Creators at Work: The Stories Behind What We Make

What if a simple annoyance turned into a patented innovation? On this episode of Built From Scratch , Donald Dunn sits down with inventor and engineer Bob LeBay , the creator of the only drink coaster engineered to truly prevent condensation spills. After a coaster stuck to his Manhattan glass and ruined his silk tie, Bob decided to solve a problem most people just tolerate. What followed was a jo...

What does it take to pivot from crisis communications expert to award-winning thriller novelist? In this episode of Creators at Work , Donald Dunn sits down with John David, author of the breakout thriller The Bystander , named one of the best thrillers of twenty twenty five. Inspired by real-world headlines and the psychology of fear, John shares how a mall shooting incident sparked the premise f...

How can podcasting become therapy for depression and anxiety? In this episode of Creators at Work , host Donald Dunn sits down with Noah May — journalism graduate, mental health advocate, and host of the rapidly growing podcast Lethal Venom — to talk about building a podcast from scratch, overcoming depression and anxiety, and turning personal pain into purpose. Noah opens up about growing up feel...

In this episode of Creators at Work , Donald Dunn sits down with Maxwell Ivey, known worldwide as The Blind Blogger , to discuss why accessibility matters for podcasters and creators — and how improving accessibility can directly grow your audience. Maxwell shares his journey from teaching himself HTML in two thousand seven just to get online, to becoming a respected accessibility expert, speaker,...

Vicki Ann, a talented young adult paranormal author, dives into the enchanting world of spiritualism and the paranormal in our latest chat. With a knack for crafting gripping tales—like her award-winning Alex McKenna series featuring a transgender teen with extraordinary gifts—Vicki shares her journey of navigating the complexities of writing in the genre. We’ll explore how her sensitivity to the...

In this episode of the Creators at Work Podcast , host Donald Dunn sits down with Terry M. Brown author , award-winning novelist and host of Online for Authors , to explore what it truly means to rebuild your life after hardship. After leaving a fourteen-year emotionally abusive marriage, Terry embarked on a powerful tandem bicycle journey across the United States — a bold act of self-discovery th...

Terry M. Brown, an award-winning author, shares her incredible journey from overcoming an emotionally abusive marriage to becoming a successful writer. With a spirit of resilience, she cycled 3,102 miles across the U.S., which sparked her fiction career and helped her reclaim her voice. We dive deep into the ups and downs of writing, including the creative process, the importance of believing in o...

Today, we're diving into the world of writing books with the incredible Ray Hartjen, who’s not just an author but a lifelong storyteller. Ray shares his journey from a B2B and B2C revenue guru to penning five diverse books, ranging from sports history to personal memoirs shaped by his own battle with cancer. We explore the nitty-gritty of getting started in writing, emphasizing that the key is sim...

Today, we're diving deep into the world of filmmaking and storytelling with the talented Lisa Kaufman, a filmmaker who’s not just all about the glitz and glamour but has a rich history that connects her to some fascinating figures in literature and publishing. From her accidental discovery of family ties to the co-founder of Funk and Wagnalls to her journey of blending her love for writing with he...

The discussion centers primarily on the profound implications of artificial intelligence, as articulated by our guest, Guy Morris, a pioneer in the field. Morris shares his multifaceted journey, from overcoming a tumultuous childhood to becoming a notable author and consultant for major corporations. He delves into the historical evolution of AI, emphasizing its transformative potential while simu...

Today we're diving into a gripping mystery that unfolds during the tumultuous Don't Ask, Don't Tell era in the military. Our guest, Darryl Barry, a retired army officer turned novelist, shares his firsthand experiences and insights into a world where hidden pressures and quiet battles are all too real for gay service members. His book isn’t just about being gay in the military; it’s a powerful mys...

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the profound interconnection between film, storytelling, and the creative process, as articulated by our esteemed guest, Ms. Lucinda Sage. As a lifelong storyteller with extensive experience in theater, literature, and education, Lucinda elucidates how her early experiences with cinema, particularly family movie nights, shaped her understan...

In this episode of The Real Leadership Brief , we explore what leadership really means beyond the title on your door. Joe Wyrwas joins the conversation to unpack leadership as responsibility—how decisions, ownership, and accountability define real leadership far more than position or authority. Drawing from his experience developing leadership programs, leading teams, and overseeing high-stakes te...

Burning Man isn't just a wild desert party; it's a transformative experience that challenges our notions of community and belonging. In this episode, I chat with Sarah Marshall, author of "Play A Dust in My Soul," who shares her journey from a cautious traveler to a full-fledged participant in this unique festival. We dive into her personal experiences at Burning Man, where she confronted her iden...

Maxwell Ivy, renowned as the Blind Blogger, joins us to elucidate the paramount importance of accessibility within the digital landscape. In our dialogue, we delve into his transformative journey, which began as a carnival owner and evolved into a distinguished advocate for inclusivity, highlighting how individuals and businesses can derive tangible benefits from embracing accessibility. Maxwell e...

The discourse presented in this podcast delves into the intricate realm of Irish music and the essential etiquette surrounding it, particularly within session environments. We elucidate how an understanding and respect for the existing cultural frameworks can significantly ameliorate the anxiety often experienced by newcomers. By sharing relatable examples, we offer insights into navigating unfami...

The salient point of this podcast centers on the multifaceted nature of leadership and the importance of adaptability in various contexts. I engage in a profound discussion with Walter Dusseldorf, a seasoned mentor and personal development coach, who elucidates the pivotal role of experience in effective leadership. He draws from his extensive background in emergency services and healthcare admini...

The discussion critically examines the intricate nature of human behavior and the methodologies employed to enhance personal growth. Central to this discourse is the unique approach of Mr. Jim Marshall, who has dedicated over four decades to unraveling the complexities of human functioning through an engineering lens. By integrating principles of psychology, philosophy, and empirical observation,...

What does it really take to build leaders inside a small business—without burning people out or losing your culture? In this episode of The Real Leadership Brief , Donald Dunn sits down with Rich Ashton, a Navy veteran and entrepreneur with more than four decades of experience building, fixing, and selling companies across multiple industries. Rich breaks down why most small businesses struggle wi...

In this episode of History Told Forward , we deliver a powerful storytelling podcast experience rooted in real life stories , deep conversations , and the living memory of the human experience . We sit down with author and podcast creator Laura Van Wormer to explore what it was truly like to grow up in America during the early nineteen seventies—a time before cell phones, before seatbelts, before...

In this episode of Authors After Action , we deliver a storytelling podcast experience built on real life stories , inspiring interviews , and the creative side of the human experience . We sit down with John David—public relations professional, corporate ghostwriter, and award-winning novelist—to explore the personal journey behind his debut thriller, The Bystander , winner of the Two Thousand Tw...

Creators at Work is a conversational podcast focused on creativity through lived experience. Each episode features podcasters, writers, artists, filmmakers, and digital creators discussing what they make, why they started, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Rather than tutorials or trend-chasing, the show centers on honest conversations about creative process, persistence, and growth....