If you’re looking for creative inspiration and mindfulness skill building, you’ve come to the right place. This show brings you interviews with creative peak performers whether they’re bestselling authors, artists, entertainers, game designers, athletes, scientists, or entrepreneurs. You’ll get their insights on how and why they do what they do. You’ll learn their techniques and secrets, so you can do it too. In Izolda’s solo episodes, you’ll get techniques to infuse your life with mindfulness, creativity, and reap all the benefits of living in a state of possibility and imagination. Hear Interviews with Grammy and Tony winners and nominees, bestselling authors, actors, and creative leaders on how they stay motivated, inspired, and productive. Together, we explore their internal, uncharted waters about what inspires them to grow, achieve, and succeed. Get their up to the minute insights as we tease out answers to questions they’ve never pondered before. Remember, you can use creativity and mindfulness to build the life and career you’ll love. You’ll also learn how to supercharge your own creative drive, mindfulness, and communication skills. Guests have included bestselling authors, artists, marketing and pr pros, leadership experts, tech CEOs, technology futurists, professional speakers, communication coaches, public speakers, award-winning Broadway producers, musicians, lyricists, standup comedians, actors, performers, singers, writers, conservationists, non-profit executive directors, and many others. How can we use creativity to come up with the critical solutions we need in the world? Whether you’re trying to start your first novel, draw a picture, or solve the climate crisis, you need to approach the problem creatively. You have to think outside the norm, come up with ideas, and then act on them to solve the big problems we’re facing.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
Want Podcast Hosts to Say Yes? Say This First
Want to be a guest on the podcasts your audience actually listens to but keep hearing crickets after you pitch?
In this episode, Izolda shares exactly what makes a pitch stand out (and what sends it straight to the trash). You’ll get the inside scoop on what thoughtful podcast hosts are really looking for, how to lead with value, and how to build real relationships that lead to actual bookings. Whether you're pitching yourself or a client, this episode gives you a clear, actionable roadmap that respects the host and builds your authority.
If you’re serious about sharing your message on the right stages, this episode is your next move.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.
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4 days ago
4 days ago
Welcome to Here and Now, Now and Then.
This is an experiment in giving you ideas on creative mental well-being. I also talk about two shows I saw this week that took me back to my roots and also to high school - both of which are fraught and full to the brim with lessons I've learned as a creative who also has a strong practical streak.
Solve the Mysteries in History. Buy me a coffee and get the introduction to my brand new series, The Gemma Blackthorne Mysteries in History True Crime Podcaster series. You can read it before anyone else has the chance. If you buy me a coffee between now and the end of May 2025, you'll get the short story that introduces Gemma and Earth-shattering mystery at the center of her world and ours. Here's the cover.
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
I saw Adam Gwon's All the World's a Stage, and it sparked some deep realizations about my own life and the importance the arts played in my development and very survival. This is a special episode as a storyteller and as an artist. I hope you enjoy it.
All the World's a Stage at Theatre Row
Written by Adam Gwon (book, music, lyrics)
Eliza Pagelle as Sam
Jon Michael Reese as Michael
Matt Rodin as Ricky
Elizabeth Stanley as Didi
Directed by Jonathan Silverstein
Michael Starobin (orchestrations)
Movement by Patrick McCollum
Andrew Grody Musical Direction
Commissioned by the Keen Company
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
One Minute Movies
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
From fiction to true crime, Dawn M. Barclay knows how to keep an audience hooked.
What makes a story impossible to put down? Whether you’re a writer or just love a gripping read, today’s episode has something for you. Award-winning author Dawn M. Barclay knows how to craft suspense that keeps readers hooked—and she’s sharing her secrets. Writing fiction and nonfiction, she’s mastered the art of storytelling, marketing, and staying true to her creative vision.
In this episode, we talk about what makes a book unforgettable, the biggest mistakes writers make when promoting their work, and how to build a successful writing career without selling out. If you want to write with confidence, market without feeling pushy, and create stories that stick, this conversation is for you. Tune in and learn how to bring your creative vision to life in a way that truly resonates.
dmbarr.com
https://Facebook.com/authordmbarr
https://Tiktok.com/authordmbarr
https://Instagram.com/authordmbarr
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
One Minute Movies
Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Are We Building the Future We Can’t Control? A Conversation with J. Craig Wheeler
What if the technology we create today ends up shaping our lives in ways we can’t control? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, astrophysicist J. Craig Wheeler, author of The Path to Singularity, shares his eye-opening insights into the rapid advancements in AI, genetic engineering, and space exploration. These technologies promise to transform our future, but are we prepared for their consequences? Craig walks us through the ethical dilemmas, the unexpected twists, and what we can do now to stay in control of our technological destiny. If you’re looking to understand how to navigate a rapidly changing world and make informed choices, this conversation is a must-listen.
jcraigwheeler.ag-sites.net/index.htm
https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-craig-wheeler-94024a97/
Prometheus: https://www.prometheusbooks.com/9781493085439/the-path-to-singularity/
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
One Minute Movies
Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
From Science Kits to Strategy Games: The Story Behind Thames & Kosmos with Andy Quartin and Ted McGuire
Ted McGuire (President) and Andy Quartin (CEO) of Thames and Kosmos
What if playing games could make you smarter, more creative, and a better collaborator? In this special Toy Fair 2025 episode, I sit down with Andy Quartin and Ted McGuire from Thames & Kosmos to explore how board games do more than entertain—they teach critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience. We discuss what makes a game truly great, how the industry is evolving, and why games like John Cooper and Kory Heath's The Gang are changing the way we think about strategy and cooperation. Whether you're a game designer, a lifelong player, or just curious about the creative magic behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in for a fascinating look at the power of play!
https://www.thamesandkosmos.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-quartin-65a79975/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thames-&-kosmos/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-mcguire-5026954/
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
One Minute Movies
Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
The Secret to Better Communication? Play More Games
Can a card game make you a better communicator? John Cooper thinks so. A retired NASA engineer turned game designer, John created The Gang, a cooperative twist on poker that reveals how we think, trust, and strategize under pressure. In this episode, we break down the psychology behind the game—how reading subtle cues can sharpen decision-making, why teamwork trumps individual genius, and what games teach us about real-life collaboration.
If you want to think faster, connect better, and spot patterns others miss, this conversation is for you. Join me, Izolda Trakhtenberg, as we explore creativity, curiosity, and the power of play in shaping how we work and interact. Tune in and get inspired to approach life with a sharper mind and a more open perspective.
Connect with John
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/411567/the-gang
https://store.thamesandkosmos.com/products/the-gang
http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/10996/zarcana
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/123/john-cooper
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14634/homeworlds
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/225/icehouse
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
One Minute Movies
Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
The missing ingredient in your creative process.
What’s more important—saying it how you want or making sure your message is understood? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg challenges us to rethink communication and clarity. Through engaging storytelling, she explores the way we express ourselves, the importance of adapting to our audience, and how to find the balance between personal expression and being truly heard. Plus, she shares a fun insight from a brain-training app and a fascinating takeaway from a neuroscience of singing workshop! As Izolda prepares for a summer break from the podcast, she reminds listeners of the hundreds of past episodes filled with wisdom on creativity, mindfulness, and innovation. Tune in for practical, thought-provoking insights you can use right now to communicate with more impact.
Is your message landing or getting lost? Learn the trick to being heard.
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
One Minute Movies
Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Writing with Grit: Kathleen Marple Kalb Tackles Big Issues in Cozy Mysteries
Women in media, publishing, and storytelling—breaking barriers and writing fearlessly
How do you balance a high-pressure career, a thriving creative passion, and real-life challenges—all without losing yourself in the chaos? Kathleen Marple Kalb knows. As a top-of-the-hour radio anchor and an award-winning mystery author, she’s mastered the art of juggling storytelling, news, and family. In this episode, she shares the secrets of staying creative under pressure, pushing boundaries in genre fiction, and navigating the ever-changing media and publishing landscapes. You’ll hear how she built resilience after debuting in the middle of a pandemic, why she refuses to shy away from tough topics in her books, and how personal experiences shape powerful stories. If you’re looking for real-world strategies to fuel your creativity and build a career on your terms, this conversation is for you.
Connect with Kathleen (AKA Nikki Knight)
Website: https://kathleenmarplekalb.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kathleen-Marple-Kalb-1082949845220373/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenmarplekalb/
Threads: @kathleenmarplekalb
Bluesky: @mysterymarple.bsky.social
The Hound of the Bonnevilles Preorder link
Connect with Izolda
Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
One Minute Movies
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
What Makes an Idea Stick? Secrets from Two Creative Powerhouses
What if your next big idea wasn’t just creative—but also wildly successful? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, I talk with Gavin Lawler and Neal Hoffman, two brilliant minds who have turned their creative visions into real-world wins. From innovative storytelling to building brands that capture hearts and imaginations, they share practical strategies for making creativity work—in business, art, and life. You’ll hear how they’ve navigated challenges, leveraged the power of persuasion, and turned passion projects into thriving ventures. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an artist, or someone with a dream waiting to take shape, this conversation will give you actionable steps and fresh inspiration to move forward with confidence. Tune in and get the creative edge you’ve been looking for!
Gavin Lawler is the founder of Inno8 Creative Academy, the home of Creepy Cute Collectible and winner of the 2025 Collectible Toy of the Year from the Toy Association.
Innov8 Creative Academy is a trailblazer in crafting distinctive collectible toys and characters. Renowned for their innovative designs and captivating storytelling, Innov8 ignites the imagination and sparks creativity. With a passion for pushing boundaries, they create more than just toys—they craft worlds. Their mission? To inspire wonder, foster creativity, and bring joy to collectors across the globe.
Neal Hoffman is a Shark Tanker and the CEO of FanRoll Dice. He's also the creator of the Mensch on a Bench, the most publicized brand to ever come out of Shark Tank.
FanRoll offers premium dice sets for tabletop RPG fans, collectors, and dice lovers. The Catan Masterpiece Series, fully funded on Kickstarter in just one hour, showcases their commitment to quality. Whether you're playing Catan, D&D, Pathfinder, or other games, FanRoll’s dice combine stunning designs with perfect balance. With materials ranging from acrylic and metal to resin, gemstones, and glow-in-the-dark, each set enhances your gaming experience. Trust FanRoll to provide dice that are as beautiful as they are functional.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-lawler-817457b3/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-hoffman-8a2306/
https://www.kreepycollectibles.com/
https://www.wellbeingheroes.com/
Connect with Izolda
Website: https://IzoldaT.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.
Book Your Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/izoldat/discovery-call
New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg
Submit a Play to the Your Creative Table Read Podcast Series
One Minute Movies
Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.
This episode is brought to you by Brain.fm. I love and use brain.fm! It combines music and neuroscience to help me focus, meditate, and even sleep! Because you listen to this show, you can get a free trial and 20% off with this exclusive coupon code: innovativemindset. (affiliate link)
URL: https://brain.fm/innovativemindset
It’s also brought to you by my podcast host, Podbean! I love how simple Podbean is to use. If you’ve been thinking of starting your own podcast, Podbean is the way to go!**
Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |