Your World of Creativity

In this episode of "Your World of Creativity," host Mark Stinson interviews award-winning musician, speaker, and filmmaker Stephen DiJoseph. Stephen's Website Stephen on YouTube @stephendijoseph on Instagram Stephen's Facebook page Stephen, a neurodiverse musician, has released international albums with the Deko label and the ADA group of Warner Music. With 10 albums, award-winning films, and numerous live performances and TV appearances, Stephen shares insights into his creative journey and personal experiences living with Tourette's syndrome.Highlights:- Stephen's creative process evolves constantly, with creativity waiting for no specific time, leading him to prioritize inspiration and organization.- His multiple genre disorder challenges him to create full albums for each project, bringing organization to his diverse musical styles.- Stephen's filmmaking and speaking engagements complement his music, allowing him to tell his life story and advocate for neurodiversity.Key Quote from Stephen:"Creativity waits for no one. That's what I could say, any time of the day or night. And most people who are, should I say in service to it, know that and they go for it. At all costs."Join us as we continue to explore creativity worldwide, learning from practitioners like Stephen DiJoseph who inspire and innovate in their respective fields.

On this episode of YOUR WORLD OF CREATIVITY, welcome singer-songwriter Victoria Simmonds.Victoria's Website @officialvictoria_music on Instagram Victoria's Facebook page Victoria's Musical Journey: From performing in theater and cabaret acts to discovering and creating her own music, Victoria shares her evolution as an artist, driven by her passion for creativity.The Inspiration Behind "Let's Do Happy": Victoria discusses the irony and relevance of her debut album's title, reflecting on its origins and the impact of her music during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.Recognition by BBC Introducing Solent: Victoria recounts the excitement of having one of her songs featured on BBC Introducing Solent, highlighting the importance of platforms that support local talent.Influences and Musical Style: Victoria shares her eclectic influences, from Neil Diamond to Spice Girls, and describes her music as a personal expression across various genres and styles.Future Projects and Collaborations: With new collaborations on the horizon and plans for festivals and competitions, Victoria gives insight into her upcoming projects and musical endeavors.Highlight Quote from Victoria: "When you enjoy creating things, you want to try all sorts of different methods... my own music ends up being a very personal expression through creativity."Victoria Simmonds is a local independent pop/ alt-rock singer-songwriter. Having been raised in both the New Forest and Western France she has benefited from a wide variety of musical styles. Her passion for music has always been strong. After performing in musical theatre and cabaret acts she started her journey to discovering her own music. In 2021 she released her first album “Let's do Happy” and since then has continued to release new and meaningful songs, one of which was recognised by BBC Introducing Solent in 2023 and performed at gigs, concerts and festivals. During her career she has amazed audiences across Europe including France, Cyprus, Germany, Belgium and Mallorca with her powerful tones.

On today's YOUR WORLD OF CREATIVITY: Kiaundra Jackson, licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and media personality, discusses her multifaceted career.https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiaundrajackson@kiaundrajackson on Instagram Kiaundra on YouTube Kiaundra's Facebook page Kiaundra's Website - Navigating Identity and Profession: Kiaundra shares her challenges explaining her diverse roles to her parents, highlighting the complexity of her career.- Therapy Approach: Kiaundra emphasizes her raw and authentic approach to therapy, focusing on deep emotional work while providing support and guidance.- Media Attention and Authenticity: She discusses media interest in her authentic approach, emphasizing the importance of consistency and personal branding. - Cultural Awareness and Mental Health: Kiaundra advocates for cultural inclusivity in therapy, striving to make mental health resources more accessible to people of color.- Starting Therapy: She advises clients to approach therapy with honesty and openness, emphasizing the importance of building rapport and setting realistic expectations.- Personal Journey: Kiaundra shares her non-linear path to becoming a therapist, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-discovery.- Crafting Stories in Writing: She discusses the challenge of sharing relatable stories while maintaining client confidentiality, emphasizing the value of authenticity.- Entering the Speaking Industry: Kiaundra advises aspiring speakers to focus on honing their craft and building a personal brand to stand out in the competitive speaking industry.- Balancing Work and Personal Life: She stresses the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care to maintain balance amidst professional commitments.Highlights:- Kiaundra's raw and authentic therapeutic approach resonates with clients, attracting media attention and establishing her as a thought leader in mental health.- She emphasizes the need for cultural inclusivity in therapy, striving to make mental health resources accessible to marginalized communities.- Kiaundra advises aspiring speakers to focus on honing their craft and building a personal brand to succeed in the competitive speaking industry.- Maintaining work-life balance is crucial for Kiaundra, who prioritizes self-care and sets boundaries to preserve her well-being amidst professional commitments.- Through perseverance and self-discovery, Kiaundra navigated a non-linear path to becoming a therapist, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination.Key Takeaway Quote from Kiaundra:"Your therapist can't want you to heal and be better more than you want to heal and for you to be better. So you have to have that tenacity to want more for yourself."Join our journey of unlocking creativity again in the next episode!

Welcome to Unlocking Your World of Creativity with today's guest, Diana Kokoszkahttps://becomingmorebook.com/- Diana shares insights from her new book, "Becoming More," and discusses the power of training the brain to think differently for enhanced creativity and success.- Neuroplasticity and Thought Patterns: Diana explains how repetitive thoughts create neural pathways, likening it to walking the same path across grass, and emphasizes the importance of breaking old thought patterns to foster creativity and growth.- Creative Problem-Solving: Diana shares her journey from a struggling single parent to a successful real estate agent through innovative approaches like door-to-door networking and creative marketing strategies.- The Role of Mentors: Reflecting on her mentors like John Maxwell and Zig Ziglar, Diana emphasizes the importance of learning from both successes and failures, highlighting the value of mentorship in personal and professional growth.- Overcoming Challenges:*Diana candidly discusses facing financial setbacks and emphasizes the importance of resilience, mindset, and facing challenges head-on, rather than avoiding or denying them.- Abundance Mindset and Legacy: Diana advocates for cultivating an abundance mindset, combating scarcity and doubt, and shares practical techniques from her book to retrain the brain for confidence, gratitude, and success.Key Pull-out Quote: "No one succeeds alone. Every single person that has ever made it big... always had others that helped them... It's not the circumstances we're in that make our life journey. It's the decisions we make around the circumstances we're in that cause our life journey." Listeners are encouraged to explore Diana's book, "Becoming More," and her upcoming events for practical strategies to unlock their creativity and achieve personal and professional growth. Join the journey of unlocking creativity in the next episode!

Join us on "Unlocking Your World of Creativity" as we dive into the musical journey with the incredible Nismah Osman. Nismah's Website @nismahosman on Instagram Here are some key takeaways:Nismah's early music exploration began with an old piano, leading to a lifelong passion for songwriting and recording.She shares insights into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of a strong concept as the heart of a song.Nismah's dedication to her craft led her to study under industry legends, shaping her songwriting skills.Sync licensing became a pivotal avenue for Nismah, with placements on major networks, demonstrating an alternative path for musicians beyond traditional avenues.Nismah's mission is to empower emerging artists, guiding them through the complexities of the music industry, with a focus on sync licensing as a viable and lucrative option.To punctuate the episode, enjoy snippets of Nismah's original tracks: "Have You In My Dream," "Sexy Today," and "Nasty Woman." (All music is copyrighted by the artist and used with permission.)Connect on her website www.nismahosman.com or find her on Instagram @NismahOsman. She's not just sharing music; she's sharing a roadmap to success! Thanks to our sponsor: Exact Rush B I'm Nismah, a songwriter, music producer, vocalist and businessperson with a penchant for outside-the-box thinking. I help musicians of all kinds & from all walks of life to increase their income while honoring their passion and working LESS. My expertise primarily caters to aspiring musicians of all kinds who are struggling to make music their "full-time" job. I understand the challenges they face and offer tried and true strategies for increasing cash flow in their music business. Over my 17-year career in music, I've secured over 200 sync licensing placements in films and tv shows, studied hit songwriting techniques with pop songwriting legend Kara DioGuardi (P!nk, Jason Derulo, Kelly Clarkson, American Idol), and taught songwriting and music business classes to the next generation of songwriters at my alma mater, Berklee College of Music ('19, '22).

Welcome back, friends, to our podcast, unlocking your world of creativity. In our globetrotting adventures, today we're in Zurich, Switzerland, chatting with the multi-talented Susan Steiner. Susan's Website Susan's Facebook page She's not just an author but also a human design aficionado, executive coach, grandmother, and more. Our conversation dives into the intriguing intersection of her diverse roles and her unique approach to creativity.Susan shares how human design, a technology she uses in coaching, shapes her characters. Through her August Burns series, she crafts individuals based on her grandchildren's human design charts. In this creative fusion, characters feel authentic, relatable, and delightfully flawed.In a lively excerpt from "Murder by Manuscript," we witness the charming meeting of August Burns and the cowgirl of his dreams, Rita. Susan's writing is both approachable and detailed, setting the stage for a thrilling murder mystery.Five Highlights:1. Susan's multidimensional roles, blending into a theme of embracing individuality.2. Human design as a tool for character development, creating relatable and authentic personas.3. Susan's engaging and relatable writing style, illustrated through a snippet from "Murder by Manuscript."4. The family and friend collaborations enriching Susan's writing process.5. A sneak peek into the upcoming third book, promising more excitement and a diabolical villain in Texas.Key Quote from Susan:"I don't tell my clients what to do. I don't tell my characters what to do. I don't like to tell people what to do. And I definitely don't like to be told what to do."Murder mystery novelist Susan D. Steiner is a Human Design aficionado, grandmother of four, and Executive Coach, living in Switzerland. Currently busy writing book three in the August Burns series, she bases her characters on the Human Design charts of real people, including her four grandchildren. This makes for fun, in depth stories of real-life heroes and villains set in Zurich, London, Charlotte, and San Antonio. Thanks to our sponsor,Exact Rush B

In this engaging podcast interview (re-issued from April 2022 with co-host, Kirstin Hanson), John David Mann and Ana Gabriel Mann, coauthors of "The Go-Giver Marriage," share insights into building a successful and fulfilling relationship. The conversation revolves around the principles outlined in their book, which incorporates the Go-Giver philosophy into the realm of marriage. https://gogivermarriage.com/Here are 5 key highlights from the interview:1. **The Go-Giver Approach to Marriage:** The Manns introduce the concept of applying the Go-Giver principles to marriage, emphasizing the importance of generosity, care, and nourishment in building a lasting relationship.2. **The Parable and The Practice:** The book is structured into two halves, with the first half presenting a parable about a couple facing challenges, and the second half offering practical advice and actionable steps, referred to as "The Practice," to implement the principles in real life.3. **The Usness of Marriage:** The metaphor of a tree is introduced to represent the collective entity of a couple – the "us." The tree needs continuous care, symbolizing the importance of nurturing the relationship to ensure its growth and sustainability.4. **Daily Actions for Lasting Love:** The Manns stress the simplicity and practicality of the five secrets outlined in the book. These daily actions, when consistently practiced, lead to a shift in mindset, fostering a positive and enriching atmosphere in the marriage.5. **Application Beyond Marriage:** While the book focuses on marriage, the principles are versatile and can be applied to various relationships, including those in the workplace. The Manns encourage listeners to bring these practices into their professional and personal interactions.The interview offers a compelling blend of personal anecdotes, professional expertise, and actionable advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their relationships through a Go-Giver mindset.Thanks to our sponsor,Exact Rush B

Welcome back to "Unlocking Your World of Creativity." In this episode, host Mark engages in a captivating conversation with Joana Sa Lima, an architect and designer based in Oslo, Norway. They explore the multifaceted nature of creativity, delving into the process of getting inspired, organizing ideas, and building confidence to make impactful connections.Joana's Website @comte_bureau on Instagram Highlights:1. **Diverse Creative Background:** Joana shares her unique journey from Portugal to Italy, Berlin, Holland, and finally, Oslo. Each experience enriched her creative thinking, providing a unique blend of architectural influences and technical expertise.2. **Impact of Design on Sustainability:** The discussion focuses on the societal impact of design, particularly in addressing environmental causes and sustainability. Joana emphasizes the importance of research-driven design and how it extends beyond creating aesthetically pleasing structures.3. **Social Sciences in Design:** Joana's company, Comte Bureau, is a bridge between architecture and social sciences. They use design thinking, sociology, anthropology, and psychology to inform their decisions, solving societal issues through innovative and thoughtful design.4. **Collaboration and Innovation:** Collaboration emerges as a key theme, both in the academic realm and in addressing global challenges like COVID-19. Joana underscores the need for continued collaboration to overcome societal issues, encouraging a shift from individual achievements to collective impact.5. **Challenges in the Current Climate:** Joana addresses the challenges posed by the current geopolitical climate, emphasizing the importance of sustained innovation and investment in solving societal problems. She warns against the dangers of defunding innovation and the potential loss of progress made during critical times.6. **Encouragement for Creatives:** The conversation concludes with a call for creatives to listen actively, break out of echo chambers, and embrace diversity. Joana emphasizes that, now more than ever, understanding different perspectives is crucial for personal and societal growth.Key Quote from Joana Sa Lima:*"More than ever, we should be listening. We are in these echo chambers, and we are creating even deeper echo chambers. We only care about those that actually speak the same tone of voice that we do and that care about the same colors that we do. And that is the wrong thing to do, in my opinion. We should actually be much more aware, making this cross or opening up to the differences that we all have is what's going to make us better and what's going to make us survive, in a way."*In this insightful episode, Joana Sa Lima provides a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of creativity, design, and societal impact, urging listeners to consider the broader implications of their creative endeavors.Joana, educated in Porto, Rome, and Berlin, has had a dynamic career with experiences in the Netherlands, New York, and Norway. Working with OMA-Rem Koolhaas, she developed a passion for research-driven design. In 2008, she co-founded 'CONDITIONS,' a Scandinavian architecture magazine, shortlisted for the CICA Pierre Vago Journalism Award and participating in the III Moscow Architecture Biennale and Venice Biennale. In 2012, Joana co-founded Comte Bureau to address societal challenges. This consultancy integrates social sciences and design thinking with architecture to foster conscious innovation and human-centric solutions, shaping policies, services, and urban spaces. Joana's impact extends to academia and architectural competitions, lecturing, and serving as a jury member. She taught at The Oslo School of Architecture and Design and advised Master's theses at NTNU.

Welcome back to *Unlocking Your World of Creativity,* where we explore diverse creative pursuits. In this episode, we chat with acclaimed violinist Gabe Bolkosky, known for his inclusive approach to music and innovative projects.Gabe's Website 1. Gabe's Musical Journey: Explore Gabe's unique approach to music and his inclusive philosophy, aiming to connect deeply with the audience.2. Inclusive Music: Learn about Gabe's embracing of inclusiveness in his performances and how it became a fundamental aspect of his creative process.3. Collaborative Creativity: Gabe shares insights into collaborating with other musicians, emphasizing vulnerability, trust, and the importance of nurturing a connection.4. Genre Spanning: Discover Gabe's experiences in transitioning from classical to genres like tango and jazz, and the distinct approaches required for each.5. Innovation in Music: Explore how Gabe incorporates innovation into his musical endeavors, especially during the challenging years of the pandemic.6. Education for Happiness: Gabe introduces his practice support program, offering a unique blend of education and happiness in music, catering to musicians of all ages and levels.For more on Gabe and his projects, visit Gabe's Website @rollinpractice on Instagram Gabe on YouTube Gabe's Facebook page Violinist and violist Gabe Bolkosky has been praised for the way he "takes audiences into his confidence and includes them" and described as having "the serenity of a master without a hint of coldness." He performs a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary works with different collaborative artists from many musical genres in many of the great concert halls. Coming in 2024, Gabe will release Mozart's Milanese quartets with the Bayberry String Quartet. He has performed and taught across the United States and abroad, working with all ages of musicians. As a member of the Bayberry String Quartet, he recently pioneered an online approach to music-making and collaboration from home. His organization, Education for Happiness, recently launched PhoenixPhest Virtual Chamber Music Immersive and Rollin’ Daily Practice Support, culminating a 20 year in-person program. His focus educationally has been to help musicians of all ages and stages with a focus on inclusion.

In this landmark 300th episode, the host is joined by past guests, each on a distinctive creative journey.Guest Introductions:1. Nikki Nash - Author of "Market Your Genius." - Successfully published with Hay House despite unconventional methods. - Engaged in consulting, focusing on coaching businesses and community building. Highlights: - Reflects on the success of her book, "Market Your Genius," connecting her with a broader audience. - Emphasizes the importance of building a community and sustainable coaching businesses. - Plans to relaunch her accelerator program in 2024.Key Takeaways: - Approach connections by offering service and support without immediate expectations. - Building relationships by being present and available, even without an agenda.2. Boris Meshkov - Filmmaker and video producer based in Bangkok, Thailand. - Recently completed his first short film, gaining attention at a local film meeting. Highlights: - Overcame challenges with limited resources and time constraints. - Showcased the film at a local event, gaining positive feedback. - Attracted interest from producers and investors for future projects. Key Takeaways: - Overcoming limitations with creativity and resourcefulness in filmmaking. - Leveraging local events and showcases to connect with industry professionals.3. Marlene Sharp - Involved in animation and Japanese animation production. - Connected with Rich Magallanes from Nickelodeon through industry events. Discussion Highlights: - Shares the experience of attending networking "shindigs" organized by Rich. - Emphasizes the value of spontaneous gatherings for industry professionals. Key Takeaways: - The importance of spontaneous gatherings for networking in the creative industry. - The value of being part of a community, connecting with professionals in the field.4. Allyson Hernandez - Author and creator of the musical "A Ballad of Dreams." - Released an audiobook combined with a concept album of the musical. - Raised $70,000 to produce an industry reading in New York. Highlights: - Started as a book, later transformed into a musical. - Recorded 17 songs from the musical in a studio. - Combined an audiobook with the concept album for a unique experience. Takeaway: - Creativity can take unexpected turns; pivoting and adapting is crucial in the creative process.5. Michaell Magrutsche - Author of "The Smart of Art." - Advocates for the true value of art: creation, perception, and exposure. - Emphasizes the importance of sharing creativity with others. Highlights: - Art's true value lies in creation, perception, and exposure. - Encourages artists to embrace their unique creativity. - Highlights the importance of sharing creative work with others. Takeaway: - The true value of art lies in creating, perceiving, and exposing; creativity is a discipline that should be practiced.6. Elizabeth Hanson - Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Dramafy. - Manages an audio drama streaming service with nearly 250 shows. - Focused on improving user experience and technology for creators. Highlights: - Expanded to nearly 250 shows on the streaming service. - Focused on improving technology, including a new player and mobile apps. - Seeking collaborations and more content in areas like children's shows and romances. Takeaway: - Audio dramas require more scripting, sound design, and scoring than audiobooks; Dramafy is seeking collaborations, especially in children's content and romances.7. Erik Cabral - Podcast host, focused on storytelling and the human aspect of podcasting. - Stresses the enduring importance of storytelling in podcasting. - Encourages podcasters to focus on their mission and purpose. Highlights: - Storytelling remains the core of podcasting's appeal. - Stresses the importance of serving the audience and staying focused on mission. - Recalls the collaborative and learning aspect of early podcasting Zoom calls. Takeaway: - Storytelling is timeless and central to podcasting success; podcasters should focus on their mission and purpose.8. Anne Jacoby - Author of "Born to Create," launching February 20 - Specializes in fostering creativity in the workplace. - Shifted from content creation to coaching creative teams and executives. Highlights: - Merged practicality and narrative in her book "Born to Create." - Shifted to coaching creative teams and executives. - Emphasizes the discipline of creativity as a daily practice. Takeaway: - Creativity is inherent in everyone and should be tapped into daily as a discipline; creativity can be practiced and cultivated throughout life.Conclusion:In this diverse episode, the guests share insights into their creative journeys, emphasizing the significance of community, service-oriented connections, and the unexpected opportunities that arise in the world of creativity. Whether in animation, book publishing, filmmaking, or other creative realms, each guest provides a unique perspective on navigating the enriching landscape of creative endeavors.Thanks to all our guests over the years. And to our sponsor, Exact Rush, LLCExact Rush B