Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in Life

Connecting creativity with personal healing.  Samantha Mackay felt the pressure of conforming to traditional art forms in school, and much later in life found her voice in abstract painting.  In this episode Samantha and I discuss how the pressures of societal expectations can stifle artistic expression, as she shares her journey from a legal career to rediscovering her creative passions.  Samanth...

Initially hesitant about public speaking, Liz Drury's journey unfolds with unexpected twists, from her scientific studies to her current role as a voiceover artist.  As an archeological scientist Liz found unexpected fame from her research on 'prehistoric chewing gum', which catapulted her into the media spotlight.  That sparked her interest in the media world, and Liz volunteered a...

Model and content creator Rachel Peru on finding confidence and a creative spark later in life. Despite facing a lack of belief from educators, Rachel’s early experiences in drama studies and theatre laid a foundation for her creative spirit, which would be reignited much later after significant life changes, including a divorce.  From participating in local charity fashion shows to  signing with...

As the first engineer at a pioneering startup specializing in artificial intelligence, John Guiver’s expertise in mathematics and programming laid the groundwork for his technical career. While still working in this field, John began translating the memoirs of survivors of the 1972 Andes flight disaster, which led to the publication of his own book on the subject, entitled To Play the Game .  Writ...

Through art activities given in care homes and community groups, Dementia Arts Trust has been bringing joy to people living with dementia and their carers for nearly a decade. In this episode, as part of Podcasthon, an initiative to raise awareness for charities worldwide, I chat with trust founders Joanne Robinson and Melissa Haddow about how these art activities build self-esteem, evoke memories...

With a rich background in languages and science, creative pursuits were encouraged during Nancy Dillingham Marks' childhood, but not fully embraced by the young Nancy. On leaving school Nancy's professional life was dominated by analytical roles, and she excelled in various corporate positions, including at Sony Pictures. What Nancy didn't realize at the time was that her path to su...

Cindy Ingram's love for art began early, influenced by Disney classics and a desire to become an animator. With a strong academic focus, Cindy pursued an art history degree and aimed to be a museum educator. However, the reality of museum jobs – limited opportunities and low pay – led her to teaching art in schools instead.  Cindy started her own online business to support art teachers with r...

The Creativity Found Collective is a vibrant community where creativity thrives and everyone supports one another. This bonus episode showcases how being part of the Creativity Found Collective can spark inspiration, foster connections and provide valuable support for creative small business owners. With insights from various members, hear about the importance of collaboration and sharing experien...

Nina Lenton is a business coach and mentor with a rich background in marketing and project management, who in this episode shares her insights into the world of creativity and the importance of nurturing it in both personal and professional realms.  Nina discusses her passion for helping business owners rediscover their creative spark, especially when the daily grind threatens to overshadow their...

Preserving the traditional craft of kilt making. Paula Duncan is a bespoke kilt maker and tutor, with over 11 years of teaching experience, who has adapted her classes to an online format, making it easier for busy adults to embrace their creativity while learning a new skill. Paula teaches students from all walks of life, some seeking to create a single kilt while others aspire to turn their newf...

Running a small business can feel isolating, but finding the right support and community can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your dreams. Sheena Whyatt is a business coach with over 23 years of experience, who loves to help creative entrepreneurs navigate the challenges they face. In this chat Sheena and I discuss the common struggles many small business owners – in any field –...

Explore the transformative power of mosaic art as a mindful and enjoyable way to express yourself. Becky Paton teaches mosaic classes for adults of all abilities, and in this episode she is keen to emphasize that anyone, regardless of their perceived creativity, can create beautiful pieces with the right materials and guidance. Becky tells me about her experiences of creating mosaics with children...

How can engaging in creative activities influence an individual's sense of self and overall fulfillment in life? Shawna Curee was a very creative child, who loved drawing, writing, and creating games with her siblings. A nurturing home and school environment allowed her to freely explore her artistic inclinations, until, inspired by the film Free Willy , Shawna decided she wanted to be a mari...

From self-doubting doodler to skilled graphic facilitator, embracing the messiness of creativity can lead to transformative experiences. Societal pressures initially deterred my guest Ashton Rodenhiser from pursuing the arts in higher education. Instead she went to community college and then on to a role working in parenting programs and prenatal support, followed by transitioning to family suppor...

Oksana Kukurudza's deeply personal writing project titled Sunflowers Bend But Rarely Break , explores her parents' harrowing experiences as forced labourers in Nazi Germany during World War II. Oksana's motivation for writing stems not only from her parents' stories but also from the striking parallels she observes between their experiences and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine....

Creativity and community. Mark Clay's transition into the arts began later in life, sparked by his experiences as a father. He initially engaged in creative activities to facilitate his daughters' artistic explorations, which led him to rediscover his own potential for drawing. This rekindling of creativity served as a form of 'occupational therapy', allowing him to refill his...

Processing the personal struggles through words. A negative experience in a college creative writing class derailed Mary Adkin's writing ambitions for nearly a decade, and sent her on a whole different path than the one she had planned. Mary studied public policy and went to law school, but when it came to working in the legal profession, Mary quickly realized that being a lawyer was not her...

There is energy in everything. In this episode my guest Tina Wells chats about her journey to finding emotional relief and mental wellbeing, along the way showcasing various practices and creative outlets that foster joy and reduce stress. Tina has always had a deep appreciation for nature and science – including a fascination with energy bonds, organic matter and the interconnectedness of living...

Dealing with personal loss, embarking on a nomadic lifestyle, and ultimately finding solace and purpose through writing. For author Douglas Robbins the journey to creativity was anything but conventional.  In this episode I chat with Douglas about his early creative influences, including his mother's theatrical background and his own musical experiences, and the cathartic nature of Douglas&ap...

How creativity can fit into the seasons of your life Gina Farrar has embraced many facets of her own creativity in midlife, and loves to share how doing so can be a great tool for self-discovery and expression.  In this episode I talk with Gina about her desire to and experiences of homeschooling her two girls, and how those same girls were pivotal in Gina's rediscovery of and explorations in...

At one time or another we all have our inner critics, undermining our confidence, but how do we deal with them? My guest, Ela Wassell of Truly Boldly You, advocates for acknowledging them, since it is though understanding these voices that we can manage them, an approach that can empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves, free from perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies. In this...

Making websites empathetic can improve your search engine rankings and discoverability. In this episode I chat with Creativity Found Collective member and expert in search engine optimisation (SEO) Kelly Drewett, about the ways that business owners can improve the usability and accessibility of their websites, which in turn will enhance that site's performance on search engines such as Google...

Sewing up a storm. In this episode of the Mother of All Solutions podcast, Laura Broderick chats with Great British Sewing Bee contestants Lauren Tedstone and Vicki Reid who discuss their careers before entering the Sewing Bee, plus their work, family and sewing lives now. Mother of all Solutions CreativityFound.co.uk Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast Facebook: @c...

From corporate communications to embracing personal creativity through writing, coaching, and more, Amy L. Bernstein illustrates in this episode that owning your identity and being true to yourself can lead to a sense of empowerment and fulfillment. Amy shares how she transitioned from high-paying corporate communications' jobs to pursuing more personally creative endeavours. Amy's turni...

Crafting inspired by nature and gardens The creative workshops offered at Sussex Garden School range from garden design to pressing flowers, fused glass art, natural dyeing and rag weaving, all in a supportive and encouraging environment where adults can explore their creativity and unlock a sense of wonder and playfulness often lost in adulthood. In this chat, Creativity Found Collective member J...