
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

8 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 48min
469 - How to Know What Work You Need to Focus On Now
Sophie Miller, a talented co-writer and editor, joins audio editor Conner Jones and musician Yoni Wolf from WHY? in a lively discussion on prioritizing creative work. They explore how to navigate the overwhelming sea of ideas by framing your journey as a narrative. The trio breaks down storytelling into three acts, emphasizing the value of conflict and introspection. They also compare the hero’s journey to the heroine’s journey, advocating for self-reflection and community support to spark creativity and motivate proactive engagement in projects.

Aug 28, 2024 • 49min
468 - How to Save Your Creativity from Toxic "Business Mind" Quicksand
This conversation features Sophie Miller, a co-writing expert; Conner Jones, a sound design professional; Yoni Wolf, an artist with the band WHY?; and psychologist Lisa Miller, PhD. They explore how to balance creativity and commercial demands. The guests discuss the importance of the 'journey mindset' and how to remain true to one's creative core amid financial pressures. They delve into turning inner creativity into tangible realities and offer strategies for cultivating discipline while nurturing collaborative efforts.

Aug 21, 2024 • 52min
467 - The Creative Spark Igniting Magic of the Questing Perspective
Explore the impact of external pressures on creativity and how adopting a 'creative journey mindset' can turn obstacles into growth opportunities. Discover the power of storytelling as a tool for gaining emotional distance and perspective on personal challenges. Engage in unique narrative exercises to embrace the dual nature of today’s world. Learn how a questing perspective can unlock your creative potential, and stay connected through a supportive weekly newsletter designed to help sustain your creative habits.

Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 11min
466 - How Embracing the Indie Spirit Unblocks Your Path with Yoni Wolf
Yoni Wolf, the talented musician behind the band WHY?, shares his insights on creativity and independence. He encourages listeners to take charge of their artistic paths instead of waiting for external validation. The conversation dives into the healing power of music and the emotional connections it fosters. Yoni reflects on his journey through the indie scene, the value of collaboration, and how success isn't solely defined by recognition. He also discusses overcoming mental health challenges while staying true to one’s creative spirit.

Aug 7, 2024 • 46min
465 - What to Focus on & What to Let Go with Cheyenne Barton *REPLAY*
The creative brain is amazing at coming up with infinite options and connections, but sorting through and choosing which options are best and should be focused on is a totally different skill.In this episode we talk to incredible Illustrator and Youtuber Cheyenne Barton, right in the midst of working this stuff out for herself. At the time we talked, Cheyenne was feeling overwhelmed in her practice and I found the vulnerability of this chat to be a real gift. If you’re burnt out or feeling overwhelmed, this snapshot will help you feel less alone in it and may just give you some tools to overcome it!Episode art by Cheyenne Barton and Andy J. Pizza__________SHOW NOTESCheyenne Barton’s Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/chey.barton/Cheyenne Barton’s Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/cheyennebarton“The life of an artist.” Iceberg Illustration by Megan Herberthttps://www.instagram.com/p/CU6THjkpuqd/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 31, 2024 • 1h 11min
464 - The Magic of Whispering into The Void (instead of Screaming!) with Anna-Laura Sullivan
Join Anna-Laura Sullivan, a passionate advocate for genuine creative expression, as she discusses breaking free from the trap of superficial metrics. She emphasizes rediscovering the heartfelt essence of creativity in today’s noisy digital realm. Anna-Laura shares the transformative power of art in conveying deep emotions and personal memories. The duo explores the importance of emotional detachment and the role of play in fostering creativity, encouraging artists to embrace inspiration from diverse mediums without the pressure of external validation.

Jul 24, 2024 • 49min
463- 3 Areas Of Stress And Wasted Effort To Cut Out Now
Explore strategies to reduce stress and wasted effort in creative work, including the 80-20 principle and snowball de-stressing tactic. Learn the power of accepting and reframing emotions, and reflect on stress, workload, and judgment in creative practices. Sign up for a free email newsletter and get access to a Creative Career Path e-booklet for artists.

Jul 17, 2024 • 1h 20min
462- How to Find Purpose Behind-the-Scenes and In-Between with Mark Eshleman
Get insights from Mark Eshleman, Creative Director for Twenty One Pilots, on finding purpose in a creative career, navigating behind-the-scenes challenges, and nurturing growth. Explore the importance of consistent creativity, building connections with fans, and staying true to your voice in the music industry.

Jul 10, 2024 • 46min
461 - My New Plan for Surviving Some Scary Overwhelm
The host discusses feeling overwhelmed and burnout, drawing parallels to Frodo's struggles. They explore the idea of giving up on creativity, acknowledge limits, and emphasize the importance of seeking support and guidance.

Jul 3, 2024 • 60min
460 - How Vulnerable Questions Lead to Strong Creative Hooks with Ronald Young Jr.
We all want to make work that’s authentic and has our creative fingerprints on it. But it’s easier said than done. There’s lots to learn from folks who literally put themselves into the work. In this episode we chat with Ronald Young Jr. about his award winning audio memoir series “Weight for It” and glean what all of us can learn about injecting your DNA into your work. So whether you’re literally making a self portrait / memoir project or not, this episode is chocked full of takeaways on how to make your work more you!--------SHOW NOTES:Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller sophiemiller.coAudio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? whywithaquestionmark.com Ron Young Jr Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ohitsbigronWeight For It Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weight-for-it/id1686599391Leaving The Theater Podcast:https://www.ohitsbigron.com/leaving-the-theaterOn Air Fest:https://www.onairfest.comAngus Fletcher: https://www.angusfletcher.coBook- Wonderworks“There is no art which does not conceal a still greater art." – Percival Wilde--------SPONSORS:Riverside - The easiest way for you and your team to record, edit and share professional grade Videos and Podcasts, from anywhere in the world. https://creators.riverside.fm/creativepeptalk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices