The Wilderness of Creativity

Lucy Colgan
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

If you are looking for fast hacks or viral growth tips, this is not the place! However, if you’re looking for depth, vulnerability and a sense of belonging while feeling lost or 'in between', then you have finally found your tribe! The Wilderness of Creativity is the platform for creatives, thinkers and dreamers to share their stories of survival. Through meaningful conversations with inspiring guests and gentle solo reflections, we will brave the wilderness of creativity together as a means to gain creative clarity, confidence and connection. Welcome to your next adventure!

  1. 2d ago

    Is social media working for you?

    Feeling overwhelmed by social media? Wondering what content to post, which platform to focus on or whether the algorithm is working against you? In this episode, I'm joined by Katie Shaw, founder of Shaw Socials and a trusted social media sidekick for small business owners. Katie helps businesses build an authentic online presence through social media training, content creation, masterclasses, and full social media management. We explore what's working on socials right now, discuss content creation tools like Canva and the Edits app, chat the latest trends and explore practical ways to build genuine engagement and community online. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refresh your social media strategy, this conversation is for you! I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below! Katie Shaw is the founder of Shaw Socials, helping small businesses navigate the challenges of social media with confidence and clarity. Through social media training, online masterclasses, content creation, and full social media management, she supports business owners in building an authentic online presence that reflects who they are. Katie acts as a trusted social media sidekick, helping to reduce the time, pressure, and overwhelm that often comes with creating content and showing up online. Whether providing hands-on support or strategic guidance, she works alongside her clients every step of their social media journey, usually with a coffee close by. Katie's Facebook page @ShawSocials on Instagram Katie's Website

    37 min

  2. Jun 18

    Am I in the wrong room?

    What does it really mean to live your brand? This week, Lucy introduces her new podcast 'In the Wrong Room,' designed to support Secondary teachers transitioning into Primary or EYFS settings. She shares her reasons for launching this new platform, how she continues to build a life and career that embraces multiple passions as proof that you don't have to be defined by one title, industry or expectation. You can listen to 'In the Wrong Room' here I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Mentioned in this episode: You Tube channel

    7 min

  3. Jun 11

    Are we being trained out of our creativity?

    Did you know NASA research found that 98% of children demonstrate 'creative genius' levels of divergent thinking, compared to just 2% of adults? What happens to our creativity as we grow up and can we get it back? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the science of creativity, why it appears to decline from childhood to adulthood and how we can reignite our creative potential at any stage of life. Joining us is AMC Newton FRSA, who shares powerful insights into creativity, neurodiversity, and the importance of treating creativity like a muscle that can be strengthened through practice. Together, we examine how childhood experiences, education systems, workplace culture and societal expectations influence the way we think, innovate, and solve problems. We also challenge the common belief that creativity is something we lose over time. Instead, we discuss how creativity often becomes underused and how intentional habits, play, curiosity, and experimentation can help us reconnect with it. Key Takeaways The connection between ADHD and creative thinkingHow LEGO® Serious Play® supports innovation, ideation, and self-expressionThe impact of education and social conditioning on creative confidencePractical strategies to rebuild creativity through play, curiosity, and experimentation I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below! The world's first creativity trainer. ADHD brain, loves the colour orange, playing with LEGO, knitting and artingAMC's Website Link to get on the IAF #Faciltiate2027 waitlist: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/iafenglandandwales/2169697 Also a link for anyone interested in signing up for the LEGO® Serious Play® & Neurodiveristy project: https://forms.gle/CjT8DGw3Gh3ts1Ne6 More information about LEGO® Serious Play® for anyone interested: https://www.lego.com/en-gb/themes/serious-play/background https://www.linkedin.com/in/amc-newton-orange/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/creative_orange_studio/ Website;https://www.creativeorangestudio.com/ Mentioned in this episode: You Tube channel

    49 min

  4. Jun 4

    What does it take to create meaningful change in the arts?

    This episode is a little different from the usual format! Earlier this year, I attended the Arts Education Conference hosted by Captivate Notts where I had the opportunity to speak with a range of artists, educators, cultural leaders and advocates about the future of arts education and the wider cultural sector. Rather than a single interview, this episode brings together highlights from those conversations, capturing the energy, ideas, and challenges being discussed across the field. As a first attempt at editing an episode built from multiple conversations, this feels like a snapshot of the conference experience itself, full of different perspectives and inspiring possibilities. Throughout the episode, we explore: The role of sector gatherings in fostering collaboration and connectionThe challenges and opportunities facing arts education todayHow access, funding, curriculum design, and community engagement continue to shape creative learningThe need for systemic change across arts and cultural organisationsWhat a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future for the arts could look like If you found this conversation valuable, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing the episode with someone you know! Your support helps more people discover these conversations and strengthens the wider discussion around arts education and cultural change. I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Find out more about the organisations and people featured in this episode: Stacey Moon-Tracy - Stacey's new play 'Critical Care' launches its UK tour at The Belgrade Theatre. Book your tickets now! Chris White (The Doodling poet) Caroline Rowland (Community Engagement Producer at NonSuch Theatre) Sarah Shemilt - STEP Fusion and outreach officer Katie Culbard - Programme Manager - Open Doors (Newark) Rachel Scanlon (Artist) Emily Minnett (Captivate Co-ordinator)

    19 min

  5. May 28

    What if your ‘little idea’ isn’t little at all?

    What if the creative spark you’ve been overlooking is the very thing that could change your life? In this episode, writer, illustrator and performance poet Chris White shares how saying yes to creativity took him from Derby to stages, schools and festivals around the world proving that imagination can open doors you never expected. From publishing his first book Bitey the Veggie Vampire to performing at renowned festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe and the Doha Book Festival, Chris shares the highs, challenges, and unexpected moments that shaped his creative career so far. We talk about building a creative life, finding your unique voice, and why curiosity, playfulness and persistence matter more than money (although it helps if you get paid!). I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below! Chris is a writer. illustrator and performance poet from Derby, UK. He has had many poetry and story books published since his first, 'BITEY THE VEGGIE VAMPIRE', in 2000. His books include 'THE A-Z OF COMPLETELY MADE-UP DINOSAURS' and ‘DON’T PUT DAVE IN THE MICROWAVE!’ Chris, or 'The Doodling Poet', as he is also known, has featured at many literary festivals, including The Edinburgh Fringe, The Edinburgh Book Festival, The Doha Book Festival, The Derby Poetry Festival, and The Cheltenham Book Festival. His poetry performances and writing and illustrating workshops have taken him all over the world, visiting schools in places such as China, Russia, Vietnam, Jordan, India, Germany, The Congo, and Qatar. Chris's Facebook page @mr_chris_white on Instagram Chris's Website Mentioned in this episode: You Tube channel

    37 min

  6. May 21

    Creativity saved me!

    *Trigger warning - some listeners might find parts of this conversation upsetting as we discuss baby loss. In part 2, we discuss the pressure to appear successful online, especially for introverts and the toll that can take on creativity and wellbeing. Amy also shares how creativity can become a grounding force during difficult seasons of life. If you or someone you love has been affected by baby loss, support is available and you’re never alone. Please consider visiting The Wilderness of Creativity Shopify store to purchase some merch, with 10% of all sales donated to Forever Stars to help support families through baby loss and bereavement. Thank you for listening, Stay wild x I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below!

    7 min

  7. May 21

    Can we be honest about this?

    Have you ever felt overwhelmed by comparison or the pressure to 'keep up'? In Part 1, special guest Amy Lord shares her journey as a self-employed mum, emphasising the importance of realistic expectations, authenticity and creativity in balancing work and life. This episode explores the pressures of social media, the value of listening over speaking, and how creativity can be a vital tool for resilience. I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below! Amy is an artist and has been a self-employed creative person for 17 years. She’s now exploring how to keep that going whilst juggling motherhood. Her new mission is to help as many mothers as possible stay creative and doing what they love through 1:1 mentoring, community support and group programmes. Her first beta group for Mama Reset starts on 28th January. Amy-lord.com @Amylordcreative on Instagram@selfemployedmamaclub Amy's Website Mentioned in this episode: You Tube channel

    19 min

  8. May 14

    Can self-improvement get in the way of self-discovery?

    Mental health is rarely simple or linear, and creativity can often reflect that complexity. In a world obsessed with productivity, it’s easy to lose sight of who we actually are beneath the pressure to constantly evolve. Sometimes growth comes from discipline and change, but sometimes it comes from slowing down long enough to notice what you genuinely enjoy and what you’ve outgrown. Maybe the thing you've been chasing was never really yours to begin with? Returning guest, writer and creative thinker Kay Sibson, joins me in the wilderness do discuss the 'messy middle' of creativity - the uncertain space between ideas, identity and growth. Together, we explore the tension between self-improvement and self-discovery, and invite you to question whether the constant pursuit of becoming 'better' can indeed disconnect us from ourselves instead of bringing us closer. Listen to Kay's first episode 'How to build an authentic brand' HERE and let us know what you think! I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below! Kay Sibson is a writer and creative thinker based in Montana. Her work explores self-trust, experimentation, and leaving room for the unknown while moving through change. @consultingkay on Instagram Kay's Website Mentioned in this episode: Like this show?

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

If you are looking for fast hacks or viral growth tips, this is not the place! However, if you’re looking for depth, vulnerability and a sense of belonging while feeling lost or 'in between', then you have finally found your tribe! The Wilderness of Creativity is the platform for creatives, thinkers and dreamers to share their stories of survival. Through meaningful conversations with inspiring guests and gentle solo reflections, we will brave the wilderness of creativity together as a means to gain creative clarity, confidence and connection. Welcome to your next adventure!

Information

  • Creator
    Lucy Colgan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan
  • Show Website
    The Wilderness of Creativity

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