Daily Creative with Todd Henry

Todd Henry
  • 0.0 (0)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Formerly The Accidental Creative. Being a creative professional should be the greatest job in the world. You get to solve problems, express yourself, bring something new into the world and you get paid to do it. What's not to love. Yet every day, creative pros face, tremendous pressure and uncertainty. The temptation is just to play it safe, surrender to distraction and settle for less than your best daily creative is about making sure that's not your story. Each episode focuses on a topic relevant to creative pros, like how to come up with ideas under pressure, or how the collaborate when you're overwhelmed, or how to lead your team and help them discover motivation. It's time to fall back in love with your work. Listen to Daily Creative wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe in the Daily Creative app at dailycreative.app.

  1. Why Hustle Culture Fails—and What to Do Instead

    4 DAYS AGO

    Why Hustle Culture Fails—and What to Do Instead

    In this episode, we explore what it takes to sustain creative leadership—not just for the next launch, but through the marathon of a meaningful career. We sit down with serial entrepreneur and author Chris Ducker to dig deep into his philosophy from his new book, "The Long Haul Leader," where he shares battle-tested frameworks for combating burnout and resisting the relentless drive of hustle culture. We reflect on how our culture glorifies quick wins and non-stop hustle at the expense of our health, relationships, and lasting impact. Chris opens up about his own struggle with severe burnout during the pandemic, describing the pivotal moment he realized he’d lost touch with what truly made him “him.” We discuss practical strategies that allowed him to recover, including building what he calls a Life Operating System (Life OS)—a set of rhythms and habits designed to make leadership and creative work sustainable for the long haul. We also highlight the importance of focusing on the right “who” as leaders, and why serving the right people makes all the difference. Together, we offer a smart, honest take on how to build resilience, manage energy, and stay effectively creative without losing yourself to exhaustion. Five Key Learnings from This Episode: Sustainability beats constant hustle: Hard work matters, but treating hustle as a perpetual lifestyle leads to burnout. Purposeful sprints are powerful only when surrounded by practices that let you recover and refocus.Breaking points clarify priorities: Real change often follows a crisis—those moments of total exhaustion or loss of purpose—but transformation only happens when you intentionally respond, not just notice the warning signs.Design your Life OS: Just like computers have operating systems, leaders need intentional frameworks for health, learning, energizing relationships, meaningful work, and hobbies—layering small “micro moves” for a compounding impact over time.Serve your real audience: Lasting fulfillment and greater impact come from identifying and serving those you’re best equipped to help, not by trying to please everyone or chasing external validation.Burnout is not just part of the job: Chronic fatigue, disengagement, and emptiness are signals that something fundamental needs to change. Effective creative leadership means spotting the signals early and course-correcting—not waiting for a blow-up. Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com. Mentioned in this episode: The Brave Habit is available now My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.

    17 min
  2. How to Turn Doubt Into Your Creative Superpower

    2 SEPT

    How to Turn Doubt Into Your Creative Superpower

    In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive deep into the concept of doubt as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and effective leadership. We explore a real-world story where doubt reshaped a project and led to a superior outcome, challenging our culture’s bias toward certainty and snap answers. Our guest, Dr. Bobby Parmar, author of Radical Doubt and professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, unpacks the neuroscience and psychology behind how we process uncertainty—and why embracing doubt can be a superpower for leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators navigating complexity. Together, we examine why most of us conflate intelligence with having the “right” answer, how our brains use doubt to signal that there’s more to learn, and why organizations need to shift from rewarding certainty to cultivating a culture of inquiry. Dr. Parmar breaks down the brain’s “trio” of systems—pursue, protect, and pause/piece together—and shows how effective decision-making requires moving beyond tunnel vision and quick fixes. We also discuss practical tools for reframing doubt, including leveraging four essential “lenses” (principles, consequences, character, and relationships) when making decisions. Through tangible examples and research insight, we reveal how the most creative and resilient outcomes often emerge when we pause, invite challenging perspectives, and courageously sit with uncertainty. Key Learnings from This Episode: Doubt as a Doorway: Doubt isn’t a weakness to hide—it’s a signal that more learning and better answers are possible. When handled well, doubt expands possibilities instead of narrowing them.The Brain’s Trio: Our brains switch between pursue (seeking reward), protect (avoiding risk), and pause/piece together (slowing down to learn) systems. Engaging the “pause” system is critical for creativity and wise choices.Four Moral Lenses: Effective decision-making requires balancing principles, consequences, character, and relationships—especially in complex or ambiguous situations. Relying on just one lens can create blind spots.Short-term vs. Long-term Thinking: Focusing only on immediate certainty often undermines long-term value and opportunity. Doubt helps us reframe decisions within a broader context, allowing for patience and creativity.Culture of Inquiry: The best leaders foster environments where questioning assumptions is safe and expected. Encouraging dialogue around uncertainty leads to stronger teams and more innovative solutions. Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com. Mentioned in this episode: The Brave Habit is available now My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.

    21 min
  3. Are You A Moment, or a Mountain?

    26 AUG

    Are You A Moment, or a Mountain?

    In this solo episode, we explore a profound question: Are we building our professional lives around fleeting moments, or are we becoming mountains—steady, enduring, and impactful over the long term? We reflect on the contrast between “moment makers” who chase applause and “mountain builders” who quietly cultivate trust, skill, and lasting influence through steady practices. We examine the cultural obsession with moments of sudden attention and why anchoring our identity or work to them can lead to instability. The episode offers thought-provoking guidance on grounding our creative efforts in durable rhythms, valuing depth over visibility, and making decisions today that will matter years from now. We end with a reminder that while moments energize us, only the mountains we build truly stand the test of time. Five Key Learnings from This Episode: Moments vs. Mountains: Moments of recognition are exhilarating but temporary; it’s the disciplined, unseen work that builds something lasting.Build Practices, Not Just Projects: Ongoing habits and rhythms—done even when no one is watching—anchor our work and sustain creativity beyond any single project.Value Depth Over Visibility: Focus on the substance and real-life impact of your work, rather than chasing surface-level attention or popularity.Think in Decades, Not Days: Cultivate patience. Prioritize decisions and actions that will leave you proud decades from now, not just tomorrow.Stay Grounded in Purpose: Root your passion in meaning and purpose, not applause, to remain steady through creative highs and lows. Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com. Mentioned in this episode: The Brave Habit is available now My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.

    10 min
  4. Time Anxiety

    19 AUG

    Time Anxiety

    Why does time feel so slippery, especially for creative pros? In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of “time anxiety”—that restless sense that we’re running out of time or not spending our hours on what really matters. We’re joined by Chris Guillebeau, author of the book Time Anxiety, who brings a fresh lens to how we experience time, how our anxieties about it span past, present, and future—and why productivity hacks alone will never be enough. We dig into the difference between optimizing and aligning our time, the dangers of chasing phantom deadlines, and why so much of our stress comes not from the clock itself but from unresolved tensions and borrowed definitions of success. Together, we share practical tactics to help you shift from a reactive, urgent default to a more intentional, aligned creative life. If you’ve caught yourself sprinting but never arriving, or if you’ve ever felt that low-grade hum of anxiety about how you’re spending your days—this conversation is for you. Five Key Learnings: Time anxiety spans the past, present, and future. It’s not just about feeling overwhelmed day-to-day—it’s also about lingering regrets, future uncertainties, and the ever-present sense of the clock ticking down.Optimization isn’t the solution—alignment is. You can’t “efficiency” your way out of anxiety. The real answer? Align your time with your values, priorities, and the impact you want to have.Phantom deadlines and borrowed benchmarks create false pressure. Much of our anxiety comes from arbitrary timelines based on outliers or cultural expectations. True progress comes from setting your own standards and constraints.Not everything urgent is important. Creative work demands space for what matters. Protecting time for meaningful—and even non-urgent—work is essential to breaking the cycle of anxiety.Self-awareness is the starting point. Pay close attention to how you spend your time and how it makes you feel. Notice unresolved tensions, distinguish between energizing and draining activities, and let those insights guide your daily choices. Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com. Mentioned in this episode: The Brave Habit is available now My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com. To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

    24 min
  5. Lessons From Future You: How To Use Distancing To Unlock Brilliant Ideas

    12 AUG

    Lessons From Future You: How To Use Distancing To Unlock Brilliant Ideas

    Episode E71 – Distancing In this episode, we dive into one of creativity and leadership’s most overlooked superpowers: the ability to distance ourselves from our own immediate experience. We explore why our best work rarely happens by accident—it’s a result of disciplined, intentional decisions made from a broader perspective. We sit down with former nuclear submarine commander and bestselling author L. David Marquet, whose latest book, Distancing, unpacks the science and practice of decision-making from outside the narrow lens of our “immersed self.” Together, we examine why it’s so difficult to see beyond our own biases, emotional investments, and routines, and what it looks like to make choices for the legacy we actually want. Through practical stories—from creative team roadblocks to how Jeff Bezos made his leap away from Wall Street—we learn tactical ways to step outside ourselves and consider decisions from our future self’s vantage point. Marquet explains how to escape the trap of defending past choices and why adopting the perspective of someone else, somewhere else, or sometime else can unlock breakthrough clarity—especially under pressure. Five key learnings from the episode: Your Default Perspective Is Limiting: Our natural state is to experience life “locked behind our own eyeballs,” which distorts decision-making and binds us to short-term thinking.Distancing Is a Learnable Skill: By shifting perspective—adopting the point of view of our future self, a replacement, or a distant observer—we can challenge the baggage of our past choices and see new possibilities.Regret as a Catalyst: Imagining what your 80-year-old self will wish you had done can help you minimize regret and act courageously in the present, rather than succumbing to inertia or short-term relief.Warning Signs You’re Too Immersed: Moments of feedback, unexpected events, or high pressure can signal you’re making decisions from a defensive and self-centered state—when you’re most likely to prioritize safety over boldness.Simple Tactics Drive Distancing: Whether it’s journaling as your future self, asking what advice you’d give a friend, or physically changing your environment, even small shifts can provide the clarity to lead with intention rather than urgency. Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com. Mentioned in this episode: To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+. The Brave Habit is available now My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.

    22 min
  6. Cover Bands Don't Change The World (Inside The Creative's Mind)

    5 AUG

    Cover Bands Don't Change The World (Inside The Creative's Mind)

    In this episode, we explore the idea that “cover bands don’t change the world”—and what it really takes to move from remixing the familiar to truly original creative work. We discuss why so many creative professionals feel stuck in safe, derivative cycles, and how our obsession with mimicking proven formulas can prevent us from breaking new ground. We’re joined by Phil White—co-author of The Creative’s Mind—who shares stories of extraordinary creatives who managed to defy their circumstances, resist conformity, and persist even when the odds (and voices around them) told them to play it safe. From artists raised in poverty to film directors who battled crippling self-doubt, these stories reveal not just the necessity of originality, but the deep personal and community roots that underwrite bold creativity. Here’s what we unpack: Why originality demands courage, risk, and sacrifice—and why safe, familiar work rarely sparks real change.The role of community and supportive voices in nurturing authentic creativity, especially in the face of doubt or adversity.The Five Cs framework from The Creative’s Mind (courage, confidence, commitment, and more), describing the characteristics common to exceptional creators.The importance of embracing discomfort, defining your own voice, and protecting space for genuine innovation (rather than just churning out content or chasing approval).How small mindset shifts—like simple, personal mantras—can help us show up bravely for our work, even before we feel “ready.” Five key learnings from this episode: Originality is risky but necessary. Derivative work might get applause, but only original work has the chance to spark real change and shape culture.Vulnerability is a creative superpower. The rough, unpolished edges in our work are often what make it resonate—perfection isn’t the goal, honesty is.Community is fuel for bravery. Having someone who believes in you (even just one person) can make the difference between persisting or giving up.Creative confidence is built, not innate. Even the most successful creators wrestle with self-doubt; confidence is a skill to be trained, often one small act at a time.Commitment extends beyond the work itself. Doing the work is crucial, but sharing it, promoting it, and standing by it authentically are equally essential. Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com. Mentioned in this episode: The Brave Habit is available now My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com. To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

    23 min
  7. Blindspotting: Preventing Hidden Sabotage at Work

    29 JUL

    Blindspotting: Preventing Hidden Sabotage at Work

    In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the hidden forces that can derail even the most talented and well-intentioned leaders: blind spots. We explore why self-awareness isn’t just about knowing our weaknesses, but also understanding how our biggest strengths—if left unchecked—can turn into liabilities. We’re joined by Marty Dubin, executive coach, former CEO, clinical psychologist, and author of the new book Blindspotting. Marty shares his framework for uncovering blind spots across six key areas: motives, traits, emotion, intellect, behavior, and identity. Together, we discuss how habits and internal narratives can get stuck even as our roles evolve, and the vital importance of inviting honest feedback from those around us before it’s too late. We cover: Why our “super strengths” can turn into career roadblocksThe difference between our self-perception and realityPractical ways to spot and address blind spots as leadersHow to evolve our identity alongside our changing responsibilitiesCreating a culture of feedback and vulnerability within teams Five Key Learnings: Blind spots often stem not from our weaknesses, but from our overused strengths—like confidence becoming arrogance, or high standards turning into micromanagement.Marty Dubin’s six blind spot categories—motives, traits, emotion, intellect, behavior, and identity—offer a holistic way to self-reflect and adjust as our careers evolve.Our identity can easily lag behind our roles, causing frustration, stagnation, or even unintentional sabotage if we don’t let go of outdated self-concepts.Emotional reactions, especially those that surprise us, are powerful signals of possible blind spots tied to hidden motives or identity mismatches.Building a culture where others can “speak truth” to us—inviting honest feedback before problems arise—is essential for growth and effective leadership. Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com. Mentioned in this episode: The Brave Habit is available now My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com. To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

    20 min
  8. Chasing Likes: How One Button Changed The World

    22 JUL

    Chasing Likes: How One Button Changed The World

    In this episode of Daily Creative, we dig into the origins and unexpected global impact of the “like button” with business thinker and strategist Martin Reeves, co-author of Like: The Button That Changed the World. Together, we uncover not just the technical and historical story behind one of the internet’s most recognizable icons, but also how something so small has fundamentally rewired our ideas about validation, success, identity, and creativity. We explore the messy, iterative invention process behind the like button, dispelling the myth of the “lone genius” and highlighting the chain of small, serendipitous problem-solving moments that led to its creation. Through Martin’s research and stories—ranging from ancient Roman gestures to the algorithmic engines of the digital age—we examine how cultural symbols embed themselves in new technologies, how our need for validation can become a trap, and why creative leaders must be wary of chasing applause over substance. Finally, we reflect on how the very tools we invent end up shaping us, for better or worse, and what that means for our own creative paths today, especially as technologies like AI quickly raise similar questions about identity, taste, and agency. Key Learnings from This Episode: External Validation vs. Inner Conviction: When we start creating primarily for immediate recognition and “likes,” we risk losing sight of our core values and true creative voice.Messy Invention, Not Lone Genius: The like button didn’t come from a single visionary, but from a series of iterative solutions and small tactical problems—reminding us that progress often happens in unexpected, collaborative ways.Cultural Resonance Matters: The thumbs-up icon succeeded because it was already deeply embedded in culture, making the digital transition intuitive and frictionless for users.The Double-Edged Sword of Instant Feedback: While instant feedback can enhance connection and learning, it also reshapes our tastes, identities, and behavior—sometimes with serious unintended consequences for mental health, social norms, and democracy.Let Curiosity Lead: The most transformative creative breakthroughs often come not from rigid objectives, but from following curiosity and allowing projects to evolve organically. Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com. Mentioned in this episode: The Brave Habit is available now My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com. To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+. To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

    31 min
See All (78)

About

Formerly The Accidental Creative. Being a creative professional should be the greatest job in the world. You get to solve problems, express yourself, bring something new into the world and you get paid to do it. What's not to love. Yet every day, creative pros face, tremendous pressure and uncertainty. The temptation is just to play it safe, surrender to distraction and settle for less than your best daily creative is about making sure that's not your story. Each episode focuses on a topic relevant to creative pros, like how to come up with ideas under pressure, or how the collaborate when you're overwhelmed, or how to lead your team and help them discover motivation. It's time to fall back in love with your work. Listen to Daily Creative wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe in the Daily Creative app at dailycreative.app.

Information

You Might Also Like