Create-Today with Beth Buffington

Latest Episodes:

E108 The Story of So Loco (Why All Women Need a Scream Pillow) Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

E108 The Story of So Loco - Why Women Need Scream Pillows
(and Creative Ways to Release What We Carry)

Get ready for a powerful, honest, and unexpectedly joyful conversation about creativity, emotional health, and why sometimes… you just need to scream into a pillow.

In this special episode of Create Today, Beth is joined by Laura Pagley and Sandra O’Neil, founders of So Loco, a women-led brand rooted in empathy, emotional wellbeing, and community. ✨

In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why creative release is essential for emotional health (and not something to feel ashamed of)
• The story behind the So Loco
• How creativity helped Laura and Sandra survive toxic work environments and reclaim their joy
• Why confidence isn’t a prerequisite for creative courage
• How imposter syndrome shows up — even for successful creatives
• The importance of community, compassion, and not carrying life’s weight alone
• How creative ideas evolve slowly — and why that’s a good thing

This episode is for you if:
• You’ve ever felt emotionally overloaded
• You’ve questioned your confidence or creative path
• You’re craving permission to release, rest, and reconnect
• You believe creativity can be a form of self-care and healing

How to Find So Loco and their products: 
Laura Pagley & Sandra O’Neil — Founders of So Loco 
Website: www.getsoloco.com 
Instagram: @get_soloco 
Facebook: So Loco  
LinkedIn: So Loco

Offerings at BDI Create.Today 
Join Sylva Session Wellness Membership
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkout
Register to the Create-Today Workshops! 
https://www.bdi-create.today/workshop-events-calendar
Register for “Learn the Art of Procreate” 
https://www.bdi-create.today/courses
Tutorials and other resources at Create-Today: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/almost-free-resources
The Create-Today Home Page: 
https://www.bdi-create.today

As always, thank you for being part of the Create Today community. Stay creative, my friend.

E107 - Happiness & Health (today and tomorrow): The Compound Effect of Creativity Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

What if just a few minutes of creativity a day could shape your future happiness, health, and resilience?

In this episode of Create Today with Beth Buffington, we explore the powerful idea of creative deposits—tiny, consistent creative actions that quietly compound into long-term wellbeing for “future you.”

You’ll discover:
• Why small creative habits matter more than occasional big projects

• How creativity today supports tomorrow’s emotional health, stress reduction, and resilience

• The neuroscience behind creative consistency and brain wellbeing

• How daily creativity creates an upward spiral of mood, motivation, and mental clarity

• Simple, low-pressure ideas for creative deposits you can start today

• Why consistency—not talent—is the real secret to creative wellbeing

• How present-you can actively support the wellbeing of future-you

This episode is an invitation to stop waiting for “more time” or “more inspiration”—and start building your wellbeing through creativity that fits into real life.

✨ Your future self will thank you.

Join my Sylva Sessions Creative Wellness Membership: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkout

Register for Create-Today Workshops! 
https://www.bdi-create.today/workshop-events-calendar

Tutorials and other resources at Create-Today: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/almost-free-resources

The Create-Today Home Page: 
https://www.bdi-create.today

Timeline:
00:00 Introduction to Creative Deposits
00:41 The Power of Small Creative Actions
02:02 Understanding Creative Deposits
04:19 The Science Behind Creativity
07:31 Benefits of Creative Deposits
09:29 Implementing Creative Deposits
12:28 Creative Consistency and Community
17:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Understanding Your Past, Present, and Future Self – Makes You Healthier, Happier, and More Successful ⭐ Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

To Succeed —You need to understand YOUR past, present and future spirits.

Creativity isn’t just self-expression—it’s a powerful path to health and happiness. 

In this special holiday episode, Beth explores how understanding your creative past, present, and future can change how you feel—and how you live —and how you succeed.

Learn more about how you can CREATE-TODAY: https://www.bdi-create.today/

Your creativity is powerful: What if one of the most effective ways to feel healthier, happier, and more successful is to better understand yourself—who you’ve been, who you are now, and who you’re becoming?

In this holiday-inspired episode of Create Today, Beth shares how creativity supports emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience, and meaningful personal growth. This reflective conversation helps you reconnect with your creative identity—not as pressure or productivity, but as a form of self-care and self-trust and paths to your goals.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
🌿 Why understanding your creative past builds confidence and emotional resilience
🧠 How reflecting on small creative wins improves mental health and self-worth
💛 The connection between creativity, happiness, and long-term wellbeing
⏳ What guarding your creativity may be costing your health and joy
🎯 How turning dreams into goals creates momentum and reduces overwhelm
🚫 Five common mindset traps that quietly block success and fulfillment
☕ A powerful visualization: meeting your future self and learning what truly matters
✨ Why creativity is not extra—it’s essential to a balanced, healthy life

This episode is a gentle invitation to slow down, reflect, and choose a more nourishing creative path forward— to a better you.

00:00 Welcome and Holiday Reflections
01:13 The Influence of 'A Christmas Carol'
07:07 Exploring Creativity Past
17:16 Embracing Creativity Present
22:56 Envisioning Creativity Yet to Come
33:53 Meeting Your Future Creative Self
36:40 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

Offerings at BDI Create Today 

The Create-Today Membership & Coaching: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/membership_coaching

Register to Create-Today Workshops! 
https://www.bdi-create.today/workshop-events-calendar

Register for “Learn the Art of Procreate” 
https://www.bdi-create.today/courses

Tutorials and other resources at Create-Today: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/almost-free-resources

E105 - Mini Creations That Calm Stress Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Mini Creations That Calm Stress

Feeling overwhelmed or mentally exhausted?
What if calming your stress didn’t require hours of meditation or expensive solutions — just a few creative minutes?

In this episode of Create Today, Beth Buffington explores how tiny creative acts can gently calm your nervous system and help you build real emotional resilience.

Stress doesn’t usually arrive all at once — it accumulates quietly in the body and mind.

In Episode 105, Beth shares how mini-creations — small, pressure-free creative moments — can help interrupt stress, settle anxious thoughts, and restore a sense of calm.

This episode is a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be big to be powerful.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• Why daily stress often lingers in the nervous system
• What emotional resilience really means (and what it doesn’t)
• How brief creative activity can help lower stress hormones
• Why creativity works even when you only have a few minutes
• Simple, approachable mini-creation ideas anyone can try
• How small creative moments help retrain your stress response over time
• Why creativity is one of the most accessible forms of self-care

Timing of this episode:

00:00 Introduction to Creative Stress Relief
02:14 The Power of Mini Creations
04:45 Understanding Resilience
06:46 Scientific Backing of Creativity
10:54 Practical Mini Creation Ideas
20:31 Long-term Benefits of Mini Creations
22:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Create-Today Offerings: 
This episode is sponsored by Sylva Sessions, the Creative Wellness Membership.
Sylva Sessions is a supportive space where creativity and wellbeing meet.
We explore how creativity supports emotional health through the 3 C’s:
Core Care – movement, nourishment, rest
Creative Care – creativity as a tool for calm and resilience
Community Care – connection that strengthens wellbeing
Sylva Sessions meets twice a month to reflect, share, and practice creative wellness together. 
Here’s the link to join Sylva Sessions: 
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkout

Create-Today Membership & Workshops  
https://www.bdi-create.today/ 
Discover more creative excitement is available now —and next!

E104 - How 10 Minutes in Nature Will Unlock Your Creativity Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

Learn more about being healthy and happy using your creativity!
Visit:https://www.bdi-create.today/

If you’ve ever felt stuck, tired, or creatively drained — this episode may be the simplest, most useful creative reset you try all year.

You'll discover how just 10 minutes in nature can shift your mindset, refresh your energy, and open space for breakthrough ideas.

🌿 In this episode you’ll discover:
• Why walking — even just a few minutes — activates divergent thinking, giving you more creative ideas than sitting ever could.

• How exposure to nature acts as a gentle “reset button” for your brain, restoring attention and mental energy so creativity can bloom.

• Emotional and mental-health boosts from being outdoors — lower stress, improve your mood, provide clearer focus and breakthrough ideas.

• Why a 10-minute nature “reset break” can interrupt stuck or repetitive thinking and expand your mental field — making room for fresh, unexpected ideas.

• Five practical ways to integrate short outdoor sessions into your creative life: micro-nature breaks, mindful walking, nature-inspired prompts, creative incubation, and idea retrieval rituals.

• A guided 10-minute “Outdoor Creativity Reset” you can do with Beth— today.

Whether you’re a painter, writer, creator, entrepreneur, crafter, or any type of creative —this episode shows you how to tap into nature as your easiest, most trustworthy creative collaborator.

✨ Want ongoing support for your creative wellness? 

Check out Sylva Sessions, our twice-monthly membership — a gentle, soulful space designed to help you nourish your creative spirit, care for yourself, and build community with like-hearted artists and makers. 
Link to register for Sylva Sessions: 👉 http://bdi-create.today/sylvasessions

Or go to https://www.bdi-create.today/

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Creative Blocks
00:48 A Metaphor for Creative Blocks
02:56 The Power of Movement and Nature
06:13 Scientific Evidence Supporting Nature Walks
09:47 Personal Experience: A Walk with Bentley
13:29 Practical Tips for Creative Walks
16:54 Guided Creative Walking Meditation
27:37 Conclusion: Embrace Nature for Creativity

E103 - Your Brain on Creativity: The Stress-Relief Paths You Should be Using - with Guest Diane Dreher Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Your Brain on Creativity: The Stress-Relief Paths You Should be Using - with Guest Diane Dreher

When life feels heavy, hectic, or overwhelming — your creativity show you paths to solve problems and find answers.

In this heartfelt conversation with psychologist, author, and coach Diane Dreher, we explore how art, writing, movement, meditation, and inner work become powerful tools for self-care, mental health, and deep well-being.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

• A glimpse into Diane’s new book “Pathways to Inner Peace” with an explanation of the 9 pathways you can use through your creativity to create opportunities, find balance and reduce stress.

• Creativity isn’t a luxury. It’s a vital self-care resource for emotional health, resilience, and inner peace.

• How creativity helps release stress, process emotions, and restore balance when you feel depleted.

• The surprising ways creative expression builds self-esteem, clarity, and a sense of purpose — especially when combined with mindful practices.

• Practical ideas and gentle exercises to weave creativity into everyday life — even when time, energy, or motivation feels thin.

• How integrating creative care + self-care + inner growth supports not just your art, but your mental and spiritual health (the kind of care Diane calls “personal renaissance”).

If you’ve ever wondered if your sketches, journaling, or little creative experiments “really matter” — this episode will show you: yes. They matter deeply.

They might even be what saves you.

✨ Ready for ongoing support for your creative wellness? 
Check out Sylva Sessions, our twice-monthly membership is a gentle, soulful spaceto help you nourish your creative spirit, care for yourself, and build community with like-hearted artists and makers. 
👉 http://bdi-create.today/sylvasessions
Or go to https://www.bdi-create.today/

Find out more about Diane Dreher: 
Amazon link to Diane’s new book “Pathways to Inner Peace”
Diane’s Website: https://www.dianedreher.com/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:08 Diane's Journey and Renaissance Inspiration
03:09 The Concept of Calling and Creativity
04:44 Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
12:26 The Role of Nature and Creativity
15:49 Morning Rituals and Meditation
21:21 Building Confidence and Overcoming Obstacles
29:03 Discovering Your Calling and Creativity
29:33 Managing Stress and Finding Solutions
32:00 The Power of Community and Connection
33:50 Introducing 'Pathways to Inner Peace'
34:13 Nine Pathways to Greater Peace
35:05 Mindful Presence and Simple Practices
36:58 Building Community Through Micro Moments
39:21 Meditation and Mantra Practices
40:42 Kindness, Purpose, and Intuition
48:14 The Pathway of Joy and Happiness Habits
52:22 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

E102 - Creative Rituals Heal Winter Blues and Holiday Stress Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Creative Rituals Heal Winter Blues and Holiday Stress

Winter & the Holiday Season don't have to drain your energy or dim your spirit!

Discover how simple acts of creativity can actually lift your mood, calm your mind, and bring joy back into your days during the dark nights of Winter.

In this episode, Beth Buffington shares the science-backed reasons why making art (or doing a creative hobby or even a DIY project) — even for five minutes a day — reduces stress, lowers anxiety, and helps you thrive through the holiday hustle and dark winter months.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, tired, or disconnected from yourself, this episode will show you exactly how creativity can become your winter lifeline.

Amazing Facts About Winter Creativity:

• Creativity lowers stress hormones and shifts your brain out of fight-or-flight into calm regulation.

• Why winter and holiday seasons increase overwhelm — and how consistent small creative acts help your mind recover and reset.

• The emotional + neurological benefits of art, knitting, collage, journaling, baking, singing, and more!

• How five minutes of daily sketching changed Beth’s emotional happiness.

• How creative rituals improve emotional intelligence, helping you process feelings, reduce anxiety, and bounce back faster during stressful seasons.

• Five guidelines for starting a winter creative practice that you'll enjoy doing daily!

• Five simple creative rituals you can begin now — even if you're overwhelmed, or unsure where to start.

• Why small, imperfect creative moments matter more than big artistic achievements.

• How creativity strengthens the brain and improves overall wellbeing.

In this episode you’ll discover important mindset shifts you need to thrive during this winter (and the holiday season) instead of just surviving it.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Winter's Challenges
01:15 The Power of Creativity
02:12 Personal Story: Finding Solace in Art
05:53 Science Behind Creativity and Wellbeing
10:04 Guidelines for a Creative Winter Practice
19:42 Creating a Cozy Creative Space
22:48 Movement and Creativity
26:25 Reflecting and Embracing the Season
28:00 Conclusion

Let Your Creativity Shine Sylva Sessions Creative Wellness Membership
If you’re craving a soft, supportive place to nurture your creativity and wellbeing this winter, join Sylva Sessions — Beth Buffington + Lisa Murphy’s twice-a-month creative wellness membership. 

If you want more joy, more grounding, and a creative community to walk through winter with you…
You’re invited.  👉 http://bdi-create.today/sylvasessions

For more creative ways to "Create-Today" https://www.bdi-create.today/

E101 - It’s never too late. As long as you’re alive, you can create. Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Suzi K Edwards Reinvented Her Creative Life (And How You Can Too)

Ever wondered how many creative lives one person can live? 

Suzi K Edwards has reinvented herself again and again — And her story will change how you see your own creativity.

In this episode, author, illustrator, public artist, and former fashion designer Suzi K Edwards joins Beth to explore the winding, exciting path of her amazing creative life.

From the fashion houses of New York… to public mosaics… to children’s books illustrated entirely in Procreate… Suzi’s story is a testament to courage, curiosity, and starting again.

Whether you’re a new creative, a late bloomer, a busy creative with little time, or someone craving the confidence to make something new—this conversation will lift you.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover what’s possible in your creative life.

In this episode: 
• How Suzi moved from fashion design → yoga → mosaics → children’s books 
• Why synchronicity plays a powerful role in creativity 
• How Procreate sparked a new creative chapter 
• The truth about confidence (and why it’s built in community) 
• How dogs, empathy, and compassion shape Suzi’s books 
• Why “creativity is godliness” 
• Encouragement for creatives at any age or season

📚 Learn more about Suzi K Edwards: 
Website: SuziKEdwards.com 
Instagram: @SuziKEdwards1 
TikTok: @SuziKEdwards 
The Doggos Series — available on Amazon

Join Beth for more creativity!
Join Sylva Sessions: https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat
Come Create-Today with Beth: https://www.bdi-create.today/

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Special Guest Susie K Edwards
01:37 Susie K Edwards' Early Life and Career Beginnings
03:05 The Journey to New York and Breakthrough in Fashion
07:13 Transition from Fashion to Public Art and Personal Life
11:04 Creating Children's Books and the Doggos Series
17:18 The Magic of Procreate and Digital Illustration
19:38 Family Legacy and Self-Publishing Journey
21:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections
22:50 Overcoming Childhood Challenges
25:15 Finding Confidence Through Creativity
25:59 The Importance of Community and Support
29:35 Embracing Creativity at Any Age
32:13 Practical Steps to Start Creating
37:14 Current Projects and Future Plans
42:46 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

E100 - The world needs your creativity today - here's why! Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

✨ 100 Episodes of Creative Health and Happiness! ✨ 
Today, we’re celebrating 100 episodes of Create Today with Beth Buffington!

This is a heartfelt milestone built on a simple truth: Creativity isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

In this joyful, soul-nourishing episode, Beth shares a powerful message about why your creativity matters now more than ever.”

You’ll discover why making, doodling, painting, writing, or simply playing creatively isn’t frivolous — it’s vital self-care for your mind, body, and soul.

💛 Join the celebration, reflect on your own creative journey, and learn how giving yourself grace to create can heal, restore, and ripple out to change the world.

In This Episode your discover:
• Why creativity belongs alongside sleep, nutrition, and movement as a pillar of wellbeing
• How small acts of creativity calm the mind and regulate the nervous system
• Why giving yourself grace to create is a radical act of self-kindness
• How your creativity ripples outward — healing you and inspiring others
• The real reason the world needs your imperfect, human, beautiful art
• A special invitation to join the Sylva Sessions, a creative renewal experience with Beth and Lisa Murphy

Listen and Celebrate with Beth!
🍰🎨 100 episodes means 100 reminders about why your creativity matters. 

Keep shining your light, making your art, and showing up for yourself — one imperfect, beautiful act of creation at a time.

🎧 Listen now, then share this episode with a creative friend who needs a little encouragement to Create Today!

How to join Beth for more creativity!
Register for Sylva Sessions: https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat
Come Create-Today with Beth: https://www.bdi-create.today/

00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration
01:27 The Importance of Creativity
01:54 Inspirational Story: Amy McNee's TED Talk
03:26 Creativity as a Pillar of Health
04:48 Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Creativity
06:47 Scientific Benefits of Creativity
07:25 Sponsor Message: Sylva Sessions
09:55 Celebrating the Listener's Role
11:03 The Power of Grace in Creativity
13:56 Creativity's Ripple Effect
17:30 Encouragement to Create Imperfectly
20:12 Final Thoughts and Future Episodes

E99 - The Art of Feeding Your Creative Self (You are what you eat!) Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

E99 - The Art of Feeding Your Creative Self (You are what you eat!)

Discover how the food you eat can fuel your imagination and help you create from a place of color, care, and vitality. 

What if your next creative breakthrough started on your plate? 🍓

In this episode, Beth explores how what—and how—you eat can ignite your imagination, sharpen your focus, and nourish your creative energy from the inside out.

✨ Episode Highlights

• The powerful connection between nutrition and creativity—and why a well-fed body fuels creativity and inspiration.

• Beth’s childhood story of what started a lifelong love of creativity and nourishment

• The Creative Fuel Palette—a fun, mindful approach to “eating the rainbow”

• How colorful, nutrient-rich foods enhance memory, mood, and focus

• Ten artsy ways to feed your creative body

• Why mindful eating can spark gratitude, inspiration, and inner calm

• A reminder to feed your body like it belongs to an artist—because it does

Explore your creativity with Create-Today events!

🌿 Sylva Solace Creative Retreat (2026 Waitlist): 
https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat
Beth and Lisa Murphy’s Sylva Solace Fall Creative Retreat sold out in 2025.
This intimate four-day retreat is where creative health, rest, and renewal come together. Spaces are limited—get on the Sylva Solace 2026 waitlist today and be among the first to register when doors open.

🌸 Sylva Sessions: Year-Round Creative Renewal 
http://bdi-create.today/sylvasessions 
You don’t have to wait for the next retreat to reconnect with your creative spirit. Sylva Sessions is a nurturing extension of the retreat experience—a year-round space for creative resilience, mindful reflection, and inspired community, led by Beth Buffington and Lisa Murphy.
Join the Sessions and keep your creative rhythm nourished all year long.

The Create-Today website:
https://www.bdi-create.today/

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