Creative Pep Talk
Andy J. Pizza
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 43min
525 - The Prerequisite to Connecting with Potential Fans
Struggling to find your creative voice? This discussion tackles how to rise above the noise to connect meaningfully with fans. Explore the concept of the Hero's Journey and how rethinking your life story can fuel creativity. Learn the therapeutic power of storytelling and how embracing one's unique quirks can enhance personal growth. Andy shares insights on the ‘yellow door’ moments that lead to unexpected opportunities, highlighting the importance of fostering authentic connections through narrative.
9 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 39min
524 - How to Know Whether to Push On or Give Up
Ever felt pumped about a new creative venture, only to hit a wall of doubt? You're not alone! The discussion explores how difficulty can actually signal that you’re on the right path. Learn about eustress, the concept that not all stress is bad, and how your mindset shapes your creative journey. There’s also a handy checklist to help you decide whether to persevere or pivot. Plus, tips on connecting with mentors and assessing the right timing for your project. Embrace the challenge—it's all part of the creative flow!
17 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 46min
523 - The Power of Finding Your Attention Aperture, Neurotype and School of Thought
Feeling creatively stuck? Discover the fascinating concept of attention aperture and how it can transform your work. Learn to identify your neurotype and strengths to unlock your full potential. Dive into the idea of aligning with a compatible philosophical school to enhance your creative journey. These practical insights promise to reignite your creativity and boost your passion!
24 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 33min
522 - The Unexpected Thing that Suddenly Unlocked My Creative Brain
Feeling lost in creativity? Discover how a mindset shift can unlock your creative potential. Explore a transformative moment inspired by the film 'Soul' that emphasizes self-care and personal accountability. Learn the importance of journaling for self-discovery and nurturing your creative spirit. Plus, tips on building a supportive community and maintaining positivity in your creative journey. Embrace your uniqueness and adapt your environment to flourish. It’s time to reconnect with your imaginative self!
Sep 15, 2025 • 35min
CPT Presents: Origin Stories - Dan Taberski on Hysterical
In this engaging discussion, Dan Taberski, a renowned podcaster behind hits like Finding Richard Simmons, delves deep into his latest project, Hysterical. He examines a mysterious nerve illness that impacted girls in LeRoy, New York, exploring the intricacies of medical storytelling. Taberski emphasizes the need for compassion and care in reporting, as well as the challenges of navigating sensitive subjects. He also shares insights on the creative process of podcasting and the balance between artistic integrity and public recognition.
11 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 40min
521 - How to Quit Worrying About Other’s Opinions & Finally Create What You Want
Struggling with the fear of judgment? Discover how embracing creativity can free you from the shackles of others' opinions. The hosts share personal anecdotes about finding inner courage and highlight the power of community support. Explore the concept of 'Dumb Pride' and learn how standing firm in your beliefs can spark personal growth. Tips for overcoming self-imposed barriers and unleashing your creative potential are just a listen away. Dive in and redefine your relationship with creativity and criticism!
14 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 35min
520 - Does Creating Feel Hollow Right Now? How to Unlock New Fire
Feeling creatively lost? Reconnect with your passion and discover the technique 'hold the cheese' to reignite your artistic fire. Dive into the emotional highs and lows of the creative journey, exploring how art can transform feelings of hollowness into richness. Learn how embracing creativity can enhance your engagement with life's moments. Plus, explore the evolution of the internet, from a tool of empowerment to a challenge for democracy, while gaining insights for clarity in your creative career.
16 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 38min
519 - Access Imagination and Intuition that Ai Can’t Touch with Angus Fletcher PhD
Angus Fletcher, an expert in story and neuroscience with a PhD from Yale, discusses accessing deeper levels of creativity through his concept of 'Primal Intelligence.' He emphasizes how human intuition and narrative thought can outshine AI’s capabilities. The conversation covers the challenges of storytelling, the importance of personal narratives, and critiques traditional education for stifling curiosity. Listeners are encouraged to engage in real-time exercises to enhance their creativity and embrace the complexities of art in an AI-driven world.
8 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 37min
518 - The Hope I Found in This Rapidly Changing Creative Landscape
Feeling overwhelmed by rapid changes in the creative world? Discover personal insights that transform panic into hope. The conversation emphasizes the power of handmade artistry and live performances in an evolving landscape. Listeners are encouraged to embrace new experiences and adapt their craft, drawing parallels to local pizza variations. The shift from social media platforms lends itself to emotional acceptance and deeper engagement with creativity. Gain tools for resilience and inspiration to navigate your unique artistic journey.
Aug 13, 2025 • 49min
CPT Presents: The Ghost Frame Podcast Episode 1 "The Endless Hallway"
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Beth Morgan, an animator and the creator of the Ghost Frame podcast, along with Kruthi Hindupur, a former aerospace PhD turned animation technical director, and Alec Cummings, a wine director who once animated, delve into the emotional rollercoaster of creative careers. They tackle the challenges of navigating unexpected career transitions, the impact of tech changes on the industry, and how personal happiness became a focal point during the pandemic. The journey from isolation to community is particularly enlightening.
