S1E1: Boyd McDonnell - Exploring the Rhythm of Life: Creativity and the Transformative Power of Music

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For the inaugural episode of the podcast, I'm joined by my husband, Boyd McDonnell. In this conversation he explores his relationship with music and creativity. Boyd reflects on his early years growing up in a home where music was the heart of the family, influenced heavily by his jazz sax player father. He recalls being mandated to learn piano at an early age, which unknowingly, became a crucial stepping stone in his journey towards becoming a musician. The joy of creating with his brothers and the eventual realization of his passion for music in college, adds to the richness of his musical journey.

Boyd shares how his experiences with friends, especially Ed Jewell and Chris Gallagher, have significantly shaped his understanding of creativity and the concept of 'flow'. Their shared passion for music led to insightful conversations that have helped Boyd embrace the importance of living authentically and appreciating the creative process, irrespective of the outcome. Boyd shares valuable insights about the role of creativity in our lives and the importance of finding joy in the making, regardless of the result.

Finally, we explore the struggles and rewards that come with creative expression, along with the power of parental influence in shaping creative potential. Boyd talks about the importance of embracing limitations and letting go of expectations during the creative process. He stresses the importance of discipline in pursuing creative projects, even amidst other demands. Boyd also shares how his father's connection to music and his commitment to authenticity continue to inspire him and his family. He reflects on the transformative power of music and creativity, providing a deeper understanding of their influence on our lives.

What We Explored This Episode

(00:01) - Discovering Music and Creativity

(11:02) - Finding Deep Flow and Creativity Connection

(16:11) - The Joy and Authenticity of Creativity

(24:18) - Navigating Self-Doubt and Embracing Limitations

(40:40) - The Power of Music and Creativity

(47:58) - Working Through Creative Struggles and Rewards

(01:01:18) - Creative Expression and Parental Influence

Memorable Quotes

"My dad was a musician. He was a jazz sax player all through his youth and into his 30s. He played in clubs even as he was starting a family. He was going through business school and working a job a banking job that he ended up having for 30 years, but music was always really what his love was."

"I think that natural message that was communicated to us through action and existence was joy around music. You know, it was just like pure joy that he got out of music, and so that became woven into my psyche, whether I knew it or not at the time."

"I started feeling really connected to music because I was learning stuff that I was excited about. I'd been playing guitar for a year, maybe two years, and I wasn't very good, I was still really rudimentary, but I knew that I was interested in it."

Resources Mentioned

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Act-Way-Being/dp/0593652886

Jon Batiste Website: https://www.jonbatiste.com/

Bob Dylan Website: https://www.bobdylan.com/

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: