Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts at theflamepod.com. Follow on Instagram and send me a hello: talk@theflamepod.com

In this first episode of The Friday 5, host Bob Raynor dives into the creative power of fear — just in time for Halloween. From launching his own agency after a layoff to embracing AI tools like MidJourney, Bob shares how fear can become the spark that fuels creativity and personal growth.

Discover why Halloween is the most creative holiday on earth, how play leads to innovation, and why facing fear is the key to unlocking your next big idea.

🎧 Listen for:

• How fear fuels creativity

• Lessons from Halloween’s creative spirit

• Using AI as a creative ally, not a threat

• Bob’s personal journey building Sequence Design LLC

• A simple challenge to light your own creative lantern

👉 Subscribe for weekly 5-minute creative insights and motivation.

In Episode 12 of The Flame, host Bob Raynor talks with Jillian Di Benedetto, an award-winning multidisciplinary designer and creative leader, about navigating the modern job hunt with humor, honesty, and resilience. Jillian shares her journey through 15+ years in advertising, the challenges of remote work, and the broken realities of today’s recruitment processes; from ghosting and ATS filters to ageism and endless interview rounds.

Known for her witty and unfiltered LinkedIn posts, Jillian discusses why authenticity matters more than “Apple vibes,” how humor became her survival tool, and why community support is essential for creatives. She also previews her own podcast, Unemployable, and calls for creatives to reclaim their power in an industry that often forgets the human behind the portfolio.

This candid, funny, and inspiring episode is for anyone who’s felt lost in the job hunt — and needs a reminder that their flame is worth keeping lit.

In Episode 11 of The Flame, host Bob Raynor reconnects with account director Toby Bovingdon, a veteran of omnichannel pharma and B2B marketing with nearly 30 years of experience. Recently laid off, Toby opens up about the challenges of today’s job search—from ghost postings and algorithm-driven rejections to navigating imposter syndrome.

Drawing on his background as a multi-degree black belt in karate, Toby shares how martial arts has shaped his resilience and mindset: to be a black belt at life. He also talks about building trust in client relationships, finding balance in creative industries, and his passion project co-hosting a vintage car show on YouTube.

If you’re a creative, marketer, or professional facing change, this candid conversation will inspire you to embrace the power of possibility.

#TheFlamePodcast#CareerResilience#PowerOfPossibility#CreativeCareers#MarketingLife#PharmaMarketing#BlackBeltMindset#VintageCarCommunity#ReinventionJourney#StayPositive

Designer Victoria Krawiec spent nearly a year out of work before landing her new role in LA. In this candid conversation, she shares how she stayed creative, built her confidence, and refused to give up on the life she wanted.

#CreativeResilience
#DesignLife
#CareerComeback
#JobSearchJourney
#CreativityMatters
#PerseverancePays
#DesignCommunity
#CreativeConfidence
#InspirationForCreatives
#TheFlamePodcast

In Episode 9, Bob Raynor talks to Shu Chow, co-founder of Don’t Bother Applying, about why the hiring process feels broken—and what we can do about it. From ghost jobs to algorithmic filtering, they explore the real problems behind candidate frustration and the tools that might bring fairness and clarity back to job search.#theflamepodcast

#DontBotherApplying

#GhostJobs

#HiringReform

#jobsearchhelp

#TechAndHiring

#FixTheFunnel

#candidateexperience

#RedFlagsInHiring

#CareerTransparency

In this episode of The Flame, host Bob Raynor sits down with Kris Klein—Copywriter, Creative Director, and Content Strategist—to talk candidly about the emotional and professional rollercoaster of being laid off. Kris opens up about the grief, identity loss, and quiet inner battles that come with career disruption, and how he’s using his craft—writing—as a way to process, connect, and begin again.

They discuss the recent article Kris wrote comparing unemployment to a child’s irrational fear of mummies, and how reframing fear, embracing vulnerability, and supporting others can reignite creativity and purpose.

In Episode 7 of The Flame, Bob Raynor chats with Rusty Bargeron, a Senior Business Analyst and passionate illustrator. Rusty shares how he rediscovered his love for art, found creative fulfillment outside of work, and the lessons he’s learned about staying inspired in a practical world.

In Episode 6 of The Flame, Bob Raynor chats with Elissa Mendez-Renk, a pianist and former advertising professional who used the adversity of being laid off as a sign to pursue her passion for music and teaching. Elissa shares her journey of rediscovery, the challenges of starting over, and the lessons she’s learned about creativity, mental health, and staying true to yourself.

In this episode of The Flame, Bob Raynor is joined by Dr. Stephen Stunder, a Licensed Professional Counselor and professor. Together, they explore the impact of job loss on identity, why grieving a career change is essential, and the importance of men's mental health. Tune in for a candid conversation full of insights, practical advice, and reflections on navigating tough career transitions.

In Episode 4 of The Flame, Bob Raynor talks to Maria Kravets—a UI/UX designer and blackbelt kickboxer. Maria opens up about her recent layoff, the challenges of staying motivated, and the importance of empathy in design. Discover how her background in kickboxing has given her resilience, and learn practical advice for navigating career transitions as a creative.

In this episode of The Flame, Bob Raynor chats with Brian Jung, a freelance creative leader with extensive experience in web design, advertising, comic books, and creative direction. Brian opens up about the ups and downs of navigating a volatile job market, the importance of collaboration over competition, and how he keeps his creative passion alive. Tune in for an honest conversation about resilience, creativity, and finding your way as a creative professional.

In Episode 2 of The Flame, Bob Raynor interviews cultural strategist Dan Gould. Dan opens up about betting on himself, taking career risks, and how he keeps his creative spark alive during uncertain times. They discuss the challenges of navigating a non-linear career path, staying productive between projects, and why creating your own content is crucial in today's market. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and taking control of your journey.

In Episode 1 of The Flame, host Bob Raynor shares his personal journey through the ups and downs of a creative career, including the challenges of being laid off twice in less than a year. Bob opens up about the shock, fear, and insecurities that followed, and how he found ways to cope through therapy, mentorship, and creative exploration. This episode sets the tone for the series—candid, heartfelt, and all about finding the spark that reignites our passion for creativity. Join Bob as he kicks off this journey of rediscovery.