Creative Conversations with Nina Lenton

Nina Lenton

I ask my guests "what does the word creativity mean to you?". We discuss creative expression and creative thinking - and all sorts of topics related to creativity. Why did I start this podcast? Because I believe we are all creative - and that it's what makes us who we are, our unique selves. I love finding out how people weave creative pursuits into their lives, how they come up with ideas, what sort of ideas they have, and how they feel about creativity and "being creative". My guests are self-employed, like me - some would call themselves business owners, some would describe themselves as freelancers - but all of them enjoy being creative and bringing that part of themselves into their working lives. creativeweirdness.substack.com

  1. 5d ago

    Series 3 bonus episode – summarising the podcast themes

    I ask my guests “what does the word creativity mean to you?”. We talk about creative expression and creative thinking, and how those show up in business. In this bonus episode, I talk to Jo Grubb, who does design and branding for charities. I wanted to record an episode that explains the story of this podcast, and looks at some of the common themes that have come up, as well as what I have learned from recording this podcast and what’s next. So in this episode we talk about: · Jo’s definition of creativity and how it shows up in her work · How the podcast started · What I wish I’d known when I started a podcast · What I have learned about the way people consume podcast content · Having lots of ideas · The creative process – letting ideas percolate · Working with others · Neurodiversity and creativity – in particular ADHD and also AuDHD · Organising tools – Trello, notebooks, apps · The good things that have come from creating a podcast · What’s next for this podcast About me I’m Nina Lenton, and I’m an “untangler” and coach, working with founders and freelancers who have a lot of ideas but aren’t making progress on the ones that matter to them. For more about me and my services and to sign up to my email newsletter, visit my website: http://ninalenton.co.uk/ If you enjoy my podcast and my posts, you might also like my books about creativity and freelance life. Things I Know About Creativity, Weird Penguin’s Thoughts on Freelance Life, and A Guide to Ideas in 22 Doodles. You can buy those here: https://payhip.com/NinaLenton About my guest To read more about Jo and her work, visit her website: https://jg-creative.co.uk/ Other useful information During the episode we mention Doing It For The Kids, which is a membership group for freelancers who are also parents. You can find out more about that here: https://www.doingitforthekids.net/ If you enjoyed this podcast You might also like my podcast Questions From Creative Minds, which features answers to questions from my 1:1 clients and business friends, who are freelancers and founders with a lot of ideas. Click here to find out more and to follow for updates. There are currently 7 episodes available, with more to come in July 2026. Creative Conversations podcast details If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please share, like, comment, review, rate - and tell other people! If you’d like to be a guest on a future series, please visit my website and fill in the podcast guest form: https://www.ninalenton.co.uk/what-does-the-word-creativity-mean-to-you/ You can catch up on previous episodes, subscribe for updates, and access new ones at the links below, and wherever else you access your podcasts. A transcript is available on the web version of Substack (not in the app). On Substack: https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/podcast On Spotify: On Apple Podcasts: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeweirdness.substack.com

    46 min

  2. Jun 18

    Series 3 Episode 9 - Frankie Tortora

    I ask my guests “what does the word creativity mean to you?”. We talk about creative expression and creative thinking, and how those show up in business. In this episode I talk to Frankie Tortora, who is a graphic designer and the founder of Doing It For The Kids, a membership community for freelancers who are also parents. We talked about creativity as problem solving, having loads of ideas and the power of community. Also mentioned are (in no particular order) gardening, music, Lego and the creative brain power involved in cooking. About me I’m Nina Lenton, and I’m an “untangler” and coach, working with founders and freelancers who have a lot of ideas but aren’t making progress on the ones that matter to them. For more about me and my services and to sign up to my email newsletter, visit my website: http://ninalenton.co.uk/ If you enjoy my podcast and my posts, please consider buying me a ‘virtual cuppa’ to say thank you, minimum donation £3 - you can do that here: https://payhip.com/b/ip9yw About my guest To read more about Frankie and the Doing It For The Kids community, go to https://www.doingitforthekids.net/ where you will find a link to Frankie’s graphic design website and to the DIFTK podcast. Other useful information During the episode we also mention Being Freelance, which is a membership group for freelancers run by Steve Folland. You can find it and the Being Freelance podcast here: Being Freelance https://www.beingfreelance.com/ Podcast details If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please share, like, comment, review, rate - and tell other people! You can catch up on previous episodes, subscribe for updates, and access new ones at the links below, and wherever else you access your podcasts. A transcript is available on the web version of Substack (not in the app). On Substack: https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/podcast On Spotify: On Apple Podcasts: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeweirdness.substack.com

    26 min

  3. Jun 11

    Series 3 Episode 8 - Leyla Alexander

    I ask my guests “what does the word creativity mean to you?”. We talk about creative expression and creative thinking, and how those show up in business. In this episode I talk to Leyla Alexander, who is a brand and web designer. We talked about how creativity shows up in her graphic design work and her music and how both have evolved, and chatted about her sea-inspired side project and her very funny Instagram reels. About me I’m Nina Lenton, and I’m an “untangler” and coach, working with founders and freelancers who have a lot of ideas but aren’t making progress on the ones that matter to them. For more about me and my services and to sign up to my email newsletter, visit my website: http://ninalenton.co.uk/ If you enjoy my podcast and my posts, please consider buying me a ‘virtual cuppa’ to say thank you, minimum donation £3 - you can do that here: https://payhip.com/b/ip9yw About my guest To read more about Leyla and her work, visit her website here: https://www.leylaalexander.com/ And you can find her sea-inspired creations here: https://you-are-the-sea.teemill.com/ Other useful information During the episode we mention Being Freelance and Doing It For The Kids, which are both membership groups for freelancers. You can find them and their podcasts here: Being Freelance: https://www.beingfreelance.com/ Doing It For The Kids: https://www.doingitforthekids.net/ Podcast details If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please share, like, comment, review, rate - and tell other people! You can catch up on previous episodes, subscribe for updates, and access new ones at the links below, and wherever else you access your podcasts. A transcript is available on the web version of Substack (not in the app). On Substack: https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/podcast On Spotify: On Apple Podcasts: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeweirdness.substack.com

    30 min

  4. Jun 4

    Series 3 Episode 7 – Charles Commins

    I ask my guests “what does the word creativity mean to you?”. We talk about creative expression and creative thinking, and how those show up in business. In this episode I talk to Charles Commins, who is a podcast producer, editor and event host. We talked about how he started his business by creating his own podcast, some of his creative habits and ways of capturing ideas, and how co-mentoring with another freelancer has helped him in his business. About me I’m Nina Lenton, and I’m an “untangler” and coach, working with founders and freelancers who have a lot of ideas but aren’t making progress on the ones that matter to them. For more about me and my services and to sign up to my email newsletter, visit my website: http://ninalenton.co.uk/ If you enjoy my podcast and my posts, please consider buying me a ‘virtual cuppa’ to say thank you, minimum donation £3 - you can do that here: https://payhip.com/b/ip9yw About my guest To read more about Charles, visit his website: https://vibrantsoundmedia.com/ Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlescommins/ Or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlescommins/ Other useful information During the episode we mention Being Freelance and Doing It For The Kids, which are both membership groups for freelancers. You can find them and their podcasts here: Being Freelance: https://www.beingfreelance.com/ Doing It For The Kids: https://www.doingitforthekids.net/ Podcast details If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please share, like, comment, review, rate - and tell other people! You can catch up on previous episodes, subscribe for updates, and access new ones at the links below, and wherever else you access your podcasts. A transcript is available on the web version of Substack (not in the app). On Substack: https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/podcast On Spotify: On Apple Podcasts: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeweirdness.substack.com

    31 min

  5. May 28

    Series 3 Episode 6 – Hanne Kristiansen

    I ask my guests “what does the word creativity mean to you?”. We talk about creative expression and creative thinking, and how those show up in business. In this episode I talk to Hanne Kristiansen, who is the founder of Creative ID. We talk about the relationship between creativity and artistic ability, the five creative styles framework she has developed and how businesses apply this – including how this can apply to freelancers and independent creatives. Creative ID is an evidence-based psychometric tool that identifies five distinct creative styles and helps individuals and organisations understand how they are creative, rather than how creative they are. About me I’m Nina Lenton, and I’m an “untangler” and coach, working with founders and freelancers who have a lot of ideas but aren’t making progress on the ones that matter to them. I’m a certified Creative ID consultant, offering 1:1 coaching and workshops for small teams. You can find some information about this on my website - and then contact me for further details including costs: https://www.ninalenton.co.uk/talks-and-workshops-about-creativity-and-productivity/ If you enjoy my podcast and my posts, please consider buying me a ‘virtual cuppa’ to say thank you, minimum donation £3 - you can do that here: https://payhip.com/b/ip9yw About my guest To read more about the Creative ID tool or to contact Hanne to explore using this for your organisation, follow the links below: https://www.yourcreativeid.com/ hanne@yourcreativeid.com Podcast details If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please share, like, comment, review, rate - and tell other people! You can catch up on previous episodes, subscribe for updates, and access new ones at the links below, and wherever else you access your podcasts. A transcript is available on the web version of Substack (not in the app). On Substack: https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/podcast On Spotify: On Apple Podcasts: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeweirdness.substack.com

    43 min

  6. May 21

    Series 3 Episode 5 – Duncan Catterall

    I ask my guests “what does the word creativity mean to you?”. We talk about creative expression and creative thinking, and how those show up in business. In this episode I talk to Duncan Catterall, who is a film-maker and animator. We talk about his work across 2D and 3D animation, including inspiration and managing ideas. About me I’m Nina Lenton, and I’m an “untangler” and coach, working with founders and freelancers who have a lot of ideas but aren’t making progress on the ones that matter to them. For more about me and my services and to sign up to my email newsletter, visit my website: http://ninalenton.co.uk/ If you enjoy my podcast and my posts, please consider buying me a ‘virtual cuppa’ to say thank you, minimum donation £3 - you can do that here: https://payhip.com/b/ip9yw About my guest To read more about Duncan and see some samples of his work, visit his website or his Instagram profile: https://www.dcfilm.com/ https://www.instagram.com/duncancatterallfilm/ Podcast details If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please share, like, comment, review, rate - and tell other people! You can catch up on previous episodes, subscribe for updates, and access new ones at the links below, and wherever else you access your podcasts. A transcript is available on the web version of Substack (not in the app). On Substack: https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/podcast On Spotify: On Apple Podcasts: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeweirdness.substack.com

    18 min

  7. May 14

    Series 3 Episode 4 – Tabitha Beaven

    I ask my guests “what does the word creativity mean to you?”. We talk about creative expression and creative thinking, and how those show up in business. In this episode I talk to Tabitha Beaven, who is an orchestrator of connection and choirs (and you will have to listen to the episode to find out exactly what that entails!) We talk about her musical background, how she creates spaces for connection through music, as well as her own music and book creations. About me I’m Nina Lenton, and I’m an “untangler” and coach, working with founders and freelancers who have a lot of ideas but aren’t making progress on the ones that matter to them. For more about me and my services and to sign up to my email newsletter, visit my website: http://ninalenton.co.uk/ If you enjoy my podcast and my posts, please consider buying me a ‘virtual cuppa’ to say thank you, minimum donation £3 - you can do that here: https://payhip.com/b/ip9yw About my guest To read more about Tabitha and her work, visit one of the links below: Crowd Choir - https://www.crowd-choir.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tunefultabitha/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabithabeaven/ Her book How To Detach From Anxious Attachment - https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Detach-Anxious-Attachment-Empowered/dp/B0FGS4PRNJ Podcast details If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please share, like, comment, review, rate - and tell other people! You can catch up on previous episodes, subscribe for updates, and access new ones at the links below, and wherever else you access your podcasts. A transcript is available on the web version of Substack (not in the app). On Substack: https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/podcast On Spotify: On Apple Podcasts: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeweirdness.substack.com

    29 min

  8. May 7

    Series 3 Episode 3 – Osmaan Sharif

    I ask my guests “what does the word creativity mean to you?”. We talk about creative expression and creative thinking, and how those show up in business. In this episode I talk to Osmaan Sharif, who is a strengths-focused business coach for established experts. We talk about figuring out your own path rather than following someone else’s way of doing things, how to maintain creative energy without constantly changing your business, and we also talk about the framework that he uses with his clients. About me I’m Nina Lenton, and I’m an “untangler” and coach, working with founders and freelancers who have a lot of ideas but aren’t making progress on the ones that matter to them. For more about me and my services and to sign up to my email newsletter, visit my website: http://ninalenton.co.uk/ If you enjoy my podcast and my posts, please consider buying me a ‘virtual cuppa’ to say thank you, minimum donation £3 - you can do that here: https://payhip.com/b/ip9yw About my guest Osmaan Sharif works with established business owners who are growing but sense that something about their approach doesn’t quite fit. Over the past 19 years, he’s helped hundreds of coaches, consultants & service providers stop following generic advice & start growing in a way that matches how they naturally operate. His approach draws on his experience as an Accredited Wealth Dynamics Consultant, Certified NLP Trainer & Master Coach - and centres on one idea that changes everything: different entrepreneurs grow in different ways. That’s the thinking behind his Entrepreneurial Superpower® methodology, which helps business owners find more flow, clarity & traction by growing around their strengths instead of against them. To read more about Osmaan and his work, visit https://www.osmaansharif.com/nina You can find out more about Wealth Dynamics here: https://www.wealthdynamics.com/ Podcast details If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please share, like, comment, review, rate - and tell other people! You can catch up on previous episodes, subscribe for updates, and access new ones at the links below, and wherever else you access your podcasts. A transcript is available on the web version of Substack (not in the app). On Substack: https://creativeweirdness.substack.com/podcast On Spotify: On Apple Podcasts: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit creativeweirdness.substack.com

    40 min
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About

I ask my guests "what does the word creativity mean to you?". We discuss creative expression and creative thinking - and all sorts of topics related to creativity. Why did I start this podcast? Because I believe we are all creative - and that it's what makes us who we are, our unique selves. I love finding out how people weave creative pursuits into their lives, how they come up with ideas, what sort of ideas they have, and how they feel about creativity and "being creative". My guests are self-employed, like me - some would call themselves business owners, some would describe themselves as freelancers - but all of them enjoy being creative and bringing that part of themselves into their working lives. creativeweirdness.substack.com

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