Category

Creativity

Career, Creativity, Personal Development

Apr 16 : Punch Through Your Creative Blocks with Patti Dobrowolski

April 16, 2025

Tap Into and Harness the Creative Genius Hidden Inside of You

Creative Genius You, the Equation that Makes You Great with author Patti Dobrowolski

In Creative Genius You, The Equation That Makes YOU Great! Patti Dobrowolski’s simple formula helps you unlock a unique genius and creativity all of your own.

Today Patti shares how visual acuity can help liberate you from blocks and accelerate the creative process. She shares the subtle math behind goal achievement. Why granting yourself permission to listen to your inner voice is vital. We discuss curiosity, intuition, and imagination. And, the Desire + Love + Sweat equation.

About Patti Dobrowolski

Three-times TedX speaker, Patti Dobrowolski, is a critically acclaimed comic performer, international keynote speaker, writer, and business consultant. She has taught innovative visual practices to Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and small businesses. In an earlier podcast you can hear about Patti Dobrowolski’s first book, Drawing Solutions: How Visual Goal Setting Will Change Your Life.

Continue reading
Business, Career, Creativity, Non Fiction

Apr 09: Stories Sell with GrandSLAM Champ Matthew Dicks

April 9, 2025

Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Your Brand

Stories Sell with author Matthew Dicks

Like it or not, everyone in the workforce today has a brand – whether you’re self-employed, a contractor, freelancer, or employee. Some of us have more than one brand. For example, Matthew Dicks is a high school teacher, an author, keynote speaker, Moth GrandSLAM champ, consultant to Fortune 500 groups, and even a wedding DJ!

Some brands have commonalities or crossover points. Some do not. But at the heart of your ability to sell yourself, your work, your products, or services there’s a common link to success and connection. And that is storytelling.

Today we look at Matthew’s book, Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Your Brand. He shares how to differentiate between a romp and a story. Why most companies, salespeople, and marketers waste their time and resources by getting storytelling wrong.

He explains why you should focus first on story, then on purpose. What makes a 5-second Moment. We also look at how to avoid death by PowerPoint – we’ve all been there, right? Why But and However help to transition story scenes, but And doesn’t. When to risk introducing humor and why … and much more.

Meet Matthew Dicks – Bestselling Author, Moth StorySLAM & GrandSLAM Champion

Matthew Dicks is and expert storyteller and the internationally bestselling author of several novels, including Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, and Something Missing. His nonfiction titles include books we’ve discussed on the show before: Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling. Someday is Today:  22 Simple Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life. And his latest, Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and our Brand. Matthew Dicks is a 56-time Moth StorySLAM Champion, and a 9-time GrandSLAM Champion, whose stories have been featured on the nationally syndicated Moth Radio Hour. His stories have also appeared on PBS’ Stories From the Stage.

Continue reading
Creativity, Health & Wellness, Nature, Non Fiction

Feb 05: Creativity Expert Michael Gelb on the Health, Productivity, & Creative Benefits of Walking Well

February 5, 2025

A new approach for comfort, vitality, and inspiration in every step.

Walking Well with coauthor Michael Gelb

Today’s guest, creativity expert Michael Gelb, coauthored WALKING WELL: A New Approach for Comfort, Vitality, and Inspiration in Every Step with movement artist Bruce Fertman.

Michael Gelb shares the science behind the transformational benefits of walking, including how the immune system, the brain’s neuroplasticity, the gut, our kidneys, longevity, weight, anxiety, mood, and more can improve with regular movement. We also discuss what he calls The Four Dignities. And how walking in nature – as many of our creative guests have attested to – helps spark creativity and combat stress.

Meet Coauthors Michael J. Gelb and Bruce Fertman

Michael J. Gelb is a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, executive coaching, and innovative leadership. He’s a fifth-degree black belt in aikido and teaches tai chi and the Alexander Technique. The author of 17 books – including the international bestseller How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci – Michael Gelb is also a professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones.

Bruce Fertman brings 60 years of study as a movement artist and educMator to his work. His training includes gymnastics, modern dance, ballet, contact improvisation, the Alexander Technique, tai chi chuan, aikido, chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony), Argentine tango, and kyudo (Zen archery). For the past 30 years Fertman’s taught in Europe, Asia, and the Americas helping people experience the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual life.

Continue reading
Creativity, Health & Wellness, Non Fiction, Science, Self-help, Spirituality

Sep 18: Walk Your Way to More Creativity & Better Health with Michael Gelb

September 18, 2024

Walking Well: A new approach for comfort, vitality, and inspiration in every step.

Walking Well with coauthor Michael Gelb

Walking is one of the most scientifically researched human activities. We know it’s good for us, providing many benefits from improved physical and mental health, to spiritual and emotional wellbeing, to heightened creativity and increased productivity. We also know those benefits increase exponentially if we are outdoors in nature.

To prove a point, today’s guest, Michael Gelb walked as we talked about his new book coauthored with Bruce Fertman, WALKING WELL: A New Approach for Comfort, Vitality, and Inspiration in Every Step.

An expert in creative thinking, Michael Gelb joined forces with movement expert Bruce Fertman to create their new, whole-being approach to find an “easier, kinder, more natural way to walk.” And if you don’t like walking, their Walking Well practice also includes sitting, standing, and lying down.

Meet Coauthors Michael J. Gelb and Bruce Fertman

Michael J. Gelb is a pioneer in the fields of creative thinking, executive coaching, and innovative leadership. He’s a fifth-degree black belt in aikido and a gifted teacher of tai chi and the Alexander Technique. He is the author of 17 books — including the international bestseller How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci. Michael Gelb is also a professional juggler who performed with the Rolling Stones.

Bruce Fertman brings 60 years of study as a movement artist and educator to his work. His training includes gymnastics, modern dance, ballet, contact improvisation, the Alexander Technique, tai chi chuan, aikido, chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony), Argentine tango, and kyudo (Zen archery). For the past 30 years Fertman’s taught in Europe, Asia, and the Americas helping people experience the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual life.

Continue reading
Creativity, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Uncategorized, Writers on Writing

Jul 31: Matthew Dicks – Strategies from a Master Storyteller

July 31, 2024

Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Your Brand

Stories Sell with author Matthew Dicks

Today’s guest has many talents and accolades. But regardless of what Matthew Dicks is doing – teaching high school students, writing books or Moth GrandSLAM talks, giving keynote speeches, consulting with Fortune 500 clients, even hosting as a wedding DJ – he says ” … the heart of it revolves around story.”

That’s what we discuss in Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Your Brand.

Matthew shares how to differentiate between a romp and a story. Why you should keep a story bank, and how Matthew builds his. Why most companies, salespeople, and marketers get storytelling wrong, and why you should focus first on story, then purpose. What makes a 5-second Moment. How to avoid death by PowerPoint. Why But and However help to transition story scenes, but And doesn’t. When to risk introducing humor and why … and much more.

Meet Matthew Dicks – Bestselling Author, Moth StorySLAM & GrandSLAM Champion

Matthew Dicks is the internationally bestselling author of several novels, including Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, and Something Missing. His nonfiction titles include books we’ve discussed on the show before: Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling. Someday is Today:  22 Simple Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life. And his latest, Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and our Brand. Matthew Dicks is a 56-time Moth StorySLAM Champion, and a 9-time GrandSLAM Champion, whose stories have been featured on the nationally syndicated Moth Radio Hour. His stories have also appeared on PBS’ Stories From the Stage.

Continue reading
Career, Creativity, Personal Development

Dec 28: Breaking Through Creative Blocks with Patti Dobrowolski

December 27, 2023

Get Unstuck, Visualize New Possibilities, Create

Creative Genius You, the Equation that Makes You Great with author Patti Dobrowolski

In Creative Genius You, The Equation That Makes YOU Great! Patti Dobrowolski outlines a simple formula that helps you tap into your unique genius and creativity.

Today Patti shares the subtle math behind goal achievement. What it means to give yourself permission to listen to your inner voice. We discuss imagination, curiosity, and intuition. How sketching (yes, even for non-artists) can help release blocks and accelerate the creative process. And, the Desire + Love + Sweat equation.

About Patti Dobrowolski

Three-times TedX speaker, Patti Dobrowolski, is a critically acclaimed comic performer, international keynote speaker, writer, and business consultant. She has taught innovative visual practices to Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and small businesses. In an earlier podcast you can hear about Patti Dobrowolski’s first book, Drawing Solutions: How Visual Goal Setting Will Change Your Life.

Continue reading
Creativity, Non Fiction, Personal Development

Creativity Catalyst Patti Dobrowolski with the Equation that Makes YOU Great!

September 13, 2023

Get Unstuck, Breakthrough Blocks, Visualize New Possibilities

Creative Genius You, the Equation that Makes You Great with author Patti Dobrowolski

One of our favorite creativity catalysts returns today – this time with an interactive visual book that lays out Patti Dobrowolski’s simple formula to help anyone tap into their unique genius and creativity.

If you think you’re not creative, Patti will show you otherwise in Creative Genius You, The Equation That Makes YOU Great!

Patti’s unique tools and resources provide simple ways to get unstuck, see things with a different perspective, and unlock the creative spark within that is unique to you.

About Patti Dobrowolski

A critically acclaimed comic performer, international keynote speaker, writer, and business consultant, Patti Dobrowolski has brought innovative visual practices to Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and small businesses. She’s a three times TEDx speaker. And if you wander around clients’ buildings – such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Samsung, and Seattle Space Needle – you’re likely to see her large format visuals adorning walls and hallways. We previously discussed Patti Dobrowolski’s earlier book Drawing Solutions: How Visual Goal Setting Will Change Your Life.

Continue reading
Arts, Creativity, Non Fiction, Writers on Writing

Aug 09: A Creative Guide to Stir Inspiration in Any Creator

August 9, 2023

Ruta Sepetys Seeker of Lost Stories

Podcast: You the Story with author Ruta Sepetys

Do you know the number one question that writers, musicians, artists, and designers are asked?

Where does your inspiration come from?

In her powerful how-to book, You The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory, Ruta Sepetys shares tools and resources that any artist can adapt to reach a higher level of creativity.

Ruta knows from extensive research – and her own experience writing five award-winning historical novels – that the secret to strong creative writing can be found in your own life experiences … no matter how boring you think your life may be.

We discuss ways to tap into your emotions and leverage humor. Why finding rhythm is key. Why biographical references matter. Why so many artists struggle to find their voice, and why discovering vision may be even more important. And how to draw on your own roots, memories, and creativity to spark inspiration.

About Ruta Sepetys

An internationally acclaimed, #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction published in over 60 countries and 40 languages, Ruta Sepetys is also the winner of the Carnegie Medal. Her books have won or been shortlisted for over 40 awards, are included on over 30 state reading lists, and are currently in development for film and television. You The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory is her first nonfiction book.

Continue reading
Career, Creativity, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Professional Development

Jul 26: How Tiny Changes Can Recreate Your Life with Sam Bennett. Dump Your Inner Critic with Mark Coleman

July 26, 2023

Live a Better, More Fulfilling Life Based on Who You Really Are & Finally Get What You Really Want

Podcast Sam Bennett with How Little Changes Can Make A Big Difference. Mark Coleman with How Mindfulness Can Free You From Your Inner Critic

Our guest experts share timeless advice to help move you towards a better, more authentic life, & accomplish things that are important to you. *

Sam Bennett found herself distressed and depressed 20-some years ago. She’d lost her mojo, and none of the tools or advice shared by well-meaning friends helped her find it – that is until she cherry-picked the best ideas and adapted them to suit her own dreams.

Sam shares 66 of her tools in Start Right Where You Are: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers, and Recovering Perfectionists.

What does your inner critic sound like? What does it say to you? How does it make you feel? And most importantly, how do you allow it to control your life and define who you are?

Mark Coleman offers great practical advice, to help stop the negative chatter that’s holding you back, in Make Peace with Your Mind: How Mindfulness and Compassion Can Free You from Your Inner Critic.

About Sam Bennett & Mark Coleman

Sam Bennett created The Organized Artist Company to help creative people get unstuck and achieve their goals. She is a writer, actor, teacher, and creativity/productivity specialist who has counseled thousands of artists and entrepreneurs on their way to success.

Mark Coleman is the founder of the Mindfulness Institute and has guided students on five continents as a corporate consultant, counselor, meditation teacher, and wilderness guide.

*Note: Events mentioned during this podcast were valid only during dates stated in original broadcast.
Continue reading
Arts, Creativity, Non Fiction, Personal Development, Writers on Writing

Jun 14: Still Procrastinating on Your Creative Projects? Letting Life Get in the Way? Matthew Dicks Has Solutions

June 14, 2023

Someday is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life

Podcast SOMEDAY IS TODAY with Matthew Dicks

Matthew Dicks is a bestselling novelist, nationally recognized storyteller, playwright, communications consultant, award-winning elementary schoolteacher, humor and advice columnist … and the list goes on.

So how does he get it all done? How does he work, raise a family, and avoid life getting in the way while he writes, creates, gathers stories, and performs on stage?

Matthew shares how to eliminate the usual excuses of not having time, being too exhausted, having too many demands. What he means by finding and using black holes, and how to go from “I’ll do it tomorrow” to getting it done today!

About Matthew Dicks

Matthew Dicks is a multiple-winner of the Moth GrandSLAM Story Competitions. We last talked with Matthew Dicks about using the power of storytelling to change your life in Storyworthy – podcast. Today we discuss his latest book, Someday is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life. 

Continue reading

  • Categories

  • Past Shows