In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Angela Johnson, Founder & CEO of Invest in Access about how important inclusion and access are to our creativity and creative endeavors. Angela Johnson is an Accessibility Strategist on a mission to increase equity for individuals living with disabilities. She is the Founder & CEO of Invest In Access, and owns AJ Inclusion Consulting, in furtherance of her mission. Angela's is presently focusing on accessibility ...
Feb 06, 2020•38 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast This week's episode features two very different sparks from Susan and Laura's spark files. First, the surprising and far reaching impact of this Bombshell beauty's life's work, then the potentially peace-creating, space-making philosophy of 'Fewer, Better.' 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 ?&nb...
Feb 03, 2020•2 hr 35 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast This week's episode of The Spark File is Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. Recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop in NYC, Anthony and Shockwave share their belief in restorative play, mental fitness and the ability to learn how to learn. Plus, the unforgettable story of Anthony taking a tennis ball to the, well,... balls during a perfo...
Jan 30, 2020•33 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura share new inspirations — the many ways the arts (and crafts!) can come to the rescue when it's time for Making Change, and the increasing need for Self Reliance in a world of uncertainty. 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 Crea...
Jan 27, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share in the flat out delight of Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony "Two-Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. We talk of overriding the fear mechanisms in our brains to allow for more freedom in expression and creativity and the belief that improv skills can benefit everyone. Plus, they're just hella cool. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever th...
Jan 23, 2020•32 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast In this weeks episode, recorded LIVE from the The Spark File 2020 New Year Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share sparks near and dear to their hearts. From the deeply personal and close to home, The Sparks of Nancy Blackwell to the universally spark-ish, equally feared and revered, My Friend Fear, inspired by the book by Meera Lee Patel. 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...
Jan 20, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast Ready for Part 2 of The Spark File conversation with Creativity Expert Meta Wagner? Susan and Laura dig into the remaining Creative Types — Sensitive Souls, Gamechangers and Activists and question whether we can evolve into other areas? Can we be a combo-platter of motivations? Plus! Meta helped us create a survey — take the quiz and find out what Creative Type you currently are! Your “type” is based on what most sparks you to do anything creative. Understanding your strongest motivations will h...
Jan 16, 2020•41 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Susan and Laura dig into their personal spark files and share new ideas ready for the taking and making, including the endless ways Creative Spaces / Gathering Places can light your fire; and the entire multi-spark-verse of Amy Poehler -- a woman truly lit with inspiration. 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 ? ...
Jan 13, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Susan and Laura dig into the meaty topics of talent, dedication and purpose with Meta Wagner, author of What's Your Creative Type? Harness the Power of Your Artistic Personality. In Part 1 of 2, Meta shares the driving passion and purpose behind the 5 Creative Types. You can't help but question, what is YOUR 'why'? Plus! Meta helped us create a survey — take the quiz and find out what Creative Type you currently are! Your “type” is based on what most sparks you to ...
Jan 09, 2020•46 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast In this week’s episode, Susan and Laura dig into two fresh sparks — the skill and the psychology behind Hand Lettered Signs and Unfinished Art — the compassion to complete it, the foresight to plan for it, and the only way to avoid 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”? 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...
Jan 06, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast In this weeks bonus episode, Susan and Laura talk with the singular maker Okorie "OKCello" Johnson about his exploration of the cello as a path to self-expression. Creating while in a liminal space, Okorie draws energy from the tension of uncertainty and questions unanswered. From the very start of his career, his cello has helped pave the road to the development of a narrative art that is uniquely his own. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done ...
Jan 02, 2020•59 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast In this special episode, Susan and Laura reach into the mailbag and share sparks and creative results from our fearless listeners. From the desire to reconnect to that spark of creativity within us to making a creative leap or navigating a creative transition…we respond to your heartfelt and humor-filled letters to us. 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...
Dec 30, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura connect with the magic and the genius that is Brad Montague - Writer, Director, Illustrator, Creator of Kid President, but ultimately, "just a human being who wants to be loved." Join us to hear about Brad's mission to seek good, create good, and celebrate good. 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 ...
Dec 26, 2019•1 hr•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share a tinderbox of sparks with the treasure-hunting, archeology-digging, historical-fact-finding adventure that is Mudlarking and the use of language as an entry point into character with Anna Deavere Smith 's creation of Verbatim Theatre. 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 a...
Dec 23, 2019•2 hr 41 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura curl up with the endlessly creative Matt Vogel . At Sesame Street and in his roles as Kermit the Frog and Big Bird, Matt utilizes his skills as an actor, puppeteer, songwriter, director, and so much more. He shares highlights from his creative journey from getting booed at the high school talent show to debuting triumphantly at the Hollywood Bowl . Matt remains inspired by Jim Henson 's mantra to be in service of the best idea, and Kermit's ...
Dec 19, 2019•52 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura surprise each other with sparks from their personal files -- the tragic story of Ron and Joy Holiday (aka Cat Dancers) and the paradoxes and duality of the Man in the Arena himself, Theodore Roosevelt. 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 T...
Dec 16, 2019•2 hr 30 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast In the latest 'makersode' of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to the prolific writing duo Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, co-authors of The Nanny Diaries and so much more. With over 6 million copies of their 10 books in print in over 32 languages, Emma and Nicola share their tips and techniques for successful collaborative writing with a partner as well as how it feels to consciously uncouple when the work is done. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I co...
Dec 12, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast In this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura surprise each other with topics that are sparking their creativity at the moment -- from the flu of 1918 to World War Z, its time to consider the inevitability of the next FLU Apocalypse and the delicate collaboration necessary to participate and thrive in a Storytelling of Writers. 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...
Dec 09, 2019•2 hr 46 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura get another snuggle sesh with the ever-eager Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares how a bad review of his performance in The Bacchae lead him to bring a new level of BDE to the part. Who's the Greek God now? From his belief that "we're all bad at all different points in the process" to his emerging desire to Pay it Forward, it is impossible to not be inspired by the absolute openess and authenticity of our favorite mindhunter. Whe...
Dec 05, 2019•50 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share two sparks from their personal spark files: The infinite wisdom and inspiration of Anne Lamott 's Bird by Bird and the hopeful possibility of redemption and healing of Shia LaBeouf 's Honey Boy . Both sparks speak to the bravery of observing life (your own and others'), taking notes and telling the truth. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it...
Dec 02, 2019•1 hr 22 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast In the latest bonus episode from The Spark File, Susan and Laura snuggle up with actor/singer/dancer/truth-teller, Jonathan Groff . Jonathan shares his visceral responses to most everything, including his approach to choosing roles and relationships. We talk the bravery of coming out, and the importance of telling one's own truth. CONTENT WARNING: Sexually explicit language 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”?...
Nov 28, 2019•46 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast In the latest installment of The Spark File, Susan and Laura deliver two new Creative Sparks -- the thrill of the chase provided by Armchair Treasure Hunts and the endlessly applicable wisdom of The Grinder 's 'But What If It Wasn't?" 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...
Nov 25, 2019•1 hr 25 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast This is part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with mega-maker Lin-Manuel Miranda . Lin shares how he restocks his creative fishpond whenever the well runs dry, and reveals his secret to avoiding creative blocks. Find out how he fuels his creativity and gains inspiration from "the sensitive" and "the sensory seeker" in his life. 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 tha...
Nov 21, 2019•28 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Spark File , Susan and Laura discuss the therapeutic qualities of puzzling, including the state of creative meditation, and The Art of Dying Well - how talking about and even preparing for death may be the most life-affirming thing we can do. 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 WORK...
Nov 18, 2019•2 hr 43 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast This episode is Part 1 of Susan and Laura's chit chat with writer-performer-director Lin-Manuel Miranda . Whether taking 7 years to write Hamilton , or 7 seconds to spit out a rhyme in the 100% improvised Freestyle Love Supreme , this guy is firing on all pistons. Find out how he uses "time and a deadline" to make it all happen. 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’...
Nov 14, 2019•37 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast In this very special episode, recorded live from the Metropolitan Opera , Susan and Laura each share opera-inspired sparks of creativity, The Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria, and the intense significance of the opera Brundibar . They also engage in conversation with countertenor, actor, producer, star of the MET Opera's production of Akhnaten, and absolute vocal superhero, Anthony Roth Costanzo . Anthony shares his personal opera origin story, spills all the details about Akhnaten and his missio...
Nov 08, 2019•1 hr 26 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Leslie Odom, Jr , on the eve of his new album launch. Leslie reflects on the life lessons learned from 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Francis Turner, mentor Billy Porter , and so many more. Always open to the next challenge, Leslie shares the vulnerability and the joy that comes with truly taking a swing. 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...
Nov 07, 2019•1 hr•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast In this special spooky episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share Halloween inspired sparks from the dark side: the eerie calling of Aokigahara Forest in Japan and the spine-chilling true life story of The Exorcist's voice of satan: Mercedes McCambridge . Content Warning: suicide, addiction, violence. 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 y...
Nov 04, 2019•2 hr 35 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project , Susan and Laura talk with TONY Award winner Gavin Creel about making space for creativity, heartbreak, being a sponge, and practicing tiny victories. From tears to flatulence in 30 seconds flat, from the divinity of creation to a creativity inspired case of the sh*ts, this episode has everything. 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...
Oct 31, 2019•39 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast In this very special episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project in North Carolina, Susan and Laura explore the sweeping inspiration of swimmer and author Lynne Cox as well as one of the best kept secrets of the Hollywood studio system era - the legacy of Patricia Douglas. PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes. Please use your discretion. When it comes to your creativity, have you ever thought: “If I could have done it by now I would have done it b...
Oct 28, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast 
