The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

Latest Episodes:

Creativity Sparks: The Intrigue of Austen + Toys Dec 28, 2020

Show notes

This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura are serving up two pipin' hot sparks... Join them as they suss out their obsession with Jane Austen -- is it the repressed sexual tension? the perfect witty, cutting remark? And listen as they dig into their memories of the toys that shaped our childhoods and what might be made of them now... From the Draw-a-Face Doll to the Little Lady Electric Range, Weebles that wobble, and Willy the Waterbug sprinkler... memories (and sparks) are tied up in these toys!

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Makers: Tiffani Gavin: Creative Producing, the Eugene O'Neill + the Broadway Community Project Dec 21, 2020

Show notes

This week, Tiffani Gavin, the new Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, shares her passion for supporting emerging artists, and the desire to educate the world on the scope and impact of the industry overall - with the Broadway Community Project.

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Creativity Sparks: Helene Hanff + Secret Love Dec 14, 2020

Show notes

This week on The Spark File, Susan and Laura offer up two sparks of inspiration... First, Helene Hanff and her classic theatre book, 'Underfoot in Show Business' paints a picture of the early days of Broadway; and then the infinite spark power of secrets kept and secrets shared.

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Makers: John Early: Search Party, Short Films + Political Storytelling Dec 07, 2020

Show notes

On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura laugh as much as they listen while conversing with comedian John Early, star of HBO's Search Party, The Characters on Netflix, and so much more. A true creator, John's always making something -- TV shows, short films, social posts, or profiles for political candidates he is passionate about.

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Creativity Sparks: Garnet's Gold + Land Acknowledgements Nov 30, 2020

Show notes

On this week's episode, Susan and Laura reach into their spark files and share two fresh sparks of inspiration. First, the documentary Garnet's Gold weaves a tale of lost treasure in the Scottish highlands, but actually explores the pain of adventures not taken, lives not fully lived. And then, a deep dive into understanding land acknowlegement, recoginzing Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of these lands, and understanding our place within history.

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Makers: Eric Stonestreet: Fizbo the Clown, Outdoor Bathrooms + Making Memories with Music Nov 23, 2020

Show notes

Emmy Award winning actor Eric Stonestreet shares some great creative advice with Susan and Laura in the latest episode of The Spark File. They cover all the essentials — creativity, clowning, and how to build your dream bathroom in the woods.

With the one-of-a-kind heart of an actor / comedian / clown / philanthropist / chef /drummer / die-hard sports fan, we’d argue that Eric is also inadvertently giving some great advice on livin’ life to the fullest!

Also, don’t miss this classic Eric Stonestreet move — making lasting memories with music. Whether driving Sunset Boulevard with friends, or capturing the mood from the set of the Modern Family finale, Eric knows how to compose an unforgettable soundtrack to your life.

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Creativity Sparks: Furious Dancing + Resilience Nov 16, 2020

Show notes

Susan and Laura are back with Season 2 of The Spark File - rested, refreshed and creative fishpond restocked! They take a deep dive in search of the value of Creativity, and discover its life-saving attributes; AND they explore the need for resilience, and how to find it if you're not feeling it.

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Creativity Sparks: Previously On... The Spark File Sep 28, 2020

Show notes

Susan and Laura are back with a few reflections and the latest and greatest updates on Season 1 topics, PLUS a projection for Season 2. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for new episodes coming this fall!

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Creativity Sparks: Fatigue Fatigue + Creative Cycles Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

In the Season One finale, Susan and Laura discuss the various ways the world is exhausting us right now -- Zoom fatigue, Compassion fatigue, Caution fatigue and more. Plus, how knowing where you are in the Creative Cycle can help determine where your Hero goes from here. (hint: picture a Phoenix rising from the ashes).

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Makers: Michael R. Jackson: Tyler Perry, Truth Telling + the Pulitzer Prize Jun 18, 2020

Show notes

This week, Susan and Laura sit down with the Pulitzer Prize winning truth teller, Michael R. Jackson who will blow your hair back with his authenticity. His metaﬁctional musical, A Strange Loop explores the transformational story of an artist confronting issues of sexuality, race and identity.

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