Creative People Podcast

This week I’m joined by Lori and Piper Distel, the creative force behind Penny and Pound Theatre in Cambridge, Ontario.pennyandpoundtheatre.comWe talk about building a company that values community, the power of fellowship in the creative process, and how some shows just need to be born. They share how they’ve developed original musicals together and what it takes to keep a small theatre company going with heart, grit, and a lot of love for their people.I’ve had the privilege of working with these two on a couple productions, including singing a solo in Little Heaven last September. It was a big moment for me, and they made it a great experience.🎧 Highlights include:Creating space for young artists to thriveBalancing structure with inspirationHow collaboration fuels their workThe importance of kindness and trust in creative environmentsWhat it feels like when a show clicksWhy theatre still matters, especially nowIt’s a great one. Let’s go.

This week I’m joined by Deborah Puette, a longtime working actor in Los Angeles who has recently added writer and director to her already stacked resume.deborahpuette.comsuchaprettygirlfilm.comWe talk about the hunger that keeps artists evolving, the difference between rejection as an actor and as a writer, and what it really means to collaborate when the work is personal. Deborah shares how writing her first short film, Cash for Gold, opened a new creative path and why she’s now focused on directing. Her latest short, Such a Pretty Girl, is currently making the festival rounds.This is a wide-ranging and honest conversation about staying creatively alive while juggling ambition, discipline, and a mind full of ideas.🎧 Highlights include:Going from stage to screen to behind the cameraWhy she finally stopped “playing small”The difference between theater in LA vs. ChicagoDirecting your own story and letting others bring it to lifeUsing body-doubling and discipline to get writing doneLiving a creative life like a lottery ticket — not a sure thingIt’s a good one. Let’s go.

This week, I’m joined by photographer and branding specialist Curtis Grimba—a guy who brings a sharp eye, a playful spirit, and a deep sense of presence to his work.cgrimba.comWe talk about what it really takes to create meaningful portraits—building trust, embracing imperfection, and staying open even when burnout hits. Curtis shares how discomfort and spontaneity actually fuel his best work, why he still loves shooting on film, and how he keeps his creativity alive by stepping back, switching gears, and sometimes just being a goof behind the camera.This conversation was the first I recorded after a hiatus, and it reminded me exactly why I started this podcast. Honest, grounded, and full of insight—this one’s a solid start to Season 5.It’s a great chat - do it up!🎧 Highlights include:The influence of graphic design on his photographyShooting portraits like conversations, not posesNavigating discomfort and vulnerability on both sides of the lensThe value of imperfection and play in creative workBurnout, boundaries, and creative recoveryClimbing, books, guitars, and finding joy outside the work

Welcome back to Creative People Podcast! I’m about to kick off Season 5—but before I do, I wanted to take a moment to look back before moving forward.In this episode, I’m reintroducing myself and the podcast, sharing where I’ve been, where I’m headed creatively, and revisiting some of the best moments from Season 4. You’ll hear clips from incredible conversations with Amy Silva, Matty James, and Stacey Tookey, offering a chance to catch the heart of what I’m building with this podcast.Whether you’re a longtime listener or just tuning in for the first time, this episode is a great way to get a feel for what Creative People Podcast is all about.New season, new conversations—let’s get into it!

In this episode of Creative People Podcast, we are thrilled to have Stacey Tookey, a renowned choreographer and dancer who has been nominated for 3 Emmys for her work on So You Think You Can Dance. Stacey shares her story of how she started dancing at the age of four in Edmonton, Canada, and how she pursued her dream of becoming a professional dancer in Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles. She also talks about the challenges and rewards of being a choreographer, and how she balances her artistic vision with the demands of the industry.  Stacey tells us about her passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of dancers through The Bridge Movement and The Protégé Movement . Stacey is a creative force who moves with grace and grit, and we are honored to have her on the podcast. Tune in to Creative People Podcast and get ready to be moved by Stacey Tookey.staceytookey.cominstagram.com/sjtookeywww.creativepeople-podcast.com

Back at it with local KW favourite, graphic designer Brie Pointer!  Brie is a ray of sunshine and full of heart - she tells me about the farm she started with her family, crafting with glitter and knowing your worth.  We chat about some of the hard stuff she's been through in the last few years.  Through it all though, Brie's sunshine shines through.  Great episode!  Do it up!Work with her:https://www.briepointer.ca/Check out her farm, Wayward Farmhttps://waywardfarm.cawww.creativepeople-podcast.com

This week comedy writer, Amy Silva is in the studio.  She tells me about attending the Humber Collage's Comedy Writing and Performance program, and her love of cringe.  We chat about perfectionism and if she actually thinks she's funny.Super fun one.https://www.instagram.com/amydsilva_/www.creativepeople-podcast.com

Hey buds, this week we're chatting with Special Effects Make-up Artist - Brandi Boulet  Brandi has worked on some of the most acclaimed films and TV shows of the past decade. In this podcast, she shares her insights and stories from behind the scenes of projects such as See, The Horror of Dolores Roach,, Star Trek: Discovery, and The Changeling.https://www.instagram.com/brandi.boulet/Brandi tells me about her love of Ewoks, we chat movie magic and escaping a government work cubical.  It's a great chat, perfect for Halloween!www.creativepeople-podcast.com

In this episode, Matty James (the.nonbinary.bombshell) talks about their journey of becoming a drag performer, and how they use drag as a form of art and activism. Matty also discusses some of the challenges and joys of being a drag performer, and how it was a battle with themselves to get there.  We chat about growing up in the church (we grew up in the same church) and how they found themselves after leaving that world behind.https://www.instagram.com/the.nonbinary.bombshell/https://linktr.ee/the.nonbinary.bombshell If you are interested in drag culture and want to learn more about how to slay the drag scene, this episode is for you. Listen and be amazed by Matty James, the non binary bombshell!www.creativepeople-podcast.com

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Rachael Taylor as our guest. Rachael is a renowned Creative Director, Bestselling Author, Mentor and Print and Pattern Designer based in Liverpool, UK. She is the co-founder of Make it in Design, an online platform that teaches thousands of creatives how to achieve their dreams in the design industry.https://rachaeltaylordesigns.com/https://makeitindesign.com/We will talk to Rachael about her latest book, Power Up Your Creativity, which is a must-read for anyone who wants to unleash their creative potential. The book is packed with practical exercises, inspiring stories, and helpful advice on how to develop a productive practice, set goals and achieve your dreams. Rachael will share with us some of the insights and lessons she learned from her own creative journey, as well as from her mentorship of hundreds of aspiring designers. She will also give us a sneak peek into her upcoming projects, which include a new collection inspired by her travels to Cuba.If you are looking for a boost of motivation, inspiration and creativity, you won’t want to miss this episode. Tune in and get ready to power up your creativity with Rachael Taylor!(episode description written by chat gpt) - crazy, eh!? www.creativepeople-podcast.com

Today on the podcast I'm talking to filmmaker/producer, Katie Billo https://www.digitalsabbath.caKatie is part of Digital Sabbath - a kw local film companythey're the ones who made the Business Unusual series.Over the last 2 years,  I've interviewed a few of those guystodays it's time for the gal's point of view. Katie Billo is married to her Digital Sabbath partner, Kyle Sawyer (https://www.creativepeople-podcast.com/episodes/kylesawyer)The two of them are the driving force behind the company...they also have an incredibly cute, film centric meet cuteI've enjoyed getting to watch them start and grow their film company,fitting in these chats with their whole crew along the way.Katie is the perfect way to cap that offToday we're talking the joy of editing, producing... what producing even means.we chat about dogs, Quantum Physics, woodworking and parenthood with a little bit of David Fincher "fan boy & girlying" in there for good measure.It's a great chat.   Do it up!www.creativepeople-podcast.com

Today's guest told me that when he's told to tone it down, he cranks it 10x!On this episode I'm chatting with Montreal video producer, xcephasxhttps://xcephasx.com/Cephas describes himself as a business man first - and an artist second... which i think is great because we need more business minded creatives as far as I'm concerned!So today we're talking business systems and animaniacs?  Cephas talks to me about pushing it so that people feel it, how he never wanted to grow up and how art is exciting but so is seeing the money deposited in your bank account!it's a really fun chat this week, you are going to love it!www.creativepeople-podcast.com

Today from Los Angeles California, I am joined by magician, princess and pin-up model,  Magical Katrina!https://magicalkatrina.com/Katrina tells me about being a little girl who idolized Judy garland and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. We talk about when she started performing and how she took control of her career and  how now she's out to get everything she wanted from it.She talks about the challenge of doing anything fully and using magic to get backstage at a rolling stones concert.Great chat, do it up.www.creativepeople-podcast.com

Today's guest is Carina Gardner, a designer and coach who is all about helping creatives make money with their work.https://www.carinagardnercourses.com/Carina contacted me about being on the podcast - for a podcast switch actually. Now, I often say no to those types of things and it's not that I'm unfriendly, all though I can be.  It's just that most of time with the podcast I follow my gut to find guests, but this time I felt like I should yes and I'm glad that I did.Money isn't something I've focused a lot on with the podcast, for good reason, I've never really been good with it. But I do want to change that so todays conversation was pretty interesting especially because I recently decided that I didn't care if I ever made money with my creativity.Carina did show me that, maybe it doesn't need to be so black and white. Regardless of money or the lack there of Carina has some excellent, practical, mindset shifting tips.  It's a great convo - you will enjoy itwww.creativepeople-podcast.com

This week we are in the studio with Designer, Ryan Antooa.  Ryan makes his podcast return to fill me in on his new books, new skills and new ambitions.  Ryan and I first chatted the first September of the pandemic man, a lot has changed since then!  We chat about anime, rest and steel sharpening steel.  https://www.ryanantooa.com/Music by ApolloBuy Ryan’s zine, Backslider at ryanleacock.cawww.creativepeople-podcast.com

Back at it again, again, and we have a great one for ya. EM aka Hushpuppy Designs is in the studio to talk luck, making art for the underdogs and friends who are intimidatingly good at drawing.  I had such a great time chatting with EM.  Great vibes in this one.  Enjoy!https://hushpuppydesigns.com/I wrote a whole blog about some of the stuff we talked about on this episode.  check that out here www.ryanleacock.ca/blog/hushpuppy-designsMusic by BaegelBuy Ryan’s zine, Backslider at ryanleacock.cawww.creativepeople-podcast.com

This week we're back for Season 4.  I am chatting with KW local artist Trevor Clare.  We talk about mental health, the power of locations and traditional/digital artwork.  Great guy, fantastic convo!https://www.instagram.com/trevorclareart/I'm glad to be back for another year of podcasting, expect this season to be striped down and back to basics.Music by Young Communitywww.creativepeople-podcast.com

Hey buds, this week I sit down with 96.7 CHYM's morning host Brady Kingsbury.  Brady gets into it about all things radio, from producing to hosting.  We talk about being part of people's lives every morning and the Springsteen quote that works as his guide.  Great chat!https://www.instagram.com/bradiobrady/Krista Kankula - Creative Coachhttps://www.instagram.com/kristakankula/Ryan Leacock - Podcast Host/Producerhttps://www.instagram.com/ryanleacock_/www.creativepeople-podcast.com

This week we are in studio with singer/songwriter Clarissa Diokno.  We’re talking about forming a band on Facebook, talent shows, and blowing glass. She tells me about her writing process and puppets!  Then she performed her song Haunted!  Great one!https://www.instagram.com/clarissadiokno/https://www.instagram.com/kristakankula/https://www.instagram.com/creativepeople.podcast/https://www.instagram.com/ryanleacock_/www.creativepeople-podcast.com

Hey, buds!  Today we’re talking theatre with Innovative Productions theatre creators Marley And Sidney!  They have a production happening this week called “That' One Act Thing” - which I am lucky enough to be a part of.  The duo talk to me about friendship/partnership, Canadian Theatre, and using frustration as a motivator.  Great chat!https://www.theinproductions.com/www.creativepeople-podcast.com