Creativity Found: finding creativity later in life - podcast cover

Creativity Found: finding creativity later in life

Claire Waite Brownwww.creativityfound.co.uk

Real-life stories of finding or returning to creativity in adulthood.
I'm Claire, and I re-found my creativity after a time of almost crippling anxiety. Now I want to share the stories of other people who have found or re-found their creativity as adults, and hopefully inspire many more grown-ups to get creative. 
I chat with my guests about their childhood experiences of creativity and the arts, how they came to the creative practices they now love, the barriers they had to overcome to start their creative re-awakening, and how what they do now benefits their whole lives.


Want to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, here

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Episodes

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Jul 07, 20252 minEp. 127

Janice Charles: from stress to success via a happy accident

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, ho...

Jun 30, 202520 minEp. 126

Tyler Schwanke: planning the perfect heist

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 money ...

Jun 16, 202533 minEp. 125

Samantha Mackay: sitting with pain and healing through creativity

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 depression and autoimmu...

May 12, 202537 minEp. 125

Liz Drury: science to sound

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 various projects ...

Apr 28, 202541 minEp. 124

Rachel Peru: from retail to runway

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, allowing her to embrac...

Apr 14, 202524 minEp. 123

John Guiver: tech, translations and storytelling

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 of resili...

Mar 31, 202538 minEp. 122

Dementia Arts Trust: art, joy and re-found memories

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. Joanne...

Mar 17, 202523 minEp. 121

Nancy Dillingham Marks: grit, growth and glass

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. A...

Mar 03, 202530 minEp. 120

Cindy Ingram: museums, mosaics and memoirs

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. She beg...

Feb 17, 202537 minEp. 119

From isolation to inspiration with the Creativity Found Collective

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 activities....

Feb 03, 202511 minEp. 118

Meet the Collective: Writing, coaching and penguins with Nina Lenton

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 clients to not...

Jan 27, 202519 minEp. 117

Meet the Collective: Making kilts with Paula Duncan

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 comm...

Jan 19, 202516 minEp. 116

Meet the Collective: From gremlins to growth with Sheena Whyatt

Running a small business can feel isolating, but finding the right support and community can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your dreams. Sheena Whyatt is a business coach with over 23 years of experience, who loves to help creative entrepreneurs navigate the challenges they face. In this chat Sheena and I discuss the common struggles many small business owners – in any field – face, including relentless self-doubt and the nagging voice of the 'gremlin' that often hinders prog...

Jan 12, 202527 minEp. 116

Meet the Collective: Mindful mosaic making with Becky Paton

Explore the transformative power of mosaic art as a mindful and enjoyable way to express yourself. Becky Paton teaches mosaic classes for adults of all abilities, and in this episode she is keen to emphasize that anyone, regardless of their perceived creativity, can create beautiful pieces with the right materials and guidance. Becky tells me about her experiences of creating mosaics with children and families in hospital settings, illustrating how art can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy...

Jan 05, 202519 minEp. 115

Shawna Curee – cakes, crochet & connecting in the metaverse

How can engaging in creative activities influence an individual's sense of self and overall fulfillment in life? Shawna Curee was a very creative child, who loved drawing, writing, and creating games with her siblings. A nurturing home and school environment allowed her to freely explore her artistic inclinations, until, inspired by the film Free Willy , Shawna decided she wanted to be a marine biologist instead of following her creative passions. At college she soon realized that wasn't the rig...

Dec 08, 202441 minEp. 114

Ashton Rodenhiser: the listening eye!

From self-doubting doodler to skilled graphic facilitator, embracing the messiness of creativity can lead to transformative experiences. Societal pressures initially deterred my guest Ashton Rodenhiser from pursuing the arts in higher education. Instead she went to community college and then on to a role working in parenting programs and prenatal support, followed by transitioning to family support, a facilitation role that Ashton especially enjoyed. Ashton discovered graphic facilitation throug...

Nov 24, 202446 minEp. 113

Oksana Kukurudza – storytelling in times of conflict

Oksana Kukurudza is currently immersed in a deeply personal writing project titled Sunflowers Bend But Rarely Break , which explores her parents' harrowing experiences as forced labourers in Nazi Germany during World War II. Oksana's motivation for writing stems not only from her parents' stories but also from the striking parallels she observes between their experiences and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Born and raised in Western Ukraine, which was part of Poland before the war, Oksana's mot...

Nov 10, 202436 minEp. 112

Mark Clay – refilling the creative cup

Creativity and community Mark Clay's transition into the arts began later in life, sparked by his experiences as a father. He initially engaged in creative activities to facilitate his daughters' artistic explorations, which led him to rediscover his own potential for drawing. This rekindling of creativity served as a form of 'occupational therapy', allowing him to refill his emotional cup during a stressful period in his life. Mark's involvement in community activities, such as volunteering at ...

Oct 27, 202435 minEp. 111

Mary Adkins – from law to literature

Processing the personal struggles through words. A negative experience in a college creative writing class derailed Mary Adkin's writing ambitions for nearly a decade, and sent her on a whole different path than the one she had planned. Mary studied public policy and went to law school, but when it came to working in the legal profession, Mary quickly realized that being a lawyer was not her true calling, and she made a bold decision to leave the profession after just seven months. Mary transiti...

Oct 13, 202430 minEp. 110

Tina Wells – T'ai Chi Chih in times of need

There is energy in everything. In this episode my guest Tina Wells chats about her journey to finding emotional relief and mental wellbeing, along the way showcasing various practices and creative outlets that foster joy and reduce stress. Tina has always had a deep appreciation for nature and science – including a fascination with energy bonds, organic matter and the interconnectedness of living organisms – leading to a career as an ecologist and surveying butterflies in Bristol (among other ro...

Sep 29, 202438 minEp. 109

Douglas Robbins – from nomad to novelist

Dealing with personal loss, embarking on a nomadic lifestyle, and ultimately finding solace and purpose through writing. For author Douglas Robbins the journey to creativity was anything but conventional. In this episode I chat with Douglas about his early creative influences, including his mother's theatrical background and his own musical experiences, and the cathartic nature of Douglas' travels across the United States, working various jobs to sustain his adventurous spirit while also taking ...

Sep 15, 202436 minEp. 108

Gina Farrar – adventures in all dimensions

How creativity can fit into the seasons of your life Gina Farrar has embraced many facets of her own creativity in midlife, and loves to share how doing so can be a great tool for self-discovery and expression. In this episode I talk with Gina about her desire to and experiences of homeschooling her two girls, and how those same girls were pivotal in Gina's rediscovery of and explorations in watercolour and acrylic painting. Gina emphasizes that creativity doesn't have to be confined to traditio...

Sep 02, 202441 minEp. 107

Meet the Collective: Overcoming doubts with Ela Wassell

At one time or another we all have our inner critics, undermining our confidence, but how do we deal with them? My guest, Ela Wassell of Truly Boldly You, advocates for acknowledging them, since it is though understanding these voices that we can manage them, an approach that can empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves, free from perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies. In this episode Ela also encourages us to seek external support when starting a small business, whether in t...

Aug 25, 202427 minEp. 106

Meet the Collective: SEO and websites with Kelly Drewett

Making websites empathetic can improve your search engine rankings and discoverability. In this episode I chat with Creativity Found Collective member and expert in search engine optimisation (SEO) Kelly Drewett, about the ways that business owners can improve the usability and accessibility of their websites, which in turn will enhance that site's performance on search engines such as Google. We consider the different aspects of website work, from illustration, to design to development, as well...

Aug 19, 202428 minEp. 105

When sewing takes over your life!

Sewing up a storm. In this episode of the Mother of All Solutions podcast, Laura Broderick chats with Great British Sewing Bee contestants Lauren Tedstone and Vicki Reid who discuss their careers before entering the Sewing Bee, plus their work, family and sewing lives now. Mother of all Solutions CreativityFound.co.uk Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast Pinterest: @creativ...

Jul 21, 202454 minEp. 104

Amy L. Bernstein – communicating creatively

From corporate communications to embracing personal creativity through writing, coaching, and more, Amy L. Bernstein illustrates in this episode that owning your identity and being true to yourself can lead to a sense of empowerment and fulfillment. Amy shares how she transitioned from high-paying corporate communications' jobs to pursuing more personally creative endeavours. Amy's turning point came when she decided to write her first novel during her commutes, which lead her to explore playwri...

Jul 07, 202429 minEp. 103

Meet the Collective: Sussex Garden School

Crafting inspired by nature and gardens The creative workshops offered at Sussex Garden School range from garden design to pressing flowers, fused glass art, natural dyeing and rag weaving, all in a supportive and encouraging environment where adults can explore their creativity and unlock a sense of wonder and playfulness often lost in adulthood. In this chat, Creativity Found Collective member Juliet Sargeant highlights the significance of fostering an atmosphere of encouragement and relaxatio...

Jun 17, 202417 minEp. 102

Meet the Collective: Mary Broddle Embroidery

Buying an embroidery kit is a great way to get started with this craft, and Mary Broddle creates modern kits using traditional methods, as well as teaching online and in person. In this chat, Creativity Found Collective member Mary discusses how embroidery engages the brain's reward centre, reduces stress and offers a productive way to relax. She also discusses her personal experience with chronic pain and fatigue due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and how embroidery has been a therapeutic outlet for...

Jun 03, 202422 minEp. 101

Happy 100th Birthday

Creativity Found is 100 episodes old, something I never could have imagined when I started the show with a secondhand microphone and a good idea. In this celebratory episode find out the whys, hows and whos of the show so far, including highlights from some of my guests. And if you haven't listened to all 100 episodes, you'd better get started!! Guests featured, in order of appearance: Karen Joy Gerry Coles Fish Lee Rowena Roberts Rich Chambers Leanne Tibiatowski Peter White Juliet Sargeant Mary...

May 29, 202457 minEp. 100
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