Windowsill Chats

Margo Tantau
Windowsill Chats

Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.

  1. -1 J

    From Burnout to Balance: Wellness Strategies for Creatives with Singer and Coach Sancha Prowse (Part 1)

    In this two-part episode Margo is joined by Wellness Coach for Creatives, Sancha Prowse. With a background as a professional singer, vocal coach, and visual artist, Sancha has spent years immersed in the creative world, experiencing both its highs and its challenges. After facing intense burnout and adrenal fatigue while striving to excel, Sancha felt a calling to help other creatives navigate similar struggles. Her journey from performer to wellness coach was inspired by a serendipitous moment helping her sister through a health scare, leading her to channel her passion and lived experience into supporting artists in thriving holistically. Margo and Sancha discuss: The importance of tuning into your body and listening to what it’s telling you. How prioritizing self-care positively impacts your creativity. Identifying what gives you energy and recognizing areas where you may be losing power. The transformative power of making small positive changes in your daily routine. Cultivating stillness as a way to dive deeper into your artmaking. Letting go of limiting beliefs that hold you back from optimal health and creativity. Breaking through long-standing blockages to achieve a sense of wellness. Why sleep is critical for both your overall health and your creative output. The role of self-compassion and celebrating small wins in your wellness journey. Building an essential wellness toolkit tailored for creatives. Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives.   Connect with Sancha: https://www.sanchaprowse.com https://www.instagram.com/sanchaprowse_creative/ https://www.sanchaprowse.com/essential-wellness-toolkit-for-creatives https://soundcloud.com/user-849377990 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9zziXpGZqL_IDFA4DEAAQ   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    56 min
  2. 25/12/2024

    Embracing Growth, Trusting Your Inner Knowing, and Rethinking Goal Setting with Margo

    Margo shares a personal episode, reflecting on the incredible four-year journey of the podcast and its vibrant community. She opens her heart about her own transformative experiences, the courage it takes to embrace life's uncertainties, and the magic of real connections. Whether you're a loyal listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode is an invitation to celebrate growth, creativity, and the beautiful moments yet to come.   Topics Discussed: Reflecting on Growth: Finding new perspectives and embracing the lessons from the journey. Trust in Connection: The value of real conversations and authenticity in building bonds. Navigating Change: Margo's move to Vashon Island and the power of trusting her inner knowing. Vulnerability and Handling Doubts: The role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful relationships and navigating pivotal life decisions. Impactful Feedback: How listener feedback continues to move and motivate Margo. Defining Success: Encouraging listeners to focus on how they want to feel rather than what they want to achieve. Celebrating Diversity: The importance of inclusivity and creating supportive environments in our communities.   Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives. Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    22 min
  3. 18/12/2024

    The Imagination Emporium: Recipes for Creativity, Innovation, and Unlocking Your Imaginative Potential with Duncan Wardle

    Margo is joined by Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney and author of The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation. With 30 years of experience working with Disney's Imagineering, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, and more, Duncan brings a wealth of knowledge on fostering groundbreaking ideas and creating magical experiences. In this episode, he shares practical tools and insights to reignite creativity, embed innovation into everyday life, and solve problems in revolutionary ways. From sending Buzz Lightyear into space to teaching innovation at Yale and Harvard, Duncan's expertise in Design Thinking has helped organizations like Apple, the NBA, and Spotify redefine how they innovate.  Margo and Duncan discuss: Why our creativity often fades by age six—and how to reignite it Simple, actionable tools to unlock imagination and achieve revolutionary results Employable skills that the next generation can use to thrive in an AI-driven world How The Imagination Emporium makes innovation accessible to everyone Real-life examples of using Design Thinking to drive creativity and innovation Stories from Duncan’s time at Disney and the lessons learned along the way   Connect with Duncan: duncanwardle.com  theimaginationemporium.com instagram.com/duncanjwardle linkedin.com/in/duncanwardle   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

    1 h 16 min
  4. 12/12/2024

    Creative Current Events: Asheville Art Revival, 2025 Design Trends, and Achieving the Impossible

    Margo and Abby are back with a packed episode of Creative Current Events, spotlighting creativity, community, and cutting-edge trends. They kick things off with news from Asheville, where Tanger Outlets is supporting displaced artists with a stunning 2,000-square-foot gallery. Next, they explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art's fascinating employee art show featuring over 600 works, tying it to insights from Patrick Bringley’s book, All the Beauty in the World. They also dive deep into design trends for 2025, reviewing Canva’s latest article and insights, discuss the rising influence of AI in content licensing, the power of human connection in media, and how bold, textured aesthetics are reshaping design. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or creative enthusiast, this episode is full of inspiration and insights to keep you ahead of the curve. Mentioned in this episode: Tanger Outlets Donate Gallery Space in Asheville https://www.wlos.com/news/local/tanger-outlets-asheville-donates-gallery-space-for-artists-displaced-helene-local-arts-community-creative   Orbit Gallery Space https://theorbitspace.com/   Met Museum Staff Show https://hyperallergic.com/969864/over-600-works-by-met-museum-workers-go-on-view-in-largest-ever-staff-show/   Canva’s 2025 Design Trends https://www.creativebloq.com/design/canva-predicts-these-will-be-the-hottest-design-trends-of-2025   More Canva https://www.canva.com/design-trends/?clickId=XjSTp1T3dxyKRYeUaAwyfw4HUkCVl82OPWmnQI0&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Future%20PLC._221109&irgwc=1   Open AI & Meredith Corp https://www.adweek.com/media/openai-dotdash-meredith-licensing-payment/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_11752201_ADWEEK_Daily_241119&lctg=5b82c665-7b66-4670-ae7c-17cb22d1753e   The People who Helped Resurrect Notre Dame https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-people-who-helped-resurrect-notre-dame-60-minutes/   Windowsill Chats Episode 83 - St Germaine de Pres https://margotantau.com/83-a-fascinating-conversation-about-the-magnificent-church-of-saint-germain-des-prs-and-what-is-being-done-to-preserve-its-rich-and-layered-history-with-david-sheppe/   Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Earth-Novel-Kingsbridge/dp/0451166892   Flowers & Projects by CJ Hendry https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Earth-Novel-Kingsbridge/dp/0451166892 Connect with Abby: https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/ https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    45 min
  5. 11/12/2024

    On the Table: Designing and Cultivating Human Connection Through Everyday Objects with Ashley Gould

    Margo is joined by Ashley Gould, the founder of Âme Atendre™, a brand dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed everyday tabletop objects that foster connection and empathy. After a decade-long career as a lawyer and executive, Ashley pivoted toward a more personal mission—bringing people together through intentional design and meaningful conversation. Margo and Ashley discuss: Ashley's journey from law and corporate leadership to launching Âme Atendre™. How her mother's passion for community and gathering inspired her vision for an elevated tabletop brand. The philosophy behind Âme Atendre™, including the role of thoughtfully crafted objects in building deeper human connections. The fascinating field of neuroaesthetics and its connection to Ashley's work. The power of conversations often left off the table and how respect and curiosity can bridge gaps in understanding. Sneak peeks into exciting Âme Atendre™ projects in development, including a "death box" for intentional legacy planning, a sleek metal wastebasket, and a new hand-blown crystal vase. Insights from Ashley's podcast, On the Table with Ashley, and its mission to foster curiosity and reduce judgment. Connect with Ashley Gould: www.ameatendre.com www.instagram.com/ameatendre www.tiktok.com/@ameantendre https://www.youtube.com/@ameatendre https://www.facebook.com/ameatendre reachoutanytime@ameatendre.com   Connect with Margo: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    1 h 14 min
  6. 04/12/2024

    Healing Through Creativity: Jade Chen on Self-Discovery, Mindfulness, and Embracing Your Truth

    Margo is joined by Jade Chen, a Shamanic Practitioner, Spiritual Guide, Public Speaker, and Activist, dedicated to helping women transform their lives through inner healing and self-empowerment. With expertise in Shamanism, mindfulness, and artistic expression, Jade shares her mission to guide women on journeys of self-discovery while emphasizing the power of creativity as a tool for healing and change.    Margo and Jade discuss: The pivotal moment when Jade left her corporate career and long-term relationship to embark on a healing journey. How creativity and art can serve as powerful forms of expression and spiritual practice, especially in challenging times. Practical mindfulness techniques, like mindful breathing and connecting to heart and sacral spaces, to unlock authentic creative expression. The role of community in fostering personal growth and supporting creative risks. The necessity of embracing raw truths and prayers through artistic work. Overcoming societal conditioning to honor your true self and prioritize self-care. Jade’s upcoming projects, including her new podcast, The Mud Lotus, focused on healing and transformation.   Connect with Jade: Website: www.mudlotuslife.com Connect: mudlotuslife@gmail.com   Connect with Margo: The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry Website: www.windowsillchats.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    57 min
  7. 27/11/2024

    Flying High, Diving Deep: Capturing Culture and Storytelling Through Photography and Other Creative Outlets with Matt Jacob

    Margo is joined by Matt Jacob, a photographer, educator, and former pilot whose journey has taken him from flying private jets to capturing the world’s most compelling human stories through his camera lens. Matt’s work focuses on celebrating cultures and traditions, with a deep commitment to authenticity and respect, particularly when documenting Indigenous communities. Based in Bali, Matt’s love for storytelling extends beyond photography; he also hosts The MOOD Podcast, where he dives into the lives of creatives, exploring their artistic journeys and insights. With a recently released ebook and an upcoming video course, Matt is dedicated to helping others develop their visual storytelling skills while building a meaningful connection with their craft. Margo and Matt discuss: Matt’s transition from commercial pilot to cultural photographer. How travel has shaped his artistic vision and personal growth. The challenges and ethics of documenting cultures authentically. Navigating imposter syndrome and finding creative confidence. The role of photography in preserving and celebrating global traditions. Matt’s move from Hong Kong to Bali and its impact on his lifestyle and career. The creative process behind his new ebook and video course.   Connect with Matt: www.mattjacobphotography.com www.instagram.com/mattyj_ay https://www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay   Connect with Margo: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    1 h 16 min
  8. 22/11/2024

    Creative Current Events: AI and Confidence, Mindful Shopping, and Boosting Creative Productivity

    Margo and Abby are back with the latest and diving into the intersection of creativity, technology, and community in this episode of Creative Current Events. They share surprising insights, like how 35% of leaders feel most creative early Monday mornings, and explore how routines like the "4 AM club" or late-night bursts can impact productivity. They also discuss Blue Sky, an emerging, community-driven alternative to Twitter, and the fascinating rise of AI art (we’re sensing a theme!), including a million-dollar painting created by a humanoid robot. Lastly, they highlight the value of community in creative work, featuring initiatives like the Foundry (by Margo, herself), a membership program designed to inspire, how to shop mindfully this holiday season, branding with agencies like Outline, and why gifting Steve and Mary Jo Hoffman's books is a must this season. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.fastcompany.com/91227308/the-surprising-time-of-day-youre-most-creative   https://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/article295604429.html   https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-12/robot-painted-artwork-soethbys-million-dollar-auction/104585102   https://claude.ai   https://gemini.google.com/   https://www.printmag.com/type-tuesday/positype-declares-independence-with-a-refreshed-website-new-typefaces/   https://www.positype.com/   https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/outline-ky-allport-of-the-south-carolina-studio-on-xxx/   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200634843-a-season-for-that   https://www.amazon.com/Season-That-Found-Southern-France/dp/0593240286   https://www.amazon.com/STILL-Noticing-Mary-Jo-Hoffman/dp/1580936334/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BMZ1AKZFDR2W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xjtLqEK7CzKM2l-zl3yeLanI1o8KaUW_f6v7vq10V6vwAHA3N06_uB0HqF3NgnuCm73kDgVprJolpL7tLD3lxqAHolkGAgLQAgd2ULsGPxCm_A1AitP3AVS7nqmRWAa6yiKzykBGb5opB-ZZ8OwzEw.4Pr0khKk13_eVTTAWJKo3xJEDqB2gcIth_FgiFPmyfA&dib_tag=se&keywords=still+the+art+of+noticing&qid=1732062346&s=books&sprefix=still+the+art+of+noticing%2Cstripbooks%2C141&sr=1-1   Connect with Abby: https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/ https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    45 min

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À propos

Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.

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