The Modern Creative Woman

Dr. Amy Backos
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The art and science of creativity, made simple. Through the lens of art therapy, neurocreativity, and cutting-edge research, you’ll learn not just why you create, but how to create with more freedom, intention, and joy. Dr. Amy Backos — author, art therapist, psychologist, professor and researcher, with 30+ years of experience — unpacks the evidence-based psychology behind creative living. Come for the science. Stay for the transformation.

  1. 3D AGO

    155. Procrastination Cure

    Ask me a question or let me know what you think! What actually creates a meaningful life? In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the deep connection between meaning, motivation, values, and behavior. Drawing from psychological research, personal stories, and her own creative process, Amy unpacks why fulfillment is not found through certainty, productivity, success, money, or external validation—but through acting in alignment with what matters most to us. Amy shares a candid behind-the-scenes look at finishing her latest book, including her struggles with procrastination, self-judgment, time anxiety, and the constant chatter of the mind. Through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she explains the difference between thought fusion and thought diffusion—and how learning to step back from our thoughts can help us reconnect with purpose, creativity, and meaningful action. This episode is an invitation to stop treating your thoughts as facts and instead begin asking: What kind of person do I want to be in this moment? Whether in parenting, work, relationships, creativity, or community, meaning emerges when our behavior reflects our deepest values—even when life feels uncertain or difficult. Amy also discusses: Why procrastination is often part of the creative processHow social media and constant stimulation disconnect us from meaningThe neuroscience of thoughts and why they are not commands or truthsThe relationship between values, satisfaction, and psychological flexibilityWhy creating spaciousness in your schedule supports creativity and emotional healthThe surprising power of tiny daily actions that align with your valuesKey Takeaway We experience the deepest sense of meaning not when life is easy or predictable, but when our actions align with what truly matters to us. Where in your life do your actions currently align with your values?Where are you reacting to thoughts instead of responding to reality?What small action could you take today that would feel meaningful to you?What would happen if you stopped treating every thought as a fact?Support the show Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

    31 min

  2. APR 29

    154. A New Way to Respond to Uncertainty

    Ask me a question or let me know what you think! When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, it’s natural to return to familiar ways of coping. These patterns often developed for good reason—they worked at one point in time. But as circumstances change, those same strategies can become limiting, keeping us stuck in cycles that no longer support our well-being. In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the psychology of change and why moments of stress are often the most important times to try something new. Rather than retreating into old habits, these are the moments that invite experimentation, flexibility, and growth. Drawing from behavioral psychology, this episode breaks down the fundamental reasons we seek or avoid change—either to reduce discomfort or to increase pleasure—and how these motivations shape our decisions. Dr. Backos also explores three core drivers of change: movement toward our values, the process of self-actualization, and the innate human drive to explore and create. A central focus of this conversation is the role of creativity in disrupting automatic patterns. When we engage in art, we create space between thought and action. Instead of reacting immediately, we are able to observe our internal experience, externalize it, and approach it with greater curiosity and perspective. This shift allows for more intentional choices and opens the possibility for new ways of responding. You’ll also learn how subtle psychological tools—such as nudges, environmental design, and behavioral anchors—can support meaningful and sustainable change. These small adjustments reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to follow through on the behaviors that align with your values. This episode also explores: Why we return to old coping strategies during times of stressHow to recognize when you are ready for changeThe difference between rapid life changes and gradual behavioral shiftsHow admiration, frustration, and comparison can signal a desire for growthPractical ways to use your environment to support new habitsWhy consistency—not perfection—is essential for lasting changeCreativity is not just a form of expression. It is a mechanism for change. Through creative practice, you can begin to shift long-standing patterns, expand your responses to stress, and develop a more flexible, adaptive way of engaging with your life. Support the show Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

    23 min

  3. APR 22

    153. From Brain Fog to Clarity: How the Arts Restore Your Mind

    Ask me a question or let me know what you think! The arts are not a luxury. They are a biological necessity. In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the powerful connection between creativity and health—breaking down the neuroscience behind why engaging in the arts improves not only emotional well-being, but cognitive functioning and even physical health. From brain fog and low mood to attention and memory challenges, the impact of stress on our thinking is real. But research shows that creative engagement—from listening to music to making art—can actually change how the brain communicates with itself, improving clarity, focus, and overall mental functioning. This episode goes beyond inspiration and into evidence. Drawing from neuroimaging research and global studies, including work from the World Health Organization, you’ll learn how the arts reduce cognitive symptoms, expand your behavioral choices, and interrupt the negative cycles that keep you stuck. You’ll also discover why how you engage matters. Passive consumption isn’t enough—true benefit comes from intentional, focused participation in the arts. Dr. Backos also introduces the concept of thought–action repertoires—the patterns that shape how you respond to your emotions—and how creativity can expand those patterns, opening up new ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. This is especially important during times of transition, stress, or reinvention. Whether you’re navigating a new phase of life or feeling disconnected from yourself, the arts offer a pathway back—to clarity, identity, and possibility. In this episode, you’ll learn: How stress and depression impact cognitive functioning (attention, memory, planning)What brain scans reveal about the effects of music and art on neural connectivityWhy focused, intentional engagement with art is key to its benefitsHow creativity expands your “thought–action repertoire” and disrupts negative cyclesThe role of the arts in identity development, self-compassion, and reinventionWhat research says about the dosage needed to experience real changeWhy long-term engagement—not one-off experiences—leads to lasting transformationYou’ll walk away with both the science and the strategy to begin integrating the arts into your life in a way that is sustainable, meaningful, and deeply supportive of your well-being. Because the question isn’t whether art “works.” The question is whether you are willing to engage with it in a way that can change you. Support the show Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

    27 min

  4. APR 15

    152. Art Is Human: Why Creating Is Essential to Your Life

    Ask me a question or let me know what you think! Art is not a luxury—it’s a defining feature of what it means to be human. In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the deep psychological, biological, and cultural roots of creativity, starting with a powerful idea: humans have been making art for over 70,000 years—and we still underestimate its value. This is a conversation about more than art-making. It’s about storytelling, identity, and how we shape our lived experience through creative expression. You’ll learn why waiting for the “right time” is quietly disconnecting you from your most essential self, and how small, daily creative acts can transform your relationship with your life. Blending art therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and real-life stories, this episode invites you to stop consuming and start creating—because your life is the art. Why creativity is a biological imperative, not a hobbyThe psychological cost of waiting to enjoy your lifeHow storytelling shapes your identity and daily experienceThe difference between consuming art vs. creating itWhy comparison kills creativity—and what to do insteadHow to use tiny pockets of time to build a creative practiceACT-based strategies to diffuse from limiting thoughtsHow to make everyday life feel more meaningful, intentional, and alivePractical Takeaways Spend 15–20 minutes a day on what matters (especially creativity)Wear the clothes, use the dishes, burn the candle—nowAsk: What would I create if I didn’t need to be good at it?Notice and name thoughts that delay your life (“later, when…”)Replace passive consumption with active creationJournal Prompts What am I waiting for before I allow myself to enjoy my life?Where am I choosing consumption over creation?If I treated today like something special, what would I do differently?What story am I telling about my creativity—and is it true?Share your process and tag @DoctorAmyBackos on Instagram—I want to see how you’re embracing your humanness through art. Support the Show This podcast is intentionally ad-free. If you’d like to support The Modern Creative Woman, you can: Sponsor the show ($3–$5/month)Share this episode with a friendLeave a review on your favorite platformSupport the show Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

    21 min

  5. APR 8

    151. “Play” Like Yourself Every Time: Authentic Style and Creativity

    Ask me a question or let me know what you think! What does it actually mean to have YOUR style? Not just in how you dress—but in how you think, create, relate, and move through the world. In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores style as a way of being—a deeply personal, psychologically rooted expression of self. Inspired by a moment at a San Francisco Symphony League event, where a pianist shared, “I try to play like myself every time,” this episode becomes an invitation to examine where you may be editing, performing, or over-referencing others in your own life. This is not a surface-level conversation about “being yourself.” It’s a deeper, clinically informed look at psychological flexibility, authenticity, and creative alignment. Dr. Backos weaves together art therapy, neuroscience, and lived experience to explore: Why over-referencing (social media, celebrities, trends) disconnects you from your own voiceThe psychological cost of self-editing before rejectionHow authenticity is built through alignment—not performance or perfectionThe role of novelty and neuroplasticity in reigniting creativityWhy technically “good” art—and even a well-curated life—can still feel emotionally flatHow developmental conditioning, trauma, and social expectations shape your personal styleDrawing on the artistic philosophy of Georgia O’Keeffe and the deeply original work of the Gee’s Bend Quilters, this episode highlights what becomes possible when you stop performing and start creating from within. You’ll also be guided through a powerful self-audit practice to help you identify: Where your life feels natural, easeful, and alignedWhere you may be over-editing or borrowing from othersHow to begin reconnecting with your own creative instinctsThis episode is both a reflection and a challenge: Where are you not “playing like yourself”? And what might shift if you did—just once this week? Support the show Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

    23 min

  6. APR 1

    150. Power, Perception, Prestige & Desire: Interview with Dr. Tanetha Jamay Fisher

    Ask me a question or let me know what you think! What if the biggest limitation on your creative work isn’t your talent—but your perception of its value? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tanetha Jamay Fisher—leadership professor, former Capitol Hill strategist, and luxury business advisor—to explore the powerful intersection of power, perception, and prestige. Together, we unpack how high-level creative women can move beyond the “starving artist” myth and into positions of leadership, influence, and meaningful wealth creation. Dr. Fisher brings a rare and compelling blend of academic rigor and real-world strategy. With a background spanning political science, education, and high-stakes PR, she now helps experts translate their innate brilliance into language that resonates in the marketplace—without losing integrity or depth. This conversation moves far beyond business tactics. We explore: The psychology of prestige and how desire shapes leadership, visibility, and successHow emotions drive decision-making—in politics, business, and personal growthThe role of feminist, Indigenous, and anti-racist research methodologies in expanding how we understand human experienceWhy narrative, phenomenology, and qualitative inquiry create more human-centered, impactful workThe shift from luxury products to luxury experiences—and what that means for creative entrepreneursHow to monetize your genius in a way that reflects your values and expands your impactThe hidden cost of scarcity thinking in helping professions—and how to move beyond itWe also talk about the importance of creative rest, mentorship, and prestige positioning—and why investing in yourself is not indulgent, but essential for sustaining your mission. Dr. Fisher challenges conventional narratives around money, success, and creativity. Her work reframes financial growth not as excess—but as an act of leadership, agency, and legacy-building for the modern woman. If you’ve ever felt the tension between creativity and income, purpose and power, or artistry and visibility—this episode will expand what feels possible. Connect with Dr. Fisher Instagram @jamayfisher References Feminism and Intersectionality in Academia Pedagogy of the Oppressed Support the show Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

    1h 3m

  7. MAR 25

    149. Art as Medicine: The Science of Creativity and Well-Being

    Ask me a question or let me know what you think! When was the last time you intentionally engaged with the arts—not just as background noise, but as a tool for your well-being? In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores the powerful intersection of creativity, neuroscience, and health. Drawing from the landmark 2019 World Health Organization report analyzing over 3,000 studies, she unpacks why the arts are now being recognized as a critical component of whole-person care—supporting mental, physical, and social well-being. You’ll learn how engaging with visual art, music, movement, and storytelling activates the brain, supports emotional processing, reduces loneliness, and even improves recovery outcomes from illness. This episode also explores how creativity functions as both prevention and intervention—enhancing resilience, supporting trauma recovery, and increasing overall life satisfaction. From global policy shifts to practical, everyday access points, this conversation reframes creativity as essential—not optional. This is your invitation to see the arts differently—and to begin using them more intentionally in your own life. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why the arts are being called the “fifth pillar of health”Key findings from the World Health Organization’s 2019 report on arts and healthHow creativity impacts the brain through sensory stimulation and emotional activationThe role of the arts in preventing illness and supporting recoveryHow engaging with the arts can reduce loneliness and improve mental healthWhy access to the arts is a public health issue—and what’s changing globallySimple ways to begin incorporating the arts into your daily lifeResources Mentioned: WHO Report: What is the Evidence on the Role of the Arts in Improving Health and Well-being?The Modern Creative WomanIf You Loved This Episode: Leave a 5-star review and share a few words about what resonated with you. This helps more women discover the power of creativity as a tool for transformation. You can also support the podcast for as little as $3/month to help sustain and grow this work. Support the show Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

    20 min

  8. MAR 18

    148. The Million Dollar Question

    Ask me a question or let me know what you think! Have you ever noticed the kinds of questions you ask yourself throughout the day? In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Dr. Amy Backos explores the powerful role of our inner dialogue and how the questions we ask ourselves shape the answers our brains produce. Many women are familiar with harsh inner questions like “What’s wrong with me?” or “Why am I always like this?”—questions that tend to generate equally harsh responses. Dr. Backos introduces the idea that if we want better answers, we need to start by asking better questions. Drawing from principles in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, this episode explains how thoughts are not facts but natural biological events happening in the brain. When we begin to observe our thoughts rather than automatically believing them, we create space to choose how we respond. Dr. Backos offers a simple practice of noticing thoughts throughout the day to build awareness of the patterns that often run on repeat in our minds. From there, she introduces the concept of “thousand-dollar questions.” If every question you asked your brain cost $1,000, would you spend that money on criticism and self-doubt—or would you invest it in meaningful questions that guide you toward your values? Questions like “What matters most right now?”, “How do I want to show up in this moment?”, and “What action would help me feel proud of myself today?” invite curiosity, creativity, and self-compassion. The episode also includes an art-based reflection exercise. By journaling and responding visually to your questions through drawing or collage, you can deepen your insight and engage the creative process as a way of understanding yourself. Combining writing and art allows for a richer form of reflection than thinking alone. This episode is an invitation to rethink how you use your mind. When you begin asking higher-quality questions—questions rooted in curiosity, values, and possibility—you give your brain the opportunity to generate far more meaningful answers. Support the show Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

    14 min
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4.9
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

The art and science of creativity, made simple. Through the lens of art therapy, neurocreativity, and cutting-edge research, you’ll learn not just why you create, but how to create with more freedom, intention, and joy. Dr. Amy Backos — author, art therapist, psychologist, professor and researcher, with 30+ years of experience — unpacks the evidence-based psychology behind creative living. Come for the science. Stay for the transformation.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Amy Backos
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    156
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Modern Creative Woman
  • Show Website
    The Modern Creative Woman

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