The Creative Minds Podcast

The season here continues in fantastic fashion. And honestly, if you know a fellow creative who doesn’t follow this already - this is surely the time to tell them. I’m very proud and pleased to be sharing all these creatives and artists with you - and today, writer Molly Aitken, who has published two novels with Penguin Random House, and recently had her short story published in The New Yorker - so we are super lucky to spend time here with her and get all the tips that were shared. Go and follow Molly’s work here - https://www.instagram.com/molly.aitken/And go find the story above and the books.Peace, thanks as always for being here, and speak v soon,Will Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Hey, hope all are feeling good.Yeah, I just listened to this back. And I wanted to double down on saying that I genuinely make this stuff to increase a sense of belonging and connectedness for those whose experience might resonate with the featured artist. I hope it doesn’t feel like I’m projecting too much onto Albarn here - and if I am, I apologise to him for that, and people can make their own judgment there too. I always imagine if I was the artist now, watching the video or listening to the podcast episode, and how it would make me feel… And my email is always open for any featured artist who would want to chat about their piece, or even tell me it didn’t make them feel good - in which case I would remove it with no hassle at all. Come find the article I mentioned which digs in plenty more to my diary piece, and the story behind the story here (as well as handing over the extra interviews/docs I used to research this) https://insidecreativeminds.substack.com/p/when-youve-pushed-everyone-away-diaries And peace, speak soon,Will Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

This one’s a beautiful conversation. It’s about purpose, creativity, and how to protect your artistic process in the online space. A massive shout to Trev - and more collaborative work will come between us in the future I’m certain.GO FIND HIS YOUTUBE HERE - https://www.youtube.com/@TrevBarnes And before I go - a massive thank you to those who took the time to fill out the survey I posted. Genuinely, you make this stuff real for me, and more real and more impactful for everyone involved. I appreciate your time, and the responses were just super developed and amazing to read… honestly, thanks for that. OK, peace and power to everyone’s work. I’m dropping another diary piece this week, and then I’ve got a focus video on Damon Albarn dropping next Sunday, which is already shaping up to be deeper than I thought I was going with it, and really should be interesting. Hope to see you there.✌️✌️,Will Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Doing things on purpose - this is my favourite point Gabriel speaks on in this. Taking 1 picture on set, rather than shooting a 1000 and deciding in post. The technology of this world often promises us more - more options, more complexity, more choices. But the best artists understand that the promise of more is often a trap, or a shield to hide behind. BE CLEAR IN YOUR INTENTION - REFLECT ON WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY - THEN DO ONLY WHAT YOU NEED TO.Love to all those following the work, and speak v soon,WillThe newsletter is sitting on the brink of 20,000 subscribers. Help me over the line by dropping this one into a group chat this week ✌️❤️ Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

What can I say? So many gems in here.We talk about life as a 9-5 worker with a committed creative practice, Ben’s journey from passionate fiction writer to award-winning published novelist, and what ‘doing the actual thing’ might mean for all creatives. I believe this will find someone and inspire them - and I loved making it. GO FIND BEN’S WORKhttps://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Everything-Was-Beautiful-and-Nothing-Hurt/Ben-Reeves/9781668216361And consider sharing this one with a creative/friend who might enjoy it. Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

I have one goal when making these pieces now - I ask myself, if the artist saw this piece, would they love it? Would they feel it represented them, and the work they do?When a video passes that test - it’s done.Love and power to you. And thanks for the positive response to my longer writing pieces recently. The love is felt here very much.The second CM conversation of series 3 will be dropping next Sunday.And peace,WillP.S. If you happen to know Ethel, and see this, please tell her to get in touch. I’d love to interview her for the podcast ✌️❤️. Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

What a nourishing and beautiful way to start this season of the CM Conversations. An absolute privilege to speak to Brian and Sol. I don’t think I really need to say much on top of this one, I’m just going to say - sit back, make yourself a hot drink, and enjoy. And thanks for being here, this season is feeling fruitful and warm already and I’m super happy to bring it fwd. https://www.instagram.com/____onehand____/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJaSzVm1BGyKBlHnRCYnxoAPeace and speak soon,WillCan you help support this work? I believe Creative Minds is inherently more valuable if everyone can access everything for free. But I’m balancing building this and paying my bills, and need your help to keep growing this.I get messages every week from people who say my work is helping them move forward with their projects and feel better about their journey and wellbeing around their creative life. If you can support here, and you think this kind of work matters, please consider dropping me that help, and be part of the engine that allows me to continue this… Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Use promo code CreativeMindsPod for 15% off your first campaign at https://playlistpush.com/spotify-playlists-promotionCome find the free newsletter - https://insidecreativeminds.substack.comAre you stuck in your creative journey — not because you lack talent, discipline, or ideas… but because you’re quietly avoiding the things that might matter most?On this channel, I talk with artists and creatives about expanding their limitations, pursuing unseen goals, and finding deep satisfaction in the work they make. And in today’s episode, I wanted to share three uncomfortable truths that can help you recognise your creative blind spots and start moving toward the work you actually want to create.We explore why perfect work isn’t the goal, why sharing your art in real-world spaces matters more than you think, and why confidence doesn’t come before action — it often comes because of action.If you’re a writer, musician, painter, filmmaker, photographer, designer, or any kind of creative who feels stuck, blocked, or unsure of your next step, this one is for you.And if you enjoyed this episode, pls consider subscribing, liking the video, and sharing it with another creative who might need to hear this.And thanks as always for being here,Will Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Hello, and thanks for being here.Today I’m bringing you video artist, visual artist, musician, director - all that good stuff - Zahir.I was out listening to my headphones recently, and one of Zahir’s tracks came on, and without realising who it was, I checked to see the artist and hit save.Go check out his work. You won’t regret it. And make the link with him too, let’s connect this community beyond my voice.In this episode I also talk about the coaching/support opportunity that I’m offering here now. The link is here, and come take a look/book a call if you’re interested - I’d love to hear from you.Enough said, I really hope you enjoy this one.And peace,Willhttps://open.spotify.com/album/2WCrOoimTXAbWS0zhUiJZJhttps://www.instagram.com/zastarring/https://www.zaverbs.com/ Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

On this podcast, I explore creativity through conversations and reflections on how artists expand their limitations and find more satisfaction in their work. Today is just the same (but a particular favourite of mine to work on).This episode is the second in my series, looking at the intersection between creative practice and Zen. And in this one I’m looking at the idea that our best work doesn’t come from trying harder, but from letting go.Starting with a quote from Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act, we explore the Zen principle of Wu Wei (action without force), and how presence, non-attachment, and trust in the moment can unlock deeper, more beautiful states of creative practice. I include some of CMs favourite artists - Erykah Badu and Andre 3000, as well as shouting out a new face, Ethel Cain.And if you do enjoy this one, please do consider sharing it with a fellow creative or just interested friend. Drop it in a group chat. Maybe start a conversation about Zen - whatever takes your fancy.Most of all have a peaceful and fruitful week. And I’ll see you soon,Will Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Hey, thanks as always for opening this one 👋Go and check Dom out, and follow his work - https://linktr.ee/domrivettiAnd for anyone who wants to apply for the 1-to-1 coaching, pls find the link here - https://forms.gle/Q3GSEtcYXbN9ddQY9I’m only looking for 6 people to start off, but I won’t be reviewing applications until this coming Friday (16th). So any forms that come in prior to then will be considered.Thanks for being here as always, hope you enjoyed this one, and speak soon,Will ✌️❤️ Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Use promo code CreativeMindsPod for 15% off your first campaign at https://playlistpush.com/spotify-playlists-promotionCome find the newsletter, podcast, and much more https://linktr.ee/insidecreativemindsAnother year, another chance to start a fresh - but how? This one is about my own current saviour, and something that’s been keeping me level recently, and seriously making me reframe how I think about my creative work (and life).I’ve been playing with the idea of gathering my writings and research around Zen/mindfulness/creative practice, and trying to get something like a book proposal out this year. So if you do enjoy these works, let me know, or share with a fellow creative. More fire to your own work. Love to all those following. And may 2026 allow us to drop those beliefs we don’t want anymore, and find the kind of fruit that will nourish us most greatly. Peeeaccce,Will Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Hey, thanks for opening this one, and happy Christmas to you and yours…At Christmas we often reflect on our creative practice, and can feel pressure to make goals for the new year based around outcomes and expectations. Well-meaning friends and family, can say things to us that might make us focus on measurable goals, or lose sight of the purpose we have for our work, which we’ve fought to define all year.So as we sit in this gap before the new year, I wanted to offer over some ideas which can help us stay on the right path. And how, in a world obsessed with measurable outcomes, we can sit within a more deeply nourishing model, one which offers the space for truly transcendent creative work and experiences within our journey.The book I’ve been reading on this recently, is called Zen Mind, Begginer’s Mind - by Shunryū Suzuki. This short text is an absolutely amazing intro to what Zen can offer creatives, in a model based on habitual practice, openness to discovery, and non-attachment to expectations.Please do pop over to the companion newsletter for any more info you might like on all this, and peace...Will Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Use promo code CreativeMindsPod for 15% off your first campaign at https://playlistpush.com/spotify-playlists-promotionCome find the newsletter, podcast, and much more https://linktr.ee/insidecreativemindsKeep an eye out for the series dropping in early 2026 - The Mindful Creative. I'm hoping this will be the exact kind of stimulus some brains out there need, for a more nourishing and vital start to the new year.Peace,Will Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

This podcast is a companion piece to the article I put out on the newsletter. Both pieces are intended to be a fishing net - designed specifically for those feeling some lack of motivation or creative burnout. Inside this room I’ve collected a few choice things to surround yourself with, as the winter settles in, and we naturally gear down a bit (or maybe it’s just me?).In the podcast I talk about writer Ocean Vuong, and introduce painter Agnes Martin, along with the new series for Creative Minds in 2026 - The Mindful Creative.The caption I used for the background image is - Agnes Martin ‘Untitled 1953’.At the end of this piece I talk about another podcast episode I enjoyed which centres the topic of self-compassion, and this episode is linked here: https://plumvillage.org/podcast/self-forgiveness-episode-96I hope you enjoy the episode, and peace,WillCan you help support this work? I believe Creative Minds is inherently more valuable if everyone can access everything for free. But I’m balancing building this and paying my bills, and need your help to keep growing this.I get messages every week from people who say my work is helping them move forward with their projects and feel better about their journey and wellbeing around their creative life. If you can support here, and you think this kind of work matters, please consider dropping me that help, and be part of the engine that allows me to continue this… Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Oh sobriety - how you infiltrate the creative space entirely. Listen to interviews with ten of your favourite artists, and a good six or seven will probably mention a strained relationship with the many altered states on offer. So what can we deduce then? Well, that this sobriety we speak on, is an issue we must discuss and share about. In this podcast episode specifically, I explore the idea that artists & creatives themselves, might be more susceptible to the kind of obsessive or self-destructive patterns of drug or alcohol abuse, and also that sobriety might open the door to a kind of authenticity, and work ethic, which can offer the most durable approach to actually achieving your hard and interesting creative goals. What do you think? I hope you enjoy it at least, I loved making it, and at this time of year… boy is it good to drill these ideas around intentionality and measured action in a little. Best,WillCan you help support this work? I believe Creative Minds is inherently more valuable if everyone can access everything for free. But I’m balancing building this and paying my bills, and need your help to keep growing this.I get messages every week from people who say my work is helping them move forward with their projects and feel better about their journey and wellbeing around their creative life. If you can support here, and you think this kind of work matters, please consider dropping me that help, and be part of the engine that allows me to continue this… Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Use promo code CreativeMindsPod for 15% off your first campaign at https://playlistpush.com/spotify-playlists-promotionI really hope some people love this one, and get value from it. We are all pushing into 2026 together soon, and let's do that with more gratitude and respect for our creative passion, and more togetherness overall. Peace, and speak soon,Will Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode we explore the power of creative ritual, offering a doorway to the kind of work, and creative flow-state, we are looking to access. Featuring Damon Albarn, Chantal Joffe, Chris Ofili, and Joan Miró - this podcast will take you on a journey into creative ritual, and how adopting certain ways of working, can help us feel more satisfied and in love, with our creative life (for good). For source material, come check out the inside creative minds newsletter - https://insidecreativeminds.substack.com/Best,Will Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Hey, and thanks for opening this one. Sometimes for those of us who publish work online, there can be a trend to try and say things are easy.Just 5 quick steps or tricks to complete, and you’ll be done. Do this once, this fool-proof method for assured success, and you’ll be complete, signed-off, invulnerable to pain or failure or doubt of any kind for good.But this piece is not about anything like that. What I’m talking about - in short - is the necessity to try and make decisions at every level, that are congruent with the work you want to make.As I say, it’s simple really, and beautiful too, because when we can find the eye of that needle, and execute on threading it, everything else - the nerves, the self doubt, the lack of purpose, the procrastination - all that will pretty much just fall away.Pls enjoy. And for interview source material, please jump over to the Inside Creative Minds Substack page, which is the host and reference point for every clip that I've sampled here. Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe

Shouts to the person who emailed me the other day, telling me I needed to buy their product, because my views on my Youtube channel were falling right, and surely I must be desperate - feeling in need - not enough perhaps?No close friend, that is not what I feel. This community is here for the long term, and my passion and love for the work I do here goes right to the core of why I get up in the morning. Making these recent pieces, and writing more on the newsletter, has left me feeling really satisfied with where my work is going. It’s a privilege to be moving into the new space of this podcast, and to have the freedom to explore in the audio only format too. Enough said, and I hope you enjoy this piece. Sending power to you for your work this week. Some links mentioned are here -My new music:GOGO’s links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyegobyegogo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eyegobyegogo SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/eyegobyegogo The Instagram Channel that inspired my title construction: https://www.instagram.com/rightbrainedhuman/ Get full access to The Creative Minds Newsletter at insidecreativeminds.substack.com/subscribe