Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

326. Devon MacDonald on Leadership, Curiosity, and Creative Problem Solving  In this episode, Mike Brennan sits down with Devon MacDonald, president of Cairns Oneil, to explore how creativity shows up in media strategy, leadership, and problem-solving. Devon explains how a media agency helps place ads with the right creative context, why curiosity is a core professional skill, and how AI can support rather than replace original thinking.They also get into self-awareness, passion projects, and why the best creative work often comes from reframing a problem instead of repeating what has always been done. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Curiosity Fuels Creativity – Devon emphasizes that innate curiosity is the number one skill for success in creative and agency spaces. Staying open to new experiences, learning across industries, and continually asking "what if?" unlocks both personal and professional growth. (13:15) 🎨 Creativity Belongs to Everyone – Creativity isn't limited to artists; it thrives in organization, strategy, and problem solving. Devon advocates recognizing all contributions as creative, from analytical work to innovative business processes, breaking down the myth that only final artistic outputs are "creative." (33:43) 🎨 Self-Awareness & Passion Projects Matter – Sustainable creativity relies on both self-awareness and allowing space for personal projects. Devon and Mike speak to carving out time for passion pursuits and self-exploration and how these investments recharge and enhance professional output. (42:06) Episode Highlights: 06:09 – Devon reflects on early creative acts with woodworking and Lego, and the importance of improvisation in making. 13:15 – The critical role of curiosity in fostering innovation and staying agile in a fast-changing media landscape. 23:57 – How Devon leveraged self-awareness and cross-industry thinking to develop a groundbreaking AI integration in digital advertising. 33:43 – Challenging the narrow definition of creativity and recognizing the creative acts across all roles within an organization. Guest Bio: Devon MacDonald, President Cairns Oneil Cairns Oneil is on a mission to change the way that media is planned and valued. Devon is the President of the agency, overseeing the vision, direction, and growth of the organization. Prior to leading Cairns Oneil, Devon led various companies in the media, creative and technology fields in the United States and Canada. He launched 360i in Canada and was previously the CEO of Mindshare. Devon is a sought after thought leader and speaker. He was a 2026 nominee for the Campaign Canada Media Agency Leader of the Year, and past recipient from Strategy. Devon is chair of the ICA Media Council, and Vice Char of the CMDC. Devon is also a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for his work in the community. Links and Resources: Cairns Oneil: www.cairnsoneill.com Devon MacDonald's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonmacdonald Devon McDonald's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_devon.macdonald/ Mike Brennan's Website & Daily Creative Habit - https://mikebrennan.me   Inspired to ignite your own creative journey? Be sure to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review—your support helps us bring more creative voices and insights to you. Want to reconnect with your creativity? Visit the Daily Creative Habit Membership at mikebrennan.me for resources and community to support your artistic growth. And don't forget to connect with Devon MacDonald to continue the conversation!

325. The Power of Creativity and Connection with Jim Morris In this episode of the Creative Chats podcast, Mike Brennan and Jim Morris explore the profound themes of creativity, connection, and personal growth. Jim shares impactful stories from his childhood that shaped his understanding of creativity and the importance of connection. They discuss the challenges of navigating personal struggles, the role of AI in human connection, and the process of writing Jim's book, 'Connect or Die: How to Survive AI.' The conversation emphasizes the need for vulnerability, community, and the power of storytelling in fostering meaningful connections. In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan sits down with Jim Morris, keynote speaker, author, and founder of Human Touch Publishing. Jim Morris opens up about his creative journey, writing his book 'Connect or Die: How to Survive AI', the essential power of human connection, and the importance of authenticity in an AI-driven world. This heart-to-heart conversation is packed with wisdom for creators, storytellers, and anyone seeking deeper meaning through creative work and real relationships. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Embrace Creativity Through Challenge – Jim Morris shares how moments of uncertainty and challenge—like his childhood "Tin Man" project—ignite creativity and set the stage for lifelong growth and innovation. When you don't know what to do, it's your opportunity to create (05:28). 🎨 Connection Fuels Resilience and Impact – This episode powerfully demonstrates that creativity is most meaningful when paired with human connection. Jim Morris explores how authentic relationships, community, and shared experiences provide support through adversity and help creators thrive (15:01). 🎨 Don't Outsource Your Genius – As AI becomes ever-present, Jim Morris reminds us to use technology as a tool, not a crutch. True creative impact comes from your own lived experience, stories, and soul—not from outsourcing your purpose or voice to machines (26:46). Episode Highlights: 05:28 – Jim Morris recounts his sixth-grade "Tin Man" experience and reveals how creativity and family connection shaped his outlook. 15:01 – Discussing how losing connection in tough times inspired Jim Morris to become a confidant for others and champion for real relationships. 26:46 – Jim Morris shares a crucial story about the dangers of outsourcing your voice to AI at a TED Talk, contrasting machine-generated speeches with authentic, lived stories. Brief Bio: Jim Morris is a keynote speaker, author, and founder of Human Touch Publishing. Known for his passionate advocacy for authentic connection, Jim Morris hosts events and podcasts, and is the author of Connect or Die: How to Survive AI, where he tackles the importance of meaningful relationships and self-expression in an increasingly automated world. Links and Resources: Connect or Die: Surviving AI Book Website - https://connectordiebook.com Buy Connect or Die on Amazon Follow Jim Morris on social media https://www.realjimmorris.com/ Check out Mike Brennan's Daily Creative Habit at www.mikebrennan.me Feeling inspired? Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us share more conversations that encourage you to show up and create. Want to commit to your own creativity and community? Join Mike Brennan's Daily Creative Habit Membership at www.mikebrennan.me. Keep connecting and keep creating—because when you create, we all win!  

324. Unlocking Creativity by Honing Your Inner Voice with Natalie Hanemann In this episode of Creative Chats, we welcome Natalie Hanemann, a writer and ghostwriter who thinks deeply about how ideas are formed before they become finished work. This episode is especially useful if you've ever felt stuck between making work for other people and making something that feels genuinely yours. Natalie shares how she came to see herself as creative, why solitude and journaling changed her process, and how to move from survival mode into a more intentional interior life. Mike and Natalie also talk through the tension between client work and personal projects, and what it takes to protect your own voice. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Cultivate Your Interior Landscape – Natalie Hanemann shares how transformative solitude and intentional reflection are to creativity. She offers actionable advice for those hesitant or uncomfortable with being alone, emphasizing the necessity of tuning into your own thoughts to unlock new ideas 16:27. 🎨 Acknowledge the Emotional Weight of Creation – Writing for oneself versus clients is a very different process. Natalie Hanemann highlights the greater emotional and creative demands that come with expressing your own story, and the importance of recognizing and honoring that weight 14:05. 🎨 Accountability and Self-Discovery – The episode explores the power of community and accountability. Natalie Hanemann encourages listeners to talk about their projects, invite feedback, and surround themselves with people who believe in their creative journey. Making a plan and having accountability partners are vital to moving sidelined passion projects forward 49:04. Episode Highlights: 05:34 – Natalie Hanemann recalls falling in love with the physicality of books rather than content, describing the sensory joys of reading. 15:10 – Exploring the difference between ghostwriting for others and writing your own original work. 26:27 – Practical strategies for starting small with solitude, even if it feels uncomfortable, and using everyday moments for internal exploration. 34:27 – How journaling can unlock patterns in your thoughts and pave the way to self-revelation. 49:04 – Inviting accountability and setting personal deadlines to make creative projects happen. Links and Resources: Website: https://youbewilder.com/ LinkedIn: Natalie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-hanemann-14ab7630/ Instagram: @nataliethewildwriter - https://www.instagram.com/natalie_the_wild_writer/ Mike Brennan's website: https://www.mikebrennan.me/   Feeling inspired? Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring even more insightful conversations to fuel your creative journey. Want to rekindle your own creative practice or stay accountable to your artistic goals? Visit mikebrennan.me to explore Daily Creative Habit and connect with fellow creatives ready to champion your next big idea! Keep creating! When you create, we all win.

From History to Screen: Michael Russell Gunn's Creative Approach to The Brink of War In this episode of Creative Chats, we sit down with Michael Russell Gunn, acclaimed screenwriter and director, for an inside look at the making of The Brink of War. Michael Russell Gunn pulls back the curtain on his creative process, blending historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling, and shares how real-life events continue to shape his work. Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, or creative thinker, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your journey and seek out the power of story. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Embrace the Unknown in Creativity – Michael Russell Gunn reveals the value of immersing yourself in nature, listening for inspiration, and being open to unexpected creative pivots, both in writing and on set. 🎨 Preparation Meets Opportunity – The importance of being prepared shines throughout Michael Russell Gunn's story, from having a ready script to seizing the right moment when opportunity knocks. "Best prep wins" becomes a guiding mantra. 🎨 The Power of Dialogue – The film's core message echoes today: meaningful conversations, even with adversaries, can build bridges, break down walls, and foster hope, both on screen and in real life. Episode Highlights: 05:09 – Michael Russell Gunn describes his longstanding practice of retreating into nature before writing a feature, and how this clears mental space for creativity. 10:25 – The story behind The Brink of War: how a chance conversation and years of preparation led to the film's financing and production. 13:44 – Behind the cinematic craft: intentional visual storytelling, using split screens and staging to mirror the narrative's emotional arc. 27:57 – Lessons from production: adapting to unpredictable weather, improvising on set, and the humility required to serve the story in the edit bay. Guest Bio: Michael Russell Gunn is a screenwriter and director known for his thoughtful approach to true stories and cinematic storytelling. His credits include the acclaimed TV series Black Sails and the new historical drama film The Brink of War, which recounts the high-stakes 1980s summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. With roots in novel writing and a passion for history, Michael Russell Gunn seamlessly blends fact and artistry in his work. Links and Resources: Mike Brennan's Website & Creative Resources - https://mikebrennan.me The Brink of War – In theaters August 14th - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33070884/   Feeling inspired? Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review—your feedback helps bring more inspiring stories to light! Want to supercharge your creative practice? Explore Daily Creative Habit™ at mikebrennan.me, and make sure to catch The Brink of War in theaters for a moving creative experience you won't want to miss!

322. The Courage to Leave: Adrienne Dorison on Creative Endings and New Beginnings In this episode of Creative Chats, we dive into the art of reinvention and leadership with Adrienne Dorison, Founder & CEO of Level 11 Leaders and co-creator of the transformative Clockwork framework. Adrienne Dorison opens up about navigating creative pivots, letting go of past successes, and building owner-independent businesses. Her powerful story and hard-won wisdom are a must-listen for anyone seeking to grow, reimagine their work, and pursue creative freedom. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Redefining Creativity - Adrienne Dorison challenges the traditional definition of creativity, sharing how creativity isn't limited to art but includes visionary thinking, leadership, and innovative problem-solving (05:05). 🎨 Embracing Evolution - Seasons change, and so do we. Adrienne Dorison discusses the importance of recognizing when it's time to move on from projects—even if they're "your baby"—and how to gracefully navigate transitions for deeper creative fulfillment (25:30, 27:14). 🎨 The Power of Vulnerability & Community - Facing crossroads can be lonely, but saying things out loud, seeking support, and letting people in is crucial. Adrienne Dorison highlights the courage it takes to ask for help and how authentic community is key to surviving and thriving through reinvention (38:33). Episode Highlights: 05:05 – Adrienne Dorison reframes creativity as visionary and strategic thinking, not just artistry. 14:09 – The journey from corporate to entrepreneurship—and how family influences shaped her path. 25:42 – Recognizing creative suffocation as a sign it's time to move on, and the challenge of separating ego from purpose. 38:33 – The essential role of speaking candidly with peers and allowing yourself to borrow their courage in difficult times. 45:06 – Adrienne Dorison shares her renewed focus on helping founders remove owner dependency for greater freedom and resiliency. Links and Resources: Adrienne Dorison's Website: Level 11 Leaders - https://level11leaders.com Adrienne Dorison on Instagram https://instagram.com/adriandorison Sorta Bossy Podcast   Feeling inspired? Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more amazing guests and stories to fuel your creative journey. And if you're seeking practical support to deepen your personal practice and business, check out Daily Creative Habit at https://mikebrennan.me