Creative People Podcast

Ryan Leacock

Conversations with every type of creative. Hosted by Ryan Leacock - Get inspired and do the work.

  1. #125: VR Expert: Nelson Dunk: Naturally Curious

    JAN 16

    #125: VR Expert: Nelson Dunk: Naturally Curious

    This week I’m joined by VR expert and filmmaker Nelson Dunk, owner of Hammer & Anvil. Nelson builds full VR theatre installations for museums and creates immersive films designed to make people feel like they were actually there. We talk about the concept of presence in VR, how his team avoids motion sickness, and why immersive storytelling can spark curiosity, empathy, and a deeper connection to history, science, and culture. Nelson also opens up about imposter syndrome, pioneering a new medium, and taking big creative dreams one step at a time. I’ve known Nelson for years, and it’s been amazing to watch his work evolve — including his current exhibit at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener. Highlights: How VR creates real presence and empathyThe science behind avoiding motion sicknessMaking work that takes people somewhere newStaying naturally curiousThe weird world of building VR theatresImposter syndrome when you’re breaking new groundWhy the next step is the only step you need to take A thoughtful, inspiring conversation. Let’s go. https://www.hammeranvilvr.com/ https://x.com/HammerAnvilVR

    49 min
  2. #124: Actor: Dylan Simpson: "I'm different now."

    2025-12-19

    #124: Actor: Dylan Simpson: "I'm different now."

    #125: Actor: Dylan Simpson – “I’m Different Now.” This week on the podcast, actor Dylan Simpson joins me to talk about the moment acting grabbed hold of him and connected him to a feeling he had not felt since he was a kid. We talk about creativity, ambition, and the “zone” that shows up in sports, performance, and art. Dylan shares how one acting class changed the direction of his life, why creativity is not sacred but meant to be used, and how he approaches his work with a Swiss Army knife mindset through acting, writing, and constant learning. We also get into imposter syndrome, inspiration versus doing the work, and what it feels like to be fully present inside a creative act. A thoughtful, honest conversation about showing up, following the thread, and letting creativity change you. For more information about the podcast, Ryan and his work, including the new horror zine Lonnie, visit ryanleacock.ca Follow Dylan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dylansimpson_/?hl=en

    50 min
  3. #123: Theatre Directors: Lori & Piper Distel: Penny & Pound Theatre: Training Up!

    2025-08-04

    #123: Theatre Directors: Lori & Piper Distel: Penny & Pound Theatre: Training Up!

    This week I’m joined by Lori and Piper Distel, the creative force behind Penny and Pound Theatre in Cambridge, Ontario. pennyandpoundtheatre.com We talk about building a company that values community, the power of fellowship in the creative process, and how some shows just need to be born. They share how they’ve developed original musicals together and what it takes to keep a small theatre company going with heart, grit, and a lot of love for their people. I’ve had the privilege of working with these two on a couple productions, including singing a solo in Little Heaven last September. It was a big moment for me, and they made it a great experience. 🎧 Highlights include: Creating space for young artists to thriveBalancing structure with inspirationHow collaboration fuels their workThe importance of kindness and trust in creative environmentsWhat it feels like when a show clicksWhy theatre still matters, especially now It’s a great one. Let’s go.

    1h 7m
  4. #122: Actor: Deborah Puette: Dial that Down, Deb!

    2025-06-05

    #122: Actor: Deborah Puette: Dial that Down, Deb!

    This week I’m joined by Deborah Puette, a longtime working actor in Los Angeles who has recently added writer and director to her already stacked resume. deborahpuette.com suchaprettygirlfilm.com We talk about the hunger that keeps artists evolving, the difference between rejection as an actor and as a writer, and what it really means to collaborate when the work is personal. Deborah shares how writing her first short film, Cash for Gold, opened a new creative path and why she’s now focused on directing. Her latest short, Such a Pretty Girl, is currently making the festival rounds. This is a wide-ranging and honest conversation about staying creatively alive while juggling ambition, discipline, and a mind full of ideas. 🎧 Highlights include: Going from stage to screen to behind the cameraWhy she finally stopped “playing small”The difference between theater in LA vs. ChicagoDirecting your own story and letting others bring it to lifeUsing body-doubling and discipline to get writing doneLiving a creative life like a lottery ticket — not a sure thing It’s a good one. Let’s go.

    58 min
  5. #121: Photographer: Curtis Grimba: A little bit of Bokeh: Portraits, Play, and the Power of Discomfort

    2025-04-01

    #121: Photographer: Curtis Grimba: A little bit of Bokeh: Portraits, Play, and the Power of Discomfort

    This week, I’m joined by photographer and branding specialist Curtis Grimba—a guy who brings a sharp eye, a playful spirit, and a deep sense of presence to his work. cgrimba.com We talk about what it really takes to create meaningful portraits—building trust, embracing imperfection, and staying open even when burnout hits. Curtis shares how discomfort and spontaneity actually fuel his best work, why he still loves shooting on film, and how he keeps his creativity alive by stepping back, switching gears, and sometimes just being a goof behind the camera. This conversation was the first I recorded after a hiatus, and it reminded me exactly why I started this podcast. Honest, grounded, and full of insight—this one’s a solid start to Season 5. It’s a great chat - do it up! 🎧 Highlights include: The influence of graphic design on his photographyShooting portraits like conversations, not posesNavigating discomfort and vulnerability on both sides of the lensThe value of imperfection and play in creative workBurnout, boundaries, and creative recoveryClimbing, books, guitars, and finding joy outside the work

    56 min

  6. 2025-03-20

    #120: Allow me to Re-Introduce Myself: Best of Season 4!

    Welcome back to Creative People Podcast! I’m about to kick off Season 5—but before I do, I wanted to take a moment to look back before moving forward. In this episode, I’m reintroducing myself and the podcast, sharing where I’ve been, where I’m headed creatively, and revisiting some of the best moments from Season 4. You’ll hear clips from incredible conversations with Amy Silva, Matty James, and Stacey Tookey, offering a chance to catch the heart of what I’m building with this podcast. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just tuning in for the first time, this episode is a great way to get a feel for what Creative People Podcast is all about. New season, new conversations—let’s get into it!

    52 min
  7. #119: Choreographer / Dancer: Stacey Tookey: It’s so much more than “5,6,7,8”

    2024-03-04

    #119: Choreographer / Dancer: Stacey Tookey: It’s so much more than “5,6,7,8”

    In this episode of Creative People Podcast, we are thrilled to have Stacey Tookey, a renowned choreographer and dancer who has been nominated for 3 Emmys for her work on So You Think You Can Dance. Stacey shares her story of how she started dancing at the age of four in Edmonton, Canada, and how she pursued her dream of becoming a professional dancer in Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles. She also talks about the challenges and rewards of being a choreographer, and how she balances her artistic vision with the demands of the industry.  Stacey tells us about her passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers through The Bridge Movement and The Protégé Movement . Stacey is a creative force who moves with grace and grit, and we are honored to have her on the podcast. Tune in to Creative People Podcast and get ready to be moved by Stacey Tookey. staceytookey.com instagram.com/sjtookey www.creativepeople-podcast.com

    1h 2m
  8. #118: Graphic Designer: Brie Pointer: A Little Sparkle Ain't a Bad Thing

    2024-02-16

    #118: Graphic Designer: Brie Pointer: A Little Sparkle Ain't a Bad Thing

    Back at it with local KW favourite, graphic designer Brie Pointer!  Brie is a ray of sunshine and full of heart - she tells me about the farm she started with her family, crafting with glitter and knowing your worth.  We chat about some of the hard stuff she's been through in the last few years.  Through it all though, Brie's sunshine shines through.  Great episode!  Do it up! Work with her: https://www.briepointer.ca/ Check out her farm, Wayward Farm https://waywardfarm.ca www.creativepeople-podcast.com

    1h 15m
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Conversations with every type of creative. Hosted by Ryan Leacock - Get inspired and do the work.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Leacock
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Creative People Podcast
  • Show Website
    Creative People Podcast