A Creative Approach Podcast: Recent Episodes

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Welcome to today's show! We have Patricia Wood, Karen's friend, and teacher, with us today. Pat is a professor of art at American River College, where she is currently teaching printmaking and drawing. She is also the director of the Kaneko Gallery, which is the campus art gallery. Today, Pat tells us about what she's doing at American River College- the fabulous art shows she's put together for the Kaneko Gallery, and the fun projects she's coordinated with her students. She also talks to us about her background and the kind of art that she creates. Listen in today, to hear all about Pat's creative approach to her life, her art, and her stimulating and multi-faceted job.

The Kaneko Gallery is situated at the American River College in Sacramento, California. Pat has been the Kaneko Gallery Director since 2016, and she coordinates and produces all the shows that are held there. Pat is also part of the Permanent Collection Committee for American River College, which oversees the college art collections for the 200 campuses in America that have part of the Andy Warhol estate. Tune in now, for more.

Show highlights:

• Pat discusses the various art shows she coordinates for the Kaneko Gallery every year. These are massive undertakings.
• This year, Barbara Range, the curator, and director of the Brickhouse Gallery will be the juror for the annual student art competition.
• Pat explains why her bookings run way into the future.
• Coordinating art shows has been a lot of fun!
• Building an entire room within the gallery.
• American River College now owns an Elizabeth Catlin linoleum cut print, a Jacob Lawrence silkscreen, and a Simela Lewis woodcut.
• American River College has some beautiful art.
• The Warhol Collection, consisting of photographs and silkscreens, was gifted to American River College.
• Finding the best way to create a map for the art collections.
• Teaching art appreciation and an introduction to art history.
• Making a public art piece was an interesting assignment.
• Pat talks to us about the art that she creates.
• Pat has been focused on drawing, with a bit of mixed media, for the past couple of years.
• Pat had some sketches in the recent SMD (Sacramento Municipal District) show.
• Pat got her MFA from the University of Arizona in 1997 and she later became a double major.
• Pat talks about the time at the University of Arizona.
• What Pat has noticed about children and art.
• Why everyone should create some kind of art.

Links:

Pat Wood link Patricia Wood Art

Pat Wood is correct, American River College is not the only community college that received grants from the Warhol Foundation, but most recipients are universities. For a complete list of recipients, you can go to Photographic Legacy.

Links to individuals and places mentioned by Pat Wood in the podcast:

Jodie Hooker

Mick Sheldon

Kaneko Gallery

ARC Kaneko Gallery

Student Show submissions

Barbara Range, Brickhouse Gallery

Shenny Cruces

Angela Casagrandes

Rachel Clarke

art new media link to photo at the Rachel Clarke show

Fan Lee Warren

Unity Lewis

Instagram

Unity and Samela Lewis

Samela Lewis

The History Makers: Samella Lewis 39

Black Arts Movement

Jacob Lawrence

Elizabeth Catlett

Betye Saar

Charles White

Charles White migration series

Crocker Art Museum

Sarah Mattson

Ken Magri

Linda Gelfman

Garr Ugalde

Figurative Angel Sculptures

Ruby Chacon

ARC campus painted mural

Randy Schuster

Wayfinder’s map

Dolores White

SMUD Gallery

Craig Smith

Lorrie Kempf

Laura Parker

Joy Burtinuson

American River College (ARC)

University of Arizona, Tucson

Sacramento City College

University of California Davis

Haleh Niazmand

Stephanie Ryan

Pima Community College

Tucson Arts Foundation

Sierra Community College

San Joaquin Delta College

Rillito River

Mount Lemmon

Rose Canyon

Alan Short Center

Fairytale Town

Art Folsom prison

Rehabilitative Arts CA State Prisons

Davis Art Center

California Youth Authority Arts Programs

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Are you bursting with creativity or are you perhaps feeling a little under the weather right now? Have you noticed how much your state of health impacts on your levels of creativity? Today, we're starting season three of the podcast with an interview with Dr. David Cornish. David is Karen's friend and he's the author of two terrific novels, 1918: The Great Pandemic, and 1980: The Emergence of HIV. With the current escalation of viral illnesses in the world, this is a really good time for reading these topical novels, so tune in, to learn more about David Cornish and his books.

David practiced gastro-neurology for thirty-three years before retiring last year. He still works part-time, though, to keep his hand in the craft. He has always loved writing and even took some writing courses while studying Medicine at the University of California. About ten years ago, David wrote two non-fiction books about service in medicine. (Evidence In-Service and The Essential 20.) Then, about three years later, he decided to try his hand at writing a novel, and this was followed by a sequel a few years later. In today's episode, David talks about his two novels. He discusses his process of writing and he explores the reasons for reading and writing stories. He also reflects on the seriousness of viral illness, and the emotion behind human stories that are associated with diseases like influenza and HIV. Listen in today, to hear about David's creative approach to writing.

Show highlights:

• David explains how he got into writing books and why he chose these specific topics to write about.
• The influenza pandemic in 1918 was the worst natural disaster in human history.
• The main characters in David's books are fictional, but the events are all accurate.
• David talks about some of the projects he's taken on since retiring.
• David explains why he likes writing historical fiction.
• The difference between writing fiction, and writing about something technical, related to medicine.
• David found fiction a lot harder to write than non-fiction.
• David's approach to writing historical fiction.
• David talks about why people read novels rather than non-fiction.
• The influence that David's mother had on his creativity and his writing.
• Writing from what you like, and about what you know.
• David talks about the teachers who inspired him to write.
• Why you need to keep re-reading and revising what you have written.
• David explains why you need to have someone edit your work.
• David shares some observations about the difficulties associated with publishing a book, currently.
• Why ebooks are here to stay.
• David shares his thoughts about creativity, and about where his writing comes from.

Links:

Karen's website: A Creative Approach Podcast

David's website: David Cornish Books. This is where you will find his bio and information about his books. All David's books, including the non-fiction ones, have links to Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

David's Facebook Page

The link to Ursula Le Guin: Wikipedia: Ursula K. Le Guin

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Would you like to know what inspires an artist to create a meaningful piece of work? Today's guest is Catherine Rains. Catherine is an artist and she is an excellent example of how evolution works in collage, her chosen medium of art. Catherine has had a really intriguing art career. In today's episode, she talks to us about her skills, and about her certification in evaluating personalities. She also explains how she lets her art speak to her over time a period of time as she creates it, and how she brings a deep and meaningful spiritual connection to her pieces. Listen in today, to learn more about Catherine and her work.

Until age 33, Catherine often said that she didn't have an artistic bone in her body. Catherine discovered her life calling in the middle of an overwhelming day job, where she created her first collage just to relieve stress. This simple beginning eventually led to quitting her day gig to manage a thriving art business. Then her journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This led her back to a day job for the next 10 years, traveling across the US, creating almost no art. Three years ago she decided to integrate the day job she loved with the art she could not live without, by setting up an art studio in every hotel she visited and following a structured schedule to fit art back into her life. As a result of this self-commitment, she returned to her greatest passion – art – on January 1, 2018. Tune in, to find out about Catherine's creative approach to her life and her work.

Show Highlights:

• Catherine talks about what she does as a collage painter.
• Catherine's art is mixed media collage infused with spirituality, meaning, and inspiration.
• Finding relief from a job she did not enjoy with collage.
• Figuring out how to make a living from art.
• Quitting her job and focusing on expanding her skills.
• Coming to realizing that she really loved doing collage and that it gives her incredible joy.
• What Catherine has discovered about making money from art.
• What the business of art looks like for Catherine.
• How posting on Instagram teaches her to be real and authentic.
• Inspiring people with her art.
• Speaking to people on a deeper level with her art.
• The spiritual aspect of Catherine's art.
• Communicating with her art piece as if it is a living being.
• Looking for a title that will draw people in.
• The unique way that Catherine blesses her art.
• Catherine believes that there is an art to marketing art.
• Asking for guidance as she creates a piece. in order to allow the magic to happen.
• Certifying people with Myers-Briggs for the moment, in order to take the pressure off having to make money from art.
• How Catherine's creative process is set in motion.
• Catherine really loves teaching. She would like to teach Soul Collage in the next year or two.
• Catherine has been a breast cancer survivor since 2004. It has transformed her life and only produced good things for her and caused her to grow.

Links:

Catherine Rains

Instagram: Catrains Artist

Wikipedia: Myers Briggs Type Indicator

The Myers Briggs

Emily Jeffords

Kelly Raero Berts

Beth Kirby

Soul Collage

Art Of Karen Poirier Brode

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Are you dedicated to creating wonderful art? If so you are really in for a treat! Today's guest is April Bey, an exciting visual artist, and teacher. April teaches art at a community college in California. She loves drawing and using her art to explore contemporary themes about current events. In today's episode, April talks to us about her life, her studies, her art, and her career. Tune in now to find out more.

April grew up in the Bahamas, and for all her life she's been passionately creating. Art is a very prominent subject in schools in the Bahamas, yet April realized during high school that there were no careers in art to be had there. So she moved to the United States. She did her undergrad in the Midwest, obtaining a BFA in drawing from Ball State University. She then went to LA, to do her master's in interdisciplinary painting at California State University in Northridge, Los Angeles. Listen in today, to find out about April's creative approach to her art and teaching.

Show highlights:

• At the moment, April is doing a lot of sewing that's acting as drawing.
• April explains how she got to where she is right now with her art.
• She is currently making art about West Africa and textiles, how women run the trade there, and how their labor is often exploited.
• The materials and techniques that she uses.
• Why April loved the freedom of teaching at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena so much.
• Having overbearing foreign parents is something that April has in common with many of the students at the community colleges.
• What led April to explore the textiles of Africa.
• A lot of the fabric in Ghana is imported.
• All the places in Africa that April went to on her research trip.
• April's textile works also act as portraits.
• You can go to April's website to take a look at her awesome art. Go to April Bey.
• What you can expect to find on April's website.
• She does a lot of work with feminist themes.
• Some of the advice that April gives to her art students.
• April had some really wonderful mentors.
• Some of the shows that are coming up for April.

Links:

April's website: April Bey.

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Are you looking for some inspiration? If so, you will really enjoy listening to the interview with our guest for today, the very creative and naturally talented artist, Mou Saha. Mou was born and raised in India. She is an unassuming teacher with a bold spirit of exploration and she uses her mindful approach art to really inspire people to experiment with art media and color. Listen in today, to find out about what Mou, what she does, and how she got to do what she's doing.     Mou, a mixed-media artist, and a storyteller is an intelligent and very courageous woman. Her passionate and straightforward manner is reflected in the easy and pleasurable expression of her work. Despite the number of setbacks and complications she's experienced in her life, she has produced some really meaningful work. Listen in to find out more about Mou's really creative approach to life. Show Highlights: The way that Mou's art classes have evolved over time. Mou's work has been published in a number of different publications. What inspired Mou to start teaching. Faber Castell launched a new brand for the crafting community and they reached out to Mou to do some projects for their launch. After seeing her work, they asked her to join the design team they were putting together. Mou, as a child, really loved to draw- and she would draw everything! Mou was an only child and her really artful family treated as a small adult. This really inspired her! Although Mou was not very good at drawing accurately as a child, she used her drawing to express herself. She won a competition due to this. In sixth grade, Mou was awarded a national scholarship for drawing. And after receiving the scholarship, she began to take her art more seriously. Mou was already interested in doing counseling and psychology in the eighth grade, so she found out what she needed to do in order to do that. How Mou discovered that she could move beyond what her parents had taught her about what was safe, and about what she could and could not do. Everything came full circle for Mou when she moved to Tampa, Florida, after getting married. Mou almost lost everything about herself in the process of coming to America, and she felt really lost. How taking a course really helped her to gain a real perspective. How Mou discovered scrapbooking. How Mou coped with the devastating discovery of a lump in her breast. How winning the grand prize for a scrapbooking competition really helped Mou. Teaching people about what really matters with art. You will receive a free gift from Mou for signing up for her newsletter. Creating the time to do something for yourself that you really love to do. Links:   Mou's website: Mou Saha Mou's Youtube Mou on Facebook Mou's gift for signing up to her newsletter   Shingles

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She is one of the bright and innovative people who is bringing new technologies to work for a sustainable planet, and I am intrigued to learn more. Join me now in my conversation with Molly Morse, to learn more about her passion for positive-impact plastics, the health of the environment and her creative approach.

Dr. Molly Morse is the CEO and co-founder of Mango Materials, a San Francisco Bay Area-based startup company, that uses wastewater treatment plant methane gas to manufacture biodegradable materials. Her vision of the future involves the proliferation of anaerobic digestion so that methane can be used to make electricity, fuels, and materials – creating local regions of economic resiliency.

Molly received her Ph.D. from Stanford University and her B.S. from Cornell University. Dr. Morse has contributed to multiple patents, publications, and presentations. Along with other Mango Materials team members, she is currently working to upscale the biomanufacturing technology of using methane gas to produce biodegradable materials. Their current focus is on the production of waste-derived biopolymers that can be used as fibers for the textile and fashion industry.

More in this episode

● Dr. Molly Morse discusses what Mango Materials does to create a new product that is a substitute for conventional plastics that can go into fibers to be made into clothing and other uses.

● The material that is produced can be used for cosmetic packaging, plastic bags, fibers for clothing and more, that can break down rather than remain in the environment.

● In the conversation, we discuss the various applications that the product can be used for and how the product could break down after use.

● We learn more about how Dr. Morse shares her passion for a better environment and bio-composites that would be able to be used within environmentally friendly construction applications through her processes.

● Dr. Morse shared her journey to becoming a business owner and how her educational path leads her to the present.

● She discussed how the company is transitioning out of R & D and into application development.

● Molly shares how she came up with the company name and creativity was significant in that process.

Molly Morse says, “How we encourage our children to solve problems, it isn’t something that can’t be undervalued. Those key moments can stick with kids for a really long time. Challenges can lead to lots of solutions. Fostering creativity from a very young age and encouraging it is important.”

Molly identifies with this quote, "The creative adult is the child who has survived."– Julian F. Fleron

One of the quotes to add to that is Einstein when he said, "Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the Great Mystery into which we were born.”

Links

The Green Biz Conference: https://www.Greenbiz.com

https://www.greenbiz.com/events/verge-conference/oakland/2018

The Red Cross:

https://www.redcross.org

Other ways to help victims of Camp Fire:

https://www.nbcnews.com/better/news/how-help-victims-california-wildfires-ncna936911

Articles about forest fire management:

https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060106627

https://climatecrocks.com/2018/11/19/forests-need-more-than-raking/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MangoMaterials/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mango-materials/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MolMorse & https://twitter.com/MangoMaterials

Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/mangomaterials/ & https://www.instagram.com/mollycmorse/

Website:

https://www.mangomaterials.com

Subscribe to Our Mailing List: www.acreativeapproachpodcast.com

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Ginger Wiseman is one of the co-hosts (with her sister) Summer Reynolds, of The Outlander Podcast. She has a great story of how her love of the books and then the series, and a passion for Scotland, led them to create a podcast for fans. I always have a great deal of fun learning about how my guests found their creative niche. Today is no exception.

More in this episode

● We learn about Ginger's story and what got her and her sister, Summer into hosting two podcasts.

● How the two sisters connected over literature through the years and how that strengthened their love of the written word in multiple languages.

● She discusses her love of the Outlander series and the events that led to the creation of their fandom podcast.

● Ginger shared what led her and her sister to create The All Souls Podcast and how that helped them broaden their horizons with fans, friends, and travel.

● She shares how she was able to get involved with ComicCon working in press and the benefits that have helped her grow her shows and gain more visibility.

● Ginger shared more about The All Souls Con event and that she follows the book releases and shows coming out with the international networks.

● The sisters planned for the long haul as the main character had not yet been cast.

● Ginger shares how she was able to plan out the podcast episodes in alignment with the books and episodes for content.

● She noticed early on that there was a random invitation to join for an after-show. She felt that guests found more value when they did a live video in their private FB group after-show right after the episode ends.

● Having a sponsor never changed their content, schedule or format.

● She felt empowered to have a podcast through her exploration of what other podcast hosts were offering and her love of the dramatic arts growing up.

● She shares her journey with her sister to Scotland and how they created a group experience trip they do yearly.

Ginger says, "While everyone has their own talents or abilities that they've honed, whatever it is that you feel, even if you're not doing it professionally, whatever it is that you feel is a great outlet for you creatively.[SIC] Being creative must be intentional. It's important if you are creative that you have to make time for those things. It is needed and a very important part of life."

Resources

https://www.outlanderpod.com

https://www.allsoulspod.com

https://www.podabroad.com

https://www.facebook.com/outlanderpod/

https://www.facebook.com/allsoulspod/

https://twitter.com/bookishginge?lang=en

Outlander Book Series

All Souls Book Series

https://www.amc.com

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Today’s podcast has a fascinating guest, Jonathan Fong. From plans for kid’s projects to ideas for sophisticated weddings, Jonathan just shines! Home decorating, crafting, and entertainment are not the only things he knows about, but he also has a unique gift to teach us how to master his creative visions. I love that Jonathan always dresses impeccably and adds unique touches to his ensemble. His approach proves that men’s fashions can be both original and very dapper.

In this conversation, you’ll learn more about the innovative Jonathan Fong and his "creative approach."

More in this episode

• What Jonathan is doing on a daily basis and how he inspires others.
  ● Jonathan didn’t really become a designer until later on in life and shares where he started out before he got to this point in his journey.
  ● He discusses his career beginnings and the struggles he had when he experienced “left brain, right brain conflict” where he was trying to be creative in a non-creative field.
  ● Jonathan was encouraged that if he “had huge creative tendencies to explore them!”
  ● How his creative exploration led him to greater opportunities such as being on HGTV, writing books, creating a business and his own show on YouTube
  ● The value of creating your own content on YouTube and what that can lead to.
• How working with Disney and teaching on kid’s crafts helped him gain a wider audience to infuse creativity in the lives of millions.
  ● We discussed his exploration of infusing his creativity into his cooking as well.
• Who influenced Jonathan to embrace his creativity throughout his life.
• How his fun and playful attitude has helped people make their art more personal.
• Craft books on the horizon may include more Jewish Crafts and Dog and Cat Crafts.
• Jonathan feels that creativity is one of the most important things in this world. He says, “that for us creative folks, or for people that want to be creative, it’s our duty to create because creativity is the opposite of destruction. There is so much destruction in the world and so much of the world is geared towards destruction, both physical and spiritual. However you create, whether it’s through crafting or cooking or building or painting or singing - however you express yourself to create or make something - that counteracts the destruction. We can change the world by creating.”

Resources:

Website

Jonathan on Facebook

Instagram

Youtube: Style with A Smile

Books on Amazon: Walls That Wow, Flowers That Wow, Parties That Wow

CHA (The Craft & Hobby Association, now known as The Association For Creative Industries)

E-how for more on creating a fun party, cooking, crafts, and more.

Jewish Film Festival in Sacramento

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Joining me on the show today is a professor of ceramics at American River College in Sacramento, a founding member of The E Street Gallery and Studios, and one of my favorite art teachers, Linda Gelfman.

She has recently been exploring soft-sculpture as well as her ceramic work. She used her textile pieces in a recent show at The Kaneko Gallery at American River College, titled “Cognitive Dissonance.” The show examined the multilayers of life. “Linda’s Lollies¨ the name she’s given her anthropomorphic soft sculptures, have a mixture of cuteness and the bizarre. Her work has focused on finding beauty in the imperfections that working with clay can provide.

Some of her earliest art-related memories include playing in her friend’s wet sandbox. Her love of creativity led her through college, where she was surprised and elated she was able to major in art and could share that love with others. She continued to build an incredible career teaching, installing her work in galleries and continued her education at Sacramento State in graduate school.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to chat with Linda. Our conversation is full of passion for the creative process and the love she has for teaching others. If you need the inspiration to get back into the flow of creativity, listen to this episode, and make sure to check out the ways to connect further with Linda.

More in this episode:
● Linda believes everyone has creativity within themselves.
● Linda found working with clay using the Wabi Sabi method in her early 20s Which helped her gain a deeper appreciation of finding beauty in the imperfect.
● She shares how students can feel empowered in their creativity and sense of expression.
● Linda shares her methods for creating dynamic pieces that go against the traditional “rules.”
● She enjoys using upcycled materials to integrate new textures and elements into her work and recent gallery installations.
● Linda believes that following your passion is the best way to help and serve humanity.
● She was able to make art and make a living for years.
● Linda believes it’s vital for artists to get back to the fluidity of their process to ignite their creative spark and to go “outside the lines of perfectionism.”
● She feels art is important and encourages everyone to take an art class “because it will change your life.”
● It’s OK to be different because that makes us unique and marvelous.
● She shares her thought on what to do if you’re feeling disconnected from life.

Resources:

Find Linda at The E Street Gallery

Linda Gelfman on Facebook: Gelfman Art

Become one of her students at American River College

Snow After Fire Art Piece

Meow Wolf

Article on Fire Retardant planes from McClelland

Link to map of fire situation in California this year

Fort McMurray, Alberta fire

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Joining me on the show today is crafter, designer and author, Amy Tangerine. Amy has always had a creative outlook on life. Growing up in Chicago, she wallpapered her walls with pages from fashion magazines.

She has recently written a book titled Craft A Life You Love, a book that shows readers how to find their flow, maintain a positive mindset, and cultivate a rich and fulfilling life by focusing on what truly matters. The book was a passion project for Amy that was written to inspire others to live their creative lives. Amy self-published her book, and after it was on Amazon for a while, some publishers contacted her asking to publish her book. It was a great honor for Amy too have been contacted by publishers so she hired an agent to help her shop around for a publisher. It has been really great because it now has color pages and is now selling in bookstores all over the world.

Amy’s life has been a winding journey but she has always used her creativity to ground herself. Some of her earliest craft memories include making friendship bracelets and tie-dyeing shirts. Her crafting progressed through the years and continues to bring her great joy.

More creativity in this episode:

• Amy believes everyone is creative in some way.
• Amy shares how she switched colleges because of her love of fashion.
• Amy’s successfulness in crafting/fashion-fueled her entrepreneurship.
• Amy found scrapbooking to be a special experience/release during a very stressful time in her life.
• If you want to get creative on paper, just do what you feel.
• Scrapbooking can involve taking pictures with your phone and printing them out so you have something tangible to hold.
• Crafting the life you love means infusing creativity into your life every day.
• Amy collaborates with American Crafts and has many scrapbook collections.
• Finding your strengths in crafting can make you money
• Find a craft that makes you feel happy and fulfilled.
• Be intentional when selecting your crafts so that you have freedom, fulfillment or fun.
• Amy is involved with City Year and will design their invitations this year.
• Wearing “a lot of hats” is not a bad thing if you balance them effectively.
• Carve out time each day to enjoy your creative endeavors.
• When working on a project, don’t focus on perfection. Give yourself grace and have fun!

Links:

Connect with Amy!

Amy’s Website

Amy’s Blog

Her Facebook

Her Twitter

Amy on Instagram

Amy on Pinterest

YouTube

Vimeo

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Lina Fat is VP of Culinary Research and Development for Fat Family Restaurant Group, based in Sacramento, CA. Her first dream was to be a pharmacist, which she fulfilled when she earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of California-San Francisco in 1964, where she met and married her husband, Kenneth.

Her father-in-law, the late Frank Fat, founded the landmark Sacramento restaurant, Frank Fat’s in 1939, where many of the state’s most influential figures have dined for more than 70 years. Lina joined the restaurant business when the second restaurant, China Camp, opened in 1974. In 1976, Fat City Bar & Grill was opened, and since 2000, the Fat family has opened Fat’s Asia Bistro in Roseville and in Folsom.

Lina traveled the world to train under master chefs in Switzerland, France, and Italy, and at the Cordon Bleu in San Francisco and the Culinary Institute of America in New York. She has spent a lifetime discovering new culinary secrets for what is now her specialty---combining flavors from around the globe!

She is a favorite featured guest on local Sacramento TV as well as authoring The Lina Fat Cookbook: Recipes from the Fat Family Restaurants. Lina and the Fat restaurants have received numerous awards over the years, and she has been actively involved in many community boards and organizations. Proving that her creative interests extend far beyond the kitchen, in 2007 she launched the Sacramento World Music and Dance Festival, which showcases the cultural diversity of the region through the presentation of ethnic dance from around the world by local talent. Lina is a true pioneer who has never been afraid to take on one more challenge in her creative and inspiring life.

Show Highlights:

• Lina’s semi-retired life now after over 40 years in the restaurant business, helping run 4 restaurants and a catering business
• The four Fat restaurants serving American Chinese food and receiving the James Beard Award a few years ago for Frank Fat’s Restaurant started in 1939 by her father-in-law
• The funny story of how the famous Banana Cream Pie came to the menu in the early days
• Lina’s beginning as a pharmacist and then a stay-at-home mom who started cooking and exploring her creativity
• How she advised her father-in-law about opening a restaurant commemorating Chinese immigrants and then started writing and testing recipes
• How Lina took on the new job of running the kitchen and managing the staff, bringing in new and innovative ideas and techniques
• Similarities between work as a pharmacist and a chef and how Lina applied some of the same principles to her new career
• The story of the historic bar and their branching into “bar food” at Fat City Bar & Grill
• How Lina took on the new challenge as a restaurant manager
• Why a restaurant turns out to be a good training ground for learning life skills
• Why she made her children and other young people start out as dishwashers in the restaurant
• How she branched out into writing a cookbook
• How Lina became a local TV chef---way before TV chefs were “a thing”
• When Emeril Lagasse used one of her recipes on his famous show
• Creativity in translating the Spanish tapas concept into dim sum
• Only one of her children has followed her into the restaurant business and two have followed their father into dentistry
• Lina’s advice to those who want to be chefs---Develop your palate!
• Trends that Lina sees in the modern restaurant business
• Lina’s love for small farmers’ markets and local CA resources
• Lina’s story of her flourless chocolate cake mishap early in her marriage and how she took the failure as a challenge
• Lina’s thoughts on creativity: “Don’t create just to create. Like food, creativity should have a purpose and a balance. Start with the basics first.”

Resources:

The Lina Fat Cookbook: Recipes from the Fat Family Restaurants, by Lina Fat

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Have recent celebrity suicides left you with a deep sadness and wonderment at what it takes to go that far into depression? Those are common thoughts when we hear the news that someone was so overwhelmed by life’s difficulties that suicide seemed the only answer. The good news is that hope is available for anyone who needs it, and life is full of possibilities for connection and support---and yes, creativity that brings joy, mindfulness, satisfaction, and peace.

Dr. Caroline Giroux is a psychiatrist who migrated from Canada and is now Associate Professor at UC Davis. Through narrative approaches, she has the privilege to witness her patients’ growth and be inspired by their resilience. Apart from addressing the impact of traumatic experiences throughout the lifespan, she is an educator, an academic writer, an essayist, and a poet. She channels her creativity by designing teaching tools such as courses on mood disorders for medical students and a monthly newsletter for residents She is the mother of three spirited sons and has no shortage of opportunities to express her creativity through kids’ stories and various family projects.

Caroline is a creative physician who writes professionally and personally. She shares some of her poetry and essays in Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine, the official journal of the medical society by the same name. This lifestyle journal promotes the history, art, and science of medicine, the protection of public health, and the well-being of patients and their caregivers. I have the privilege of serving on the editorial committee of the journal with Caroline and am happy to share this conversation with you.

Show HIghlights:

• How Caroline came to psychiatry, knowing even in high school that she wanted a medical field that allowed her to use her creativity and writing
• How she wanted to give hope to people through their deep sorrows
• How her parents inspired her to want to work in helping others and find gratification in service
• The difference in the college education systems in Canada and the US
• Why she pursued a physical therapy degree first and then went on to medical school, not knowing the reintegration of body and mind in medicine would make her PT “detour” worthwhile and very helpful
• The creatives in her family: a great uncle who was a priest, poet, and writer; and her aunt who is a painter and poet
• How depression and suicide rates have risen over 30% in the past 20 years and how creative people are keenly affected
• The struggle to reconcile our image of ourselves with what others think of us
• How some celebrities are disconnected from their families and struggle with addiction and substance abuse
• Alienation from others and self is a common theme and an inability to transform from a difficult circumstance
• Healing and empowerment come when people are willing to transform from fear, shame, and hopelessness
• How even Robin Williams, “the king of laughter,” had problems and a severe mental illness that people weren’t aware of
• What we can learn about attempted suicide to affect policies about gun violence
• When people reach a high-stress situation and are overwhelmed, if they don’t have a coping mechanism, but have alcoholism and available guns---a ticking time bomb is a result
• Why we need to talk about suicide and deepen our understanding
• 12-25% of people experience depression, with men expressing it more openly but women being more willing to seek help
• The need is to expand coping skills to deal with stressors more effectively now and later in life
• The need for a “sabbatical of the soul” and respite to fight against overwhelming feelings
• There are many resources available to treat substance abuse and depression
• How religious affiliations can help because of the sense of community and the ritual practices that induce mindfulness
• How the celebrity lifestyle can take away the joy and mindfulness we gain from simple, daily, repetitive activities
• Why self-care is extremely vital for doctors and healthcare workers, in the form of exercise, mindfulness, yoga, and socialization activities
• Caroline’s thoughts on creativity: “We all have an innate potential for creativity, even those who might not think they are creative. We access this creativity for problem-solving, clarity, and mindfulness. Find your creative path.”

Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-273-8255

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Our guest today is the photographer, Alison Brown. I learned of Alison through the Women’s Environmental Network of the San Francisco Bay area. I saw her work online, and I knew I had to have her on the show. Alison is an international photographer that discovered her passion for photography nearly ten years ago after embarking on her first backpacking trip through Southeast Asia in 2008. She's been blessed to visit the countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Turkey, France, Israel, Spain, Portugal, United States, Canada, and Mexico. In addition to her photography, she is also a Communications Consultant and Sustainability Specialist. Her intention is to use her photographs to inspire people to care more deeply about the natural environment and conservation. Alison views photography as much more than a profession and shares her creative approach to photography in this episode.

More creativity in this episode:

• Learn how photography inspires Alison.
• Why did Alison choose to travel Southeast Asia after graduating college?
• Alison shares her passion for her sustainability work.
• Discover how Alison bridges her sustainability work with her photography.
• Alison describes her experiences while living in Australia.
• Alison shares tidbits from her younger years, and how her focused shifted to what it is today.
• Inspiration for creativity may come in different forms. Alison shares when she does her best work.
• Encouragement for using your personal creativity.
• Encouragement to be conservative with natural resources.

Resources:

Alison Brown Photography

E-mail: alison@alisonbrownphotography.com

Alison’s blog is Alison Brown Photography

You can discover more about Alison on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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It is always a joy to see creativity bloom where you least expect it. I am speaking with student physician Vidya Viswanathan today, the founder of Doctors Who Create. Vidya and her team are on a mission to change the culture of medicine by fostering creativity. It is such a delight to see colleagues in medicine with an interest in creativity.

Vidya had the chance not just to explore how creativity plays an important role in medicine but also how her experiences of travel and foreign language have shaped her career as well. There is so much beauty in hearing a story shared well, and that is what is in store for you with Vidya today! Her perspectives are very unlike any we have had on the show so far, but her stories still have a little something for everyone. I am excited for you to join us as we explore Vidya’s journey to creativity and culture.

More Creativity in this Episode:

• Vidya shares her roundabout path to medicine and her biggest cultural influences.
• Medicine needs the influence of creativity too!
• Vidya wants to highlight the profiles of medical professionals who use creativity.
• Vidya shares what gave her blog some focus.
• The broader appeal of Doctors Who Create.
• Vidya’s parents encouraged her to read and write and express herself through words.
• Taking Chinese played an important role in Vidya’s creativity.
• Dive into some of Vidya’s best experiences while traveling in China.
• Focus on the process, not the result.

Resources:

Doctors Who Create

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Do you know that May 5th is International (aka National) Scrapbook Day? By now, my regular listeners all know that I’m a really enthusiastic scrapbooker, and at the moment, I am busy creating a kit to take with me to Dixon, California, to celebrate this special tribute to scrapbooking. Although I have done more digital pages lately, I still love to take out my supplies and get lost in the world of cutting and gluing. In fact, I love getting lost in the whole dimension of paper storytelling! May 5th is a day to celebrate other things, too. It’s Kentucky Derby Day, Cinco de Mayo, Burgundy Day (the color-not the wine), Comic Book Day, Hoagie Day, and even National Seeing Monarch Butterfly Day, to only mention a few! Most importantly, may 5th is Silence the Shame Day. Mental illness is far too common, and it’s very treatable! So let’s all speak out, advocate for more resources, and encourage those in need of help to seek it. What did you celebrate May 5th? I’d love to know! I’d also really love to know if you found a creative outlet for telling your story.

I’m really looking forward to today’s show with my noteworthy guest, Nancy Nally. Nancy is both a columnist and a journalist. Alliteration in her name could be one reason why Nancy Nally is known, but she is also known for her nose for news. On today’s show, we discover the latest trends in colors, papers, and motifs, from here and abroad. We also learn about the job of a craft journalist, and about how Nancy found her creative approach. I first met Nancy through the craft world, and more specifically, via events of the AFCI (Association for Creative Industries), formerly known as The Craft and Hobby Association. Nancy is no stranger to podcasting and helped host The Paper-Clipping Roundtable, while it was an active broadcast. Join me today, and listen as we take a peek at Nancy’s creative approach, and as we also celebrate creative crafts!

Show Highlights:

• Nancy discusses her career and blog.
• The three craft industry-related websites that Nancy’s company owns-Scrapbook Update, Craft Critique, and the recently launched Chasing Dust Bunnies.
• The kinds of crafts on which Nancy focuses.
• Some of the really hot crafts, along with craft comebacks.
• The way that trends filter down into the crafts industry.
• The ways trends here differ from European trends.
• The latest trends in colors.
• Chalk paints are currently a big craze in Europe.
• The DIY trend is going strong in Europe, and there is much to facilitate this!
• Metallic finishes are very popular.
• How to rubber and wood-mounted stamps fit in?
• Nancy’s purpose-driven crafting.
• How curiosity drives creativity.
• What creativity means to Nancy.

Links:

Nancy’s websites: Scrapbook Update

Craft Critique

Chasing Dust Bunnies

Please join our Creative Approach Facebook Page, and the Creative Approach Facebook Group, too!

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The creative process of storytelling is both fascinating and inspiring. The stories we share and the ones we create play such a huge role in how we capture memories and shape the future. No one understands this better than Patricia (or Patty) Newman. Patty has a passion for telling stories, but her passion doesn’t stop there! I am excited for you to hear all of her thoughts on creativity!

Patricia Newman is the author of the Sibert Honor-winning Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem as well as Zoo Scientists to the Rescue; Plastic, Ahoy! Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and Neema’s Reason to Smile. With her books, she hopes to empower kids and to share stories about people who create change around the world. Patty is our first children’s author on the podcast, and her stories about social justice, careers, and the wide world around us are just fabulous. It is clear that Patty has the heart to use her creative gifts to empower our future scientists, business owners, and world leaders. We have so much to learn from her in today’s episode!

More creativity in this episode:

• Patty shares her unique point of view on children’s stories.
• Why Patty tends towards environmental themes in her books.
• The journey behind Neema’s story.
• Children are often very perceptive when it comes to more difficult topics.
• Patty shares stories of her own childhood.
• Making the leap from reading to writing is big but natural.
• Patty wants to teach children to connect what they have learned to the rest of the world.
• The main reasons why Patty picks her stories.
• We need to share with our children that their voices matter.
• It is easy to see creativity in fiction, but nonfiction requires it too!

Resources:

Patricia Newman

Books are available online!

Reason 2 Smile

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It's always so tempting to travel! When my husband called me over the other day to check out a fantastic tour of Ireland that he found while looking at his tablet, it reminded me that I had not yet continued with the tale that I'd started in the podcast a while back, about the wonderful adventure we had last year, while touring around Great Britain and Ireland. So today I continue my story and I'm also going to let you listen in to a fun interview that I recorded on my trip, where I ask a host manager of a hotel for some information about Irish Coffee. Listen in- I really hope that you will enjoy the interview!

I'm occasionally a little shy, which I know is an odd admission for a podcaster, but on certain occasions, like trips abroad, it does tend to happen. Chatting to the local residents does tend to help me get over it, and this is one of the reasons that I really recommend that everyone takes some time to get to know the local people when traveling. In my experience, even taking the time for a brief chat can often prove to be the best part of an adventure! Listen in today to find out more about our tour of Great Britain and Ireland.

Show Highlights:

• Taking tours can be very demanding, so be sure to leave on time and try to be the first ones there at any major attraction.
• Some of the highlights of London.
• Traveling to Windsor Station- a grand, English, industrial revolution, Victorian-style building, much of which is now a tourist mall.
• Exploring the grounds of Windsor Castle.
• About Canterbury Cathedral and the Black Prince.
• The pastoral countryside was dotted with buildings with names like 'The Croft' and 'The Old Mill'.
• The ancient castles and grand stone churches are reminders of Great Britain's long and fascinating history.
• Touring the Royal Pavillion in Brighton.
• Gaining a sense of the magic of Stonehenge.
• Traveling in Cornwall.
• The Priory of Saint Ives in Cornwall.
• Taking a cruise up Plymouth Sound to Plymouth.
• Bath- often the setting for titillating tales of Regency society.
• Wales- a land of low mountains, tidy farms and signs with unpronounceable names.
• Crossing St George's Channel to green, green Ireland.
• The history of Irish Coffee, a recipe to make it- and even how to drink it!

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Art is not just for the artist! My guest today, Jen Cushman, is an artist, a crafter, and a teacher who embraces that mentality wholeheartedly. Jen works best in multimedia. Any time she tries to stick to one medium, it never ends up well! From scrapbooking to mixed media collage to jewelry and so much more, Jen wants us all to push outside of our comfort zones and try something new and spectacular.

Today, Jen is going to share her amazing journeys in creativity. Along the way, she will share some of her brightest inspirations, favorite ways to create, and what it is like to develop a product. We will also get an inside look into her Deconstructed Reconstructed Retreats, which are fabulous and invaluable for someone interested in mixed media. Jen will also share with us why she loves working with power tools and blowtorches, and how jewelry making was opened up to her once she learned those skills.

Above all else, Jen makes art for anyone to enjoy that is also accessible to anyone. Because she loves teaching classes and writing books, Jen is ensuring that someone who might not consider themselves an artist in the strictest sense can still create something wonderful. Creativity is for everyone, and Jen and I are so excited to celebrate that with you today!

More in this episode:

• Jen shares all of her current projects and passions.
• Jen travels around the world to teach others how to do mixed media art.
• Teaching women how to use power tools was an accidental but powerful movement for Jen.
• Why Jen started crafting and expressing her creativity.
• Jen actually got her start in journalism!
• How Jen got kicked out of a Creative Memories crop but then got into teaching scrapbooking.
• The creative process involved with developing a project to sell.
• What it’s like to teach and develop a class.
• Advice for choosing a retreat.
• Why Jen is hosting her next retreat at home.
• Jen’s best thoughts on creativity.

Resources:

Jen Online

Making Metal Jewelry

American Woman’s Hospital Service

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What really inspires your creativity? Do you ever use the time it takes to do your routine tasks as an opportunity to reflect on things? And if so, do you make use of those reflective moments for your inspiration? Some of my most creative ideas have come to me while preparing a meal, or while doing laundry. And at times I allow myself to really indulge in the sensory input from my surroundings while getting completely lost in the moment. I focus on the colors, textures and my feelings at the time and then the creative force usually follows a bit later. I also love to see what other people are making, as the creativity of others can be a wonderful source of stimulation for new ideas too! Today's story will offer many insights into the life of a fine artist, as I have Diane Richey-Ward with me as the guest on today's show. She's a fine artist based in Sacramento and she was also my drawing teacher a while back. Listen in today to find out about Diane's creative approach to fine art.

Diane has been working mainly with the medium of drawing for the past thirty years. Every ten years she alters her approach, changing from drawing only to mixing drawing with sculpture or with other, different media. Her latest interest has been mixing drawing with photography and she's been busy with that for the last three years. She features her latest work in an awesome show which is going on currently, at the Eastry Gallery in Sacramento. Today Diane talks to us about her widespread experiences and about the shows she's had, all over the world. Listen in now to find out more!

Show highlights:

• What inspired Diane's idea of mixing drawing with photography.
• Diane discusses her love for both drawing and photography.
• What gives Diane the fantastic feeling of unlimited potential that she experiences, as an artist.
• How Diane's creativity has really increased, since her retirement
• How architecture has featured prominently in Diane's latest work.
• The way that traveling provides inspiration for Diane's work.
• What art residency is all about.
• What got Diane into teaching art for almost twenty-three years.
• The most satisfying aspect of being an art teacher for Diane.
• Why being retired is so much fun for Diane.
• Why doing things other than art sometimes is a good idea.
• How Diane initially got into art.
• The hard work and perseverance that is required to become a successful artist.
• The kind of venues that Diane prefers for her shows.
• The key influences in Diane's life as an artist.
• Some tips to help you when you apply for art residencies.
• A way to get a fresh, new perspective on things, if you run into a creative roadblock.

Links:

Photos of some of Diane's work are available to everyone at www.acreativeapproach.com (on the Patreon page.)

They will also be available to the members of the Creative Approach Facebook group on the Creative Approach Facebook group page.

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Where do you get YOUR creative approach? For many, it comes from the people in our lives or the places we travel. My guest today draws from both of those for her inspired digital scrapbooking designs. I’m a big fan of hers and I love using her designs for digital pages. I know you’ll enjoy hearing her story and learning about her creative approach.

Lynn Grieveson is a scrapbook storyteller, a digital designer, and a memory keeper. She designs digital scrapbooking kits and unique photobooks for documenting and preserving precious memories and stories. Although she has lived in many places around the world, she currently makes her home in New Zealand, one of the most beautiful and inspiring places in the world. Don’t miss my conversation with Lynn!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Lynn’s scrapbooking history and the inspiration for her designs
• How Lynn taught herself digital scrapbooking and has never looked back!
• How she creates her designs with kits, brushes, colors, and themes
• The benefits of Adobe Photoshop
• Lynn’s inspiration for scrapbooking, beginning with her older daughter many years ago
• The transition to digital scrapbooking: how it happened when she was “playing around”
• Lynn’s background in art history and photojournalism
• The biggest challenges as a designer? “The time it takes to create”
• How traveling and living in different places inspires Lynn
• The value of photo books in telling our stories
• England, New Zealand, Australia, and more!
• How she met her husband and learned to juggle work and motherhood
• The circumstances and major influences for creativity in Lynn’s life
• What it means to “think like a photojournalist”
• Lynn’s thoughts on creativity: “It’s important for everyone, because you are making something. Keep at it and it will become automatic and satisfying.”

Resources:

www.the-lilypad.com

www.lynngrieveson.com

www.getitscrapped.com

To enter the drawing for a free copy of The War Bride’s Scrapbook, by Carolyn Preston: visit the contact page on my website (www.acreativeapproachpodcastcom) or be or become a member of the ACA Facebook group. Leave a comment at either site with a valid email address before March 31, 2018. I’ll draw from those responses for a winner of the book!

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Have you ever thought of doing something creative that has never been done before? My guest today, author and archivist Caroline Preston, is the creator of a whole new genre of literature. Her books and stories are exciting and revealing, combining her passions of writing and storytelling in a new and creative way. Ironically, Caroline’s mother kept scrapbooks and made collages, which were a significant part of Caroline’s past. She went on to work as an archivist at a museum in Salem, Massachusetts, before embarking on her writing career.

Her latest book is the second of her “scrapbook novels.” Following the Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt, The War Bride’s Scrapbook, is “a World War II love story, narrated through a new bride’s dazzling array of vintage postcards, newspaper clippings, photographs, and more.” In this novel, “Caroline Preston has once again pulled from her own extraordinary collection of vintage memorabilia, transporting us back to the lively, tumultuous 1940’s and introducing us to an unforgettable, ambitious heroine who must learn to reconcile a wartime marriage with a newfound self-confidence.” I hope you enjoy this conversation with a truly inspirational creative, Caroline Preston.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Caroline’s roundabout path to being an author
• How scrapbooks tell the story of World War II
• The uncertainty of people’s lives during the WWII era
• How women accepted their rules but were early codebreakers in emergent feminism, which is a theme in the book
• The advertising messages for women during the era
• The main character in the book, and what she leaves behind
• Understanding what people’s lives were in history and how they influenced those that came after them
• Why people didn’t think their stories were even important
• Piecing together clippings, headlines, manuals, and flyers to tell the story
• Caroline’s new approach: scrapbook novels with real material and artifacts
• What “transformative use” means regarding permissions
• How the “scrapbook novel” idea came to Caroline
• Caroline’s archival work in Salem, MA
• How women’s lives are told in history through letters
• Putting it all together to tell a story
• With new technology, will our stories even be findable and retrievable in the future?
• Making everyday lives seem tangible
• How scrapbooks record momentous events and answer the When? And Why?
• The detachment of today’s society from military life—unlike the WWII era
• Caroline’s thoughts on creativity: “I thought I would just try to do this. I knew if it’s interesting to me, then it will be interesting to others also.”

Resources:

www.carolinepreston.com

The Ordeal of Elizabeth Marsh by Linda Colley

Caroline’s books:

The War Bride’s Scrapbook

Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt

Gatsby’s Girl

Lucy Crocker 2.0

Jackie by Josie

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The natural world is filled with so much creative inspiration. Artists and designers often look to nature when deciding the shape and form of their creative works, but have you stopped to consider how we might mimic how the natural world functions? Biomimicry is the study of how nature is already solving some of the toughest problems facing mankind. These scientists, designers, and engineers are using creativity in a truly fascinating and innovative way. I know you are going to enjoy learning about this vast topic with my guest, Mark Dorfman.

Mark Dorfman is a Chemist working for Biomimicry 3.8, a consulting firm focused on making the planet more sustainable through innovative design and creative problem-solving. Mark understand that there is so much humans have to learn from the natural processes going on around us. We can then mimic the processes and methods nature employs to innovate and imagine a cleaner, more efficient, and definitely more beautiful world.

Today, we are talking about why innovation can be daunting, but why it is such an opportunity for humanity to grow. We will be pushing the limits, solving the world’s problems, and seeing why failure can actually be fun! All of this and much more will be waiting for you in today’s episode. I know you are really going to enjoy Mark’s unique perspective on creativity!

More in this episode:

• How Biomimicry 3.8 is trying to shape the world through creative innovations.
• Using chemistry to solve pollution problems.
• Understanding color by studying some of the most beautiful organisms on the earth!
• We can look to the ecosystems to turn waste into byproducts that can be repurposed.
• Mark dreams of factories that improve the environment, rather than degrade them.
• Hear how the wings of a butterfly might change the way we make glitter!
• How Biomimicry 3.8 tackles the tough problems.
• Mark shares some of his favorite forms to study in nature.
• Why Mark first became interested in Biomimicry.
• We have the power to change the markets if we demand life-friendly substances.
• Hear all of Mark’s thoughts on creative problem-solving.
• It is so fun to create!

Links:

Mark Dorfman

Biomimicry 3.8

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Creativity is allowed to grow and flourish in a community. We see it in just about every art or craft. Thanks to the internet, we are more connected to fellow crafters than ever before, and the results are stunning. Together, we can share stories, draw inspiration, and give perspective. The more connections we make, the deeper our wellspring of creativity seems to run. My guest today, Jill Sprott, knows that all too well. She is using her creativity to celebrate the diverse collection of artists that have joined together over scrapbooking and storytelling. Today, she is going to show us how the two go hand-in-hand.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Jill was encouraged by her mother and teachers to stretch her creative muscles. For a long time, Jill only expressed her creativity through writing. She found poetry and journaling to be the best medium to share her stories, but many times she found herself drawn to visual images as the best means of communication. After becoming an English teacher, Jill was introduced to Scrapbooking. Though at first she only thought of it as “pictures and stickers,” Jill realized that a scrapbook might be an excellent storytelling device.

Just like poetry can give form to our most personal stories, scrapbooks offer the same kind of form and structure. It is a blank canvas and a chance to make your mark. For Jill, taking part of the online scrapbooking community opened the door to the rest of the world. Now, she is giving back by teaching online classes and sharing her creative inspiration through writing. I know you will enjoy hearing how Jill has married writing and scrapbooking. She has made some incredible pieces, and I can’t wait for you to hear all about it. The creative community is a wonderful place to be, and I am so happy you are here with me.

More in this episode:

• Jill tells us all about the many things she is interested in.
• Learn where you can find Jill’s scrapbooking endeavors.
• The online scrapbooking community is somewhat of a lifeline.
• Creativity is a kind of sanctuary from fear.
• Writing and visual art can go hand-in-hand.
• Jill was more reluctant to start scrapbooking, but she quickly found her niche.
• We want to celebrate the diversity in the community.
• Jill shares what it is like to grow up in Hawaii.
• Mothers and teachers can be the most inspiring cultivators of creativity.
• The various challenges of online v. in-person classes.

Links and Resources

Jill’s blog: Word Play Word Work

Get It Scrapped: Debbie Hodge

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What is your artistic vision? The way you see the world is completely different than everyone else. And how incredible is that? As creative individuals, we have this great capacity to grow and heal through our art. This podcast celebrates the triumphs we as artists create, and I cannot think of a better person to celebrate with than today’s guest.

Tracey Clark is a photographer, first and foremost, but in reality, she is so much more than that! Tracey is an author, teacher, speaker, and founder of Shutter Sisters. I first learned about Tracey through her classes, but then soon discovered Shutter Sisters and was immediately on board with all that she does. Tracey lives and breathes the small moments of her life that she captures in so many fun ways. Whether you are a mom, a creative, or someone looking to add a little love to their life, you have a lot to learn from Tracey!

Tracey is all about creating safe spaces through her classes and with Shutter Sisters so that artists feel encouraged and empowered to share their vision. She challenges the idea that some people are not creative. Creative expression is more than photography and paintings. Listen today to hear us chat about what energizes Tracey, from her projects, her life’s story, and how photography is changing lives.

More in this episode:

• All about Tracey’s diverse interests that go beyond photography.
• Hear about Tracey’s teaching history and philosophy.
• Tracey loves to share with people how to see the world a little differently.
• Photography is accessible to everyone.
• Phones or DSLR? Tracey makes a case for both!
• Learning the artists skills are essential for boosting photography.
• Every artist has their own vision and perspective.
• Comparison is the worst killer of creativity.
• Shutter Sisters was a way for artists to share photography free from comparison.
• The work we make to please ourselves are some of the best expression of our artistic vision.
• Tracey’s dad had a camera around, so that meant she had so many family moments captured and saved.
• Motherhood and photography can go hand in hand.
• Hindsight is important for Tracey’s work.
• Join in the community events to push creativity.
• An exciting announcement is coming in 2018.

Links:

http://traceyclark.com/

Instagram @ShutterSisters

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Today I am excited to bring to you a pioneer of online craft courses, and one of my personal scrapbooking and storytelling heroes. Stacy Julian is with me today, and we had ourselves a grand old time chatting about creativity, the boom of the online crafting community, and the kinds of projects that light a fire within us. If it were not for Stacy’s influence, this podcast might never have existed! She is one of my personal creative inspirations, and with that, I am delighted to introduce her to all of you.

When I think of Stacy, I think of color. Color and emotion are tied up together for Stacy, and that heart and vibrancy is present throughout everything she creates. Stacy is a published author, blogger, and presenter. Her passion for preserving family stories and histories has led her to develop systems for scrapbooking and organizing photos that have revolutionized the craft for so many.

Listen to this week’s episode to find out all about what Stacy has been up to lately, her new storytelling product launch, and the classes she will be teaching in the near future. I know you will enjoy her childhood stories that she has preserved so well. I hope it inspires you to follow your curiosity and learn a story or two of your own!

More in this episode:

• Hear all about Stacy’s journey from scrapbooking to an online creative.
• How Stacy became the founding editor of a magazine, the author of a book, and then the creator of an site that blew up overnight,
• Our shared love of Family History.
• Social Media can preserve some of your family history.
• Stacy grew up filled with opportunity for imagination.
• Stacy is synonymous with color.
• How Stacy’s books can help you expand your stories through scrapbooks and albums.
• The most important guiding principles of connection.
• The best stories from Stacy’s family history.
• How Stacy learned to write and edit on the job.

Links:

Find Stacy Online!

http://www.stacyjulian.com/

Instagram

@StacyJulian

@StoryByStacy

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Creativity rarely happens on an island by yourself. The crafting community is filled to bursting with strength, support, and heart, which is just what we need to celebrate during a season of gratitude. My guest today is Eileen Hall, and she has certainly discovered all of those things and more. Eileen is a Paper Trail traveling adventurer who crafts her way across the country. Through her digital media, Eileen also teaches and shares her inspiration with followers from all over the world. What makes Eileen’s teaching even better is that she considers her “followers” her friends. She has learned how to lean into the crafting community, and as a result, she has created wonderful work that inspires so many.

Eileen isn’t just rambling about in her vintage trailer, Scotty; she is also creating die products for Sizzyx. Each die is designed and crafted with a team Eileen loves working with. These dies came about as a brilliant solution to a real crafting puzzle. Using both creativity and critical thinking, Eileen is determined to give you creative solutions to all of your problems.

I am so thankful to have been able to sit down and chat with Eileen today. Our conversation is filled with so much heart and compassion. If you are in need of a little pick-me-up, give this episode a listen, and make sure to check out all the ways you can be a part of Eileen’s creative community.

More in this episode:

• Eileen shares all about the products she creates for crafters and artists like me.
• What exactly is a design team? How did it turn into a fan club?
• Scotty the Vintage trailer is full of adventures!
• How Eileen uses Facebook Live to connect with everyone on all her adventures.
• The other craft adventures that Eileen teaches to others.
• From health care to crafting! Eileen shares how crafting became such a huge part of her life.
• How Eileen got involved creating dies.
• Share designs, even though the sad truth is that people steal.
• Eileen is motivated by deadlines, but she is rarely short on ideas.
• Crafters are kindred spirits.
• How to get your hands on Eileen’s designs.
• Last little thoughts on creativity.
• The beauty of community with Facebook Live.

Resources:

http://www.eileenhull.com/

Eileen Hull Designs on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eileenhulldesigns/

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Do you have some kind creative outlet that you use, in order to express what's going on with you, and in your life? Did you know that creating art is really good for you, both emotionally and mentally? Today we are really excited to have Janaina Oliviera, of With2Worlds.Org as our guest on the show. Janaina uses Digital Art to tell her stories and she also teaches these skills online. She loves to share these skills with others because she really believes in using an artistic expression of our ideas, for maintaining good mental health, so listen in now, to find out more about Janaina and her creative approach to life.

Brazilian born Janaina, who started out, back in the day, as a Card Maker, is a Digital Scrapbooker and a Storyteller. She views herself as a Digital Artist because she's fascinated with all kinds of Digital Art and she really makes every effort to communicate and teach people some of the skills that she uses, in order to tell her stories. She has her blog, she has the classes that she teaches, where she shares her unique style of art and now she also writes a column for Scrapreneur.Com, about Digital Art. Listen in today, as Janaina speaks about the creativity in her life and she reflects on the topic of A Creative Approach.

Show highlights:

• The Design work that Janaina does for others.
• Janaina's favorite Apps.
• You can download a PDF list, with a guide to all the apps that Janaina uses and what they do.
• Janaina has a Facebook Group called 2wards Digital Education. She goes live on Thursdays, so sign up!
• Janaina has a document, posted in her Facebook Group, about the apps that are for Androids, and the ones that are for iPhones.
• What 'artsy' means to Janaina.
• The therapeutic value of creating art mindfully.
• Janaina's recently completed studies, where she combined her creativity in art with her approach to solving problems.
• The reason behind the particular route that Janaina has taken, with her schooling.
• How Janaina got started with her Scrapbooking.
• Janaina's early life and how she got onto that path that she's on, currently.
• What it really takes, to become an artist and create great art.
• The importance of learning to use the things that you learn.
• Being fearless and having the courage to put your own twist on things, regardless of what others may think.
• Why Janaina really loves the work of Byron Katie.
• Some questions you could ask yourself, to discover your hidden creativity.
• How Janaina uses regular pictures of her life, to create her art.
• The different looks that Janaina creates, using different Digital Products.
• Why Janaina stopped doing Paper Scrapbooking.
• There is really something for everyone, in Digital Art.
• Hidden Journalling, with Digital.

Links:

For Janaina's Online Column, go to: www.scrapreneur.com

You can also find Janaina at www.getitscrapped.com or www.debbiehodge.com

For Janaina's blog (and also to find her PDF list of apps), go to www.with2worlds.org

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Today we are having a very first musician on the show! He is the delightful Canadian musician Forrest Eaglespeaker, founder of the band The North Sound and today he will be telling us about his storytelling, his music and the poetry of his lyrics, so listen in to find out more about Forrest and the wonderful music that he plays.

Forrest has been playing the guitar and singing in his band, The North Sound, for the last two and a half years. In January of this year, they released their debut album, The Valley and one of the songs from that album, Sunshine, became a number one hit on the Indigenous Music charts in Canada. Since then, things have been going well and they have released another EP, titled SKAB. With those two albums out in the Universe, they're hanging out to see what comes next. Listen in to find out more!

Show highlights:

• Forrest talks about Earthsongs, an American Indigenous Music station based in Alaska and L.A., who ran a feature on Forrest's band.
• The current, modern, underground scene, with a vast amount musicians who happen to be indigenous, making tons of amazing music.
• The struggle for underground, indigenous musicians to get their music to reach the forefront.
• The goal of the Indigenous Music stations.
• Why it's so difficult for Forrest to characterize his really melodic, alternative, music.
• The biggest part of the music for Forrest- the storytelling.
• Where The North Sound is at right now.
• The really great group of musicians that Forrest has been playing with, in Calgary, over the last two years.
• How Forrest started out with his music.
• The influence of Forrest's indigenous identity on his music.
• The difficulties that Forrest used to experience, around his cultural identity.
• The influence of Hip Hop on Forrest and his music.
• What creativity means to Forrest.
• Forrest's creative vision for the future.

Links:

Forrest's website: www.thenrthsnd.com

Forrest on Instagram: thenrthsnd

You can also find Forrest's music on Bandcamp, Spotify and iTunes

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What does it take to run a successful creative business? Crafters and Artists have a unique set of challenges to face once we decide to turn our hobbies and passions into something profitable. Of course, there’s the dreaded Imposter Syndrome. For some, it might be a challenge to monetize their creativity. Marketing to reach an audience can also be a struggle for many. It looks like we might need a Creative Approach to solving some common business problems. I cannot think of anyone more creative than Jennifer Priest, my guest today.

Jennifer’s love of the arts started with scrapbooking but has since bloomed into a love of all crafts. She’s been doing online business for many years, but she started out as a teacher. Jennifer never thought she’d quit her 9-5 job and pursue her creative passions as a career, but when she was let go, that decision was made for her. She hasn’t turned back since! Now, Jennifer helps other creative business owners and entrepreneurs strategize their efforts and reach their audiences through social media. Jennifer is going to share with us today how you can utilize online tools like Live Video to promote your business and put some of those fears at ease. You will leave this conversation ready to step out and take action!

Show Highlights:

• Jennifer shares how she has collected crafts over the years.
• Translating creative approaches into an industry like marketing.
• Problems many people have in promoting creativity.
• Jennifer shares her upcoming teaching course #Pro.
• Coming from a creative family influenced Jennifer’s pursuit of a creative career.
• Being fired allowed Jennifer to have a Creative Entrepreneurial career.
• Efficiency and organization on your best friends.
• Learn the #1 Way to Be Organized.
• The huge social benefits of joining into the crafting community.
• Jennifer loves private coaching and consulting!
• Our suggestions for Social Media Role Models.
• Going Live is easy and profitable.

Resources:

Check out Jennifer at all of her Online Homes!

https://www.smartcreativesocial.com/

https://www.smartfundiy.com/

Register for the Hashtag Pro course!

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One of the best things about art and design is its playfulness. Have you ever stopped to see your latest project as a playground? Maybe you are like so many of us and you caught up in chronological order, the perfect edges, and the ideal composition? Take a breath, take a step back, and let my guest Anna Aspnes show you a thing or two about how to have fun with your work.

Anna is a self-proclaimed creator of Digital Artistry, a style that blends traditional paper craft and scrapbooking elements with the unlimited potential of digital art. Anna is passionate about capturing memories through storytelling with a point of view entirely her own. As an Army Wife always on the move and living so far away from her native England, Anna started using Digital Artistry as a way to capture memories her growing family. Over time, she developed templates and teaching modules to help you bring her flavor of Digital Artistry into your favorite stories. With just a little knowledge of Photoshop, Anna can help you take personal memories into a playful space where you can express yourself. I am excited to bring to you today her design process and emphasis on genuine creative passion. Allow yourself some Artplay today!

Show Highlights:

• Anna shares her design process with me.
• How Anna’s Digital Artistry has transformed over time.
• Teaching others how to master the concepts of Digital Artistry, including Photoshop.
• Anna is an advocate for Artplay; no perfectionism here.
• A bit of photography advice.
• The unsung power of capturing memories in a scrapbook.
• Fighting the sense of obligation by choosing projects that bring you joy.
• How Anna’s Military upbringing and marriage shaped her career in artistry.

Anna's Bio:

Anna Aspnes creates DigitalART for people who want to create dynamic and effortless art.

Her passion is to help you commemorate and honor your life by helping you to flex your creative muscles in a way that is both unique and truly exhilarating.

Before she could walk, Anna spent endless hours at a coffee table intent on creating magic with a crayon in hand. Today, she shares this same magic at a different table by creating sophisticated contemporary DigitalART designed to be used by creatives and non-creatives alike.

Anna Aspnes offers digital art elements, mentorship, and education support through more than a decade of experience in modern memory keeping and DigitalART creation. As a pioneer in this industry, she breaks the rules and provides a unique approach to story-telling.

Anna is British native living in Colorado with her husband, 2 children, and dogs, enjoying the outdoors whenever possible.

Resources:

A Creative Approach Podcast on Facebook:

Anna’s Website

https://www.annaaspnesdesigns.com/

Find Anna’s designs at Oscraps

https://www.oscraps.com/shop/home.php

Thanks to our Patreon Members for their support of the show!

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Public health is a topic many of us aren’t sufficiently informed on, and should be. We aren’t aware of the work that’s going on behind the scenes, or the benefits we’re missing out on due to the lack of attentiveness to the world around us. Dr. Mary Guinan has written a book on the subject, traveled the world for vaccination work, and helped women recover rights that should be basic human rights. Tune into this episode of a Creative Approach podcast, with your host, Karen Poirier-Brode, in order to become more informed on women’s vigor and public health.

Show Highlights:

• Writing a book about public health
• Informing people on public health
• Becoming a part of the worldwide small-pox organization
• Women physicians being banned from going to India
• Vaccinating children
• Women being traditional healers, but not being as widely accepted
• Traveling to different villages to vaccinate people from disease
• Traveling by elephant
• Studying herpes
• Being recruited back to CDC
• Treating and researching women’s STD’s
• Studying experimental factors of AIDS in San Francisco
• America’s STD epidemic
• Taking a moral stance
• Having an actress portray a part after Mary
• Difficulties for gay men when STD info was released
• The need for keeping people updated
• Founding a school for public health
• Women being in charge of their own health
• Ways to prevent abortion
• Preventing unplanned pregnancy
• Influences that pushed Mary into her profession
• The difficulties of finding a career as a woman
• Equality advancing for women
• Creative advice
• Women getting the equality and access they deserve

Resources:

Adventures of a female Medical Detective by Mary Guinan

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Many of us are oblivious to the underlying history and culture in everything. We fail to notice the details and technicalities within our everyday life. In a “Creative Approach Podcast”, we will explore the anthropology of many different cultures and how it correlates with us today. Professor William Doonan is a professor at Sacramento City College, Archaeologist, Cruise line speaker, and published novelist. Over his travels and personal explorations, he has acquired immense knowledge on subjects involving civilization and cultural awareness, which he uses as inspiration for his own novels and others. Tune into this episode, with your host Karen Poirier-Brode, in order to be enlightened on the culture around you.

Show highlights:

• The inspiration drawn from daily life in order to create novels
• Meeting fascinating people on cruise ships
• Traveling to Costa Rica to work as an archeologist
• Where Professor Doonan grew up and got to where he is today
• Exploring different aspects of archaeology
• Studying Mayan archeology and writing a book on it
• Irish language revitalization and helping people learn the native language
• Genealogy
• The melting pot of cultures
• Getting involved in cruise ships
• Teaching forensic anthropology and understanding culture
• Learning to determine different aspects of people in the past and learning to respect all the individual people
• Finding culture and diversity from people around you
• The gravitational pull towards the topics Professor Doonans books are about
• How cruise ships regulate and manage security
• Anthropology being incorporated into literature
• The meaning of creativity and developing others ideas
• Broadening culture awareness and being confident
• Selective listening

Links:

http://www.williamdoonan.com

Grave Passage

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Do you believe that travel makes your life richer and inspires your creativity? Well, I certainly do and today, I'm going to tell my travel story. I think that if you take every opportunity to explore as far and as often as your time and money allow, you will truly improve your life. Please visit the Facebook page of A Creative Approach Podcast and the Patreon page on the Podcast website, www.acreativeapproachpodcast.com to access the photos. Listen in now, to hear the first part of my story.

Show highlights:

• My trip started in San Francisco, with a talk by Neil deGrasse Tyson, the host of Star Talk Radio, at the elegant Davies Symphony Hall, where he spoke about his latest book, Astro Physics For People In A Hurry. Science really can be a lot of fun!
• We spent a night at the legendary Mark Hopkins Hotel, at the top of Nob Hill. The charming little touches of old time elegance are so unlike the stark finishes of contemporary hotels.
• Off to Chinatown to explore and have lunch the next day. It's always so bustling and colorful!
• After an overnight flight with United, we landed in London and took an Uber to The Houston Hilton, which is just across from the British Medical Association and the Greek Revival style St Pancras Church. The excursion began with London in mind, because of the celebration of the centenary of The Medical Women's Federation of England. As a member of the Medical Women International Association, I wanted to celebrate with my physician sisterhood.
• The first event of the conference that I attended, was a reception at an office building that incorporates the former Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital. The historic sites of the Royal College of Medicine and The Royal College of Surgeons also served as meeting venues. Go to karenscorneroftheweb.blogspot.com to see the photos of these buildings.
• The Hunterian Museum, at the Royal College of Surgeons, features collections of anatomical and pathological specimens of humans and animals, as well as models, instruments, and art of surgery, from the 1800's to the present.
• We attended an evening of lectures at the Royal College Of Medicine, where Princess Anne was a speaker and she discussed her work with Save The Children.
• The female guests at the conference were invited by Baronness Von ???, a physician and peer in government, to attend a banquet at The House Of Lords for a celebration of the Medical Women's Federation's Centennial. Princess Sophie, the Duchess of Gloucester attended the dinner, as she is Patroness of the Medical Women's Federation.
• The London Eye is opposite The House Of Lords.
• The Medical Women's Federation arranged a private boat tour, for the attendees to travel from London to Greenwich, on the Thames.
• It was a delight for us to stop at the historic Trafalgar Tavern.
• I was treated to The London Eye, for Mother's Day. It's a tourist attraction that I unequivocally recommend!
• We became acquainted with the National Health Service, due to a minor health emergency.
• Cal became curious about a bar, which was in a yarn shop, so the proprietress informed him, of course, there was a wide selection of beverages, as many ladies came to her boutique for knitting groups!

We dined at La Barca, an Italian Restaurant which became our favorite restaurant of our entire vacation.

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Are you someone who really likes to tell stories? Are you analytical and would you like to leave a legacy and your history behind one day? If so, you're going to love today's show, with Debbie Hodge. Debbie is a really steadfast pal to Karen and she's also Karen's boss in her Scrapbook work. Karen contributes to Debbie's site, Get It Scrapped, although she actually reports there to her assistant and team mate, Amy Kingsford. The focus of Get It Scrapped is on teaching both Layout Design and Storytelling on the Scrapbook Page, which is done either visually, or with words. Listen in to find out more about Debbie and the really inspiring work that she does.

Karen is really excited to have Debbie on the show today, as they really go back quite a way. She's fun to tease, laughs often and really values her family. Her scrapbook pages really are a true reflection of her life as a wife, mother, daughter and extended family member. She is also a superlative teacher, with a real ability to analyze and summarize a topic and then present it in such a way that it really switches all your lights on! Debbie leads a number of people to successful online teaching, through her other online class site, Teach What You Do. Listen in now, as we share Debbie Hodge and her creative approach.

Show highlights:

• Debbie gives a rundown on the things that she's doing right now and what's happening with Getting It Scrapped.
• What you will find on Debbie's Get It Scrapped Face book Group, which was set up at the end of last year.
• Debbie's free Webinars, of crops, where you can Scrapbook at home and either share it or just watch people Scrapbooking online. A great way to get to know people!
• How do you find your tribe? Debbie ends up hanging around with the people who come to her crops.
• Debbie discusses the things that are taught on her online class site, Teach What You Do.
• What prompted Debbie to create Teach What You Do.com.
• Debbie's collaboration with Amy Kingsford, which has really been good for her in many ways.
• How Chat Box has really helped Debbie with what she does. She's always trying the newest marketing techniques at Get It Scrapped and then teaching them at Teach What You Do.
• Debbie chats about her Podcasts, which you can find at getitscrapped.com. She really loves storytelling and wanted to do something different.
• Debbie, who has an M.B.A. talks about her background in writing and tech.
• Debbie explains where she comes from, with her really creative Mom, and how she came to be where she finds herself today, with Scrapbooking and Online Teaching.
• Debbie's current passion- teaching people how to teach artistic and creative processes.
• Debbie shares her thoughts about creativity.
• Debbie really encourages you to create something and find a community to share what you've made.

Links:

Debbie's websites: www.debbiehodge.com

Karen's website: www.acreativeapproachpodcast.com

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What is your creativity quotient in YOUR chosen career? Have you ever thought about it? Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that only certain careers allow for creativity, but, in reality, there is room for a creative approach almost everywhere! My guest today shares how she finds creativity in her work as a physician, and how women through generations have been creative in their endeavors to make a difference in the field of medicine.

Dr. Eliza Chin is a past president and current Executive Director of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). I’ve known her for several years and have been privileged to work on projects with her. She is an active physician, author, and leader with many skills and ideas. Her interests include mentoring young women in medicine, geriatric medicine, women’s health, medical humanities, women’s leadership, and the history of women in medicine. Join me to learn more about Eliza’s creative approach!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Eliza began her work with AMWA as she wrote her first book
• The challenges of balancing motherhood and being a physician
• Her dream: to collect and publish stories of women in medicine
• How the different divisions of AMWA help young women in the medical field
• Eliza’s current practice and her work in different medical fields in her career
• Initiatives and the mission of AMWA, covering the spectrum of women’s health and sex/gender issues
• The recent focus of AMWA on arts and humanities
• Coming soon to AMWA: a literary focus on written works by women in medicine and the launch of a Music in Medicine division
• The creative influences on Eliza’s life
• One of Eliza’s current projects: an exhibition of women physicians in WWI
• How AMWA grants support medical clinics around the world
• Why AMWA is still going strong after 102 years!
• Why Eliza and her twin sister both became physicians
• The important connection between medicine and creativity: it’s all about relationships!

Resources:

www.amwa-doc.org

This Side of Doctoring: Reflections from Women in Medicine by Eliza Chin

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Has anyone ever tried to limit your creativity? Have you been criticized for "jumping from one thing to another"? My guest today is proof that varied interests and endeavors can enrich and enhance your innate creativity. Don't be afraid to let your creative efforts flow in different directions!

Margot Potter is three notches too loud, five notches too sparkly, and is aging disgracefully. She’s either a Renaissance woman or a “Jill of All Trades,” depending on which day you ask her. She’s a woman of diverse interests and talents who is a jewelry-maker and designer, author, actor, singer and has entertained in bands, in theater, and on television. Her colorful personality goes far beyond her bright pink hair! It’s always a delight to speak with Margot and hear her lively, intelligent, and occasionally provocative opinions. Join me to hear more about Margot and her creative life!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Margot’s background in theater, her acting and musical career, and her time at QVC
• Margot’s books about jewelry-making and design, branding, and her upcoming book about life after 50
• Margot’s life outside of crafting and her weekly live Facebook event, The Lady Party
• The influences in Margot’s life: “finding joy in creativity”
• How everything around us is connected to art and music
• How nurturing teachers helped develop Margot’s creativity
• How reading everything as a kid led to endless interest and endless inspiration
• Find your spark and go with it!
• How a new direction for Margot unlocked what was already there
• Margot’s guiding force and mission: to arm people with the best products and techniques for discovering their own creativity

Resources:

www.margotpotter.com

www.cocktailscupcakescrafts.com

www.theimpatientcrafter.com

www.icanmakestampedmetaljewelry.com

Find Margot on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter: Margot Potter

Find Margot on Snapchat: the margot potter

Find Margot Potter’s books on Amazon

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Art, in whatever form it may take, is all about telling a story. What story do you have to share? What are the passions and interests that make you who you are? How can you share your own personal point of view with the rest of the world? Christy Stickler might know a thing or two about that.

Christy is a homeschooling mom who used to Co-Host the Digi-Scrap Geek Podcast. These days, she lends her considerable talent to so many fabulous online scrapbooking and art journaling resources. From designing page layouts at Get It Scrapped to showing off her own skills at her blog, Christy hopes to inspire and teach others to use the elements of design to tell beautiful stories. This week, Christy shares her personal story, full of so many unexpected and wonderful hidden gems of personality and inspiration.

Also in this episode:

• Fond memories about the Digi-Scrap Geek podcast
• Christy shares her current projects and passions beyond scrapbooking.
• Digging into the ins and outs of Getting It Scrapped!
• Simple Scrapper- learning how to tell a story on the page.
• Learning how to balance life and art.
• Fight creative burnout.
• Becoming an ex-pat, and how that lifestyle changes your perspective.
• Christy shares how her history impacts her creative process.
• Learning how to use your many “sides” to influence art.
• Be sure to stay tuned for an episode all about drawing inspiration from your travels!

Links

Enjoy Christy’s work at one of these fine places:

Oscraps

http://ozone.oscraps.com/author/christy/

Sustainable Souls

http://thesustainablesoulsproject.blogspot.com/

Get it Scrapped Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/getitscrapped.debbiehodge/

Simple Scrapper

http://www.simplescrapper.com/

Christy’s Blog

https://myscrapbookevolution.com/

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Do you have clothes in your closet that you don't wear‘? Do all of your clothes fit your Personality? This is what Chantera Gunn is here for! In the episode of A Creative Approach Podcast, Chantera is going to talk to us about herself and what she does for a living. How do you know if what you are wearing “goes” or what do you do when you can't stop buying clothes but don‘t wear most of the ones that you already own‘? These are the questions that Chantera has the answer to!

What you'll hear in this episode:

• What Chantera does with your clothes
• Does everybody "deserve" a stylist?
• What a stylish like Chantera can do for you
• How Chantera got her start as a stylist
• What Chantera did to get her start as a personal stylist
• How Chantera juggles being a stylist and a mother
• Fashion tips from Chanter
• The difference between men and women when it comes to fashion
• How to be "authentically" yourself in your fashion choices

RESOUFCESI

Chantera Gunn  

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Do you get a lot of joy from your experience of crafting? If so, you're really going to love today's episode, with Ursula Morgan, the Chief Executive Officer of Creative Bug. Ursula firmly believes in the joyfulness to be found in crafting, from the delight of making something to the pleasure derived from receiving a beautifully crafted, handmade gift. Listen in to find out more about Ursula and her joyfully creative approach to life.

Creative Bug, which will be turning five on the 15th of May, is the award winning DIY Art and Craft Instruction site, with over a thousand videos, for all skill levels. Before Creative Bug, Ursula had a successful career as an Art Editor. She was also an award-winning Magazine Publisher, for what is known by some to be the UK's favorite Knitting Magazine. Ursula was the Vice President of all the US operations through one of the United Kingdom's largest publishing houses. Listen in today and find how Ursula helps artists to spread more joy every time she grows the audience of Creative Bug.

Today, Ursula talks to Karen about:

• Creative Bug and what it has for creative people.
• The really inexpensive cost for getting instruction from the best experts in the country, at Creative Bug.
• The challenge of producing 2-4 shows per week.
• The creative atmosphere and the awesome team at Creative Bug.
• The hot off the press, great news about Creative Bug!
• That Joanne Fabric and Craft Stores have allowed Creative Bug to retain its full creative autonomy and awesomeness!
• Ursula's creative life, growing up.
• How Ursula ended up as the CEO of Creative Bug.
• How she found herself able to 'read' spreadsheets and see a picture with them.
• The huge craft portfolio that she built up, going from one to many pillars in crafting.
• What she was doing in her job, when she moved here, to the US.
• The risk she took, leaving her job and starting out on her own.
• The 'aha' moments and breakthroughs she's had in her crafting capabilities.
• Their Friday 'Crafternoons' at Creative Bug and the new things Ursula's learned to make.
• Passions and deep passions.
• What brought her to study design.
• What brought her to the realization that you're only limited by your own belief of what you can do, or not.
• Her philosophy around creativity- that you just need to give yourself the time to return to your creative self.
• They even have some sweet treats and baking classes at Creative Bug.
• That you can even learn to sew with Creative Bug.
• How you can find and sign up for Creative Bug and what you can get on the website.
• You can have a two week trial for free.
• That Creative Bug is now on Facebook Live.
• What creativity really means to Ursula.
• The Daily Challenges on the Creative Bug website.
• Ursula's advice for people wanting to get into the more professionally creative side of crafting, or teaching.

Link:

Creative Bug Website: www.creativebug.com

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Today's Big Ass Guest is Mark Montano- he's at the top of Karen's list when it comes to having a creative approach! She's been a great fan of his, since seeing him on Trading Spaces and she has many of his books and watches lots of his Facebook Live videos. Listen in and find out more about Mark, what he does and how he really inspires people.

Mark is a Designer, a Television Host and the Best Selling Author of the really popular Big Ass Craft Book Series, which are the best-selling craft books in the United States. He also works as a Creative Consultant for DecoArt and as a Creative Director for Eclectic Products. Listen in today and find out about Mark's wonderfully creative approach to life.

Today, Mark talks to Karen about:

• What he does with Facebook Live and some other projects.
• How he decided, at the age of thirteen, that he would move to New York and become a fashion designer.
• How he eventually did become a fashion designer and worked for Oscar de la Renta, before starting his own collection.
• How he was asked to write a monthly article for Cosmo Girl Magazine.
• How his articles for Cosmo Girl turned into his book series.
• How his career moved from Fashion into Interiors, after landing a TV show called While You Were Out.
• How he ended up moving to Los Angeles.
• How he moved into doing Youtube movies and Facebook Live.
• Live events- he finds them fun, but exhausting.
• The Association For Creative Industries - The new name for the CHA.
• How he was constantly making things while growing up.
• Traveling and performing with the Kashari Indian Dancers, as a child.
• His education- starting with a degree in marketing and business, then The Fashion Institute where he studied the history of fashion.
• That he views fashion as art.
• That being smart with your money is the only way you can be successful in a creative industry.
• The biggest question- What creativity really means to him.
• How he came up with his big ass name for his books, now in their 29th
• The new book that he wrote recently, about how to stay on track in your life and avoid distractions, while working from home.
• The normal tasks you do that make you a creative person.

Links:

Mark's website and blog: www.markmontano.com

Mark on Youtube: Mark Montano

Mark on Facebook: Mark Montano

or

Google 'make your mark' and he'll pop up!

Resource:

Books: The Big Ass Book Of Crafts by Mark Montano

And all his other books are available from Amazon

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If you're a creative person with a desire to give something back to your community, you will really enjoy today's show, with Karen's bubbly and inspiring guest and long time friend, Elena Lai Etcheverry. Elena is the founder and Executive Director of Charity Wings.org, a Non-Profit Organization and DIY Make-A-Space in Southern California. Listen in today to find out about this wonderful, charitable non-profit, where you can really get creatively involved and also make a difference.

Charity Wings is a huge, open studio, where you can come along and bring your imagination and a desire to create pretty much anything. All the supplies are there for you- the space, the tools, the assistance and the inspiration. Elena and her team want to make sure that everyone has a place to use their creative expression and to have a creative outlet. They have programs for other Non-Profits as well, where they offer either free or very low-cost classes for people with mental disabilities, wounded warriors, cancer support groups and various children's and adult groups. Everyone has a place at the centre.

There is a small fee of $20 per month for you to become a member of Charity Wings. This fee supports the programs and allows Charity Wings Art Center to keep running, so even if you aren't able to go there and use the space as often as you would like to, or if you live elsewhere, your contribution will still be making it possible for other, often less fortunate individuals to do so. If you are a member and you'd like to use the space, you can do it for only $5 per day. Listen in to find out more about Charity Wings and to find out how you can get involved.

Today, Elena talks to Karen about:

• Some of the special events which are done at Charity Wings Art Center.
• How it really supports and helps keep them going when prominent individuals show up at their events.
• Their once a year interactive collaboration with the Association for Creative Industries and various manufacturers and designers, which they did as a Facebook Live Event this year.
• The Crafty Flash Mob Video that they did a couple of years ago.
• The numerous opportunities for people to gather, give back and create, through Charity Wings, who give people the place to do voluntary work to help their organization.
• The High School Internship Programs that they offer.
• The need to fully commit, when doing voluntary work for any organization.
• Their Charity Wings Mini Hat Dye Cuts that they are selling to raise money for the organization.
• How Elena first got started with charity work.
• The vast amount of money that she has raised with Scrapbook Royalty for about eighty-two organizations, over the last eleven years.
• The huge blessing of moving from the scrapbooking world to Charity Wings.
• The vast number of different crafts that you can do at Charity Wings Art Centre.
• The different groups that are on offer at the Art Centre, including the new Open Mic Night.
• How to know if this type of charity work really is for you- Elena is willing to have you shadow her for a day if you'd like to find out.
• Her goal to expand her organization.
• That NOBODY is turned away from the Art Center- it's a very lively place!
• What creativity really means to Elena.
• Creativity as a healing tool for Elena.
• That you can become a HEART Supporter for Charity Wings for only $10 per month.

Links:

Charity Wings Website: www.charitywings.org – follow the link to 'shop' for the mini hats

Facebook: Charity Wings Art Center

Youtube: Charity Wings

Instagram: Charity Wings

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Creativity comes in many forms, and even though many choose a career that isn't particularly creative, you can find ways to leverage your creativity in that career. Other times, the creative soul isn't being fed and that mandates a change in career. That's exactly what happened to today's guest. Keiko Elizabeth went through a mid-career transformation and she's here to share her journey with us!

Keiko Elizabeth grew up having career aspirations to be a Doctor and eventually studied Biology. Later she became a middle school teacher and was able to change the lives of children. Then, later in life, Keiko did the unexpected and became an actress.

Listen as Keiko shares the following with Karen:

• How Keiko was introduced to the theater
• Why she ended up transitioning out of teaching to acting
• Hear the story of a student’s play that changed the course of her career
• Learn what it took for Keiko to acting
• It’s a tough road to landing acting gigs. Keiko shares how she landed her first ones.
• How acting really meets Keiko’s need for collaboration
• Learn some of the differences between doing theater productions and acting behind the camera.
• Keiko shares how she tries to keep her work life and home life balanced.
• Keiko’s son finally saw her on TV and it was an interesting experience.
• Ways creativity plays a role in every acting gig that Keiko undertakes.

Connect with Keiko:

www.keikoelizabeth.com

twitter.com/imkeiko

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Do you know how many people are out there, who are really talented, yet just don't realize it at all? The guest on today's show, Lynn Evans, used to be that way, until someone pointed it out to her. Listen in today to find out what happened and how that motivated her to really tap in to her creativity.

Lynn, who is a natural storyteller and a teacher, is an author, a podcaster, she's involved with television and she's a CPA. She's written a book called “Power of the Purse”, as well as having written columns for newspapers and blogs for many years. When she first began writing, she wrote a personal finance column for a regional business journal. With that, she realized that she had found a specific rhythm in the process of writing, which allowed her to express herself without having to put much mind to the task, until it was completed. Later, when she was asked to write a book, she found yet another, new level of creativity coming to the fore. Join Karen and Lynn today to find out more about Lynn's creative approach to life.

Today, Lynn talks to Karen about:

• How her book came about.
• How she ties being a CPA to her creativity.
• What got her hooked on writing her book.
• How she became someone who manages money, having grown up in a family which believed that women shouldn't be involved with finances.
• Her interview with an insurance company and what happened as a result.
• How she learned about personal finance.
• How she studied on her own at a college in Denver, Colorado, and passed the tests.
• How, with the help of her mother, she started her first financial business.
• How providing services is a great way in for sales.
• That she's the only company in North Eastern Pennsylvania that is what is called fee only.
• What it means to be fee only.
• Why she's out there on the fringes of the people offering financial planning.
• The type of presence she chooses to demonstrate, within financial planning, as a Media Brand.
• How she loves starting new businesses, even though she's sixty five years of age.
• How she kept her head in 2007, 2008 and 2009, when the market tanked and her company lost half of it's revenue.
• How she decides which opportunities are for her.
• How many women feel overwhelmed by personal finance.
• How she's perceived as an expert in her field, yet she feels like a ditz with her own finances.
• Why she thinks it a good idea for women to work with women, when it comes to financial planning.
• Why it makes sense to do your financial planning sooner, rather than later.
• Lynn's idea of money circles.

Links:

Lynn's websites: www.lynnsevans.com

and www.powerofthepursepodcast.com

Lynn's Podcast: The Power of the Purse Podcast

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Welcome to another episode of A Creative Approach Podcast! My special guest for today is Dr. Kathryn Ko. Kathryn grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and went to medical school at the University of Hawaii. She absolutely fell in love with the brain and central nervous system and wanted to pursue it. She moved to New York and did a residency and a neurosurgery. Kathryn got into art also and has combined her two loves by getting a degree in representational painting with a medical emphasis.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Where Kathryn's inspiration comes from
• Why Kathryn uses mostly acrylic paints
• Why there are so many great speakers in the medical field
• How and why you should pursue your passion now before it is too late to really pursue it
• What led Kathryn to purse art
• What is Kathryn's interest in music
• When Kathryn got into science
• How Kathryn's race and gender affected her as a young girl and an adult
• What Kathryn's approach is to creativity

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If you're inspired by wacky people who live multi- faceted, creative lives, listen in to today's show, as Karen interviews her guest, Tiffany Price and explores her creative approach, to the world of 'craft-lebrities' and acting.

Tiffany, who lives in the Los Angeles area, is a comedic actress turned girl boss, having recently started out as a business woman and owner of The Perky Nerd- a Comic Book Shop that sells cold brew coffee and hosts lots of events. Tiffany also pursues her career endeavors as an actress, writer, and producer of web series, like Craft Ladies and recently found herself in the role of new mom, to little Jack. Listen in to the show today, as Tiffany shares her creative approach to acting, business... and being a nerd.

Today, Tiffany talks to Karen about:

• Who she is and what she does.
• How she started out in her career.
• The ongoing animal theme in her life.
• How she almost opened a Cat Cafe.
• Her comic book shop, a place where people feel comfortable being nerdy.
• Her web series, “The Craft Ladies.”
• What 'a creative approach' means to Tiffany.
• Why she wouldn't want her son to be a child actor.
• How she sees herself as a perfect combination of crafts and comedy.
• Tiffany's approach to crafts.
• Where the concept for her shop came from.
• Tiffany's advice to people starting out with a career in the arts.
• How acting forces you to become open to rejection.
• The importance of staying mentally strong and grounded in the acting industry.
• Treating yourself as a business, in the acting world.
• How she almost opened a Chick-Fil-A outlet...
• How her business is a hub of creativity in Tiffany's life, feeding her soul and attracting the right people.
• How people's support really inspires and validates her.
• Her plans to start an online store and to formulate an outlet for women to create- writing blogs and to generally share their 'nerdery'.

Links:

Tiffany's website: www.theperkynerd.com

Tiffany on Twitter: @tiffanyaprice

Tiffany on Instagram: @tiffanyaprice

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Do people with passion inspire you? And do you enjoy learning from the creative ideas of interesting artists? If this is so for you, listen in to today's show and find out more about Ken Oliver and what he does. You will also enjoy hearing about the quaint historic, riverside town that he is truly fortunate to call his home.

Ken is an artist, marketer and a traveler from the picturesque town of Newburgh, in Indiana. He helps companies to develop craft products, which are then brought to the crafts and arts industry. Join Ken today, as he talks to Karen about his work and travels and also about his town, one of the oldest River Ports in the USA. Newburgh is recognized as an important historical site- the town was settled in 1803, even before Indiana became a state!

Today, Ken talks to Karen about:

• The products that he currently works with.

• Colorburst- what it is and the amazing effects you can create, using it.

• The fun he has, decorating the front of his 19th-century building with seasonal décor.

• The people he meets from all over the world- at his front door!

• Interesting historical facts about his town.

• The architecture of Newburgh, much of which predates the civil war.

• The river cruisers and replicas of 19th-century steamboats on the Ohio River.

• Calliope- the unique music of steamboats.

• The wonderful places he's worked and traveled in his career.

• His Hometown Papers line, inspired by the charm and architecture of Newburgh.

• The things that inspire him, creatively.

• Ken's advice to push you past limits you may think you have, artistically.

• What makes his cards unique and different?

• What you can gain from doodling.

• Ken's creative approach to his business... and cooking.

Links:

Ken on Facebook: Ken Oliver or Ken Oliver Crafts

Ken on Instagram: Ken Oliver Crafts (or Creative Team)

Ken's blog: Ken's World In Progress

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Are you looking to start a career in knitting design? Would you like to take a peek behind the curtain in the working life of an editor of a knitting magazine? Then join Karen Poirier-Brode on this week's episode of “A Creative Approach Podcast” as she explores the working world of dynamic and versatile Kara Gott Warner.

Kara, a native New Yorker, who grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey, is the editor of Creative Knitting magazine and the host of Power Purls Podcast. She started designing knitting patterns in 2002. After training as a technical illustrator, she worked for numerous craft book publishers, such as Random House, Lark Books, Sterling Publishing and F&W.

In 2008, she joined Annie's Publishing as a knitting book editor and then in 2010, she began with Creative Knitting Magazine and Annie's Knitting Publications. Her designs have been published widely in many magazines, including Creative Knitting, Vogue Knitting, Family Circle, Easy Knitting and Interweave. Listen to Kara talking passionately about her creative approach to her work. You won't want to miss this exciting episode about making creativity your career!

Join Karen and Kara as they discuss:

• How Kara started her career in the fashion world.
• How Kara made her own way, mostly making accessories, till she rediscovered knitting.
• How a sweet little yarn shop awakened her passion for knitting in the early '90's.
• How a mentor gave her the idea to make a career of knitting and designing.
• A ball of yarn can hold exciting possibilities!
• Her background in technical drawing and schematics came full circle and linked into her knitting career.
• The fantastic power of networking!
• How Kara became editor of Creative Knitting Magazine.
• How cultivating relationships is crucial to getting ahead!
• What the does editor of a knitting magazine do?
• The many months of preparation that go into producing her magazine.

Links:

Power Purls website: www.powerpurlspodcast.com

Kara's website: www.karagottwarner.com

Kara on Twitter: karaknits

Kara on instagram: karaknits

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Are you willing to be of service to others? Would you love to make a difference to the lives of less fortunate individuals, but aren't sure how? Let Dr. Padmini Murthy activate your conscience and inspire you, as she talks to Karen Poirier-Brode about her experiences while working with the poorest of the poor, on this week's episode of “A Creative Approach Podcast”.

Dr. Murthy (Mini) is a professor and the Global Health Director of New York Medical College. She has been practicing medicine and public health for the past 28 years in various countries, dealing with issues such as little, or no access to clean water or sanitary pads. She's an author, lecturer, and teacher, who serves as the Medical Woman's International Association's NGO representative to the United Nations. She has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Blackwell Medal, from the American Medical Women's Association. Listen to her talk passionately about her creative approach to world health, women's health and how we can all “do a little that can amount to a lot.”

Join Karen as she talks to Mini about:

• What motivated her to study medicine.
• How she discovered that it is possible to make a difference by making an effort and working as a team.
• How she introduced screening programs in Saudi Arabia.
• How she digressed from her medical path to go into advocacy and social justice.
• Mini's current projects in Malawi.
• How her projects promote safe motherhood from a grassroots level.
• The difficulties that many rural women face.
• Her practical advice to anyone looking to be of service.
• Little things we can do to have more money to donate to where it is really needed.
• How social media can be used to exchange ideas for service where it really matters.

Links:

Karen's website: www.acreativeapproachpodcast.com

Mini's email : minimurthy@gmail.com

Mini on Linkedin: Padmini Murthy

Mini's twitter handle: @minimurthy1234

Mini's Books: Women's Global Health and Human Rights (Published by Jones and

Bartlett Publishers) Available on Amazon

Mini's Musings (Poetry, published in 2012)

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Do creative people inspire you? Would you like to enhance your own creativity, or nourish it in your children? If so, let this week's dynamic and versatile guest on “A Creative Approach Podcast”, Erin Manning, encourage you to “color outside the lines” as she is interviewed by Karen Poirier-Brode.

Erin Manning is a warm-hearted, enthusiastic and talented photographer, author, teacher and media personality, acknowledged for her friendly and clear style of teaching. She is best known as the host of the award-winning TV series “The Whole Picture”. Her methods encourage students to be bold and true to their innate nature. Let her innovative and entrepreneurial approach urge you towards living a more fulfilling and creative life as you “let your inner voice come out”.

Listen to Erin talk to Karen about:

• How she became a trend setter while still in grade school.
• Her love of clothes and fashion, which prompted her to seek creative ways to make money.
• Her numerous bold and creative, youthful enterprises.
• Her “Twenty-year college plan” to obtain her B.A. and why it worked for her to get her degree at the age of forty-one.
• What shaped her attitude as a teacher.
• How her passion for photography began at the age of seven.
• How taking candid shots inspired her to write a book.
• Her modeling career and how it helped her to become a better, more empathetic photographer.
• The fun places that Erin teaches.
• How she began teaching photography while traveling.
• How her upbringing helped her creative development.
• How she juggles many activities at the same time, all with the theme of being creative and creating imagery.

Links:

Erin's website: www.erinmanning.com

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Are you looking for new and exciting ways to add depth to your scrapbooking projects? Would you love to learn more about the art of digital scrapbooking? If so, join Karen Poirier-Brode this week, on A Creative Approach Podcast, as she interviews Cheryl Ashcraft, designer of digital scrapbook kits and templates, as they talk about Cheryl's creative approach to digital scrapbooking.

Cheryl, a hometown girl from Florida, creates richly layered, intricately designed digital scrapbook templates, to help scrapbookers tell their story without the fuss or mess. When she's not busy creating fabulous new template designs, Cheryl loves taking family photos, decorating her house, doing detailed pen and ink drawings and lately, dabbling with watercolors and mixed media. She is also an avid reader and an occasional cross stitcher. Let her explain how you can use digital kits and templates to become more creative with your scrapbooking.

Today, Cheryl talks to Karen about:

• Her creative influences while growing up.
• How she started out scrapbooking and how it developed with the use of digital media.
• How she converts her drawings to digital.
• The advantages of digital scrapbooking as compared to paper.
• How she used old files and layouts to create a slideshow in very little time.
• A good reason to save old PSD files.
• How she stared designing digital templates and her approach.
• Themed templates as compared to non-themed ones.
• How to add authenticity to a digital scrapbook page.
• How to add depth to your scrapbook design, using digital tools and templates.
• How to do art journaling, using a traditional digital scrapbook kit.
• How to create 'hybrid' projects, using her digital templates.
• Her advice for anyone wanting to pursue digital template or kit design as a career.
• Her advice to anybody wishing to become more creative.

Links:

Karen's website: www.acreativeapproachpodcast.com

Cheryl's website: www.fiddle-dee-deedesigns.com

Cheryl on Youtube: Watch Cheryl Scrap

Cheryl on Facebook: Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs

Cheryl on Twitter: @fiddledeedeedzn

Cheryl on Instagram: Fiddledeedeedesigns

Cheryl on Pinterest: Fiddle-Dee-Dee

Cheryl recommends: www.thedigichick.com

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Would you love to be a creative person, but think that only certain people are born that way? Do you have a desire to express something creatively, yet feel that you're not talented enough to do it? If so, break through your limiting ideas and become inspired by this week's guest on “A Creative Approach Podcast”, Charr Crail, as she is interviewed by Karen Poirier-Brode.

Charr Crail is a photographer, artist, photojournalist, and teacher who has won countless awards. During her formative years, she often accompanied her Dad, a newspaper-man and photographer, on his assignments. This showed her some crazy things in life and gave her a sense of the journalistic point of view. She is wildly enthusiastic about creativity and teaches people about finding their passion and following it, using various apps and media. Listen in as she encourages us all to discover the creativity that “we all have within us”.

Listen to Karen's interview with Charr as they discuss:

• How an inner revelation, spontaneously expressed, ended up forming her career.
• The “out of the box” first job that shaped her and taught her to 'experience' people around photography.
• How she followed her instincts and got to where she is today.
• How being open to possibilities and saying “yes” can unleash creativity.
• How she views Photoshop as a having tremendous graphic design possibilities.
• That passion feeds creativity.
• The unexpected ways that she came about doing what she really loves.
• How an iPhone inspires her to teach people to do digital imaging with their photos as a canvas.

Links:

Karens website

www.acreativeapproachpodcast.com

Charr's website

charrcrail.org (The “Learn” section has a list of workshops and tutorials.)

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Karen began her life in the Canadian prairies followed by several years of studying medicine in Montreal. Marriage, family, and career brought her to California where “Snow is optional. You can drive to it.” With a large extended, blended family and a love of travel, Karen’s hobby of scrapbooking has endless resources. An enthusiastic world traveler, she still has the continents of South America and Antartica to cross off her list. Karen loves meeting her network of online friends on her journeys. Karen came to podcasting through scrapbooking and has been a co-host on "The Digiscrap Geek Podcast" (now on hiatus) and a guest on many other shows including a recent episode of “Shift Your Story” with Beca Lewis.
Karen remains a licensed physician in California, though currently retired. Karen has wide ranging interests including podcasting, blogging, medicine, and scrapbooking. She is a self-admitted genealogy nut, and life-long learner of art, history, science, business and anthropology with a passion for a sustainable world. She is an artist and a student and is fascinated by people's stories of creating who they are and what they do. She is delighted to share her conversations on “A Creative Approach Podcast.”