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
Mar 19, 2025 • 47min
497 - Find Your Creative Zone Today: Which of These 7 Types of Ideas Come to You Naturally? **REPLAY**
Creativity thrives beyond strict timelines and societal pressures. The discussion highlights how losing oneself in the creative process can lead to authenticity. Personal anecdotes and neuroscience reveal the importance of immersing in creativity, reminiscent of childhood joy. Listeners learn about seven unique 'brain types' that shape their idea generation, encouraging exploration of unconventional approaches. The emphasis is on nurturing personal routines and celebrating individual artistic voices.
25 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 44min
496 - How to Know What to Start, Continue, Double Down On or Quit
Feeling overwhelmed by your creative pursuits? Discover a handy tool to categorize your tasks and focus on what truly matters. Dive into the world of positive psychology and its impact on creativity, moving away from mere positive thinking. Learn how to balance passion with profitability while finding your flow state. Explore the importance of passion in achieving mastery and overcoming societal expectations. This discussion encourages you to pursue your interests beyond your comfort zone for a more fulfilling life.
56 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 44min
495 - 3 Steps To Get Un-Lost As A Creative
Explore the challenges of feeling lost on your creative journey and discover three powerful strategies to navigate those struggles. Embrace uncertainty and view confusion as essential to growth, much like the ups and downs of Pixar's successes. Gain insight on the importance of taking actionable steps and seeking support from friends. Delve into personal anecdotes that highlight the significance of connections in nurturing both creativity and mental health, and get inspired to take risks and embrace your unique path.
19 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
494 - The Paradoxical Key for Creative Habits, Career Path Models & More
Jen Kwok, a talented musician, actor, and comedian known for her work on 'Nurse Jackie' and writing for Sesame Street, joins the discussion. They explore the emotional rollercoaster of long-term creative projects and the thrill of songwriting for beloved characters. Jen shares insights into navigating parenting and ADHD, emphasizing the importance of celebrating small victories. The conversation also highlights the value of persistence in creative habits and the impact of accountability friendships in sustaining creative energy.
5 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 6min
493 - Grief, Creativity, and Re-finding Your Magic with Rebecca Green
Rebecca Green is an illustrator and author who candidly shares her journey through grief after a personal tragedy. The conversation dives deep into how loss can transform creativity, fueling artistic expression. She reflects on the tension between struggle and inspiration, revealing her breakthroughs in storytelling. Discussing the emotional upheaval of life changes, Rebecca highlights the importance of celebrating small creative victories and the deep connections between personal narratives and art. Her resilience is both inspiring and relatable.
23 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 30min
492 - 7 Steps I'd Take If I Was Starting My Creative Practice From Scratch in 2025
Discover essential strategies for launching a creative practice in 2025. Emphasize building an online presence through platforms like Substack and TikTok for effective community engagement. Explore the pivotal role of collaboration in the creative process and how it enhances enjoyment and discovery. Embrace the journey with realistic expectations while learning from past projects. Consistency is key, and iterative experimentation will lead to sustainable success. Let's redefine what it means to thrive creatively!
Feb 5, 2025 • 51min
491 - Determining Your Current Creative Stage and Shifting Focus with Illustrator Chris Piascik
Joining the conversation is Chris Piascik, an illustrator and YouTuber with nearly 100k subscribers. He shares his transition from daily drawing to focusing on his YouTube growth. The discussion highlights identifying your current creative stage to channel energy effectively. Parenthood’s impact on creativity, balancing personal passion with societal expectations, and navigating significant career shifts are also explored. Chris emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community in shaping one’s artistic journey.
10 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 27min
490 - An Unlock of Motivation in the Face of Chaos on Repeat
Struggling with motivation amidst chaos? This discussion tackles the challenge of burnout and the importance of fresh perspectives. Inspired by the show 'Severance,' it highlights how fiction can rekindle hope. The conversation also emphasizes character growth in storytelling, illustrating how revisiting narratives can offer deeper insights. Reflecting on personal experiences, it explores the complexities of development in life and fiction. Finally, it calls on listeners to actively engage with life's repeating patterns to foster resilience and personal growth.
10 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 11min
489 - How to Make Your Work More Personal with Comedian Alice Fraser
Alice Fraser, a master storyteller and comedian known for her Amazon Prime specials, discusses the art of blending personal experiences with creativity. She shares insights on navigating motherhood alongside her creative pursuits and the transformative power of storytelling in processing complex emotions. The conversation highlights the joy of aging, the balance of humor and seriousness in creative work, and the necessity of embracing life's transitions to foster personal growth and artistic evolution.
5 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 36min
488 - Frozen During Slow Times? How to Activate Self Starter Energy
Feeling stuck during slow times? Discover how to shake off that creative freeze and unleash your inner artist today! The discussion emphasizes the dance between effort and ease in creativity, underscoring the importance of self-validation. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique perspectives and inherent worth, fostering authentic expression. Plus, explore the benefits of neurodiversity, revealing how embracing individuality can enhance creative journeys. It's all about activating that self-starter energy!
