Welcome back. I'm Mark, and today I'm bringing you a special bonus episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity" direct from Oslo, Norway, where I'm diving into the fascinating world of conscious brands during Oslo Innovation Week.

In this illuminating session titled "Conscientious Innovation," hosted by the Medinge Group and organized by the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), we explored how innovation, sustainability, and creativity intertwine to make the world a better place.

The first 3 distinguished panelists of the morning led us on an eye-opening journey:

Christian Lodgaard: As the Chief Design Officer of Flock, one of Scandinavia's largest furniture manufacturers, Christian delved into the concept of designing products to last. He emphasized the significance of considering materials, structure, and repairability right from the start. The goal? To create furniture with lasting value and minimal environmental impact.

Brigitte Stepputtis: The Global Head of Couture at the fashion brand Vivienne Westwood, revealed how this fashion icon leads the way in conscious design. Vivienne Westwood's reduced impact strategy includes fewer collection changes, fewer fashion shows, and streamlining product lines -- while even exploring the repurposing of bridal gowns.

Joana Sá Lima: Joana, a partner and architect at Comte Bureau, introduced us to the idea that sometimes the best decision is not to build anything new at all. She highlighted innovative ways to rethink construction materials, design, and waste reduction. Asking the right questions, she argued, can lead to surprising and sustainable solutions.

Taken together, hese panelists illuminated some key takeaways:

1. The Art of the Possible: Concrete examples showed us what's achievable in the realm of conscientious innovation, dispelling the notion of mere theoretical ideas.

2. Defining Circularity: They provided a clear picture of how individual brands and products can embrace circularity, pinpointing where improvements can be made.

3. Empowering the Consumer: Educating customers about their choices can steer them toward more sustainable options, fostering informed decisions.

Stay tuned for more updates from Oslo Innovation Week as I continue my exploration of global creative and innovative endeavors. I'm Mark, inviting you to join me on this inspiring journey of unlocking creativity.

Here are the podcast highlights:

1. **Oslo Innovation Week:** Mark travels to Oslo, Norway, for Oslo Innovation Week, focusing on innovation and sustainability.

2. **Edvard Munch Museum:** Mark visits the newly designed Edvard Munch Museum with 28,000 of Munch's works on display.

3. **The Infinite and Monumental Exhibits:** Mark explores "The Infinite" and "Monumental" exhibits, showcasing the scale and scope of Munch's works.

4. **Resilience and Artistry:** Mark reflects on Munch's resilience as an artist, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and creativity.

5. **Signature Work:** Mark notes the power of a signature piece of art, which can lead to the discovery of a vast body of work.

6. **Prolific Creativity:** Mark highlights the prolific nature of Edvard Munch's work, inspiring listeners to embark on their creative journeys.

Join Mark in his creative journey through Oslo, Norway, and stay tuned for more insights and discoveries on the next episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity."

In this episode, Mark interviews Dr. Paul J. Zak, a distinguished scientist and professor at Claremont Graduate University, known for his extensive research in the fields of creativity, neuroscience, and happiness. Dr. Zak's work has taken him from academia to entrepreneurship, and he's a four-time tech entrepreneur, TED speaker, and author of "Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and the Source of Happiness."

1. **The Journey to Understanding Happiness and Creativity:** Dr. Zak's journey began with a passion for helping people lead happier and healthier lives. His research aims to understand the science behind happiness and creativity, ultimately bringing academic findings to the real world.

2. **Immersion Neuroscience:** Dr. Zak founded Immersion Neuroscience, a software platform that measures real-time brain activity to determine what the brain loves. This platform has applications in entertainment, education, advertising, and monitoring emotional wellness.

3. **Narrative Structure Enhances Experiences:** Dr. Zak emphasizes the importance of a narrative structure in creating immersive experiences. By telling stories that engage and emotionally resonate with the audience, businesses can enhance customer experiences.

4. **Measuring and Enhancing Customer Experiences:** Dr. Zak's research highlights the importance of psychological safety, narrative, and passionate delivery in creating immersive customer experiences. Social interactions and connections play a vital role in this process.

5. **Predicting Hit Songs with Brain Science:** Dr. Zak's work extends to predicting hit songs using brain activity data. By understanding how the brain values music, his team achieved 97% accuracy in predicting hit songs three months in advance.

6. **Brain as Predictor:** The brain can serve as a predictor for market outcomes, and measuring brain activity from a moderate number of individuals can yield highly accurate predictions, simplifying the need for massive data collection.

In summary, Dr. Paul J. Zak's research demonstrates the powerful intersection of neuroscience, creativity, and happiness, offering insights into enhancing customer experiences and even predicting hit songs using brain science. This episode provides valuable insights for businesses and individuals seeking to tap into the science behind extraordinary experiences and emotional connections.

Paul's Website

www.getimmersion.com

Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

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• The podcast episode features Jeff Friesen, an award-winning photographer, author, LEGO artist, and creator of miniature worlds.
• Jeff's work has received recognition in the photography world, including an Award of Excellence from Communication Arts, and his LEGO art has garnered international attention.
• The interview explores Jeff's journey into the world of LEGO art, his creative process, and his book, "The LEGO Engineer."

Key Topics and Quotes

Inspiration for LEGO Engineering

• Jeff's interest in LEGO engineering stemmed from his desire to understand complex engineering concepts and make them accessible to a general audience.
• Jeff: "If someone could explain to me how an airplane flies in a way that I, as a layperson with no engineering background, could understand, then it would be valuable to others too."

Balancing Aesthetics with Engineering

• Jeff's LEGO creations not only focus on aesthetics but also delve into the engineering principles behind each model.
• Jeff emphasizes the importance of combining beauty with functionality in LEGO creations, mirroring real-world engineering challenges.

Iterative Process and Problem-Solving

• Building with LEGO is akin to solving a puzzle, and the process involves constant problem-solving.
• Jeff describes the iterative nature of LEGO building and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges: "You're always limited by the shape of the bricks, so you have to think creatively to deal with these limitations."

Publishing "The LEGO Engineer"

• Jeff's book, "The LEGO Engineer," focuses on explaining engineering concepts through LEGO creations.
• He highlights the collaborative process with his publisher, No Starch Press, and the importance of proving oneself through previous publications.
• Jeff mentions the challenge of combining technical and aesthetic aspects in the book's design.

Advice for Creative Practitioners

• Jeff advises creatives to continually refine their work, even when they believe it's complete, and to focus on personal projects.
• He emphasizes the potential of personal projects as gateways to larger opportunities, highlighting that his LEGO journey began with playing with his daughter.

Conclusion

The interview with Jeff Friesen showcases the intersection of art and engineering in LEGO creations. Jeff's dedication to making complex engineering concepts accessible to a broader audience offers valuable insights for creative practitioners. His iterative process and commitment to personal projects underscore the importance of persistence and continuous improvement in creative endeavors.

Jeff's Website

@jeff_works on Instagram

Book: The LEGO Engineer

Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

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In this episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," host Mark interviews Bill Hammack, the author of "The Things We Make: The Unknown History of Invention, From Cathedrals to Soda Cans."

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Things-We-Make-Invention-Cathedrals/dp/1728215757

Bill, known as the "Engineering Guy," shares insights on engineering and ingenuity, reflecting on his own journey from radio to YouTube fame. Here are five key topics and quotes from Bill Hammack in the interview:

1. **Engineering and Creativity:** Bill discusses how engineering has become an internet sensation through platforms like YouTube. He emphasizes the importance of creativity in engineering and how it's not just about the technical aspects but also storytelling.

> "That is at the heart of your podcast. We're talking about creating things. But there's a way in which at the beginning we were a little bit alone in doing it."

2. **Iterative Process:** Bill explains how he adopts an iterative approach to his creative work, emphasizing the importance of structure and crafting the narrative in his videos.

> "And that's where I spend most of my effort, is what is the order of the information going to do, to, to, what's going to happen with it?"

3. **Collaboration in Invention:** Bill delves into the collaborative nature of invention and how even famous inventors like Edison worked with teams and collaborators. He highlights the importance of acknowledging the collective effort behind inventions.

> "By not looking at it as a system of people that do it, we actually lose the engineering and we lose sight of it."

4. **Creativity as Problem-Solving:** Bill explains that engineering is fundamentally about solving problems before science has all the answers. Engineers use trial and error, rules of thumb, and creative thinking to innovate and make things work.

> "And this is something that I do find upsets people; it is its own method and it uses trial and error."

5. **Embracing Imperfections:** Bill shares the value of embracing imperfections and the idea that every creative work will have its defects. He encourages creators to let go and focus on the beauty within their creations.

> "Let go. Look, everything I've made has defects in it. You're not going to get perfection, and you just have to let it go."

Bill's Website

Bill on YouTube

@billengineerguy on Instagram

Bill's Facebook page

Bill Hammack's insights highlight the intersection of engineering, creativity, and storytelling, offering valuable lessons for creators and innovators in various fields.

Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

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Welcome to Joel Cohen, Emmy award-winning writer/producer "The Simpsons." and co-author "The Occasionally Accurate Annals of Football"

Joel Cohen's Background:

·      Joel is a writer and producer for "The Simpsons," having won three Emmys and a Peabody award. (we had a humorous exchange about the mystery of receiving a Peabody award)

The Occasionally Accurate Annals of Football:

·      Joel and Dan Patrick co-authored the book "The Occasionally Accurate Annals of Football."

·      Origin of the collaboration: Joel reached out to Dan Patrick with the idea for a funny book about football.

·      The book's release date was September 5, and they've been working on it for a year and a half.

·      Joel praises Dan Patrick's humor and willingness to collaborate.

Book Content and Style:

·      The book is a humorous take on NFL history, including true stories, jokes, and baseless conspiracies.

·      Covers every team, player, and many Superbowl moments.

·      Features contributions from writers of popular shows like "Saturday Night Live," "The Simpsons," and more.

·      The book blends recollections, funny moments, and anecdotes about football.

·      We discuss how collaboration is key in both TV writing and book writing.

 Favorite Book Passage:

·      Joel reads a passage from the book about Don Malbach, the Detroit Lions' long snapper, adding humor and illustrations.

·      Emphasizes how humor and storytelling contribute to the book's narrative.

Business of Writing and Entertainment:

·      Discusses the ongoing strike in the entertainment industry.

·      Addresses the need to ensure that writing remains a viable career path.

·      Mentions AI as a looming threat to writers and actors.

·      Talks about the importance of fair compensation for creators.

Future Trends in Entertainment:

·      Recognizes the fragmentation of content and the rise of niche audiences.

·      Highlights the potential impact of AI on content creation.

·      Mentions the need for creators to adapt to changing media landscapes.

Future Projects:

·      Expresses interest in writing another book and exploring other movie and TV ideas.

·      Discusses how the strike has temporarily frozen some of his projects but remains creatively active.

Joel's Website

@sportswrong on Instagram

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Today's guest is Polina Pompliano, author of "Hidden Genius"We are exploring the creative thinking and mental frameworks of exceptional individuals

Polina's Book "Hidden Genius":

• Polina's book is "Hidden Genius," a collection of stories that demystify the thinking processes of exceptional individuals.
• The book sheds light on how smart and exceptional people think, breaking down their methods for practical takeaways.

Approaching Exceptional Thinkers:

• Polina discusses her approach to understanding how exceptional thinkers approach creativity and other aspects.
• Every chapter focuses on a different theme, offering practical takeaways that readers can implement in their own lives.

Creativity as a Skill:

• Polina emphasizes that creativity is a skill that can be learned and mastered through practice and discipline.
• Exceptional individuals recognize creativity as a skill and work to develop it.

Mental Frameworks and Creativity:

• Polina explores the concept of mental frameworks and how they affect creativity.
• Creative people often look at the world through specific lenses, generating fresh ideas even from unrelated experiences.

Connecting the Unconnected:

• Polina discusses the importance of connecting seemingly unrelated concepts for enhanced creativity.
• Examples include Chef Grant Akitz finding inspiration in unconventional places and Da Vinci's practice of connecting unconnected concepts.

Generating Ideas through Rote Activities:

• Polina explains how rote activities like showering or running can promote creativity by allowing the brain to wander.
• These activities create space for new ideas to form and develop in the background.

Aim to Fail the Elevator Test:

• Polina introduces the concept of aiming to fail the elevator test, where the goal is to explain complex, original ideas in 30 seconds or less.
• Truly original ideas may not be easily explained in a short time, indicating their uniqueness and potential for success.

Resilience and Consistency:

• Polina highlights the importance of resilience in creative pursuits, drawing from her own experience of consistently writing her newsletter.
• Consistency over time builds trust with readers and audiences, leading to successful engagement.

Defining Success:

• Polina redefines success as a life well lived, encompassing both achievements and failures, and the lessons learned from them.
• The book aims to learn from exceptional people rather than idolizing them.

Craftsmanship and Creativity:

• Polina discusses how she maintained her consistency in writing despite challenges, acknowledging readers' expectations.
• Maintaining a backup plan and being prepared helps overcome challenges and maintain a consistent creative output.

Finding Smallest Pieces of Hope:

• Polina advises creators to find the smallest pieces of hope during challenging times to keep the momentum going.
• The smallest ideas or inspiration can lead to breakthroughs in creativity and productivity.

Lessons from Exceptional Thinkers:

• Polina emphasizes the uniqueness of the book's content and the diverse nature of the exceptional thinkers profiled.
• Success doesn't exist in a vacuum, and the book aims to provide readers with diverse ideas to apply in their lives.

Connecting with Polina:

• Polina invites listeners to connect with her through "The Profile," her weekly newsletter that inspired the book.

Polina Marinova Pompliano is the author of 'HIDDEN GENIUS: The Secret Ways of Thinking That Power the World's Most Successful People.' She is also the founder of The Profile, a media organization that studies successful people and companies. Previously, she spent five years at FORTUNE where she wrote more than 1,300 articles and earned the trust of prominent investors and entrepreneurs. As the author and editor of Term Sheet, FORTUNE’s industry-leading dealmaking newsletter, Polina interviewed the industry’s most influential dealmakers, including Melinda Gates, Steve Case, Chamath Palihapitiya, and more.

Polina's Website

Polina on YouTube

@polinampompliano on Instagram

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In this interview with Ozan Varol, the author of "Awaken Your Genius," the conversation revolves around the challenges of embracing creativity and escaping conformity. Ozan Varol's book focuses on breaking free from societal norms and finding one's unique creative voice. The interview emphasizes the importance of authenticity, individuality, and the journey to creativity.

Ozan Varol's book, "Awaken Your Genius," encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and develop their own perspectives on creativity. The conversation highlights the story of Johnny Cash's audition, where he resisted conformity and showcased his uniqueness, leading to his success. The author emphasizes that true creativity arises when one dares to be different and not just follow the herd.

Here are some topics we discussed:

1. Can you share with us the inspiration behind writing "Awaken Your Genius"? What motivated you to explore the concept of unlocking one's originality?

2. In your book, you talk about discovering "first principles" as a way to tap into our genius. Could you explain what first principles are and how they can help us generate original insights? 

3. Creativity often involves letting go of preconceived notions and thinking beyond conventional boundaries. How can we discard what no longer serves us to foster a more creative mindset?

4. "Looking where others don't look" and "seeing what others don't see" are intriguing concepts. How can we develop this unique perspective to fuel our creative thinking?

5. As we embark on a journey of A WORLD OF CREATIVITY, we might encounter self-doubt or fear of failure. You were born in Istanbul, Turkey, came to US to study, worked on two Mars expeditions, and now lecture ---- How do you suggest overcoming these mental barriers to fully unleash our creative potential?

6. Can you share a practical exercise or technique from your book that our listeners can use to kickstart their creativity and begin their path toward awakening their genius?

The interview touches on two key aspects of fostering creativity: geographical and disciplinary exploration. Ozan Varol suggests stepping outside one's familiar surroundings, whether by traveling or changing physical environments, as a means to break free from routine thinking. He also emphasizes the value of embracing ideas from various disciplines to create innovative connections and approaches.

The conversation ends with Ozan Varol reading a passage from his book's introduction, which focuses on the concept of tapping into one's untapped wisdom and embracing individuality to contribute uniquely to the world. The interview concludes by urging listeners to put themselves on "airplane mode," allowing themselves time and space for reflection and imagination, which are vital for nurturing creativity.

Overall, the interview provides insights into Ozan Varol's philosophy on creativity, the essence of his book, and practical steps individuals can take to awaken their own creative genius.

If you're in the United States, text his first name, Ozan, to 55444.

Ozan's Website

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Our guest is Christina Wallace, Senior Lecturer of Entrepreneurial Management at Harvard Business School, where she leads HBS Startup Bootcamp, 

Her latest book is "The Portfolio Life: How to Future-Proof Your Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build A Life Bigger Than Your Business Card."

From Hachette Book Group

Christina's Website

@cmwalla on Instagram

Here are the topics we discussed:

1. As a self-described "human Venn diagram," you've crafted a diverse career at the intersection of business, technology, and the arts. How has this unique combination influenced your approach to entrepreneurship and teaching?

2. Your latest book, "The Portfolio Life," delves into future-proofing careers and avoiding burnout. Could you share some key insights from the book and how individuals can apply them to build a fulfilling life beyond just their professional identity? 3 tenets of a Portfolio Life:

• You are more than any one role or opportunity.
• Diversification will help you navigate change and mitigate uncertainty.
• When (not if) your needs change, you can and should rebalance.

3. You explore portfolio careers. How do you believe these non-traditional career paths can foster creativity and lead to a more fulfilling professional life?

4. Co-authoring "New To Big" with David Kidder provided insights into creating like entrepreneurs and investing like venture capitalists. How can companies strike a balance between fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and business profitability while maintaining a focus on people -- their growth and their success – building THEIR portfolio life?

5. Your background in edtech startups, corporate innovation, and venture-backed fashion companies showcases your versatility. How has your experience in various industries shaped your understanding of creativity and innovation?

6. With a rich background in music and arts, how do you see the integration of creativity in the business world, and what role does it play in fostering innovation and problem-solving? How can individuals leverage their artistic interests to enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors?

Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

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Tom Vaughan has been writing professionally for nearly thirty years. He studied at the University of Houston with Broadway legend Jose Quintero and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Edward Albee. It was his work as a writer and director in Houston theatre that got him recognized by Hollywood.

WINCHESTER, the film he co-wrote starring Helen Mirren and Jason Clarke, about the infamous Winchester Mystery House, opened nationwide in 2018. His eighth film, THE QUEEN MARY will release in August 2023 and DADDY'S GIRL for XYZ Films will shoot later this year (WGA strike willing.) Tom recently set up MOST WANTED at Miramax with director Ruben Fleischer (ZOMBIELAND, VENOM) attached.

He teaches privately at storyandplot.com and is currently the screenwriting instructor at his beloved alma mater, The University of Houston.

Tom created a link just for our listeners, with a 10% discount

https://storyandplot.com/creativity/

Here are six questions we asked Tom Vaughan, focusing on creativity, screenwriting, and his experiences in the film industry:

1. Can you share with us how your background as an actor and improviser has influenced your approach to screenwriting? How does your experience in theater contribute to your creative process in writing for the screen?

2. You've had the opportunity to work with renowned actors and directors throughout your career. How does collaboration play a role in fueling creativity and bringing out the best in a screenplay?

3. From writing for television networks like ABC and NBC to major film studios like Warner Brothers and Disney, you've had an impressive range of projects. How do you adapt your creative storytelling to different platforms and audiences?

4. The film industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies shaping storytelling. How do you stay creatively inspired and relevant in such a dynamic environment?

5. Your film "Winchester" brought to life the mysterious Winchester Mystery House, and "Queen Mary" explores the famously haunted cruise liner. How do you approach writing stories based on real-life events while maintaining a balance between creative freedom and historical accuracy?

6. As a seasoned screenwriting teacher, what advice would you give aspiring writers looking to tap into their creativity and make their mark in the industry?

Tom's Website

Tom on YouTube

@storyandplotclasses on Instagram

Tom's Facebook page

Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

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