Building Thinkers: Accessible Blueprints for Learning & Life

Tracy Clark
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Building Thinkers is based on the realization that there is exponential potential in the things we build, from mindsets and behaviors, to resumes and meal-plans, but sometimes insights and impact seem out of reach or overly complex. In the Building Thinkers podcast we will explore a wide range of topics (business, education, organization, habits, therapy, finances, research to name a few) unpacking the design, strategy, and details behind the things we build to create accessible blueprints for you to explore and apply to your own learning and life. There is no limit to what you can learn.

  1. JUL 18

    How Creativity Powers Better Leadership, Teaching, and Problem-Solving

    If you think creativity is just for artists, this episode will absolutely change your mind. I sat down with Cindy Burnett, an incredible creativity specialist, to dig into the real power of creativity, not just in art, but in how we solve problems, lead teams, educate others, and even take care of our own well-being. We talked about how science and art intersect in the creative process, how AI can be a partner in creativity rather than a threat, and why the environments we create (at home, at work, in schools) matter so much for innovation. Cindy also walked me through her five-step framework for bringing creativity into organizations, and let me tell you, it’s both practical and inspiring. Whether you think of yourself as creative or not, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to tap into a powerful tool we all have access to. Key Takeaways: Creativity is a mindset and approach to life. Bridging the gap between research and practice is essential. Creativity is vital for problem-solving in complex situations. Mindfulness and being present enhance creativity. Tolerating ambiguity is a teachable skill. AI can complement human creativity, not replace it. Creating a supportive environment is crucial for creativity. Integrating creativity into daily routines enhances engagement. Resources Mentioned:  Infusing Creating Thinking Into Higher Education by Cyndi Burnett & John Fitzgerald Cabra: https://creativityandeducation.com/product/infusing-creative-thinking-into-higher-education/  My Sandwich is a Spaceship by Cyndi Burnett & Michaelene Dawson-Globus: https://www.amazon.com/My-Sandwich-Spaceship-Creative-Thinking/dp/0984979557  More books: https://creativityandeducation.com/our-books/  Connect with Cyndi: Website: https://creativityandeducation.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndi-burnett/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyndi.burnett/  Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7b8fknEEI242RotQeKG1aA?si=7a3060c874f2444c  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvd6niIwmsf1Lce8V8jfXg  More About Building Thinkers:  I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build. And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved. If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

    28 min

  2. JUL 4

    The Productivity Reset You Didn’t Know You Needed

    You’ve been thinking about productivity all wrong, this episode will change that. I sat down with Steven Puri, a former Hollywood exec turned venture capitalist. Our conversation will change the way you think about creativity, leadership, and what it actually means to be productive. In this episode, we dive into everything from intelligent failure in entrepreneurship to the surprising role physical spaces play in innovation. Steven opened up about his company, Sukha, which is all about helping people find fulfillment and effectiveness in their work, and let me tell you, the way he breaks this down is incredibly powerful. We also explore how technology (yes, even AI!) can become your creative partner, how pain can shape character, and why community and openness are essential to any meaningful work. If you've ever felt like you're doing "all the right things" but still not finding flow, this conversation is the reset you didn’t know you needed. I walked away rethinking not just productivity, but how we show up for ourselves and others, and I think you will too. Key Takeaways: Productivity is about the effect you have towards a goal. Leaders need to trust their teams to be productive remotely. Creativity often flourishes when individuals are allowed to monotask. Physical spaces can significantly impact creativity and productivity. The goal of work should be personal fulfillment, not just output. Focusing on three tasks increases productivity by 77%. AI should enhance human creativity, not replace it. Everyone has something great inside them waiting to be expressed. Community support can significantly boost individual success. Resources Mentioned:  Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Psychology-Experience-Perennial-Classics/dp/0061339202  Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299  Deep Work by Cal Newport: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0349413681/?bestFormat=true&k=deep%20work%20cal%20newport&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k1_1_9&crid=2AQG78SS0ZYBF&sprefix=deep%20work  The Net and the Butterfly by Olivia Fox Cabane: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735216770/?bestFormat=true&k=the%20net%20and%20the%20butterfly&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_15&crid=1PUJ3YOMYZLUC&sprefix=the%20net%20and%20the  Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy Edmonson: https://www.amazon.com/Right-Kind-Wrong-Science-Failing/dp/1982195061  Connect with Steven: Email: Steven@TheSukha.co  Website: https://www.thesukha.co/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri  More About Building Thinkers:  I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build. And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved. If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

    40 min

  3. JUN 20

    Simple Shifts That Level Up Your Podcast Game

    Podcast growth and longevity don’t happen by accident, they happen by design. I’m especially excited about this episode because I’m introducing you to someone who’s been behind the scenes of this show, our podcast manager, Alexis Archuleta. If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast, or want to make yours feel more aligned, you’re going to love this conversation. Alexis shares how she went from TV news to building a business helping entrepreneurs and creatives launch and manage sustainable, intentional podcasts. We talk about what really goes into making a podcast work long-term: asking the right questions upfront, building systems that support creativity, and letting go of perfectionism. Alexis gives great insights on starting with what you have and how podcasting evolves with you. Plus, she shares simple, actionable strategies that helped her clients grow and how small changes can lead to big results. Key Takeaways: Follow your curiosity; it keeps your spark alive. Recognizing the right time to hire a podcast manager is crucial. Perfectionism can hold you back from sharing your voice. There's room for your unique experiences in the podcasting space. Having a structured plan can ease the content creation process. Small changes can lead to significant improvements in engagement. Consistency and care in podcasting lead to success. Resources Mentioned: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726  Connect with Alexis: Website: https://alexisarchuleta.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archuletavirtual/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archuletavirtual/  More About Building Thinkers:  I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build. And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved. If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

    40 min

  4. JUN 6

    Think You’re Off Track? This Might Be the Sign You’re Not

    Ever feel like your story needs a rewrite? In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Kristin Hiemstra, and wow, what a conversation. Kristin's career journey is anything but linear, and she brings such a refreshing perspective on self-leadership and embracing the full spectrum of who we are. We talked about rewriting the stories we tell ourselves, moving through imposter syndrome, and owning our unique strengths, especially for those of us who consider ourselves multi-potentialites. What I loved most about our conversation is how honest and empowering it was. Kristin dives into how trial and error is not just okay but essential in discovering what truly lights us up. We also explored big, meaningful themes like creativity, regret, and parenting, how our childhoods shape the way we express ourselves, and how we, as adults, can help the next generation build agency and emotional intelligence. Kristin is working on an exciting initiative focused on personal power in education, and I think you’re going to be inspired by her vision.  Key Takeaways: The stories you tell yourself elicit emotions. Nothing is a failure unless you fail to learn from it. You need to lean into your unique value proposition. Creativity from childhood influences learning experiences. Regret can serve as a valuable teacher. Empowering children fosters independence and decision-making skills. Teaching emotional management is crucial for student success. Agency in learning leads to higher motivation and success. Resources Mentioned: How Children Succeed by Paul Tough The Case for Emotional Intelligence Education | TEDx Talk The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor The Power of the Myth by Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell Think and Grow Rich by Dale Carnegie Letters of a Scattered Brotherhood Thank and Grow Rich Pam Grout E2 (energy squared) by Pam Grout Connect with Kristin: Website: https://www.kristinhiemstra.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinhiemstra/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkristinh/  More About Building Thinkers:  I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build. And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved. If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

    44 min

  5. MAY 23

    The Myth of Limitless Potential

    I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mario Varvoglis, whose journey from Greece to becoming a thought leader in creativity and innovation is anything but ordinary. What really stood out to me, and what I think will speak to you, is Mario’s belief that creativity isn’t just this magical, spontaneous thing. It actually requires structure. That might sound counterintuitive, but trust me, the way he explains it will make you rethink how you approach your own creative process. We also dug into some big, personal questions about potential, timing, and the stories we tell ourselves. Mario shares why potential isn’t limitless and why that’s not a bad thing. There’s urgency to how we use our time, and embracing our limits can actually lead to more clarity and deeper transformation. We talked about perfectionism (hello, recovering perfectionists), the value of intentional pauses, and how to keep showing up creatively, even when life feels chaotic and AI is changing the landscape faster than we can keep up.  Key Takeaways Creativity requires both divergent and convergent thinking. Structure is essential for implementing creative ideas. Potential can grow but is also limited by time and biology. Accepting limits can lead to greater clarity and urgency. It's important to balance ambition with an understanding of our limits. There's an optimal timing for actions in life. Introspection is key to understanding personal direction. Resources Mentioned: Flourish by Martin Seligman Out of Our Minds by Sir Ken Robinson How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan Real Magic by Dean Radin Why You Should Define Your Fears Instead of Your Goals by Tim Ferriss | TED Do Schools Kill Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson | TED Connect with Mario: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-varvoglis-3885853  Website: https://mariovarvoglis.com/ , https://designdevie-dyl.fr/en/b2b/   More About Building Thinkers:  I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build. And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved. If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

    46 min

  6. MAY 9

    How to Talk to People You Don't Agree With

    If you're looking for an episode that challenges the way you think about leadership, personal growth, and the power of creating space for others, then you won’t want to miss this conversation. My guest this week is Emmanual Guillory, a passionate advocate for higher education and a leader in student affairs. We dive deep into his journey from higher education to advocating for meaningful change in the field, discussing how to build confidence, find purpose, and embrace the discomfort that leads to true growth.  Emmanual shares his insights on the importance of compassion and curiosity when connecting with people across differences, and how faith and self-awareness play a crucial role in reshaping our personal narratives. We also touch on the power of therapy, overcoming imposter syndrome, and intentionally rewriting the stories we tell ourselves to create lasting change. Key Takeaways: Confidence and purpose often begin with key moments of personal growth. Embracing curiosity and compassion, without judgment, fosters authentic relationships and progress. Inner work through therapy can lead to significant emotional and intellectual growth. Personal beliefs should be regularly examined and challenged to ensure they still serve us. Self-awareness and rewriting our stories are crucial for personal growth and resilience. Resources Mentioned: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel S.F. Heller The Birth Order by Kevin Leman The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Connect with Emmanual: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_eguillory/ More About Building Thinkers:  I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build. And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved. If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

    45 min

  7. APR 25

    What Every Aspiring Author Needs to Know About Ghostwriting

    In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, I’m joined by Meghan Stevenson, a talented ghostwriter and collaborator in the publishing world. Meghan takes us through her journey, from being a passionate reader to launching her own ghostwriting and editing business. We dive deep into the world of prescriptive nonfiction, and I pick Meghan’s brain about the importance of finding the right fit in publishing and the challenge of narrowing down ideas and niches for aspiring authors. We also talk about the power of focus in entrepreneurship, how each author brings their unique perspective to their work, and the myth of originality in writing. We touch on the differences between influencers and thought leaders and discuss how society views modern content creation and value. Throughout the conversation, Meghan and I explore the multifaceted journey of authorship, the realities of influencer success, and the ins and outs of the publishing industry. We break down misconceptions around writing a book, talk about the fear of success versus the fear of failure, and highlight the crucial role an author’s platform plays in achieving publishing success. We also dig into the emotional side of writing, the connection between identity and the desire to write, and share some book and podcast recommendations that have resonated with us both. It’s a conversation packed with insights for anyone interested in writing, publishing, and finding their place in the industry. Key Takeaways: Finding the right fit in publishing is crucial for authors. Not all ideas are suitable for a book. Focus can be broad, allowing for creativity within a niche. Judgment around money and work ethics is prevalent in society. Influencer success often requires immense effort and dedication. Fear of success can be more paralyzing than fear of failure. An author's platform is crucial for book sales and visibility. Successful authors focus on serving their audience rather than personal validation. Resources Mentioned: Take the quiz here: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/quiz  Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima Believe It by Jamie Kern Lima Rich AF by Vivian Tu The Briar Club by Kate Quinn Maintenance Phase Podcast by Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbs Connect with Meghan: Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson/  Podcast: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/podcast More About Building Thinkers:  I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build. And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved. If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

    49 min

  8. APR 11

    6 Powerful Tools to Transform Disruptive Behavior in the Education System

    I’m joined by AJ Crabill to talk about the evolution of education and how we can better empower students and schools to unlock their full potential. We dive into why curiosity should come before judgment when it comes to understanding student behavior and why teaching behavioral skills is just as important as academic ones. AJ shares some powerful insights from his own experiences and stresses the importance of giving students the right tools to succeed, all while tackling the systemic issues that too often affect marginalized students. We explore themes like communication, trust, and engagement in education, talking about how active listening and understanding student apathy are key to building connections. AJ also highlights the importance of student-led initiatives in developing leadership and pushing for more options in students' lives. By the end of our conversation, we call for a shift in mindset within the education system, one that’s focused on empowering both students and educators with the right tools and resources.  Key Takeaways: Students often lack the tools they need to succeed, leading to behavioral issues. Behavior should be treated similarly to academic skills, with a focus on teaching and support. Restorative practices can be more effective than punitive measures in education. Education systems must recognize and address the disparities faced by marginalized students.  Apathy in students often stems from a lack of trust. Connection and belonging are crucial for student engagement. Resources Mentioned: This Might Be the Real Reason Our Schools Are Struggling with AJ Crabill Our Tools They Deserve by AJ Crabill Connect with AJ: Website: www.StudentLedRP.org LinkedIn: @ajcrabill YouTube: @ajcrabill7 More About Building Thinkers:  I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build. And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved. If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

    39 min
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Building Thinkers is based on the realization that there is exponential potential in the things we build, from mindsets and behaviors, to resumes and meal-plans, but sometimes insights and impact seem out of reach or overly complex. In the Building Thinkers podcast we will explore a wide range of topics (business, education, organization, habits, therapy, finances, research to name a few) unpacking the design, strategy, and details behind the things we build to create accessible blueprints for you to explore and apply to your own learning and life. There is no limit to what you can learn.

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