The Creative Condition podcast

Ben Tallon

Welcome to 'The Creative Condition' podcast: an ongoing exploration of human creativity to help you navigate an increasingly automated world with your story and soul. The show is hosted by creativity coach, Founder of The Creative Condition, author and illustrator Ben Tallon. Creativity is an often misunderstood pillar of human happiness, something far bigger than artistic talent and crucial for fulfilling lives and careers. But in a data and efficiency-obsessed world, self-awareness, story and soul are more important than ever.

Featuring exclusive interviews with experts and thought leaders, including illustrators, designers, artists, founders, rock stars, sensitivity experts, musicians, emergency service workers, Olympic gold medal winners, comedians, microbiologists, photographers, fighters, and many others. Supported by founding sponsor Illustration X, Paradiso Institute the Ukrainian Institute.

For more creativity resources or coaching opportunities with Ben, head to The Creative Condition official website.

If you wish to support the show's cause of elevating creativity in our societies, please consider telling a friend about the show and rating, reviewing, or subscribing wherever you get your podcasts!

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424 episodes
Updated July 29
Explicit

Episodes424

Newest first

July 29 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep 305: Confidence in Your Story with Deyson Ortiz
Deyson Ortiz meets countless people with phenomenal lived experiences, big achievers and thought leaders who have no idea how to tell their story. When the camera goes on or the mic is in front of their face, they run for the hills. He helps them to change that. We're talking about confidence, why story matters and how to find confidence in our own story to illuminate the path ahead. Check Deyson out at https://deyson.com Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: ben@bentallon.com The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.
July 22 · 45 min
Ep 304: A Good Bad Influence
The return of Jackass to my life, a TV show that would not see the light of day in today's world, has exhumed a part of me that I've neglected too often. The mischief and dirty energy that informs so much of my creativity is harder to come by in middle age, but bad influences are good. It requires balance and moderation, and creativity to work it into our responsible adult lives, but without the crackle of naughtiness and subversion, can creativity truly thrive? I consider this idea on today's episode. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: ben@bentallon.com The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.
July 20 · 18 min
Brew Brain Dump 14: The Joy/madness of Cleaning the Dishwasher when you should be working
Is it mad or wise to be cleaning the dishwasher when you could be productive? I ponder this over a black chicory coffee replacement, no sugar. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: ben@bentallon.com The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.
July 15 · 45 min
Ep 303: Story Strategist Kendra Valentine on How To Tell Your Best Story
Kendra Valentine is a Story Strategist who helps businesses, brands, and creative projects communicate their value clearly by translating complex ideas into authentic stories that resonate. Her book, How To Pitch Almost Anything, is a phenomenally helpful guide to distilling your offer into a compelling story, and she joins The Creative Condition to discuss how we can tell our best story. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! https://www.kendravalentine.com Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: ben@bentallon.com The Creative Condition podcast is here to help you maximise the human in your creativity to thrive during the age of automation, through interviews with thought leaders in and beyond the creative industry and personal inquiry.
July 8 · 14 min
The Creativity Diary: Why I Miss Retail Jobs
In the latest instalment of The Creativity Diary: Why I miss retail jobs Immersing the brain and creativity The new hairdresser's window Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: ben@bentallon.com
July 1 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep 302: Thomas Kurppa on how creativity unites 200 people in one agency, Kurppa Hosk
How the hell do you manage and inspire 200 employees in one branding agency? I don't know, but Thomas Kurppa, co-founder of Swedish branding agency Kurppa Hosk, does, and he takes us on a ride through electronic music, DJing, posters, album covers, and into the design industry. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! https://www.kurppahosk.com/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: ben@bentallon.com
June 24 · 40 min
Ep 301: Why Not? The essential role of facing the unknown and making from the heart
We live in a data-obsessed society. Trapped by the tools and addicted to certainty, too few of us are creating with bravery, daring to fail or f**k up. I reflect on 11 years of podcasting following the 300th episode and share stories of finding out, getting it wrong, growing, and playing through curiosity. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: ben@bentallon.com
June 18 · 4 min
Austin Kleon on Mario Kart and Safely Destroying Our Kids: Bonus Episode
Something silly and extra for the 300th episode of The Creative Condition podcast : ) Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! https://austinkleon.com/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: ben@bentallon.com
June 17 · 1 hr 31 min
Ep 300: Austin Kleon – Creating Like the Kids, how we can steal some of the magic we've surrendered
Austin Kleon is a phenomenally successful author. His books, Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work, Keep Going, and now, Don't Call It Art, have sold in obscene numbers for a great reason: he brings immense value to the lives of people who wish to create something true to them. For the 300th episode of The Creative Condition podcast, we're getting into everything that matters in this current, overwhelming moment, and the good news is, it's all very joyful! Austin likes analog, and we talk about parenting, creativity, learning from four-year-olds, creating before we have an idea to get an idea, and so much more, including common mistakes even the greats make. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! https://austinkleon.com/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Foilco provides all your foiling nerdery and gorgeousness to the highest global and sustainable standard https://foilco.com Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: ben@bentallon.com
June 10 · 41 min
The Creativity Diary: A Sanity Toolkit!?
Even the calmest of minds is being tested in these times. Drawing upon my inner work during a period of anxiety, stress and at times, despair I've compiled a list to serve as a possible sanity toolkit! Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/ Feedback: ben@bentallon.com
June 3 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep 299: Following the Feeling with Tina Rapp
Tina Rapp works with creatives, founders, and visionaries who appear successful on the outside yet feel disconnected from themselves in their creative and professional lives. Her work sits at the intersection of art, psychology, and spirituality, helping people untangle the performance patterns, expectations, and identities that once drove their success but no longer reflect who they truly are, so they can lead from a grounded, embodied sense of direction and authenticity. She joins me to discuss the importance of feeling over theory when seeking growth, change, and flowing creativity. To connect with Tina, find her on Linkedin or head to https://tinarapp.de Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua For Ben's illustration portfolio https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/BenTallon/
May 27 · 10 min
Brew Brain Dump 13: The Need To Unlock the Digital Prison Cell Door
We default to tools, to software, to digital prisons before we've considered how best to play, to serve the idea. A reflection on analogue's role in the information age. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua
May 27 · 22 min
Ep 298: Your Universe – an Inspiration Tool for Sluggish Moments
Here's a little tool I've begun helping my creativity coaching clients with. 'Your Universe' can bring a vital lift in lethargic, low, or pensive moments. Here's how it works. Please consider subscribing, reviewing, or rating the podcast, and tell a friend to help me elevate creativity through the work! Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua
May 20 · 18 min
Ep 297: Always Growing. Why it's all, always unfolding and the importance of letting it happen
It's all, always unfolding. As we change and grow, so must our creativity. Otherwise, that way lies discontent, frustration, and diminishing returns. Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua
May 13 · 1 hr 23 min
Ep 296: Are You Present? Harris and Micah Purnell discuss the role of phones in our creativity and our lives
Tethering Presence is a stunning project, encapsulating the truisms of Micah Purnell and the photography of Harris, exploring the role of distraction and smartphones in our lives across two books – a London and a New York edition. They join me to discuss the role of smartphones in our creativity and our lives, and the origins of the project. The book is out now: https://micahpurnell.com/books-prints/p/power-giclee-69gmj-g9sks-atjb6 https://micahpurnell.com https://www.the1harris.co.uk/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua
May 6 · 12 min
Ep 295: I Am an Artist
I reminder to self, and to all artists that we are artists, and this is our way of life. Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua
April 29 · 14 min
The Creativity Diary: The AI Ignoramus
The latest instalment of The Creative Condition's Creativity Diary. Covered in this edition: Fear over AI ignorance and analog loyalty Being unafraid of disorder and acknowledging the messy ways of creativity An old friend returns in a second-hand bookshop Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ Music for the show is by Dirty Freud https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua
April 22 · 1 hr 19 min
Ep 294: The Things in Your Control with Abby and Owen's Owen Smith
Owen Smith was delighted to see I'd discovered and had begun using Stoicism teachings to improve my mental health and creativity. He told me so, and we hopped on a call to talk about getting active in your own rescue and the exhilarating feeling of being the author of the career you want to live. We cover: Responding, not reacting Recognising what you can impact Being the author of your next chapters The upsides of shitty situations life throws our way https://abbyandowen.com/ Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua
April 15 · 12 min
Ep 293: The Mental Battery
Humans have finite mental energy. Creativity thrives when our battery is well-managed. But we live in a world drowning in information and data. Some thoughts on the mental battery. Hear the full episode of Do Radio on the mental battery now at https://thedoradio.com Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor Join the Paradiso Institute and a new wave of creative leaders at https://paradisoinstitute.org/ https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua
April 8 · 22 min
Ep 292: Self-Awareness in Creativity
The creative industry is deep in a damaging obsession with the external. We're terrified of the tools, spending our energy arguing in black and white about artificial intelligence, starting the design process trapped in programmes before we've considered what will serve the idea. But really, we should be starting with the internal, and that's all grounded in self-awareness. Only then can we truly connect in the wider world. Supported by https://illustrationx.com - the show's founding sponsor https://open.spotify.com/artist/2c5NcXidirDDqL3sc3vW8S?si=bL3qx6zWQn6Mn03anHRPfQ https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/ To coach with Ben, https://thecreativecondition.com/coach To support the Ukrainian creative community https://ui.org.ua