290. Creative Transformation: What Thirteen Years of Daily Artmaking Taught Me
Release Date: 05/07/2025
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outline290. Creative Transformation: What Thirteen Years of Daily Artmaking Taught Me
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares his personal journey of creativity over the past 13 years, emphasizing the importance of consistency, self-discovery, and the transformative power of engaging with one's creativity. He discusses the Daily Creative Habit, the challenges of showing up daily, and how creativity can reflect life experiences. Mike encourages listeners to embrace their creative journeys, regardless of their current state, and to start creating even when they don't feel ready.
3 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Consistency Compounds – Small, regular creative actions over time lead to massive transformation. Mike demonstrates how showing up daily, even for just ten or fifteen minutes, accumulates into growth, confidence, and creative breakthroughs.
🎨 Creativity Reflects Life – Your creative journey serves as a visual (or written) diary, processing emotions, celebrating wins, and helping you heal. Mike’s story shows how art can document the seasons of your life and provide a mirror for growth and self-discovery.
🎨 You Don’t Have to Be Ready – Waiting for the perfect time or conditions is a trap. Mike encourages listeners to start where they are—even at rock bottom, unsure, or creatively rusty. Action breeds readiness, not the other way around.
Links and Resources Mentioned:
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Daily Creative Habit Resources: https://dailycreativehabit.com
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Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dailycreativehabit (community for accountability and support)
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Daily Creative Habit 90 Day Journal: https://amzn.to/3GDv84d
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Daily Creative Habit Membership & Inner Circle: https://www.mikebrennan.me/membership
Mike Brennan is a visual artist, author, and the creator of the Daily Creative Habit. After spending a decade disconnected from his creativity and battling depression, Mike embarked on an art-making journey that sparked a thirteen-year streak of daily creative practice. He now helps others transform their approach to creativity by making it fun, actionable, and essential to everyday life.
Feeling motivated to jumpstart or continue your creative journey?
Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review—it helps others discover inspiring stories like Mike’s.
Ready to take action? Visit dailycreativehabit.com to join the community, download resources, or sign up for the Daily Creative Habit Journal. Remember, when you create, we all win. Go create something!