Sustaining Creativity Podcast

Creativity through the lens of an author and illustrator

"Being a creative person, you can just do whatever you want."

I’m Regina, a Taiwanese American author and illustrator specializing in contemporary Chinese gongbi-style painting, an ancient form of brush painting that depicts narrative subjects in colorful high detail. Using traditional ink and wash techniques in digital painting, my illustrations deliver classic subjects ...

Creativity through the lens of the Co-Founder and CEO of 50hrs.com

"Creativity is turning thought into reality."

Claire Giovino is the Co-Founder and CEO of 50hrs.com, built around a simple belief: most leaders don’t need better productivity tools — they need to design their perfect day and remove the work that doesn’t belong in it.
Early in her career, Claire noticed that email and administrative work weren&rsqu...

Creativity through the lens of the founder of The Humane Space and artist

"Creativity; it means exploring something new."

Lauren Henkin is the founder of The Humane Space, a lifestyle company and first-of-its-kind app designed to help people find greater meaning in life through curiosity, wonder, and awe. A trained architect, award-winning visual artist, and branding expert with over two decades in luxury wellness and management, Lau...

Creativity through the lens of a Real Estate Broker, Radio Host and Author 

"How we live our lives is an extension of our creativity."

For more than twenty years, Lisa Parda has helped people buy, sell, and reimagine properties in New Hampshire. As the Owner of RealtyScape Brokerage, LLC, she doesn’t just work in residential real estate — she’s also an income-producing, value-add agent with experience fixing up...

Creativity through the lens of the founder of Crooked Compass & Key Note Speaker

"Creativity means when things just flow naturally."

Lisa Pagotto is the founder of Crooked Compass, an immersive travel company built around depth, cultural respect, and meaningful experiences. She grew the business into a multi-seven-figure venture featured on Shark Tank Australia. When global travel came to a standstill, Lisa rebuilt and expanded i...

Creativity through the lens of a physicist and psychotherapist 

"Creativity to me is making reality in some sense."

Lincoln Stoller is a certified clinical counselor in British Columbia, Canada. He works with people worldwide to help them with the environments they have created, and their sense of self. He’s a volunteer counselor with the American Alpine Club’s Climbers Grief Fund.

Lincoln’s experience includes ...

Creativity through the lens of the founder of Art Creators Academy,

"Creativity means you are at your most authentic self without overthinking. Walking by intuition."

Ndzaba Mngomezulu is the founder of Art Creators Academy and believes that anyone can learn to draw—no matter where they're starting from.

After nearly a decade away from art, he picked up a pencil again with zero formal training and committed to mastering the fund...

Creativity through the lens of an Artist, Author and Art Teacher,

"Nature has been my greatest art teacher."

Marquiss has been a professional artist, art teacher and writer in Bend, Oregon, for 34 years, and the author of Behind the Painting – An Artist’s Memoir, published May 7, 2026.
She developed her interest in art as a child, surrounded by the lush beauty of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Marquiss attended both ...

Creativity through the lens of a commercial lawyer turned Leadership Counsel and a member of the Notery profession

"Creativity is about bringing your whole self into the activity and not relying on tech or tools to the creative work you do."

Dawn Stallwood is a corporate and commercial lawyer turned Leadership Counsel, Chief Integrity Officer, and one of only 770 Notaries Public in the UK. With nearly 30 years’ experience acros...

Creativity through the lens of a systems thinker and human being,

"Creativity is a natural gift"

Mark Firehammer (b. 1962) is a creative entrepreneur, author, and cultural systems thinker. He co-founded Fitstreams.club in 2020 and MyFeelness.com in 2024, offering a thoughtful alternative to conventional fitness focused on physical freedom and embodied well-being.
After a career as a professional musician, Mark founded Attract More...

Creativity through the lens of the founder of Wonderfish

"Creativity means: Pushing the limits to where you're not settling for the first idea."

James Colistra spent nearly 20 years inside top business media brands, beginning at The Economist and later joining Forbes, where he became Executive Director of Integrated Marketing.

Today, he’s the founder of Wonderfish, a done-for-you podcast guesting system that helps founde...

Creativity through the lens of a musician, author and entrepreneur 

"I believe that we are created by the Creator to create."

Cliff Beach is a multifaceted creator, storyteller, and motivator whose work bridges hustle culture, personal growth, and creative expression. As the author of Side Hustle & Flow, Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up!, and now Side Hustle & Flow: The Daily Grind, Cliff draws from his own journey of ba...

Creativity through the lens of a multi-hyphanate creative

"Creativity is: Authenticity. Helping others find themselves."

Alexandra Beller, Artistic Director of Alexandra Beller/Dances, (2002-present), was a member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company from 1995-2001. Alexandra has created over 50 original Dance Theatre works, presented at/commissioned by theatres throughout NYC, and companies in Korea, Hong Kong, Oslo, Cyprus...

Creativity through the lens of an author, former CPA, atorney, consultant and grandfather

"Creativity is: circumstance driving outside the box thinking."

AJ Tyler's love for writing began at 16 when he read Dalton Trumbo's
"Johnny Got His Gun." That story's ability to immerse Tyler into the
wounded soldier's mind made him realize the power of writing. Tyler
developed a passion for reading, especially thrillers, and dreamt of...

Creativity through the lens of a Badass Grandpa, mountain climber, adventurer and author

"Creativity - it means being soulfully creative. Creating a meaningful life."

John Graham is an author, adventurer, former diplomat and citizen activist . No guru and no saint, he's repeatedly sought the meaning of his life in many places where it wasn't. He finally found the purpose he sought in service—in helping solve significant public ...

Creativity through the lens of the founders of The Brief Collective

"'Creativity is: Sharing your heart.' 'Exploring your mind to the fullest potential.'"

Marisa Burgett: Owner of MB - Creative Agency where she is the brains {& beauty} behind thoughtful, strategic, and unique designs for woman owned business so that their brand can turn heads. 
Coach Marisa quit her corporate job to pursue design & now thrives helping...

Creativity through the lens of a documentary filmmaker, film professor, author and illustrator

"Creativity should not be something you try to do. IT should be something that's just natural that comes out of you."

Award-winning TV director & documentary filmmaker, Craig D. Forrest, has traveled to 160 countries and 6 continents for such clients as CBS, ABC, Discovery Channel, A&E, Animal Planet, PBS, Fox Sports, Travel Channel...

Creativity through the lens of a public speaker, purpose mentor and best selling author

"Creativity is finding your voice and self expression without guilt and sharme."

Cooper Harrison is a mindset and transformation coach who helps people unlock creativity by clearing subconscious blocks and reconnecting with their inner world. His work focuses on removing the internal friction that stifles expression, flow, and authentic creation.

T...