📽️ Watch this episode of A Podcast for Creatives on YouTube To our PFC community, As we sit here reflecting on the journey, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion. Today marks the release of our final PFC episode, and we wanted to take a moment to express our thanks to each and every one of you. From the very beginning, your support has been …

Join us for our annual airing of the grievances as we chat about all the things that annoyed us most in 2023. 📽️ Watch this episode of A Podcast for Creatives on YouTube 👋 Connect with us apodcastforcreatives.com Instagram TwitterBy Michelle Hickey & Steve King

As we celebrate our 6th(!) year of podcasting, we take a moment to reflect on our enduring partnership. In this episode, we delve into the elements that contributed to our healthy working relationship. Join us as we explore strategies for fostering optimal environments that empower creative teams to freely express their ideas. Additionally, we addr…

In this episode, Michelle gives Steve a recap of her sister’s wedding and they discuss the best and worst parts of events. They also chat about the return of their favorite podcast, and cultivate their own “Mobituary,” mourning the downfall and death of after-dinner coffee. 📽️ Watch this episode of A Podcast for Creatives on YouTube Mentioned in th…

In this year's special, we talk about our Thanksgiving plans, cookbook recipes, favorite shows from our childhood, and the Thanksgiving Day Parade (mostly, what we think needs to change). 📽️ Watch this episode of A Podcast for Creatives on YouTube 🎙️ Mentioned in this episode: Dom Deluise Cookbook, Eat This You'll Feel Better Julia, Season 2 Julia …

In this episode, we talk about birthdays: celebration preferences, responding to social media birthday wishes, and how we're changing as we age. 📽️ Watch this episode of A Podcast for Creatives on YouTube Mentioned in this episodeHow to be Interesting Memento App ____ 👋 Connect with us apodcastforcreatives.com Instagram Twitter…

This episode opens with a conversation about how creatives use A.I. and Chat GPT: when it makes sense and when it makes us uncomfortable. We also talk about recent shows and podcasts that reminded us how controversy and a lack of resolution can make for a compelling audience experience. The show concludes with a cannoli-related investigation. Pleas…

After three months, we had a lot to catch up on including Michelle’s trip to London, Steve’s favorite podcast of the summer, and the weird things our grandparents kept in their basements. Oh, and also, Steve may have killed Jimmy Buffet. 📽️ Watch this episode of A Podcast for Creatives on YouTube Mentioned in this Episode Michelle’s London Trip The…

It’s tv finale season, and as some of our favorite shows wrap their stories, it left us wondering about the importance of ending on the right note. In this episode, we chat about the finale episodes that left lasting impressions and the ones that left us wanting more, including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Fraiser, The Golden Girls, Seinfeld, The Off…

Today, images, videos, text and video flood our feeds with such vigor that we often consume them without thought. But amid the content deluge, certain pieces stand out and rise to the surface. What makes those pieces so special, and what causes us to connect to them? In this episode, we each share three impactful content finds, and chat about the q…

We’re taught to follow the rules and listen to the experts, but what happens when the advice turns out to be bad? In this episode we reflect on experiences with individuals who made us second guess our talents and how their feedback impacted our work. 📽️ Watch the podcast on YouTube 👋 Connect with us apodcastforcreatives.com Instagram Twitter 📺 Are…

When was the last time you looked at old family photos? The kind that are yellowed and printed on that paper they just don’t make anymore. You sort that you might find inside an oversized album? In this episode, we get nostalgic chatting about childhood photos, old family videos, restoration, and the way they have the power to spark a memory, a tho…

Social media has been a part of our lives for the past decade, but cultural moments have shifted our behaviors, and it’s time to reevaluate. In the last year, we’ve witnessed a decline in social interactions and a rise in a new form of communication. Have you shifted your strategy to embrace this new era? Join us for a conversation about the social…

What is the longest you’ve spent crafting a piece of social media content? Three hours? Three days? How about three months? In this episode, we discuss an article that breaks down a tweet that took three months of deliberation and seven rounds of revisions before it was published. Despite its virality, was it an effective social media strategy? Or …

Storytelling is one of the most overused terms in the creative industry, yet it’s vital to building meaningful connections and relationships with our audiences. Oftentimes, storytelling, as a concept, can get the glamorous treatment, but the truth is, it’s quite vague. What makes a story, and how can you use storytelling to make someone care or fee…

Less than a year after Instagram announced its plans to prioritize video content, they’ve decided to modify its algorithm. Again. As creators, we’re left with a choice: continue playing the role of ping pong ball in a game that won’t end, or draw your line on the table. In this episode, we discuss how social media changes have forced us to evolve a…

After a two-month hiatus, MIchelle and Steve return for a catch-up session and share which platforms are the place to be for creators in 2023. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube (please like + subscribe): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsHo_nh3WEQ Connect with us apodcastforcreatives.com Instagram Twitter Watch our YouTube show: Co…

For a brief moment last week, it seemed possible that Twitter was going to die. Like, cease to exist. Gone. Just like that. The vibe on Twitter was dire, friends. Like “last day of school before summer vacation, please sign my yearbook” vibes. While neither of us really believe Twitter is going away, watching the masses write farewell tweets and sh…

You’re a creative? Lucky you! Must be all fun and games. For some, this is far from the truth. Between needy clients, a lack of support, deadlines, and endless revisions, how are we supposed to find the time for fun? In this episode, Michelle and Steve are inspired by legends Paul McCartney and John Cleese, who remind us that creating space for pla…

It's officially Hitchcock season, and we thought it would be fun to revisit this movie-centric episode from last October. There's so much we, as creatives, can learn from filmmakers, and nobody has mastered the art more than Sir Alfred. Make yourself some popcorn and plug in to this spooky re-release. Mentioned in this EpisodeDial M for Murder Psyc…

After indulging in an experimental art project, Michelle wonders if she’s had it all wrong. She asks Steve, "what makes art a success?” and they discuss the merits of perfection vs. intrigue. What is your definition of good art? Listen in and share your thoughts. Mentioned in this episode: Michelle’s Art Piece Acrylic pouring on TikTok Negronis wit…

Instagram said it was one thing. And everyone else said it was something else. Quite loudly. And wouldn’t you know, Instagram backed off its video or bust approach to its content focus. At least for now. This public display of feedback got us thinking about the value of analytics and data in decision-making – specifically, what data doesn’t tell us…

On a scale of 1-10, how much do you love keeping up with social media trends? Lately, it feels like the integrity of our work is being compromised. Instead of leading with vision and strategy to meet our client/customer needs, there is an enormous pressure to keep up— to use the hottest aesthetics, sound bytes, and filters to ensure our work is see…

If you create something, and nobody knows about it, does it still count? Michelle recently learned that her grandmother had a hidden artistic talent, and it sparked a discussion about the merits of creating without an audience in mind. Social media tells us that everything must be shared. But does it really? When was the last time you created somet…

Success may look good, but it doesn’t always feel good. In this edition of Conversations with Creatives, writer and illustrator Emily McDowell gives us an honest look at her journey from Etsy shop owner to stationery industry maven. Through her signature wit and authenticity, she shares the rarely discussed downside of business growth and how she f…

You put in the hours, pouring over every detail of the design. Edit the video to 60 seconds exactly. Make perfectly sure you nail the aesthetic. Hit publish. And the damn thing flatlines. One of the most frustrating lessons about content is that your audience doesn’t care about any of the work *you* put into the project. And while that can be quite…

Do you ever feel like you’re spending too much time filling out your content calendar, filling it with volume over the most impactful content? Social has never been measured by the volume of content, but for some reason, social teams constantly face this pressure. In this episode, we talk about the pressure we feel and put on ourselves, how we can …

What if the secret to your success was simply to be yourself? In Episode 075, we’re joined by Dan, from Grossy Pelosi, a home cook, and rising internet sensation. Dan shares his journey from cooking alongside his family as a child, working as a creative director, and sharing photos of his home-cooked meals on Instagram, leading to the moment when i…

Our annual airing of the grievances episode is here, and this year, we called in the reserves. Join us and our podcast cousins, Keith Stoeckeler, Jonah Ballow and Elliot Gerard from Heartlent Group and the We need to be doing that Podcast, for a discussion about all the things that annoyed us in 2021. Get your pole out of the crawl space. Connect a…

The social media space is ever-changing, but lately, it feels as though it has morphed into an unrecognizable state. In this episode, we discuss the challenges we have been facing as creators who want to share our work with the right people. They say it is easier than ever to connect and build meaningful relationships. But is it? Connect and discus…

In the four year history of the podcast, you’ve heard endless mentions of Hitchcock films and our admiration of Alfred Hitchcock’s storytelling. If you’ve wondered where our fascination stems from, or what you might learn from these classic movies, listen to this special conversation about our favorite filmmaker. Watch the video version of this epi…

The experience of launching a new creative endeavor can feel lonely and discouraging. There’s a reason that so many fail before they get off of the ground. Michelle shares about her newest venture in this episode, leading us to revisit some of our successful and not-so-successful projects. If you’re just getting started on something new, this episo…

Waiting until you’ve figured it all out is a surefire way to fall behind. The world is moving faster. Society is adapting to celebrate the people who are willing to share their imperfections. Social media platforms are changing their parameters to reflect those behaviors. In this episode, we discuss the shift that has been challenging us to learn a…

In this episode, we talk about who Michelle’s book should be dedicated to, Steve’s plunge into HBO Max, and listening to True Crime podcasts in the dark. Connect and discuss with us on social: https://www.instagram.com/podforcreatives/ https://twitter.com/PodForCreatives Check out our YouTube show, Commercial Breakdown.…

At one time or another, we’ve all had these sparks of motivation that propel us in our creative endeavors, helping us to realize a dream or ambition. But what about those moments when the sparks don’t come? When it feels like we may never finish the project. We’ve both dealt with this feeling before and felt we owed it an episode. What we realized …

For creative people, today’s world offers countless opportunities to showcase our talents. Creative has never been more in demand. But there’s a problem. Workplaces can recognize the importance of creativity but have no idea how to foster a creative culture. In fact, sometimes workplaces are the antithesis of the kind of culture creative profession…

You never know what you’re going to walk into when you open up your social media feed. Who did what now? What’s canceled? And how was your last post so wildly misconstrued? Such was the case for Elle Hunt, a journalist who sent a seemingly harmless tweet that led to an internet explosion, thanks to a bump from Twitter’s Trending Topics feature. In …

You know that one trend the internet can’t stop talking about? The one you absolutely hate? You know the thing. Well, we did an episode on that. Tastes are anything but universal, and despite what seems like a reality where everyone cares about this one thing, there are plenty of people who don’t. A confident people who choose to go a different way…

Nobody is buying what you’re selling. They are buying the idea that life will be better by being a part of your brand. Are you making your audience feel like they are a part of something special? In this episode, we talk about the power of tribes, nostalgia, tradition, and how we can better connect with the people who matter. Connect and discuss wi…

Algorithm-driven feeds like Netflix, Hulu, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and many others exist to deliver content that will keep us hooked. Our thumb hovers and scrolls, hovers and scrolls, and the beat goes on. And while this addictive approach has become accepted, it’s fair to ask the question: Is this the best possible digital experience for us as…

It’s in our human nature to make decisions based on the opinions of others. But when voices become too loud, we run the risk of losing our identity and our ability to think for ourselves. In this episode, we chat about tuning into our inner thoughts and finding the confidence to honor our instincts. Connect and discuss with us on social: https://ww…

When the episode ends and but we keep rolling… This bonus content is in no way intended to educate or inspire. But we thought you might enjoy a look into a typical conversation between your hosts. This one includes a debate about which of our episodes should be in The Library of Congress, Family Style Meals, and dining at Buckingham Palace. Connect…

Have you ever taken a personality test? Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert? Judging or Perceiving? Boxers or Briefs? Steve recently took the Myers-Briggs Personality Test (Michelle has taken it, like 64 times) and we thought it would be fun to delve into the world of personality tests, and discuss how these assessments can pinpoint the person you…

Thomas Edison once said: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Sometimes, the decision to press on or walk away can be one of the most difficult you’ll make. In this episode, we talk through moments in our lives where we pushed forward and found the success we were looking fo…

You know that voice that creeps into your head sometimes? The one that questions if what you’re creating is good enough? The one that gnaws at you, making you wonder if you’re ready to take that next step in life? The one that keeps you up at night? We did an episode on that voice and how we might be able to best deal with it. Connect and discuss w…

Looking to end 2020 with a dose of positivity? This isn’t one of those episodes. What better way to end this insane year than to air a few (but definitely more than a few) grievances about social media, societal trends, and more. For the second year in a row, Michelle struggles to “be mean”. Steve, on the other hand… Mentioned in this episode: Our …

Do you see yourself as what you say you are? While you have a professional title, do you ever feel like you’re so much more? In this episode, we discuss whether or not titles should dictate what we try and don’t try for in life. We also share how we identify ourselves, how that answer has changed over the years, and why that is a good thing. Mentio…

Michelle and Steve discuss their 2020 Thanksgiving plans and revisit the 2018 Pod for Creatives Thanksgiving special, which includes a round of holiday trivia. But not before Michelle shares a Thanksgiving Eve tradition that she immediately regrets divulging.By Michelle Hickey & Steve King

Podcasting is fun, but this project was calling and we couldn’t say no. Introducing: Commercial Breakdown, our new show that recently premiered on YouTube. In it, we’re breaking down some of the most iconic advertisements and stirring up nostalgia as we harken back to childhood memories from the ’80s and '90s. Check it out, hit that subscribe butto…

Nobody enjoys rejection. But what do we miss by avoiding it? In this episode, Steve tries to help Michelle recover from a recent rejection. Together, they discuss ways that creatives can become more comfortable with putting themselves out there. What kind of opportunities might you create if you keep asking? Plug in to listen and get inspired. Conn…