Stephen King On Writing

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

#Theater #Society #Arts #Laura Camien #Susan Blackwell #Creativity #Broadway #Ideas #Film #Entertainment #Makers #Performing Arts #Artists #Storytelling #Susan Blackwell And Laura Camien #Inspiring

57:50

Alex (@alex_kamenca) and Carley (@carleymitus) are both members of our Action Academy Community that purchased TWO small businesses last thursday! Want To Quit Your Job In The Next 6-18 Months Through Buying Commercial Real Estate & Small Businesses? 👔🏝️ Schedule A Free 15 Minute Coaching Call With Our Team Here To Get "Unstuck" Check Out Our Bestselling Book : From Passive To Passionate : How To Quit Your Job - Grow Your Wealth - And Turn Your Passions Into Profits Want A Free $100k+ Side Hustle Guide ? Follow Me As I Travel & Build: IG @brianluebben ActionAcademy.com…

about a year ago 37:11

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Chapters

1. The Spark File Podcast (00:00:00)

2. The Inspirational Legacy of Stephen King (00:03:32)

3. The Importance of Writing Every Day (00:17:51)

4. Igniting Creative Sparks (00:33:53)

200 episodes

Stephen King On Writing

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

17 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Chapters

1. The Spark File Podcast (00:00:00)

2. The Inspirational Legacy of Stephen King (00:03:32)

3. The Importance of Writing Every Day (00:17:51)

4. Igniting Creative Sparks (00:33:53)

200 episodes

#Theater #Society #Arts #Laura Camien #Susan Blackwell #Creativity #Broadway #Ideas #Film #Entertainment #Makers #Performing Arts #Artists #Storytelling #Susan Blackwell And Laura Camien #Inspiring

All episodes

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
S1TRL - The Town Hall Spark Sessions - Season 1 Trailer 4:38

5 hours ago4:38

4:38

The Town Hall , New York City’s landmark cultural venue, is teams up with The Spark File , the acclaimed creativity podcast hosted by Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien , in this brand-new podcast series: The Town Hall Spark Sessions . The Town Hall Spark Sessions will spotlight creatives, musicians, comedians, artists, advocates, cultural creators and conversation makers who have graced—or are about to grace—the legendary Town Hall stage. Each episode features fun and fulfilling questions that dive deep into how these inspiring individuals are using their creativity not only to entertain, but to spark change, connection, and meaningful impact.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Season 5 Finale 38:44

13 weeks ago38:44

38:44

After 20 spark-filled episodes, we’re wrapping up the season with a celebration! Join us as we look back at this remarkable season of spark, discuss highlights, and share just how we made this season happen. Bringing Season 5 of the Spark File podcast was a challenge. We were wrestling between our desire to make a perfect product and our hope to get as many sparks into the world as possible. As we planned for Season 5, one thing became clear right away: like all smart creatives, we couldn’t go it alone! So, we assembled a team of pros to help us run the nitty gritty stuff: audio production, socials, copy, transcripts. We committed to let our best B+ work get out the door. We crowdsourced a spark or two—and then something extraordinary happened: 20 episodes of hot-from-the-oven sparks were served straight into your podcast-loving headphones! We’re so grateful to the remarkable team who helped make it all happen. But, creative friend, we also need to thank YOU! Without loyal listeners, this podcast is just a bunch of juicy ideas spoken into a microphone. We are deeply grateful for your time, attention, reviews, referrals, recommendations, and feedback, and for placing your creative trust in us for another season. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and directly on our website .…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Stephen King On Writing 37:11

14 weeks ago37:11

37:11

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Closing Ceremonies: Blue Man Group 42:35

15 weeks ago42:35

42:35

Recently, we learned that the beloved Blue Man Group will be closing their New York City and Chicago companies in 2025. This news was bittersweet, to say the least. Blue Man Group has impacted each of our personal and professional lives in many ways; not the least of which was the 25 years Laura dedicated to building the Blue Man Group brand as the VP of Communications. Learnings for our time and experiences with Blue Man Group have influenced and impacted nearly every facet of The Spark File - our mission and values, the way we’ve built and marketed the company, the way we treat each other and every member of The Spark File community.... Join us this week as we discuss all that we learned from this extraordinary organization—like how every voice in the room matters and the importance of processing conflict before continuing with a task – and we’ll explore how those lessons impact our work to this day. We believe that endings are an essential part of the creative cycle. Shows close, messy manuscripts become bound books, art exhibits are hung with excitement and taken down with a pang of sadness. To find new beginnings, we must honor our endings–and this week, we feel profoundly aware of all that is lost, and all that is gained, when things end. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and directly on our website .…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

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Hug An Author Today 32:44

16 weeks ago32:44

32:44

We know that writing a book is hard work—longform creativity takes patience, stamina, and an extraordinary drive to make it to the finish line. That’s why, this week, we’re celebrating our dear friend Jenny Clift, whose new book Thriving Artist: How Musicians, Performers, and Creatives Can Use EFT Tapping to Achieve Balance, Career Growth, and Success is released on January 15. We got a sneak peek at this incredible resource for artists, and we were too sparked not to share! Join us this week as we take a page from Jenny’s book to discuss fighting for creative freedom. We’ll discuss the process of EFT Tapping and how it has impacted our lives and work. And, we’ll analyze some of Jenny’s most helpful tactics for moving through trauma and limiting beliefs. We’re thrilled to celebrate Jenny’s achievement. But we’re even more grateful for the chance to share it with you! In honor of Jenny—and all the hard-working authors out there–we have one thing to say: We LOVE it! Keep going! You can learn more about Jenny and her new book on her website. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and directly on our website .…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

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Making Change Pt. 3 37:57

17 weeks ago37:57

37:57

As the New Year barrels on, bringing an abundance of uncertainty with it, we wanted to return to a topic that has sparked us many times before: Making change. In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we reflect on the work of scientists and experts who study the circuitry of the brain, and offer some tangible tips for how to make change in your life. We’ll also discuss some creative changemakers we know—passionate folks who are using their creative superpowers for good. Like a particularly fashionable friend who helps curate professional outfits for job-seekers in need. Or an ASL interpreter whose precise translations amplify equal access in healthcare. At the Spark File, we define creativity as applied imagination that fights for the powers of good. We also believe that if you want to make change, you have to do something! Together we can make 2025 the year that we use our creative gifts to make an impact, without getting bogged down by things we can’t control. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and directly on our website .…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Primordial Soup 32:24

18 weeks ago32:24

32:24

When Oxford revealed its annual “Word of the Year” earlier this month, we had some questions—and not just because “Brain Rot” is two words. The truth is, we scroll past hundreds of images, sounds, and writings every day, pumping into our brains faster than any information has ever moved before. We absorb things that are neither meaningful nor thought-provoking—information with no purpose other than to fill space and time. Join us this week as we discuss the impact of this so-called Brain Rot. We explore the impact of AI “Slop” on our brains (yes, that’s really what its called!) And, we share some old-school knowledge about the importance space for creation. What if we thought of the contents of our brain more like Primordial Soup than slop? Primordial Soup refers to the primitive water bodies on the earth that were so rich in organic matter that scientists believe the first life forms evolved out of them. What if we were filling our brains with such substantive, enriching, inspiring content that creative life was overflowing? Creative life was consistently pouring out of us? The way we see it, this is a bit of a “use it or lose it” situation. We’ve each only got one brain, so let’s do our best to keep it healthy and looking straight ahead toward those big creative goals. Join us in setting the intention for mindful making in 2025! You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, apple podcasts, and directly on our website.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Gifts & Creativity 44:02

19 weeks ago44:02

44:02

We have found that the more we tap into our creativity, the more we enjoy the holiday season. In this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, we explore creativity in the form of gift-giving. Join us as we discuss the history of giving tangible gifts and why the tradition continues. We’ll explore some of the incredible gifts given (and received!) by members of The Spark File community and touch on some of our favorites from over the years. And, we’ll check in on some expert gift-givers to see what we can learn from them! (Here’s a hint: specificity, timing, and a listening ear are key!) We’re thankful to be part of such a vibrant community where giving generously of your time and talents is foundational. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect antique photo book or thinking about that once-in-a-lifetime gift from the past, this episode has a ton of ideas to fill that gift-giving Spark File. Remember that simply showing up and being present is a present. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Menopause + Creativity 43:57

20 weeks ago43:57

43:57

This week, we’re exploring an experience shared by more than half of the world’s population: Menopause. If you are thinking to yourself, “Oh, that topic isn’t for me.” We’re here to tell you the truth: menopause impacts everyone. If you have had a period in your life, or if you love a person who has had a period, this episode is for you. (Spoiler: that means it is for everybody.) While the word itself might feel familiar, Menopause is deeply under-studied and continually misunderstood, even by medical professionals. And while we are definitely creativity coaches, decidedly not doctors, we’ve been sparked by lessons we’ve learned while navigating our own lived experiences. Join us this week as we discuss the intense symptoms that can occur during menopause and how those symptoms can impact our lives—and yes, that includes impacts on our creativity! We’ll share some hard-earned wisdom from professionals working to increase awareness and from folks developing new tools and resources to help folks navigate the hardest parts of this often-ignored piece of our personhood and our health. You can listen to The Spark File podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and directly on our website.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Go All The Way There 36:02

21 weeks ago36:02

36:02

Like many artists, we deeply empathize with the world around us. It can be hard to manage all the tough feelings that come up. A lot is happening in the world—a lot to laugh about, cry about, shout about, and rage about. Sorrow can bring joy, anger can bring calm, and it can all feel impossible to face. And, like it or not, we believe there is one path forward: To get through it all, we’ve got to go all the way there. This week’s episode of The Spark File podcast examines our long-held belief that moving through big feelings requires mindful action. Join us as we discuss ways to process the hard stuff, following the real-world examples of everyone from curious toddlers to award-winning songwriters. We’ll explore methods for proper care and feeding of your feelings to help you get unstuck and move forward. The hard truth is that the tough stuff will keep coming. Fear, anger, joy, and the creativity cycle move through us regardless of the world’s events. So, in tenuous moments like these, the best care a creative community can offer—for ourselves and each other—is a developed practice of going all the way there. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and directly on our website .…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

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Reaching Out 36:00

22 weeks ago36:00

36:00

In our opinion, creating a connection with others is the most singularly powerful tool any creative has in their armory. Unfortunately, a lot of us find that it’s easier said than done. This week, Susan and Laura explore Molly Beck’s book Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network . Join us as we discuss Molly’s research-based guidance and how it intersects with our practical approach to creative work. We’ll share the do’s and don’ts of networking outreach. And, we’ll share some tips and tricks for how to make your outreach feel authentically you . If you’re like us and you’re making things all the time, you know that finding and articulating your network of like-minded creatives is an essential part of the process. Join us in making this connection-filled time of year a springboard toward your creative goals. Listen in and let’s make this the season of reaching out!…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

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Join The Joiners 33:35

23 weeks ago33:35

33:35

Lately it feels like so many of us are longing for belonging, but finding it harder than to connect. But why? In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we dig in to find the answer. Join us as Laura examines the work of social scientist Bob Putnam, whose book Bowling Alone: the Collapse and Revival of American Community connects the decline of American social organizations, guilds, and community spaces with an increase in isolation and a greater political and personal divide. The 2023 Netflix Documentary Join or Die , which digs into the “half-century story of America’s civic unraveling,” re-examined Putnam’s work with a lens on contemporary struggles. Turns out the answer is pretty simple: we need to reconnect in a meaningful way. Maybe you’re looking for a service organization, a community center, or a coaching community (like this one!) Wherever you can find (or rediscover) community, you might also find a greater sense of belonging. These connections are how we move through the most significant individual and collective problems. Listen on to hear our thoughts on how we move forward toward reconnecting in measurable and meaningful ways. As far as we’re concerned, it’s time to join the club!…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Catharsis, Comfort & Change 36:43

24 weeks ago36:43

36:43

The weight of the world felt heavy this week, but tough moments are when we feel luckiest to have this incredible community. Like we always say, everyone is creative but smart creative people do not go it alone! So this week, we did what we so often recommend to our coaching clients when the path ahead feels cloudy: We reached out to all the brave creatives in our lives (including you!) to see what is sparking comfort, catharsis, and change in their lives right now. We asked, and, boy, did you deliver! In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from an avalanche of creatives–including us!–-about which TedTalks, TV shows, poems, and songs are filling creative wells and buoying heavy spirits. And there were enough music recommendations for a whole playlist! Whether you’re seeking the comfort of joy and laughter or the catharsis of a good cry, the Spark File community has got your back. You can listen to this week’s episode of the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. And, if you’d like to add music suggestions to our Comfort, Catharsis, and Change playlist, email your ideas to getcreative@thesparkfile.com!…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

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The Creative Act 35:21

25 weeks ago35:21

35:21

Here at the Spark File, creativity is a way of life and a way of being in the world. In this week’s episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura digs into Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act: A Way of Being . A profoundly successful American record producer, Rubin is the co-founder of Def Jam recordings, founder of American Recordings and former co-president of Columbia Records. He is someone who has spent his life making things—and, like us, he believes creativity is so much more than one project: it’s a whole way of being! Join us as we discuss how to break down barriers to the act of creation, making it more attainable in aspects of our lives. We’ll hit the highlights of Rubin’s musings, and share some of our thoughts on the power of infusing your life with creative energy.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Moral Distress Signal 34:50

26 weeks ago34:50

34:50

Have you ever found yourself giggling at the most unexpected insult, like "sparrow's fart"? Join us as we kick off this episode of The Spark File with laughter and a light-hearted exchange that sets the stage for a journey through creativity and introspection. We'll explore the wonderful world of "spark files," those magical little tools for capturing inspiration, and emphasize how much more fun the creative process can be with good company. As the conversation unfolds, we'll tackle the anxiety stirred by the relentless election cycle and recent global upheavals. Hear how staying up late with jigsaw puzzles becomes a peculiar form of revenge against bedtime procrastination, as we search for peace amid chaos. We then transition to managing moral distress, presenting effective strategies to calm the mind with practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and EFT tapping. Reflecting on the timeless wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, we focus on controlling what we can and finding solace in helping others. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of self-care in building resilience against stress. We cap it off with an invitation for you to share your creative risks and feedback, acknowledging the Lenape and Mohican lands. With a "forever permission slip," we encourage you to chase those sparks of inspiration and turn them into something vibrant. Let’s navigate this creative landscape together with humor, courage, and camaraderie.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Spooky Sparks from SPARKfest 39:34

27 weeks ago39:34

39:34

In this week’s episode of the Spark File podcast, we head back to the beautiful Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Canada, where we were fortunate to host our almost annual SPARKFest. This week, on the eve of Halloween, we’re embracing the spooky season. Listen on to hear directly from Spark File community members. In this week’s episode you’ll hear sparks that explore Why (most) human beings love being scared, and how our fear sparks fear in others (spoiler: fear contagion is real!) The history behind haunted houses and fear-filled attractions How our brains trick us into filling in the gaps of what we can’t see The difference between a labyrinth and a maze Plus, you’ll hear from Spark Scribe Jill Dryer about the impact and power of dreams. But that’s not all! Saunders Farm’s own Angela Grant Saunders walks you through some of the spooky and sweet magic that makes Saunders Farm so special. (Hint: Apple cider donuts. Hundreds of them) So, if you’re feeling spooky, or you just want to cuddle up with some autumnal coziness, dig into the latest episode of…THE SPOOK FILE.… just kidding.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

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Them's The Rules 34:21

28 weeks ago34:21

34:21

Every so often we hear the question: what is that “ special sauce” that helps make up this “warm clan of creatives.” The truth is, a healthy culture and community requires a commitment to that mission from every single person involved. As educators, we’ve spent years learning about what conditions are most optimal for connection and community. As creatives, we’ve spent years participating in various collaborations and configurations of people working together and noting what processes and agreements bring out the best in each individual while bringing the group together. All of this experience led to developing our own expectations for our classrooms and workshop spaces. Enter: The Spark File Course Guidelines…A Poem. If you’ve ever been involved in a Spark File class session—whether part of a coaching cohort, participating in a one-off workshop, or kicking off the New Year with us in creative style—you’re probably familiar with these guidelines. In this week’s episode of The Spark File podcast, we’ll take a closer look at our community’s creative roadmap. Join us as we break down the course guidelines and explore the history of this living, breathing guide. We’ll discuss the educators, thought leaders and science (yes, science!) that influenced our creation of the course guidelines, and discover the “why” behind each component. There aren’t a lot of requirements when it comes to making things, but communal creative freedom demands that we all swim in the same direction. So, as the course guidelines say: As long as you’re present when you’re present, do the work, and aren’t being a dick, however you’re doing it, you’re doing it right. Them’s the rules!…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

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Sparks from SPARKfest (Part 1) 37:44

29 weeks ago37:44

37:44

In this week’s episode, you’ll get an extra special glimpse into SPARKfest 2024, our Spark File community retreat, held last fall at the beautiful Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Canada . When we say that The Spark File is a warm and wonderful clan of creatives, this is what we mean! Listen in and you’ll feel the live-in-front-of-a-crackling-fire ambience straight from the Saunders Farm ciderhouse! Our SPARKfest attendees met the challenge of finding and crafting a spark to share inspired by their time on the farm. From this fearless crew of multi-hyphenates, you’ll hear about: what birds can teach us about empty-nesting how nature’s patterns reveal the intersection between science and art the lessons mushrooms teach about collaboration and competitive advantage how pumpkins represent finding the right container for your work And, all the things you can catch with open arms. We’ll share more SPARKfest goodness later in the season. For now get yourself by a warm fire or hook onto to your nearest zipline and join us for this first round of piping hot SPARKfest sparks! Happy listening!…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
WWGD? (Learning from Gavin Creel) 47:35

30 weeks ago47:35

47:35

As we grieve the loss of our dear friend Gavin Creel, Susan called out for memories, wisdom, and lessons learned from Gavin, and we were touched by the outpouring of love from all across the globe. In this week’s episode, titled “WWGD? (Learning from Gavin Creel)," we hear from people who learned something from Gavin over the years—in rehearsal halls or classrooms, in nature, and on a city rooftop. We gathered all the light that Gavin reflected onto others and put it together so that we could, collectively, feel the warmth of its glow. We heard from so many people—award-winning actors, composers, producers, directors; Gavin’s colleagues in the theater, in activism, and in philanthropy; his classmates, students, partners, friends; and fans from all across the globe—who shared the innumerable ways in which Gavin positively impacted them. We heard the wisdom Gavin shared about artistry and creation, openness, activism, love, and all things life. As we share this collective loss, we hope this episode can serve as a reminder for all of us to embody those qualities that made Gavin so remarkable. You can listen to all these lessons and more on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , and directly on our website . You can also learn more about Gavin, in his own words, in Season 1, Episode 21: Gavin Creel: Creative Sponges and Meaningful Relationships. And, If you’d like to honor Gavin’s memory, his family has asked that donations be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids in his name.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Grief & Creativity 42:27

31 weeks ago42:27

42:27

In this special episode, we draw from Laura’s experiences having lost both of her parents and discuss the ways in which creativity can help us to move through grief. We share thoughts on the non-linear path of grieving, and how to meet grief in the sometimes-unexpected places that it manifests. We also take a look at how profound artists like Frida Kahlo used grief in their own work. And, with examples from our lives, we examine the power of intentionally processing grief as a method of healing. When we recorded this episode, we hoped it would be of help to others who are processing their own loss. Then came the news that our dear friend Gavin Creel had passed away . In addition to his prolific award-winning work as an actor and writer, Gavin was a longtime friend of The Spark File community and beloved by all of us. Along with Ian Axness, he was the music director of our theme songs (recorded live at The Performing Arts Project), and can be heard singing with Sophie Hearn in our closing theme. In honor of all the light he brought into our lives, we’ve dedicated this week's episode, “Grief + Creativity” to our friend Gavin. In many ways, grief and creation often walk hand in hand. Much like the act of making something, grief is a process to be moved through. Creation can be fuel to move through grief, and grief can be fuel to create. Both require the love and support of like-minded individuals to shout “We love it! Keep going!” Most importantly, though, grief and creation share one very important ground rule: However you’re doing it, you’re doing it right. You can listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and directly on our website.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Shining Your Creative Light 27:48

32 weeks ago27:48

27:48

Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from this episode! In this week’s episode, we discuss the idea of “shining the light” on your creative work.What do we mean by “shining the light”? In The Spark File Community, we think of the creative cycle in three steps: generating sparks, fanning the flames of creativity, and shining the light on your creative work. This step involves inviting others to share in your work. This might be requesting feedback, inviting folks to a reading, submitting to a festival, or promoting the sale of your work - anything that extends your work beyond your safe and comfortable realm. This week, we tackle the most common reasons why people struggle to shine the light—and, we take a look at our recent cohort of llumineers, who did a whole lot of light shining in their recent capstone presentations. Our goal is to make sure that every artist has a choice about whether or not they want to share their work, and if they choose to do so, support them as they learn how to share it in a way that generates excitement. As always—whether you’re generating those sparks, fanning the flames, or shining that light— however you’re doing it, you’re doing it right! Dive back into Season 5 and bask in the warm glow of The Spark File.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Certainty v. Creativity 29:09

33 weeks ago29:09

29:09

Certainty or Creativity - which will you choose? This week, Nathan Hill’s novel “Wellness” serves as a springboard for Laura’s spark. The specific line that ignited our conversation? "You can choose to be certain or you can choose to be alive." We'll discuss how this notion impacts all our creative journeys and share wisdom from playwright Stephen Karam on the price of admission for love and artistry. This episode marks the launch of Season 5 with a fresh approach—shorter, more frequent episodes designed to keep your creative sparks burning. Join us as we explore how the need for certainty can hold us back in love and creativity, and how embracing uncertainty can fuel growth and transformation. And consider the scientifically proven placebo effect…just the belief in positive outcomes can lead to positive outcomes. What might happen if we approached our creative work with optimism, hope, and a belief in positive outcomes? Jump back into The Spark File and discover how you can connect with us to turn your sparks of inspiration into a bonfire of creativity!…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Creativity Sparks: Season 4 Finale! 31:12

2 years ago31:12

31:12

Holy Moly! Season 4 of The Spark File is coming to an end! In this episode, Susan + Laura reminisce on some of our favorite sparks from this season. . . And with a bonus spark inspired by Milwaukee Bucks player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who left us with this mini ted talk when asked if he believed this season was a failure because they didn’t win the playoffs. Just because you don’t win, do we count that as a fail? . Season 4 of The Spark File is wrapping up, but don’t worry - there are 178 episodes of The Spark File for you to binge!…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Creativity Sparks: From Good to Great 59:41

2 years ago59:41

59:41

Ever wonder what's needed to take your creative project to the next level? Or wonder if maybe good is good enough? How do we know when to invest the additional time and energy it's going to take to go from Good to Great? If you're ready or when you're ready to level up your work, Susan and Laura discuss the difference between Good and Great, and some of the factors it takes to get there. Inspired by the book, Good to Great by Jim Collins, but seen through the lens of creativity.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Creativity Sparks: You Have a (true) Story to Tell 54:39

2 years ago54:39

54:39

Is there anything better than a well-crafted personal story told with humor, authenticity and heart? Even better if its a TRUE story, right? Well, the folks at The Moth have boiled the art of storytelling down to a science. In this week's episode, Laura and Susan share how sparked they are by The Moth and their book How To Tell a Story. We all have one - tune in to learn how to tell YOUR story!…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Creativity Sparks: Processing Creative Conclusions and Milestones 1:04:39

2 years ago1:04:39

1:04:39

Friends, trust us when we say it is valuable, meaningful, and potentially essential that you take the time to celebrate your creative wins - large and small! Join us this week as Susan and Laura discuss why it's so important that we take the time to acknowledge and reflect on the milestones and the conclusions, the hits and the misses.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Creativity Sparks: The Imperfect Perfectionist 59:44

2 years ago59:44

59:44

Do you have a creative project that has never seen the light of day because you just don't think it's ready to share yet? Despite years of effort even? Do you have a creative project you've dreamt of making but you haven't even started yet? Because the thought of it not turning out great keeps you from even trying? On this week's episode, Laura and Susan dig into the plight of the perfectionist. Thanks to researchers and authors like Brene Brown, we might just have a chance to prevail - IF we can embrace our imperfections and (shocker!) maybe even learn to enjoy them!…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Creativity Sparks: AI + Creativity 52:19

2 years ago52:19

52:19

Have you gotten into the AI craze yet? Have you asked Chat GPT to write your next marketing plan or promotional copy? Have you asked it to write lines of dialogue, jokes for a stand up routine or a synopsis for your pitch? Have you asked it to write your resume? This week, Susan and Laura dive into what AI might be great for, where it's limitations are, and where it's headed. Do creatives have anything to worry about? Tune in to sort it all out.…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Creativity Sparks: The Ah-ha Moment 59:17

2 years ago59:17

59:17

Ever wonder what exactly is going on in your brain when you have an Ah-ha moment? On this week's episode of The Spark File podcast, Susan + Laura discuss what is transpiring in your head when you get that spark of an idea - and the rush of excitement that goes with it! Wouldn't it be great if we could understand it so that we can create conducive conditions to invite more and more Ah-ha moments to happen?!…

The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien

1
Creativity Sparks: Jesse James and the KGC Gold 1:09:49

2 years ago1:09:49