The Silent Creative: Recent Episodes
Darren Cooper
Welcome to The Silent Creative. A podcast by producer and composer, Darren Cooper, geared to help you turn down the noise so you can find your voice and create your art every day.
Each episode will consist of an encouraging thought or idea followed by a few minutes of music to help you reflect, pray, and find your oasis.
More of Darren's music can be found at darrencoopermusic.com. #createyourart #silentcreativepodcast
Please subscribe, rate and review.
Yesterday, as I was going to bed, I found myself scrolling through Instagram feeling like I accomplished absolutely nothing for the day. It wasn't a terrible day, it just didn't go as planned so obviously I tried to fill it by wasting time on social media. These are the kind of mind games we play don't we? When it feels like we haven't done enough we will do anything to distract ourselves or numb out... or is that just me? After realizing I was distracted, I stopped for a minute and did 3 things that changed my perspective and my day. I think they will help you too.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
We all find our identity in something, don't we? But what happens when all of the sudden what defines us is gone? In the past few weeks, as COVID-19 takes its toll on the US many of us are waking up to new ways of living. Teachers can't get into their classrooms. Restaurants are closed. And artists everywhere are forced to play bedroom concerts to keep their chops up and audience engaged. What are we supposed to do when our identity, that thing that defines us, is stripped away? Well that's what we are going to talk about this week on The Silent Creative Podcast.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
I was telling someone this week that the last time I was truly bored had to be back when I was ten years old. That all changed this week after spending a few days social distancing ourselves from our friends and family. Yesterday I found myself aimlessly walking around the house just looking for something to pass the time. The boredom was killing me! In a strike of genius I asked my daughter if should would like to write a song with me. She agreed (because she was bored too) and we had a blast writing a song and documenting it. As I thought about it I realized that being board was the catalyst to new doors of opportunity. That's what this week's episode is all about. I hope you enjoy!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
What a time to be alive, right? We are experiencing something that we have never seen or had to deal with before. It changes day to day and the unknown is causing a lot of fear and anxiety. Even I had to take a few minutes yesterday and calm my thinking cause I found myself on the brink of a panic attack. It's crazy.
When I find myself in times of uncertainty that cause fear to set in I have to remind myself to stop and breath. I say it a lot on this podcast, but I'm going to double down on it this week. Let's take a few minutes to calm our thinking! You are an artist and your voice is needed in this world. Let's create some art in this crazy time!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
My new single, Finding Oasis is officially out so I decided to take a few minutes to share the heart and vision behind the song and why I finally decided to release it. As an artist it's sometimes hard to let it go of your work, but once you do it's able to turn into something bigger than you which is a beautiful thing. That's what I have found with Finding Oasis so far and I can't wait to share it with you.
You can stream it anywhere you listen to music. If you have Spotify click HERE!
You can also download my Finding Oasis, 5 minute jumpstart HERE!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
I've always loved talking to artists about their creative process. It's always inspiring to hear how others create. So here is part two of my interview with local Indianapolis musician, Austin Stirling. We discuss his creative process, what he does when he gets stuck, and his new record With The Wolves.
I hope you enjoy part two of the first ever interview style episode on The Silent Creative Podcast. I hope you are inspired like I was inspired.
Enjoy!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
I've always loved talking to artists about their creative process. It's always inspiring to hear how others creative. So this week I decided to sit down with local Indianapolis musician, Austin Stirling to talk about his upcoming record, With The Wolves. I loved getting to hear about his journey into music and how he has navigated some series loss in his life and still finds the courage to wake up and create everyday.
This is the first interview style episode I have done on The Silent Creative Podcast, but I hope it's not the last. I hope that you find inspiration and encouragement as you listen to part 1 of my interview with Austin Stirling.
Enjoy.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
This weekend was my birthday and I turned 36 years old. In typical fashion I was able to celebrate with my closest friends and family. As I driving home reflecting on the celebration I was overcome by the goodness of life. It's the little things isn't it? The friends across the table. The food you get to eat. Life has its ups and downs, but when we have a chance we need to stop and remember...the little things.
I hope this week's episode is an encouragement to you. Take a minute today and allow the small pleasures of life to hit you. It's worth it.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
We live in a very noisy world. It’s a truth you don’t often realize until you find yourself in a quiet place. Silence is almost deafening. It feels awkward and unnatural. But I’m beginning to learn that the art of silence is life changing. The thing is, it’s not always our fault. The culture we live in almost forces us to move at breakneck speed and looks down upon margin and being still. It’s hard to battle against, but I believe it’s important that we do.
It’s always in the times I slow down enough to quietly listen that I learn the most about myself and the world around me. It’s in those moments I allow God to speak instead of just rushing through my day, hoping he intervenes on my behalf.
Let's slow down today and learn the lost art of silence.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Do you ever have one of those days...weeks...even years where you just aren't feeling it? Maybe, like me, you stepped into 2020 with high hopes and big dreams ready to crush everyday, but then you wake up one day and something is missing. The spark that once drove your creative work seems to have been put out. What do you do when that happens? How do you handle it?
This week on The Silent Creative I wanted to talk about after starting the year off strong, I'm not feeling it so much right now. I also share a few ideas of what I'm trying to do to find the spark again. I hope it's a helpful conversation, but if all else fails take a few minutes to rest and breath with the music at the end.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
The other day I realized something about myself that I didn't care for very much. It was a subtle thing, but one I knew would really set me back if I didn't get it under control. A simple phrase that I kept hearing myself say over and over again. I would tell myself it was true, I would tell others so that I would believe it was true, but what I'm learning is that it is far from true.
To help me, and hopefully you, I decided to talk about it. To bring it out into the light and call it what it is. So here it is, the one phrase we must stop using in 2020! I hope it's an encouragement to you.
Enjoy!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine about an idea I had and he said something that struck me to the core. As we continued to talk I realized that I was silencing my own voice and it needed to stop. It's crazy how we are often blind to our own path in more ways than we would like to admit. During the conversation with my friend I realized I spend most of my time putting a frame work on my ideas, instead of working on bringing the idea to life.
This week I wanted to share this conversation, as well as talk about some ways that I am working to NOT silence my own voice. I hope it encourages you in your creative journey today. With that said, remember that you are an artist and your voice is needed in this world more than you know, and you are love more than you could ever imagine.
Now go #createyourart
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
A few years ago I decided to start choosing a word for the year. This was a simple way to tie my year together and stay focused each and every day. It's amazing to see how this little exercise has changed so much for me over the years. That is why I wanted to start season 2 off talking about my word for the year.
It's hard to believe that we are living in 2020, but believe it or not...here we go. As we move into this year, have you ever chosen a word to help guide you through the year? Was it powerful or pointless for you?
Happy New Year!!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
This week I found myself doing something that I thought I would never do again. At first I wasn't sure how I would feel considering it was a dream that died a long time ago, but I have to say it was a lot of fun. Have you ever had a dream die but then suddenly come back to life out of nowhere? That's exactly the experience I was having this week when I found myself leading worship again for the first time in over a decade.
It reminded me of a story in the gospels when Jesus brought a friend of his back to life. Someone who was obviously dead, but yet Jesus said otherwise. I'm finding myself coming back to life again and it's what I wanted to talk about in this week's episode of The Silent Creative.
Enjoy.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Growing up I always thought God would speak to me like how he spoke to people in the movies. The clouds would split and light would shine down from on high and James Earl Jones would start talking. Over the years I have learned that really isn't the way it works. He usually speaks when I take the time to stop, lean in and listen. And it unfortunately doesn't sound like James Earl Jones and more like myself.
This week I share about stepping back into leading worship and a "Selah" moment I had with a church community on Sunday. I have found time and time again that if I stop and listen, God can and will speak to me...and he is normally pretty encouraging and loving. So, will you join me in taking just a few moments and ask God what it is he is saying to you.
Stop, lean in and listen.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Growing up I loved building LEGO sets. My friends and I would spend hours making all kinds of crazy creations to play with. It was amazing! One time we spent days building a huge space ship which became the centerpiece for all of our adventures. Until one day, when I came home to find it broken into a thousand pieces. I was devastated and knew there was nothing I could do but rebuild it.
Life can be that way sometimes. Our dreams or vision for the future can be going so well, only to wake up and find them shattered into a thousand pieces. What do we do with that? How do we rebuild with all of these broken pieces? Well, that's what we talk about in this episode of The Silent Creative. It's not easy and it takes some work, but I honestly believe (because I've been there) that we can build something beautiful from the broken pieces of life.
Let's rebuild!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Have you ever felt like there is something that you need to do, but you are really scared to embrace it? Maybe it's fear or maybe it's you simply don't want to do it. Whatever your reason is I must admit that I can understand that tension completely. In fact, that's exactly what I'm talking about in this weeks episode where I share a little bit more from the heart about some real life that I'm processing right now. I hope it resonates with you...
The wrestle we all experience in life is such a funny thing. If we are honest, we hate the process but tend to love the outcome. I trust that as you listen to this episode you will be encourage as I share some of my observations on where I am in life right now.
So let me ask... Is this you?
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Recently I was the best man at one of my good buddies wedding. I loved being apart of every part of the celebration from the bachelor party to the best man speech. I danced until my feet her and my shirt was soaked through. It was an epic night and I loved every minute of it. The next day I couldn't help but ponder why celebrating at a wedding is so inspiring.
I can't help but leave a wedding or a party with friends feeling alive and loved. I believe it's really important to purposefully celebrate in life so that we can remember that being alive is good. That being human is good. No matter what you are facing today, learn to celebrate.
So like the old song says, let's "celebrate good times, come on!"
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Alright, so I have a confession to make and I can pretty much guarantee that you might not like it. Here it goes; I loved Game of Thrones, even season 8. I know, I know... Crazy, right? I might be the only one, but man spending the last few years watching this story unfold was an absolute joy for me. The character development, the storyline, even the random and heart wrecking character deaths were brilliant. All around a great show!
So in the wake of the season finally I wanted to share a few observations I have had about the making of the show and the response to the ending. As creatives, or as makers of anything, it's always hard to put your work out into the world. What if everyone hates it? Well, from what we can see from the response to the ending of Game of Thrones, you can pretty much guarantee that people will love and people will hate it...no matter what you do.
With that said, here are a few lessons I learned from the Iron Throne.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Inspiration is a funny thing isn't it? Often it's not the first thing we think about, but it quickly becomes the first thing we seek when we can't seem to find it. There are days that it feels like it's actually running away from us, leaving us defeated and unsure of what to do. I hate when inspiration plays hide and seek with me. Honestly, it kinda makes me angry.
As I was thinking about this I wanted to come up with a few ways to stay inspired. I had a few ideas and I tried to see if they would work for me, and they did. They aren't rocket science, but like I've already said, you don't think about inspiration until it's gone. So let's learn to stay inspired everyday.
What inspires you? How do you stay inspired?
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
You always know when summer is close by when you start hearing the birds sing in the early parts of the morning. I love when this happens. The choir joins in to tell us that winter is coming to a close and something special is on its way. That's how I've always felt when I hear birds singing in the morning.
Recently I came across a quote from one of my favorite authors, Jeff Goins, where he said, "Do you know why birds sing just before dawn? Scientist believe it's to tell their mates that they made it through the night, as a way of saying, I'm still here. Maybe that's why we sing, too, why we create art - as a way of saying "I made it. I'm still here.""
How amazing is that? I love that idea and that's why I wanted to bring it out on this week's episode. You are an artist and your voice is needed, if for no other reason then to let us all know that you made it, that you are still here.
Sing bird sing!!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
You know how sometimes you find inspiration or fresh perspective in the most random of places? Like you didn't see it coming and then all of the sudden it hit you out of nowhere leaving you speechless. Well, that's what we are talking about on this week's episode. Recently I was out with my daughter, Story and she said something that left me speechless. Now I know I'm her dad, but I think you will find inspiration in her words as well. She's pretty brilliant if you ask me, so check it out!!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Growing up I had the privilege of played high school basketball. I was tall and fairly coordinated, so I was able to get a lot of playing time. No matter if you are into sports or not you know that there are timeouts that can be called throughout the game. They are called for a myriad different reasons, but usually they are called because something isn't going right. Maybe the game plan that was trying to be executed wasn't work or perhaps we just needed to take a breath and get some water. No matter why it was called, it was always a good thing to do to help us refocus and get back in the game. Life can be that way too and sometimes we just need to call a timeout. That is what this week's episode is all about...calling a timeout.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
I can remember the day that my daughter Story was born. It was exciting, unreal, and terrifying all at the same time. There was a moment when everyone in the room looked at me and asked what her name was. It seemed so unimportant before, but there was a tangible power when I was able to finally push back the tears and introduce Story Cash Cooper to the world. We don't think about it very much, but there is power in naming something isn't there? Which makes me think about the names we give ourselves. If you are anything like me you spend a lot of time silently calling yourself something. Names like stupid, idiot, dumb, fat, worthless, etc. etc. These names have power and I think it's something we need to talk about. So let's switch it up and begin to call ourselves something more up lifting. What do you say?
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Growing up as a guitar player I always wanted to be the guy who stepped up and blew peoples minds with the most epic guitar solo they had ever heard. The only problem was that I didn't know how to get from where I was to where I wanted to be, so I ended up not really trying at all. Years later I had to learn some songs for a show I was playing and all of the sudden it clicked. Now, I won't say that I'm the most amazing soloist, but something about mimicking someone else unlocked something in me in a way I never knew was possible. So what would that look like if we stepped into life with that same mindset? How much more would we grow? How much more would we learn as we stepped into the art of mimicking others.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
There is a lot of good that you can find on Facebook, yes, a lot of bad too, but I don't want to talk about that today. I want to look at the positive of what Facebook can bring us. In this episode I talk about an inspirational quote I saw on the good old FB and how it really got me thinking about my life and how I view others. Sounds like a pretty good quote doesn't it? Not only is it profound it is also hilarious so hit play and lets dive in. As you listen I want you to remember that you are an artist, that your voice is needed in this world more than you know, and you are love more than you can imagine.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
If you have been around me for any length of time you have heard me say this; You are an artist and your voice is needed in this world more than you know, and you are loved more than you could ever imagine. That's what this weeks episode is all about, your voice. It's really easy for us to get down on ourselves and begin to believe the lie that we aren't important, that we don't have anything to offer the world, but that's just not true. Your voice matters. So let's dive into a time to sit, rest, and reflect on this truth today. You are an artist so create your art!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
A few years ago I heard about an idea where you choose a guiding word for the year. At first I thought it was a little weird, but I decided to put my skepticism aside and try it. All I'll say is that I am really glad I did it! This small idea has become a powerful tool that shapes my day, week, and year in ways I can't even begin to describe. If you haven't done something like this I highly recommend trying it. I think you will be pleasantly surprised that when you look back over your year you will see this one word change it all.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Growing up I always heard that we were created in the image of God. To me that meant God had arms and legs, fingers and toes...you know, that kinda thing. I've been thinking about this the past few months and in the process I kept coming around to the idea that God is a creative God and if we are created in his image that must mean we are creative people. Created to create. That is the observation I discuss in this weeks episode. My hope is that it helps you begin to see that you are in artist and that your voice is needed in this world and that you are loved more than you could ever image.
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
On this episode of The Silent Creative we are talking about meditation, or really my observations on meditation. I call it that because I am not a guru when it comes to this topic, but I have found some amazing benefits in practicing meditation. I start by sharing a quick story of a time when I became so worked up because I was put in charge of an event that I didn't feel prepared for that the next day my brain was mush. After spending a few minutes in meditation I found that I had a clear mind, my fear and anxiety calmed down, and I felt like I could connect spiritually in a way I hadn't felt in weeks. My ping pong mind as I call it had calmed down. It was amazing. So join me in taking a few minutes to rest, breath, meditate and remember that you are an artist and that your voice is needed in this world and that you are love more than you could ever imagine.
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Meditation Resources:
Meditation Oasis Podcast
Restore Renew Online Podcast
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Permission is a powerful thing. We often doing see it that way, but when you are giving permission to chase your dreams, build your life, or create your art it can be life changing. That's exactly what we are talking about this week on The Silent Creative Podcast. Going back to the time in my life when I was given permission to write music and bring out the lessons that I was able to learn from that experience. So, no matter what your dream is, you have permission today to change it down and bring it to life. Let's go!!!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
This episode is all about art, but not in the way that you traditionally think about art. I believe that we are all artists in our own way and we need to learn how to use our voices to bring life to this world. Today I tell a story about how I removed the art from my music and what that did to my soul. In all that we do we must keep the "art" in it. That's what we discuss in this episode of The Silent Creative Podcast! Enjoy!
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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com
Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1
Here we go! First ever episode of The Silent Creative Podcast with me, Darren Cooper. This week I go over why I started this podcast and what you can expect in the weeks to come. I talk about my core belief that we are all artists in our own way, which means we need to learn to find our voice and create our art. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this first episode. Be sure to subscribe, like, and share. ... Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1