Living The Process with host Shannon TL Kearns

Kim Wildszewski, an ordained minister and grief poet, discusses her creative process and the power of poetry in expressing grief. She shares how she started writing poetry as a response to the acute grief she experienced after the sudden death of her son. Kim explores the unique qualities of poetry that allow for a more honest and concise expression of grief. She also talks about the challenges an...

Summary Jackie Vitale, the chef at the Ucross Artist Residency, discusses her creative process in cooking and how she creates feelings of care and nourishment through food. She shares her background in the arts and how her love for food developed from her Italian-American family and their emphasis on family dinners. Jackie talks about her journey to becoming a chef and how she landed her current j...

Chandler Baker started writing as a child and transitioned into writing novels and screenplays as an adult. Themes in Chandler's work include the challenges faced by working women and the expectations placed on mothers. Chandler's writing process involves brainstorming ideas, writing without strict outlines, and embracing the commercial aspects of writing. She finds inspiration and fills her creat...

Creativity can take many forms, including writing, visual art, cooking, and gardening. Having a creative practice is essential for harnessing and channeling creativity. Artistic expression can challenge societal expectations and norms. Sharing one's art requires vulnerability and risk-taking. Creativity can be a source of joy, self-expression, and personal growth.   For more about Cooper check out...

Takeaways Edwin Alexis Gomez is a queer Nicaraguan American artist known for their work in film, television, plays, and installation artwork. Their work explores social justice issues, emotional inheritance, microaggressions, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS. Edwin's creative process is influenced by various sources, including titles, lines of dialogue, music, images, and tarot readings. They belie...

Takeaways Paul William Kruse tells queer love stories that are influenced by his Catholic roots and evolving experience of family. His creative journey began with acting in theater and later transitioned to writing plays and films. Paul explores themes of queer love, strange and odd experiences, and the things that are often dismissed as petty or spectacle. Queerness informs Paul's creative life a...

Takeaways Dana Balicki helps people release the cultural program of fast-paced hustling and cultivate their inner intuitive connection. She draws on her background in political activism and organizing to create spaces for people to explore their past, present, and future. Dana's coaching work is action-oriented, helping clients design their lives around what is most important to them. Coaching is...

Takeaways Creating organizations that make a positive impact on people's lives requires insight, inspiration, and innovation. Understanding what people want and need is crucial in creating meaningful solutions. There is a need for creativity and innovation in both the artist and entrepreneur worlds. Businesses should focus on meeting deep human needs and creating positive experiences for customers...

Takeaways Namoli Brennet's creative process involves creating music and setting poetry to music. Her identity as a trans woman has influenced her music and the themes she explores. She discusses the challenges of being an independent musician and the impact of commerce on her creative process. Namoli emphasizes the importance of showing up and honoring the creative calling, even in the face of sel...

Takeaways Waubgeshig Rice creates books and aims to create good vibes and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. His creative life growing up was influenced by his parents and community, who exposed him to various forms of storytelling. Waubgeshig's creative process involves extensive planning and research before diving into writing. He balances his responsibility to his community and the wider audi...

Takeaways   Kira's plays are like altar calls, providing a space for emotional release and exploration. Kira's creative journey began as an expressive and dramatic child, and she found her place as a playwright in college. She is drawn to themes of deconstructing faith and exploring spirituality in a nuanced way. Kira's writing process is character-driven, and she involves actors early in the proc...

Takeaways Consistency in journaling can provide a valuable outlet for self-expression and reflection. Learning about the publishing industry is essential for writers seeking representation and publication. Balancing creativity and market constraints can be challenging, but it's important to stay true to your vision. Finding the right collaborators, such as agents and editors, who understand and ap...

Takeaways   Creativity is not limited to traditional artistic expressions but encompasses all aspects of life. Spirituality and creativity are closely connected, as both involve the process of creation and transformation. Creativity is an essential part of being human and should be embraced as such. Discipline and practice are crucial for nurturing creativity and allowing it to flourish.   For mor...

Takeaways: In this episode, host Shannon TL Kearns interviews R. Eric Thomas, a national bestselling author, playwright, and screenwriter. They discuss Eric's creative process and how he explores different forms of writing, including books, plays, and TV. Eric shares his early creative influences and how he discovered his love for theater. They also delve into the themes that Eric explores in his...

Takeaways Collaboration with playwrights can produce powerful new work that challenges the status quo. Theatricality in theater involves blending mixed media and using metaphor to evoke emotion. Dungeons & Dragons has gained popularity due to its accessibility and variability. Stage directions are important in creating a theatrical experience and can provide context and tone for a scene. Directing...

Takeaways Creativity can be a spiritual expression that connects us to a deeper part of ourselves and others. Queerness in storytelling allows for the exploration of radical potentiality and the reimagining of traditional genres. Writing every day, seeking feedback, and working on one project at a time are important aspects of the creative process. Virtual reality (VR) can be a unique and immersiv...