In this special episode, host Sarah Mulligan Williams shares recommendations from Creatives Processing’s 2025 guests—books, memoirs, and unexpected pieces of media that have genuinely shaped how these working creative professionals approach their craft. With the holidays approaching, think of this as both a gift guide for the creatives in your life and a way to prepare yourself for creative work in the new year.
From David Byrne's theories on how environment shapes music, to books about overcoming creative resistance, to a wrestling match that's a masterclass in audience connection—these recommendations challenge conventional wisdom about where creative insights come from.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Creative insights often come from unexpected sources—comedy memoirs, wrestling matches, and books about small business failures
The common thread through all recommendations is intentionality and creating deliberate practices
Creative growth is practical: expose yourself to different ways of thinking and find tactics that work for your brain
Sometimes the best creative education comes from learning how other art forms solve problems
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FEATURED RECOMMENDATIONS
Music & Production Insights
“How Music Works” by David Byrne
Recommended by John Michael Rouchell
🎧 Listen to John Michael’s full conversation and highlights episodes
Practical Creativity & Business Resources
“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield
Recommended by Craig Winslow
🎧 Listen to Winslow Studio’s full conversation and highlights episodes
“The Artist's Way” by Julia Cameron
“The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
Recommended by Kira Corbin
🎧 Listen to Kira’s full conversation and highlights episodes
Unexpected Wisdom
“The Green Witch: Your Complete Guide to The Natural Magic of Herbs, Flowers, Essential Oils, and More” by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
“Leslie F*cking Jones” by Leslie Jones
Recommended by Lee Hedgmon
🎧 Listen to Lee’s full conversation and highlights episodes
Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest at Backlash 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Recommended by Eliana Mendez
Listen to Eliana’s full conversation and highlights episodes
Host Recommendations
“The Sunny Nihilist” by Wendy Syfret
“The Crossroads of Should and Must” by Elle Luna
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ABOUT CREATIVES PROCESSING
Creatives Processing is the podcast that illuminates the human journey behind creative work – where professional creatives share their authentic processes, struggles, and triumphs.
About the Host
Sarah Mulligan Williams is a creative director and the founder of Word of Mouth, a creative studio where she helps mission-driven organizations tell their stories through strategic branding and design. She is a champion of creative collaboration and human connection & kindness.
Connect with Creatives Processing
Instagram: @creativesprocessing
Email: creativesprocessing@wordofmouthcreative.co
Website: wordofmouthcreative.co/creativesprocessing
Share your unexpected creative recommendations with us—we'd love to hear what books, media, or experiences have influenced your creative work!
Creatives Processing will return in 2026 with more conversations exploring the human journey behind creative work.
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CREDITS
Produced and edited by Word of Mouth Creative
Theme music by John Michael Rouchell
