Your World of Creativity

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity! Today, we're traveling—at least virtually—to Milan, Italy, where our guest, Davide Colla, has been crafting memorable narratives and experiences for some of the world's most iconic brands.

DAcide 's Website

@dado150 on Instagram

Davide is the founder of the award-winning digital branding agency 150UP and has led projects for Ferrari, Prada, Amazon, and many more. He's also co-founder of Viento Padel, creating products that connect sport, lifestyle, and passion.

Here is an overview of our conversation:

1.   Davide, you've worked with brands that are synonymous with style and innovation — Ferrari, Armani, Alessi. When you first approach a brand like that, how do you begin crafting a narrative that stays true to their DNA but still brings something new and inspiring? How do you balance respecting tradition while pushing toward innovation?

2.   Your love for technology is clearly intertwined with your design philosophy. How do you see emerging technologies — like AI, VR, or AR — changing the future of brand storytelling and user experience? Are there any recent projects where you've integrated these technologies in surprising ways?

3.   In founding Viento Padel, you moved from working with brands to building one yourself. What lessons from your agency and branding work did you apply — or maybe re-learn — when creating a brand from scratch? What has surprised you most about being on the entrepreneur side of the table?

4.   You emphasize creating 'solid foundations' for brands that can be shared with the world. In today's fast-paced digital world, what does a solid brand foundation look like to you? Where do you think brands sometimes cut corners that hurt them in the long run?

5.   As a creative director and mentor, what advice do you give young designers and entrepreneurs who want to build brands that last and influence culture? What qualities or mindsets do you think are essential today?

Special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. You can enjoy a 10% discount off your first order when you use the code 'CREATIVITY' at checkout. Just visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com

And thank you, listeners! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app. We’ll see you next time as we continue our journeys to unlock … your world of creativity.

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, the show where we explore inspiration and innovation across the globe. Today we’re diving into a topic at the intersection of design, sustainability, and creativity with our guest, Kevin Kennon, an internationally recognized architect with over 40 years of experience. He’s the CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., a visionary firm developing zero-carbon emission luxury wilderness resorts in remote locations around the world.

Kevin's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkennonarchitect/

Kevin 's Website

Kevin 's Facebook page

@pkk2418 on Instagram

Here's an outline of our discussion:

1: ORIGINS OF DESIGN THINKING

•  “Kevin, take us back to the beginning. What sparked your passion for architecture, and how did your early work shape your current focus on sustainability?”
• “When did you first begin to integrate sustainability into your design process?”

2: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

•  “Your firm, Beyond Zero DDC Inc., focuses on zero-carbon emission resorts. What inspired this concept of sustainable luxury?”
• “What are the biggest challenges when building in remote wilderness areas—and how does your team overcome them creatively?”
• “How do you balance aesthetic excellence with environmental responsibility?”

3: IMPACT ON URBAN PLANNING

•  “A 2019 UN report said cities contribute 70% of global carbon emissions. In your opinion, what role does creative urban planning play in reversing this trend?”
• “How can architects, developers, and city planners collaborate better to create truly sustainable cities?”
•  “We recently spoke with architect Joana Sa Lima in Oslo, who told us that good design can make cities more livable. How do you approach livability in your urban work?”
• “Another previous guest, Dr. Esther Sternberg, author of WELL AT WORK, discussed how architecture affects our health. How do you see design impacting physical and mental well-being?”

4: ICONIC PROJECTS & LESSONS

•  “Tell us about one of your most memorable projects—perhaps Barclays or the Rodin Museum—and what you learned from it.”
• “You were part of United Architects, a finalist in the World Trade Center design competition. What was that experience like, and how did it shape your thinking about architecture’s cultural impact?”

5: WHAT’S NEXT IN SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE?

•  “What innovations are on the horizon in sustainable architecture?”
• “Are there any emerging materials, technologies, or design philosophies you’re excited about?”

Sponsor:

• Before we go, a big thanks to our sponsor White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Get 10% off your order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app.

Join us again next time as we continue to explore the creative journeys of the world’s most innovative minds.

Kevin Kennon is an internationally renowned architect with over 40 years of experience, specializing in environmentally sustainable and innovative design. As the founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., Kevin leads the development of zero-carbon emission luxury eco-resorts in remote wilderness locations worldwide, merging design excellence with ecological responsibility. His extensive portfolio includes projects like the 1.5 million square foot Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. Additionally, he led United Architects, a finalist in the prestigious World Trade Center design competition, further solidifying his impact on architectural innovation.

Welcome back listeners and today we welcome Jacqueline Suskin for today’s conversation centered on her latest book, The Verse for Now. Its theme is embracing our planetary identity while acknowledging our intimate, vulnerable human side amid the climate crisis.

Jacqueline's Website

@jsuskin on Instagram

Jacqueline's Facebook page

Book order page: https://www.flowerflowerpress.press/shop/the-verse-for-now

Here is an outline of the conversation:

Evolution of Creative Cycles:

"Jacqueline, welcome back to the show! In our January conversation about A Year in Practice, you emphasized the cyclical nature of creativity and the reflective power of winter. With The Verse for Now, you delve into the idea of accepting ourselves as both vast and intimate—planetary yet personal. Can you share what inspired this shift and how your approach to creativity has evolved since then?"

Nature as a Muse:

"Your latest work invites us to find guidance in moments of contemplation: kneeling by a rushing creek, walking city streets, or sitting under an old growth redwood. Could you describe a personal moment from your creative journey when nature transformed into a profound source of poetic inspiration?"

Spontaneity vs. Craft:

"Given your impressive portfolio of over forty thousand improvisational poems through Poem Store, how do you balance the spontaneity of in-the-moment creation with the intentional craft required for a cohesive work like The Verse for Now? What role does each play in your creative process?"

Teaching & Community Impact:

"As a teaching artist with InsideOut Literary Arts and the mind behind the Poem Forest curriculum, how does engaging with communities and young creators influence your own writing? In what ways do these experiences inform the themes of interconnection and transformation in your latest book?"

Message for Challenging Times:

"In a world marked by environmental challenges and rapid change, The Verse for Now speaks to finding solace and agency through poetry. What message or practical guidance would you like to share with our listeners who are seeking to nurture their creativity and connection to the earth during tumultuous times?"

A special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners can enjoy a 10% discount off their order using the discount code CREATIVITY at check-out. Visit www.WhiteCloudCoffee.com for more details.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue these inspiring conversations.

Jacqueline Suskin is a poet and educator who has composed over forty thousand improvisational poems with her ongoing writing project, Poem Store. Suskin is the author of nine books, including The Edge of The Continent Volume 1-3, Help in the Dark Season, Every Day is a Poem, A Year in Practice, and The Verse for Now, with work featured in various publications including the New York Times, the Atlantic, and the Los Angeles Times. An ecstatic earth-worshiper, she lives in Detroit where she works as a teaching artist with InsideOut Literary Arts, bringing nature poetry into classrooms with her Poem Forest curriculum.

Today’s guest is a media disruptor who’s changing the game for content creators. As the Founder & CEO of BINGE Networks, Bonnie Bruderer has helped 15,000+ films and shows get syndicated on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Tubi, and 100+ streaming platforms. With a background in media and production, she built BINGE to empower filmmakers, web series creators, and video podcasters to monetize their work like never before.

Bonnie's Website

Bonnie's Facebook page

Bonnie on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bingenetworks

Here is an outline of the conversation:

Segment 1: Breaking the Rules of Streaming

•  “Let’s talk about BINGE Networks. What made you want to break the mold of traditional content licensing?”
• “How is BINGE different from platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or even Netflix?”
• “What kind of creator was BINGE built for?”

Segment 2: From Filmmaker to Media Mogul - The Origin Story

• “Take us back to the early days—how did your career in media at NBC Internet and CitySearch shape your path?”
• “What problem did you see in the market that no one else was solving?”
• “How did your experience as a filmmaker give you a unique edge?”

Segment 3: Making Content Pay

•  “So many creators struggle to make money from their content. What are they missing?”
• “What are some of the smartest or most surprising ways creators are monetizing their work on BINGE?”
• “What advice would you give a podcaster or filmmaker just starting out in terms of building revenue from day one?”

Segment 4: Distribution Masterclass - Syndicate, Scale, Succeed

• “Let’s dig into syndication—how do you get 15,000+ shows onto 100+ platforms?”
• “What does ‘global distribution’ really look like for an independent creator?”
• “Are there any industries or niche categories that are seeing huge growth right now through BINGE?”

Segment 5: The Future of Media -- AI, Influencers & Owning Your Revenue

• “Where do you see the future of streaming and media going in the next 3-5 years?”
• “How is AI already changing the game for content creators?”
• “What does it mean to truly own your revenue in today’s media landscape?”

Segment 6: Creator Success Stories & Final Thoughts

• “Can you share a favorite success story from someone on the BINGE platform?”
• “If you could leave creators with one piece of advice today, what would it be?”
• “Where can listeners go to learn more, join the platform, or connect with you?”

Thanks again to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners, you can enjoy 10% off your order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Just visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.”

If you enjoyed today’s conversation, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app. And come back again next time, where we’ll continue to unlock … your world of creativity.

As the CEO of BINGE Networks, I have been leading the streaming distribution and licensing industry for over nine years, helping filmmakers and producers get their projects placed and monetized on all major streaming platforms, such as Tubi, ROKU, Apple TV, Amazon, and more. With my extensive background in online marketing, online advertising, and public relations, I have developed a turnkey solution that offers licensing, distribution, and syndication services for any film or TV show, with fast and proven results.

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, the podcast where we dive into the inspiration and insight behind the world’s most creative minds.

Today, we’re talking about mental wellness, creative connection, and a new way to approach communication—with our guest who is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with over four decades of experience -- Jill Robin Payne.

Jill 's Website

Jill on YouTube

Jill is a true trailblazer—starting as her college’s first intern at the National Institutes of Health, later continuing her journey through the VA Hospital in Houston and authoring a rehabilitative activities guide while still earning her master’s degree.

But what truly sets Jill apart is her original, trademarked concept called Bempathy®—a blend of banter and empathy—which fosters reciprocal, harmonious relationships through meaningful, human-centered communication.

1. Origins and Early Inspiration

• “Let’s start at the beginning—what led you to pursue mental health as your life’s work?”
• “You were a pioneer even in your college years—how did your internships at NIH and the VA Hospital influence your understanding of human behavior?”

2. Introducing Bempathy®

• “You’ve created and trademarked an innovative concept—Bempathy®. What is it, and how did the idea first come to you?”
• “You describe it as a mix of banter and empathy—how does that play out in practice, particularly in communication or counseling?”
• “Can Bempathy® help resolve conflict or improve creative collaboration?”
• “What are some ways individuals or teams can begin to integrate Bempathy® into their everyday interactions?”

3. Creativity and the Human Experience

• “In your experience, what is the relationship between mental wellness and creativity?”
• “Do you find that creativity itself can be a healing process?”
• “What mental roadblocks do creatives often face, and how might Bempathy® offer a path through them?”

4. Behavior, Habits, and Wellness

• “You’ve taught behavior modification and written rehabilitative guides. What role do habits play in our personal growth?”
• “How do we begin to reframe habits that might be limiting our emotional or creative potential?”

5. Helping Creatives in Recovery

• “Your work in chemical dependency counseling intersects with many creatives who struggle with substance use. How can creativity aid in the recovery process?”
• “What support systems are especially effective for creatives in recovery?”

6. From the Heart: Spreading the Goodness

• “All of your work seems to come from a very personal and heartfelt place. How does your philosophy of ‘spreading the goodness’ guide your everyday approach?”
• “If our listeners were to take just one idea from today’s conversation into their lives and work, what would you want that to be?”



Closing Remarks:

“And thanks again to our sponsor—White Cloud Coffee Roasters—for supporting this episode. Don’t forget, listeners: you can enjoy 10% off your order when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Just visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com and explore their amazing artisan blends.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app—and join us again next time as we continue unlocking your creative potential.”

Welcome back friends to our podcast, your World of Creativity. We're continuing our around the world journeys to talk to creative practitioners everywhere about how they get inspired, about how they organize ideas, and of course how they gain the confidence and connections to get our work out into the world.

And today our creative passport is being stamped in Sydney, Australia. And we're talking to designer, creative director and founder of his own design firm, Ben Rennie. He is the author of a new book, Lessons in Creativity.

Ben's Website

@benrennie on Instagram

Ben's book: https://www.wiley.com/LessonsinCreativity

1. Your Creative & Entrepreneurial Journey

Ben, you’ve worked with some of the world’s biggest brands—Patagonia, Google, K-Mart, Canon, Nike, Adidas, American Apparel, Dolce & Gabbana, Ray-Ban, Chanel, Prada, and more. What sparked your journey into design and creativity, and how did it evolve into leading a global brand and UX agency?

2. The Power of Creativity in Everyday Life

Your book, Lessons in Creativity, emphasizes that creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s essential to work, relationships, and personal fulfillment. Can you share a moment when embracing creativity transformed your approach to life or business?

3. Unlocking New Horizons Through Creative Thinking

You talk about creativity as a tool for forming new habits, crafting fresh narratives, and unlocking unseen potential. What strategies or mindset shifts help people break out of creative ruts and reimagine possibilities?

4. Overcoming Creative Blocks and Taking the First Step

For those feeling stuck or disconnected, your book serves as a guide to reigniting creativity. What’s one actionable step someone can take today to overcome fear and start engaging with their creative potential?

5. The Intersection of Design, Technology, and Purpose

As Chair of Design Declares Australia and an advocate for sustainability, how do you see design and technology shaping a more meaningful and purpose-driven future?

Special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters—listeners can enjoy 10% off with the code "CREATIVITY" at checkout. Visit www.whitecloudcoffee.com.

Listeners, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

Today we welcome Victoria Racca, a southern mom, wife, and powerhouse entrepreneur in the beauty industry. She owns The Microblading Institute, a franchised school under the Board of Regents, and BrowSister, an international manufacturer of permanent makeup numbing products. She also helps beauty businesses scale through her Revenue Growth Systems program.

Victoria's Website

@Victoria.glam on Instagram

Victoria on YouTube

Here is a guide to our interview:

1. Building an Empire in Beauty

• Victoria, you’ve built not just one but two thriving businesses in the beauty industry. What first inspired you to enter this space, and what was the moment you knew you were onto something big?

1. From Microblading to Manufacturing

• Many entrepreneurs focus on either services or products, but you’ve mastered both. How did BrowSister come about, and what challenges did you face in launching a product internationally?

1. Scaling Through Education

• Your Microblading Institute is franchised under the Board of Regents—an impressive achievement! What was the process of getting it accredited like, and how has it helped you impact the industry on a larger scale?

1. Coaching Beauty Businesses for Growth

• Through your Revenue Growth Systems program, you help beauty professionals scale their businesses. What are the biggest mistakes you see entrepreneurs making, and what’s one key piece of advice you give them?

1. Balancing Business & Family

• As a wife and mother running multiple businesses, what’s your approach to maintaining balance? Are there any routines or strategies that help you stay grounded while growing your empire?

Sponsor Shoutout:

A big thank you to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters! Listeners, enjoy 10% off your coffee order with the code "Creativity" at checkout at whitecloudcoffee.com.

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the show on your favorite podcast platform. Until next time, keep unlocking your world of creativity!

Groundbreaking jazz artist, John Klemmer is our guest today.

John's Website

@johnklemmersaxophonist on Instagram

John's Facebook page

John's Facebook group

Here's a guide to our interview.

1. Pioneering New Sounds & Genres

John, your career is filled with groundbreaking moments—many credit you with creating the first jazz fusion album, pioneering smooth jazz, and introducing electronic effects into jazz saxophone. Looking back, what was driving your constant push for innovation? Did you ever feel resistance from the industry or audiences when breaking new ground?

I was in Chicago when WNUA Radio launched the Smooth Jazz format, and I remember how your music, alongside artists like Ramsey Lewis, Larry Carlton, Dave Koz, and Richard Elliott, helped define an entirely new listening experience. Did you see the rise of Smooth Jazz coming, or was it a surprise to you how your sound became such a central part of the movement?

2. The Evolution of an Artist

Your music has evolved across many different styles—straight-ahead jazz, jazz-rock fusion, smooth jazz, solo sax, and even New Age music. You’ve said that some people only know you from one era and may not realize the full scope of your work. How do you personally define your artistic identity? Do you see all these phases as part of one larger creative vision? Collaborations?

3. The Art of Reflection & Reinvention

You’ve taken several sabbaticals throughout your career—pausing to reflect, compose, and reimagine your music. In today’s fast-paced digital age, artists often feel pressure to constantly release new content. What advice would you give to younger musicians about the importance of reflection and artistic reinvention?

4. The Intersection of Music & Emotion

Your album Touch became an unexpected worldwide sensation, connecting deeply with listeners on an emotional level. You’ve mentioned that this wasn’t a commercial decision but rather an honest artistic expression. What do you think made Touch resonate so profoundly with people, and how do you approach translating raw emotion into sound?

5. Innovation in a Changing Music Industry

With the rise of digital streaming, independent labels, and new technology, the music industry has changed drastically since your early days at Cadet/Chess and Impulse! Records. As someone who has always been ahead of the curve, how do you see the future of jazz and experimental music evolving? What excites you about where music is headed?

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters—use code "Creativity" for 10% off your next order.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast platform!

Today's guest is Carter Fox, the Soulful Traveling Spaceman Bassman. He's the author of The YouTube/Google Ads Rockstar Approach

He joins us from Philadelphia.

Carter's Website

@carterfoxmarketing on Instagram

Carter on YouTube

Carter's Facebook page

Guide to the Interview

1️ Blending Music & Marketing – Carter, your career bridges both the artistic and business sides of the industry. How did you first realize the importance of marketing for independent musicians? What are some of the biggest mistakes artists make when promoting their music?

2️ The Power of Branding – You emphasize the importance of artist branding. In a crowded music landscape, what are the key elements of a strong artist brand. How can musicians create a compelling identity that resonates with both fans and industry professionals?

3️ Touring & Collaboration Insights – You've toured with legends like Freddie Jackson and collaborated with both major and indie artists. What lessons have you learned from these experiences? How have they shaped your approach to music and business?

4️ Building a Sustainable Career in the Digital Age – With streaming, social media, and evolving tech, the music industry is constantly changing. What are the most effective strategies today for independent artists to build a long-term, financially sustainable career?

5️ The YouTube/Google Ads Rockstar Approach – Your book offers a three-phase plan for musicians to promote their work effectively. Could you break down this framework and share one key tip that any artist can apply right now to improve their reach and engagement?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters—get 10% off with the code CREATIVITY at www.whitecloudcoffee.com.

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app!

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of digital art, animation, and AI-driven creativity with a true pioneer—Troy Plota, revolutionizing digital content with Plotaverse Apps, and his latest venture, The Why of AI?

Troy's Website

Troy on YouTube

Troy's Facebook group

Discussion overview:

1.   The Evolution of Digital Art & Animation "Troy, you’ve been at the intersection of art and technology for over three decades. What first inspired you to create tools like Plotaverse, and how has digital artistry evolved since you started?" Follow-up: “What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in getting Plotagraph off the ground, and how did you overcome them?”

2.   The Rise of Plotaverse & Global Impact "Plotaverse has grown into a global creative platform with over 10 million downloads. What do you think has made it so successful, and how have you seen it impact creators around the world?" Follow-up: “Can you share any standout stories of artists or brands that have used Plotaverse in groundbreaking ways?”

3.   AI & The Future of Creativity "You’ve recently launched The Why of AI?—a show dedicated to AI-driven content creation. How do you see AI shaping the future of digital art, and what excites you most about this new era?" Follow-up: “Some artists worry that AI could replace human creativity—what’s your take on AI as a tool versus a threat?”

4.   Innovation & Staying Ahead in a Changing Industry "Technology evolves fast. How do you stay ahead of trends and continue to innovate in such a competitive space?" Follow-up: “What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to build creative tech startups in today’s landscape?”

5.    The Future of Plotaverse & Your Mission "Looking ahead, what’s next for Plotaverse and for you personally? Any exciting projects or new innovations on the horizon?" Follow-up: “You’ve built a powerful community of digital creators. How do you see that evolving in the coming years?”

• Sponsor: a big thanks to White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy 10% off your order by using the code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to grab your discount.”
• Listeners: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Your support helps us bring more creative voices to the mic.