Your Creative Mind
Behind every book, play, and song is a person juggling self-doubt, deadlines, and the drive to create. On Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg talks with writers, artists, musicians, and creative professionals about how they create and how they manage the stress and anxiety that often come with creating. Izolda and her guests explore the unexplained mechanisms and personal experiences that shape creative artists, writers, and others.
Through candid interviews and practical insights, you’ll learn storytelling techniques, productivity practices for creative professionals, and strategies for overcoming perfectionism in writing and art. Whether you’re searching for inspiration, tools to strengthen your resilience, or fresh ideas for balancing creativity and everything else in your life, this podcast is your guide to creating with courage, confidence, and joy.
Episodes

May 5, 2024
May 5, 2024
23 min
I saw this Ibsen play on Broadway and learned several valuable communication and listening lessons. I explore the choices made in set design to innovate play production and directing and what they can tell us about how to communicate better and also improve our public speaking skills. The play is on Broadway through mid-June.
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm* and my book on how to become a stellar speaker, Speak From Within.
Discover the secrets to unlock your inner leader! Download the free confidence-building tip sheet now!
Grab a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me.
Leave me a voice message.
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!**
Support the show. Buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
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May 4th promo
Henrik Ibsen
https://www.ibsenmuseum.no/
Jeremy Strong
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0835016/
Michael Imperioli
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0408284/
The Sopranos
https://www.hbo.com/the-sopranos
Succession
https://www.hbo.com/succession
Dreamscape
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087175/
Edwin Hodge
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0388038/
FBI Most Wanted
https://www.cbs.com/shows/fbi-most-wanted/
Aldis Hodge
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0388031/
Speak from Within (book)
https://www.amazon.com/Speak-Within-Inspire-Motivate-Audience/dp/0980229898/
Brain FM (app)
https://www.brain.fm/
Circle in the Square Theatre
https://www.circlesquaretheatre.org/

May 3, 2024
May 3, 2024
19 min
The new musical "The Lonely Few," and the valuable lessons it taught me about creativity and communicating your message.
✍️ Episode References
The Lonely Fewhttps://mcctheater.org/tix/the-lonely-few
Brain FM Apphttps://www.brain.fm/
Podbeanhttps://www.podbean.com/
Speak from Within (Book)N/A
MCC Theaterhttps://mcctheater.org/
Peter and the Starcatcher (Play)N/A
The Lion King (Musical)https://www.lionking.com/
Community College of Dundalk, Marylandhttp://www.ccbcmd.edu/About-CCBC/Locations/CCBC-Dundalk.aspx
Christ Spiracy (Movie)N/A
Speakpipehttps://www.speakpipe.com/
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm* and my book on how to become a stellar speaker, Speak From Within.
Discover the secrets to unlock your inner leader! Download the free confidence-building tip sheet now!
Grab a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me.
Leave me a voice message.
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!**
Support the show. Buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

Apr 30, 2024
Apr 30, 2024
14 min
The Communication Challenge is Over But There Are Still Lessons Left to Learn
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm* and my book on how to become a stellar speaker, Speak From Within.
Discover the secrets to unlock your inner leader! Download the free confidence-building tip sheet now!
Grab a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me.
Leave me a voice message.
The biggest communication tip I have to give shows up in this episode. After a month of tips and techniques from my TikTok channel, I woke up with a sentence you need to hear. and it's in this episode.
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!**
Support the show. Buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

Apr 29, 2024
Apr 29, 2024
14 min
The surprising and fun activity that will help you reach and inspire yourself and your team
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm* and my book on how to become a stellar speaker, Speak From Within.
Discover the secrets to unlock your inner leader! Download the free confidence-building tip sheet now!
Grab a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me.
Leave me a voice message.
Get ready for a fun ride on "Creative Solutions" with this episode! We're diving into communication, leadership, creative thinking, and teamwork, spiced up with acting magic. Discover how presence, empathy, and improvisation can supercharge your skills. I give you quick exercises that'll turn you into a communication champ, leadership legend, creative whiz, and teamwork maestro. Tune in for a game-changing episode!
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!**
Support the show. Buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

Apr 25, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
17 min
The play, Patriots, and how to write compelling and relatable theatre.
What makes a compelling dramatic story? What makes one successful?
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm* and my book on how to become a stellar speaker, Speak From Within.
Discover the secrets to unlock your inner leader! Download the free confidence-building tip sheet now!
Grab a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me.
Leave me a voice message.
I saw Patriots on Broadway, and it had all the ingredients. Listen to the episode as I deconstruct what makes it a successful show and how you can use that in your own life and work to create successfully.
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!**
Support the show. Buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

Apr 22, 2024
Apr 22, 2024
54 min
How Reena Friedman Watts Juggles Family, Career, and Creativity with Flare and Style
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm* and my book on how to become a stellar speaker, Speak From Within.
Discover the secrets to unlock your inner leader! Download the free confidence-building tip sheet now!
Grab a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me.
Leave me a voice message.
Meet Reena Friedman Watts – a powerhouse with a diverse resume, from NPR to reality TV and mega-events. A connector extraordinaire, she's brought A-list guests on Cathy Heller’s Don’t Keep Your Day Job Podcast to Cathy Heller's podcast, elevating downloads from 4M to nearly 15M. Reena's God-given talent for building communities shines through as she coaches entrepreneurs, secures book blurbs, and cultivates thriving communities. With a diverse background and versatile skills, she effortlessly navigates various markets, unlocking doors others can't. She guides entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles, secure initial clients, garner influencer blurbs for bestselling books, and aids in community building. Now, she's unraveling untold stories on her podcast, Better Call Daddy, weaving in wisdom from her trusted advisor – her Dad.
Connect with Reena
https://www.linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts/
@reenareenaBetterCallDaddy.com
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!**
Support the show. Buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

Apr 20, 2024
Apr 20, 2024
20 min
How Agatha Christie's The Hollow at the Player's Theatre Exemplifies Commander's Intent
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm* and my book on how to become a stellar speaker, Speak From Within.
Discover the secrets to unlock your inner leader! Download the free confidence-building tip sheet now!
Grab a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me.
Leave me a voice message.
I saw The Hollow at the Players' Theatre on Thursday. It's a limited run. The director's choices fascinated me and taught me valuable lessons about communication goals/skills and Commander's Intent (Commander's Intent is "A crisp plain-talk statement that specifies a plan's goal - a desired end-state of an operation."-Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath.)
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!**
Support the show. Buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |
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Apr 18, 2024
Apr 18, 2024
12 min
Suffs, The Musical: How it changes the Landscape for Women on Broadway and Everywhere Else.
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm* and my book on how to become a stellar speaker, Speak From Within.
Discover the secrets to unlock your inner leader! Download the free confidence-building tip sheet now!
Grab a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me.
Leave me a voice message.
More timely than ever.
I saw it last night. It opens on Broadway this evening. Hear my thoughts and ideas about this groundbreaking show that is produced by Hillary Rodham Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, and others.
It also inspired some of how I will proceed in my writing of my own two upcoming musicals.
Super excited to share this with you.
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!**
Support the show. Buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

Apr 15, 2024
Apr 15, 2024
31 min
Embrace Your Creative Calling: Navigating Career Change with Expert Coaching
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm* and my book on how to become a stellar speaker, Speak From Within.
Are you ready to unlock your vocal potential? Grab the Speak with Confidence One-sheet for three easy techniques.
Grab a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me.
Leave me a voice message.
Ready to inject a dose of creativity into your career? Join host Izolda Trakhtenberg on this exhilarating episode of the Creative Solutions Podcast, where we're diving deep into the art of making a career change. But hold on tight, because before you leap into the unknown, we've got a game-changing strategy for you.
Discover how to explore interim changes within your current role to create a financial cushion and reignite your creative spark. Plus, we'll walk you through a sample conversation with your boss, making it easy to kickstart the dialogue about infusing more creativity into your job.
Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that could transform your career trajectory. Tune in now and unleash your full creative potential!
Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Reach out to Izolda Trakhtenberg for personalized guidance and support. Your dream career awaits—let's make it happen together!
Listen to the full episode now on the Creative Solutions Podcast. Don't miss out on your chance to unlock a world of creative possibilities!
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.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!**
Support the show. Buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |

Apr 13, 2024
Apr 13, 2024
32 min
The Marriage of Creativity and Productivity
A New Series: When I see theatre, you'll hear how creativity and productivity come together to create magic.
We can learn a lot of lessons on coming up with ingenious, creative solutions from putting on a show. When I see plays and musicals, you'll get bonus episodes that deconstruct how to use some of the magic of the theatre in your own work and life.
This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm* and my book on how to become a stellar speaker, Speak From Within.
Are you ready to unlock your vocal potential? Grab the Speak with Confidence One-sheet for three easy techniques.
Grab a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me.
Leave me a voice message.
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!**
Support the show. Buy me a coffee.
Listen on These Channels
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Podbean | MyTuner | iHeart Radio | TuneIn | Deezer | Overcast | PodChaser | Listen Notes | Player FM | Podcast Addict | Podcast Republic |







