Ep.36. Introduction to “Nic & Beth’s Chats About Creative Living”
Welcome to the inaugural episode of a new series on The Art of Creative Living Podcast, "Nic & Beth's Chats about Creative Living."
Join us, your hosts Nicola Newman, an artist and creative mentor, and Beth Cregan, a writer and educator, as we dive headfirst into the world of creative living. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our unique friendship forged through a shared passion for creative expression.
From the genesis of our individual creative journeys to the moments of inspiration that fuel our work, we invite you to join us in celebrating the joy and complexity of the creative process.
Whether you're an artist, writer, or simply someone interested in the joys of creative living, this episode sets the stage for a series of insightful conversations that will inspire, enlighten, and perhaps even spark your own creative flame.
Episode Show Notes
In this episode, we share our personal histories to explore the roots of our creativity and our shared friendship. From childhood aspirations and influences to our current creative pursuits, we discuss how our past experiences have shaped our creative processes and outlooks.
Topics Discussed:
Childhood Inspirations: Beth recalls her early desire to be an architect and her love for storytelling and crafting, while Nic shares her passion for making things from a young age, highlighted by her 'making things' supplies kit.
Creativity as a Career vs. a Hobby: The conversation delves into how creativity was perceived in their families and society – as a practical skill versus an expressive art.
The Evolution of Creative Identities: Both hosts discuss how their creative interests have evolved, transitioning from childhood hobbies to more structured, professional pursuits.
Professional Journeys:
Beth's Path: From teaching to writing workshops, Beth narrates her journey of establishing "Write Away With Me," focusing on nurturing young writers.
Nic's Story: Nicola describes her journey from considering various career paths to becoming a professional artist and subsequently a coach and mentor for other creatives.
Connecting Creativity and Life Experiences: We discuss how creativity has been a constant companion through life's ups and downs, serving as a source of joy, healing, and personal growth.
Importance of Mentorship: Both emphasize the significance of guiding and inspiring others through their accumulated knowledge and experience.
The Decision to Start the Podcast: The episode concludes with Nic and Beth sharing their motivation for starting this podcast, hoping to extend their rich, insightful conversations to a wider audience interested in creative living.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Background
05:22 - Discussing Childhood and Creativity
13:45 - Creative Careers and Personal Journeys
22:30 - The Role of Creativity in Personal Development
31:10 - Mentorship and Sharing Creative Wisdom
39:55 - Inspiration Behind the Podcast
47:20 - Closing Thoughts and Future Episode Teaser
Acknowledgement of Country
I’d like to pay deep respect to the Juru people of the Birri Gubba Nation as the traditional and ongoing custodians of the land where I record this podcast today and acknowledge their incredible, strong and ongoing connection to the lands, waters and community.
I thank them for the custodianship, care and love they have given to this area, extending from the countryside right out to the Great Barrier Reef. I love seeing the green sea turtles in this region and knowing they have been cared for by the Gudjuda Rangers. I thank the Elders, past and present and the entire Juru and Bindal communities for the valuable and generous contribution they make to our region.
~ Nicola Newman
I’d like to pay homage to the traditional and ongoing custodians of the land on which I live and work, The Bunerong people of the Kulin Nation. I feel tremendously grateful for their strong culture of storytelling and the spirit of place I find in my favourite place to write, Rickett’s Point. This part of the bay is a haven for bird and marine life - blue wrens, parrots and black swans. I thank the Elders, past and present and the whole Wurundjeri community for the valuable and generous contribution they make to our region.
~ Beth Cregan
We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded. And we extend a special welcome to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who may be joining us today.
Always was, and always will be Aboriginal Land.
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With my warmest wishes,
Nicola
About the Hosts
Nicola Newman is a creative business coach, award-winning artist and creative living mentor. As host of The Art of Creative Living Podcast and founder of the Creative Hearts Community, Nicola’s passion is inspiring and supporting Creative Hearts to build loving relationships with themselves, express their creativity, trust their inner wisdom and carve out a life that’s personally meaningful and fulfilling to them.
She offers multiple resources for educating, inspiring, and supporting Creative Hearts. You are invited to take her free Creative Archetype Quiz, join her free Art of Creative Living mini-course, sign up for her Inspiration Letters and nurture your creativity through her online courses, coaching programs and retreats.
Nicola’s creative business coaching is tailored to support sensitive, heart-led creatives to develop, grow, and expand their creative offerings. Her approach is to embrace gentleness, playfulness and self-care to navigate self-doubt and instead cultivate deep self-trust so you can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together your body of work, make money doing what you love and leave a creative legacy you’re proud of.
Beth Cregan
Teacher, Storyteller, Writer And Founder Of ‘Write Away With Me’.
Writing is so much more than a set of rules, skills and knowledge. Writing connects our hands, head and heart. After teaching for 25 years, I combined my passion for creativity and language to launch ‘Write Away With Me’: an organisation dedicated to inspiring students and teachers alike to discover their unique power as writers, narrators and creative thinkers.
As Director Of Write Away With Me, I’ve Presented Workshops And Literary Events For Schools And Organisations Both Internationally And Across Australia. I Work With Teachers, Parents And Students Of All Ages. I Want Writers To Experience The Craft Of Writing In A Fresh, Authentic Way.
My workshops are based on a simple yet effective framework using prompts, short timed bursts of discovery writing, workshopping (sharing) and ‘just in time’ teaching to develop ‘on the job’ writing skills.
Website: Write Away With Me
Connect on: Instagram
