This is Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with the inspirational and aspirational Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, all about creative collaborations, big wave riding and who determines success and failure? These two are a creative masterclass, illustrating the value of putting the people you collaborate with before the work you are creating. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fac...
May 21, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, a look at how the art of golden repair, Kintsugi, might give us proper perspective on our collective scars as we heal our broken world. And, the story of Vedem, an act of creative resistance and resilience, offers a glimpse into how art just might help us survive. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you c...
May 18, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 79
This week on The Spark File Makersode, because there is no better duo to laugh, cry and talk shop with than Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Dare you to find a more talented and free flowing creative team than these two. On Part One, find out how they found their own voices, and each other. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it ...
May 14, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 78
In this week's sparks of creativity episode, Susan shares a glimpse into The Show Must Go On...line mindset that allowed Orange County School of the Art's production of Now.Here.This to continue despite the recent closures and cancellations. Plus, Laura gives appreciation to all the educators out there, holding it all together, including a shout out to her Kansas State University. Thanks to Taylor Mali for the always timeless reminder of what teachers contribute to us all! When it come...
May 11, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Part two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Heidi Blickenstaff digs deeper into the spark that inspired her to create GenZStayHome, and how she fanned it into a flame that has now become the bonfire called Broadway Because. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ? Join our FREE WORKSHOP: Is It Too Late to Create? M...
May 07, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 76
This week, Susan and Laura share some recent sparks of creativity that have inspired them while the world is upside down. First, an ode to the beauty of handwritten letters and the USPS for delivering them, plus, ideas for making a day at home special and meaningful, including the joy of kittens on a blanket. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you ...
May 04, 2020•2 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Susan and Laura talk with dear friend Heidi Blickenstaff, who perfectly puts into words the benefits of continual learning, curiosity and creative growth. She shares the origin story of her Broadway debut in The Full Monty, as well as her latest passion -- producing. Her GenZStayHome project has been a labor of love and is just the tip of the iceburg... Tune in next week for Part 2! When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by n...
Apr 30, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 74
In this week's episode, Laura and Susan explore the idea of Creative Limitation, and how constraints can lead to liberation, plus, tips on how to approach your work from home routine to have you feeling Like a Boss! When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ? Join our FREE WORKSHOP: Is It Too Late to Create? March 20, 6:3...
Apr 27, 2020•2 hr 47 min•Season 1Ep. 73
In part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with actress/activist Erika Henningsen focuses on doing double duty of delivering on interpretive work and weaving the gentle thread of activism through every experience. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ? Join our FREE WORKSHOP: Is It Too Late to Create? March 20, 6:30...
Apr 23, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 72
This week on The Spark File, if you're feeling the need to be the master of your fate / the captain of your soul, The Captain's Log just might inspire you to get behind the (ship's) wheel! Plus, Bill Withers, a man very much in charge of his own destiny, took a most fascinating journey through the music business and beyond, leaving us with the most wonderful gifts to listen to on this lovely day. lovely day. lovely day. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “I...
Apr 20, 2020•2 hr 32 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Back before the quarentine, Susan and Laura had the opportunity to cozy up with Erika Henningsen, of Mean Girls the Musical on Broadway fame. Erika shares her passion to use her mega-megaphone for good -- from registering people to vote, and increasing literacy rates, to helping teen girls find their footing in the ever-shifting social landscape and beyond. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact t...
Apr 16, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 70
This week, in the first episode recorded during the quarantine, The Spark File offers two sparks of creativity -- whether you are inspired to produce any form of Pandemic Creativity, or if you are focused on taking care of yourself and your family, You Are Doing Enough. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ? Join our FREE...
Apr 13, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 69
This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk with Emmy Award winning comedy writer, Jill Twiss about her years on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver making people laugh (rather than cry) from current events, and how constantly pitching new things lead to writing her successful children's books, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, and The Someone New. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact...
Apr 09, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 68
In this week's episode of The Spark File, the pioneer Colette, fighting for credit of her work and leading the way for women to follow their creative pursuits and earn that money; plus, the power of living in flo to optimize your creative output by aligning with your infradian rhythms. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ...
Apr 06, 2020•2 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 67
This week on The Spark File, part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with Artist Kate Quarfordt. If you find yourself "teetering on the knifes edge" these days, sit back, relax, and take a trip back to three weeks ago when things felt normal. We discuss our Grandmothers, the Resistance Revival Chorus and the power of music and art in any movement for change. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do y...
Apr 02, 2020•38 min•Season 1Ep. 66
In this weeks episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura dive into an exploration of light and dark with Chiaroscuro plus the story of the understory and the Hidden Life of Trees. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ? Join our FREE WORKSHOP: Is It Too Late to Create? March 20, 6:30 - 8:30pm ET, live on zoom. Let us offer...
Mar 30, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 65
This week on The Spark File, Laura and Susan are treated to the wisdom, the joy, the laughter and the luminosity that is Kate Quarfordt, Artist. From learning how "your weirdness is your genius" to the discipline required to transcend into kairos time, this episode is dream for artists or Artists at every juncture. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as ev...
Mar 26, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 64
This week on The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, two fresh new sparks of creativity -- first, the doctor who risked his career and went to his grave trying to convince the medical profession that hand washing matters, plus the incredible true story of the uplifting oratorical festival presented by California students for the benefit of us all. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fa...
Mar 23, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 63
This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura catch up with Kris Andersson, accidental hyphenate, who gives us an exclusive scoop, his biggest creative risk so far — shuttering his uber successful show, Dixie’s Tupperware party. With his eye on new creative ideas and endeavors, Kris shares his gratitude for Dixie’s adventures and his vision for brand new shenanigans. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use t...
Mar 19, 2020•58 min•Season 1Ep. 62
This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura dig into the value and comfort that comes with completing Unfinished Business - creative or otherwise, plus, the anti-lonliness campaign being waged by The Posh Club (something we could all use right about now, regardless of age!) When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ? Join our...
Mar 16, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 61
This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get to chat with the fabulous, fun, authentically awesome Caitlin Kinnunen. Caitlin shares openly and easily about everything from Tony nominations and failure, soapbox opportunities, and how the struggle is shared. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ? Join our FREE WORKSHOP:...
Mar 12, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 60
This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks of creativity -- the treasure trove of phenomenal women throughout history featured in Rejected Princesses books and website, plus the history under our feet: The Astor Place Riots fought over who was the most talented actor, of all things. As always, if any ideas strike your fancy, we invite you to take it and make it! When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now...
Mar 09, 2020•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 59
On this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with the extraordinarily talented and kind human being, Kelli O'Hara. Kelli shares a valuable artist life hack -- her backstage self-talk. You won't want to miss her secret for beating performance anxiety! When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ? Join our ...
Mar 05, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 57
When Susan and Laura were invited to intro a NYC showing of The Philadelphia Story recently, they challenged themselves to find sparks related to the movie -- and they didn't have to look very far! The incredible self-orchestrated career turnaround of Katherine Hepburn, plus Scotty Bowers and the Secret History of Hollywood. Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride! When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do yo...
Mar 02, 2020•2 hr 31 min
Susan and Laura had so much fun talking to TONY-nominated Phillipa Soo, they went for a Part 2! Pippa shares fears, "failure" and her process of letting it all hang loose. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ? Join our FREE WORKSHOP: Is It Too Late to Create? March 20, 6:30 - 8:30pm ET, live on zoom. Let us off...
Feb 27, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Two random sparks of creativity today, pulled from Susan and Laura's spark files give us the yin and the yang, two ends of the spectrum... how extra Preparation may be behind the sensation of effortlessness, and how allowing ourselves bouts of Boredom makes room for new creative connections in our brain. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you ...
Feb 24, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 54
In this week's bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with Tony nominee, Phillipa Soo. Pippa shares her love of rehearsal, her dreams of directing, and her perspective on the recently announced film featuring the original cast of Hamilton. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ? Join our FREE WORKSHO...
Feb 20, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 53
In this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two new sparks of creativity: the enduring legend of Col. Percy Fawcett's final journey into the Amazon and the eternal search for personal creative space and a room of one's own, inspired in part by Caridad De La Luz and El Garaje. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you...
Feb 17, 2020•2 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 52
This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura get to talk to Bonnie Siegler, graphic designer of all things — books, TV shows, editorial, brand logos — and author of “signs of resistance” and “dear client”. Discussing everything from the beauty of “I notice” and “I wonder” to the inspiration of andy warhol to a fierce love of history, Bonnie shares the inspiration behind her work and how she uses her design superpowers for the good of all. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: ...
Feb 13, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 51
In this weeks episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura dive into an exploration of the value of work, particularly working with your hands, described in Shop Class to Soul Craft by Matthew Crawford, and the beauty and benefits of Introversion, explained by Susan Cain in her book, Quiet. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it by now”? Do you use the fact that you haven’t done it yet as evidence that you can’t do it at all ?&...
Feb 10, 2020•2 hr 41 min•Season 1Ep. 50
