309. The Art and Magic of Feedback: Navigating Critique as a Creative
Creative Chats podcast
309. The Art and Magic of Feedback: Navigating Critique as a Creative In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan discusses the significance of feedback in the creative process. He emphasizes the importance of seeking constructive critique while also learning to trust one's own instincts and taste. The conversation explores the balance between receiving feedback and maintaining personal vision, as well as the distinction between the creation and revision phases of artistic work. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Invite Feedback Intentionally – Mike shares why it’s crucial to be selective about who...
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308. Are You Cheating Yourself? AI, Creativity, and the Importance of Process
Creative Chats podcast
308. Are You Cheating Yourself? AI, Creativity, and the Importance of Process In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan discusses the struggles of consistency in creativity and the importance of daily creative habits. He emphasizes the need for encouragement and progress tracking in the creative process. The conversation then shifts to the impact of AI on creativity, exploring both the opportunities and challenges it presents for artists. Brennan encourages listeners to maintain their creative agency and engage in meaningful dialogue about the evolving landscape of creativity and...
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307. Why Your Creative Process Needs More Boredom
Creative Chats podcast
307. Why Your Creative Process Needs More Boredom In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan delves into the often-overlooked role of boredom in sparking creativity. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from thought leaders like Simon Sinek, Mike explores how moments of boredom can open the door to imagination and innovation. Discover how stepping away from constant stimulation can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs. Tune in to learn how embracing boredom might just be the key to unlocking your creative potential. Don't forget to check out Simon Sinek's podcast for a...
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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...
info_outline295. A Story of Letting Go
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares his journey of writing his new book 'Blue', a story about letting go and transformation. He discusses the emotional challenges he faced while writing, the importance of authenticity in creative work, and encourages listeners to create meaningful projects that resonate with their personal experiences.
Top Three Key Takeaways
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Creativity as a Tool for Processing Pain and Growth
Mike opens up about how his latest book was inspired by a difficult personal experience. He emphasizes that creativity can be a therapeutic outlet for processing pain, grief, and major life changes, sometimes, our most meaningful creations come from our most challenging seasons. -
The Importance of Authenticity in Creative Work
While developing the visuals for his book, Mike struggled to find a style that felt true to himself. Through experimentation and self-reflection, he discovered that authentic self-expression resonates more deeply than following someone else’s template, encouraging listeners to create with vulnerability and honesty. -
Releasing Your Work and Letting Go of Expectations
Mike discusses the process of letting go, not just as a theme in his new book, but as a creative act itself. He describes the freedom in releasing a project to the world without being attached to outcomes, and how sharing our stories can become a source of hope and connection for others.
Mentioned Links & Resources
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Mike’s Website: https://www.mikebrennan.me/
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Daily Creative Habits: https://dailycreativehabit.com/
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New Book “Blue: A Story of Letting Go”: Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kq6OE3 and Mike’s Website: https://www.mikebrennan.me/books/blue
If you’ve been sitting on a creative project, or if there’s an idea tucked away that’s close to your heart, take inspiration from Mike’s story and bring it into the light. Finish the thing. Share it with your community. Your story, told authentically, has power to encourage and connect.
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