Libsyn Directory

326. Devon MacDonald on Leadership, Curiosity, and Creative Problem Solving

Release Date: 09/23/2026

327. Casey Elliott on BROTHERHOOD: A Cinematic Musical, Creative Balance, and the Power of Loving Your Neighbor

Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

327. Casey Elliott on BROTHERHOOD: A Cinematic Musical, Creative Balance, and the Power of Loving Your Neighbor In this episode of Creative Chats, we sit down with Casey Elliott, an accomplished vocalist, actor, and powerhouse creative. Casey opens up about his journey from high school theater to starring in the new film Brotherhood: A Cinematic Musical, exploring how authentic storytelling and human connection fuel his work. His professional career was launched when he was cast as Radames in the US National and International tours of Elton John/Disney’s AIDA, playing more than 400...

326. Devon MacDonald on Leadership, Curiosity, and Creative Problem Solving

Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

326. Devon MacDonald on Leadership, Curiosity, and Creative Problem Solving In this episode, Mike Brennan sits down with Devon MacDonald, president of Cairns Oneil, to explore how creativity shows up in media strategy, leadership, and problem-solving. Devon explains how a media agency helps place ads with the right creative context, why curiosity is a core professional skill, and how AI can support rather than replace original thinking.They also get into self-awareness, passion projects, and why the best creative work often comes from reframing a problem instead of repeating what has...

325. The Power of Creativity and Connection with Jim Morris

Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

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Unlocking Creativity by Honing Your Inner Voice with Natalie Hanemann

Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

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323. From History to Screen: Michael Russell Gunn’s Creative Approach to The Brink of War

Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

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322. The Courage to Leave: Adrienne Dorison on Creative Endings and New Beginnings

Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

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321. Overcoming Creative Setbacks and Rejection

Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

321. Overcoming Creative Setbacks and Rejection In this solo episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan shares a candid look into the realities of the creative journey. Drawing from a month filled with rain-soaked events, rejection letters, and introspection, Mike offers hard-earned wisdom on what to do when creative opportunities don’t go your way. This episode is an honest companion for artists, makers, and creative thinkers who seek encouragement and practical advice for navigating rejection and creative ruts. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Love the Process – Sustainable creativity isn’t...

320. Tom Provost on Young Washington, Writing, and Servant Leadership

Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

320. Tom Provost on Young Washington, Writing, and Servant Leadership In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan sits down with screenwriter, filmmaker, teacher, and creative storyteller Tom Provost for a conversation about his journey through film, writing, teaching, and the making of Tom shares the childhood experiences that sparked his love of stories, the long road of perseverance in Hollywood, and how his creative life has evolved in unexpected but deeply meaningful ways. 3 Key Takeaways for Creatives and Storytellers: Embrace Unexpected Paths: Tom Provost encouraged staying...

319. Cuffy and the Power of Letting Go

Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

319. Cuffy and the Power of Letting Go In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares a personal story about bowling, his playful alter ego “Cuffy,” and the surprising power of loosening control. What begins as a funny family memory becomes a deeper reflection on perfectionism, creativity, and the freedom that comes from showing up with more joy and less pressure.Mike explains how trying too hard often creates tension, frustration, and disappointing results—whether in bowling, pickleball, drawing, or creative work. He encourages listeners to stop white-knuckling their way...

318. 14 Years of Daily Creativity: Embracing Imperfection and Rest

Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

318. 14 Years of Daily Creativity: Embracing Imperfection and Rest Mike Brennan shares his personal journey through a health crisis, reflecting on the importance of embracing seasons of pause in creativity, and redefining what it means to practice consistently. This heartfelt episode explores vulnerability, resilience, and the true essence of a sustainable creative practice. 3 Key Takeaways: Embrace Imperfection: Even after years of consistency, life can throw you a curveball. It's okay if your creative streak isn't perfect—progress matters more than perfection. Prioritize Rest and...

More Episodes

326. Devon MacDonald on Leadership, Curiosity, and Creative Problem Solving

In this episode, Mike Brennan sits down with Devon MacDonald, president of Cairns Oneil, to explore how creativity shows up in media strategy, leadership, and problem-solving. Devon explains how a media agency helps place ads with the right creative context, why curiosity is a core professional skill, and how AI can support rather than replace original thinking.They also get into self-awareness, passion projects, and why the best creative work often comes from reframing a problem instead of repeating what has always been done.

3 Key Takeaways:

🎨 Curiosity Fuels Creativity – Devon emphasizes that innate curiosity is the number one skill for success in creative and agency spaces. Staying open to new experiences, learning across industries, and continually asking “what if?” unlocks both personal and professional growth. (13:15)

🎨 Creativity Belongs to Everyone – Creativity isn’t limited to artists; it thrives in organization, strategy, and problem solving. Devon advocates recognizing all contributions as creative, from analytical work to innovative business processes, breaking down the myth that only final artistic outputs are "creative.” (33:43)

🎨 Self-Awareness & Passion Projects Matter – Sustainable creativity relies on both self-awareness and allowing space for personal projects. Devon and Mike speak to carving out time for passion pursuits and self-exploration and how these investments recharge and enhance professional output. (42:06)

Episode Highlights:

06:09 – Devon reflects on early creative acts with woodworking and Lego, and the importance of improvisation in making.

13:15 – The critical role of curiosity in fostering innovation and staying agile in a fast-changing media landscape.

23:57 – How Devon leveraged self-awareness and cross-industry thinking to develop a groundbreaking AI integration in digital advertising.

33:43 – Challenging the narrow definition of creativity and recognizing the creative acts across all roles within an organization.

Guest Bio:
Devon MacDonald, President Cairns Oneil
Cairns Oneil is on a mission to change the way that media is planned and valued. Devon is the President of the agency, overseeing the vision, direction, and growth of the organization. Prior to leading Cairns Oneil, Devon led various companies in the media, creative and technology fields in the United States and Canada. He launched 360i in Canada and was previously the CEO of Mindshare.
Devon is a sought after thought leader and speaker. He was a 2026 nominee for the Campaign Canada Media Agency Leader of the Year, and past recipient from Strategy. Devon is chair of the ICA Media Council, and Vice Char of the CMDC. Devon is also a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his work in the community.

Links and Resources:

Inspired to ignite your own creative journey?

Be sure to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review—your support helps us bring more creative voices and insights to you. Want to reconnect with your creativity? Visit the Daily Creative Habit Membership at mikebrennan.me for resources and community to support your artistic growth. And don’t forget to connect with Devon MacDonald to continue the conversation!

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