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How to Nurture Creativity in a Noisy World with Maggie Smith

Apr 15, 2025

Join Maggie Smith, a renowned poet and author of 'Dear Writer,' as she redefines creativity beyond traditional artistic boundaries. She shares insights on nurturing creativity amidst chaos, emphasizing the importance of intuition and listening to one's inner voice. Maggie discusses overcoming creative blocks, balancing information consumption with personal wellness, and embracing playfulness in the process. Learn how to find joy in creative expression and the value of community in artistic growth, all while maintaining a sense of hope in a noisy world.

01:03:43

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Episode guests

Maggie Smith

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Creativity transcends traditional art forms, embodying how we engage with life and approach daily challenges.

Listening to our intuition amidst chaos is crucial for personal growth and staying true to our creative paths.

Maintaining hope in the creative process is essential for overcoming negativity and fostering a forward-looking mindset towards possibilities.

Deep dives

Book Development and Audience Engagement

The host shares that he is writing a book titled 'How a Little Becomes a Lot,' set to release in April 2026. The book emphasizes how small, consistent actions can lead to substantial and meaningful changes in life, a theme frequently discussed in the podcast. The host seeks input from listeners on aspects like the book’s focus, title, and content to ensure it meets their needs. Additionally, those who participate will receive updates, giveaways, and insights into the book's creation process, including the challenges of editing and shaping the material.

Intro

2min

Embracing Creativity in Everyday Life

2min

Taming the Wolves Within

16min

Nurturing Creativity Through Reading and Writing

6min

Creating the Space for Creativity

4min

The Poet's Dilemma

6min

Balancing Passion and Improvement in Creative Pursuits

2min

The Joy of Creative Expression

7min

Navigating the Balance of Creativity and Perfectionism

5min

10.

The Collaborative Journey of Creativity

12min

11.

Embracing Playfulness in Creativity

7min

In this episode, Maggie Smith explores how to nurture creativity in a noisy world. A lot of people think creativity is something you do with a paintbrush or a poem but Maggie challenges us to think differently about creativity. It isn’t about what you make, but how you live. She dives into what it really means to be creative, even when you’re overwhelmed, unsure, and not feeling particularly inspired. And we tackle a bigger question: How do we keep creating when the world is so loud and we’re so tired?

Key Takeaways:

Insights on creativity and the challenges of staying inspired in a chaotic world.
The role of intuition in the creative process and the significance of listening to one’s inner voice.
Balancing the need to stay informed with personal well-being and mental health.
The concept of hope in creativity and the idea of being a “possibilist.”
Practical advice for overcoming creative blocks and finding inspiration.
The value of feedback and community in the creative process.
The relationship between restlessness and creativity, and how it can drive artistic growth.
Embracing playfulness and curiosity in creative endeavors.

f you enjoyed this conversation with Maggie Smith, check out these other episodes:

The Lost Art of Living Creatively with Austin Kleon

Creativity as a Cure with Jacob Nordby

Writing for Healing with Maggie Smith (2021)

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