Your Creative Mind

https://feed.podbean.com/creativekind/feed.xml

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

Monday Feb 24, 2025

Empowering Women in Tech: Gayle Keller’s S.T.E.A.M. Revolution

Monday Feb 24, 2025

From Tech to Toys: Gayle Keller Inspires Girls to Dream Big

How do you balance ambition with fulfillment in your career? In this episode of Your Creative Mind Podcast, Gayle Keller, CEO of Theodora S.T.E.A.M. Girls, shares her powerful insights on overcoming gender biases and empowering women in S.T.E.A.M. fields. With over 20 years in tech, Gayle offers actionable advice on taking strategic risks, reinvention, and creating a fulfilling career. Whether you're looking to break barriers in your professional life or inspire the next generation of girls in science and tech, Gayle’s five-pillar methodology will provide the inspiration and tools you need to thrive. Tune in and walk away with practical steps to move from surviving to thriving in your own career.

Connect with Gayle

LinkedIn handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaylekeller/

https://theodoragirls.com/

https://gaylekeller.org/

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

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

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!**

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

Friday Feb 21, 2025

Luke Krueger’s Bold Take on a Classic Hero

Friday Feb 21, 2025

Your Creative Mind Table Read: What if Odysseus had to answer for his choices? A playwright dares to ask.

What if the women of The Odyssey had the final say? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, we bring you Odysseus’s Women by Luke Krueger—a powerful reimagining of the Greek epic where the legendary hero faces judgment from the women he left behind. You’ll hear this gripping story come to life in our table read, followed by an insightful conversation with Luke and the actors about writing, performance, and the power of retelling myths through a modern lens. Whether you're a writer, performer, or someone who loves bold storytelling, this episode offers inspiration, fresh perspectives, and a front-row seat to a play that challenges everything we thought we knew about Odysseus.

Luke Krueger, Playwright, as Odysseus

Luke Krueger lives in Vermont with his two young daughters, who help him make maple syrup from their trees. Luke's plays have been performed around the US and Canada. In 2006, he was the first playwright to be named the Emerging Writer-in-Residence at Penn State-Altoona. His plays are published by Playscripts, Inc.; Next Stage Press; and Original Works Publishing. His short play, "The Sad Funeral" (which debuted at the Source theatre) will be published in the upcoming edition of the Long River Review (University of Connecticut). As an actor he performed in the Arizona Premiers of The Laramie Project and This Is Our Youth; he last played Rev. Hale in The Crucible. Luke holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Arizona State University and a BA in English from Miami University (Ohio). He is a member of the Dramatists Guild

Luke has been on the English and/or Theatre faculty at Arizona State University, Lake Forest College, Loyola University, and Northern Illinois University. Currently he works for a local school supervisory union as an investigator for hazing, harassment, bullying, and title nine complaints; and he is a restorative programs coordinator. Outside of work, Luke is a member of his town's volunteer firefighting department.

Luke's Plays:

https://www.playscripts.com/play/2450?srsltid=AfmBOorWd0XyG8ouhLtlH4WW3D0i3ghIvBDtaIjaQy-hcnAvarhCyYqz

Other plays and the U-Haul book:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Luke-Krueger/author/B001JRVAOS?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Canterbury Tales adaptation:

https://next-stage-press.myshopify.com/products/canterbury-tales-the-digital-version

Izolda Trakhtenberg as Kalypso, Circe, Penelope, and the Women

Izolda Trakhtenberg is a playwright, scriptwriter, author, and voice actor who brings stories to life across stage, screen, and sound. Her plays Expiration Date (Off Broad Street Play Festival semifinalist) and A Slice of Democracy (produced by Nomad Theatre) challenge and engage audiences. She narrates corporate and educational projects like NASA's Breathable: A Story About Air Quality, animations, and commercials, with audiobook credits including The Ghost Next Door and Ocean City Lowdown. As host of The Your Creative Mind Podcast, she explores creativity’s power to transform lives. A published author of fiction and non-fiction, her works include Die By The Sword, book one in the Cassie Belmont Tarot Card Thrillers. Izolda blends storytelling and communication expertise to create work that resonates long after the final word.

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

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

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!**

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

Are you getting anything out of the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

Monday Feb 17, 2025

How Awareness Fuels Your Best Ideas and Decisions

Monday Feb 17, 2025

Three Awareness-Building Techniques Turn Up the Volume on Your Instincts and Creativity

Have you ever felt like life is passing by too quickly, leaving you disconnected from your creativity and inner clarity? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, we explore the power of awareness—what it is, why it matters, and how it can transform your life. Awareness isn’t just about noticing your surroundings; it’s about gaining insight, making intentional choices, and creating space for deeper connections. You’ll learn three powerful techniques to sharpen this skill, improve decision-making, and spark creativity. By the end, you’ll have practical tools to help you feel more present, more engaged, and more creatively free. Don’t miss this opportunity to shift from autopilot to truly experiencing life. Book your free 15-minute Discovery Call!

Flip Your Inner Script with These 50 Ways to Reframe Your Negative Thoughts

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

A Close Shave

Career Suicide

Diz Wit

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

Friday Feb 14, 2025

Your Creative Mind Table Read: What Changes When We Rethink the Story?

Friday Feb 14, 2025

Playwright Julie Brandon's Hansel and Gretel like you’ve never heard before—tables turned, roles shifted, and a story reborn.

What if Hansel and Gretel didn’t go the way we all remember? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, we bring you the second installment of our play table read series with Hansel and Gretel: The Tables Turned by Julie Brandon. You’ll experience the thrill of a fresh script performed for the first time, where unexpected twists and bold storytelling take center stage. After the read, I sit down with Julie and the actors to talk about the creative process—what shifted in performance, what surprised them, and what this experience revealed about the play. Whether you're a writer, performer, or someone who loves great storytelling, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the magic of live storytelling.

Julie Brandon, Playwright

Julie Brandon is s playwright, poet, short story writer and lyricist. Her work has appeared in Bewildering Stories, Altered Reality, Detangled Brain, Corner Bar Magazine, Poetica Magazine, Fresh Words, Mini Plays Review and many others. Julie's poetry collection, My Tears Like Rain, was published June 2024. Her short plays have been produced nationally. Julie's plays are available on Broken Art Entertainment 2024 series Summer Vibes and The Future and on several Theatrical Shenanigans podcast shows. A short play will be produced by RubySky productions in 2025. Julie lives near Chicago, IL.

Julie's New Play Exchange

https://newplayexchange.org/users/12443/julie-brandon

For Theatrical Shenanigans - "Pulled From a Hat" https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/two-year-anniversary-special/

https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/mini-shenanigans-episode-3-can-you-get-there-from-here-by-julie-brandon/

Broken Art Entertainment - Summer Vibes Anthology - The Astronomy Lesson and The Future Anthology - Someone's Lucky Day

Lela Olson as Emma

Lela Olson caught the acting bug in kindergarten when she played the peddler in a class dramatization of Caps for Sale. She's been acting ever since on various stages in the Minneapolis area as a pastime. Favorite roles have included Hero (Much Ado About Nothing), Betsy Linder/Lindsey (Clybourne Park), and Marilla Cuthbert (Anne of Green Gables). Away from the stage, Dr. Olson has worked as a teacher, school principal, and nonprofit leader. She also enjoys traveling internationally and serving her community as a volunteer civil mediator.

https://www.facebook.com/lelaolson9

Alan Fessenden as Christopher

Alan Fessenden is a writer, performer, creator living in Brooklyn, New York. He has performed on stages all over the country as an improviser, actor and clown and now hosts the original award wanting podcast They Just Keep Talking an eclectic mixtape of conversation. Alan has written and performed three solo shows and most recently completed work on his first full length clown show The HelpFulls; Now and Forever. He’s also finished two novellas for a trilogy he’s working on and is developing his first full length play. (alanfessenden.com)

https://www.instagram.com/alanfessenden/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alan_fessenden

https://bsky.app/profile/tjkt.bsky.social

https://www.tiktok.com/@theyjust.keeptalk

Izolda Trakhtenberg as The Witch

Izolda Trakhtenberg is a playwright, scriptwriter, author, and voice actor who brings stories to life across stage, screen, and sound. Her plays Expiration Date (Off Broad Street Play Festival semifinalist) and A Slice of Democracy (produced by Nomad Theatre) challenge and engage audiences. She narrates corporate projects, animations, and commercials, with audiobook credits including The Ghost Next Door and Ocean City Lowdown. As host of The Your Creative Mind Podcast, she explores creativity’s power to transform lives. A published author of fiction and non-fiction, her works include Die By The Sword, book one in the Cassie Belmont Tarot Card Thrillers. Izolda blends storytelling and communication expertise to create work that resonates long after the final word.

Connect with Izolda

Website: https://IzoldaT.com

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg

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

Monday Feb 10, 2025

Balancing Creativity and Productivity with Author Aaron Ryan

Monday Feb 10, 2025

The Power of Diverse Experiences in Creativity

Ever wonder how a prolific author maintains a relentless drive while balancing multiple creative pursuits? Join us on Creative Solutions Podcast as we chat with Aaron Ryan, the brilliant mind behind the “Dissonance” series and the sci-fi thriller “Forecast.” Aaron shares his secrets to staying productive, setting goals, and finding inspiration across different creative fields. Listen in to gain practical tips for your own creative journey, learn how to turn your diverse experiences into compelling stories, and find out what it takes to adapt a book into a screenplay. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned professional, Aaron’s insights will fuel your creativity and motivate you to achieve your goals. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!

Connect with Aaron

www.authoraaronryan.com

www.dissonancetheseries.com

getthesebooks.com

dot.cards/authoraaronryan

Connect with Izolda

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

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

Friday Feb 07, 2025

The First Your Creative Mind Table Read: What Changes When a Play is Heard?

Friday Feb 07, 2025

Brian Cern’s Beautifully So: The creative shift—when a script moves from page to performance.

What happens when a script jumps off the page and into the voices of live actors? In this special episode of Your Creative Mind, we’re launching a brand-new series featuring table reads of original plays! You’ll hear a fresh script performed for the first time, experiencing the raw energy of actors bringing characters to life in real time. After the read, I sit down with the playwright and actors to talk about the creative process—how the words transformed, what surprised them, and what this experience meant for them. Whether you're a writer, performer, or just love great storytelling, this episode gives you a front-row seat to creativity in action. Plus, stay tuned for Monday’s interview with author Aaron Ryan and another play table read next Friday. Hit play and join the magic!

Brian Cern, Playwright

Brian Cern is a Twin Cities-based actor and playwright whose work has won numerous awards and contests throughout North America. A member of the Dramatists Guild, he received his training at Cardinal Stritch University, where his theatre and writing studies led him to a deep appreciation for the stories that unite us in the human condition. As parables, his work has been called “imaginative,” “beautifully soulful,” and “thought-provoking.” Of all the credits to his name, however, it is “Teaching Artist” for local children’s theaters that he treasures the most. He lives with his wife and son in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota.

Lela Olson as Emma

Alan Fessenden as Christopher

https://www.instagram.com/alanfessenden/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alan_fessenden

https://bsky.app/profile/tjkt.bsky.social

https://www.tiktok.com/@theyjust.keeptalk

Barry Wallace, Stage Directions

Barry Wallace has worked in Knoxville, TN community and professional theatre for over 30 years as a director, music director, actor and playwright. His original full-length play, THE SNALLYGASTER, is part of Tennessee Stage Company’s 2025 New Play Festival, and his short play, BLACK BALLOONS, won Best Screenplay at the 2022 "The Ten Show" Film Festival.

Social Media, etc:

Facebook: @Barry.Wallace1

Instagram: @barrywallace

NPX: https://newplayexchange.org/users/69726/barry-wallace

Ready to "wow" the people you speak with? Work with me.

This episode is brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm*, my book on how to become a stellar communicator, Speak From Within, and this podcast's host, Podbean (Get a one-month free trial of Podbean with this affiliate link. https://www.podbean.com/CreativeSolutions).

Leave me a voice message.

Connect with Izolda

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

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

Monday Feb 03, 2025

Entrepreneurs and Creatives: This Mindset Shift Will Change the Game

Monday Feb 03, 2025

Stop Negative Thoughts from Running Your (Creative) Life

Do negative thoughts hold you back from living fully and creatively? In this episode of Your Creative Mind, we’re tackling how the messages you tell yourself shape your actions, your confidence, and your ability to bring your ideas to life. You’ll learn how to spot limiting thoughts, shift them into something empowering, and set the stage for more creativity, peace, and purpose in your daily life. This episode is packed with practical tools to help you change the way you think so you can show up more fully in your work, relationships, and creative pursuits. Tune in and start building a mindset that supports the life you want to live!

Flip Your Inner Script with These 50 Ways to Reframe Your Negative Thoughts

Connect with Izolda

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/izoldat.bsky.social.

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

Monday Jan 27, 2025

Simple Steps to Tackle Inner Turmoil and Anxiety

Monday Jan 27, 2025

Your Interior World: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Why Ignoring Your Thoughts Could Be Holding You Back

What’s really happening inside your mind when you’re constantly on the go—or glued to your phone? In this solo episode of Your Creative Mind, Izolda Trakhtenberg dives into the often-overlooked interior world we all carry with us. Learn how to break free from distractions, face your thoughts with curiosity rather than fear, and nurture your creative ideas. Through personal anecdotes and practical steps, Izolda shares how cultivating self-awareness can lead to more clarity, creativity, and peace. Whether you're looking to spark inspiration or reclaim focus in your day-to-day life, this episode offers tools to help you take the first steps toward a healthier relationship with your thoughts—and yourself.

Flip Your Inner Script to Stop Negative Thoughts From Ruining Your Day.

Leave Izolda a voice message.

Project Play Table Read Podcast episodes

Dramatists Guild script formatting guide.

Play Submission Form

Connect with Izolda

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

Monday Jan 20, 2025

Achieve Excellence in Project Management with Aman Thakral

Monday Jan 20, 2025

How to Lead and Inspire Your Team

Are you looking for proven strategies to drive business success and inspire your team? Join us on this episode of the Creative Solutions Podcast as we welcome Aman Thakral, Business Manager at Target Integration. With a wealth of experience in IT, business development, and strategic planning, Aman shares his expert insights on leadership, project management, and innovative approaches. Learn how to build strong client relationships, stay competitive in today’s market, and apply practical advice to elevate your own ventures. This episode is packed with actionable tips and valuable knowledge from a seasoned industry leader that you won’t want to miss!

Connect with Aman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thakralaman/

targetintegration.com/

https://www.facebook.com/targetint

Connect with Izolda

Ready to "wow" the people you speak with? Work with me.

This episode is brought to you by my upcoming book, Get Booked: A Performer’s Guide to Working with Booking Agents in the Gig Economy, launching January 2025! If you’re ready to succeed as a gig worker, start with my Nailing Holiday Gigs Checklist—your go-to guide for negotiating, prepping, performing, and securing future bookings. Nail your holiday gigs with this checklist.. Don’t miss this chance to step up your gig game and own the holiday season!

This episode is also brought to you by my favorite productivity and well-being app, Brain.fm*, my book on how to become a stellar communicator, Speak From Within, and this podcast's host, Podbean (Get a one-month free trial of Podbean with this affiliate link. https://www.podbean.com/CreativeSolutions).

Leave me a voice message.

Do you like the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels

Monday Jan 13, 2025

Facing a Career Crossroad? Here's How to Turn Setbacks into Success

Monday Jan 13, 2025

How to Rebuild and Rise After Life’s Hardest Hits with Chris Morga

What do you do when life throws you a curveball—whether it’s losing your job, navigating a new career, or even facing homelessness? In this episode, Chris Morga shares how he turned some of life’s toughest challenges into fuel for growth. From his time in the Navy to thriving in sales, Wall Street project management, and career coaching, Chris brings a wealth of experience to help you navigate your own transitions. You’ll hear stories of resilience, gain practical advice on finding new paths, and learn how to turn setbacks into stepping stones for success. If you’re looking for inspiration and real-world strategies to thrive through change, this conversation is for you!

Connect with Chris

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismorgacpcc/

Connect with Izolda

Ready to "wow" the people you speak with? Work with me.

Leave me a voice message.

Do you like the show? I'd love it if you would buy me a coffee.

Listen on These Channels