Creative Chats podcast Mike Brennan

Welcome back to another episode of Creative Chats! 
I am beyond excited to have a special guest joining us, Diane Strand. 
Diane is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, marketer, speaker, and coach who helps entrepreneurs turn their creative passions into profitable businesses — as she did with her own business JDS Productions, a seven-figure media company creating engaging video content for organizations, people, and products.
In 2024, she is releasing the mindset-leadership book Creativ-Preneur, which details critical entrepreneurial steps such as creating a business concept, establishing your entity, working through challenges to level up, and how to leverage your money and marketing for success.
With her experience working on the production team for famous shows and organizations such as General Hospital, Friends, and The Walt Disney Company, Diane co-founded the JDS Actors Studio, which has launched 100+ mainstream actors and producers such as Corrine Massiah and Sierra Swartz.
Here are 3 key takeaways from our chat that I believe will resonate with all fellow creatives and entrepreneurs:
1️⃣ Embrace and Learn: Just like the internet revolutionized our lives, AI is the next wave of transformative technology. We shouldn't fear it, but rather embrace it and learn how to leverage its potential. Let's harness the power of AI to augment our creativity and expand our impact in the digital world.
2️⃣ DREAM Big: In her upcoming book, "Creativ-Preneur" Diane shares a powerful framework called DREAM – direction, realize, evaluate, action, and momentum. This framework provides practical steps to help creatives turn their passions into profitable businesses. Don't just dream, take actionable steps to make your creative visions a reality.
3️⃣ Inclusive Workforce: Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords. Diane firmly believes that adults with developmental disabilities are talented, loyal, and deserving of equal opportunities. Let's strive to create a more inclusive workforce where everyone's abilities are recognized and valued.
Stay creative and keep pursuing your dreams!
Connect with Diane:
https://jds-productions.com/
 
Order your copy of my book, Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again at www.MakeFunaHabit.com
 
Join the free Facebook community, "Daily Creative Habit," where you can connect with like-minded individuals and cultivate your creative journey. Make sure to subscribe to the "Daily Creative Habit" newsletter, delivered to your inbox, for inspiration and practical tips. And don't forget to grab your copy of the "Daily Creative Habit" guided creative journal, designed to ignite your imagination and help you develop a consistent creative practice.
www.DailyCreativeHabit.com

The Importance of Self-Reflection: "I think it is probably one of the most important things ever because if you don't know yourself, you're going to spend a lot of time, energy, and effort in places, doing things that are not aligned. And you're going to be frustrated, and you're going to have this sense of wandering your whole life and not really being able to put your finger on why." — Mike Brennan
On this episode of Creative Chats, I'm sharing a conversation I had with Lisa Robbin Young, host of the Creative Freedom show, where she asked me about my evolution as a creative person.
In this interview, I share some candid and raw storytelling, and along with Lisa Robbin Young's insightful commentary, our conversation will leave you inspired to embrace vulnerability, find your unique voice, and connect with others through your creative journey.
Here are 3 key takeaways from our chat that I think you'll find inspiring and valuable:
1️⃣ Follow your passion and purpose: My journey from graphic design to full-time ministry to being a creative entrepreneur reflects the importance of aligning your work with your passions and what truly fulfills you. Don't be afraid to explore different paths and make changes to find your own purpose-driven creative journey.
2️⃣ Embrace vulnerability and face your fears: I openly shared his struggles with depression and feeling invisible, emphasizing the importance of facing uncomfortable truths and fear in order to grow. Being seen and heard is essential for both personal and creative fulfillment, so don't be afraid to share your authentic self with the world.
3️⃣ Consistency and self-care are key: My daily art practice and journaling, as well as seeking therapy, were instrumental in my journey towards overcoming depression and finding motivation. Consistently showing up for your creative practice, even in small increments, can lead to significant personal and artistic growth. Additionally, prioritizing self-care, such as therapy, can provide the support and clarity you need on your creative journey.
 
Order your copy of my book, Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again at www.MakeFunaHabit.com
 
Join the free Facebook community, "Daily Creative Habit," where you can connect with like-minded individuals and cultivate your creative journey. Make sure to subscribe to the "Daily Creative Habit" newsletter, delivered to your inbox, for inspiration and practical tips. And don't forget to grab your copy of the "Daily Creative Habit" guided creative journal, designed to ignite your imagination and help you develop a consistent creative practice.
www.DailyCreativeHabit.com

"If you wanna be known for something, go find those communities, find where those people are, and be there consistently, show up and participate and comment, ask questions, provide value to people."
— James Quick 
Are you someone who welcomes change with open arms or someone who struggles with it? 
In the latest episode of Creative Chats, I had the pleasure of speaking with James Quick, a developer, content creator, and speaker who shared invaluable insights on the power of adaptability and the limitless potential of technology.
Here are three key takeaways from our conversation that can help you navigate transitions and thrive in an ever-evolving world: 
1️⃣ Embrace Technology, Embrace Opportunities: Throughout history, mankind has faced numerous technological changes. It's crucial to shift our mindset from fearing job loss to automation towards seeing it as an opportunity to expand our capabilities with AI. By being open to new possibilities and adopting a curious mindset, we can unlock endless opportunities for personal and professional growth.
2️⃣ Building a Personal Brand: Your presence and active engagement are essential steps towards building a strong personal brand. By consistently participating in relevant communities, adding value, and seeking out connections, you can rapidly grow your network and establish yourself as an influential voice in your field. Remember, your personal brand is your most valuable asset, so invest in it wisely.
3️⃣ Adaptability is the Key: In a world that's constantly evolving, adaptability is no longer just a nice-to-have skill – it's a necessity. Those who are willing to question what's possible, think outside the box, and continuously improve will thrive amidst change. Be open, be flexible, and be willing to learn. Remember, success comes to those who adapt.
Whether you're a tech enthusiast or someone who has no interest in technical terms, the innovations and creations of individuals like James Quick impact us all. Tune in to this inspiring episode of Creative Chats to gain valuable insights and unleash the power of adaptability. Keep evolving, keep learning, and keep pushing boundaries! 💡
Visit: https://www.jamesqquick.com/
 
Order your copy of my new book, Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again at www.MakeFunaHabit.com
Join the free Facebook community, "Daily Creative Habit," where you can connect with like-minded individuals and cultivate your creative journey. Make sure to subscribe to the "Daily Creative Habit" newsletter, delivered to your inbox, for inspiration and practical tips. And don't forget to grab your copy of the "Daily Creative Habit" guided creative journal, designed to ignite your imagination and help you develop a consistent creative practice.
www.DailyCreativeHabit.com
 

The Importance of Confidence in the Creative Process: "Invite someone else into your process. Have someone else that you can use as a sounding board who can help bring their taste to match your taste or maybe not even sometimes match it, but sometimes to challenge it. So that you can really be clear on what it is that you are aiming at, what quality you consider to be the standard and what you're willing to accept and not accept when it comes to what you're creating."
— Mike Brennan
I recently had the chance to watch a documentary on Amazon Prime about the making of Tom Petty's iconic album, Wildflowers. It was a fascinating deep dive into the creative process and the power of collaboration.
I couldn't help but draw some valuable insights from this documentary that I wanted to share with all of you.
🔑 Key Takeaway #1: Embrace Feedback: Tom Petty, a renowned artist with a string of hits, recognized the value of inviting someone else's feedback into his process. No matter your level of expertise, seeking out different perspectives can push your creativity to new heights.
🔑 Key Takeaway #2: Collaboration is Key: When Tom Petty teamed up with Rick Rubin, a record producer with a different musical background, they brought fresh ideas to the table. Their collaboration allowed them to create something unique and take their artistry in a new direction. Don't be afraid to work with others who have different skill sets or perspectives—they might just bring out the best in you.
🔑 Key Takeaway #3: Trust Your Taste: Rick Rubin's expertise wasn't in playing instruments or writing songs, but he had an incredible ability to recognize when a song reached its full potential. Trusting your own taste and artistic instincts is crucial in creating work that resonates with others.
Order your copy of my new book, Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again at www.MakeFunaHabit.com
Join the free Facebook community, "Daily Creative Habit," where you can connect with like-minded individuals and cultivate your creative journey. Make sure to subscribe to the "Daily Creative Habit" newsletter, delivered to your inbox, for inspiration and practical tips. And don't forget to grab your copy of the "Daily Creative Habit" guided creative journal, designed to ignite your imagination and help you develop a consistent creative practice.
www.DailyCreativeHabit.com
 

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship: "Many times you feel the high highs of the mountains and the low lows of the valley minutes, in between each other, days in between each other." — Rob Jelinski 
I had the pleasure of having Rob Jelinski as a guest on this episode of Creative Chats podcast, where we discussed taking risks, embracing opportunities, and the power of mentorship in the creative industry.
With 20 years of creative entrepreneurship, Rob brings a wealth of expertise (strategy, branding, marketing, & design) as he leads his award-winning, family of brands which encompasses Infinite Design Agency, Think Art Director, and more.
Here are some key takeaways from the episode:
🔑 Takeaway 1: Say "Yes" to the Opportunities That Scare You Saying "yes" to opportunities, even if they seem intimidating or uncertain, can lead to defining moments in your life. Don't let the fear of rejection hold you back. Embrace the unknown and see where it takes you.
🔑 Takeaway 2: Embrace the Unpredictable Journey Success isn't defined by one big opportunity that revolutionizes everything. It's a continuous process of growth, personal development, and building relationships. Embrace the ups and downs of your creative journey and recognize that each step is part of your unique path.
🔑 Takeaway 3: Champion Community Over Competition Competition can lead to negative behaviors and self-doubt. Instead, focus on building a supportive community of fellow creatives. Encourage and appreciate the work of others, ask questions, and learn from different perspectives. Together, we can elevate the creative industry and inspire each other.
 
Visit thinkartdirector.com and use the code "Creative Chats" for a 10% discount. 
See Rob's work at https://www.infinitedesignagency.com/
 
Order your copy of my new book, Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again at www.MakeFunaHabit.com
 
Join the free Facebook community, "Daily Creative Habit," where you can connect with like-minded individuals and cultivate your creative journey. Make sure to subscribe to the "Daily Creative Habit" newsletter, delivered to your inbox, for inspiration and practical tips. And don't forget to grab your copy of the "Daily Creative Habit" guided creative journal, designed to ignite your imagination and help you develop a consistent creative practice.
www.DailyCreativeHabit.com
 
 

"Everything slows down when you're at an event sometimes. If it's a well-run event, there can be this moment where nothing else matters except what is happening right in this space."
— Phil Mershon
 
In this episode, Phil shares his insights and experiences from creating new and unforgettable experiences for over 25 years, with experiences as a worship pastor and as the director of experience for Social Media Marketing World. 🎶💡
 
Here are 3 key takeaways from this enlightening episode:
1️⃣ Unleashing Your Creativity: Phil's journey showcases the power of creativity in designing engaging experiences. Regardless of your field, his insights on storytelling, thoughtfulness, engagement of all senses, and access to creativity and intellect will inspire you to unlock your own creative potential. 🌈📚
 
2️⃣ Harnessing the Power of Events: Not involved in event planning? Don't worry! Phil encourages visual artists, musicians, and creators of all kinds to think beyond their craft and consider the impact of events, both online and in person. Learn how you can leverage the communal experience of events to amplify the reach and impact of your work. 🎨🎶
 
3️⃣ The Art of Presentation: Phil's emphasis on the importance of presentation rings true for all creators. Discover how the way art is displayed and experiences are crafted can significantly enhance their impact and capture the attention of your audience. From “bricks to mortar”, learn how to design seamless experiences that leave a lasting impression. 🖼️🧱
 
Visit https://www.philmershon.com/signup/
 
 
Order your copy of my new book, Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again at www.MakeFunaHabit.com
 
Join the free Facebook community, "Daily Creative Habit," where you can connect with like-minded individuals and cultivate your creative journey. Make sure to subscribe to the "Daily Creative Habit" newsletter, delivered to your inbox, for inspiration and practical tips. And don't forget to grab your copy of the "Daily Creative Habit" guided creative journal, designed to ignite your imagination and help you develop a consistent creative practice.
www.DailyCreativeHabit.com