Creativity Insights Podcast: Recent Episodes

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This podcast explores basic concepts of creativity across the disciplines.

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In this podcast episode, Paul and Luce discuss the creative potential within Economics and Religion. There exists a stereotype that economics operates within rigid frameworks, primarily centered on supply and demand. However, economics encompasses a broad spectrum of applications, including historical, behavioral, and environmental perspectives. While models serve to simplify our assumptions, it remains crucial to grasp underlying theories and apply them across various contexts, both at the micro and macro levels.

Luce delves into the intricate realm of religions, challenging the oversimplified notion that they are bound solely by rules. Contrary to mere adherence to holy texts (religiosity), religions offer rich interdisciplinary and philosophical insights. Engaging with religious concepts challenges one's perspectives, prompting deeper reflection and understanding.

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Paul and Luce delve into the topic of writing, addressing common fears and strategies for overcoming them. Many people feel intimidated by the prospect of writing. Whether it’s an academic essay, a creative piece, or even an email, putting thoughts into words can be daunting. Writers often find themselves staring at a blank page, unable to begin or continue their work. One prevalent misconception is that creativity is an innate talent—you’re either born a creative writer or not. However, creativity can be cultivated through practice and learning. Luce and Paul emphasize that creativity isn’t solely about being a “creative person.” Instead, it’s about the actions and processes involved in creating something new. Rather than labeling individuals as inherently creative, we should recognize creativity as a skill that can be developed. The image of the “tortured artist” is familiar—a creative soul who suffers emotionally during the creative process. While this stereotype persists, it’s essential to recognize that emotional struggles are not a prerequisite for creativity. Writing can be fulfilling and joyful.

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In this podcast episode, Anna and Emma talk about creativity in Accounting and Biology. Emma dispels the myth that Biology is purely fact-based. Creativity thrives in the lab setting. Biologists tackle real-world problems by designing experiments, formulating hypotheses, and seeking answers. The less-traveled paths often lead to breakthroughs. Anna found her creative spark in Accounting. Accountants are not spreadsheet-bound robots; they’re puzzle solvers. Every financial statement tells a story—a narrative woven from data. Can creativity exist in accounting? Absolutely! Accountants adapt, think on their feet, and navigate dynamic scenarios. Recruiters from accounting firms seek storytellers—professionals who turn numbers into compelling narratives. Remember, creativity knows no boundaries—it thrives in spreadsheets and petri dishes alike!

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In their podcast episode, Allie and Noosh discuss fascinating aspects of creativity within their respective majors and minors. Noosh, a Communication Studies major, emphasizes the importance of understanding the “who, what, why, and how” in this field. By asking these fundamental questions, one can navigate communication challenges more smoothly. Noosh also advocates for active listening and learning from others as essential tools for success in Communication Studies. Improved communication skills enhance everyday interactions, allowing individuals to express their creativity more effectively.

Meanwhile, Allie explores creativity from a psychological perspective. Psychology, she explains, is not limited to studying individual behavior—it’s an interdisciplinary field that intersects with communication. Areas like human resources, youth justice, and criminology benefit from creative approaches rooted in psychology. Allie encourages listeners not to shy away from asking questions during their interactions. Curiosity, she asserts, strengthens interpersonal connections and opens up new avenues for creativity in research and practice.

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In their lively podcast episode recorded at Rose Library, Allie and Noosh explore creativity, mental illness, and child development. Noosh sheds light on how mental health can profoundly impact creativity. She specifically highlights Vincent van Gogh’s experience: despite his struggles with mental illness and time spent in an asylum, he found solace in painting, ultimately creating masterpieces like “Starry Night.” Interestingly, there may even be a connection between his mental state and the use of absinthe in his art. Switching gears, Allie discusses the creativity crisis observed in children. Our evolving societal norms and ideals have influenced creativity. Children today face more pressure at an early age, with less emphasis on playtime—especially outdoor play. Additionally, the advent of digital technologies has transformed the way children engage in play and express their creativity in the 21st century.

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In their enlightening podcast, Anna and Emma engage in a thought-provoking discussion about perfectionism and creativity across different generations. Emma, drawing from her class presentation on generational perspectives, explores how the environments we grow up in influence our insights, perspectives, and growth mindsets related to creativity. She shares intriguing survey results from family and friends spanning ages 11 to 82. Anna, on the other hand, shares her thoughts on creativity and perfectionism. While many of us mistakenly equate high-achieving tendencies with perfectionism, there’s a crucial distinction. High achievers are often fueled by curiosity, seeking to learn and explore. In contrast, perfectionists fixate on avoiding mistakes and attaining flawless outcomes. However, there exists a fine line between the two, and with conscious effort, perfectionism can be harnessed to fuel creativity.

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In this captivating podcast, Katherine sheds light on how boredom can actually be a catalyst for creativity. Our brains, when stuck in a seemingly mundane moment, may be primed for imaginative breakthroughs. The insular cortex, responsible for self-awareness and emotional processing, plays a role here. When that internal signal goes off, suggesting we should be doing something more important, it can lead to unexpected ideas. Boredom becomes a fertile ground for exploration. In our digital age, constant stimuli vie for our attention, offering quick dopamine hits. However, Katherine advocates for a different approach: rather than swiping away boredom, we should embrace it. By disconnecting from technology, we create space for creative thinking.

Hannah shares her expertise to emphasize the importance of distraction-free spaces for leaders. Leadership isn’t about being the sole source of ideas; it’s about fostering creativity within the team. Many of the foremost leadership experts encourage reflection as a powerful tool. Writing down thoughts and experiences helps leaders learn from the past and generate fresh insights. Creativity, Hannah asserts, is a hallmark of effective leadership. By cultivating habits of creativity, leaders not only improve their own skills but also inspire innovative thinking throughout their organizations.

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In this podcast interview, Alexa talks about the fascinating realm of mathematical creativity. Unlike a neatly prescribed algorithm, creative mathematical thinking defies a single definition. It’s the art of approaching math problems in novel ways, emphasizing exploration over rote solutions. Mary Laycock, a passionate mathematical educator, highlights essential components such as analysis, problem perception, and selection. These elements can empower mathematical creativity. Early math education often focuses on formulaic techniques. However, creativity blossoms when we move beyond rigid patterns. In college and beyond, mathematical creativity thrives. It’s not just about logical sense; it’s about optimizing outcomes while finding unique approaches to each problem. So why does math work the way it does? Perhaps creativity holds the key to unraveling some of its mysteries.

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In this episode, Emme interviews the Communications Director at the United States Department of the Interior about her role in Environmental Politics. Discover how this role translates complex environmental policies into digestible content for the public, engaging with social media and press conferences to involve the younger generation in vital discussions. Learn about the fearless approach required to navigate this field, where innovative solutions are crafted from existing frameworks, and mistakes are embraced as part of the creative process.

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(Part 2/2) Dive into the multifaceted exploration of creativity in this podcast episode, where Morgan unpacks its various dimensions and influences. She interviews Mason, a sixth-grader with a unique perspective shaped by his challenges with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC), and his aunt Coco, a philosophy and classics enthusiast, who grapples with self-doubt and struggles to transform thoughts into creativity. Explore the journey of embracing authenticity and continuous creation, even amidst feelings of disorganization and feeling overwhelmed.

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(Part 1/2) Dive into the multifaceted exploration of creativity in this podcast episode, where Morgan unpacks its various dimensions and influences. She interviews Mason, a sixth-grader with a unique perspective shaped by his challenges with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC), and his aunt Coco, a philosophy and classics enthusiast, who grapples with self-doubt and struggles to transform thoughts into creativity. Explore the journey of embracing authenticity and continuous creation, even amidst feelings of disorganization and feeling overwhelmed.

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Parker dives into the nuances of early adulthood cognitive development, where individuals navigate equipping skills acquired during adolescence and face increased expectations. Learn about the concept of neurodiversity, its evolution since the 1990s, and its relevance in understanding and accommodating diverse mental wiring, including conditions like ADHD and autism, particularly crucial in the academic realm highlighted by the pandemic.

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In this episode of Creativity Insights, Ashley shares her insights on how to be creative in the field of accounting. Despite its reputation for being a rigid and rule-bound profession, Ashley argues that there are still ways to be creative in accounting without crossing ethical boundaries. One way is to approach accounting problems with good habits. She also emphasizes the importance of hard work and practice in becoming more efficient and effective in accounting. Whether you're working in tax, audit, or other accounting specialties, creativity can help you find and achieve success in your career.

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In this episode of Creativity Insights, Ashley and Alexa delve into the topic of productivity in creativity. Ashley shares her approach to productivity, which involves detailed planning and the satisfaction of crossing tasks off her to-do list. She also discusses the challenges of smart phone use and how it can waste a lot of time. The duo highlights the importance of finding the right productivity strategy that works for each individual and how it can lead to increased creativity and fulfillment.

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In this episode of Creativity Insights, James and Gavin explore the topic of creativity in computer science. James explains how computer science is more than just coding and how it can be a tool for creativity in other subject areas. James also delves into the exciting field of generative AI, which is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in terms of computer-generated art and music. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of this emerging field, and how it's transforming the way we think about creativity in the digital age.

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Welcome to the Creativity Insights podcast, where Jack discusses how to be creative in business. In this episode, Jack explores the world of startups, finance, marketing, and the challenges of AI.

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In this podcast, sophomore Emma Noël Saville discusses her studies into the differences of appreciation and appropriation. It is important to understand the difference between appreciation and appropriation, as appropriation can perpetuate harmful power imbalances and erase the experiences and contributions of marginalized groups. By showing appreciation for cultural practices without appropriating them, we can foster greater understanding and respect for diverse cultures.

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In this Creativity Insights podcast, Emilia and Zach dive into the topics of genius and Pixar. Zach shares his insights on the components of creative genius, including eminence and IQ, and how it impacts creativity. They discuss how Pixar has become a leading animation studio by investing in people and fostering creativity through interdisciplinary collaboration. Both Zach and Emilia agree that grit, motivation, and openness to new experiences are critical traits for success in creative endeavors. Tune in to learn more about the intersection of genius and creativity and how Pixar has become a creative powerhouse.

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In this episode of Creativity Insights, Amelia and Alli explore the connections between comedy and synesthesia. Amelia discusses the evolution of comedy over time and the unique brand of humor popularized by the Tik Tok generation. Alli explains how the stimulation of one sense can trigger a response in another sense among synesthetes. They agree that both comedy and synesthesia involve seeing the world in a unique way, and that creativity is at the heart of both.

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In this podcast, Noah and Rafa explore the relationship between creativity and sports, play, and exercise. Guest expert Noah discusses how athletes can be creative in their approach to various sports, such as baseball, basketball, and soccer, and how different exercises and workouts can be approached creatively. He also touches on the idea of play and how it can enhance creativity and overall performance in sports and exercise. The importance of incorporating fun and enjoyment into physical activity is also explored, with examples such as Zumba and weightlifting exercises.

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In this podcast episode, Lauren and Julia discuss two unique topics related to creativity. Julia dives into the impact of dreams on creativity, explaining the different stages of sleep and how people with higher dream recall frequency can utilize their dreams to boost their creativity in daily life. Lauren shares her expertise in creative writing, discussing the benefits of journaling and free writing. She also reveals the surprising positive correlation between introducing cursive writing and creativity, highlighting the beauty of handwritten letters and its effect on creative thinking.

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In this podcast, Aliya and Tovah explore the connections between creativity, positive psychology, and orthopedics. They delve into the concept of flow, as developed by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and how it relates to personal fulfillment and team performance. They also discuss the importance of creativity in the field of medicine, particularly in orthopedics, where every patient is unique and requires a tailored approach, and how hobbies like woodcarving can be connected to creativity in orthopedics.

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In this podcast episode, Lauren, a media arts and design major, and Lily, a graphic design major, both softball players, discuss what it means to be creative in their fields. Lauren emphasizes the importance of collaboration in unleashing creativity, while Lily talks about how graphic designers bring their ideas to life. The conversation highlights how majoring in media arts and design or graphic design can lead to new levels of creativity.

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In this podcast, Savannah and Katie dive into two fascinating topics related to creativity. Savannah examines the role of competition in sparking creativity and driving innovation, while Katie discusses how people with ADHD can channel their unique thought processes or hyperfocus to boost creativity and productivity. They explore real-life examples and strategies for cultivating and unlocking creativity in both of these contexts.

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Join Amelia, a media arts and design major, as she interviews her fellow students on the topic of creativity in the field. Listen as they discuss the trait of higher social awareness and how media arts and design majors channel their creativity. Discover how storytelling and collaboration are at the core of all the concentrations within the field, and learn how these values intersect with communications and writing. Whether you're a student in the field or just interested in media arts and design, this podcast is sure to inspire your own creativity.

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In this podcast episode, Oom interviews Harley on the topics of economics, finance, and sales. Harley emphasizes the importance of understanding how markets work and the role of creativity in building relationships with clients, coworkers, and customers. They discuss how going above and beyond is a crucial aspect of successful sales and how learning from others and developing relationships is a skill that can be learned and improved upon.

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In this podcast episode, Oom and Emme delve into different aspects of creativity. Oom talks about how being bilingual can enhance one's creativity by increasing awareness of culture and social norms. Meanwhile, Emme discusses the relationship between boredom and creativity, exploring how boredom can be both a source of creativity and a hindrance to productivity.

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In this podcast, Alli and Mackenzie delve into the world of media arts and design, one of the most creative majors. They explore the various concentrations within the field, including digital video and cinema, interactive design, creative advertising, and journalism, each with its own unique creative approach. They discuss the benefits of learning across concentrations and encourage listeners to consider the diverse range of possibilities within media arts and design.

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Join Savannah as she interviews Katie on this fascinating podcast about creativity in the field of speech language pathology. Katie explains the difference between speech language pathology and audiology, and how they overlap, with speech language pathology involving hands-on work with lesson plans, interpersonal skills, and client comfort, while audiology is more technical. Katie also delves into how creativity is a vital component in speech language pathology, as it involves finding unique ways to help clients overcome their communication challenges. Whether you are a student in this field or simply interested in how creativity can be applied in healthcare, this podcast is a must-listen.

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Join Savannah and Katie in this enlightening podcast as they explore the intersection of creativity, organizational management, and leadership. They discuss how being creative and unconventional can make work more enjoyable for everyone, and the challenges of motivating people to collaborate and achieve shared goals. They also delve into the innovation battle between Microsoft and Apple, and the importance of efficiency, adaptability, and innovation in visionary companies. Whether you are a manager or simply interested in organizational creativity, this podcast provides valuable insights on how to foster a more creative and collaborative workplace.

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Join James and Jack as they explore two fascinating topics: musical creativity and creative improvisation. Jack shares his insights on improvisation, discussing how it is a natural part of everyday life and how it can be applied in various contexts, including theater and sports. James delves into the world of musical creativity, discussing how it can be expressed both digitally and on stage, particularly in jazz. Together, the speakers address the question of whether improv and musical creativity can be learned, offering valuable insights and tips for listeners.

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Join Jon and Julia in this engaging podcast as they explore the topic of creativity in mathematics. From defining mathematical creativity to discussing the importance of formulating new questions and taking risks in proof writing, the speakers offer a deep dive into the various aspects of creativity in this field. They also highlight the importance of creative teaching methodologies that encourage convergent and divergent thinking and explore the uncomfortable ways in which problems can be solved creatively. Whether you are a student or a professional mathematician, this podcast offers valuable insights into the role of creativity in mathematics and how it can be cultivated.

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Join Hailey and Rafa in this captivating podcast as they explore the topic of creativity in interactive design. From colors and fonts to hyperlinks and algorithms, the speakers discuss the various ways in which creativity can be expressed in this field. The podcast emphasizes that interactive designers are first and foremost storytellers who aim to create engaging experiences for users. Whether you are an aspiring designer or simply interested in the topic, this podcast offers valuable insights into the world of interactive design and the role of creativity within it.

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Join Rafa and Hailey in this exciting podcast as they explore the topic of creativity in computer science. From problem solving code to product design, they discuss the various ways in which creativity plays a crucial role in this field. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, this podcast provides valuable insights into how to become more creative in computer science. As the speakers suggest, the best way to do it is to just start!

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Join Zach and Annalise in this insightful podcast as they explore the fascinating topic of creativity in psychology. From designing research experiments to interacting with clients in therapy, the speakers highlight the importance of creativity in various aspects of psychology. Drawing on their own experiences, they discuss the best ways to foster creativity in this field, including asking questions and keeping an open mind. Whether you are a psychology professional or simply interested in the subject, this podcast offers valuable insights into the role of creativity in psychology.

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Join Noah and Rafa in this fascinating podcast as they explore the topic of algorithmic creativity. Using examples such as Google DeepDream, the speakers delve into the implications of generative AI and its impact on our society. They also examine the issue of algorithmic bias and the importance of human oversight in the decision-making process. With their in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and creativity.

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Three Independent Scholars majors -- Connor Kreitzman, Deaquan Nichols, and Morgan Rhudy -- discuss their individual projects. Connor Kreitzman talks about his performance on the theme of beauty norms, gender norms, and struggles that people have with their bodies. Deaquan Nichols examines the neurobiology of trauma and how it affects everyday life in Roanoke, Virginia-area school districts. Morgan Rhudy explores wellness, community well-being, and the quotidian. Together they discuss connections between their projects and evaluate their relationship to the concepts of storytelling and norms.

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Rainbows and laws and Target, oh my! Liliya and Caitlin sit down and break down what it means to be deviant and why deviance might occur, the ever-changing social norms in our society, and how the public reacts to changes to those norms.

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In this episode of the podcast, James Madison University junior Jadyn Silverberg talks about the award-winning a capella group The BluesTones. Silverberg is the group's next president. As the incoming president of the group, Silverberg discusses her background in singing, the challenges and rewards of managing talented singers, and the group's exciting plans to celebrate its upcoming 25th anniversary. Listeners can sample their new album “Tears Dry” on Spotify.

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Murder as entertainment can cause psychological distress and be ethically questionable. In this episode of the podcast, Sarah McCormick discusses the controversies surrounding the Netflix anthology series Dahmer and other true crime dramas. Is the true crime genre exploitative of victims? Are we carelessly glorifying murderers? Does it raise awareness of crime and personal safety for women, and is this awareness beneficial?

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Should child prodigies be formally cultivated or managed? Connor Kreitzman asks whether helping children become prodigies is helpful or harmful. He concludes that the anti-developmental methods imposed on child prodigies prevents children from developing internal validation and happiness.

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In this episode of the Creativity Insights podcast, Morgan Rhudy introduces two special guests (her sisters!) to a conversation about the ongoing relevancy of the Miss America organization. Miss America is now more than one hundred years old, and it continues to evolve. Listen in as the Rhudy sisters discuss Miss America's contemporary mission of female empowerment and professional development.

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Art Therapy helps young people expand their thinking and creativity. In this episode, Katie Dealey talks about art therapy as an alternative hands-on approach to cognitive behavioral therapy for young people in juvenile detention. Dealey explains how art therapy is a good outlet for those who feel trapped, rarely experience beauty, or feel negatively judged by others.

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Tim and Ethan talk about polarization in social media. Tech companies are using big data to divide people in order to fuel usage statistics, which are crucial to these company's advertising incomes. Social media platforms are altering the natural incentives of people, and particularly children. How do we appropriately regulate free speech platforms while nurturing democracy? 

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What do the stories of a toy cowboy and American colonists have in common? In this episode of the Creativity Insights Podcast, Rilie and Joaquin examine the similarities found within the tactics of Pixar animators and historical educators - which in many ways are more alike than not! Pushing the boundaries of comfort is key for success in these two creative careers.

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Does the business management style of more freedom and less bureaucracy allow all students to flourish? In this episode of the Creativity Insights Podcast, Joaquin and Rilie discuss the direct correlation between management styles and educational fulfillment, specifically with gifted and talented students.

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Tovah and Casey talk about Neuroaesthetics and Creativity in Geographic Science. Neuroaesthetics is an important field that is focused on the cognitive functions that promote and nurture beauty and cleverness. Geography is a very broad field; the word "geographia" (Gk. γεωγραφία) literally means "writing about the earth." Geography crosses the borders of many different fields, including the humanities and STEM fields.

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MacKenzie and Carl discuss creativity in Finance and Writing and Storytelling this week on the podcast. Carl shows how creative financial minds act with boldness and take some risks. They understand underlying monetary trends and how people interact with money in society. People who are creative in finance are often adept at systems thinking, foresight, and management. MacKenzie talks about how nonfiction and fiction writing require different sorts of creativity. There are endless stories to tell, which means that creative energies will not soon be exhausted in written forms of expression. But the challenge today involves the editing process and teamwork. Can large groups of people protect creative and original means of expression in the modern workplace?

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In this episode of the Creativity Insights podcast, Tovah and Aliya discuss the concept of "flow" and creativity in orthopedics. The concept of the flow state can be likened to being in the zone or experiencing a freely moving mental river. Flow, a staple of Positive Psychology, was originally explored by Hungarian-American Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Tovah explores the creativity concept of "team flow" in depth. Aliya is drawn to orthopedics because there are so many ways to be creative in the profession. A super-common injury can sometimes require a super-unusual treatment. Every single patient is different, and what works for one patient won't always work for all patients. Orthopedic surgeons are also often accomplished woodworkers, which may involve a closely related skill set.

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In this special episode of the podcast, Ethan and Timothy discuss the correlation between human genius and independence, and its cultivation in contemporary society. The creativity crisis, they suggest, has been amplified by too much standardization and not enough quiet moments. They compare notes on the importance of general education in college instruction, and how they led them to more independent, multidisciplinary thinking over time. The life and work of Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci are referenced as truly independent geniuses who benefitted from multidisciplinary pursuits.

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Abby and MacKenzie talk about the importance of storytelling in media arts & design and engineering. They also discuss the unique pressures of project timelines, processes, and lifecycles in filmmaking and engineering projects. Together they talk about struggles related to collaboration, teamwork, and rising up to the needs of project directors' visions.

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Abby and Lea talk about creativity in human-animal bonds and creativity in engineering in this episode of the Creativity Insights podcast. Abby and Lea share their perspectives on the importance of therapy animal training and programming robotic hamsters in inspiring their current professional aspirations.

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In this episode of the Creativity Insights podcast, Tina and Mackenzie discuss the creativity of child composers in the 18th century and how they mastered musical improvisation. They then turn their attention to creativity among nursing professionals. Tina explains how training for improv is creative activity of immediate ("in the moment") musical composition. It combines theory, training, and performance with intuition, communication of emotions, and instrumental technique as well as spontaneous responses of other musicians. Creativity in nursing involves meeting patients where they are at while nurturing their own passions and individual expertise. Mackenzie shares her observations on interviews with nursing professors. She discusses how nurses see patients as more than problems, and show compassion to those in need. 

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In this podcast, Kristina and Georgia talk about Creativity in Psychology and Poetry. Kristina discusses research on genetic factors that are associated with creativity. She suggests that one of the best ways to foster and encourage creativity in American life is to encourage focus and flow in the formative years. Imaginative and creative play is not childish. Indeed, sometimes a fixed curricula at school can be suffocating to a child's creativity. Adults too can teach themselves to be less rigid and logical in their thinking. Georgia explains how poetry is an inherently creative medium for expression. However, the creative limits of short-form poetry and spoken word is an interesting problem. Georgia explains how the rigidities and rules of poetry can serve as unique challenges to the poet.

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Carl and Erica talk about Multiple Intelligences and Communications Sciences and Disorders in this episode of the Creativity Insights podcast. Carl explains the model for multiple intelligences created by Howard Gardner in the 1980s. Multiple intelligences suggests that human intelligence is differentiated in several modalities, rather than one generalized intellectual ability. Most people possess multiple modalities and use them in their everyday lives. Erica defines Communications Sciences and Disorders as a major and profession. Thinking about the myriad possible ways to treat a disorder requires a great deal of creativity and problem-solving skill. Erica explains how creativity can increase the possibility space for treatment and rehabilitation activities.

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Grady and Paige interview one another on Creativity in Drawing and Creativity in Political Science. Is drawing a truly subjective experience? Is it something that some people are inherently "better" at than other people? Paige explains how drawing ability can rely on both talent and cultivation. The magic comes from working on your craft in a nurturing environment. Paige describes how she uses her bullet journal to doodle while listening in class and taking good notes. Grady discusses how partisan politics might be addressed through creative management and response. Partisan politics oftentimes is about groupthink and fierce defense of positions, rather than critical and creative thinking and problem-solving. We need to use our creativity to bring people together to solve the grand challenges of our time.

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Sophie and Georgia discuss creativity and drugs and creativity among musicians. Sophie explains how drug use and addiction is romanticized in our society. The drug use of Amy Winehouse and Steve Jobs are described, as well as how their experiences may have affected their creative output in the music industry and the computer industry respectively. Psychedelic retreats, increasingly popular in America, are also described. Georgia describes how great musicians "steal" in achieving their ambitions, and this can actually relieve pressure on artists, boost their creativity, and help them find their original voices. 

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In this podcast Paige and Kristina talk about the relationship between Mental Illness and Creativity and Creativity in Theatre. Kristina describes how mental illness can be a double-edged sword for creatives and celebrities who are bipolar, hallucinate, or experience psychoses. Paige talks about how technical experts such as set and prop designers make theatre more creative.

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It's Sports and Sociology Day on the Creativity Insights Podcast! Developing creativity to enhance human potential in sport is important. Terek and Lea explain how communication is especially crucial to tactical creativity and innovation in team ball sports. Nurturing inspirational leadership is a sometimes overlooked aspect of creative development among players.

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Grady and Tina discuss the Maker Movement, DIY, and Music Education on the Double Bass. The Maker Movement is contemporary trend that empowers people to be independent inventors, designers, and tinkerers. Grady describes it as a celebration of invention, curiosity, and hands-on learning that empowers producers, consumers, and other creators. Tina talks about the double bass, her life and mentors, and her particular creative musical path. 

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In this podcast episode Kristina and Paige join us to talk about research on the relationship between mental illness and creativity, and also some of the ways that theatre majors are especially creative. Some of the questions considered in this episode: A number of notable celebrities suffer from mental illness. Can mental illness contribute to celebrity talent and accomplishments? Does theatre make people creative? Or are creative people inexorably drawn to theatre because it ? Does creative storytelling contribute to novelty in theatrical writing, design, and performance? What are the rules of the theatrical arts and how are they mindfully broken?

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Casey and Aliya discuss lucid dreaming and anthropological research in the field of human creativity. Aliya explains that lucid dreams may not make a person more creative, but lucid dreamers tend to be creative people. Casey notes that anthropologists have studied the experience creativity in cultures across the world. Anthropologist Victor Turner's idea of liminality applies to cultural concepts of creativity. Liminality describes a transitional or threshold moment in a person's life; because it is transitional, the opportunity for creativity in these moments is heightened. 

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In this podcast episode, Terek describes how creative interpretation works in the field of history. He explains that collaboration is valuable in understanding and interpreting history, despite a long heritage of working individually. Erica talks about how creative problem-finding and problem-solving are important aspects of exploration in any academic field. Creativity often shows up, she argues, when a problem is approached in a different way. She shares an example related to testing clients in communications sciences and disorders. 

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In this Super Bowl episode of the Creativity Insights podcast, Sophie and Mackenzie discuss heightened creativity among synesthetes, and also examples of creative expression in biology and medicine. Syn- denotes together, and -esthesis means perception, so the full definition of the word suggests "human perceptions that are mushed together." Creative outlets for biologists and physicians often involve nature. Chemists are known to enjoy baking, cooking, and beer-making. Orthopedic surgeons gravitate towards hands-on building tasks.  

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Alex Dumouchelle speaks with Jacob Fujioka about the role of rules in inspiring musical creativity. Fujioka argues that limitation breeds creativity through cohesion. 

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Gabika Watson talks about Environmental Systems Theory. Environmental Systems Theory is a framework for understanding environmental problems as a fundamentally human problem. The theory also encompasses a wide variety of complex systems, including the driving forces behind environmental problems.

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Michael Agren talks about the music of Mississippi John Hurt. Hurt was one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. He inspired many legendary guitarists, including Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, and "Doc" Watson. 

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A musical interlude by Michael Agren.

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Paige and Saleem talk about creativity in law and government, and also the opposite of creativity -- boredom. What are the four basic types of boredom? Could there be something like "existential boredom"? Why are people bored with the law and governance? 

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Ally and Catherine discuss the history of creativity, and the life and work of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. What have researchers discovered about the factors that affect our creativity, and what have they learned about how to stretch our minds in productive, original, or useful ways? How have we thought about the idea of "creativity" over the ages?

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Emily and Maria talk about creativity in theatre, as well as the relationship between creativity and gender and sexuality. Theatre people commonly take risks and tend to be very open minded. It's all about self-disclosure and self-expression. Theatre meets the need to create. Can your gender or sexuality or individual agency affect the way you express yourself creatively? How so? What does that mean for theatre in America?

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Kelsey and Sarah speak this week about creativity in ethics and spirituality, and creativity in the field of forensic accounting. Can past trauma lead to creative activity? What about criminality? Is taking down the "bad guys" a sort of creative outlet? Forensic accounting deals a lot with ethical dilemmas. Is there a correlation between creative people and lying? Thinking from multiple perspectives is creative, but it can lead to poor decisionmaking and a skewed view of reality. 

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Saleem and Amy talk about creativity in accounting and creativity in children. How do children benefit from learning about money? Can children learn basic ideas of accounting at a very early age? Is knowledge of mathematics required? What are the misconceptions about accounting? Is it a creative enterprise?

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Sarah and Joe talk about creativity in engineering, as well as the general public's perceptions of what it means to be an engineer. What are the stereotypes of the engineer with respect to creativity, and are they accurate?

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Tess and Catherine talk about the possible links between drugs, writing, and creativity. What do we know about how famous authors used (and misused) drugs to be creative? Does it take creativity to write? What about the creative process in technical writing?

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Haley and Matthew discuss generational creativity and innovative ideas in the culinary arts. How do the four generations alive today think about their own forms of creative expression? What will the next generation think about their shared or collective creative spirit? Does generational creativity apply to innovations in the culinary arts? 

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Jazmin and Ally speak about creativity across cultures and creativity in international affairs. Intercultural communication is very difficult, and creative expression can help. Listen to Ally share stories of creative solutions in diplomatic and informal situations. Plus, can we rank the creativity of different cultures? Consider Jazmin's critique of the Global Creativity Index (GCI).

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Kelsey and Jazmin take a look at creativity and innovation, and specifically, at creativity in international business. Creativity plays a role in nearly every aspect of innovation, which involves improving everyday life. International business is more than innovating, however. It requires attention to culture, human desire, and motivation.

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In this episode, Haley and Katie talk about creative cities, dealing imaginatively with urban challenges, and political creativity.

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Successful businesses don't have to be hierarchical. Visionary spirit doesn't always come from the top. Listen to Jocelyn and Kristina explore creativity in groups, and explain how to overcome productivity loss.

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John and Michael discuss creativity in advertising and the fashion industry. What's the difference between advertising, marketing, graphic design, branding, and public relations? What do advertising and branding have to do with fashion? Is fashion about inspiring creativity? Or is it mostly about business?

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How should you manage creative people? What should you tell them when assigning tasks? How do you inspire them and help them discover new things? How do you manage people in a specific field? Emily and Tess answer these questions and talk about managing creative people in the hospitality industry.

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Kristina and Katie discuss the relationship between creativity, psychology, and mental illness. What is a tortured artist? Would they be as creative if they had not had a mental illness? Do we glamorize the connection between creativity and mental disorder? What is the effect of medical treatment on creativity? How is psychology the natural home of creativity? What do they say about the nature-culture debate over the source of creativity?

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Creativity testing can have unintended consequences, particularly for undeclared, undecided, and impressionable students. What do creativity tests have to offer? What is the purpose of logic games and riddles as measures of creative problem solving potential, or convergent thinking? How do we test divergent thinking? Listen to Nina and Paige discuss these questions today on the Creativity Insights podcast.

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Heather, Tess, and Amy talk about creativity in education from the perspective of teachers and students. How can you inspire a more open and creative environment in the classroom? How can you help students express themselves in ways that work best for them?

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Michael and Nina explain the neuroscience of creativity. How does neurocreativity play into the health sciences? What does this mean for creativity in the health professions, and in particular for nurses? Think about it.

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Amy and Matthew talk about creativity in the sciences. Does the notion of a "creativity crisis" apply to chemistry? Where do "new ideas" come from? How are they tested? Why does research in the sciences take so long? What are the misconceptions about creativity in science?

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Maria and Heather focus on English and literary creativity. Do writing workshops provide creative direction to aspiring authors? Or do they unduly prune out unique, new contributions?

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Johnny and Jocelyn talk about artistic and musical creativity. Is there a creativity crisis in music? How do rules of composition affect musical creativity? Does creativity thrive under constrictions and restraints? What about the obsessions of artists? Should and can they be contained by rules? How -- and to what extent -- does art and music reflect the stories and interpretations of art and music?