Create-Today with Beth Buffington

Latest Episodes:

E-98 Creativity Makes You Healthier – Movement Makes You Even Better Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

E-98 Creativity Makes You Healthier – Movement Makes You Even Better

Feeling stuck, stressed, or low on creative energy?

🌿 Discover how combining creativity + movement can boost your mood, clear your mind, and strengthen your whole health. Your most joyful, creative life might just begin with a walk — and a doodle. ✨

Have you noticed how your best ideas often appear while walking, biking, or moving?

In this inspiring episode, Beth explores the powerful connection between creativity and movement — and how bringing the two together can strengthen your whole health.

You’ll hear how creativity reduces stress, boosts mood, improves sleep, and even supports your heart.

Beth shares her own creative-wellbeing routine and offers 10 simple, joyful ways to weave creative play into your daily movement.

This episode is filled with both science and soul — proof that art, doodles, and color aren’t luxuries… they’re tools for living well.

You’ll Learn:

• Why creativity is a science-backed form of self-care

• How movement sparks ideas and clears creative blocks

• The secret link between creativity, dopamine, and happiness

• Simple ways to combine art, journaling, cooking, and walking for better health

• Why consistency and permission are essential to creative wellbeing

🌸 Mentioned in This Episode:
Creative Coaching with Beth Buffington
Discover how to build a creative lifestyle that supports your mind, body, and soul. 
https://www.bdi-create.today
Choose "coaching" in the menu.  

Or email Beth:
beth@bdi-create.today
and set up a free creative consultation.
Say “I want to chat about my creativity!”

“When creativity and movement walk hand in hand, your whole life starts to feel more alive.”
~Beth Berns Buffington

Is Your Creativity Healthy? Here's why it matters. Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

E 97: Is Your Creativity...Healthy? Here’s Why It Matters

When was the last time you felt fully alive in your creativity — not pushing, not producing, just creating because it makes you feel whole?

In this reflective solo episode, Beth Buffington explores the often-overlooked idea of creative health — how your creative energy is as essential to your wellbeing as movement, sleep, or nutrition.

You’ll discover how burnout begins when your creativity goes untended — and how simple creative rituals can help you restore your balance, mood, and motivation.

You’ll learn how to listen to what your creativity needs, how to keep your inner artist strong through life’s ups and downs, and why caring for your creative self might be the most powerful act of resilience you can practice.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why creative health is just as vital as your physical and emotional health
• How to spot the early signs of creative depletion before burnout hits
• The link between creativity, your nervous system, and emotional recovery
• Easy, everyday ways to refill your creative energy (no big projects required)
• How the three "C's" — Core Care, Creative Care, and Community Care — build lasting resilience
• Why tending to your creativity creates strength that carries into every part of life
• How to join the Sylva Solace 2026 Creative Resilience Retreat waitlist

💬 Beth says:
“When your creativity is healthy, everything else in your life gets stronger — your energy, your hope, your joy.”

🌸 Join the Create-Today Community

Get on the Sylva Solace 2026 Waitlist - Limited spots open soon 
Email: beth@bdi-create.today
and say “I’m ready for some Solace!”

Join the Create Today Membership for workshops, coaching, and creative support 
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/2GB9xYBj/checkout

Get on Beth’s email list for daily inspiration
https://www.bdi-create.today/

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:55 The Magic of Silva Solace Retreat
02:08 Understanding Resilience
03:14 Combining Core Health and Creative Health
05:02 The Three Cs of Resilience
08:26 Core Care: Nurturing Your Body and Mind
10:32 Creative Health: The Power of Creativity
14:17 Community Care: The Strength of Connection
18:50 Building Resilience: Practical Steps
24:01 Conclusion and staying creative!

E96 Dream Big. Work Hard. Creative Success! - with Tracy Dawn Brewer of Brewtifully Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

E96 - Building a Creative Community with Tracy Dawn Brewer of Brewtifully (Canton Ohio)

What happens when you mix courage, creativity, and community? 
You get Tracy Dawn Brewer — artist, designer, teacher, and founder of Brewtifully in Canton, Ohio.

In this inspiring episode of Create Today with Beth Buffington, Tracy shares how she turned her creative intuition into a thriving community art studio and gallery.

From murals that come alive through augmented reality to workshops that connect artists of all ages, Tracy proves that creativity can truly transform a town — and a life.

In this episode you’ll hear:
• How Tracy blended tech + art to create the first Augmented-Reality Mural in Stark County, Ohio
• Why she built Brewtifully as a space for hands-on art experiences and local collaboration
• The truth about fear, intuition, and confidence in pursuing creative dreams
• How to use community partnerships to grow your art business
• Why you’re never too old (or too busy) to start something new
• Tracy’s real-life lessons in creative resilience while living with chronic illness

Whether you’re a maker, teacher, or dreamer, this conversation will remind you to trust your intuition, share your art, and build community right where you are!

Connect with Tracy Dawn Brewer
Website & Shop: Brewtifully.com
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok: @Brewtifully
Podcast: Brewtifully Made
Location: Oakwood Square, Plain Township — Canton, Ohio

Brought to You by Create Today with Beth Buffington
If this episode inspired you, join the Create Today Community
A place where creatives grow together through workshops, retreats, and coaching.

Create Today Membership - to reach your creative goals:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/membership_coaching

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

Mentioned in this Episode:
Augmented Reality Art & Murals
Artivive App (augmented reality app)
Chamber of Commerce Collaboration
Community Gallery Programs
Self-Care for Creatives (Yoga, Mindfulness, Movement)

E95 The Power of Playing Small: Creative Acts {that are Tiny} to Spark Joy Every Day Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

E95 The Power of Playing Small: Creative Acts {that are Tiny} to Spark Joy Every Day

Feeling drained or uninspired?
These small creative acts can reset your mood, calm your mind, and spark ideas — no masterpiece required. 

Join Beth Buffington from Create Today as she shares 13 tiny ways to bring more creativity, joy, and presence into your everyday life such as…

• Light a candle on a Tuesday. 
• Arrange your fruit like art. 
• Doodle in your planner. 
• Wear the fun socks. 

Listen in for the entire creative list! Each small act adds up to a happier, healthier more creative you – in heart, mind, body and soul.

Science shows that everyday creativity boosts positive emotion and wellbeing — even five minutes of play, color, or handwriting. 

In this uplifting episode, Beth walks you through easy, joyful micro-habits that help you reconnect with your creative self. No perfection, no pressure — just daily doses of delight.

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & what “small creative acts” really mean 
03:45 – Why your brain loves tiny bursts of creativity 
07:12 – 15 simple creative ideas (good dishes, flowers, sunlight, doodles, pets + more) 
17:45 – Science of the “default mode network” & creative reset 
20:30 – Try one today — and how to keep it going 
22:00 – Join the Create Today community

Offering for you at: Create-Today

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

The Sylva Solace Creative Retreat waitlist:
beth@bdi-create.today
Say: “WAITLIST me!”

E94 Creative Silence: The Secret to Unlocking Your Best Ideas! Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Episode 94 Creative Silence - The Secret to Unlocking Your Best Ideas!

Do you ever feel like your mind is constantly racing — bouncing from emails to social media to endless scrolling?

In this episode of Create-Today with Beth Buffington, we explore the practice of Creative Silence — a gentle, screen-free reset designed to quiet the noise and unlock your natural imagination.

Beth shares personal stories, science-backed insights, and simple practices — from sensory walks to “micro-unplugs” — that help you step away from devices, slow down, and reconnect with the creative ideas already waiting inside you.

You’ll learn how even 10 minutes of silence can calm anxiety, improve focus, boost sleep, and spark fresh inspiration.

Whether you’re an artist, writer, maker, or simply craving a break from the overwhelm, this episode will give you practical tools to unplug and play so you can feel lighter, clearer, and more creatively alive.

What You’ll Discover in this Episode:
• Why silence (away from screens, podcasts, and social media) is essential for creativity
• Science showing how quiet reflection reduces stress and increases innovation
• A step-by-step sensory walk to spark new ideas
• “Micro-unplug” activities you can do daily (screen-free meals, bedtime resets, mini rituals)
• How unplugging supports focus, sleep, and the brain’s default mode network — where problem-solving and imagination thrive
• Simple ways to capture your “creative breadcrumbs” before they slip away

✨ This episode is your invitation to try Creative Silence — a brave and joyful act of unplugging that leads to fresh ideas, calmer energy, and more creative play.

Create-Today Offerings:

Create Today Membership - to reach your creative goals:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/2GB9xYBj/checkout

A Simple Creative Reset to Relieve Anxiety & Find Flow Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

A Simple Creative Reset (just 10 minutes) to Relieve Anxiety & Find Flow   

What if just 10 minutes could reset your mood, calm your body, and recharge your creativity?   

In this episode you’ll learn how a simple 10-minute doodle practice can shift your focus, lower stress, and remind you of your creative power.

No fancy supplies. No pressure. Just a pen, paper, and your willingness to play.

You’ll discover:
• Why a 10-minute creative reset can calm your nervous system & reduce anxiety.
• How doodling lowers cortisol and helps you break free from worry loops.
• Three Micro-Creative practices - easy to do...anywhere!
• Science-backed benefits of doodling: memory boost, stress relief, focus reset.
• How stacking these resets daily builds resilience and confidence.

This 10 Minute Everyday Creative Reset isn’t about making a masterpiece—it’s about reclaiming a pocket of time to reset your brain, shift your mood, and feel like yourself again.

Come join Beth for this creative goodness...and rediscover your creative energy!

00:00 Introduction to Creative Reset
01:16 The Power of 10 Minutes
02:57 Personal Experience with Creative Reset
05:34 Creating Your Own Reset
07:08 Micro Creative Practices
14:00 The Science Behind Doodling
15:18 Additional Creative Practices
17:10 Conclusion and Next Steps

Create-Today Offerings:

Reservations for the Sylva Solace Creative Retreat:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat

Create Today Membership - to reach your creative goals:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/membership_coaching

Register for the Create-Today Workshops! (You'll find the Doodle Meditation here!)
https://www.bdi-create.today/workshop-events-calendar

E92 Creativity Can Calm a Chaotic World. Are You Using Your Creativity for Good? Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Creativity Can Calm a Chaotic World. Are You Using Your Creativity for Good?

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the news lately?
Discover how creativity can calm anxiety, boost joy, and help you live happier and healthier—starting today.

Are you looking for ways to feel calmer, happier, and healthier in today’s noisy world?
Come… Create-Today: https://www.bdi-create.today/

In this episode of Create-Today with Beth Buffington, we explore how creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about emotional health, resilience, and connection.

When you shift your focus away from the constant negativity of the headlines and into a daily creative practice, you’ll discover new ways to lower stress, soften anger, and create more joy in your life.

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:
• Why creativity works like emotional first aid for stress and anxiety
• How science shows that creative practices increase empathy and reduce prejudice
• Simple creative activities to feel more grounded and connected
• How to use creativity as a tool to build bridges, not walls
• Why you don’t need to be an “artist” to use creativity for healing and happiness

💡 Creativity is more than making art—it’s about creating moments of peace, connection, and understanding.

Whether you’re journaling, cooking, sketching, or crafting with friends, every small creative act can spark change inside you and in the world around you.

🌿 Sponsor Note:
This episode is brought to you by Sylva Solace, a creative health retreat designed to restore your heart, mind, body, and soul. Join us this fall for a transformative experience built on core care, creative care, and community. Spots are limited—learn more using this link 👉

Sylva Solace Creative Retreat:  https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat

If you’ve been craving calm in a chaotic world, this episode will show you how to use your creativity for good—and why it might be the most important step you take toward happiness and health.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:19 The Power of Creativity
02:09 A Story from Lake Michigan
05:02 The Problem with Narrow Focus
07:51 The Science Behind Creativity and Unity
12:34 Practical Creative Ideas for Unity
21:20 Recap and Final Thoughts

Create-Today Offerings:

Reservations for the Sylva Solace Creative Retreat:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat

Create Today Membership - to reach your creative goals:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/membership_coaching

E91 - Embrace healthy aging using your creativity with Lisa Murphy, Certified Health Coach Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

E91 - Embrace healthy aging using your creativity with Lisa Murphy, Certified Health Coach

Ready to actually feel better—in your heart, mind, body and soul?
Come to the Sylva Solace Retreat for creative resilience:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat

This week...
Healthy Aging Coach, Lisa Murphy returns to chat with us about the simple secrets to Creative health.

Lisa works with entrepreneurs and creatives to help maintain their personal health and wellness.  

No matter the season you are in today— if you want to age like a fine wine (um, yes please!) TODAY is the perfect time to set yourself up for healthy aging.  

Lisa shares how you can become more calm, confident, and comfortable in your creative skin than ever before. She will open doors and windows to better health… and happier creative days. 

Come and explore why it is essential to age healthily, regardless of your age. Key topics include the importance of creativity in maintaining health, practical tips for incorporating movement into your daily routine, and the surprising impact of stress on creativity.

Lisa also offers practical advice on managing stress and enhancing mental well-being. Whether you're in your twenties or eighties, this episode is packed with inspirational insights to help you age gracefully and healthily. Don't miss it!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:56 Lisa Murphy's Background and Journey
03:38 Healthy Aging and Creativity 05:04 Women's Health Concerns
07:29 Creative Movement and Exercise
10:18 Mental Health and Connection
21:08 Confidence and Aging Gracefully
24:17 The Power of a Brag Book
26:18 Celebrating Everyday Moments
28:57 The Four Pillars of Healthy Aging
31:03 Embracing Change and Creativity
38:54 Lisa's Creative Outlets
41:50 Managing Stress for Creativity
44:27 Finding Time for Self-Care
48:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💡 Mentioned in this episode:
Sylva Solace Creative Wellness Retreat:
https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat

Reach out to Lisa
Get your complimentary session:
https://www.lisamurphyllc.com/

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

Become a Create-Today Member!
https://www.bdi-create.today/membership_coaching

E90 Tenacity, Resilience & Everyday Creativity | Drew Jones Marquez Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

E90 Tenacity, Resilience & Everyday Creativity | Drew Jones Marquez

In this episode of Create Today with Beth Buffington, singer-songwriter and musician Drew Jones Marquez opens up about the real journey of a creative life.

He shares about the tenacity it takes to keep going, the setbacks that shape us, and the unexpected places where creativity shows up. Drew tells his journey from being a young gospel singer in Chicago to a professional musician, educator, and LGBTQIA+ advocate.

Discover how creativity has played a pivotal role in his life and career.

Drew shares how his art isn’t limited to music—it’s in the way he cooks for his family, parents his children, and pours himself into everyday acts of care and imagination.

His story is a reminder that creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, resilience, and finding meaning in both the spotlight and the quiet corners of life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep creating when challenges stack up—or how to honor your talents while building a full, grounded life—you’ll find wisdom, honesty, and inspiration in this conversation.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes that help you live more creatively every day.

✨ My lovely Creative - where do you find creativity outside of your art? 

In this episode, Drew Jones Marquez reminds us that creativity isn’t just about music, painting, or writing—it’s in cooking, parenting, problem-solving, and the everyday ways we bring beauty into life.

💬 Share in the comments: How do YOU find creative flow in your daily life? 
I’d love to hear your story!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:34 Meet Drew Jones Marquez
03:07 Drew's Creative Journey
06:06 American Idol Experience
07:55 Success and No More Apologies
12:30 The Importance of Sharing Your Art
17:29 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
18:32 The Therapeutic Power of Baking
19:07 Connecting with Loved Ones Through Cooking
19:50 Embracing Imperfection in Creativity
21:53 The Role of Music in Daily Life
23:42 Creative Parenting and Teaching Strategies
29:52 Finding Joy in Everyday Tasks
30:37 Drew O'Neill's Musical Journey
32:24 Final Thoughts on Creativity

How to find out more about Drew Jones Marquez:
On Apple Music: 
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/drew-oneal/1706848131

On Spotify: 
https://open.spotify.com/track/6DltDzvrFGNuEYeAENv4yF

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/drewonealmusic?igsh=cGgyb2Q3cm5nYzY1

Create-Today Offerings:
Reservations for the Sylva Solace Creative Retreat:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat

TheCreate Today Membership - to reach your creative goals:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/membership_coaching

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

E89 - Who Is Your Inner Critic? The Truth About That Voice in Your Head Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Whose Voice Is in Your Head? Let's Unmask Your Inner Critic
In this episode of Create Today with Beth Buffington, you’ll discover the surprising truth about your inner critic: it just might be someone you know...from long ago (or yesterday). A teacher, a boss, a parent—someone who had harsh words for you in the past.

This episode will help you uncover WHO your inner critic really is and will show you five practical ways to quiet that voice so you can create with confidence.

What you’ll learn: 
✔ How to identify the real person behind your inner critic 
✔ Why that voice tries to “protect” you—but holds you back instead 
✔ 5 powerful ways to manage the critic without losing energy 
✔ How naming your critic changes everything 
✔ A simple exercise to rewrite the voice with your truth

If you’ve ever wondered why self-doubt feels so personal, this episode will reveal the roots—and give you tools to take back your creative freedom.

✨ Ready to hush that critic and create boldly?

Start here, and then explore more support in the Create Today community:
www.bdicreate.today

👉 Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode with someone who needs to know they’re not alone!

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Tone
02:10 Understanding the Inner Critic
06:35 Personal Experiences with the Inner Critic
13:36 Managing and Overcoming the Inner Critic
24:18 Practical Exercises and Final Thoughts

Create-Today Offerings:

Reservations for the Sylva Solace Creative Retreat:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat

Create Today Membership - to reach your creative goals:  
https://www.bdi-create.today/membership_coaching

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