Tiny Sparks, Big Flames with Deb Gaut

In this engaging masterclass in leadership and art, I talk with contemporary abstract oil painter, Mark Witzling. We talk about his unconventional journey from corporate America to leadership of a beloved, nonprofit arts organization to artist. In the process, we chat about the three powerful words that drive his life and work, his intriguing perspective on finding one’s voice as an artist, and his honest take on the upsides and do...

My guest today is executive leadership coach, Christi Nix Bloomer, founder of In the Arena Coaching. In this wide-ranging interview, we talk about her remarkable journey from small town America to consulting for a global company to becoming the powerhouse coach she is today. With wit and wisdom, Christi shares her interesting story, the paradox behind what she loves most and least about her work, and the hardest business lesson she...

In this delightful interview, I chat with award-winning artist Michelle McLendon, the founder and creative force behind The Purple Onion Books. We talk about her compelling story, the inspirations behind her exquisite, hand-bound journals and stationery, and the inside scoop on working and traveling on the juried art show circuit. With candor, grace, and more than a little laughter, Michelle shares her thoughtful insights, experien...

In this deeply personal interview, I talk with Kristen Edens, the talented quilt artist and founding owner of Edens Heirlooms. We talk about the difficult twists and turns of her earlier careers—and the month-long travel sabbatical that changed her life and launched her creative business. We also dive into the unique ways she works with clients to create one-of-a-kind quilts; quilting as a contemporary artform; and her passion for ...

This special episode of TSBF features internationally acclaimed artist Tommy Simpson, whose award-winning work has been shown in more than 100 exhibitions in the U.S. and around the globe. Truly a national treasure, Tommy is that rarest of artists: He has worked in almost every artistic medium, including wood, sculpture, painting, prints, rugs, jewelry, and more. He’s also an accomplished writer and poet. In this wide-ranging inter...

In this inspiring, deeply personal interview, I talk with Dr. Marty K. Casey, the talented actress, activist, and founder of Show Me Arts Foundation and UnGUN Institute. We dive into the pivotal moments and greatest challenges in her life and career. We also talk about the ways she has conquered those challenges, her advice for overcoming adversity and setbacks associated with trauma, and the people who have profoundly influenced h...

In this refreshing, upbeat interview, I talk with Mary Beth Flynn, an exceptionally gifted watercolor and pen & ink artist and founder of Artfully Aging, a national, watercolor art program for senior living communities and clients at all levels of skill and care. We talk about her inspiring journey as an artist and entrepreneur, which began in early childhood, and the many ways she has turned enormous obstacles and challenges i...

As a young, hip, 30-something professional, Alyssa Hawn is anything but the stereotypical holistic health coach, whatever that might look like in your mind’s eye. She’s whip smart, light-hearted, and exceptionally witty. She’s also gracious, poised and, at times, downright bubbly. In this fascinating interview, we talk about the ways that Alyssa helps her clients achieve optimum health using tools that marry the worlds of science a...

In this powerful, uplifting interview, I talk with Katie and Steve Banister, two extraordinary disability educators and co-founders of Access-4-All. We explore their remarkable story of tragedy and triumph, what it takes to follow a passion or dream in the face of adversity, and advice they would offer to anyone who wants to play bigger in their life and career. In the process, we explore the surprising ‘crash’ that sometimes follo...

Bob Baker is that rarest of creatives. He’s an accomplished musician, singer, song writer, author, improv performer, and YouTube content creator, and he’s been successful in each of these arenas. In this delightfully inspiring and engaging interview, Bob reflects on a lifetime of experiences. You’ll learn how he got started in his music and writing careers, and how he has leveraged multiple creative passions to generate unique busi...

In this engaging interview, I talk with Linda Smith, an exceptionally talented leadership coach and learning consultant, and the founder of Jetstream Coaching and Consulting. We dive into her interesting journey in the world of coaching, the incredible obstacles she has faced along the way, and the power of friendship and community to help us overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. We also delve into the quiet ways she celebr...

Joining us for today’s show is the remarkable international wildlife photographer Marian Brickner, who shares her fascinating story and the lessons she has learned from following her dreams. You’ll hear about the surprising way she got started in her photography career, the driving force behind her passion for capturing the individual lives of animals, and her practical advice for creatives or anyone who wants to follow their passi...

Artist and gallerist Mary Martin is my wildly talented guest on today’s show. As both an acrylic collage artist and the owner of Green Door Art Gallery in Saint Louis, Mary shares a wealth of knowledge and wisdom during our delightful interview. You’ll hear about her surprising journey from a childhood steeped in creativity through her initial career as a respected physical therapist to a return to her passion and work as an artist...

Joining me for today’s interview is LinkedIn guru Kathy Bernard, the delightful founder and CEO of WiserU, a company that specializes in helping people leverage the power of LinkedIn for business and career development. You’ll learn about her journey from a company layoff to helping colleagues who had lost their jobs, and how she parlayed that experience into a successful coaching, consulting, and training company. You’ll love hear...

My guest on today’s episode is Sarah Schlafly, the pioneering founder and driving force behind Mighty Cricket, whose mission is “to build a more sustainable food supply to feed the world’s exponentially growing population.” You’ll hear her remarkable story about launching a clean protein company with global aspirations—and crickets as its primary ingredient; the unexpected twists and turns she has encountered while navigating her j...

My guest on today’s episode is the wildly talented writer, Christine Webb, author of the forthcoming young adult (YA) book, The Art of Insanity. We dive into her fascinating story as an aspiring writer, beginning in middle school; the roles that courage, tenacity, and the refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer have played in her writing career; and powerful advice from teachers, writers, and agents she has received along the way. Throu...

In this warm, light-hearted, inspiring interview, I’m joined by Michael and Charlotte Fritzius, the dynamic duo and co-founders of Exactly Zero, a clean-living company based in Saint Louis. We talk about how a cancer diagnosis for Michael became the spark behind creating clean products for their family - and how their personal mission morphed into a company that gives back by sharing these products with the world. In addition to th...

In this inspiring interview, I talk with Bridgette Simmonds, the exceptionally talented life + leadership coach and founder of Limitless by Bridgette. We dive into her personal journey from corporate America to coach, speaker, and facilitator extraordinaire; the remarkable people who have influenced her life and work; and the greatest risks she has taken along the way. In the process, she shares her beliefs about the secrets to lif...

In this powerful, engaging interview, I talk with Karen Hoffman, the visionary and chief possibilities officer of Gateway to Dreams – and founding publisher of Be the Change magazine. We dive into her remarkable story, real-life heroes who’ve helped her along the way, and the wildest, craziest risk she’s ever taken that paid off – and what she learned about herself in the process. Along the way, we talk about the greatest challenge...