
Daily Creative with Todd Henry
Daily Creative with Todd Henry, formerly known as The Accidental Creative, is a podcast for creative professionals. Each episode tackles topics like generating ideas under pressure, collaborating when overwhelmed, and leading teams to find motivation. The show aims to help creatives overcome uncertainty and distraction to fall back in love with their work.
Episodes
Signal To Noise
In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore what it really takes to do meaningful, protected creative work in an age of perpetual noise and overwhelm. We kick off with a story from Claude Shannon, the mathematician whose revolutionary thinking about “signal vs. noise” in communication provides the perfect lens for today’s creative challenges.First, we sit down with Ron Friedman, author of Supert
The Success Wound
Why does the title never feel like enough? Why do so many of us hit every goal we set and still go to bed feeling like we came up short? My guest this week has a name for it. Brooke Taylor calls it the success wound, the pain that comes from mistaking our productivity and achievement for our worth. We get into where it comes from, why creative people are especially prone to it, and what it actuall
Stop Hoarding Your Genius: Why Habits Precede Breakthroughs
In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked gap between creating meaningful work and actually releasing it into the world. Starting with the story of Vivian Maier—the prolific street photographer whose life’s work was discovered only after her death—we examine why so many of us hesitate to share our creations.We’re joined by Tina Roth Eisenberg, founder of Creative Mornings, who discusses the
When Bad News Is Good News
In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful—but counterintuitive—practices for sustaining high-performance teams: making it safe to bring bad news forward, early and often. Drawing from manufacturing history and deep space exploration, we examine the critical link between team culture and breakthrough solutions.First, we hear from Lindy Elkins-Tanton, planetary scientist at UC Berkeley an
Constraint & Uncertainty: David Epstein and Simone Stolzoff on Thinking Inside The Box
This week, we explore two forces that shape every creative journey: constraint and uncertainty. Drawing on the remarkable artistic reinventions of Hokusai, we look at how creative legends transitioned from running from the box to thriving within it—and how that same process plays out in creative work today.Our first guest, David Epstein, author of Inside the Box, systematically dismantles the myth
What's Running The Show? Henry Cloud and Owen O'Kane on Strategy & Anxiety
In this episode, we examine what really drives our actions as leaders and creators, and why our best intentions often fail to deliver results. We open with the image of a child learning to walk—stumbling and falling, while well-meaning parents instinctively rush to protect. That same inner protection mechanism stays with us into adulthood, quietly shaping our creative work and leadership decisions
Herding Tigers Bonus Episode! Optimizing: You're Probably Playing Different Games at the Same Table
In this surprise revival of the Herding Tigers Podcast, we kick off a new direction with an exploration of what it means to "optimize" as leaders. We discuss the invisible drivers that cause organizational tension, challenging the idea that conflict always comes from personality clashes or miscommunication. Instead, we unpack the reality that everyone—ourselves included—is optimizing for something
Ceilings, Frames, & Churn: Breaking Invisible Barriers in Your Work and Relationships
This week, we explore the invisible boundaries that shape our work, our relationships, and our own sense of what's possible. We open with the story of the four-minute mile: for nine years, no one could break it—until Roger Bannister did, and the floodgates opened. What changed? Not the runners’ bodies, but their sense of possibility. This episode is about those frames we rarely question—the ones t
Rules and Play: The Invisible Boundaries That Limit Us, and How To Break Them
In this episode, we step into the often-invisible world of cultural scripts—the unwritten rules that shape what we see, what we ignore, and even how we work and create. We begin with the unforgettable story of world-class violinist Joshua Bell playing incognito in a D.C. metro station, and explore why only children stopped to listen.Our first guest, Oliver Sweet, head of ethnography at Ipsos and a
Procrastination Proof: Why Jon Acuff Says Procrastination Is a Well-Funded Fear
In this episode, we examine why even the greatest minds—think Leonardo da Vinci—struggled to finish what they started, and why uncompleted work is less about laziness and more about well-disguised avoidance. We’re joined by John Acuff, bestselling author of Procrastination Proof, who offers a smart, actionable reframe for tackling procrastination head-on.We explore the hidden complexity behind why
Made With Love: Why You Need To Design Love In, Not Bolt It On
This week, we dive into the architecture of trust, brand, and why the most resilient organizations don’t rely on quick fixes. We revisit the case of Johnson & Johnson’s Tylenol crisis, looking beyond textbook crisis management to the underlying fabric of a company built on values that withstand disaster.We’re joined by Marcus Buckingham, author of Design Love In, who reveals why “love” isn’t j
Subtle Maneuvers and Big Outcomes
This week, we explore the myth of sudden breakthroughs in creative and leadership journeys, digging instead into the reality: a meaningful life is built in the margins, not the spotlight. We first connect with Mason Currey, author of Making Art and Making a Living, who shares stories from the lives of celebrated creators—revealing that ideal conditions are a fantasy and resourcefulness is universa
Human Fracking and the Design of Creative Freedom
There’s a silent war being waged on our creative lives, but it’s not the obvious enemies we expect. In this episode, we dive deep into the invisible threats constraining our creativity—both inside organizations and in the culture at large.First, we speak with Cassie McDaniel, VP of Design at Medium, about the art of protecting creative space in a business world that increasingly values efficiency
Unlocking Everyday Genius: From Memory Palaces to Getting Outside
In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore the often-overlooked link between our environment, memory, and creative potential. We kick off with the story of Cicero and ancient memory techniques, dive deep with 6-time USA Memory Champion Nelson Dellis (author of Everyday Genius) on the method of loci (the "memory palace"), and unpack the science behind our Indoor Epidemic with Dr. John LaPuma. To
Feeling Overwhelmed With Everything? Me too. Here's What to Do Next.
In this episode, we explore what to do when the weight of uncertainty and overwhelm makes it hard to think, create, or move forward. We open with the legendary survival story of Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance expedition, drawing practical lessons about leadership, adaptability, and creative resilience. When everything spins out of control, it’s not about getting back to what we’ve lost—it’s about r
Why The Best Ideas Come From a Marketplace of Ideas
This week, we kicked things off with a story that’s almost too good to be true—the Great Emu War of 1932—and used it to highlight what happens when we try to solve modern problems with old, top-down thinking. As organizations confront complexity and change, we’re not up against simple, centralized challenges anymore; we're facing adaptive, distributed ones.We sat down with Emily Tedards and Jason
The End Of History Illusion
In this episode, we explore a new dimension of intelligence for navigating our rapidly-changing world. We start with the story of Hiroo Onoda, a soldier whose unwavering commitment to a mission long after its context had vanished becomes a powerful metaphor for how rigidity can keep us stuck. We dive deep into "AQ"—Agility Quotient—with Liz Tran, founder of AQ Learning Lab and author of AQ: A New
Seeing The Here and Now
In this episode, we explore the rarely recognized power of “seeing the here and now.” Using a memorable scene from Spielberg’s Lincoln as a launchpad, we dig into what it really means to rise to those unique, decisive moments that have the potential to alter the trajectory of our organizations, teams, and lives. While it’s easy (and comfortable) to stick to established plans and long-term strategi
What Do You Do When You're (Actually) Working?
In this episode, we dive deep into the real value of creative work—what we truly get paid for, beyond our time and output. We bring together two insightful thinkers, Rebecca Hinds and Jen Fisher, whose perspectives on meetings and hope transform how we structure our work days and support our teams.We explore why most meetings sabotage productivity and how “visibility bias” tricks us into equating
Ecosystems Of Brilliance
On this episode of Daily Creative, we explore the myth of the lone genius and make the case for why sustainable creative brilliance happens when we grow and nurture real relationships. We’re joined by Daniel Coyle, bestselling author and researcher, whose new book Flourish examines how true growth emerges not through competition, but through intentional connection and community.We discuss why rela
The Compounding Advantage: Leveraging AI for Smarter Creative Work
In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence. Inspired by Ada Lovelace's early vision of creative machines, we explore how the boundaries between expertise and common sense have been reshaped by modern AI, from expert systems to today's generative models. We sit down with pioneers and practitioners—Vasant Dhar, a longtime AI rese
Stop Renting Your Creative Process
Episode 92: OwnershipDaily CreativeIn this episode, we dive into the nuanced meaning of ownership in creative work and leadership. As the landscape is rapidly transformed by AI and powerful new tools, we explore the temptation to offload not just labor but also the very thinking that gives our work its unique signature. We unpack what it means to retain genuine ownership of process, relationships,
The Drive To Create
In this episode, we dive deep into the human urge to create—what fuels it, why it feels so essential, and how we can harness it more intelligently in our work. We are joined by psychologist George Newman (author of How Great Ideas Happen) and philosopher Rebecca Newberger Goldstein (author of The Mattering Instinct), who guide us through both the mechanics and meaning of creativity.We explore why
Seeing The Invisible: How Beats By Dre Became Iconic, and How Pioneers Build Businesses That Last
In today’s episode, we explore what it means to create work that lasts not just for the next trend cycle, but for generations. We dive deep into the interplay of intuition, identity, and intentionality that underpins creative longevity, and how these often-invisible forces guide great design, resilient businesses, and enduring cultural impact.We sit down with two very different thinkers whose expe
Dog Catches Car: What Happens After You Achieve Your Life's Goal?
What happens when the chase is over and the dream is finally caught? In this episode, we sit down with Lionel Cartwright—whose career soared to the top of the country music charts—to explore the rarely discussed crossroads of success. After years of relentless pursuit, Lionel achieved all the milestones he’d imagined: record deals, number one hits, and recognition. Yet, in those quiet moments away
20 Years In 20 Minutes
This week, we celebrate a major milestone... 20 years of the podcast! The first episode of The Accidental Creative launched in December 2005. While this is episode 88 of the re-branded version, Daily Creative, this is something like episode 1,398 of the podcast. We take a reflective journey back to where it all began, unpacking the origin story of the show and the creative work that continues to s
Daily Creative
In December 2025, we celebrate something special—twenty years of this podcast, which first launched as Accidental Creative in December 2005. We reflect on how starting, even with imperfect beginnings, is an essential part of a creative journey. In this episode, we draw insights from the book Daily Creative, sharing a series of thought-provoking essays designed for creative professionals navig
What Are Your Escape Hatches?
In this episode of Daily Creative, Todd Henry explores the subtle ways in which we avoid true commitment to our creative and professional ambitions. Todd discusses the concept of "escape hatches"—the backup plans, excuses, and rationalizations that prevent us from risking real vulnerability and discovering what we’re truly capable of. Drawing from personal stories and practical frameworks, we unpa
5 Questions Every Creative Pro Should Be Asking
In this episode, we take a step back from our typical interview format to reflect on something many creative leaders are feeling right now: a subtle but persistent sense of drift amidst uncertainty. Drawing from recent conversations with leaders worldwide, Todd Henry digs into the changing dynamics of organizations, shifting marketplaces, and the unique challenges and numbness that come with these
Dirtbag Billionaire: Why Calling Isn't "Found", It's Uncovered
In this episode, we explore the unconventional story of Yvon Chouinard, the “dirtbag” climber who became the founder of Patagonia and ultimately gave away his billion-dollar company to protect its mission. In conversation with David Gelles—New York Times journalist and author of Dirtbag Billionaire—we dig into the paradoxes of success, the power of awareness, and the ongoing tension between p
Super Chickens vs. Super Coops: The Power of Team Intelligence
For decades, we've been told that high performance is about gathering the brightest stars—the so-called “super chickens”—onto one team and watching the magic happen. But what if this approach is exactly what’s holding us back? In this episode, we challenge the myth of the lone genius and superstar culture, inspired by the research of evolutionary biologist William Muir and our guest, Jon Levy, aut
Slow Down To Go Fast (Why Optimizing Isn't the Answer)
In this episode, we dive deep into what it truly means to sustain high performance—without losing ourselves along the way. We explore why the relentless pursuit of optimization can leave us exhausted, disconnected, and ultimately unsatisfied, even as our productivity dashboards look more impressive than ever.We sit down with Dr. James Hewitt, a human performance scientist and author of Regene
Safe Danger: Why Play Is Serious Business
In this episode, we dive deep into the paradoxical space where creativity thrives: the intersection of safety and danger. Drawing inspiration from IDEO’s iconic reinvention of the shopping cart, we explore how play, risk, and psychological safety fuel real innovation. We’re joined by Ben Swire—author of “Safe Danger” and former IDEO design lead—and Cas Holman, designer and author of “Playful,” to
How To Be Lucky (By Design)
Episode 80: Lucky By Design – Show NotesIs luck really just random, or can we engineer it? In this episode, we explore how “luck” is often the result of preparation, pattern recognition, and a deep understanding of hidden systems that shape opportunity. Drawing from the unlikely success story of Gary Dahl’s Pet Rock and the groundbreaking research of Wharton economist Judd Kessler and his new book
Your Compass & Creative Fuel
How do we keep our creative edge—and ourselves—intact while navigating constant demands, distractions, and emotional turbulence? In this episode, we explore two distinct yet overlapping paths to real impact and creative resilience.We first sit down with Robert Glazer, best-selling author of The Compass Within, who demystifies the role of core values as more than just aspirational words—they’r
Supercommunicators
How often do our teams, family members, or collaborators end up misunderstanding each other even when we think we’re being perfectly clear? In this episode, we dive into the high cost of miscommunication and what it takes to become a “super communicator” in a noisy, divided world. We’re joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg, whose new book “Supercommunicators” unlocks why our
Thriving In Times of Epic Disruption
In this episode, we explore the exhilarating—and sometimes terrifying—landscape of disruption with innovation expert Scott Anthony, author of Epic Disruptions. Together, we examine the rapid shifts happening across every industry and what it takes not just to survive, but to lead through change with courage and creativity.We discuss why disruption is as much about human behavior as it is abou
The Creative Shift
Why does so much around us feel "vaguely familiar"? In this episode, we dive deep into the creative malaise of our overstimulated world—where endless scrolling, constant content, and a deluge of data make everything seem slightly derivative and uninspiring. We unpack the concept of “vague familiarity” and examine why our passion for novelty is constantly dulled by today’s information overload.To h
Why Hustle Culture Fails—and What to Do Instead
In this episode, we explore what it takes to sustain creative leadership—not just for the next launch, but through the marathon of a meaningful career. We sit down with serial entrepreneur and author Chris Ducker to dig deep into his philosophy from his new book, "The Long Haul Leader," where he shares battle-tested frameworks for combating burnout and resisting the relentless drive of hustle cult
How to Turn Doubt Into Your Creative Superpower
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive deep into the concept of doubt as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and effective leadership. We explore a real-world story where doubt reshaped a project and led to a superior outcome, challenging our culture’s bias toward certainty and snap answers. Our guest, Dr. Bobby Parmar, author of Radical Doubt and professor at the University of Virginia’s D
Are You A Moment, or a Mountain?
In this solo episode, we explore a profound question: Are we building our professional lives around fleeting moments, or are we becoming mountains—steady, enduring, and impactful over the long term? We reflect on the contrast between “moment makers” who chase applause and “mountain builders” who quietly cultivate trust, skill, and lasting influence through steady practices.We examine the cultural
Time Anxiety
Why does time feel so slippery, especially for creative pros? In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of “time anxiety”—that restless sense that we’re running out of time or not spending our hours on what really matters. We’re joined by Chris Guillebeau, author of the book Time Anxiety, who brings a fresh lens to how we experience time, how our anxieties about it span past, present, and fu
Lessons From Future You: How To Use Distancing To Unlock Brilliant Ideas
Episode E71 – DistancingIn this episode, we dive into one of creativity and leadership’s most overlooked superpowers: the ability to distance ourselves from our own immediate experience. We explore why our best work rarely happens by accident—it’s a result of disciplined, intentional decisions made from a broader perspective.We sit down with former nuclear submarine commander and bestselling autho
Cover Bands Don't Change The World (Inside The Creative's Mind)
In this episode, we explore the idea that “cover bands don’t change the world”—and what it really takes to move from remixing the familiar to truly original creative work. We discuss why so many creative professionals feel stuck in safe, derivative cycles, and how our obsession with mimicking proven formulas can prevent us from breaking new ground.We’re joined by Phil White—co-author of The C
Blindspotting: Preventing Hidden Sabotage at Work
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the hidden forces that can derail even the most talented and well-intentioned leaders: blind spots. We explore why self-awareness isn’t just about knowing our weaknesses, but also understanding how our biggest strengths—if left unchecked—can turn into liabilities.We’re joined by Marty Dubin, executive coach, former CEO, clinical psychologist, and aut
Chasing Likes: How One Button Changed The World
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dig into the origins and unexpected global impact of the “like button” with business thinker and strategist Martin Reeves, co-author of Like: The Button That Changed the World. Together, we uncover not just the technical and historical story behind one of the internet’s most recognizable icons, but also how something so small has fundamentally rewired our
Why Work Should Be Fun (Sometimes): The Case for Joy & Humanity at Work
In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to be human in today’s workplace. We push back against the efficiency-obsessed culture and explore how bringing more humanity, joy, and intention into work leads to better results and more meaningful lives.First, we’re joined by Bree Groff, author of Today Was Fun! and consultant and expert in organizational transformation. Bree breaks down w
Brilliance Under Pressure (Todd Henry Live in Scottsdale, AZ)
Summer's in full swing, our routines are upside down, and creative disciplines are as vital as ever. In this special episode, we share Todd Henry's live talk from Scottsdale, Arizona, exploring the heart of creative work and what it really takes to thrive as a “create on demand” professional. Todd unpacks why producing brilliant work isn’t as simple as following steps 1-2-3, and why most of the re
The Inner Game of Creative Leadership
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the heart of what it means to be a purposeful leader—both in our creative work and our lives. We explore how easy it is to drift away from our core motivations as we advance in our careers, and what it really takes to stay anchored to what matters most.We’re joined by Klaus Kleinfeld, the only Fortune 500 CEO to have led two companies on different co
Banana Ball
In this episode of Daily Creative, we sit down with Jesse Cole, the founder of the Savannah Bananas—a phenomenon that's redefining what it means to have fun at a baseball game. We share Jesse’s incredible journey from feeling uninspired in a “dream job” to igniting a revolution in sports entertainment. Bored with the traditional, slow-moving experience of baseball, Jesse asked the pivotal question
How To Think In Systems
In this episode, we dive into how complexity creeps into our systems—whether in software, organizations, or personal leadership. We start by looking at the evolution of Microsoft Word as a case study of feature creep and unintended consequences, asking why more options can end up stifling creativity.We’re joined by Robert Siegel, Stanford lecturer and author of The Systems Leader, who unpacks
Lean Learning
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dig into the concept of “lean learning”—the art of cutting through information overload to focus on what matters and take action that truly moves us forward. We kick off with an intriguing story about the Jefferson Memorial’s restoration, showing how asking the right questions unlocks smarter solutions.Joining us is Pat Flynn, entrepreneur and author of L
Complicated People
Ever fantasized about sending a scorched-earth resignation email or confronting that “complicated” colleague head-on? In this episode, we explore the messy realities and hidden costs of revenge in the workplace—and uncover healthier, more powerful strategies for navigating conflict and difficult people.We kick off with a viral real-life resignation email—an employee’s “digital declaration of war”—
The Creativity Choice
In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to choose creativity, rather than simply waiting for inspiration to strike. We open with the fascinating origin story of Photoshop—how a grad student’s simple problem-solving evolved, through deliberate choices and refinement, into a revolutionary creative tool. This story sets the stage for this episode’s exploration of how intentional actio
How To Stay Optimistic, and the DNA of Great Brands
In this episode, we dive deep into why optimism is far more than just wishful thinking—it's a practical, essential quality for doing brave, creative work and leading others with clarity. We explore how maintaining optimistic vision, especially in uncertain times, can drive teams forward and inspire decisive action.We also welcome special guest Peter Wilken, branding expert and author of Dim S
Why You Get Stuck (and What To Do About It)
In this episode, we dig deep into the experience of “stuckness” that every creative pro and leader faces when tackling hard problems. We challenge the typical advice of “just push through,” and instead reveal the true root causes behind creative block. Also, we explore why simply grinding it out doesn’t always work and how a more mindful approach can help us regain momentum.We unpack three main re
Are You a Collector, Or a Curator?
In today’s episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the crucial distinction between being a collector and a curator in the digital age. With endless streams of information bombarding us daily, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hoarding inspiration—saving articles, quotes, and ideas without ever transforming them into something meaningful. We explore how true creativity is about making the complica
Manage Up
In this episode, we dive into managing uncertainty with Todd Henry and special guest Melody Wilding. We share insights on thriving in uncertain times, including building chaos-proof rituals, asking transformative questions, and thinking countercyclically. We also highlight Melody Wilding's expertise from her latest book Managing Up, which is about how to get what you want from those in charge. Mel
The Magical Power of Strategic Indifference
In this episode of Daily Creative, we delve into the concept of "Strategic Indifference," a powerful approach to leadership and creativity. We share insights on how Steve Jobs exemplified this concept when he returned to Apple in 1997 and made bold decisions that transformed the company. The episode explores the difference between prioritization and strategic indifference, highlighting the courage
Reverse The Search
In this episode of Daily Creative, we discuss how to make yourself stand out in a competitive job market by reversing the traditional job search approach. We highlight the inspiring story of Nina Mufleh, who broke through the job market noise with her innovative product listing resume, showcasing the exact qualities employers seek: creativity, problem-solving, and calculated risk-taking. Made
Wild Courage
In this episode of Daily Creative we are joined by Jenny Wood, author of Wild Courage and former executive at Google. We delve into the concept of mediocrity and how many bright creatives can inadvertently settle for less due to fear and external pressures. Jenny shares her transformative subway moment that led her to embrace "wild courage" and how she has applied this principle to various aspects
Trust + Enough
In this episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the essential dynamics of trust within creative organizations and our personal relationship with money. We start with a discussion on how trust is foundational in the creative process, emphasizing the significance of a reciprocal relationship between team members and leadership. When trust erodes, it can lead to workplace inefficiencies and cause tal
Two Moments
In this episode of Daily Creative, we share insights from my recent (grueling, yet rewarding) speaking tour across the United States, where I delivered nine keynote presentations in just 14 days. My travel provided me with valuable lessons and inspiration, captured as quick sketches and observations in my notebook. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain to discuss two powerful moments from my
Bambino (replay)
Chances are, you're probably not taking enough shots.In this episode, we explore the importance of starting more and letting go of the pressure to finish everything. We discuss how embracing parallel creation and being unafraid to repeat ourselves can lead to brilliant work. We also hear from Becky Blades, Austin Kleon, Andy J. Pizza, and Ozan Varol about the significance of taking action on our i
Brave New World
In this episode we delve into the concept of adopting a brave mindset in our daily lives, drawing inspiration from Todd Henry's book "The Brave Habit." Throughout the episode, we discuss the significance of choosing which narratives to respond to in defining our identities. We emphasize that bravery is not synonymous with bravado; rather, bravery involves self-sacrificial actions that pursue visi
10% Better?
In this episode, we delve into the powerful concept of incremental improvement, using the inspiring example of one writer's simple but effective writing routine. We're joined via a 2016 interview by Dan Harris, author of "10% Happier," as he shares his transformative journey from a skeptic of meditation to an advocate, following a live panic attack that stemmed from mounting stress and self-medica
Outsiders
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of Fred Cox, a former NFL kicker for the Minnesota Vikings, who transitioned from the football field to becoming the inventor of the Nerf football. His story showcases how innovation can emerge from unexpected places and how outsiders with fresh perspectives often lead to groundbreaking changes.We are also joined by Kim Christfort, chief innovati
Inspire
In today’s episode, we welcome Adam Galinsky, social psychologist, leadership expert, and author of the book "Inspire." Galinsky discusses the concept of the "leader amplification effect" and describes his visionary-exemplar-mentor (VEM) model of inspiring leadership. Through both Abouleish’s journey and Galinsky’s insights, we explore what makes leaders truly inspiring and how their influence can
Assassins
In today's episode of Daily Creative, we dive into the subtle yet powerful dynamics that can undermine our creative potential. Imagine you're driving down a familiar road, and your car begins to pull to one side, requiring constant correction just to stay on track. This metaphor perfectly encapsulates how certain hidden forces can slowly erode our creative output and lead us astray from our best w
Defy
In this episode, we explore the nature of taking a stand.Our guest, Dr. Sunita Sah (author of Defy), a professor at Cornell University and an organizational psychologist, joins us to delve deep into the concept of defiance. Dr. Sah proposes a new definition of defiance—acting in alignment with your true values when there is pressure to do otherwise. She reveals insights from her research that sugg
Hunch
In this episode we explore the importance of remaining open to unexpected detours and serendipitous moments in our creative and personal lives.Our guest, Bernadette Jiwa, a recognized authority on storytelling in business innovation and the author of the book Hunch, offers deep insights into how curiosity, empathy, and imagination are vital traits for spotting transformative opportunities. J
Good Thinking
In this episode, we explore the importance of the narratives we surround ourselves with, as highlighted by our guest, Gabriel Reilich, the head of content and innovation at Upworthy and author of the book Good People. Gabriel discusses the profound effects of uplifting stories and how they can reshape our perceptions and empower us to engage more positively with the world around us.We discuss Geor
So Emotional
Show Notes: Daily Creative - "So Emotional"In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore the profound impact of emotion in our creative processes. We begin with a captivating story about Walt Disney and how his emotional response to rundown amusement parks sparked the creation of Disneyland—revolutionizing family entertainment forever.We sit down with Greg Hoffman, former Chief Marketing Officer o
Early Bird, Second Mouse
In this episode, we delve into the question of whether it's better to be first to market... or second. Safi Bahcall, author of "Loonshots," discusses the importance of nurturing big ideas and differentiates between product-type (P-type) and strategy-type (S-type) innovators. Through historical anecdotes and industry examples, we explore whether it's more advantageous to be first or second to marke
Why Productive Passion Is Your Advantage (keynote)
In this episode we revisit Todd's powerful talk delivered at Schermerhorn Symphony Hall in Nashville, TN for the Story Conference. Todd discusses the importance of shunning comfort zones, overcoming fear, and identifying your productive passion to ensure we empty ourselves of our best work by the end of our lives.He also delves into practical questions to help you discover your own productive pass
Kinder
In this episode, we reflect on the importance of vulnerability and kindness in fostering meaningful relationships, both personal and professional. Our guest, James Rhee, author of Red Helicopter, recounts an impactful kindergarten experience that taught him the value of goodwill and sharing. He likens the power of kindness to the magical world of "Harold in the Purple Crayon," emphasizing our abi
Say What They Can't Unhear
In today's episode, we dive deep into the intriguing world of perception and communication. It all begins with a story about how a seemingly simple movie night turned into a revelation about differing perspectives. We explore how our interpretations of the same events can vary widely, reflecting our own stories and lenses.Joining us is Tamsen Webster, a message designer with 25 years of experience
Seize The Moment
In this episode, we explore the stories of two remarkable individuals who took bold steps to seize opportunities in their lives, despite facing incredible challenges.First, we hear from Trey Sheneman, a marketing consultant and a father whose son, Bear, was born with a unique birth defect that severely impacted his hearing. Trey shares the heartwarming journey of how watching Wheel of Fortune beca
This Is Strategy
In this episode, we are joined by renowned author and strategist Seth Godin, who shares invaluable insights into understanding and developing effective strategies.We delve into the concept of elegant versus inelegant strategies, with Seth providing compelling examples of how simple, effective solutions can resolve complex problems. He also discusses the critical distinction between strategy and ta
The Mouse-Mansion Maxim
In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore a quote from Richard Rohr: "A mouse in a mansion does not need to take lessons in humility." This imagery of a mouse confidently navigating a grand space leads us into a profound discussion on humility, self-awareness, and authentic leadership.We reflect on the importance of striking a balance between confidence and humility, highlighting how true conf











