286. Lily Clayton Hansen: Inspiring Creative Confidence Through Story and Speech
Release Date: 04/09/2025
306. Painting Life’s Moments: How Heidi Schwartz Turns Events into Lasting Art
Creative Chats podcast
306. Painting Life’s Moments: How Heidi Schwartz Turns Events into Lasting Art In this episode of Creative Chats, we embark on a journey through the creative mind of Heidi Schwartz, live painter and artist based in Nashville. Heidi opens up about her unconventional path from music to painting, her unique process of painting live at events, and how art has served as both a healing agent and a transformative practice in her life. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about embracing their creative instincts, navigating the evolving road of artistry, or learning to...
info_outline
305. Lessons in Creativity, Business, and Openness from Shelly Waldman
Creative Chats podcast
305. Lessons in Creativity, Business, and Openness from Shelly Waldman In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with Shelly Waldman about her creative journey, from her childhood memories of crafting and photography to her professional experiences in photography. Shelly shares insights on adaptability, the importance of networking, and the challenges of building a creative business. She emphasizes the need for creatives to know their finances, show up consistently, and be open to learning and growth. The conversation highlights the significance of community and connection in the...
info_outline
304. Why Artists Should Embrace Opportunities to Learn Something New
Creative Chats podcast
304. Why Artists Should Embrace Opportunities to Learn Something New In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan discusses the importance of embracing a beginner's mindset in creativity. He shares personal experiences with live painting and the challenges that come with stepping out of one's comfort zone. Mike encourages listeners to explore new opportunities, ask questions, and learn from others, emphasizing that creativity is a lifelong journey filled with experimentation and growth. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 The Power of Beginner’s Mindset – Embrace unfamiliar territory and let yourself...
info_outline
303. Harnessing Creative Flow: Steven Puri’s Journey from Hollywood to Tech
Creative Chats podcast
303. Harnessing Creative Flow: Steven Puri’s Journey from Hollywood to Tech In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Steven Puri about his journey through the creative process, from his early experiences in high school to his work in the film industry and his transition into tech with the Sukha Project. They discuss the importance of tenacity over talent, the role of luck and opportunity, and the significance of intention in daily practices. Steven shares insights on overcoming procrastination and the value of surrounding oneself with the right people to foster...
info_outline
302. From Music to Movies: Steve Taylor’s Creative Adventures and the Making of Sketch the Movie
Creative Chats podcast
302. From Music to Movies: Steve Taylor’s Creative Adventures and the Making of Sketch the Movie In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan interviews Steve Taylor, a multifaceted artist known for his work in music and film. They discuss Taylor's creative journey, influences, and the making of his latest film, Sketch. The conversation delves into the challenges of filmmaking, the importance of mental health themes in storytelling, and the collaborative nature of creative projects. Taylor shares insights on staying true to artistic integrity while navigating production challenges and the...
info_outline
301. Turning Up Your Hue: Authenticity in Art, Life, and Business
Creative Chats podcast
301. Turning Up Your Hue: Authenticity in Art, Life, and Business In this engaging talk from The Thing Nashville 2025, Mike Brennan explores the themes of creativity, authenticity, and personal expression through the metaphor of color. He emphasizes the importance of embracing one's essence and showing up authentically in the world. By sharing personal anecdotes and insights, he encourages listeners to prioritize resonance over reach, fostering deeper connections with others. The conversation culminates in a manifesto that inspires individuals to recognize and carry their unique colors into...
info_outline
300. Building Creative Magic with Simon Rogers: Mission, Meaning, and Making an Impact
Creative Chats podcast
300. Building Creative Magic with Simon Rogers: Mission, Meaning, and Making an Impact In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with Simon Rogers, founder of A Little Better Co., about the essence of creativity, his evolution in professional life, and the importance of aligning creativity with personal values. They discuss the challenges creatives face in a tech-driven world, the role of curiosity, and the responsibility of creatives to use their power for good. Simon emphasizes the need for mission-driven creativity and the joy found in the creative process, encouraging...
info_outline
299. Breaking Procrastination and Boosting Creativity with Robin J. Emdon
Creative Chats podcast
299. Breaking Procrastination and Boosting Creativity with Robin J. Emdon In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Robin J. Emdon about creativity, procrastination, and productivity. They explore Robin's early influences in the arts, the importance of thinking time, and strategies for overcoming procrastination. Robin shares insights from his book on understanding procrastination, the role of passion and purpose in achieving goals, and the significance of accountability in personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-actualization and the importance of...
info_outline
298. Following Curiosity and Craft: Nicole Leverett on Honoring Your Creative Process
Creative Chats podcast
298. Following Curiosity and Craft: Nicole Leverett on Honoring Your Creative Process In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with Nicole Leverett about her creative journey, exploring her childhood influences, the evolution of her artistic pursuits, and the balance between passion and monetization in creative work. Nicole shares her experiences with photography, graphic design, and the importance of empowering others in their creative endeavors. The conversation highlights the significance of personal projects, technical skills, and the joy of creating without the pressure of...
info_outline
297. Unlocking Your Creative Potential: The Power of Books
Creative Chats podcast
297. Unlocking Your Creative Potential: The Power of Books In this episode, Mike Brennan discusses the creative process and the journey of writing and publishing books. He emphasizes the importance of creativity in everyone's life and explores various formats for creative expression, particularly through books. Mike shares his personal experiences with creating multiple books, including 'Dear Snow', 'Dear Human', and 'Make Fun a Habit', detailing the inspiration behind each project and the self-publishing process. He encourages listeners to embrace their creativity and consider writing their...
info_outline286. Lily Clayton Hansen: Inspiring Creative Confidence Through Story and Speech
In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Lily Clayton Hansen, a multifaceted artist who shares her journey through writing, acting, and public speaking. Lily discusses her early influences from her artist parents, her passion for writing, and how she rediscovered her love for acting. She also delves into her transition into public speaking, driven by the success of her first book, and how she learned to connect with audiences through storytelling and authenticity. In this conversation, Lily shares her journey of focus and success, including her experience in public speaking and the process of preparing for her TED Talk. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, connection, and the impact of sharing wisdom through conversations. Lily also discusses her passion for coaching others in public speaking and the significance of clear communication in today's world.
3 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Follow the Breadcrumbs - Embrace the unexpected paths in your creative journey. Lily's career illustrates how opportunities often emerge organically when you stay open and curious.
🎨 Empowerment Through Expression - Public speaking can be transformative. Lily highlights her mission to help others convey their messages with confidence and clarity.
🎨 Stories as Connection Tools - Conversations and interviews are gateways to understanding humanity. By sharing and listening, we enrich our lives and find common ground.
Episode Highlights:
-
[00:06:40] Lily discusses her earliest creative memories and the influence of her artistically inclined family.
-
[00:17:54] The return to acting and how it rekindled a dormant passion from Lily's childhood.
-
[00:28:51] The unexpected journey to delivering a TEDx Talk and its lasting impact.
Links and Resources:
-
Lily's Website: Word-of-Mouth Conversations
-
Instagram & TikTok: Follow Lily at @misslilyhansen
-
Lily's TED Talk: Talking to Strangers is my Self Care
- Daily Creative Habit - https://www.dailycreativehabit.com
Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more amazing content to fuel your creative journey. And, if you’re looking to deepen your creative practice, check out the resources and community at MikeBrennan.me.