Born To Create

On this episode, I answer a question sent in by Jacqueline:  Someone has given me unsolicited criticism about a video I put on Facebook. They had some good suggestions but I didn’t ask for their feedback. How do I deal with this situation? To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/112.

On this episode, I answer a question sent in by Michael Rogers: What about juggling the act of creating with the business of creating. How do I live in that tension where I don't get so focused on one that I ignore the other? To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/111.

On today’s episode, I answer a question sent in by Erica Stevens: Does your creativity have to be in ministry or faith related form? Does anyone feel guilty for using their creative gifts in non-church/ministry related situations, and therefore stop being creative or abandon new projects? To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/110.

On this episode, I answer a question sent in by Mark Revisky: How do we incorporate creativity into a habit, as in, how often should I make it a habit: daily, twice a week, etc. How much time should I give to it each time I work at my creativity? To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/109.

When I talk about this podcast or about the materials I create, the phrase I use most often use to describe my audience is “creative entrepreneur.” It refers to someone who is building a business with their creative skills. For most of us, the “creative” part comes a lot easier than the “entrepreneur” part. Creating a viable business is pretty difficult, as pretty much any business owner can tell you. I’m certainly in the midst of that myself. I’ve been doing freelance work for several years, and will be pivoting my business to ghostwriting in order to take it to the next level.  That’s why I’m grateful for today’s guest. Her name is Catherine Orer, and she is an award-winning business & PR strategist, and founder of The Artist Entrepreneur, where she counsels professional visual artists and creative entrepreneurs who want to build sustainable businesses and careers. To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/108.

One of the reasons I do a podcast is to deliver value to my listeners. I love the opportunity to create content and help improve people’s lives, businesses, and creative work. But I have to be honest: there is also a selfish element to podcast. I love the fact that having a podcast gives me an excuse to reach out to people who are doing cool work and ask them to be on the show.  That is exactly the case with today’s episode. My guest is Joe Banua, and he’s a songwriter, producer, guitarist, and the creative genius behind Brother Joe. I’ve known Joe for many years, and I have always admired his talent as a musician and performer.  To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/107.

One of the many benefits of doing a podcast is that you get to talk to lots of amazing people. I learn something from every single guest. I come away from every interview grateful for having the chance to talk with that guest. However, I occasionally have a guest who not only teaches me something new, but inspires me in such a powerful way that I look at everything I’m doing in a new way. Today’s guest is just that type of person. His name is Andy Storch, and he is a talent development consultant, speaker, creator of the Talent Develop Think Tank conference which is happening in January 2020, and last but not least … he is the host of not one, but TWO podcasts: the Andy Storch Show, and the Talent Development Hot Seat. To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/106.

Today’s guest is here to help us slow down and find the center. His name is Chad Jarnagin, and he is an ordained priest in the Anglican Communion, as well as an artist and writer. He’s the author of the fantastic new book Learning to Be: Reconstructing Peace & Spiritual Health, which we reference in the conversation. He is also host of the “Learning to Be” podcast, which focuses on slowing down, peace, and spiritual health. Chad spent about twenty years as a touring musician and continue to write and play today. He is the founding rector of Luminous Parish, an Anglican mission to Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee. To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/105.

When I was a kid, I played with action figures all the times. It was mostly Star Wars figures and other superheroes. As an adult, and especially as a father of a boy who likes all that stuff as well, I have continued to enjoy those stories, characters, and movies.  I have a special interview today with a man who helps brings those characters to life in a very literal way. His name is Christopher Howes, and he is a sculptor who has worked on films and franchises such as Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Star Trek, and more. To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/104.

When I was in high school, I was heavily involved in school plays and musicals. Although I don’t talk about it much here on the show, I have always loved theater because it brings together so many of the arts into one performance art.  I’m thrilled today to bring you a conversation with someone who has had lots of success in theater, and I’m excited for the chance to learn from him. His name is Scott Cramton, and he is the CEO of The Murder Mystery Company, which is the largest theatrical company in the country with employing over 1,800 of people. In 2018, they performed at 6,316 shows, which they estimate to have reached over 600,000 guests with their immersive theatrical murder mystery style.  To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/103.

Have you ever looked around at the products you use in your everyday life and wondered, “How did this get created?” It’s a question many people ask, as evidenced by TV shows such as “How It’s Made,” and the many YouTube channels dedicated to showing the creative process behind the products we use. My guest today helps us explore this fascinating world of product development. His name is Chris Bray, and he is the CEO of SPEED Virtual Product Development, a design agency that is reshaping how clients take advantage of the value of product design. To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/102.

What do you think of when you hear the word “optimize”? Do you think of a robot or some kind of mechanical system? Does it bring to mind some kind of cold, impersonal approach to life?  My guest today shows us that optimizing your life is not only very personal—it’s necessary if we want to be more productive and creative. His name is Mitch Swergold, and he’ll show us how to optimize our performance so we can be at our creative best. To read the full show notes, visit https://kentsanders.net/101.

This episode marks a milestone for a couple of different reasons. First, it’s my longest episode ever! And second, it’s episode #100!  This is by far my longest episode, and for good reason: I was engrossed in a compelling conversation with the one and only Cliff Ravenscraft. Cliff is the host of the Cliff Ravenscraft Show podcast, as well as the founder of the Free the Dream conference. A couple of years ago, Cliff transitioned his podcast coaching business to one where he now helps people change their mindset. I have been listening to Cliff’s podcasts, and have been in his circle, for at least 7-8 years. He has had a deep impact on the way that I think and has helped me see the possibilities for success. In this conversation, Cliff challenges me to expand my mindset. I had planned on asking Cliff about his upcoming Free the Dream conference as well as some topics related to mindset in general. However, the conversation went a different direction, and I’m glad it did! This is by far the most revealing and un

When it comes to the creative arts, one of my favorite topics is color theory. Did you know that colors represent different ideas and themes? Understanding even a bit of color theory can help you unlock the riches of visual art and look at the world in a new way.  To help me explore this issue, I’ve invited my friend Melissa AuClair as a guest. Melissa is a talented author and artist, and I’ve admired her creative work for the last few years. Melissa helps busy women experience more creativity and beauty-filled lives with journaling and painting ideas, inspiration and workshops. She loves the holidays and many of her art collections celebrate the seasons, holidays and the special moments in life.  To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/099.

Today I turn 45 years old. It’s hard to believe. I remember being a kid in the 1980’s and thinking, “I’ll be 26 years old in the year 2000!” I surpassed that long ago. So here I am, on my 45th birthday, reflecting on things that I have been learning. Since 45 seems like a halfway point of sorts, I settled on 22 lessons I’m learning, plus another half-lesson for good measure. In no particular order, here are 22.5 things I’ve been thinking about lately. To read the full post, visit https://kentsanders.net/45th-birthday.

What does it mean to be “intelligent”? We typically define intelligence in terms of intellectual ability, as evidenced by grades, IQ, or other measurements. But today’s guest helps us understand the theory of multiple intelligences. This is a critical concept for those of us in creative fields because it’s a reminder that people can be smart in a variety of ways. My guest today is Carrie Naglak, who is an educator with many years of experience thinking about and studying multiple intelligences and related issues.  In our conversation, we talk about a variety of topics related to multiple intelligences, including how it affects our creativity. This is one of those mind-bending episodes that makes you realize how much you still have to learn! To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/097.

One of the most important skills you can develop is good communication. It doesn’t matter whether you are a writer, painter, dancer, videographer, or any of a hundred other areas of creative work. You will always need to present, create content, and work with customers, readers, or clients. I’m thrilled today to feature a conversation with my friend Nikomas Perez. He is a teaching pastor at Harvester Christian Church in St. Charles, Missouri. This is my church, so I’m excited to feature him on this episode. Nikomas has a background in student ministry, then transitioned to teaching adults a number of years ago. He is a gifted teacher and communicator, so I thought it would be fun to have a conversation about his process and methods. To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/096.

Have you ever wondered what true creative freedom looks like? People may define “freedom” differently, but for many of us, freedom means being able to do what you want to do, when you want to do it.  My guest today, Vincent Pugliese, will break down what true freedom means as a creative entrepreneur, and how freelancing can be a big part of that process. Vincent was a professional photojournalist for more than 23 years. He was assigned to photograph four U.S. Presidents and nearly every major sporting event, including multiple Super Bowls, the World Series, The NHL Final, the NCAA Final Four and everything in between. Vincent’s work has been published in most major newspapers, magazines, and online publications throughout the world. Vincent now coaches and leads small business owners and freelancers towards a life of time, money, and location freedom. You can read his story in his excellent book Freelance to Freedom. He is husband to Elizabeth, who works alongside him in their business, and is a father to the

Have you ever noticed that a high percentage of artists and creative types are passive and “too nice”? Maybe it’s because we don’t want to appear aggressive. Maybe it’s because we feel paralyzed by too many options. Maybe it’s because we don’t want to offend anyone. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that many creatives do not take charge of their destiny. I’m thrilled that my guest today, Ginger Moran, is here to help us step into our creative authority and be more assertive with our calling. This is a fun conversation that you don’t want to miss. To read the full show notes, visit https://kentsanders.net/094.

When you hear the word “storyteller,” what do you think? Maybe the first image that comes to mind is a group of people sitting around a campfire, with a wise old sage telling an ancient tale. Maybe you think of a novelist, screenwriter, movie director, or someone giving a TED talk. My guest today is a gifted storyteller, but he’s also a theologian, college professor, writer, and speaker. His name is Shane Wood, and I’m excited to share this conversation where he reveals some of his secrets for storytelling and engaging audiences through writing, speaking, and teaching. To read the full show notes, visit https://kentsanders.net/093.