Ever feel like your creative work has to be perfect every single time? In this episode of "Follow Your Curiosity," I share that elite athletes only succeed half the time—and why creative people should lower their expectations and embrace imperfection, too. Discover how shifting your mindset can help you get unstuck, trust the process, and keep going, even if you miss more "shots" than not. If you believe every project you start has to turn out well, this episode is for you. If watching your kids build a pillow fort makes you wonder where the heck that zany, wild, playful part of yourself went... the Stop Performing, Start Living Reset may be for you! It's a pilot offer with special pricing for the first 20 people who sign up. Contact me for more.

Every year at Thanksgiving and Christmas, I offer up my favorite episodes of the year. This year's Thanksgiving selection is my conversation with force of nature Lizzie Hopley. Enjoy! (Original release date: July 16, 2025) —Actress and writer Lizzie Hopley was born in Liverpool and trained at RADA. As anactress, she has worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Globe Theatre and recent screen work includes Black Doves and upcoming feature film Fackham Hall. As a writer, her radio sitcom Green won Pozzitive TV’s Funny Dot Comp 2021 and TV series Bloody Betty is currently in development. She has written and appeared in over 90 Big Finish audio adventures including Dark Shadows and Doctor Who, and her Doctor Who audio play The Curse of Lady Macbeth won the 2022 Scribe Award.Lizzie joins me to talk about how her childhood love of writing and acting became a vocation, auditioning for RADA—twice—and how she ended up continuing to write even as a drama student, how learning to think of acting and writing as having a target changed her work, and a whole lot more. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Lizzie Hopley shares her creative childhood and love for books.04:56 Acting out movie scenes alone sparked early passion for performance.08:45 Family encouraged storytelling, costumes, and imagination at home.13:11 Difficulties pursuing creative careers; importance of following passion.17:33 University and RADA experiences shaped her acting and writing path.22:24 Writing plays began due to lack of desired acting roles.27:29 Rewriting and feedback are crucial for improving both crafts.32:54 Learning to target audience while writing; acting versus writing focus.37:22 Acting training emphasizes focusing on scene partner, not yourself.43:48 Importance of editors and learning to kill your darlings.48:21 Confidence and caring less about others’ opinions increases with age.53:07 Acting and writing overlap at Big Finish; playing her own roles.57:16 Big Finish’s community impact, creative freedom, and professional development.01:02:18 Target books and early Doctor Who fandom as creative inspiration.01:07:04 Embrace varied interests; open doors for yourself in creativity. Want more? Here are handy playlists with all my previous interviews with guests in writing, theatre, and Doctor Who.   If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend. Check out the full show notes (now including transcripts!) at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack. Please leave a review for this episode—it’s really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks! If you’ve been tearing up when you encounter other people’s art because you’ve lost touch with your own, we should talk.  

What does it really mean to practice patience—especially when life, creativity, or even a home repair puts you to the test? In this episode, I share candid lessons both from a year of waiting and from my 30 Bad Poems in 30 Days challenge: the struggle to slow down, the urge to keep producing, and why patience might be the most creative tool you can cultivate right now. Whether you're wrestling with a stubborn project or just want inspiration for your own journey, this pep talk is for you.   If watching your kids build a pillow fort makes you wonder where the heck that zany, wild, playful part of yourself went...we should talk! Want more tips? Check out all my previous Creative Pep Talks in this playlist! Could you leave a review? It's really easy, and it helps SO much. Thanks!  If you'd like to stay up to date on things like my courses and also get podcast and event updates, and my latest musings, subscribe to The Spark! 

Meg Hamand has had a heart for storytelling since her first poem was published in an anthology in elementary school. Since then, she’s been published in multiple print and online publications, and her debut novel is the award-winning Diamonds in Auschwitz, which simultaneously tells two stories of love, survival, and hope during World War II. Meg joins me to talk about the challenges of working with dark and difficult topics, such as taking care of yourself and navigating the line between too much and too little for your readers; plotting historical fiction, and how to do historical research. She also gives us a sneak peek into her next book, which is currently in progress. Episode breakdown: 00:00 30 Bad Poems in 30 Days; introduction. 04:42 Meg shares why she loves historical fiction and early writing inspiration. 09:03 Meg describes the origins and themes of Diamonds in Auschwitz. 14:00 Discussion of Terezin, visiting Holocaust sites, and historical accuracy. 18:38 Meg explains researching Terezin, children's art, and real accounts. 23:05 Talking about the heaviness of the subject and book’s emotional impact. 27:03 Exploring character contrasts, children’s resilience, and trauma responses. 32:10 Meg outlines her plotting process, changes during writing, and research. 36:35 Importance of Prague’s setting as character, changes during revision. 42:46 Meg details her next book: Post-Revolutionary Charleston and Shakespeare. 47:26 How classic literature influenced new novel structure and motivation. 51:36 Advice for historical research, blending fiction, and traveling to locations. Join me for 30 Bad Poems in 30 Days!   Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in writing.   Check out the full show notes (now including transcripts!) at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack. Please leave a review for this episode—it’s really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks! If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend.

So many of us struggle with procrastination. There are many causes of procrastination—fear of failure, fear of success, perfectionism, comparison, exhaustion, and overwhelm, just to name a few. We often need rest, but procrastination isn't the same--and tends to feed your inner critic, while eroding your motivation and productivity. If watching your kids build a pillow fort makes you wonder where the heck that zany, wild, playful part of yourself went...we should talk! Want more tips? Check out all my previous Creative Pep Talks in this playlist! Could you leave a review? It's really easy, and it helps SO much. Thanks!  If you'd like to stay up to date on things like my courses and also get podcast and event updates, and my latest musings, subscribe to The Spark! 

Kelly Flanagan has been one of my favorite guests, and he'll be back to talk to us again in February. Here's his second appearance on Follow Your Curiosity, in case you missed it or want to revisit it. Please note that the book giveaway mentioned in the episode is no longer available. Original release date: November 9, 2022   ***   When I started this podcast in 2019, Dr. Kelly Flanagan was one of my inaugural guests, and his episode, “The Gifts of Creativity,” remains one of my favorites. Kelly has just published his first novel, The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell, and I wanted to talk to him about how that experience differed from writing nonfiction, and about the book itself. We delve into those questions and various subjects raised by the book, including how we look outside ourselves (and sometimes to our creative work) to find our worth, the value of letting out our wild sides, how the things we do for security often actually undermine us, and how Kelly sees the intersection of spirituality and creativity.  The book giveaway is no longer available. Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in writing and publishing! And you can find Kelly's first appearance on the podcast here. Check out the show notes at fycuriosity.com, and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! I also post on TikTok, and you can also listen on YouTube. 

Is multitasking real? Possible? It depends on your definition, but I'd rather talk about how the attempt affects us—why we feel so pushed to do it, and what's the price we pay? I'm sharing my thoughts in this short episode. If watching your kids build a pillow fort makes you wonder where the heck that zany, wild, playful part of yourself went...we should talk!   Want more tips? Check out all my previous Creative Pep Talks in this playlist! Could you leave a review? It's really easy, and it helps SO much. Thanks!  If you'd like to stay up to date on things like my courses and also get podcast and event updates, and my latest musings, subscribe to The Spark! 

Tony Stewart has made award-winning films for college and universities, written acclaimed software, and now has written his first book. That book, Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy while Grieving, tells the story of Tony and his late wife, painter Lynn Kotula, as they navigate her Stage IV cancer diagnosis, treatment, and hospice, and Tony’s journey out of grief. Tony joins me to talk about his original journey from writing to software development, how it felt to return to writing via CaringBridge after Lynn’s diagnosis, the process of writing Carrying the Tiger, the nature of grief, and more.  Episode breakdown: 00:00 Intro02:12 Introducing Tony Stewart03:02 Creative Childhood Experiences08:02 Shakespeare in the Park11:34 Understanding Filmmaking Client Needs17:48 Complex Problems Beyond Machine Solutions19:15 Joy of Reading Book Reviews24:58 Returning to Writing26:39 The Beginning of the Book29:29 Writing Addiction and Motivation32:40 Overview of the Book34:00 Writing in Present Tense38:38 Memoir as Thriller41:31 Structuring the Book42:24 Tony's Memories and Reflections45:51 Creating Realistic Characters48:27 Exploring Grief52:04 Anticipatory Grief56:58 Individuality of Grief Experiences Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in writing.   Check out the full show notes (now including transcripts!) at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack. Please leave a review for this episode—it’s really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks! If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend.

It can be one of the hardest things to convince ourselves to do when the voices of doubt, self-judgment, and perfectionism are up to their old tricks, but it really is important to take action, not just think about it. I'll tell you why—and how—in this short episode. If watching your kids build a pillow fort makes you wonder where the heck that zany, wild, playful part of yourself went...it's time to Make Bad Art. Doors are open now for a new cohort starting on October 14.  (Use code PODCAST101 for $100 off!)   Want more tips? Check out all my previous Creative Pep Talks in this playlist! Could you leave a review? It's really easy, and it helps SO much. Thanks!  If you'd like to stay up to date on things like my courses and also get podcast and event updates, and my latest musings, subscribe to The Spark! 

Will Brooks is a freelance artist and designer who mostly works with licensed properties, especially Doctor Who. For five years, Will was the in-house ‘photo’ artist for Titan Comics’ Doctor Who ranges, providing more than 160 covers. He’s also produced artwork for Big Finish Productions and the Doctor Who Experience, and was the lead artist and designer for the second edition of Cubicle 7’s Doctor Who RPG, for which he also wrote material. Will joins me to talk about how he got his start with licensed artwork, the process of creating covers for Titan and Big Finish, the power of just doing something when nothing seems to be coming together creatively, helpful criticism vs. tearing folks’ work down,  the effects of leaving social media, and more.   If you’re tired of your inner critic running amok in your head and you're ready to confine it to quarters, Make Bad Art: Ditch Perfectionism and Have Fun Doing It starts on October 14!   Episode breakdown: 00:00 - Intro 01:10 - Creative Childhood 04:54 - Starting with Doctor Who Art 13:18 - Art School Lessons 15:34 - Art School Experience 19:14 - Impostor Syndrome Insights 24:54 - Beginning in Doctor Who Comics 30:14 - Comic Cover Creation 32:28 - Sources of Creativity 40:00 - Comic Cover Process 42:58 - Social Media Impact 47:10 - Importance of Consistency 50:26 - Facebook Manipulation 56:34 - Current Projects 59:57 - Conclusion Want more? Here are handy playlists with all my previous interviews with guests in Doctor Who and visual arts. If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend. Check out the full show notes at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack. Please leave a review for this episode—it’s really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks!  

You've probably heard someone describe a performance as "electric," or "electrifying," and may even have used that term yourself. But how does that kind of performance happen, and what does it have to tell you about your creative practice? I'll tell you in this short episode. If watching your kids build a pillow fort makes you wonder where the heck that zany, wild, playful part of yourself went...it's time to Make Bad Art. Doors are open now for a new cohort starting on September 29. Want more tips? Check out all my previous Creative Pep Talks in this playlist! Could you leave a review? It's really easy, and it helps SO much. Thanks!  If you'd like to stay up to date on things like my courses and also get podcast and event updates, and my latest musings, subscribe to The Spark! 

My guest this week is Richard Wilmore, the host and executive producer of the wildly successful daily talk and variety series Make Your Day Richer TV. From 2016 to 2022, he hosted the award-winning The Richard Wilmore Show. He also co-hosts the Wolf Media Fest podcast. Behind the scenes, Richard helps numerous podcasts and livestreams with production, editing, and talent booking needs through his company, Make Your Day Richer. Richard talks with me about how he found his calling as a talk show host, why you should start where you are with what you have, the challenges of making work for hire and turning your art into a business, the importance (and difficulties) of listening to yourself, and a lot more. Episode breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 04:09 Supportive parents let Richard explore. 09:06 Young Richard pretended to be a weatherperson, then talk show host. 13:11 Performing as himself felt natural, but nerves still linger. 17:16 Richard describes building colorful sets to energize his shows. 22:18 Created talk show sets in basements, bedrooms, and studios. 27:04 Richard and Nancy reflect on starting shows with minimal gear. 32:44 Burnout can happen even doing what you love most. 37:15 Turning creativity into business poses unexpected challenges for artists. 41:21 Listening to your gut is crucial but not always easy. 46:29 Self-doubt and outside opinions complicate creative decisions and direction. 51:49 Guests surprise Richard; reaching out directly often leads to yes.   Want more? Here are handy playlists with all my previous interviews with guests in writing and theatre.   If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend. Check out the full show notes at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack. Please leave a review for this episode—it’s really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks!

All those little things you think are weird about you? They're the things that make you unique. That make you stand out. It's time you embrace them instead of running from them. I'll tell you why in this short episode.   If you’re tired of waiting for “someday”—which is NOT a day of the week—to get unstuck and step toward your creative dream, we should talk. Want more tips? Check out all my previous Creative Pep Talks in this playlist! Could you leave a review? It's really easy, and it helps SO much. Thanks!  If you'd like to stay up to date on things like my courses and also get podcast and event updates, and my latest musings, subscribe to The Spark! 

Jennae Cecelia is a best-selling author and poet known for her poetry books, Uncaged Wallflower, The Sun Will Rise and So Will We, and Healing for No One But Me. Her mission as an author is to comfort and encourage people. In addition to writing, she is focused on helping other authors learn how to successfully put their writing out into the world. Jennae joins me to talk about how she got her start with poetry, including her family’s reaction to the idea of poetry as a career; the unexpected experience of having a viral self-published poetry book; how she helps other authors master the art of self-publishing; what it’s like writing custom poetry for others, and more. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction01:10 Jennae discusses her childhood imagination and family influences03:55 Role models and seeing creativity as a realistic pursuit05:16 Leaning into creativity after early publishing success08:07 Family reactions to pursuing poetry as a career10:49 Reflecting on misconceptions about job security and risks13:39 Jennae's self-publishing strategies and viral book success16:56 Building momentum with multiple books and Amazon rankings20:36 The importance of poetry in paperback form22:38 Impacts of viral success on her perspective and career26:14 Jennae's writing process, journey from simplicity to detail30:07 Finding readers through specificity in poetry33:00 Advice for authors and importance of perseverance37:34 Managing perfectionism in writing and publishing40:49 Custom poetry projects and their meaningful connections45:56 Emotional experiences writing for others, from weddings to memorials49:12 Deciding to traditionally publish for broader reach and goals55:09 Reflecting on the challenges and anticipation of traditional publishing Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in writing.   Check out the full show notes (now including transcripts!) at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack. Please leave a review for this episode—it’s really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks! If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend.

There's a pervasive notion out in the world that art requires suffering, that suffering for it makes you more noble...etc. etc. etc.  If you've fallen prey to this belief, you can relax: I'm about to tell you why it's nonsense.   If you’re tired of waiting for “someday”—which is NOT a day of the week—to get unstuck and step toward your creative dream, we should talk.   Want more tips? Check out all my previous Creative Pep Talks in this playlist! Could you leave a review? It's really easy, and it helps SO much. Thanks!  If you'd like to stay up to date on things like my courses and also get podcast and event updates, and my latest musings, subscribe to The Spark! 

Nev Fountain is an award-winning writer, chiefly known for his work on the BBC sketch show Dead Ringers in both TV and radio incarnations. He has also contributed to many other programs, including Have I Got News for You and Newzoids. He is a principal gag writer for satirical magazine Private Eye and contributes to every issue. He first came to write for Doctor Who when he script-edited the BBC online story "Death Comes to Time" in 2001, and has gone on to write some of Big Finish’s most popular audios, including "The Kingmaker" and "Peri and the Piscon Paradox." His books include The Mervyn Stone Mysteries, The Fan Who Knew too Much, and its sequel, Lies and Dolls, which was released in July. Nev talks with me about how he got his start writing radio comedy, the challenges of writing comedy even about very serious events, writing for various forms and media, leaving room to be surprised as you’re writing, and more. Episode breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 04:02 Teachers encouraged Nev; family humor shaped his view. 08:21 Comedy influences: The Young Ones, Blackadder, Hitchhiker’s Guide. 12:27 Breaking into radio comedy. 16:03 Playwriting taught Nev what makes audiences laugh—live. 20:22 Writing comedy about tragic events; satire offers relief and perspective. 24:23 Dead Ringers’ hiatus, revival, and Jon Culshaw’s Tom Baker calls. 28:47 Sketches with Ozzy Osbourne, behind-the-scenes stories from TV comedy. 33:46 Nev’s serendipitous first Doctor Who project, "Death Comes to Time." 39:23 The process and impact of "Death Comes to Time" explained. 46:31 Challenges and expectations of writing “big” stories in franchises. 52:18 Emphasizing medium-specific storytelling; novels, radio, TV all differ. 58:14 Enjoying creative surprises; writing unfolds beyond outlines or plans. Want more? Here are handy playlists with all my previous interviews with guests in writing, theatre, and Doctor Who.   If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend. Check out the full show notes--with videos of Nev's work and links to his books—at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack. Please leave a review for this episode—it’s really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks! If you’re tired of waiting for “someday”—which is NOT a day of the week—to get unstuck and step toward your creative dream, we should talk. Https://fyc.quest/Contact        

Hamstrung by the notion that you're not enough? This is the episode for you. I have two reasons why you're wrong in this short episode. If you're tired of feeling like you can't get out of your own way and want to FINALLY make some progress toward your creative dreams, let's talk!    Want more tips? Check out all my previous Creative Pep Talks in this playlist! Could you leave a review? It's really easy, and it helps SO much. Thanks!  If you'd like to stay up to date on things like my courses and also get podcast and event updates, and my latest musings, subscribe to The Spark! 

Elle Jaye supports powerful and resilient working moms who want to put an end to the power struggles with their child, so they become a strong team instead of adversaries. The working moms realize they are women first, and mothering is another job they do. By disrupting this mindset, the women step into their power and resilience as an extension of their values and intent for their children. Elle joins me to talk about how she discovered her creative side in her 20s, how we normalize and pass on relationship and parenting patterns, how we can see adults as atrophied children rather than seeing children as mini adults, and more.   Episode breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 04:24 Childhood curiosity suppressed, later recognized as problem-solving and questioning. 08:00 Creativity awakens through coloring and relaxing with children. 12:00 Daughters express creativity differently; family talents traced back generations. 16:26 Watching movies as family sparks deeper curiosity and connection. 20:10 Analyzing shows reveals generational patterns, manipulation, and emotional awareness gaps. 24:39 Parenting styles shaped by media; Cosby Show inspires new possibilities. 28:27 Realizing art and creativity were present through connection and escapism. 32:00 Family meetings on TV offered models for healthy communication. 36:41 Adults repeat childhood patterns unless they intentionally choose to change. 41:00 Children should not be seen as mini adults; generational shifts. 46:00 Letting go of control, discovering healthy ways to parent. 51:00 Play, fun, and creativity help shift negative energy and judgment. 56:00 Awareness of presence, connecting with nature improves perspective and creativity.   Want more? Here are handy playlists with all my previous interviews.   If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend. Check out the full show notes (now including transcripts!) at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack. Please leave a review for this episode—it’s really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks! If you’ve been tearing up when you encounter other people’s art because you’ve lost touch with your own creativity, we should talk.  

In the wild, chaotic world of 2025, we tend to think we have to pay attention to EVERYTHING. Here's why you might want to challenge that belief. If you're ready to reconnect with your creativity, join me on July 24 and 31, 2025, at 1pm ET as I lead the Pink Lady Posse Power Hour in a gentle hour of reconnection and rediscovery of your creative spirit. It's free! Register here. You can attend one or both sessions, though the second will build on the first.   Want more tips? Check out all my previous Creative Pep Talks in this playlist! Could you leave a review? It's really easy, and it helps SO much. Thanks!  If you'd like to stay up to date on things like my courses and also get podcast and event updates, and my latest musings, subscribe to The Spark! 

You've almost certainly heard the advice to "Fake it till you make it." It's good advice—some of the time. We don't talk about when it's best to avoid it, and that's what I'm talking about in this very short episode.   I teach women how to reignite their lost creative spark. If you’ve been tearing up when you encounter other people’s art because you’ve lost touch with your own, let's talk.  Want more tips? Check out all my previous Creative Pep Talks in this playlist! Could you leave a review? It's really easy, and it helps SO much. Thanks!  If you'd like to stay up to date on things like my courses and also get podcast and event updates, and my latest musings, subscribe to The Spark!