Created Creative Podcast

Dawn and Ruth are back with another book group, and this time they're diving into Jen Hatmaker's new book Awake, which is basically a masterclass in personal growth, resilience, and figuring out who the heck you are when everything falls apart. Look, we're getting real real here: ministry challenges, full-blown identity crises, and the messy, beautiful work of adapting when life throws you a curve...

You don't need a massive budget to change lives. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of money in the right hands and a whole lot of heart. Dawn and Ruth host Blessing, who is doing something absolutely beautiful. She's running a grassroots micro grant program that's spreading joy in both Zimbabwe and New York City—proof that small projects and faith-based initiatives can create massive ripples...

This week’s wisdom: Focus on what you can control, and let the rest go. Seriously. Let it go. Dawn and Ruth are breaking down the whole "circle of concern versus circle of influence" thing, which sounds fancy but really just means stop spinning your wheels on stuff that's out of your hands. Instead, find tangible ways to help, create, and show up for your people. It’s exactly what Ruth has been do...

Theater and Church Aren't That Different, Actually with Todd Davison Todd Davison is the artistic director of Maples Repertory Theater in Macon, Missouri, and this guy gets it. He knows that whether you're putting on a show or leading a church service, you're really just gathering people together knowing something magical happens. Dawn and Ruth sit down with Todd to talk about the beautiful chaos...

Celebrating 100 Episodes (Yes, We Made It!) Holy buckets, friends—we hit 100 episodes, and Dawn and Ruth are celebrating the only way that makes sense: on a gorgeous farm, reflecting on this wild ride. We've had incredible guests, technical disasters that would make you weep, and more small-town charm than you can shake a stick at. We're talking regional theater stories, parade appearances (becaus...

Opportunities are literally everywhere, and Dawn and Ruth are here to prove it. Dawn's deep in the thick of performing in 'Church Basement Ladies' in Missouri (which, if you know, you know), and Ruth just MacGyvered her microwave back to life with a 3D-printed handle from eBay. You read that right—eBay. Someone out there printed handles, listed them online, and is making money off broken microwave...

This episode is about showing up to build the life you want. Dawn and Ruth sit down with Michelle Wahila, an ordained Presbyterian pastor who said "nope" to traditional ministry and is now marrying English-speaking couples in Paris, leading retreats, and writing liturgies that'll punch you right in the feels. She's raising her kids French-style, navigating the gorgeous chaos of expat life, and jus...

In this catch-up episode, Dawn's been knee-deep in the Missouri theater scene, choreographing and directing a comedy production that's apparently been running longer than some marriages. She gets real about the magic of working with a cast with a deep past and why tight-knit creative communities are worth their weight in hotdish. Meanwhile, Ruth's got her hiking boots laced up for New Zealand beca...

Today’s guest, Dawn Marie Duncan, is doing ALL the things. We're talking music industry veteran turned children's book author, visual artist, AND creativity coach. Because apparently one creative pursuit just wasn't enough. Dawn Marie gets real about her transformation journey (spoiler alert: Julia Cameron's 'The Artist's Way' was involved), and how she went from industry burnout to leading creati...

Dawn and Ruth are diving into the age-old struggle every creative person knows by heart: how do you keep your artistic soul alive when real life keeps happening every day. Chapter 11 of "The Artist's Way" gets the full treatment here, including some thoughts on how the Creator influences our creating and why your body might be trying to tell your brain something important about art. Fair warning:...

Note: This episode is also available on our YouTube channel ( https://youtu.be/SC2Pr2i2JhI ) - you might enjoy seeing some of the scenes we filmed. Dawn and Ruth dive headfirst into the beautiful chaos of Minnesota's greatest gathering, where you can get hot dish on a stick (because of course you can) and witness the genuine artistry of butter sculptures that'll make you question everything you th...

Spirituality and creativity aren't just connected—they're practically best friends who finish each other's sentences. On this episode, Dawn and Ruth sit down with the absolutely delightful Brey Noelle (actress, model, musician, and honestly, is there anything this woman can't do?) who decided to go full-time creative and somehow made it work. We're talking Cannes Film Festival, people. CANNES. Whi...

You're Not Lazy, You're Just Scared (And That Changes Everything) This week we’re calling out that sneaky little lie we tell ourselves: that we're just being "lazy" when we can't seem to start that project. Spoiler alert: you're not lazy, you're scared. And that's totally normal, so quit beating yourself up about it. Hosts Dawn and Ruth get wonderfully honest about their own creative fumbles – lik...

Yes friends, We're Going There: Jesus, Mushrooms, and Mental Health with the Ligare Folks We’re diving headfirst into the deep end today, friends! After Dawn and Ruth catch up on their weekend shenanigans (including some quality time at WeFest), we're serving up a conversation that'll make your church ladies raise their eyebrows. The Ligare folks, a Christian psychedelic society, are out here doin...

Ruth and Dawn are discussing something that nobody talks about in seminary: pastors are natural salespeople who cast vision, build programs, and run stewardship campaigns. But when it comes to using those same skills to start a side hustle? Suddenly we're "too commercial" or "not focused on ministry." After 20 years watching talented women pastors struggle financially while apologizing for wanting...

We're diving headfirst into why vulnerability makes us squirm, why effort actually matters, and how abundance shows up when you're not trying so dang hard. Dawn and Ruth are back with another episode of 'Created Creative,' and we're not messing around. Broadcasting live from the parking lot of Hector International Airport in Fargo, ND, we're talking Chapter Six of 'The Artist's Way' focusing on al...

Dawn and Ruth tried media deprivation week from 'The Artist's Way' - no social media, no binge-watching, and no podcasts. Turns out cutting the digital noise actually works for unleashing creativity. Skip our podcast this week and do some morning pages instead - your brain will thank you! It's a great week to get coaching! Contact Dawn to set up an exploratory session: bigpicturebigpurpose.com Or...

Everyone thinks their story has already been told. But it hasn't been told by you yet, and that makes all the difference. On this episode of Created Creative, Dawn and Ruth are getting real about kicking self-doubt to the curb and why your voice matters in this noisy world. We reflect on last week's theme from 'The Artist's Way' - reading deprivation. Sounds terrible, right? Well, buckle up butter...

Look, we need to talk about something that's going to sting a little: you can't pour from an empty cup, but somehow we keep trying anyway. In this episode of Created Creative, Dawn and Ruth are getting real about Chapter 4 of Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way – and it's about to call us all out. Here's the thing nobody wants to admit: we're so busy being everything to everyone that we've completely...

This conversation is going to hit you right in the feels. Dawn and Ruth talk with Stephanie Lape about how the Enneagram completely changed her relationships—including helping her reconnect with her father in a deep, healing way. Stephanie's journey from comparative religions professor to pastor is fascinating, but what really gets us is how she breaks down the Enneagram without judgment. We're co...

Do you suffer from time sickness? In this episode of Created Creative, co-hosts Dawn and Ruth discuss their summer journey through the book 'The Artist's Way'. In particular, they focus on Chapter 2 which covers the themes of time management and dealing with 'crazy makers'. Dawn shares her experience with an occupational therapist, while Ruth touches upon her attendance at her son's recital and vi...

This episode of 'Created Creative' features a conversation with Paul Drees, a ELCA Lutheran pastor and social media influencer, who shares his journey of blending traditional ministry with modern platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Paul discusses the challenges and triumphs of using social media as a medium for progressive Christian evangelism, the need for institutional support, and the importan...

In this episode of 'Created Creative,' hosts Dawn and Ruth discuss the importance of everyday creativity and methods to stay grounded in a world driven by monetization. They are joined by guest Meta Herrick Carlson, a pastor and poet, who shares her experiences around recent significant events like family graduation and birthday celebrations. Meta delves into her creative journey, from embracing p...

After 80 consecutive weeks of brand new episodes we are doing a throwback this week to one of our very first interviews! Enjoy this re-release of Pottery, Parables, and Portable Communionware: A Conversation with Lisa Kaufer. In this whimsical kickoff of "Created Creative from November of 2023," hosts Dawn and Ruth embark on an Advent adventure, debating when the season truly begins. Meet their fi...

In this episode, we dive into an insightful quote from renowned author and artist Julia Cameron, known for her book 'The Artist's Way.' During her interview, Cameron shared a thought-provoking idea that deeply resonates with the core themes of our podcast: 'Creativity and spirituality intertwine like dancing partners.' This elegant metaphor illuminates how creative expression and spiritual growth...