Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
Creative Chats is a podcast for artists, makers, and creative thinkers who want to stay creatively alive. In each episode, artist and creative mentor Mike Brennan talks with fellow creatives about their work, their process, and the realities of living a creative life. Through conversations and stories, you'll hear how artists, makers, and creators nurture their ideas, sustain their creativity, and build practices that keep them making meaningful work. If you care about creativity, curiosity, and the creative process, you're in the right place.
Episodes
319. Cuffy and the Power of Letting Go
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares a personal story about bowling, his playful alter ego "Cuffy," and the surprising power ...
318. 14 Years of Daily Creativity: Embracing Imperfection and Rest
Mike Brennan shares his personal journey through a health crisis, reflecting on the importance of embracing seasons of pause in creativity, and redefining what it means to practice consistently. This heartfelt episode explores vulnerability, resilience, and the true essence of a sustainable creative practice.
3 Key Takeaways:
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Embrace ...
317. Live from Columbia TN: Creative Problem Solving and Jewelry Design with Warren Feld\
In this episode of Creative Chats, we dive into the intricate world of jewelry design and creative problem-solving with Warren Feld, accomplished jewelry artist, designer, educator, and author. Warren shares his journey from creative discouragement in childhood to becoming a master of contemporary jewelry artistry, na...
316. Stop Giving Away Your Creative Power
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan discusses the importance of valuing oneself as a creative individual. He emphasizes the need for creatives to recognize their worth and not to seek validation externally. The conversation explores the challenges faced in the creative job market, including the pressure to accept undervalued work and the importance of self-awareness in n...
315. From Leaving Law to Embracing Creativity: Casey Berman's Journey
In this episode of Creative Chats, Casey Berman shares his journey from law to creativity, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in career transitions. He discusses the significance of identifying one's unique skills and strengths, overcoming fear, and embracing curiosity as a pathway to personal growth. Casey also highlights the role of creativity in p...
314. Finding Beauty in Brokenness Lessons from Kintsugi for Creatives
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares his experience with Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold. He reflects on the symbolism of Kintsugi, emphasizing the beauty of embracing imperfections and the stories behind our struggles. Through personal anecdotes, he encourages listeners to find value in their brokenness and to keep cre...
313. Rediscovering Childhood Creativity
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan explores the themes of creativity, mental health, and the importance of rediscovering childhood creativity. He shares his journey of self-publishing, the significance of networking, and how professional pressures can stifle joy in creative expression. Mike encourages listeners to reconnect with their creative roots and emphasizes the value of cr...
312. Building a Culture of Curiosity with Dustin Black
In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Dustin Black, an executive creative director at Preston Spire. They explore Dustin's unique perspective on creativity, the importance of resourcefulness, and how to teach creativity to the next generation. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on creative processes, the necessity of adapting to change, and...
311. How Children's Books Change Lives: Kat Kronenberg's Story and Creative Advice
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with children's author Kathryn about the magic of creativity, the journey of writing children's books, and the importance of imagination. Kathryn shares her personal experiences of overcoming doubts and rediscovering her creative spirit later in life. They discuss the intricacies of crafting stor...
310. Creativity, Healing, and Entrepreneurship in Music: Marc Christian's Story
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan interviews Marc Christian, a talented musician who shares his journey from discovering his passion for music at a young age to navigating the complexities of the music industry. Marc discusses the healing power of music, his creative process, and the importance of building connections. He emphasizes the en...
309. The Art and Magic of Feedback: Navigating Critique as a Creative
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan discusses the significance of feedback in the creative process. He emphasizes the importance of seeking constructive critique while also learning to trust one's own instincts and taste. The conversation explores the balance between receiving feedback and maintaining personal vision, as well as the distinction betwee...
308. Are You Cheating Yourself? AI, Creativity, and the Importance of Process
In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan discusses the struggles of consistency in creativity and the importance of daily creative habits. He emphasizes the need for encouragement and progress tracking in the creative process. The conversation then shifts to the impact of AI on creativity, exploring both the opportunities and challenges it pre...
307. Why Your Creative Process Needs More Boredom
In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan delves into the often-overlooked role of boredom in sparking creativity. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from thought leaders like Simon Sinek, Mike explores how moments of boredom can open the door to imagination and innovation. Discover how stepping away from constant stimulation can lead to unexpected creative br...
306. Painting Life's Moments: How Heidi Schwartz Turns Events into Lasting Art
In this episode of Creative Chats, we embark on a journey through the creative mind of Heidi Schwartz, live painter and artist based in Nashville. Heidi opens up about her unconventional path from music to painting, her unique process of painting live at events, and how art has served as both a healing agent and a transformative...
305. Lessons in Creativity, Business, and Openness from Shelly Waldman
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with Shelly Waldman about her creative journey, from her childhood memories of crafting and photography to her professional experiences in photography. Shelly shares insights on adaptability, the importance of networking, and the challenges of building a creative business. She emphasizes the need for creativ...
304. Why Artists Should Embrace Opportunities to Learn Something New
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan discusses the importance of embracing a beginner's mindset in creativity. He shares personal experiences with live painting and the challenges that come with stepping out of one's comfort zone. Mike encourages listeners to explore new opportunities, ask questions, and learn from others, emphasizing that creativity is...
303. Harnessing Creative Flow: Steven Puri's Journey from Hollywood to Tech
In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Steven Puri about his journey through the creative process, from his early experiences in high school to his work in the film industry and his transition into tech with the Sukha Project. They discuss the importance of tenacity over talent, the role of luck and opportunity, and the significanc...
302. From Music to Movies: Steve Taylor's Creative Adventures and the Making of Sketch the Movie
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan interviews Steve Taylor, a multifaceted artist known for his work in music and film. They discuss Taylor's creative journey, influences, and the making of his latest film, Sketch. The conversation delves into the challenges of filmmaking, the importance of mental health themes in storytell...
301. Turning Up Your Hue: Authenticity in Art, Life, and Business
In this engaging talk from The Thing Nashville 2025, Mike Brennan explores the themes of creativity, authenticity, and personal expression through the metaphor of color. He emphasizes the importance of embracing one's essence and showing up authentically in the world. By sharing personal anecdotes and insights, he encourages listeners to prioritize resonance over rea...
300. Building Creative Magic with Simon Rogers: Mission, Meaning, and Making an Impact
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with Simon Rogers, founder of A Little Better Co., about the essence of creativity, his evolution in professional life, and the importance of aligning creativity with personal values. They discuss the challenges creatives face in a tech-driven world, the role of curi...
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