Your Creative Mind

Izolda Trakhtenberg

Behind every book, play, and song is a person juggling self-doubt, deadlines, and the drive to create. On Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg talks with writers, artists, musicians, and creative professionals about how they make their work and how they manage the stress and anxiety that often come with creating. Through candid interviews and practical insights, you’ll learn storytelling techniques, mindfulness practices for creative professionals, and strategies for overcoming perfectionism in writing and art. Whether you’re searching for inspiration, tools to strengthen your resilience, or fresh ideas for balancing creativity and mental health, this podcast is your guide to creating with courage, clarity, and joy.

  1. Art Bath: How Immersive Art Sparks Emotion, Community, and Conversation

    DEC 15

    Art Bath: How Immersive Art Sparks Emotion, Community, and Conversation

    Turn Artistic Vision into Real-World Experiences People Can’t Stop Talking About with Liz Yilmaz and Mara Driscoll How do you create collaborative art that sparks emotion, builds community, and keeps audiences talking long after the performance ends? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda talks with Mara Driscoll and Elizabeth Yilmaz. They are the visionary producers behind Art Bath, an immersive, interdisciplinary performance salon showcased by Lincoln Center, 92NY, and many other institutions. You’ll learn practical strategies for building trust in the creative process, developing meaningful artistic collaborations, and creating immersive art experiences that foster human connection. Their work proves that when artists support artists, everyone rises, which is an essential reminder for creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to communicate with confidence and purpose. If you’re seeking long-lasting creative inspiration and actionable ideas to elevate your next project, this conversation will give you tools to grow, connect, and create with courage. www.artbathnyc.com https://www.instagram.com/artbathnyc/ Mara Driscoll Mara Driscoll is a creative producer, curator, arts administrator, and artist. As Co-Founder and Producer of Art Bath with Elizabeth Yilmaz, she has collaborated with and presented more than 300 artists across disciplines, including leading figures in music, dance, opera, theater, and visual art. Through Art Bath, she has co-curated programs presented by Lincoln Center, 92NY, the Prototype Festival, Fotografiska, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and more. Mara also serves as Program and Advancement Manager for the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA), a global network of 500 performing arts leaders across 60 countries. In this role, she oversees several of ISPA’s key initiatives, including the Pitch New Works and Fellowship programs. Before turning her focus to producing, Mara spent years as a professional dancer and choreographer. She is a longtime member of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, and her choreography has been presented by New York Theatre Workshop, The Phillips Collection, and New Chamber Ballet. She holds a degree from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where she focused on intersections between art, religion, and society.   Liz Yilmaz Elizabeth Yilmaz is a professional dancer, educator, and producer based in New York City. Elizabeth is a former member of Ballet Hispánico and a longtime dancer with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. She holds a B.A. in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College and completed Harvard Business School’s Crossover Into Business program in 2024. As a dedicated dance educator, Elizabeth is on faculty at both The 92nd Street Y (92NY) and the Joffrey Ballet Trainee Program. She is also the co-founder and producer of Art Bath NYC, an immersive, multidisciplinary salon series launched in 2022 with fellow dancer Mara Driscoll. Art Bath brings together musicians, dancers, poets, opera singers, and visual artists to create innovative performance experiences. Notable Art Bath collaborators include the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the Prototype Festival, 92NY, Fotografiska New York, and now Lincoln Center's Festival of Firsts.   Connect with Izolda Website: https://IzoldaT.com Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!** Listen on These Channels Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic | **Affiliate Link

    1h 11m
  2. DEC 8

    The Spark Behind Your Best Work and a More Meaningful Life

    Curiosity & Beginner’s Mind and Why They Matter Have you ever felt like your creativity or focus has dimmed even though you’re doing everything “right”? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, I explore how curiosity and beginner’s mind can lift that heaviness and help you reconnect with clarity, energy, and authentic creative flow. You’ll learn simple, science-supported ways to spark mental openness, strengthen emotional presence, and rebuild momentum in your projects, storytelling, and personal growth journey. I also share practical tools for expanding your creative thinking skills, nurturing a more mindful work process, and cultivating everyday curiosity so you feel more aligned with your purpose. If you’ve been craving meaningful shifts in your creative life, this episode offers a grounded path forward. This week's Human Journey Method Card: Attraction   Connect with Izolda Website: https://IzoldaT.com Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!** Listen on These Channels Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic | **Affiliate Link

    21 min
  3. Meditation as a Power-Up: Teaching Kids Calm, Confidence, and Creativity with Veronica Moya

    DEC 1

    Meditation as a Power-Up: Teaching Kids Calm, Confidence, and Creativity with Veronica Moya

    Learn how mindfulness practices for children can transform how your family or team handles stress, builds focus, and fuels creative flow. What if teaching your child mindfulness could make your whole family calmer, more creative, and more connected? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda talks with Veronica Moya, author of Goom Finds His Happy Place and founder of Mindful V, about how meditation can help kids build emotional resilience, confidence, and genuine self-love. You’ll hear practical ways to bring mindfulness into your home—even if you’ve never meditated before—and learn how these small daily habits spark focus, empathy, and peace for both kids and parents. If you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone who wants to nurture creativity and calm in the next generation, this conversation offers real-world inspiration you can start using today. Connect with Veronica https://veronicamoya.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@VeronicaMoya https://www.instagram.com/veronicamoyacoach/ This week's card Connect with Izolda Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon. Website: https://IzoldaT.com BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social. Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series  https://crossroads.consulting/  This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!** Listen on These Channels Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic | **Affiliate Link

    55 min
  4. NOV 24

    Managing Holiday Pressure with These Fab Techniques

    Reduce holiday stress and navigate family tension with writing and storytelling The holidays are meant to be joyful, but for many of us, they bring stress, overwhelm, and tricky family dynamics. What if there was a simple way to feel calmer, clearer, and more in control without rearranging your entire schedule? Today, we’ll explore how writing and storytelling can do exactly that. You’ll learn practical techniques to release tension, process emotions, and even turn stressful moments into meaningful insights. Imagine finishing a hectic day feeling lighter, more centered, and confident in handling whatever comes next. If managing holiday stress is important to you, and if you want a tool that actually works, you’re in the right place. This week's card Connect with Izolda Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon. Website: https://IzoldaT.com BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social. Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series  https://crossroads.consulting/  This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!** Listen on These Channels Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic | **Affiliate Link

    22 min
  5. NOV 17

    If Not Now, When? Starting Over and Embracing Creative Confidence After 50

    Why I’m Just Getting Started: Creativity, Courage, and Confidence in My Late 50s What if the best years of your creativity, courage, and confidence are still ahead of you? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, I share my story of directing my very first play on a $50 budget, returning to theater decades later, and reflecting on what shows like And Just Like That reveal (and sometimes miss) about women over fifty choosing their own path. For me, starting fresh in my fifties isn’t about crisis. It’s about joy, freedom, and saying, if not now, when? If you’re reimagining your career, pursuing a long-held dream, or just craving inspiration to take action on what matters most, you’ll hear why I believe we’re never done creating. We’re just getting started. Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon. Connect with me Website: https://IzoldaT.com BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social. Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series https://crossroads.consulting/  This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**

    30 min
  6. Comedy as a Creative Superpower: How Lynn Harris Turns Humor into Confidence, Connection, and Creative Growth

    NOV 10

    Comedy as a Creative Superpower: How Lynn Harris Turns Humor into Confidence, Connection, and Creative Growth

    Turn laughter into your edge. Learn from Lynn Harris how comedy strengthens creativity, confidence, and communication in every part of your work and life. Lynn Harris © Denise Winter What if your sense of humor could become one of your strongest creative and professional tools? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, Lynn Harris, comedian, writer, and founder of GOLD Comedy, shares how the craft of comedy can sharpen your storytelling, strengthen your voice, and help you connect more deeply with any audience. You’ll learn how humor shapes confidence, empathy, and leadership, whether you’re presenting, performing, or pitching ideas. Through Lynn’s artistic journey in comedy, writing, and public speaking, you’ll gain insights that will make your communication more authentic, engaging, and memorable. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates creative courage and helps you express your ideas with clarity, confidence, and laughter. https://goldcomedy.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GOLDcmdy/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCouZonFaA5xoW4QXU3kOaLg https://www.instagram.com/goldcomedy/ https://www.tiktok.com/@gold_comedy_? Use code GOLD10PERCENTOFF when you: -- join the GOLD Club (2-week free trial) -- register for the truly (mid)life-changing Build and Pitch Any Idea: Turn that genius idea (show, film, podcast, webseries) into a pro-level pitch and position yourself to get it MADE! Open to ALL ideas and all levels of [comedy and/or life] experience!    To learn more:  Follow GOLD Comedy: @GOLD Comedy  Visit and join our mailing list: www.goldcomedy.com   About GOLD (If room; feel free to trim): GOLD Comedy is the comedy school, professional network, and content studio where women and non-binary creators grow their comedy careers and creative side hustles, join a powerful community, and make funny stuff that gets seen on all types of stage and screen. Through our classes, celebrity speaker series, sketch teams, shows, and more, our members build skills, rack up laurels, and nail their showbiz goals. Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join Izolda's Patreon. Website: https://IzoldaT.com BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social. Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series  https://crossroads.consulting/  This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!** Listen on These Channels Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic | **Affiliate Link

    57 min
  7. Why Joy Belongs in Your Creative Routine with Susan Sloate

    NOV 3

    Why Joy Belongs in Your Creative Routine with Susan Sloate

    Breaking Creative Barriers with Outrageous Ideas What makes a story both unforgettable and transformative? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, I sit down with author and playwright Susan Sloate, whose work spans novels, musicals, and autobiographical love stories. Susan shares why she believes happy endings carry lasting value, how outrageous creative choices often lead to the strongest storytelling, and what writing across different forms has taught her about character and structure. You’ll hear practical strategies to turn roadblocks into breakthroughs, insights on weaving life experiences into art, and how to rekindle joy in your creative routine. If you’re searching for long-lasting writing inspiration, actionable tools, and a fresh perspective on building confidence through storytelling, Susan’s wisdom will give you both guidance and motivation. Connect with Susan Website: https://susansloate.com/home  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan_sloate/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanSloateAuthor  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansloate/ X: https://x.com/susan_sloate Get exclusive content and bonus podcast episodes when you join my Patreon. Connect with me Website: https://IzoldaT.com BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social. Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series  https://crossroads.consulting/  This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link) URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!** Listen on These Channels Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic | **Affiliate Link

    48 min
5
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

Behind every book, play, and song is a person juggling self-doubt, deadlines, and the drive to create. On Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg talks with writers, artists, musicians, and creative professionals about how they make their work and how they manage the stress and anxiety that often come with creating. Through candid interviews and practical insights, you’ll learn storytelling techniques, mindfulness practices for creative professionals, and strategies for overcoming perfectionism in writing and art. Whether you’re searching for inspiration, tools to strengthen your resilience, or fresh ideas for balancing creativity and mental health, this podcast is your guide to creating with courage, clarity, and joy.