Your World of Creativity

Today we’re welcoming T. Christian Helms, Founder and Creative Director of Helms Workshop, an award-winning branding agency known for building brands that truly connect.https://www.linkedin.com/in/tchristianhelms/T. Christian's WebsiteOver the past 15 years, Christian has led creative strategy for beloved names like Jack Daniel’s, Hershey, Austin Beerworks, and Howler Brothers—helping them clarify their voice, tell authentic stories, and bring creative visions to life.But what makes Christian’s creative journey especially powerful is the transformation behind the work. After years struggling with an undiagnosed illness, he rebuilt his life and his business using the same creative tools he teaches—clarity, storytelling, curiosity, and purpose. Today he helps companies and creators alike rediscover their creative spark and turn ideas into meaningful impact.Rebuilding Through CreativityChristian, your story includes a long period of illness and recovery—and ultimately a complete personal and creative reset. How did those challenges shape the way you think about creativity, purpose, and your role as a storyteller and brand builder?The Spark of Curiosity and PlayYou often talk about the importance of curiosity and play in breaking out of creative ruts. How do you intentionally bring curiosity into your process, both for yourself and for the brands you help shape?Storytelling as StrategyYour agency is known for helping brands find their soul and voice. What’s your approach to uncovering an authentic story—whether you're working with a global brand like Jack Daniel’s or an emerging creative business?Rebuilding Creativity After BurnoutMany of our listeners have faced burnout, adversity, or seasons where their creative energy felt depleted. From your own journey, what have you learned about restoring creativity when the tank feels empty?Creating Meaningful ImpactYou’ve said that great design connects—and great stories endure. What does “impact” look like to you now? And how can today’s creators translate their ideas into work that actually makes a difference for others?Christian, for creatives who are listening and may be at a crossroads—professionally, personally, or creatively—what’s one small step they can take today to reconnect with their creative spark?”Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters, fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, download your free e-book A World of Creativity, featuring insights and interviews from the podcast. Visit mark-stinson.com

Today, we welcome Dennis Welch — a lifelong songwriter and creative force who is now experiencing a remarkable musical renaissance in his sixties. Dennis has written more than 500 songs, published two books, played concerts far and wide, and built a body of work anchored in one central identity: storyteller.Dennis's WebsiteDennis on YouTube@Poo_Welch on InstagramDennis's Facebook pageAfter recording an album in 2000, Dennis continued writing but went 18 years without releasing new music… until a single moment changed everything. When his longtime friend, Little River Band guitarist Rich Herring, heard one of Dennis’s songs, he offered to produce a single — which turned into an album, and then another, all landing on the first Grammy ballot in multiple categories.His newest album, Strong, released this July, continues this extraordinary creative chapter. Dennis’s message is simple but powerful: Never give up. Keep creating. You never know what’s around the next corner.A Renaissance at Sixty: Why Now?Dennis, your story is such a powerful example of perseverance. After releasing an album in 2000, you kept writing but didn’t return to the studio for nearly two decades. What was happening creatively during those years — and what made this the right moment to reemerge?The Song That Changed EverythingWhen Rich Herring heard one of your songs and offered to produce a single, it sparked an entire new era of your career. Tell us about that moment. What did you feel when you realized this might be the beginning of something big?Storytelling as Your LegacyYou’ve said that if you could be remembered for just one word, it would be storyteller. How does storytelling show up in your songwriting today, and how has your perspective evolved across 500+ songs?Three Albums, Two Grammy Ballots, and a Creative SurgeWhat Love Makes Us Do and If I Live to Be a Hundred both made the first Grammy ballot in five categories — and now you’ve released Strong. What themes, emotions, or experiences shaped this newest album?Advice for Creatives Who Feel “It’s Too Late”Your message is incredibly encouraging: Don’t ever give up. Tune out the naysayers. Do what you’re here for. What do you want other artists — especially those who feel their creative window is closing — to understand from your journey?Dennis, if you could leave our listeners with one thought about sustaining creativity across a lifetime — what would it be?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners can enjoy 10% off your first order — just use the code CREATIVITY at checkout at whitecloudcoffee.com.And don’t forget to download your free e-book, A World of Creativity — a collection of inspiring interviews from the podcast. Visit mark-stinson.com to get your copy.

Today, we welcome Greig Watts, a powerhouse in songwriting, publishing, and music development. Greig is one-third of the internationally successful songwriting and publishing team DWB, known for selling millions of units worldwide and for pioneering early breakthroughs in markets like Japan and South Korea long before the global rise of J-Pop and K-Pop.Greig's Website @greigwatts on Instagram Greig's Facebook page Greig's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greigwatts/For songwriters who feel stuck, discouraged, or tired of rejection, his mission: help creators overcome setbacks, rediscover joy, and keep fighting for the dream that first sparked their love of music. Greig has captured decades of experience—and the heart of his creative philosophy—in his bestselling book, Keeping the Dream Alive. It’s part memoir, part guide, and part rallying cry.He’s overseen 16 Eurovision entries in 10 consecutive years, coached dozens of successful writers, spoken at industry conferences from Moscow to Taiwan to Amsterdam, served as a BBC Music Consultant, and mentored songwriters around the world.From Almost Quitting to International SuccessGreig, your book opens with a vulnerable story—by 2003 you almost walked away from music entirely. What helped you turn rejection into fuel instead of failure, and how did that turning point shape the book Keeping the Dream Alive?The Mindset of PersistenceYou say showing up matters more than talent. What does “showing up” actually look like for songwriters—and how can creatives overcome procrastination, self-doubt, and the belief that they’re not good enough? What’s the secret to finishing songs instead of endlessly rewriting them?Protecting Creativity While Treating Music as a BusinessYou’re very honest that loving music isn’t enough—you also have to monetize it to keep going. How can songwriters protect their creativity from burnout while still building a viable career in an intensely competitive industry?Finding Success in Unexpected PlacesYou and DWB broke into Japan and Korea long before most UK or US writers even knew those markets existed. You also helped make Eurovision songwriting camps what they are today. How has seeking out “the niche” shaped your creative and business success?Mentorship, Neurodiversity & Keeping the Dream AliveYou’ve launched courses supporting songwriters—including neurodiverse creatives—and you speak often about defending the underdog. How do you help writers identify their strengths, build a supportive team, and keep the dream alive even when people around them doubt them? Greig, for any songwriter listening who feels like their dream is slipping away—what’s the one thing you want them to hear today?”Book link for listeners:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keeping-Dream-Alive-Songwriters-Overcoming/dp/195725551XThanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.comAnd before you go, be sure to grab your free e-book A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Today’s guest is Aurora Winter — an award-winning bestselling author; TV producer; media coach; ghostwriter; and successful serial entrepreneur. Aurora is founder of SamePagePublishing.com and the creator of the Spoken Author™ method, helping experts craft award-winning books that expand their impact and income.Her book Turn Words Into Wealth: Blueprint for Your Business, Brand, and Book to Create Multiple Streams of Income & Impact won Outstanding Non-Fiction Book of the Year in 2022 and many other awards since then.Aurora's Website @aurorawintermba on Instagram Aurora on YouTube Aurora left a lucrative career as a TV executive to pursue a life built on storytelling, creativity, and contribution. Today she empowers entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers to turn their words — and their wisdom — into wealth.Turning Words Into WealthAurora, you help entrepreneurs and experts use books as a centerpiece for their brand and business. What are the most powerful ways someone can turn their words into multiple streams of income today?The Neuroscience of Memorable MessagesYou’re known for blending filmmaking, storytelling, and neuroscience. What does science tell us about why certain messages stick — and how can listeners apply this to their own communication, branding, or writing?The 27X Power of StoryYou talk about the “27X value of a story.” What does that mean — and why is story still the most persuasive, profitable, and memorable tool in business?New Ways to Market — AI, Kickstarter, and BeyondThe landscape for authors and entrepreneurs is shifting fast. What new marketing approaches should people be paying attention to — including AI, Kickstarter, or other platforms?Pivoting From Business to Award-Winning FantasyYou’ve recently stepped into writing fantasy — and winning awards for it. How has writing fiction influenced your creative life? And in your view, how can fiction shape or illuminate real-world issues. “Seven Ways to Make 7 Figures”: Could you share one or two of your favorite strategies that listeners could begin applying today?· Gift for Our Audience - Includes your Turn Words-to-Wealth starter library and a video masterclass on how to attract capital, clients, and media coverage.: https://turnwordsintowealth.com· Marketing Fastrack: The Little Book That Launched a New Business by Aurora Winter- on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8xrIglK· Turn Words Into Wealth: Blueprint for Your Business, Brand and Book by Aurora Winter - on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7RRkVYb· Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse Book 1 Amazon: https://a.co/d/5cmA6Um· LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/AuroraWinterThanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, you can download a free copy of my e-book A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Episode 400 – and the start of our 8th year of the podcast!We welcome Matt Ross — entrepreneur, media executive, and author of the book Grow or Fold: Transform Yourself in Midlife & Beyond.Matt's WebsiteMatt's Facebook pageLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ross-entrepreneur/Matt has spent nearly 30 years building businesses at the intersection of creativity and leadership. He led New York’s legendary rock station Q104.3 and hip-hop station Hot 97, helped scale School of Rock from a struggling startup into a global franchise, and later founded One River School, a first-of-its-kind art education company now with fifteen schools across six states. Grow or Fold — Why This Book, and Why Now?Matt, you’ve spent decades building creative organizations—from School of Rock to One River School. What inspired you to write Grow or Fold, and what does that title mean to you personally?From Rock Stages to Art Studioso Throughout his career, Matt has made creativity the core of every organization he’s led, whether inspiring musicians, mentoring young artists, or empowering educators to think like innovators.What lessons carried over from building School of Rock that helped you launch One River School—and how did those experiences change your view of what creativity really means?Building Communities Through ArtOne of your core beliefs is that creative spaces are essential for wellbeing and connection. How have you seen art schools, studios, and community programs transform the lives of students and adults alike?Creative Growth and Leadership at Every AgeYou’ve said that creativity isn’t just for the young—it’s the key to staying sharp as we age. How can leaders, educators, and professionals rediscover their creative edge during midlife transitions or after major life changes?The CEO as Creative — and the Creative as CEOYou’ve lived in both worlds—the creative studio and the C-suite. What can business leaders learn from artists about innovation, and what can artists learn from CEOs about sustainable growth?You write about nurturing originality and trust in teams. What are the most effective ways leaders can foster that kind of environment?You’ve described Grow or Fold as a mindset for sustainable creativity and leadership. How can people apply that mindset to their daily lives, especially in times of uncertainty or change?Matt, for listeners who might be standing at a crossroads in their own careers or creative paths — what’s one action they can take today to start ‘growing’ rather than folding?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.comAnd before you go, be sure to download your free e-book of A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Today, as we wrap up our seventh year and 399th episode of Your World of Creativity, it’s fitting that we welcome a guest who perfectly captures the essence of transformation and growth — Rachel Burr.Rachel's Website @Catamentum on Instagram Rachel's Facebook page Rachel is an executive coach and leadership consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping leaders navigate the complex, unpredictable world of human dynamics. She knows that leadership can be messy — because people are unpredictable — and most leaders are promoted for technical excellence, not people skills.Rachel specializes in human-centered leadership, guiding executives to build self-awareness, empathy, and relational intelligence. Her book Butterfly Goo beautifully compares leadership growth to a caterpillar’s transformation — messy, nonlinear, and deeply transformative.1.    From Caterpillar to Leader — Why “Butterfly Goo”?Rachel, your metaphor of transformation is so vivid — comparing leadership development to the chaos of metamorphosis. What does that “goo” stage represent for leaders, and why do you think so many get stuck there instead of breaking through?Human-Centered Leadership in a Technical WorldYou often say leaders are promoted for technical excellence, not people skills. What are some of the most common people-dynamic challenges leaders face — and how can they start to build emotional and relational intelligence?Overcoming Fear and Finding FulfillmentMany of your clients struggle with fear — of failure, of being vulnerable, of not being enough. How do you help leaders confront those fears and replace them with a sense of purpose and fulfillment?Navigating Complex Workplace DynamicsWith your background in organizational development and clinical psychology, what practical tools or exercises do you use to help leaders manage interpersonal challenges and organizational change — especially in high-pressure environments?Humor, Humanity, and Real ChangeYou use humor and practical exercises to make deep transformation approachable. Why is it important for leaders to lighten up — and how can humor actually support growth, empathy, and connection?Rachel, as we wrap up this milestone episode and our seventh year of Your World of Creativity, what’s one piece of advice you’d offer to leaders — or anyone listening — who’s ready to embrace their own transformation and move from stuck to unstoppable?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.comAnd before you go, be sure to download your free e-book A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.Then come back for our next episode — as we begin our eighth year of creative conversations — where we’ll continue to travel around the world to talk with creatives about how they get inspired, how they organize ideas, and most of all, how they gain the confidence and connections to launch their work out into the world.

Today is Episode: 398 as we near the end of our 7th year of Your World of CreativityI’m thrilled to welcome Amani Roberts — an award-winning music business professor, international keynote speaker, and global DJ performer.He’s a USA Today bestselling author, and his upcoming book, The Quiet Storm: A Historical and Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion, and Pain of R&B Groups, offers a powerful deep dive into how Black R&B groups shaped music, identity, and community.Amani's Website @amaniexperience on Instagram Amani on YouTube From DJ Booth to Classroom — The Creative JourneyAmani, your career bridges music, business, and education. How did your early experiences as a DJ evolve into this mission of helping others unlock their creativity and confidence?The Quiet Storm — Why This Story Matters NowYour new book, The Quiet Storm, is a cultural and historical analysis of Black R&B groups — from The Temptations to TLC. What inspired you to take on this topic, and why do you think it’s so important to tell this story today?Beyond Entertainment — R&B as Social CommentaryYou write that R&B groups didn’t just make music — they moved culture. How did these artists influence identity, social change, and even the civil rights movement through their art and community presence?Resilience, Reinvention, and Relevanceo  With over 30 years in hospitality and 17 years in the music industry, Amani has collaborated with brands like Marriott, 7-11, Calendly, and Chartmetric, generating millions in revenue while inspiring professionals to unlock their creativity, take risks, and stay resilient.o  You’ve led in corporate settings, creative spaces, and classrooms. What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned about staying relevant and resilient — whether you’re spinning records, teaching students, or advising executives?o  Amani’s leadership extends beyond the stage — he was the first African American President of Meeting Professionals International’s Southern California Chapter in 45 years and is co-host of the podcast Adventures in Business. His work has been featured in Forbes, People Magazine, NBC, and Yahoo! Finance.The Future of R&B and Creative LeadershipAs we look forward, how can today’s creatives — musicians, entrepreneurs, or educators — apply the lessons from R&B’s rise, dominance, and decline to keep their work meaningful, collaborative, and authentic?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And as we close out this special 7th anniversary episode of Your World of Creativity, remember to grab your free e-book, A World of Creativity, when you visit mark-stinson.com.Join us next time as we continue our round-the-world journey, talking with creative people about how they get inspired, how they organize ideas, and how they build the confidence and connections to launch their work into the world.

Today we’re honored to welcome Stan Lai, one of the world’s most celebrated playwrights and theatre directors. He has been called by one critic ‘the major contemporary Asian playwright of his time, perhaps of all time’ and by the BBC ‘the best Chinese-language playwright and director in the world’. Stan's Website @Stanlai99 on Instagram Stan on YouTube Born in the U.S. and raised in both America and Taiwan, Stan earned his PhD from UC Berkeley before launching a groundbreaking career in Taiwan that now spans over 40 acclaimed plays, including masterpieces like A Dream Like a Dream and Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land. He’s also the co-founder of the Wuzhen Theatre Festival and Huichang Theatre Village in China, and his Shanghai venue, Theatre Above, is dedicated entirely to his work.Stan joins us today to discuss his new book, CreativitRy: Asia’s Iconic Playwright Reveals the Art of Creativity, coming in November 2025 from Anthem Press — a transformative guide that blends memoir, Buddhist philosophy, and practical methods for unlocking the creative potential that lives within each of us. https://a.co/d/56PRqeG5 QuestionsThe Source of CreativityStan, you’ve said that CreativitRy explores “where creativity lives — within each and every one of us.” How did your own creative process as a playwright and director lead you to this realization, and what inspired you to put these ideas into book form?From Stage to Page — Translating Art into InsightYour plays are known for their emotional depth and philosophical reach. How was writing about creativity — in prose rather than in performance — a different kind of creative act for you?Buddhist Wisdom and Creative FlowYou describe the book as rooted in Buddhist thought, guiding readers to unlock creativity through introspection rather than productivity hacks. How do mindfulness and spiritual awareness shape your own approach to artistic creation?Creativity as Education — A New FrontierCreativitRy is being adopted as the foundational text for a new Department of Creative Studies at major Chinese universities. How did that initiative come about, and what does it say about the growing importance of creativity in education and society today?The Universality of the Creative JourneyYou’ve been praised by artists like Ang Lee and Jack Ma for bridging the arts, business, and human growth. What do you hope readers — whether they’re artists, entrepreneurs, or students — will take away from CreativitRy about living a truly creative life?Stan, as we close, what’s one piece of advice you’d offer to someone who feels disconnected from their creativity — someone who wants to rediscover that creative energy in everyday life?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And be sure to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Today, we welcome Oswald Newbold, a certified mediator, conflict resolution specialist, and contributing author to the new book Breaking Chains, Building Futures: Pathways to Redemption, Education, and Excellence, edited by Dr. Stanley Andrisse and published by Wiley.Oswald's Website Oswald's Facebook page This powerful collection features first-hand stories from individuals impacted by incarceration — stories of struggle, triumph, and transformation. Oswald’s own journey is especially compelling: sentenced to life at 20, he has emerged as a leader in mediation, education, and criminal justice reform.Through Breaking Chains, Building Futures, Oswald and his co-authors shed light on how redemption, education, and empathy can create real pathways toward healing and social change.Breaking Chains — Finding Purpose in PainOswald, your story in Breaking Chains, Building Futures is both raw and inspiring. What led you to share such a personal journey in this book, and what do you hope readers take away from it?From Lived Experience to LeadershipYou were sentenced to life at 20, and yet you’ve turned that experience into a lifelong mission to mediate conflict and help others rebuild their lives. What inspired you to take on a leadership role in reentry services and criminal justice reform?The Power of Education and MediationYour background in mediation and conflict resolution is remarkable — with a 90% success rate and now a youth program training young people as certified mediators. How did your own access to education, both formal and informal, shape your path toward healing and leadership?Collaboration and Creative ProcessThis book brings together deeply personal stories from many voices, under Dr. Stanley Andrisse’s vision. What was it like to collaborate with other contributors on such emotionally charged material, and how did that creative process affect you?Building Futures — From Systemic Change to Personal HopeIn your view, what are the biggest barriers people face when reentering society after incarceration? And what gives you hope that we can create more equitable and effective pathways to redemption?You’ve built a career around conflict resolution — from prisons to communities to youth programs. What lessons from your time mediating behind the wall still guide you today?How do you maintain your own sense of balance, hope, and self-care while doing such emotionally demanding work?What does redemption mean to you now, both personally and professionally?For listeners who may be navigating their own second chances, or trying to turn pain into purpose — what’s one message you’d like them to carry forward from your story?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.comAnd before you go, remember to download your free e-book of A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com

Today, we’re welcoming Robin Landa back to the show. I first interviewed Robin in February 2023 about her book The New Art of Ideas, and I’m thrilled to continue that conversation.Robin is a distinguished professor at Kean University and a globally recognized expert in creativity and branding. She received the 2024 Gold Design Education Recognition Award, was named by the Carnegie Foundation among the ‘Great Teachers of Our Time,’ and will be inducted into the New Jersey Advertising Hall of Fame in 2025.Robin 's Website @proflanda on Instagram Robin 's Facebook page Robin on YouTube Author of 25 books—including Graphic Design Solutions, Strategic Creativity, Advertising by Design, and Shareworthy (with Greg Braun)—Robin now turns to her new release: Branding as a Cultural Force: Purpose, Responsibility, and ResonanceFrom The New Art of Ideas to Cultural ForceRobin, when we talked in February 2023, you laid out a practical pathway for generating and shaping ideas. What’s evolved in your thinking since then—and how did that trajectory lead to Branding as a Cultural Force?Branding as a Vehicle for Systemic ChangeYour new book argues that branding can—and should—shape culture, not just reflect it. What catalyzed this call to action, and how does it challenge conventional brand playbooks?From Product Stories to Cultural MovementsWhich brands or campaigns today truly function as cultural forces? What makes them work—and what can creative teams learn about purpose, responsibility, and resonance?Authenticity, Accountability, and RiskWhen brands take a stand, what’s the right balance between authentic purpose and measurable responsibility? How should leaders navigate backlash, skepticism, and “purpose-washing”?Teaching Creative CourageYou’ve shaped thousands of careers through teaching, mentoring, judging, and writing. What practices help people move from safe, incremental ideas to bold, world-shaping concepts—without losing strategic clarity?The Next Generation of Brand LeadersWith AI, rapid cultural shifts, and fragmentation of attention, what skills—and mindsets—will define tomorrow’s most effective brand leaders?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee—fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, remember to download your free e-book of Your World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.