For the Love of Creatives: Unlocking the Power of Community

What happens when we stop running from our pain and instead race toward it with open arms? In this soul-stirring conversation with artist Mark Russell Jones, we discover how embracing our deepest wounds can transform not just our art, but our very humanity.

Mark's journey into authentic artistic expression wasn’t linear. Coming from a working-class background where art was relegated to "hobby status," he initially pur...

What does it mean to live a life driven by boundless curiosity? Surtzy takes us on an extraordinary journey through her creative existence, where each day brings a new project and every experience becomes potential artistic fuel.

From crafting avant-garde moss shoes for sustainable fashion shows to performing as an aerialist, Surtzy embodies the spirit of fearless exploration. Her story begins at just four years old, when her parent...

"You've got to have the fire." These words from metal artist Eric Breish capture the essence of the creative journey—that inexplicable burning passion that pulls you back to your craft even after declaring "I'm done" just a day before.

Eric's path to becoming a full-time artist winds through unexpected territory. From Marine Corps service to IT work to audio engineering, he eventually discovered hi...

What happens when you create art purely from your soul, without worrying if it will sell? For Christi Meril, that authentic approach became the foundation of a thriving artistic career she never planned to have.

In this captivating conversation, Christi shares how a simple act of love—creating a handmade menorah for friends—unexpectedly launched her journey as a multidimensional artist. Despite no formal training, she&apos...

The way you live your life is an act of art. This profound truth forms the foundation of our conversation with writer Jennifer Locke, who shares how creativity became the organizing principle guiding her journey—from shy college student avoiding creative writing classes to professional ghostwriter and aspiring novelist.

Jennifer reveals the delicate balance of pursuing artistic passion while managing family life with three young chi...

Sara Sparky Baumann's creative journey demolishes the myth that artists must struggle financially. Born into a family of artists but pushed toward traditional careers by her Iranian mother, Sara pursued occupational therapy while nurturing her art on the side. The pandemic became a turning point—witnessing life’s fragility in healthcare settings sparked her resolve to follow what truly fulfilled her.

What sets Sara apart isn’t ...

What happens when a creative refuses to choose between passion and practicality? Tony Hale III, professional actor and corporate tech professional, shatters the myth that artists must struggle or sacrifice to pursue their craft.

Growing up watching classic films with his grandfather in Memphis, Tony's path to acting wasn't straightforward. A fateful high school elective class introduced him to theater, where his teacher im...

What happens when we refuse to fit the mold others created for us? Keke Brooks, a musical theater performer and psychology student, joins us for a soul-stirring conversation about turning pain into passion through creative expression.

Keke opens her heart about growing up as a preacher's kid who "never felt like she fit in," struggling with social anxiety and ADHD while simultaneously developing her gifts as...

Ever dismissed your natural talents because they come easily to you? That’s exactly what creativity coach Jill Allison Bryan wants you to stop doing. "When we do something well or have done it a long time, we discount it," she explains, encouraging us instead to celebrate these gifts.

Through an engaging conversation with hosts Dwight and Maddox, Jill shares her remarkable journey from Nashville advertising copywriter to C...

Anna Irvine's life trajectory changed forever when her Bulgarian aunt delivered a simple but profound diagnosis during her darkest mental health struggle: "You don't have a community." This revelation sparked a transformative journey from corporate rigidity to becoming one of Dallas's most passionate art advocates and community builders.

Born in Bulgaria during post-communist turmoil, Anna's f...

What happens when your passion collides with cultural expectations? Mukund Kuntimad's journey from computer science student to professional animator reveals the transformative power of persistence and creative community.

Growing up with Indian immigrant parents in Texas, Mukund faced the subtle pressure many children of immigrants know well—the unspoken expectation to pursue "practical" careers. His story isn't a...

A revolutionary approach to mental health emerges through Sherry James's powerful concept of "Creating Mental Wealth." Drawing from her 30+ years in corporate America and personal journey through profound loss, Sherry introduces us to a framework that transforms how we understand our emotional well-being.

The magic of Sherry's method lies in its accessibility—she teaches people to treat mental health li...

What happens when you stop giving your power away to other people's opinions and fully embrace your creative self? April Chavez, host of the Wellness Driven Life Show and CEO of Driven Living LLC, shares her remarkable journey from survival mode to creative thriving in this illuminating conversation.

April's path hasn't been easy – navigating systemic lupus since childhood, working in male-dominated fields l...

In a world that often celebrates individualism, Marissa Heyl's creative entrepreneurial journey reveals something profoundly different: the extraordinary power of community. As program manager for SMU's Social Impact Lab and founder of multiple ventures, Marissa shares how connection has fueled her ability to pivot through life’s biggest challenges.

The spark that ignited Marissa's path came during a transformative co...

Rich Wright's powerful journey from darkness to hope will resonate with anyone who has struggled with mental health while pursuing artistic passions. After surviving a suicide attempt and twelve weeks of intensive treatment, Rich realized traditional psychiatry couldn't provide the answers he needed, sparking his quest for alternative healing that transformed his life.

Rich shares his career transitions—from fashion design...

When 12-year-old Amber Goodwin discovered glass painting in Pakistan, she couldn't have known her creative journey would require breaking free from cultural expectations, an arranged marriage, and toxic artistic communities before finding her authentic voice.

Growing up in a traditional household where art was "just a hobby," Amber faced immense pressure to pursue conventional careers despite her passion fo...

When tragedy struck Andrea Lamarsaude's life in 2014—her family home burned to the ground, taking everything including beloved pets—she turned to art as therapy. What began as painting at her dining room table transformed into a journey that would eventually lead her to create Art on Main, a thriving community space in Dallas housing 22 artists with regular exhibitions.

"Don't be overwhelmed by marketing you...

Join us for a powerful conversation with Berend McKenzie, who candidly shares his journey through creativity, resilience, and the vital importance of community. In this episode, we explore how Berend's early challenges, including struggles with ADHD and past traumas, propelled him toward the arts and shaped his identity as a creative. 

Berend opens up about mentors who guided him on his path, demonstrating how crucial...

What happens when a childhood dream sparked by Diana Ross in The Wiz becomes a lifelong mission? Teresa Coleman Walsh, a powerhouse in Dallas's theater scene, shares her inspiring journey from broadcast advertising to leading a thriving community theater. A game-changing 10,000-square-foot building donation empowered her to expand programs, foster creativity, and navigate economic challenges.

Teresa's focus on financial ma...