Create with Franz

Franz Sidney - The Art of Living

A podcast dedicated to sharing actionable steps we can take to improve our well being and mental health, so we can create the life we want!

  1. The courage to create: beyond the starving artist myth

    2d ago

    The courage to create: beyond the starving artist myth

    So, you want to be an artist. But there is a "but" here, isn't there? A chorus of internal voices holding you back: I'll never get paid for this. Nobody will like it. I don't have time. It isn't a "real" career. If you've listened to our previous conversations on the "autopilot" brain, you'll recognise these as the classic scarcity narratives—the mental traps that lead to analysis paralysis before you even pick up a brush. We convince ourselves that in a world of Canva and AI, the human artist is obsolete. But what if that's just a convenient excuse to stay safe? The solution isn't to wait for the fear to vanish, but to develop the grit to work through it. This is exactly what Tony Concep did. After earning his BFA in Film Animation and facing a string of rejections from design firms, Tony refused to accept the "starving artist" script. Instead,   In this frank and inspiring chat, Tony outlines the exact steps he took to unmask cultural erasure and preserve his creative identity through multidimensional art. You will learn how he balances intuition with a professional framework to produce meaningful work that stands out in a crowded digital landscape. Whether you have ten minutes a day or ten hours, this episode is a call to reclaim your creative gift and share it with the world. Sharing this conversation could be the very thing that helps a friend move from "paralysis" to "purpose." Topics covered How to overcome artist block, mindset for artists, Tony Concep, commercial art careers, breaking scarcity mindset, fine art vs commercial design, how to get hired as an artist, creative grit and determination, balancing intuition and structure, art as a career, overcoming fear of failure in art, professional artist networking   Find Tony here: Website: https://www.tonycncp.com/ Watch this episode here:  https://youtu.be/P7IXXF-BjBU   🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you!

    33 min
  2. Solving the ADHD Riddle with neurofeedback

    Jun 6

    Solving the ADHD Riddle with neurofeedback

    Have you ever felt that a diagnosis—for yourself or your child—was a definitive label of limitation? In the US and beyond, an ADHD diagnosis often arrives with a heavy cloud of fear: fear of academic failure, social struggle, and a lifetime of being "difficult." We fall into the autopilot habit of asking, "What is wrong with this person?" when the real question should be, "What is getting in the way?" The solution isn't found in a label, but in understanding how the brain processes information. This is the life's work of Dr. Connie McReynolds. With over 35 years of clinical expertise, Dr. Connie has seen the "impossible" happen—like the student written off as a "problem kid" and expelled, who, once his specific visual and auditory processing needs were met, became a top-tier mathematics student. In this episode, the best-selling author of Solving the ADHD Riddle explains why an ADHD diagnosis is a new chapter, not the end of the story. Dr. Connie breaks down her "Clarity Essentials®" framework, showing how precise, classroom-ready strategies and neurofeedback can help anyone from age five to ninety move from chronic overwhelm to consistent, confident performance. If you know a parent, teacher, or professional struggling to manage the stress of attention difficulties, please share this conversation. It is a potentially life-changing shift that proves when support matches the person, trajectories change dramatically. In this episode, you will learn: Why ADHD is often a mismatch between teaching and a person's visual or auditory processing style. How to move from "classroom disruption" to sustained engagement by identifying overlooked barriers. The science of retraining the brain's regulatory systems for lasting change. Why two people with the same diagnosis need vastly different strategies to succeed. How ADHD shows up differently in girls.   Topics covered ADHD strategies for parents, Dr. Connie McReynolds, neurofeedback for ADHD, visual processing disorders, auditory processing difficulties, Solving the ADHD Riddle, ADHD in the classroom, how to improve focus, Clarity Essentials framework, ADHD adult symptoms and solutions, retraining the brain, special education advocacy, overcoming learning disabilities, pediatric psychology tips, neurodiversity in the workplace.   For more information go to https://www.conniemcreynolds.com/ and https://www.clarityessential.com/ FREE self check: https://www.clarityessential.com/free-self-check Affiliate link to buy her amazing book: https://amzn.to/4dRRhwj 🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you! Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

    40 min
  3. Retraining the mind: Can VR stop youth crime?

    May 30

    Retraining the mind: Can VR stop youth crime?

    If you have listened to a few episodes of Create with Franz, you probably noticed how many times we mentioned that we often act in automatic mode, without much thinking, and we repeat the same mistakes over and over. You also learned that while habits are hard to break, change is possible for everyone. This is particularly important when it comes to those youth who, for various reasons, are embracing gang life, criminal behaviour, drugs, drinking, smoking and many other dangerous lifestyles that eventually lead into serious issues. What if the solution is to retrain their mind, so they don't easily fall into the same autopilot behaviors? Could this be cheaper and more efficient than sending them to prison, a revolving door from which many come and go as the learning has not occurred? The answer is yes and these are the premises that have informed Stuart Lane to cofound Virtual Decisions, a Birmingham-based organization that aims to empower youth to make well-thought decisions through the help of a blend of AI, Virtual Reality and acting. For over 30 years, Stuart has been on the front lines of youth issues—from homelessness to knife crime—using theatre and technology to help young people navigate life's most dangerous crossroads. Stuart casts young people in the same programs that are meant to protect them, ensuring that every accent, every bit of body language, and every 'perfectly imperfect' moment feels like the real world. Just as a pilot learns to react efficiently to any incident by repeating the correct actions over and over, they learn by practicing and repetition how to react in a safe way that will stop a cascade of wrong decisions and nasty consequences. If you have a friend of loved one who is struggling to stay 'clean' and to manage the stress of today's life but keeps falling into the same trap, please contact Stuart to find out more. This is a potentially life-saving program that I can see implemented world-wide to empower our youth to develop confidence in their capabilities despite a challenging environment. Sharing this episode can help someone get a much better life, using AI as a tool and keeping the human connection intact.   Topics covered: stop youth offending, mindset change, from criminal to good citizen, use VR for good reasons, how to rewire the brain, change bad habits, avoid crime with mindset. Stuart Lane. Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/xZD55akohe8 Feel free to find out more by checking these links: www.virtualdecisions.co.uk Trailers: https://youtu.be/Bindq0dQuNQ?si=n1jVaz-Rm5iwji1Y  https://youtu.be/DjXieclEs_I?si=026sTnMCpzk87N5q 🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you!

    35 min
  4. How to position your art in the age of AI

    May 23

    How to position your art in the age of AI

    Have you noticed how easily we fall into "panic mode" when we see technology evolving faster than we can keep up? Many artists and creators are currently operating on a high-stress autopilot, fearing that AI is coming for their livelihoods. We've been conditioned to think that if we just work faster or lower our prices, we might survive the digital shift. But what if the "race to the bottom" is a habit we can break? What if the real threat isn't the technology itself, but a lack of structure and a failure in how we position our mastery? The solution lies in shifting from being a "content producer" to a creator of transformational experiences.  This is the perspective Sylvia Barrero has championed throughout her 25-year career. From her early days as an artist to building a global art platform, Sylvia realized that the gap between a struggling creative and an international success isn't talent—it's access, narrative, and positioning. In this episode, Sylvia shares how she built a "Value Ladder" that allows art to be seen and truly valued without losing its soul. She explains how to move beyond the fear of AI by making your unique story, vision and process visible, building a high-trust brand that machines simply cannot replicate. If you are an artist feeling lost in the digital noise, or if you know a creative soul who is struggling to find their worth in a crowded market, this conversation is for you. Sharing this episode could be the catalyst that helps an artist stop producing "cheap content" and start building a sustainable, international legacy. In this episode, you will learn: Why visibility without structure fails and how to connect your work to global and local audiences. How to move from accessible entry points to high-value, intentional work. How to use technology to document your mastery and build long-term cultural relevance. Three practical steps to grow sustainably while keeping your artistic integrity intact. Topics covered: Art positioning, mindset for artists, Sylvia Barrero, creative economy, AI vs Artists, value ladder for creators, art business strategy, global art market, sustainable creativity, personal branding for artists, how to sell art online, make money as an artist, artist business plan, how to price my art, AI for artists, art marketing strategy, monetize your creativity, building an art brand, starving artist mindset, art career coaching, how to find art collectors, sustainable art business.   Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/PB_FqZeZZMc   Sylvia Barrero is anIndustrial Designer, a visual artist, and the Managing Partner and Co-founder of Elisium Art. Her purpose is to transform the art market "One Brushstroke at a Time", expanding access, empowering artists, and building meaningful bridges between creativity, innovation, and global audiences. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-barrero/ 🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you!

    35 min
  5. How to turn any art form into a business

    May 16

    How to turn any art form into a business

    "Art isn't just for the elite or the political mural; it is a tool for collective liberation and a sustainable career." Many creators believe that "true art" and business cannot coexist, leading to the "starving artist" trap. Jaelyn Singleton breaks this myth by sharing a strategic blueprint for transforming raw creativity into a sustainable professional venture. This conversation explores how to build a commercial structure around your passion without losing the soul of your work. We discuss the shift from being a "hobbyist" to a "founder" and the specific mindset required to price your human artistry in a crowded market. My guest reveals how to identify your unique value proposition and reach an audience that respects and pays for original human craft. Whether you are a painter, writer, or performer, this episode offers the practical steps needed to bridge the gap between creation and commerce. We will also tackle the issue of the "accessibility gap" and why the rising dependency on AI makes human-centered, communal art spaces more valuable than ever. Key insights from this conversation include: 🎸 The Educational Rebel's Path: How to navigate the space between "High Art" and community murals to find your own creative voice. 🎨 The Business of Art Immersions: Why hosting salons and workshops creates a "Reasonable Cost" entry point for consumers and a steady income for artists. 🕺🏽The 5-Step Launch Strategy: Jaelyn breaks down the SOLUTION for starting your own art venture: researching community needs, securing art grants, and mastering the "Soft Launch" vs. "Grand Opening."  👩🏾‍🎨Radical Hope vs. AI Dependency: Why the "Human Premium" of art lies in its ability to foster resilience, joy, and collective healing. Whether you are an artist struggling to price your work or a community leader looking to spark creativity, this conversation offers a practical blueprint for turning your passion into a sustainable movement.       Topics covered: how to start an art business, making art accessible, community art grants for beginners, how to sell my art, artist salon ideas, creative entrepreneurship tips, how to price art for community, art as a healing tool, overcoming creative blocks, starting an art workshop, how to do a soft launch for art, finding art grants, art vs ai value, how to host an art immersion, business ideas for artists, marginal community wellness art, educational rebel art, how to research community needs for art   Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/VYhd1ixVW_0 Find Jaelyn here: hunymother.org  and jaelynelizabeth.org

    35 min
  6. Forget qualifications: build on your invisible asset

    May 9

    Forget qualifications: build on your invisible asset

    "A CV is not a list of jobs; it is a story of capability." A CV is not just a list of jobs; it is a story of your capability. Most people believe a degree alone will get them hired, but in an AI-saturated market, academic theory is failing. In this episode, our guest reveals the invisible asset of emotional intelligence—the one skill a machine can never replicate. I learned about the critical misalignment between education and employment with Dr. Tamara Nall, a Harvard MBA and Global Leader in AI-Human Relationships Movement.  Tamara explains why your ability to read a room and lead with presence carries more weight than your GPA. We explore how to stop applying into the 'black hole' and start building a relationship map that advocates for your true character. Key insights from this eye-opening conversation include: Why community service, freelance work, and "warm leads" carry more weight than your GPA. How to stop applying into the "black hole" and start building a network that advocates for you with a relationship map. Why the way you spend your time after graduation defines the initial trajectory of your career. Why artificial intelligence can't answer the case-based questions that reveal your true values and character during your interview. Whether you are a recent graduate or a professional looking to pivot, this conversation offers a blueprint for turning your experience into a winning story of capability. Watch this on video: https://youtu.be/9Qfq2MfyKBg Topics covered: how to get hired, why can't I find a job, resume help for graduates, how to get an interview, professional networking tips, career change advice, building a relationship map, what recruiters look for, improving emotional intelligence, how to explain employment gaps, entry level job search, landing a job without experience, how to stand out to recruiters, resume writing for beginners, networking for introverts, career development strategies, how to use LinkedIn for jobs, overcoming job search burnout, expressing my value to employers Check out Tamara right here: www.junialegacy.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaranall/

    37 min
  7. Heal the high-pressure mind with poetry

    May 2

    Heal the high-pressure mind with poetry

    "We are drowning in prose, but we are starving for presence." We are drowning in prose, but we are starving for presence. Most of us left poetry behind in the classroom, but in a world dominated by data and AI, we are losing the language required to process our own internal lives. Today, my guest reveals why poetry is a biological circuit breaker for the high-pressure mind and how to find your human premium in the noise In this episode, we discuss the "humanizing" power of poetry with Robert Minicucci, a 25-year healthcare marketing veteran and Certified Listener Poet. Robert reveals why poetry is a biological "circuit breaker" for the high-pressure mind and how it fills a gap that logic simply cannot reach—especially for those of us not used to expressing complex emotions. Key insights from this conversation include: The Fountain Pen Filter: Why writing by hand is a "slow-thinking" tool that relaxes the body, and how the magic happens in the process, not just the final product. Process over Perfection: Why you don't need to write a "good" poem to experience a neural reset. The 15-Minute Morning Ritual: How to use simple prompts like "How am I feeling?" to regulate your nervous system before the "task-mode loop" of the day begins.   Whether you are a skeptic or a seeker, this conversation offers a practical blueprint for reducing stress and finding your Human Premium in the middle of the noise.   Topics Covered: The "Slow-Thinking" Pen: The physiological benefit of handwriting vs. typing. Emotional Regulation: Moving from "Task-Mode" to "Reflective Mode." The Listener Poet: Using compassionate presence to bridge the clinical void. Vulnerability for Professionals: Breaking the "nasty habit" of suppressing emotions. Morning Micro-Rituals: Simple prompts for daily wellness.   A quick aside on the quality of the video: You may notice some "environmental texture" in this recording. A classic Wyoming windstorm decided to join the conversation, causing slow internet and a low resolution for our video. While we can't always control the external chaos, we can use poetry to find our internal calm.  :)   Find Robert here: https://www.aminorpoet.com/   Topics covered: how to calm down, find inner peace, understanding my emotions, how to express myself, stress relief techniques, emotional burnout help, slow thinking tools, why am I overwhelmed, mindful writing prompts, how to process feelings, mental clarity exercises, dealing with high pressure, tools for emotional regulation, how to stop overthinking, creative ways to de-stress, understanding internal noise, wellness for professionals, healing through writing, how to feel more human

    37 min
  8. The invisible architect that changes your leadership in half a second

    Apr 25

    The invisible architect that changes your leadership in half a second

    Did you know that your biggest mistakes happen in the half-second before you even start thinking? Today, Andreas Reharso reveals how your 'predictive brain' secretly hijacks your judgment and the 10-second micro-rituals you need to stay in Creative Human Mode. In this episode, we discuss the "billion-dollar half-second"—the tiny window of time between a trigger and a reaction where leadership is actually won or lost. While we think we are analyzing facts, our nervous system is often already reacting, rationalizing a biological reflex instead of leading with intent. My guest, Andreas Reharso defines how the "predictive brain" can secretly hijack your judgment based on old baggage or morning stress. We define the "micro-rituals" needed to stay in Creative Human Mode and explore why mastering these micro-moments is the ultimate un-automatable skill in the age of AI. If you want to stop post-rationalizing your reflexes and start leading with true presence, this is your blueprint. Key Takeaways: Why traditional bias checklists fail in high-pressure moments. How your brain "predicts" reality instead of seeing it. The 10-second micro-ritual to rewire a threat response. Why "Human Presence" is the last remaining competitive edge. Quote: Our brain is not reporting the weather - it's the weather forecast!   Topics covered: Leadership blind spots, predictive brain, micro-rituals, cognitive bias, real-time intervention, executive presence, decision-making under pressure, human premium, nervous system regulation, split-second judgment, subconscious triggers, professional resilience, predictive episodes, trust vs. safety, post-rationalizing intuition, the cost of defensive leadership   Want to learn more about micro moments? https://www.micromoments-intl.com/   Who is Professor Andreas Raharso? He is an innovation strategist, author, and Next Practice Program Director at NUS Business School.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasraharso/   Watch this interview here:  https://youtu.be/mQwEIy49nxc

    35 min
5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

A podcast dedicated to sharing actionable steps we can take to improve our well being and mental health, so we can create the life we want!