Your World of Creativity

Today, we welcome Kay Smith-Blum, an author whose journey has taken her from the world of fashion to education leadership and now to award-winning historical fiction.

Kay's Website

@discerningKSB on Instagram

Kay's Facebook page

A longtime Seattle resident, Kay has recently been honored with multiple awards for her debut novel TANGLES, including Best Historical Mystery/Suspense at the 2025 American Fiction Awards, Best Debut Fiction by the American Writing Awards, Best Regional Fiction/West by the National Indie Excellence Awards, and Book of the Year by the Literary Global Book Awards.

Inspired by the mid-20th century and the haunting realities of leaking radioactive waste tanks at the Hanford Nuclear Site, Kay brings history, suspense, and humanity together in her storytelling.

The Spark for TANGLES

• You’ve said that the recent controversies around radioactive waste tanks at Hanford compelled you to write this story. What was the moment or piece of history that made you say: this has to become a novel?

From Fashion to Fiction

• Your background includes running a successful fashion business and serving as Seattle School Board President. How did those experiences shape your perspective as a writer—and ultimately lead you to TANGLES?

Historical Suspense & Craft

• TANGLES blends mystery, suspense, and historical detail. How did you balance historical accuracy with narrative drive? What were the biggest challenges in weaving fact with fiction?

Writing Process & Rituals

• You describe yourself as a sunrise writer who works out writer’s block in gardens and lap pools. Could you share more about your creative process—and how these routines fuel your storytelling?

Recognition & Next Steps

• With TANGLES winning so many awards—including Book of the Year—what has this recognition meant for you personally and professionally? And what’s next on your creative horizon?

What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to aspiring authors who feel drawn to tackle historical or regional stories, but maybe hesitate to take the leap?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

Also, as a thanks to you for listening, I’d like to offer you a free download of my e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Today, we welcome Gail Straub, author of Home Inside the Globe, her new memoir that reflects on a life of travel, activism, empowerment, and creative exploration.

Gail 's Website

Gail is the author of eight other acclaimed books, including the best-selling Empowerment, co-authored with her husband David Gershon, as well as The Rhythm of Compassion, Returning to My Mother’s House, and The Ashokan Way. She has won multiple Nautilus and Foreword Reviews awards for her writings on feminism, nature, and healing.

Beyond her books, Gail cofounded the Empowerment Institute in 1981 and later IMAGINE: A Global Initiative for the Empowerment of Women, which has impacted millions of lives across Africa, India, and the Middle East. She is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on empowerment and continues to blend personal storytelling with global activism.

Here's an outline of our conversation:

Home and Belonging

• After a lifetime of travel across cultures and causes, what does “home” mean to you now—and how did writing Home Inside the Globe help you integrate your inner and outer journeys?

Empowerment Across Generations

• Since cofounding the Empowerment Institute in 1981, how has your definition of “empowerment” evolved, particularly as you’ve worked with women around the world?

Global Voices, Local Lessons

• Through IMAGINE, you’ve supported women in Africa, India, and the Middle East. What have you learned from their resilience, and what lessons could Western feminism draw from those experiences?

Balancing Activism and Storytelling

• You’ve written nature meditations, feminist memoirs, and now a life-spanning reflection. How do you balance personal storytelling with activism in your work—and what role does compassion play in sustaining that balance?

Legacy and Future Changemakers

• With Home Inside the Globe, what legacy do you hope to leave for readers—and what message do you want to pass on to the next generation of changemakers, especially those searching for purpose later in life?

 Gail, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to listeners about finding both courage and compassion on their own creative and activist journeys?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com

And don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Today, we welcome Beau Dromiack — an architect, author, educator, and national voice on reviving craft in design education and practice. Beau blends decades of mission-critical architecture with a passion for teaching what he calls ‘success empathy’—the soft skills and high-craft mindset needed to thrive in today’s built environment. He leads a graduate design program at Arizona State University, mentors emerging professionals, and has just released his second book on the future of architecture and the Super-Architect.

https://www.dromiackinvention.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beau-dromiack-aia-dbia-ncarb-scup-310747124/

https://a.co/d/5NSYyZX

1. The Call for Craft

• You’ve said, “Craft is Care—Care is our Craft. Less craft means less humanity.” Why is reviving craft so critical to the future of architecture—especially in a world driven by speed and AI?

1. The Super-Architect

• In your new book, you define the “Super-Architect” through values, skills, and optimism. Walk us through those qualities—and how they help architects build resilience amid today’s pressures and opportunities.

1. Empathy and Education

• You teach “success empathy.” How do you cultivate those soft skills and a high-craft mindset with your ASU graduate students and emerging professionals?

1. AI, Speed, and Sustainability

• Your Roadmap for Resilience aims to protect craft and humanity while embracing tech. How can architects balance AI’s efficiencies with imagination, creativity, and care?

1. Relevance and Responsibility

• Many argue architecture faces a relevance crisis. How can architects reclaim influence in the built environment—and what role does optimism play?

Beau, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to both seasoned professionals and students on keeping imagination, empathy, and craft alive as design accelerates?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Come back for our next episode, when we’ll continue our round-the-world travels to talk with creatives about how they get inspired, how they organize ideas, and most of all, how they gain the confidence and connections to launch their work out into the world.

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, the podcast where we explore how creative professionals around the world are bringing their ideas to life — from inspiration to implementation.

Today, we’re diving deep into the high-stakes, high-impact world of healthcare branding. Our guest is Joe Daley, President of Addison Whitney, a global leader in brand strategy, identity, and naming — especially in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

https://www.addisonwhitney.com/

linkedin.com/in/joseph-daley-4535698

Joe brings decades of experience across healthcare sales, marketing, advertising, and strategy, and now leads an award-winning team that's behind the names of nearly 50% of the top 200 prescription drugs on the market.

He’s here to share how Addison Whitney is pioneering the use of AI in brand naming — especially with the launch of Ari™, the first AI-based brand design application tailored for pharma.

1. From Sales to Strategy to Creative Leadership

“Joe, your journey from pharmaceutical sales rep to global branding leader is quite remarkable. How has that full-spectrum view of healthcare shaped the way you approach brand strategy today at Addison Whitney?”

2. The Art and Science of Naming Pharmaceuticals

“You’ve said naming a drug is a peculiar and specialized process. Can you walk us through what makes naming in the healthcare space so unique — and what success looks like in this arena?” “What are some recent branding trends you're noticing in clinical trial naming or tech-health crossover products?”

3. Ari™ – Merging Human Expertise with AI

“Tell us about Ari™ — your proprietary AI platform. What inspired its development, and how does it amplify rather than replace the creative work your team does?”

4. Creative Compliance: Balancing Innovation and Regulation

“Pharma branding has to navigate regulatory approval, global trademark clearance, and more. How does your team maintain creativity within these tight guardrails?” “How does your team collaborate globally across cultures and languages to develop universally resonant brands?”

5. Future Vision: Creativity in a Regulated World

• “As the boundaries between healthcare, tech, and consumer branding blur — where do you see the next frontier of creative innovation coming from in brand design?” “What advice would you give to a young creative entering the healthcare branding space?”

Joe, thank you for sharing such incredible insights into the fascinating world of brand naming and strategy — especially how you're combining three decades of expertise with the power of AI to shape the future of healthcare brands.

Listeners, as always, we want to thank our sponsor White Cloud Coffee Roasters. You can get 10% off your first order by using the promo code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com to learn more.

Make sure to subscribe to Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app, leave us a rating and review, and join us next time as we continue to explore the creative process around the world and across industries.

Today, we welcome Tami Eagle Bowling — motivational speaker and advocate for #LightUpMBC, a global event illuminating landmarks and amplifying patient voices. The program has raised hope and more than $2 million for metastatic breast cancer research.

Here are links to #LightUpMBC resources:

www.lightupmbc.org

https://www.instagram.com/lightupmbc/

https://www.instagram.com/metavivor/

After 20 years in media sales leadership at Condé Nast and Hearst, holding roles like Associate Publisher of Marie Claire and Teen Vogue, Tami’s life changed at 41 when she was diagnosed de novo with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer while raising two young children.

She transformed her energy into advocacy, creating #LightUpMBC LIVE, She also co-produces The Janice Jam, Broadway for Breast Cancer, and has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and beyond. She’s here to share her journey of resilience, advocacy, and creativity.

1. From Publishing to Purpose: Tami, you spent two decades leading in the media world. Can you share what skills and experiences from that career you drew upon when shifting your energy into advocacy and creating #LightUpMBC LIVE?
2. The Power of Visibility: Close to 300 landmarks across 166+ cities around the world will be illuminated on Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13 as part of the incredible global campaign. How are landmark owners joining the #LightUpMBC campaign by lighting in the symbolic MBC colors of green, teal and pink on October 13? Why is visibility — literally lighting up the world — such a powerful metaphor and tool for raising awareness and hope in the MBC community?
3. Patient Voices & Advocacy: You’ve said your mission is to amplify patient voices. What are some of the most important stories and lessons you’ve witnessed through the livestreams and advocacy work that you think the wider world needs to hear?
4. Survive and Thrive: You’ve been honored with awards and legislative recognition for your impact. But beyond the spotlight, what does “survive and thrive” mean to you personally, as a mother, a patient, and a leader?
5. The Eagle Method: You’ve created The Eagle Method as a framework to build resilience, embrace uncertainty, and improve mental health. Can you walk us through what it is, and how you apply it in your own life and with others?

Tami, what’s one piece of advice you would share with someone facing uncertainty or adversity about finding their voice and turning it into something that helps others?

Connect with Tami at Tami's Website , and @EagleMethod on Instagram

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee, fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.

And before you go, don’t forget to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Welcome back, friends, to Your World of Creativity—the podcast where we explore inspiration, innovation, and imagination from around the globe. I’m your host, Mark Stinson, and today we’re diving into a fascinating intersection of creativity, consciousness, and cutting-edge technology.

My guest is Schuyler Dragoo—an interdisciplinary artist and researcher whose work spans painting, performance, music, video, sculpture, and beyond. But what sets Schuyler apart is her deep inquiry into the intersections of technology, neurodivergence, and nonhuman perception. She’s recently completed an MFA at Tufts and an MA in Psychology, bringing together art, science, and strategy in ways that are absolutely captivating.

Schuyler's Website

@painted.goose on Instagram

1. Art and Awareness Across Species

“You explore nonhuman perception and interaction—something most artists never even think about. What first drew you to this idea of creating work that bridges the human and nonhuman experience?”

• Sensory translation, AI interpretations of animal behavior, or speculative interaction.
• Examples from her painting, sculpture, or video installations.

2. Neurodivergence as a Creative Lens

“You’ve mentioned neurodivergence in your work—not just as a subject, but also as a mode of perception and creativity. How does neurodivergence inform the way you see or create systems, art, and technology?”

• Non-linear thought, pattern recognition, or how psychology and art intersect in her process.

3. From Concept to Code: Building Tools, Not Just Ideas

“Unlike many artists, you actually build things—AI bots, automation systems, narrative engines. Can you share an example of a tool you’ve created that brought together creativity, strategy, and real-world performance?”

• Her work in performance marketing or AI-driven behavior tools.
• How does creative strategy function like anthropology?

4. Making Systems Feel Human

“You’ve said you approach creative work as a system—and you design systems that feel human. What does that look like in practice? And how do you make sure technology doesn’t lose its emotional resonance?”

• Walkthrough of design thinking + behavioral insight
• Discussion on ethics, empathy, and human-centered design.

5. What’s Next in the Ecosystem of Your Work?

“With your background in psychology, tech, and performance art—what kinds of projects are on the horizon for you? Where do you see the biggest potential for impact next?”

• MFA and MA capstone projects
• Upcoming collaborations, gallery shows, or tool launches
• Vision for AI and neurodiverse design spaces

Schuyler, thank you for opening up your world of creativity with us today. From speculative design to neurodiverse intelligence, your work really reminds us how broad and brilliant the creative landscape can be when we embrace systems thinking and cross-domain fluency.

As always, we want to thank our sponsor—White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners, you can enjoy a 10% discount off your first order when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Just visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.

Until next time, keep exploring your world of creativity. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite app. We’ll see you in the next episode!

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity—the podcast where we explore inspiration, insight, and imagination across every creative discipline.

Today we’re diving deep into the wild terrain where art, animals, plants, and posthuman philosophy meet. Our guest is Dr. Giovanni Aloi

Giovanni's Website

@dr.aloi on Instagram

Giovanni on YouTube

He is an acclaimed author, educator, curator, and Editor in Chief of Antennae: The Journal of Nature in Visual Culture. He’s also the author of many influential books, including Art & Animals, Speculative Taxidermy, Why Look at Plants?, and most recently, I’m Not an Artist: Reclaiming Creativity in the Age of Infinite Content.

1. "Reclaiming Creativity for Everyone"

Giovanni, your new book I’m Not an Artist opens with a bold statement: that the label “artist” may be holding us back. What inspired this reframe, and how did you come to the conclusion that we need to dismantle the myth of the artist? How do you see this redefining everyday creativity—whether someone is painting, gardening, or arranging a bookshelf?

2. "Do Animals Make Art?"

You’ve challenged the age-old question—“Do animals make art?”—not to answer it definitively, but to expose our biases about creativity. What do you believe animal behavior teaches us about intelligence, design, and expression? You write beautifully about leopard slugs, spiders, and birds. How do their acts of building, weaving, and mating performances reframe what we consider “artistic” or “creative”?

3. "Plant Thinking and Posthuman Aesthetics"

In books like Why Look at Plants? and Estado Vegetal, you explore what plants can teach us about attention, slowness, and presence. What is plant thinking, and how might it change the way we make or appreciate art? You’ve curated exhibitions on vegetal aesthetics—what kind of work emerges when artists engage plants not as symbols, but as collaborators?

4. "Creativity Beyond the Gallery"

You argue that art institutions and academia often perpetuate colonialist and elitist views of creativity. What are some ways we can decentralize this power and expand the definition of who gets to be creative? Can you give an example from your curatorial or academic work where you've seen this kind of creative equity in action?

5. "From Genius to Generosity"

You critique the idea of the “artist genius” as isolating and ego-driven. What happens when we replace genius with generosity, and art with acts of care? In this context, what role do educators, curators, and even podcasters play in cultivating shared creativity?

A big shoutout to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. You can enjoy a 10% discount on your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com with the code CREATIVITY at checkout.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app. And we’ll see you next time as we continue our journey to explore how creators around the world turn inspiration into action.

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, the show where we dive into the minds of creative leaders around the globe. I’m your host, Mark Stinson. Today, we’re exploring the intersection of creativity, branding, and personal growth with someone who’s built unforgettable brands from the ground up.

Our guest today is Judy Winslow, known as The Brandologist. With more than three decades of experience in marketing and branding, Judy’s helped Fortune 100 companies and visionary entrepreneurs build powerful brands that leave lasting impressions. She’s the author of Ignite Your Faith and Third Act Encore, and she brings a unique blend of marketing strategy, personal development, and innovation to her work.

Judy's Website

@jWINSceoPRO on Instagram

Judy's Facebook page

1. The DNA of a Memorable Brand

“Judy, your clients often come to you seeking that ‘it factor’—something to make their brand unforgettable. In your experience, what are the key ingredients that turn a brand into an emotional, authentic, and lasting connection with its audience?”

2. Aligning Purpose with Profit

“You often say that it’s a disservice not to share your unique gifts with the world. How do you help clients align their purpose and passion with a profitable brand strategy, especially in industries like health, wellness, and personal development?”

3. Standing Out in a Crowded Market

“In a world of endless noise and digital clutter, what’s your advice to someone trying to get their voice heard and their brand noticed—without falling into gimmicks or losing authenticity?”

4. Building the Brand from Within

“You’ve said that confidence and clarity are crucial in brand-building. How do you guide individuals—especially solopreneurs or creatives—through the inner work of discovering their true gifts and strengths?”

5. The Brandologist's Legacy: What Lasts?

“You’ve worked with icons from Cover Girl to Yves Saint Laurent and now with inspired entrepreneurs. What have you learned about the evolution of branding—and what do you think it takes to really leave a legacy?”

This episode was brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters—because bold ideas deserve bold coffee. Get 10% off your first order at WhiteCloudCoffee.com with the code CREATIVITY at checkout.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast platform. And join us again next time as we continue unlocking your world of creativity.

J. Winslow is “The Brandologist”, developing strategies to build your business & life. With 3+ decades of experience and a 93% success rate, she’s won numerous awards, co-founded a marketing firm in NYC working with Fortune 100s to start-ups, founded TEDxSarasota and is an International Best Selling author and speaker. Her global roster of CEOs and Founders focuses on impactful innovation, leadership and brand expansion. She’s appeared on ABC TV, SmileJamaicaTV and is a frequent podcast guest.

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity—the show where we explore the creative journeys of innovators, artists, and entrepreneurs around the world.

Today, we’re welcoming Pia Leichter: a creative partner, certified coach, best-selling author, and founder of Kollektiv Studio. Pia’s work spans journalism, branding, design, and deep creative transformation.

She’s here to talk about her new book Welcome to the Creative Club: Make Life Your Biggest Art Project. It’s part memoir, part manifesto, and a full-on invitation to become the creative director of your own life.

Pia's Website

@pia.leichter on Instagram

@pialeichter on X

1: “Unlearning and Reclaiming Creativity”

“Your book begins with a journey of ‘losing and finding’ your creative power. What were some of the stories or beliefs you had to unlearn in order to reconnect with that creativity—and how did that process shape the book?”

2: “From Therapy Couch to Studio Session”

“You take us behind the scenes of some intimate and bold conversations—with your therapist and even with fashion icon Betsey Johnson. What was it like weaving these voices into your own narrative? And what do they reveal about the creative process that people might not expect?”

3: “The Science Behind the Magic”

“Welcome to the Creative Club smashes myths with neuroscience. What surprised you most in the research about how creativity actually works—and how can listeners apply these insights to their daily lives or creative work?”

4: “Designing Your Life as a Creative Project”

“You invite readers to become the ‘creative director of their life.’ For someone listening right now who feels stuck or unsure, what’s the first step to embracing that role and turning life into an art project?”

5: “Burning Down the Box” (4 minutes)

“You’ve worked with major brands and also coached individuals through transformative change. Whether it’s building a brand or rewriting your story, what does it mean to you to ‘redesign the box’—or sometimes, burn it down entirely?”

“Pia, what a rich and refreshing conversation—thank you for inviting us into your creative club. Your book is bold, honest, and truly inspiring. To our listeners, grab Pia’s book Welcome to the Creative Club—it’s more than a read, it’s a creative reset. We’ll link to it in the show notes.”

As always, this episode is sponsored by our friends at White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Fuel your creative mornings with handcrafted blends—and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code CREATIVITY at WhiteCloudCoffee.com.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app. And join us next time as we continue to unlock your world of creativity!

Pia Leichter is a creative partner, best selling author, certified coach, and founder. Her path has been anything but ordinary: a recovering nomad, she’s reported as a journalist in Sri Lanka, graduated summa cum laude from NYU, and worked as an award-winning creative director for some of the biggest brands in the world. Now, as the founder of Kollektiv Studio, she’s uniquely positioned to help people create their wild ventures.

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, the podcast where we explore creative insights from leaders across the arts, innovation, business, and beyond.

Today’s guest is John Pawlowski, a seasoned brand strategist and marketing executive with over a decade of experience leading innovation and growth in the consumer packaged goods industry.

From household names like Marie Callender’s and PF Chang’s to the bold new frontier of premium pet food with Heckova, John brings a creative mindset to every stage of brand development.

John's Website

@heckovapet on Instagram

linkedin.com/in/pawlowskijohn

1: The Brand-Building Mindset

You’ve launched and revitalized iconic brands in the highly competitive world of frozen foods. What’s your process for identifying the creative white space in a crowded category—and turning that into a compelling brand identity? What lessons from CPG branding did you find most transferable when you transitioned into pet food marketing?

2: The 'Mega' Moment

At Conagra, you spearheaded the launch of a 'Mega' brand, which went on to surpass $200 million in sales. What was the creative spark behind that brand, and how did you translate that into product, messaging, and ultimately, consumer loyalty? Were there any big risks or bold decisions in that process that paid off?

3: The Humanization of Pets

The humanization of pets is one of the biggest trends in the pet food industry. How do you creatively tap into the emotional connections people have with their pets when crafting messaging for Heckova? What role does storytelling play in gaining the trust of pet parents?

4: Innovation in a Regulated Space

CPG and pet food are both highly regulated, especially with claims and ingredients. How do you foster creativity within those constraints, especially when developing new products or campaigns? How do you balance the creative drive with the analytical, P&L-focused mindset required in your role?

5: Creative Leadership in Action

From managing agency partners to internal teams, you’re constantly leading others through the creative process. What’s your approach to building a culture of innovation and alignment? What advice would you give to young brand marketers who want to lead with both strategy and imagination?

John, this has been a great look into the creative strategies behind some of the most recognizable brands—and now, one of the most exciting in pet food. Thanks for joining us on Your World of Creativity.

This episode was brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Get 10% off your first order of freshly roasted, ethically sourced coffee with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast app—and come back next time for more conversations at the intersection of imagination and industry.

John has classical training as a brand marketer and P&L manager and over a decade of experience leading brand growth in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry at Conagra Brands (Omaha and Chicago) and Bellisio Foods (Minneapolis). He led growth, turnaround, and new launch strategies on major brands such as Marie Callender’s, Banquet, Kid Cuisine, PF Chang’s, Boston Market, and Atkins. While at Conagra, John spearheaded the launch of a new “Mega” brand that surpassed $200MM in sales. With the humanization of pet food as the biggest trend in the pet industry, John’s experience in tapping into the human psyche has proven to be a valuable and dynamic link to communicating adeptly with human pet parents. His expertise is in strategy, consumer marketing, innovation, and general management.