Foolproof Bites: Recent Episodes
Fiona Stewart
A 3 minute podcast 3 times a week. Nuggets of creative help for communicators new to the digital sphere, brought to you by Fiona Stewart from Foolproof Creative Arts. With practical help, resource ideas and the occasional pearls of wisdom, Foolproof Bites will give you some fresh ideas, improve on what you’ve had to learn in 2020/21 and maybe make you feel a little less alone in this scary new world. www.foolproofcreativearts.com.
In this festive amuse-bouche you’ll find some news, some thank-yous and a little festive treat.
Hope Restored 23
Nomas* Projects
Enrobed in virgin flesh
he forms and fills
until,
wrapped in tissue,
this precious gift,
whose whisper issued light,
is borne down
from hidden place.
He crowns,
and,
still umbilically bound,
is violently pushed out
onto a patch of borrowed floor.
A moment's silence
then
he, with knit together lungs,
at last draws breath
from fetid air
and calls once more to life.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Rebecca Fraser lives and works alongside her local community to explore creativity, share stories and document east end life together. Over the past few years they have planted a garden, recorded a podcast, painted some murals and walked many miles chatting and becoming friends.
Parkhead Artist
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Cully is co-founder and co-director of the charity Morphē Arts.
He obtained an MFA in Art Society and Publics in 2017. He works as a maker and curator through multi-media formats and by programming public galleries Nomas* Projects and Sharing Not Hoarding in Dundee. In 2018, he was the recipient of the RSA John Kinross Scholarship to Florence. His work made for the Tonic Art residency in 2020 has recently been acquired into the Edinburgh City Art Collection.
Much of my art explores processes by which a thought, idea, image or space is made visible between artist and audience. Within all that there is also a consideration of the nature of words, objects and images to affect knowledge, interpretation, understanding and beliefs.
Morphē Arts
Nomas* Projects
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Emma is a photographer with a passion for visual storytelling and a background in communications. When not behind a camera, you'll find her with her nose in a book, a fork in her hand or her feet on a mountain top. Connect with her at emmaboyd.co.uk.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
An interruption to the usual format to let you know about a few Advent treats available to hear, watch, read and discover. Plus, there's news of a brand new collaborative poetry project coming in 2023.
Celtic Worship
Fellowship Film
Vicky Allen
Origin Scotland
Restore Glasgow
hoperestored23
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Flora Johnston is a writer with a passion for Scottish history. She has published a number of non-fiction books and has recently moved into fiction. Her first novel, What You Call Free, features two real 17th-century women and their struggle for freedom. Most recently she took part in the University of Edinburgh Festival of Books and Belief, conversing with James Robertson about his novel News of the Dead (which won the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction).
Flora Johnston
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Ashleigh Shula is a trainee art psychotherapist living in Glasgow. When she's not juggling work and uni, she's usually planning a DIY project or painting every room in her house a different colour. Ashleigh's favourite way to relax is drinking tea and playing board games.
And whatever she might say, Ashleigh is an artist.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Karen Murdarasi is an author from Glasgow. She writes fiction and non-fiction for adults and young people, mostly with a historical bent. You can find her online at kcmurdarasi.com.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Debbie Horrocks is a Spiritual Director, writer and mother of four based in Glasgow. She loves to host soul spaces for contemplation, connection and community and is found on Instagram at debbie.c.horrocks or via her blog.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Cameron Potts is an actor and performer who has most recently been playing Art Garfunkel in the UK and International tour of The Simon And Garfunkel Story. He lives in Buckinghamshire where he attends and leads worship for Latimer Church. Cameron moved to Edinburgh as a student in 2010 and has worked with Foolproof in various different setting since.
Do Not Be Afraid (Philip Stopford and the Ecclesium Choir)
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Matthew Todd is a Scottish musician and film maker, trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He is a managing director of Scottish film company, Fellowship Film, and currently is promoting their latest feature Jessie and the Elf Boy for which he is a co-writer and producer.
He has a deep love of community music and is trained in Intensive Interaction which can be used to communicate with adults and children with severely limited speech or movement and his regular work includes music provision for autistic children. He has worked in many schools and a variety of other settings including prisons, a Romanian orphanage, and also works part time for the creative arts charity, Out of the Box, and directed the short film Full Armour which went on to be an official selection in the International Christian Film Festival. He also directed the award winning short film Fallen and is in post production for Nelson the Giant, a short film collaboration with a singer / songwriter from Canada with a mission to tackle bullying by fostering empathy in children.
Out of the Box
Full Armour
Fellowship Film
Fallen
Nelson the Giant
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Tara is a charity worker in Edinburgh who enjoys all things creative and is currently writing her first novel. She is a passionate follower of the Irish rugby team and believes that The West Wing is the greatest programme ever made.
Shauna Niequist (Cold Tangerines)
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Suzy is a Drama Teacher, Theatre Director & Workshop Leader who goes by the personal brand The Drama SpeakEasy. She runs 1:1 coaching on acting, public speaking and building confidence. She also runs creative workshops for different types of people: she is starting her series the Parent & Baby Group With A Difference in Glasgow soon. One group is running in the Southside of Glasgow in November and another group will start in the West End in January. You can find out more by following her @TheDramaSpeakEasy or emailing thedramaspeakeasy@gmail.com.
Our Deepest Fear (Marianne Williamson)
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Jenny Cheung is a self-confessed choir nut and is living the dream of helping other people to sing together everyday... She trained as a flautist several decades ago at what was then RSAMD and worked as a creative pastor and schools' worker before diving into self employment 4 years ago, just in time to exercise her creativity to the max during a global pandemic. Don't ever sing near her unless you want to be immediately signed up to one of the Voice Project choirs - all of which can be found at www.thevoiceprojectscotland.co.uk.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on instagram, twitter or Facebook.
Cameron Angus Mackay is a reporter, journalist and producer based in Scotland. He works for BBC Radio Scotland and The Big Light Podcast Network, creating live and pre-recorded audio content. Last year, Cameron reported from COP26 - the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow - on a podcast called COP26 Daily. The show won the silver award for Best Daily Podcast at the 2022 British Podcast Awards in July.
Links to Cameron's audio work, including the BBC Radio Scotland piece he described in his reflection, are available on his website. Go to, cameronangusmackay.com for more.
Ways The Change The World
The Sacred
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.comor follow us on instagram, twitter or Facebook.
David Munn is a freelance musician and teacher who combines regular teaching and conducting at the RCS Junior Department and Big Noise Raploch with coaching for the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain and Benedetti Foundation, as well as teaching at a variety of summer schools. As a cellist, he has performed with BBC SSO, RSNO and Scottish Opera orchestras alongside a variety of freelance engagements including Red Note Ensemble, Concerto Caledonia and the Les Miserables UK Tour.
And even he finds practice hard.
Get a free cello lesson from David as part of his work with the Benedetti Foundation here.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.comor follow us on instagram, twitter or Facebook.
Amanda Aiken is a storyboard artist and animator based in Galashiels. Recently she was a storyboard artist on the Scottish BAFTA-winning children's series The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, and in 2019 she was a clean up artist on the Oscar-nominated animated feature Klaus. Her short film Liquid Solid screened at Encounters in 2020, as well as several other festivals, winning Best Film at the Sheffield Christian Film & Media Festival.
You can take a look at Kinsey’s Sword on Amanda's website - www.ajaiken.com of by following Kinsey's Sword on Instagram.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.comor follow us on instagram, twitter or Facebook.
Philip Todd is the Scottish writer/director of a new family movie called Jessie and the Elf Boy. His debut feature film The Gaelic King was selected for EIFF Works in Progress, was picked up by Sony Home Entertainment and received a commendation from the Scottish Parliament for being a triumph of resourceful filmmaking. Philip has won multiple awards at Gaelic film competition FilmG, was presenter and editor for the Scottish BAFTA-nominated documentary KNOX and is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama. When not making films Philip can often be found climbing hills or exploring ruined castles.
Listen to Philip reading some George MacDonald here.
Find out more about Fellowship Film.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.comor follow us on instagram, twitter or Facebook.
Libby Crabtree is a freelance musician with a wide range of performing and teaching skills. She specialised as a baroque soprano singing with top London ensembles for 20 years, touring and recording as a solo artist. She is an accomplished choral conductor and currently directs many choral societies and community choirs in Scotland. She runs day workshops, adjudicates music festivals, examines for the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music and has 10 years’ experience as Head of Music in an Edinburgh school. You can find out more about Libby's work at libbycrabtree.org.
Listen to Libby singing the part of the Angel on The Sixteen's recording of Bach's Christmas Oratorio on Spotify, or try and hear her in the chorus of the Dunedin Consort singing the St Matthew Passion.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on instagram, twitter or Facebook.
ML Clipston is (sometimes) a comedy writer and performer, best known for appearing as Maggie in BBC's Scot Squad. Her other accomplishments include holding a Blue Peter Badge and passing her Cycling Proficiency first time.
For a little glimpse of Maggie LeBeau there's clip from Scot Squad here.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on instagram, twitter or facebook.
Linda Hoskins is an artist on a mission to see her love of painting and social justice weave together. 10% of all her sales goes towards support Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland. Linda is available for commissions and also has a range of prints and products. Above all, she is open to conversations for all new and exciting collaborations and ideas!You can find out more about her work at lindahoskins.co.uk and you can support her at So, Expand Your Tent.
For more about the work of poet, Joel McKerrow, go to joelmckerrow.com.
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on instagram, twitter or facebook.
Samuel O’Donnell is an artist living and working in Glasgow. His work has recently been shortlisted for the Contemporary British Painting Prize, and he is one half of Painting Nerds - a project making video essays about painting. He also works for Adelaide Place Baptist Church as Worship & Creative Arts Ministry Leader. You can find out more about his work at samuelodonnell.co.uk
For more information about Foolproof's work, go to foolproofcreativearts.com or follow us on instagram, twitter or Facebook
Did you think we'd bitten off more than we could chew? Been swallowed up in a post-pandemic mouthful of busyness? Well, think again! Bites is back and this season I'm joined by some topnotch creative friends who're going to share 3 minutes of creative wisdom every Friday - a weekly amuse-bouche of encouragement for your ears and your soul. Plus there will be Tips and Tricks and more besides. Set your alarm for Friday 30 September, spread the word and prepare to be delighted all over again...
https://www.foolproofcreativearts.com
Collaboration and fun doesn’t just happen by magic. Here are some principles to make the dream work.
Feeling a bit bleugh for no discernible reason? You’re not alone!
Some useful resources:
Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast
Emotionally Heathy Leadership podcast
Part 2 of 2 episodes looking at the various options as we emerge from restrictions. It’s all a bit of a muddle...
Bites is back with some insight into digital hybrid communication, a few shoutouts and a thought about getting better through failure. Welcome aboard!
The Unseen Story
It’s been a while, but Bites is back! Launching Monday 1 August, you can expect more sparkle, tips, tricks and treats as we transition back into real life events and find ourselves speaking to real life people again...
Here’s a Maundy Thursday/ Good Friday treat - a poem about power and obedience set in the Garden of Gethsemene.
Full text can be downloaded from the Foolproof website.
Here are a few upcoming resources to look forward to in the coming weeks!
WonderWalks
Pilgrimage
Colour In Easter
Origin Scotland
It’s a twofer! A poem and some resource recommendations.
https://www.facebook.com/kyrianetwork
https://www.instagram.com/foolproofcreative
Before you send me another link to a poorly planned meeting that runs over time, listen up!
It is enough to wait here
To look out of the window
And observe the slowness of the light
And the magpie on the ledge
Instagram
Facebook
A few hints, and couple of other podcasts to get you started -
How To Make A Podcast
Podcraft
Hollow + Substantial
The Outspoken Bible
There are 43 million podcast episodes floating about on the web - why bother launching more chat?
Don’t forget what you already know, go and do something else sometimes, and steal like an artist every now and then.
How to make online participation easier to manage.
Show notes:
YouTube Creators channel
How do we find ways to celebrate and have fun when you can’t meet in person?
Two Scots Abroad
Goose’s Quizzes
Callander’s Landscape
Tearfund 21-for-21
Gather
Today we’re thinking a little bit about camera technique - where should you look? How do you draw the viewer in? And, getting down to brass tacks, what should you wear and what do you do about make-up?
Bites are back! Here’s a little preview of some of the topics to look forward to this term.
Last episode of the season - ways to get in touch, opportunity for more training and a poem (of course!).
A veritable cracker of ideas for connecting over Christmas, not Zoom.
Zoom Fatigue
Chris Duffett
Muddy Church
STV Appeal Party Pack
Create a studio-like effect by using a backdrop or green screen, and add graphics and text in post-production. Just don’t film yourself with a wonky picture.
Christmas is coming, our inboxes are getting fat...
The Advent Project
Our Present: Hope
Advent Sessions 2020
Christmas Windows
SBS Advent Reader
Insiders
Practical tips on how to look after your voice this winter
https://www.britishvoiceassociation.org.uk
You don’t work for a bank, so why are you using Zoom like you do? (and even if you do work for a bank, here are some other ways to run a meeting...)
If you’ve moved back to in-person gatherings, then you might be looking for resources for worship when you can’t all sign together.
Igniter Media
Worship House Media
Sermon Spice
A New Liturgy
Engage Worship
Sanctuary First
Iona Community
Common Prayer
Northumbria Community
24-7 Prayer
Tearfund
Scottish Bible Society
Foolproof
How do we learn from others without falling into the clutches of the green-eyed monster?
Heart of the Artist
Some more poetry, and some information about organisations fighting to end modern slavery
Extravagant Waste
IJM UK
Restore Glasgow Spot the Signs online training
How do you manage to speak to a live, masked, distanced group at the same time as running a live stream (and keep breathing)?
Shout out for a bit of listener feedback and some info about a great resource for churches who want to connect with the most vulnerable in their community.
Cinnamon Network
Microphones, editing software and handy links
Scottish Book Trust
Blue Yeti
Thomann
Focusrite
Audacity
Adobe Audition
Auphonic
How To Start A Podcast
Podcraft
This is a hard time for young people and if you’re trying to work with them you need all the help you can get at the moment.
Deep Impact
Tim Frew
Leigh McFarlane
Youthlink Scotland
Thirtyone:Eight
Creative Scotland Youth Arts Fund
myLife
sandra.blair@yfc.co.uk
Recently I was asked to respond to the question ‘What does leadership look like in this season?’ Sometimes, it helps to process your thoughts in a poem, especially if you don’t like the word ’season'. It’s 53 seconds over 3 minutes, but I trust it refreshes you and gives you hope.
You can find the text on the Foolproof website.
What equipment do you need to film yourself from home? Get back to basics before we get into the nitty gritty in the weeks to come.
Rode mic
Lighting video (in case you missed it last week)
Recommendations for some resources to help you light your videos well and some pointers to some audio-visual and old-fashioned paper resources from Scottish Bible Society.
Lights for Home Filming resource
While We’re At Home website
In the first episode of the season, Fiona Stewart introduces Foolproof Bites. Learn more about Monday Sparkles, Midweek Tips and Tricks and Friday Treats...and get ready to fire in your questions and requests for help.
www.foolproofcreativearts.com
Want to learn to tell better stories better? Feeling out of your depth in the digital world? Thinking about how to light your face when you should be thinking about what you're saying? Fiona Stewart from Foolproof introduces a new three minute podcast for communicators new to the digital sphere.
www.foolproofcreativearts.com