysterymarple.bsky.social

The Hound of the Bonnevilles Preorder link

https://www.amazon.com/Hound-Bonnevilles-Grace-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/1684428033/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

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

One Minute Movies

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

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!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

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What if your next big idea wasn’t just creative—but also wildly successful? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, I talk with Gavin Lawler and Neal Hoffman, two brilliant minds who have turned their creative visions into real-world wins. From innovative storytelling to building brands that capture hearts and imaginations, they share practical strategies for making creativity work—in business, art, and life. You’ll hear how they’ve navigated challenges, leveraged the power of persuasion, and turned passion projects into thriving ventures. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an artist, or someone with a dream waiting to take shape, this conversation will give you actionable steps and fresh inspiration to move forward with confidence. Tune in and get the creative edge you’ve been looking for!

Gavin Lawler is the founder of Inno8 Creative Academy, the home of Creepy Cute Collectible and winner of the 2025 Collectible Toy of the Year from the Toy Association.

Innov8 Creative Academy is a trailblazer in crafting distinctive collectible toys and characters. Renowned for their innovative designs and captivating storytelling, Innov8 ignites the imagination and sparks creativity. With a passion for pushing boundaries, they create more than just toys—they craft worlds. Their mission? To inspire wonder, foster creativity, and bring joy to collectors across the globe.

Neal Hoffman is a Shark Tanker and the CEO of FanRoll Dice. He's also the creator of the Mensch on a Bench, the most publicized brand to ever come out of Shark Tank.

FanRoll offers premium dice sets for tabletop RPG fans, collectors, and dice lovers. The Catan Masterpiece Series, fully funded on Kickstarter in just one hour, showcases their commitment to quality. Whether you're playing Catan, D&D, Pathfinder, or other games, FanRoll’s dice combine stunning designs with perfect balance. With materials ranging from acrylic and metal to resin, gemstones, and glow-in-the-dark, each set enhances your gaming experience. Trust FanRoll to provide dice that are as beautiful as they are functional.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-lawler-817457b3/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-hoffman-8a2306/

https://www.kreepycollectibles.com/

https://www.wellbeingheroes.com/

https://fanrolldice.com/

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

One Minute Movies

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

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!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

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

Julie Brandon as Mom

Julie's New Play Exchange 

https://newplayexchange.org/users/12443/julie-brandon

For Theatrical Shenanigans - "Pulled From a Hat" https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/two-year-anniversary-special/

https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/mini-shenanigans-episode-3-can-you-get-there-from-here-by-julie-brandon/

Broken Art Entertainment -   Summer Vibes Anthology - The Astronomy Lesson and The Future Anthology - Someone's Lucky Day

Connect with Izolda

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

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

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

Ready to "wow" the people you speak with? Work with me.

This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm*, my book on how to become a stellar communicator, Speak From Within, and this podcast's host, Podbean (Get a one-month free trial of Podbean with this affiliate link. https://www.podbean.com/CreativeSolutions). 

Leave me a voice message.

==

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

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!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

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

What happens when a story refuses to be forgotten? The Return of Benjamin Lay isn’t just a play—it’s a powerful lesson in courage, creativity, and using your voice for change. In this episode of Your Creative Mind, I sit down with the producers of the production coming to The Sheen Center this March to talk about bringing this revolutionary abolitionist’s story to the stage.

You’ll hear how bold storytelling can challenge the status quo, why creative work has the power to shift perspectives, and what you can do to make your own impact. If you’re a storyteller, entrepreneur, or changemaker, this episode is for you. And if you can, go see the show at The Sheen Center, March 14 – April 6, 2025—it’s one you won’t forget.

JOSEPH W. RODRIGUEZ is an actor, writer, and Producing Artistic Director of Playhouse Creatures (where he has produced over thirty plays). For PCTC: STILL LIFE (with Ancram Opera House), EXECUTION OF JUSTICE, The Two-Character Play ( 2017 New York/ The Duo Theatre), New Orleans (2018 Southern Rep); Mrs. Packard (with Bridge Rep), One Flea Spare, More Stars Then There Are In Heaven, Hunter/ Gatherers, Charlotte The Destroyer, Love Song, 6xTenn, Closer, The Libertine (The Kirk, Theatre Row), and The Libertine (with Bridge Rep – IRNE Nomination, Best Actor). Other NYC: Buffalo Hair with Jeffrey Wright (The Public Theater); The Normal Heart with Bobby Cannavale (The Duo Theatre); Richard III with Austin Pendleton, Macbeth – title role (New Perspectives); Linnehan’s Daughter (Naked Angels); Landscape of the Body, Hurlyburly (T. Schreiber Studios); Innocent Erendira – world premiere with Miriam Colon (Repertorio Espanol). Regional: Hamlet with Mark Rylance, King Lear with F. Murray Abraham (A.R.T.); Iphigenia (The Huntington); Children of the Sun (The Kennedy Center); A Streetcar Named Desire, American Buffalo, Safe Sex, A Christmas Carol (The New Ehrlich Boston); Vieux Carre, Breaking the Code – Best Supporting Actor, Boston Herald (The Triangle Theatre); The Boys Next Door with Lance Reddick (Worcester Forum Theatre). TV/ FILM: Glory, The Opposite of Sex, Desolation Angels, Against the Law, Guiding Light, As the World Turns, Another World, the titular character in Sci-Fi Channel’s Cameron Grant. He is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. 

ARSALAN SATTARI PRODUCTIONS: Since 2012 Arsalan Sattari Productions has commissioned, developed, licensed, and produced shows by world-class artists, to critical acclaim and commercial success, within the London fringe, West End, and festivals. They are interested in new writing, UK and European premieres, historical plays and characters rarely portrayed on stage. They are proud to have built a reputation of producing top acclaimed American playwrights in the UK. Arsalan is an Honorary Associate Producer at the multi-award winning Finborough Theatre, London, and Creative Director and CEO of StageBlock, working with some of the most renowned talents and global institutions to bring performing arts into the wider art market. 

https://playhousecreatures.org/events/the-return-of-benjamin-lay/

https://www.sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay

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

One Minute Movies

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

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!**

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

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