Born To Create

I recently read that around 68% of U.S. households own a pet, which includes 60 millions households that own a dog. If you don’t own a dog, I’m sure you know someone who does. On today’s episode, our guest helps unlock the surprising ways that owning a dog can boost your creativity and improve your life. I’m excited to share my conversation with Faye Ruch from DogLifeMadeBetter.com. Faye is on a mission to help dogs have better owners. I love that tagline because it reminds us that we have a reciprocal relationship with our dogs—we have a responsibility to them, and in turn, then improve our lives. I first met Faye in a mastermind group last year, and her passion for helping dog owners was immediately apparent. As you listen to our conversation, you’ll learn practical ways that owning a dog can help you be more creative, how to be a better dog owner, and some fascinating lessons Faye has learned on her entrepreneurial journey. This episode is packed with surprising tidbits that you can start putting into prac

One of the key questions we ask ourselves as artists is, “How can I be more productive?” We all want the ability to produce more writing, music, art, or other creative work. But how do we actually do it? Are there systems we can implement to help us be more productive? What is the mindset required to produce more creative work? Our guest today addresses all these issues and much more … and the answer may just surprise you.   I’m excited to bring you my conversation with Adrian Shepherd. He started his career as an ESL teacher in Japan, but today focuses on consulting with individuals and companies on productivity. His background in education helped him develop The One-Bite Time Management System (TMS), a revolutionary new system based entirely around simplicity: small bites that people can digest easily. He is based in Osaka, Japan.   On this episode, you’ll learn all about the importance of habits, mindset, and routines in becoming a more productive artist or creative. Adrian shares about the importance of b

How well do you truly know yourself? If you and I were really honest, we would have to admit we probably don’t know ourselves as well as we think. Self-knowledge is critical if we are going to do the work we are called to do. On today’s episode, my friend Teresa McCloy walks us through the Enneagram, a fantastic tool to help us know ourselves, impact the world, and do better creative work. Teresa McCloy is a coach, consultant and professional speaker. Teresa uses her REALIFE Process™ and tools such as the Enneagram Typology Profile to help her clients move from living with their hair on fire to discovering clarity about the life they want to live and the process to make it happen. Teresa lives with her husband Dale on their third-generation family grain farm in south central Illinois. To read the full show notes, visit https://kentsanders.net/enneagram

It’s been said that over 80% of people want to write a book. However, there is a big difference between wanting to write and actually doing it. If you ever wanted to write a book but aren’t sure how it can benefit your life or how to get started, my guest today will give you the inspiration and practical steps to make your writing dream a reality. Eric Elder is an author, speaker, and contemporary pianist with a passion for sharing Christ with others. Eric is a pioneer in online ministry, has written for numerous publications, and has spoken internationally at conferences and retreats. He has also produced a wealth of books and music for his own ministry, which is an online spiritual retreat center called The Ranch. To read the full show notes, visit https://kentsanders.net/writeabook

This is the first week of 2019, so it’s very likely that you are thinking about changes you want to make in your life. If your goal is get healthier, more fit, or lose weight in 2019, this episode is for you. Today’s guest shares lots of great information and inspiration to help you become the best version of yourself. It’s time to get serious about your health! To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/health

For as long as I can remember, I have set aside time at the end of December, or early January, to reflect on the previous year. However, it’s usually been somewhat of a haphazard process with no real direction. Over the last couple of years, I have started to do a more intentional annual review. Here are my thoughts on 2018 and what’s in store for 2019. To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/2018-annual-review

When you hear the term “classic literature,” what comes to mind? Most people think of books that were written by a bunch of dead white guys and wonder how they are relevant to us today. Today’s guest will help you understand that the classics are much broader than that narrow definition, and why they are essential to your creative life today. I’m excited to bring you my conversation with Anne Sheridan, who is a professor and pianist. She holds degrees in piano, Biblical Studies, and English, and she also taught English and Literature for  several years at St. Louis Christian College, where I teach. Anne recently moved back to Iowa with her husband, Brent, a pastor, and their daughter, Louise. She enjoys British television and chocolate. Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, including what makes a classic a “classic,” why Gothic literature is popular, and Anne’s thoughts on The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and The Lord of the Rings. You’ll learn the best way to read Shakespeare, how t

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a heartwarming story of redemption that keeps our interest with a lot of twists and turns. But what if we add a twist of our own? What if George Bailey had dared to dream bigger dreams and left Bedford Falls? To read the full show notes, visit http://kentsanders.net/george. 

A dream is like a knife. It’s very powerful when you use it the right way. But if you’re careless with it, you can do a lot of harm to yourself and others. Today’s guest helps us view our dreams in the correct light so we can chase them in a God-honoring way that blesses our families and brings more value into the world. I’m excited today to be speaking with Zech Newman. He is a husband, father of three children, entrepreneur, author of Chasing Dreams in a Minivan, and a serial dreamer. Zech teaches others to chase their goals dreams in a healthy way.  On this episode, we focus on how to chase your dream in the correct way. Let’s face it—a lot of people who are “successful” end up losing their families. You’ll learn how to develop good habits, how to make your family a priority, and how to use your writing skills to expand your platform. Zech shares a massive amount of practical wisdom in this episode, and you’ll benefit from it no matter what type of creative work you do. Episode Highlights In this episode,

A number of years ago, the country group Rascal Flatts released a song called “These Days.” It tells the story of a guy in a small town who accidentally runs into an old flame. She has since moved on with her life, but he can’t stop dreaming about her.   In verse 1 he sings,   Yeah, life throws you curves, But you learned to swerve. Me, I swung and I missed and the next thing you know, I’m reminiscing. Dreaming old dreams, Wishing old wishes, Like you would be back again.   He has put his life on hold because he is still pining for her. Since there is no indication that she shares his feelings, he will forever be stuck in a time loop, wishing for a dream that will never become reality.   That can also be true in our creative lives. There are times when we want to embrace a new dream. But it’s impossible to move toward a new dream while we are still clinging to an old one.   How do you know the difference between an old dream and a new one? Here are a few guidelines:   An old dream represents something that

I started listening to podcasts around 2006, when podcasting was still in its infancy. Now, well over ten years later, podcasting has exploded in popularity, with literally tens of thousands of podcasts to choose from. Maybe you have considered adding your voice to the mix and starting your own show. If so, this episode is for you! I’m thrilled today to bring you this conversation with my good friend Steve Stewart. He started a podcast in 2010 to help market his financial wellness coaching business. In 2016, he had to give the business up, and his podcast, when others began asking for help with the editing and production of their shows. He currently produces 25 shows, mostly for podcasters in the personal finance and investing space. On this episode, you’ll learn what makes podcasting different from other mediums, and how to answer the question, “Should I start a podcast?” Steve also shares how to avoid common podcasting mistakes, how to measure success as a podcaster, and why knowing your purpose is so criti

In 2008, I almost got a Warner Bros. employee fired.   One day, a friend of mine from church called. He said a friend of his, John, had a daughter, Becky, who worked for Warner Bros. (John and Becky are not their real names.) Becky organized movie screenings for theater reps and asked her father if he knew anyone who might like to see Speed Racer before it was released in theaters.   John invited my friend, who in turn invited me. On the day of the screening, we met Becky at a local theater that was part of a regional chain. We were escorted through a back door and led through a long hallway showcasing all kinds of Hollywood memorabilia. I was in movie heaven!   Becky took us to a screening room that seated around fifty people. Aside from my friend and me, there were only a couple of other people in the room. They had notepads, so I assumed they were movie critics. Becky made sure we didn’t have any recording devices, and away she went. We didn’t see her again.   When the movie was over, it dawned on me that

It seems like we spend the first part of our lives learning to give all the correct answers. But what if the creative journey was less about giving the right answers and more about asking better questions? Today’s guest helps us navigate this tension between questions and answers, and also encourages us to explore our curiosity. Dan Drake is the co-host of the Better Questions Podcast, a show that aims to help people of faith find better questions that are more helpful to our faith and that bring unity to the church.  Dan is also a worship pastor and the Media Minister at Cornerstone Christian Church in Shiloh, Illinois. In addition, Dan is a gifted musician and songwriter, a filmmaker, a blogger, and most importantly, a husband and father. He’s a busy guy! Dan’s thoughts on art, faith, and life will challenge your thinking, help you find the divine in the mundane, and to ask better questions that lead to a more fulfilling life. Show Highlights In this episode, you’ll discover: How Dan’s creative experiences

I don’t know about you, but I often overthink the creative process. Sometimes we need a guide who can help us simplify things so we can get some traction and make forward progress.  In this post, Michael S. Rogers shares the lessons on creativity he learned while writing the novel Passing Lincoln. The book features a unique story about a 5-dollar bill that travels through the hands of various citizens in Beulah, Indiana. When I wrote Passing Lincoln, I wasn’t creating a different way to write a book. The format of the book was less a momentous epiphany and more a struggle to make something of my befuddled mind. I’d like to share what I learned along the way about the creative process. Between careers and between projects, a character spoke to me so clearly I knew her name, where she was, what she looked like, and how she acted. I know better than to fight that. I wrote her story. Here’s the problem: by the time I finished the scene, I had developed it into an epic tale of redemption and faith. I do it every

Today’s episode is a little different because we are tackling a heavy topic: mental illness. It’s an issue that affects all of us in one way or another. If you haven’t personally struggled with some type of mental illness, chances are very high that you know someone who has. In today’s conversation, we have a guest who digs deep into his personal experience with this issue and helps point the way forward. I’m thrilled to be talking with Chris Morris, who is a husband, father of four, CPA, and author. He writes honestly about pain, chronic illness, and hope. He’s the author of the book Perfectly Abnormal and co-author of the excellent new book Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church.  In our conversation, Chris shares openly about his recent experience in a psych ward. He learned some powerful lessons about the church that all of us need to hear. Chris also offers practical suggestions for church leaders on making the church a safe haven for those struggling with mental illness. He also sh

Someone once said that it takes a village to raise a child. If it’s also true that it takes a village to write a book, one of the most important villagers is the editor.  On today’s episode, I talk with a good friend who also happens to be a great editor. He helps us understand how why editors are such an important part of the book-making process, and how to choose the right editor for your next book project. Blake Atwood is an editor, author, and ghostwriter who helps writers tell better stories, choose the right path to publication, and how to best market their words. He is also an instructor for Writing Workshops Dallas, which offers wide-ranging seminars and courses for writers of all kinds by a host of excellent teachers. Many of those are available via live stream. On this episode, you’ll learn about the different types of editing and why each one is important for your book. Blake also shares how to find the right editor, and how to know when it’s time to let go of your book and move on. In addition, Bl

For many years, “education” meant sitting at a desk in a classroom, listening to a teacher give a lecture. Today that is no longer the case. The world of education, especially for adults, is changing at a rapid pace. I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with a great educator who helps us think about the future of education and what it means for us, both as learners and teachers. Today I’m thrilled to be talking with Don Sanders, who is the Staff Development Pastor and Director of the Merold Institute for Ministry at Harvester Christian Church in St. Charles, Missouri. He also just happens to be my older brother!  Don is not only one of the best educators I know—he’s also a master learner who is currently working on a Doctor of Education degree at The Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. In our conversation, you’re going to learn about creativity from an educator’s perspective, and how Don has infused a creative learning approach to The Merold Institute for Ministry, which he directs. You’ll

As an artist and a creative, one of the most valuable skills you can learn is how to engage people with storytelling. Stories are the way we process information and make sense of the world around us. I’m excited today to bring you this conversation with a friend who helps us learn from the greatest storyteller of all time: Jesus. Today I’m thrilled to be talking with Doug Phillips, who is the Professor of New Testament and Greek Studies, and the Chair of the Biblical Education Division at St. Louis Christian College, where I am also a Professor. Doug has multiple advanced degrees and is also working on a PhD in New Testament from Asbury Theological Seminary. On this episode, we’re going to do a deep dive into the topic of storytelling in the Bible. Doug shares his journey to becoming a professor and helps us understand why Jesus’ parables were so powerful. You’ll learn what makes an effective story, the key components of Jesus’ parables, and how to start applying those lessons to your own communication. Episo

Have you ever felt discouraged because you started writing a book but didn’t finish it? If so, you’re not alone. Many writers, myself included, have started writing a book … only to later abandon it. Today’s guest helps us understand how to break through procrastination and finally get that book finished. His name is Jim Woods, and he’s an author, editor, writing coach, and storyteller. Jim understands productivity and time management at a deep level. He also has a gift for seeing the weak spots in a story and knowing how to improve them. On this episode, you’ll learn lots of practical tips for getting your book finished. You’ll also learn why you should beware of story craft books, how to be more productive, and why it’s important to be a creator and not just a consumer. Key Takeaways 1. Focus on one scene, chapter, section, or paragraph at a time. This simple advice is easy to ignore, but it makes a world of difference in staying focused and writing in the moment. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed because you h

What does it mean to have creative freedom in your life? And what’s more, how do you get it? Our guest shows us how he and his family followed a surprising path to creative freedom, and how he is helping others do the same. His name is Jared Latigo, and he is a personal development consultant who works with individuals, families, and companies in corporate settings. Jared’s writing has reached millions of readers through various online publications such as Addicted2Success, ThriveGlobal, MichaelHyatt.com, 48Days, ProBlogger, and Lifehack. He has also been able to work with companies like Stetson, Mountain Dew, Pier 1 Imports, and more. Jared shares the journey he and his family took to becoming debt-free, and how it has allowed him to pursue a whole new path in life. You’ll learn why it’s important to have freedom in your life, all about the connection between creativity and being debt-free, how managing your money well sets you up for success as an entrepreneur, and so much more. Highlights & Key Takeawa