Create-Today with Beth Buffington

Beth Buffington
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Whether you see yourself as a seasoned artist, or you’re just starting to dip your toes into creativity, this podcast is here to show you how YOUR creativity can benefit your mental health, personal growth, and even professional success. Cool, right? Think of me (Beth Buffington) as your companion on a creative journey to unlock the magic of creativity in your day-to-day. I’ll be here, sharing stories, chatting with other creatives in the know, sharing tips, and laughs as we explore the real-world perks of getting and staying creative. Tune in, and let's journey into the wonderful world of creativity together!

  1. E113 Your Heart Needs Creativity Too (Food, Calm & Chocolate Included)

    5H AGO

    E113 Your Heart Needs Creativity Too (Food, Calm & Chocolate Included)

    Be Your Own Valentine: Creative Ways to Care for Your Heart!  February is Heart Month, and this episode is a gentle, creative invitation to care for your heart — with a new perspective about how to be healthier—using creativity.  In this episode of Create Today, Beth is joined by Healthy Aging Coach Lisa Murphy to explore how creativity, nourishment, and calm play a powerful role in heart health — especially for women. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why heart disease is leading cause of death for women — and why it’s often misunderstood. How women’s heart symptoms can differ from men’s (and why we tend to ignore early signs) Two foundational pillars of heart health you can start today: food and mood  Why heart-healthy eating is about adding more, not restriction The truth about anti-inflammatory foods and chronic inflammation How to “gamify” your meals by eating a colorful variety of plants each week Why fiber is essential for heart and gut health (and how much you actually need) Yes… why dark chocolate counts as a heart-healthy food 🍫 How chronic stress quietly damages the heart — even in otherwise healthy people Simple ways to lower stress through quiet, creativity, and nervous-system balance  Why creativity isn’t extra — it’s a daily form of emotional and physical care  This conversation is compassionate, practical, and deeply reassuring — a reminder that caring for your heart can feel kind, creative, and doable. ✨ This is Part 1 of a special Heart Health series. Next week, Beth and Lisa continue with movement and sleep. Resources: Reach out to Lisa Murphy, Healthy Aging Coach Get your complimentary session:https://www.lisamurphyllc.com/   Sylva Sessions Wellness Membership with Beth & Lisa: https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkout Register for Create-Today Membership! https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/2GB9xYBj/checkout Email Beth and let’s chat: beth@bdi-create.today The Create-Today Home Page: https://www.bdi-create.today Timeline: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:24 Understanding Heart Disease03:36 Heart Disease in Women05:45 Healthy Eating for a Healthy Heart09:39 The Importance of Fiber16:57 The Benefits of Dark Chocolate20:32 Managing Stress for Heart Health27:43 Conclusion and Next Steps

    33 min
  2. E112 Burned Out, Foggy, Disconnected? Your Brain Needs Creativity

    FEB 5

    E112 Burned Out, Foggy, Disconnected? Your Brain Needs Creativity

    If you want to feel better - CREATE!  Are you feeling exhausted in a way that sleep doesn’t fix?
Are you barely productive, and also feel disconnected, foggy, or burned out? In this episode of Create Today, Beth explores why creativity isn’t a “nice-to-have,” but a biological need for your brain, nervous system, and emotional wellbeing. As mentioned: When you're ready for guidance with your creativity!
Join the Sylva Sessions Wellness Membership:
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkout This episode is a deep exploration of science-backed facts about creativity— as well as an uplifting conversation about how small, everyday creative acts help you feel better — not by fixing you, but by supporting how your brain actually works (for the better!). You’ll discover: • Why feeling better is a brain regulation issue, not a personal failure • How chronic stress reshapes the brain — and why motivation disappears • What creativity does neurologically to calm the nervous system • How hands-on creative activities reduce amygdala over-activation • Why dopamine from creativity is different from dopamine from scrolling • How creativity supports emotional regulation, resilience, and focus • Why your brain doesn’t care if you’re “good” at what you create • The difference between creativity for wellbeing vs. creativity for performance • Why daily creativity (even a little while) compounds into real change • How to choose a creative practice that actually helps you feel better You don’t need talent.
You don’t need more time or money.
You just need permission and commitment. Creativity isn’t indulgent.
It’s foundational self-care for your brain! 🎨 Mentioned in this episode:
Sylva SessionsA space for creative wellness, nervous system care, and sustainable creativity Join the Sylva Sessions Wellness Membership:
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkout For Professional Artists - Register for Create-Today Membership!
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/2GB9xYBj/checkout Email Beth and let’s chat:
beth@bdi-create.today The Create-Today Home Page:
https://www.bdi-create.today Timeline: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:16 The Search for Wellbeing 03:05 Creativity as a Solution 05:17 The Biological Benefits of Creativity 06:35 Understanding Brain Function and Stress 09:02 How Creativity Engages the Brain 16:38 The Importance of Doing, Not the Result 19:35 Who Benefits from Creativity 21:20 Making Creativity a Daily Practice 27:55 Creativity as Self-Care 30:26 Conclusion and Call to Action

    33 min
  3. E111 - How to Care for Yourself When the World Won’t Slow Down with Health Coach, Lisa Murphy

    JAN 29

    E111 - How to Care for Yourself When the World Won’t Slow Down with Health Coach, Lisa Murphy

    When the World Is in Chaos, Self Care Is How You Can Survive. The world feels heavy right now. Breaking news. Extreme weather. Political tension. Constant alerts.
 Many of us are walking through our days with a quiet weight we can’t quite name — but we feel it in our bodies, our energy, and our creativity. In this grounding and timely conversation, Beth is joined by returning guest Lisa Murphy, healthy aging coach and trusted voice in whole-person wellbeing, to talk about what it means to take care of ourselves in a chaotic world. And, how simple things make a difference in how we deal with chaos. This episode is not about escaping reality — it’s about learning how to live well inside it. In This Episode, You’ll explore: • Why the world feels emotionally and physically heavier right now • How constant stress, news cycles, and global uncertainty impact our nervous systems • Why “making life easier” is a powerful form of self-care and resilience • How small, gentle shifts support long-term health • Why caring for yourself isn’t selfish, lazy, or optional — it’s necessary • How creativity helps us adapt, and stay human when the world feels harsh This conversation is a reminder that we don’t survive chaos by pushing harder —
we survive it by caring for ourselves better. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worn down and dazed by the noise of our world, this episode offers a simple perspective, and a gentler way forward. Reach out to Lisa Murphy - Get a complimentary session: https://www.lisamurphyllc.com/ Join Sylva Sessions Wellness Membership with Beth & Lisa:
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkout Register for the Create-Today Membership!
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/2GB9xYBj/checkout Email Beth and let’s chat:
beth@bdi-create.today The Create-Today Home Page:
https://www.bdi-create.today Timeline: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome - Lisa Murphy01:57 Discussing the Heaviness of the World 03:26 Impact of Social Media and News 05:59 Coping Mechanisms and Triggers 15:48 Healthy Aging and Self-Care Tips 24:34 Small Joys and Self-Care 25:36 Challenging Conditioning and Embracing Self-Love 27:20 The Importance of Hydration and Nutrition 30:17 Mindful Eating and Awareness 32:39 Incorporating Movement into Daily Life 36:36 Navigating Guilt and Setting Boundaries 41:34 The Ripple Effect of Self-Care 42:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement43:11 Learn about Create Today Offerings

    47 min
  4. Creative Fitness: How Everyday Art Strengthens Your Brain and Your Life

    JAN 22

    Creative Fitness: How Everyday Art Strengthens Your Brain and Your Life

    Your Creative Fitness is as important as being physically fit.  In Episode 110 of Create Today with Beth Buffington, we explore a powerful shift: creativity isn’t a luxury or a hobby—it’s essential mental fitness. In a world filled with breaking news alerts, political noise, extreme weather, and the constant pressure of perfection on social media, your nervous system is under daily strain. This episode explains how everyday creative acts can become a scientifically backed way to restore calm, focus, and emotional resilience. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why creativity is a form of mental fitness, not just self-expression • How simple creative acts trigger dopamine and support motivation and hope • The role creativity plays in calming the nervous system and lowering stress • How art pulls us out of fear-based thinking and back into the present moment • Why creativity helps protect your brain from burnout, anxiety, and overload • How everyday art supports emotional resilience during uncertain times • Actionable, realistic ways to add creativity to your daily life (even when you’re busy) • Why you don’t need talent—just curiosity and permission This episode is an invitation to step away from the noise of the world and reconnect with something steady, human, and healing—your creative instinct. ✨ Creativity isn’t about making something impressive.
✨ It’s about making yourself feel strong and whole again. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or creatively disconnected, this conversation will remind you that joy, calm, and clarity are still accessible—one small creative moment at a time. Join my Sylva Sessions Creative Wellness Membership:
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkout Register for Create-Today Membership!
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/2GB9xYBj/checkout Email Beth and let’s chat:
beth@bdi-create.today Tutorials and other resources at Create-Today:
https://www.bdi-create.today/almost-free-resources The Create-Today Home Page:
https://www.bdi-create.today Timeline:00:00 Introduction to Creative Wellness 00:27 The Impact of Modern Life on Our Attention 01:38 The Power of Creativity for Mental Fitness 06:05 The Science Behind Creative Practices 10:30 Creative Services and Memberships 12:31 Building a Daily Creative Practice 13:27 Tips for Consistent Creativity 19:49 The Importance of Play and Experimentation 21:05 Conclusion and Encouragement

    26 min
  5. E109 - Your Brain on Curiosity: It’s a Super Power That Builds Creativity, Health & Resilience

    JAN 15

    E109 - Your Brain on Curiosity: It’s a Super Power That Builds Creativity, Health & Resilience

    Curiosity is a SUPER Power you can use to be happier, healthier...and SMARTER! Knowing how to use curiosity as a creative tool — is a super power for your brain.
 In this episode, you will explore the neuroscience of curiosity — and why wonder builds creativity, resilience, and wellbeing.
 Stay to the end for 7 simple ways to live a more curious life starting today! Curiosity isn’t just a personality trait — it’s a brain-reshaping force you can harness. In this episode of Create Today with Beth Buffington, we explore how curiosity fuels your brain, your creativity, and your overall wellbeing. You’ll learn why curiosity helps you learn better, feel better, and stay creatively alive and joyful — at any age. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why curiosity softens rigid thinking and opens creative pathways • How curiosity helps your brain connect ideas in unexpected ways • The neuroscience behind curiosity, dopamine, and learning • Why scrolling and quick dopamine hits stimulate the brain — but doesn't help it grow • How curiosity builds neural pathways tied to memory, adaptability, and emotional resilience • 7 simple, realistic ways to live a more curious life (starting today) You’ll also discover how curiosity supports long-term wellbeing — not just momentary motivation — and why it may be one of the most underrated tools for creative and emotional health. ✨ Plus: You’ll realize that curiosity offers the benefits of dopamine with long-term payoff — not burnout. Join my Sylva Sessions Creative Wellness Membership:

https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkout Register for Create-Today Workshops!

https://www.bdi-create.today/workshop-events-calendar Tutorials and other resources at Create-Today:

https://www.bdi-create.today/almost-free-resources The Create-Today Home Page:

https://www.bdi-create.today Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Curiosity 01:43 The Power of Curiosity 03:45 Curiosity in Creative Problem Solving 08:34 Neuroscience of Curiosity 11:26 Healthy Dopamine vs. Fast Dopamine 14:52 Practical Tips for a Curious Life 20:08 The Importance of Curiosity Today 21:28 Your Invitation to Be Curious This Week

    24 min
  6. E108 The Story of So Loco
(Why All Women Need a Scream Pillow)

    JAN 8

    E108 The Story of So Loco
(Why All Women Need a Scream Pillow)

    E108 The Story of So Loco - Why Women Need Scream Pillows (and Creative Ways to Release What We Carry) Get ready for a powerful, honest, and unexpectedly joyful conversation about creativity, emotional health, and why sometimes… you just need to scream into a pillow. In this special episode of Create Today, Beth is joined by Laura Pagley and Sandra O’Neil, founders of So Loco, a women-led brand rooted in empathy, emotional wellbeing, and community. ✨ In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why creative release is essential for emotional health (and not something to feel ashamed of) • The story behind the So Loco • How creativity helped Laura and Sandra survive toxic work environments and reclaim their joy • Why confidence isn’t a prerequisite for creative courage • How imposter syndrome shows up — even for successful creatives • The importance of community, compassion, and not carrying life’s weight alone • How creative ideas evolve slowly — and why that’s a good thing This episode is for you if: • You’ve ever felt emotionally overloaded • You’ve questioned your confidence or creative path • You’re craving permission to release, rest, and reconnect • You believe creativity can be a form of self-care and healing How to Find So Loco and their products:
Laura Pagley & Sandra O’Neil — Founders of So Loco
Website: www.getsoloco.com
Instagram: @get_soloco
Facebook: So Loco 
LinkedIn: So Loco Offerings at BDI Create.Today
Join Sylva Session Wellness Membershiphttps://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkoutRegister to the Create-Today Workshops!
https://www.bdi-create.today/workshop-events-calendar Register for “Learn the Art of Procreate”
https://www.bdi-create.today/courses Tutorials and other resources at Create-Today:
https://www.bdi-create.today/almost-free-resources The Create-Today Home Page:
https://www.bdi-create.today As always, thank you for being part of the Create Today community. Stay creative, my friend.

    45 min
  7. E107 - Happiness & Health (today and tomorrow): The Compound Effect of Creativity

    JAN 1

    E107 - Happiness & Health (today and tomorrow): The Compound Effect of Creativity

    What if just a few minutes of creativity a day could shape your future happiness, health, and resilience? In this episode of Create Today with Beth Buffington, we explore the powerful idea of creative deposits—tiny, consistent creative actions that quietly compound into long-term wellbeing for “future you.” You’ll discover: • Why small creative habits matter more than occasional big projects • How creativity today supports tomorrow’s emotional health, stress reduction, and resilience • The neuroscience behind creative consistency and brain wellbeing • How daily creativity creates an upward spiral of mood, motivation, and mental clarity • Simple, low-pressure ideas for creative deposits you can start today • Why consistency—not talent—is the real secret to creative wellbeing • How present-you can actively support the wellbeing of future-you This episode is an invitation to stop waiting for “more time” or “more inspiration”—and start building your wellbeing through creativity that fits into real life. ✨ Your future self will thank you. Join my Sylva Sessions Creative Wellness Membership:
https://www.bdi-create.today/offers/TYb6qQtg/checkout Register for Create-Today Workshops!
https://www.bdi-create.today/workshop-events-calendar Tutorials and other resources at Create-Today:
https://www.bdi-create.today/almost-free-resources The Create-Today Home Page:
https://www.bdi-create.today Timeline:00:00 Introduction to Creative Deposits 00:41 The Power of Small Creative Actions 02:02 Understanding Creative Deposits 04:19 The Science Behind Creativity 07:31 Benefits of Creative Deposits 09:29 Implementing Creative Deposits 12:28 Creative Consistency and Community 17:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    19 min
  8. Understanding Your Past, Present, and Future Self – Makes You Healthier, Happier, and More Successful ⭐

    12/25/2025

    Understanding Your Past, Present, and Future Self – Makes You Healthier, Happier, and More Successful ⭐

    To Succeed —You need to understand YOUR past, present and future spirits. Creativity isn’t just self-expression—it’s a powerful path to health and happiness.
 In this special holiday episode, Beth explores how understanding your creative
past, present, and future can change how you feel—and how you live —and how you succeed. Learn more about how you can CREATE-TODAY: https://www.bdi-create.today/ Your creativity is powerful: What if one of the most effective ways to feel healthier, happier, and more successful is to better understand yourself—who you’ve been, who you are now, and who you’re becoming? In this holiday-inspired episode of Create Today, Beth shares how creativity supports emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience, and meaningful personal growth. This reflective conversation helps you reconnect with your creative identity—not as pressure or productivity, but as a form of self-care and self-trust and paths to your goals. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🌿 Why understanding your creative past builds confidence and emotional resilience 🧠 How reflecting on small creative wins improves mental health and self-worth 💛 The connection between creativity, happiness, and long-term wellbeing ⏳ What guarding your creativity may be costing your health and joy 🎯 How turning dreams into goals creates momentum and reduces overwhelm 🚫 Five common mindset traps that quietly block success and fulfillment ☕ A powerful visualization: meeting your future self and learning what truly matters ✨ Why creativity is not extra—it’s essential to a balanced, healthy life This episode is a gentle invitation to slow down, reflect, and choose a more nourishing creative path forward— to a better you. 00:00 Welcome and Holiday Reflections 01:13 The Influence of 'A Christmas Carol' 07:07 Exploring Creativity Past 17:16 Embracing Creativity Present 22:56 Envisioning Creativity Yet to Come 33:53 Meeting Your Future Creative Self 36:40 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes Offerings at BDI Create Today
 The Create-Today Membership & Coaching:
https://www.bdi-create.today/membership_coaching Register to Create-Today Workshops!
https://www.bdi-create.today/workshop-events-calendar Register for “Learn the Art of Procreate”
https://www.bdi-create.today/courses Tutorials and other resources at Create-Today:
https://www.bdi-create.today/almost-free-resources

    38 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Whether you see yourself as a seasoned artist, or you’re just starting to dip your toes into creativity, this podcast is here to show you how YOUR creativity can benefit your mental health, personal growth, and even professional success. Cool, right? Think of me (Beth Buffington) as your companion on a creative journey to unlock the magic of creativity in your day-to-day. I’ll be here, sharing stories, chatting with other creatives in the know, sharing tips, and laughs as we explore the real-world perks of getting and staying creative. Tune in, and let's journey into the wonderful world of creativity together!

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