The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

Latest Episodes:

Creativity Sparks: The Art of Dying Well + Puzzle Peace Nov 18, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura discuss the therapeutic qualities of puzzling, including the state of creative meditation, and The Art of Dying Well - how talking about and even preparing for death may be the most life-affirming thing we can do.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Makers: Lin-Manuel Miranda Part 1: Friday Night Meet Ups, The Laundry Room, and Making Space Nov 14, 2019

Show notes

This episode is Part 1 of Susan and Laura's chit chat with writer-performer-director Lin-Manuel Miranda. Whether taking 7 years to write Hamilton, or 7 seconds to spit out a rhyme in the 100% improvised Freestyle Love Supreme, this guy is firing on all pistons. Find out how he uses "time and a deadline" to make it all happen.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creativity Sparks AND Makers: Brundibar + The Mad King and Anthony Roth Costanzo: Live from the MET Opera Nov 08, 2019

Show notes

In this very special episode, recorded live from the Metropolitan Opera, Susan and Laura each share opera-inspired sparks of creativity, The Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria, and the intense significance of the opera Brundibar. They also engage in conversation with countertenor, actor, producer, star of the MET Opera's production of Akhnaten, and absolute vocal superhero, Anthony Roth Costanzo. Anthony shares his personal opera origin story, spills all the details about Akhnaten and his mission to bring new audiences to the art form.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Makers: Leslie Odom, Jr: The Lion, The Bear, and his Brand New Album, 'Mr' Nov 07, 2019

Show notes

In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Leslie Odom, Jr, on the eve of his new album launch. Leslie reflects on the life lessons learned from 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Francis Turner, mentor Billy Porter, and so many more. Always open to the next challenge, Leslie shares the vulnerability and the joy that comes with truly taking a swing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creativity Sparks: Spooky Sparks Special Episode: Aokigahara Forest + Mercedes McCambridge Nov 04, 2019

Show notes

In this special spooky episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share Halloween inspired sparks from the dark side: the eerie calling of Aokigahara Forest in Japan and the spine-chilling true life story of The Exorcist's voice of satan: Mercedes McCambridge.
Content Warning: suicide, addiction, violence.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Makers: Gavin Creel: Creative Sponges and Meaningful Relationships: Live from The Performing Arts Project Oct 31, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project, Susan and Laura talk with TONY Award winner Gavin Creel about making space for creativity, heartbreak, being a sponge, and practicing tiny victories. From tears to flatulence in 30 seconds flat, from the divinity of creation to a creativity inspired case of the sh*ts, this episode has everything.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creativity Sparks: Lynne Cox + Patricia Douglas: Live from The Performing Arts Project Oct 28, 2019

Show notes

In this very special episode, recorded LIVE at The Performing Arts Project in North Carolina, Susan and Laura explore the sweeping inspiration of swimmer and author Lynne Cox as well as one of the best kept secrets of the Hollywood studio system era - the legacy of Patricia Douglas.
PLEASE NOTE: This episode of The Spark File podcasts contains mature themes. Please use your discretion.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Makers: Celia Keenan-Bolger: Authenticity, bridge-building and winning the TONY Award Oct 24, 2019

Show notes

Episode #19 is brimming with sparks of creativity as Susan and Laura talk theater with TONY Award winner, Celia Keenan-Bolger. Celia shares her origin story, how she learned she was a bridge-builder, and the freedom of owning her desire to win a TONY award. Celia's theatrical career spans To Kill a Mockingbird to Glass Menagerie, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Light in the Piazza and so much more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creativity Sparks: What It Feels Like on the Inside + Lumber Jills Oct 21, 2019

Show notes

In this week's episode of creativity sparks, Susan and Laura discuss their personal quests for authenticity and the dissonance felt when What it Feels Like on the Inside doesn't match What it Looks Like on the Outside. Fresh examples of this dynamic include Game of Thrones's Emilia Clarke, Anne Hathaway's Oscar acceptance, and Marlene Dietrich's cabaret performances. They also find sparks in family history when the discovery of the Women's Timber Corp in the UK during WWII, a.k.s the Lumber Jills leads to a search for a personal connection to the Civilian Conservation Corp in the US.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Makers: Julianne Moore and Bart Freudlich Part 2: Because 60/40 was already taken Oct 17, 2019

Show notes

Part Two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore and filmmaker Bart Freundlich. These two award winning creatives discuss their union of creative endeavors, dealing with perceived failure, their shared production company and things they need to do before they're done.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected