In this episode of Out of the Clouds, host Anne Mühlethaler interviews André Anderson, an author, educator, and the founder of Freedom and Balance art college. Anne first encountered Andre during his impactful TEDx talk at Hackney Empire in London and was immediately drawn to his innovative approach to storytelling.
André tells Anne about his journey from a creative child who loved making imagery, writing stories and dreaming of his own media empire to becoming a self-published author and community storyteller. He explains how his first book "Ultra" — written in just 12 days on his Blackberry — opened unexpected doors and taught him the principle that "the more you create, the freer you become."
Their conversation also explores André's groundbreaking project "Authors of the Estate," for which he transformed his Northwest London council estate into a publishing house. Andre explains how this initiative challenged negative narratives about his community by empowering residents to author their own stories. He likens this work to the tradition of oral historians in West Africa (called griot), highlighting how storytelling serves as both cultural preservation and a political act. André also mentions "Chalk Hill," the second book that followed "Authors of the Estate" in his publishing journey.
Anne and André discuss the etymology of words like "author" and "education," as André explains how understanding their roots has shaped his approach to creativity and teaching. André also explains how his art college, Freedom and Balance, creates environments for people to discover their unique creative language through play. He shares his realization that facilitation is about asking powerful questions rather than providing all the answers, describing his role memorably: "I am Gandalf, and all of my tools, or all of my magic, is tools of play."
Anne and André delve into the importance of aspirational play for adults in an increasingly AI-driven world, with André suggesting that play might be the most distinctly human activity that cannot be replaced by technology. They examine how imperfection, vulnerability and the willingness to make mistakes can become powerful educational tools and discuss André's project "Love Letters for My Peoples," which uses love as a framework for creativity and connection.
Throughout the conversation, André shares his philosophy of "heart work" — creative work that incorporates strands of one's authentic self — and reflects on the importance of process over product. André even makes a compelling comparison between his "Authors of the Estate" project and Nas's seminal album "Illmatic," referring to it as his defining work that fans always want to hear again. The episode concludes with André's thoughtful responses to Anne's closing lightning round questions, revealing his deep connection to creativity, his appreciation for his mother's early support of his creative pursuits and his belief that happiness comes from knowing the world has heard you.
A profound conversation about reclaiming narratives, finding freedom through creativity and the transformative power of play. Happy listening!
About André Anderson
Freedom & Balance is an Art College for the artist in everyone. They create programs that help organizations shape their future through play and help communities playfully grow into the type of leaders their world looks for. Andre and his team have worked with notable organizations including BBC, Google, Samsung, Estee Lauder, and The Guardian.
Selected links from episode
This episode is brought to you by Le Trente
Are you a purpose-driven individual seeking clarity in your personal narrative? Is your brand struggling to communicate authentically with your audi
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.