Stay ConnectedWe explore the simple but profound process to overcome fear, doubt, perfectionism, and more enemies of creativity—make it and share it. We’ll hear the stories of artists, writers, entrepreneurs, gardeners, and more to learn about their creative process, their challenges, and how they overcame them by making and sharing.
Creativity, meet courage.
Copyright: © Kent Studio
Kent, Cooper, and Lauren pull back the curtain on their own creative journeys in this one. From the five-year evolution of a coffee shop dream to navigating the harsh realities of independent filmmaking, this episode is a tribute to persistence, faith, and the messy beauty of bringing creative visions to life.
Discover how a fun conversation over homemade salsa became a thriving business partnership, why George Harrison of The Beatles financed a Monty Python film, and what it really takes to keep creating when the path forward isn’t clear.
🔑 Three Key Takeaways
Dreams have their own timeline. Surrender control but don’t stop believing. Lauren’s journey with Storied Provisions shows how a dream that didn’t come true in 2021 or 2023 finally came alive in 2024, when the timing was right and the right people appeared.
Share your work before it’s finished because other creatives are your greatest allies. From Monty Python getting funded by musician friends to indie filmmakers supporting each other, the episode reveals why bringing fellow creators into the process early is essential to getting things made.
The hardest part isn’t the creating. It’s the business of making it sustainable. The real challenge is navigating the practical realities while protecting your creative vision.
Something Unexpected
Find out how Monty Python couldn’t get funding in America for decades, and how George Harrison casually wrote a check for over $300,000 just because he “wanted to see the movie” after reading the script for Life of Brian the night before. Plus, discover why Hollywood comedies became less funny in the 2000s (hint: it has everything to do with the international market).
Listen to the full episode for:
The complete story of how Storied Provisions went from a Pinterest board and a back-pocket dream to a real coffee shop, bakery, and mercantile, including the divine appointments and speed bumps along the way.
Kent’s insights on the indie film journey for “One Night in a Thousand Years,” including the reality of applying for grants, self-funding, and why he’s choosing the independent route over studio deals.
Cooper’s revelations from seeing John Cleese live, including why movies stopped being funny and valuable lessons about creative persistence from comedy legends who couldn’t break into their market.
The importance of “Story Scripting” and defining your why before your where—a process that helped Lauren and her team stay focused on their original vision when new ideas and partners pulled them in different directions.
Practical encouragement for anyone in the middle of a long creative journey who’s wondering if they should keep going.
Resources
Storied Provisions Instagram: @storiedprovisionstx (Follow along as Lauren and Sarah bring this dream to life!)
Story Script Process: Connect with Kent Rabalais by replying to this email for guidance on clarifying your creative vision and staying on track with your dream project.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction - Catching Up on What We’re Making
00:49 Lauren’s Story: The Genesis of Storied Provisions
03:33 The Bridgeport Birthday and Finding Inspiration at the Table
06:23 Meeting with Sparrow Collective and Learning to Let Go
08:56 The Homemade Salsa That Changed Everything
10:01 Why Story Script Matters—Staying Centered on Your Vision
16:35 What Storied Provisions Actually Is (and Isn’t)
20:30 Learning to Trust Your Gut and Say No to Good Ideas
24:45 The Challenge of Making It Sustainable
28:20 Kent’s Update on “One Night in a Thousand Years”
35:15 The Reality of Independent Filmmaking
42:30 Cooper’s Night with John Cleese
47:00 Why Monty Python Couldn’t Break America
57:46 George Harrison and the Power of Creative Friendship
59:01 Why Movies Stopped Being Funny in the 2000s
01:01:05 Final Thoughts: Keep Fighting the Good Fight
If you’re in the middle of a creative dream that feels hard, impossible, or just unclear, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Make It. Share It. wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we learn what it really takes to make and share the things we’re called to create.
On this episode of Make It. Share It. we sit down with author Brooke Ledbetter to discuss her new book Closer Than a Brother—an invitation to move from isolation into authentic, life-giving community.
Brooke opens up about the unexpected journey that led her to write about friendship, from a last-minute pitch pivot to discovering that friendships aren’t just for this life – they’re eternal. She shares candidly about:
* The turning point: A 2019 moment when obedience to God brought healing from severe depression
* Finding your creative calling: How writing became her path after acting dreams faded
* The hybrid publishing experience: Why Hope Books offered the perfect middle ground between traditional and self-publishing
* Overcoming the insecurity of self-promotion: Reframing how we share what we create
* Jesus as an actual friend: Using sanctified imagination to develop real friendship with Christ
* Why friendship matters eternally: Investing in relationships that transcend this life
Plus: Cooper goes off on platform culture, we discuss Pearl Jam’s “Yellow Ledbetter,” and somehow Sinbad’s McDonald’s bit makes an appearance.
If you’re a creative struggling with the courage to share your work, or someone longing for deeper community – this conversation is for you.
Resources
* Book: Closer Than a Brother by Brooke Ledbetter (foreword by Lauren Chandler)
* Connect with Brooke: Instagram @brooke.e.ledbetter
* Brooke’s Substack: Fox & Swallow
Chapters
03:33 The Pearl Jam “Yellow Ledbetter” connection
05:04 Brooke’s turning point: giving up something she loved and experiencing healing
08:19 The night-before-the-pitch moment when the book idea crystallized
16:38 Why having an editor is like having a music producer
22:20 The struggle with feeling like hybrid publishing was “cheating”
28:28 Dreams and Community Support
31:34 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Sharing Ideas
32:37 Taking the Leap: From Idea to Pitch
35:26 Discovering a Passion for Writing
38:35 The Importance of Trying New Things
45:07 Navigating Self-Promotion and Sharing Work
46:22 The main insight: friendship with Jesus as practice, not just theology
What's inspiring us now: creative books, vintage music, and overcoming the lies that kill our art.
Three Key Takeaways
Stop reading books that feel like work. Cooper's current approach to books: ditch the business/self-help books that feel like trudging through mud. Use AI for 2-page summaries and focus your reading time on stories, characters, and creative narratives that actually spark ideas.
Your creative calling might not look like what you expected. Sometimes you're not meant to be Michelangelo with the blank marble—you might be the person who comes in at year two to help perfect the masterpiece. Finding your true creative role can be more fulfilling than chasing someone else's definition of success.
The lies we tell ourselves are often half-truths. "You should probably quit. You're not talented enough. No one's listening." Instead of dismissing these thoughts entirely, learn to work with the parts that might be true while rejecting the destructive conclusions.
Something Unexpected
Discover how going back to 60s and 70s music (with actual fret buzz left in the recordings!) can revolutionize your creative output, and why Cooper is writing his first TV pilot for an actor he hasn't spoken to in decades.
Listen to the full episode for:
* Book recommendations that will change how you think about creativity (including two fiction novels that will make you cry and see art differently)
* The collaboration vs. solo creation debate and why even introverts need creative partners
* Lauren's mysterious passion project that's been 4 years in the making (and you'll be able to visit it!)
* Cooper's brilliant strategy for getting past creative imposter syndrome
* Why your dad listening to your song every morning might be the only success metric that matters
Resources Mentioned
Books:
* My Friends by Friedrich Bachmann
* Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
* The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
* Platforms to Pillars by Mark Sayers
* The Second Mountain by David Brooks
Substack Post
* “You Should Probably Quit” by Craig Cunningham
Quote of the Episode: "I simply help people sit still long enough to see what is already there."
-Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Chapters
* 00:00 What's inspiring us lately
* 03:10 Cooper's reading revolution
* 16:41 Collaboration vs. radical individualism
* 25:42 Creativity in crisis situations
* 30:51 The power of community in creative work
* 40:53 The lies we tell ourselves about our work
* 53:30 Current projects we're working on
Make It. Share It. is the podcast where creativity meets courage. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and join our community of creators who are brave enough to make something and generous enough to share it.
In this episode of Make It Share It, Lauren Chandler shares the vulnerable journey behind her worship song "Praise Him," from initial inspiration to live recording.
Lauren wrote the song as a gift for her children—something they could carry throughout their lives to remind them to praise God in every season. What started as a simple lullaby-like melody evolved through multiple iterations, including a tough moment when she first shared the unfinished song with a group and battled her fear of not being "good enough."
We discuss the critical role of feedback and collaboration, including how Nathan Nockels helped unlock the final chorus, Michael Bleecker championed the song's potential, and Grant McCurdy encouraged the unique value of the live worship recording.
Lauren shares a powerful moment watching a grieving mother worship through the song's lyrics about praising God even when the harvest’s yield is lost. The episode concludes with Lauren connecting the song to A.W. Tozer's concept of "The Sacrament of Living"—that every creative moment can be an act of worship and priestly ministry.
Links To Resources Mentioned In The Show
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:42 Inspiration and Creative Endeavors
06:31 The Birth of 'Praise Him'
09:08 Songwriting Process and Vulnerability
11:51 Feedback and Collaboration in Music
17:39 Recording and Releasing 'Praise Him'
20:29 The Impact of Music on Worship
23:04 Navigating the Music Industry
28:48 Embracing Authentic Worship Sound
30:40 The Value of Different Worship Models
32:20 Navigating the Inner Critic in Creativity
33:30 The Courage to Create and Share
40:26 The Evolution of Praise Him
44:49 Finding God in Everyday Moments
Kyle Worley joins the Make It. Share It. crew for a conversation about the creative process.
Kyle is the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas, the author of the recent books "Home with God: Union with Christ" and “Formed For Fellowship,” and a co-host on the Knowing Faith podcast.
Hear how a college philosophy professor transformed his thinking, why he starts every project with a yellow legal pad and Sharpie, and the surprising challenges of writing children's books.
From his disciplined Friday afternoon writing routine (complete with jujitsu and protein shakes) to discovering characters in his John the Baptist fiction project, Kyle offers practical insights into balancing multiple creative projects. He also gets refreshingly real about the challenges of "sharing" versus "making" – and why he'd rather write than promote any day.
Whether you're wrestling with creative discipline, wondering about the role of formal training, or navigating the overwhelming world of book promotion, this conversation offers both encouragement and practical wisdom for the creative journey.
Creative Resource Referenced On The Show: Writing Down The Bones
*Edit - Must include a link to pre-order Kyle’s children’s book: “The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit,” after all that dragon talk at the end!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Friendship
05:32 Turning Points in Life and Creativity
08:00 The Creative Process: Writing and Sharing
16:58 The Journey of Writing: From Inspiration to Execution
25:41 Creative Community and Collaboration
27:50 The Balance of Making and Discussing Creativity
30:47 Navigating Feedback and Honest Conversations
30:50 Exploring Fiction Writing
42:00 The Challenges of Sharing Creative Work
In this episode of Make It. Share It., we discuss what happens when success comes knocking, but it's wearing the wrong shoes. We explore:
* The surprising story of Gregg Alexander and New Radicals, who broke up their band by press release after their hit single "You Get What You Give" topped charts
* How Alexander discovered that his true calling wasn't being a pop star, but creating music itself
* The different paths creative people take when fame doesn't match their expectations
* Stories of musicians like Gwen Stefani's brother who walked away from a successful band to pursue a different life
* The freedom that comes from creating for the right reasons, not just for acclaim
💡 Quote Worth Sharing: "The only reward I have ever felt at all is if someone else is inspired to go do something because of something I made."
Chapters
00:00 The New Radicals and Personal Connections to Music
02:44 The Impact of Fame and the Music Industry
05:45 Songwriting and the Art of Composition
09:11 The Dichotomy of Fame: Desire vs. Reality
12:13 The Stories of Artists Who Walked Away
15:17 The Journey of Creative Expression
18:14 The Struggles of Life on the Road
21:14 Reflections on Success and Artistic Integrity
24:57 The Artistic Struggle: Balancing Hits and Authenticity
28:05 Finding Purpose in Creation: A Christian Perspective
28:55 Inspiration as the True Reward
30:49 The Influence of Parental Expectations on Creativity
33:00 Hope Amidst Struggles: A Christian's Journey
34:11 What Works? The Dangers of Following Formulas
36:08 The Price of Fame: Lessons from Adam Duritz
40:10 Chasing Dreams: The Reality of Success
42:22 The Burden of Fame: A Reflection on Jesus
48:47 Creating for Joy: The Uplifting Message
On this episode of Make It. Share It. we explore Kyle Porter's fascinating journey as a writer and entrepreneur. From Oklahoma State fan site creator to CBS's top golf writer, Kyle reveals what inspired him to start his own independent newsletter, Normal Sport.
Kyle opens up about a profound turning point in his life—losing his daughter in 2015—and how this tragedy deepened his faith, shaping both his personal life and professional approach to writing. He discusses finding the perfect balance between humor and depth in his content, noting that he aims for "80-90% funny and lighthearted, then 10% taking you below the line."
The conversation examines the challenges of building a business from scratch, growing an audience authentically, and staying disciplined amid endless creative possibilities. Kyle also shares his upcoming projects, including some fun Normal Sport merch and a children's golf book.
Something Unexpected: Discover why Kyle believes the most powerful stories in golf come not from the winner's circle, but from those processing the pain of near-misses and defeat.
Resources Mentioned In The Show:
Here is the Tim Keller quote on suffering that Kyle references from Keller’s book Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering:
Suffering ‘plants the flag of truth within the fortress of a rebel soul.’
Here is a link to the book Joy In The Sorrow where you can find Kyle’s chapter on losing his daughter and many other poignant essays.
Listen to the full episode for:
* Kyle's insights on writing about sports without taking it too seriously
* The entrepreneurial challenges of growing a niche newsletter
* Why writing a children's book is surprisingly more difficult in some ways than writing for adults
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:51 Kyle Porter's Journey in Golf Writing
08:22 Turning Points in Life and Faith
12:36 The Birth of Normal Sport
16:37 The Creative Process of Writing
27:33 Balancing Humor and Depth in Communication
30:08 The Importance of Authenticity in Storytelling
33:25 The Value of Unconventional Paths in Careers
36:57 Strategies for Growing an Audience
43:03 Creating Meaningful Products for Families
48:52 The Art of Storytelling and Overcoming Obstacles
Join us for a powerful conversation with Greg Lathe about rediscovering creativity after failure and pursuing ambitious dreams.
From conducting orchestras to developing Broadway Junior musicals, Greg's journey reminds us that our greatest setbacks can become launching pads for unexpected opportunities.
✨ In this episode:
Finding creative courage after hitting rock bottom
How a one-violin orchestra program led to the Kennedy Center
The power of unlikely creative partnerships
Turning criticism into triumph (wait until you hear the "baby hippo" story!)
Connect with Greg:
Email: experienceredemptionproject@gmail.com
Instagram: @babyhippogram
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Courage
02:58 Greg's Journey Through Music and Identity
06:07 Overcoming Failure and Rediscovering Passion
09:03 The Power of Collaboration and Vulnerability
12:09 Creating a Musical: The Frederick Douglass Project
14:58 Navigating Success and Setting Realistic Expectations
18:05 The Importance of Identity and Community
20:51 Finding Light in Darkness: A Story of Redemption
23:57 The Role of Creativity in Healing
26:53 Lessons from the Journey: Embracing Imperfection
30:10 Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Creation
32:45 The Power of Blessings in Disguise
34:56 Community and Connection in Times of Struggle
35:47 The Journey of Redemption and Restoration
39:04 Facing Dreams and Vulnerability
44:07 The Unexpected Paths to Fulfillment
50:02 The Importance of Sharing Dreams
55:04 Creating Together: The We and Him Story
From Oscar snubs to 90s nostalgia, screenwriter Adam Davis (Just Friends) takes us on a wild ride through his creative journey. He talks about his new podcast "What Were They Thinking?" investigating questionable Oscar decisions, shares the story behind Ryan Reynolds' iconic "I Swear" scene, and reveals what it really takes to make it in Hollywood. Join Kent and Coop for a fascinating conversation about courage, creativity, and never giving up.
Stories From The Show
* Adam shares a Turning Point from a middle school writing contest that sent him to a career in screenwriting
* Adam shares how he went from making car wash parts in New Jersey to being a paid screenwriter
* How Adam created Atomic Entertainment with his friend Jerry Kolber to create genre-defining neuroscience and informational series like BRAIN GAMES and BRAINCHILD.
* Adam's newest podcast, "What Were They Thinking?” investigates past Oscar decisions and behind-the-scenes stories with co-host Bruce Vilanch, a writer for many Oscar shows over the years.
* Adam shares a couple of surprising behind-the-scenes stories about actors and the Oscars from the podcast
* The real story behind Ryan Reynolds singing "I Swear" in the fat suit for the opening of the movie “Just Friends.”
Questions We Explore
* How can creatives keep going in the face of frequent rejection and projects not getting made?
* What lessons can be applied from the business world, like building strong relationships, to the creative process?
* How important is it for artists to have a unique, searchable name to stand out in a crowded field?
* Should you keep pitching and revising a rejected screenplay or move on to the next project?
Chapters
04:14 Turning Points in Writing
07:09 The Importance of Creative Exercises
09:56 Navigating Rewrites and Collaborations
12:56 The Birth of Atomic Entertainment
15:57 Resilience in the Face of Rejection
19:08 The Journey To Making Just Friends
21:42 The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?
24:46 Creating the Podcast: A New Venture
29:04 The Oscars: A Deep Dive into Nominations and Winners
31:42 The Evolution of the Academy Awards
33:24 The Importance of Branding and Marketing in Film
37:52 The Making of Just Friends and Working With Ryan Reynolds
42:09 Behind the Scenes: Oscar Stories and Anecdotes
Kent talks to Coop about his behind-the-scenes work on Grammy-nominated albums, moving from business to music, and exploring the beauty of photography with actor Jason Lee.
Stories From The Show
* Cooper shares his journey of balancing his passion for music with his career in the oil and gas industry, and how the lessons learned in each world have shaped his approach to creativity.
* In a providential encounter, Cooper meets actor Jason Lee at his camera shop in LA, leading to a moment of realization about the kind of multifaceted creative life Coop aspires to live.
* The importance of preparation and having a deep well of creative ideas and sounds to draw from when collaborating with artists
* How skills and lessons from the business world, especially building strong relationships, translate to the creative process in the studio
* Maintaining a focus on the joy of the creative process itself rather than external validation or "chasing the third thing"
* Staying true to yourself and your varied interests and passions rather than feeling the need to fit a certain mold
Questions We Explore
* What lessons from seemingly unrelated fields can shape an approach to the creative process?
* How does embracing a multifaceted identity contribute to a rich and fulfilling creative life?
* How can we maintain a sense of childlike wonder and find joy in the act of creation rather than seeking external validation?
"I left going, yeah, that's kind of the life I want also. Like photographer, musician, baker, (actor), drawing…whatever (creative expression emerges)."
-Steven Cooper, after spending time with actor Jason Lee at his camera shop in LA
Chapters
00:00 Transitioning from Oil and Gas to Music Production
08:26 Finding Time for Creativity
17:59 Navigating Creative Ideas in the Studio
25:45 Innovative Sound Creation
31:32 The Multifaceted Creative Life
39:15 The Importance of Authenticity
46:56 Sharing and Feedback in Creativity
It's time to get honest about our challenges with making and sharing on this episode.
Stories
* Lauren shares a story about vulnerability from a recent public speaking event and how it led to deeper connections with God and others
* Coop talks about finding space to create with his new Mega Desk invention (pic below)
* Kent gives thoughts about the effects of award shows on creativity and shares a fascinating story about how the talent agency CAA crafted the career arc of a major star after only one movie
* And more, including creativity in parenting, why it’s essential to apply your creativity to every domain of life, and what we can learn from funeral homes! (true story)
Questions
* What does it really mean to be vulnerable in public speaking?
* How do we craft questions that spark meaningful conversations?
* Can personal stories be both our greatest strength and weakness?
* How do we balance the pressure to perform with the need for authentic expression?
* We'll also examine the impact of audience expectations - do they fuel our creativity or stifle it?
* What happens when we lose sight of our childlike wonder? Can we reclaim it, and should we?
Mega Desk in action
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Creative Challenges
01:28 Exploring Podcasting Roadblocks
05:51 The Art of Questioning in Interviews
09:38 Personal Stories and Their Impact on Creativity
12:05 Vulnerability in Public Speaking
19:14 Creative Expression Beyond Traditional Outlets
29:13 Navigating Audience Expectations and Creative Freedom
31:10 The Role and Impact of Award Shows
36:30 Creative Spaces and Personal Roadblocks
43:00 Childlike Wonder in Creativity
51:32 The Art of Originality and Inspiration
Join us on this episode of Make It. Share It. as we delve into Jamie Winship's extraordinary journey. From his humble beginnings as a police officer in the Washington, DC, area, Jamie was handpicked by the CIA for his innovative, out-of-the-box methods in conflict resolution, which he then applied in some of the world's most volatile regions.
Jamie shares more about his unique identity discovery and development process, how it differs entirely from radical individualism, how to find your voice as a creative, and much more.
🔑 Three Key Takeaways
* True identity is a gift received in community.
* Our true identity becomes more precise over time through ongoing listening to God’s voice in community with others.
* Unaddressed fear shuts down true identity and creativity.
Something Unexpected
Find out how two movies, Serpico and Buffalo 66, influenced Jamie's journey and taught him valuable lessons about resilience and the human condition.
Listen to the full episode for:
* Jamie's remarkable stories of using the power of true identity to bring peaceful resolutions and creative problem-solving to the world’s most militant, hostile regions.
* Insights on discovering and embracing your true identity and finding your unique voice.
* A rich perspective on the beauty of brokenness and the power of redemption when creating.
If you’re like us, you’ll want to know more about “how” to find your true identity. As mentioned on the podcast a great place to start is with this set of audio guides where Jamie and his wife Donna lead you through their simple, but profound process to come into the presence of Jesus and hear what he has to say about the identity he knit together in your mother’s womb.
Resources
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:33 Impact of Movies on Life
06:36 Turning Points and Relationships
10:46 The Role of Shame in Creativity
13:38 Fear and Creativity
16:41 ReceivedIdentity vs Radical Individualism
22:43 The Essence of True Identity
25:42 Creativity in Crisis Situations
30:51 The Power of Community in Identity
34:40 Writing and the Creative Process
38:46 Challenges in Writing a Screenplay
54:38 Nurturing True Identity
This episode of Make It. Share It. features a lawyer, and no, we’re not in trouble. Kent’s long-time friend, Stewart Shurtleff, who recently formed the law firm Rothberg, Shurtleff, and Dang, joins the show to discuss developing people, building places, and much more.
🔑 4 Keys From The Episode
* Leadership Lessons from the Band Hall to the Boardroom: The surprising influence of Stewart’s high school band director on his life.
* “Jack-of-All-Trades, Master of None”: Is there more to this famous quote? Having diverse skills and interests can be a more significant asset than you think.
* The Power of Naming: A vulnerable story about the power of naming our emotions clearly and the essential role of people who know us well enough to help us with this process.
* The Gift of Listening: Stewart shares the importance of having friends who listen well and who can repeat back to you what you’re saying so it can finally penetrate your heart.
📢 "I can't even put that narrative together really tightly still because the last couple, three years have been, I get whatever analogy, right? In the middle of the war, stuck in a forest fire, whatever sort of everything is on fire and falling around you, you want to lay on top of that."
-Stewart on navigating the last few years of life, which has led to building something new with his wife and good friend
🎮 Something Unexpected: Kent and Stewart reveal a rabbit’s hole for 90s gamers that is probably best avoided altogether…unless you want to try landing on that aircraft carrier again.
📖 Resources Mentioned:
The Expectation Gap by Steve Cuss
17Twenty Podcast by Stewart Shurtleff and Kevin Carey
Tune in to hear Stewart's inspiring story of making and sharing, filled with laughter, insights, and a fresh perspective on how creativity and courage can shape our lives.
Follow Stewart On LinkedIn
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
10:34 Stewart's Turning Point: Middle School and High School Band
19:28 Building a Podcast: Stewart’s Journey with 17Twenty
22:03 Stewart’s Career as a Lawyer: From Midsize Firms to In-House Counsel
23:57 Building a New Firm: Rothberg, Shurtleff, and Dang
32:50 The Power of Being a Jack-of-All-Trades
46:47 Naming and Clarifying Emotions and Patterns
56:16 Sharing Experiences and Expertise
01:00:30 Focusing on Meaningful Work
We loved having Grady Spencer from Grady Spencer and The Work on the latest episode of Make It. Share It.
🎧 5 Keys You'll Learn:
1. Authentic Creativity: Discover why staying true to your unique sound is more important than ever in today’s music landscape.
2. DIY Production: Learn how Grady and his band are taking control of their music production, proving that you don’t need a big studio to create high-quality music.
3. Engaging with Fans: Understand the importance of building and maintaining a strong connection with your audience.
4. Financial Savvy: Grady shares valuable insights on the financial side of being a musician, from smart spending to managing revenue streams.
5. Adapting to Change: Hear how Grady and his band adapt to new trends and technologies, staying flexible in a rapidly evolving industry.
🤩 Fun Fact from the Episode:
Did you know Grady's favorite movie to watch with his kids is "Sing"? It's a household favorite and a perfect blend of great music and fun animation.
🤔 Something Unexpected:
We talk about Dan Blank’s recent post “To Be Seen As A Writer Or Artist” when discussing the difficulties of writing, recording, and distributing indie music which is based on one of the best scenes of The Office:
🎤 Outro:
This episode is not just for musicians, but for anyone who loves music and appreciates the dedication and creativity it takes to bring a song to life.
Links and Resources:
* Follow Grady Spencer and the Work on social media: @GSandtheWork
* Visit Grady Spencer’s official website: gradyspencer.com
* Listen to the band’s latest single “New Dress” on all streaming platforms
Love the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you think! Your feedback keeps us going. 🚀
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Mutual Connections
03:02 Personal Story and Music Industry Challenges
08:06 Turning Point: New Perspective on Music and Creativity
13:58 In-House Recording and Collaborative Songwriting
36:17 Navigating the Music Industry Challenges
46:37 Learning From The Office: Pam’s Art Show
Join us as we explore the world of creativity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving with our guest, Matt Murph. We discuss Matt's journey from building web apps to launching a new lifestyle apparel brand called Mivallo, and how creativity and determination have driven his success.
We get started talking about the band “Dream Theater” then move to a few significant turning points in Matt’s life, including learning the importance of buying low and selling high when selling candy to classmates.
We transition into the incredible story of creative iteration that led to the launch of a web app for donations that changed Matt’s life forever, what he learned about the importance of meaningful work vs working for money, and why he is taking on making and sharing Mivallo.
Why does getting super specific about what problem you’re solving matter so much in business? What do you do if you have an idea and vision for a technology company but you’re not a technical person? Why is picking the right brand name for a product matter so much more than a service? What if you have a brilliant idea that you know will work but you don’t want to tell anyone because you’re worried someone will steal it?
Check out this episode with Matt Murph for the answers to those and more.
3 Fun Facts About Matt
1. He sold roses at popular date spots in high school and started entrepreneurial pursuits at a young age.
2. He learned to code to build a web app to help churches with online donations which launched a business that doubled in growth for several years in a row until he sold it. You’ll never guess how the idea for this came to him!
3. He is starting a clothing brand called Mivallo and has his teenage daughters involved in the new venture. The inspiration for Mivallo is the perfect example of the importance of solving a specific problem when starting a new business rather than creating a solution looking for a problem.
Excited for you to hear this one and please do take a minute to leave a review wherever you watch or listen to Make It. Share It.
Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmurph
Mivallo Website: https://www.mivallo.com/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Matt Murph
05:17 Entrepreneurial Habits: Seeing Opportunities and Going for the Lowest Hanging Fruit
12:57 The Creation of Easy Tithe: An Online Donation Platform for Churches
30:03 Transitioning from Building a Successful Company to Accidental Retirement
37:32 Venturing into the Clothing Industry: Innovating Solutions for Women's Bathing Suits
39:50 Empowering Mothers and Daughters
44:36 Solving the Swimsuit Problem
46:25 The Power of Unique Branding
50:56 Word-of-Mouth Marketing
53:28 Avoiding Trendy Fashion Choices
56:23 The Fulfillment of the Journey
Christie Purifoy joins the show to talk about a fascinating adventure that takes her from earning a PhD at the University of Chicago to trading the academic life for an old Pennsylvania farmhouse called Maplehurst. Now she cultivates art and space for people to experience beauty, wonder, and peace as a gardener, writer, and photographer.
Why did the “The Secret Garden” have such a significant impact on Christie’s life? What does it take to move from a career in the academic world to one as a gardener and writer? What if the first book you write only has an audience of one? How do our physical experiences contribute to breakthrough for creative work? Why does giving one small “yes” unlock more than building up to a massive leap?
Check out this episode for the answers to these questions and another inspiring story of creativity meeting courage.
Christie’s Website: https://www.christiepurifoy.com/
Christie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiepurifoy/
Seedtime and Harvest: https://www.christiepurifoy.com/seedtime-and-harvest-book/
The Secret Garden: https://www.amazon.com/Frances-Hodgson-Childrens-Curiosity-Exploration/dp/1774021765
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:58 Discovering a Love for Gardening
06:40 Turning Points and Taking Risks
09:24 The Importance of Small Yeses
12:09 Teaching and Creating Community
16:28 Transitioning from Academia to Writing
23:21 Overcoming Stuck(ness) and Embracing Rest
27:01 Engaging in Other Creative Pursuits
29:09 Finding Community and Learning from Others
36:19 Overcoming Fear and Sharing Your Work
42:23 Detaching Your Identity from Your Creations
46:16 Embracing Rest and Seasons of Life
He’s a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and performed on Good Morning America with Lecrae. He’s a mechanic who worked on the Black Hawk helicopter and a carpenter who has made custom furniture for rappers like TI and T-Pain. He’s a sponsored artist by companies like Home Depot, Timberland clothing and Kilz paint and recently starred in a Kilz sponsored Reality home improvement show.
You’ll love hearing about his eclectic journey in this episode of Make It. Share It. with J Paul The Carpenter.
J shares his story of being adopted, his mom and step dad’s profound influence on his life, and his experiences in music and carpentry. We discuss overcoming fear, perfectionism, and impostor syndrome and finding fulfillment in creating things that bring people together. His story highlights unexpected success, like his venture into carpentry during the pandemic, and embracing the opportunities right in front of us.
It’s another beautiful story of what happens when creativity meets courage.
J Paul’s Website: https://www.jpaulthecarpenter.com/
Follow J Paul On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpaulthecarpenter/
J Paul’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@jpaulthecarpenter
Chapters:
00:39 Introducing J Paul: The Multifaceted Creative
04:04 J Paul's Creative Journey and Overcoming Challenges
05:33 The Turning Point: Life Lessons and Family Influence
11:27 Embracing Work and Finding Passion
16:27 Navigating Multiple Creative Avenues: Music and Woodworking
26:15 Recent Projects: From Concept to Creation
30:51 Crafting with Creativity: The Art of Building Beyond Expectations
31:07 Musical Analogies: Visualizing Creativity in the Studio
34:00 From First Builds to Favorite Projects: A Journey Through Craft
35:53 The Blackhawk Helicopter: A Favorite and Formative Experience
39:32 Discovering a Passion for Woodworking: From Pallets to Projects
42:37 The Power of Music: Transforming Songs into Hits
48:07 Sharing Creations: The Joy and Challenge of Letting Go
54:30 Embracing the Unexpected: How Small Projects Can Lead to Big Opportunities
57:24 Encouragement for Creatives: Just Start Making
We all need a guide to help us make things and share them, but it can be hard to ask for help or even where to start.
Our goal with this episode is to talk through our individual experiences with creative guides in hopes that it helps you find the right guide at the right time.
And…incorporate Rick Rubin (as usual), Milli Vanilli (first time), Jon Acuff (also first time), and the movie Ratatouille.
Rick Rubin 60 Minutes Interview
Duffer Brothers Master Class
https://www.masterclass.com/classes/the-duffer-brothers-teach-developing-an-original-tv-series
Jon Acuff “Finish”
https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Give-Yourself-Gift-Done/dp/1591847621
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:59 Discussion on Milli Vanilli
06:12 Guides and Mentors
07:14 Coop's Experience with Guides and Mentors
14:27 Lauren's Experience with Guides and Mentors
21:24 Understanding Your Inner Critic
21:59 The Power of Collaboration in Overcoming Perfectionism
23:00 The Role of Collaboration in Songwriting
24:20 The Artist and the Critic: Ratatouille
25:07 The Importance of Community in Creativity
27:25 The Journey of Creativity: From Bad Ideas to Masterpieces
28:10 The Role of Guides in the Creative Process
29:27 The Importance of Routine in Creativity
30:08 The Power of Persistence in Creativity
36:02 Teaching Songwriting to the Next Generation
39:55 The Power of Stream of Consciousness Writing
41:41 Closing Thoughts on Creativity and Guides
This episode of Make It. Share It. features filmmakers Ean Verdugo and Caleb Davis. Ean and Caleb discuss their journey of making and sharing a TV pilot for a show called Restorage, which won the Audience Award at The Austin Film Festival and is playing at The Slamdance Festival as this podcast goes live.
This sci-fi dramedy revolves around a dysfunctional family with an unusual inheritance—a mystical storage unit.
We talk about personal turning points in their respective creative journeys, starting small, the power of boundaries in creativity, mystery boxes, the unknown power of TikTok casting, (don’t knock it until you try it), ranking Season Two of Stranger Things, sharing Restorage, and more.
Mentioned During The Show:
Olympic National Rainforest (true to our word, Caleb!)
More about Ean and Caleb:
Chapters:
00:03 Introduction to the Podcast
00:39 Meet Ean and Caleb
01:27 Favorite Vacation Spots
05:08 Turning Points in Creativity
11:54 The Genesis of Restorage
12:10 The Synopsis and Concept of Restorage
19:18 The Creative Process Behind Restorage
29:57 Discussing Stranger Things and Movie Budgets
34:20 The Unexpected Success of TikTok Casting
41:36 The Journey to Film Festivals
44:00 Sharing Restorage And Its Future
Writer, Actor, and Producer Jake McEntire joins the show to discuss the decade-long journey of writing and producing the film RUN THE RACE as it nears its 5-year anniversary.
Jake's love of filmmaking started when he was young, watching the power of a beautiful story unfold on a screen, giving hope and joy to his family in difficult times. He started working on a script in college that snowballed into a remarkable rollercoaster ride that led to making a movie with Tim Tebow, walking the red carpet, and more.
But what happened next may surprise you. Jake shares about an unexpected dark night of the soul after the credits rolled and how he has navigated the aftermath of achieving a lifelong goal.
This episode hits on persevering to fulfill a calling, the essential role of a community in creating, the power of imitating masters of the craft, and the challenges you confront after you've realized a dream.
Links From The Show:
Rising Light Ridge - Tim Tebow Foundation
00:03 Introduction and Welcome
00:46 Guest Introduction: Jake McEntire
01:42 What Movie Scene Would You Choose To Relive?
04:10 Jake's Turning Point
08:08 Origins of 'Run the Race'
10:26 Challenges in Making 'Run the Race'
22:02 Pivotal Meeting with Tim Tebow
24:40 Reflections on the Journey
26:43 The Calling of Creativity
27:14 The Race of Life and the Power of Community
29:00 The Journey of Making a Film
30:03 The Challenges of Film Distribution
30:47 The Unexpected Costs of Sharing a Film
34:10 The Joy and Struggles of Film Success
35:18 The Aftermath of Achieving a Dream
38:07 The Reality of Creative Success
41:04 Creative Projects On The Horizon
51:08 The Struggles of Balancing Creativity and Life
53:57 The Power of Perseverance in Creativity
We are thrilled to have Matt Brown as our guest to talk about his latest project: The Timekeeper. Matt wears many hats as a writer, creative director, and strategist. As he humorously notes in his bio, he's had a diverse career spanning startups, agencies, and Fortune 500 companies, with the unique distinction of never having started a startup that's been acquired by a Fortune 500 company.
During our conversation with Matt, we delve into various aspects of his life and work:
* Prioritizing Friendship Over Competition: Matt shares a pivotal moment from his high school days when he made the decision to prioritize friendship over competitive sports. This decision had a profound impact on his life, and we explore how it shaped him.
* "The Timekeeper" Project: We take an in-depth look at Matt's latest project, "The Timekeeper." It’s a fascinating blend of an online event experience and a horror podcast. Matt shares the creative process behind it, the challenges of bringing such a unique concept to life, and the inspiration that drove him to create it.
* Navigating the Knowledge Gap: Matt discusses the hurdles he faced in bridging the knowledge gap in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
* The Power of Adaptability: We emphasize the importance of maintaining an adaptive mindset in the face of technological changes. Matt shares insights into staying relevant and thriving in an ever-changing creative landscape.
* Applying Gravity To Marketing: Matt elaborates on strategically positioning one's work to create a gravity-like pull, attracting an audience to the content's narrative. He provides valuable tips on how creators can make their work more compelling and engaging.
Resources From The Show:
Timecode Chapters:
00:40 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:10 Getting to Know Matt Brown
02:15 Holiday Traditions and Memories
06:20 Turning Points and Life Decisions
16:45 The Concept of Timekeeper
23:05 Challenges in Creating Timekeeper
26:07 Breaking into the Oil Business: A Personal Journey
26:37 The Power of Personal Ability in Job Interviews
26:53 Drawing Parallels: Oil Business and Music
27:32 Overcoming Fear of the Unknown: A Key to Success
28:24 The Importance of Asking Questions and Seeking Help
28:49 Avoiding the Masterpiece Mentality: The Art of Moving On
35:37 The Challenge of Sharing in the Digital Age
39:44 The Art of Marketing in the Modern World
41:24 The Gravity of Narrative and Storytelling in Marketing
47:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Rachel Joy joins the show to talk about big dreams, bold faith, and the long journey of making and sharing Sparrow.
Rachel is the founder of Sparrow, a non-profit that exists to help women learn their gifts, talents, and passions through connecting with content, collaborating with community, and catalyzing into calling.
Rachel shared how one of her favorite and most formative memories is the safe place her grandmother provided for her to create. This led to Rachel wanting to create that same space for others, which helped launch Sparrow years later.
We talk about seeing people well with great questions, the long journey of making and sharing Sparrow, the Father’s delight in creating, the mark of a great leader, and much more.
Listen through your favorite podcast app and watch on YouTube.
Links From The Show:
Produced by Lauren Chandler, Steven Cooper, and Kent Rabalais
Music by Steven Cooper
Edited by Kent Rabalais
Chapters
00:00 Bumper
00:38 Welcome
02:09 What’s Your Favorite Cheat Meal?
06:42 The Power Of A Safe Place To Create
09:13 Seeing And Knowing People With Great Questions
15:00 Big Dreams And Bold Faith
16:59 Creating A Welcoming Place To Catalyze Identify, Gifting, And Purpose
18:18 Retail Is Hard But This One Is Unique And Rewarding
20:27 Launching S Coaching
21:49 The Long Journey Of Making And Sharing
22:36 The Father’s Delight In Creating
23:10 Creativity Meets Courage And Community With Sparrow
26:14 The Mark Of A Great Leader: Empowering Others
34:39 Big Things Start Small And Take A Long Time To Grow
39:38 It’s Impossible To Grow Without Help
44:54 Sharing Takes Courage
49:02 The Great Tradeoff Of Making And Sharing In A Creator’s Economy
Kent, Lauren, and Steven talk to Melanie McWhorter about launching Edison Coffee Co. ten years ago with her husband, J. We explore how Mel and J were both formed by their parents’ hospitality, the power a teacher can have with a few words of encouragement, the influence of servant leadership from a mentor in college, the dream to create a local space for coffee, ideas, and people to converge, learning through failure, major ups and downs in the Edison journey, how the Night Is Normal and much more.
Links:
Kent, Lauren, and Steven are joined by artist, songwriter, composer, and producer Nathan Nockels to discuss his new solo album, Everywhere The River Goes.
We talk about the epic Lego Home Alone house, a couple of powerful turning points in Nathan’s musical career, Ethan Hawke’s Ted talk on creative storytelling, crafting a soundtrack that can inspire creativity and depth without being distracting, the painful process of defeating “resistance,” Rick Rubin’s reducer philosophy, and more.
Links:
Ethan Hawke - Give Yourself Permission To Be Creative
Steven Pressfield - The War Of Art
In this episode, Lauren, Steven, and Kent are joined by author Craig Cunningham to talk about his coming-of-age novel, One Night In A Thousand Years.
Our discussion moves from the original true story that inspired the novel, why it sounds so much like a real-life Dead Poets Society, Craig’s journey in trying to make One Night, the problem with a “masterpiece” mentality, the challenge with sharing this story with the world, and how Kent first got involved with producing the film and upcoming audiobook.
Content referenced in today’s episode:
Kent’s One Night Spotify Playlist
Craig’s One Night Spotify Playlist
Lauren, Steven, and Kent have a discussion about "why" they wanted to create Make It. Share It. This episode includes stories from each of their journeys in the creative process, their hopes in hearing from other creators of all kinds, why it's encouraging to hear about people in their 40s and older continuing to create, a crazy story involving The Chainsmokers, thoughts on The Taste Gap, and advice from Billy Corgan. Here are some links that are referenced in today's episode:
Whatever Is Lovely with Lauren Chandler
Let's Play Heardle on Instagram
Story Script with Kent Rabalais
Don't Let Me Down by The Chainsmokers
Produced by Lauren Chandler, Steven Cooper, and Kent Rabalais
Music by Steven Cooper
Edited by Kent Rabalais
Chapters
00:00 Bumper
00:40 Introduction
02:08 Why Make It. Share It. - Lauren
06:11 Why Make It. Share It. - Steven
09:50 Why Make It. Share It. - Kent
13:00 Share It! No Matter What
23:20 The Taste Gap
27:23 Billy Corgan's Advice (Smashing Pumpkins)
32:25 What To Expect In Future Episodes And Closing
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