Creative Moonlighting

creativemoonlighting

Creative Moonlighting is a podcast hosted by Denise and Matthew Thornton and contains content designed specifically for independent artists who are striving to transition into building a full-time business around their creative talents. The series logs Denise and Matthew's collective journey as educators by day and independent creatives by night. Join as they share experiences with film, marriage, collaboration, and creativity in general. Creative Moonlighting is brought to you by Griffyn.Co Productions - a media company owned by Denise and Matthew. Feel free to contact us at DT@griffynco.com

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    Ep. 54 - Small Bites: The Creative Itch with Chad Peters

    The Creative Itch — Highlights with Chad Peters What happens when you’ve already built a successful career and a full life, but another part of you still wants to create? This special highlights edition of Creative Moonlighting pulls together some of our favorite moments from our conversation with Chad Peters — chiropractor, business owner, lifelong reader, and author of the historical novel The Lone Star Fair. Chad talks about realizing he needed a creative outlet outside of his professional life, becoming a beginner again after decades in another field, and finding ways to write around work, family, and everything else competing for his time. We also get into the unexpected question from his son that sent him down the historical rabbit hole behind The Lone Star Fair, the challenge of getting historical details right, learning the craft of writing through trial and error, editors, adverbs, revision, and the strange experience of losing hours inside a creative flow state. But the biggest idea may be the simplest: you don’t have to abandon the life you’ve already built in order to start creating something new. Start somewhere. Let it brew. Follow the curiosity. Get better by doing it. And eventually, put the thing out into the world. This is a condensed collection of highlights from our full conversation with Chad. You can hear the complete episode of Creative Moonlighting in the feed. Buy Chad Peters’ The Lone Star Fair on Amazon: CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Welcome to the Highlights Edition00:39 — Discovering the Creative Itch01:40 — What Does Success Actually Mean?02:46 — The Question That Sparked The Lone Star Fair04:15 — Finding Time to Create Around Work and Family06:27 — Becoming a Beginner Again08:16 — Research, Historical Accuracy & the Texas Hold’em Problem09:59 — Just Start — and Let It Brew11:26 — Finding Creative Flow12:18 — “You Can Do Both”12:53 — Editors, Adverbs & Learning the Craft15:08 — Put It Out Into the World16:03 — Redefining Creative Success16:46 — Final Thoughts with Chad Peters

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    Ep. 54 - The Creative Itch: Chad Peters on Writing, Work & The Lone Star Fair

    What happens when you’ve built a successful career, raised a family, and created a life you genuinely value, but there’s still another part of you asking to be used? In this episode of Creative Moonlighting, Denise and Matthew sit down with longtime friend Dr. Chad Peters, a Corpus Christi chiropractor, business owner, lifelong reader, and now six-time author whose newest book, The Lone Star Fair, takes him into historical fiction for the first time. ⁠Buy Chad Peters’ The Lone Star Fair on Amazon Chad’s writing life didn’t begin with a master plan. It began with the feeling that something was missing. Blogging became television appearances, nonfiction books became experiments in storytelling, and eventually a casual comment from his son while crossing the Nueces River sent Chad down a historical rabbit hole that would become The Lone Star Fair. The novel is inspired by Henry Kinney and the wildly ambitious 1852 fair staged in Corpus Christi, but the conversation quickly becomes about much more than the book itself. Chad talks about finding time to create while running a chiropractic practice and raising kids—sometimes writing in short bursts before work, sometimes dictating scenes into his phone while driving. He describes the strange freedom of becoming a beginner again after spending decades as an expert in another profession, and why trying things he isn’t already good at has become increasingly important to him. The conversation also digs into the craft itself: seeing scenes visually rather than as words on a page, learning from writers like Stephen King and Louis L’Amour, deciding when to follow feedback and when to trust your own taste, researching tiny historical details, killing a perfectly good Texas Hold’em scene because the game didn’t exist yet, and discovering just how many adverbs can hide inside a manuscript. They also wrestle with some bigger questions: Does creativity change when it becomes your job? Does every creative project need a conventional definition of success? How much should criticism shape the work? When should you cut something—and when does cutting too much remove the very thing that gives a piece its personality? Ultimately, Chad keeps returning to one simple idea: start. Put something down. Let it brew. Follow the rabbit hole. Make room for the creative part of your life instead of waiting for the rest of your life to disappear first. And maybe not every seed has to become a giant oak tree. Buy Chad Peters’ The Lone Star Fair on Amazon CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introducing Chad Peters00:53 — Twenty years of friendship & where the creative itch began04:39 — From blogging and TV to writing six books10:10 — What does creative “success” actually mean?14:14 — The accidental beginning of The Lone Star Fair16:34 — Writing around a career, business & family20:42 — Reading, influences & learning to see writing as craft22:30 — Does Chad see words—or a movie?25:49 — Becoming a beginner again28:08 — Building The Lone Star Fair as historical fiction32:42 — Research, accuracy & the Texas Hold’em problem35:50 — Henry Kinney and the Lone Star Fair42:18 — Advice for the person who keeps putting off creating45:22 — Flow state and losing yourself in the work46:49 — Could writing become the next career?49:25 — Creativity as part of a healthy life52:15 — The real family connections inside the novel56:00 — Denise’s five creative takeaways61:59 — Critics, editors, adverbs & getting better at the craft64:48 — Should you really cut everything that isn’t necessary?67:06 — Putting the work into the world68:02 — Success beyond sales69:29 — Closing thoughts & where to find The Lone Star Fair

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    Ep. 53 - You're Not Scattered; You're Layered w/ Julie Bonner

    Welcome to Creative Moonlighting — a podcast about building a creative life that actually works. Hosted by filmmaker Matthew J. Thornton and producer Denise Thornton, Creative Moonlighting explores what it really means to pursue your craft while navigating careers, relationships, and the realities of making a living doing what you love. From film and storytelling to business, entrepreneurship, and creative identity, the show is built for independent artists, filmmakers, and creatives who are not just chasing passion — but learning how to sustain it. Through honest conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and educators, we dig into the real questions: How do you turn your skills into income? How do you balance multiple creative paths? How do you build something meaningful without burning out? In Episode 53, we’re thrilled to welcome Julie Bonner, a designer, educator, creative entrepreneur, Adobe training expert, and advocate for sustainable creative careers. After meeting Julie at SXSW, where she appeared as an official speaker, we knew we had to bring her onto the show to share her wisdom on building a creative life with intention, flexibility, and multiple revenue streams. In this conversation, Julie joins Matthew and Denise to talk about what it really looks like to turn talent into income, blend multiple skills into one career, and build a professional life that does not depend on a single lane. From freelance design and teaching to product creation, art licensing, and entrepreneurship, Julie shares how she has built a career across five to six different revenue streams without burning out. She opens up about time management, networking, showing up, valuing your experience, and why this may be the perfect time for creatives to experiment, diversify, and build something more resilient. Julie also discusses the book she is currently writing, inspired by her SXSW talk, focused on helping creatives build careers from their multiple interests and passions. Connect with Julie: Website: juliebonnerdesign.com Instagram: @julieannebonner 📬 Connect with us: DT@griffynco.com MT@griffynco.com Produced by Griffyn.Co Productions #CreativeMoonlighting#JulieBonner#SXSW#CreativeEntrepreneur#MultipleIncomeStreams#FreelanceLife#DesignBusiness#CreativeCareers#IndependentArtist#Filmmaking#Podcast#GriffynCoProductions#ATXCreatives

  4. 05/10/2023

    Ep. 52 - Face Life Beautifully with Jean Acuna

    🌙 Today, we're thrilled to have Jean Acuna - our beautiful friend and most trusted skincare and wellness therapist - joining us. With her mantra "FACE LIFE BEAUTIFULLY," Jean has dedicated her career to helping people unlock their inner radiance and achieve optimal well-being. 🌿 Jean's expertise lies at the intersection of skincare and wellness, where she combines holistic practices and cutting-edge skincare techniques to reveal your natural beauty. Her insights are a beacon of light for anyone looking to rejuvenate their skin, boost their confidence, and embrace a healthier lifestyle. 🎧 Tune in as Jean shares her wisdom on listening to your body, nurturing your skin, enhancing your overall wellness, and, most importantly, embracing life's beauty at every turn. Connect with Jean: 📷 JA_SkinTherapy Get ready to face life beautifully with Jean Acuna, right here on Creative Moonlighting! As always, email us with questions and comments at:  DT@griffynco.com  Griffyn.Co@gmail.com   #Skincare #Wellness #Beauty #HolisticHealth #FaceLifeBeautifully #NaturalBeauty #SelfCare #HealthySkin #RadiantSkin #Podcast #CreativeMoonlighting #WellnessJourney #WellnessWednesday #BeautyTips #Mindfulness #HealthyLifestyle #SelfLove #Inspiration #BeautyFromWithin #PodcastInterview #griffyncoproductions #atxartists

    Ep. 52 - Face Life Beautifully with Jean Acuna

  5. 14/09/2023

    Ep.51 - The Art of Leadership with Luis Puron

    🎨 Episode Title: "Unveiling Artistry in Leadership with Luis Puron"   🎙️ Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Mr. Luis Puron, the brilliant mind behind the transformation of the Rockport Center for the Arts. Luis, the Executive Director, is a storyteller at heart, and we invite all artists to be inspired as we explore his unparalleled expertise in building relationships, fundraising, and his unwavering commitment to providing artists with the canvas they need to share their voices with the world.   🌟 Discover how Luis's upbringing, education, and career history have shaped his vision for the Rockport Center for the Arts, turning it into a vibrant hub of creativity and cultural enrichment.   💫 What sets Luis apart is his extraordinary ability to forge meaningful connections, and through his extensive network of artists, patrons, and community leaders, he has revitalized the arts scene not only in Rockport, Texas but beyond.   📈 Under Luis's 8 years of leadership, the Rockport Center for the Arts has witnessed impressive growth in membership, visitation (from all over the world), and funding. Learn how his commitment to fiscal responsibility ensures that every dollar is a step towards supporting the arts, a feat that is most impressive considering that the real transformation at the Rockport Art Center occurred after the destruction of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.    🎨 At the heart of our conversation is Luis's dedication to providing artists with a platform to shine. Explore how he fosters an inclusive environment that empowers artists of all backgrounds and disciplines to thrive. Through innovative exhibitions and collaborative projects, Luis ensures that the Rockport Center for the Arts remains a space where artists can truly express themselves.   🌎 This interview is a celebration of Luis Puron's extraordinary journey from a passionate art enthusiast to a respected leader in the art world. His work at the Rockport Center for the Arts has enriched not only the local community but also left an indelible mark on the broader arts landscape.   🔊 Tune in to this insightful and inspiring episode as we uncover the artistry in leadership and learn from the visionary, Luis Puron, who continues to shape the world of art and culture from the small coastal town of Rockport, Texas.   📲 Email with Questions / Follow us on social media:   Email: dt@griffynco.com Instagram: @creativemoonlightingpodcast   Visit www.rockportartcenter.com to see what is on the calendar!    #ArtistryInLeadership #Podcast #LuisPuron #RockportCenterForTheArts #Inspiration #ArtCommunity #CulturalEnrichment #LeadershipJourney #Creativity #ArtisticExpression #FundingForTheArts #CommunityEmpowerment #ArtWorldVisionary #RockportTexas #CreativeMoonlightingPodcastEpisode #ArtisticLeadership

    Ep.51 - The Art of Leadership with Luis Puron

  6. 07/08/2023

    Ep. 50 - Dr. Guy Harvey: Merging Ocean Research, Art, and Conservation

    Dive deep into the world of ocean art and conservation with our special guest, the renowned ocean artist, Guy Harvey! 🌊🎨   In this captivating episode, Denise and Matthew explore the life and work of Guy Harvey as he shares his extraordinary journey as an artist, teacher, researcher, and conservationist. Get ready to be inspired as we discuss a wide range of fascinating topics:   PART I:  Episode 49 🎨 Art & Inspiration | Kent Ullberg & Mentorship: Discover the creative process behind Guy Harvey's stunning marine-themed artwork. Learn how his love for the ocean has shaped his artistic vision and what inspires him to capture the beauty of marine life on canvas. We also delve into the special friendship between Guy Harvey and world-renowned wildlife sculptor, Kent Ullberg. Learn about their collaborative research, world diving expeditions, and their shared passion for marine conservation.   👕 Apparel & Branding | ©️ Copyright & Licensing: Discover the story behind the iconic Guy Harvey brand and its connection to marine conservation. Learn about the journey of turning art into apparel and how Guy's brand has become a symbol of passion for the ocean. Furthermore, get insights into the world of art copyright and licensing from the perspective of a celebrated artist like Guy Harvey. Hear how he navigates the challenges and opportunities that come with protecting his artistic creations.   PART II:  Episode 50 🔍 Research & Conservation: Join us as we explore Guy's tireless efforts in marine research and conservation. Learn about the groundbreaking initiatives he's involved in to protect and preserve our oceans and the incredible marine species that call it home.   Don't miss this incredible episode filled with captivating stories, invaluable insights, and a shared passion for our oceans. 🐢🌊   🔊 Listen to the full episode on your podcast platform of choice or view it (this is our first video podcast!) on our official Griffyn.Co YouTube Channel.   🖼️ Check out Guy Harvey's breathtaking artwork, shop for apparel, and learn more about the Guy Harvey Foundation at GuyHarvey.com   📚 Interested in learning more? Explore his collection of Books for Sale.   🌐 Learn more about Guy Harvey's Research Institute.    Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations with fascinating personalities making a difference in the world of art and conservation. 🌍🎙️   #guyharvey  #griffyncoproductions #creativemoonlighting  #OceanArtist #aquaticartist #Art #Inspiration #Research #Conservation #Copyright #Licensing #Apparel #Branding #WildlifeSculptor #KentUllberg #MarineLife #Oceans #MarineConservation #ArtisticVision #MarineSpecies #CreativeProcess #ArtCopyright #GuyHarveyBrand #MarineResearch #MarineFoundation #WildlifeArt #OceanConservation #MarinethemedArt #MarineArtwork #MarineWildlife #ArtandConservation #ArtistInterview #MarineConservationist #Art Licensing #OceanConservationist #GuyHarveyBooks #MarineArtistry #OceanWildlife #ArtandResearch #ArtandBranding

    Ep. 50 - Dr. Guy Harvey: Merging Ocean Research, Art, and Conservation

  7. 04/08/2023

    Ep. 49 - Dr. Guy Harvey: On Art, Inspiration, and Mentorship

    Dive deep into the world of ocean art and conservation with our special guest, the renowned ocean artist, Guy Harvey! 🌊🎨   In this captivating episode, Denise and Matthew explore the life and work of Guy Harvey as he shares his extraordinary journey as an artist, teacher, researcher, and conservationist. Get ready to be inspired as we discuss a wide range of fascinating topics:   PART I:  Episode 49 🎨 Art & Inspiration | Kent Ullberg & Mentorship: Discover the creative process behind Guy Harvey's stunning marine-themed artwork. Learn how his love for the ocean has shaped his artistic vision and what inspires him to capture the beauty of marine life on canvas. We also delve into the special friendship between Guy Harvey and world-renowned wildlife sculptor, Kent Ullberg. Learn about their collaborative research, world diving expeditions, and their shared passion for marine conservation.   👕 Apparel & Branding | ©️ Copyright & Licensing: Discover the story behind the iconic Guy Harvey brand and its connection to marine conservation. Learn about the journey of turning art into apparel and how Guy's brand has become a symbol of passion for the ocean. Furthermore, get insights into the world of art copyright and licensing from the perspective of a celebrated artist like Guy Harvey. Hear how he navigates the challenges and opportunities that come with protecting his artistic creations.   PART II:  Episode 50 🔍 Research & Conservation: Join us as we explore Guy's tireless efforts in marine research and conservation. Learn about the groundbreaking initiatives he's involved in to protect and preserve our oceans and the incredible marine species that call it home.   Don't miss this incredible episode filled with captivating stories, invaluable insights, and a shared passion for our oceans. 🐢🌊   🔊 Listen to the full episode on your podcast platform of choice or view it (this is our first video podcast!) on our official Griffyn.Co YouTube Channel.   🖼️ Check out Guy Harvey's breathtaking artwork, shop for apparel, and learn more about the Guy Harvey Foundation at GuyHarvey.com   📚 Interested in learning more? Explore his collection of Books for Sale.   🌐 Learn more about Guy Harvey's Research Institute.    Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring conversations with fascinating personalities making a difference in the world of art and conservation. 🌍🎙️   #guyharvey  #griffyncoproductions #creativemoonlighting  #OceanArtist #aquaticartist #Art #Inspiration #Research #Conservation #Copyright #Licensing #Apparel #Branding #WildlifeSculptor #KentUllberg #MarineLife #Oceans #MarineConservation #ArtisticVision #MarineSpecies #CreativeProcess #ArtCopyright #GuyHarveyBrand #MarineResearch #MarineFoundation #WildlifeArt #OceanConservation #MarinethemedArt #MarineArtwork #MarineWildlife #ArtandConservation #ArtistInterview #MarineConservationist #Art Licensing #OceanConservationist #GuyHarveyBooks #MarineArtistry #OceanWildlife #ArtandResearch #ArtandBranding

    Ep. 49 - Dr. Guy Harvey: On Art, Inspiration, and Mentorship

  8. 24/04/2023

    Ep. 48 - Erik Flores

    Welcome to Episode 48 of the Creative Moonlighting Podcast!  In this episode, we sit down with Erik Flores to discuss his journey as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, and the making of the band's debut album, Nothing to Escape. Tune in for exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes stories as we explore the band’s inspirational blend of folk, rock, and Americana.   Links: Fairbanks and the Lonesome Light's website: https://fairbanksandthelonesomelight.com/ Fairbanks and the Lonesome Light's Instagram Fairbanks and the Lonesome Light Facebook   Enjoy and as always, send questions and comments to DT@griffynco.com or MT@griffynco.com   #FairbanksandtheLonesomeLight #ErikFlores #NothingtoEscape #podcast #music #folkrock #Americana #storytelling #interview #behindthescenes #creativemoonlightingpodcast #griffynco #griffyncoproductions

    Ep. 48 - Erik Flores
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À propos

Creative Moonlighting is a podcast hosted by Denise and Matthew Thornton and contains content designed specifically for independent artists who are striving to transition into building a full-time business around their creative talents. The series logs Denise and Matthew's collective journey as educators by day and independent creatives by night. Join as they share experiences with film, marriage, collaboration, and creativity in general. Creative Moonlighting is brought to you by Griffyn.Co Productions - a media company owned by Denise and Matthew. Feel free to contact us at DT@griffynco.com

Informations

  • Création
    creativemoonlighting
  • Années d’activité
    2020 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    55
  • Classification
    Contenu explicite
  • Copyright
    © creativemoonlighting
  • Site web de l’émission
    Creative Moonlighting