The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien http://www.thesparkfile.com en-us © 2025 The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Your one stop shop for creative ideas and inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter HERE. Each week on The Spark File podcast, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien reach into their spark files and share stories, ideas and fascinations to ignite your imagination. Obsessed with creativity, Blackwell and Camien also talk with artists and makers, movers and shakers who have taken the spark of inspiration and fanned it into a flame. Hear from inspiring creatives like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sara Bareilles, Eric Stonestreet, Jonathan Groff, Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich, Zachary Quinto, Leslie Odom Jr, Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Billy Eichner, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Karen Olivo, Sutton Foster, Michael R. Jackson and many more about their passions and their failures, their inspirations and their aspirations. Refill your creative fish pond with new ideas and fresh perspectives. Listen, then take it and make it! Learn more at thesparkfile.com. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a59af828-2947-11f0-b95a-9759491b3c28/image/900b8996abe684e826d06e56e9dc1169.jpeg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien http://www.thesparkfile.com yes episodic Your one stop shop for creative ideas and inspiration. Each week on The Spark File podcast, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien reach into their spark files and share stories, ideas and fascinations to ignite your imagination. Learn more at thesparkfile.com. Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Your one stop shop for creative ideas and inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter HERE. Each week on The Spark File podcast, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien reach into their spark files and share stories, ideas and fascinations to ignite your imagination. Obsessed with creativity, Blackwell and Camien also talk with artists and makers, movers and shakers who have taken the spark of inspiration and fanned it into a flame. Hear from inspiring creatives like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sara Bareilles, Eric Stonestreet, Jonathan Groff, Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich, Zachary Quinto, Leslie Odom Jr, Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Billy Eichner, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Karen Olivo, Sutton Foster, Michael R. Jackson and many more about their passions and their failures, their inspirations and their aspirations. Refill your creative fish pond with new ideas and fresh perspectives. Listen, then take it and make it! Learn more at thesparkfile.com. Your one stop shop for creative ideas and inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter HERE. Each week on The Spark File podcast, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien reach into their spark files and share stories, ideas and fascinations to ignite your imagination. Obsessed with creativity, Blackwell and Camien also talk with artists and makers, movers and shakers who have taken the spark of inspiration and fanned it into a flame. Hear from inspiring creatives like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sara Bareilles, Eric Stonestreet, Jonathan Groff, Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich, Zachary Quinto, Leslie Odom Jr, Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Billy Eichner, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Karen Olivo, Sutton Foster, Michael R. Jackson and many more about their passions and their failures, their inspirations and their aspirations. Refill your creative fish pond with new ideas and fresh perspectives. Listen, then take it and make it! Learn more at thesparkfile.com.

]]> Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien podcastadmin@broadwaypodcastnetwork.com S7E20 - Good + Bad Teachers https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile What’s the difference between a teacher who changes your life… and one who almost shuts you down for good? On this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Susan brings a spark from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn — a story about a young writer learning the difference between truth and storytelling, and the teachers who shape (or try to silence) her voice. From a compassionate mentor who helps Francie harness her imagination, to a misguided teacher who literally tells her to burn her work, this episode explores the lasting impact of creative guidance — both good and bad. Along the way, Susan and Laura swap their own stories of teachers who saw their potential…  and those who didn’t. The result? A powerful reminder that you get to choose whose voice lives in your head — and who gets a firm “die, vampire, die.” If you’ve ever been encouraged, underestimated, or creatively crushed (and who hasn’t?), this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 Good + Bad Teachers full 7 20 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What’s the difference between a teacher who changes your life… and one who almost shuts you down for good? On this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Susan brings a spark from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn — a story about a young writer learning the difference between truth and storytelling, and the teachers who shape (or try to silence) her voice. From a compassionate mentor who helps Francie harness her imagination, to a misguided teacher who literally tells her to burn her work, this episode explores the lasting impact of creative guidance — both good and bad. Along the way, Susan and Laura swap their own stories of teachers who saw their potential…  and those who didn’t. The result? A powerful reminder that you get to choose whose voice lives in your head — and who gets a firm “die, vampire, die.” If you’ve ever been encouraged, underestimated, or creatively crushed (and who hasn’t?), this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What’s the difference between a teacher who changes your life… and one who almost shuts you down for good?

On this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Susan brings a spark from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn — a story about a young writer learning the difference between truth and storytelling, and the teachers who shape (or try to silence) her voice. From a compassionate mentor who helps Francie harness her imagination, to a misguided teacher who literally tells her to burn her work, this episode explores the lasting impact of creative guidance — both good and bad.

Along the way, Susan and Laura swap their own stories of teachers who saw their potential…  and those who didn’t. The result? A powerful reminder that you get to choose whose voice lives in your head — and who gets a firm “die, vampire, die.”

If you’ve ever been encouraged, underestimated, or creatively crushed (and who hasn’t?), this one’s for you.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2759 S7E19 - Feeling Jung https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile What if the parts of yourself you’ve been hiding from yourself… are actually the key to your creative breakthroughs? In this episode, Laura takes us into the world of Carl Jung—by way of a late-night deep dive into Jungian psychology (and yes, just the tip of the iceberg). Along the way, she breaks down the difference between Jung and Sigmund Freud in the most Spark File way imaginable, using everything from Freudian slips to shadow selves to… Channing Tatum. Together, we explore the collective unconscious, the persona, and the shadow self—including the often-overlooked golden shadow, where your hidden brilliance might be quietly waiting. But this isn’t just a psychology lesson. It’s an invitation. To look at what you’ve tucked away, to question the roles you’ve been playing, to integrate the parts of yourself that might just be the most alive. Because your creativity doesn’t come from the polished mask…it comes from the whole, complicated, deeply human YOU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 Feeling Jung full 7 19 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What if the parts of yourself you’ve been hiding from yourself… are actually the key to your creative breakthroughs? In this episode, Laura takes us into the world of Carl Jung—by way of a late-night deep dive into Jungian psychology (and yes, just the tip of the iceberg). Along the way, she breaks down the difference between Jung and Sigmund Freud in the most Spark File way imaginable, using everything from Freudian slips to shadow selves to… Channing Tatum. Together, we explore the collective unconscious, the persona, and the shadow self—including the often-overlooked golden shadow, where your hidden brilliance might be quietly waiting. But this isn’t just a psychology lesson. It’s an invitation. To look at what you’ve tucked away, to question the roles you’ve been playing, to integrate the parts of yourself that might just be the most alive. Because your creativity doesn’t come from the polished mask…it comes from the whole, complicated, deeply human YOU. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What if the parts of yourself you’ve been hiding from yourself… are actually the key to your creative breakthroughs?

In this episode, Laura takes us into the world of Carl Jung—by way of a late-night deep dive into Jungian psychology (and yes, just the tip of the iceberg). Along the way, she breaks down the difference between Jung and Sigmund Freud in the most Spark File way imaginable, using everything from Freudian slips to shadow selves to… Channing Tatum.

Together, we explore the collective unconscious, the persona, and the shadow self—including the often-overlooked golden shadow, where your hidden brilliance might be quietly waiting.

But this isn’t just a psychology lesson. It’s an invitation.

To look at what you’ve tucked away, to question the roles you’ve been playing, to integrate the parts of yourself that might just be the most alive.

Because your creativity doesn’t come from the polished mask…it comes from the whole, complicated, deeply human YOU.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2463 S7E18 - The Artist Date https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile What if the thing your creativity needs most… isn’t more effort—but more delight? In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, we’re diving into the deceptively simple, wildly powerful practice of The Artist Date — a concept from Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way that might just change your creative life. If you’ve been pouring energy into making, producing, solving, and showing up — but feeling a little… creatively dry? This one’s for you. We explore what happens when you shift from constant output to intentional input — when you step away from the grind and give your imagination something to feast on. From solo breakfasts and antique warehouses to wandering with no agenda and rediscovering boredom, we unpack how curiosity, novelty, and play can reignite your creative spark. Plus: Why your inner artist might be feeling a little neglected The surprising science behind stepping away from your work The “rules” of an Artist Date (and how to break them just enough) A powerful question: What would your creativity say about your relationship? Consider this your permission slip to go wander, wonder, and maybe—just maybe—poke a bug with a stick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 The Artist Date full 7 18 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What if the thing your creativity needs most… isn’t more effort—but more delight? In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, we’re diving into the deceptively simple, wildly powerful practice of The Artist Date — a concept from Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way that might just change your creative life. If you’ve been pouring energy into making, producing, solving, and showing up — but feeling a little… creatively dry? This one’s for you. We explore what happens when you shift from constant output to intentional input — when you step away from the grind and give your imagination something to feast on. From solo breakfasts and antique warehouses to wandering with no agenda and rediscovering boredom, we unpack how curiosity, novelty, and play can reignite your creative spark. Plus: Why your inner artist might be feeling a little neglected The surprising science behind stepping away from your work The “rules” of an Artist Date (and how to break them just enough) A powerful question: What would your creativity say about your relationship? Consider this your permission slip to go wander, wonder, and maybe—just maybe—poke a bug with a stick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What if the thing your creativity needs most… isn’t more effort—but more delight?

In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, we’re diving into the deceptively simple, wildly powerful practice of The Artist Date — a concept from Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way that might just change your creative life.

If you’ve been pouring energy into making, producing, solving, and showing up — but feeling a little… creatively dry? This one’s for you.

We explore what happens when you shift from constant output to intentional input — when you step away from the grind and give your imagination something to feast on. From solo breakfasts and antique warehouses to wandering with no agenda and rediscovering boredom, we unpack how curiosity, novelty, and play can reignite your creative spark.

Plus:

  • Why your inner artist might be feeling a little neglected

  • The surprising science behind stepping away from your work

  • The “rules” of an Artist Date (and how to break them just enough)

  • A powerful question: What would your creativity say about your relationship?

Consider this your permission slip to go wander, wonder, and maybe—just maybe—poke a bug with a stick.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2221 S7E17 - Defining Creativity https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile What is creativity… really? In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, we dive headfirst into one of the most slippery — and surprisingly limiting — questions in the creative world: how do we define creativity in the first place? Along the way, we unpack why so many traditional definitions leave people out, explore the difference between “revolutionary” lightning-bolt ideas and the quieter, powerful force of evolutionary creativity, and challenge the belief that creativity is reserved for the chosen few. Drawing from decades of experience (and a few delightful bloopers along the way), we land on a definition that is simple, expansive, and radically inclusive, and specifically Spark File: Creativity is applied imagination that fights for the power of good. And when you start to see it that way… everything changes. This episode is an invitation to recognize the creativity already alive in your life —and to begin using it more intentionally, more frequently, and more courageously. Because creativity isn’t just what you make. It’s how you live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 Defining Creativity full 7 17 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What is creativity… really? In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, we dive headfirst into one of the most slippery — and surprisingly limiting — questions in the creative world: how do we define creativity in the first place? Along the way, we unpack why so many traditional definitions leave people out, explore the difference between “revolutionary” lightning-bolt ideas and the quieter, powerful force of evolutionary creativity, and challenge the belief that creativity is reserved for the chosen few. Drawing from decades of experience (and a few delightful bloopers along the way), we land on a definition that is simple, expansive, and radically inclusive, and specifically Spark File: Creativity is applied imagination that fights for the power of good. And when you start to see it that way… everything changes. This episode is an invitation to recognize the creativity already alive in your life —and to begin using it more intentionally, more frequently, and more courageously. Because creativity isn’t just what you make. It’s how you live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What is creativity… really?

In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, we dive headfirst into one of the most slippery — and surprisingly limiting — questions in the creative world: how do we define creativity in the first place?

Along the way, we unpack why so many traditional definitions leave people out, explore the difference between “revolutionary” lightning-bolt ideas and the quieter, powerful force of evolutionary creativity, and challenge the belief that creativity is reserved for the chosen few.

Drawing from decades of experience (and a few delightful bloopers along the way), we land on a definition that is simple, expansive, and radically inclusive, and specifically Spark File:

Creativity is applied imagination that fights for the power of good.

And when you start to see it that way… everything changes.

This episode is an invitation to recognize the creativity already alive in your life —and to begin using it more intentionally, more frequently, and more courageously.

Because creativity isn’t just what you make.

It’s how you live.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2585 S7E16 - Creative Hangovers https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile What happens after the big creative push? In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, Susan and Laura dive into the all-too-real experience of the creative hangover — that strange, tender, sometimes disorienting crash that can come after a big creative risk, milestone, performance, launch, or emotional lift. One minute you’ve done the brave thing. The next? You’re flattened, fragile, weirdly ashamed, or unable to answer a single email. Inspired by a rich conversation in a recent Coach’s Corner, this episode explores why creative hangovers happen, what they can feel like, and how to care for yourself on the other side. Susan and Laura talk about everything from chemical cascades and nervous system overload to shame spirals, recovery days, processing with a trusted friend, resetting your space, and building a pre- and post-creative care plan. Because making something brave is only part of the process. Recovering with kindness is part of the creative practice too.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000 Creative Hangovers full 7 16 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What happens after the big creative push? In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, Susan and Laura dive into the all-too-real experience of the creative hangover — that strange, tender, sometimes disorienting crash that can come after a big creative risk, milestone, performance, launch, or emotional lift. One minute you’ve done the brave thing. The next? You’re flattened, fragile, weirdly ashamed, or unable to answer a single email. Inspired by a rich conversation in a recent Coach’s Corner, this episode explores why creative hangovers happen, what they can feel like, and how to care for yourself on the other side. Susan and Laura talk about everything from chemical cascades and nervous system overload to shame spirals, recovery days, processing with a trusted friend, resetting your space, and building a pre- and post-creative care plan. Because making something brave is only part of the process. Recovering with kindness is part of the creative practice too.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What happens after the big creative push?

In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, Susan and Laura dive into the all-too-real experience of the creative hangover — that strange, tender, sometimes disorienting crash that can come after a big creative risk, milestone, performance, launch, or emotional lift. One minute you’ve done the brave thing. The next? You’re flattened, fragile, weirdly ashamed, or unable to answer a single email.

Inspired by a rich conversation in a recent Coach’s Corner, this episode explores why creative hangovers happen, what they can feel like, and how to care for yourself on the other side. Susan and Laura talk about everything from chemical cascades and nervous system overload to shame spirals, recovery days, processing with a trusted friend, resetting your space, and building a pre- and post-creative care plan.

Because making something brave is only part of the process. Recovering with kindness is part of the creative practice too. 


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2170 S7E15 - Ambiguous Grief https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile What do we do with the grief that doesn’t come with a funeral, a clear ending, or even a name? In this tender and powerful episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura shares a spark about “Ambiguous Grief” — the kind of loss that lives in the in-between. It can show up in a relationship that ended without closure, a loved one who is here physically but no longer fully here, a dream that never quite got to live, or the loss of a future you thought would be yours. Together, Susan and Laura explore what it means to grieve what is unresolved, unseen, or unfinished — and how naming that grief can help us begin to make meaning of it. They also look at the connection between ambiguous grief and creativity, and why so many of us may be carrying sorrow we’ve never been taught how to recognize. If you’ve ever felt the ache of something lost without knowing exactly how to mourn it, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000 Ambiguous Grief full 7 15 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What do we do with the grief that doesn’t come with a funeral, a clear ending, or even a name? In this tender and powerful episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura shares a spark about “Ambiguous Grief” — the kind of loss that lives in the in-between. It can show up in a relationship that ended without closure, a loved one who is here physically but no longer fully here, a dream that never quite got to live, or the loss of a future you thought would be yours. Together, Susan and Laura explore what it means to grieve what is unresolved, unseen, or unfinished — and how naming that grief can help us begin to make meaning of it. They also look at the connection between ambiguous grief and creativity, and why so many of us may be carrying sorrow we’ve never been taught how to recognize. If you’ve ever felt the ache of something lost without knowing exactly how to mourn it, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What do we do with the grief that doesn’t come with a funeral, a clear ending, or even a name?

In this tender and powerful episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura shares a spark about “Ambiguous Grief” — the kind of loss that lives in the in-between. It can show up in a relationship that ended without closure, a loved one who is here physically but no longer fully here, a dream that never quite got to live, or the loss of a future you thought would be yours.

Together, Susan and Laura explore what it means to grieve what is unresolved, unseen, or unfinished — and how naming that grief can help us begin to make meaning of it. They also look at the connection between ambiguous grief and creativity, and why so many of us may be carrying sorrow we’ve never been taught how to recognize.

If you’ve ever felt the ache of something lost without knowing exactly how to mourn it, this episode is for you.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2372 S7E14 - Dopamine Reset https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile What happens when the thing you reach for to soothe yourself starts quietly stealing your time, your attention, and your creative life force? In “Dopamine Reset”, this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Susan shares her deeply personal experience of getting hooked on TikTok during a season of illness and exhaustion — and what helped her find her way back. Using insights from Dr. Anna Lembke’s book, Dopamine Nation, Susan and Laura explore the science of dopamine, the sneaky design of our frictionless modern world, and the very real cost of compulsive overconsumption. They dig into how addiction can show up in surprising forms, why so many of us feel trapped in cycles of craving and numbing, and what a dopamine reset can offer us in return: more presence, more freedom, and more room for the creative work and real life that matter most. If you’ve ever looked up from your phone and thought, Wait… where did my time go? — this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000 Dopamine Reset full 7 14 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What happens when the thing you reach for to soothe yourself starts quietly stealing your time, your attention, and your creative life force? In “Dopamine Reset”, this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Susan shares her deeply personal experience of getting hooked on TikTok during a season of illness and exhaustion — and what helped her find her way back. Using insights from Dr. Anna Lembke’s book, Dopamine Nation, Susan and Laura explore the science of dopamine, the sneaky design of our frictionless modern world, and the very real cost of compulsive overconsumption. They dig into how addiction can show up in surprising forms, why so many of us feel trapped in cycles of craving and numbing, and what a dopamine reset can offer us in return: more presence, more freedom, and more room for the creative work and real life that matter most. If you’ve ever looked up from your phone and thought, Wait… where did my time go? — this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What happens when the thing you reach for to soothe yourself starts quietly stealing your time, your attention, and your creative life force?

In “Dopamine Reset”, this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Susan shares her deeply personal experience of getting hooked on TikTok during a season of illness and exhaustion — and what helped her find her way back. Using insights from Dr. Anna Lembke’s book, Dopamine Nation, Susan and Laura explore the science of dopamine, the sneaky design of our frictionless modern world, and the very real cost of compulsive overconsumption.

They dig into how addiction can show up in surprising forms, why so many of us feel trapped in cycles of craving and numbing, and what a dopamine reset can offer us in return: more presence, more freedom, and more room for the creative work and real life that matter most.

If you’ve ever looked up from your phone and thought, Wait… where did my time go? — this one’s for you.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2691 S7E13 - Flip The Script https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile Our latest episode of The Spark File Podcast, Flip the Script, is a dark spark with a bright creative payoff. When Laura has a vivid, unsettling dream she perceives as a warning about allowing strangers into her life, it sends her spiraling into the cultural storytelling we’ve been fed about “charismatic monsters”… and the powerful, necessary work of changing perspective. Using Jessica Knoll’s Bright Young Women as a jumping-off point, Laura and Susan explore what happens when you center the voices that were missing, question the narratives that benefit the powerful, and reimagine the story from the other side. It’s part true-crime cultural critique, part creativity lesson: if you think “every story has already been told,” this episode will remind you that the point of view changes everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0000 Flip The Script full 7 13 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Our latest episode of The Spark File Podcast, Flip the Script, is a dark spark with a bright creative payoff. When Laura has a vivid, unsettling dream she perceives as a warning about allowing strangers into her life, it sends her spiraling into the cultural storytelling we’ve been fed about “charismatic monsters”… and the powerful, necessary work of changing perspective. Using Jessica Knoll’s Bright Young Women as a jumping-off point, Laura and Susan explore what happens when you center the voices that were missing, question the narratives that benefit the powerful, and reimagine the story from the other side. It’s part true-crime cultural critique, part creativity lesson: if you think “every story has already been told,” this episode will remind you that the point of view changes everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Our latest episode of The Spark File Podcast, Flip the Script, is a dark spark with a bright creative payoff. When Laura has a vivid, unsettling dream she perceives as a warning about allowing strangers into her life, it sends her spiraling into the cultural storytelling we’ve been fed about “charismatic monsters”… and the powerful, necessary work of changing perspective. Using Jessica Knoll’s Bright Young Women as a jumping-off point, Laura and Susan explore what happens when you center the voices that were missing, question the narratives that benefit the powerful, and reimagine the story from the other side. It’s part true-crime cultural critique, part creativity lesson: if you think “every story has already been told,” this episode will remind you that the point of view changes everything.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2300 S7E12 - Creating Community https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile This episode of The Spark File Podcast, Creating Community is your reminder that creativity doesn’t thrive in a vacuum — it thrives in connection. This week, Susan and Laura talk about why community isn’t just “nice to have”… it’s essential to our mental health, our physical health, and our creative longevity. They dig into the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on loneliness, the heartbreak of creative communities that dissolve when the project ends, and the very real barriers that keep us isolated — even when we want connection more than ever. Plus: a tiny masterclass in how to be a villager (yes, including porch popsicles, front-yard coffee, and the radical practice of asking for help). If you’ve been craving your people — this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 Creating Community full 7 12 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This episode of The Spark File Podcast, Creating Community is your reminder that creativity doesn’t thrive in a vacuum — it thrives in connection. This week, Susan and Laura talk about why community isn’t just “nice to have”… it’s essential to our mental health, our physical health, and our creative longevity. They dig into the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on loneliness, the heartbreak of creative communities that dissolve when the project ends, and the very real barriers that keep us isolated — even when we want connection more than ever. Plus: a tiny masterclass in how to be a villager (yes, including porch popsicles, front-yard coffee, and the radical practice of asking for help). If you’ve been craving your people — this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode of The Spark File Podcast, Creating Community is your reminder that creativity doesn’t thrive in a vacuum — it thrives in connection. This week, Susan and Laura talk about why community isn’t just “nice to have”… it’s essential to our mental health, our physical health, and our creative longevity. They dig into the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on loneliness, the heartbreak of creative communities that dissolve when the project ends, and the very real barriers that keep us isolated — even when we want connection more than ever. Plus: a tiny masterclass in how to be a villager (yes, including porch popsicles, front-yard coffee, and the radical practice of asking for help). If you’ve been craving your people — this one’s for you.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2613 S7E11 - Creation By Recombination https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile What if creativity isn’t a lightning bolt… but a mashup? In this episode, Laura shares a Blue Man Group–born concept that can instantly dissolve the “I’m not original enough” spiral: Creation by Recombination—the idea that most innovation comes from connecting existing things in a way no one’s connected them before. From Blue Man Group’s paint-splattering, percussive “existential hang,” to hip hop turning turntables into instruments, to Hamilton remixing history with hip hop and Broadway… we explore how breakthroughs happen when you borrow across fields, redefine a particular ingredient’s job description, and trust your own weird combo of obsessions. If you’ve ever thought “it’s been done before” or “someone has already said it,” this one is your freedom anthem. Because authenticity is invaluable… and your personal mental kaleidoscope is one of a kind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 Creation by Recombination full 7 11 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What if creativity isn’t a lightning bolt… but a mashup? In this episode, Laura shares a Blue Man Group–born concept that can instantly dissolve the “I’m not original enough” spiral: Creation by Recombination—the idea that most innovation comes from connecting existing things in a way no one’s connected them before. From Blue Man Group’s paint-splattering, percussive “existential hang,” to hip hop turning turntables into instruments, to Hamilton remixing history with hip hop and Broadway… we explore how breakthroughs happen when you borrow across fields, redefine a particular ingredient’s job description, and trust your own weird combo of obsessions. If you’ve ever thought “it’s been done before” or “someone has already said it,” this one is your freedom anthem. Because authenticity is invaluable… and your personal mental kaleidoscope is one of a kind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What if creativity isn’t a lightning bolt… but a mashup?

In this episode, Laura shares a Blue Man Group–born concept that can instantly dissolve the “I’m not original enough” spiral: Creation by Recombination—the idea that most innovation comes from connecting existing things in a way no one’s connected them before.

From Blue Man Group’s paint-splattering, percussive “existential hang,” to hip hop turning turntables into instruments, to Hamilton remixing history with hip hop and Broadway… we explore how breakthroughs happen when you borrow across fields, redefine a particular ingredient’s job description, and trust your own weird combo of obsessions.

If you’ve ever thought “it’s been done before” or “someone has already said it,” this one is your freedom anthem. Because authenticity is invaluable… and your personal mental kaleidoscope is one of a kind.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2349 S7E10 - I Love You vs. Small Talk https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile In this week’s episode of The Spark File, “I Love You vs. Small Talk,” Laura opens up a BIG spark (100 pounds of topic in a five-pound bag): love—romantic love, friend love, family love, self-love, love of strangers, love of pets… the whole sprawling, life-saving universe of it. Along the way, Susan and Laura tumble into the brave stuff: why “anything other than I love you is small talk” (thank you, Andrea Gibson), why saying it out loud can feel terrifying, and why love’s value doesn’t depend on whether it’s returned. They talk love languages, the quiet power of “remembering” someone, and the nervous-system magic of a simple smile or a tiny moment of connection with a stranger. And then—because this is The Spark File—Laura turns it into creative fuel: love stories are everywhere, have always been everywhere, and will never stop resonating. Whatever kind of love you’re living through (or longing for), it’s source material. It’s an invitation. Listen in for the reminder we all need right now: never be afraid to speak of love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 I Love You vs. Small Talk full 7 10 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week’s episode of The Spark File, “I Love You vs. Small Talk,” Laura opens up a BIG spark (100 pounds of topic in a five-pound bag): love—romantic love, friend love, family love, self-love, love of strangers, love of pets… the whole sprawling, life-saving universe of it. Along the way, Susan and Laura tumble into the brave stuff: why “anything other than I love you is small talk” (thank you, Andrea Gibson), why saying it out loud can feel terrifying, and why love’s value doesn’t depend on whether it’s returned. They talk love languages, the quiet power of “remembering” someone, and the nervous-system magic of a simple smile or a tiny moment of connection with a stranger. And then—because this is The Spark File—Laura turns it into creative fuel: love stories are everywhere, have always been everywhere, and will never stop resonating. Whatever kind of love you’re living through (or longing for), it’s source material. It’s an invitation. Listen in for the reminder we all need right now: never be afraid to speak of love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week’s episode of The Spark File, “I Love You vs. Small Talk,” Laura opens up a BIG spark (100 pounds of topic in a five-pound bag): love—romantic love, friend love, family love, self-love, love of strangers, love of pets… the whole sprawling, life-saving universe of it.

Along the way, Susan and Laura tumble into the brave stuff: why “anything other than I love you is small talk” (thank you, Andrea Gibson), why saying it out loud can feel terrifying, and why love’s value doesn’t depend on whether it’s returned. They talk love languages, the quiet power of “remembering” someone, and the nervous-system magic of a simple smile or a tiny moment of connection with a stranger.

And then—because this is The Spark File—Laura turns it into creative fuel: love stories are everywhere, have always been everywhere, and will never stop resonating. Whatever kind of love you’re living through (or longing for), it’s source material. It’s an invitation.

Listen in for the reminder we all need right now: never be afraid to speak of love.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2075 S7E9 - Making For Minnesota https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile In “Making for Minnesota,” we’re asking a question that feels both tender and urgently practical: when the world is loud and scary, what can you make? Susan shares what happened after our free workshop Be the Change, But How—and how (per Martha Beck) creativity can interrupt anxiety by flipping a different switch in the brain. From there, we follow the sparks straight into Minnesota: community action in bitter cold, a heartbreaking loss, and a clear call to stop doom-scrolling and start making one thing—one call, one letter, one love note, one hat, one meal, one song, one brave conversation. This episode is part love letter, part resource list, part nervous-system balm—and a reminder that you don’t have to solve everything. You just have to make something. Featuring tools like Five Calls, a brilliant “how to help from outside Minnesota” post by Naomi Kritzer, the Overton Window, protest knitting history, and the kind of small, human neighbor-connection that turns fear into fuel. (Also: yes, we laugh. Because we’re us.) Listen if you need a hand on your shoulder and a gentle nudge: chin up, eyes out—make one thing today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 Making For Minnesota full 7 9 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In “Making for Minnesota,” we’re asking a question that feels both tender and urgently practical: when the world is loud and scary, what can you make? Susan shares what happened after our free workshop Be the Change, But How—and how (per Martha Beck) creativity can interrupt anxiety by flipping a different switch in the brain. From there, we follow the sparks straight into Minnesota: community action in bitter cold, a heartbreaking loss, and a clear call to stop doom-scrolling and start making one thing—one call, one letter, one love note, one hat, one meal, one song, one brave conversation. This episode is part love letter, part resource list, part nervous-system balm—and a reminder that you don’t have to solve everything. You just have to make something. Featuring tools like Five Calls, a brilliant “how to help from outside Minnesota” post by Naomi Kritzer, the Overton Window, protest knitting history, and the kind of small, human neighbor-connection that turns fear into fuel. (Also: yes, we laugh. Because we’re us.) Listen if you need a hand on your shoulder and a gentle nudge: chin up, eyes out—make one thing today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In “Making for Minnesota,” we’re asking a question that feels both tender and urgently practical: when the world is loud and scary, what can you make?

Susan shares what happened after our free workshop Be the Change, But How—and how (per Martha Beck) creativity can interrupt anxiety by flipping a different switch in the brain. From there, we follow the sparks straight into Minnesota: community action in bitter cold, a heartbreaking loss, and a clear call to stop doom-scrolling and start making one thing—one call, one letter, one love note, one hat, one meal, one song, one brave conversation.

This episode is part love letter, part resource list, part nervous-system balm—and a reminder that you don’t have to solve everything. You just have to make something. Featuring tools like Five Calls, a brilliant “how to help from outside Minnesota” post by Naomi Kritzer, the Overton Window, protest knitting history, and the kind of small, human neighbor-connection that turns fear into fuel. (Also: yes, we laugh. Because we’re us.)

Listen if you need a hand on your shoulder and a gentle nudge: chin up, eyes out—make one thing today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2345 S7E8 - Words We Love https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile This week on The Spark File, we’re cultivating delight with an episode we’re calling “Words We Love.” Susan went spelunking through her massive digital spark file and emerged with a glittering haul: words that crack us up, words that soothe, words that make you feel—dare we say—carbonated. We talk effervescent, herkle-durkle, mudita (the joy we feel for someone else’s good news), glugaveder (window weather), mangata (moon street), and the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows—aka proof that language can be poetry and permission at the same time. Along the way, we remember that the right word can name what’s true, soften what’s hard, and reconnect us to one another—especially in intense times. Your mission: drop your favorite word in the comments (or email us) and let it spark something new. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:42:00 -0000 Words We Love full 7 8 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, we’re cultivating delight with an episode we’re calling “Words We Love.” Susan went spelunking through her massive digital spark file and emerged with a glittering haul: words that crack us up, words that soothe, words that make you feel—dare we say—carbonated. We talk effervescent, herkle-durkle, mudita (the joy we feel for someone else’s good news), glugaveder (window weather), mangata (moon street), and the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows—aka proof that language can be poetry and permission at the same time. Along the way, we remember that the right word can name what’s true, soften what’s hard, and reconnect us to one another—especially in intense times. Your mission: drop your favorite word in the comments (or email us) and let it spark something new. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, we’re cultivating delight with an episode we’re calling “Words We Love.” Susan went spelunking through her massive digital spark file and emerged with a glittering haul: words that crack us up, words that soothe, words that make you feel—dare we say—carbonated.

We talk effervescent, herkle-durkle, mudita (the joy we feel for someone else’s good news), glugaveder (window weather), mangata (moon street), and the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows—aka proof that language can be poetry and permission at the same time. Along the way, we remember that the right word can name what’s true, soften what’s hard, and reconnect us to one another—especially in intense times.

Your mission: drop your favorite word in the comments (or email us) and let it spark something new.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2340 S7E7 - A Good Cry https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile In this episode of The Spark File, Laura and Susan celebrate the art, science, and deep humanity of a good cry. Sparked by poems, personal stories, and a lovingly unofficial “research study,” they explore why tears are not a weakness—but a powerful form of emotional intelligence and creative release. You’ll hear why emotional tears literally help flush stress from the body, how “easy criers” may actually process feelings faster, and why letting emotions stay in motion can bring clarity, calm, and connection. Along the way, we share crowd-sourced cry catalysts (movies, music, moments), the concept of collective effervescence, and tender reminders that you never have to apologize for feeling deeply. This is an episode for sensitive souls, brave creatives, and anyone who’s been told they’re “too much.” Bring tissues. Check our website for playlists and movie references! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 A Good Cry full 7 7 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this episode of The Spark File, Laura and Susan celebrate the art, science, and deep humanity of a good cry. Sparked by poems, personal stories, and a lovingly unofficial “research study,” they explore why tears are not a weakness—but a powerful form of emotional intelligence and creative release. You’ll hear why emotional tears literally help flush stress from the body, how “easy criers” may actually process feelings faster, and why letting emotions stay in motion can bring clarity, calm, and connection. Along the way, we share crowd-sourced cry catalysts (movies, music, moments), the concept of collective effervescence, and tender reminders that you never have to apologize for feeling deeply. This is an episode for sensitive souls, brave creatives, and anyone who’s been told they’re “too much.” Bring tissues. Check our website for playlists and movie references! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode of The Spark File, Laura and Susan celebrate the art, science, and deep humanity of a good cry. Sparked by poems, personal stories, and a lovingly unofficial “research study,” they explore why tears are not a weakness—but a powerful form of emotional intelligence and creative release.

You’ll hear why emotional tears literally help flush stress from the body, how “easy criers” may actually process feelings faster, and why letting emotions stay in motion can bring clarity, calm, and connection. Along the way, we share crowd-sourced cry catalysts (movies, music, moments), the concept of collective effervescence, and tender reminders that you never have to apologize for feeling deeply.

This is an episode for sensitive souls, brave creatives, and anyone who’s been told they’re “too much.” Bring tissues.

Check our website for playlists and movie references!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2440 S7E6 - How Easy Can It Be? https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile This week on The Spark File, we’re asking a question that might just unclench your whole nervous system: How Easy Can It Be? Susan shares a beloved Spark from our brilliant colleague Kate Kayaian (“How would this feel if I let it be easy?”), then takes us on a joyride through filmmaker Cyrus Bates (aka The Mental Level), NBA legend-in-the-making Tyrese Haliburton, big-wave surfing wisdom from 100 Foot Wave, and a simple magic phrase from choreographer Ohad Naharin: “Piece of cake.” We talk about the stories we’ve swallowed whole—nothing worth having comes easy, hard work has to feel unpleasant—and the radical possibility that ease and excellence can coexist. Come play with us. Come loosen your grip. Piece of cake, baby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 How Easy Can It Be? full 7 6 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, we’re asking a question that might just unclench your whole nervous system: How Easy Can It Be? Susan shares a beloved Spark from our brilliant colleague Kate Kayaian (“How would this feel if I let it be easy?”), then takes us on a joyride through filmmaker Cyrus Bates (aka The Mental Level), NBA legend-in-the-making Tyrese Haliburton, big-wave surfing wisdom from 100 Foot Wave, and a simple magic phrase from choreographer Ohad Naharin: “Piece of cake.” We talk about the stories we’ve swallowed whole—nothing worth having comes easy, hard work has to feel unpleasant—and the radical possibility that ease and excellence can coexist. Come play with us. Come loosen your grip. Piece of cake, baby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, we’re asking a question that might just unclench your whole nervous system: How Easy Can It Be?

Susan shares a beloved Spark from our brilliant colleague Kate Kayaian (“How would this feel if I let it be easy?”), then takes us on a joyride through filmmaker Cyrus Bates (aka The Mental Level), NBA legend-in-the-making Tyrese Haliburton, big-wave surfing wisdom from 100 Foot Wave, and a simple magic phrase from choreographer Ohad Naharin: “Piece of cake.”

We talk about the stories we’ve swallowed whole—nothing worth having comes easy, hard work has to feel unpleasant—and the radical possibility that ease and excellence can coexist. Come play with us. Come loosen your grip. Piece of cake, baby.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1885 S7E5 - A Window Not A Mirror https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile A Window; Not a Mirror is your new permission slip. In this episode, Laura shares a line she overheard in a NYC café that snapped her nervous system into clarity: “You cannot walk into the asylum and let it convince you that you’ve gone mad. Remember: it’s a window, not a mirror.” Together, Laura and Susan unpack the difference between healthy self-reflection and chronic self-blame—why “everything is a mirror” got oversimplified, how discernment changes everything, and how to tell when something is yours to own… versus yours to walk away from. This episode starts with Cocoa Puffs perfume and ends with a mic-drop truth bomb: sometimes it’s not your “growth edge”… it’s your exit sign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 A Window Not A Mirror full 7 5 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien A Window; Not a Mirror is your new permission slip. In this episode, Laura shares a line she overheard in a NYC café that snapped her nervous system into clarity: “You cannot walk into the asylum and let it convince you that you’ve gone mad. Remember: it’s a window, not a mirror.” Together, Laura and Susan unpack the difference between healthy self-reflection and chronic self-blame—why “everything is a mirror” got oversimplified, how discernment changes everything, and how to tell when something is yours to own… versus yours to walk away from. This episode starts with Cocoa Puffs perfume and ends with a mic-drop truth bomb: sometimes it’s not your “growth edge”… it’s your exit sign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A Window; Not a Mirror is your new permission slip. In this episode, Laura shares a line she overheard in a NYC café that snapped her nervous system into clarity: “You cannot walk into the asylum and let it convince you that you’ve gone mad. Remember: it’s a window, not a mirror.”

Together, Laura and Susan unpack the difference between healthy self-reflection and chronic self-blame—why “everything is a mirror” got oversimplified, how discernment changes everything, and how to tell when something is yours to own… versus yours to walk away from.

This episode starts with Cocoa Puffs perfume and ends with a mic-drop truth bomb: sometimes it’s not your “growth edge”… it’s your exit sign.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2200 S7E4 - The Alchemist https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile Life attracts life. So if you want more creativity, more connection, more possibility… you can’t wait it out on the couch. In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura revisits The Alchemist and uncovers why pursuing your creative calling isn’t about chasing a guaranteed outcome—it’s about choosing aliveness. We talk fear, failure, love, upper limits, and the quiet danger of staying “safe.” If your creative spark has been knocking, this is your reminder: movement creates momentum. Curiosity attracts opportunity. Life finds you when you show up for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 31 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 The Alchemist full 7 4 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Life attracts life. So if you want more creativity, more connection, more possibility… you can’t wait it out on the couch. In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura revisits The Alchemist and uncovers why pursuing your creative calling isn’t about chasing a guaranteed outcome—it’s about choosing aliveness. We talk fear, failure, love, upper limits, and the quiet danger of staying “safe.” If your creative spark has been knocking, this is your reminder: movement creates momentum. Curiosity attracts opportunity. Life finds you when you show up for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Life attracts life. So if you want more creativity, more connection, more possibility… you can’t wait it out on the couch.

In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura revisits The Alchemist and uncovers why pursuing your creative calling isn’t about chasing a guaranteed outcome—it’s about choosing aliveness. We talk fear, failure, love, upper limits, and the quiet danger of staying “safe.” If your creative spark has been knocking, this is your reminder: movement creates momentum. Curiosity attracts opportunity. Life finds you when you show up for it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2191 S7E3 - A Spooky Winter Story https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile In this wintery, true-crime-meets-ghost-story episode, Susan shares the chilling tale of the 1892 “hex murder” at the Stone Arch Bridge. A poor farmer accused of witchcraft, a family convinced they’re cursed, a killing “three ways over water,” and a graveyard full of family members. Inspired by the old tradition of telling scary stories at Christmas, this eerie spark is perfect fodder for your next play, film, story, or artwork. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 A Spooky Winter Story full 7 3 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this wintery, true-crime-meets-ghost-story episode, Susan shares the chilling tale of the 1892 “hex murder” at the Stone Arch Bridge. A poor farmer accused of witchcraft, a family convinced they’re cursed, a killing “three ways over water,” and a graveyard full of family members. Inspired by the old tradition of telling scary stories at Christmas, this eerie spark is perfect fodder for your next play, film, story, or artwork. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this wintery, true-crime-meets-ghost-story episode, Susan shares the chilling tale of the 1892 “hex murder” at the Stone Arch Bridge. A poor farmer accused of witchcraft, a family convinced they’re cursed, a killing “three ways over water,” and a graveyard full of family members. Inspired by the old tradition of telling scary stories at Christmas, this eerie spark is perfect fodder for your next play, film, story, or artwork.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1833 S7E2 - From Strength to Strength https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile In this episode of The Spark File, Susan shares a spark that hit her straight in the nervous system: From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks — a book recommended by the late, beloved Gavin Creel. Together, Laura and Susan explore the “striver’s curse,” what it means to feel your brain changing as you age, and why the shift from fluid intelligence (raw speed + innovation) to crystallized intelligence (wisdom + synthesis) might be the best news you’ve heard all week. If you’ve ever worried you’re “not as sharp,” felt tempted to rage against time, or wondered how to build a creative life that gets richer—not smaller—with age… this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 From Strength to Strength full 7 2 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this episode of The Spark File, Susan shares a spark that hit her straight in the nervous system: From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks — a book recommended by the late, beloved Gavin Creel. Together, Laura and Susan explore the “striver’s curse,” what it means to feel your brain changing as you age, and why the shift from fluid intelligence (raw speed + innovation) to crystallized intelligence (wisdom + synthesis) might be the best news you’ve heard all week. If you’ve ever worried you’re “not as sharp,” felt tempted to rage against time, or wondered how to build a creative life that gets richer—not smaller—with age… this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode of The Spark File, Susan shares a spark that hit her straight in the nervous system: From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks — a book recommended by the late, beloved Gavin Creel.

Together, Laura and Susan explore the “striver’s curse,” what it means to feel your brain changing as you age, and why the shift from fluid intelligence (raw speed + innovation) to crystallized intelligence (wisdom + synthesis) might be the best news you’ve heard all week.

If you’ve ever worried you’re “not as sharp,” felt tempted to rage against time, or wondered how to build a creative life that gets richer—not smaller—with age… this one’s for you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2021 S7E1 - Immaculate Perception https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile Welcome to Season 7 of The Spark File podcast with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien! On this episode, Laura and Susan discuss the wisdom of neuroscientist Dr. Dan Siegel and the fact that there is no such thing as Immaculate Perception. We only see what we believe. To truly see deeply, we must question everything we believe. Tune in to learn the inner workings of your own mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 Immaculate Perception full 7 1 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Welcome to Season 7 of The Spark File podcast with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien! On this episode, Laura and Susan discuss the wisdom of neuroscientist Dr. Dan Siegel and the fact that there is no such thing as Immaculate Perception. We only see what we believe. To truly see deeply, we must question everything we believe. Tune in to learn the inner workings of your own mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome to Season 7 of The Spark File podcast with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien! On this episode, Laura and Susan discuss the wisdom of neuroscientist Dr. Dan Siegel and the fact that there is no such thing as Immaculate Perception. We only see what we believe. To truly see deeply, we must question everything we believe. Tune in to learn the inner workings of your own mind.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2160 S6E7 - Sara Bareilles / The Town Hall Spark Sessions https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions - a podcast collaboration between NYC's Town Hall and The Spark File, we welcome the iconic singer, songwriter, actress and composer, Sara Bareilles. With more than 15 million singles and 3 million albums sold in the U.S., she is one of the world’s leading popular musicians. Join us as we discuss how love and grief are interwoven and have sparked her creativity into a new album, the way that truth in creativity is visceral and her journey to the legendary Town Hall stage with the incomparable Rufus Wainwright.  Learn more about The Spark File's upcoming FREE WORKSHOP here. To purchase tickets to Opening Night and support the ACLU, go to The Town Hall box office or purchase them online at Ticketmaster. Learn More and Listen Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 24 Aug 2025 12:25:00 -0000 Sara Bareilles / The Town Hall Spark Sessions full 6 7 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions - a podcast collaboration between NYC's Town Hall and The Spark File, we welcome the iconic singer, songwriter, actress and composer, Sara Bareilles. With more than 15 million singles and 3 million albums sold in the U.S., she is one of the world’s leading popular musicians. Join us as we discuss how love and grief are interwoven and have sparked her creativity into a new album, the way that truth in creativity is visceral and her journey to the legendary Town Hall stage with the incomparable Rufus Wainwright.  Learn more about The Spark File's upcoming FREE WORKSHOP here. To purchase tickets to Opening Night and support the ACLU, go to The Town Hall box office or purchase them online at Ticketmaster. Learn More and Listen Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions - a podcast collaboration between NYC's Town Hall and The Spark File, we welcome the iconic singer, songwriter, actress and composer, Sara Bareilles. With more than 15 million singles and 3 million albums sold in the U.S., she is one of the world’s leading popular musicians. Join us as we discuss how love and grief are interwoven and have sparked her creativity into a new album, the way that truth in creativity is visceral and her journey to the legendary Town Hall stage with the incomparable Rufus Wainwright. 

Learn more about The Spark File's upcoming FREE WORKSHOP here.

To purchase tickets to Opening Night and support the ACLU, go to The Town Hall box office or purchase them online at Ticketmaster. Learn More and Listen Here!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1643 S6E8 - Melay Araya / The Town Hall Spark Sessions https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we welcome Melay Araya, Artistic Director at the Town Hall. In addition to her work as Artistic Director, Melay is a writer, archivist, and multimedia artist with three decades of experience. While providing extraordinary leadership at The Town Hall, one of New York City’s finest cultural institutions, Melay continues to study, compose, record, and perform. Join us as we discuss how Melay finds creativity in the many facets of her role at The Town Hall. She walks us through the curation process and the joys of problem-solving in a storied arts institution. Plus, she shares some details about the newly announced 2025/26 Town Hall Season—which she describes as a cornucopia of creative goodness. When we say it’s all happening at the Town Hall, it all starts with Melay Araya!   You can listen to The Town Hall Spark Sessions on The Spark File podcast feed - now on the Broadway Podcast Network! Or tune in to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. And, you can learn more about The Town Hall at thetownhall.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000 Melay Araya / The Town Hall Spark Sessions full 1 8 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we welcome Melay Araya, Artistic Director at the Town Hall. In addition to her work as Artistic Director, Melay is a writer, archivist, and multimedia artist with three decades of experience. While providing extraordinary leadership at The Town Hall, one of New York City’s finest cultural institutions, Melay continues to study, compose, record, and perform. Join us as we discuss how Melay finds creativity in the many facets of her role at The Town Hall. She walks us through the curation process and the joys of problem-solving in a storied arts institution. Plus, she shares some details about the newly announced 2025/26 Town Hall Season—which she describes as a cornucopia of creative goodness. When we say it’s all happening at the Town Hall, it all starts with Melay Araya!   You can listen to The Town Hall Spark Sessions on The Spark File podcast feed - now on the Broadway Podcast Network! Or tune in to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. And, you can learn more about The Town Hall at thetownhall.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we welcome Melay Araya, Artistic Director at the Town Hall. In addition to her work as Artistic Director, Melay is a writer, archivist, and multimedia artist with three decades of experience. While providing extraordinary leadership at The Town Hall, one of New York City’s finest cultural institutions, Melay continues to study, compose, record, and perform.

Join us as we discuss how Melay finds creativity in the many facets of her role at The Town Hall. She walks us through the curation process and the joys of problem-solving in a storied arts institution. Plus, she shares some details about the newly announced 2025/26 Town Hall Season—which she describes as a cornucopia of creative goodness. When we say it’s all happening at the Town Hall, it all starts with Melay Araya!  

You can listen to The Town Hall Spark Sessions on The Spark File podcast feed - now on the Broadway Podcast Network! Or tune in to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. And, you can learn more about The Town Hall at thetownhall.org.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2019 S6E6 - Laura Benanti / The Town Hall Spark Sessions https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we welcome luminary actress and singer Laura Benanti. Best known for her revolutionary performance in the 2008 revival of Gypsy, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, Benanti made her broadway debut at 18 playing Maria in the Sound of Music on Broadway. She has also starred in television and films, including ABC’s Nashville, NBC’s Supergirl, and HBO’s The Gilded Age. Join us as we discuss her upcoming appearance at the Town Hall, in John Cassavetes' Opening Night, the first musical with music, lyrics, and orchestrations by the brilliant Rufus Wainwright. We chat about what it’s like working with your idols and the creative power of taking long walks. In addition to her highly anticipated appearance at The Town Hall, Benanti will be performing her solo show, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, created with Todd Almond, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland this summer! You can listen to The Town Hall Spark Sessions on The Spark File podcast feed - now on the Broadway Podcast Network! Or tune in to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. And, you can learn more about The Town Hall at thetownhall.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000 Laura Benanti / The Town Hall Spark Sessions full 1 6 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we welcome luminary actress and singer Laura Benanti. Best known for her revolutionary performance in the 2008 revival of Gypsy, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, Benanti made her broadway debut at 18 playing Maria in the Sound of Music on Broadway. She has also starred in television and films, including ABC’s Nashville, NBC’s Supergirl, and HBO’s The Gilded Age. Join us as we discuss her upcoming appearance at the Town Hall, in John Cassavetes' Opening Night, the first musical with music, lyrics, and orchestrations by the brilliant Rufus Wainwright. We chat about what it’s like working with your idols and the creative power of taking long walks. In addition to her highly anticipated appearance at The Town Hall, Benanti will be performing her solo show, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, created with Todd Almond, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland this summer! You can listen to The Town Hall Spark Sessions on The Spark File podcast feed - now on the Broadway Podcast Network! Or tune in to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. And, you can learn more about The Town Hall at thetownhall.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we welcome luminary actress and singer Laura Benanti. Best known for her revolutionary performance in the 2008 revival of Gypsy, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, Benanti made her broadway debut at 18 playing Maria in the Sound of Music on Broadway. She has also starred in television and films, including ABC’s Nashville, NBC’s Supergirl, and HBO’s The Gilded Age.

Join us as we discuss her upcoming appearance at the Town Hall, in John Cassavetes' Opening Night, the first musical with music, lyrics, and orchestrations by the brilliant Rufus Wainwright. We chat about what it’s like working with your idols and the creative power of taking long walks. In addition to her highly anticipated appearance at The Town Hall, Benanti will be performing her solo show, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, created with Todd Almond, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland this summer!

You can listen to The Town Hall Spark Sessions on The Spark File podcast feed - now on the Broadway Podcast Network! Or tune in to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. And, you can learn more about The Town Hall at thetownhall.org.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1351 S6E5 - Sofronio Vasquez / The Town Hall Spark Sessions https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile This week, we welcomed the golden-voiced Sofronio Vasquez, winner of NBC’s The Voice Season 26. With his championship win, Sofronio became the first Filipino and Asian man to win a major singing competition in the United States. Join us as we discuss Sofronio’s thrilling rise in the music industry. He shares his secret to remaining positive and his tips and tricks for navigating what he calls “beautiful rejection.” We also chat about his upcoming concert at the Town Hall on July 19 where Sofronio will take the iconic Town Hall stage to sing through his life story. You can pick up your tickets at the Town Hall box office or online at Ticketmaster. Learn More and Listen Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Jun 2025 07:05:00 -0000 Sofronio Vasquez / The Town Hall Spark Sessions full 1 6 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, we welcomed the golden-voiced Sofronio Vasquez, winner of NBC’s The Voice Season 26. With his championship win, Sofronio became the first Filipino and Asian man to win a major singing competition in the United States. Join us as we discuss Sofronio’s thrilling rise in the music industry. He shares his secret to remaining positive and his tips and tricks for navigating what he calls “beautiful rejection.” We also chat about his upcoming concert at the Town Hall on July 19 where Sofronio will take the iconic Town Hall stage to sing through his life story. You can pick up your tickets at the Town Hall box office or online at Ticketmaster. Learn More and Listen Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we welcomed the golden-voiced Sofronio Vasquez, winner of NBC’s The Voice Season 26. With his championship win, Sofronio became the first Filipino and Asian man to win a major singing competition in the United States. Join us as we discuss Sofronio’s thrilling rise in the music industry. He shares his secret to remaining positive and his tips and tricks for navigating what he calls “beautiful rejection.” We also chat about his upcoming concert at the Town Hall on July 19 where Sofronio will take the iconic Town Hall stage to sing through his life story. You can pick up your tickets at the Town Hall box office or online at Ticketmaster. Learn More and Listen Here!

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]]> 1069 S6E4 - Griffin Newman / The Town Hall Spark Sessions https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile In this week’s episode of The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we were thrilled to welcome Griffin Newman. For a decade, with his co-creator David Sims, Griffin has hosted the wildly popular podcast Blank Check with Griffin and David. Join us as Griffin discusses the Blank Check origin story, and how a film critic and an actor/comedian became longstanding professional podcasters. We chat about the show’s focus on individual director’s comprehensive filmography, and Griffin shares what we can learn about creativity by studying the career highs and lows of luminaries like Steven Spielberg. Plus, we chat about the upcoming performance, BLANK CHECK: DEMAND AN AUDIENCE WITH KING RALPH. That’s right: after repeatedly promising their producer they’d analyze the 1991 John Goodman/Peter O’Toole screwball comedy KING RALPH, Griffin and David are finally making good on their word, live, at  The Town Hall to celebrate a decade of Blank Check. You can listen to The Spark File Podcast and the Town Hall Spark Sessions on the Broadway Podcast Network. You can also visit The Town Hall and The Spark File online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 Griffin Newman / The Town Hall Spark Sessions full 1 5 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week’s episode of The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we were thrilled to welcome Griffin Newman. For a decade, with his co-creator David Sims, Griffin has hosted the wildly popular podcast Blank Check with Griffin and David. Join us as Griffin discusses the Blank Check origin story, and how a film critic and an actor/comedian became longstanding professional podcasters. We chat about the show’s focus on individual director’s comprehensive filmography, and Griffin shares what we can learn about creativity by studying the career highs and lows of luminaries like Steven Spielberg. Plus, we chat about the upcoming performance, BLANK CHECK: DEMAND AN AUDIENCE WITH KING RALPH. That’s right: after repeatedly promising their producer they’d analyze the 1991 John Goodman/Peter O’Toole screwball comedy KING RALPH, Griffin and David are finally making good on their word, live, at  The Town Hall to celebrate a decade of Blank Check. You can listen to The Spark File Podcast and the Town Hall Spark Sessions on the Broadway Podcast Network. You can also visit The Town Hall and The Spark File online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week’s episode of The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we were thrilled to welcome Griffin Newman. For a decade, with his co-creator David Sims, Griffin has hosted the wildly popular podcast Blank Check with Griffin and David. Join us as Griffin discusses the Blank Check origin story, and how a film critic and an actor/comedian became longstanding professional podcasters. We chat about the show’s focus on individual director’s comprehensive filmography, and Griffin shares what we can learn about creativity by studying the career highs and lows of luminaries like Steven Spielberg. Plus, we chat about the upcoming performance, BLANK CHECK: DEMAND AN AUDIENCE WITH KING RALPH. That’s right: after repeatedly promising their producer they’d analyze the 1991 John Goodman/Peter O’Toole screwball comedy KING RALPH, Griffin and David are finally making good on their word, live, at  The Town Hall to celebrate a decade of Blank Check. You can listen to The Spark File Podcast and the Town Hall Spark Sessions on the Broadway Podcast Network. You can also visit The Town Hall and The Spark File online.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1423 S6E3 - Sean Mayes / The Town Hall Spark Sessions https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile In this week’s Town Hall Spark Session, we welcomed Sean Mayes, the visionary conductor and founder of Pops of Color, as he takes us behind the scenes of creating an orchestra that’s building bridges and breaking barriers. Join us as Sean shares how Pops of Color sparked from idea to inception. We discuss the impact of the orchestra’s unique programming, and Sean connects his work to Town Hall's remarkable 105-year history—as a venue that welcomed Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and other profound artists of Color when other prestigious institutions wouldn't. You can listen to The Spark File Podcast and the Town Hall Spark Sessions on the Broadway Podcast Network. You can also visit The Town Hall and The Spark File online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 May 2025 07:05:00 -0000 Sean Mayes / The Town Hall Spark Sessions full 1 3 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week’s Town Hall Spark Session, we welcomed Sean Mayes, the visionary conductor and founder of Pops of Color, as he takes us behind the scenes of creating an orchestra that’s building bridges and breaking barriers. Join us as Sean shares how Pops of Color sparked from idea to inception. We discuss the impact of the orchestra’s unique programming, and Sean connects his work to Town Hall's remarkable 105-year history—as a venue that welcomed Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and other profound artists of Color when other prestigious institutions wouldn't. You can listen to The Spark File Podcast and the Town Hall Spark Sessions on the Broadway Podcast Network. You can also visit The Town Hall and The Spark File online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week’s Town Hall Spark Session, we welcomed Sean Mayes, the visionary conductor and founder of Pops of Color, as he takes us behind the scenes of creating an orchestra that’s building bridges and breaking barriers. Join us as Sean shares how Pops of Color sparked from idea to inception. We discuss the impact of the orchestra’s unique programming, and Sean connects his work to Town Hall's remarkable 105-year history—as a venue that welcomed Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and other profound artists of Color when other prestigious institutions wouldn't. You can listen to The Spark File Podcast and the Town Hall Spark Sessions on the Broadway Podcast Network. You can also visit The Town Hall and The Spark File online.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1100 S6E2 - Eisa Davis / The Town Hall Spark Sessions https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile For our second round The Town Hall Spark Sessions award-winning actor, writer, and singer-songwriter, Eisa Davis. In addition to co-writing the Warriors concept album with Lin-Manuel Mirana, she wrote and starred in Angela’s Mixtape, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for her play Bulrusher. Join us as we discuss Eisa’s approach to her work, her early morning/late night writing process, and how she balances being an extraordinary multihyphenate. We also share our excitement for The Town Hall’s upcoming “Spring Shout,” honoring Lin-Manuel Miranda on May 19th—and we discuss some of her favorite Town Hall memories. Learn more and listen here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 May 2025 07:05:00 -0000 Eisa Davis / The Town Hall Spark Sessions full 6 2 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien For our second round The Town Hall Spark Sessions award-winning actor, writer, and singer-songwriter, Eisa Davis. In addition to co-writing the Warriors concept album with Lin-Manuel Mirana, she wrote and starred in Angela’s Mixtape, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for her play Bulrusher. Join us as we discuss Eisa’s approach to her work, her early morning/late night writing process, and how she balances being an extraordinary multihyphenate. We also share our excitement for The Town Hall’s upcoming “Spring Shout,” honoring Lin-Manuel Miranda on May 19th—and we discuss some of her favorite Town Hall memories. Learn more and listen here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For our second round The Town Hall Spark Sessions award-winning actor, writer, and singer-songwriter, Eisa Davis. In addition to co-writing the Warriors concept album with Lin-Manuel Mirana, she wrote and starred in Angela’s Mixtape, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for her play Bulrusher. Join us as we discuss Eisa’s approach to her work, her early morning/late night writing process, and how she balances being an extraordinary multihyphenate. We also share our excitement for The Town Hall’s upcoming “Spring Shout,” honoring Lin-Manuel Miranda on May 19th—and we discuss some of her favorite Town Hall memories. Learn more and listen here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1155 S6E1 - Lin-Manuel Miranda / The Town Hall Spark Sessions https://bpn.fm/thesparkfile Surprise! We’re back, with some hot, fresh creative sparks for you—and this time, we’re at the Town Hall! In the first episode of The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we’re thrilled to feature a new conversation with Lin-Manuel Miranda about legacy, creativity, and the upcoming Spring Shout at the Town Hall—a benefit performance honoring him! As one of today’s most profound creatives, there is no one more deserving to be honored on the same stage that has hosted the world’s greatest artists and activists. You can learn more about The Town Hall and the Spring Shout benefit on thetownhall.org. Learn more about The Spark File at thesparkfile.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 May 2025 14:42:00 -0000 Lin-Manuel Miranda / The Town Hall Spark Sessions full 6 1 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Surprise! We’re back, with some hot, fresh creative sparks for you—and this time, we’re at the Town Hall! In the first episode of The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we’re thrilled to feature a new conversation with Lin-Manuel Miranda about legacy, creativity, and the upcoming Spring Shout at the Town Hall—a benefit performance honoring him! As one of today’s most profound creatives, there is no one more deserving to be honored on the same stage that has hosted the world’s greatest artists and activists. You can learn more about The Town Hall and the Spring Shout benefit on thetownhall.org. Learn more about The Spark File at thesparkfile.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Surprise! We’re back, with some hot, fresh creative sparks for you—and this time, we’re at the Town Hall! In the first episode of The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we’re thrilled to feature a new conversation with Lin-Manuel Miranda about legacy, creativity, and the upcoming Spring Shout at the Town Hall—a benefit performance honoring him! As one of today’s most profound creatives, there is no one more deserving to be honored on the same stage that has hosted the world’s greatest artists and activists. You can learn more about The Town Hall and the Spring Shout benefit on thetownhall.org. Learn more about The Spark File at thesparkfile.com


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]]> 1391 Introducing The Town Hall Spark Sessions https://bpn.fm/sparksessions The Town Hall, New York City’s landmark cultural venue, is teams up with The Spark File, the acclaimed creativity podcast hosted by Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, in this brand-new podcast series: The Town Hall Spark Sessions. The Town Hall Spark Sessions will spotlight creatives, musicians, comedians, artists, advocates, cultural creators and conversation makers who have graced—or are about to grace—the legendary Town Hall stage. Each episode features fun and fulfilling questions that dive deep into how these inspiring individuals are using their creativity not only to entertain, but to spark change, connection, and meaningful impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 May 2025 08:00:00 -0000 trailer 6 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien The Town Hall, New York City’s landmark cultural venue, is teams up with The Spark File, the acclaimed creativity podcast hosted by Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, in this brand-new podcast series: The Town Hall Spark Sessions. The Town Hall Spark Sessions will spotlight creatives, musicians, comedians, artists, advocates, cultural creators and conversation makers who have graced—or are about to grace—the legendary Town Hall stage. Each episode features fun and fulfilling questions that dive deep into how these inspiring individuals are using their creativity not only to entertain, but to spark change, connection, and meaningful impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Town Hall, New York City’s landmark cultural venue, is teams up with The Spark File, the acclaimed creativity podcast hosted by Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, in this brand-new podcast series: The Town Hall Spark Sessions.

The Town Hall Spark Sessions will spotlight creatives, musicians, comedians, artists, advocates, cultural creators and conversation makers who have graced—or are about to grace—the legendary Town Hall stage.

Each episode features fun and fulfilling questions that dive deep into how these inspiring individuals are using their creativity not only to entertain, but to spark change, connection, and meaningful impact.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 278 Season 5 Finale After 20 spark-filled episodes, we’re wrapping up the season with a celebration! Join us as we look back at this remarkable season of spark, discuss highlights, and share just how we made this season happen. Bringing Season 5 of the Spark File podcast was a challenge. We were wrestling between our desire to make a perfect product and our hope to get as many sparks into the world as possible.  As we planned for Season 5, one thing became clear right away: like all smart creatives, we couldn’t go it alone! So, we assembled a team of pros to help us run the nitty gritty stuff: audio production, socials, copy, transcripts. We committed to let our best B+ work get out the door. We crowdsourced a spark or two—and then something extraordinary happened: 20 episodes of hot-from-the-oven sparks were served straight into your podcast-loving headphones! We’re so grateful to the remarkable team who helped make it all happen. But, creative friend, we also need to thank YOU! Without loyal listeners, this podcast is just a bunch of juicy ideas spoken into a microphone. We are deeply grateful for your time, attention, reviews, referrals, recommendations, and feedback, and for placing your creative trust in us for another season. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000 Season 5 Finale full 5 21 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien After 20 spark-filled episodes, we’re wrapping up the season with a celebration! Join us as we look back at this remarkable season of spark, discuss highlights, and share just how we made this season happen. Bringing Season 5 of the Spark File podcast was a challenge. We were wrestling between our desire to make a perfect product and our hope to get as many sparks into the world as possible. As we planned for Season 5, one thing became clear right away: like all smart creatives, we coul... After 20 spark-filled episodes, we’re wrapping up the season with a celebration! Join us as we look back at this remarkable season of spark, discuss highlights, and share just how we made this season happen. Bringing Season 5 of the Spark File podcast was a challenge. We were wrestling between our desire to make a perfect product and our hope to get as many sparks into the world as possible.  As we planned for Season 5, one thing became clear right away: like all smart creatives, we couldn’t go it alone! So, we assembled a team of pros to help us run the nitty gritty stuff: audio production, socials, copy, transcripts. We committed to let our best B+ work get out the door. We crowdsourced a spark or two—and then something extraordinary happened: 20 episodes of hot-from-the-oven sparks were served straight into your podcast-loving headphones! We’re so grateful to the remarkable team who helped make it all happen. But, creative friend, we also need to thank YOU! Without loyal listeners, this podcast is just a bunch of juicy ideas spoken into a microphone. We are deeply grateful for your time, attention, reviews, referrals, recommendations, and feedback, and for placing your creative trust in us for another season. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices After 20 spark-filled episodes, we’re wrapping up the season with a celebration! Join us as we look back at this remarkable season of spark, discuss highlights, and share just how we made this season happen. Bringing Season 5 of the Spark File podcast was a challenge. We were wrestling between our desire to make a perfect product and our hope to get as many sparks into the world as possible. 

As we planned for Season 5, one thing became clear right away: like all smart creatives, we couldn’t go it alone! So, we assembled a team of pros to help us run the nitty gritty stuff: audio production, socials, copy, transcripts. We committed to let our best B+ work get out the door. We crowdsourced a spark or two—and then something extraordinary happened: 20 episodes of hot-from-the-oven sparks were served straight into your podcast-loving headphones!

We’re so grateful to the remarkable team who helped make it all happen. But, creative friend, we also need to thank YOU! Without loyal listeners, this podcast is just a bunch of juicy ideas spoken into a microphone. We are deeply grateful for your time, attention, reviews, referrals, recommendations, and feedback, and for placing your creative trust in us for another season.

You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2324 yes Stephen King On Writing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 Stephen King On Writing full 5 20 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 2231 yes Closing Ceremonies: Blue Man Group Recently, we learned that the beloved Blue Man Group will be closing their New York City and Chicago companies in 2025. This news was bittersweet, to say the least.  Blue Man Group has impacted each of our personal and professional lives in many ways; not the least of which was the 25 years Laura dedicated to building the Blue Man Group brand as the VP of Communications.  Learnings for our time and experiences with Blue Man Group have influenced and impacted nearly every facet of The Spark File - our mission and values, the way we’ve built and marketed the company, the way we treat each other and every member of The Spark File community.... Join us this week as we discuss all that we learned from this extraordinary organization—like how every voice in the room matters and the importance of processing conflict before continuing with a task – and we’ll explore how those lessons impact our work to this day. We believe that endings are an essential part of the creative cycle. Shows close, messy manuscripts become bound books, art exhibits are hung with excitement and taken down with a pang of sadness. To find new beginnings, we must honor our endings–and this week, we feel profoundly aware of all that is lost, and all that is gained, when things end. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 Closing Ceremonies: Blue Man Group full 5 19 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Recently, we learned that the beloved Blue Man Group will be closing their New York City and Chicago companies in 2025. This news was bittersweet, to say the least. Blue Man Group has impacted each of our personal and professional lives in many ways; not the least of which was the 25 years Laura dedicated to building the Blue Man Group brand as the VP of Communications. Learnings for our time and experiences with Blue Man Group have influenced and impacted nearly every facet of Th... Recently, we learned that the beloved Blue Man Group will be closing their New York City and Chicago companies in 2025. This news was bittersweet, to say the least.  Blue Man Group has impacted each of our personal and professional lives in many ways; not the least of which was the 25 years Laura dedicated to building the Blue Man Group brand as the VP of Communications.  Learnings for our time and experiences with Blue Man Group have influenced and impacted nearly every facet of The Spark File - our mission and values, the way we’ve built and marketed the company, the way we treat each other and every member of The Spark File community.... Join us this week as we discuss all that we learned from this extraordinary organization—like how every voice in the room matters and the importance of processing conflict before continuing with a task – and we’ll explore how those lessons impact our work to this day. We believe that endings are an essential part of the creative cycle. Shows close, messy manuscripts become bound books, art exhibits are hung with excitement and taken down with a pang of sadness. To find new beginnings, we must honor our endings–and this week, we feel profoundly aware of all that is lost, and all that is gained, when things end. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Recently, we learned that the beloved Blue Man Group will be closing their New York City and Chicago companies in 2025. This news was bittersweet, to say the least. 

Blue Man Group has impacted each of our personal and professional lives in many ways; not the least of which was the 25 years Laura dedicated to building the Blue Man Group brand as the VP of Communications. 

Learnings for our time and experiences with Blue Man Group have influenced and impacted nearly every facet of The Spark File - our mission and values, the way we’ve built and marketed the company, the way we treat each other and every member of The Spark File community....

Join us this week as we discuss all that we learned from this extraordinary organization—like how every voice in the room matters and the importance of processing conflict before continuing with a task – and we’ll explore how those lessons impact our work to this day.

We believe that endings are an essential part of the creative cycle. Shows close, messy manuscripts become bound books, art exhibits are hung with excitement and taken down with a pang of sadness. To find new beginnings, we must honor our endings–and this week, we feel profoundly aware of all that is lost, and all that is gained, when things end.

You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2555 yes Hug An Author Today We know that writing a book is hard work—longform creativity takes patience, stamina, and an extraordinary drive to make it to the finish line.  That’s why, this week, we’re celebrating our dear friend Jenny Clift, whose new book Thriving Artist: How Musicians, Performers, and Creatives Can Use EFT Tapping to Achieve Balance, Career Growth, and Success is released on January 15. We got a sneak peek at this incredible resource for artists, and we were too sparked not to share! Join us this week as we take a page from Jenny’s book to discuss fighting for creative freedom. We’ll discuss the process of EFT Tapping and how it has impacted our lives and work. And, we’ll analyze some of Jenny’s most helpful tactics for moving through trauma and limiting beliefs. We’re thrilled to celebrate Jenny’s achievement. But we’re even more grateful for the chance to share it with you! In honor of Jenny—and all the hard-working authors out there–we have one thing to say: We LOVE it! Keep going! You can learn more about Jenny and her new book on her website. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 Hug An Author Today full 5 18 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien We know that writing a book is hard work—longform creativity takes patience, stamina, and an extraordinary drive to make it to the finish line. That’s why, this week, we’re celebrating our dear friend Jenny Clift, whose new book Thriving Artist: How Musicians, Performers, and Creatives Can Use EFT Tapping to Achieve Balance, Career Growth, and Success is released on January 15. We got a sneak peek at this incredible resource for artists, and we were too sparked not to share! Join us thi... We know that writing a book is hard work—longform creativity takes patience, stamina, and an extraordinary drive to make it to the finish line.  That’s why, this week, we’re celebrating our dear friend Jenny Clift, whose new book Thriving Artist: How Musicians, Performers, and Creatives Can Use EFT Tapping to Achieve Balance, Career Growth, and Success is released on January 15. We got a sneak peek at this incredible resource for artists, and we were too sparked not to share! Join us this week as we take a page from Jenny’s book to discuss fighting for creative freedom. We’ll discuss the process of EFT Tapping and how it has impacted our lives and work. And, we’ll analyze some of Jenny’s most helpful tactics for moving through trauma and limiting beliefs. We’re thrilled to celebrate Jenny’s achievement. But we’re even more grateful for the chance to share it with you! In honor of Jenny—and all the hard-working authors out there–we have one thing to say: We LOVE it! Keep going! You can learn more about Jenny and her new book on her website. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We know that writing a book is hard work—longform creativity takes patience, stamina, and an extraordinary drive to make it to the finish line.  That’s why, this week, we’re celebrating our dear friend Jenny Clift, whose new book Thriving Artist: How Musicians, Performers, and Creatives Can Use EFT Tapping to Achieve Balance, Career Growth, and Success is released on January 15. We got a sneak peek at this incredible resource for artists, and we were too sparked not to share!

Join us this week as we take a page from Jenny’s book to discuss fighting for creative freedom. We’ll discuss the process of EFT Tapping and how it has impacted our lives and work. And, we’ll analyze some of Jenny’s most helpful tactics for moving through trauma and limiting beliefs. We’re thrilled to celebrate Jenny’s achievement. But we’re even more grateful for the chance to share it with you!

In honor of Jenny—and all the hard-working authors out there–we have one thing to say: We LOVE it! Keep going! You can learn more about Jenny and her new book on her website. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1964 yes Making Change Pt. 3 As the New Year barrels on, bringing an abundance of uncertainty with it, we wanted to return to a topic that has sparked us many times before: Making change. In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we reflect on the work of scientists and experts who study the circuitry of the brain, and offer some tangible tips for how to make change in your life. We’ll also discuss some creative changemakers we know—passionate folks who are using their creative superpowers for good. Like a particularly fashionable friend who helps curate professional outfits for job-seekers in need. Or an ASL interpreter whose precise translations amplify equal access in healthcare. At the Spark File, we define creativity as applied imagination that fights for the powers of good. We also believe that if you want to make change, you have to do something! Together we can make 2025 the year that we use our creative gifts to make an impact, without getting bogged down by things we can’t control. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 Making Change Pt. 3 full 5 17 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien As the New Year barrels on, bringing an abundance of uncertainty with it, we wanted to return to a topic that has sparked us many times before: Making change. In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we reflect on the work of scientists and experts who study the circuitry of the brain, and offer some tangible tips for how to make change in your life. We’ll also discuss some creative changemakers we know—passionate folks who are using their creative superpowers for good. Like a partic... As the New Year barrels on, bringing an abundance of uncertainty with it, we wanted to return to a topic that has sparked us many times before: Making change. In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we reflect on the work of scientists and experts who study the circuitry of the brain, and offer some tangible tips for how to make change in your life. We’ll also discuss some creative changemakers we know—passionate folks who are using their creative superpowers for good. Like a particularly fashionable friend who helps curate professional outfits for job-seekers in need. Or an ASL interpreter whose precise translations amplify equal access in healthcare. At the Spark File, we define creativity as applied imagination that fights for the powers of good. We also believe that if you want to make change, you have to do something! Together we can make 2025 the year that we use our creative gifts to make an impact, without getting bogged down by things we can’t control. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As the New Year barrels on, bringing an abundance of uncertainty with it, we wanted to return to a topic that has sparked us many times before: Making change.

In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we reflect on the work of scientists and experts who study the circuitry of the brain, and offer some tangible tips for how to make change in your life.

We’ll also discuss some creative changemakers we know—passionate folks who are using their creative superpowers for good. Like a particularly fashionable friend who helps curate professional outfits for job-seekers in need. Or an ASL interpreter whose precise translations amplify equal access in healthcare.

At the Spark File, we define creativity as applied imagination that fights for the powers of good. We also believe that if you want to make change, you have to do something! Together we can make 2025 the year that we use our creative gifts to make an impact, without getting bogged down by things we can’t control.

You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2277 yes Primordial Soup When Oxford revealed its annual “Word of the Year” earlier this month, we had some questions—and not just because “Brain Rot” is two words. The truth is, we scroll past hundreds of images, sounds, and writings every day, pumping into our brains faster than any information has ever moved before. We absorb things that are neither meaningful nor thought-provoking—information with no purpose other than to fill space and time. Join us this week as we discuss the impact of this so-called Brain Rot. We explore the impact of AI “Slop” on our brains (yes, that’s really what its called!) And, we share some old-school knowledge about the importance space for creation.What if we thought of the contents of our brain more like Primordial Soup than slop? Primordial Soup refers to the primitive water bodies on the earth that were so rich in organic matter that scientists believe the first life forms evolved out of them. What if we were filling our brains with such substantive, enriching, inspiring content that creative life was overflowing? Creative life was consistently pouring out of us?The way we see it, this is a bit of a “use it or lose it” situation. We’ve each only got one brain, so let’s do our best to keep it healthy and looking straight ahead toward those big creative goals. Join us in setting the intention for mindful making in 2025!You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, apple podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 31 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Primordial Soup full 5 16 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien When Oxford revealed its annual “Word of the Year” earlier this month, we had some questions—and not just because “Brain Rot” is two words. The truth is, we scroll past hundreds of images, sounds, and writings every day, pumping into our brains faster than any information has ever moved before. We absorb things that are neither meaningful nor thought-provoking—information with no purpose other than to fill space and time. Join us this week as we discuss the impact of this so-called Bra... When Oxford revealed its annual “Word of the Year” earlier this month, we had some questions—and not just because “Brain Rot” is two words. The truth is, we scroll past hundreds of images, sounds, and writings every day, pumping into our brains faster than any information has ever moved before. We absorb things that are neither meaningful nor thought-provoking—information with no purpose other than to fill space and time. Join us this week as we discuss the impact of this so-called Brain Rot. We explore the impact of AI “Slop” on our brains (yes, that’s really what its called!) And, we share some old-school knowledge about the importance space for creation.What if we thought of the contents of our brain more like Primordial Soup than slop? Primordial Soup refers to the primitive water bodies on the earth that were so rich in organic matter that scientists believe the first life forms evolved out of them. What if we were filling our brains with such substantive, enriching, inspiring content that creative life was overflowing? Creative life was consistently pouring out of us?The way we see it, this is a bit of a “use it or lose it” situation. We’ve each only got one brain, so let’s do our best to keep it healthy and looking straight ahead toward those big creative goals. Join us in setting the intention for mindful making in 2025!You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, apple podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When Oxford revealed its annual “Word of the Year” earlier this month, we had some questions—and not just because “Brain Rot” is two words. 

The truth is, we scroll past hundreds of images, sounds, and writings every day, pumping into our brains faster than any information has ever moved before. We absorb things that are neither meaningful nor thought-provoking—information with no purpose other than to fill space and time. Join us this week as we discuss the impact of this so-called Brain Rot. We explore the impact of AI “Slop” on our brains (yes, that’s really what its called!) And, we share some old-school knowledge about the importance space for creation.

What if we thought of the contents of our brain more like Primordial Soup than slop? Primordial Soup refers to the primitive water bodies on the earth that were so rich in organic matter that scientists believe the first life forms evolved out of them. 

What if we were filling our brains with such substantive, enriching, inspiring content that creative life was overflowing? Creative life was consistently pouring out of us?

The way we see it, this is a bit of a “use it or lose it” situation. We’ve each only got one brain, so let’s do our best to keep it healthy and looking straight ahead toward those big creative goals. 
Join us in setting the intention for mindful making in 2025!

You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, apple podcasts, and directly on our website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1944 yes Gifts & Creativity We have found that the more we tap into our creativity, the more we enjoy the holiday season.  In this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, we explore creativity in the form of gift-giving. Join us as we discuss the history of giving tangible gifts and why the tradition continues. We’ll explore some of the incredible gifts given (and received!) by members of The Spark File community and touch on some of our favorites from over the years. And, we’ll check in on some expert gift-givers to see what we can learn from them! (Here’s a hint: specificity, timing, and a listening ear are key!)We’re thankful to be part of such a vibrant community where giving generously of your time and talents is foundational. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect antique photo book or thinking about that once-in-a-lifetime gift from the past, this episode has a ton of ideas to fill that gift-giving Spark File.Remember that simply showing up and being present is a present. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tue, 24 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Gifts & Creativity full 5 15 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien We have found that the more we tap into our creativity, the more we enjoy the holiday season. In this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, we explore creativity in the form of gift-giving. Join us as we discuss the history of giving tangible gifts and why the tradition continues. We’ll explore some of the incredible gifts given (and received!) by members of The Spark File community and touch on some of our favorites from over the years. And, we’ll check in on some expert gift-giver... We have found that the more we tap into our creativity, the more we enjoy the holiday season.  In this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, we explore creativity in the form of gift-giving. Join us as we discuss the history of giving tangible gifts and why the tradition continues. We’ll explore some of the incredible gifts given (and received!) by members of The Spark File community and touch on some of our favorites from over the years. And, we’ll check in on some expert gift-givers to see what we can learn from them! (Here’s a hint: specificity, timing, and a listening ear are key!)We’re thankful to be part of such a vibrant community where giving generously of your time and talents is foundational. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect antique photo book or thinking about that once-in-a-lifetime gift from the past, this episode has a ton of ideas to fill that gift-giving Spark File.Remember that simply showing up and being present is a present. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We have found that the more we tap into our creativity, the more we enjoy the holiday season.  In this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, we explore creativity in the form of gift-giving. Join us as we discuss the history of giving tangible gifts and why the tradition continues. We’ll explore some of the incredible gifts given (and received!) by members of The Spark File community and touch on some of our favorites from over the years. And, we’ll check in on some expert gift-givers to see what we can learn from them! (Here’s a hint: specificity, timing, and a listening ear are key!)

We’re thankful to be part of such a vibrant community where giving generously of your time and talents is foundational. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect antique photo book or thinking about that once-in-a-lifetime gift from the past, this episode has a ton of ideas to fill that gift-giving Spark File.

Remember that simply showing up and being present is a present. 

You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2642 yes Menopause + Creativity This week, we’re exploring an experience shared by more than half of the world’s population: Menopause. If you are thinking to yourself, “Oh, that topic isn’t for me.” We’re here to tell you the truth: menopause impacts everyone. If you have had a period in your life, or if you love a person who has had a period, this episode is for you. (Spoiler: that means it is for everybody.) While the word itself might feel familiar, Menopause is deeply under-studied and continually misunderstood, even by medical professionals. And while we are definitely creativity coaches, decidedly not doctors, we’ve been sparked by lessons we’ve learned while navigating our own lived experiences.  Join us this week as we discuss the intense symptoms that can occur during menopause and how those symptoms can impact our lives—and yes, that includes impacts on our creativity!  We’ll share some hard-earned wisdom from professionals working to increase awareness and from folks developing new tools and resources to help folks navigate the hardest parts of this often-ignored piece of our personhood and our health. You can listen to The Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Menopause + Creativity full 5 14 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, we’re exploring an experience shared by more than half of the world’s population: Menopause. If you are thinking to yourself, “Oh, that topic isn’t for me.” We’re here to tell you the truth: menopause impacts everyone. If you have had a period in your life, or if you love a person who has had a period, this episode is for you. (Spoiler: that means it is for everybody.) While the word itself might feel familiar, Menopause is deeply under-studied and continually misunderstood, even b... This week, we’re exploring an experience shared by more than half of the world’s population: Menopause. If you are thinking to yourself, “Oh, that topic isn’t for me.” We’re here to tell you the truth: menopause impacts everyone. If you have had a period in your life, or if you love a person who has had a period, this episode is for you. (Spoiler: that means it is for everybody.) While the word itself might feel familiar, Menopause is deeply under-studied and continually misunderstood, even by medical professionals. And while we are definitely creativity coaches, decidedly not doctors, we’ve been sparked by lessons we’ve learned while navigating our own lived experiences.  Join us this week as we discuss the intense symptoms that can occur during menopause and how those symptoms can impact our lives—and yes, that includes impacts on our creativity!  We’ll share some hard-earned wisdom from professionals working to increase awareness and from folks developing new tools and resources to help folks navigate the hardest parts of this often-ignored piece of our personhood and our health. You can listen to The Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, we’re exploring an experience shared by more than half of the world’s population: Menopause. If you are thinking to yourself, “Oh, that topic isn’t for me.” We’re here to tell you the truth: menopause impacts everyone. If you have had a period in your life, or if you love a person who has had a period, this episode is for you. (Spoiler: that means it is for everybody.)

While the word itself might feel familiar, Menopause is deeply under-studied and continually misunderstood, even by medical professionals. And while we are definitely creativity coaches, decidedly not doctors, we’ve been sparked by lessons we’ve learned while navigating our own lived experiences.  Join us this week as we discuss the intense symptoms that can occur during menopause and how those symptoms can impact our lives—and yes, that includes impacts on our creativity! 

We’ll share some hard-earned wisdom from professionals working to increase awareness and from folks developing new tools and resources to help folks navigate the hardest parts of this often-ignored piece of our personhood and our health.

You can listen to The Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2637 yes Go All The Way There Like many artists, we deeply empathize with the world around us. It can be hard to manage all the tough feelings that come up. A lot is happening in the world—a lot to laugh about, cry about, shout about, and rage about. Sorrow can bring joy, anger can bring calm, and it can all feel impossible to face. And, like it or not, we believe there is one path forward: To get through it all, we’ve got to go all the way there. This week’s episode of The Spark File podcast examines our long-held belief that moving through big feelings requires mindful action. Join us as we discuss ways to process the hard stuff, following the real-world examples of everyone from curious toddlers to award-winning songwriters. We’ll explore methods for proper care and feeding of your feelings to help you get unstuck and move forward. The hard truth is that the tough stuff will keep coming. Fear, anger, joy, and the creativity cycle move through us regardless of the world’s events. So, in tenuous moments like these, the best care a creative community can offer—for ourselves and each other—is a developed practice of going all the way there. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Go All The Way There full 5 13 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Like many artists, we deeply empathize with the world around us. It can be hard to manage all the tough feelings that come up. A lot is happening in the world—a lot to laugh about, cry about, shout about, and rage about. Sorrow can bring joy, anger can bring calm, and it can all feel impossible to face. And, like it or not, we believe there is one path forward: To get through it all, we’ve got to go all the way there. This week’s episode of The Spark File podcast examines our long-held belief... Like many artists, we deeply empathize with the world around us. It can be hard to manage all the tough feelings that come up. A lot is happening in the world—a lot to laugh about, cry about, shout about, and rage about. Sorrow can bring joy, anger can bring calm, and it can all feel impossible to face. And, like it or not, we believe there is one path forward: To get through it all, we’ve got to go all the way there. This week’s episode of The Spark File podcast examines our long-held belief that moving through big feelings requires mindful action. Join us as we discuss ways to process the hard stuff, following the real-world examples of everyone from curious toddlers to award-winning songwriters. We’ll explore methods for proper care and feeding of your feelings to help you get unstuck and move forward. The hard truth is that the tough stuff will keep coming. Fear, anger, joy, and the creativity cycle move through us regardless of the world’s events. So, in tenuous moments like these, the best care a creative community can offer—for ourselves and each other—is a developed practice of going all the way there. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Like many artists, we deeply empathize with the world around us. It can be hard to manage all the tough feelings that come up. A lot is happening in the world—a lot to laugh about, cry about, shout about, and rage about. Sorrow can bring joy, anger can bring calm, and it can all feel impossible to face. And, like it or not, we believe there is one path forward: To get through it all, we’ve got to go all the way there.

This week’s episode of The Spark File podcast examines our long-held belief that moving through big feelings requires mindful action. Join us as we discuss ways to process the hard stuff, following the real-world examples of everyone from curious toddlers to award-winning songwriters. We’ll explore methods for proper care and feeding of your feelings to help you get unstuck and move forward.

The hard truth is that the tough stuff will keep coming. Fear, anger, joy, and the creativity cycle move through us regardless of the world’s events. So, in tenuous moments like these, the best care a creative community can offer—for ourselves and each other—is a developed practice of going all the way there. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2162 yes Reaching Out In our opinion, creating a connection with others is the most singularly powerful tool any creative has in their armory. Unfortunately, a lot of us find that it’s easier said than done.  This week, Susan and Laura explore Molly Beck’s book Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network. Join us as we discuss Molly’s research-based guidance and how it intersects with our practical approach to creative work. We’ll share the do’s and don’ts of networking outreach. And, we’ll share some tips and tricks for how to make your outreach feel authentically you.  If you’re like us and you’re making things all the time, you know that finding and articulating your network of like-minded creatives is an essential part of the process. Join us in making this connection-filled time of year a springboard toward your creative goals. Listen in and let’s make this the season of reaching out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Reaching Out full 5 12 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In our opinion, creating a connection with others is the most singularly powerful tool any creative has in their armory. Unfortunately, a lot of us find that it’s easier said than done. This week, Susan and Laura explore Molly Beck’s book Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network. Join us as we discuss Molly’s research-based guidance and how it intersects with our practical approach to creative work. We’ll share the do’s and don’ts of networking outreach. And, we’ll... In our opinion, creating a connection with others is the most singularly powerful tool any creative has in their armory. Unfortunately, a lot of us find that it’s easier said than done.  This week, Susan and Laura explore Molly Beck’s book Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network. Join us as we discuss Molly’s research-based guidance and how it intersects with our practical approach to creative work. We’ll share the do’s and don’ts of networking outreach. And, we’ll share some tips and tricks for how to make your outreach feel authentically you.  If you’re like us and you’re making things all the time, you know that finding and articulating your network of like-minded creatives is an essential part of the process. Join us in making this connection-filled time of year a springboard toward your creative goals. Listen in and let’s make this the season of reaching out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In our opinion, creating a connection with others is the most singularly powerful tool any creative has in their armory. Unfortunately, a lot of us find that it’s easier said than done. 

This week, Susan and Laura explore Molly Beck’s book Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network. Join us as we discuss Molly’s research-based guidance and how it intersects with our practical approach to creative work. We’ll share the do’s and don’ts of networking outreach. And, we’ll share some tips and tricks for how to make your outreach feel authentically you. 

If you’re like us and you’re making things all the time, you know that finding and articulating your network of like-minded creatives is an essential part of the process. Join us in making this connection-filled time of year a springboard toward your creative goals. Listen in and let’s make this the season of reaching out!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2160 yes Join The Joiners Lately it feels like so many of us are longing for belonging, but finding it harder than to connect. But why?  In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we dig in to find the answer.  Join us as Laura examines the work of social scientist Bob Putnam, whose book Bowling Alone: the Collapse and Revival of American Community connects the decline of American social organizations, guilds, and community spaces with an increase in isolation and a greater political and personal divide. The 2023 Netflix Documentary Join or Die, which digs into the “half-century story of America’s civic unraveling,” re-examined Putnam’s work with a lens on contemporary struggles. Turns out the answer is pretty simple: we need to reconnect in a meaningful way. Maybe you’re looking for a service organization, a community center, or a coaching community (like this one!) Wherever you can find (or rediscover) community, you might also find a greater sense of belonging. These connections are how we move through the most significant individual and collective problems. Listen on to hear our thoughts on how we move forward toward reconnecting in measurable and meaningful ways. As far as we’re concerned, it’s time to join the club! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Join The Joiners full 5 11 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Lately it feels like so many of us are longing for belonging, but finding it harder than to connect. But why? In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we dig in to find the answer. Join us as Laura examines the work of social scientist Bob Putnam, whose book Bowling Alone: the Collapse and Revival of American Community connects the decline of American social organizations, guilds, and community spaces with an increase in isolation and a greater political and personal divi... Lately it feels like so many of us are longing for belonging, but finding it harder than to connect. But why?  In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we dig in to find the answer.  Join us as Laura examines the work of social scientist Bob Putnam, whose book Bowling Alone: the Collapse and Revival of American Community connects the decline of American social organizations, guilds, and community spaces with an increase in isolation and a greater political and personal divide. The 2023 Netflix Documentary Join or Die, which digs into the “half-century story of America’s civic unraveling,” re-examined Putnam’s work with a lens on contemporary struggles. Turns out the answer is pretty simple: we need to reconnect in a meaningful way. Maybe you’re looking for a service organization, a community center, or a coaching community (like this one!) Wherever you can find (or rediscover) community, you might also find a greater sense of belonging. These connections are how we move through the most significant individual and collective problems. Listen on to hear our thoughts on how we move forward toward reconnecting in measurable and meaningful ways. As far as we’re concerned, it’s time to join the club! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Lately it feels like so many of us are longing for belonging, but finding it harder than to connect. But why?  In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we dig in to find the answer. 

Join us as Laura examines the work of social scientist Bob Putnam, whose book Bowling Alone: the Collapse and Revival of American Community connects the decline of American social organizations, guilds, and community spaces with an increase in isolation and a greater political and personal divide. The 2023 Netflix Documentary Join or Die, which digs into the “half-century story of America’s civic unraveling,” re-examined Putnam’s work with a lens on contemporary struggles.

Turns out the answer is pretty simple: we need to reconnect in a meaningful way. Maybe you’re looking for a service organization, a community center, or a coaching community (like this one!) Wherever you can find (or rediscover) community, you might also find a greater sense of belonging. These connections are how we move through the most significant individual and collective problems. Listen on to hear our thoughts on how we move forward toward reconnecting in measurable and meaningful ways. As far as we’re concerned, it’s time to join the club!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2015 yes Catharsis, Comfort & Change The weight of the world felt heavy this week, but tough moments are when we feel luckiest to have this incredible community. Like we always say, everyone is creative but smart creative people do not go it alone! So this week, we did what we so often recommend to our coaching clients when the path ahead feels cloudy: We reached out to all the brave creatives in our lives (including you!) to see what is sparking comfort, catharsis, and change in their lives right now. We asked, and, boy, did you deliver!In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from an avalanche of creatives–including us!–-about which TedTalks, TV shows, poems, and songs are filling creative wells and buoying heavy spirits. And there were enough music recommendations for a whole playlist! Whether you’re seeking the comfort of joy and laughter or the catharsis of a good cry, the Spark File community has got your back. You can listen to this week’s episode of the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. And, if you’d like to add music suggestions to our Comfort, Catharsis, and Change playlist, email your ideas to getcreative@thesparkfile.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Catharsis, Comfort & Change full 5 9 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien The weight of the world felt heavy this week, but tough moments are when we feel luckiest to have this incredible community. Like we always say, everyone is creative but smart creative people do not go it alone! So this week, we did what we so often recommend to our coaching clients when the path ahead feels cloudy: We reached out to all the brave creatives in our lives (including you!) to see what is sparking comfort, catharsis, and change in their lives right now. We asked, and, boy, did yo... The weight of the world felt heavy this week, but tough moments are when we feel luckiest to have this incredible community. Like we always say, everyone is creative but smart creative people do not go it alone! So this week, we did what we so often recommend to our coaching clients when the path ahead feels cloudy: We reached out to all the brave creatives in our lives (including you!) to see what is sparking comfort, catharsis, and change in their lives right now. We asked, and, boy, did you deliver!In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from an avalanche of creatives–including us!–-about which TedTalks, TV shows, poems, and songs are filling creative wells and buoying heavy spirits. And there were enough music recommendations for a whole playlist! Whether you’re seeking the comfort of joy and laughter or the catharsis of a good cry, the Spark File community has got your back. You can listen to this week’s episode of the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. And, if you’d like to add music suggestions to our Comfort, Catharsis, and Change playlist, email your ideas to getcreative@thesparkfile.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The weight of the world felt heavy this week, but tough moments are when we feel luckiest to have this incredible community. Like we always say, everyone is creative but smart creative people do not go it alone! So this week, we did what we so often recommend to our coaching clients when the path ahead feels cloudy: We reached out to all the brave creatives in our lives (including you!) to see what is sparking comfort, catharsis, and change in their lives right now. We asked, and, boy, did you deliver!

In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from an avalanche of creatives–including us!–-about which TedTalks, TV shows, poems, and songs are filling creative wells and buoying heavy spirits. And there were enough music recommendations for a whole playlist! Whether you’re seeking the comfort of joy and laughter or the catharsis of a good cry, the Spark File community has got your back. 

You can listen to this week’s episode of the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. And, if you’d like to add music suggestions to our Comfort, Catharsis, and Change playlist, email your ideas to getcreative@thesparkfile.com!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2203 yes The Creative Act Here at the Spark File, creativity is a way of life and a way of being in the world.  In this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura digs into Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act: A Way of Being. A profoundly successful American record producer, Rubin is the co-founder of Def Jam recordings, founder of American Recordings and former co-president of Columbia Records. He is someone who has spent his life making things—and, like us, he believes creativity is so much more than one project: it’s a whole way of being!  Join us as we discuss how to break down barriers to the act of creation, making it more attainable in aspects of our lives. We’ll hit the highlights of Rubin’s musings, and share some of our thoughts on the power of infusing your life with creative energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000 The Creative Act full 5 10 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Here at the Spark File, creativity is a way of life and a way of being in the world. In this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura digs into Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act: A Way of Being. A profoundly successful American record producer, Rubin is the co-founder of Def Jam recordings, founder of American Recordings and former co-president of Columbia Records. He is someone who has spent his life making things—and, like us, he believes creativity is so much more than one pr... Here at the Spark File, creativity is a way of life and a way of being in the world.  In this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura digs into Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act: A Way of Being. A profoundly successful American record producer, Rubin is the co-founder of Def Jam recordings, founder of American Recordings and former co-president of Columbia Records. He is someone who has spent his life making things—and, like us, he believes creativity is so much more than one project: it’s a whole way of being!  Join us as we discuss how to break down barriers to the act of creation, making it more attainable in aspects of our lives. We’ll hit the highlights of Rubin’s musings, and share some of our thoughts on the power of infusing your life with creative energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Here at the Spark File, creativity is a way of life and a way of being in the world. 

In this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura digs into Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act: A Way of Being. A profoundly successful American record producer, Rubin is the co-founder of Def Jam recordings, founder of American Recordings and former co-president of Columbia Records. He is someone who has spent his life making things—and, like us, he believes creativity is so much more than one project: it’s a whole way of being! 

Join us as we discuss how to break down barriers to the act of creation, making it more attainable in aspects of our lives. We’ll hit the highlights of Rubin’s musings, and share some of our thoughts on the power of infusing your life with creative energy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2121 yes Moral Distress Signal Have you ever found yourself giggling at the most unexpected insult, like "sparrow's fart"? Join us as we kick off this episode of The Spark File with laughter and a light-hearted exchange that sets the stage for a journey through creativity and introspection. We'll explore the wonderful world of "spark files," those magical little tools for capturing inspiration, and emphasize how much more fun the creative process can be with good company. As the conversation unfolds, we'll tackle the anxiety stirred by the relentless election cycle and recent global upheavals. Hear how staying up late with jigsaw puzzles becomes a peculiar form of revenge against bedtime procrastination, as we search for peace amid chaos.We then transition to managing moral distress, presenting effective strategies to calm the mind with practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and EFT tapping. Reflecting on the timeless wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, we focus on controlling what we can and finding solace in helping others. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of self-care in building resilience against stress. We cap it off with an invitation for you to share your creative risks and feedback, acknowledging the Lenape and Mohican lands. With a "forever permission slip," we encourage you to chase those sparks of inspiration and turn them into something vibrant. Let’s navigate this creative landscape together with humor, courage, and camaraderie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000 Moral Distress Signal full 5 8 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Have you ever found yourself giggling at the most unexpected insult, like "sparrow's fart"? Join us as we kick off this episode of The Spark File with laughter and a light-hearted exchange that sets the stage for a journey through creativity and introspection. We'll explore the wonderful world of "spark files," those magical little tools for capturing inspiration, and emphasize how much more fun the creative process can be with good company. As the conversation unfolds, we'll tackle the anxie... Have you ever found yourself giggling at the most unexpected insult, like "sparrow's fart"? Join us as we kick off this episode of The Spark File with laughter and a light-hearted exchange that sets the stage for a journey through creativity and introspection. We'll explore the wonderful world of "spark files," those magical little tools for capturing inspiration, and emphasize how much more fun the creative process can be with good company. As the conversation unfolds, we'll tackle the anxiety stirred by the relentless election cycle and recent global upheavals. Hear how staying up late with jigsaw puzzles becomes a peculiar form of revenge against bedtime procrastination, as we search for peace amid chaos.We then transition to managing moral distress, presenting effective strategies to calm the mind with practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and EFT tapping. Reflecting on the timeless wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, we focus on controlling what we can and finding solace in helping others. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of self-care in building resilience against stress. We cap it off with an invitation for you to share your creative risks and feedback, acknowledging the Lenape and Mohican lands. With a "forever permission slip," we encourage you to chase those sparks of inspiration and turn them into something vibrant. Let’s navigate this creative landscape together with humor, courage, and camaraderie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Have you ever found yourself giggling at the most unexpected insult, like "sparrow's fart"? Join us as we kick off this episode of The Spark File with laughter and a light-hearted exchange that sets the stage for a journey through creativity and introspection. We'll explore the wonderful world of "spark files," those magical little tools for capturing inspiration, and emphasize how much more fun the creative process can be with good company. As the conversation unfolds, we'll tackle the anxiety stirred by the relentless election cycle and recent global upheavals. Hear how staying up late with jigsaw puzzles becomes a peculiar form of revenge against bedtime procrastination, as we search for peace amid chaos.

We then transition to managing moral distress, presenting effective strategies to calm the mind with practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and EFT tapping. Reflecting on the timeless wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, we focus on controlling what we can and finding solace in helping others. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of self-care in building resilience against stress. We cap it off with an invitation for you to share your creative risks and feedback, acknowledging the Lenape and Mohican lands. With a "forever permission slip," we encourage you to chase those sparks of inspiration and turn them into something vibrant. Let’s navigate this creative landscape together with humor, courage, and camaraderie.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2090 yes Spooky Sparks from SPARKfest In this week’s episode of the Spark File podcast, we head back to the beautiful Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Canada, where we were fortunate to host our almost annual SPARKFest. This week, on the eve of Halloween, we’re embracing the spooky season. Listen on to hear directly from Spark File community members. In this week’s episode you’ll hear sparks that explore Why (most) human beings love being scared, and how our fear sparks fear in others (spoiler: fear contagion is real!) The history behind haunted houses and fear-filled attractions How our brains trick us into filling in the gaps of what we can’t see The difference between a labyrinth and a maze Plus, you’ll hear from Spark Scribe Jill Dryer about the impact and power of dreams. But that’s not all! Saunders Farm’s own Angela Grant Saunders walks you through some of the spooky and sweet magic that makes Saunders Farm so special. (Hint: Apple cider donuts. Hundreds of them) So, if you’re feeling spooky, or you just want to cuddle up with some autumnal coziness, dig into the latest episode of…THE SPOOK FILE.… just kidding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Spooky Sparks from SPARKfest full 5 7 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week’s episode of the Spark File podcast, we head back to the beautiful Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Canada, where we were fortunate to host our almost annual SPARKFest. This week, on the eve of Halloween, we’re embracing the spooky season. Listen on to hear directly from Spark File community members. In this week’s episode you’ll hear sparks that explore Why (most) human beings love being scared, and how our fear sparks fear in others (spoiler: fear contagion is real!)The history behind ... In this week’s episode of the Spark File podcast, we head back to the beautiful Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Canada, where we were fortunate to host our almost annual SPARKFest. This week, on the eve of Halloween, we’re embracing the spooky season. Listen on to hear directly from Spark File community members. In this week’s episode you’ll hear sparks that explore Why (most) human beings love being scared, and how our fear sparks fear in others (spoiler: fear contagion is real!) The history behind haunted houses and fear-filled attractions How our brains trick us into filling in the gaps of what we can’t see The difference between a labyrinth and a maze Plus, you’ll hear from Spark Scribe Jill Dryer about the impact and power of dreams. But that’s not all! Saunders Farm’s own Angela Grant Saunders walks you through some of the spooky and sweet magic that makes Saunders Farm so special. (Hint: Apple cider donuts. Hundreds of them) So, if you’re feeling spooky, or you just want to cuddle up with some autumnal coziness, dig into the latest episode of…THE SPOOK FILE.… just kidding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week’s episode of the Spark File podcast, we head back to the beautiful Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Canada, where we were fortunate to host our almost annual SPARKFest. This week, on the eve of Halloween, we’re embracing the spooky season. Listen on to hear directly from Spark File community members. In this week’s episode you’ll hear sparks that explore

  • Why (most) human beings love being scared, and how our fear sparks fear in others (spoiler: fear contagion is real!)
  • The history behind haunted houses and fear-filled attractions
  • How our brains trick us into filling in the gaps of what we can’t see
  • The difference between a labyrinth and a maze

Plus, you’ll hear from Spark Scribe Jill Dryer about the impact and power of dreams. But that’s not all! Saunders Farm’s own Angela Grant Saunders walks you through some of the spooky and sweet magic that makes Saunders Farm so special. (Hint: Apple cider donuts. Hundreds of them)

So, if you’re feeling spooky, or you just want to cuddle up with some autumnal coziness, dig into the latest episode of…THE SPOOK FILE.… just kidding.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2374 yes Them's The Rules Every so often we hear the question: what is that “special sauce” that helps make up this “warm clan of creatives.” The truth is, a healthy culture and community requires a commitment to that mission from every single person involved. As educators, we’ve spent years learning about what conditions are most optimal for connection and community.  As creatives, we’ve spent years participating in various collaborations and configurations of people working together and noting what processes and agreements bring out the best in each individual while bringing the group together. All of this experience led to developing our own expectations for our classrooms and workshop spaces. Enter: The Spark File Course Guidelines…A Poem. If you’ve ever been involved in a Spark File class session—whether part of a coaching cohort, participating in a one-off workshop, or kicking off the New Year with us in creative style—you’re probably familiar with these guidelines. In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we’ll take a closer look at our community’s creative roadmap. Join us as we break down the course guidelines and explore the history of this living, breathing guide. We’ll discuss the educators, thought leaders and science (yes, science!) that influenced our creation of the course guidelines, and discover the “why” behind each component. There aren’t a lot of requirements when it comes to making things, but communal creative freedom demands that we all swim in the same direction. So, as the course guidelines say: As long as you’re present when you’re present, do the work, and aren’t being a dick, however you’re doing it, you’re doing it right. Them’s the rules! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Them's The Rules full 5 6 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Every so often we hear the question: what is that “special sauce” that helps make up this “warm clan of creatives.” The truth is, a healthy culture and community requires a commitment to that mission from every single person involved. As educators, we’ve spent years learning about what conditions are most optimal for connection and community. As creatives, we’ve spent years participating in various collaborations and configurations of people working together and noting what processes an... Every so often we hear the question: what is that “special sauce” that helps make up this “warm clan of creatives.” The truth is, a healthy culture and community requires a commitment to that mission from every single person involved. As educators, we’ve spent years learning about what conditions are most optimal for connection and community.  As creatives, we’ve spent years participating in various collaborations and configurations of people working together and noting what processes and agreements bring out the best in each individual while bringing the group together. All of this experience led to developing our own expectations for our classrooms and workshop spaces. Enter: The Spark File Course Guidelines…A Poem. If you’ve ever been involved in a Spark File class session—whether part of a coaching cohort, participating in a one-off workshop, or kicking off the New Year with us in creative style—you’re probably familiar with these guidelines. In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we’ll take a closer look at our community’s creative roadmap. Join us as we break down the course guidelines and explore the history of this living, breathing guide. We’ll discuss the educators, thought leaders and science (yes, science!) that influenced our creation of the course guidelines, and discover the “why” behind each component. There aren’t a lot of requirements when it comes to making things, but communal creative freedom demands that we all swim in the same direction. So, as the course guidelines say: As long as you’re present when you’re present, do the work, and aren’t being a dick, however you’re doing it, you’re doing it right. Them’s the rules! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Every so often we hear the question: what is that “special sauce” that helps make up this “warm clan of creatives.” The truth is, a healthy culture and community requires a commitment to that mission from every single person involved. As educators, we’ve spent years learning about what conditions are most optimal for connection and community. 

As creatives, we’ve spent years participating in various collaborations and configurations of people working together and noting what processes and agreements bring out the best in each individual while bringing the group together.

All of this experience led to developing our own expectations for our classrooms and workshop spaces. Enter: The Spark File Course Guidelines…A Poem.

If you’ve ever been involved in a Spark File class session—whether part of a coaching cohort, participating in a one-off workshop, or kicking off the New Year with us in creative style—you’re probably familiar with these guidelines. In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we’ll take a closer look at our community’s creative roadmap. Join us as we break down the course guidelines and explore the history of this living, breathing guide. We’ll discuss the educators, thought leaders and science (yes, science!) that influenced our creation of the course guidelines, and discover the “why” behind each component.

There aren’t a lot of requirements when it comes to making things, but communal creative freedom demands that we all swim in the same direction. So, as the course guidelines say: As long as you’re present when you’re present, do the work, and aren’t being a dick, however you’re doing it, you’re doing it right. Them’s the rules!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2061 yes Sparks from SPARKfest (Part 1) In this week’s episode, you’ll get an extra special glimpse into SPARKfest 2024, our Spark File community retreat, held last fall at the beautiful Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Canada. When we say that The Spark File is a warm and wonderful clan of creatives, this is what we mean! Listen in and you’ll feel the live-in-front-of-a-crackling-fire ambience straight from the Saunders Farm ciderhouse! Our SPARKfest attendees met the challenge of finding and crafting a spark to share inspired by their time on the farm. From this fearless crew of multi-hyphenates, you’ll hear about: what birds can teach us about empty-nesting how nature’s patterns reveal the intersection between science and art  the lessons mushrooms teach about collaboration and competitive advantage how pumpkins represent finding the right container for your work And, all the things you can catch with open arms. We’ll share more SPARKfest goodness later in the season. For now get yourself by a warm fire or hook onto to your nearest zipline and join us for this first round of piping hot SPARKfest sparks! Happy listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Sparks from SPARKfest (Part 1) full 5 5 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week’s episode, you’ll get an extra special glimpse into SPARKfest 2024, our Spark File community retreat, held last fall at the beautiful Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Canada. When we say that The Spark File is a warm and wonderful clan of creatives, this is what we mean! Listen in and you’ll feel the live-in-front-of-a-crackling-fire ambience straight from the Saunders Farm ciderhouse! Our SPARKfest attendees met the challenge of finding and crafting a spark to share inspired by their ti... In this week’s episode, you’ll get an extra special glimpse into SPARKfest 2024, our Spark File community retreat, held last fall at the beautiful Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Canada. When we say that The Spark File is a warm and wonderful clan of creatives, this is what we mean! Listen in and you’ll feel the live-in-front-of-a-crackling-fire ambience straight from the Saunders Farm ciderhouse! Our SPARKfest attendees met the challenge of finding and crafting a spark to share inspired by their time on the farm. From this fearless crew of multi-hyphenates, you’ll hear about: what birds can teach us about empty-nesting how nature’s patterns reveal the intersection between science and art  the lessons mushrooms teach about collaboration and competitive advantage how pumpkins represent finding the right container for your work And, all the things you can catch with open arms. We’ll share more SPARKfest goodness later in the season. For now get yourself by a warm fire or hook onto to your nearest zipline and join us for this first round of piping hot SPARKfest sparks! Happy listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week’s episode, you’ll get an extra special glimpse into SPARKfest 2024, our Spark File community retreat, held last fall at the beautiful Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Canada. When we say that The Spark File is a warm and wonderful clan of creatives, this is what we mean! Listen in and you’ll feel the live-in-front-of-a-crackling-fire ambience straight from the Saunders Farm ciderhouse!

Our SPARKfest attendees met the challenge of finding and crafting a spark to share inspired by their time on the farm. From this fearless crew of multi-hyphenates, you’ll hear about:

  • what birds can teach us about empty-nesting
  • how nature’s patterns reveal the intersection between science and art 
  • the lessons mushrooms teach about collaboration and competitive advantage
  • how pumpkins represent finding the right container for your work
  • And, all the things you can catch with open arms.

We’ll share more SPARKfest goodness later in the season. For now get yourself by a warm fire or hook onto to your nearest zipline and join us for this first round of piping hot SPARKfest sparks! Happy listening!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2264 yes WWGD? (Learning from Gavin Creel) As we grieve the loss of our dear friend Gavin Creel, Susan called out for memories, wisdom, and lessons learned from Gavin, and we were touched by the outpouring of love from all across the globe. In this week’s episode, titled “WWGD? (Learning from Gavin Creel)," we hear from people who learned something from Gavin over the years—in rehearsal halls or classrooms, in nature, and on a city rooftop. We gathered all the light that Gavin reflected onto others and put it together so that we could, collectively, feel the warmth of its glow. We heard from so many people—award-winning actors, composers, producers, directors; Gavin’s colleagues in the theater, in activism, and in philanthropy; his classmates, students, partners, friends; and fans from all across the globe—who shared the innumerable ways in which Gavin positively impacted them. We heard the wisdom Gavin shared about artistry and creation, openness, activism, love, and all things life. As we share this collective loss, we hope this episode can serve as a reminder for all of us to embody those qualities that made Gavin so remarkable. You can listen to all these lessons and more on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and directly on our website.​ You can also learn more about Gavin, in his own words, in Season 1, Episode 21: Gavin Creel: Creative Sponges and Meaningful Relationships. And, If you’d like to honor Gavin’s memory, his family has asked that donations be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids in his name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 WWGD? (Learning from Gavin Creel) full 5 4 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien As we grieve the loss of our dear friend Gavin Creel, Susan called out for memories, wisdom, and lessons learned from Gavin, and we were touched by the outpouring of love from all across the globe. In this week’s episode, titled “WWGD? (Learning from Gavin Creel)," we hear from people who learned something from Gavin over the years—in rehearsal halls or classrooms, in nature, and on a city rooftop. We gathered all the light that Gavin reflected onto others and put it together so that we could... As we grieve the loss of our dear friend Gavin Creel, Susan called out for memories, wisdom, and lessons learned from Gavin, and we were touched by the outpouring of love from all across the globe. In this week’s episode, titled “WWGD? (Learning from Gavin Creel)," we hear from people who learned something from Gavin over the years—in rehearsal halls or classrooms, in nature, and on a city rooftop. We gathered all the light that Gavin reflected onto others and put it together so that we could, collectively, feel the warmth of its glow. We heard from so many people—award-winning actors, composers, producers, directors; Gavin’s colleagues in the theater, in activism, and in philanthropy; his classmates, students, partners, friends; and fans from all across the globe—who shared the innumerable ways in which Gavin positively impacted them. We heard the wisdom Gavin shared about artistry and creation, openness, activism, love, and all things life. As we share this collective loss, we hope this episode can serve as a reminder for all of us to embody those qualities that made Gavin so remarkable. You can listen to all these lessons and more on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and directly on our website.​ You can also learn more about Gavin, in his own words, in Season 1, Episode 21: Gavin Creel: Creative Sponges and Meaningful Relationships. And, If you’d like to honor Gavin’s memory, his family has asked that donations be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids in his name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As we grieve the loss of our dear friend Gavin Creel, Susan called out for memories, wisdom, and lessons learned from Gavin, and we were touched by the outpouring of love from all across the globe. In this week’s episode, titled “WWGD? (Learning from Gavin Creel)," we hear from people who learned something from Gavin over the years—in rehearsal halls or classrooms, in nature, and on a city rooftop. We gathered all the light that Gavin reflected onto others and put it together so that we could, collectively, feel the warmth of its glow.

We heard from so many people—award-winning actors, composers, producers, directors; Gavin’s colleagues in the theater, in activism, and in philanthropy; his classmates, students, partners, friends; and fans from all across the globe—who shared the innumerable ways in which Gavin positively impacted them. We heard the wisdom Gavin shared about artistry and creation, openness, activism, love, and all things life. As we share this collective loss, we hope this episode can serve as a reminder for all of us to embody those qualities that made Gavin so remarkable.

You can listen to all these lessons and more on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and directly on our website.​ You can also learn more about Gavin, in his own words, in Season 1, Episode 21: Gavin Creel: Creative Sponges and Meaningful Relationships. And, If you’d like to honor Gavin’s memory, his family has asked that donations be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids in his name.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2855 yes Grief & Creativity In this special episode, we draw from Laura’s experiences having lost both of her parents and discuss the ways in which creativity can help us to move through grief. We share thoughts on the non-linear path of grieving, and how to meet grief in the sometimes-unexpected places that it manifests. We also take a look at how profound artists like Frida Kahlo used grief in their own work. And, with examples from our lives, we examine the power of intentionally processing grief as a method of healing.  When we recorded this episode, we hoped it would be of help to others who are processing their own loss. Then came the news that our dear friend Gavin Creel had passed away. In addition to his prolific award-winning work as an actor and writer, Gavin was a longtime friend of The Spark File community and beloved by all of us. Along with Ian Axness, he was the music director of our theme songs (recorded live at The Performing Arts Project), and can be heard singing with Sophie Hearn in our closing theme. In honor of all the light he brought into our lives, we’ve dedicated this week's episode, “Grief + Creativity” to our friend Gavin.  In many ways, grief and creation often walk hand in hand. Much like the act of making something, grief is a process to be moved through. Creation can be fuel to move through grief, and grief can be fuel to create. Both require the love and support of like-minded individuals to shout “We love it! Keep going!” Most importantly, though, grief and creation share one very important ground rule: However you’re doing it, you’re doing it right.  You can listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Grief & Creativity full 5 3 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this special episode, we draw from Laura’s experiences having lost both of her parents and discuss the ways in which creativity can help us to move through grief. We share thoughts on the non-linear path of grieving, and how to meet grief in the sometimes-unexpected places that it manifests. We also take a look at how profound artists like Frida Kahlo used grief in their own work. And, with examples from our lives, we examine the power of intentionally processing grief as a method of heali... In this special episode, we draw from Laura’s experiences having lost both of her parents and discuss the ways in which creativity can help us to move through grief. We share thoughts on the non-linear path of grieving, and how to meet grief in the sometimes-unexpected places that it manifests. We also take a look at how profound artists like Frida Kahlo used grief in their own work. And, with examples from our lives, we examine the power of intentionally processing grief as a method of healing.  When we recorded this episode, we hoped it would be of help to others who are processing their own loss. Then came the news that our dear friend Gavin Creel had passed away. In addition to his prolific award-winning work as an actor and writer, Gavin was a longtime friend of The Spark File community and beloved by all of us. Along with Ian Axness, he was the music director of our theme songs (recorded live at The Performing Arts Project), and can be heard singing with Sophie Hearn in our closing theme. In honor of all the light he brought into our lives, we’ve dedicated this week's episode, “Grief + Creativity” to our friend Gavin.  In many ways, grief and creation often walk hand in hand. Much like the act of making something, grief is a process to be moved through. Creation can be fuel to move through grief, and grief can be fuel to create. Both require the love and support of like-minded individuals to shout “We love it! Keep going!” Most importantly, though, grief and creation share one very important ground rule: However you’re doing it, you’re doing it right.  You can listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and directly on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special episode, we draw from Laura’s experiences having lost both of her parents and discuss the ways in which creativity can help us to move through grief. We share thoughts on the non-linear path of grieving, and how to meet grief in the sometimes-unexpected places that it manifests. We also take a look at how profound artists like Frida Kahlo used grief in their own work. And, with examples from our lives, we examine the power of intentionally processing grief as a method of healing. 

When we recorded this episode, we hoped it would be of help to others who are processing their own loss. Then came the news that our dear friend Gavin Creel had passed away. In addition to his prolific award-winning work as an actor and writer, Gavin was a longtime friend of The Spark File community and beloved by all of us. Along with Ian Axness, he was the music director of our theme songs (recorded live at The Performing Arts Project), and can be heard singing with Sophie Hearn in our closing theme. In honor of all the light he brought into our lives, we’ve dedicated this week's episode, “Grief + Creativity” to our friend Gavin. 

In many ways, grief and creation often walk hand in hand. Much like the act of making something, grief is a process to be moved through. Creation can be fuel to move through grief, and grief can be fuel to create. Both require the love and support of like-minded individuals to shout “We love it! Keep going!” Most importantly, though, grief and creation share one very important ground rule: However you’re doing it, you’re doing it right. 

You can listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and directly on our website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2547 yes Shining Your Creative Light Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from this episode! In this week’s episode, we discuss the idea of “shining the light” on your creative work.What do we mean by “shining the light”? In The Spark File Community, we think of the creative cycle in three steps: generating sparks, fanning the flames of creativity, and shining the light on your creative work. This step involves inviting others to share in your work. This might be requesting feedback, inviting folks to a reading, submitting to a festival, or promoting the sale of your work - anything that extends your work beyond your safe and comfortable realm. This week, we tackle the most common reasons why people struggle to shine the light—and, we take a look at our recent cohort of llumineers, who did a whole lot of light shining in their recent capstone presentations. Our goal is to make sure that every artist has a choice about whether or not they want to share their work, and if they choose to do so, support them as they learn how to share it in a way that generates excitement. As always—whether you’re generating those sparks, fanning the flames, or shining that light—however you’re doing it, you’re doing it right! Dive back into Season 5 and bask in the warm glow of The Spark File. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000 Shining Your Creative Light full 5 2 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from this episode! In this week’s episode, we discuss the idea of “shining the light” on your creative work.What do we mean by “shining the light”? In The Spark File Community, we think of the creative cycle in three steps: generating sparks, fanning the flames of creativity, and shining the light on your creative work. This step involves inviting others to share in your work. This might be requesting feedback, inviting folks to a reading, submitting to a... Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from this episode! In this week’s episode, we discuss the idea of “shining the light” on your creative work.What do we mean by “shining the light”? In The Spark File Community, we think of the creative cycle in three steps: generating sparks, fanning the flames of creativity, and shining the light on your creative work. This step involves inviting others to share in your work. This might be requesting feedback, inviting folks to a reading, submitting to a festival, or promoting the sale of your work - anything that extends your work beyond your safe and comfortable realm. This week, we tackle the most common reasons why people struggle to shine the light—and, we take a look at our recent cohort of llumineers, who did a whole lot of light shining in their recent capstone presentations. Our goal is to make sure that every artist has a choice about whether or not they want to share their work, and if they choose to do so, support them as they learn how to share it in a way that generates excitement. As always—whether you’re generating those sparks, fanning the flames, or shining that light—however you’re doing it, you’re doing it right! Dive back into Season 5 and bask in the warm glow of The Spark File. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from this episode!

In this week’s episode, we discuss the idea of “shining the light” on your creative work.What do we mean by “shining the light”? In The Spark File Community, we think of the creative cycle in three steps: generating sparks, fanning the flames of creativity, and shining the light on your creative work. This step involves inviting others to share in your work. This might be requesting feedback, inviting folks to a reading, submitting to a festival, or promoting the sale of your work - anything that extends your work beyond your safe and comfortable realm.

This week, we tackle the most common reasons why people struggle to shine the light—and, we take a look at our recent cohort of llumineers, who did a whole lot of light shining in their recent capstone presentations. Our goal is to make sure that every artist has a choice about whether or not they want to share their work, and if they choose to do so, support them as they learn how to share it in a way that generates excitement.

As always—whether you’re generating those sparks, fanning the flames, or shining that light—however you’re doing it, you’re doing it right! Dive back into Season 5 and bask in the warm glow of The Spark File.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1668 yes Certainty v. Creativity Certainty or Creativity - which will you choose?This week, Nathan Hill’s novel “Wellness” serves as a springboard for Laura’s spark. The specific line that ignited our conversation?  "You can choose to be certain or you can choose to be alive." We'll discuss how this notion impacts all our creative journeys and share wisdom from playwright Stephen Karam on the price of admission for love and artistry.This episode marks the launch of Season 5 with a fresh approach—shorter, more frequent episodes designed to keep your creative sparks burning. Join us as we explore how the need for certainty can hold us back in love and creativity, and how embracing uncertainty can fuel growth and transformation. And consider the scientifically proven placebo effect…just the belief in positive outcomes can lead to positive outcomes. What might happen if we approached our creative work with optimism, hope, and a belief in positive outcomes?Jump back into The Spark File and discover how you can connect with us to turn your sparks of inspiration into a bonfire of creativity! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0000 Certainty v. Creativity full 5 1 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Certainty or Creativity - which will you choose? This week, Nathan Hill’s novel “Wellness” serves as a springboard for Laura’s spark. The specific line that ignited our conversation? "You can choose to be certain or you can choose to be alive." We'll discuss how this notion impacts all our creative journeys and share wisdom from playwright Stephen Karam on the price of admission for love and artistry. This episode marks the launch of Season 5 with a fresh approach—shorter, more ... Certainty or Creativity - which will you choose?This week, Nathan Hill’s novel “Wellness” serves as a springboard for Laura’s spark. The specific line that ignited our conversation?  "You can choose to be certain or you can choose to be alive." We'll discuss how this notion impacts all our creative journeys and share wisdom from playwright Stephen Karam on the price of admission for love and artistry.This episode marks the launch of Season 5 with a fresh approach—shorter, more frequent episodes designed to keep your creative sparks burning. Join us as we explore how the need for certainty can hold us back in love and creativity, and how embracing uncertainty can fuel growth and transformation. And consider the scientifically proven placebo effect…just the belief in positive outcomes can lead to positive outcomes. What might happen if we approached our creative work with optimism, hope, and a belief in positive outcomes?Jump back into The Spark File and discover how you can connect with us to turn your sparks of inspiration into a bonfire of creativity! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Certainty or Creativity - which will you choose?

This week, Nathan Hill’s novel “Wellness” serves as a springboard for Laura’s spark. 
The specific line that ignited our conversation?  "You can choose to be certain or you can choose to be alive." We'll discuss how this notion impacts all our creative journeys and share wisdom from playwright Stephen Karam on the price of admission for love and artistry.

This episode marks the launch of Season 5 with a fresh approach—shorter, more frequent episodes designed to keep your creative sparks burning. Join us as we explore how the need for certainty can hold us back in love and creativity, and how embracing uncertainty can fuel growth and transformation. 

And consider the scientifically proven placebo effect…just the belief in positive outcomes can lead to positive outcomes. What might happen if we approached our creative work with optimism, hope, and a belief in positive outcomes?

Jump back into The Spark File and discover how you can connect with us to turn your sparks of inspiration into a bonfire of creativity!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1749 yes Creativity Sparks: Season 4 Finale! http://www.thesparkfile.com Holy Moly! Season 4 of The Spark File is coming to an end! In this episode, Susan + Laura reminisce on some of our favorite sparks from this season. ..And with a bonus spark inspired by Milwaukee Bucks player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who left us with this mini ted talk when asked if he believed this season was a failure because they didn’t win the playoffs. Just because you don’t win, do we count that as a fail?.Season 4 of The Spark File is wrapping up, but don’t worry - there are 178 episodes of The Spark File for you to binge!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 03 May 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Season 4 Finale! full 4 25 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Holy Moly! Season 4 of The Spark File is coming to an end! In this episode, Susan + Laura reminisce on some of our favorite sparks from this season. . . And with a bonus spark inspired by Milwaukee Bucks player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who left us with this mini ted talk when asked if he believed this season was a failure because they didn’t win the playoffs. Just because you don’t win, do we count that as a fail? . Season 4 of The Spark File is wrapping up, but don’t worry - there are 178 epi... Holy Moly! Season 4 of The Spark File is coming to an end! In this episode, Susan + Laura reminisce on some of our favorite sparks from this season. ..And with a bonus spark inspired by Milwaukee Bucks player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who left us with this mini ted talk when asked if he believed this season was a failure because they didn’t win the playoffs. Just because you don’t win, do we count that as a fail?.Season 4 of The Spark File is wrapping up, but don’t worry - there are 178 episodes of The Spark File for you to binge!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Holy Moly! Season 4 of The Spark File is coming to an end! In this episode, Susan + Laura reminisce on some of our favorite sparks from this season. .
.
And with a bonus spark inspired by Milwaukee Bucks player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who left us with this mini ted talk when asked if he believed this season was a failure because they didn’t win the playoffs. Just because you don’t win, do we count that as a fail?
.
Season 4 of The Spark File is wrapping up, but don’t worry - there are 178 episodes of The Spark File for you to binge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1872 yes Creativity Sparks: From Good to Great http://www.thesparkfile.com Ever wonder what's needed to take your creative project to the next level? Or wonder if maybe good is good enough? How do we know when to invest the additional time and energy it's going to take to go from Good to Great? If you're ready or when you're ready to level up your work, Susan and Laura discuss the difference between Good and Great, and some of the factors it takes to get there. Inspired by the book, Good to Great by Jim Collins, but seen through the lens of creativity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: From Good to Great full 4 24 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Ever wonder what's needed to take your creative project to the next level? Or wonder if maybe good is good enough? How do we know when to invest the additional time and energy it's going to take to go from Good to Great? If you're ready or when you're ready to level up your work, Susan and Laura discuss the difference between Good and Great, and some of the factors it takes to get there. Inspired by the book, Good to Great by Jim Collins, but seen through the lens of creativity. Ever wonder what's needed to take your creative project to the next level? Or wonder if maybe good is good enough? How do we know when to invest the additional time and energy it's going to take to go from Good to Great? If you're ready or when you're ready to level up your work, Susan and Laura discuss the difference between Good and Great, and some of the factors it takes to get there. Inspired by the book, Good to Great by Jim Collins, but seen through the lens of creativity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ever wonder what's needed to take your creative project to the next level? Or wonder if maybe good is good enough? How do we know when to invest the additional time and energy it's going to take to go from Good to Great? If you're ready or when you're ready to level up your work, Susan and Laura discuss the difference between Good and Great, and some of the factors it takes to get there. Inspired by the book, Good to Great by Jim Collins, but seen through the lens of creativity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3581 yes Creativity Sparks: You Have a (true) Story to Tell http://www.thesparkfile.com Is there anything better than a well-crafted personal story told with humor, authenticity and heart? Even better if its a TRUE story, right? Well, the folks at The Moth have boiled the art of storytelling down to a science. In this week's episode, Laura and Susan share how sparked they are by The Moth and their book How To Tell a Story. We all have one - tune in to learn how to tell YOUR story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 19 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: You Have a (true) Story to Tell full 4 23 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Is there anything better than a well-crafted personal story told with humor, authenticity and heart? Even better if its a TRUE story, right? Well, the folks at The Moth have boiled the art of storytelling down to a science. In this week's episode, Laura and Susan share how sparked they are by The Moth and their book How To Tell a Story. We all have one - tune in to learn how to tell YOUR story! Is there anything better than a well-crafted personal story told with humor, authenticity and heart? Even better if its a TRUE story, right? Well, the folks at The Moth have boiled the art of storytelling down to a science. In this week's episode, Laura and Susan share how sparked they are by The Moth and their book How To Tell a Story. We all have one - tune in to learn how to tell YOUR story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Is there anything better than a well-crafted personal story told with humor, authenticity and heart? Even better if its a TRUE story, right? Well, the folks at The Moth have boiled the art of storytelling down to a science. In this week's episode, Laura and Susan share how sparked they are by The Moth and their book How To Tell a Story. We all have one - tune in to learn how to tell YOUR story!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3279 yes Creativity Sparks: Processing Creative Conclusions and Milestones http://www.thesparkfile.com Friends, trust us when we say it is valuable, meaningful, and potentially essential that you take the time to celebrate your creative wins - large and small! Join us this week as Susan and Laura discuss why it's so important that we take the time to acknowledge and reflect on the milestones and the conclusions, the hits and the misses.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Processing Creative Conclusions and Milestones full 4 22 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Friends, trust us when we say it is valuable, meaningful, and potentially essential that you take the time to celebrate your creative wins - large and small! Join us this week as Susan and Laura discuss why it's so important that we take the time to acknowledge and reflect on the milestones and the conclusions, the hits and the misses. Friends, trust us when we say it is valuable, meaningful, and potentially essential that you take the time to celebrate your creative wins - large and small! Join us this week as Susan and Laura discuss why it's so important that we take the time to acknowledge and reflect on the milestones and the conclusions, the hits and the misses.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Friends, trust us when we say it is valuable, meaningful, and potentially essential that you take the time to celebrate your creative wins - large and small! Join us this week as Susan and Laura discuss why it's so important that we take the time to acknowledge and reflect on the milestones and the conclusions, the hits and the misses. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3879 yes Creativity Sparks: The Imperfect Perfectionist http://www.thesparkfile.com Do you have a creative project that has never seen the light of day because you just don't think it's ready to share yet? Despite years of effort even? Do you have a creative project you've dreamt of making but you haven't even started yet? Because the thought of it not turning out great keeps you from even trying? On this week's episode, Laura and Susan dig into the plight of the perfectionist.  Thanks to researchers and authors like Brene Brown, we might just have a chance to prevail - IF we can embrace our imperfections and (shocker!) maybe even learn to enjoy them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Imperfect Perfectionist full 4 21 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Do you have a creative project that has never seen the light of day because you just don't think it's ready to share yet? Despite years of effort even? Do you have a creative project you've dreamt of making but you haven't even started yet? Because the thought of it not turning out great keeps you from even trying? On this week's episode, Laura and Susan dig into the plight of the perfectionist. Thanks to researchers and authors like Brene Brown, we might just have a chance to pre... Do you have a creative project that has never seen the light of day because you just don't think it's ready to share yet? Despite years of effort even? Do you have a creative project you've dreamt of making but you haven't even started yet? Because the thought of it not turning out great keeps you from even trying? On this week's episode, Laura and Susan dig into the plight of the perfectionist.  Thanks to researchers and authors like Brene Brown, we might just have a chance to prevail - IF we can embrace our imperfections and (shocker!) maybe even learn to enjoy them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Do you have a creative project that has never seen the light of day because you just don't think it's ready to share yet? Despite years of effort even? Do you have a creative project you've dreamt of making but you haven't even started yet? Because the thought of it not turning out great keeps you from even trying? 
On this week's episode, Laura and Susan dig into the plight of the perfectionist.  Thanks to researchers and authors like Brene Brown, we might just have a chance to prevail - IF we can embrace our imperfections and (shocker!) maybe even learn to enjoy them!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3584 yes Creativity Sparks: AI + Creativity http://www.thesparkfile.com Have you gotten into the AI craze yet? Have you asked Chat GPT to write your next marketing plan or promotional copy? Have you asked it to write lines of dialogue, jokes for a stand up routine or a synopsis for your pitch? Have you asked it to write your resume? This week, Susan and Laura dive into what AI might be great for,  where it's limitations are, and where it's headed. Do creatives have anything to worry about? Tune in to sort it all out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: AI + Creativity full 4 20 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Have you gotten into the AI craze yet? Have you asked Chat GPT to write your next marketing plan or promotional copy? Have you asked it to write lines of dialogue, jokes for a stand up routine or a synopsis for your pitch? Have you asked it to write your resume? This week, Susan and Laura dive into what AI might be great for, where it's limitations are, and where it's headed. Do creatives have anything to worry about? Tune in to sort it all out. Have you gotten into the AI craze yet? Have you asked Chat GPT to write your next marketing plan or promotional copy? Have you asked it to write lines of dialogue, jokes for a stand up routine or a synopsis for your pitch? Have you asked it to write your resume? This week, Susan and Laura dive into what AI might be great for,  where it's limitations are, and where it's headed. Do creatives have anything to worry about? Tune in to sort it all out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Have you gotten into the AI craze yet? Have you asked Chat GPT to write your next marketing plan or promotional copy? Have you asked it to write lines of dialogue, jokes for a stand up routine or a synopsis for your pitch? Have you asked it to write your resume? This week, Susan and Laura dive into what AI might be great for,  where it's limitations are, and where it's headed. Do creatives have anything to worry about? Tune in to sort it all out.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3139 yes Creativity Sparks: The Ah-ha Moment http://www.thesparkfile.com Ever wonder what exactly is going on in your brain when you have an Ah-ha moment? On this week's episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan + Laura discuss what is transpiring in your head when you get that spark of an idea - and the rush of excitement that goes with it!Wouldn't it be great if we could understand it so that we can create conducive conditions to invite more and more Ah-ha moments to happen?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Ah-ha Moment full 4 19 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Ever wonder what exactly is going on in your brain when you have an Ah-ha moment? On this week's episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan + Laura discuss what is transpiring in your head when you get that spark of an idea - and the rush of excitement that goes with it! Wouldn't it be great if we could understand it so that we can create conducive conditions to invite more and more Ah-ha moments to happen?! Ever wonder what exactly is going on in your brain when you have an Ah-ha moment? On this week's episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan + Laura discuss what is transpiring in your head when you get that spark of an idea - and the rush of excitement that goes with it!Wouldn't it be great if we could understand it so that we can create conducive conditions to invite more and more Ah-ha moments to happen?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ever wonder what exactly is going on in your brain when you have an Ah-ha moment? 
On this week's episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan + Laura discuss what is transpiring in your head when you get that spark of an idea - and the rush of excitement that goes with it!
Wouldn't it be great if we could understand it so that we can create conducive conditions to invite more and more Ah-ha moments to happen?!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3557 yes Creativity Sparks: Jesse James and the KGC Gold http://www.thesparkfile.com Were there stashes of gold hidden around the country after the Civil War? Did leaders of the confederate south intend this money fund a second Civil War? Was the outlaw Jesse James responsible for hiding some of this treasure? And has it recently been found?⁠💥 ⁠Tune in this week to find out more about the Knights of the Golden Circle, their confederacy gold, and what role Jesse James may or may not have played in it. ⁠💥 ⁠A fantastic article in Popular Mechanics by @davehoward99 has left us with so many questions...⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Jesse James and the KGC Gold full 4 18 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Were there stashes of gold hidden around the country after the Civil War? Did leaders of the confederate south intend this money fund a second Civil War? Was the outlaw Jesse James responsible for hiding some of this treasure? And has it recently been found?⁠ 💥 ⁠ Tune in this week to find out more about the Knights of the Golden Circle, their confederacy gold, and what role Jesse James may or may not have played in it. ⁠ 💥 ⁠ A fantastic article in Popular Mechanics by @davehoward99 has left u... Were there stashes of gold hidden around the country after the Civil War? Did leaders of the confederate south intend this money fund a second Civil War? Was the outlaw Jesse James responsible for hiding some of this treasure? And has it recently been found?⁠💥 ⁠Tune in this week to find out more about the Knights of the Golden Circle, their confederacy gold, and what role Jesse James may or may not have played in it. ⁠💥 ⁠A fantastic article in Popular Mechanics by @davehoward99 has left us with so many questions...⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Were there stashes of gold hidden around the country after the Civil War? Did leaders of the confederate south intend this money fund a second Civil War? Was the outlaw Jesse James responsible for hiding some of this treasure? And has it recently been found?⁠
💥 ⁠
Tune in this week to find out more about the Knights of the Golden Circle, their confederacy gold, and what role Jesse James may or may not have played in it. ⁠
💥 ⁠
A fantastic article in Popular Mechanics by @davehoward99 has left us with so many questions...⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4189 yes Creativity Sparks: The New Rules http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Laura and Susan discuss that tremor in the force you felt a few weeks ago when New York Magazine's The Cut handed us all The New Rules.These 194 rules on how to exist in polite society, sparked conversations everywhere. Listen in to get our take on their take on everything from dating apps to work slacks, texting friends and lovers or engaging with stangers and others... Are we all doing it wrong?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The New Rules full 4 17 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Laura and Susan discuss that tremor in the force you felt a few weeks ago when New York Magazine's The Cut handed us all The New Rules. These 194 rules on how to exist in polite society, sparked conversations everywhere. Listen in to get our take on their take on everything from dating apps to work slacks, texting friends and lovers or engaging with stangers and others... Are we all doing it wrong?? This week, Laura and Susan discuss that tremor in the force you felt a few weeks ago when New York Magazine's The Cut handed us all The New Rules.These 194 rules on how to exist in polite society, sparked conversations everywhere. Listen in to get our take on their take on everything from dating apps to work slacks, texting friends and lovers or engaging with stangers and others... Are we all doing it wrong?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Laura and Susan discuss that tremor in the force you felt a few weeks ago when New York Magazine's The Cut handed us all The New Rules.
These 194 rules on how to exist in polite society, sparked conversations everywhere. 
Listen in to get our take on their take on everything from dating apps to work slacks, texting friends and lovers or engaging with stangers and others... Are we all doing it wrong??

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4105 yes Creativity Sparks: Let's Talk about Death over Dinner http://www.thesparkfile.com You know at The Spark File, we are not afraid to contemplate our own mortality, especially if doing so enhances our lives and our creativity. According to the author, Michael Hebb, “Of the many critical conversations we will all have throughout our lifetime, few are as important as the ones discussing death—and not just the practical considerations, such as DNRs and wills, but what we fear, what we hope, and how we want to be remembered.”On this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan and Laura dig into these critical conversations, aided by Hebb’s book, “Let’s Talk about Death over Dinner.”Pull up a chair and we’ll serve you up a delicious and substantial dialogue that will increase your end-of-life awareness and just might magnify your celebration of LIFE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Let's Talk about Death over Dinner full 4 16 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien You know at The Spark File, we are not afraid to contemplate our own mortality, especially if doing so enhances our lives and our creativity. According to the author, Michael Hebb, “Of the many critical conversations we will all have throughout our lifetime, few are as important as the ones discussing death—and not just the practical considerations, such as DNRs and wills, but what we fear, what we hope, and how we want to be remembered.” On this week’s episode of The Spark File podca... You know at The Spark File, we are not afraid to contemplate our own mortality, especially if doing so enhances our lives and our creativity. According to the author, Michael Hebb, “Of the many critical conversations we will all have throughout our lifetime, few are as important as the ones discussing death—and not just the practical considerations, such as DNRs and wills, but what we fear, what we hope, and how we want to be remembered.”On this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan and Laura dig into these critical conversations, aided by Hebb’s book, “Let’s Talk about Death over Dinner.”Pull up a chair and we’ll serve you up a delicious and substantial dialogue that will increase your end-of-life awareness and just might magnify your celebration of LIFE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You know at The Spark File, we are not afraid to contemplate our own mortality, especially if doing so enhances our lives and our creativity. 

According to the author, Michael Hebb, “Of the many critical conversations we will all have throughout our lifetime, few are as important as the ones discussing death—and not just the practical considerations, such as DNRs and wills, but what we fear, what we hope, and how we want to be remembered.”

On this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan and Laura dig into these critical conversations, aided by Hebb’s book, “Let’s Talk about Death over Dinner.”

Pull up a chair and we’ll serve you up a delicious and substantial dialogue that will increase your end-of-life awareness and just might magnify your celebration of LIFE!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3928 yes Creativity Sparks: I'm Sorry http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Laura and Susan get sparked by a corporate apology that was so authentic it made the news. Discovering the components necessary for an apology to be sincere, this episode explores the painful blocks that keep good people from being able to apologize, AND the creative ways artists have used apologies (or the absence of apologies) to inspire their creative work. Sites like SorryWatch.com share incredible sparks of apology and introduced us to an artist named Jennifer Dalton and her work titled, "Mistakes Were Made."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: I'm Sorry full 4 15 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Laura and Susan get sparked by a corporate apology that was so authentic it made the news. Discovering the components necessary for an apology to be sincere, this episode explores the painful blocks that keep good people from being able to apologize, AND the creative ways artists have used apologies (or the absence of apologies) to inspire their creative work. Sites like SorryWatch.com share incredible sparks of apology and introduced us to an artist named Jennifer Dalton and her w... This week, Laura and Susan get sparked by a corporate apology that was so authentic it made the news. Discovering the components necessary for an apology to be sincere, this episode explores the painful blocks that keep good people from being able to apologize, AND the creative ways artists have used apologies (or the absence of apologies) to inspire their creative work. Sites like SorryWatch.com share incredible sparks of apology and introduced us to an artist named Jennifer Dalton and her work titled, "Mistakes Were Made."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Laura and Susan get sparked by a corporate apology that was so authentic it made the news. Discovering the components necessary for an apology to be sincere, this episode explores the painful blocks that keep good people from being able to apologize, AND the creative ways artists have used apologies (or the absence of apologies) to inspire their creative work. Sites like SorryWatch.com share incredible sparks of apology and introduced us to an artist named Jennifer Dalton and her work titled, "Mistakes Were Made." 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3655 yes Creativity Sparks: The 7 Day Happiness Challenge http://www.thesparkfile.com Ever wonder what you can accomplish in an 8 minute phone call?Turns out... A LOT! In this week's episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan + Laura dig into the The New York Times feature "The 7 Day Happiness Challenge" and explore the little things that can make a BIG difference in our relationships and our lives. Take a listen, then ask yourself, "who you gonna call?"... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The 7 Day Happiness Challenge full 4 14 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Ever wonder what you can accomplish in an 8 minute phone call? Turns out... A LOT! In this week's episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan + Laura dig into the The New York Times feature "The 7 Day Happiness Challenge" and explore the little things that can make a BIG difference in our relationships and our lives. Take a listen, then ask yourself, "who you gonna call?"... Ever wonder what you can accomplish in an 8 minute phone call?Turns out... A LOT! In this week's episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan + Laura dig into the The New York Times feature "The 7 Day Happiness Challenge" and explore the little things that can make a BIG difference in our relationships and our lives. Take a listen, then ask yourself, "who you gonna call?"... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ever wonder what you can accomplish in an 8 minute phone call?
Turns out... A LOT! In this week's episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan + Laura dig into the The New York Times feature "The 7 Day Happiness Challenge" and explore the little things that can make a BIG difference in our relationships and our lives. Take a listen, then ask yourself, "who you gonna call?"...

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]]> 3995 yes Creativity Sparks: I'll Sleep When I'm Dead http://www.thesparkfile.com Do you feel that people value you only for your output, so you put work above all else, even above getting a good night’s sleep? Or have you ever been so busy that you've uttered the dreaded humble brag “I’ll sleep when I’m dead?” In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what going without sleep can do to your life and your creativity, the normalization of grind culture, some positive steps we all can take to rest and rejuvenate, and what, exactly, Warren Zevon has to do with any of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: I'll Sleep When I'm Dead full 4 13 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Do you feel that people value you only for your output, so you put work above all else, even above getting a good night’s sleep? Or have you ever been so busy that you've uttered the dreaded humble brag “I’ll sleep when I’m dead?” In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what going without sleep can do to your life and your creativity, the normalization of grind culture, some positive steps we all can take to rest and rejuvenate, and what, exactly, Warren Zevon has to do with any of it. Do you feel that people value you only for your output, so you put work above all else, even above getting a good night’s sleep? Or have you ever been so busy that you've uttered the dreaded humble brag “I’ll sleep when I’m dead?” In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what going without sleep can do to your life and your creativity, the normalization of grind culture, some positive steps we all can take to rest and rejuvenate, and what, exactly, Warren Zevon has to do with any of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Do you feel that people value you only for your output, so you put work above all else, even above getting a good night’s sleep? Or have you ever been so busy that you've uttered the dreaded humble brag “I’ll sleep when I’m dead?” In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what going without sleep can do to your life and your creativity, the normalization of grind culture, some positive steps we all can take to rest and rejuvenate, and what, exactly, Warren Zevon has to do with any of it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3550 yes Creativity Sparks: Change http://www.thesparkfile.com Why is it so hard for us to break patterns that are keeping us from our goals? In this episode, Susan and Laura discuss and discover the ways in which we as humans and artists can navigate lasting positive change. They dive into the powerful process and book “Immunity to Change,” by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, which unravels the concept of change and specifically how to close the gap between aspiration/good intention and actual behavior shifts. Susan and Laura discover that when experimenting with our own paths to change, remaining open and curious, not jumping to problem solving, and trusting the process can help. And so can a game of canasta every now and then.💥 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Change full 4 12 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Why is it so hard for us to break patterns that are keeping us from our goals? In this episode, Susan and Laura discuss and discover the ways in which we as humans and artists can navigate lasting positive change. They dive into the powerful process and book “Immunity to Change,” by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, which unravels the concept of change and specifically how to close the gap between aspiration/good intention and actual behavior shifts. Susan and Laura discover that when exper... Why is it so hard for us to break patterns that are keeping us from our goals? In this episode, Susan and Laura discuss and discover the ways in which we as humans and artists can navigate lasting positive change. They dive into the powerful process and book “Immunity to Change,” by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, which unravels the concept of change and specifically how to close the gap between aspiration/good intention and actual behavior shifts. Susan and Laura discover that when experimenting with our own paths to change, remaining open and curious, not jumping to problem solving, and trusting the process can help. And so can a game of canasta every now and then.💥 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Why is it so hard for us to break patterns that are keeping us from our goals? In this episode, Susan and Laura discuss and discover the ways in which we as humans and artists can navigate lasting positive change. They dive into the powerful process and book “Immunity to Change,” by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, which unravels the concept of change and specifically how to close the gap between aspiration/good intention and actual behavior shifts. Susan and Laura discover that when experimenting with our own paths to change, remaining open and curious, not jumping to problem solving, and trusting the process can help. And so can a game of canasta every now and then.
💥

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]]> 3798 yes Creativity Sparks: Stealing (a) Home http://www.thesparkfile.com What do a 1998 wall calendar, a couple’s disappearance, and a half-burned postcard have to do with one man’s quest to create the perfect home? In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss the true story of a film editor who took his own obsession for acquiring his dream home perhaps a little too far. Petty crime, lost relationships, and a last-minute trip to a remote part of Spain are just a few of the pieces to the puzzle of this incredible story of one man and his quest to own a three-story building in Brooklyn. Sparks and story ideas are everywhere, y’all. Even in the Real Estate section. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 25 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Stealing (a) Home full 4 11 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What do a 1998 wall calendar, a couple’s disappearance, and a half-burned postcard have to do with one man’s quest to create the perfect home? In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss the true story of a film editor who took his own obsession for acquiring his dream home perhaps a little too far. Petty crime, lost relationships, and a last-minute trip to a remote part of Spain are just a few of the pieces to the puzzle of this incredible story of one man and his quest to own a three-story bui... What do a 1998 wall calendar, a couple’s disappearance, and a half-burned postcard have to do with one man’s quest to create the perfect home? In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss the true story of a film editor who took his own obsession for acquiring his dream home perhaps a little too far. Petty crime, lost relationships, and a last-minute trip to a remote part of Spain are just a few of the pieces to the puzzle of this incredible story of one man and his quest to own a three-story building in Brooklyn. Sparks and story ideas are everywhere, y’all. Even in the Real Estate section. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What do a 1998 wall calendar, a couple’s disappearance, and a half-burned postcard have to do with one man’s quest to create the perfect home? In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss the true story of a film editor who took his own obsession for acquiring his dream home perhaps a little too far. Petty crime, lost relationships, and a last-minute trip to a remote part of Spain are just a few of the pieces to the puzzle of this incredible story of one man and his quest to own a three-story building in Brooklyn. Sparks and story ideas are everywhere, y’all. Even in the Real Estate section.

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]]> 4283 yes Creativity Sparks: Toni Morrison http://www.thesparkfile.com Words and language have real power. In this episode, Susan and Laura explore the amazing works and incredible life of someone who managed to harness that power to the benefit of so many: Toni Morrison, Nobel and Pulitzer prize winning author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As they pull back the curtain to look at her work and creative process, Susan and Laura discuss Toni’s ability to center her own world in her writing, the ways in which her philosophies apply directly to their creative work, and exactly how carrot cake fits into it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 18 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Toni Morrison full 4 10 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Words and language have real power. In this episode, Susan and Laura explore the amazing works and incredible life of someone who managed to harness that power to the benefit of so many: Toni Morrison, Nobel and Pulitzer prize winning author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As they pull back the curtain to look at her work and creative process, Susan and Laura discuss Toni’s ability to center her own world in her writing, the ways in which her philosophies apply directly to... Words and language have real power. In this episode, Susan and Laura explore the amazing works and incredible life of someone who managed to harness that power to the benefit of so many: Toni Morrison, Nobel and Pulitzer prize winning author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As they pull back the curtain to look at her work and creative process, Susan and Laura discuss Toni’s ability to center her own world in her writing, the ways in which her philosophies apply directly to their creative work, and exactly how carrot cake fits into it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Words and language have real power. In this episode, Susan and Laura explore the amazing works and incredible life of someone who managed to harness that power to the benefit of so many: Toni Morrison, Nobel and Pulitzer prize winning author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As they pull back the curtain to look at her work and creative process, Susan and Laura discuss Toni’s ability to center her own world in her writing, the ways in which her philosophies apply directly to their creative work, and exactly how carrot cake fits into it all.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3845 yes Creativity Sparks: Artists & Athletes http://www.thesparkfile.com Artists and athletes have a lot more in common than one might think, but our culture seems to encourage choosing one over the other.  In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what artists can learn from athletes...including training, incremental progress, the discomfort of having a beginner’s mind, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Artists & Athletes full 4 9 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Artists and athletes have a lot more in common than one might think, but our culture seems to encourage choosing one over the other. In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what artists can learn from athletes...including training, incremental progress, the discomfort of having a beginner’s mind, and so much more. Artists and athletes have a lot more in common than one might think, but our culture seems to encourage choosing one over the other.  In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what artists can learn from athletes...including training, incremental progress, the discomfort of having a beginner’s mind, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Artists and athletes have a lot more in common than one might think, but our culture seems to encourage choosing one over the other.  In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what artists can learn from athletes...including training, incremental progress, the discomfort of having a beginner’s mind, and so much more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3681 yes Creativity Sparks: Creativty + Mental Health http://www.thesparkfile.com You know the old trope that one must suffer for their art? That creativity is somehow the byproduct of mental illness or addiction or self-harm?  It is time for that idea to go! An examined life can contribute greatly to our enjoyment of life, and to our creative work. In this episode, Susan and Laura discuss the relation of mental health to creativity and the innovative ways in which creators like Neal Brennan, Selena Gomez, Jonah Hill, and many more are infusing their mental health journeys into their creative work, showing that an artist can be brilliant and also prioritize their mental health. And remember, if you are in the United States and need immediate mental health support, you can call 988 and you will be connected to a trained counselor. (Painting: "Self-Portrait in Hell" by Edvard Munch.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 04 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Creativty + Mental Health full 4 8 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien You know the old trope that one must suffer for their art? That creativity is somehow the byproduct of mental illness or addiction or self-harm? It is time for that idea to go! An examined life can contribute greatly to our enjoyment of life, and to our creative work. In this episode, Susan and Laura discuss the relation of mental health to creativity and the innovative ways in which creators like Neal Brennan, Selena Gomez, Jonah Hill, and many more are infusing their mental health jou... You know the old trope that one must suffer for their art? That creativity is somehow the byproduct of mental illness or addiction or self-harm?  It is time for that idea to go! An examined life can contribute greatly to our enjoyment of life, and to our creative work. In this episode, Susan and Laura discuss the relation of mental health to creativity and the innovative ways in which creators like Neal Brennan, Selena Gomez, Jonah Hill, and many more are infusing their mental health journeys into their creative work, showing that an artist can be brilliant and also prioritize their mental health. And remember, if you are in the United States and need immediate mental health support, you can call 988 and you will be connected to a trained counselor. (Painting: "Self-Portrait in Hell" by Edvard Munch.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You know the old trope that one must suffer for their art? That creativity is somehow the byproduct of mental illness or addiction or self-harm?  It is time for that idea to go! An examined life can contribute greatly to our enjoyment of life, and to our creative work. In this episode, Susan and Laura discuss the relation of mental health to creativity and the innovative ways in which creators like Neal Brennan, Selena Gomez, Jonah Hill, and many more are infusing their mental health journeys into their creative work, showing that an artist can be brilliant and also prioritize their mental health. 

And remember, if you are in the United States and need immediate mental health support, you can call 988 and you will be connected to a trained counselor. (Painting: "Self-Portrait in Hell" by Edvard Munch.)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3109 yes Creativity Sparks: Making Marketing Part of Your Creative Process: The Blue Man Group Edition http://www.thesparkfile.com Susan and Laura have found that when they bring up the idea of promoting one’s own work with their creative clients, the idea is almost always met with a sense of dread. So, how can creators combat this feeling? By making marketing part of the creative process. In this episode, Laura and Susan explore the methodologies and philosophies of the innovative Blue Man Group and how this unique approach to marketing, (which Cams was deeply involved with), helped build their global brand and, more importantly, stay true to themselves in the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 28 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Making Marketing Part of Your Creative Process: The Blue Man Group Edition full 4 7 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan and Laura have found that when they bring up the idea of promoting one’s own work with their creative clients, the idea is almost always met with a sense of dread. So, how can creators combat this feeling? By making marketing part of the creative process. In this episode, Laura and Susan explore the methodologies and philosophies of the innovative Blue Man Group and how this unique approach to marketing, (which Cams was deeply involved with), helped build their global brand and, m... Susan and Laura have found that when they bring up the idea of promoting one’s own work with their creative clients, the idea is almost always met with a sense of dread. So, how can creators combat this feeling? By making marketing part of the creative process. In this episode, Laura and Susan explore the methodologies and philosophies of the innovative Blue Man Group and how this unique approach to marketing, (which Cams was deeply involved with), helped build their global brand and, more importantly, stay true to themselves in the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan and Laura have found that when they bring up the idea of promoting one’s own work with their creative clients, the idea is almost always met with a sense of dread. 
So, how can creators combat this feeling? By making marketing part of the creative process. In this episode, Laura and Susan explore the methodologies and philosophies of the innovative Blue Man Group and how this unique approach to marketing, (which Cams was deeply involved with), helped build their global brand and, more importantly, stay true to themselves in the process.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4445 yes Creativity Sparks: Write Like Your Parents Are Dead Again http://www.thesparkfile.com Many people have the desire to spin their lived experience into their creative self-expression, Susan and Laura included. This desire can present a conundrum as these creations can feature people other than the creator, or have ideas in them that might make a loved one uncomfortable, or are about a topic that some close to us might consider to be taboo. So how do we create with freedom and without fear? In this episode, Susan and Laura turn to the works of Banksy, Anne Lamott, David Sedaris, David Wellington, and more while discovering one approach to creating without fear: the idea of creating like your loved ones are never going to read it, hear it, or see it. Or, put another way, creating like your parents are dead…again.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 21 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Write Like Your Parents Are Dead Again full 4 6 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Many people have the desire to spin their lived experience into their creative self-expression, Susan and Laura included. This desire can present a conundrum as these creations can feature people other than the creator, or have ideas in them that might make a loved one uncomfortable, or are about a topic that some close to us might consider to be taboo. So how do we create with freedom and without fear? In this episode, Susan and Laura turn to the works of Banksy, Anne Lamott, David Sedaris, ... Many people have the desire to spin their lived experience into their creative self-expression, Susan and Laura included. This desire can present a conundrum as these creations can feature people other than the creator, or have ideas in them that might make a loved one uncomfortable, or are about a topic that some close to us might consider to be taboo. So how do we create with freedom and without fear? In this episode, Susan and Laura turn to the works of Banksy, Anne Lamott, David Sedaris, David Wellington, and more while discovering one approach to creating without fear: the idea of creating like your loved ones are never going to read it, hear it, or see it. Or, put another way, creating like your parents are dead…again.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Many people have the desire to spin their lived experience into their creative self-expression, Susan and Laura included. This desire can present a conundrum as these creations can feature people other than the creator, or have ideas in them that might make a loved one uncomfortable, or are about a topic that some close to us might consider to be taboo. So how do we create with freedom and without fear? In this episode, Susan and Laura turn to the works of Banksy, Anne Lamott, David Sedaris, David Wellington, and more while discovering one approach to creating without fear: the idea of creating like your loved ones are never going to read it, hear it, or see it. Or, put another way, creating like your parents are dead…again. 

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]]> 3369 yes Creativity Sparks: The Creative Comfort Crisis http://www.thesparkfile.com In Michael Easter's book, The Comfort Crisis, he shares his belief that the modern day creature comforts – air conditioning, food storage, etc., have made us more comfortable as a society and in turn given us extra time that we have filled with worry and anxiety. In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what comforts we have put into place in regards to our creativity that are stopping us from stretching our creative limits. What if we push ourselves to explore those artistic areas in which we don’t feel comfortable? We just might realize that we are capable of so much more than we allow ourselves to be right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 14 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Creative Comfort Crisis full 4 5 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In Michael Easter's book, The Comfort Crisis, he shares his belief that the modern day creature comforts – air conditioning, food storage, etc., have made us more comfortable as a society and in turn given us extra time that we have filled with worry and anxiety. In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what comforts we have put into place in regards to our creativity that are stopping us from stretching our creative limits. What if we push ourselves to explore those artistic areas in which w... In Michael Easter's book, The Comfort Crisis, he shares his belief that the modern day creature comforts – air conditioning, food storage, etc., have made us more comfortable as a society and in turn given us extra time that we have filled with worry and anxiety. In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what comforts we have put into place in regards to our creativity that are stopping us from stretching our creative limits. What if we push ourselves to explore those artistic areas in which we don’t feel comfortable? We just might realize that we are capable of so much more than we allow ourselves to be right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In Michael Easter's book, The Comfort Crisis, he shares his belief that the modern day creature comforts – air conditioning, food storage, etc., have made us more comfortable as a society and in turn given us extra time that we have filled with worry and anxiety. In this episode, Laura and Susan discuss what comforts we have put into place in regards to our creativity that are stopping us from stretching our creative limits. What if we push ourselves to explore those artistic areas in which we don’t feel comfortable? We just might realize that we are capable of so much more than we allow ourselves to be right now.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3693 yes Creativity Sparks: A Creative Approach to Reproductive Rights http://www.thesparkfile.com This spark itself is so vast, but in order to right-size it for this episode, Susan and Laura stay on this important thread: creativity as it relates to abortion rights activism. They discuss risk-taker Carol Downer and her 1960s feminist movement “The Self Helpers," Mexican activist Verónica Cruz, who has dedicated her life to advancing the human rights of women in Mexico and beyond through her organization La Libres, which she founded in 2000, journalist Stephania Taladrid’s incredible reporting on “The Post-Roe Abortion Underground,” how a multigenerational network of activists is taking extraordinary risks to keep abortions accessible, and so much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 07 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: A Creative Approach to Reproductive Rights full 4 4 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This spark itself is so vast, but in order to right-size it for this episode, Susan and Laura stay on this important thread: creativity as it relates to abortion rights activism. They discuss risk-taker Carol Downer and her 1960s feminist movement “The Self Helpers," Mexican activist Verónica Cruz, who has dedicated her life to advancing the human rights of women in Mexico and beyond through her organization La Libres, which she founded in 2000, journalist Stephania Taladrid’s incredible repo... This spark itself is so vast, but in order to right-size it for this episode, Susan and Laura stay on this important thread: creativity as it relates to abortion rights activism. They discuss risk-taker Carol Downer and her 1960s feminist movement “The Self Helpers," Mexican activist Verónica Cruz, who has dedicated her life to advancing the human rights of women in Mexico and beyond through her organization La Libres, which she founded in 2000, journalist Stephania Taladrid’s incredible reporting on “The Post-Roe Abortion Underground,” how a multigenerational network of activists is taking extraordinary risks to keep abortions accessible, and so much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This spark itself is so vast, but in order to right-size it for this episode, Susan and Laura stay on this important thread: creativity as it relates to abortion rights activism. They discuss risk-taker Carol Downer and her 1960s feminist movement “The Self Helpers," Mexican activist Verónica Cruz, who has dedicated her life to advancing the human rights of women in Mexico and beyond through her organization La Libres, which she founded in 2000, journalist Stephania Taladrid’s incredible reporting on “The Post-Roe Abortion Underground,” how a multigenerational network of activists is taking extraordinary risks to keep abortions accessible, and so much more. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3161 yes Creativity Sparks: The Seduction of Camp Siegfried http://www.thesparkfile.com They hiked, they swam, they danced, they learned archery, all while being immersed in a horrific ideology. Susan and Laura dive into the shocking true story behind Camp Siegfried, located in the idyllic hamlet of Yaphank, New York, and the beautiful, seductive piece of theater that playwright Bess Wohl crafted out of it all. And so much more. There are certain sparks that light a firestorm in our brains. This is one of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Seduction of Camp Siegfried full 4 3 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien They hiked, they swam, they danced, they learned archery, all while being immersed in a horrific ideology. Susan and Laura dive into the shocking true story behind Camp Siegfried, located in the idyllic hamlet of Yaphank, New York, and the beautiful, seductive piece of theater that playwright Bess Wohl crafted out of it all. And so much more. There are certain sparks that light a firestorm in our brains. This is one of them. They hiked, they swam, they danced, they learned archery, all while being immersed in a horrific ideology. Susan and Laura dive into the shocking true story behind Camp Siegfried, located in the idyllic hamlet of Yaphank, New York, and the beautiful, seductive piece of theater that playwright Bess Wohl crafted out of it all. And so much more. There are certain sparks that light a firestorm in our brains. This is one of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices They hiked, they swam, they danced, they learned archery, all while being immersed in a horrific ideology. Susan and Laura dive into the shocking true story behind Camp Siegfried, located in the idyllic hamlet of Yaphank, New York, and the beautiful, seductive piece of theater that playwright Bess Wohl crafted out of it all. And so much more. There are certain sparks that light a firestorm in our brains. This is one of them.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3174 yes Creativity Sparks: Creation from Destruction http://www.thesparkfile.com Sparks of creativity can come from so many experiences including gratitude and joy, loss and devastation, and even total destruction. On this episode, Susan and Laura discuss some incredible creative works inside these topics, including the shocking play “Medea,” which was given a new life by director/performer Fiona Shaw on the BBC, the devastatingly beautiful book “Wave” by author and economist Sonali Deraniyagala, and even a special hidden gem embedded right into our very own Spark File website. Join us in celebrating the human possibility of creativity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Creation from Destruction full 4 2 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Sparks of creativity can come from so many experiences including gratitude and joy, loss and devastation, and even total destruction. On this episode, Susan and Laura discuss some incredible creative works inside these topics, including the shocking play “Medea,” which was given a new life by director/performer Fiona Shaw on the BBC, the devastatingly beautiful book “Wave” by author and economist Sonali Deraniyagala, and even a special hidden gem embedded right into our very own Spark File we... Sparks of creativity can come from so many experiences including gratitude and joy, loss and devastation, and even total destruction. On this episode, Susan and Laura discuss some incredible creative works inside these topics, including the shocking play “Medea,” which was given a new life by director/performer Fiona Shaw on the BBC, the devastatingly beautiful book “Wave” by author and economist Sonali Deraniyagala, and even a special hidden gem embedded right into our very own Spark File website. Join us in celebrating the human possibility of creativity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sparks of creativity can come from so many experiences including gratitude and joy, loss and devastation, and even total destruction. On this episode, Susan and Laura discuss some incredible creative works inside these topics, including the shocking play “Medea,” which was given a new life by director/performer Fiona Shaw on the BBC, the devastatingly beautiful book “Wave” by author and economist Sonali Deraniyagala, and even a special hidden gem embedded right into our very own Spark File website. Join us in celebrating the human possibility of creativity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3831 yes Welcome Back, Sparklers! http://www.thesparkfile.com 'Tis the season, everyone! The 4th season, to be exact! Time to jump back into our spark files and share some creative inspiration! This week we're just dippin' our toes in and teasing out a few of the topics we're gonna cover in the coming weeks!Remember, if you hear something that piques your interest, you gotta take it and make it!Happy creating, y'all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0000 Welcome Back, Sparklers! full 4 1 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien 'Tis the season, everyone! The 4th season, to be exact! Time to jump back into our spark files and share some creative inspiration! This week we're just dippin' our toes in and teasing out a few of the topics we're gonna cover in the coming weeks! Remember, if you hear something that piques your interest, you gotta take it and make it! Happy creating, y'all! 'Tis the season, everyone! The 4th season, to be exact! Time to jump back into our spark files and share some creative inspiration! This week we're just dippin' our toes in and teasing out a few of the topics we're gonna cover in the coming weeks!Remember, if you hear something that piques your interest, you gotta take it and make it!Happy creating, y'all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 'Tis the season, everyone! The 4th season, to be exact! Time to jump back into our spark files and share some creative inspiration! 
This week we're just dippin' our toes in and teasing out a few of the topics we're gonna cover in the coming weeks!
Remember, if you hear something that piques your interest, you gotta take it and make it!
Happy creating, y'all!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 983 yes Creativity Sparks: Season 3 Finale! http://www.thesparkfile.com For everything there is a season, friends! And this season is winding down. Time for a brief respite. But, before we go, let’s talk season highlights! And we’ll leave you with an excerpt from In Your Light by Rumi... “I know you're tired but come, this is the way...In your light, I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art. You and I have spoken all these words, but for the way we have to go, words are no preparation. I have one small drop of knowing in my soul. Let it dissolve in your ocean. A mountain keeps an echo deep inside. That's how I hold your voice. Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you. Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion. Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Season 3 Finale! full 3 23 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien For everything there is a season, friends! And this season is winding down. Time for a brief respite. But, before we go, let’s talk season highlights! And we’ll leave you with an excerpt from In Your Light by Rumi... “I know you're tired but come, this is the way...In your light, I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art. You and I have spoken all these words, but for the way we ... For everything there is a season, friends! And this season is winding down. Time for a brief respite. But, before we go, let’s talk season highlights! And we’ll leave you with an excerpt from In Your Light by Rumi... “I know you're tired but come, this is the way...In your light, I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art. You and I have spoken all these words, but for the way we have to go, words are no preparation. I have one small drop of knowing in my soul. Let it dissolve in your ocean. A mountain keeps an echo deep inside. That's how I hold your voice. Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you. Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion. Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.”   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices For everything there is a season, friends! And this season is winding down. Time for a brief respite. But, before we go, let’s talk season highlights! And we’ll leave you with an excerpt from In Your Light by Rumi...

“I know you're tired but come, this is the way...In your light, I learn how to love.

In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you,

but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.

You and I have spoken all these words, but for the way we have to go, words are no preparation. I have one small drop of knowing in my soul.

Let it dissolve in your ocean.

A mountain keeps an echo deep inside. That's how I hold your voice.

Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.

Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.

Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.”  


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3288 yes Makersode: Lynne Cox http://www.thesparkfile.com Long time listeners will know what a joy this episode was for us! In the way back times, Susan introduced us to a human spark named Lynne Cox - a celebrated athlete who set swimming records around the world and achieved astonishing feats of strength and endurance (including swimming with a baby gray whale - eighteen feet long! - in open waters) She is internationally famous for swimming the world’s most difficult waterways without a wet suit, and she is able to endure water temperatures so cold they would kill anyone else. Lynne is the acclaimed best-selling author of Swimming to Antarctica and many more books, including her upcoming Tales of Al. She is also a beautiful human being who recognizes and celebrates all forms of athleticism and creativity in others! And this week, we got to talk to Lynne!!  Join us as we explore the creative mindset of Lynne Cox - her resilience, gravitas, discipline, imagination… (make us stop because we could go on and on…)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 20 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Makersode: Lynne Cox full 3 22 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Long time listeners will know what a joy this episode was for us! In the way back times, Susan introduced us to a human spark named Lynne Cox - a celebrated athlete who set swimming records around the world and achieved astonishing feats of strength and endurance (including swimming with a baby gray whale - eighteen feet long! - in open waters) She is internationally famous for swimming the world’s most difficult waterways without a wet suit, and she is able to endure water temperatures so co... Long time listeners will know what a joy this episode was for us! In the way back times, Susan introduced us to a human spark named Lynne Cox - a celebrated athlete who set swimming records around the world and achieved astonishing feats of strength and endurance (including swimming with a baby gray whale - eighteen feet long! - in open waters) She is internationally famous for swimming the world’s most difficult waterways without a wet suit, and she is able to endure water temperatures so cold they would kill anyone else. Lynne is the acclaimed best-selling author of Swimming to Antarctica and many more books, including her upcoming Tales of Al. She is also a beautiful human being who recognizes and celebrates all forms of athleticism and creativity in others! And this week, we got to talk to Lynne!!  Join us as we explore the creative mindset of Lynne Cox - her resilience, gravitas, discipline, imagination… (make us stop because we could go on and on…)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Long time listeners will know what a joy this episode was for us!

In the way back times, Susan introduced us to a human spark named Lynne Cox - a celebrated athlete who set swimming records around the world and achieved astonishing feats of strength and endurance (including swimming with a baby gray whale - eighteen feet long! - in open waters)

She is internationally famous for swimming the world’s most difficult waterways without a wet suit, and she is able to endure water temperatures so cold they would kill anyone else.

Lynne is the acclaimed best-selling author of Swimming to Antarctica and many more books, including her upcoming Tales of Al.

She is also a beautiful human being who recognizes and celebrates all forms of athleticism and creativity in others!

And this week, we got to talk to Lynne!! 

Join us as we explore the creative mindset of Lynne Cox - her resilience, gravitas, discipline, imagination… (make us stop because we could go on and on…) 




Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3733 yes Creativity Sparks: Dead Eyes http://www.thesparkfile.com John Lennon said, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end” This week, we admire the imagination and, frankly, the balls of @connorratliff, creator of Dead Eyes podcast. Connor created an unbelievable podcast experience in order to solve what he calls “a very stupid mystery that has haunted him for two decades: why Tom Hanks fired him from a small role in the 2001 HBO mini-series, Band of Brothers.” Instead of running from the experience, he dove directly into the mix of emotions surrounding the event  - confusion, shame, humor - and found a very entertaining way to explore it all. He took a perceived ‘failure’ and created a new (and very satisfying) ending to the story. In other words, he gave himself quite possibly the best “Let Me Try That Again” that we’ve ever seen.  By taking charge of ALL the stories of perceived failure, Collin has empowered us all to rewrite the ending. And we are here for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Dead Eyes full 3 21 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien John Lennon said, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end” This week, we admire the imagination and, frankly, the balls of @connorratliff, creator of Dead Eyes podcast. Connor created an unbelievable podcast experience in order to solve what he calls “a very stupid mystery that has haunted him for two decades: why Tom Hanks fired him from a small role in the 2001 HBO mini-series, Band of Brothers.” Instead of running from the experience, he dove directly into t... John Lennon said, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end” This week, we admire the imagination and, frankly, the balls of @connorratliff, creator of Dead Eyes podcast. Connor created an unbelievable podcast experience in order to solve what he calls “a very stupid mystery that has haunted him for two decades: why Tom Hanks fired him from a small role in the 2001 HBO mini-series, Band of Brothers.” Instead of running from the experience, he dove directly into the mix of emotions surrounding the event  - confusion, shame, humor - and found a very entertaining way to explore it all. He took a perceived ‘failure’ and created a new (and very satisfying) ending to the story. In other words, he gave himself quite possibly the best “Let Me Try That Again” that we’ve ever seen.  By taking charge of ALL the stories of perceived failure, Collin has empowered us all to rewrite the ending. And we are here for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices John Lennon said, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end”

This week, we admire the imagination and, frankly, the balls of @connorratliff, creator of Dead Eyes podcast.

Connor created an unbelievable podcast experience in order to solve what he calls “a very stupid mystery that has haunted him for two decades: why Tom Hanks fired him from a small role in the 2001 HBO mini-series, Band of Brothers.”

Instead of running from the experience, he dove directly into the mix of emotions surrounding the event  - confusion, shame, humor - and found a very entertaining way to explore it all.

He took a perceived ‘failure’ and created a new (and very satisfying) ending to the story.

In other words, he gave himself quite possibly the best “Let Me Try That Again” that we’ve ever seen. 

By taking charge of ALL the stories of perceived failure, Collin has empowered us all to rewrite the ending.

And we are here for it.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3587 yes Makersode: Marc Janowitz http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura got to hang with bad ass lighting designer and friend, Marc Janowitz, whose holistic, dynamic lighting designs illuminate a story and light up an audience. His bold, no holds barred lighting transforms comedians into a rock stars and rock stars into gods. Tune in to hear how Marc approaches designs for concerts for My Morning Jacket, The Lumineers, Fun., and many others, and comedy specials like Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Flight of the Conchords, Bo Burnham, theatre shows like Blue Man Group and Forbidden Broadway and so much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 06 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Makersode: Marc Janowitz full 3 20 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura got to hang with bad ass lighting designer and friend, Marc Janowitz, whose holistic, dynamic lighting designs illuminate a story and light up an audience. His bold, no holds barred lighting transforms comedians into a rock stars and rock stars into gods. Tune in to hear how Marc approaches designs for concerts for My Morning Jacket, The Lumineers, Fun., and many others, and comedy specials like Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Flight of the Conchords, Bo Burnham, theatre ... This week, Susan and Laura got to hang with bad ass lighting designer and friend, Marc Janowitz, whose holistic, dynamic lighting designs illuminate a story and light up an audience. His bold, no holds barred lighting transforms comedians into a rock stars and rock stars into gods. Tune in to hear how Marc approaches designs for concerts for My Morning Jacket, The Lumineers, Fun., and many others, and comedy specials like Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Flight of the Conchords, Bo Burnham, theatre shows like Blue Man Group and Forbidden Broadway and so much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura got to hang with bad ass lighting designer and friend, Marc Janowitz, whose holistic, dynamic lighting designs illuminate a story and light up an audience.

His bold, no holds barred lighting transforms comedians into a rock stars and rock stars into gods.

Tune in to hear how Marc approaches designs for concerts for My Morning Jacket, The Lumineers, Fun., and many others, and comedy specials like Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Flight of the Conchords, Bo Burnham, theatre shows like Blue Man Group and Forbidden Broadway and so much more…


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4198 yes Creativity Sparks: Beauty + Sorrow http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, after experiencing unexpected loss, Laura and Susan discuss the role of grief and friendship, and the bittersweet and inevitable intermixing of joy and heartbreak along this journey we call life.  Inspired by the genius of Brene Brown, Karen Walrond and Susan Cain, Laura and Susan agree with the conclusion that our broken hearts connect us all.  And as creators all we can hope to do is make works of profound sadness and beauty. Break our hearts. Use all of the pain. Like Marcus Aurelius said, “A blazing fire makes flame and brightness out of everything that is thrown into it” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 30 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Beauty + Sorrow full 3 19 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, after experiencing unexpected loss, Laura and Susan discuss the role of grief and friendship, and the bittersweet and inevitable intermixing of joy and heartbreak along this journey we call life. Inspired by the genius of Brene Brown, Karen Walrond and Susan Cain, Laura and Susan agree with the conclusion that our broken hearts connect us all. And as creators all we can hope to do is make works of profound sadness and beauty. Break our hearts. Use all of the pain. Like ... This week, after experiencing unexpected loss, Laura and Susan discuss the role of grief and friendship, and the bittersweet and inevitable intermixing of joy and heartbreak along this journey we call life.  Inspired by the genius of Brene Brown, Karen Walrond and Susan Cain, Laura and Susan agree with the conclusion that our broken hearts connect us all.  And as creators all we can hope to do is make works of profound sadness and beauty. Break our hearts. Use all of the pain. Like Marcus Aurelius said, “A blazing fire makes flame and brightness out of everything that is thrown into it” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, after experiencing unexpected loss, Laura and Susan discuss the role of grief and friendship, and the bittersweet and inevitable intermixing of joy and heartbreak along this journey we call life. 

Inspired by the genius of Brene Brown, Karen Walrond and Susan Cain, Laura and Susan agree with the conclusion that our broken hearts connect us all. 

And as creators all we can hope to do is make works of profound sadness and beauty. Break our hearts. Use all of the pain. Like Marcus Aurelius said, “A blazing fire makes flame and brightness out of everything that is thrown into it”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3866 yes Makersode: Mike Michalowicz http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura had the distinct pleasure of unpacking the mind of Mike Michalowicz, the man Simon Sinek claims might be “the patron saint of entrepreneurs”. We have to agree. He’s a saint, but our kind of saint -  comfortable with subversive humor served with a dash of profanity.  On a mission to end entrepreneurial poverty, Mike changed our lives (and the way we think about making a living) with his book, Profit First. He has done the same for millions of other entrepreneurs as well. If you want a fresh, bold perspective on earning a living as a creative entrepreneur, please tune in!  Mike is a joy to talk to, and life-changing to learn from! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Makersode: Mike Michalowicz full 3 18 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura had the distinct pleasure of unpacking the mind of Mike Michalowicz, the man Simon Sinek claims might be “the patron saint of entrepreneurs”. We have to agree. He’s a saint, but our kind of saint - comfortable with subversive humor served with a dash of profanity. On a mission to end entrepreneurial poverty, Mike changed our lives (and the way we think about making a living) with his book, Profit First. He has done the same for millions of other entrepre... This week, Susan and Laura had the distinct pleasure of unpacking the mind of Mike Michalowicz, the man Simon Sinek claims might be “the patron saint of entrepreneurs”. We have to agree. He’s a saint, but our kind of saint -  comfortable with subversive humor served with a dash of profanity.  On a mission to end entrepreneurial poverty, Mike changed our lives (and the way we think about making a living) with his book, Profit First. He has done the same for millions of other entrepreneurs as well. If you want a fresh, bold perspective on earning a living as a creative entrepreneur, please tune in!  Mike is a joy to talk to, and life-changing to learn from! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura had the distinct pleasure of unpacking the mind of Mike Michalowicz, the man Simon Sinek claims might be “the patron saint of entrepreneurs”.

We have to agree.

He’s a saint, but our kind of saint -  comfortable with subversive humor served with a dash of profanity. 

On a mission to end entrepreneurial poverty, Mike changed our lives (and the way we think about making a living) with his book, Profit First. He has done the same for millions of other entrepreneurs as well.

If you want a fresh, bold perspective on earning a living as a creative entrepreneur, please tune in! 

Mike is a joy to talk to, and life-changing to learn from!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3292 yes Creativity Sparks: Creatives for Ukraine http://www.thesparkfile.com Whether the war in Ukraine is causing feelings of unease, uncertainty, or outrage, there are creative ways to activate and support. There are ways to use your talents and resources for the power of good. Tune in this week to hear of creative acts by artists and others to support our colleagues in Ukraine. If you’ve wondered how you can put your thoughts and prayers into action – this episode is for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Creatives for Ukraine full 3 17 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Whether the war in Ukraine is causing feelings of unease, uncertainty, or outrage, there are creative ways to activate and support. There are ways to use your talents and resources for the power of good. Tune in this week to hear of creative acts by artists and others to support our colleagues in Ukraine. If you’ve wondered how you can put your thoughts and prayers into action – this episode is for you! Whether the war in Ukraine is causing feelings of unease, uncertainty, or outrage, there are creative ways to activate and support. There are ways to use your talents and resources for the power of good. Tune in this week to hear of creative acts by artists and others to support our colleagues in Ukraine. If you’ve wondered how you can put your thoughts and prayers into action – this episode is for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Whether the war in Ukraine is causing feelings of unease, uncertainty, or outrage, there are creative ways to activate and support. There are ways to use your talents and resources for the power of good.

Tune in this week to hear of creative acts by artists and others to support our colleagues in Ukraine. If you’ve wondered how you can put your thoughts and prayers into action – this episode is for you!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3345 yes Creativity Sparks: The Art of the Con http://www.thesparkfile.com Everywhere you look these days there is a con going down… Inventing Anna, The Tinder Swindler, The Dropout, The Puppermaster, Super Pumped, WeCrashed… Con artists are having a moment.  Tune in this week to learn more about the hustle, and how you can avoid being a “sucker”, a “stooge”, or a “gull” – Better yet, turn the confidence game into an inspired spark! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Art of the Con full 3 16 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Everywhere you look these days there is a con going down… Inventing Anna, The Tinder Swindler, The Dropout, The Puppermaster, Super Pumped, WeCrashed… Con artists are having a moment. Tune in this week to learn more about the hustle, and how you can avoid being a “sucker”, a “stooge”, or a “gull” – Better yet, turn the confidence game into an inspired spark! Everywhere you look these days there is a con going down… Inventing Anna, The Tinder Swindler, The Dropout, The Puppermaster, Super Pumped, WeCrashed… Con artists are having a moment.  Tune in this week to learn more about the hustle, and how you can avoid being a “sucker”, a “stooge”, or a “gull” – Better yet, turn the confidence game into an inspired spark! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Everywhere you look these days there is a con going down… Inventing Anna, The Tinder Swindler, The Dropout, The Puppermaster, Super Pumped, WeCrashed… Con artists are having a moment.  Tune in this week to learn more about the hustle, and how you can avoid being a “sucker”, a “stooge”, or a “gull” – Better yet, turn the confidence game into an inspired spark!



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4787 yes Creativity Sparks: Creatives + Money http://www.thesparkfile.com Tired of the “starving artist” trope? Sick of the storyline that says “I’m creative and eccentric, I’m no good with numbers” Isn’t it time you felt a sense of personal agency over your finances?  You are smart and capable. Tune in for some tips on how you can be even smarter and more capable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Creatives + Money full 3 15 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Tired of the “starving artist” trope? Sick of the storyline that says “I’m creative and eccentric, I’m no good with numbers” Isn’t it time you felt a sense of personal agency over your finances? You are smart and capable. Tune in for some tips on how you can be even smarter and more capable. Tired of the “starving artist” trope? Sick of the storyline that says “I’m creative and eccentric, I’m no good with numbers” Isn’t it time you felt a sense of personal agency over your finances?  You are smart and capable. Tune in for some tips on how you can be even smarter and more capable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Tired of the “starving artist” trope? Sick of the storyline that says “I’m creative and eccentric, I’m no good with numbers” Isn’t it time you felt a sense of personal agency over your finances? 

You are smart and capable. Tune in for some tips on how you can be even smarter and more capable.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3986 yes Creativity Sparks: Does Our Inner Chatter Matter? http://www.thesparkfile.com You know that voice in your head? The one that drives you crazy sometimes? The one that points out your flaws and re-plays your mistakes over and over?  What is the point of that voice? Tune in this week as we gain an understanding of how to tame this voice, and put it to good use, thanks to Chatter: The Voice in our Head, Why it Matters, and how to Harness it by Ethan Kross. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Does Our Inner Chatter Matter? full 3 14 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien You know that voice in your head? The one that drives you crazy sometimes? The one that points out your flaws and re-plays your mistakes over and over? What is the point of that voice? Tune in this week as we gain an understanding of how to tame this voice, and put it to good use, thanks to Chatter: The Voice in our Head, Why it Matters, and how to Harness it by Ethan Kross. You know that voice in your head? The one that drives you crazy sometimes? The one that points out your flaws and re-plays your mistakes over and over?  What is the point of that voice? Tune in this week as we gain an understanding of how to tame this voice, and put it to good use, thanks to Chatter: The Voice in our Head, Why it Matters, and how to Harness it by Ethan Kross. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You know that voice in your head? The one that drives you crazy sometimes? The one that points out your flaws and re-plays your mistakes over and over? 

What is the point of that voice?

Tune in this week as we gain an understanding of how to tame this voice, and put it to good use, thanks to Chatter: The Voice in our Head, Why it Matters, and how to Harness it by Ethan Kross.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3777 yes Creativity Sparks: The Florida Highwaymen http://www.thesparkfile.com Sit back and marvel at this true tale of limitations inspiring ART as a survival job in less than ideal circumstances. That’s right. The Florida Highwaymen turned to art to elevate themselves and their community out of poverty while reflecting the beauty of Florida landscapes. These master painters (some trained and some self-taught) captured the beauty they saw around them, and supported their community with the profits.  Dive into the lives and the legacy they painted for themselves… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Florida Highwaymen full 3 13 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Sit back and marvel at this true tale of limitations inspiring ART as a survival job in less than ideal circumstances. That’s right. The Florida Highwaymen turned to art to elevate themselves and their community out of poverty while reflecting the beauty of Florida landscapes. These master painters (some trained and some self-taught) captured the beauty they saw around them, and supported their community with the profits. Dive into the lives and the legacy they painted for themselves… Sit back and marvel at this true tale of limitations inspiring ART as a survival job in less than ideal circumstances. That’s right. The Florida Highwaymen turned to art to elevate themselves and their community out of poverty while reflecting the beauty of Florida landscapes. These master painters (some trained and some self-taught) captured the beauty they saw around them, and supported their community with the profits.  Dive into the lives and the legacy they painted for themselves… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sit back and marvel at this true tale of limitations inspiring ART as a survival job in less than ideal circumstances.

That’s right. The Florida Highwaymen turned to art to elevate themselves and their community out of poverty while reflecting the beauty of Florida landscapes.

These master painters (some trained and some self-taught) captured the beauty they saw around them, and supported their community with the profits. 

Dive into the lives and the legacy they painted for themselves…


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3137 yes Creativity Sparks: Fertile Wordle http://www.thesparkfile.com Want to know what every single creative can learn from the development and launch of Wordle, the simple and most unexpected game of the century?  Recorded riiiiiiiight before Wordle was sold to The New York Times, we can still learn how creating for an audience of one, making your work accessible and so much more relates to everything we hope to share with the world. Listen in.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 09 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Fertile Wordle full 3 12 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Want to know what every single creative can learn from the development and launch of Wordle, the simple and most unexpected game of the century? Recorded riiiiiiiight before Wordle was sold to The New York Times, we can still learn how creating for an audience of one, making your work accessible and so much more relates to everything we hope to share with the world. Listen in. Want to know what every single creative can learn from the development and launch of Wordle, the simple and most unexpected game of the century?  Recorded riiiiiiiight before Wordle was sold to The New York Times, we can still learn how creating for an audience of one, making your work accessible and so much more relates to everything we hope to share with the world. Listen in.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Want to know what every single creative can learn from the development and launch of Wordle, the simple and most unexpected game of the century? 

Recorded riiiiiiiight before Wordle was sold to The New York Times, we can still learn how creating for an audience of one, making your work accessible and so much more relates to everything we hope to share with the world.

Listen in.  


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3682 yes Creativity Sparks: The Unstoppable Voice of Martha Wash http://www.thesparkfile.com You have undoubtedly heard her unforgettable voice on hits such as “Everybody, Everybody”, “It’s Raining Men” and so many more. But Martha Wash had to use her voice to fight to make sure you knew her name. Tune in to find out how Martha took the record labels to task for abusing the demo track system. Martha paved the way for all artists - to make sure they get paid, and get credit for the talents they contribute. Trust us, you’ll be singing HER praises once you hear how she put her voice to work for the powers of good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 02 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Unstoppable Voice of Martha Wash full 3 11 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien You have undoubtedly heard her unforgettable voice on hits such as “Everybody, Everybody”, “It’s Raining Men” and so many more. But Martha Wash had to use her voice to fight to make sure you knew her name. Tune in to find out how Martha took the record labels to task for abusing the demo track system. Martha paved the way for all artists - to make sure they get paid, and get credit for the talents they contribute. Trust us, you’ll be singing HER praises once you hear how she put her voice to ... You have undoubtedly heard her unforgettable voice on hits such as “Everybody, Everybody”, “It’s Raining Men” and so many more. But Martha Wash had to use her voice to fight to make sure you knew her name. Tune in to find out how Martha took the record labels to task for abusing the demo track system. Martha paved the way for all artists - to make sure they get paid, and get credit for the talents they contribute. Trust us, you’ll be singing HER praises once you hear how she put her voice to work for the powers of good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You have undoubtedly heard her unforgettable voice on hits such as “Everybody, Everybody”, “It’s Raining Men” and so many more.

But Martha Wash had to use her voice to fight to make sure you knew her name.

Tune in to find out how Martha took the record labels to task for abusing the demo track system.

Martha paved the way for all artists - to make sure they get paid, and get credit for the talents they contribute.

Trust us, you’ll be singing HER praises once you hear how she put her voice to work for the powers of good.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3128 yes Creativity Sparks: Rewilding Your Attention http://www.thesparkfile.com If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through your feeds or combing through google search results thinking “there must be something more out there”, well, this episode is for you! Laura and Susan dive into the concept of “Rewilding Your Attention” - the phrase was coined by Tom Critchlow, shared by CJ Eller and then expanded up on by Clive Thompson.  And the bat signal was seen by @thesparkfile. Let us look for the small, weird things. And then let us pass them on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 26 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Rewilding Your Attention full 3 10 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through your feeds or combing through google search results thinking “there must be something more out there”, well, this episode is for you! Laura and Susan dive into the concept of “Rewilding Your Attention” - the phrase was coined by Tom Critchlow, shared by CJ Eller and then expanded up on by Clive Thompson. And the bat signal was seen by @thesparkfile. Let us look for the small, weird things. And then let us pass them on. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through your feeds or combing through google search results thinking “there must be something more out there”, well, this episode is for you! Laura and Susan dive into the concept of “Rewilding Your Attention” - the phrase was coined by Tom Critchlow, shared by CJ Eller and then expanded up on by Clive Thompson.  And the bat signal was seen by @thesparkfile. Let us look for the small, weird things. And then let us pass them on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through your feeds or combing through google search results thinking “there must be something more out there”, well, this episode is for you!

Laura and Susan dive into the concept of “Rewilding Your Attention” - the phrase was coined by Tom Critchlow, shared by CJ Eller and then expanded up on by Clive Thompson. 

And the bat signal was seen by @thesparkfile.

Let us look for the small, weird things. And then let us pass them on.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3360 yes Creativity Sparks: Wintering http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, snuggle up and join Susan and Laura as they delve into Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May.If you've ever wondered why we feel a pull to retreat indoors and slow down as the days get darker - look no further. It is not your imagination, and it is very much a necessity that we take time  to quiet our minds and slow our rolls, so that we can look inward and heal, and maybe even learn to hope again.If you are struggling (any time of year), consider giving yourself the gift of wintering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 19 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Wintering full 3 9 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, snuggle up and join Susan and Laura as they delve into Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May. If you've ever wondered why we feel a pull to retreat indoors and slow down as the days get darker - look no further. It is not your imagination, and it is very much a necessity that we take time to quiet our minds and slow our rolls, so that we can look inward and heal, and maybe even learn to hope again. If you are struggling (any time of year... This week, snuggle up and join Susan and Laura as they delve into Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May.If you've ever wondered why we feel a pull to retreat indoors and slow down as the days get darker - look no further. It is not your imagination, and it is very much a necessity that we take time  to quiet our minds and slow our rolls, so that we can look inward and heal, and maybe even learn to hope again.If you are struggling (any time of year), consider giving yourself the gift of wintering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, snuggle up and join Susan and Laura as they delve into Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May.
If you've ever wondered why we feel a pull to retreat indoors and slow down as the days get darker - look no further. It is not your imagination, and it is very much a necessity that we take time  to quiet our minds and slow our rolls, so that we can look inward and heal, and maybe even learn to hope again.
If you are struggling (any time of year), consider giving yourself the gift of wintering.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3140 yes Creativity Sparks: Money Money Money http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Laura and Susan dig into this taboo topic and explore how and why shame  keeps us from talking about money, and sometimes even doing anything about money. But valuing ourselves for the amount of money we have accrued has not always been the norm, in fact, it is a rather new framework.  Listen in and imagine a time when we valued ourselves, our communities and the quality of our lives by a different standard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 12 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Money Money Money full 3 8 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Laura and Susan dig into this taboo topic and explore how and why shame keeps us from talking about money, and sometimes even doing anything about money. But valuing ourselves for the amount of money we have accrued has not always been the norm, in fact, it is a rather new framework. Listen in and imagine a time when we valued ourselves, our communities and the quality of our lives by a different standard. This week, Laura and Susan dig into this taboo topic and explore how and why shame  keeps us from talking about money, and sometimes even doing anything about money. But valuing ourselves for the amount of money we have accrued has not always been the norm, in fact, it is a rather new framework.  Listen in and imagine a time when we valued ourselves, our communities and the quality of our lives by a different standard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Laura and Susan dig into this taboo topic and explore how and why shame  keeps us from talking about money, and sometimes even doing anything about money. 

But valuing ourselves for the amount of money we have accrued has not always been the norm, in fact, it is a rather new framework.  Listen in and imagine a time when we valued ourselves, our communities and the quality of our lives by a different standard.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4335 yes Creativity Sparks: Operation Paperclip http://www.thesparkfile.com Sometimes a spark is so surprising, so complex and thought provoking it can stun you into silence. And so it was when Susan shared Operation Paperclip with Laura.As outlined in the book, Operation Paperclip by Annie Jacobsen, information on this secret United States intelligence program was recently de-classified and we are now all learning about the plan to bring Nazi Germany scientists to the US to harness their intellectual resources.Defenders of the decision to welcome the scientists here have argued that the combined knowledge of these rocket scientists and nuclear scientists could have ended up in the hands of the Soviets, if the US had taken no action. Others wonder what are the ethical and moral costs of allowing their unimaginable war crimes to go without punishment or accountability.This is a #dark spark. Listen in to try to make sense of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 05 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Operation Paperclip full 3 7 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Sometimes a spark is so surprising, so complex and thought provoking it can stun you into silence. And so it was when Susan shared Operation Paperclip with Laura. As outlined in the book, Operation Paperclip by Annie Jacobsen, information on this secret United States intelligence program was recently de-classified and we are now all learning about the plan to bring Nazi Germany scientists to the US to harness their intellectual resources. Defenders of the decision to welcome the scientists ... Sometimes a spark is so surprising, so complex and thought provoking it can stun you into silence. And so it was when Susan shared Operation Paperclip with Laura.As outlined in the book, Operation Paperclip by Annie Jacobsen, information on this secret United States intelligence program was recently de-classified and we are now all learning about the plan to bring Nazi Germany scientists to the US to harness their intellectual resources.Defenders of the decision to welcome the scientists here have argued that the combined knowledge of these rocket scientists and nuclear scientists could have ended up in the hands of the Soviets, if the US had taken no action. Others wonder what are the ethical and moral costs of allowing their unimaginable war crimes to go without punishment or accountability.This is a #dark spark. Listen in to try to make sense of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sometimes a spark is so surprising, so complex and thought provoking it can stun you into silence. And so it was when Susan shared Operation Paperclip with Laura.

As outlined in the book, Operation Paperclip by Annie Jacobsen, information on this secret United States intelligence program was recently de-classified and we are now all learning about the plan to bring Nazi Germany scientists to the US to harness their intellectual resources.

Defenders of the decision to welcome the scientists here have argued that the combined knowledge of these rocket scientists and nuclear scientists could have ended up in the hands of the Soviets, if the US had taken no action. 

Others wonder what are the ethical and moral costs of allowing their unimaginable war crimes to go without punishment or accountability.

This is a #dark spark. Listen in to try to make sense of it all.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3333 yes Creativity Sparks: Creative Resistance; OR, The Monster at the End of this Episode http://www.thesparkfile.com What keeps us from writing those pages we say we WANT to write? What keeps us from taking that first small step toward our goal? What keeps us from doing anything at all related to our creative vision? Why, its our dear ol’ pal, Creative Resistance. This week, Laura and Susan dive into the warm and cozy distractions that keep us safe from the consequence of risk - creative risk, that is. These tactics show up anytime we are close to creating something of meaning or significance and make for damn sure we don’t go anywhere near it.  Are we supposed to say thank you? The answer is more complex than you think… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 29 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Creative Resistance; OR, The Monster at the End of this Episode full 3 6 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What keeps us from writing those pages we say we WANT to write? What keeps us from taking that first small step toward our goal? What keeps us from doing anything at all related to our creative vision? Why, its our dear ol’ pal, Creative Resistance. This week, Laura and Susan dive into the warm and cozy distractions that keep us safe from the consequence of risk - creative risk, that is. These tactics show up anytime we are close to creating something of meaning or significance and make for d... What keeps us from writing those pages we say we WANT to write? What keeps us from taking that first small step toward our goal? What keeps us from doing anything at all related to our creative vision? Why, its our dear ol’ pal, Creative Resistance. This week, Laura and Susan dive into the warm and cozy distractions that keep us safe from the consequence of risk - creative risk, that is. These tactics show up anytime we are close to creating something of meaning or significance and make for damn sure we don’t go anywhere near it.  Are we supposed to say thank you? The answer is more complex than you think… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What keeps us from writing those pages we say we WANT to write? What keeps us from taking that first small step toward our goal? What keeps us from doing anything at all related to our creative vision?

Why, its our dear ol’ pal, Creative Resistance.

This week, Laura and Susan dive into the warm and cozy distractions that keep us safe from the consequence of risk - creative risk, that is. These tactics show up anytime we are close to creating something of meaning or significance and make for damn sure we don’t go anywhere near it. 

Are we supposed to say thank you? The answer is more complex than you think…


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3968 yes Creativity Sparks: The Collaborative Wisdom of Metallica http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura dip their toes into the topic of Collaboration via the Metallica Masterclass. They discuss how the members of Metallica, guided by their mantra “whatever’s best” for the project, share how they communicate, keep their egos in check, get the most out of everyone, and how they stay inspired to come together to create great things.  They share a commitment to the music, yes, but an even larger commitment to each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Collaborative Wisdom of Metallica full 3 5 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura dip their toes into the topic of Collaboration via the Metallica Masterclass. They discuss how the members of Metallica, guided by their mantra “whatever’s best” for the project, share how they communicate, keep their egos in check, get the most out of everyone, and how they stay inspired to come together to create great things. They share a commitment to the music, yes, but an even larger commitment to each other. This week, Susan and Laura dip their toes into the topic of Collaboration via the Metallica Masterclass. They discuss how the members of Metallica, guided by their mantra “whatever’s best” for the project, share how they communicate, keep their egos in check, get the most out of everyone, and how they stay inspired to come together to create great things.  They share a commitment to the music, yes, but an even larger commitment to each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura dip their toes into the topic of Collaboration via the Metallica Masterclass. They discuss how the members of Metallica, guided by their mantra “whatever’s best” for the project, share how they communicate, keep their egos in check, get the most out of everyone, and how they stay inspired to come together to create great things. 

They share a commitment to the music, yes, but an even larger commitment to each other.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4295 yes Creativity Sparks: Creative Mornings / Street Wisdom http://www.thesparkfile.com Here at The Spark File, our mission is to spark creativity, free innate self-expression, and grant permission to fear less and create more.  In this episode, we share two recently discovered like-minded creative organizations that have completely lit us up! Here’s how it happened…First, Pam Harris introduced us to @creativemornings and Creative Mornings introduced us to @streetwisdom_  and Street Wisdom introduced us to @davidpearl_here and David Pearl introduced us to his book Wanderful: Human Navigation for a Complex World… and we now we have newfound space for reflection, joy and yes, even more CREATIVITY in our lives.  Whew! You heard it here first, folks. That is how contagious joyful self-expression and creativity can be. Pass it on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 15 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Creative Mornings / Street Wisdom full 3 4 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Here at The Spark File, our mission is to spark creativity, free innate self-expression, and grant permission to fear less and create more. In this episode, we share two recently discovered like-minded creative organizations that have completely lit us up! Here’s how it happened…First, Pam Harris introduced us to @creativemornings and Creative Mornings introduced us to @streetwisdom_ and Street Wisdom introduced us to @davidpearl_here and David Pearl introduced us to his book Wand... Here at The Spark File, our mission is to spark creativity, free innate self-expression, and grant permission to fear less and create more.  In this episode, we share two recently discovered like-minded creative organizations that have completely lit us up! Here’s how it happened…First, Pam Harris introduced us to @creativemornings and Creative Mornings introduced us to @streetwisdom_  and Street Wisdom introduced us to @davidpearl_here and David Pearl introduced us to his book Wanderful: Human Navigation for a Complex World… and we now we have newfound space for reflection, joy and yes, even more CREATIVITY in our lives.  Whew! You heard it here first, folks. That is how contagious joyful self-expression and creativity can be. Pass it on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Here at The Spark File, our mission is to spark creativity, free innate self-expression, and grant permission to fear less and create more.  In this episode, we share two recently discovered like-minded creative organizations that have completely lit us up!

Here’s how it happened…First, Pam Harris introduced us to @creativemornings and Creative Mornings introduced us to @streetwisdom_  and Street Wisdom introduced us to @davidpearl_here and David Pearl introduced us to his book Wanderful: Human Navigation for a Complex World… and we now we have newfound space for reflection, joy and yes, even more CREATIVITY in our lives. 

Whew! You heard it here first, folks. That is how contagious joyful self-expression and creativity can be. Pass it on.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3133 yes Creativity Sparks: The Spark Side of Social Media http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura delve into the very best ways social media can be used - to inspire, educate and spread joy.  We call this The Spark Side of Social Media.Listen and light yourself up with tales of legacy-worthy chocolate via @morticianinthekitchen, kneel at the alter of @andy_birkey's gothic woodworking, and marvel at the beauty of fore edge printing (did you know this even existed?!?) Turns out, good and meaningful things exist on social, when you know where to look! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 08 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Spark Side of Social Media full 3 3 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura delve into the very best ways social media can be used - to inspire, educate and spread joy. We call this The Spark Side of Social Media. Listen and light yourself up with tales of legacy-worthy chocolate via @morticianinthekitchen, kneel at the alter of @andy_birkey's gothic woodworking, and marvel at the beauty of fore edge printing (did you know this even existed?!?) Turns out, good and meaningful things exist on social, when you know where to look! This week, Susan and Laura delve into the very best ways social media can be used - to inspire, educate and spread joy.  We call this The Spark Side of Social Media.Listen and light yourself up with tales of legacy-worthy chocolate via @morticianinthekitchen, kneel at the alter of @andy_birkey's gothic woodworking, and marvel at the beauty of fore edge printing (did you know this even existed?!?) Turns out, good and meaningful things exist on social, when you know where to look! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura delve into the very best ways social media can be used - to inspire, educate and spread joy.  We call this The Spark Side of Social Media.
Listen and light yourself up with tales of legacy-worthy chocolate via @morticianinthekitchen, kneel at the alter of @andy_birkey's gothic woodworking, and marvel at the beauty of fore edge printing (did you know this even existed?!?) Turns out, good and meaningful things exist on social, when you know where to look!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3878 yes Creativity Sparks: What If...? http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Laura and Susan explore the inexplicable craving to consume pandemic-related entertainment during a pandemic -  not entertainment about the current state of the world, no, we prefer  imaginary pandemics dreamed up in the minds of fiction writers and TV writers like Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, The End of October by Lawrence Wright, The Walking Dead and more.  These are some of the works imagined by creative minds at a time when an actual pandemic was a scary but far-fetched idea… Listen in to hear how Laura made her way through a tunnel of imaginary pandemic entertainment and emerged on the other side with extreme respect and admiration for #NormanReedus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 01 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: What If...? full 3 2 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Laura and Susan explore the inexplicable craving to consume pandemic-related entertainment during a pandemic - not entertainment about the current state of the world, no, we prefer imaginary pandemics dreamed up in the minds of fiction writers and TV writers like Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, The End of October by Lawrence Wright, The Walking Dead and more. These are some of the works imagined by creative minds at a time when an actual pandemic was a sc... This week, Laura and Susan explore the inexplicable craving to consume pandemic-related entertainment during a pandemic -  not entertainment about the current state of the world, no, we prefer  imaginary pandemics dreamed up in the minds of fiction writers and TV writers like Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, The End of October by Lawrence Wright, The Walking Dead and more.  These are some of the works imagined by creative minds at a time when an actual pandemic was a scary but far-fetched idea… Listen in to hear how Laura made her way through a tunnel of imaginary pandemic entertainment and emerged on the other side with extreme respect and admiration for #NormanReedus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Laura and Susan explore the inexplicable craving to consume pandemic-related entertainment during a pandemic -  not entertainment about the current state of the world, no, we prefer  imaginary pandemics dreamed up in the minds of fiction writers and TV writers like Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, The End of October by Lawrence Wright, The Walking Dead and more.  These are some of the works imagined by creative minds at a time when an actual pandemic was a scary but far-fetched idea…

Listen in to hear how Laura made her way through a tunnel of imaginary pandemic entertainment and emerged on the other side with extreme respect and admiration for #NormanReedus.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3582 yes Welcome Back, Sparklers! http://www.thesparkfile.com Welcome back, Sparklers! All are welcome here. As long as no one is being a d**k, you are invited to be your real, open, authentic selves. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get warmed up for Season 3! They share their gratitude and a mini-spark about indigenous food from The New York Times and an article about Sean Sherman, creator of The Sioux Chef. The Spark File is created on the lands of the Lenape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 24 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0000 Welcome Back, Sparklers! full 3 1 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Welcome back, Sparklers! All are welcome here. As long as no one is being a d**k, you are invited to be your real, open, authentic selves. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get warmed up for Season 3! They share their gratitude and a mini-spark about indigenous food from The New York Times and an article about Sean Sherman, creator of The Sioux Chef. The Spark File is created on the lands of the Lenape. Welcome back, Sparklers! All are welcome here. As long as no one is being a d**k, you are invited to be your real, open, authentic selves. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get warmed up for Season 3! They share their gratitude and a mini-spark about indigenous food from The New York Times and an article about Sean Sherman, creator of The Sioux Chef. The Spark File is created on the lands of the Lenape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Welcome back, Sparklers! All are welcome here. As long as no one is being a d**k, you are invited to be your real, open, authentic selves. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get warmed up for Season 3! They share their gratitude and a mini-spark about indigenous food from The New York Times and an article about Sean Sherman, creator of The Sioux Chef.

The Spark File is created on the lands of the Lenape.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2354 yes Creativity Sparks: Celebrating Endings http://www.thesparkfile.com In the season 2 finale of The Spark File podcast, Susan and Laura celebrate the highlights of the past year - revisiting favorite sparks of inspiration, and recognizing the incredible achievements of the participants in The Spark File Select Group Creativity Coaching program.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Celebrating Endings full 2 41 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In the season 2 finale of The Spark File podcast, Susan and Laura celebrate the highlights of the past year - revisiting favorite sparks of inspiration, and recognizing the incredible achievements of the participants in The Spark File Select Group Creativity Coaching program. In the season 2 finale of The Spark File podcast, Susan and Laura celebrate the highlights of the past year - revisiting favorite sparks of inspiration, and recognizing the incredible achievements of the participants in The Spark File Select Group Creativity Coaching program.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the season 2 finale of The Spark File podcast, Susan and Laura celebrate the highlights of the past year - revisiting favorite sparks of inspiration, and recognizing the incredible achievements of the participants in The Spark File Select Group Creativity Coaching program. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2775 yes Makers: Hunter Bell: Connection, Community and Fantasy Island http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura got to spend extra time with their beloved Hunter Bell, Tony and Drama Desk nominee, Spark File Creativity Coaching client, and creative / writer / maker extraordinare! Tune in to feel the love and the belly laughs. Too much is never enough Hunter Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Hunter Bell: Connection, Community and Fantasy Island full 2 40 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura got to spend extra time with their beloved Hunter Bell, Tony and Drama Desk nominee, Spark File Creativity Coaching client, and creative / writer / maker extraordinare! Tune in to feel the love and the belly laughs. Too much is never enough Hunter Bell. This week, Susan and Laura got to spend extra time with their beloved Hunter Bell, Tony and Drama Desk nominee, Spark File Creativity Coaching client, and creative / writer / maker extraordinare! Tune in to feel the love and the belly laughs. Too much is never enough Hunter Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura got to spend extra time with their beloved Hunter Bell, Tony and Drama Desk nominee, Spark File Creativity Coaching client, and creative / writer / maker extraordinare! Tune in to feel the love and the belly laughs. Too much is never enough Hunter Bell.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3702 yes Makers: John Ellison Conlee: Great Conversation and a Cup of Joe http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura take a deep dive with Tony-award nominee (and Creativity Coaching Client) John Ellison Conlee, and discuss the creation of a life in addition to a career. Plus, in this very special episode, The Spark File debuts a short story written and read by John Ellison Conlee himself - Cup of Joe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: John Ellison Conlee: Great Conversation and a Cup of Joe full 2 39 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura take a deep dive with Tony-award nominee (and Creativity Coaching Client) John Ellison Conlee, and discuss the creation of a life in addition to a career. Plus, in this very special episode, The Spark File debuts a short story written and read by John Ellison Conlee himself - Cup of Joe. This week, Susan and Laura take a deep dive with Tony-award nominee (and Creativity Coaching Client) John Ellison Conlee, and discuss the creation of a life in addition to a career. Plus, in this very special episode, The Spark File debuts a short story written and read by John Ellison Conlee himself - Cup of Joe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura take a deep dive with Tony-award nominee (and Creativity Coaching Client) John Ellison Conlee, and discuss the creation of a life in addition to a career. Plus, in this very special episode, The Spark File debuts a short story written and read by John Ellison Conlee himself - Cup of Joe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4062 yes Creativity Sparks: Imposter Syndrome http://www.thesparkfile.com On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura examine that deep seated fear that you're just not as good / worthy / capable as others think you are. Imposter Syndrome. Check out this episode and you just might find ways to let go of those coping mechanisms and start to believe in your own abilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Imposter Syndrome full 2 38 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura examine that deep seated fear that you're just not as good / worthy / capable as others think you are. Imposter Syndrome. Check out this episode and you just might find ways to let go of those coping mechanisms and start to believe in your own abilities. On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura examine that deep seated fear that you're just not as good / worthy / capable as others think you are. Imposter Syndrome. Check out this episode and you just might find ways to let go of those coping mechanisms and start to believe in your own abilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura examine that deep seated fear that you're just not as good / worthy / capable as others think you are. Imposter Syndrome. Check 
out this episode and you just might find ways to let go of those coping mechanisms and start to believe in your own abilities.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4818 yes Creativity Sparks: The Mind of Jill Bolte Taylor, Pt 2: Electric Boogaloo http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura, still super sparked by the life-changing whole brain approach of Jill Bolte Taylor, take an even deeper dive into her work, applying her philosophies to our creativity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Mind of Jill Bolte Taylor, Pt 2: Electric Boogaloo full 2 37 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura, still super sparked by the life-changing whole brain approach of Jill Bolte Taylor, take an even deeper dive into her work, applying her philosophies to our creativity. This week, Susan and Laura, still super sparked by the life-changing whole brain approach of Jill Bolte Taylor, take an even deeper dive into her work, applying her philosophies to our creativity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura, still super sparked by the life-changing whole brain approach of Jill Bolte Taylor, take an even deeper dive into her work, applying her philosophies to our creativity. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4408 yes Creativity Sparks: Lincoln in the Bardo http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura share sparks inspired by the bestseller Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. This exploration of grief led to a greater understanding of Mary Todd Lincoln, perhaps some tolerance and acceptance regarding her mental health, and introduced us to the phenomenal story of Elizabeth Keckly, former enslaved person who became a business owner and personal modiste to the First Lady. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 26 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Lincoln in the Bardo full 2 36 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura share sparks inspired by the bestseller Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. This exploration of grief led to a greater understanding of Mary Todd Lincoln, perhaps some tolerance and acceptance regarding her mental health, and introduced us to the phenomenal story of Elizabeth Keckly, former enslaved person who became a business owner and personal modiste to the First Lady. This week, Susan and Laura share sparks inspired by the bestseller Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. This exploration of grief led to a greater understanding of Mary Todd Lincoln, perhaps some tolerance and acceptance regarding her mental health, and introduced us to the phenomenal story of Elizabeth Keckly, former enslaved person who became a business owner and personal modiste to the First Lady. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura share sparks inspired by the bestseller Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. This exploration of grief led to a greater understanding of Mary Todd Lincoln, perhaps some tolerance and acceptance regarding her mental health, and introduced us to the phenomenal story of Elizabeth Keckly, former enslaved person who became a business owner and personal modiste to the First Lady.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4627 yes Creativity Sparks: The Brain of Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.thesparkfile.com This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura discuss The Brain of Jill Bolte Taylor - one hell of a managed mind! The woman who taught us to "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space" is the source of this weeks creativity spark.Tune in to hear Dr. Bolte Taylor's story (as shared in her book My Stroke of Insight) and how we can all gain from her learnings (as shared in her book Whole Brain Living).If you've ever felt yourself battling between left brain and right brain, now you'll know why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Brain of Jill Bolte Taylor full 2 35 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura discuss The Brain of Jill Bolte Taylor - one hell of a managed mind! The woman who taught us to "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space" is the source of this weeks creativity spark. Tune in to hear Dr. Bolte Taylor's story (as shared in her book My Stroke of Insight) and how we can all gain from her learnings (as shared in her book Whole Brain Living). If you've ever felt yourself battling between left brain and right ... This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura discuss The Brain of Jill Bolte Taylor - one hell of a managed mind! The woman who taught us to "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space" is the source of this weeks creativity spark.Tune in to hear Dr. Bolte Taylor's story (as shared in her book My Stroke of Insight) and how we can all gain from her learnings (as shared in her book Whole Brain Living).If you've ever felt yourself battling between left brain and right brain, now you'll know why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura discuss The Brain of Jill Bolte Taylor - one hell of a managed mind! The woman who taught us to "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space" is the source of this weeks creativity spark.
Tune in to hear Dr. Bolte Taylor's story (as shared in her book My Stroke of Insight) and how we can all gain from her learnings (as shared in her book Whole Brain Living).
If you've ever felt yourself battling between left brain and right brain, now you'll know why.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5263 yes Creativity Sparks: For Love of the Game http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura serve up a single spark -- a spark 30 years in the making! Learn about the little card game that could - Canasta - and how it rose to fame, despite the Bridge Club establishment trying to keep it down! Friends and Foes, Joy and Pain, Triumph and Defeat intermingle at the card table. Plus a bonus mini-spark - did you know the Olympics once contained a competition for the ARTS?!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: For Love of the Game full 2 34 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura serve up a single spark -- a spark 30 years in the making! Learn about the little card game that could - Canasta - and how it rose to fame, despite the Bridge Club establishment trying to keep it down! Friends and Foes, Joy and Pain, Triumph and Defeat intermingle at the card table. Plus a bonus mini-spark - did you know the Olympics once contained a competition for the ARTS?!? This week, Susan and Laura serve up a single spark -- a spark 30 years in the making! Learn about the little card game that could - Canasta - and how it rose to fame, despite the Bridge Club establishment trying to keep it down! Friends and Foes, Joy and Pain, Triumph and Defeat intermingle at the card table. Plus a bonus mini-spark - did you know the Olympics once contained a competition for the ARTS?!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura serve up a single spark -- a spark 30 years in the making! Learn about the little card game that could - Canasta - and how it rose to fame, despite the Bridge Club establishment trying to keep it down! Friends and Foes, Joy and Pain, Triumph and Defeat intermingle at the card table. Plus a bonus mini-spark - did you know the Olympics once contained a competition for the ARTS?!?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3452 yes Creativity Sparks: Performance Anxiety http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan shares a spark so vast, we give it all our attention - Performance Anxiety. If you've ever felt tormented by fear, panic or anxiety related to your chosen profession, please do not miss this episode! Susan and Laura go deep into the prevalance of performance anxiety, what it feels like, who experiences it, and potential solutions to keep it at bay so that you can go on shining your light with ease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 05 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Performance Anxiety full 2 33 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan shares a spark so vast, we give it all our attention - Performance Anxiety. If you've ever felt tormented by fear, panic or anxiety related to your chosen profession, please do not miss this episode! Susan and Laura go deep into the prevalance of performance anxiety, what it feels like, who experiences it, and potential solutions to keep it at bay so that you can go on shining your light with ease. This week, Susan shares a spark so vast, we give it all our attention - Performance Anxiety. If you've ever felt tormented by fear, panic or anxiety related to your chosen profession, please do not miss this episode! Susan and Laura go deep into the prevalance of performance anxiety, what it feels like, who experiences it, and potential solutions to keep it at bay so that you can go on shining your light with ease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan shares a spark so vast, we give it all our attention - Performance Anxiety. If you've ever felt tormented by fear, panic or anxiety related to your chosen profession, please do not miss this episode! Susan and Laura go deep into the prevalance of performance anxiety, what it feels like, who experiences it, and potential solutions to keep it at bay so that you can go on shining your light with ease.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5998 yes Creativity Sparks: Highly Sensitive People + The Art of Gathering http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura dig into the realities of living as a Highly Sensitive Person and/or an Empath (and how to know for sure if you are one!), Plus, Priya Parker's life-changing approach to bringing people together in The Art of Gathering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Highly Sensitive People + The Art of Gathering full 2 32 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura dig into the realities of living as a Highly Sensitive Person and/or an Empath (and how to know for sure if you are one!), Plus, Priya Parker's life-changing approach to bringing people together in The Art of Gathering. This week, Susan and Laura dig into the realities of living as a Highly Sensitive Person and/or an Empath (and how to know for sure if you are one!), Plus, Priya Parker's life-changing approach to bringing people together in The Art of Gathering. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura dig into the realities of living as a Highly Sensitive Person and/or an Empath (and how to know for sure if you are one!), Plus, Priya Parker's life-changing approach to bringing people together in The Art of Gathering.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6454 yes Creativity Sparks: The Best Advice You've Ever Received + The Sixth Stage http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura take a spin through some of the best advice they've ever received (including "don't pickle it!") plus, the very encouraging signs that people everywhere are entering the sixth stage of grief - finding meaning.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Best Advice You've Ever Received + The Sixth Stage full 2 31 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura take a spin through some of the best advice they've ever received (including "don't pickle it!") plus, the very encouraging signs that people everywhere are entering the sixth stage of grief - finding meaning. This week, Susan and Laura take a spin through some of the best advice they've ever received (including "don't pickle it!") plus, the very encouraging signs that people everywhere are entering the sixth stage of grief - finding meaning.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura take a spin through some of the best advice they've ever received (including "don't pickle it!") plus, the very encouraging signs that people everywhere are entering the sixth stage of grief - finding meaning. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4757 yes Creativity Sparks: Write Like Your Parents Are Dead + God Save The Queen http://www.thesparkfile.com Wanting to write about your lived experience, but worried about how the other key players in your life might react? This week, Susan and Laura offer up various ways you can approach it so that your creativity is free flowing and feelings don't get hurt. Plus, recent events stirred up some questions about the monarchy, so we unpack what it is and why it is. You can't tell the history of the world without the history of the various monarchies - warts and all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Write Like Your Parents Are Dead + God Save The Queen full 2 30 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Wanting to write about your lived experience, but worried about how the other key players in your life might react? This week, Susan and Laura offer up various ways you can approach it so that your creativity is free flowing and feelings don't get hurt. Plus, recent events stirred up some questions about the monarchy, so we unpack what it is and why it is. You can't tell the history of the world without the history of the various monarchies - warts and all. Wanting to write about your lived experience, but worried about how the other key players in your life might react? This week, Susan and Laura offer up various ways you can approach it so that your creativity is free flowing and feelings don't get hurt. Plus, recent events stirred up some questions about the monarchy, so we unpack what it is and why it is. You can't tell the history of the world without the history of the various monarchies - warts and all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wanting to write about your lived experience, but worried about how the other key players in your life might react? This week, Susan and Laura offer up various ways you can approach it so that your creativity is free flowing and feelings don't get hurt. Plus, recent events stirred up some questions about the monarchy, so we unpack what it is and why it is. You can't tell the history of the world without the history of the various monarchies - warts and all.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6559 yes Creativity Sparks: Made You Look + The Curated Closet http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, the documentary Made You Look sparks a conversation about the phenomenon of justification and how our brains work overtime when we've done something we shouldn't have, PLUS, the joy-filled approach to closet curation that promotes self-expression and creativity over consumption! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Made You Look + The Curated Closet full 2 29 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, the documentary Made You Look sparks a conversation about the phenomenon of justification and how our brains work overtime when we've done something we shouldn't have, PLUS, the joy-filled approach to closet curation that promotes self-expression and creativity over consumption! This week, the documentary Made You Look sparks a conversation about the phenomenon of justification and how our brains work overtime when we've done something we shouldn't have, PLUS, the joy-filled approach to closet curation that promotes self-expression and creativity over consumption! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, the documentary Made You Look sparks a conversation about the phenomenon of justification and how our brains work overtime when we've done something we shouldn't have, PLUS, the joy-filled approach to closet curation that promotes self-expression and creativity over consumption!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5877 yes Makers: Paul Wontorek: Life-changing Theatre, Record Collections + Broadway.com http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura are thrilled to talk all things Broadway with someone who has loved theatre since birth, and spent their lives amplifying the joy of it - Paul Wontorek, Editor-in-Chief of Broadway.com!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 24 May 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Paul Wontorek: Life-changing Theatre, Record Collections + Broadway.com full 2 28 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura are thrilled to talk all things Broadway with someone who has loved theatre since birth, and spent their lives amplifying the joy of it - Paul Wontorek, Editor-in-Chief of Broadway.com! This week, Susan and Laura are thrilled to talk all things Broadway with someone who has loved theatre since birth, and spent their lives amplifying the joy of it - Paul Wontorek, Editor-in-Chief of Broadway.com!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura are thrilled to talk all things Broadway with someone who has loved theatre since birth, and spent their lives amplifying the joy of it - Paul Wontorek, Editor-in-Chief of Broadway.com! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4972 yes Makers: Jenny Clift: Tapping into our Emotional Freedom http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura delve into EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) with Jenny Clift, Coach for classical musicians and stage performers. Jenny paves the way to wealth, success, balance, and inner peace using the scientifically proven power of tapping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 May 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Jenny Clift: Tapping into our Emotional Freedom full 2 27 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura delve into EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) with Jenny Clift, Coach for classical musicians and stage performers. Jenny paves the way to wealth, success, balance, and inner peace using the scientifically proven power of tapping. This week, Susan and Laura delve into EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) with Jenny Clift, Coach for classical musicians and stage performers. Jenny paves the way to wealth, success, balance, and inner peace using the scientifically proven power of tapping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura delve into EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) with Jenny Clift, Coach for classical musicians and stage performers. Jenny paves the way to wealth, success, balance, and inner peace using the scientifically proven power of tapping.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4047 yes Creativity Sparks: WHY + The Creative Habit This week, Susan and Laura dig into two worthy explorations -- Do you know your Why? Do you know why your Why matters? So many ways to consider how we can act intentionally, on and with purpose. Plus, they revisit Twyla Tharp's classic book: The Creative Habit. Do you have a habit of creativity? If not, you know The Spark File feelings on it - better get one quick! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 10 May 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: WHY + The Creative Habit full 2 26 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura dig into two worthy explorations -- Do you know your Why? Do you know why your Why matters? So many ways to consider how we can act intentionally, on and with purpose. Plus, they revisit Twyla Tharp's classic book: The Creative Habit. Do you have a habit of creativity? If not, you know The Spark File feelings on it - better get one quick! This week, Susan and Laura dig into two worthy explorations -- Do you know your Why? Do you know why your Why matters? So many ways to consider how we can act intentionally, on and with purpose. Plus, they revisit Twyla Tharp's classic book: The Creative Habit. Do you have a habit of creativity? If not, you know The Spark File feelings on it - better get one quick! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura dig into two worthy explorations -- Do you know your Why? Do you know why your Why matters? So many ways to consider how we can act intentionally, on and with purpose. Plus, they revisit Twyla Tharp's classic book: The Creative Habit. Do you have a habit of creativity? If not, you know The Spark File feelings on it - better get one quick!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6775 yes Makers: Dax Valdes of Hollaback on the 5 D's of Bystander Training http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura have the honor of spending time with artist extraordinaire Dax Valdes of Hollaback, discussing their free bystander intervention trainings aimed at making the world a better, and safer, place for us all.  Tune in to hear how you can make a difference in ending harassment in all its forms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 03 May 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Dax Valdes of Hollaback on the 5 D's of Bystander Training full 2 25 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura have the honor of spending time with artist extraordinaire Dax Valdes of Hollaback, discussing their free bystander intervention trainings aimed at making the world a better, and safer, place for us all. Tune in to hear how you can make a difference in ending harassment in all its forms. This week, Susan and Laura have the honor of spending time with artist extraordinaire Dax Valdes of Hollaback, discussing their free bystander intervention trainings aimed at making the world a better, and safer, place for us all.  Tune in to hear how you can make a difference in ending harassment in all its forms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura have the honor of spending time with artist extraordinaire Dax Valdes of Hollaback, discussing their free bystander intervention trainings aimed at making the world a better, and safer, place for us all.  Tune in to hear how you can make a difference in ending harassment in all its forms.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3480 yes Creativity Sparks: The Attention Economy + Einstein Time http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura dive into two new sparks of creativity - the attention economy that will literally eat up all of your time (if you let it) and the Einstein Time concept that will allow you to make more time, if you need it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 26 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Attention Economy + Einstein Time full 2 24 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura dive into two new sparks of creativity - the attention economy that will literally eat up all of your time (if you let it) and the Einstein Time concept that will allow you to make more time, if you need it! This week, Susan and Laura dive into two new sparks of creativity - the attention economy that will literally eat up all of your time (if you let it) and the Einstein Time concept that will allow you to make more time, if you need it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura dive into two new sparks of creativity - the attention economy that will literally eat up all of your time (if you let it) and the Einstein Time concept that will allow you to make more time, if you need it!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 7008 yes Makers: Taylor Mali: Poetry, Performance + What Teachers Make http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura talk to poet, teacher, speaker Taylor Mali. Called "a ranting comic showman and a literary provocateur" by The New York Times, Taylor is one of the most well-known poets to have emerged from the poetry slam movement and one of the original poets to appear on the HBO series “Def Poetry Jam”.  He is a four-time National Poetry Slam champion, in fact, we've read one of our favorites Taylor Mali poems, “What Teachers Make” on a previous episode of The Spark File and we're so thrilled to get this time with him to catch up and talk shop! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 19 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Taylor Mali: Poetry, Performance + What Teachers Make full 2 23 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura talk to poet, teacher, speaker Taylor Mali. Called "a ranting comic showman and a literary provocateur" by The New York Times, Taylor is one of the most well-known poets to have emerged from the poetry slam movement and one of the original poets to appear on the HBO series “Def Poetry Jam”. He is a four-time National Poetry Slam champion, in fact, we've read one of our favorites Taylor Mali poems, “What Teachers Make” on a previous episode of The Spark File an... This week, Susan and Laura talk to poet, teacher, speaker Taylor Mali. Called "a ranting comic showman and a literary provocateur" by The New York Times, Taylor is one of the most well-known poets to have emerged from the poetry slam movement and one of the original poets to appear on the HBO series “Def Poetry Jam”.  He is a four-time National Poetry Slam champion, in fact, we've read one of our favorites Taylor Mali poems, “What Teachers Make” on a previous episode of The Spark File and we're so thrilled to get this time with him to catch up and talk shop! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura talk to poet, teacher, speaker Taylor Mali. Called "a ranting comic showman and a literary provocateur" by The New York Times, Taylor is one of the most well-known poets to have emerged from the poetry slam movement and one of the original poets to appear on the HBO series “Def Poetry Jam”.  He is a four-time National Poetry Slam champion, in fact, we've read one of our favorites Taylor Mali poems, “What Teachers Make” on a previous episode of The Spark File and we're so thrilled to get this time with him to catch up and talk shop!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3588 yes Creativity Sparks: Champions of Breakfast + The Feedback Process http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Laura and Susan take a deep dive into the fascinating tale of betrayal, corporate espionage, and family feuds that resulted in the world's most famous breakfast cereals, and how the feedback process can work in service and support of the artist to the benefit of all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 12 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Champions of Breakfast + The Feedback Process full 2 22 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Laura and Susan take a deep dive into the fascinating tale of betrayal, corporate espionage, and family feuds that resulted in the world's most famous breakfast cereals, and how the feedback process can work in service and support of the artist to the benefit of all. This week, Laura and Susan take a deep dive into the fascinating tale of betrayal, corporate espionage, and family feuds that resulted in the world's most famous breakfast cereals, and how the feedback process can work in service and support of the artist to the benefit of all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Laura and Susan take a deep dive into the fascinating tale of betrayal, corporate espionage, and family feuds that resulted in the world's most famous breakfast cereals, and how the feedback process can work in service and support of the artist to the benefit of all.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 7046 yes Makers: Sir Richard Eyre: The Opposite of Schadenfreude, Yeats + a Career in the Arts http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura have a bloody delightful time talking with Sir Richard Eyre, whose creative work has spanned all manner of Arts -- directing theatre, film, television and opera, as well as writing books and plays.  He has guided Kate Winslet, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Dame Judi Dench and many more to some of our favorite performances. His insight from decades of experience is both practical and inspirational, and at 75, he is far from finished!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 05 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Sir Richard Eyre: The Opposite of Schadenfreude, Yeats + a Career in the Arts full 2 21 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura have a bloody delightful time talking with Sir Richard Eyre, whose creative work has spanned all manner of Arts -- directing theatre, film, television and opera, as well as writing books and plays. He has guided Kate Winslet, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Dame Judi Dench and many more to some of our favorite performances. His insight from decades of experience is both practical and inspirational, and at 75, he is far from finished! This week, Susan and Laura have a bloody delightful time talking with Sir Richard Eyre, whose creative work has spanned all manner of Arts -- directing theatre, film, television and opera, as well as writing books and plays.  He has guided Kate Winslet, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Dame Judi Dench and many more to some of our favorite performances. His insight from decades of experience is both practical and inspirational, and at 75, he is far from finished!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura have a bloody delightful time talking with Sir Richard Eyre, whose creative work has spanned all manner of Arts -- directing theatre, film, television and opera, as well as writing books and plays.  He has guided Kate Winslet, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Dame Judi Dench and many more to some of our favorite performances. His insight from decades of experience is both practical and inspirational, and at 75, he is far from finished! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3653 yes Creativity Sparks: Making Art Out of Art + Reflections On a Moment http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura offer up two new sparks of creativity - the many ways we can be sparked to make art out of art, plus, a myriad reflections on the tumultuous past few weeks, and how reflecting might just put us on the path to healing. Tune in, get inspired, and then take it and make it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 29 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Making Art Out of Art + Reflections On a Moment full 2 20 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura offer up two new sparks of creativity - the many ways we can be sparked to make art out of art, plus, a myriad reflections on the tumultuous past few weeks, and how reflecting might just put us on the path to healing. Tune in, get inspired, and then take it and make it! This week, Susan and Laura offer up two new sparks of creativity - the many ways we can be sparked to make art out of art, plus, a myriad reflections on the tumultuous past few weeks, and how reflecting might just put us on the path to healing. Tune in, get inspired, and then take it and make it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura offer up two new sparks of creativity - the many ways we can be sparked to make art out of art, plus, a myriad reflections on the tumultuous past few weeks, and how reflecting might just put us on the path to healing. Tune in, get inspired, and then take it and make it!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 7104 yes Makers: Susan Stroman: Fill Up With the Art of It All http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, the incomparable Susan Stroman sits down to share it all with Susan and Laura, including lessons learned from the lockdown, insights from her 5x Tony Award Winning career, as well as what it's all for. Spoiler Alert: the answer is love.From her work on The Producers, Crazy For You, Bullets Over Broadway, Contact, The Scottsboro Boys and so much more, Susan recommends that we fill ourselves up with the art of it all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Susan Stroman: Fill Up With the Art of It All full 1 19 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, the incomparable Susan Stroman sits down to share it all with Susan and Laura, including lessons learned from the lockdown, insights from her 5x Tony Award Winning career, as well as what it's all for. Spoiler Alert: the answer is love. From her work on The Producers, Crazy For You, Bullets Over Broadway, Contact, The Scottsboro Boys and so much more, Susan recommends that we fill ourselves up with the art of it all! This week, the incomparable Susan Stroman sits down to share it all with Susan and Laura, including lessons learned from the lockdown, insights from her 5x Tony Award Winning career, as well as what it's all for. Spoiler Alert: the answer is love.From her work on The Producers, Crazy For You, Bullets Over Broadway, Contact, The Scottsboro Boys and so much more, Susan recommends that we fill ourselves up with the art of it all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, the incomparable Susan Stroman sits down to share it all with Susan and Laura, including lessons learned from the lockdown, insights from her 5x Tony Award Winning career, as well as what it's all for. Spoiler Alert: the answer is love.
From her work on The Producers, Crazy For You, Bullets Over Broadway, Contact, The Scottsboro Boys and so much more, Susan recommends that we fill ourselves up with the art of it all!

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]]> 3964 yes Creativity Sparks: The Upper Limit Problem + The Storytelling Secrets of David Sedaris http://www.thesparkfile.com This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura explore how an Upper Limit Problem (as defined in The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks) might be keeping you from pursuing or completing your creative goals; AND file under "Insight from The Greats"-- storytelling secrets gleaned from the David Sedaris masterclass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Upper Limit Problem + The Storytelling Secrets of David Sedaris full 2 18 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura explore how an Upper Limit Problem (as defined in The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks) might be keeping you from pursuing or completing your creative goals; AND file under "Insight from The Greats"-- storytelling secrets gleaned from the David Sedaris masterclass. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura explore how an Upper Limit Problem (as defined in The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks) might be keeping you from pursuing or completing your creative goals; AND file under "Insight from The Greats"-- storytelling secrets gleaned from the David Sedaris masterclass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura explore how an Upper Limit Problem (as defined in The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks) might be keeping you from pursuing or completing your creative goals; AND file under "Insight from The Greats"-- storytelling secrets gleaned from the David Sedaris masterclass.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6962 yes Makers: Emily Fletcher: From Broadway to Ziva Meditation + Getting Better at Life http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Broadway performer turned meditation and mindfulness expert, Emily Fletcher gives us all the details on how learning to meditate makes us better at life. The mastermind behind Ziva Meditation, Emily has our mental support covered -- now including Ziva Kids! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Makers: Emily Fletcher: From Broadway to Ziva Meditation + Getting Better at Life full 2 17 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Broadway performer turned meditation and mindfulness expert, Emily Fletcher gives us all the details on how learning to meditate makes us better at life. The mastermind behind Ziva Meditation, Emily has our mental support covered -- now including Ziva Kids! This week, Broadway performer turned meditation and mindfulness expert, Emily Fletcher gives us all the details on how learning to meditate makes us better at life. The mastermind behind Ziva Meditation, Emily has our mental support covered -- now including Ziva Kids! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Broadway performer turned meditation and mindfulness expert, Emily Fletcher gives us all the details on how learning to meditate makes us better at life. The mastermind behind Ziva Meditation, Emily has our mental support covered -- now including Ziva Kids!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3791 yes Creativity Sparks: Imagine If... in honor of Sir Ken Robinson http://www.thesparkfile.com This episode of The Spark File is dedicated to the memory of one of our creative heroes, Sir Ken Robinson. Laura shares the tale of how Ken walked into her life and left an indelible mark on her creativity and on The Spark File company she and Susan are now building. Be sure to check out the Imagine If Festival going on now online at Imagine-if.com, celebrating the life and the legacy of Sir Ken Robinson.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Mar 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Imagine If... in honor of Sir Ken Robinson full 2 16 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This episode of The Spark File is dedicated to the memory of one of our creative heroes, Sir Ken Robinson. Laura shares the tale of how Ken walked into her life and left an indelible mark on her creativity and on The Spark File company she and Susan are now building. Be sure to check out the Imagine If Festival going on now online at Imagine-if.com, celebrating the life and the legacy of Sir Ken Robinson. This episode of The Spark File is dedicated to the memory of one of our creative heroes, Sir Ken Robinson. Laura shares the tale of how Ken walked into her life and left an indelible mark on her creativity and on The Spark File company she and Susan are now building. Be sure to check out the Imagine If Festival going on now online at Imagine-if.com, celebrating the life and the legacy of Sir Ken Robinson.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode of The Spark File is dedicated to the memory of one of our creative heroes, Sir Ken Robinson. Laura shares the tale of how Ken walked into her life and left an indelible mark on her creativity and on The Spark File company she and Susan are now building. Be sure to check out the Imagine If Festival going on now online at Imagine-if.com, celebrating the life and the legacy of Sir Ken Robinson.  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2841 yes Makers: Ryan J. Haddad: New Homes, Solo Plays + Hi, Are You Single? http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Ryan J. Haddad, writer and star of Hi, Are You Single? (now playing virtually through February 28 at Woolly Mammoth Theater) shares secrets of storytelling via solo shows. His passion for centering "gay, disabled and arabic communities" is palpable and essential. Susan and Laura celebrate Ryan's message to us all - "You don't have to wait for anyone to approve. Your stories are compelling." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Makers: Ryan J. Haddad: New Homes, Solo Plays + Hi, Are You Single? full 2 15 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Ryan J. Haddad, writer and star of Hi, Are You Single? (now playing virtually through February 28 at Woolly Mammoth Theater) shares secrets of storytelling via solo shows. His passion for centering "gay, disabled and arabic communities" is palpable and essential. Susan and Laura celebrate Ryan's message to us all - "You don't have to wait for anyone to approve. Your stories are compelling." This week, Ryan J. Haddad, writer and star of Hi, Are You Single? (now playing virtually through February 28 at Woolly Mammoth Theater) shares secrets of storytelling via solo shows. His passion for centering "gay, disabled and arabic communities" is palpable and essential. Susan and Laura celebrate Ryan's message to us all - "You don't have to wait for anyone to approve. Your stories are compelling." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Ryan J. Haddad, writer and star of Hi, Are You Single? (now playing virtually through February 28 at Woolly Mammoth Theater) shares secrets of storytelling via solo shows. His passion for centering "gay, disabled and arabic communities" is palpable and essential. Susan and Laura celebrate Ryan's message to us all - "You don't have to wait for anyone to approve. Your stories are compelling."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4915 yes Makers: Kenyatta Emmanuel: Slavic Soul Party, Carnegie Hall + The Time Without Time http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura have the honor of speaking with Kenyatta Emmanuel, musician, singer, songwriter, and storyteller. Kenyatta shares his personal story of how, on October 21, 2019, he exited a New York state prison after 24 1/2 years incarcerated, and at 6pm that same evening, he performed at Carnegie Hall. In this episode, Kenyatta shares his creative process, his commitment to uplift, and the constant desire to be in "the zone."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Makers: Kenyatta Emmanuel: Slavic Soul Party, Carnegie Hall + The Time Without Time full 2 14 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura have the honor of speaking with Kenyatta Emmanuel, musician, singer, songwriter, and storyteller. Kenyatta shares his personal story of how, on October 21, 2019, he exited a New York state prison after 24 1/2 years incarcerated, and at 6pm that same evening, he performed at Carnegie Hall. In this episode, Kenyatta shares his creative process, his commitment to uplift, and the constant desire to be in "the zone." This week, Susan and Laura have the honor of speaking with Kenyatta Emmanuel, musician, singer, songwriter, and storyteller. Kenyatta shares his personal story of how, on October 21, 2019, he exited a New York state prison after 24 1/2 years incarcerated, and at 6pm that same evening, he performed at Carnegie Hall. In this episode, Kenyatta shares his creative process, his commitment to uplift, and the constant desire to be in "the zone."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura have the honor of speaking with Kenyatta Emmanuel, musician, singer, songwriter, and storyteller. Kenyatta shares his personal story of how, on October 21, 2019, he exited a New York state prison after 24 1/2 years incarcerated, and at 6pm that same evening, he performed at Carnegie Hall. In this episode, Kenyatta shares his creative process, his commitment to uplift, and the constant desire to be in "the zone." 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5259 yes Creativity Sparks: Every Month is Black History Month + Here Is New York http://www.thesparkfile.com The Spark File is kicking off February celebrating Black History Month while asserting that Every Month is Black History Month! Creative sparks fly with conversations about Jackie Shane, William + Ellen Craft and more! Plus, E.B. White's Here is New York is the little classic you need. The mighty NYC has been through much in it's storied history. It is resilient, ever changing and changless at the same time. We heart NYC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Every Month is Black History Month + Here Is New York full 2 13 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien The Spark File is kicking off February celebrating Black History Month while asserting that Every Month is Black History Month! Creative sparks fly with conversations about Jackie Shane, William + Ellen Craft and more! Plus, E.B. White's Here is New York is the little classic you need. The mighty NYC has been through much in it's storied history. It is resilient, ever changing and changless at the same time. We heart NYC. The Spark File is kicking off February celebrating Black History Month while asserting that Every Month is Black History Month! Creative sparks fly with conversations about Jackie Shane, William + Ellen Craft and more! Plus, E.B. White's Here is New York is the little classic you need. The mighty NYC has been through much in it's storied history. It is resilient, ever changing and changless at the same time. We heart NYC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Spark File is kicking off February celebrating Black History Month while asserting that Every Month is Black History Month! Creative sparks fly with conversations about Jackie Shane, William + Ellen Craft and more! Plus, E.B. White's Here is New York is the little classic you need. The mighty NYC has been through much in it's storied history. It is resilient, ever changing and changless at the same time. We heart NYC.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 7791 yes Makers: Billy Eichner: Man on the Street, Risk Taking + Saying What You Need to Say http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Susan and Laura have the pleasure of speaking with Billy Eichner about his many creative endeavors, including Man on the Street, Friends from College, and making his singing debut on The James Corden Show. We even get a glimpse into the new gay rom-com he's writing, plus some truly helpful advice -- stand up for yourself, say what you need to say to get the quality of work you envision.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Makers: Billy Eichner: Man on the Street, Risk Taking + Saying What You Need to Say full 2 12 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura have the pleasure of speaking with Billy Eichner about his many creative endeavors, including Man on the Street, Friends from College, and making his singing debut on The James Corden Show. We even get a glimpse into the new gay rom-com he's writing, plus some truly helpful advice -- stand up for yourself, say what you need to say to get the quality of work you envision. This week, Susan and Laura have the pleasure of speaking with Billy Eichner about his many creative endeavors, including Man on the Street, Friends from College, and making his singing debut on The James Corden Show. We even get a glimpse into the new gay rom-com he's writing, plus some truly helpful advice -- stand up for yourself, say what you need to say to get the quality of work you envision.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura have the pleasure of speaking with Billy Eichner about his many creative endeavors, including Man on the Street, Friends from College, and making his singing debut on The James Corden Show. We even get a glimpse into the new gay rom-com he's writing, plus some truly helpful advice -- stand up for yourself, say what you need to say to get the quality of work you envision. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5315 yes Creativity Sparks: Burnout + My Octopus Teacher http://www.thesparkfile.com This week on The Spark File -- news you can really use! Two hot sparks of inspiration, starting with the book Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski, and the ways we can complete the stress cycle to avoid feeling fried. Physical activity, breathing, laughter -- all serve a higher purpose in our overall wellbeing. Next, the documentary My Octopus Teacher illustrates how a man's extraordinary relationship with a cephalopod brings him back from the brink of burnout, restores his energy, his human relationships, and his creative expression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Burnout + My Octopus Teacher full 2 11 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File -- news you can really use! Two hot sparks of inspiration, starting with the book Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski, and the ways we can complete the stress cycle to avoid feeling fried. Physical activity, breathing, laughter -- all serve a higher purpose in our overall wellbeing. Next, the documentary My Octopus Teacher illustrates how a man's extraordinary relationship with a cephalopod brings him back from the brink of burnout, restores his energy, his... This week on The Spark File -- news you can really use! Two hot sparks of inspiration, starting with the book Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski, and the ways we can complete the stress cycle to avoid feeling fried. Physical activity, breathing, laughter -- all serve a higher purpose in our overall wellbeing. Next, the documentary My Octopus Teacher illustrates how a man's extraordinary relationship with a cephalopod brings him back from the brink of burnout, restores his energy, his human relationships, and his creative expression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File -- news you can really use! Two hot sparks of inspiration, starting with the book Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski, and the ways we can complete the stress cycle to avoid feeling fried. Physical activity, breathing, laughter -- all serve a higher purpose in our overall wellbeing. Next, the documentary My Octopus Teacher illustrates how a man's extraordinary relationship with a cephalopod brings him back from the brink of burnout, restores his energy, his human relationships, and his creative expression.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 8390 yes Makers: Laura Benanti + Venus Fischer: HBO Max's Homeschool Musical http://www.thesparkfile.com Recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2021 Creativity KickOff,  Susan and Laura have a lively conversation with the one and only TONY Award winner Laura Benanti! Laura took some big leaps during the quarantine, and shares how an idea from the heart spilled onto instagram and grew into an HBO Max special -- Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020. Plus... one of the stars of that very show, Venus Fischer, joins in on the fun, sharing her experiences on the show, and how her creativity has evolved over the course of this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Makers: Laura Benanti + Venus Fischer: HBO Max's Homeschool Musical full 2 10 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2021 Creativity KickOff, Susan and Laura have a lively conversation with the one and only TONY Award winner Laura Benanti! Laura took some big leaps during the quarantine, and shares how an idea from the heart spilled onto instagram and grew into an HBO Max special -- Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020. Plus... one of the stars of that very show, Venus Fischer, joins in on the fun, sharing her experiences on the show, and how her creativity has ... Recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2021 Creativity KickOff,  Susan and Laura have a lively conversation with the one and only TONY Award winner Laura Benanti! Laura took some big leaps during the quarantine, and shares how an idea from the heart spilled onto instagram and grew into an HBO Max special -- Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020. Plus... one of the stars of that very show, Venus Fischer, joins in on the fun, sharing her experiences on the show, and how her creativity has evolved over the course of this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2021 Creativity KickOff,  Susan and Laura have a lively conversation with the one and only TONY Award winner Laura Benanti! Laura took some big leaps during the quarantine, and shares how an idea from the heart spilled onto instagram and grew into an HBO Max special -- Homeschool Musical: Class of 2020. Plus... one of the stars of that very show, Venus Fischer, joins in on the fun, sharing her experiences on the show, and how her creativity has evolved over the course of this year.


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3824 yes Creativity Sparks: Haiku + Collective Creativity http://www.thesparkfile.com Riding high from the recent Spark File New Year 2021 Creativity KickOff, Susan and Laura discuss the highlights, and share two sparks inspired by the event - the enduring artform of Haiku, and the power we yield when we make things together, such as the work done at quilting bees, crafting bees, raising bees -- also known as collective creativity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Haiku + Collective Creativity full 2 9 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Riding high from the recent Spark File New Year 2021 Creativity KickOff, Susan and Laura discuss the highlights, and share two sparks inspired by the event - the enduring artform of Haiku, and the power we yield when we make things together, such as the work done at quilting bees, crafting bees, raising bees -- also known as collective creativity. Riding high from the recent Spark File New Year 2021 Creativity KickOff, Susan and Laura discuss the highlights, and share two sparks inspired by the event - the enduring artform of Haiku, and the power we yield when we make things together, such as the work done at quilting bees, crafting bees, raising bees -- also known as collective creativity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Riding high from the recent Spark File New Year 2021 Creativity KickOff, Susan and Laura discuss the highlights, and share two sparks inspired by the event - the enduring artform of Haiku, and the power we yield when we make things together, such as the work done at quilting bees, crafting bees, raising bees -- also known as collective creativity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6554 yes Makers: Sutton Foster: Say Yes, Trust Your Gut + Get a Hobby http://www.thesparkfile.com What a way to ring in the New Year! This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dig in deep with Uber Maker Sutton Foster. In addition to her TONY Award winning career on Broadway, and in film, television, and music, Sutton is a maker extraordinaire -- cross stitching, crocheting, drawing, teaching and writing. Her upcoming book (tentatively called HOOKED: How Crafting Saved My Life) is all about her life seen through the things she has made.  Sutton shares with us just how powerful it is to always have something of your own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 Jan 2021 07:00:00 -0000 Makers: Sutton Foster: Say Yes, Trust Your Gut + Get a Hobby full 2 8 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien What a way to ring in the New Year! This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dig in deep with Uber Maker Sutton Foster. In addition to her TONY Award winning career on Broadway, and in film, television, and music, Sutton is a maker extraordinaire -- cross stitching, crocheting, drawing, teaching and writing. Her upcoming book (tentatively called HOOKED: How Crafting Saved My Life) is all about her life seen through the things she has made. Sutton shares with us just how powerful it ... What a way to ring in the New Year! This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dig in deep with Uber Maker Sutton Foster. In addition to her TONY Award winning career on Broadway, and in film, television, and music, Sutton is a maker extraordinaire -- cross stitching, crocheting, drawing, teaching and writing. Her upcoming book (tentatively called HOOKED: How Crafting Saved My Life) is all about her life seen through the things she has made.  Sutton shares with us just how powerful it is to always have something of your own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What a way to ring in the New Year! This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dig in deep with Uber Maker Sutton Foster. In addition to her TONY Award winning career on Broadway, and in film, television, and music, Sutton is a maker extraordinaire -- cross stitching, crocheting, drawing, teaching and writing. Her upcoming book (tentatively called HOOKED: How Crafting Saved My Life) is all about her life seen through the things she has made.  Sutton shares with us just how powerful it is to always have something of your own.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4557 yes Creativity Sparks: The Intrigue of Austen + Toys http://www.thesparkfile.com This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura are serving up two pipin' hot sparks... Join them as they suss out their obsession with Jane Austen -- is it the repressed sexual tension? the perfect witty, cutting remark? And listen as they dig into their memories of the toys that shaped our childhoods and what might be made of them now... From the Draw-a-Face Doll to the Little Lady Electric Range, Weebles that wobble, and Willy the Waterbug sprinkler... memories (and sparks) are tied up in these toys! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Intrigue of Austen + Toys full 2 7 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura are serving up two pipin' hot sparks... Join them as they suss out their obsession with Jane Austen -- is it the repressed sexual tension? the perfect witty, cutting remark? And listen as they dig into their memories of the toys that shaped our childhoods and what might be made of them now... From the Draw-a-Face Doll to the Little Lady Electric Range, Weebles that wobble, and Willy the Waterbug sprinkler... memories (and sparks) are tied up in the... This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura are serving up two pipin' hot sparks... Join them as they suss out their obsession with Jane Austen -- is it the repressed sexual tension? the perfect witty, cutting remark? And listen as they dig into their memories of the toys that shaped our childhoods and what might be made of them now... From the Draw-a-Face Doll to the Little Lady Electric Range, Weebles that wobble, and Willy the Waterbug sprinkler... memories (and sparks) are tied up in these toys! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura are serving up two pipin' hot sparks... Join them as they suss out their obsession with Jane Austen -- is it the repressed sexual tension? the perfect witty, cutting remark? And listen as they dig into their memories of the toys that shaped our childhoods and what might be made of them now... From the Draw-a-Face Doll to the Little Lady Electric Range, Weebles that wobble, and Willy the Waterbug sprinkler... memories (and sparks) are tied up in these toys!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 7202 yes Makers: Tiffani Gavin: Creative Producing, the Eugene O'Neill + the Broadway Community Project http://www.thesparkfile.com This week, Tiffani Gavin, the new Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, shares her passion for supporting emerging artists, and the desire to educate the world on the scope and impact of the industry overall - with the Broadway Community Project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Dec 2020 22:00:00 -0000 Makers: Tiffani Gavin: Creative Producing, the Eugene O'Neill + the Broadway Community Project full 2 6 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Tiffani Gavin, the new Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, shares her passion for supporting emerging artists, and the desire to educate the world on the scope and impact of the industry overall - with the Broadway Community Project. This week, Tiffani Gavin, the new Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, shares her passion for supporting emerging artists, and the desire to educate the world on the scope and impact of the industry overall - with the Broadway Community Project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Tiffani Gavin, the new Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, shares her passion for supporting emerging artists, and the desire to educate the world on the scope and impact of the industry overall - with the Broadway Community Project.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4276 yes Creativity Sparks: Helene Hanff + Secret Love http://www.thesparkfile.com This week on The Spark File,  Susan and Laura offer up two sparks of inspiration... First, Helene Hanff and her classic theatre book, 'Underfoot in Show Business' paints a picture of the early days of Broadway; and then the infinite spark power of secrets kept and secrets shared. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Helene Hanff + Secret Love full 2 5 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura offer up two sparks of inspiration... First, Helene Hanff and her classic theatre book, 'Underfoot in Show Business' paints a picture of the early days of Broadway; and then the infinite spark power of secrets kept and secrets shared. This week on The Spark File,  Susan and Laura offer up two sparks of inspiration... First, Helene Hanff and her classic theatre book, 'Underfoot in Show Business' paints a picture of the early days of Broadway; and then the infinite spark power of secrets kept and secrets shared. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File,  Susan and Laura offer up two sparks of inspiration... First, Helene Hanff and her classic theatre book, 'Underfoot in Show Business' paints a picture of the early days of Broadway; and then the infinite spark power of secrets kept and secrets shared.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5898 yes Makers: John Early: Search Party, Short Films + Political Storytelling http://www.thesparkfile.com On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura laugh as much as they listen while conversing with comedian John Early, star of HBO's Search Party, The Characters on Netflix, and so much more. A true creator, John's always making something -- TV shows, short films, social posts, or profiles for political candidates he is passionate about.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Makers: John Early: Search Party, Short Films + Political Storytelling full 2 4 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura laugh as much as they listen while conversing with comedian John Early, star of HBO's Search Party, The Characters on Netflix, and so much more. A true creator, John's always making something -- TV shows, short films, social posts, or profiles for political candidates he is passionate about. On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura laugh as much as they listen while conversing with comedian John Early, star of HBO's Search Party, The Characters on Netflix, and so much more. A true creator, John's always making something -- TV shows, short films, social posts, or profiles for political candidates he is passionate about.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura laugh as much as they listen while conversing with comedian John Early, star of HBO's Search Party, The Characters on Netflix, and so much more. A true creator, John's always making something -- TV shows, short films, social posts, or profiles for political candidates he is passionate about. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4684 yes Creativity Sparks: Garnet's Gold + Land Acknowledgements http://www.thesparkfile.com On this week's episode, Susan and Laura reach into their spark files and share two fresh sparks of inspiration. First, the documentary Garnet's Gold weaves a tale of lost treasure in the Scottish highlands, but actually explores the pain of adventures not taken, lives not fully lived.  And then, a deep dive into understanding land acknowlegement, recoginzing Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of these lands, and understanding our place within history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Garnet's Gold + Land Acknowledgements full 2 3 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien On this week's episode, Susan and Laura reach into their spark files and share two fresh sparks of inspiration. First, the documentary Garnet's Gold weaves a tale of lost treasure in the Scottish highlands, but actually explores the pain of adventures not taken, lives not fully lived. And then, a deep dive into understanding land acknowlegement, recoginzing Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of these lands, and understanding our place within history. On this week's episode, Susan and Laura reach into their spark files and share two fresh sparks of inspiration. First, the documentary Garnet's Gold weaves a tale of lost treasure in the Scottish highlands, but actually explores the pain of adventures not taken, lives not fully lived.  And then, a deep dive into understanding land acknowlegement, recoginzing Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of these lands, and understanding our place within history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this week's episode, Susan and Laura reach into their spark files and share two fresh sparks of inspiration. First, the documentary Garnet's Gold weaves a tale of lost treasure in the Scottish highlands, but actually explores the pain of adventures not taken, lives not fully lived.  And then, a deep dive into understanding land acknowlegement, recoginzing Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of these lands, and understanding our place within history.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5842 yes Makers: Eric Stonestreet: Fizbo the Clown, Outdoor Bathrooms + Making Memories with Music http://www.thesparkfile.com Emmy Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet shares some great creative advice with Susan and Laura in the latest episode of The Spark File. They cover all the essentials — creativity, clowning, and how to build your dream bathroom in the woods. With the one-of-a-kind heart of an actor / comedian / clown / philanthropist / chef /drummer / die-hard sports fan, we’d argue that Eric is also inadvertently giving some great advice on livin’ life to the fullest! Also, don’t miss this classic Eric Stonestreet move — making lasting memories with music. Whether driving Sunset Boulevard with friends, or capturing the mood from the set of the Modern Family finale, Eric knows how to compose an unforgettable soundtrack to your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Nov 2020 11:00:00 -0000 Makers: Eric Stonestreet: Fizbo the Clown, Outdoor Bathrooms + Making Memories with Music full 2 3 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Emmy Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet shares some great creative advice with Susan and Laura in the latest episode of The Spark File. They cover all the essentials — creativity, clowning, and how to build your dream bathroom in the woods. With the one-of-a-kind heart of an actor / comedian / clown / philanthropist / chef /drummer / die-hard sports fan, we’d argue that Eric is also inadvertently giving some great advice on livin’ life to the fullest! Also, don’t miss this classic Eric Ston... Emmy Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet shares some great creative advice with Susan and Laura in the latest episode of The Spark File. They cover all the essentials — creativity, clowning, and how to build your dream bathroom in the woods. With the one-of-a-kind heart of an actor / comedian / clown / philanthropist / chef /drummer / die-hard sports fan, we’d argue that Eric is also inadvertently giving some great advice on livin’ life to the fullest! Also, don’t miss this classic Eric Stonestreet move — making lasting memories with music. Whether driving Sunset Boulevard with friends, or capturing the mood from the set of the Modern Family finale, Eric knows how to compose an unforgettable soundtrack to your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Emmy Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet shares some great creative advice with Susan and Laura in the latest episode of The Spark File. They cover all the essentials — creativity, clowning, and how to build your dream bathroom in the woods.

With the one-of-a-kind heart of an actor / comedian / clown / philanthropist / chef /drummer / die-hard sports fan, we’d argue that Eric is also inadvertently giving some great advice on livin’ life to the fullest!

Also, don’t miss this classic Eric Stonestreet move — making lasting memories with music. Whether driving Sunset Boulevard with friends, or capturing the mood from the set of the Modern Family finale, Eric knows how to compose an unforgettable soundtrack to your life.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5502 yes Creativity Sparks: Furious Dancing + Resilience http://www.thesparkfile.com Susan and Laura are back with Season 2 of The Spark File - rested, refreshed and creative fishpond restocked! They take a deep dive in search of the value of Creativity, and discover its life-saving attributes; AND they explore the need for resilience, and how to find it if you're not feeling it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Furious Dancing + Resilience full 2 2 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan and Laura are back with Season 2 of The Spark File - rested, refreshed and creative fishpond restocked! They take a deep dive in search of the value of Creativity, and discover its life-saving attributes; AND they explore the need for resilience, and how to find it if you're not feeling it. Susan and Laura are back with Season 2 of The Spark File - rested, refreshed and creative fishpond restocked! They take a deep dive in search of the value of Creativity, and discover its life-saving attributes; AND they explore the need for resilience, and how to find it if you're not feeling it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan and Laura are back with Season 2 of The Spark File - rested, refreshed and creative fishpond restocked! They take a deep dive in search of the value of Creativity, and discover its life-saving attributes; AND they explore the need for resilience, and how to find it if you're not feeling it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6227 yes Creativity Sparks: Previously On... The Spark File http://www.thesparkfile.com Susan and Laura are back with a few reflections and the latest and greatest updates on Season 1 topics, PLUS a projection for Season 2. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for new episodes coming this fall! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Previously On... The Spark File full 2 1 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan and Laura are back with a few reflections and the latest and greatest updates on Season 1 topics, PLUS a projection for Season 2. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for new episodes coming this fall! Susan and Laura are back with a few reflections and the latest and greatest updates on Season 1 topics, PLUS a projection for Season 2. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for new episodes coming this fall! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan and Laura are back with a few reflections and the latest and greatest updates on Season 1 topics, PLUS a projection for Season 2. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for new episodes coming this fall!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4251 yes Creativity Sparks: Fatigue Fatigue + Creative Cycles In the Season One finale, Susan and Laura discuss the various ways the world is exhausting us right now -- Zoom fatigue, Compassion fatigue, Caution fatigue and more. Plus, how knowing where you are in the Creative Cycle can help determine where your Hero goes from here. (hint: picture a Phoenix rising from the ashes). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 22 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Fatigue Fatigue + Creative Cycles full 1 89 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In the Season One finale, Susan and Laura discuss the various ways the world is exhausting us right now -- Zoom fatigue, Compassion fatigue, Caution fatigue and more. Plus, how knowing where you are in the Creative Cycle can help determine where your Hero goes from here. (hint: picture a Phoenix rising from the ashes). In the Season One finale, Susan and Laura discuss the various ways the world is exhausting us right now -- Zoom fatigue, Compassion fatigue, Caution fatigue and more. Plus, how knowing where you are in the Creative Cycle can help determine where your Hero goes from here. (hint: picture a Phoenix rising from the ashes). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the Season One finale, Susan and Laura discuss the various ways the world is exhausting us right now -- Zoom fatigue, Compassion fatigue, Caution fatigue and more. Plus, how knowing where you are in the Creative Cycle can help determine where your Hero goes from here. (hint: picture a Phoenix rising from the ashes).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5132 yes Makers: Michael R. Jackson: Tyler Perry, Truth Telling + the Pulitzer Prize This week, Susan and Laura sit down with the Pulitzer Prize winning truth teller, Michael R. Jackson who will blow your hair back with his authenticity. His metafictional musical, A Strange Loop explores the transformational story of an artist confronting issues of sexuality, race and identity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 18 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Michael R. Jackson: Tyler Perry, Truth Telling + the Pulitzer Prize bonus 1 88 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura sit down with the Pulitzer Prize winning truth teller, Michael R. Jackson who will blow your hair back with his authenticity. His metafictional musical, A Strange Loop explores the transformational story of an artist confronting issues of sexuality, race and identity. This week, Susan and Laura sit down with the Pulitzer Prize winning truth teller, Michael R. Jackson who will blow your hair back with his authenticity. His metafictional musical, A Strange Loop explores the transformational story of an artist confronting issues of sexuality, race and identity.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura sit down with the Pulitzer Prize winning truth teller, Michael R. Jackson who will blow your hair back with his authenticity. His metafictional musical, A Strange Loop explores the transformational story of an artist confronting issues of sexuality, race and identity. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3266 yes Creativity Sparks: Mindset + VUCA This week, Susan and Laura are sparked by the possibilities created by the Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset, and explore the VUCA assessment tool to describe the Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous world we're living in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 15 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Mindset + VUCA full 1 87 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura are sparked by the possibilities created by the Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset, and explore the VUCA assessment tool to describe the Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous world we're living in. This week, Susan and Laura are sparked by the possibilities created by the Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset, and explore the VUCA assessment tool to describe the Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous world we're living in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura are sparked by the possibilities created by the Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset, and explore the VUCA assessment tool to describe the Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous world we're living in.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6139 yes Makers: Karen Olivo: Taking a Stand This week, Susan and Laura connect with Karen Olivo as she shares her recent vow to withhold her artistic services from "any theatre, company, or persons, who would knowingly fund organizations that would perpetuate inequality." Standing fully in her artistic power, Karen inspires with her leadership and action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 11 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Karen Olivo: Taking a Stand bonus 1 86 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura connect with Karen Olivo as she shares her recent vow to withhold her artistic services from "any theatre, company, or persons, who would knowingly fund organizations that would perpetuate inequality." Standing fully in her artistic power, Karen inspires with her leadership and action. This week, Susan and Laura connect with Karen Olivo as she shares her recent vow to withhold her artistic services from "any theatre, company, or persons, who would knowingly fund organizations that would perpetuate inequality." Standing fully in her artistic power, Karen inspires with her leadership and action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura connect with Karen Olivo as she shares her recent vow to withhold her artistic services from "any theatre, company, or persons, who would knowingly fund organizations that would perpetuate inequality." Standing fully in her artistic power, Karen inspires with her leadership and action.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3553 yes Creativity Sparks: The Fight For Equality and Making Change Pt. Deux On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share sparks of creativity that have lit up this week. The continued fight for equality and the many ways individuals and groups have demanded it throughout history; and the many ways artists and creatives are making change in these tumultuous times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 08 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Fight For Equality and Making Change Pt. Deux full 1 85 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share sparks of creativity that have lit up this week. The continued fight for equality and the many ways individuals and groups have demanded it throughout history; and the many ways artists and creatives are making change in these tumultuous times. On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share sparks of creativity that have lit up this week. The continued fight for equality and the many ways individuals and groups have demanded it throughout history; and the many ways artists and creatives are making change in these tumultuous times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share sparks of creativity that have lit up this week. The continued fight for equality and the many ways individuals and groups have demanded it throughout history; and the many ways artists and creatives are making change in these tumultuous times.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4972 yes Makers: Donna Lieberman: NYCLU and The Protection of Neutral Principles This week, Susan and Laura talk with Donna Lieberman from the NYCLU. If there ever were a time to understand the important work of this tireless woman and this incredible organization, its now. Fighting for the neutral principles we believe in -- freedom of speech, right to peaceful protest and so much more -- the ACLU and the NYCLU are the angels protecting our inalienable rights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 04 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Donna Lieberman: NYCLU and The Protection of Neutral Principles full 1 84 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura talk with Donna Lieberman from the NYCLU. If there ever were a time to understand the important work of this tireless woman and this incredible organization, its now. Fighting for the neutral principles we believe in -- freedom of speech, right to peaceful protest and so much more -- the ACLU and the NYCLU are the angels protecting our inalienable rights. This week, Susan and Laura talk with Donna Lieberman from the NYCLU. If there ever were a time to understand the important work of this tireless woman and this incredible organization, its now. Fighting for the neutral principles we believe in -- freedom of speech, right to peaceful protest and so much more -- the ACLU and the NYCLU are the angels protecting our inalienable rights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura talk with Donna Lieberman from the NYCLU. If there ever were a time to understand the important work of this tireless woman and this incredible organization, its now. Fighting for the neutral principles we believe in -- freedom of speech, right to peaceful protest and so much more -- the ACLU and the NYCLU are the angels protecting our inalienable rights.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5295 yes Creativity Sparks: The Apocalypse Now + Russ Ewing This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura deliver two sparks of creativity... First, giving thought to the apocalypse now, what is it revealing to YOU? And the story of Russ Ewing, how one human being can make a difference in a corrupt system much bigger than us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 01 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Apocalypse Now + Russ Ewing full 1 83 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura deliver two sparks of creativity... First, giving thought to the apocalypse now, what is it revealing to YOU? And the story of Russ Ewing, how one human being can make a difference in a corrupt system much bigger than us all. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura deliver two sparks of creativity... First, giving thought to the apocalypse now, what is it revealing to YOU? And the story of Russ Ewing, how one human being can make a difference in a corrupt system much bigger than us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura deliver two sparks of creativity... First, giving thought to the apocalypse now, what is it revealing to YOU? And the story of Russ Ewing, how one human being can make a difference in a corrupt system much bigger than us all. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5114 yes Makers: A Very Special Celia Keenan-Bolger Episode In this very special episode, Susan and Laura talk with Celia Keenan-Bolger, who reads an original piece for us about the inspiration behind Broadway Feeds Bellevue, and the beauty of community.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 May 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: A Very Special Celia Keenan-Bolger Episode bonus 1 82 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this very special episode, Susan and Laura talk with Celia Keenan-Bolger, who reads an original piece for us about the inspiration behind Broadway Feeds Bellevue, and the beauty of community. In this very special episode, Susan and Laura talk with Celia Keenan-Bolger, who reads an original piece for us about the inspiration behind Broadway Feeds Bellevue, and the beauty of community.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this very special episode, Susan and Laura talk with Celia Keenan-Bolger, who reads an original piece for us about the inspiration behind Broadway Feeds Bellevue, and the beauty of community. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2790 yes Creativity Sparks: Mailbag #2! Susan and Laura dip into the mailbag and hear sparks of creativity from YOU! Sharing your grief, guilt, and guilty pleasures during quarantine and the many ways creativity is feeding your soul... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 May 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Mailbag #2! full 1 81 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan and Laura dip into the mailbag and hear sparks of creativity from YOU! Sharing your grief, guilt, and guilty pleasures during quarantine and the many ways creativity is feeding your soul... Susan and Laura dip into the mailbag and hear sparks of creativity from YOU! Sharing your grief, guilt, and guilty pleasures during quarantine and the many ways creativity is feeding your soul... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan and Laura dip into the mailbag and hear sparks of creativity from YOU! Sharing your grief, guilt, and guilty pleasures during quarantine and the many ways creativity is feeding your soul...

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4566 yes Makers: Bobby Lopez + Kristen Anderson-Lopez Part 2: Kindness, Confidence and Creative Collaborations This is Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with the inspirational and aspirational Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, all about creative collaborations, big wave riding and who determines success and failure? These two are a creative masterclass, illustrating the value of putting the people you collaborate with before the work you are creating.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 May 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Bobby Lopez + Kristen Anderson-Lopez Part 2: Kindness, Confidence and Creative Collaborations bonus 1 80 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This is Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with the inspirational and aspirational Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, all about creative collaborations, big wave riding and who determines success and failure? These two are a creative masterclass, illustrating the value of putting the people you collaborate with before the work you are creating. This is Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with the inspirational and aspirational Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, all about creative collaborations, big wave riding and who determines success and failure? These two are a creative masterclass, illustrating the value of putting the people you collaborate with before the work you are creating.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with the inspirational and aspirational Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, all about creative collaborations, big wave riding and who determines success and failure? These two are a creative masterclass, illustrating the value of putting the people you collaborate with before the work you are creating. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2851 yes Creativity Sparks: Golden Repair + Vedem Two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, a look at how the art of golden repair, Kintsugi, might give us proper perspective on our collective scars as we heal our broken world. And, the story of Vedem, an act of creative resistance and resilience, offers a glimpse into how art just might help us survive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 May 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Golden Repair + Vedem full 1 79 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, a look at how the art of golden repair, Kintsugi, might give us proper perspective on our collective scars as we heal our broken world. And, the story of Vedem, an act of creative resistance and resilience, offers a glimpse into how art just might help us survive. Two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, a look at how the art of golden repair, Kintsugi, might give us proper perspective on our collective scars as we heal our broken world. And, the story of Vedem, an act of creative resistance and resilience, offers a glimpse into how art just might help us survive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, a look at how the art of golden repair, Kintsugi, might give us proper perspective on our collective scars as we heal our broken world. And, the story of Vedem, an act of creative resistance and resilience, offers a glimpse into how art just might help us survive.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5002 yes Makers: Bobby Lopez + Kristen Anderson-Lopez: Conscious Dialogue, 'Leadership Skills' + Changing Your Choice This week on The Spark File Makersode, because there is no better duo to laugh, cry and talk shop with than Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Dare you to find a more talented and free flowing creative team than these two. On Part One, find out how they found their own voices, and each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 May 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Bobby Lopez + Kristen Anderson-Lopez: Conscious Dialogue, 'Leadership Skills' + Changing Your Choice bonus 1 78 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File Makersode, because there is no better duo to laugh, cry and talk shop with than Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Dare you to find a more talented and free flowing creative team than these two. On Part One, find out how they found their own voices, and each other. This week on The Spark File Makersode, because there is no better duo to laugh, cry and talk shop with than Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Dare you to find a more talented and free flowing creative team than these two. On Part One, find out how they found their own voices, and each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File Makersode, because there is no better duo to laugh, cry and talk shop with than Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Dare you to find a more talented and free flowing creative team than these two. On Part One, find out how they found their own voices, and each other.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3119 yes Creativity Sparks: The Show Must Go On...line + Making a Difference In this week's sparks of creativity episode, Susan shares a glimpse into The Show Must Go On...line mindset that allowed Orange County School of the Art's production of Now.Here.This to continue despite the recent closures and cancellations. Plus, Laura gives appreciation to all the educators out there, holding it all together, including a shout out to her Kansas State University. Thanks to Taylor Mali for the always timeless reminder of what teachers contribute to us all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 11 May 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Show Must Go On...line + Making a Difference full 1 77 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week's sparks of creativity episode, Susan shares a glimpse into The Show Must Go On...line mindset that allowed Orange County School of the Art's production of Now.Here.This to continue despite the recent closures and cancellations. Plus, Laura gives appreciation to all the educators out there, holding it all together, including a shout out to her Kansas State University. Thanks to Taylor Mali for the always timeless reminder of what teachers contribute to us all! In this week's sparks of creativity episode, Susan shares a glimpse into The Show Must Go On...line mindset that allowed Orange County School of the Art's production of Now.Here.This to continue despite the recent closures and cancellations. Plus, Laura gives appreciation to all the educators out there, holding it all together, including a shout out to her Kansas State University. Thanks to Taylor Mali for the always timeless reminder of what teachers contribute to us all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's sparks of creativity episode, Susan shares a glimpse into The Show Must Go On...line mindset that allowed Orange County School of the Art's production of Now.Here.This to continue despite the recent closures and cancellations. Plus, Laura gives appreciation to all the educators out there, holding it all together, including a shout out to her Kansas State University. Thanks to Taylor Mali for the always timeless reminder of what teachers contribute to us all!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5212 yes Makers: Heidi Blickenstaff Part 2: Growing a Pair, Discovering New Passions and Making a Difference Part two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Heidi Blickenstaff digs deeper into the spark that inspired her to create GenZStayHome, and how she fanned it into a flame that has now become the bonfire called Broadway Because.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 May 2020 11:00:00 -0000 Makers: Heidi Blickenstaff Part 2: Growing a Pair, Discovering New Passions and Making a Difference bonus 1 76 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Part two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Heidi Blickenstaff digs deeper into the spark that inspired her to create GenZStayHome, and how she fanned it into a flame that has now become the bonfire called Broadway Because. Part two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Heidi Blickenstaff digs deeper into the spark that inspired her to create GenZStayHome, and how she fanned it into a flame that has now become the bonfire called Broadway Because.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Part two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Heidi Blickenstaff digs deeper into the spark that inspired her to create GenZStayHome, and how she fanned it into a flame that has now become the bonfire called Broadway Because. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2796 yes Creativity Sparks: Ode to USPS + Kittens on a Blanket This week, Susan and Laura share some recent sparks of creativity that have inspired them while the world is upside down. First, an ode to the beauty of handwritten letters and the USPS for delivering them, plus, ideas for making a day at home special and meaningful, including the joy of kittens on a blanket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 May 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Ode to USPS + Kittens on a Blanket full 1 75 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura share some recent sparks of creativity that have inspired them while the world is upside down. First, an ode to the beauty of handwritten letters and the USPS for delivering them, plus, ideas for making a day at home special and meaningful, including the joy of kittens on a blanket. This week, Susan and Laura share some recent sparks of creativity that have inspired them while the world is upside down. First, an ode to the beauty of handwritten letters and the USPS for delivering them, plus, ideas for making a day at home special and meaningful, including the joy of kittens on a blanket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura share some recent sparks of creativity that have inspired them while the world is upside down. First, an ode to the beauty of handwritten letters and the USPS for delivering them, plus, ideas for making a day at home special and meaningful, including the joy of kittens on a blanket.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5523 yes Makers: Heidi Blickenstaff Part 1: Soft Clothes, NY Pride + New Creative Projects Susan and Laura talk with dear friend Heidi Blickenstaff, who perfectly puts into words the benefits of continual learning, curiosity and creative growth. She shares the origin story of her Broadway debut in The Full Monty, as well as her latest passion -- producing. Her GenZStayHome project has been a labor of love and is just the tip of the iceburg...Tune in next week for Part 2! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Heidi Blickenstaff Part 1: Soft Clothes, NY Pride + New Creative Projects bonus 1 74 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan and Laura talk with dear friend Heidi Blickenstaff, who perfectly puts into words the benefits of continual learning, curiosity and creative growth. She shares the origin story of her Broadway debut in The Full Monty, as well as her latest passion -- producing. Her GenZStayHome project has been a labor of love and is just the tip of the iceburg... Tune in next week for Part 2! Susan and Laura talk with dear friend Heidi Blickenstaff, who perfectly puts into words the benefits of continual learning, curiosity and creative growth. She shares the origin story of her Broadway debut in The Full Monty, as well as her latest passion -- producing. Her GenZStayHome project has been a labor of love and is just the tip of the iceburg...Tune in next week for Part 2! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan and Laura talk with dear friend Heidi Blickenstaff, who perfectly puts into words the benefits of continual learning, curiosity and creative growth. She shares the origin story of her Broadway debut in The Full Monty, as well as her latest passion -- producing. Her GenZStayHome project has been a labor of love and is just the tip of the iceburg...
Tune in next week for Part 2!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2051 yes Creativity Sparks: Creative Limitations + Like a Boss In this week's episode, Laura and Susan explore the idea of Creative Limitation, and how constraints can lead to liberation, plus, tips on how to approach your work from home routine to have you feeling Like a Boss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 27 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Creative Limitations + Like a Boss full 1 73 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week's episode, Laura and Susan explore the idea of Creative Limitation, and how constraints can lead to liberation, plus, tips on how to approach your work from home routine to have you feeling Like a Boss! In this week's episode, Laura and Susan explore the idea of Creative Limitation, and how constraints can lead to liberation, plus, tips on how to approach your work from home routine to have you feeling Like a Boss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode, Laura and Susan explore the idea of Creative Limitation, and how constraints can lead to liberation, plus, tips on how to approach your work from home routine to have you feeling Like a Boss!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6359 yes Makers: Erika Henningsen Part 2: White Knuckling Creativity, Unlearning + Embracing Ease In part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with actress/activist Erika Henningsen focuses on doing double duty of delivering on interpretive work and weaving the gentle thread of activism through every experience.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Erika Henningsen Part 2: White Knuckling Creativity, Unlearning + Embracing Ease bonus 1 72 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with actress/activist Erika Henningsen focuses on doing double duty of delivering on interpretive work and weaving the gentle thread of activism through every experience. In part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with actress/activist Erika Henningsen focuses on doing double duty of delivering on interpretive work and weaving the gentle thread of activism through every experience.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with actress/activist Erika Henningsen focuses on doing double duty of delivering on interpretive work and weaving the gentle thread of activism through every experience. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2205 yes Creativity Sparks: The Captain's Log + Bill Withers This week on The Spark File, if you're feeling the need to be the master of your fate / the captain of your soul, The Captain's Log just might inspire you to get behind the (ship's) wheel!⁠ Plus, Bill Withers, a man very much in charge of his own destiny, took a most fascinating journey through the music business and beyond, leaving us with the most wonderful gifts to listen to on this lovely day. lovely day. lovely day.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 20 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Captain's Log + Bill Withers full 1 71 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, if you're feeling the need to be the master of your fate / the captain of your soul, The Captain's Log just might inspire you to get behind the (ship's) wheel!⁠ Plus, Bill Withers, a man very much in charge of his own destiny, took a most fascinating journey through the music business and beyond, leaving us with the most wonderful gifts to listen to on this lovely day. lovely day. lovely day.⁠ This week on The Spark File, if you're feeling the need to be the master of your fate / the captain of your soul, The Captain's Log just might inspire you to get behind the (ship's) wheel!⁠ Plus, Bill Withers, a man very much in charge of his own destiny, took a most fascinating journey through the music business and beyond, leaving us with the most wonderful gifts to listen to on this lovely day. lovely day. lovely day.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, if you're feeling the need to be the master of your fate / the captain of your soul, The Captain's Log just might inspire you to get behind the (ship's) wheel!⁠ Plus, Bill Withers, a man very much in charge of his own destiny, took a most fascinating journey through the music business and beyond, leaving us with the most wonderful gifts to listen to on this lovely day. lovely day. lovely day.⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5478 yes Makers: Erika Henningsen: Part 1: Giant Megaphones, Neutral Principles, and Activism Back before the quarentine, Susan and Laura had the opportunity to cozy up with Erika Henningsen, of Mean Girls the Musical on Broadway fame. Erika shares her passion to use her mega-megaphone for good -- from registering people to vote, and increasing literacy rates, to helping teen girls find their footing in the ever-shifting social landscape and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Erika Henningsen: Part 1: Giant Megaphones, Neutral Principles, and Activism bonus 1 70 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Back before the quarentine, Susan and Laura had the opportunity to cozy up with Erika Henningsen, of Mean Girls the Musical on Broadway fame. Erika shares her passion to use her mega-megaphone for good -- from registering people to vote, and increasing literacy rates, to helping teen girls find their footing in the ever-shifting social landscape and beyond. Back before the quarentine, Susan and Laura had the opportunity to cozy up with Erika Henningsen, of Mean Girls the Musical on Broadway fame. Erika shares her passion to use her mega-megaphone for good -- from registering people to vote, and increasing literacy rates, to helping teen girls find their footing in the ever-shifting social landscape and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Back before the quarentine, Susan and Laura had the opportunity to cozy up with Erika Henningsen, of Mean Girls the Musical on Broadway fame. Erika shares her passion to use her mega-megaphone for good -- from registering people to vote, and increasing literacy rates, to helping teen girls find their footing in the ever-shifting social landscape and beyond.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2502 yes Creativity Sparks: Pandemic Creativity + You Are Doing Enough This week, in the first episode recorded during the quarantine, The Spark File offers two sparks of creativity -- whether you are inspired to produce any form of Pandemic Creativity, or if you are focused on taking care of yourself and your family, You Are Doing Enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Pandemic Creativity + You Are Doing Enough full 1 69 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, in the first episode recorded during the quarantine, The Spark File offers two sparks of creativity -- whether you are inspired to produce any form of Pandemic Creativity, or if you are focused on taking care of yourself and your family, You Are Doing Enough. This week, in the first episode recorded during the quarantine, The Spark File offers two sparks of creativity -- whether you are inspired to produce any form of Pandemic Creativity, or if you are focused on taking care of yourself and your family, You Are Doing Enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, in the first episode recorded during the quarantine, The Spark File offers two sparks of creativity -- whether you are inspired to produce any form of Pandemic Creativity, or if you are focused on taking care of yourself and your family, You Are Doing Enough.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4364 yes Makers: Jill Twiss: 'Ready, Aim, Recycle', Politics as Comedy and a Great Bunny Name This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk with Emmy Award winning comedy writer, Jill Twiss about her years on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver making people laugh (rather than cry) from current events, and how constantly pitching new things lead to writing her successful children's books, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, and The Someone New. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Jill Twiss: 'Ready, Aim, Recycle', Politics as Comedy and a Great Bunny Name bonus 1 68 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk with Emmy Award winning comedy writer, Jill Twiss about her years on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver making people laugh (rather than cry) from current events, and how constantly pitching new things lead to writing her successful children's books, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, and The Someone New. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk with Emmy Award winning comedy writer, Jill Twiss about her years on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver making people laugh (rather than cry) from current events, and how constantly pitching new things lead to writing her successful children's books, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, and The Someone New. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk with Emmy Award winning comedy writer, Jill Twiss about her years on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver making people laugh (rather than cry) from current events, and how constantly pitching new things lead to writing her successful children's books, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, and The Someone New.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4004 yes Creativity Sparks: Colette + In the FLO In this week's episode of The Spark File, the pioneer Colette, fighting for credit of her work and leading the way for women to follow their creative pursuits and earn that money; plus, the power of living in flo to optimize your creative output by aligning with your infradian rhythms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Colette + In the FLO full 1 67 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week's episode of The Spark File, the pioneer Colette, fighting for credit of her work and leading the way for women to follow their creative pursuits and earn that money; plus, the power of living in flo to optimize your creative output by aligning with your infradian rhythms. In this week's episode of The Spark File, the pioneer Colette, fighting for credit of her work and leading the way for women to follow their creative pursuits and earn that money; plus, the power of living in flo to optimize your creative output by aligning with your infradian rhythms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode of The Spark File, the pioneer Colette, fighting for credit of her work and leading the way for women to follow their creative pursuits and earn that money; plus, the power of living in flo to optimize your creative output by aligning with your infradian rhythms.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5381 yes Makers: Kate Quarfordt: Part 2: Holding Joy, Catching a Thread, and Being Onto Something This week on The Spark File, part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with Artist Kate Quarfordt. If you find yourself "teetering on the knifes edge" these days, sit back, relax, and take a trip back to three weeks ago when things felt normal. We discuss our Grandmothers, the Resistance Revival Chorus and the power of music and art in any movement for change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Kate Quarfordt: Part 2: Holding Joy, Catching a Thread, and Being Onto Something bonus 1 66 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with Artist Kate Quarfordt. If you find yourself "teetering on the knifes edge" these days, sit back, relax, and take a trip back to three weeks ago when things felt normal. We discuss our Grandmothers, the Resistance Revival Chorus and the power of music and art in any movement for change. This week on The Spark File, part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with Artist Kate Quarfordt. If you find yourself "teetering on the knifes edge" these days, sit back, relax, and take a trip back to three weeks ago when things felt normal. We discuss our Grandmothers, the Resistance Revival Chorus and the power of music and art in any movement for change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with Artist Kate Quarfordt. If you find yourself "teetering on the knifes edge" these days, sit back, relax, and take a trip back to three weeks ago when things felt normal. We discuss our Grandmothers, the Resistance Revival Chorus and the power of music and art in any movement for change.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2240 yes Creativity Sparks: Chiaroscuro + The Hidden Life of Trees In this weeks episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura dive into an exploration of light and dark with Chiaroscuro plus the story of the understory and the Hidden Life of Trees.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Chiaroscuro + The Hidden Life of Trees full 1 65 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this weeks episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura dive into an exploration of light and dark with Chiaroscuro plus the story of the understory and the Hidden Life of Trees. In this weeks episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura dive into an exploration of light and dark with Chiaroscuro plus the story of the understory and the Hidden Life of Trees.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this weeks episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura dive into an exploration of light and dark with Chiaroscuro plus the story of the understory and the Hidden Life of Trees. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4986 yes Makers: Kate Quarfordt: Part 1: On Being a Creative Instigator, Shit Stirrer, Capital “A” Artist This week on The Spark File, Laura and Susan are treated to the wisdom, the joy, the laughter and the luminosity that is Kate Quarfordt, Artist. From learning how "your weirdness is your genius" to the discipline required to transcend into kairos time, this episode is dream for artists or Artists at every juncture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Kate Quarfordt: Part 1: On Being a Creative Instigator, Shit Stirrer, Capital “A” Artist bonus 1 64 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Laura and Susan are treated to the wisdom, the joy, the laughter and the luminosity that is Kate Quarfordt, Artist. From learning how "your weirdness is your genius" to the discipline required to transcend into kairos time, this episode is dream for artists or Artists at every juncture. This week on The Spark File, Laura and Susan are treated to the wisdom, the joy, the laughter and the luminosity that is Kate Quarfordt, Artist. From learning how "your weirdness is your genius" to the discipline required to transcend into kairos time, this episode is dream for artists or Artists at every juncture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Laura and Susan are treated to the wisdom, the joy, the laughter and the luminosity that is Kate Quarfordt, Artist. From learning how "your weirdness is your genius" to the discipline required to transcend into kairos time, this episode is dream for artists or Artists at every juncture.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2989 yes Creativity Sparks: Thanks, Semmelweis + We Are The Dream This week on The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, the doctor who risked his career and went to his grave trying to convince the medical profession that hand washing matters, plus the incredible true story of the uplifting oratorical festival presented by California students for the benefit of us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Thanks, Semmelweis + We Are The Dream full 1 63 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, the doctor who risked his career and went to his grave trying to convince the medical profession that hand washing matters, plus the incredible true story of the uplifting oratorical festival presented by California students for the benefit of us all. This week on The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, the doctor who risked his career and went to his grave trying to convince the medical profession that hand washing matters, plus the incredible true story of the uplifting oratorical festival presented by California students for the benefit of us all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, the doctor who risked his career and went to his grave trying to convince the medical profession that hand washing matters, plus the incredible true story of the uplifting oratorical festival presented by California students for the benefit of us all. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4190 yes Makers: Kris Andersson / Dixie Longate: Taking Risks, Charging Forward and Burning the Boats This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura catch up with Kris Andersson, accidental hyphenate, who gives us an exclusive scoop, his biggest creative risk so far — shuttering his uber successful show, Dixie’s Tupperware party. With his eye on new creative ideas and endeavors, Kris shares his gratitude for Dixie’s adventures and his vision for brand new shenanigans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Kris Andersson / Dixie Longate: Taking Risks, Charging Forward and Burning the Boats bonus 1 62 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura catch up with Kris Andersson, accidental hyphenate, who gives us an exclusive scoop, his biggest creative risk so far — shuttering his uber successful show, Dixie’s Tupperware party. With his eye on new creative ideas and endeavors, Kris shares his gratitude for Dixie’s adventures and his vision for brand new shenanigans. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura catch up with Kris Andersson, accidental hyphenate, who gives us an exclusive scoop, his biggest creative risk so far — shuttering his uber successful show, Dixie’s Tupperware party. With his eye on new creative ideas and endeavors, Kris shares his gratitude for Dixie’s adventures and his vision for brand new shenanigans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura catch up with Kris Andersson, accidental hyphenate, who gives us an exclusive scoop, his biggest creative risk so far — shuttering his uber successful show, Dixie’s Tupperware party. With his eye on new creative ideas and endeavors, Kris shares his gratitude for Dixie’s adventures and his vision for brand new shenanigans.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3390 yes Creativity Sparks: Unfinished Business + The Posh Club This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dig into the value and comfort that comes with completing Unfinished Business - creative or otherwise, plus, the anti-lonliness campaign being waged by The Posh Club (something we could all use right about now, regardless of age!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Unfinished Business + The Posh Club full 1 61 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dig into the value and comfort that comes with completing Unfinished Business - creative or otherwise, plus, the anti-lonliness campaign being waged by The Posh Club (something we could all use right about now, regardless of age!) This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dig into the value and comfort that comes with completing Unfinished Business - creative or otherwise, plus, the anti-lonliness campaign being waged by The Posh Club (something we could all use right about now, regardless of age!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dig into the value and comfort that comes with completing Unfinished Business - creative or otherwise, plus, the anti-lonliness campaign being waged by The Posh Club (something we could all use right about now, regardless of age!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4278 yes Makers: Caitlin Kinnunen: Fluidity, Authenticity and Being the Truth Goose This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get to chat with the fabulous, fun, authentically awesome Caitlin Kinnunen. Caitlin shares openly and easily about everything from Tony nominations and failure, soapbox opportunities, and how the struggle is shared.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Caitlin Kinnunen: Fluidity, Authenticity and Being the Truth Goose bonus 1 60 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get to chat with the fabulous, fun, authentically awesome Caitlin Kinnunen. Caitlin shares openly and easily about everything from Tony nominations and failure, soapbox opportunities, and how the struggle is shared. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get to chat with the fabulous, fun, authentically awesome Caitlin Kinnunen. Caitlin shares openly and easily about everything from Tony nominations and failure, soapbox opportunities, and how the struggle is shared.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get to chat with the fabulous, fun, authentically awesome Caitlin Kinnunen. Caitlin shares openly and easily about everything from Tony nominations and failure, soapbox opportunities, and how the struggle is shared. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3692 yes Creativity Sparks: Rejected Princesses + The Astor Place Riots This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks of creativity -- the treasure trove of phenomenal women throughout history featured in Rejected Princesses books and website, plus the history under our feet: The Astor Place Riots fought over who was the most talented actor, of all things.As always, if any ideas strike your fancy, we invite you to take it and make it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Rejected Princesses + The Astor Place Riots full 1 59 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks of creativity -- the treasure trove of phenomenal women throughout history featured in Rejected Princesses books and website, plus the history under our feet: The Astor Place Riots fought over who was the most talented actor, of all things. As always, if any ideas strike your fancy, we invite you to take it and make it! This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks of creativity -- the treasure trove of phenomenal women throughout history featured in Rejected Princesses books and website, plus the history under our feet: The Astor Place Riots fought over who was the most talented actor, of all things.As always, if any ideas strike your fancy, we invite you to take it and make it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks of creativity -- the treasure trove of phenomenal women throughout history featured in Rejected Princesses books and website, plus the history under our feet: The Astor Place Riots fought over who was the most talented actor, of all things.
As always, if any ideas strike your fancy, we invite you to take it and make it!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5032 yes Makers: Kelli O'Hara: Having a 'Voice', Doing No Harm, and Love of the Game On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with the extraordinarily talented and kind human being, Kelli O'Hara. Kelli shares a valuable artist life hack -- her backstage self-talk. You won't want to miss her secret for beating performance anxiety! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Kelli O'Hara: Having a 'Voice', Doing No Harm, and Love of the Game bonus 1 57 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with the extraordinarily talented and kind human being, Kelli O'Hara. Kelli shares a valuable artist life hack -- her backstage self-talk. You won't want to miss her secret for beating performance anxiety! On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with the extraordinarily talented and kind human being, Kelli O'Hara. Kelli shares a valuable artist life hack -- her backstage self-talk. You won't want to miss her secret for beating performance anxiety! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with the extraordinarily talented and kind human being, Kelli O'Hara. Kelli shares a valuable artist life hack -- her backstage self-talk. You won't want to miss her secret for beating performance anxiety!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3167 yes Creativity Sparks: Katherine Hepburn's Career Turnaround + Scotty Bowers and the Secret History of Hollywood When Susan and Laura were invited to intro a NYC showing of The Philadelphia Story recently, they challenged themselves to find sparks related to the movie -- and they didn't have to look very far! The incredible self-orchestrated career turnaround of Katherine Hepburn, plus Scotty Bowers and the Secret History of Hollywood. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Katherine Hepburn's Career Turnaround + Scotty Bowers and the Secret History of Hollywood full Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien When Susan and Laura were invited to intro a NYC showing of The Philadelphia Story recently, they challenged themselves to find sparks related to the movie -- and they didn't have to look very far! The incredible self-orchestrated career turnaround of Katherine Hepburn, plus Scotty Bowers and the Secret History of Hollywood. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride! When Susan and Laura were invited to intro a NYC showing of The Philadelphia Story recently, they challenged themselves to find sparks related to the movie -- and they didn't have to look very far! The incredible self-orchestrated career turnaround of Katherine Hepburn, plus Scotty Bowers and the Secret History of Hollywood. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When Susan and Laura were invited to intro a NYC showing of The Philadelphia Story recently, they challenged themselves to find sparks related to the movie -- and they didn't have to look very far! The incredible self-orchestrated career turnaround of Katherine Hepburn, plus Scotty Bowers and the Secret History of Hollywood. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5401 no Makers: Phillipa Soo: Part 2: Anxiety, Perfection and Letting It Hang Loose Susan and Laura had so much fun talking to TONY-nominated Phillipa Soo, they went for a Part 2! Pippa shares fears, "failure" and her process of letting it all hang loose.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 27 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Phillipa Soo: Part 2: Anxiety, Perfection and Letting It Hang Loose bonus 1 55 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan and Laura had so much fun talking to TONY-nominated Phillipa Soo, they went for a Part 2! Pippa shares fears, "failure" and her process of letting it all hang loose. Susan and Laura had so much fun talking to TONY-nominated Phillipa Soo, they went for a Part 2! Pippa shares fears, "failure" and her process of letting it all hang loose.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan and Laura had so much fun talking to TONY-nominated Phillipa Soo, they went for a Part 2! Pippa shares fears, "failure" and her process of letting it all hang loose. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2552 yes Creativity Sparks: Preparation + Boredom Two random sparks of creativity today, pulled from Susan and Laura's spark files give us the yin and the yang, two ends of the spectrum... how extra Preparation may be behind the sensation of effortlessness, and how allowing ourselves bouts of Boredom makes room for new creative connections in our brain.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 24 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Preparation + Boredom full 1 54 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Two random sparks of creativity today, pulled from Susan and Laura's spark files give us the yin and the yang, two ends of the spectrum... how extra Preparation may be behind the sensation of effortlessness, and how allowing ourselves bouts of Boredom makes room for new creative connections in our brain. Two random sparks of creativity today, pulled from Susan and Laura's spark files give us the yin and the yang, two ends of the spectrum... how extra Preparation may be behind the sensation of effortlessness, and how allowing ourselves bouts of Boredom makes room for new creative connections in our brain.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Two random sparks of creativity today, pulled from Susan and Laura's spark files give us the yin and the yang, two ends of the spectrum... how extra Preparation may be behind the sensation of effortlessness, and how allowing ourselves bouts of Boredom makes room for new creative connections in our brain. 

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]]> 5181 yes Makers: Phillipa Soo: Part 1: Giving Voice to New Characters, and Learning from a Legacy In this week's bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with Tony nominee, Phillipa Soo. Pippa shares her love of rehearsal, her dreams of directing, and her perspective on the recently announced film featuring the original cast of Hamilton.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 20 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Phillipa Soo: Part 1: Giving Voice to New Characters, and Learning from a Legacy bonus 1 53 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week's bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with Tony nominee, Phillipa Soo. Pippa shares her love of rehearsal, her dreams of directing, and her perspective on the recently announced film featuring the original cast of Hamilton. In this week's bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with Tony nominee, Phillipa Soo. Pippa shares her love of rehearsal, her dreams of directing, and her perspective on the recently announced film featuring the original cast of Hamilton.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with Tony nominee, Phillipa Soo. Pippa shares her love of rehearsal, her dreams of directing, and her perspective on the recently announced film featuring the original cast of Hamilton. 

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]]> 2471 yes Creativity Sparks: Col. Percy Fawcett + A Room of One's Own In this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two new sparks of creativity: the enduring legend of Col. Percy Fawcett's final journey into the Amazon and the eternal search for personal creative space and a room of one's own, inspired in part by Caridad De La Luz and El Garaje. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 17 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Col. Percy Fawcett + A Room of One's Own full 1 52 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two new sparks of creativity: the enduring legend of Col. Percy Fawcett's final journey into the Amazon and the eternal search for personal creative space and a room of one's own, inspired in part by Caridad De La Luz and El Garaje. In this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two new sparks of creativity: the enduring legend of Col. Percy Fawcett's final journey into the Amazon and the eternal search for personal creative space and a room of one's own, inspired in part by Caridad De La Luz and El Garaje. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two new sparks of creativity: the enduring legend of Col. Percy Fawcett's final journey into the Amazon and the eternal search for personal creative space and a room of one's own, inspired in part by Caridad De La Luz and El Garaje.

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]]> 5641 yes Makers: Bonnie Siegler: Chasing Andy Warhol, Signs of Resistance, and the Gift of Certainty This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get to talk to Bonnie Siegler, graphic designer of all things — books, TV shows, editorial, brand logos — and author of “signs of resistance” and “dear client”.  Discussing everything from the beauty of “I notice” and “I wonder” to the inspiration of andy warhol to a fierce love of history, Bonnie shares the inspiration behind her work and how she uses her design superpowers for the good of all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 13 Feb 2020 12:00:00 -0000 Makers: Bonnie Siegler: Chasing Andy Warhol, Signs of Resistance, and the Gift of Certainty bonus 1 51 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get to talk to Bonnie Siegler, graphic designer of all things — books, TV shows, editorial, brand logos — and author of “signs of resistance” and “dear client”. Discussing everything from the beauty of “I notice” and “I wonder” to the inspiration of andy warhol to a fierce love of history, Bonnie shares the inspiration behind her work and how she uses her design superpowers for the good of all. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get to talk to Bonnie Siegler, graphic designer of all things — books, TV shows, editorial, brand logos — and author of “signs of resistance” and “dear client”.  Discussing everything from the beauty of “I notice” and “I wonder” to the inspiration of andy warhol to a fierce love of history, Bonnie shares the inspiration behind her work and how she uses her design superpowers for the good of all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get to talk to Bonnie Siegler, graphic designer of all things — books, TV shows, editorial, brand logos — and author of “signs of resistance” and “dear client”.  Discussing everything from the beauty of “I notice” and “I wonder” to the inspiration of andy warhol to a fierce love of history, Bonnie shares the inspiration behind her work and how she uses her design superpowers for the good of all.

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]]> 3186 yes Creativity Sparks: Shop Class to Soul Craft + Introversion In this weeks episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura dive into an exploration of the value of work, particularly working with your hands, described in Shop Class to Soul Craft by Matthew Crawford, and the beauty and benefits of Introversion, explained by Susan Cain in her book, Quiet.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 10 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Shop Class to Soul Craft + Introversion full 1 50 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this weeks episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura dive into an exploration of the value of work, particularly working with your hands, described in Shop Class to Soul Craft by Matthew Crawford, and the beauty and benefits of Introversion, explained by Susan Cain in her book, Quiet. In this weeks episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura dive into an exploration of the value of work, particularly working with your hands, described in Shop Class to Soul Craft by Matthew Crawford, and the beauty and benefits of Introversion, explained by Susan Cain in her book, Quiet.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this weeks episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura dive into an exploration of the value of work, particularly working with your hands, described in Shop Class to Soul Craft by Matthew Crawford, and the beauty and benefits of Introversion, explained by Susan Cain in her book, Quiet. 

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]]> 5986 yes Makers: Angela Johnson: Investing in Access In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Angela Johnson, Founder & CEO of Invest in Access about how important inclusion and access are to our creativity and creative endeavors.Angela Johnson is an Accessibility Strategist on a mission to increase equity for individuals living with disabilities. She is the Founder & CEO of Invest In Access, and owns AJ Inclusion Consulting, in furtherance of her mission. Angela's is presently focusing on accessibility within: events, recreation, and workplace culture. Since the summer of 2019, Angela has been contracting as Advancer for Democratic Presidential candidates whose teams are dedicated to increasing access + inclusion for all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 06 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Angela Johnson: Investing in Access bonus 1 49 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Angela Johnson, Founder & CEO of Invest in Access about how important inclusion and access are to our creativity and creative endeavors. Angela Johnson is an Accessibility Strategist on a mission to increase equity for individuals living with disabilities. She is the Founder & CEO of Invest In Access, and owns AJ Inclusion Consulting, in furtherance of her mission. Angela's is presently focusing on accessibility wi... In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Angela Johnson, Founder & CEO of Invest in Access about how important inclusion and access are to our creativity and creative endeavors.Angela Johnson is an Accessibility Strategist on a mission to increase equity for individuals living with disabilities. She is the Founder & CEO of Invest In Access, and owns AJ Inclusion Consulting, in furtherance of her mission. Angela's is presently focusing on accessibility within: events, recreation, and workplace culture. Since the summer of 2019, Angela has been contracting as Advancer for Democratic Presidential candidates whose teams are dedicated to increasing access + inclusion for all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Angela Johnson, Founder & CEO of Invest in Access about how important inclusion and access are to our creativity and creative endeavors.
Angela Johnson is an Accessibility Strategist on a mission to increase equity for individuals living with disabilities. She is the Founder & CEO of Invest In Access, and owns AJ Inclusion Consulting, in furtherance of her mission. Angela's is presently focusing on accessibility within: events, recreation, and workplace culture. Since the summer of 2019, Angela has been contracting as Advancer for Democratic Presidential candidates whose teams are dedicated to increasing access + inclusion for all. 

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]]> 2204 no Creativity Sparks: Bombshell + Fewer, Better This week's episode features two very different sparks from Susan and Laura's spark files. First, the surprising and far reaching impact of this Bombshell beauty's life's work, then the potentially peace-creating, space-making philosophy of 'Fewer, Better.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 03 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Bombshell + Fewer, Better full 1 48 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week's episode features two very different sparks from Susan and Laura's spark files. First, the surprising and far reaching impact of this Bombshell beauty's life's work, then the potentially peace-creating, space-making philosophy of 'Fewer, Better.' This week's episode features two very different sparks from Susan and Laura's spark files. First, the surprising and far reaching impact of this Bombshell beauty's life's work, then the potentially peace-creating, space-making philosophy of 'Fewer, Better.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week's episode features two very different sparks from Susan and Laura's spark files. First, the surprising and far reaching impact of this Bombshell beauty's life's work, then the potentially peace-creating, space-making philosophy of 'Fewer, Better.'

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]]> 5668 yes Makers: Part 2: Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan This week's episode of The Spark File is Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. Recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop in NYC, Anthony and Shockwave share their belief in restorative play, mental fitness and the ability to learn how to learn. Plus, the unforgettable story of Anthony taking a tennis ball to the, well,... balls during a performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Brutal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 30 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Part 2: Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan bonus 1 47 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week's episode of The Spark File is Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. Recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop in NYC, Anthony and Shockwave share their belief in restorative play, mental fitness and the ability to learn how to learn. Plus, the unforgettable story of Anthony taking a tennis ball to the, well,... balls during a performance at the Edinburgh Fringe F... This week's episode of The Spark File is Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. Recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop in NYC, Anthony and Shockwave share their belief in restorative play, mental fitness and the ability to learn how to learn. Plus, the unforgettable story of Anthony taking a tennis ball to the, well,... balls during a performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Brutal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week's episode of The Spark File is Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. Recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop in NYC, Anthony and Shockwave share their belief in restorative play, mental fitness and the ability to learn how to learn. Plus, the unforgettable story of Anthony taking a tennis ball to the, well,... balls during a performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Brutal.


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]]> 1911 yes Creativity Sparks: Making Change + Self Reliance This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura share new inspirations — the many ways the arts (and crafts!) can come to the rescue when it's time for Making Change, and the increasing need for Self Reliance in a world of uncertainty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 27 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Making Change + Self Reliance full 1 46 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura share new inspirations — the many ways the arts (and crafts!) can come to the rescue when it's time for Making Change, and the increasing need for Self Reliance in a world of uncertainty. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura share new inspirations — the many ways the arts (and crafts!) can come to the rescue when it's time for Making Change, and the increasing need for Self Reliance in a world of uncertainty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura share new inspirations — the many ways the arts (and crafts!) can come to the rescue when it's time for Making Change, and the increasing need for Self Reliance in a world of uncertainty.

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]]> 5181 yes Makers: Part 1: Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan In this episode, recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share in the flat out delight of Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. We talk of overriding the fear mechanisms in our brains to allow for more freedom in expression and creativity and the belief that improv skills can benefit everyone. Plus, they're just hella cool.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 23 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Part 1: Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan bonus 1 45 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this episode, recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share in the flat out delight of Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. We talk of overriding the fear mechanisms in our brains to allow for more freedom in expression and creativity and the belief that improv skills can benefit everyone. Plus, they're just hella cool. In this episode, recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share in the flat out delight of Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. We talk of overriding the fear mechanisms in our brains to allow for more freedom in expression and creativity and the belief that improv skills can benefit everyone. Plus, they're just hella cool.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode, recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share in the flat out delight of Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. We talk of overriding the fear mechanisms in our brains to allow for more freedom in expression and creativity and the belief that improv skills can benefit everyone. Plus, they're just hella cool. 

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]]> 1839 yes Creativity Sparks: The Sparks of Nancy Blackwell + My Friend Fear In this weeks episode, recorded LIVE from the The Spark File 2020 New Year Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share sparks near and dear to their hearts. From the deeply personal and close to home, The Sparks of Nancy Blackwell to the universally spark-ish, equally feared and revered, My Friend Fear, inspired by the book by Meera Lee Patel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 20 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Sparks of Nancy Blackwell + My Friend Fear full 1 44 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this weeks episode, recorded LIVE from the The Spark File 2020 New Year Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share sparks near and dear to their hearts. From the deeply personal and close to home, The Sparks of Nancy Blackwell to the universally spark-ish, equally feared and revered, My Friend Fear, inspired by the book by Meera Lee Patel. In this weeks episode, recorded LIVE from the The Spark File 2020 New Year Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share sparks near and dear to their hearts. From the deeply personal and close to home, The Sparks of Nancy Blackwell to the universally spark-ish, equally feared and revered, My Friend Fear, inspired by the book by Meera Lee Patel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this weeks episode, recorded LIVE from the The Spark File 2020 New Year Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share sparks near and dear to their hearts. From the deeply personal and close to home, The Sparks of Nancy Blackwell to the universally spark-ish, equally feared and revered, My Friend Fear, inspired by the book by Meera Lee Patel. 

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]]> 4964 yes Makers: Meta Wagner Part 2: Identifying Your Creative Type (And Its Evolution) Ready for Part 2 of The Spark File conversation with Creativity Expert Meta Wagner? Susan and Laura dig into the remaining Creative Types — Sensitive Souls, Gamechangers and Activists and question whether we can evolve into other areas? Can we be a combo-platter of motivations? Plus! Meta helped us create a survey — take the quiz and find out what Creative Type you currently are! Your “type” is based on what most sparks you to do anything creative. Understanding your strongest motivations will help you keep your creative flame blazing, even through doubts or setbacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 16 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Meta Wagner Part 2: Identifying Your Creative Type (And Its Evolution) bonus 1 43 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Ready for Part 2 of The Spark File conversation with Creativity Expert Meta Wagner? Susan and Laura dig into the remaining Creative Types — Sensitive Souls, Gamechangers and Activists and question whether we can evolve into other areas? Can we be a combo-platter of motivations? Plus! Meta helped us create a survey — take the quiz and find out what Creative Type you currently are! Your “type” is based on what most sparks you to do anything creative. Understanding your strongest motivations wi... Ready for Part 2 of The Spark File conversation with Creativity Expert Meta Wagner? Susan and Laura dig into the remaining Creative Types — Sensitive Souls, Gamechangers and Activists and question whether we can evolve into other areas? Can we be a combo-platter of motivations? Plus! Meta helped us create a survey — take the quiz and find out what Creative Type you currently are! Your “type” is based on what most sparks you to do anything creative. Understanding your strongest motivations will help you keep your creative flame blazing, even through doubts or setbacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ready for Part 2 of The Spark File conversation with Creativity Expert Meta Wagner? Susan and Laura dig into the remaining Creative Types — Sensitive Souls, Gamechangers and Activists and question whether we can evolve into other areas? Can we be a combo-platter of motivations?
Plus! Meta helped us create a survey — take the quiz and find out what Creative Type you currently are! Your “type” is based on what most sparks you to do anything creative. Understanding your strongest motivations will help you keep your creative flame blazing, even through doubts or setbacks. 



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]]> 2384 yes Creativity Sparks: Creative Spaces / Gathering Places + The Sparks of Amy Poehler This week, Susan and Laura dig into their personal spark files and share new ideas ready for the taking and making, including the endless ways Creative Spaces / Gathering Places can light your fire; and the entire multi-spark-verse of Amy Poehler -- a woman truly lit with inspiration.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 13 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Creative Spaces / Gathering Places + The Sparks of Amy Poehler full 1 42 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura dig into their personal spark files and share new ideas ready for the taking and making, including the endless ways Creative Spaces / Gathering Places can light your fire; and the entire multi-spark-verse of Amy Poehler -- a woman truly lit with inspiration. This week, Susan and Laura dig into their personal spark files and share new ideas ready for the taking and making, including the endless ways Creative Spaces / Gathering Places can light your fire; and the entire multi-spark-verse of Amy Poehler -- a woman truly lit with inspiration.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura dig into their personal spark files and share new ideas ready for the taking and making, including the endless ways Creative Spaces / Gathering Places can light your fire; and the entire multi-spark-verse of Amy Poehler -- a woman truly lit with inspiration. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4612 yes Makers: Meta Wagner Part 1: Writing the Book on Creative Types This week, Susan and Laura dig into the meaty topics of talent, dedication and purpose with Meta Wagner, author of What's Your Creative Type? Harness the Power of Your Artistic Personality. In Part 1 of 2, Meta shares the driving passion and purpose behind the 5 Creative Types. You can't help but question, what is YOUR 'why'?Plus! Meta helped us create a survey — take the quiz and find out what Creative Type you currently are! Your “type” is based on what most sparks you to do anything creative. Understanding your strongest motivations will help you keep your creative flame blazing, even through doubts or setbacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 09 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Meta Wagner Part 1: Writing the Book on Creative Types bonus 1 41 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week, Susan and Laura dig into the meaty topics of talent, dedication and purpose with Meta Wagner, author of What's Your Creative Type? Harness the Power of Your Artistic Personality. In Part 1 of 2, Meta shares the driving passion and purpose behind the 5 Creative Types. You can't help but question, what is YOUR 'why'? Plus! Meta helped us create a survey — take the quiz and find out what Creative Type you currently are! Your “type” is based on what most sparks you to do anything creat... This week, Susan and Laura dig into the meaty topics of talent, dedication and purpose with Meta Wagner, author of What's Your Creative Type? Harness the Power of Your Artistic Personality. In Part 1 of 2, Meta shares the driving passion and purpose behind the 5 Creative Types. You can't help but question, what is YOUR 'why'?Plus! Meta helped us create a survey — take the quiz and find out what Creative Type you currently are! Your “type” is based on what most sparks you to do anything creative. Understanding your strongest motivations will help you keep your creative flame blazing, even through doubts or setbacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week, Susan and Laura dig into the meaty topics of talent, dedication and purpose with Meta Wagner, author of What's Your Creative Type? Harness the Power of Your Artistic Personality. In Part 1 of 2, Meta shares the driving passion and purpose behind the 5 Creative Types. You can't help but question, what is YOUR 'why'?
Plus! Meta helped us create a survey — take the quiz and find out what Creative Type you currently are! Your “type” is based on what most sparks you to do anything creative. Understanding your strongest motivations will help you keep your creative flame blazing, even through doubts or setbacks. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2701 yes Creativity Sparks: Hand Lettered Signs + Unfinished Art In this week’s episode, Susan and Laura dig into two fresh sparks — the skill and the psychology behind Hand Lettered Signs and Unfinished Art — the compassion to complete it, the foresight to plan for it, and the only way to avoid it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 06 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Hand Lettered Signs + Unfinished Art full 1 40 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week’s episode, Susan and Laura dig into two fresh sparks — the skill and the psychology behind Hand Lettered Signs and Unfinished Art — the compassion to complete it, the foresight to plan for it, and the only way to avoid it. In this week’s episode, Susan and Laura dig into two fresh sparks — the skill and the psychology behind Hand Lettered Signs and Unfinished Art — the compassion to complete it, the foresight to plan for it, and the only way to avoid it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week’s episode, Susan and Laura dig into two fresh sparks — the skill and the psychology behind Hand Lettered Signs and Unfinished Art — the compassion to complete it, the foresight to plan for it, and the only way to avoid it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4865 yes Makers: Okorie "OKCello" Johnson: Ancient Instruments/Modern Technology, the Energy of Uncertainty, and Liminal Space In this weeks bonus episode, Susan and Laura talk with the singular maker Okorie "OKCello" Johnson about his exploration of the cello as a path to self-expression. Creating while in a liminal space, Okorie draws energy from the tension of uncertainty and questions unanswered. From the very start of his career, his cello has helped pave the road to the development of a narrative art that is uniquely his own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 02 Jan 2020 13:00:00 -0000 Makers: Okorie "OKCello" Johnson: Ancient Instruments/Modern Technology, the Energy of Uncertainty, and Liminal Space bonus 1 39 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this weeks bonus episode, Susan and Laura talk with the singular maker Okorie "OKCello" Johnson about his exploration of the cello as a path to self-expression. Creating while in a liminal space, Okorie draws energy from the tension of uncertainty and questions unanswered. From the very start of his career, his cello has helped pave the road to the development of a narrative art that is uniquely his own. In this weeks bonus episode, Susan and Laura talk with the singular maker Okorie "OKCello" Johnson about his exploration of the cello as a path to self-expression. Creating while in a liminal space, Okorie draws energy from the tension of uncertainty and questions unanswered. From the very start of his career, his cello has helped pave the road to the development of a narrative art that is uniquely his own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this weeks bonus episode, Susan and Laura talk with the singular maker Okorie "OKCello" Johnson about his exploration of the cello as a path to self-expression. Creating while in a liminal space, Okorie draws energy from the tension of uncertainty and questions unanswered. From the very start of his career, his cello has helped pave the road to the development of a narrative art that is uniquely his own.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3465 yes Creativity Sparks: Our Very First Mailbag Episode! In this special episode, Susan and Laura reach into the mailbag and share sparks and creative results from our fearless listeners. From the desire to reconnect to that spark of creativity within us to making a creative leap or navigating a creative transition…we respond to your heartfelt and humor-filled letters to us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Our Very First Mailbag Episode! full 1 38 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this special episode, Susan and Laura reach into the mailbag and share sparks and creative results from our fearless listeners. From the desire to reconnect to that spark of creativity within us to making a creative leap or navigating a creative transition…we respond to your heartfelt and humor-filled letters to us. In this special episode, Susan and Laura reach into the mailbag and share sparks and creative results from our fearless listeners. From the desire to reconnect to that spark of creativity within us to making a creative leap or navigating a creative transition…we respond to your heartfelt and humor-filled letters to us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special episode, Susan and Laura reach into the mailbag and share sparks and creative results from our fearless listeners. From the desire to reconnect to that spark of creativity within us to making a creative leap or navigating a creative transition…we respond to your heartfelt and humor-filled letters to us.

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]]> 3880 yes Makers: Brad Montague: Confetti, a Choir, a T-shirt Canon and a Human Being Who Wants to Be Loved In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with the magic and the genius that is Brad Montague - Writer, Director, Illustrator, Creator of Kid President, but ultimately, "just a human being who wants to be loved." Join us to hear about Brad's mission to seek good, create good, and celebrate good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Brad Montague: Confetti, a Choir, a T-shirt Canon and a Human Being Who Wants to Be Loved bonus 1 37 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with the magic and the genius that is Brad Montague - Writer, Director, Illustrator, Creator of Kid President, but ultimately, "just a human being who wants to be loved." Join us to hear about Brad's mission to seek good, create good, and celebrate good. In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with the magic and the genius that is Brad Montague - Writer, Director, Illustrator, Creator of Kid President, but ultimately, "just a human being who wants to be loved." Join us to hear about Brad's mission to seek good, create good, and celebrate good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with the magic and the genius that is Brad Montague - Writer, Director, Illustrator, Creator of Kid President, but ultimately, "just a human being who wants to be loved." Join us to hear about Brad's mission to seek good, create good, and celebrate good.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3555 yes Creativity Sparks: Mudlarking + Verbatim Theatre In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share a tinderbox of sparks with the treasure-hunting, archeology-digging, historical-fact-finding adventure that is Mudlarking and the use of language as an entry point into character with Anna Deavere Smith's creation of Verbatim Theatre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Mudlarking + Verbatim Theatre full 1 36 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share a tinderbox of sparks with the treasure-hunting, archeology-digging, historical-fact-finding adventure that is Mudlarking and the use of language as an entry point into character with Anna Deavere Smith's creation of Verbatim Theatre. In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share a tinderbox of sparks with the treasure-hunting, archeology-digging, historical-fact-finding adventure that is Mudlarking and the use of language as an entry point into character with Anna Deavere Smith's creation of Verbatim Theatre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share a tinderbox of sparks with the treasure-hunting, archeology-digging, historical-fact-finding adventure that is Mudlarking and the use of language as an entry point into character with Anna Deavere Smith's creation of Verbatim Theatre.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6014 yes Makers: Matt Vogel: Getting Booed, Becoming a Muppet, and Retaining Something That's Yours This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura curl up with the endlessly creative Matt Vogel. At Sesame Street and in his roles as Kermit the Frog and Big Bird, Matt utilizes his skills as an actor, puppeteer, songwriter, director, and so much more. He shares highlights from his creative journey from getting booed at the high school talent show to debuting triumphantly at the Hollywood Bowl. Matt remains inspired by Jim Henson's mantra to be in service of the best idea, and Kermit's guiding purpose of "making millions of people happy."And he believes that you must always retain something that's yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Matt Vogel: Getting Booed, Becoming a Muppet, and Retaining Something That's Yours bonus 1 35 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura curl up with the endlessly creative Matt Vogel. At Sesame Street and in his roles as Kermit the Frog and Big Bird, Matt utilizes his skills as an actor, puppeteer, songwriter, director, and so much more. He shares highlights from his creative journey from getting booed at the high school talent show to debuting triumphantly at the Hollywood Bowl. Matt remains inspired by Jim Henson's mantra to be in service of the best idea, and Kermit's guiding pu... This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura curl up with the endlessly creative Matt Vogel. At Sesame Street and in his roles as Kermit the Frog and Big Bird, Matt utilizes his skills as an actor, puppeteer, songwriter, director, and so much more. He shares highlights from his creative journey from getting booed at the high school talent show to debuting triumphantly at the Hollywood Bowl. Matt remains inspired by Jim Henson's mantra to be in service of the best idea, and Kermit's guiding purpose of "making millions of people happy."And he believes that you must always retain something that's yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura curl up with the endlessly creative Matt Vogel. At Sesame Street and in his roles as Kermit the Frog and Big Bird, Matt utilizes his skills as an actor, puppeteer, songwriter, director, and so much more. He shares highlights from his creative journey from getting booed at the high school talent show to debuting triumphantly at the Hollywood Bowl. Matt remains inspired by Jim Henson's mantra to be in service of the best idea, and Kermit's guiding purpose of "making millions of people happy."

And he believes that you must always retain something that's yours.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3068 no Creativity Sparks: Cat Dancers + Teddy Roosevelt In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura surprise each other with sparks from their personal files -- the tragic story of Ron and Joy Holiday (aka Cat Dancers) and the paradoxes and duality of the Man in the Arena himself, Theodore Roosevelt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Cat Dancers + Teddy Roosevelt full 1 34 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura surprise each other with sparks from their personal files -- the tragic story of Ron and Joy Holiday (aka Cat Dancers) and the paradoxes and duality of the Man in the Arena himself, Theodore Roosevelt. In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura surprise each other with sparks from their personal files -- the tragic story of Ron and Joy Holiday (aka Cat Dancers) and the paradoxes and duality of the Man in the Arena himself, Theodore Roosevelt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura surprise each other with sparks from their personal files -- the tragic story of Ron and Joy Holiday (aka Cat Dancers) and the paradoxes and duality of the Man in the Arena himself, Theodore Roosevelt.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5336 yes Makers: Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus: Beyond The Nanny Diaries; or Clock-watching and Disrespect In the latest 'makersode' of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to the prolific writing duo Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, co-authors of The Nanny Diaries and so much more. With over 6 million copies of their 10 books in print in over 32 languages, Emma and Nicola share their tips and techniques for successful collaborative writing with a partner as well as how it feels to consciously uncouple when the work is done.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus: Beyond The Nanny Diaries; or Clock-watching and Disrespect bonus 1 33 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In the latest 'makersode' of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to the prolific writing duo Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, co-authors of The Nanny Diaries and so much more. With over 6 million copies of their 10 books in print in over 32 languages, Emma and Nicola share their tips and techniques for successful collaborative writing with a partner as well as how it feels to consciously uncouple when the work is done. In the latest 'makersode' of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to the prolific writing duo Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, co-authors of The Nanny Diaries and so much more. With over 6 million copies of their 10 books in print in over 32 languages, Emma and Nicola share their tips and techniques for successful collaborative writing with a partner as well as how it feels to consciously uncouple when the work is done.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the latest 'makersode' of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to the prolific writing duo Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, co-authors of The Nanny Diaries and so much more. With over 6 million copies of their 10 books in print in over 32 languages, Emma and Nicola share their tips and techniques for successful collaborative writing with a partner as well as how it feels to consciously uncouple when the work is done. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3956 yes Creativity Sparks: Flu Apocalypse + A Storytelling of Writers In this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura surprise each other with topics that are sparking their creativity at the moment -- from the flu of 1918 to World War Z, its time to consider the inevitability of the next FLU Apocalypse and the delicate collaboration necessary to participate and thrive in a Storytelling of Writers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Flu Apocalypse + A Storytelling of Writers full 1 32 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura surprise each other with topics that are sparking their creativity at the moment -- from the flu of 1918 to World War Z, its time to consider the inevitability of the next FLU Apocalypse and the delicate collaboration necessary to participate and thrive in a Storytelling of Writers. In this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura surprise each other with topics that are sparking their creativity at the moment -- from the flu of 1918 to World War Z, its time to consider the inevitability of the next FLU Apocalypse and the delicate collaboration necessary to participate and thrive in a Storytelling of Writers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura surprise each other with topics that are sparking their creativity at the moment -- from the flu of 1918 to World War Z, its time to consider the inevitability of the next FLU Apocalypse and the delicate collaboration necessary to participate and thrive in a Storytelling of Writers. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6294 yes Makers: Jonathan Groff Part 2: Hear Me, People of Thebes In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura get another snuggle sesh with the ever-eager Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares how a bad review of his performance in The Bacchae lead him to bring a new level of BDE to the part. Who's the Greek God now? From his belief that "we're all bad at all different points in the process" to his emerging desire to Pay it Forward, it is impossible to not be inspired by the absolute openess and authenticity of our favorite mindhunter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 05 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Jonathan Groff Part 2: Hear Me, People of Thebes bonus 1 31 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura get another snuggle sesh with the ever-eager Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares how a bad review of his performance in The Bacchae lead him to bring a new level of BDE to the part. Who's the Greek God now? From his belief that "we're all bad at all different points in the process" to his emerging desire to Pay it Forward, it is impossible to not be inspired by the absolute openess and authenticity of our favorite mindhunter. In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura get another snuggle sesh with the ever-eager Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares how a bad review of his performance in The Bacchae lead him to bring a new level of BDE to the part. Who's the Greek God now? From his belief that "we're all bad at all different points in the process" to his emerging desire to Pay it Forward, it is impossible to not be inspired by the absolute openess and authenticity of our favorite mindhunter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura get another snuggle sesh with the ever-eager Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares how a bad review of his performance in The Bacchae lead him to bring a new level of BDE to the part. Who's the Greek God now? 
From his belief that "we're all bad at all different points in the process" to his emerging desire to Pay it Forward, it is impossible to not be inspired by the absolute openess and authenticity of our favorite mindhunter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2968 yes Creativity Sparks: Bird by Bird + Honey Boy On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks from their personal spark files: The infinite wisdom and inspiration of Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird and the hopeful possibility of redemption and healing of Shia LaBeouf's Honey Boy. Both sparks speak to the bravery of observing life (your own and others'), taking notes and telling the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 02 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Bird by Bird + Honey Boy full 1 30 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks from their personal spark files: The infinite wisdom and inspiration of Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird and the hopeful possibility of redemption and healing of Shia LaBeouf's Honey Boy. Both sparks speak to the bravery of observing life (your own and others'), taking notes and telling the truth. On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks from their personal spark files: The infinite wisdom and inspiration of Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird and the hopeful possibility of redemption and healing of Shia LaBeouf's Honey Boy. Both sparks speak to the bravery of observing life (your own and others'), taking notes and telling the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks from their personal spark files: The infinite wisdom and inspiration of Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird and the hopeful possibility of redemption and healing of Shia LaBeouf's Honey Boy. Both sparks speak to the bravery of observing life (your own and others'), taking notes and telling the truth.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4878 yes Makers: Jonathan Groff Part 1: Rehearsal Rooms, the O Face, and Telling the Truth In the latest bonus episode from The Spark File, Susan and Laura snuggle up with actor/singer/dancer/truth-teller, Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares his visceral responses to most everything, including his approach to choosing roles and relationships. We talk the bravery of coming out, and the importance of telling one's own truth. CONTENT WARNING: Sexually explicit language Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 28 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Jonathan Groff Part 1: Rehearsal Rooms, the O Face, and Telling the Truth bonus 1 29 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In the latest bonus episode from The Spark File, Susan and Laura snuggle up with actor/singer/dancer/truth-teller, Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares his visceral responses to most everything, including his approach to choosing roles and relationships. We talk the bravery of coming out, and the importance of telling one's own truth. CONTENT WARNING: Sexually explicit language In the latest bonus episode from The Spark File, Susan and Laura snuggle up with actor/singer/dancer/truth-teller, Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares his visceral responses to most everything, including his approach to choosing roles and relationships. We talk the bravery of coming out, and the importance of telling one's own truth. CONTENT WARNING: Sexually explicit language Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the latest bonus episode from The Spark File, Susan and Laura snuggle up with actor/singer/dancer/truth-teller, Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares his visceral responses to most everything, including his approach to choosing roles and relationships. We talk the bravery of coming out, and the importance of telling one's own truth. 

CONTENT WARNING: Sexually explicit language

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2672 yes Creativity Sparks: Armchair Treasure Hunts + But What If It Wasn't? In the latest installment of The Spark File, Susan and Laura deliver two new Creative Sparks -- the thrill of the chase provided by Armchair Treasure Hunts and the endlessly applicable wisdom of The Grinder's 'But What If It Wasn't?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 25 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Armchair Treasure Hunts + But What If It Wasn't? full 1 28 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In the latest installment of The Spark File, Susan and Laura deliver two new Creative Sparks -- the thrill of the chase provided by Armchair Treasure Hunts and the endlessly applicable wisdom of The Grinder's 'But What If It Wasn't?" In the latest installment of The Spark File, Susan and Laura deliver two new Creative Sparks -- the thrill of the chase provided by Armchair Treasure Hunts and the endlessly applicable wisdom of The Grinder's 'But What If It Wasn't?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the latest installment of The Spark File, Susan and Laura deliver two new Creative Sparks -- the thrill of the chase provided by Armchair Treasure Hunts and the endlessly applicable wisdom of The Grinder's 'But What If It Wasn't?"

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5013 yes Makers: Lin-Manuel Miranda Part 2: Creative Misdiagnoses, Passion Projects, and Sensory Seeking This is part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with mega-maker Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lin shares how he restocks his creative fishpond whenever the well runs dry, and reveals his secret to avoiding creative blocks. Find out how he fuels his creativity and gains inspiration from "the sensitive" and "the sensory seeker" in his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 21 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Lin-Manuel Miranda Part 2: Creative Misdiagnoses, Passion Projects, and Sensory Seeking bonus 1 27 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This is part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with mega-maker Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lin shares how he restocks his creative fishpond whenever the well runs dry, and reveals his secret to avoiding creative blocks. Find out how he fuels his creativity and gains inspiration from "the sensitive" and "the sensory seeker" in his life. This is part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with mega-maker Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lin shares how he restocks his creative fishpond whenever the well runs dry, and reveals his secret to avoiding creative blocks. Find out how he fuels his creativity and gains inspiration from "the sensitive" and "the sensory seeker" in his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with mega-maker Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lin shares how he restocks his creative fishpond whenever the well runs dry, and reveals his secret to avoiding creative blocks. Find out how he fuels his creativity and gains inspiration from "the sensitive" and "the sensory seeker" in his life.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1629 yes Creativity Sparks: The Art of Dying Well + Puzzle Peace In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura discuss the therapeutic qualities of puzzling, including the state of creative meditation, and The Art of Dying Well - how talking about and even preparing for death may be the most life-affirming thing we can do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 18 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Art of Dying Well + Puzzle Peace bonus 1 26 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura discuss the therapeutic qualities of puzzling, including the state of creative meditation, and The Art of Dying Well - how talking about and even preparing for death may be the most life-affirming thing we can do. In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura discuss the therapeutic qualities of puzzling, including the state of creative meditation, and The Art of Dying Well - how talking about and even preparing for death may be the most life-affirming thing we can do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura discuss the therapeutic qualities of puzzling, including the state of creative meditation, and The Art of Dying Well - how talking about and even preparing for death may be the most life-affirming thing we can do.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6145 yes Makers: Lin-Manuel Miranda Part 1: Friday Night Meet Ups, The Laundry Room, and Making Space This episode is Part 1 of Susan and Laura's chit chat with writer-performer-director Lin-Manuel Miranda. Whether taking 7 years to write Hamilton, or 7 seconds to spit out a rhyme in the 100% improvised Freestyle Love Supreme, this guy is firing on all pistons. Find out how he uses "time and a deadline" to make it all happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 14 Nov 2019 10:00:00 -0000 Makers: Lin-Manuel Miranda Part 1: Friday Night Meet Ups, The Laundry Room, and Making Space bonus 1 25 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This episode is Part 1 of Susan and Laura's chit chat with writer-performer-director Lin-Manuel Miranda. Whether taking 7 years to write Hamilton, or 7 seconds to spit out a rhyme in the 100% improvised Freestyle Love Supreme, this guy is firing on all pistons. Find out how he uses "time and a deadline" to make it all happen. This episode is Part 1 of Susan and Laura's chit chat with writer-performer-director Lin-Manuel Miranda. Whether taking 7 years to write Hamilton, or 7 seconds to spit out a rhyme in the 100% improvised Freestyle Love Supreme, this guy is firing on all pistons. Find out how he uses "time and a deadline" to make it all happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode is Part 1 of Susan and Laura's chit chat with writer-performer-director Lin-Manuel Miranda. Whether taking 7 years to write Hamilton, or 7 seconds to spit out a rhyme in the 100% improvised Freestyle Love Supreme, this guy is firing on all pistons. Find out how he uses "time and a deadline" to make it all happen.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2142 yes Creativity Sparks AND Makers: Brundibar + The Mad King and Anthony Roth Costanzo: Live from the MET Opera In this very special episode, recorded live from the Metropolitan Opera, Susan and Laura each share opera-inspired sparks of creativity, The Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria, and the intense significance of the opera Brundibar. They also engage in conversation with countertenor, actor, producer, star of the MET Opera's production of Akhnaten, and absolute vocal superhero, Anthony Roth Costanzo. Anthony shares his personal opera origin story, spills all the details about Akhnaten and his mission to bring new audiences to the art form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 08 Nov 2019 07:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks AND Makers: Brundibar + The Mad King and Anthony Roth Costanzo: Live from the MET Opera full 1 24 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this very special episode, recorded live from the Metropolitan Opera, Susan and Laura each share opera-inspired sparks of creativity, The Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria, and the intense significance of the opera Brundibar. They also engage in conversation with countertenor, actor, producer, star of the MET Opera's production of Akhnaten, and absolute vocal superhero, Anthony Roth Costanzo. Anthony shares his personal opera origin story, spills all the details about Akhnaten and his mission to ... In this very special episode, recorded live from the Metropolitan Opera, Susan and Laura each share opera-inspired sparks of creativity, The Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria, and the intense significance of the opera Brundibar. They also engage in conversation with countertenor, actor, producer, star of the MET Opera's production of Akhnaten, and absolute vocal superhero, Anthony Roth Costanzo. Anthony shares his personal opera origin story, spills all the details about Akhnaten and his mission to bring new audiences to the art form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this very special episode, recorded live from the Metropolitan Opera, Susan and Laura each share opera-inspired sparks of creativity, The Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria, and the intense significance of the opera Brundibar. They also engage in conversation with countertenor, actor, producer, star of the MET Opera's production of Akhnaten, and absolute vocal superhero, Anthony Roth Costanzo. Anthony shares his personal opera origin story, spills all the details about Akhnaten and his mission to bring new audiences to the art form.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5120 yes Makers: Leslie Odom, Jr: The Lion, The Bear, and his Brand New Album, 'Mr' In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Leslie Odom, Jr, on the eve of his new album launch. Leslie reflects on the life lessons learned from 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Francis Turner, mentor Billy Porter, and so many more. Always open to the next challenge, Leslie shares the vulnerability and the joy that comes with truly taking a swing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 07 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Makers: Leslie Odom, Jr: The Lion, The Bear, and his Brand New Album, 'Mr' bonus 1 23 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Leslie Odom, Jr, on the eve of his new album launch. Leslie reflects on the life lessons learned from 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Francis Turner, mentor Billy Porter, and so many more. Always open to the next challenge, Leslie shares the vulnerability and the joy that comes with truly taking a swing. In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Leslie Odom, Jr, on the eve of his new album launch. Leslie reflects on the life lessons learned from 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Francis Turner, mentor Billy Porter, and so many more. Always open to the next challenge, Leslie shares the vulnerability and the joy that comes with truly taking a swing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Leslie Odom, Jr, on the eve of his new album launch. Leslie reflects on the life lessons learned from 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Francis Turner, mentor Billy Porter, and so many more. Always open to the next challenge, Leslie shares the vulnerability and the joy that comes with truly taking a swing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3527 yes Creativity Sparks: Spooky Sparks Special Episode: Aokigahara Forest + Mercedes McCambridge In this special spooky episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share Halloween inspired sparks from the dark side: the eerie calling of Aokigahara Forest in Japan and the spine-chilling true life story of The Exorcist's voice of satan: Mercedes McCambridge.Content Warning: suicide, addiction, violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 04 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Spooky Sparks Special Episode: Aokigahara Forest + Mercedes McCambridge full 1 22 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this special spooky episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share Halloween inspired sparks from the dark side: the eerie calling of Aokigahara Forest in Japan and the spine-chilling true life story of The Exorcist's voice of satan: Mercedes McCambridge. Content Warning: suicide, addiction, violence. In this special spooky episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share Halloween inspired sparks from the dark side: the eerie calling of Aokigahara Forest in Japan and the spine-chilling true life story of The Exorcist's voice of satan: Mercedes McCambridge.Content Warning: suicide, addiction, violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this special spooky episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share Halloween inspired sparks from the dark side: the eerie calling of Aokigahara Forest in Japan and the spine-chilling true life story of The Exorcist's voice of satan: Mercedes McCambridge.
Content Warning: suicide, addiction, violence.

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]]> 5621 yes Makers: Gavin Creel: Creative Sponges and Meaningful Relationships: Live from The Performing Arts Project In this episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project, Susan and Laura talk with TONY Award winner Gavin Creel about making space for creativity, heartbreak, being a sponge, and practicing tiny victories. From tears to flatulence in 30 seconds flat, from the divinity of creation to a creativity inspired case of the sh*ts, this episode has everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 31 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Gavin Creel: Creative Sponges and Meaningful Relationships: Live from The Performing Arts Project bonus 1 21 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project, Susan and Laura talk with TONY Award winner Gavin Creel about making space for creativity, heartbreak, being a sponge, and practicing tiny victories. From tears to flatulence in 30 seconds flat, from the divinity of creation to a creativity inspired case of the sh*ts, this episode has everything. In this episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project, Susan and Laura talk with TONY Award winner Gavin Creel about making space for creativity, heartbreak, being a sponge, and practicing tiny victories. From tears to flatulence in 30 seconds flat, from the divinity of creation to a creativity inspired case of the sh*ts, this episode has everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project, Susan and Laura talk with TONY Award winner Gavin Creel about making space for creativity, heartbreak, being a sponge, and practicing tiny victories. From tears to flatulence in 30 seconds flat, from the divinity of creation to a creativity inspired case of the sh*ts, this episode has everything.

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]]> 2250 yes Creativity Sparks: Lynne Cox + Patricia Douglas: Live from The Performing Arts Project In this very special episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project in North Carolina, Susan and Laura explore the sweeping inspiration of swimmer and author Lynne Cox as well as one of the best kept secrets of the Hollywood studio system era - the legacy of Patricia Douglas.PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes. Please use your discretion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 28 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Lynne Cox + Patricia Douglas: Live from The Performing Arts Project full 1 20 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this very special episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project in North Carolina, Susan and Laura explore the sweeping inspiration of swimmer and author Lynne Cox as well as one of the best kept secrets of the Hollywood studio system era - the legacy of Patricia Douglas. PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes. Please use your discretion. In this very special episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project in North Carolina, Susan and Laura explore the sweeping inspiration of swimmer and author Lynne Cox as well as one of the best kept secrets of the Hollywood studio system era - the legacy of Patricia Douglas.PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes. Please use your discretion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this very special episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project in North Carolina, Susan and Laura explore the sweeping inspiration of swimmer and author Lynne Cox as well as one of the best kept secrets of the Hollywood studio system era - the legacy of Patricia Douglas.

PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes. Please use your discretion.

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]]> 4592 yes Makers: Celia Keenan-Bolger: Authenticity, bridge-building and winning the TONY Award Episode #19 is brimming with sparks of creativity as Susan and Laura talk theater with TONY Award winner, Celia Keenan-Bolger. Celia shares her origin story, how she learned she was a bridge-builder, and the freedom of owning her desire to win a TONY award. Celia's theatrical career spans To Kill a Mockingbird to Glass Menagerie, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Light in the Piazza and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 24 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Celia Keenan-Bolger: Authenticity, bridge-building and winning the TONY Award bonus 1 19 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Episode #19 is brimming with sparks of creativity as Susan and Laura talk theater with TONY Award winner, Celia Keenan-Bolger. Celia shares her origin story, how she learned she was a bridge-builder, and the freedom of owning her desire to win a TONY award. Celia's theatrical career spans To Kill a Mockingbird to Glass Menagerie, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Light in the Piazza and so much more. Episode #19 is brimming with sparks of creativity as Susan and Laura talk theater with TONY Award winner, Celia Keenan-Bolger. Celia shares her origin story, how she learned she was a bridge-builder, and the freedom of owning her desire to win a TONY award. Celia's theatrical career spans To Kill a Mockingbird to Glass Menagerie, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Light in the Piazza and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Episode #19 is brimming with sparks of creativity as Susan and Laura talk theater with TONY Award winner, Celia Keenan-Bolger. Celia shares her origin story, how she learned she was a bridge-builder, and the freedom of owning her desire to win a TONY award. Celia's theatrical career spans To Kill a Mockingbird to Glass Menagerie, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Light in the Piazza and so much more.

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]]> 2227 yes Creativity Sparks: What It Feels Like on the Inside + Lumber Jills In this week's episode of creativity sparks, Susan and Laura discuss their personal quests for authenticity and the dissonance felt when What it Feels Like on the Inside doesn't match What it Looks Like on the Outside. Fresh examples of this dynamic include Game of Thrones's Emilia Clarke, Anne Hathaway's Oscar acceptance, and Marlene Dietrich's cabaret performances. They also find sparks in family history when the discovery of the Women's Timber Corp in the UK during WWII, a.k.s the Lumber Jills leads to a search for a personal connection to the Civilian Conservation Corp in the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 21 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: What It Feels Like on the Inside + Lumber Jills full 1 18 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week's episode of creativity sparks, Susan and Laura discuss their personal quests for authenticity and the dissonance felt when What it Feels Like on the Inside doesn't match What it Looks Like on the Outside. Fresh examples of this dynamic include Game of Thrones's Emilia Clarke, Anne Hathaway's Oscar acceptance, and Marlene Dietrich's cabaret performances. They also find sparks in family history when the discovery of the Women's Timber Corp in the UK during WWII, a.k.s the Lumber J... In this week's episode of creativity sparks, Susan and Laura discuss their personal quests for authenticity and the dissonance felt when What it Feels Like on the Inside doesn't match What it Looks Like on the Outside. Fresh examples of this dynamic include Game of Thrones's Emilia Clarke, Anne Hathaway's Oscar acceptance, and Marlene Dietrich's cabaret performances. They also find sparks in family history when the discovery of the Women's Timber Corp in the UK during WWII, a.k.s the Lumber Jills leads to a search for a personal connection to the Civilian Conservation Corp in the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's episode of creativity sparks, Susan and Laura discuss their personal quests for authenticity and the dissonance felt when What it Feels Like on the Inside doesn't match What it Looks Like on the Outside. Fresh examples of this dynamic include Game of Thrones's Emilia Clarke, Anne Hathaway's Oscar acceptance, and Marlene Dietrich's cabaret performances. They also find sparks in family history when the discovery of the Women's Timber Corp in the UK during WWII, a.k.s the Lumber Jills leads to a search for a personal connection to the Civilian Conservation Corp in the US.

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]]> 3812 yes Makers: Julianne Moore and Bart Freudlich Part 2: Because 60/40 was already taken Part Two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore and filmmaker Bart Freundlich. These two award winning creatives discuss their union of creative endeavors, dealing with perceived failure, their shared production company and things they need to do before they're done.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Oct 2019 13:00:00 -0000 Makers: Julianne Moore and Bart Freudlich Part 2: Because 60/40 was already taken bonus 1 17 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Part Two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore and filmmaker Bart Freundlich. These two award winning creatives discuss their union of creative endeavors, dealing with perceived failure, their shared production company and things they need to do before they're done. Part Two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore and filmmaker Bart Freundlich. These two award winning creatives discuss their union of creative endeavors, dealing with perceived failure, their shared production company and things they need to do before they're done.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Part Two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore and filmmaker Bart Freundlich. These two award winning creatives discuss their union of creative endeavors, dealing with perceived failure, their shared production company and things they need to do before they're done. 

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]]> 2852 yes Creativity Sparks: John Kenley + The Unthought Known This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dish up two lively and thought-provoking sparks -- the legacy of the summer stock pioneer, legendary theatrical producer John Kenley and The Unthought Known -- things we know to be true, but can not allow ourselves to think about, a concept illustrated by Dani Shapiro in her book, Inheritance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 14 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: John Kenley + The Unthought Known full 1 16 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dish up two lively and thought-provoking sparks -- the legacy of the summer stock pioneer, legendary theatrical producer John Kenley and The Unthought Known -- things we know to be true, but can not allow ourselves to think about, a concept illustrated by Dani Shapiro in her book, Inheritance. This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dish up two lively and thought-provoking sparks -- the legacy of the summer stock pioneer, legendary theatrical producer John Kenley and The Unthought Known -- things we know to be true, but can not allow ourselves to think about, a concept illustrated by Dani Shapiro in her book, Inheritance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dish up two lively and thought-provoking sparks -- the legacy of the summer stock pioneer, legendary theatrical producer John Kenley and The Unthought Known -- things we know to be true, but can not allow ourselves to think about, a concept illustrated by Dani Shapiro in her book, Inheritance.

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]]> 4845 yes Makers: Julianne Moore and Bart Freudlich Part 1: Cooking Branzino and Diving In Head First Susan and Laura sit down with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore (Still Alice, The Hunger Games, Far From Heaven, The Kids are All Right, After the Wedding) and writer/director/filmmaker Bart Freundlich (The Myth of Fingerprints, Wolves, After the Wedding). Award winning creatives in their own right, they also merge creative endeavors with marriage and parenthood. In Part One of our conversation, we learn what creative risks Julianne and Bart have been taking recently, how they mix their personal and creative energies and what makes for a creatively satisfying experience.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Julianne Moore and Bart Freudlich Part 1: Cooking Branzino and Diving In Head First bonus 1 15 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan and Laura sit down with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore (Still Alice, The Hunger Games, Far From Heaven, The Kids are All Right, After the Wedding) and writer/director/filmmaker Bart Freundlich (The Myth of Fingerprints, Wolves, After the Wedding). Award winning creatives in their own right, they also merge creative endeavors with marriage and parenthood. In Part One of our conversation, we learn what creative risks Julianne and Bart have been taking recently, how they mix their pe... Susan and Laura sit down with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore (Still Alice, The Hunger Games, Far From Heaven, The Kids are All Right, After the Wedding) and writer/director/filmmaker Bart Freundlich (The Myth of Fingerprints, Wolves, After the Wedding). Award winning creatives in their own right, they also merge creative endeavors with marriage and parenthood. In Part One of our conversation, we learn what creative risks Julianne and Bart have been taking recently, how they mix their personal and creative energies and what makes for a creatively satisfying experience.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan and Laura sit down with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore (Still Alice, The Hunger Games, Far From Heaven, The Kids are All Right, After the Wedding) and writer/director/filmmaker Bart Freundlich (The Myth of Fingerprints, Wolves, After the Wedding). Award winning creatives in their own right, they also merge creative endeavors with marriage and parenthood. In Part One of our conversation, we learn what creative risks Julianne and Bart have been taking recently, how they mix their personal and creative energies and what makes for a creatively satisfying experience. 

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]]> 2309 yes Creativity Sparks: The Full Sanpaku + @cheapoldhouses Susan and Laura serve up a load of creativity sparks this week examining Theranos, Elizabeth Holmes and the legacy of the full Sanpaku along with the seemingly universal dream of acreage, Fixer Uppers and @cheapoldhouses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Oct 2019 10:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: The Full Sanpaku + @cheapoldhouses full 1 14 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan and Laura serve up a load of creativity sparks this week examining Theranos, Elizabeth Holmes and the legacy of the full Sanpaku along with the seemingly universal dream of acreage, Fixer Uppers and @cheapoldhouses. Susan and Laura serve up a load of creativity sparks this week examining Theranos, Elizabeth Holmes and the legacy of the full Sanpaku along with the seemingly universal dream of acreage, Fixer Uppers and @cheapoldhouses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan and Laura serve up a load of creativity sparks this week examining Theranos, Elizabeth Holmes and the legacy of the full Sanpaku along with the seemingly universal dream of acreage, Fixer Uppers and @cheapoldhouses.

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]]> 4251 yes Makers: Rodney Evans: Vision Portraits, Liminal Space and Truth-telling In this week's maker-sode, Susan and Laura talk with award-winning filmmaker Rodney Evans about his very personal documentary, Vision Portraits. Rodney shares the details of his loss of vision and and what it means to be a blind or visually impaired creative artist. Rodney shares the power of channeling his fear into his creativity, illuminates the difference between sight and vision, and shares his belief that going blind just might create new ways of seeing. According to The New York Times, Vision Portraits “has the power, however briefly, to alter your perception." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 03 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Rodney Evans: Vision Portraits, Liminal Space and Truth-telling bonus 1 13 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this week's maker-sode, Susan and Laura talk with award-winning filmmaker Rodney Evans about his very personal documentary, Vision Portraits. Rodney shares the details of his loss of vision and and what it means to be a blind or visually impaired creative artist. Rodney shares the power of channeling his fear into his creativity, illuminates the difference between sight and vision, and shares his belief that going blind just might create new ways of seeing. According to The New York Times,... In this week's maker-sode, Susan and Laura talk with award-winning filmmaker Rodney Evans about his very personal documentary, Vision Portraits. Rodney shares the details of his loss of vision and and what it means to be a blind or visually impaired creative artist. Rodney shares the power of channeling his fear into his creativity, illuminates the difference between sight and vision, and shares his belief that going blind just might create new ways of seeing. According to The New York Times, Vision Portraits “has the power, however briefly, to alter your perception." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this week's maker-sode, Susan and Laura talk with award-winning filmmaker Rodney Evans about his very personal documentary, Vision Portraits. Rodney shares the details of his loss of vision and and what it means to be a blind or visually impaired creative artist. Rodney shares the power of channeling his fear into his creativity, illuminates the difference between sight and vision, and shares his belief that going blind just might create new ways of seeing. According to The New York Times, Vision Portraits “has the power, however briefly, to alter your perception."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1949 yes Creativity Sparks: Golden Palace + Poet Mary Oliver In this Creativity Sparks episode, co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien discuss the original spark that inspired Susan to write the piece 'Golden Palace" for the Off-Broadway show NOW.HERE.THIS at the Vineyard Theatre, as well as the overflowing gift of sparks poet Mary Oliver left for the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 30 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Golden Palace + Poet Mary Oliver full 1 12 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this Creativity Sparks episode, co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien discuss the original spark that inspired Susan to write the piece 'Golden Palace" for the Off-Broadway show NOW.HERE.THIS at the Vineyard Theatre, as well as the overflowing gift of sparks poet Mary Oliver left for the world. In this Creativity Sparks episode, co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien discuss the original spark that inspired Susan to write the piece 'Golden Palace" for the Off-Broadway show NOW.HERE.THIS at the Vineyard Theatre, as well as the overflowing gift of sparks poet Mary Oliver left for the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this Creativity Sparks episode, co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien discuss the original spark that inspired Susan to write the piece 'Golden Palace" for the Off-Broadway show NOW.HERE.THIS at the Vineyard Theatre, as well as the overflowing gift of sparks poet Mary Oliver left for the world.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4240 yes Makers: Zachary Quinto Pt 2: Inspired Collaboration, Theater and Creative Aspirations Part Two of a conversation between co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Get to know the thoughtful, original mind of this prolific maker as he shares experiences from a creative life full of blockbuster films (Star Trek), television hits (Heroes, American Horror Story), Broadway theater (Boys in the Band, Glass Menagerie), and his personal off the beaten path Netflix options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 26 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Zachary Quinto Pt 2: Inspired Collaboration, Theater and Creative Aspirations bonus 1 11 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Part Two of a conversation between co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Get to know the thoughtful, original mind of this prolific maker as he shares experiences from a creative life full of blockbuster films (Star Trek), television hits (Heroes, American Horror Story), Broadway theater (Boys in the Band, Glass Menagerie), and his personal off the beaten path Netflix options. Part Two of a conversation between co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Get to know the thoughtful, original mind of this prolific maker as he shares experiences from a creative life full of blockbuster films (Star Trek), television hits (Heroes, American Horror Story), Broadway theater (Boys in the Band, Glass Menagerie), and his personal off the beaten path Netflix options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Part Two of a conversation between co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Get to know the thoughtful, original mind of this prolific maker as he shares experiences from a creative life full of blockbuster films (Star Trek), television hits (Heroes, American Horror Story), Broadway theater (Boys in the Band, Glass Menagerie), and his personal off the beaten path Netflix options.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2232 yes Creativity Sparks: Survivors of Larry Nassar + Reservoir Noir In this episode of The Spark File, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien discuss a dark spark -- the legacy of Larry Nassar and the powerful, inspiring army of survivors and champions who told their stories, including Katelyn Ohashi, Lindsey Smith, Valorie Kondos Field, Rachael Denhollander and Kate Wells. They also look beneath the surface of Reservoir Noir and the spark-filled stories of towns that drowned. From Andrew Carnegie's South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and the South Fork Dam causing the tragic flooding of Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the American Corp of Engineers intentionally flooding towns such as Willow Grove, Tennessee in order to form Dale Hollow Lake.PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes (physical abuse, sexual abuse, suicide, body issues). Please use your discretion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 23 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Survivors of Larry Nassar + Reservoir Noir full 1 10 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien In this episode of The Spark File, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien discuss a dark spark -- the legacy of Larry Nassar and the powerful, inspiring army of survivors and champions who told their stories, including Katelyn Ohashi, Lindsey Smith, Valorie Kondos Field, Rachael Denhollander and Kate Wells. They also look beneath the surface of Reservoir Noir and the spark-filled stories of towns that drowned. From Andrew Carnegie's South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and the South Fork Dam causing... In this episode of The Spark File, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien discuss a dark spark -- the legacy of Larry Nassar and the powerful, inspiring army of survivors and champions who told their stories, including Katelyn Ohashi, Lindsey Smith, Valorie Kondos Field, Rachael Denhollander and Kate Wells. They also look beneath the surface of Reservoir Noir and the spark-filled stories of towns that drowned. From Andrew Carnegie's South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and the South Fork Dam causing the tragic flooding of Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the American Corp of Engineers intentionally flooding towns such as Willow Grove, Tennessee in order to form Dale Hollow Lake.PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes (physical abuse, sexual abuse, suicide, body issues). Please use your discretion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode of The Spark File, Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien discuss a dark spark -- the legacy of Larry Nassar and the powerful, inspiring army of survivors and champions who told their stories, including Katelyn Ohashi, Lindsey Smith, Valorie Kondos Field, Rachael Denhollander and Kate Wells. They also look beneath the surface of Reservoir Noir and the spark-filled stories of towns that drowned. From Andrew Carnegie's South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and the South Fork Dam causing the tragic flooding of Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the American Corp of Engineers intentionally flooding towns such as Willow Grove, Tennessee in order to form Dale Hollow Lake.
PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes (physical abuse, sexual abuse, suicide, body issues). Please use your discretion.

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]]> 4350 yes Makers: Zachary Quinto Pt 1: Uncertainty, Inspiration and Authenticity Part One of a conversation between co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and prolific actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Zach gives us the 411 on his backstory, key moments in his creative career, and how "uncertainty" can be the most enticing guide. Zach takes us from Broadway to television to blockbuster films, Glass Menagerie to American Horror Story to Star Trek and well beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Makers: Zachary Quinto Pt 1: Uncertainty, Inspiration and Authenticity bonus 1 9 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Part One of a conversation between co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and prolific actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Zach gives us the 411 on his backstory, key moments in his creative career, and how "uncertainty" can be the most enticing guide. Zach takes us from Broadway to television to blockbuster films, Glass Menagerie to American Horror Story to Star Trek and well beyond. Part One of a conversation between co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and prolific actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Zach gives us the 411 on his backstory, key moments in his creative career, and how "uncertainty" can be the most enticing guide. Zach takes us from Broadway to television to blockbuster films, Glass Menagerie to American Horror Story to Star Trek and well beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Part One of a conversation between co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien and prolific actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Zach gives us the 411 on his backstory, key moments in his creative career, and how "uncertainty" can be the most enticing guide. Zach takes us from Broadway to television to blockbuster films, Glass Menagerie to American Horror Story to Star Trek and well beyond.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2450 yes Creativity Sparks: Little House on the Prairie + Speak the Mokita Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien serve up some delicious creative sparks in the form of little-known controversies surrounding the beloved Little House on the Prairie series and its author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. We also explore the Mokita -- the truth everyone knows but no one will talk about -- how it defines our work cultures and how it can be used to great dramatic (or comedic) effect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 16 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Little House on the Prairie + Speak the Mokita full 1 8 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien serve up some delicious creative sparks in the form of little-known controversies surrounding the beloved Little House on the Prairie series and its author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. We also explore the Mokita -- the truth everyone knows but no one will talk about -- how it defines our work cultures and how it can be used to great dramatic (or comedic) effect. Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien serve up some delicious creative sparks in the form of little-known controversies surrounding the beloved Little House on the Prairie series and its author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. We also explore the Mokita -- the truth everyone knows but no one will talk about -- how it defines our work cultures and how it can be used to great dramatic (or comedic) effect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien serve up some delicious creative sparks in the form of little-known controversies surrounding the beloved Little House on the Prairie series and its author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. We also explore the Mokita -- the truth everyone knows but no one will talk about -- how it defines our work cultures and how it can be used to great dramatic (or comedic) effect.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4377 yes Makers: Sara Bareilles Part 1: Creative Risks, Songwriting and Broadway Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien talk to favorite songwriter, actor, producer, author and all around prolific creator, Sara Bareilles. Hear how Sara tackles the fear of not knowing, and how she continues to thrive creatively regardless of bouts with anxiety and depression. From Grammy, TONY, and EMMY Award nominations to glorious collaborations, Sara gives us real talk about living the creative life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:00:00 -0000 Makers: Sara Bareilles Part 1: Creative Risks, Songwriting and Broadway bonus 1 6 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien talk to favorite songwriter, actor, producer, author and all around prolific creator, Sara Bareilles. Hear how Sara tackles the fear of not knowing, and how she continues to thrive creatively regardless of bouts with anxiety and depression. From Grammy, TONY, and EMMY Award nominations to glorious collaborations, Sara gives us real talk about living the creative life. Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien talk to favorite songwriter, actor, producer, author and all around prolific creator, Sara Bareilles. Hear how Sara tackles the fear of not knowing, and how she continues to thrive creatively regardless of bouts with anxiety and depression. From Grammy, TONY, and EMMY Award nominations to glorious collaborations, Sara gives us real talk about living the creative life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien talk to favorite songwriter, actor, producer, author and all around prolific creator, Sara Bareilles. Hear how Sara tackles the fear of not knowing, and how she continues to thrive creatively regardless of bouts with anxiety and depression. From Grammy, TONY, and EMMY Award nominations to glorious collaborations, Sara gives us real talk about living the creative life.

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]]> 1542 yes Bonus: What is a Spark File and Why Every Creative Needs One Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien serve up the basics of The Spark File podcast -- what is a Spark File? What do you put in it? and why does every creative need one? From the visual artists to performing artists, writers, dancers, filmmakers, instagramers -- artists, makers and creators of all kinds need to restock our creative fishponds and build a reserve of ideas and inspirations. Listen, then take it and make it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:00:00 -0000 Bonus: What is a Spark File and Why Every Creative Needs One bonus 1 5 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien serve up the basics of The Spark File podcast -- what is a Spark File? What do you put in it? and why does every creative need one? From the visual artists to performing artists, writers, dancers, filmmakers, instagramers -- artists, makers and creators of all kinds need to restock our creative fishponds and build a reserve of ideas and inspirations. Listen, then take it and make it! Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien serve up the basics of The Spark File podcast -- what is a Spark File? What do you put in it? and why does every creative need one? From the visual artists to performing artists, writers, dancers, filmmakers, instagramers -- artists, makers and creators of all kinds need to restock our creative fishponds and build a reserve of ideas and inspirations. Listen, then take it and make it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien serve up the basics of The Spark File podcast -- what is a Spark File? What do you put in it? and why does every creative need one? From the visual artists to performing artists, writers, dancers, filmmakers, instagramers -- artists, makers and creators of all kinds need to restock our creative fishponds and build a reserve of ideas and inspirations. Listen, then take it and make it!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2020 yes Makers: Sara Bareilles Pt 2: Anxiety and Inspirations This is the second helping of creative conversation with master creator, Sara Bareilles. Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien dig in deeper to hear what is next for Sara and what is inspiring her now. From Grammy, TONY, and EMMY Award nominations to glorious collaborations, Sara gives us real talk about living the creative life as a singer, songwriter, author, producer and performer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:00:00 -0000 Makers: Sara Bareilles Pt 2: Anxiety and Inspirations bonus 1 7 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien This is the second helping of creative conversation with master creator, Sara Bareilles. Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien dig in deeper to hear what is next for Sara and what is inspiring her now. From Grammy, TONY, and EMMY Award nominations to glorious collaborations, Sara gives us real talk about living the creative life as a singer, songwriter, author, producer and performer. This is the second helping of creative conversation with master creator, Sara Bareilles. Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien dig in deeper to hear what is next for Sara and what is inspiring her now. From Grammy, TONY, and EMMY Award nominations to glorious collaborations, Sara gives us real talk about living the creative life as a singer, songwriter, author, producer and performer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the second helping of creative conversation with master creator, Sara Bareilles. Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien dig in deeper to hear what is next for Sara and what is inspiring her now. From Grammy, TONY, and EMMY Award nominations to glorious collaborations, Sara gives us real talk about living the creative life as a singer, songwriter, author, producer and performer.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1198 yes Creativity Sparks: Breaking Up with Tech + Free Solo Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien once again surprise each other with ideas and inspiration from their personal creative spark files. They explore the benefits of breaking up with technology and the impact it could have on your outlook, your productivity, and your creativity. And they discuss the sparks within the award-winning documentary film, Free Solo, looking at the parallels between a life-threatening solo climb of El Capitan and the emotional risk-taking of an artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Sep 2019 20:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Breaking Up with Tech + Free Solo full 1 4 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien once again surprise each other with ideas and inspiration from their personal creative spark files. They explore the benefits of breaking up with technology and the impact it could have on your outlook, your productivity, and your creativity. And they discuss the sparks within the award-winning documentary film, Free Solo, looking at the parallels between a life-threatening solo climb of El Capitan and the emotional risk-taking of an artist. Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien once again surprise each other with ideas and inspiration from their personal creative spark files. They explore the benefits of breaking up with technology and the impact it could have on your outlook, your productivity, and your creativity. And they discuss the sparks within the award-winning documentary film, Free Solo, looking at the parallels between a life-threatening solo climb of El Capitan and the emotional risk-taking of an artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Co-hosts Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien once again surprise each other with ideas and inspiration from their personal creative spark files. They explore the benefits of breaking up with technology and the impact it could have on your outlook, your productivity, and your creativity. And they discuss the sparks within the award-winning documentary film, Free Solo, looking at the parallels between a life-threatening solo climb of El Capitan and the emotional risk-taking of an artist.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5944 yes Creativity Sparks: John Mulaney on Failure + Nine Enders Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien share two new sparks of inspiration from their creative spark files. John Mulaney's interview on You Made It Weird and his personal experiences with failure (perceived or otherwise) give hope to everyone who has ever attempted to create something. There is strength to be gained from Robert F. Kennedy, John Mulaney and others who have lived through public defeat. Meanwhile, who knew the number 9 might be the reason why you (or the characters you are writing) behave the way you do. The nine-enders just might be the character motivation you were looking for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Sep 2019 18:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: John Mulaney on Failure + Nine Enders full 1 3 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien share two new sparks of inspiration from their creative spark files. John Mulaney's interview on You Made It Weird and his personal experiences with failure (perceived or otherwise) give hope to everyone who has ever attempted to create something. There is strength to be gained from Robert F. Kennedy, John Mulaney and others who have lived through public defeat. Meanwhile, who knew the number 9 might be the reason why you (or the characters you are writing) be... Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien share two new sparks of inspiration from their creative spark files. John Mulaney's interview on You Made It Weird and his personal experiences with failure (perceived or otherwise) give hope to everyone who has ever attempted to create something. There is strength to be gained from Robert F. Kennedy, John Mulaney and others who have lived through public defeat. Meanwhile, who knew the number 9 might be the reason why you (or the characters you are writing) behave the way you do. The nine-enders just might be the character motivation you were looking for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien share two new sparks of inspiration from their creative spark files. John Mulaney's interview on You Made It Weird and his personal experiences with failure (perceived or otherwise) give hope to everyone who has ever attempted to create something. There is strength to be gained from Robert F. Kennedy, John Mulaney and others who have lived through public defeat. Meanwhile, who knew the number 9 might be the reason why you (or the characters you are writing) behave the way you do. The nine-enders just might be the character motivation you were looking for.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4653 yes Creativity Sparks: Hilma af Klint + The Diderot Effect Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien reach into their personal Spark Files and share inspiration from artist Hilma af Klint, a woman whose other-worldly work was way ahead of her time (and her male contemporaries'), and their fascination with the The Diderot Effect, and how one man's spiraling consumption became his enduring legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 09 Sep 2019 14:00:00 -0000 Creativity Sparks: Hilma af Klint + The Diderot Effect full 1 2 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien reach into their personal Spark Files and share inspiration from artist Hilma af Klint, a woman whose other-worldly work was way ahead of her time (and her male contemporaries'), and their fascination with the The Diderot Effect, and how one man's spiraling consumption became his enduring legacy. Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien reach into their personal Spark Files and share inspiration from artist Hilma af Klint, a woman whose other-worldly work was way ahead of her time (and her male contemporaries'), and their fascination with the The Diderot Effect, and how one man's spiraling consumption became his enduring legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien reach into their personal Spark Files and share inspiration from artist Hilma af Klint, a woman whose other-worldly work was way ahead of her time (and her male contemporaries'), and their fascination with the The Diderot Effect, and how one man's spiraling consumption became his enduring legacy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4832 yes Trailer: Creating The Spark File theme song A lot goes into writing a brief, catchy theme song. On the debut episode of The Spark File, Susan Blackwell + Laura Camien share the origin story of their opening theme song, featuring Gavin Creel, Lilah Guaragna, Sophie Hearn, and The Performing Arts Project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sun, 01 Sep 2019 15:00:00 -0000 Trailer: Creating The Spark File theme song trailer 1 1 Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien A lot goes into writing a brief, catchy theme song. On the debut episode of The Spark File, Susan Blackwell + Laura Camien share the origin story of their opening theme song, featuring Gavin Creel, Lilah Guaragna, Sophie Hearn, and The Performing Arts Project. A lot goes into writing a brief, catchy theme song. On the debut episode of The Spark File, Susan Blackwell + Laura Camien share the origin story of their opening theme song, featuring Gavin Creel, Lilah Guaragna, Sophie Hearn, and The Performing Arts Project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A lot goes into writing a brief, catchy theme song. On the debut episode of The Spark File, Susan Blackwell + Laura Camien share the origin story of their opening theme song, featuring Gavin Creel, Lilah Guaragna, Sophie Hearn, and The Performing Arts Project.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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