

Your World of Creativity
Mark Stinson
On YOUR WORLD OF CREATIVITY, best-selling author and global brand innovator, Mark Stinson introduces you to some of the world’s leading creative talent from publishing, film, animation, music, restaurants, medical research, and more.
In every episode, you'll discover:
- How to tap into your most original thinking.
- Inspiration from the experts’ own experience.
- Specific tools, exercises, and formulas to organize your ideas.
- And most of all, you’ll learn how to make connections and create opportunities to publish, post, record, display, sell, market, and promote your creative work.
Listen for the latest insights for creative people who want to stop questioning themselves and overcome obstacles to launch their creative endeavors out into the world.
Connect with Mark at www.Mark-Stinson.com
In every episode, you'll discover:
- How to tap into your most original thinking.
- Inspiration from the experts’ own experience.
- Specific tools, exercises, and formulas to organize your ideas.
- And most of all, you’ll learn how to make connections and create opportunities to publish, post, record, display, sell, market, and promote your creative work.
Listen for the latest insights for creative people who want to stop questioning themselves and overcome obstacles to launch their creative endeavors out into the world.
Connect with Mark at www.Mark-Stinson.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 31, 2023 • 26min
Dan Rockwell, author of THE VAGRANT
In this episode of the podcast "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," Mark interviews Dan Rockwell, author of the upcoming book "The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership." The interview begins with Mark sharing his personal reaction to the book, noting how it unexpectedly struck a personal chord right from the third page. The conversation delves into the profound nature of leadership as a personal journey, drawing insights from conversations Dan had with influential leaders like Jim Parker, Francis Haine, and Harry Kramer. These conversations led Dan to realize that leadership is about becoming oneself, a transformative and often elusive task for high-performing individuals. Mark also highlights Warren Bennis' quote on the simplicity and difficulty of becoming oneself.Dan explains the significance of the book's title, "The Vagrant," which refers to being blown off course, both in terms of a bird's migration and an individual's journey in leadership. He shares how high performers can sometimes lose sight of themselves and struggle to find their way back on track. The interview touches upon Dan's diverse background, including degrees in theology and ministry, as well as construction and design, and how these areas overlap in the realm of leadership. Mark further explores the commonalities among Dan's varied clientele, ranging from Chick-fil-A to the National Institutes of Health and Royal Caribbean.The conversation then shifts to the creative process behind the book and Dan's collaboration with co-author John David Mann, known for his work on "The Go-Giver." Drawing inspiration from classic parable books, the authors chose a storytelling approach to convey their leadership insights. Dan expresses his gratitude for working with BenBella Books and their valuable contribution to the project. The interview concludes with Dan sharing a leadership insight for individuals who may think they are getting promoted but could potentially face termination. The book will be released in September 2023 and is currently available for pre-order.Overall, the interview explores the personal and collaborative aspects of leadership and creativity, shedding light on the inner journey of leaders and the importance of self-discovery.Dan's Website Dan on YouTube @leadership_freak on Instagram Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

Jul 24, 2023 • 25min
Katrin Zimmermann, TLGG USA, an Omnicom Group company
In this episode of the podcast "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," Mark interviews Katrin Zimmermann, the CEO and Managing Director of TLGG USA consultancy, an Omnicom Group company. Katrin advises some of the world’s leading mobility, healthcare and finance companies on digital and organizational transformation, globalization and business model innovation.We discuss the accelerated speed of innovation and the challenges and opportunities it brings to various industries. Katrin emphasizes the importance of experience design in sectors like hospitality and healthcare, where improving customer/patient experiences can have a significant impact. She also highlights the role of data-driven innovation and technology in enhancing patient interactions, clinical decision-making, and overall outcomes in healthcare.Before joining TLGG, Katrin co-founded the Lufthansa Innovation Hub and led its global business innovation efforts from Berlin to Seoul, served as chief of staff to both the CHRO and CFO at Lufthansa Group and managed growth and restructuring efforts at LSG Sky Chefs Germany.With a proven record of pushing boundaries, Katrin shares her humanistic and humorous perspective on corporate innovation, digital transformation and female empowerment alongside diversity and intercultural competence.Key Points:1. The current era is characterized by rapid innovation, new inventions, and overwhelming possibilities, posing challenges and opportunities for organizations and society.2. Experience design plays a crucial role in industries like hospitality and healthcare, redefining human interaction and leveraging technology for improved customer/patient experiences.3. Healthcare can learn from hospitality by treating patients as guests, incorporating storytelling and customization into product and experience design.4. Data-driven innovation enables better patient outcomes and interactions, leveraging technology like AI, clinical decision support systems, and improved therapeutic approaches.5. Overcoming obstacles to corporate transformation requires fostering a culture of innovation, allowing for creativity, and combining structured processes with effective communication and organizational buy-in.Pull-out quotes from Katrin:- "We are almost in a moment where everyone is halting for a second, thinking of, wow, can we handle all of the things that are potentially possible with the systems and infrastructures and way of thinking that we have today?"- "Experience design heavily influences industries like hospitality, redefining human interaction at different touchpoints and leveraging technology for value creation and moments of delight and surprise."- "Innovation is not just about coming up with ideas; it's about executing them and putting them into practice to create impact and advance models."Katrin holds a Master of Science in Innovative Hospitality Management from the Universitat Ramon Llull in Barcelona and a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from London Open University.Katrin's Website Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

Jul 17, 2023 • 31min
MUSIC PANEL: Kevin Dorin, Gabe Furtado, and Teedeevee
MUSIC PANEL: Process, Inspirations, and Collaborationswith Kevin Dorin, Gabe Furtado, and TeedeeveeIn this episode, host Mark Stinson brings together a panel of talented singer-songwriters, musicians, and producers to discuss their creative processes, inspirations, and collaborations. Joining the conversation are Kevin Dorin, Gabe Furtado, and Teedeevee, who share insights into their current projects and the multifaceted nature of their creative pursuits.Current Projects:· Kevin Dorin: "I've been focusing on performing and writing, but I also work as a music business consultant and manage a beautiful venue in northern Idaho called The Hive."· Teedeevee: "I'm working on a collaborative project with a fellow Nigerian artist, aiming to create a unique love and loss story through our music. We're dropping an EP next month and working on promotions and marketing to create a niche for our music."· Gabe Furtado: "I just released a collaboration with a Nigerian artist called 'Green Lights' and have an upcoming release of the Lux version of my album 'Flowers.' I'm also launching my book 'Living Flourishing' and music videos."Inspiration:· Gabe: "I draw inspiration from a wide range of music genres, allowing me to write about self-love, losses, and romantic experiences. I believe in writing about anything and everything that inspires me."· Kevin: "I always try to serve the song and its intent. Whether it's producing my own music or working with others, I focus on bringing out the essence and connecting with the audience."· Teedeevee: "My lyrics are deep and meaningful, touching on topics such as love, hope, and not giving up. I strive to deliver powerful messages while also creating music that makes people move and feel good."· Gabe Furtado: "I find that dancing around the house gets me in a more creative spirit. Movement and embodiment play a significant role in connecting with the music and enhancing the creative process."Collaboration:· Kevin: "Collaboration has been crucial in shaping my work. Living with fellow musicians during my music school days exposed me to different styles and creative processes, influencing my own approach."· Teedeevee: "Collaborating with others helps me explore new perspectives and bring fresh ideas to my music. It enriches the creative process and expands the depth of my artistry."· Gabe: "Collaboration allows us to tap into diverse influences and create something unique. It's a reminder that while we may be individual artists, the collaborative spirit brings out the best in our work."Conclusion:In this engaging panel discussion, Kevin Dorin, Gabe Furtado, and Teedeevee share their experiences and perspectives as singer-songwriters and musicians. From their diverse inspirations to the importance of collaboration, their stories offer valuable insights into the creative process and the path to success in the music industry. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how these artists unlock their creativity and connect with their audiences.Music tracks are copyrighted, provided by the artists, and used with permission.

Jul 10, 2023 • 56min
Bob Baurys and Cristián Saracco, Applied Creativity (Re:Issue from 2019)
In this milestone episode 250, host Mark Stinson re-issues one of the first interviews in the podcast series from 2019. The early guests exemplify the world of creativity in business.Bob Baurys, CEO of 83bar, and Cristián Saracco, founder of Allegro 234, shared their insights and experiences in nurturing ideas and growing successful enterprises.In this episode, you’ll discover:· How to grow your business through the power of branding· The value of personalizing your product or service when making business decisions· The reason why the employees you start your business with often times are not the same employees you’ll need to scale your business later on· How to successfully sell your ideas to clients· Why Bob feels that “Speed reduces risk at every single level”Bob is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach. He emphasizes the importance of empowering patients to take charge of their healthcare through systematic and personalized approaches. By personalizing the idea and envisioning the individuals they aim to serve, Bob and his team maintain focus and passion for their mission.Cristián and his company emphasize helping clients grow through their brands, and they continuously evolve their services and products to cater to changing customer journeys and experiences. By considering a triple-bottom-line approach, Allegro 234 integrates social and environmental factors alongside profits, ensuring a holistic approach to branding.Both guests discuss the challenges of scaling businesses and staying true to the core idea as they add more team members and clients. Bob emphasizes the need for different types of people in different stages of a business. Early on, independent thinkers who can break the rules and develop new pathways are vital. As the business matures, structured thinking and replication of systems become crucial for scaling.Cristián highlights their process of building a team that not only possesses the necessary capabilities but also shares a personal connection and alignment with the company's culture and purpose. This approach has led to a stable and cohesive team that has worked together for an extended period.The episode concludes with a discussion on idea generation. While both guests acknowledge that ideas can come intuitively, they also actively seek inspiration by exploring history, art, and other sources. Urgent needs and pressure often spark the most innovative ideas, pushing them to think outside their normal toolbox and find creative solutions.Throughout the episode, Bob and Cristián highlight the importance of personalization, passion, and adaptation in keeping ideas alive and transforming them into successful businesses. Their stories inspire listeners to embrace creativity and evolve their approaches in the ever-changing business landscape.Highlight quotes:- "When you focus on the core constituency, the idea burns deep and passionate." - Bob Baurys- "Ideas come by compression, the accumulation of stuff that really moves the needle." - Bob Baurys- "We go to look for ideas, ideas come by intuition." - Cristián SaraccoIn the second half of this interview, the group discuss the process of creative problem-solving and how to generate innovative ideas. Bob mentions using a three by three grid. He explains that he puts the problem in the upper left corner, potential solutions in the left column, reasons why they would work in the middle column, and reasons why they wouldn't work in the right column. Bob finds that the solution often comes from a hybrid of the first three ideas.Cristián talks about their methodological framework called A B C D E. They establish objectives, create tension to stimulate new ideas, anticipate trends, blend ideas, create different concepts, and finally, execute the chosen idea. They emphasize the importance of setting achievable goals to avoid frustration and involve clients in the ideation process to ensure understanding and excitement.On the subject of developing creative capabilities. Cristián believes creativity is not just inspiration but also requires effort and work. Bob suggests getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, as it enhances the brain's elasticity and intuition.Regarding selling ideas to clients, Cristián mentions tailoring the communication style to the client's deductive or inductive thinking approach. They engage clients in the creative process, making the idea more obvious and tangible for them. Bob adds that finding the right client and showing how the idea benefits both their business and career can build momentum and ownership.In terms of cultural and global differences in creativity, the guests highlight the need to adapt to different clients and markets. They emphasize the importance of understanding clients' perspectives and working collaboratively to overcome traditional thinking and cultural barriers. The world is becoming more interconnected, but there are still variations in approaches to creativity based on different cultural contexts.Thanks to my friend, G. Mark Phillips, for helping start this global journey of creativity.(c) BSB Media

Jul 2, 2023 • 28min
Alex Pappademus and Joan LeMay, author and illustrator of "Quantum Criminals"
Alex Pappademas and Joan LeMay, "Quantum Criminals": Exploring Steely Dan Characters and Artistic CollaborationIn this episode of "Unlocking Your World of Creativity," host Mark Stinson delves into the fascinating world of storytelling, art, music, and character development with author Alex Pappademas and artist Joan LeMay, the creative duo behind the book "Quantum Criminals: Ramblers Wild Gamblers. Another Soul Survivors from the Songs of Steely Dan." The book explores the rich tapestry of characters found within the songs of the legendary band Steely Dan.The conversation begins with Alex discussing the genesis of the book and how Joan's idea to base it around characters transformed the project. Their collaboration, guided by a massive spreadsheet of 160 characters created by Joan, allowed them to explore the extensive catalog of Steely Dan's characters and bring them to life in a unique way. Alex highlights how the character-based approach enhanced the writing process, adding depth and humanity to their portrayal of the band's history.Joan discusses her artistic process and how her lifelong fandom of Steely Dan influenced her visual interpretations of the characters. With a penchant for high chroma and psychedelic aesthetics, her vibrant paintings captured the essence of the colorful and sometimes enigmatic characters. The collaborative nature of the project brought a new dynamic to both Alex and Joan's creative processes, providing support, encouragement, and a fresh perspective.The interview also delves into the research behind the characters and the extensive exploration undertaken by Alex. While the band members, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, didn't provide much information about the characters, Alex's research led him down intriguing rabbit holes, uncovering fascinating connections and stories. He shares examples such as the inspiration behind "Kid Charlemagne" and the story of Sayoko Yamaguchi, the model featured on the cover of Steely Dan's album "Asia."Throughout the conversation, the evolution of Steely Dan's characters over time is explored, with Alex noting that the reunion albums allowed for a clearer understanding of the individual songwriting contributions of Fagen and Becker. The duo's sensibility shifts and a touch of sentimentality emerges in their later work, which can be heard in songs like "Shame About Me."Highlight Quotes:· "I think that was what was exciting about it because I, this started out, I was going to write a Steely Dan book before Joan came into the picture. But the idea to base it around characters was an idea that Joan had." - Alex Pappademas· "Joan made a giant spreadsheet. At the beginning of this process that had 160 characters on it, which is like a Robert Altman level of character." - Alex Pappademas· "I prior to diving into this I've always painted in a very high chroma way. All of these are gush paintings that are 18 by 24 or nine by 12. And I I've always. I've always painted slightly psychedelic in, in terms of pallet. So it it was an easy, it was an easy application of that natural tendency here, for sure." - Joan LeMay· "So I when this project started to I had thought about I, I'd start, I had started. Making a fanzine called Danze, where I was going to depict every single named character in the entire Steely Dan universe." - Joan LeMay· "I think for years, Several friends and I who are Steely Dan fans have been like, oh, they're such a major dude. As a, as, just as a colloquial way to refer to somebody referring to the song, but to refer to somebody who is a solid friend, who's somebody you're gonna call if you're in trouble." - Joan LeMayOverall, this podcast episode explores the captivating journey of Alex Pappademas and Joan LeMay as they delve into the world of Steely Dan's characters, combining storytelling, art, and music to create a unique and visually stunning book, "Quantum Criminals." Listeners are taken on a deep dive into the creative process, research, collaboration, and the evolution of Steely Dan's characters over time.Alex Pappademas is the author of Keanu Reeves: Most Triumphant—The Movies & Meaning of an Irrepressible Icon and the writer and host of the acclaimed podcast The Big Hit Show. His work has also appeared in GQ, the New York Times, and Grantland. https://www.instagram.com/pappademas/Joan LeMay is an artist based in London and New York City (although the paintings for this book were created in Portland). Her work appears in multiple publications and books and has been shown in museums, galleries, and public spaces internationally. https://www.instagram.com/joanlemay/From University of Texas Press

Jun 26, 2023 • 24min
Jonathan Knight, Head of Games at The New York Times
Exploring the World of Digital Puzzle Games with Jonathan Knight, Head of Games at The New York TimesIn this episode, host Mark Stinson sits down with Jonathan Knight, the Head of Games at The New York Times, to delve into the world of digital puzzle games. They discuss the Times' foray into gaming, the importance of games in the overall growth strategy of the paper, and the creative development process behind their popular puzzle games.Jonathan has been working in the Computer and Video Game industry for over 25 years,beginning as a Producer at Activision, and having worked as an Executive Producer orGM/Studio Head at major publishers including EA, Zynga, and Warner Bros. Interactive. He hasbeen a production or creative leader on a number of major game franchises, including TheSims, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, The Simpsons Game, FarmVille, Words With Friends,Wolfenstein, and DC Comics. At EA, he was the creative force behind the blockbuster gameDante’s Inferno, overseeing the game’s story, development, and trans-media projects, includinga comic book series, an animated feature, and the action figure. Jonathan lives in California, and is currently the GM of Games for The New York Times, operating and empowering the team that brings daily joy to puzzle solvers with games like Wordle, Spelling Bee, and the legendary New York Times Crossword.Key Points:1. The New York Times and Puzzle Games: - Knight explains that the New York Times offers a collection of digital puzzle games alongside their renowned crossword puzzle. - The crossword puzzle has been a staple since 1942 and has transitioned to digital platforms. - Additional games like Spelling Bee and Wordle have been introduced, with Wordle becoming an internet sensation. - The New York Times aims to provide engaging and human-crafted puzzles on a daily basis.2. Games as an Essential Part of the New York Times: - Knight acknowledges that some may find it surprising that games play an important role at the New York Times. - The organization has made investments in the games business, including a separate subscription that offers games alongside other New York Times products. - Games serve as a distraction from the news, attracting and retaining subscribers who engage with both the news and games offerings.3. Games and Subscriber Retention: - Knight emphasizes that games contribute to subscriber retention at the New York Times. - Subscribers who engage with both news and games have the highest long-term retention rates. - The daily habit of playing games, such as solving puzzles, creates ongoing engagement and value for subscribers.4. Creative Development and the World of Wordle: - Knight discusses the unique acquisition of Wordle, a viral internet sensation. - Wordle was initially created by an engineer named Josh Wardle and caught on rapidly, eventually leading to its acquisition by the New York Times. - The New York Times' creative development process involves internal prototyping and a green light process to determine the viability of new ideas. - The team continually works to improve existing games and keep them fresh, ensuring engagement and satisfaction for players.5. Balancing Business and Creativity: - Knight reflects on his previous experiences in the gaming industry, including working on major franchises like The Simpsons and Harry Potter. - Developing games based on licensed properties presents different challenges compared to creating original IP. - The New York Times Games team focuses on the audience and the meaningful impact their games have on people's lives, which fuels their creative drive.Conclusion:Knight highlights the New York Times' focus on its games app, upcoming updates, and new game releases. The team is dedicated to maintaining the quality of their core puzzle offerings while also exploring new ideas and engaging with their audience in innovative ways.Key Quotes from Jonathan Knight:- "We have a collection of digital puzzle games. They're human-crafted people make these puzzles every day for you to solve."- "Games are a distraction from the news. They're not the news. We hope that people come for the news and stay for the games."- "When people subscribe to the New York Times and they engage with both news and games, their long-term subscriber retention is the highest of any of our product combinations."- "Millions of people are playing your game. Millions of people are solving the Wordle this morning. That's what keeps you going. It's important. These are important things in people's lives. It's meaningful."

Jun 19, 2023 • 27min
Elizabeth Winkler, author of "Shakespeare Was a Woman"
Elizabeth Winkler, a renowned journalist and book critic, joins us from Washington, DC to discuss her latest book, "Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature." This thrillingly provocative investigation delves into the Shakespeare authorship question and explores why questioning the identity of the god of English literature has become unacceptable and even considered immoral.In her book, Winkler taps into the approach of "heresies" to make her research and writing more engaging. She highlights how the theory that Shakespeare may not have written his plays is an unspeakable subject in the history of English literature. Scholars acknowledge the lack of concrete information about the Bard's biography, yet publicly questioning his authorship is deemed blasphemous. Winkler sheds light on the forces of nationalism, empire, religion, mythmaking, gender, and class that have shaped our admiration for Shakespeare over the centuries.Drawing on the insights of writers and thinkers like Walt Whitman, Sigmund Freud, and Supreme Court justices, Winkler explores the potential identities of the true author hiding behind Shakespeare's name. Could it be a forgotten woman, a disgraced aristocrat, or even a government spy? The plays themselves, with their themes of mistaken identities and concealed truths, add an intriguing layer to the mystery.As Winkler interviews scholars and skeptics, she also delves into the larger issue of historical truth and how human imperfections shape our understanding of the past. She emphasizes that history is a story, and the narrative we construct depends on the story we seek. By examining stories like the 1964 case of Miss Evelyn May Hopkins, who left a third of her inheritance to the Francis Bacon Society to find the original manuscripts of Shakespeare's plays, Winkler explores the deep-rooted beliefs and biases that influence our perception of history.Throughout our interview, Winkler shares her inspiration and how it can benefit other writers. She discusses specific tools, exercises, and formulas she used to organize her ideas, such as the captivating story of Miss Evelyn May Hopkins and her connection to the Bacon-Shakespeare manuscripts.Furthermore, Winkler reflects on how she has made connections and created opportunities to produce and promote her creative work. Her relentless pursuit of the Shakespeare authorship question and her ability to engage with scholars and skeptics have propelled her career as a journalist and literary critic.Our thanks to Simon & Schuster for supporting this podcast episode.Elizabeth's Website @elizabethlaurenw on Instagram Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

Jun 12, 2023 • 31min
Craig Dobbin, Award-Winning TV/Film composer, NCIS:LA and Shark Week
In this podcast interview, host Mark Stinson talks to composer Craig Dobbin about his work in the music industry, specifically in TV and film. Dobbin has been working on the popular TV show "NCIS: LA" for half of its run, and he discusses his creative process for keeping the music engine and score behind the show running smoothly. CREATIVE PROCESSHe explains that the show follows a weekly schedule, where he watches the episodes on Fridays, has a spotting session on Mondays to discuss music placement, and then works on composing from Tuesday to Saturday. They mix the show on Sundays, and then Dobbin moves on to the next episode. He describes the musical style of "NCIS: LA" as more modern and injected with humor, giving it a slightly different feel from the flagship "NCIS" and "NCIS: Hawaii" shows.KEEPING IT FRESHDobbin shares insights into his creative approach and how he keeps the music fresh every week. He talks about the challenge of working within the established sonic world of the show while injecting his own voice gradually over time. He mentions learning from past experiences where he went too far with his musical choices and had to adjust based on feedback from the production team. Dobbin emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork in the creative process, noting that he is in the service industry, fulfilling someone else's vision. He discusses the need to understand the producers' and writers' perspectives and create music that effectively conveys their vision.COLLABORATIONThe conversation also touches on Dobbin's experience working with the cast of "NCIS: LA" and the collaborative nature of the show. He mentions that he only recently met most of the actors at the show's wrap party, highlighting the separation between different departments in such a large production. Dobbin also briefly discusses his work on other projects, including Shark Week, where he has been composing for 33 years. He shares his long-standing collaboration with a specific editor for Shark Week and the level of understanding they have developed over time.HIGHLIGHTED quotes from Craig:1. "I felt like I was jumping onto a treadmill going a hundred miles an hour, and I just had to run as fast as I could to try to catch up and get myself up to speed."2. "Creativity is the most fun when there are lots of parameters and boundaries that give me... It's like when you can set those limits for yourself, and so you've got this established sonic world, how can I express myself within these confines?"3. "If you want a career in this, you've gotta get really good at delivering someone else's vision."4. "I always try to watch something that I'm working on once as a fan, before I start listening to the music and trying to figure out how I'm gonna approach it."WHAT'S NEXTStarting to work on the score for a new film, "THE TASTING"Craig's Website @cdscores on Instagram Craig's Facebook page Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson Music tracks are copyrighted and used for creative review purposes.

Jun 5, 2023 • 24min
Jack Canfora, Award-Winning Playwright and Artistic Director, New Normal Rep
Join our conversation on how live theater can be “modernized” and used to challenge the negative contemporary cultural side effects like extremism and alienation with Award-Winning Playwright, Jack Canfora. For centuries people have found inspiration, beauty, and expression in live theater. The Ancient Greeks were the first to wade into the waters of this novel art form, using dance, song, and choral chants to play out their mythic past. Today, many see live theater as a dying art as multimedia storytelling modalities, like streaming TV, film, and the internet, hold a monopoly on our attention. In the face of this threatening final nail in the coffin, Jack is dedicated to presenting both new and underproduced plays via the internet, in ways that maintain the essential dramatic spirit while using the theatrical experience to explore the historical, cultural, and psychological forces shaping life in America and beyond in the 21st Century. He shares on Unlocking Your World of Creativity how to reshape our storytelling imagination to better understand the beauty and potential this ancient art form still holds. Topics Jack Discusses:Re-Lighting The Storytelling Campfire: Why Sharing Stories Is The Glue That Holds Cultures & Communities Together Live Theater Is NOT Dead (It Just Needs Some Reimagining): How To Make Theater More Available, Affordable, & Widely Attended “Democratizing” The Theatrical Experience: Bringing Theater Home To Underprivileged, Underserved, & Ignored Audiences How This Ancient Art Form Can Evolve To Keep Up With The Era Of Netflix & ChillBreaking Down The Barriers That Are Preventing Underproduced, Lesser Known Playwrights From Making On-StageUsing The Theatrical Experience To Change The Culture Of Modern Alienation To One Of Belonging, Empathy & Human ConnectionMore About Jack:John Lawrence "Jack" Canfora is an Award-Winning American playwright, actor, musician, and teacher. After receiving his dramatic training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he began his career as an actor in regional theater, working mostly in Shakespearean roles such as Mercutio and Macbeth. He’s been hailed by the Associated Press as “White-hot Entertainment” for his off-Broadway plays including Poetic License, Place Setting, and Jericho, a New York Times “Critics Pick.” He was nominated along with Edward Albee, Elaine May, and Teresa Rebeck for The Newark Star Ledger’s Best Play, 2007. Jack is the recipient of two Edgerton Playwriting Awards, for Jericho (2010) and The Source (2018). He won the 2016 Webby Award for Best Writing in a Web Series. Jack is also the Artistic Director of New Normal Rep.Troy's Website Troy on YouTube Troy's Facebook group Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson

May 29, 2023 • 29min
Christine Carron, Goodjelly writer productivity
Many writers don't know the fundamentals of process and mindset management, which results in unnecessary struggle, doubt, and despair. Even worse, they start to believe that if they were only a "better writer" the journey would be easier. That kind of inner critic thinking further dents their confidence.Fueled by the belief that the writing adventure doesn’t have to be so hard, Christine Carron launched her company Goodjelly in 2021. To do so, she combined her love of writing with 25 years of experience as a process improvement expert and project manager. The Jam Experience, Goodjelly's multi-signature small-group coaching program, teaches writers how to cultivate flow, handle blocks with ease, build their confidence, and make consistent writing progress. The results have been transformative.Christine also blogs weekly, furthering her mission to help as many writers as possible take charge of their writing adventure using the three pillars of Goodjelly: Smart Process, Grounded Power, and Inner Kindness.Today's Interview Topics· Sustainable creative productivity· Total Writing Work Management· Handling your Inner Critic Goodjelly-style· How to delight in your creative process· Building creative momentum· Cultivating a productive mindset· Agile for ArtistsQuestions we explore:· What are the 3 keys to unlock sustainable creative productivity?· What are the three pillars of consistent writerly progress?· What is invisible work and how does it mess with creative momentum?· What is code and context and how do those two concepts impact your creative productivity?· What are some creative productivity styles and why is it important that writers know (and embrace) their productivity style?· What is one no-fail way to get out of a writing slump?· What is a "Done Boost" and why should writers want a lot of them?· How can writers work through any writing block?Discover more in these articleshttps://www.goodjelly.com/blog/pillars-of-progresshttps://www.goodjelly.com/blog/4-productivity-typeshttps://www.goodjelly.com/blog/7tips-q4planninghttps://www.goodjelly.com/blog/bouncehttps://www.goodjelly.com/blog/courage-practicesChristine's Website @leagueofgoodjelly on Instagram Copyright 2025 Mark Stinson