The Syncreate Podcast: Empowering Creativity

Episode 78: Creative Spark Series - The Art of Impermanence with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of our Creative Spark series, Melinda shares insights from her recent Art of Impermanence Retreat, an annual contemplative arts retreats she leads each January in Patzcuaro, Mexico with her colleague Jake Lorfing. The Art of Impermanence explores the Buddhist teachings on impermanence, and their relationship to creativity and the arts. Essentially, it’s a mindful approach to creativity, grounded in present-moment experience. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities.

For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we share a poem by Nancy Paddock called “Lie Down,” which describes a mindfulness practice of connecting to the earth. We encourage you to try it out, because when was the last time you laid down with your face to the ground? It’s quite a profound experience.

If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 49: Creativity in Challenging Times, Episode 51: Curiosity & Exploration, and Episode 67: Moving Through the World with a Creative Eye.

Episode-specific hyperlinks:

The Art of Impermanence Retreat (2026 Dates Will Be Announced Soon)

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Beth’s Faculty Page at the College of Charleston

Episode 77: Collaborate, Innovate, Advocate with Beth Sundstrom, PhD Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Beth Sundstrom, PhD, MPH, is a professor of health communication at the College of Charleston, where she is the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) and the Founding Director of the Women’s Health Research Team (WHRT). She is a Fulbright Research Grant recipient and leading expert on health communication and reproductive health. Beth conducts applied research that informs the development of community-based public health interventions and nationally recognized communication campaigns. She is the author or co-author of three books and more than 80 scholarly articles on women’s health and health communication. Our conversation focuses on Beth’s innovative approach to research, writing, and health communication initiatives.

For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to just write, just create, just get your ideas down into some tangible form, and don’t be afraid to fail, because what we often label as “failure,” is actually an amazing learning experience that is vital to the creative process.

If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 12: Creativity, Inclusivity, and Community Theater with Sharanya Rao and Episode 62: The Neuroscience of Creativity with Dr. Indre Viskontas.

At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching, including a monthly creativity coaching group, to help you bring your work to the world. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review!

Episode-specific hyperlinks:

Beth’s Book: Catching Fire

Beth’s Book Birth Control: What Everyone Needs To Know

Bedsider Website

St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Network

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Episode 76: Creative Spark Series - Developing a Consistent Creative Practice with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Many of us aspire to a consistent, even daily, creative practice, but other life priorities and distractions make it difficult. So how can we commit to a regular practice in a way that feels sustainable and fun? We can begin by setting longer-term goals and then breaking them down into monthly, weekly, and daily tasks to make consistent progress over time. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities.

For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to keep a decision journal to track your creative time alignment, and to put your creative time at the very top of your to-do list for at least one week and see how it feels. .

If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 41: Creative Practice, Process, and Product, Episode 43: Creative Time Management, and Episode 70: New Year’s Creative Intentions.

Episode-specific hyperlinks:

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Saybrook University Creativity Program

Episode 75: Asheville's Story Parlor with Erin Hallagan Clare Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

Erin Hallagan Clare is the Founder and Artistic Director of Story Parlor, a narrative arts space in Asheville, NC. Erin studied film and theatre at Temple University, as well as psychology / creativity studies at Saybrook University, where she earned her master’s degree. She developed a creativity coaching practice called “Inward & Artward,” as well as an annual Creative Facilitator Training. She's also a writer, storyteller, and radio show host. Our conversation focuses on Erin’s creative journey, the history of Story Parlor, and the creative community in Asheville after Hurricane Helene.

For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to take an inventory of your past, present, and future creative projects, reflecting on common themes, in order to discover your creative DNA, so you can approach your future work with greater intention.

If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more, you might enjoy our conversations in Episode 7: The Syncreate Story, Episode 42: Creativity & Depth Psychology with Jennifer Leigh Selig, and Episode 73: Theatre, Storytelling, and the Labor of Creativity with Marcus McQuirter, PhD.

At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching, including a monthly creativity coaching group, to help you bring your work to the world. Visit our website, syncreate.org, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. We’d love your feedback, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org.

Episode-specific hyperlinks:

Story Parlor Website

Melinda’s Art of Impermanence Retreat

Book: Wintering by Katherine May

“Writing Down the Soul” Memoir Class

Book: Deep Creativity

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Episode 74: Creative Spark Series - Living a Creative Life with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

What does it mean to live a creative life? What meaningful steps can we take to infuse creativity into our day-to-day experience? We often tell ourselves stories about how we’re not creative, but the reality is that we’re all using our creativity on a daily basis just to get through life, whether that takes the form of “art,” or simply cooking a beautiful meal, tending a garden, or decorating our homes. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities.

For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we we challenge you to begin a daily creative practice (even 10 minutes is significant) in service of living a more creative life.

If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 49: Creativity in Challenging Times, Episode 67: Moving Through the World with a Creative Eye, and Episode 72: Creative Community.

At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate, and we’re now on Patreon as well. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org.

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Marcus McQuirter, PhD Austin Community College Faculty Profile

Episode 73: Theatre, Storytelling, and The Labor of Creativity with Marcus McQuirter, PhD Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Marcus McQuirter, PhD, is the Chair of the Drama Department at Austin Community College, where he teaches Voice, Acting, and Introduction to Theater. A storyteller at heart, he’s also a director, novelist, and podcaster. Dr. McQuirter holds a BFA in Theatre from Howard University, an M.A. in Theatre from the University of North Texas, and a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from the University of Texas, Austin. Our conversation ranges from the craft of audio storytelling to the labor of creativity, and theatre as an inclusive community space.

For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to sing and jam out in your car as a way of strengthening your vocal skills, overcoming inhibitions, and developing confidence. Go ahead, try it - it might be fun and liberating!

If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 52: Texas Poet Laureate Amanda Johnston, Episode 64: Synesthesia, Consciousness, Creativity with Zoe Martell and Archie Frink, and Episode 71: Acting Out of Character with John Cane, PhD.

At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review, or reach out to us at info@syncreate.org.

Episode-specific hyperlinks:

Austin Community College Drama Department Website

Marcus’ Podcasts: Intermission: Conversations with Theater People about anything but Theaterand The Burden of Legacy.

Howard University

Amiri Baraka

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Episode 72: Creative Spark Series - Creative Community with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

How do you cultivate a sense of creative community? We believe that community and connection are vital to the creative process, especially for those of us who tend to create in solitude. For the new year, our Creative Spark series focuses on setting creative intentions and bolstering our creative habits so we can move toward our goals with greater clarity and flow. This mini episode focuses on the power of community to nurture our creative selves, especially in challenging times. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities.

For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to join a creative community or reconnect with one you’re already a part of by attending an open mic or other creative event, or perhaps even starting a gathering of your own.

If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 49: Creativity in Challenging Times, Episode 69: Reflecting on the Year, and Episode 70: New Year’s Creative Intentions.

At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate, and we’re now on Patreon as well. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org.

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Acting Out of Character Website

Episode 71: Acting Out of Character with John Cane, PhD Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

How can acting and improvisation training improve your interpersonal and communication skills? We explore this question with John Cane, PhD, actor and integrative wellness psychologist. John is the Founder of Acting Out of Character, a training program offering workshops for turning acting skills into people skills. John received his PhD in psychology with a specialization in creativity studies, along with Melinda. We discuss how acting and improvisation relates to authenticity and emotional intelligence, including how John works with organizations to help with team building and collaboration. We also demonstrate the improv exercise of “Yes, And,” which can facilitate creativity, openness, and innovation.

For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to adopt a “Yes, And” mindset in your work, relationships, and daily life. Let us know what you discover!

If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 21: The Walk of Faith and Courage with Shakespearean Actor Warren "Ren" Jackson, Episode 56: Asking the Questions with Broadway Stereophonic Cast Member Chris Stack, and Episode 66: Finding Ease Through Body Awareness with Jennifer Roig-Francoli.

At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org.

Episode-specific hyperlinks:

John Cane on LinkedIn

John’s Coaching Website

Book - Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

Saybrook University Creativity, Innovation & Leadership Program

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Episode 70: Creative Spark Series - New Year's Creative Intentions with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

Happy 2025, Everyone! To kick off the new year, we encourage you to consider your creative intentions and aspirations for the next 12 months. We focus on three main areas, including your creative practice, process, and products. Creative practice encompasses your creative routines and daily habits, while the creative process includes how you go about making work and bringing your ideas to life. Finally, creative products are the finished works that you may wish to release, publish, perform and otherwise share with the world. Focusing on these three areas helps to clarify not only your yearly creative goals, but also how and when you’ll go about accomplishing them. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities.

For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we suggest you take some time at the beginning of the year to jot down your creative intentions in a journal or create a vision board that you can return to for inspiration throughout the year..

If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 20: The Syncreate Model of Play, Plan & Produce, Episode 41: Creative Practice, Process, and Product, Episode 69: Reflecting on the Year.

At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org.

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