Creatives Processing

Word of Mouth Creative
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Creatives Processing is the podcast where creatives reveal their process and process what it means to create. It illuminates the human journey behind creative work – where professional creatives share their authentic processes, struggles, and triumphs with a host who champions creative collaboration and kindness.

Episodes

  1. Creative Fuel: A 2026 Media Guide

    11/25/2025

    Creative Fuel: A 2026 Media Guide

    In this special episode, host Sarah Mulligan Williams shares recommendations from Creatives Processing’s 2025 guests—books, memoirs, and unexpected pieces of media that have genuinely shaped how these working creative professionals approach their craft. With the holidays approaching, think of this as both a gift guide for the creatives in your life and a way to prepare yourself for creative work in the new year. From David Byrne's theories on how environment shapes music, to books about overcoming creative resistance, to a wrestling match that's a masterclass in audience connection—these recommendations challenge conventional wisdom about where creative insights come from. --- KEY TAKEAWAYS Creative insights often come from unexpected sources—comedy memoirs, wrestling matches, and books about small business failures The common thread through all recommendations is intentionality and creating deliberate practices Creative growth is practical: expose yourself to different ways of thinking and find tactics that work for your brain Sometimes the best creative education comes from learning how other art forms solve problems --- FEATURED RECOMMENDATIONS Music & Production Insights “How Music Works” by David Byrne Recommended by John Michael Rouchell 🎧 Listen to John Michael’s full conversation and highlights episodes Practical Creativity & Business Resources “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield Recommended by Craig Winslow 🎧 Listen to Winslow Studio’s full conversation and highlights episodes “The Artist's Way” by Julia Cameron “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero Recommended by Kira Corbin 🎧 Listen to Kira’s full conversation and highlights episodes Unexpected Wisdom “The Green Witch: Your Complete Guide to The Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and More” by Arin Murphy-Hiscock “Leslie F*cking Jones” by Leslie Jones Recommended by Lee Hedgmon 🎧 Listen to Lee’s full conversation and highlights episodes Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest at Backlash 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico Recommended by Eliana Mendez Listen to Eliana’s full conversation and highlights episodes Host Recommendations “The Sunny Nihilist” by Wendy Syfret “The Crossroads of Should and Must” by Elle Luna --- ABOUT CREATIVES PROCESSING Creatives Processing is the podcast that illuminates the human journey behind creative work – where professional creatives share their authentic processes, struggles, and triumphs. About the Host Sarah Mulligan Williams is a creative director and the founder of Word of Mouth, a creative studio where she helps mission-driven organizations tell their stories through strategic branding and design. She is a champion of creative collaboration and human connection & kindness. Connect with Creatives Processing Instagram: @creativesprocessing   Email: creativesprocessing@wordofmouthcreative.co   Website: wordofmouthcreative.co/creativesprocessing Share your unexpected creative recommendations with us—we'd love to hear what books, media, or experiences have influenced your creative work! Creatives Processing will return in 2026 with more conversations exploring the human journey behind creative work. --- CREDITS Produced and edited by Word of Mouth Creative Theme music by John Michael Rouchell

    28 min
  2. Highlights: Kira Corbin, prop/interior stylist and homewares entreprenuer

    11/18/2025

    Highlights: Kira Corbin, prop/interior stylist and homewares entreprenuer

    In this highlights episode, Creatives Processing host Sarah Mulligan Williams features three transformative insights from her conversation with prop and interior stylist turned homewares entrepreneur Kira Corbin, founder of ceramics line Standard Affair. Kira's evolution from commercial styling to launching her own product line offers essential lessons about creative service, adaptive resilience, and the irreplaceable value of human collaboration in an increasingly automated world. Between each highlight, Sarah reflects on how these insights connect to her philosophy of humanizing the creative process, offering practical guidance for creative professionals seeking to build meaningful work that serves something larger than themselves. Featured Highlights: Reframing Creative Collaboration - How approaching styling as service rather than self-expression creates better outcomes and stronger client relationships through collaborative problem-solvingPreparation Meets Pivot - Why thorough preparation paired with adaptive thinking transforms unexpected challenges into growth opportunities rather than creative failuresRelationships Over Efficiency - Kira's choice to work with an experienced developer rather than AI tools, and why investing in human collaboration creates stronger creative outcomes Connect with Kira Corbin: Instagram: ⁠@kiracorbin⁠, ⁠@standardaffair⁠ ⁠kiracorbin.com⁠⁠, ⁠standardaffair.com⁠⁠

    16 min
  3. In Conversation: Kira Corbin on Prop Styling, Creative Growth, and Launching Her Homewares Line

    11/04/2025

    In Conversation: Kira Corbin on Prop Styling, Creative Growth, and Launching Her Homewares Line

    Join us for a conversation with prop and interior stylist turned homewares entrepreneur Kira Corbin, founder of ceramics line Standard Affair. After years of perfecting the art of curating and arranging objects to tell stories for clients, magazines, and cookbooks, Kira embarked on a two-year journey to create something entirely her own. This honest conversation explores the evolution from creative service to creative authorship, covering everything from the meditative aspects of styling to the challenging realities of product development. Kira shares insights into her commercial styling process, the importance of cultural exploration in creative work, and why she believes human craftsmanship matters more than ever in an automated world. Whether you're a creative professional considering your own evolution or simply curious about what goes into creating beautiful objects, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creative courage, authentic growth, and redefining success on your own terms. Episode Highlights: How Kira’s high school exchange year in Argentina sparked a lifelong love of cultural exploration and language learning Her journey from graphic design student to discovering styling at Glamour magazine The transition from fashion styling to still life and food styling, and why she prefers the intuitive, meditative quality of prop styling The comprehensive process of commercial styling, from initial client briefs to on-set problem-solving Her philosophy that there are many right answers in styling Why she launched Pillar, her retail shop, and the strategic decision to close it after three years Working with a career coach to break circular thinking patterns and make intentional growth decisions The two-year development process for Standard Affair, including factory negotiations and the compromises between artistic vision and production realities Choosing Portugal for manufacturing: personal heritage, cultural craftsmanship, and sustainability innovations Why she believes creative work provides essential relief and beauty in people's daily lives The human element in manufacturing and why collaboration beats automation Connect with Kira Corbin: Instagram: @kiracorbin, @standardaffair kiracorbin.com⁠, standardaffair.com⁠

    1h 54m
  4. Highlights: Eliana Mendez, creative director/photographer/videographer behind Human Centric Media

    10/21/2025

    Highlights: Eliana Mendez, creative director/photographer/videographer behind Human Centric Media

    In this highlights episode, Creatives Processing host Sarah Mulligan Williams features three essential insights from her conversation with creative director, videographer, and photographer Eliana Mendez. Eliana’s approach to storytelling demonstrates how authentic integration of self and work, combined with genuine care for subjects and clients, creates more powerful creative outcomes. Between each highlight, Sarah explores how these insights connect to her philosophy of human-centered creative leadership, offering practical guidance for building sustainable creative practices that prioritize authenticity, empathy, and service over perfection and validation. Featured Highlights: Your Values ARE Your Value - How integrating your authentic self into your work creates more effective creative outcomes and builds lasting professional relationships What AI Can't Replicate - Why human empathy, emotional intelligence, and genuine investment remain irreplaceable in creating work that truly resonates Alignment Over Accommodation - Reframing client education as an opportunity to demonstrate value rather than defend worth, and how service-oriented approaches build stronger business relationships Connect with Eliana Mendez: Website: humancentricmedia.com Instagram: @humancentricmedia Want to hear more? The full conversation with Eliana covers their entire creative philosophy, from documentary-style production to redefining client relationships through authentic care. Listen here! Featured Highlights:

    17 min
  5. In Conversation: Eliana Mendez on Human-Centric Storytelling and Building Value-Aligned Creative Partnerships

    10/07/2025

    In Conversation: Eliana Mendez on Human-Centric Storytelling and Building Value-Aligned Creative Partnerships

    Portland-based creative director, photographer, and videographer Eliana Mendez has built their entire practice around a simple but powerful belief: genuine human connection is what makes media truly impactful. Working primarily with nonprofits and community organizations, Eliana has discovered how to turn their natural curiosity and genuine interest in people into their greatest professional strength. In this episode, Eliana shares how they moved from commodity-based photography to creating authentic visual stories that get to people's hearts and stick in their minds. This honest conversation explores how personal values can become your competitive advantage, the importance of thinking backwards from the life you want rather than forward from where you are, and why authentic human connection remains irreplaceable in our increasingly automated world. We dive deep into their unique approach to client relationships, their fascinating use of professional wrestling as a creative metaphor, and why they believe the future of visual storytelling lies not in perfection, but in humanity. Whether you're a creative professional looking to differentiate your work or someone interested in the intersection of authenticity and business success, this conversation offers valuable insights into integrating who you are with what you do. Topics Mentioned: Eliana’s journey from journalism to starting their own creative studio How mentors helped Eliana recognize their natural strengths as professional assets Using professional wrestling as a metaphor for creative process and improvisation Building a business around human-centric storytelling and authentic connection The importance of thinking backwards from the life you want to live How pricing and positioning decisions shape your client ecosystem Eliana's perspective on AI and what makes human creativity irreplaceable The value of imperfection and authenticity in visual storytelling Turning personal curiosity and empathy into professional competitive advantages Defining success on your own terms rather than external metrics The intersection of personal values and business strategy How authentic relationships translate into better creative work and business outcomes Connect with Eliana Mendez: Website: humancentricmedia.com Instagram: @humancentricmedia

    2h 6m
  6. Highlights: Lee Hedgmon, founder of The Barreled Bee and Portland's "honey alchemist"

    09/23/2025

    Highlights: Lee Hedgmon, founder of The Barreled Bee and Portland's "honey alchemist"

    In this highlights episode, Creatives Processing host Sarah Mulligan Williams features three key insights from her conversation with Lee Hedgmon, founder of The Barreled Bee and Portland's “honey alchemist.” Lee's approach to entrepreneurship—building a thriving business by being completely, unapologetically herself—offers lessons for any creative professional who's felt like their process doesn't fit the traditional mold. Between each highlight, Sarah shares how these insights connect to her own approach to creative work and the patterns she sees in entrepreneurs who build truly sustainable, meaningful businesses that can't be replicated. Featured Highlights: The Origin Story - The single moment in a friend's kitchen that led to an entire business, and why trusting authentic curiosity over market validation creates breakthrough work ADHD as Competitive Advantage - How Lee designed her entire business around how her brain actually works, turning perceived limitations into strategic strengths Testing Philosophy Beyond Efficiency - Why Lee tests products in laundromats and refuses production on bad mood days, prioritizing real human experience over conventional business wisdom Connect with Lee Hedgmon / The Barreled Bee: Website: www.thebarreledbee.com Instagram: @thebarreledbee Want to hear more? The full conversation with Lee dives much deeper into her journey, product development process, and entrepreneurial wisdom. Listen here!

    15 min
  7. In Conversation: Lee Hedgmon on Curiosity-Driven Entrepreneurship, Designing for Your Brain, and Building The Barreled Bee

    09/09/2025

    In Conversation: Lee Hedgmon on Curiosity-Driven Entrepreneurship, Designing for Your Brain, and Building The Barreled Bee

    Join us for an in-depth conversation with Lee Hedgmon, founder of The Barreled Bee and Portland's “honey alchemist.” What began with a single taste of honey in a friend's kitchen has evolved into a thriving business built entirely on curiosity, wonder, and the guiding question “I wonder what would happen if…” Lee's entrepreneurial journey challenges conventional business wisdom at every turn. Instead of market research, she follows authentic curiosity. Rather than hiding her ADHD, she's transformed it into a competitive advantage by designing systems that work with her brain instead of against it. From testing products in laundromats to refusing production on bad mood days, her approach to quality goes far beyond what most entrepreneurs would ever consider. This candid conversation covers the realities of building a business that integrates your humanity with your process, the power of designing work around your authentic strengths, and why the most irreplaceable businesses are built on relationships and intention rather than efficiency and scale. Whether you're an entrepreneur questioning traditional business advice, a creative professional seeking to honor your neurodivergence, or simply curious about building something meaningful on your own terms, this episode offers valuable insights into creating work that can't be replicated. Episode Highlights: Lee's transition from feminist studies PhD to craft brewing to entrepreneurship The challenges of being a Black woman in the brewing and distilling industry The pandemic pivot that created Buzz Stix - honey sticks that taste like cocktails Her unique product development methodology and “I wonder what would happen if” philosophy Designing business systems around her ADHD Testing philosophy that prioritizes real-world human experience Why emotional state directly impacts product quality Building relationships and knowledge that competitors can't copy Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and food product developers Connect with Lee Hedgmon / The Barreled Bee: Website: www.thebarreledbee.com Instagram: @thebarreledbee

    1h 44m
  8. Highlights: Craig and Jess Winslow of experiential light art studio, Winslow Studio

    08/26/2025

    Highlights: Craig and Jess Winslow of experiential light art studio, Winslow Studio

    In this highlights episode, Creatives Processing host Sarah Mulligan Williams features five powerful insights from her conversation with Craig and Jess Winslow, the light artist and creative strategist behind experiential light art studio, Winslow Studio. Craig and Jess’s approach to creative partnership offers lessons for any professional navigating the intersection of creativity, business, and authentic relationships. Between each highlight, Sarah shares her own perspective on how these insights connect to her approach to creative leadership and strategic design, offering practical guidance for building sustainable creative practices that honor both human relationships and business success.Featured Highlights: Setting Boundaries as Business and Romantic Partners - How Craig and Jess protect both their creativity and relationship through intentional systems and clear communication"No, But" vs "Yes, And" - Why successful creative partnerships need both visionary thinking and practical reality checksFake Internet Points and Reframing Creative Value - Jess's honest reflection on social media's impact on artistic practice and finding authentic measures of successBeing Present vs Chasing Achievements - The importance of celebrating progress and being fully engaged in the creative process rather than constantly rushing toward the next milestoneSetting Ambitious vs Achievable Goals - Craig's hard-learned lesson about creating sustainable momentum through realistic expectations and "layered victories" Connect with Winslow Studio: Website: www.winslow.studioInstagram: @hellowinslowstudio, @craigwinslow, @jayzombie

    18 min
  9. In Conversation: Winslow Studio on Building Light Art & Life Together

    08/12/2025

    In Conversation: Winslow Studio on Building Light Art & Life Together

    Join us for an in-depth conversation with Craig and Jess Winslow, the creative duo behind Winslow Studio, an experiential light art design studio in Portland, Oregon. After meeting in fall 2019 and weathering the early pandemic together, they transformed their budding relationship into both a creative and romantic partnership that's reshaping experiential art. Craig, a light artist and experiential director, and Jess, a photographer and creative strategist, discuss how they've navigated everything from working with major brands and museums to managing the challenges of being married business partners. This candid conversation covers the realities of running a creative studio, the importance of passion projects, and finding authentic success on your own terms. Whether you're a creative professional, entrepreneur, or simply curious about how art meets business, this episode offers valuable insights into building something meaningful together. Episode Highlights: How Craig and Jessica met in fall 2019 and built their creative partnership during the pandemic Craig's evolution from graphic designer to light artist and experiential director Jess's journey from Instagram employee to photographer to creative strategist Setting boundaries between personal and professional relationships as a married couple The "yes, and" vs "no, but" dynamic in creative partnerships Managing artistic integrity while meeting client expectations and budgets Building trust with clients through research and understanding their deeper needs The challenges of working on construction projects and managing timeline uncertainty How passion projects like Projecting West led to major career opportunities The evolution of problem-solving skills over 12 years in projection mapping Jess's relationship with photography and stepping away from social media metrics Redefining success beyond external validation and career milestones The importance of celebrating wins and being present in the creative process Setting achievable goals versus impossible standards for sustainable momentum Connect with Winslow Studio: Website: www.winslow.studio Instagram: @hellowinslowstudio, @craigwinslow, @jayzombie Projects Referenced: Brilliant! at The Neon Museum Las Vegas Pathways of Pursuit cancer gala installation Winchester Mystery House projections Futopia Murals at the Faena Hotel Educational winemaking installation at The Grove in McMinnville Oregon Projecting West Kickstarter project Light Capsules series Evel Knievel Museum (upcoming) Route 66 Centennial project Resources Referenced: “The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga CreativeMornings monthly breakfast lecture series Creative Lunch Club

    2h 11m
  10. Highlights: John Michael Rouchell, Grammy award-winning music producer, film composer, and songwriter

    07/29/2025

    Highlights: John Michael Rouchell, Grammy award-winning music producer, film composer, and songwriter

    This highlights episode distills three game-changing principles from Grammy-winning producer John Michael Rouchell that separate sustainable creative leaders from those who burn out chasing validation. Discover the Alfred Hitchcock principle that transforms how you approach every project, why constraints actually liberate creativity, and how shifting from ego-driven work to service-oriented collaboration becomes your competitive advantage. Between each insight, I share how these principles connect to my own work and the patterns I see in creative professionals who consistently deliver exceptional results. These aren’t abstract theories—they’re immediately actionable insights that reframe what it means to build lasting impact as a creative professional.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ For further exploration, listen to the full conversation with John Michael Rouchell for deeper insights into his creative process. Connect with John Michael Rouchell: Website: www.hereintheblueroom.com Instagram: @thatjohnmichael TikTok: @thatjohnmichael

    14 min
  11. In Conversation: John Michael Rouchell on Service-Oriented Creativity, Grammy-Winning Production, and the Power of Creative Constraints

    07/15/2025

    In Conversation: John Michael Rouchell on Service-Oriented Creativity, Grammy-Winning Production, and the Power of Creative Constraints

    Grammy-winning music producer, film composer, and songwriter John Michael Rouchell transformed his entire creative approach by shifting from seeking validation to serving others. After starting as a guitarist desperate for the right mentor and collaborator, John Michael realized he could become that missing piece for other artists instead. In this in-depth conversation, John Michael, who has worked on projects including Avery Sunshine’s Grammy-winning album “So Glad To Know You” to Disney’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, discusses how he developed his creative philosophy around Alfred Hitchcock’s principle of starting with human feeling rather than artistic expression. This candid discussion covers the realities of building a service-oriented creative practice, why constraints actually liberate creativity, and his belief that collaboration is “the most punk rock thing you can do in 2025.” Whether you’re a creative professional struggling with imposter syndrome, an entrepreneur building collaborative teams, or simply curious about sustainable creative leadership, this episode offers valuable insights into finding authentic success through serving something bigger than yourself.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Episode Highlights: The transformation from frustrated artist to sought-after collaboratorHow the void of missing mentorship became his creative missionThe Alfred Hitchcock principle for starting every creative projectWhy live performance skills can sabotage studio recordingsServant leadership lessons from working with Terence BlanchardCreating authentic New Orleans music for Disney's Tiana's Bayou AdventureThe collaborative process behind the Creatives Processing theme musicTranscendental meditation as creative practiceAI versus human art through the lens of GMO versus organic foodRedefining success from accolades to legacy Connect with John Michael Rouchell: Website: www.hereintheblueroom.com Instagram: @thatjohnmichael TikTok: @thatjohnmichael Media Referenced: “Catching the Big Fish” by David Lynch [book] “The Crossroads of Should and Must” by Elle Luna [book] “The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga [book] “Are Social Media Platforms the Next Dying Malls?”by Ted Gioia [article] “Vincent and The Doctor” - Doctor Who, Series 5, Episode 10 Projects Referenced: AverySunshine - “So Glad to Know You” (Grammy-winning album) Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland and Walt Disney World (Splash Mountain replacement) Creatives Processing podcast theme music

    2h 10m

  12. 07/03/2025

    Welcome to Creatives Processing

    Creatives Processing is the podcast where creatives reveal their process and process what it means to create. It illuminates the human journey behind creative work – where professional creatives share their authentic processes, struggles, and triumphs with a host who champions creative collaboration and kindness. Hosted by Sarah Mulligan Williams, creative director behind Word of Mouth Creative, a values-driven creative studio for change-makers and dream-havers. Follow on Instagram: @creativesprocessing Email: creativesprocessing@wordofmouthcreative.co All episodes at wordofmouthcreative.co/creativesprocessing

    5 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Creatives Processing is the podcast where creatives reveal their process and process what it means to create. It illuminates the human journey behind creative work – where professional creatives share their authentic processes, struggles, and triumphs with a host who champions creative collaboration and kindness.

Information

  • Creator
    Word of Mouth Creative
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Word of Mouth Creative
  • Show Website
    Creatives Processing