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

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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

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Oksana Kukurudza is currently immersed in a deeply personal writing project titled Sunflowers Bend But Rarely Break, which explores her parents' harrowing experiences as forced labourers in Nazi Germany during World War II. Oksana's motivation for writing stems not only from her parents' stories but also from the striking parallels she observes between their experiences and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Born and raised in Western Ukraine, which was part of Poland before the war, Oksana's mother, just 17 years old in 1941, and her father, 20 at the time, fell victim to Nazi propaganda and coercion that led many Slavs to Germany for forced labor. This choice, however, resulted in her enduring harsh treatment and effectively being imprisoned as a labourer.
In her research for the book, Oksana has uncovered deeper layers of her parents' experiences, revealing aspects of their lives that were previously unknown to her. This has led Oksana to approach her writing with a blend of historical accuracy and creative narrative, aiming to immerse readers in the emotional landscape of her parents' lives during the war.
The title of the book, Sunflowers Bend But Rarely Break, symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity – a theme that resonates deeply with Oksana as she draws connections to the current situation in Ukraine. The ongoing war has evoked memories of her parents' struggles, prompting her to advocate for awareness and support for Ukraine. Oksana believes that history is repeating itself, and feels a strong responsibility to illuminate these parallels for a new generation. By sharing her parents' story Oksana hopes that she can contribute to a greater understanding of the human experiences behind historical events and inspire action to support Ukraine in its current plight.

CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
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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

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Creativity and community
Mark Clay's transition into the arts began later in life, sparked by his experiences as a father. He initially engaged in creative activities to facilitate his daughters' artistic explorations, which led him to rediscover his own potential for drawing. This rekindling of creativity served as a form of 'occupational therapy', allowing him to refill his emotional cup during a stressful period in his life.
Mark's involvement in community activities, such as volunteering at the Hinksey Heights Nature Trail, further enriches his creative life. He notes that engaging with nature and working alongside others has inspired his artwork. This connection to nature and community not only enhances his artistic practice but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.
Mark has embraced a slow, contemplative approach to his art, which allows him to produce pieces that resonate with his experiences and emotions. His journey illustrates that artistic development is not just about technical skill but also about understanding oneself and the world, resulting in a richer and more rewarding creative life.

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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

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Processing the personal struggles through words.
A negative experience in a college creative writing class derailed Mary Adkin's writing ambitions for nearly a decade, and sent her on a whole different path than the one she had planned.
Mary studied public policy and went to law school, but when it came to working in the legal profession, Mary quickly realized that being a lawyer was not her true calling, and she made a bold decision to leave the profession after just seven months.
Mary transitioned to tutoring to support herself while dedicating her days to writing. Despite initial setbacks and self-doubt, she eventually completed her first novel, and has continued to write, with each new novel being distinct in its storyline and tone.
In this episode Mary opens up about her recent memoir, You Might Feel a Little Pressure, which explores her personal experiences with miscarriages and how they transformed her life. She emphasizes the importance of writing as a means of processing and sharing personal struggles, hoping her memoir will provide comfort to others going through similar experiences.
In addition to her writing, Mary helps other adults write and publish their books through her program, The Book Incubator. She shares insights into how her own challenging experiences with feedback have shaped the supportive and constructive environment she now fosters in her program.

CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
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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

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There is energy in everything.
In this episode my guest Tina Wells chats about her journey to finding emotional relief and mental wellbeing, along the way showcasing various practices and creative outlets that foster joy and reduce stress.
Tina has always had a deep appreciation for nature and science – including a fascination with energy bonds, organic matter and the interconnectedness of living organisms – leading to a career as an ecologist and surveying butterflies in Bristol (among other roles!).
During a move to San Francisco with her husband and young son, Tina discovered the mental-health benefits of T'ai Chi Chih, which has helped her to overcome personal challenges including anxiety and postnatal depression. Tina went on to train in this moving form of meditation and now leads her own group sessions, focusing on stress relief through movement and breathing techniques.

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

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Dealing with personal loss, embarking on a nomadic lifestyle, and ultimately finding solace and purpose through writing.
For author Douglas Robbins the journey to creativity was anything but conventional.
In this episode I chat with Douglas about his early creative influences, including his mother's theatrical background and his own musical experiences, and the cathartic nature of Douglas' travels across the United States, working various jobs to sustain his adventurous spirit while also taking college classes along the way.
Douglas reflects on the significance of making conscious choices in life and how his experiences have fuelled his philosophical and socially conscious writing.
Now settled in New York with his family, Douglas continues to explore deep themes in his work, ranging from philosophical sci-fi to social commentary. He also shares his plans to transition fully into writing and coaching other writers, emphasising the importance of living a meaningful life and helping others find their voices.
Join us as we explore Douglas's unique journey, the emotional impact of his writing, and his aspirations for the future.

"We want to be seen, but we have to see ourselves first."

CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
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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

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How creativity can fit into the seasons of your life
Gina Farrar has embraced many facets of her own creativity in midlife, and loves to share how doing so can be a great tool for self-discovery and expression.
In this episode I talk with Gina about her desire to and experiences of homeschooling her two girls, and how those same girls were pivotal in Gina's rediscovery of and explorations in watercolour and acrylic painting.
Gina emphasizes that creativity doesn't have to be confined to traditional art forms, but can be expressed through cookery, gardening, home decorating, and more, and discusses the challenges and joys of working on a moving, three-dimensional canvas, as she has done in the past through makeup artistry and body painting.
Gina had a discouraging experience in art class in junior high, which she explains occurred at a particular season in her life that meant it hit her harder than it may have done at another time. Now, she can reflect on her current season of life, where she is evaluating what's next and making intentional shifts towards dedicating more time to her art.
We also talk about Gina's podcast, Feminine Roadmap, which she started to create a platform for midlife women to discuss a wide range of topics, beyond just ageing and menopause.
Above all, Gina encourages listeners – of Creativity Found and of Feminine Roadmap – to embrace creativity in whatever form it takes and to be open to trying new things without the pressure of perfection: revel in the act of creating and expressing oneself, rather than striving for mastery.

CreativityFound.co.uk

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

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At one time or another we all have our inner critics, undermining our confidence, but how do we deal with them?
My guest, Ela Wassell of Truly Boldly You, advocates for acknowledging them, since it is though understanding these voices that we can manage them, an approach that can empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves, free from perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies.
In this episode Ela also encourages us to seek external support when starting a small business, whether in the form of practical help, mentoring or emotional support, by learning how to ask for help gracefully as well as to appreciate those who give that support.
Ela has trained and is licensed in a number of time and energy management systems that she shares through one-on-one coaching and workshops, focusing on empowering women leaders to have an impact without burnout.

Ela and Truly Boldly You at creativityfound.co.uk
CreativityFound.co.uk

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast
Pinterest: @creativityfound

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

Support the show

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