Let's Chat Creative Pathways Podcast

Beth Bailey

Welcome to Let’s Chat Creative Pathways, a podcast where host Beth Bailey, artist and founder of Creative Pathways, interviews professionals from diverse creative fields to explore their unique journeys, challenges, and successes. Tune in bi-weekly for inspiring conversations and actionable insights into building a creative life. 🎨✨

  1. Jun 16

    EMILY PAYSON | Let's Chat Creative Pathways with Beth Bailey | EP33

    We are celebrating a podcast milestone today with our very first repeat guest, Emily Smith! Since she last joined us on Episode 23, Emily and I have had so much more to talk about. We dive right into her inspiring career transition from the corporate music world at Zildjian back to her entrepreneurial roots in live theater sound engineering. Emily shares what it’s like running sound for local South Shore theaters and schools, and why empowering the next generation of theater tech students is so important to her. We also have an honest conversation about the realities of creative motherhood—navigating mom guilt, carving out time for yourself, and realizing that you don't have to put your creative dreams on hold while raising a family. Finally, Emily gives us the inside scoop on her new original band, Safe Journey, and how returning to the studio has completely changed the way she listens to (and plays) music. What We Talk About: [0:00] Welcome back, Emily! Picking up where we left off in Episode 23. [4:20] Making the leap from a decade at Zildjian to freelance live theater sound. [13:30] The magic of teaching high school students theater tech and bringing pro sound to community stages. [26:10] Redefining success: Why touring globally isn't the only way to "make it" in the music industry, and the beauty of thriving locally. [37:50] Joining the band Safe Journey: Translating visual emotions into music with singer/songwriter Steph Larsen. [47:20] Why it’s never too late for adults to pick up an instrument or return to a creative passion. [52:20] Creative Motherhood: Battling "mom guilt," being present, and showing your kids what it looks like to pursue your dreams. [1:08:00] Passive vs. Critical Listening: How Emily's ear has evolved and the fun of swapping snare drums in the studio. Links & Mentions: Catch Emily running sound at the Spire Center in Plymouth (The Addams Family in July) and Priscilla Beach Theatre (The Wizard of Oz in August). Follow Emily's new band, Safe Journey on Instagram: @safejourneysteph Check out Beth's work for sale at House Cat Boutique in Plymouth! ______________________________________________________ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠  ⁠@bethbaileypottery __________________________________________________________ Intro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠ Music by ⁠⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. Outro song "Just Another Heartbreak" by Safe Journey used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Safe Journey Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: emilybongos@gmail.com⁠⁠

    1h 29m

  2. Jun 1

    SHARREL MEEKER | Let's Chat Creative Pathways with Beth Bailey | EP32

    In this episode, Beth sits down with ceramicist Sharrel Meeker @s.meekerceramics (formerly of the beloved brand Mud &Yarn, now S. Meeker) at her co-owned Andem Art Studios in Brookline Village. Sharrel shares her incredible journey from working as a massage therapist in California to moving back to Massachusetts after a metastatic melanoma diagnosis. She opens up about how a clinical trial led her to pottery as a form of art therapy, eventually snowballing into a full-time, multi-faceted creative career. Beth and Sharrel dive deep into the business of art, discussing the intricacies of running a shared studio, the challenges of retail, and the brave decision to rebrand after ten years of success. In this episode, we discuss: Healing Through Clay: How a stage 3 melanoma diagnosis and subsequent clinical trial at Beth Israel led Sharrel to take her first pottery classes at Feet of Clay. The Rebrand: Why transitioning from the highly successful handle "Mud and Yarn" to "S.Meeker Ceramics" felt like a necessary step for her growth as a 43-year-old artist. Studio Life & Community: Co-founding an independent studio space with her business partner Karen, the realities of brick-and-mortar retail with "Literally Local," and Brookline Village's booming arts scene. Technical Talk: Moving from speckled tan clay to porcelain, slab-building textured "love note" vases, the trials of double-bisque firing, and why Sharrel shifts in and out of designs like her popular coffee bean mugs. ______________________________________________________ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. www.creative-pathways.com/donate Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠  ⁠@bethbaileypottery __________________________________________________________ Shout outs in the ep: Find Sharrel! Instagram: @s.meekerceramics (formerly Mud&Yarn) People: Charelle Smaker (Guest, founder of Smaker Ceramics / formerly Mud and Yarn) Karen (Charelle’s studio co-founder and business partner) Kayla Gilmore (Host's sister-in-law) Lindsay (Host's friend) Heather Wood and Matt Wood (Childhood friends, owners of Restoration Coffee) Phil (Charelle's husband) Liz Rodriguez (Pottery teacher at Mudflat) Susanna / Suzanne (Studio member) Dave Bowen (Studio member who makes little critters) Michaela (Pipe Dream Pottery) Marcy (Goldie Ceramics) Jamie (Partner in Literally Local) Julia Driscoll & Grace (Co-founders of Wicked Women Makers Market) Meredith & Jesse (Past studio members) Annie / Alice the Potter (Founder of Cozy Clay) Jen Wyman (Feet of Clay) Amy Emert (Station Street Studios) Justin (High school friend who designed Charelle's logo) Sylvia (Middle Dune / Flotsam and Co) Places: Andom Art Studios (Charelle and Karen's studio space) Brookline Village Feet of Clay (Brookline) Mudflat (Somerville) East Hampton / Northampton East Bridgewater Restoration Coffee (Whitman) Whitman California (Burbank, Northern California, Los Angeles) Beth Israel (Hospital in Boston) Cape Cod / Provincetown (P-Town) Sheffield Pottery Motherbrook Open Studios Dedham Bow Market Literally Local (Gallery/shop in Brookline Village) Clay Lounge Indigo Fire Cozy Clay (Woburn) Gateway Arts Station Street Studios Puppet Showplace Theater Flotsam and Co. (Shop in Provincetown) ______________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠

    1h 10m

  3. May 17

    MICHELLE LEVESQUE | Let's Chat Creative Pathways with Beth Bailey | EP31

    MICHELLE LEVESQUE | Let's Chat Creative Pathways with Beth Bailey | EP31 What happens when you follow the path you are "supposed" to take, only to realize your nervous system is begging for a reset? This week, Beth sits down with Dr. Michelle Levesque at her beautiful Dovetail Studio in the ET Wright building in Rockland, Massachusetts. @michellechunglevesque Michelle shares her fascinating journey from growing up in Hingham and pursuing a high pressure career in dentistry to completely shifting her identity to become a full time visual artist and sculptor. In this episode, we talk about: Art as a Healing Practice: Shifting from a rigid career mindset to understanding your own brain through creativity. The Creative Pivot: Michelle’s transition from private music lessons and dental school to needle felting and beautiful spun cotton sculptures. Overcoming Perfectionism: Navigating the "ugly stages" of a painting and learning to love the process of intuitive, spontaneous creation. Community Connection: The upcoming Festival of the Arts at the North River Arts Society, giant puppet parades, and the magic of being surrounded by fellow "crazy art ladies." Michelle reminds us that creativity has no expiration date and that following a simple inkling or hunch can open doors you never imagined. Listen now to dive into a conversation about curiosity, resilience, and the joy of creating. ____ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠  ⁠@bethbaileypottery __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠

    1h 30m

  4. May 4

    JULIA DRISCOLL | Let's Chat Creative Pathways with Beth Bailey | EP30

    "The arts are for everyone, genuinely. You don’t have to know what you’re doing... it just feels good to be present." In this episode, Beth sits down with Julia Driscoll, the Executive Director of the North River Arts Society and co founder of the Wicked Women Makers Market. Julia returns to the studio for an honest, wide ranging conversation about her evolution from a "black sheep" creative in a sports focused family to a leader in the South Shore art scene. Julia and Beth pull back the curtain on the non linear path of a professional artist, discussing the "struggling artist" trope and why creative people are often natural entrepreneurs. They also share a raw look at the intersection of motherhood and art—from the profound inspiration found during pregnancy to the disorientation of finding studio time with an eight month old. In this episode, we dive into: The North River "Home Base": Why this historic society is the safe, non competitive heart of our local community. Wicked Women Market: How a grassroots idea born in a pony barn became a premiere South Shore shopping destination. The "Noodle Processing": Why making art is a vital background process for mental health and clarity. The South Shore Bloom: Why our local art scene feels more vibrant and connected than ever before. Festival of the Arts: A sneak peek at the Giant Puppet Parade, the Art in the Barn sale, and the first ever Juried High School Exhibit. Connect with Julia & NRAS: Website: northriverarts.orgInstagram: @theoddcow, @northriverarts & @wickedwomen_market Shout Outs in the Ep: @theoddcow @tackybrand @bethbaileystudio @creativepathwaysproject @dinsbots_art @sallydeanart @lauraharveyart @michellechunglevesque @kailagilmorepottery @marcia.ballou @pam.golden.626 @jmhassett @lindsey_boss @northriverartssociety @somervilleflea @lesleyuniversity @rhodeislandcollege @massartboston @massasoitcc @wickedwomenmakersmarket @oceansprayinc @framecenter @artcomplexmuseum @fullercraft @levitatebrand @traderjoes @friendshiphome @whitmanculturalcouncil ______________________________________________________ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠  ⁠@bethbaileypottery __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠

    1h 4m

  5. Apr 20

    NANCY CLOONAN | Let's Chat Creative Pathways with Beth Bailey | EP29

    In this episode, Beth sits down with painter Nancy Cloonan in her vibrant, plant filled home studio. Nancy shares her journey from studying printmaking and photography to finding her "true love" again through abstract painting. They dive deep into the technical side of acrylics, the value of repetition in art, and how Nancy’s commitment to a daily sketchbook practice has transformed her work. In this episode, we discuss: The Painting Wall: Why working on multiple pieces at once is a dream for maintaining momentum. Material Geek Out: Using wood panels, gloss mediums, and the magic of Neocolor II water soluble crayons. The Visual Language: How Nancy transitioned from 2D mixed media to bold, graphic abstract painting. Creative Mentorship: Nancy’s experience with Janelle Douglas and the Art2Life Creative Visionary Program. The South Shore Art Bloom: Why the local creative community in Massachusetts is feeling more vibrant than ever. Shout outs in the ep: @nancycloonan17 @creativepathwaysproject @bethbaileystudio @lifealivecafe @hartwickcollege @theoddcow @katharinekreisher @pcaplymouth @nicholaswilton @art2life_world @framecenter @insidetheframepodcast @janelledouglasfineart @northriverartssociety @paula_locuststreetstudios @s.b.washburn @artypantsmag @herantenna @victoriajfry @dinambrennan @pam.golden.626 @fullercraft @andrealopezgallery @christinamarygodfrey @savagegodfreygallery @oh_pleeze @suzlews ______________________________________________________ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠  ⁠@bethbaileypottery __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠

    1h 22m

  6. Apr 11

    Beth Bailey | Let's Chat Creative Pathways | EP1 | Insights with Founder Beth Bailey

    In this inaugural episode, Beth Bailey introduces a new interview series dedicated to uncovering the many ways people build creative lives. Beth shares her own "weird niche" journey, from her early days as a dual major at MassArt to her experiences as the "YMCA Art Lady" and a sign painter at Trader Joes. This series is born out of pure curiosity and a lifelong obsession with community building. Whether you are a woodworker, an engineer, a baker, or a puppeteer, there is a creative path for you. Beth explores how we can bridge gaps and find connection in a disconnected world through the power of collaborative art. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Curiosity Gap: Why Beth is obsessed with asking "non artsy" friends about their local arts community. Generational Creativity: Moving from a working class background where knitting and quilting were side gigs to building a full time creative career. The "YMCA Art Lady" Years: How a physical therapy appointment led to a foundational job in community arts education. The "Sneaky" Transfer: How Beth navigated the jump from community college to MassArt and why she switched her major before her first class. Creative Pathways: The origin of Beth’s nonprofit and how a simple sketchbook project with her kids evolved into collaborative greeting cards and museum programs. The Future of Creativity and AI: Why automating the "boring stuff" might actually open more doors for human creativity. Connect With the ShowDo you know an "undercover creative?" Someone who thinks they aren't creative but actually uses those skills every day? Drop a comment or reach out! ____ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠  ⁠@bethbaileypottery __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠

    42 min

  7. Apr 6

    Beth Bailey | Let's Chat Creative Pathways | EP28 Part 2 | Elementary School Residency Deep Dive

    In part two of episode 28, we rejoin community arts educator Beth Bailey to wrap up our exploration of the Greetings from Duval Elementary residency. This half of the conversation focuses on the "how" of community art. Beth shares insights on collaborating with guest artists, the technical process of building woven pop up cards, and the strategy behind a successful community Family Night. We also discuss the importance of sustainability in arts programming and how to use resources like Spare Studio to make large scale projects possible. Whether you are an educator, an artist, or a community leader, Beth’s approach to making art "pliable" and accessible offers a masterclass in impactful residency work. ______________________________________________________ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠  ⁠@bethbaileypottery __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠

    51 min

  8. Mar 23

    Beth Bailey | Let's Chat Creative Pathways | EP28 Part 1 | Elementary School Residency Deep Dive

    Host Beth Bailey takes us behind the scenes of her latest community art residency, "Greetings from Duval Elementary." In this deep dive, Beth breaks down the logistics of running a grant-funded program for over 400 students. She shares the reality of balancing artistic vision with school budgets, the importance of paying visiting artists, and why she chose to personally absorb a funding gap to ensure the project’s success in her home district. Highlights include: Scaling a project for K-5 students using a "production line" philosophy. Partnering with mentors and local creatives to show students viable artistic paths. Navigating the "Double Life" of being an artist-parent in a community facing financial challenges. Perfect for educators, grant-seekers, and anyone believe in the power of a "woven" community. ______________________________________________________ Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth. Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠  ⁠@bethbaileypottery __________________________________________________________ Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist. Licensor name: Greg Loftus Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright) Licensor email: ⁠gregloftusmusic@gmail.com⁠

    45 min
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About

Welcome to Let’s Chat Creative Pathways, a podcast where host Beth Bailey, artist and founder of Creative Pathways, interviews professionals from diverse creative fields to explore their unique journeys, challenges, and successes. Tune in bi-weekly for inspiring conversations and actionable insights into building a creative life. 🎨✨

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