As the first engineer at a pioneering startup specializing in artificial intelligence, John Guiver’s expertise in mathematics and programming laid the groundwork for his technical career. While still working in this field, John began translating the memoirs of survivors of the 1972 Andes flight disaster, which led to the publication of his own book on the subject, entitled To Play the Game. 

Writing not only gave John a new creative outlet, but also a profound connection to the stories of resilience and survival that emerged from that tragedy.

John's early career as an engineer and mathematician set the stage for a unique perspective on creativity, one that blends analytical thinking with artistic expression. He recounts how his work in AI during its formative years required not only technical expertise but also a creative mindset to tackle complex problems and innovate within the field.

Visiting the site of the disaster, and translating the memoirs of crash survivors, not only connected him to a profound human experience but also instilled in him the confidence to pursue writing in a more personal and expressive way.

While researching the crash, John discovered a rich tapestry of interconnected lives and shared histories. This theme of community serves as a backdrop for his writing, as he seeks to honour the memories of those who perished while also celebrating the resilience of survivors. 

In this episode John also discusses the challenges of finding his voice as a writer and emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the writing process, sharing practical insights into his daily writing habits and how his experiences enriched both his book and his life. 

He encourages listeners to boldly pursue their passions, underscoring the importance of storytelling and connection in the creative journey. 

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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Through art activities given in care homes and community groups, Dementia Arts Trust has been bringing joy to people living with dementia and their carers for nearly a decade.

In this episode, as part of Podcasthon, an initiative to raise awareness for charities worldwide, I chat with trust founders Joanne Robinson and Melissa Haddow about how these art activities build self-esteem, evoke memories and show those living with dementia what they can still accomplish, despite their diagnosis. 

Joanne and Melissa share poignant stories, like the emotional moment when a participant recalled cherished memories of her daughters while painting, leaving everyone in tears – the happy kind, of course! 

Joanne and Melissa are keen to share how proud they are of their teachers, who are not just art instructors, but empathetic guides who help individuals connect with their pasts, and that the success of these classes is not just in the art created, but in the connections formed and the human spirit revitalized. 

Art can have a profound effect on emotional wellbeing, offering experiences that traditional medicine cannot provide, as everyone at Dementia Arts Trust has witnessed time and time again.

Visit Dementia Arts Trust here

Little Art School at creativityfound.co.uk

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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

With a rich background in languages and science, creative pursuits were encouraged during Nancy Dillingham Marks' childhood, but not fully embraced by the young Nancy.

On leaving school Nancy's professional life was dominated by analytical roles, and she excelled in various corporate positions, including at Sony Pictures. What Nancy didn't realize at the time was that her path to success was not only fuelled by her organizational skills, but by intertwining those with creative problem-solving. 

A personal and professional shift lead Nancy to explore her mother's enthusiasm for fused glass, which quickly became the creative outlet she had been looking for.

Faced with the closure of her local glass studio, Nancy once again brought her corporate experiences into play as she opened her own studio, Glass Arts Collective. 

In this episode Nancy emphasizes the importance of community and support in nurturing creativity, as she reflects on how her friends stepped in to help her teach and grow her business. She is excited to tell me all about her studio's welcoming environment, where novices often arrive feeling uncertain about their creativity, only to leave with newfound confidence and a sense of accomplishment. 

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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Cindy Ingram's love for art began early, influenced by Disney classics and a desire to become an animator. With a strong academic focus, Cindy pursued an art history degree and aimed to be a museum educator. However, the reality of museum jobs – limited opportunities and low pay – led her to teaching art in schools instead. 

Cindy started her own online business to support art teachers with resources, but in the midst of her career faced burnout, and her connection to creativity dwindled. She began to reassess her relationship with art, realizing it was no longer a joyful pursuit but a business obligation. 

Through introspection and therapy, Cindy found solace in creating art again, writing a memoir, Art is About Being. The book chronicles her struggles and the healing power of creativity, reaffirming that engagement with art can be a path to self-discovery and emotional resilience. 

Now, Cindy emphasizes the importance of art in her daily life, using it as a tool for expression, reflection, and connection with others.

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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

The Creativity Found Collective is a vibrant community where creativity thrives and everyone supports one another.
This bonus episode showcases how being part of the Creativity Found Collective can spark inspiration, foster connections and provide valuable support for creative small business owners.
With insights from various members, hear about the importance of collaboration and sharing experiences in the creative realm, as well as the mental health benefits of engaging in artistic activities.
From workshops to online courses, members of the Collective offer a plethora of opportunities for growth and learning for any adults seeking to reignite their creative spark or find solace in artistic expression.
If you use your talent and experience to help adults learn creative skills, or you want to help creative businesses to grow and thrive, we’d love to meet you in the Creativity Found Collective membership. 

Jump straight to a coffee chat here.

In this episode you will hear from members:

Nina Lenton

Kelly Drewett

Debbie Page

Mary Broddle

Juliet Sargeant

Ela Wassell

Becky Paton

Join the Creativity Found Collective at creativityfound.co.uk/joinus

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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

Book your Podcast Startup Sanity Check here.

Support the show

Join the Creativity Found Collective here
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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Nina Lenton is a business coach and mentor with a rich background in marketing and project management, who in this episode shares her insights into the world of creativity and the importance of nurturing it in both personal and professional realms. 
Nina discusses her passion for helping business owners rediscover their creative spark, especially when the daily grind threatens to overshadow their artistic pursuits. Nina's approach combines coaching with practical planning, allowing clients to not only express their creativity but also align it with their business goals. 
The conversation flows into Nina's own journey back to creativity through her writing, and how, through the writing sessions she now runs, she engages with others in an informal setting designed to foster creativity. The sessions incorporate warm-up exercises and writing prompts, where participants can share their work or simply enjoy the process of writing without pressure.
As a Creativity Found Collective member Nina values the inspiration that comes from connecting with others who share a passion for creativity.
But what about the penguins? Listen to the end to find out how they fit in!

Nina Lenton at creativityfound.co.uk

Join the Creativity Found Collective at creativityfound.co.uk/joinus

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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Preserving the traditional craft of kilt making.
Paula Duncan is a bespoke kilt maker and tutor, with over 11 years of teaching experience, who has adapted her classes to an online format, making it easier for busy adults to embrace their creativity while learning a new skill.
Paula teaches students from all walks of life, some seeking to create a single kilt while others aspire to turn their newfound skills into a business.
As a member of the Creativity Found Collective, Paula thrives in a community of like-minded creatives, where collaboration and inspiration abound. She believes that sharing ideas and experiences enriches the creative process, allowing individuals to grow and learn from one another.

Paula Duncan Kilts at creativityfound.co.uk
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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

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Support the show

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Running a small business can feel isolating, but finding the right support and community can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your dreams.
Sheena Whyatt is a business coach with over 23 years of experience, who loves to help creative entrepreneurs navigate the challenges they face.
In this chat Sheena and I discuss the common struggles many small business owners – in any field – face, including relentless self-doubt and the nagging voice of the 'gremlin' that often hinders progress.
Sheena emphasizes the importance of accountability in coaching, noting that it's not just about meeting goals but also about fostering a supportive dialogue where clients can reassess their strategies and adapt to changing circumstances.
We also talk about community among creatives, as Sheena explains that sharing ideas in a supportive environment can lead to innovative solutions and renewed motivation.

Sheena Whyatt at creativityfound.co.uk
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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Explore the transformative power of mosaic art as a mindful and enjoyable way to express yourself.
Becky Paton teaches mosaic classes for adults of all abilities, and in this episode she is keen to emphasize that anyone, regardless of their perceived creativity, can create beautiful pieces with the right materials and guidance.
Becky tells me about her experiences of creating mosaics with children and families in hospital settings, illustrating how art can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy during challenging times.
The conversation also delves into the importance of community among creatives, highlighting how sharing experiences and techniques can inspire and elevate one’s work. 
As she embarks on writing a new mosaic book, Becky’s passion for her craft and dedication to helping others discover their creativity shines through.

Becky Paton Mosaics at creativityfound.co.uk
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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

How can engaging in creative activities influence an individual's sense of self and overall fulfillment in life?
Shawna Curee was a very creative child, who loved drawing, writing, and creating games with her siblings. A nurturing home and school environment allowed her to freely explore her artistic inclinations, until, inspired by the film Free Willy, Shawna decided she wanted to be a marine biologist instead of following her creative passions. 
At college she soon realized that wasn't the right path for her, and explored a few other majors before settling on journalism.
Looking back, Shawna recognizes that during the years when she lacked a creative outlet, she felt less like herself. For Shawna creativity is not just a hobby but a vital component of her identity and well-being.
We also chat about Shawna's experiences with baking and how turning her creative love into a business led to burnout. Monetizing her creativity diminished her enjoyment of it, so now Shawna's creative pursuits serve her as personal fulfillment rather than for financial gain. 
Writing has also played a significant role in Shawna's life and she is currently working on a book that explores the value of slowing down and appreciating the beauty in the world around us. This project is deeply personal, as it stems from her desire to share her experiences and insights with her family, ensuring they understand who she is beyond her role as a mother and wife.
Shawna is also the co-host of two podcasts recorded in the metaverse, and couldn't resist turning the conversation onto me as she asked me a question and told the story of how we met.

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Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

From self-doubting doodler to skilled graphic facilitator, embracing the messiness of creativity can lead to transformative experiences.
Societal pressures initially deterred my guest Ashton Rodenhiser from pursuing the arts in higher education. Instead she went to community college and then on to a role working in parenting programs and prenatal support, followed by transitioning to family support, a facilitation role that Ashton especially enjoyed.
Ashton discovered graphic facilitation through a transformative one-day workshop, a pivotal moment that not only reignited her passion for creative expression, but also led to a career that seamlessly combines her skills in listening, facilitation, and visual communication.
Throughout the conversation, Ashton reflects on the vital role of facilitation in helping others communicate their ideas, and how her experiences have shaped her current work, including her recent book, The Beginner's Guide to Sketchnoting.
With a focus on empowering educators to integrate visual note-taking into their classrooms, Ashton inspires listeners to rethink their creative potential and the value of listening and drawing as tools for learning.
Ashton discusses the importance of developing a visual vocabulary, emphasizing that anyone can learn to draw, even if they start from scratch.

CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Buy arts and crafts techniques books, plus books by some of my podcast guests, from the Creativity Found bookshop 

Book your Podcast Startup Sanity Check here.

Support the show

Join the Creativity Found Collective here
Subscribe to the Creativity Found mailing list here
Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout