The Wilderness of Creativity

In part two of this week's episode with Amber Lucas, we pick up where we left off chatting about what happens when a post goes viral and the unexpected confidence boost that can come with it. Amber shares how the experience brought her even closer to her existing followers, encouraging her to speak up, share her opinions and even explore new opportunities in public speaking. We also get into the r...

How do you know when it's time to stop playing safe and start backing yourself? In Part 1 of this conversation, we welcome back returning guest, founder of 'Calluna and Tyme' Amber Lucas, to discuss what she's been up to since we last met in the wilderness. We talk navigating comfort zones in business, the evolution of a family bakery into a creative venture and the challenges faced in the wedding...

We give you the answers… but can you guess the questions? Welcome to our brand-new game show, Knowing Me, Knowing you! Three questions, three answers… but here's the twist: you only get to hear the answers! Can you work out what the questions were? Play along and see if you can get all three right. No cheating! Got a question of your own? Want to take part in a future episode? Get in touch with us...

Book your place on the Lost and Found workshop here Feeling creatively exhausted as the year comes to an end? You’re not alone! As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the challenges of maintaining creative energy, navigating motivation dips, and finding balance when everything feels like a lot. Through personal insights and thoughtful questions for reflection, Lucy reminds us that feeling tir...

What happens when we give ourselves permission to say yes to new opportunities? From saying yes to new opportunities to watching creative projects evolve into podcasts, speaking engagements and photography exhibitions, Miriam Cunliffe highlights the power of embracing the unknown, trusting the process and allowing creativity to grow naturally. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we don't...

Sign up for the Trailblazer Membership to gain access to Part 2 of this episode! What happens when we stop seeing change as something to fear and start seeing it as an invitation to listen and learn? Andrea Clare describes herself as an eternal optimist, someone who, even when things are uncertain, difficult or not going to plan, can’t help but wonder: what if this turns out better than I imagined...

Are you midlife, midcareer and mid-crisis? You’re in the right place! In this episode, Menstrual Cycle Coach Amy Blakeman returns to The Wilderness of Creativity to further explore the hot topic of the midlife awakening, hormonal shifts and how they impact self-perception, and why showing up to discuss this significant life transition can often be the starting point for creativity! You can listen...

What can linguistics teach us about creativity and the way we perceive the world? In this episode, PhD Applied Linguist Abi Kinsella joins Lucy in the wilderness once more to explore the unexpected connections between linguistics, creative writing, media representation, research and, most importantly, personal growth. Key discussion points: How language plays an important role in shaping public pe...

Trigger warning: this episode explores death, dying, grief and end-of-life experiences. What if talking about death could actually help us live differently? What if ritual could help us process what words can't? In this episode, I’m joined by Jade Adgate, a Certified Death Doula, founder of Farewell Fellowship and mentor through Farewell Education. Jade brings us into the world of death work, expl...

What does it mean to live life in all its fullness? In this reflective solo episode, I wanted to explore the themes of change, living life fully and embracing uncertainty. At the beginning of August, I talked about different frameworks outlined in 'The 12 Week Year', and I wanted to continue to reflect on some personal insights as well as invite you to consider what living in fullness means for yo...

It's hard to believe we've reached 100 episodes of The Wilderness of Creativity . To celebrate this milestone, I headed to Lyrebird Studios to record a very special episode with the brilliant Sarah McDowell . Together, we reflect on the podcast so far, the lessons, the unexpected twists and what 100 conversations have taught me. Whether you've been listening since episode one or you've only just d...

Are you feeling the pressure to make the rest of the year count? In this episode, I reflect on why mid-year goal setting has often left me feeling restricted rather than motivated and share a simple shift in perspective that has recently changed the way I think about my creative progress. Inspired by The 12 Week Year and the recording of our 100th podcast episode, we explore the power of shorter c...

Before we celebrate Episode 100, here's a quick preview of what's coming! We discuss some of the biggest moments, favourite conversations and lessons learned from the wilderness so far, and look ahead at what's next! A huge thank you to Sarah for hosting the 100th episode and thanks to every single one of you for being part of the first 100 episodes. The best is still to come! Save the date! The 1...

What if the biggest thing standing between you and your next chapter is the story you've been telling yourself? In this episode, founder of Calluna and Tyme Amber Lucas reflects on her journey from the wedding industry to becoming a website designer and digital product creator for wedding businesses. She shares the mindset shifts, fears and defining moments that shaped her path and why rewriting y...

Sometimes the greatest act of courage isn't holding on, it's imagining something entirely new. In this episode, Lucy challenges conventional ideas of resilience, revealing that true transformation begins when we dare to let go of what no longer serves us and embrace the uncertainty of becoming. Her message is a powerful reminder that change isn't the end of our story, it's often where our most mea...

What if the key to innovation, resilience and personal growth isn't working harder, but learning to play again? In this episode, we explore how the principles of improvisation can help individuals and organisations overcome fear, unlock creativity, and create environments where people feel energised, alive and empowered to adapt in an ever-changing world. The full episode with Michelle James is ou...

What role does music play in building confidence, creating community and supporting mental health? Becky Oakland is a musician, choir leader and music educator. With more than 17 years of experience teaching and leading singers of all ages, Becky shares how music education can shape children's learning, why community choirs are thriving and how singing creates meaningful connections between people...

Feeling overwhelmed by social media? Wondering what content to post, which platform to focus on or whether the algorithm is working against you? In this episode, I'm joined by Katie Shaw, founder of Shaw Socials and a trusted social media sidekick for small business owners. Katie helps businesses build an authentic online presence through social media training, content creation, masterclasses, and...

What does it really mean to live your brand? This week, Lucy introduces her new podcast 'In the Wrong Room,' designed to support Secondary teachers transitioning into Primary or EYFS settings. She shares her reasons for launching this new platform, how she continues to build a life and career that embraces multiple passions as proof that you don't have to be defined by one title, industry or expec...

Did you know NASA research found that 98% of children demonstrate 'creative genius' levels of divergent thinking, compared to just 2% of adults? What happens to our creativity as we grow up and can we get it back? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the science of creativity, why it appears to decline from childhood to adulthood and how we can reignite our creative potential at any stage...

This episode is a little different from the usual format! Earlier this year, I attended the Arts Education Conference hosted by Captivate Notts where I had the opportunity to speak with a range of artists, educators, cultural leaders and advocates about the future of arts education and the wider cultural sector. Rather than a single interview, this episode brings together highlights from those con...

What if the creative spark you’ve been overlooking is the very thing that could change your life? In this episode, writer, illustrator and performance poet Chris White shares how saying yes to creativity took him from Derby to stages, schools and festivals around the world proving that imagination can open doors you never expected. From publishing his first book Bitey the Veggie Vampire to perform...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by comparison or the pressure to 'keep up'? In Part 1, special guest Amy Lord shares her journey as a self-employed mum, emphasising the importance of realistic expectations, authenticity and creativity in balancing work and life. This episode explores the pressures of social media, the value of listening over speaking, and how creativity can be a vital tool for resi...

*Trigger warning - some listeners might find parts of this conversation upsetting as we discuss baby loss. In part 2, we discuss the pressure to appear successful online, especially for introverts and the toll that can take on creativity and wellbeing. Amy also shares how creativity can become a grounding force during difficult seasons of life. If you or someone you love has been affected by baby...

Mental health is rarely simple or linear, and creativity can often reflect that complexity. In a world obsessed with productivity, it’s easy to lose sight of who we actually are beneath the pressure to constantly evolve. Sometimes growth comes from discipline and change, but sometimes it comes from slowing down long enough to notice what you genuinely enjoy and what you’ve outgrown. Maybe the thin...