ArtsBusinessEntrepreneurshipScienceSocial Sciences

The Syncreate Podcast: Empowering Creativity

Melinda Rothouse, PhD

Welcome to Syncreate, where we explore the intersections between creativity, psychology, and spirituality. Our goal is to demystify the creative process and expand the boundaries of what it means to be creative.

Creativity. It’s a word we throw around all the time, but what does it really mean? On the Syncreate Podcast, we share stories of the creative journey. We talk to changemakers, visionaries and everyday creatives working in a wide array of fields and disciplines. Our goal is to explore creativity in all its facets, and to gain a better understanding of the creative process – from imagination to innovation and everything in between.

The Syncreate Podcast is hosted by Melinda Rothouse, PhD. She helps individuals and organizations bring their creative dreams and visions to life through coaching, consulting, workshops, retreats, and now, this podcast. She's written two books on creativity, including Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities (winner of a Silver Nautilus Award for Creativity and Innovation), with Charlotte Gullick. She's also a musician (singer-songwriter and bass player) and photographer based in Austin, Texas.

Play

Open in

20 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 28 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

S1 · E125
August 20 · 54 min
Episode 125: Figuring it Out with Film Producer & Creative Entrepreneur Marco De Molina
Marco De Molina is Grammy Nominated film producer who has received international acclaim throughout his career at prestigious film festivals worldwide including the Festival de Cannes. He has been recognized for his striking visuals, unique storytelling, a keen eye for developing new talent, and his ability to maximize production value. Marco has produced countless music videos for chart-topping musicians in all genres from metal to pop. He has received numerous nominations and wins at the MTV VMAs, and UKMVAs, including a Grammy Nomination for Best Music Video for LIL NAS X “Montero (Call Me By Your Name.)” He the Co-Founder of SPACEBRAIN Entertainment and One of Us, a prestige spirits platform, both of which he runs with his wife Roza Marchenko. Our conversation traces his journey from aspiring filmmaker to Grammy-nominated producer and creative entrepreneur. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, Marco suggests cultivating a daily discipline to hone your craft, and warns not to get caught up in other people’s successes, because as his mother once told him, “Excellence has no competition.” Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process in a variety of contexts, you might also like our conversations in Episode 21: The Walk of Faith and Courage with Shakespearean Actor Warren "Ren" Jackson, Episode 56: Asking the Questions with Broadway Stereophonic Cast Member Chris Stack, and Episode 119: Jazz Lessons with Musical Mathematician Lawrence Udeigwe, PhD. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: SPACEBRAIN Entertainment One of Us Mezcal Marco De Molina on Instagram One of Us Mezcal on Instagram Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E124
August 6 · 14 min
Episode 124: Creative Spark Series - Finding Your Story with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick
Storytelling is a huge part of the creative process, and we all carry many stories within us. In this episode of our Creative Spark Series, we explore how to find the stories in our own life experiences, and how to begin working with them. We also explore the healing power of telling our stories, and how our personal (and sometimes painful) experiences can speak to larger, more universal themes. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to recall life experiences that still feel a little uncomfortable, “spiky,” or have stuck with you over time, and begin to express them in a creative way to see if you can find a new perspective on them. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 122: Sharing Your Creative Self, Episode 118: The Power of Imagination, and Episode 108: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in our Minds. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Carolyn Myss Melinda Rothouse Website Charlotte Gullick’s Website The Syncreate book by Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Joy Music Website Austin Writing Coach
- Transcript
S1 · E123
July 23 · 41 min
Episode 123: The Surface Area of Serendipity with Tech Entrepreneur Charles Cadbury
What if you began each day outside, in nature, without technology, viewed your daily activities and connections as ways to increase the surface area of your serendipity, and spent Thursday evenings appreciating the sunset with friends? Welcome to Charles Cadbury’s world. A multi-award-winning technologist focusing on human-computer interaction and AI assistance, Charles is a creative entrepreneur who values the alchemy of connection. In this episode, we discuss the power of community and collaboration in innovation, as well as the vital importance of the creative journey itself. We also explore the creative potential of (and concerns around) emerging technologies such as AI assistants and agents. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, Charlie suggests taking time each day to unplug from technology and clear the mind, and to distill your to-do list down to three main things you can reasonably accomplish. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process in a variety of contexts, you might also like our conversations in Episode 111: Stories from the Podcast Studio with Grant Davis, Episode 107: Mindfulness in Life, Work, and Creativity with Hannah Williams, and Episode 14: Anatomy of a Song with George McCormack. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Charles Cadbury on LinkedIn sayitnow.ai charlescadbury.com Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E122
July 9 · 10 min
Episode 122: Creative Spark Series - Sharing Your Creative Self with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick
In this episode of our Creative Spark Series, Melinda & Charlotte explore both the fears and the benefits of sharing our creative selves with family, friends, and the wider world. Many creatives feel misunderstood by those closest to us, such as family members who may not “get” or value our work, so we feel hesitant or resistant to share our creative ideas and expressions with them. However, we believe there’s a positive risk in sharing and allowing ourselves to be known in this way, because it can actually allow our loved ones to become interested and invested in our creative lives.This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to identify one trusted person in your inner circle that you could share your creative ideas with, take that initial step, and see where it leads. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 106: Creative Confessions, Episode 108: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Our Minds, and Episode 120: Putting Yourself Out There. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Melinda Rothouse Website Charlotte Gullick’s Website The Syncreate book by Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Joy Music Website Austin Writing Coach
- Transcript
S1 · E121
June 25 · 49 min
Episode 121: Emotions and Choice in the Creative Process with Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, PhD
What either allows or prevents us from taking action on our creative ideas and bringing them into being? According to our guest Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, PhD, emotions and choice play a major role, including our fears about being judged, as well as both our sense of creative anxiety and identity. How we manage these emotions ultimately guides our creative freedom and efficacy. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, if you have more ideas than you can pursue at any given moment, we encourage you to practice what Zorana calls “idea stockpiling,” which involves finding a way to record our ideas, whether in a notebook or voice memos, or even in a physical drawer, so we can return to them later. We also encourage you to notice and utilize your feelings and emotions in service of your creativity, rather than fighting them. For example, energetic moods are great for creative ideation and brainstorming, whereas more subdued moods are better for critical thinking and revision. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process in a variety of contexts, you might also like our conversations in Episode 62: The Neuroscience of Creativity with Dr. Indre Viskontas, Episode 117: Creativity, Anxiety, and Authenticity with Amanda Beck, PhD, and Episode 119: Jazz Lessons with Musician Mathematician Lawrence Udeigwe, PhD. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Zorana’s Website & Book: The Creativity Choice Zorana’s Newsletter on Substack Zorana Ivcevic Pringle on LinkedIn Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E120
June 11 · 15 min
Episode 120: Creative Spark Series - Putting Yourself Out There with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick
In this episode of our Creative Spark Series, Melinda & Charlotte discuss both the fears and rewards of putting your creative work out into the world, sharing examples from their own experiences with music, film, and writing. While sharing your creations can feel uncertain, vulnerable and risky, you’ll never know the potential benefits unless you try. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to put yourself out there creatively, whether by submitting your work for publication, contests and prizes or simply attending a creative event like a reading or open mic. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 102: Creativity as a Path of Adventure, Episode 116: Creativity, Power & Agency, and Episode 118: The Power of Imagination. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Out of the Blue Music Video on YouTube Out of the Blue Song on Spotify Melinda Joy Music Website Charlotte Gullick’s Website The Syncreate book by Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach
- Transcript
S1 · E119
May 28 · 36 min
Episode 119: Jazz Lessons from Musical Mathematician Lawrence Udeigwe
If music is a language of emotions, mathematics is a language of the nature of reality. In this episode, jazz musician and mathematician Lawrence Udeigwe reveals how these two languages inform each other, and the lessons they hold for everyday life. We discuss his new album, Four Lemmas, and how he bridges the worlds of music and math in his creative, academic, and teaching work. Dr. Udeigwe is a Professor of Mathematics at Manhattan University and a Research Affiliate in Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His work integrates teaching and research, with a focus on incorporating research-driven ideas into the classroom to advance mathematics pedagogy and curriculum development. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to be bold in bringing together your diverse talents and interests int something new and unique, and to be flexible with your To Do list - If you don’t get it done today, there’s always tomorrow! Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process in a variety of contexts, you might also like our conversations in Episode 9: Music and Psychology: "The Pocket" Experience with Dr. Jeff Mims, Episode 113: Music Mindfulness and Healing with Dr. AZA Allsop, and Episode 117: Creativity, Anxiety, and Authenticity with Amanda Beck, PhD. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Lawrence’s Website Lawrence’s Instagram Four Lemmas Album on YouTube Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E118
May 14 · 15 min
Episode 118: Creative Spark Series - The Power of Imagination with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick
In this episode of our Creative Spark Series, Melinda & Charlotte explore the power of imagination, both as a driver of innovation and a pathway to liberation. If we want to play a role in shaping the future, we must use our imagination to envision possibilities, rather than simply letting politicians and tech leaders, who likely do not have our interests at heart, do it for us. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to reflect on ways you may be limiting your own imagination, and how you can bring more playfulness and imagination into your day-to-day life. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 10: Imagination and Creativity with Psychologist and Creativity Coach Dr. Diana Rivera, Episode 115: The Power of Play: Creativity, Play, and Embodiment with Dr. Tamara Russell, and Episode 116: Creativity, Power & Agency. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Imagination: a Manifesto by Ruha Benjamin Nichelle Nichols on IMDb The Syncreate book by Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda
- Transcript
S1 · E117
April 30 · 43 min
Episode 117: Creativity, Anxiety & Authenticity with Amanda Beck, PhD
This episode explores the connections between anxiety, authenticity, and creativity, including the hidden gifts and messages of anxiety and their implications for personal development. Amanda Beck is an actress, writer, and doctor of humanistic psychology whose work lives at the intersection of creativity, anxiety, and the authentic self. She holds a PhD from Saybrook University with a specialization in Creativity Studies, where her dissertation explored the deep connections between anxiety, authenticity, and creative expression. Amanda’s research reframes anxiety not as a disorder to be eliminated, but as an alchemical signal pointing toward transformation and authentic becoming. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to explore your relationship to self-trust, authenticity, and creative expression. Sometimes this requires going within and tuning out the noise from the outside world in order to hear and express our own authentic voice. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process in a variety of contexts, you might also like our conversations in Episode 10: Imagination and Creativity with Psychologist and Creativity Coach Dr. Diana Rivera, Episode 103: Trauma, Creativity, and Mental Health with Tracy Sisk, LMHC, and Episode 115: The Power of Play: Creativity, Play, and Embodiment with Dr. Tamara Russell. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Amanda's Website Amanda Beck on Instagram Book: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Essay: The Uses of the Erotic by Audre Lorde (within Sister Outsider) Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E116
April 16 · 15 min
Episode 116: Creative Spark Series - Creativity, Power & Agency with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick
In this episode of our Creative Spark Series, Melinda & Charlotte explore questions of power and agency, and how they connect with creativity and creative empowerment. We explore power dynamics, focusing on power with (collaboration), power to (personal empowerment), and power within (personal agency and efficacy). These ways of understanding our personal power (as opposed to the traditional hierarchical model of power over, or domination), can help us take positive, creative action to be of benefit to others and to the world, even when we may be feeling powerless. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to consider your own creative empowerment, and how you could take action on it in a meaningful way in your life, either through collaboration, or in simply embracing your creative identity. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 104: Creativity Can Save Your Life, Episode 108: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Our Minds, Episode 114: The Role of the Artist in Society. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Audre Lorde The Syncreate Book Charlotte Gullick’s Website Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E115
April 2 · 46 min
Episode 115: The Power of Play - Creativity, Play, and Embodiment with Dr. Tamara Russell
Dr. Tamara Russell is a clinical psychologist, neuroscientist, martial artist and mindfulness trainer. She works as an academic and clinician, exploring the use of embodied mindfulness in the work of transformation and self-development. Tamara is involved in international collaborations looking at how mindfulness training changes the structure and function of the brain. She is the Director of the Mindfulness Centre of Excellence, London, an organization dedicated to the wider dissemination of mindfulness, with a particular focus on innovation in the delivery of mindfulness across a variety of sectors and populations. In this episode, we discuss the importance of play and embodiment in learning, innovation, and personal development. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to turn your daily to-do list into a compassionate to-to list, emphasizing gratitude and self-care. It might just change your whole relationship to your daily rhythm and workflow! Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process in a variety of contexts, you might also like our conversations in Episode 2: Embodiment and Creativity with Thais Bicalho Silva, Episode 62: The Neuroscience of Creativity with Dr. Indre Viskontas, and Episode 113: Music Mindfulness and Healing with Dr. AZA Allsop. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching, including a monthly creativity coaching group, to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: The Dragon Academy Mindfulness Centre of Excellence Dr. Russell on Instagram Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E114
March 19 · 14 min
Episode 114: Creative Spark Series - The Role of the Artist in Society with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick
In this episode of our Creative Spark Series, Charlotte and Melinda discuss the vital role that artists play in helping to envision and shape the future with their creative work. In keeping with our recent episode on Creativity for the Common Good (Episode 112), we explore how artists can use their vision and problem-solving skills to help make the world a better place, from pioneering new innovations and fostering community to helping others see into the possible future (as with science fiction). This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to reflect on how your creations (whatever they may be - from your cooking to your civic engagement) contribute to the world in a positive way. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 49: Creativity in Challenging Times, Episode 104: Creativity Can Save Your Life, and Episode 112: Creativity for the Common Good. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Graden Keller on Substack Ismet Prcic Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o The Syncreate Book Charlotte Gullick’s Website Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E113
March 5 · 35 min
Episode 113: Music Mindfulness & Healing with Dr. AZA Allsop
Dr. AZA Allsop is an artist, neuroscientist, and psychiatrist who conducts research at the intersection of social cognition, music mindfulness, and psychedelics. AZA received his MD from Harvard Medical School, PhD in Neuroscience from MIT, and was an Emerson Scholar at Berklee College of Music. He is currently an Assistant Professor in Yale’s Department of Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Collective Healing at Howard University. He combines art, science, and community to redefine culture and make social impact. Our conversation explores AZA’s current research, his music, and the question of how music and creativity can help heal the world. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to take a few mindful moments to pause and listen to what’s happening around you, as well as to take five minutes (or more, if possible) to set a timer and devote that time to your creativity on a regular basis. You may be surprised by what you can accomplish in a short amount of time. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process in a variety of contexts, you might also like our conversations in Episode 9: Music and Psychology: "The Pocket" Experience with Dr. Jeff Mims, Episode 91: Envisioning the Possible with Vlad Glăveanu, PhD, and Episode 62: The Neuroscience of Creativity with Dr. Indre Viskontas. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching, including a monthly creativity coaching group, to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: AZA Lab Dr. AZA on LinkedIn @azathemessenger on Instagram Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E112
February 19 · 14 min
Episode 112: Creative Spark Series - Creativity for the Common Good with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick
Building upon our recent Creative Spark episodes on creativity in communication (Episode 110) and self-empowerment (Episode 108), Charlotte and Melinda contemplate how we can use our creativity for the common good, such as connecting in meaningful ways, supporting our local communities in challenging times, giving people the benefit of the doubt, and asking questions before jumping to conclusions. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to use your creativity to bring a more relational (rather than transactional) focus to your day-to-day interactions, and to find ways to support others in your local community. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 72: Creative Community, Episode 108: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Our Minds, and Episode 110: Creativity in Communication. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: The Syncreate Book Charlotte Gullick’s Website Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E111
February 5 · 35 min
Episode 111: Stories from the Podcast Studio with Record ATX Co-Founder Grant Davis
Grant Davis is the co-owner of Record ATX, a creative audio and video production studio in Austin, Texas, where we record The Syncreate Podcast.He’s also the longtime co-host of The Beerists Podcast, an award winning craft beer review show and host of Hello Crawlers, a book club podcast dedicated to the Dungeon Crawler Carl book series. Our conversation traces Grant’s journey from baby podcaster to studio co-owner, sharing stories and insights from both the creative and production sides of the podcasting process. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, if you’re thinking of starting a podcast (or any creative endeavor for that matter), remember that quality matters, perfection is the enemy of creativity, and just put it out there! Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process in a variety of contexts, you might also like our conversations in Episode 1: Audio Storytelling with Podcaster and Environmentalist Michael Osborne, PhD, Episode 52: Texas Poet Laureate Amanda Johnston, and Episode 109: Light and Shadow: The Art of Journaling with Keila Shaheen. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching, including a monthly creativity coaching group, to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Record ATX Studios Austin The Beerists Podcast Hello Crawlers Podcast Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E110
January 22 · 14 min
Episode 110: Creative Spark Series - Creativity in Communication with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick
,In this episode of our Creative Spark series, we reflect on how we can bring our creativity into our communication and relationships with others, using the “Yes, and…” principle from improv, which opens up possibilities, inviting dialogue, collaboration, and a deepening of connection. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to bring more flexibility, objectivity, and humor into your communication style for greater perspective, engagement, and collaboration. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 102: Creativity as a Path of Adventure, Episode 106: Creative Confessions and Episode 108: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Our Minds. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching, including a monthly creativity coaching group, to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: The Syncreate Book Charlotte Gullick’s Website Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E109
January 8 · 37 min
Episode 109: Light and Shadow - The Art of Journaling with Keila Shaheen
Keila Shaheen is a Brazilian–Puerto Rican American scholar, international bestselling author, and musician. She is the creator of the Zenfulnote app and author of The Shadow Work Journal, which has sold over a million copies and helped introduce shadow work to a new generation. Now pioneering the practice of Light Work, Keila’s mission is to guide others toward inner transformation and creative awakening. Keila integrates depth psychology and the arts to help people reconnect with their inner world. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS News, and The Atlantic. Our conversation focuses on Keila’s personal, creative, and psychological journey, and previews her new book, The Light Work Journal. For our creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage daily positive affirmations for psychological and creative development, such as those featured in The Light Work Journal. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process in a variety of contexts, you might also like our conversations in Episode 34: Creativity and Transpersonal Psychology Part 1 with Marina Smirnova, PhD, Episode 42: Creativity & Depth Psychology with Jennifer Leigh Selig, and Episode 60: Intuition & Creativity with Intuitive Medium and Spiritual Director Steven Ross. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: The Shadow Work Journal by Keila Shaheen Zenfulnote Keila’s Website Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E108
Dec 11, 2025 · 16 min
Episode 108: Creative Spark Series - Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Our Minds with Melinda Rothouse and Charlotte Gullick
In this episode of our Creative Spark series, we explore how our limiting beliefs and scarcity thinking can hold us back from personal, creative, and professional opportunities. With examples from our own lives, we share how to invite more abundance and expansiveness into our mindset, from actually seeing ourselves as creative to allowing ourselves little luxuries. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to invite a bit more softness or expansiveness into your daily life, whatever that looks like for you, from an afternoon nap to fancy underwear or silk pajamas. What’s a positive risk that might bring a little more abundance into your mindset? Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 102: Creativity as a Path of Adventure, Episode 104: Creativity Can Save Your Life, and Episode 106: Creative Confessions. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching, including a monthly creativity coaching group, to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: The Syncreate Book Charlotte Gullick’s Website Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E107
Nov 27, 2025 · 42 min
Episode 107: Mindfulness in Life, Work & Creativity with Hannah C. Williams
Hannah Williams infuses the practice of mindfulness into all aspects of her life, from songwriting and performing to her work in real estate, and to her podcast, Mindfully Austin. Our conversation explores how practicing mindfulness creates ripple effects, touching every person and situation we come into contact with, from our professional relationships to our families and our creative work, fostering greater authenticity, connection, meaning, and happiness. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to find what brings you joy and gather with others to amplify your efforts. Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process in a variety of contexts, you might also like our conversations in Episode 21: The Walk of Faith and Courage with Shakespearean Actor Warren "Ren" Jackson, Episode 85: Living a Spiritual Life with Wisdom Pathways Co-Founders Jenny Fairbank and Steven Ross, Episode 89: The Joy of Awakening with Drupon Lama Dorje & Carolina Putnam. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching, including a monthly creativity coaching group, to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: Mindful Real Estate Team Hannah Williams Music Mindfully Austin Podcast Hannah C. Williams on Instagram Hannah Wiliams Music on Instagram Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript
S1 · E106
Nov 13, 2025 · 18 min
Episode 106: Creative Spark Series - Creative Confessions with Melinda Rothouse & Charlotte Gullick
In creativity, there’s no one “right” way to go about things; we all have our own unique creative habits and hacks. So, in this episode, Melinda and Charlotte reveal some of their creative quirks and strategies in the form of creative confessions. This episode, like the mini-episodes that preceded it, also includes insights from our book, Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities. For our Creativity Pro-Tip, we encourage you to reflect on your own creative practices and habits, and to share your creative confessions with us. Those who share will be entered into a drawing to receive free coaching session with us! Credits: The Syncreate podcast is created and hosted by Melinda Rothouse, and produced at Record ATX studios with in collaboration Michael Osborne and 14th Street Studios in Austin, Texas. Syncreate logo design by Dreux Carpenter. If you enjoy this episode and want to learn more about the creative process, you might also like our conversations in Episode 41: Creative Practice, Process, and Product, Episode 51: Curiosity & Exploration, and Episode 67: Moving Through the World with a Creative Eye. At Syncreate, we're here to support your creative endeavors. If you have an idea for a project or a new venture, and you’re not sure how to get it off the ground, find us at syncreate.org. Our book, also called Syncreate, walks you through the stages of the creative process so you can take action on your creative goals. We also offer resources, creative process tools, and coaching, including a monthly creativity coaching group, to help you bring your work to the world. You can find more information on our website, where you can also find all of our podcast episodes. Find and connect with us on social media and YouTube under Syncreate. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave us a review! We’d love to hear your feedback as well, so drop us a line at info@syncreate.org. Episode-specific hyperlinks: The Syncreate Book Charlotte Gullick’s Website Show / permanent hyperlinks: The Syncreate Podcast Syncreate Website Syncreate Instagram Syncreate Facebook Syncreate LinkedIn Syncreate YouTube Melinda Rothouse Website Austin Writing Coach Melinda Joy Music Website
- Transcript

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes