
Creative Pep Talk
A Weekly Podcast Companion for Your Creative JourneyTransform your creative potential into reality by making your creativity a practice. A “creative discipline” can feel like an oxymoron. Creativity is about doing something new. Discipline is about doing something consistently. The aim of this podcast is to help you strike that elusive balance. Each week, New York Times Bestselling Author Illustrator Andy J. Pizza shares everything he’s learning about building a thriving creative practice. Through solo episodes and interviews with top-tier creatives, Pizza brings you the strategies and stories that you need week in and week out to keep your inner critic at bay, bust through creative blocks and stay creatively pepped to the max!!Learn more: creativepeptalk.comCheck out the host: andyjpizza.com
Latest episodes

18 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 36min
511 - A Message for Sensitive Creatives Who Are Struggling Right Now
Feeling overwhelmed as a creative? This episode delivers a heartfelt message for sensitive artists seeking to reignite their spark. It explores the unique challenges of navigating both pain and beauty in the creative process. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their sensitivity and find balance through self-care and reflection. Discover the power of connecting with the creative community and how engaging with films can inspire and rejuvenate your artistic spirit. Dive in for practical strategies to reclaim your creativity!

16 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 16min
510 - Remember How to Have Fun and Get Loose, ADHD / Being You, Storytelling, Ignoring the Industry & More with Picture Book Maker Bob Shea
Join Bob Shea, a talented author and illustrator of children's picture books, as he shares his insights on creativity and storytelling. He discusses how ADHD has influenced his creative process, highlighting the importance of fun and authenticity in his work. The conversation delves into the value of playfulness and relaxation in sparking creativity. Bob also reflects on personal experiences with mistakes, growth, and collaboration in the publishing industry, emphasizing the need for self-kindness and community in navigating the creative journey.

15 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 47min
509 - Hack Motivation to Begin AND Finish Well + Unlock Creative Self with These Questions
Feeling creatively stuck? Discover ways to reignite your passion and finish projects strong. The conversation dives into the challenges beginners and seasoned creators face, along with insights on ADHD and personal motivation. Learn about the importance of deadlines and how to find your unique triggers for creativity. Plus, explore the concept of 'dating yourself' for deeper self-discovery as an artist. Celebrate your creative journey while gaining valuable tips to navigate it!

27 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 9min
508 - The Real Magic of Finding Your Creative Voice with Brian Selznick
Join Caldecott-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick, known for his innovative storytelling in 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret', as he dives into the magic of finding your creative voice. He reflects on personal identity, discussing the evolution of queer narratives in literature. Hear about the alchemy of combining text and illustrations in his new book 'Run Away with Me'. Brian emphasizes the importance of reframing challenges and embracing synchronicity in creativity, inspiring listeners to connect authentically with their artistic journeys.

26 snips
May 28, 2025 • 37min
507 - How to Find Your Secret Creative Powers
Feeling lost in your creative journey? Discover how to shift from comparison to celebrating your unique strengths. Explore the importance of embracing individuality and how failure can lead to growth. Reflect on powerful insights from iconic characters, emphasizing empathy and community. Uncover your secret creative powers and learn to tap into them for personal fulfillment. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, this discussion inspires listeners to reclaim their creative confidence!

18 snips
May 21, 2025 • 38min
506 - The Career Defining Breakthrough I Found in Scary Slow Times
Feeling lost in your creative journey? The conversation emphasizes embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. It explores the balance between exploratory and strategic creativity, urging listeners to cultivate creativity for its own sake. Discover how to transform stress into motivating energy and reflect on pivotal moments for hidden inspiration. The hosts encourage a mindset shift, viewing challenges as pathways to creative breakthroughs and personal development.

19 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 10min
505 - How Demystifying Your Craft can Enhance the Magic with Maggie Smith
In this engaging discussion, poet Maggie Smith, known for her impactful poem 'Good Bones' and her book 'Dear Writer: Pep Talks and Practical Advice for the Creative Life,' shares invaluable insights into the creative process. She emphasizes that creativity is a skill accessible to everyone, not just a gift for the chosen few. Maggie explores the importance of patience and the interplay between inspiration and craftsmanship. She also addresses the dual nature of creativity, highlighting how both praise and critique can fuel artistic expression.

24 snips
May 7, 2025 • 29min
504 - Reduce Overwhelm and Unlock More Creative Work with This
Feeling lost in your creative journey? Discover how to tackle overwhelming to-do lists and focus on getting things done rather than seeking perfection. Embrace imperfection as a vital part of the creative process and learn to find joy in your work, rather than fear. Prioritizing completion can unlock new levels of productivity, while accepting flaws will make your projects more authentic. Get insights on managing expectations and find motivation to finish those unfinished creative tasks!

5 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 17min
503 - Embrace Change and Reclaim Belonging with Morgan Harper Nichols
Feel like things have changed or are always changing?
Do you find yourself changing yourself to fit?
Where do you really want to be?
In this episode I am joined by artist and author, Morgan Harper Nichols. We discuss envisioning a future for yourself that you actually want to go towards and how to find the right creative home within all the possibilities.
https://morganharpernichols.com
------
Feeling lost on the creative journey? Download our 7 step Creative Career Path Handbooklet for FREE by signing up to our newsletter here: andyjpizza.substack.com
SHOW NOTES:
Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co
Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.coSoundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com
SPONSORS:SQUARESPACEHead to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 39min
502 - How to Beat the Analysis Paralysis of "The Right Path"
Feeling lost on the creative journey? Download our 7 step Creative Career Path Handbooklet for FREE by signing up to our newsletter here: andyjpizza.substack.com If you THINK more about making stuff than actually making stuff, this episode is for you! I tell a story that helped me realize that going the right way is overrated and what to do instead.SHOW NOTES:Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.coAudio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.coSoundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.comWar of Art by Stephen Pressfieldhttps://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/Cal Newport Deep Workhttps://calnewport.com/writing/Christopher Vogler The Writers Journeyhttps://mwp.com/product/writers-journey-25th-anniversary-edition-mythic-structure-writers/Brian McDonald Invisible Inkhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/invisible-ink-stewart-stern/1146054340SPONSORS:SQUARESPACEHead to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices