This week I’m joined by Lori and Piper Distel, the creative force behind Penny and Pound Theatre in Cambridge, Ontario. pennyandpoundtheatre.com We talk about building a company that values community, the power of fellowship in the creative process, and how some shows just need to be born. They share how they’ve developed original musicals together and what it takes to keep a small theatre company going with heart, grit, and a lot of love for their people. I’ve had the privilege of working with ...
Aug 04, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 3
This week I’m joined by Deborah Puette, a longtime working actor in Los Angeles who has recently added writer and director to her already stacked resume. deborahpuette.com suchaprettygirlfilm.com We talk about the hunger that keeps artists evolving, the difference between rejection as an actor and as a writer, and what it really means to collaborate when the work is personal. Deborah shares how writing her first short film, Cash for Gold, opened a new creative path and why she’s now focused on d...
Jun 05, 2025•58 min•Season 5Ep. 2
This week, I’m joined by photographer and branding specialist Curtis Grimba —a guy who brings a sharp eye, a playful spirit, and a deep sense of presence to his work. cgrimba.com We talk about what it really takes to create meaningful portraits—building trust, embracing imperfection, and staying open even when burnout hits. Curtis shares how discomfort and spontaneity actually fuel his best work, why he still loves shooting on film, and how he keeps his creativity alive by stepping back, switchi...
Apr 01, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Welcome back to Creative People Podcast ! I’m about to kick off Season 5—but before I do, I wanted to take a moment to look back before moving forward. In this episode, I’m reintroducing myself and the podcast, sharing where I’ve been, where I’m headed creatively, and revisiting some of the best moments from Season 4. You’ll hear clips from incredible conversations with Amy Silva, Matty James, and Stacey Tookey , offering a chance to catch the heart of what I’m building with this podcast. Whethe...
Mar 20, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 14
In this episode of Creative People Podcast, we are thrilled to have Stacey Tookey, a renowned choreographer and dancer who has been nominated for 3 Emmys for her work on So You Think You Can Dance. Stacey shares her story of how she started dancing at the age of four in Edmonton, Canada, and how she pursued her dream of becoming a professional dancer in Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles. She also talks about the challenges and rewards of being a choreographer, and how she balances her artisti...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Back at it with local KW favourite, graphic designer Brie Pointer! Brie is a ray of sunshine and full of heart - she tells me about the farm she started with her family, crafting with glitter and knowing your worth. We chat about some of the hard stuff she's been through in the last few years. Through it all though, Brie's sunshine shines through. Great episode! Do it up! Work with her: https://www.briepointer.ca/ Check out her farm, Wayward Farm https://waywardfarm.ca www.creativepeople-podcast...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 12
This week comedy writer, Amy Silva is in the studio. She tells me about attending the Humber Collage's Comedy Writing and Performance program, and her love of cringe. We chat about perfectionism and if she actually thinks she's funny. Super fun one. https://www.instagram.com/amydsilva_/ www.creativepeople-podcast.com
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Hey buds, this week we're chatting with Special Effects Make-up Artist - Brandi Boulet Brandi has worked on some of the most acclaimed films and TV shows of the past decade. In this podcast, she shares her insights and stories from behind the scenes of projects such as See, The Horror of Dolores Roach,, Star Trek: Discovery, and The Changeling. https://www.instagram.com/brandi.boulet/ Brandi tells me about her love of Ewoks, we chat movie magic and escaping a government work cubical. It's a grea...
Oct 30, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In this episode, Matty James ( the.nonbinary.bombshell ) talks about their journey of becoming a drag performer, and how they use drag as a form of art and activism. Matty also discusses some of the challenges and joys of being a drag performer, and how it was a battle with themselves to get there. We chat about growing up in the church (we grew up in the same church) and how they found themselves after leaving that world behind. https://www.instagram.com/the.nonbinary.bombshell/ https://linktr....
Oct 20, 2023•53 min•Season 4Ep. 9
In this episode, we are thrilled to have Rachael Taylor as our guest. Rachael is a renowned Creative Director, Bestselling Author, Mentor and Print and Pattern Designer based in Liverpool, UK. She is the co-founder of Make it in Design, an online platform that teaches thousands of creatives how to achieve their dreams in the design industry. https://rachaeltaylordesigns.com/ https://makeitindesign.com/ We will talk to Rachael about her latest book, Power Up Your Creativity, which is a must-read ...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Today on the podcast I'm talking to filmmaker/producer, Katie Billo https://www.digitalsabbath.ca Katie is part of Digital Sabbath - a kw local film company they're the ones who made the Business Unusual series. Over the last 2 years, I've interviewed a few of those guys todays it's time for the gal's point of view. Katie Billo is married to her Digital Sabbath partner, Kyle Sawyer ( https://www.creativepeople-podcast.com/episodes/kylesawyer ) The two of them are the driving force behind the com...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Today's guest told me that when he's told to tone it down, he cranks it 10x! On this episode I'm chatting with Montreal video producer, xcephasx https://xcephasx.com/ Cephas describes himself as a business man first - and an artist second... which i think is great because we need more business minded creatives as far as I'm concerned! So today we're talking business systems and animaniacs? Cephas talks to me about pushing it so that people feel it, how he never wanted to grow up and how art is e...
Jul 24, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Today from Los Angeles California, I am joined by magician, princess and pin-up model, Magical Katrina! https://magicalkatrina.com/ Katrina tells me about being a little girl who idolized Judy garland and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. We talk about when she started performing and how she took control of her career and how now she's out to get everything she wanted from it. She talks about the challenge of doing anything fully and using magic to get backstage at a rolling stones concert. Great chat,...
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Today's guest is Carina Gardner, a designer and coach who is all about helping creatives make money with their work. https://www.carinagardnercourses.com/ Carina contacted me about being on the podcast - for a podcast switch actually. Now, I often say no to those types of things and it's not that I'm unfriendly, all though I can be. It's just that most of time with the podcast I follow my gut to find guests, but this time I felt like I should yes and I'm glad that I did. Money isn't something I'...
Jul 10, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 5
This week we are in the studio with Designer, Ryan Antooa. Ryan makes his podcast return to fill me in on his new books, new skills and new ambitions. Ryan and I first chatted the first September of the pandemic man, a lot has changed since then! We chat about anime, rest and steel sharpening steel. https://www.ryanantooa.com/ Music by Apollo Buy Ryan’s zine, Backslider at ryanleacock.ca www.creativepeople-podcast.com...
May 11, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Back at it again, again , and we have a great one for ya. EM aka Hushpuppy Designs is in the studio to talk luck, making art for the underdogs and friends who are intimidatingly good at drawing. I had such a great time chatting with EM. Great vibes in this one. Enjoy! https://hushpuppydesigns.com/ I wrote a whole blog about some of the stuff we talked about on this episode. check that out here www.ryanleacock.ca/blog/hushpuppy-designs Music by Baegel Buy Ryan’s zine, Backslider at ryanleacock.ca...
Apr 19, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 2
This week we're back for Season 4. I am chatting with KW local artist Trevor Clare. We talk about mental health, the power of locations and traditional/digital artwork. Great guy, fantastic convo! https://www.instagram.com/trevorclareart/ I'm glad to be back for another year of podcasting, expect this season to be striped down and back to basics. Music by Young Community www.creativepeople-podcast.com...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Hey buds, this week I sit down with 96.7 CHYM's morning host Brady Kingsbury. Brady gets into it about all things radio, from producing to hosting. We talk about being part of people's lives every morning and the Springsteen quote that works as his guide. Great chat! https://www.instagram.com/bradiobrady/ Krista Kankula - Creative Coach https://www.instagram.com/kristakankula/ Ryan Leacock - Podcast Host/Producer https://www.instagram.com/ryanleacock_/ www.creativepeople-podcast.com...
Dec 05, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 11
“We need new and unusual experiences to think differently. In fact, cultivating a mind-set that is open and explorative might be the best thing we can do for our creative work. As Jack Kerouac said - ‘the best teacher is experience’. That’s a quote from my favourite book on the topic of creativity (and one of my all time favourite books), called Wired to Create by Scott Barry Kaufman & Carolyn Gregoire. Hey, I'm Krista Kankula. I'm a creativity coach who focuses on helping adults pursue thei...
Nov 24, 2022•4 min
Clarissa Diokno performs her recent single, Haunted live at the podcast studio! https://www.creativepeople-podcast.com/episodes/clarissadiokno www.creativepeople-podcast.com
Nov 24, 2022•4 min
This week we are in studio with singer/songwriter Clarissa Diokno. We’re talking about forming a band on Facebook, talent shows, and blowing glass. She tells me about her writing process and puppets! Then she performed her song Haunted! Great one! https://www.instagram.com/clarissadiokno/ https://www.instagram.com/kristakankula/ https://www.instagram.com/creativepeople.podcast/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanleacock_/ www.creativepeople-podcast.com...
Nov 21, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Hey, buds! Today we’re talking theatre with Innovative Productions theatre creators Marley And Sidney! They have a production happening this week called “That' One Act Thing” - which I am lucky enough to be a part of. The duo talk to me about friendship/partnership, Canadian Theatre, and using frustration as a motivator. Great chat! https://www.theinproductions.com/ www.creativepeople-podcast.com...
Oct 18, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Hey buds, today on the podcast we're talking animation with animators Hannah, Carla, and Michaela. The trio tells me about their animated short, "Ashes" and all the time, love, and effort that went into making it. We get into it about perfectionism and the bitter-sweet feelings that creatives go through at the end of big projects. Great chat, do it up! Watch the short: "Ashes" - Short film Haanimation links: https://twitter.com/haanimation_s https://bio.link/haanimationstudio https://twitter.com...
Oct 10, 2022•58 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Display your creativity/put on your own art show Do it in your house - could be just for yourself to see and appreciate or you can invite friends/family First let yourself view what you’ve created How to appreciate your progress/creative journey and build in time to pause and celebrate Sometimes when our projects get stored away in a file in our computer, in a sketchbook, we can forget about them, we can forget about the progress we’ve made, the different styles we’ve attempted Remind ourselves ...
Oct 05, 2022•4 min
Jaguar Sun performs Cold Wind Live at the Creative People Podcast Studio www.creativepeople-podcast.com
Oct 05, 2022•2 min
This week we're in the studio for a conversation and live performance by Jaguar Sun. Chris Minielly talks to me about the evolution of his music and how stepping outside of his comfort zone was part of that process for him. We talk about navigating social media while staying true to ourselves Then Chris caps off the podcast with a fantastic live performance. Do it up! Jaguar Son https://linktr.ee/JaguarSun Krista Kankula https://kristakankula.com/activateyourcreativity https://www.creativepeople...
Aug 29, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Hey buds, This week we’re talking comics, imposter syndrome, and store ownership with comic book creator Alfonso Espinos of Studio Comix! I met Alfonso when I stopped in on the way to my barber, and I immediately knew I had him on the podcast. Alfonso’s passion for comics and helping creators is infectious and it was interesting to learn about the history of comic books in Mexico. We had a great time. Do it up. https://www.studiocomix.com/ https://www.creativepeople-podcast.com/ www.creativepeop...
Aug 15, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Hi I’m Krista Kankula! I’m a creativity coach that helps adults make time for + access their creativity & do it in a way that’s rooted in joy, playfulness and self-belief. Have you ever been working on a creative project or maybe marketed something you’ve created and found yourself thinking “do I just say the same thing over and over again” Or have you ever found yourself bored with the very topic you’ve centered your creative project on - not necessarily because you find it terribly boring…...
Aug 08, 2022•6 min
This exercise was actually inspired by Ryan and a question he asked me when I was a guest on the podcast. We’re going to visualize and animate our creativity. This is a great practice to experiment with because… 1) It’s a fun way to use our imaginations and think differently 2) It gives us an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate our capacity to be creative - remembering even when we’re feeling blocked or uninspired we always have the ability to be creative. 3) It’s a chance to explore our rel...
Jul 25, 2022•5 min
Do the Opposite Hi, I’m Krista Kankula - a Creativity Coach and I’m all about helping you use play and creative self-expression as a tool to cultivate more self-connection, FUN and joy in your life! Today is opposite day. Or at least we’re going to pretend it is. Novelty is such an important factor in creativity. And for a lot of us who are really living creatively it's something we find ourselves seeking out. When it comes to our creative practice or creative work it's important to shake things...
Jul 25, 2022•3 min
