The Creative Condition podcast

Perfectionism can be extremely damaging to creativity. We live in the age of data, in which the bottom line creates a culture of fear. Here uncertainty is the enemy, and algorithmic creativity is causing a dramatic level rise in the sea of same. In the creative industry, this could be a death sentence, so I spoke to Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, and author of 'Flawed' Greg Chasson at length about the neuroscience and effects of perfectionism.As a man with a career built on imperfection, it was a joy to hear it so expertly articulated by Greg.Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uaFlawed book: https://www.flawedbook.com/https://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/faculty/gregory-chasson-phdhttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Abby Lucas teaches drama and English at secondary/high school level in the midst of a growing mental health crisis. She sees the the positive impact it has on young people, their wellbeing, their communication skills, their learning, and their ability to take control of their lives.But she is only able to teach it within the curriculum for one hour each week.We discuss the tragic educational and wellbeing omission that is drama, the benefits of expanding its presence in the curriculum, and our frustrations in depth.Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

It took me a long time to acknowledge the shame of being caught shoplifting. At age 13, I stole an Ian Wright football figurine and got caught, earning me a UK-wide ban from Woolworth's department store.It took years to own this one, but when I did, I saw so many lessons in the importance of the shadow self, what such missteps can teach us about our personality, and its value in our creativity.Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Multidisciplinary artist and designers Abi Everett (Evergooood) and Steph Martin (Stuff) are close friends and regular collaborators. They join me in conversation about the dangers of (conscious or unconscious) gatekeeping, which underpins 'More Than One Seat', their new project created to encourage collaboration, and not the kind of gatekeeping Steph became aware of while working in the advertising industry.This a great example of the joys of being a champion for another, in encouraging growth, and collaborative play, which leads to great ideas and optimal creativity.You can find out more about 'More Than One Seat' here: https://www.morethanoneseat.com/and follow Abi: https://www.studioeverett.com/aboutand Steph: https://stuffstudio.net/On socials: https://www.instagram.com/evergooood/https://www.instagram.com/stuffcreativestudioSponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.com who have a superb new quarterly illustration trends report here: https://www.illustrationx.com/uk/news/5992/trendx_-_april_2024and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

I had to explain to my kids why manageable jeopardy is good for them on this morning's nursery run. This tested my understanding and articulation of it. Then I get home and YouTube's algorithm tosses me Jimmy Carr telling Steven Bartlett why risk and living life without too much fear is crucial for young people and their mental health.It all set in motion a train of thought about jeopardy's role in optimal creativity... join me and climb aboard.Sponsored as ever by https://illustrationx.comand the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uahttps://bentallon.comhttps://bentallonwriter.com/shop for The Creative Condition bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-tallon-a822a725/

Stefan Sagmeister - legendary designer and pioneering creator - returns to continue our conversation from episode 199, only this time live on the main stage at OFFF Festival Barcelona.We continue to explore the notion of understanding our minds in order to find an optimistic baseline, from which we can work to resolve our collective problems.The chat took place in front of a live 2000+ audience in Disseny Hub and now is your chance to hear it too.The show is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X: https://illustrationx.comand the Ukrainian Institute: https://ui.org.uaYou can grab Stefan's 'Now is Better' from: https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/now-is-better-9781838666965/The Creative Condition book is out now. Signed copies at: https://bentallonwriter.com/shop

Radim Malinic returns 103 episodes after we talked on episode 119 of the podcast. Now he is back with not one, but two new books: Mindful Creative and Creativity for Sale. The two books are designed to work as a set of two and delve into the way we work, all the way from our evolutionary tendencies, to our perceptions of creativity, the way it functions, and how we can be happy while making money, producing the work we always wanted to.We cover it all. This is a deep, candid chat, the only way Radim knows how.The show is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X: https://illustrationx.comYou can grab both of Radim's books everywhere, signed copies at https://brandnubooks.co.ukThe Creative Condition book is out now. Signed copies at: https://www.bentallonwriter.com/shop

Too many people are downbeat. The heaviness of 24-hour news cycles are locking people's creativity and spirit away in dank, lightless basements.Here are five tips to turn the tide, and find a baseline of excitement and optimism from which to contribute to solutions for the problems that make us feel like the world has gone to sh1t.As ever the show is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X: illustrationx.comand the Ukrainian Institute. You can help a wonderful organisation by supporting the Ukrainian creative community as they struggle to keep making during the horrific war: ui.org.ua/The Creative Condition book is available to pre-order now at: https://www.bentallonwriter.com/shop/p/the-creative-condition-understanding-and-embracing-human-creativity-signed-paperback-pre-order-april-11th-releaseFor the ebook version: https://shorturl.at/bkBDEhttps://bentallon.com

Today is the release day for 'The Creative Condition' - my 2nd non-fiction book.This time out I chose to publish independently. Here's how, why, what to consider if you want to do this too.Supported by founding sponsor: https://illustrationx.com and the Ukrainian Institute https://ui.org.uaThe Creative Condition is out now at: https://www.bentallonwriter.com/shop/p/the-creative-condition-understanding-and-embracing-human-creativity-signed-paperback-pre-order-april-11th-release

Arizona State University professor in psychology Athena Atkipis joins me as her new book 'A Field Guide to the Apocalypse' hits the bookshelves.Athena's smart and fun zombie apocalypse approach to encouraging and supporting us in facing our fears during wild times carves out her beautiful niche in the field of psychology.We discuss why we've always felt like we're on the brink as a species, and, whether the worst happens, or a pipe simply bursts and floods your house, preparing for greater resilience in wild times can be fun, exciting, and a great route to happiness and optimal creativity.It's also publication day for 'The Creative Condition' book tomorrow, April 11th!As ever the show is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X: illustrationx.comand the Ukrainian Institute. You can help a wonderful organisation by supporting the Ukrainian creative community as they struggle to keep making during the horrific war: ui.org.ua/https://www.athenaaktipis.org/Athena's book: https://shorturl.at/tIOQXThe Creative Condition book is available to pre-order now at: https://www.bentallonwriter.com/shop/p/the-creative-condition-understanding-and-embracing-human-creativity-signed-paperback-pre-order-april-11th-releasehttps://bentallon.com