Windowsill Chats

Margo Tantau
  • 4.9 (312)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Windowsill Chats

Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Trusting Your Creative Path: Tiffany Han on Self-Belief and Gentle Productivity for High Achievers

    Margo is joined by Tiffany Han, life coach, business strategist, and host of the long-running Raise Your Hand Say Yes podcast, to explore the journey of self-discovery and creative authenticity. Tiffany shares her insights on navigating personal growth without rigid formulas and the importance of recognizing and embracing one’s unique needs. Together, Margo and Tiffany discuss Tiffany’s podcasting journey, her breaks from the medium, and how her themes and approaches have evolved over the years. Tiffany’s practical wisdom and her radical self-belief framework promise to inspire and empower high achievers and creatives alike. Topics Discussed Include: Permission to Be Themselves: Encouraging authenticity and practical self-advice Individual Needs Over Formulas: Emphasizing unique personal wants and necessities Collective Experience: Recognizing shared struggles to combat feelings of isolation Tiffany's Podcast Journey: From the beginnings in 2014 to the evolution and authenticity of her show Re-evaluating "Yes": Considering the implications of commitment to avoid burnout Radical Self-Belief and the five pillars comprised in DFSTAG (discernment, faith, fear attending, acceptance, and grace) Reassessing Goals: Why Tiffany isn’t a believer in 5-year plans and how goals can sometimes put you in a box Gentle Productivity: Promoting joy, ease, and delight over traditional productivity metrics The challenges of social media use and its impact and ways to use it for good Creative Work vs. Day Jobs: Balancing creative pursuits with the reality of day jobs. Connect with Tiffany: Website: tiffanyhan.com Instagram: @thetiffanyhan Youtube: @thetiffanyhan Raise Your Hand Say Yes Podcast   Connect with Margo: Website: www.windowsillchats.com Instagram: @windowsillchats www.instagram.com/windowsillchats Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

    1h 21m

  2. JAN 8

    From Burnout to Balance: Wellness Strategies for Creatives with Singer and Coach Sancha Prowse (Part 2)

    In the conclusion of this two-part series, Margo continues her conversation with Wellness Coach for Creatives, Sancha Prowse. Drawing from her experiences as a performer and her transformation into a wellness advocate, Sancha offers actionable advice and heartfelt insights for creatives looking to prioritize their well-being while pursuing their passions. In Part 2, Margo and Sancha dive deeper into: The Creative Energy Cycle: Understanding the ebb and flow of creative energy and how to work with, not against, these natural rhythms. Burnout Recovery: Practical strategies Sancha used to overcome adrenal fatigue and how you can apply them to your life. Nurturing Your Inner Artist: Practices for creating a safe and supportive environment for your creativity to flourish. Mind-Body Connection: Exploring how physical health directly impacts artistic expression and vice versa. Nutrition and Movement for Creatives: Sancha’s tips on fueling your body with the right foods and incorporating movement into your routine to enhance focus and stamina. Boundaries and Balance: Why setting boundaries with your time and energy is essential for avoiding burnout. The Power of Connection: Building a supportive community that uplifts and inspires you. Rituals for Renewal: Simple daily habits to recharge your mind, body, and spirit. Sustainable Success: How to design a wellness plan that supports your creative dreams in the long term. Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives.   Connect with Sancha: https://www.sanchaprowse.com https://www.instagram.com/sanchaprowse_creative/ https://www.sanchaprowse.com/essential-wellness-toolkit-for-creatives https://soundcloud.com/user-849377990 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9zziXpGZqL_IDFA4DEAAQ   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    56 min

  3. JAN 1

    From Burnout to Balance: Wellness Strategies for Creatives with Singer and Coach Sancha Prowse (Part 1)

    In this two-part episode Margo is joined by Wellness Coach for Creatives, Sancha Prowse. With a background as a professional singer, vocal coach, and visual artist, Sancha has spent years immersed in the creative world, experiencing both its highs and its challenges. After facing intense burnout and adrenal fatigue while striving to excel, Sancha felt a calling to help other creatives navigate similar struggles. Her journey from performer to wellness coach was inspired by a serendipitous moment helping her sister through a health scare, leading her to channel her passion and lived experience into supporting artists in thriving holistically. Margo and Sancha discuss: The importance of tuning into your body and listening to what it’s telling you. How prioritizing self-care positively impacts your creativity. Identifying what gives you energy and recognizing areas where you may be losing power. The transformative power of making small positive changes in your daily routine. Cultivating stillness as a way to dive deeper into your artmaking. Letting go of limiting beliefs that hold you back from optimal health and creativity. Breaking through long-standing blockages to achieve a sense of wellness. Why sleep is critical for both your overall health and your creative output. The role of self-compassion and celebrating small wins in your wellness journey. Building an essential wellness toolkit tailored for creatives. Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives.   Connect with Sancha: https://www.sanchaprowse.com https://www.instagram.com/sanchaprowse_creative/ https://www.sanchaprowse.com/essential-wellness-toolkit-for-creatives https://soundcloud.com/user-849377990 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9zziXpGZqL_IDFA4DEAAQ   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    56 min

  4. 12/25/2024

    Embracing Growth, Trusting Your Inner Knowing, and Rethinking Goal Setting with Margo

    Margo shares a personal episode, reflecting on the incredible four-year journey of the podcast and its vibrant community. She opens her heart about her own transformative experiences, the courage it takes to embrace life's uncertainties, and the magic of real connections. Whether you're a loyal listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode is an invitation to celebrate growth, creativity, and the beautiful moments yet to come.   Topics Discussed: Reflecting on Growth: Finding new perspectives and embracing the lessons from the journey. Trust in Connection: The value of real conversations and authenticity in building bonds. Navigating Change: Margo's move to Vashon Island and the power of trusting her inner knowing. Vulnerability and Handling Doubts: The role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful relationships and navigating pivotal life decisions. Impactful Feedback: How listener feedback continues to move and motivate Margo. Defining Success: Encouraging listeners to focus on how they want to feel rather than what they want to achieve. Celebrating Diversity: The importance of inclusivity and creating supportive environments in our communities.   Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-filled path by joining The Foundry. A monthly membership for creatives. Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    22 min

  5. 12/18/2024

    The Imagination Emporium: Recipes for Creativity, Innovation, and Unlocking Your Imaginative Potential with Duncan Wardle

    Margo is joined by Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney and author of The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation. With 30 years of experience working with Disney's Imagineering, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, and more, Duncan brings a wealth of knowledge on fostering groundbreaking ideas and creating magical experiences. In this episode, he shares practical tools and insights to reignite creativity, embed innovation into everyday life, and solve problems in revolutionary ways. From sending Buzz Lightyear into space to teaching innovation at Yale and Harvard, Duncan's expertise in Design Thinking has helped organizations like Apple, the NBA, and Spotify redefine how they innovate.  Margo and Duncan discuss: Why our creativity often fades by age six—and how to reignite it Simple, actionable tools to unlock imagination and achieve revolutionary results Employable skills that the next generation can use to thrive in an AI-driven world How The Imagination Emporium makes innovation accessible to everyone Real-life examples of using Design Thinking to drive creativity and innovation Stories from Duncan’s time at Disney and the lessons learned along the way   Connect with Duncan: duncanwardle.com  theimaginationemporium.com instagram.com/duncanjwardle linkedin.com/in/duncanwardle   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

    1h 16m

  6. 12/12/2024

    Creative Current Events: Asheville Art Revival, 2025 Design Trends, and Achieving the Impossible

    Margo and Abby are back with a packed episode of Creative Current Events, spotlighting creativity, community, and cutting-edge trends. They kick things off with news from Asheville, where Tanger Outlets is supporting displaced artists with a stunning 2,000-square-foot gallery. Next, they explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art's fascinating employee art show featuring over 600 works, tying it to insights from Patrick Bringley’s book, All the Beauty in the World. They also dive deep into design trends for 2025, reviewing Canva’s latest article and insights, discuss the rising influence of AI in content licensing, the power of human connection in media, and how bold, textured aesthetics are reshaping design. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or creative enthusiast, this episode is full of inspiration and insights to keep you ahead of the curve. Mentioned in this episode: Tanger Outlets Donate Gallery Space in Asheville https://www.wlos.com/news/local/tanger-outlets-asheville-donates-gallery-space-for-artists-displaced-helene-local-arts-community-creative   Orbit Gallery Space https://theorbitspace.com/   Met Museum Staff Show https://hyperallergic.com/969864/over-600-works-by-met-museum-workers-go-on-view-in-largest-ever-staff-show/   Canva’s 2025 Design Trends https://www.creativebloq.com/design/canva-predicts-these-will-be-the-hottest-design-trends-of-2025   More Canva https://www.canva.com/design-trends/?clickId=XjSTp1T3dxyKRYeUaAwyfw4HUkCVl82OPWmnQI0&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Future%20PLC._221109&irgwc=1   Open AI & Meredith Corp https://www.adweek.com/media/openai-dotdash-meredith-licensing-payment/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_11752201_ADWEEK_Daily_241119&lctg=5b82c665-7b66-4670-ae7c-17cb22d1753e   The People who Helped Resurrect Notre Dame https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-people-who-helped-resurrect-notre-dame-60-minutes/   Windowsill Chats Episode 83 - St Germaine de Pres https://margotantau.com/83-a-fascinating-conversation-about-the-magnificent-church-of-saint-germain-des-prs-and-what-is-being-done-to-preserve-its-rich-and-layered-history-with-david-sheppe/   Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Earth-Novel-Kingsbridge/dp/0451166892   Flowers & Projects by CJ Hendry https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Earth-Novel-Kingsbridge/dp/0451166892 Connect with Abby: https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/ https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    45 min

  7. 12/11/2024

    On the Table: Designing and Cultivating Human Connection Through Everyday Objects with Ashley Gould

    Margo is joined by Ashley Gould, the founder of Âme Atendre™, a brand dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed everyday tabletop objects that foster connection and empathy. After a decade-long career as a lawyer and executive, Ashley pivoted toward a more personal mission—bringing people together through intentional design and meaningful conversation. Margo and Ashley discuss: Ashley's journey from law and corporate leadership to launching Âme Atendre™. How her mother's passion for community and gathering inspired her vision for an elevated tabletop brand. The philosophy behind Âme Atendre™, including the role of thoughtfully crafted objects in building deeper human connections. The fascinating field of neuroaesthetics and its connection to Ashley's work. The power of conversations often left off the table and how respect and curiosity can bridge gaps in understanding. Sneak peeks into exciting Âme Atendre™ projects in development, including a "death box" for intentional legacy planning, a sleek metal wastebasket, and a new hand-blown crystal vase. Insights from Ashley's podcast, On the Table with Ashley, and its mission to foster curiosity and reduce judgment. Connect with Ashley Gould: www.ameatendre.com www.instagram.com/ameatendre www.tiktok.com/@ameantendre https://www.youtube.com/@ameatendre https://www.facebook.com/ameatendre reachoutanytime@ameatendre.com   Connect with Margo: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    1h 14m

  8. 12/04/2024

    Healing Through Creativity: Jade Chen on Self-Discovery, Mindfulness, and Embracing Your Truth

    Margo is joined by Jade Chen, a Shamanic Practitioner, Spiritual Guide, Public Speaker, and Activist, dedicated to helping women transform their lives through inner healing and self-empowerment. With expertise in Shamanism, mindfulness, and artistic expression, Jade shares her mission to guide women on journeys of self-discovery while emphasizing the power of creativity as a tool for healing and change.    Margo and Jade discuss: The pivotal moment when Jade left her corporate career and long-term relationship to embark on a healing journey. How creativity and art can serve as powerful forms of expression and spiritual practice, especially in challenging times. Practical mindfulness techniques, like mindful breathing and connecting to heart and sacral spaces, to unlock authentic creative expression. The role of community in fostering personal growth and supporting creative risks. The necessity of embracing raw truths and prayers through artistic work. Overcoming societal conditioning to honor your true self and prioritize self-care. Jade’s upcoming projects, including her new podcast, The Mud Lotus, focused on healing and transformation.   Connect with Jade: Website: www.mudlotuslife.com Connect: mudlotuslife@gmail.com   Connect with Margo: The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry Website: www.windowsillchats.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

    57 min
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4.9
out of 5
312 Ratings

About

Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.

Information

  • Creator
    Margo Tantau
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    243
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Windowsill Chats

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