The Creative Life Podcast

What happens when the questions you've carried your entire life become the story that helps someone else heal? In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast , Dr. Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down with Omaha author and adoption advocate Wilson Munsterman to discuss identity, belonging, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling. Found on a doorstep in China as an infant an...

Your environment is more than the backdrop of your life...it has the power to influence your health, creativity, mindset, and sense of purpose. In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast , hosts Dr. Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down with interior designer and founder of Katie Noel Studio, Katie Breidenbach, to explore how intentional design can transform not only the spaces we live i...

In this follow-up episode of The Creative Life Podcast , Dr. Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons revisit their conversation with photographer, creative director, and Luli Creative House founder Ariel Panowicz to unpack the deeper lessons behind her creative journey. Ariel's story is about much more than opening a creative studio. It's a reflection on identity, belonging, community, and the courag...

In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast , hosts Dr. Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down with photographer, creative director, and founder of Luli Creative House , Ariel Panowicz . Ariel shares her journey from Omaha to Los Angeles and back again, opening up about the pressure creatives often feel to follow a prescribed path even when it no longer fits. After questioning what success...

What can graffiti teach us about creativity? In this recap episode of The Creative Life Podcast , hosts Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons revisit their conversation with Alyssa Jade Baldridge, founder of Omaha Street Art, to unpack the powerful lessons hidden in plain sight on the walls of our cities. More than documenting murals and tags, Alyssa explores street art as a form of storytelling, r...

In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast, hosts Dr. Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down with Alyssa Jade Baldridge, creator of Omaha Street Art, to explore the stories, voices, and creative resistance living on the walls of Omaha. Through her work documenting graffiti and street art across the city, Alyssa has become an archivist of a creative culture that often exists outside tradit...

In this recap episode of The Creative Life Podcast , hosts Dr. Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons revisit their conversation with Keyosha Atwater , founder of Chapters & Connections , to reflect on the power of literacy, intentional reading, and community connection. This episode explores how reading can unlock creativity, expand perspective, and create meaningful opportunities for growth an...

In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast , hosts Dr. Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down with Keyosha Atwater , founder of Chapters & Connections , to explore the transformative power of literacy, reading, and intentional community. Through her growing Omaha-based book club, Keyosha is creating spaces where books become more than entertainment—they become tools for reflection, gr...

In this recap episode of The Creative Life Podcast , hosts Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons revisit their inspiring conversation with Omaha-based actor and storyteller Dennis Stessman about the realities of building a creative life in the performing arts. From portraying iconic characters like Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol to navigating auditions, rejection, and artistic uncertainty, Denni...

In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast , hosts Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down with Omaha-based actor and storyteller Dennis Stessman to explore the journey of building a life in the performing arts. From bringing beloved characters like Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol to life, to navigating auditions and creative uncertainty, Dennis shares how authenticity, preparation, and...

What if your breath is the key to unlocking your creativity? In this recap episode of The Creative Life Podcast , we revisit our powerful conversation with modern mystic and breathwork facilitator Tamara Schantell , exploring how intentional breathing can help creatives move through blocks, reduce overwhelm, and reconnect with their most aligned, authentic work. Blending corporate experience at Mi...

In this transformative episode of The Creative Life Podcast , hosts Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down with cosmic pioneer and modern mystic Tamara Schantell to explore the powerful intersection of breathwork, creativity, and human potential. With a unique background that blends corporate leadership at Microsoft , Salesforce , and Okta with deep spiritual practice, Tamara shares how int...

In this episode of the Creative Life Podcast , Coach Jessica Olsen and Dr. Gibbons sit down with veteran animator and story artist Ben Lane , an Omaha-based creative with more than 25 years of experience in the animation industry. Ben has worked on some of the most recognizable animated productions in the world, including Zootopia, Frozen Fever, Family Guy, and The Simpsons. In addition to his stu...

In this recap episode of The Creative Life Podcast , Coach Jessica and Dr. Gibbons break down the most powerful insights from their conversation with Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter — TEDx speaker, mentalist, comedian, and creator of Meditation in Motion . Arthur’s 25-year creative journey spans keynote stages, comedy mentalism, magic, corporate hosting, and even balloon artistry. But beyond the perfor...

In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast , we sit down with the unforgettable Arthur Fratelli-Silknitter —a TEDx speaker, mentalist, comedian, and master storyteller whose career spans more than 25 years of captivating audiences around the world. Arthur’s journey is anything but linear. From keynote stages and corporate events to comedy mentalism and magic, he has continually reinvented his cr...

In this recap episode of #The Creative Life Podcast hosts Coach Jessica and Dr. Gibbons reflect on their conversation with branding and marketing strategist Natalie Micale and break down the key takeaways creatives need to know as they prepare to build a social media strategy for 2026. Together, they unpack what was learned in the interview and translate big-picture ideas into practical next steps...

T hinking about launching a social media strategy in 2026 but feeling overwhelmed about where to begin? This episode is your starting point. We sit down with Natalie Micale , a creative branding and marketing strategist, to break down what actually matters when building a social media presence in the year ahead. From clarifying your brand before you post, to choosing the right platforms, to creati...

🎙️ Episode Description — The Creative Life PodcastRecap Episode: “What We Learned From Jerry Banks: Turning Chaos Into Creative Fuel”In this reflective follow-up, Coach Jessica and Dr. Gibbons sit down to unpack their biggest takeaways from their inspiring conversation with author and entrepreneur Jerry Banks. Together, they explore how Jerry’s raw honesty, resilience, and “Internal GPS System” il...

Content Warning / Listener Discretion Advised This episode discusses sensitive topics related to suicide and mental health. While the conversation is intended to inform and foster understanding, it may be difficult or triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself and consider skipping this episode if you need to. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is availabl...

In this recap episode, hosts Coach Jessica and Dr. Gibbons revisit their conversation with Adam Van Osdel—artist, entrepreneur, and the creative force behind Omaha’s immersive café, Edge of the Universe. They unpack the biggest insights from Adam’s journey, from building tactile, story-driven spaces to navigating a multi-disciplinary creative career spanning museum exhibits, TEDx Omaha, PACE, and...

Season 2 of The Creative Life Podcast kicks off with a creative powerhouse — Adam Van Osdel, artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Edge of the Universe, Omaha’s most imaginative café where art, atmosphere, and coffee collide. Hosts Coach Olsen and Dr. Gibbons dive into Adam’s journey from museum exhibits to immersive installations, exploring how he built a space that invites guests to see, touch, a...

In this follow-up episode to The Art of Versatility, your hosts Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down to reflect on their inspiring conversation with multidisciplinary artist and performer Jewel Rodgers. From her work in visual art and poetry to her role in community engagement, Jewel’s journey sparked a thoughtful dialogue on the value of creative range, resilience, and purpose-driven art...

On this episode of The Creative Life Podcast , we’re thrilled to welcome the multi-talented Jewel Rodgers—an artist and performer whose dynamic career spans visual art, poetry, and community engagement. Jewel’s impressive resume includes two nominations for the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards, recognition as a 2022 Union for Contemporary Art Fellow, a 2023 Andy Warhol – Populus Fund Grantee, a...

This week on The Creative Life Podcast , hosts Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down to reflect on the vibrant conversation with Haley Harrer—artist, entrepreneur, and founder of True Colors Face Painting and Body Art. In this thoughtful recap, Jessica and Dr. Jaclyn break down the key takeaways from Haley’s journey, including what it really means to build a creative business that brings j...

This week on The Creative Life Podcast , Olsen sits down with the incredibly vibrant and talented Haley Harrer — owner and operator of True Colors Face Painting and Body Art . From weddings and birthday parties to community festivals like the Midtown Merry Market , Haley brings joy and color to every event she touches. Haley shares how she turned her natural love for art into a thriving business,...