Create Space

This episode is everything that Create Space was always meant to be; a way to find joy in the art of storytelling. Even those stories where the joy isn't obvious.

This episode talks about the uncomfortable in-between zone that comes with transitions. How we do hold disparate emotions of both fear and excitement and what can traditional narrative teach us regarding this process of becoming?

Welcome to a Student Showcase episode of CreateSpace! I teach amazing students and every semester they submitoutstanding projects that deserve to be shared with the world. Today you’re going to hear an audiobook segment that wasboth written and produced by my student, Jayden. The piece is, “A Date with Dysphoria” which is based on Jayden’s own lived experience. I also had the opportunity to talk w...

Podcasting is a special medium. There are so many reasons I chose to make a podcast for Create Space. There is unique storytelling magic in podcasting that I haven’t been able to find anywhere else.   On today’s episode, I explain the power of podcasting and why I think it plays an integral role in storytelling, community-building, and societal change.   If you haven’t yet, what are you waiting fo...

Welcome to the first Student Showcase episode of Create Space!   I teach amazing students and every semester they submit outstanding projects that deserve to be shared with the world. I’m excited to start featuring student work from my Comm 406: Audio Storytelling & Podcasting class with you.   Today you’re going to hear an audiobook segment produced by Grant Seymour. The piece is, “The Tell-T...

Uh oh. That cool new thing you started working on is starting to feel old. It's not shiny and sparkly and fun anymore. Now what? Must we rely on that elusive spark to return before we can create again? Or can we find the muse within ourselves? Could "sparkly" really be just a perspective shift? Let's talk about getting your creative mojo back in episode 36 of Create Space.   While you're here, che...

This episode feels extra special because I'm interviewing one of my very first students that I taught during my first semester on faculty, Connor Freund. He's now an alum and works as a promotions producer at KSN Channel 3 News. In this episode Connor and I discuss his time at the Elliott School, what he's been up to since then, and how creativity has (and always will) played an active and integra...

Today’s episode, “Literature in the Audio Age,” is a multidisciplinary collaboration between two departments in the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. I am joined by Dr. Katie Lanning, Assistant Professor of English at WSU. Dr. Lanning is pioneering a new course at Wichita State titled "Literature in the Audio Age," set to launch in the Fall of 2024. In the episode, she gives us a p...

Meet Tiana Hardwell, a 16-year-old dynamo who is redefining the landscape of entrepreneurship and leadership. In this episode, we get into Tiana's journey as a teenage entrepreneur, challenges she has faced, and the unique perspective she brings to her world. Tiana is a trailblazer who is paving the way for the next wave of leaders. Get ready for a dose of inspiration and a glimpse into the incred...

In this episode, join me for a conversation with Ti’Juana Hardwell, founder and principal consultant for Mamarazzi Communications in Wichita, KS. Ti’Juana is a dynamic force dedicated to propelling community growth and fostering leadership in future generations. Her heart beats for mentorship, paving the way for aspiring leaders. From innovative marketing approaches to building bridges through eff...

We had way too much fun with this episode! Join Caitlyn Beneke and me as we break down why we've all agreed to collectively invest so much of our hearts into the relationship of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Create Space is about storytelling, and this is the story of all stories. The fairytale of the century. There's a reason we've all become obsessed with these two celebrities... and it's not j...

In today’s episode of Create Space, I welcome Wichita State Senior Educator, Eric Wilson, to the show. Eric is a colleague of mine here in the Elliott School of Communication and an incredible teacher. Something I’ve noticed and admired about Eric is how he pays attention to more than just a student’s grade. He recognizes how important mental wellness is and also how challenging it can be for thos...

In today’s episode I interview Jeanette Mundy, a Transformational Leadership Coach in Brisbane, Australia.  Jeanette is an expert in Ontological coaching and teaches us about the profound impact this coaching approach can have on individuals. This unique methodology goes beyond conventional coaching, focusing on the very nature of our being, our language, and the way we interact with the world. Ab...

In this episode of Create Space, I’m offering a community check-in moment. Let’s talk about one of life's most universal challenges – stress. What do you do to help regain control when overwhelm starts to creep in? I’ll share how I choose to face these feelings head-on in an effort regain balance and composure in my own world. Sharing stories is such an effective way to fight things like stress an...

In this episode of Create Space, we are exploring cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and the transformative impact of storytelling on mental health. My guest today is Jessica Stong, a mental health coach and founder of "Lives of Courage." Join us as we explore the incredible potential of the human mind. We’ll talk about the narratives that we weave within ourselves and the power of storytelling in...

We’re back!! The fall semester is in full swing, and Create Space is back after a beautiful summer spending time at home with my kids. In today’s episode we’re going to make sense of the complex world of contentment. Join me as we explore the power of cognitive behavioral therapy, the concept of morally neutral behaviors, and the intriguing vertical and horizontal morality structures that influenc...

One of the biggest privileges of hosting this podcast is getting to interview current and former students of the Elliott School of Communication. This is a place that changed me for the better and grew me into the person that I am today and to get to honor that same experience in others is something for which I will be forever grateful.   Today, I sat down with local videographer and content creat...

In the pilot episode of this podcast, I told you that Create Space is a place where every story is told with radical empathy and compassion. Today, we’re talking about the story of humans and how we came to be.   This episode is a discussion and review of the book, Sapiens: A brief history of humankind, by Yuval Noah Herari. Herari is an Israeli philosopher and much of his body of work is related...

After a couple week hiatus, Create Space is BACK baby! I’ve got an amazing guest for you to meet today. Her name is Jen Liss and I can’t wait for you to experience her magic. About Jen: Jen Liss is a coach for high achievers and perfectionists who teaches them to untether from the crap that holds them back so they can finally claim the life they’re meant to live. As a successful entrepreneur who l...

This week we discuss the book Creative Confidence by David and Tom Kelley.  Want to pick up the book yourself? Click here!

In this week’s episode we are sitting down with Wichita-based author, Matt Calhoun. We’ll be discussing his debut novel, The Knowledge of Sin, as well as talking about his writing process and what he’s working on next.   The Knowledge of Sin features Liam Carter, an engineer for an industrial and tech conglomerate, who invents a fully automated factory capable of ending the age of human labor. Wil...

This is one of my favorite Create Space conversations to date. Executive Director of Heroes Academy, Kyle Ellison, discusses what it means to take control of the narrative and to write your own story. More specifically, he talks about what that means to a child. Heroes Academy is a youth mentoring program that was built to help break down barriers and empower youth to become the heroes of their ow...

On this week’s episode of Create Space, where we'll be recapping the Broadcast Educators Association Conference and the National Association of Broadcasters Convention. These are two of the largest gatherings of broadcast professionals, educators, and enthusiasts from around the world. NAB and BEA were held in beautiful Las Vegas and this was my first year attending either one. I’d like to give a...

Today is different. The episode is short… less than 10 minutes. Please let this short episode serve as introduction and then go listen to the most recent episode of the Lives of Courage podcast with Jessica Stong.  I had a different episode planned for today, but I recognize when a story needs a moment in the sun… when a story comes out that needs to be shared as widely as possible. When a story h...

In today's episode of Create Space, we're joined by Austin Smith and Easton Curtis, co-hosts of the Artists' Blend podcast. Both Austin and Easton are accomplished performers with degrees in music theatre and music. Their podcast delves into various aspects of artistry and the industry, including musical theatre, film scores, and monetizing your art. They aim to inspire listeners to explore a vari...