Created Creative Podcast

Special guest Callie Swanland, an Episcopal priest and author, joins Ruth and Dawn to talk about her brand-new book 'From Weary to Wholehearted,' a must-read for frazzled and fabulous faith leaders. Callie spills the tea on her SPARK practice, inventive retreats, and the rollercoaster ride of bringing her book into the world. Plus, Dawn dishes out some rockstar advice on juggling clients and embra...

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Ruth and Dawn interview author, speaker, and coach Caroline Garnet McGraw on her journey from writing a memoir to a hybrid personal development book, 'You Don't Owe Anyone.' They discuss navigating sunk costs, creativity, and balancing professional obligations with personal passions. Caroline shares insights on dealing with perfectionism, the behind-the-s...

This episode features Vance Blackfox, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, discussing the importance of valuing diverse perspectives to grow communities and individuals. Vance, having moved back to the Cherokee Nation Reservation, speaks on leading a program that fosters difficult conversations on race and cultural understanding. Highlighting his role in Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, Va...

In this episode, Ruth and Dawn host Reverend Dr. Angela Yarber, who talks about her multifaceted career as an artist, writer, and founder of a publishing company aimed at elevating marginalized voices. Angela shares insights on the complex interplay between creativity, spirituality, and entrepreneurship, offering advice on embracing one's multifaceted interests without succumbing to burnout. The e...

Join Dawn and Ruth on a magical journey with Sarah from Sunlight Tours, where stories intersect with faith and community-building. From knitting excursions in Scotland to spiritual pilgrimages in Israel, Sunlight Tours crafts unforgettable odysseys that reshape the traveler’s narrative. Listen in as Sarah shares her unconventional path from pastoral work to story-driven travel adventures and how s...

Dive into a kaleidoscope of laughter as Ruth and Dawn host Jeff Hiller, star of HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere.” Jeff, an actor, writer, and comedian, shares his whirlwind adventures through acting gigs and the magical world of one-man shows. Alongside, the dialogue touches on the nuances of church in media, the power of storytelling in fostering change, and the joyful rebellion of improvisation. With...

Ruth and Dawn engage in a conversation with David Knutson, an author, veteran, and participant of the Norwegian reality show 'Alt for Norge'. They delve into various topics including the importance of community, the creative process behind writing a novel, and the impact of life experiences on personal growth and creativity. David shares insights from his journey of writing his first book '12 Beds...

Dawn and Ruth unpack the quirky yet profound world of Barn Geese Worship with two of its co-founders, Victoria Larson and Linnea Clark. Discover the serendipitous union of seminary friends turning into a formidable creative force, pushing the boundaries of liturgical content, fueled by deadlines and the unpredictable Holy Spirit. They share tales of collaboration and theological tug-of-wars, all w...

Dive into a world where dollar store aisles inspire sermons and squirrels symbolize thoughts as Ruth and Dawn explore the eclectic creative journey of John Stevens. From improvising children's sermons with whimsical dollar finds to penning haikus and brewing the perfect cup of coffee, John's approach to creativity blurs the lines between the divine and the everyday. The conversation meanders throu...

This episode of 'Created Creative' features a fascinating conversation with Karen Nyberg, an astronaut turned artist, who shares her unique journey from space exploration to pursuing her passion in the world of art and fabric design. Karen discusses her experience living on the International Space Station, capturing the beauty of Earth through photography, and using those images as inspiration for...

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth engage in a candid conversation with artist and iconographer, Kristen, who shares her journey of finding joy and pain in the stories of the saints and how it influences her artwork. The discussion delves into Kristen's creative process, her battles with lupus and its impact on her ability to paint, and her insights into the significance of i...

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth dive into discussions about the early arrival of Holy Week, the intricate process of revising and expanding a book project, and the significance of book cover designs. The conversation also touches on the importance of community and connections, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences. Additionally, they discuss innovative solutions to th...

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth sit down with Diane Lanoue, a versatile entrepreneur who has recently transitioned from her business 'Little Ditty' to 'Well Nurtured with Diane', focusing on spiritual and wellness products. Diane shares her journey through personal challenges, including miscarriages and infertility, and how those experiences led her to discover and embrace...

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth engage in a lively conversation with Andrea Roske-Metcalfe, an ELCA pastor with a knack for narrative. A serendipitous encounter with The Moth forever altered Andrea's trajectory through a tapestry of tales. Andrea shares her exploits in molding stories within congregational settings, emphasizing the transformative power storytelling holds i...

Buckle up for this vibrant and inspiration-packed conversation with Trey Everett - astoundingly versatile artist, spiritual whisperer, and possibly Leonardo da Vinci's long-lost nephew (no DNA test required). Steering clear of labels and narrowly defined paths, Trey gallantly explores creative corners of life, from scribbling on index cards in his cozy home to painting large murals in downtown Cro...

Join Dawn and Ruth as they dive into a rich palette of conversation with the talented Casey Wait, a Pastor-by-day, Artist-by-other-days, working her artistic magic in the Northern Virginia, D.C. area. In this colorful chat, Casey shares her unusual artistic journey - from biblical storytelling to improv comedy, and finally landing her brushes in the vivid world of painting. Tackling the challenge...

Join Dawn and Ruth, the hosts of “Created Creative” podcast, as they pop the confetti for their three-month anniversary! They're not just talking though; they're philosophizing about the amazing (and amazingly different) people they've met, the insightful conversations they've had, and the deep dive into the emulsion where creativity and spirituality mingle. The episode is teeming with personal an...

Dawn and Ruth interview Jenny Sung, also known as Free Range Pastor Jenny. They explore her multifaceted creative life involving travel, dance, art, and her work as a pastor. Jenny shares her journey of designing a life that embodies freedom in Christ, and her initiatives to provide a worship space that fosters spiritual expression through art and movement. She further talks about her efforts of p...

In this engaging episode, Ruth and Dawn host Rob Bell, one of Time's 100 most influential people, NYT bestselling author, acclaimed worldwide speaker, guest on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday, and the founding pastor of Mars Hill which was one of the fastest-growing churches in America under his leadership. Rob Bell also hosts the popular podcast, the Robcast, and was the focus of a 2018 documentary cal...

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth engage in a rich and meaningful conversation with Julie, the founder of 'Faith on Pointe,' an initiative that applies ballet as a medium for spiritual practice. Exploring the parallels between ballet and theology, Julie shares her vision of utilizing dance as a transformative tool for personal devotion and communal faith development. The pod...

Tyra Dennis, also known as Tyra Lucia, divulges her intriguing creative process, her struggles attempting success in secular music versus Christian music, and her eventual understanding of her calling to music within the church. Tyra emphasizes that all gifts, including creativity, come from God, and the joy she has found in that gift. Tyra's story illustrates the intersection of creativity and sp...

In this podcast episode, Dawn, introduces her six-month 'Discern by Doing' e-course aimed at honoring dreams and moving towards them. The discussion then shifts to Richard (a guest on the show), who is a full-time songwriter and Cantor at his church. Richard goes into detail on his fascination with Psalms and how he intricately studies and writes songs based on them, a process he describes as 'cha...

Author and advocate Jamie Bruesehoff discusses the relevance of creating spaces that are more open and favorable for LGBTQ+ people, as this leads to environments that are beneficial for everyone. Jamie, who is raising a transgender daughter, shares her journey towards public advocacy and the impact it made on their lives. The conversation then dives into Jamie's journey of writing her book, interf...

In this episode of Creative Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth have a discussion with Diane Harpster, an artist and certified Zentangle teacher who uses her creativity both as a spiritual practice and a means of connecting with others. Highlighting her journey with Zentangle drawing, Diane shares how her art evolved in response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The conversation also touches o...

In this episode of Created Creative, hosts Dawn and Ruth have a valuable conversation with Melinda, a seminary-trained stole designer who runs her own business called Quilted with Prayer. Melinda shares how she found her calling in creating meaningful, customized church stoles, now gaining recognition around the country. She emphasizes the importance of visual representation in faith, the spiritua...