In this episode, we sit down with artist and educator Ben Sowards to explore what it means to grow into the kind of creator only you can become. As a designer for the U.S. Mint, Sowards has created coins and medals for the Bush, Reagan, and Trump families, and his commissioned portraits and paintings hang in collections around the world—yet his focus remains on the deep intention behind art itself and the quiet discipline of shaping meaning. He reflects on how early encouragement, and persistent practice shaped his path. We also discuss the role of AI in creative fields and why it still can’t replace the value of human intention. Sowards reminds us that most of what we create won’t be great—but every sketch, every attempt, moves us closer to something meaningful. He connects this purest form of art to every profession and to the broader work of developing character. Whether you're raising an artist, mentoring one, or refining your own path, this conversation offers a clear and hopeful message: keep going. Be passionate. You have something to offer this world that only you can give.
Show Notes:
1. If you want to learn more about the American Classroom podcast, please visit
AmericanClassroom.Show https://americanclassroom.show/
2. To learn more about or take a tour of the great schools mentioned in this episode, visit Heritage Academy https://heritageacademyaz.com/ or Paul Revere Academy https://paulrevere.tech/
3. Ben Sowards Website: https://www.bensowards-artist.com
4. Southern Utah University Studio Arts Program: https://www.suu.edu/degrees/bachelor/studio-arts.html
5. Sponsored by: Heritage Academy, downtown Mesa campus- www.hamesa.com
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.