This episode features New York Times bestselling author, Jillian Lauren, discussing empathy, storytelling, and creativity. Jillian's diverse creative background includes memoirs, true crime, film scripts, TV pilots, and contributions as a newspaper contributor.

Jillian's Website

@jillianlauren on Instagram

Jillian's Facebook page

Jillian on YouTube

1. Creative Fluidity Across Mediums

- Jillian emphasizes her ability to flow freely between different creative mediums.

- The core of her creative expression lies in the journey and hero's journey archetype.

2. Moment of Creative Intensity

- Jillian shares a recent creative moment in her life, highlighting the gravity and responsibility she felt during the creation of "Behold the Monster."

- Acknowledges the challenges of delving into difficult material and how it affects her creative process.

3. Addressing Writer's Block and Discipline

- Jillian challenges the concept of writer's block and emphasizes the importance of discipline.

- Shares her hardass approach to teaching memoir writing and the belief that consistency leads to successful book writing.

4. Creativity as a Constant Challenge

- Discusses the misconception that creativity is supposed to get easier over time.

- Mentions the psychological concept of "The Reversal of Desire" and the continuous challenge of carving neural pathways in the brain.

5.Cross-Medium Creativity

- Jillian talks about her experiences writing screenplays and teleplays, both adaptations and originals.

- Highlights the reciprocal relationship between writing books and creating screenplays.

- Encourages creatives to learn other skills, play musical instruments, or engage in other creative activities to stimulate different parts of the brain.

- Advocates for embracing curiosity and expanding one's creative repertoire.

Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

Thanks to our sponsor, Exact Rush

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Welcome back, friends, to another exciting episode of Unlocking Your World of Creativity, the podcast where we explore the depths of creativity with practitioners from around the globe. Today's theme is "Making Your Ideas Understandable and Actionable," and we have an expert in animation, live events, sketching, and graphic recording joining us. Please welcome William Warren, founder of The Sketch Effect.

William's Website

William on YouTube

@thesketcheffect on Instagram

William's Facebook group

1. The Birth of The Sketch Effect: William shares the origin story of his business, explaining how his love for sketching turned into a unique service. He highlights the transformative power of visual communication in making complex ideas more understandable and actionable.

2. Navigating the World of Graphic Recording: William delves into the world of graphic recording and visual communication. He explains how his team, armed with creative abilities and cognitive skills, captures key ideas and themes during meetings and conferences, enhancing understanding for all involved.

3. Building a Team of Visual Communicators: The discussion shifts to the challenges of finding and training talented individuals for The Sketch Effect's team. William outlines the four key criteria: baseline creative ability, cognitive skills for synthesizing information, flexibility for travel, and a strong cultural fit within the team.

4. Graphic Recording for Influential Figures: William shares experiences of graphic recording for notable figures like Sheryl Sandberg and Brene Brown. He emphasizes the pressure and trust involved in visually representing the ideas of influential speakers in real-time.

5. The Conquering Creative: The podcast transitions to William's recently released book, "The Conquering Creative: Nine Shifts to Build an Unstoppable Creative Business." The book explores the fusion of creative and business aspects, challenging the notion that business is a necessary evil for creatives.

Key Quotes:

1. "People learn ideas better when information is presented not only verbally but also visually. It's part of how we're wired as human beings to think and process visually."

2. "Creativity by its nature is loose, unstructured, free-flowing. The problem is that business requires structure, deadlines, and results."

3. "Without a solid business foundation, there's no future for you in doing this creative work unless you want it to just be a hobby."

Conclusion:

In this episode, we explored the fascinating intersection of creativity and business with William Warren. From the birth of The Sketch Effect to the challenges of building a team and the impact of graphic recording on influential figures, William's journey is a testament to the power of visual communication. Additionally, his book, "The Conquering Creative," serves as a valuable guide for creatives looking to turn their passion into a sustainable business. As we continue unlocking the world of creativity, let's embrace the idea that understanding and actionability are key components of a thriving creative endeavor.

Thanks to our sponsor, Exact Rush

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Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

Unlocking Your World of Creativity with guests, Claire and Andrew Bowen, a husband and wife team specializing in consulting for profitable coffee shops. Highlighting their book, "The Daily Grind: How to Open and Run a Coffee Shop that Makes Money."

Andrew and Claire's Website

Andrew and Claire on YouTube

@coffeepreneurs on Instagram

Andrew and Claire's Facebook group

1. **Opening a Coffee Shop:**

- Discussing the perception of opening a coffee shop as an easy entry into the hospitality market.

- Highlighting the importance of making money in the coffee shop business.

2. Challenges in the Coffee Shop Business:

- Addressing misconceptions about the ease of opening a coffee shop.

- Emphasizing the significance of getting the basics and fundamentals right to avoid financial pitfalls.

3. Key Considerations for Coffee Shop Success:

- Exploring the concept of being famous for something and finding a unique selling proposition.

- Emphasizing the importance of understanding the target market and tailoring offerings accordingly.

4. Choosing the Right Location:

- Discussing the crucial role of location in the success of a coffee shop.

- Mentioning a 74-point checklist to analyze potential locations.

5. Hiring, Training, and Service:

- Addressing challenges in hiring and retaining good staff in the hospitality industry.

- Highlighting the importance of nurturing a positive workplace culture and providing excellent service.

Crafting the Book:

- Sharing insights into the writing process of "The Daily Grind," including the collaboration between Claire and Andrew.

- Acknowledging the support of a friend with an eye for detail who served as a proofreader.

- Discussing the decision-making process for considering the book complete and ready for publication.

Marketing and Future Plans:

- Sharing marketing strategies, including building an audience on LinkedIn and seeking reviews.

- Mentioning plans for a potential sequel to the book and leveraging existing content for future projects.

Words of Encouragement:

- Encouraging aspiring coffee shop owners to be clear on their goals, target market, and the end game.

- Emphasizing the importance of choosing the right business partner and establishing a partnership agreement.

Key Quotes:

1. "Be very clear on your why, what you want to do, what you're going to be famous for."

2. "Choose the right business partner. You want a yin and a yang. You want somebody to be opposite."

3. "We haven't had any deaths in our coffee shops, just some really stressful owners."

"Embracing Madness for Fearless Creativity with Larry Kasanoff"

This episode explores creativity, inspiration, and bringing ideas into the world. Larry Kasanoff, legendary movie producer and CEO of Threshold Entertainment Group, shares insights from his diverse career in film.

Lawrence's Website

@larrykasanoff on Instagram

Lawrence on YouTube

1. Diverse Creative Ventures

- Larry's career spans a wide range of projects, from Platoon and Terminator 2 to True Lies and the Lego Star Wars movie.

- His creative fingerprint extends across drama, war, comedy, animation, and more.

2. Touch of the Madness Philosophy

- Larry introduces the concept of a "touch of the madness" as a driving force behind his career.

- The philosophy encourages embracing risk, creativity, and innovation to overcome challenges in the business and personal life.

3. Essence of Ideas and Communication

- Larry discusses the importance of understanding the essence of creative ideas, citing the example of Mortal Kombat.

- Effectively communicating the essence of an idea involves grasping its core and translating it across different mediums.

4. Persistence and Learning from Setbacks

- Larry emphasizes the importance of persistence, even in the face of failures or setbacks.

- Drawing parallels to sports, he encourages learning from experiences, adapting, and viewing each project as a new game.

5. Mindfulness and Creativity

- Larry shares his experience with mindfulness, inspired by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

- Mindfulness is viewed as a tool to enhance creativity by fostering focus and being present in the moment.

Key Quotes:

1. "In business and in life, if you want to excel, you have to swim against the current of the river of life."

2. "Nothing great happens without taking a chance."

3. "The problems of the jungle are solved with singing, not violence. It's all about having fun, and fun is wildly underrated."

Conclusion:

Larry Kasanoff's journey offers valuable insights into the mindset required for fearless creativity. From understanding the essence of ideas to embracing a touch of the madness, his philosophy encourages individuals to take risks, learn from setbacks, and infuse creativity into every aspect of life. The episode concludes with a reminder to find peace within oneself, echoing the idea that personal peace can contribute to a more positive world.

Thanks to our sponsor, Exact Rush

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Unlocking Your World of Creativity Expert Panel on "How To Get Unstuck" and overcome obstacles to launching your work.

Speaker 1: Bob Gonzalez

Https://flickerinthewater.com 

Speaker 2: Nejc Susec

https://www.nejcsusec.art/

Speaker 4: Sean B. W. Parker

Sean BW Parker

The panel emphasized the importance of embracing creativity, being adaptable, persistent, and willing to take risks to overcome obstacles and get your work noticed worldwide.

Thanks to our sponsor ExactRush

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Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

In a world awash with musical conformity, Eleyet McConnell emerges as a refreshing, genre-defying force, breathing new life into the music scene. Comprising two distinct talents and creative minds, their music is a fusion of raw emotion, introspection, and unapologetic originality. This dynamic duo, hailing from Central Ohio, is rewriting the rules of music expression, crafting a sound that defies easy categorization. Their songwriting prowess is compelling, with words that resonate deep within the hearts of their audience. Their lyrics are a reflection of personal experiences, universal truths, and the shared human condition, delivered with a vulnerability and honesty that is both rare and refreshing.

Angie McConnell

Background: Born and raised in rural Ohio, Angie (formerly Eleyet) was steeped in the musical traditions of her family from a young age. The vibrant melodies of her upbringing, combined with a burning desire to push artistic boundaries, laid the foundation for her powerful singing and songwriting style.

Influences: Beth Hart, Led Zeppelin, Heart, Janis Joplin, Fleetwood Mac, Bad Company, Michael McDonald, Merle Haggard, and some gospel greats.

Chris McConnell

Background: Chris’s musical journey began at the age of 10 when he joined his first band playing bass. It was here that he discovered the power of music to communicate emotions that words alone could not convey. This revelation ignited a passion that would drive Chris to hone his craft relentlessly for years to come.

Influences: All the greats from the 70s. Pink Floyd, Ambrosia, Bread, The Doobie Brothers, America etc.!

The musical chemistry exploded between Eleyet and McConnell when they met in 2013. Initially, the two were members of a local music project but the writing began almost instantly and keeps evolving. When Angie is asked about writing with Chris, “…. I never really thought much about writing before I met Chris. He tapped into something I didn’t even know existed…. now it just flows”. Although he has collaborated with many artists writing original music, Chris found a unique connection with Angie, “She and I are on the same musical page. We both feel the same groove. We are both blues and soul. We can relate to each and every song.”

The two balance each other very well; so well that they married in 2023. Their ability to tell stories through their lyrics captivates listeners. “We write about very personal experiences, and we know people can relate to our story. The good and the bad--it’s real.” Their chemistry is palpable whether playing in an intimate, storyteller-type venue or with a full, powerful band.

Together, Angie & Chris share a common mission - to take listeners on a journey that transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the soul.

The stage is where Eleyet McConnell truly comes alive, captivating audiences with a performance that leaves a lasting imprint. Their live shows are immersive experiences that transport the audience to another dimension, a place where music and emotion collide. 

In a world saturated with sound, Eleyet McConnell is a beacon of authenticity -- true artists who create music from the heart and soul. With an ever-growing fan base and a future filled with promise, Eleyet McConnell is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.

Angie and Chris on YouTube

Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

Music tracks are copyrighted, provided by the artists' management, and used with permission. 

Welcome back to "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," the podcast where we explore the journeys of creative practitioners around the globe. Today, we're in Zurich, Switzerland, talking to Megan Preston Meyer, a former insights and analytics manager turned creative storyteller.

In this episode, Megan shares her transition from a data-driven role to becoming a creative storyteller, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling in a world inundated with data. Her latest novel, "Firebrand," the first in the Corporate Elements Mysteries, blends elements of mystery with corporate culture, drawing from Megan's own experiences in the corporate world. She discusses her creative process, from the initial 35-minute train commutes to crafting and editing the narrative.

1. Megan's journey from a data-focused career to creative storytelling.

2. The inspiration behind "Firebrand" and its unique blend of mystery and corporate culture.

3. Megan's writing process, including the balance between creating and editing.

4. The unconventional promotion strategies, such as digital billboards, for her self-published book.

Quotes:

1. On the shift from data to storytelling: "The data tells half the story at best. You can't do anything with the results of an analysis until you interpret it."

2. On her creative process: "I wrote in 35-minute chunks on my commute... then sculpted out the actual book during the editing phase."

3. On self-publishing and promotion: "I'm going to have some fun with this. I've always wanted a billboard, and I made it happen."

Megan's story highlights the broad spectrum of creativity and encourages listeners to redefine their notions of creativity, acknowledging its various forms beyond traditional artistic pursuits. Her unique approach to storytelling and promotion provides valuable insights for aspiring creatives.

To stay connected with Megan and learn more about her work, visit her LinkedIn profile or follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@MPrestonMeyer). For details about her book, "Firebrand," and future projects, visit www.alpinechalet.coffee.

Join us next time as we continue our journey, unlocking the diverse world of creativity and learning from the experiences of individuals like Megan.

Megan's Website

@mprestonmeyer on Instagram

Megan Preston Meyer is an ex-Insights & Analytics Manager with an MBA (and 0.25 of a Ph.D.) in Operations Management. She spent more than 10 years working in supply chain and analytics; now she focuses on the stories that data doesn’t tell.

Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

Welcome back, friends, to our podcast, Unlocking Your World of Creativity. Today, we're delving into the enchanting realm of epic and dark fantasy novels with a unique blend of tabletop role-playing games and strategy games. Joining us is the talented J. V. Hilliard, the author of the captivating Warminster Saga.

Exploring Epic Fantasy Foundations:

In our interview with J. V. Hilliard, we uncovered the foundational elements that make a great epic and fantasy novel. Here are the key ingredients discussed:

1. - World Building: Creating a believable and immersive world is crucial. Whether it's Middle Earth, Westeros, or Shannara, building a world grounded in realism with fantastical elements allows readers to escape and believe in the existence of the created realm.
2. Tropes: Themes such as struggle, redemption, forbidden love, and the hero's journey resonate with readers. Incorporating relatable challenges into characters' journeys helps readers connect with the narrative.
3. - *Recognition and Familiarity: Including recognizable elements like the hero's journey, coming-of-age stories, and enemies-to-lovers dynamics provides readers with something to identify with, especially in entirely made-up worlds.

Series Structure: Fantasy novels often take the form of series because readers, once invested in a richly built world, want to explore it further. Series allow for a more in-depth exploration of the intricacies of the world and characters.

J. V. Hilliard's Warminster Saga

We discussed the inspiration and world-building vision behind J. V. Hilliard's Warminster Saga, a four-part series. Originally envisioned as a standalone book, the success of the first installment led to the decision to expand it into a series. The series, rooted in J. V.'s decades-long experience with Dungeons and Dragons, explores the fantasy world of Warminster.

Crafting the Story

J. V. shared insights into his creative process and how he organizes the myriad elements of his stories. He uses a whiteboard to visualize plot interactions, events, and character developments. His approach blends planning and flexibility, ensuring a detailed and cohesive storyline.

From Page to Screen and Beyond

Excitingly, J. V. Hilliard has expanded the Warminster Saga into new mediums. He's licensed the intellectual property for an augmented reality video game and a virtual reality version, both set for release in the coming years. Additionally, a graphic novel adaptation is in the works, providing a visual and interactive dimension to the saga.

In closing, J. V. Hilliard emphasized the collaborative nature of the writing process, acknowledging the invaluable role of editors, beta readers, and the feedback loop with readers. He encourages aspiring authors to embrace constructive criticism and engage with the writing community.

To stay connected with J. V. Hilliard and explore the Warminster Saga, visit his website or find him on various social media platforms.

J.V.'s Website

J.V. on YouTube

@jvhilliardbooks on Instagram

J.V.'s Facebook page

Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

In this captivating podcast episode, we journey into the world of live illustration and sketchnoting with Ashton Rodenhiser, the founder of Minds Eye Creative Consulting in Nova Scotia, Canada. Rodenhiser has brought over 2500 conversations to life through visual communication and shares her insights and experiences in this enriching interview.

The episode kicks off with Rodenhiser painting a vivid picture of her creative surroundings in rural Nova Scotia—a beautiful place to live with inspiration drawn from nature and architecture. As a professional live illustrator, Rodenhiser describes her work primarily in two ways: in-person with large sheets of paper and markers or virtually, especially since the shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rodenhiser's journey into visual communication began as a facilitator, emphasizing the importance of active listening and synthesizing information. She discovered the power of combining her creative aspirations with facilitation, leading her to the world of sketchnoting and graphic recording. Her work involves quickly translating complex concepts into a visual language during presentations, meetings, or brainstorming sessions.

The podcast delves into Rodenhiser's recent book on sketchnoting, where she shares key insights and techniques for beginners. She emphasizes the simplicity of learning basic drawing elements and encourages the use of icons with multiple meanings to enhance sketchnoting skills.

The discussion also explores Rodenhiser's role as a graphic recorder and facilitator, highlighting how visual communication helps break down complex concepts and provides transformative impacts on organizations. She shares memorable experiences where individuals felt heard and valued, emphasizing the importance of creating a space where everyone's voice matters.

Towards the end of the episode, Rodenhiser invites listeners to connect with her, explore her book, and learn more about sketchnoting and visual communication. She leaves the audience with a powerful message about unlocking their creative potential.

In summary, this podcast episode is a delightful exploration of the world of visual communication, sketchnoting, and the transformative impact of bringing ideas to life through live illustration. Ashton Rodenhiser's journey, insights, and passion for her craft make this episode an engaging and inspiring listen for anyone interested in unlocking their own creative potential.

Ashton's Website

Ashton on YouTube

@ashtonmindseye on Instagram

Ashton's Facebook page

Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

Merry Christmas 2023 from UNLOCKING YOUR WORLD OF CREATIVITY.

Here is a playlist with all genres of Christmas music, courtesy of MTS Family artists.

Track List:

Richard Lynch - Santa's Cowboy Town (Original Mix)

Miss Freddye - Hey Santa Claus (Original Mix)

Lady Redneck - The Christmas Song (Original Mix)

Gary Pratt - Angels In The Snow (Original Mix)

Sun King Rising - it Must be Christmas (Original Mix)

Sarantos - Same Old Christmas (Original Mix)

Heistheartist - Holly Jolly (Original Mix)

Ludlow Creek - This Baby Boy (Original Mix)

Midnight Sky - Retail At Christmas (Original Mix)

Richard Lynch - Christmas Time (studio)

Music tracks are copyrighted, provided by the artists' management, and used with permission.

MTS Management Group

http://www.mtsmanagementgroup.com

AVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2023