The Creative Pulse podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 22: Hope Heffner-Solimeo – Art Therapist and Abstract Artist Dec 16, 2020

Show notes

Hope Heffner-Solimeo is an Art Therapist who helps people express themselves through creativity. In addition to being immersed in this impactful career, she's also an artist in her personal life. She creates ethereal, colour-drenched paintings that she calls ‘fluid artwork’. She shares that she creates each piece with an intention towards connection with herself, others, and the love and light that she believes is within us all.
In a true reflection of her words, she also uses her artwork to contribute to her community. Through sales of her artwork from her website “Hope in the Stars”, she donates to several arts-based non-profits and charities throughout Philadelphia.
On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Hope about the personal experience that inspired her to become an art therapist, the impact of this profession, how she gets into the flow to create her own artwork, and the importance of supporting arts-based organizations in her community.
Say hi to Hope:
Website: hopeinthestarsart.com
Instagram

People who inspire Hope:
Frida Kahlo, Painter
Danielle Monique Art
Julie Olson Art
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Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativepulsepodcast
Twitter https://twitter.com/CreativePulseTW
Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ep 21: Sam Bradd – Graphic Facilitator Dec 09, 2020

Show notes

Sam Bradd expertly uses his creative skills to make complex subject matter very clear. He listens intently, sees patterns, and goes deep into the ideas he’s hearing to pull out the collective wisdom of the group by drawing the dialogue.
On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Sam about taking complex topics and translating them into visual concepts, why graphic recording is such a powerful communication tool, the importance of social impact in his work, and how he integrates philanthropy as a key value in his company.
As a graphic facilitator at Drawing Change, Sam combines his 20 years of facilitation experience with visual tools to help groups engage, solve problems and lead. He has a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of British Columbia, is certified in Human Systems Dynamics and Integral Facilitation, and is a Dialogue Fellow with the Simon Fraser University Centre for Dialogue. He has worked globally with organizations who aim to change the world.
Sam is the co-editor of two books including "Drawn Together through Visual Practice", is a contributing author to "The World of Visual Facilitation" and is a co-founder of the award-winning Graphic History Collective. He’s also an active member of the International Forum of Visual Practitioners.
Say hi to Sam:
Website: https://drawingchange.com
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Show mentions:
International Forum of Visual Practitioners
Group Facilitation Facebook group
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Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativepulsepodcast
Twitter https://twitter.com/CreativePulseTW
Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ep 20: Kait Rhoads – Glass Sculpture Artist Dec 02, 2020

Show notes

Kait Rhoads creates stunning glass art sculptures that have been exhibited all over the world - from the USA to the UK, to Italy, Belgium, China, Japan and lots of points in between.
She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Glass from the Rhode Island School of Design and a Master of Fine Arts in Glass from Alfred University, New York State College of Ceramics. She also received a Fulbright Scholarship to study her craft in Venice, Italy.
Kait has been recognized with numerous awards and been an Artist in Residence many times, including at the Massachusetts College of Art, and the Tacoma Museum of Glass.
Her work can be found in public collections internationally, including at the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Corning Museum of Glass, the Seattle Art Museum, the Shanghai Museum of Glass, and the Toyama Institute of Glass Museum in Japan.
She’s been published extensively and taken on teaching roles at many different institutions.
On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Kait about why she was drawn to glass blowing, how her experience of growing up on a boat in the Caribbean influences her sculptures, her creative process, and how she developed her personal design style.
Say hi to Kait:
Website: https://kaitrhoads.com
Jewellery website: https://kaitrhoadsdesign.com
Instagram
Facebook
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Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativepulsepodcast
Twitter https://twitter.com/CreativePulseTW
Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ep 19: Jason Davis – Opera Singer, Vocal Teacher and Stage Director Nov 25, 2020

Show notes

Jason Davis has dedicated his life to studying, performing and teaching opera and musical theatre in both Canada and the United States. He studied music at Dalhousie University, specializing in performance, and in addition, studied opera at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School.
He has served as the Assistant Director of Hartt Summer Term, was an Adjunct Professor and Stage Director at Acadia University, and was a member of the Voice Faculty and Head Teacher of Music Theatre and Drama at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts.
Jason has performed concert and operatic repertoire throughout North America in dozens of different roles and has been praised by critics as “truly a fine tenor” and “one of the most exciting voices of his generation possessing a voice of tremendous beauty, colour and power”.
Not one to keep his talent to himself, he is also a respected teacher and director. He’s a member of a number of professional organizations including the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
He’s also the Founder and Artistic Director of the Broadway Company Players music theatre ensemble as well as the Breaking Waves vocal theatre company in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with her lifelong friend Jason about being open to where your heart leads you in creative pursuits, his creative process when taking on a new role, and what inspires him to develop new avenues for creative expression.
Say hi to Jason:
Website: https://www.davisvocalstudios.com
Facebook:
Davis Vocal Studios
Breaking Waves Vocal Theatre
Broadway Company Players
People who inspire Jason:
- Dr. Greg Servant, Georg Tintner, Jack and Joyce Zei, Mitch Piper, Steven Crawford, Arthur Levy, Lucy Hayes-Davis, his children and students.
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Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativepulsepodcast
Twitter https://twitter.com/CreativePulseTW
Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ep 18: Michael Fortune - Contemporary Furniture Master Nov 18, 2020

Show notes

Michael Fortune has spent years perfecting his skills, digging into all the possibilities he can explore through his form of craftsmanship. As a result, he is known as one of Canada’s most respected and creative contemporary furniture masters.
He designs innovative and one-of-a-kind objects in wood, with a strong commitment to his creative vision. He’s known for his technical and design expertise, often invited to present lectures and workshops. He has an international clientele and his work has appeared in numerous exhibitions worldwide.
Michael has taught at many schools and craft centers where he is highly respected. To give you an idea, the Marc Adams School of Woodworking in Indiana has a fellowship program for advanced students that’s been named in his honor.
Mentoring and supporting developing artists and craftspeople has been a constant throughout his life. He spearheaded a contemporary internship program that gives emerging craftspeople opportunities to work alongside established makers throughout North America. In addition, he’s volunteered his time and expertise to Woodlinks, a joint Canadian/U.S. not-for-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing vocational training in secondary schools throughout North America.
On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Michael about how mentor/intern relationships have influenced his own career, how he developed his personal design style, and his strong creative visions for projects.
Say hi to Michael:
Website: http://www.michaelfortune.com
Instagram
People who inspire Michael:
- Alan Peters (British furniture designer maker), Wendell Castle (American furniture artist), Wendy Maruyama (American artist, furniture maker and educator), Kristina Madsen (American furniture designer, builder and woodworker).
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Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativepulsepodcast
Twitter https://twitter.com/CreativePulseTW
Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ep 17: William “Grit” Laskin - Guitar Maker & Innovator Nov 11, 2020

Show notes

William “Grit” Laskin is not only one of the world’s most talented and respected makers of steel-string, classical and flamenco guitars, but he expertly adds unique designs to the guitars he builds through intricate engraved inlay artwork.
His fans include legendary guitarists such as Rik Emmett, Tom Cochrane, k.d.lang, Jesse Cook, Garnet Rogers, and Stan Rogers. And Canada’s National Museum of History has four of his guitars in its permanent collection.
A short list of his achievements and recognitions include:

receiving Canada’s prestigious Saidye Bronfman Award For Excellence in fine crafts, the first and only instrument maker to be honoured
being an elected fellow of the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts
receiving the Estelle Klein lifetime achievement Award from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals, and
being a recipient of Canada’s highest civilian honour, the Order Of Canada

He is a leader in his field, co-founding the Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans, an international trade organization geared to professional builders and repairers of musical instruments. He’s also a co-founder of BOREALIS RECORDS, Canada’s first national Folk music label and a co-founder of the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
It may not surprise you to hear that he’s also a musician, songwriter and singer. He plays the guitar, mandolin, Northumbrian smallpipes and concertina and has recorded four solo albums of original music.
Add to all of that the title of “Author” with books including “A Guitarmaker’s Canvas; The Inlay Art Of Grit Laskin” as well as his most recent publication: “Grand Complications – 50 Guitars+50 Stories”.
On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Grit about how he developed his style as a guitar maker (luthier), his creative process when crafting a new instrument, what drives him to innovate, and what inspires him to incorporate so many storytelling elements into his engraved inlay designs.
Say hi to Grit and learn more about his creative process:
Website: https://williamlaskin.com
Facebook
His book: Grand Complications: 50 Guitars + 50 Stories
Group Of Seven Guitar Project:
Jesse Cook plays the guitar created by Grit Laskin that was inspired by F. H. Varley, a member of the Group of Seven as part of a project at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection Gallery.
Show mentions:
- Grit recommends firing up your creativity with this book by Betty Edwards: “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain”
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Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativepulsepodcast
Twitter https://twitter.com/CreativePulseTW
Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ep 16: Sage Tyrtle - Storyteller Nov 04, 2020

Show notes

Sage Tyrtle is a kind of special storyteller. She creates profound connections with audiences as they listen to her personal, expertly-crafted and engagingly-presented stories. She’s performed all over the world, sharing stories that vary in length and topic. Some are finely tuned and developed over a considerable time frame, and others are improvised on the spot.
Her talents have been recognized internationally. She’s won the Moth StorySlam multiple times, the Moth’s Eastern Grand Slam and has appeared on the PBS television show “Stories From The Stage”. She’s been featured on NPR and CBC Radio, MacLean’s magazine and the Toronto Star. And she’s regularly invited to be part of arts and culture events and festivals.
She’s generous with her talent, leading workshops and offering tips to aspiring storytellers so they can develop their own skills too.
On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Sage about her personal storytelling style, how she connects with an audience, and what techniques make a storyteller really effective.
Say hi to Sage:
Website: https://tyrtle.com
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Show mentions:
- Sage recommends searching sites such as Eventbrite for upcoming events
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Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativepulsepodcast
Twitter https://twitter.com/CreativePulseTW
Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ep 15: Chavalia Mwamba - Perfumer Oct 28, 2020

Show notes

Chavalia Mwamba is creative to her core and applies this way of being to her passion of creating unforgettable scents. A self-taught perfumer, she has experimented with scents and ingredients extensively in order to create the best combinations for her clients.
She founded and operates a niche perfumery, Pink MahogHany, and says she focuses on making unique aromatic experiences by using essential oils, organic extracts and unlimited creativity.
On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Chavalia about her creative process for developing a new scent, how her musical background influences her work, and how her creativity is fueled by the Pink MahogHany family on social media.
Say hi to Chavalia and Pink MahogHany (PM):
Chavalia Instagram
PM Instagram
PM Facebook
PM Web Shop
Show mentions and people who inspire Chavalia:
- Hans Hendley and Glenn Davis (aka @mrcologne76)
- Perfumer & Flavorist Magazine
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Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativepulsepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CreativePulseTW
Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ep 14: James Miles - Revolutionary Arts Educator Oct 21, 2020

Show notes

James Miles is dedicated to revolutionizing arts education. He focuses on igniting the creative power of young people through culturally engaging learning experiences. After starting his professional life as an actor, he soon found himself drawn to the education side of the arts.
Since finding his passion two decades ago he has served as the Director of Education at the Urban Arts Partnership in New York City, where he created the Fresh Education program that used original hip hop music and theatre to boost academic success. He’s taught theater and education as a professor at New York University as well as facilitated workshops and designed curriculum for numerous theatre organizations.
Today, he continues to contribute to the growth and development of young people as the Executive Director of Arts Corps, a nationally recognized youth arts education organization. He’s also a member of the Advisory Board for SXSW EDU (South by Southwest EDU), and is a mayoral appointee to the Seattle Arts Commission.
On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with James about why the arts reach people on such a personal level, how arts education needs to be taught in the way that youth learn best, and how we can support youth so they can find their voices and creatively lead transformation.
Say hi to James:
Website: https://freshprofessor.com
Instagram: @fresh_professor
Arts Corps website: https://artscorps.org
Arts Corps Instagram: @artscorps
Show mentions and people who inspire James:
- People who inspire: The Roots, Questlove, Black Thought
- TEDx Seattle Talk: Why education needs hip hop
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Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram: @creativepulsepodcast
Twitter: @CreativePulseTW
Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Ep 13: Brooke Warner - Publisher, Author and former Tumbleweed Oct 14, 2020

Show notes

Brooke Warner has spent her life finding ways to help people share their stories. She had a successful career in the traditional publishing industry before co-founding She Writes Press, an independent publishing company that was honoured as the 2019 Independent Publisher of the Year.
As an author, she’s published several books including Write On, Sisters! and Green-light Your Book. She’s also written books on the topic of memoir writing and helps people craft and shape their own stories to share with an audience.
Brooke is among a unique group of people who have spent time as a Tumbleweed at the Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris, France and in this conversation she shares about her experience living in this iconic bookstore.
She’s inspired many with her TEDx talk: “Green-Light Revolution: Your Creative Life on Your Terms”. And weekly, you can tune into her podcast called Write-Minded: Weekly Inspiration for Writers which provides a blend of inspiration and real talk about the ups and downs of the writing life.
On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Brooke about why she’s inspired to bring important stories to the forefront, how she followed her heart to stay true to her professional and personal goals, and her belief that everyone has the ability to green-light their own creative projects.
Say hi to Brooke:
Website: http://brookewarner.com
She Writes Press website
Magic of Memoir website
Show mentions and people who inspire Brooke:
- People who inspire: Lidia Yuknavitch, Elizabeth Acevedo, Elizabeth Gilbert
- TEDx Talk Green-Light Revolution: Your Creative Life on Your Terms
- Being a Tumbleweed at Shakespeare and Company
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Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creativepulsepodcast
Twitter https://twitter.com/CreativePulseTW
Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

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