From combat engineer to creative conjurer, discover how Joseph Bolton merges magic, ancestry and the northern lights in his new-found love for writing folklore and fantasy. Joseph joined the US Army straight out of high school, and in his 25 years of service graduated from West Point and Ranger School and worked as a combat engineer (a role that involved building bridges and blowing things up), an infantry officer, and even a space operations officer. After the passing of his younger br...

Jennifer Roig-Francolí shares her journey from a young violinist finding solace in her art, to a place of spiritual exploration and self-discovery. We discuss the challenges she faced in her artistic life, including a pivotal moment when she realized she was not using her creativity in a healthy way, and the profound neck pain that changed her path. Through the Alexander Technique, Jennifer found not just relief from her physical discomfort, but also a new way to reconnect with her creativity...

Discovering and sharing the healing power of art. What happens when a distinguished physician with over 150 published papers walks away from a 40-year medical career? For Dr Vasu Tolia, an unexpected artistic awakening filled the void. Dr Tolia's story begins in Calcutta, where she grew up in an academically-driven household with little exposure to the arts. Her path to medicine was serendipitous, influenced by a friend who convinced her to take biology despite her inclination toward humanit...

Outward success can mask profound inner turmoil. Alexandra Walker talks to me about her path from mathematical prodigy to trauma-informed coach, revealing along the way how creative expression can be hindered by psychological struggles, but also become a pathway to healing. From an early age, Alexandra displayed dual talents in mathematics and creative arts. A perceptive art teacher recognized abilities she couldn't see in herself, encouraging her artistic development alongside her acad...

What happens when a satellite engineer's hands stop working, and how can creativity emerge from constraint? For Florrie de Havilland, a period of debilitating ill health meant reimagining her entire career and discovering unexpected joy in the delicate art of calligraphy and the mechanical precision of letterpress printing. Having had a successful career in mechanical engineering, including testing satellites for space missions, Florrie's neurological condition – affecting her hands and...

Crusie ships, corporate climbing and a creative philosophy From a young age, Tricia Duffy was immersed in the arts, singing and writing poetry. Leaving school at 16 with no qualifications, Tricia found a way to fulfill her dream of going to America by working on cruise ships, where her passion for entertainment blossomed. On returning to the UK Tricia transitioned into the television industry, where she faced the challenge of working in a male-dominated environment that often sidelined ...

How age and life experiences can reignite artistic passions long buried beneath the weight of societal expectations. For this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Sally Fox, a once-aspiring artist turned leadership consultant. After years of letting grades and external validation dictate her creative identity, Sally bravely broke free from the chains of self-doubt. Now in her 70s, she revels in her creativity, embracing art, writing, and performance with newfound vigour. We...

I'm excited to introduce you to the Multispective Podcast, where real people share their stories, much like we do here at Creativity Found. Hosted by Jennica Sadhwani, Multispective delves into diverse perspectives on society and culture, showcasing personal narratives that tackle life's challenges head-on. Hear more about what to expect and, if you’re looking for a podcast that gives voice to the unheard and celebrates human growth and the courage to live authentically, find Mult...

Replacing the rigidity of council architecture with the vibrancy of bespoke hat design. Janice Charles is the CEO of House of Charles, a bespoke hat-design business that thrives on making the seemingly impossibe, possible. Janice's father instilled in her a belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, an ethos illustrated by the unique, architectural headwear she now designs for her clients and that is featured internationally in couture magazines. Before she got to this point,...

Initially skeptical about pursuing a career in film, Tyler Schwanke's younger, practical self chose to take a journalism course at college. However, his true calling in film and storytelling beckoned, and he tried out a number of programs, before completing his mixed degree. After college, back in his high-school bedroom at his parents' home, Tyler needed to earn some money, and took a security job, where in his mind he began planning a fantasy of how an aspiring filmmaker might make some mon...

Connecting creativity with personal healing. Samantha Mackay felt the pressure of conforming to traditional art forms in school, and much later in life found her voice in abstract painting. In this episode Samantha and I discuss how the pressures of societal expectations can stifle artistic expression, as she shares her journey from a legal career to rediscovering her creative passions. Samantha opens up about the struggles she faced while living in London, grappling with de...

Initially hesitant about public speaking, Liz Drury's journey unfolds with unexpected twists, from her scientific studies to her current role as a voiceover artist. As an archeological scientist Liz found unexpected fame from her research on 'prehistoric chewing gum', which catapulted her into the media spotlight. That sparked her interest in the media world, and Liz volunteered and later worked at a local television channel, but when the funding ran out she moved to working on va...

Model and content creator Rachel Peru on finding confidence and a creative spark later in life. Despite facing a lack of belief from educators, Rachel’s early experiences in drama studies and theatre laid a foundation for her creative spirit, which would be reignited much later after significant life changes, including a divorce. From participating in local charity fashion shows to signing with a London agency, Rachel’s modelling career took off in ways she never expected, allowin...

As the first engineer at a pioneering startup specializing in artificial intelligence, John Guiver’s expertise in mathematics and programming laid the groundwork for his technical career. While still working in this field, John began translating the memoirs of survivors of the 1972 Andes flight disaster, which led to the publication of his own book on the subject, entitled To Play the Game. Writing not only gave John a new creative outlet, but also a profound connection to the stories o...

Through art activities given in care homes and community groups, Dementia Arts Trust has been bringing joy to people living with dementia and their carers for nearly a decade. In this episode, as part of Podcasthon, an initiative to raise awareness for charities worldwide, I chat with trust founders Joanne Robinson and Melissa Haddow about how these art activities build self-esteem, evoke memories and show those living with dementia what they can still accomplish, despite their diagnosis.&nbs...

With a rich background in languages and science, creative pursuits were encouraged during Nancy Dillingham Marks' childhood, but not fully embraced by the young Nancy. On leaving school Nancy's professional life was dominated by analytical roles, and she excelled in various corporate positions, including at Sony Pictures. What Nancy didn't realize at the time was that her path to success was not only fuelled by her organizational skills, but by intertwining those with creative problem-solving...

Cindy Ingram's love for art began early, influenced by Disney classics and a desire to become an animator. With a strong academic focus, Cindy pursued an art history degree and aimed to be a museum educator. However, the reality of museum jobs – limited opportunities and low pay – led her to teaching art in schools instead. Cindy started her own online business to support art teachers with resources, but in the midst of her career faced burnout, and her connection to creativity dwindled...

The Creativity Found Collective is a vibrant community where creativity thrives and everyone supports one another. This bonus episode showcases how being part of the Creativity Found Collective can spark inspiration, foster connections and provide valuable support for creative small business owners. With insights from various members, hear about the importance of collaboration and sharing experiences in the creative realm, as well as the mental health benefits of engaging in artistic activi...

Nina Lenton is a business coach and mentor with a rich background in marketing and project management, who in this episode shares her insights into the world of creativity and the importance of nurturing it in both personal and professional realms. Nina discusses her passion for helping business owners rediscover their creative spark, especially when the daily grind threatens to overshadow their artistic pursuits. Nina's approach combines coaching with practical planning, allowing clien...

Preserving the traditional craft of kilt making. Paula Duncan is a bespoke kilt maker and tutor, with over 11 years of teaching experience, who has adapted her classes to an online format, making it easier for busy adults to embrace their creativity while learning a new skill. Paula teaches students from all walks of life, some seeking to create a single kilt while others aspire to turn their newfound skills into a business. As a member of the Creativity Found Collective, Paula thrives in a...