Shows
Creators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent PodcastingCVs, Audio Authenticity and Value-for-Value HostingAre you struggling to break into the media industry or advance your career? David Spencer, who created The Media Mentor brand twenty years ago, shares why he launched The Media Mentor podcast as a powerful audio tool to help people navigate the "mystifying world of recruitment".Episode Highlights You Won't Want to Miss:The Power of Audio: Discover why David, a long-time lover of audio who always dreamt of working in radio, believes podcasting is a "beautiful powerful way to communicate". The Video Frustration: Hear David's strong feelings on the g...
2025-10-2739 minCreators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent PodcastingCats, Culture and the Cost of ConnectionConnecting cats and the creator economy!This time Claire Waite Brown chats with Amanda B, AKA Captain Kitty, the creator and host of the brilliantly inventive and award-winning 6 Degrees of Cats, the podcast that explores deep, cat-themed questions such as 'Are cats cuter than babies?' and 'Did Sir Isaac Newton really create the cat door?'.Amanda shares the frustration of the industry devaluing 'human, handcrafted work', but offers a powerful, optimistic theory that the rise of AI-generated content is pushing the industry toward a new economy requiring 'proof of humanity': advertisers will ultimately...
2025-10-1339 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeJennifer Roig-Francolí: Strings, Spirituality and StillnessJennifer Roig-Francolí shares her journey from a young violinist finding solace in her art, to a place of spiritual exploration and self-discovery. We discuss the challenges she faced in her artistic life, including a pivotal moment when she realized she was not using her creativity in a healthy way, and the profound neck pain that changed her path. Through the Alexander Technique, Jennifer found not just relief from her physical discomfort, but also a new way to reconnect with her creativity. Jennifer discusses her creative childhood, Suzuki training and meteoric run of competitions and solo work, before th...
2025-10-1339 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeDr Vasu Tolia: Medicine to MasterpiecesDiscovering and sharing the healing power of art.What happens when a distinguished physician with over 150 published papers walks away from a 40-year medical career? For Dr Vasu Tolia, an unexpected artistic awakening filled the void.Dr Tolia's story begins in Calcutta, where she grew up in an academically-driven household with little exposure to the arts. Her path to medicine was serendipitous, influenced by a friend who convinced her to take biology despite her inclination toward humanities. This "accidental doctor" went on to build an impressive career as a paediatric gastroenterologist in the United States...
2025-09-2920 minCreators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent PodcastingAuthenticity Over Auto-DownloadsDiscoverability and interactivity are significant challenges faced by independent podcasters, as highlighted in this episode's interview with David John Clark of The Late Bloomer Actor podcast, which explores David's creative journey and experiences in podcasting. In this chat David challenges conventional wisdom about podcast metrics. 'Download numbers do not mean they are listeners', he points out, sharing a revealing anecdote about a TikTok video with 746 plays but only 0.2 seconds average watch time. This stark reality highlights why podcasters need more sophisticated data to truly understand their audience engagement – something platforms like TrueFans are addressing with metrics that mea...
2025-09-0840 minCreators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent PodcastingCreative Energy in Independent PodcastingIndependent podcasting is where the industry's creative energy truly thrives, bringing fresh ideas and unique voices to the forefront.The discussion around this energy takes centre stage in our conversation with Frank Racioppi, founder of Ear Worthy – a publication dedicated to championing indie podcasts in an increasingly corporate landscape. Frank shares his fascinating journey from longtime podcast listener to passionate advocate, explaining why he made the deliberate choice to focus on independent creators rather than network shows.'It's at the independent podcasting level that there's the greatest creative energy within the industry,' Frank explains, co...
2025-08-2548 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeTricia Duffy: Planning for CreativityCruise ships, corporate climbing and a creative philosophyFrom a young age, Tricia Duffy was immersed in the arts, singing and writing poetry. Leaving school at 16 with no qualifications, Tricia found a way to fulfill her dream of going to America by working on cruise ships, where her passion for entertainment blossomed. On returning to the UK Tricia transitioned into the television industry, where she faced the challenge of working in a male-dominated environment that often sidelined women's creative contributions. She recounts how her successful career in television left her feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from h...
2025-08-0435 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeSally Jean Fox: Peonies, Paint and Personal GrowthHow age and life experiences can reignite artistic passions long buried beneath the weight of societal expectations. For this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Sally Fox, a once-aspiring artist turned leadership consultant. After years of letting grades and external validation dictate her creative identity, Sally bravely broke free from the chains of self-doubt. Now in her 70s, she revels in her creativity, embracing art, writing, and performance with newfound vigour. We discuss the pivotal moment during a flight from Japan that sparked her artistic renaissance, as she realized that her creative essence co...
2025-07-2125 min
Creators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent PodcastingScreens, Stereotypes and StandardsYour digital world is uniquely yours – a personalized reality shaped by the mysterious forces of algorithms that decide what you see online. But have you ever wondered why your feed looks nothing like your friend's, despite similar interests?Matt Watts' fascinating podcast Watts On Your Screen explores this digital divergence through conversations with people navigating their own algorithmic experiences. For independent creators like Matt, platforms supporting Podcasting 2.0 features offer exciting possibilities. The discussion explores how features like chapters, transcripts, comments, and the upcoming Alternate Enclosure tag for video create richer listening experiences while keeping content wit...
2025-07-1443 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeLeanne Tibiatowski: surfboards and self-discoveryTurning trauma into art when the ocean closed.First released in December 2021Leanne’s father took her snorkelling when she was young, and she fell in love with the ocean then. As a teenager that culture became something she pulled away from because of its associations with a traumatic experience, the details of which her brain blocked out to protect her. Even though she was drawn to the ocean, she didn’t go in, and didn’t understand why.Eventually Leanne decided to try surfing just once, while on a break in Mexico. She lo...
2025-07-1340 min
Creators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent PodcastingTime to PlanHighlighting the ways independent creators can connect with audiences and potentially monetize their work while maintaining creative control, join us this week for inspiration and practical guidance for envisioning – and manifesting – your creative potential over the next decade.In this episode, award-winning podcaster Tricia Duffy reveals how long-term planning can transform your creative life right now.Tricia tells Claire how her podcast, In Ten Years Time: How to Live a Creative Life, grew from personal voice recordings into a research-driven show that's garnered two awards in its first year. She explains her commitment to making crea...
2025-07-0730 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeJanice Charles: from stress to success via a happy accidentReplacing the rigidity of council architecture with the vibrancy of bespoke hat design.Janice Charles is the CEO of House of Charles, a bespoke hat-design business that thrives on making the seemingly impossibe, possible.Janice's father instilled in her a belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, an ethos illustrated by the unique, architectural headwear she now designs for her clients and that is featured internationally in couture magazines.Before she got to this point, however, Janice faced a challenging period of ill health linked to workplace stress, but...
2025-06-3019 min
Creators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent PodcastingPodcasting PaydayWhat makes a podcast valuable? Is it immediate popularity, or something deeper? "Every podcast you create will exist for many years to come," observes Clayton M. Coke of The Cashflow Show podcast, highlighting the lasting significance of podcasting as a medium that creates permanent records of our conversations and ideas.Clayton reveals how he uses his platform to interview business owners about their successes, failures, and personal interests, but his most compelling point centres on creator compensation – why should podcasters provide their platforms as free promotional vehicles when PR teams are being paid to pitch guests? This co...
2025-06-3043 min
Creators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent PodcastingFunding StorytellingThe true cost of quality storytelling.In this episode, Claire chats with Fariba Nawa, the award-winning investigative journalist behind the On Spec podcast. Fariba trains journalists worldwide to tell the stories they are personally connected to through sound, ultimately producing documentary journalism that rivals that of major broadcasters.Since launching in 2019 with Kickstarter funding, On Spec has evolved through six seasons, each with a distinct theme, including disinformation, how borders define us, and a two-year investigation into Iran's targeting of dissidents abroad. The On Spec production process involves extensive collaboration with local journalists, p...
2025-06-2351 min
Creators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent PodcastingVariety and Value within Independent PodcastingThe lived experience of independent podcasters is one of both liberating freedom and unique challenges. How can the TrueFans listening platform address those challenges and help indie creators keep creating?Through an interview with Joana PR Neves, host of Exhibitionistas podcast, and conversations between Sam and Claire, this episode of Creators discusses:The power of podcasting to give voice to independent creators who might otherwise go unheardHow asking for financial support for your podcast can meet listener resistance TrueFans features that help creators earn directly from listeners through streaming paymentsThe challenges of describing visual experiences in a...
2025-06-1649 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeTyler Schwanke: planning the perfect heistInitially skeptical about pursuing a career in film, Tyler Schwanke's younger, practical self chose to take a journalism course at college. However, his true calling in film and storytelling beckoned, and he tried out a number of programs, before completing his mixed degree.After college, back in his high-school bedroom at his parents' home, Tyler needed to earn some money, and took a security job, where in his mind he began planning a fantasy of how an aspiring filmmaker might make some money – through nefarious means – to fund his passion.Moving into a recruitment role, Tyle...
2025-06-1631 min
Creators from TrueFans: Showcasing Independent PodcastingIndependent Voices: Why TrueFans Matters for CreatorsIntroducing "Creators" - a podcast built specifically for independent content makers looking to break through the noise. Hosted by independent podcaster Claire Waite Brown and TrueFans CEO Sam Sethi, this podcast tackles the three essential challenges every creator faces: discovery, interactivity, and monetisation.The launch episode establishes the show's format by featuring Claire's own podcast "Creativity Found" as the inaugural "Podcast of the Week." With nearly five years and over 120 episodes under her belt, Claire shares candid insights about her podcasting journey. Her refreshingly honest advice to "don't listen to other people's advice" cuts through the noise...
2025-05-0538 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeLiz Drury: science to soundInitially hesitant about public speaking, Liz Drury's journey unfolds with unexpected twists, from her scientific studies to her current role as a voiceover artist. As an archeological scientist Liz found unexpected fame from her research on 'prehistoric chewing gum', which catapulted her into the media spotlight. That sparked her interest in the media world, and Liz volunteered and later worked at a local television channel, but when the funding ran out she moved to working on various projects in a sixth-form college.During her time as a 'trailing spouse' – we explain what that mean...
2025-04-2839 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeRachel Peru: from retail to runwayModel and content creator Rachel Peru on finding confidence and a creative spark later in life.Despite facing a lack of belief from educators, Rachel’s early experiences in drama studies and theatre laid a foundation for her creative spirit, which would be reignited much later after significant life changes, including a divorce. From participating in local charity fashion shows to signing with a London agency, Rachel’s modelling career took off in ways she never expected, allowing her to embrace creative opportunities she once thought were behind her. In our conversation, Rachel sheds l...
2025-04-1422 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeDementia Arts Trust: art, joy and re-found memoriesThrough art activities given in care homes and community groups, Dementia Arts Trust has been bringing joy to people living with dementia and their carers for nearly a decade.In this episode, as part of Podcasthon, an initiative to raise awareness for charities worldwide, I chat with trust founders Joanne Robinson and Melissa Haddow about how these art activities build self-esteem, evoke memories and show those living with dementia what they can still accomplish, despite their diagnosis. Joanne and Melissa share poignant stories, like the emotional moment when a participant recalled cherished memories of her d...
2025-03-1722 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeNancy Dillingham Marks: grit, growth and glassWith a rich background in languages and science, creative pursuits were encouraged during Nancy Dillingham Marks' childhood, but not fully embraced by the young Nancy.On leaving school Nancy's professional life was dominated by analytical roles, and she excelled in various corporate positions, including at Sony Pictures. What Nancy didn't realize at the time was that her path to success was not only fuelled by her organizational skills, but by intertwining those with creative problem-solving. A personal and professional shift lead Nancy to explore her mother's enthusiasm for fused glass, which quickly became the creative o...
2025-03-0327 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeCindy Ingram: museums, mosaics and memoirsCindy Ingram's love for art began early, influenced by Disney classics and a desire to become an animator. With a strong academic focus, Cindy pursued an art history degree and aimed to be a museum educator. However, the reality of museum jobs – limited opportunities and low pay – led her to teaching art in schools instead. Cindy started her own online business to support art teachers with resources, but in the midst of her career faced burnout, and her connection to creativity dwindled. She began to reassess her relationship with art, realizing it was no longer a joyful pursu...
2025-02-1734 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeFrom isolation to inspiration with the Creativity Found CollectiveThe Creativity Found Collective is a vibrant community where creativity thrives and everyone supports one another. This bonus episode showcases how being part of the Creativity Found Collective can spark inspiration, foster connections and provide valuable support for creative small business owners. With insights from various members, hear about the importance of collaboration and sharing experiences in the creative realm, as well as the mental health benefits of engaging in artistic activities. From workshops to online courses, members of the Collective offer a plethora of opportunities for growth and learning for any adults seeking to reignite...
2025-02-0310 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeMeet the Collective: Writing, coaching and penguins with Nina LentonNina Lenton is a business coach and mentor with a rich background in marketing and project management, who in this episode shares her insights into the world of creativity and the importance of nurturing it in both personal and professional realms. Nina discusses her passion for helping business owners rediscover their creative spark, especially when the daily grind threatens to overshadow their artistic pursuits. Nina's approach combines coaching with practical planning, allowing clients to not only express their creativity but also align it with their business goals. The conversation flows into Nina's own journey back to creativity th...
2025-01-2717 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeMeet the Collective: Making kilts with Paula DuncanPreserving the traditional craft of kilt making.Paula Duncan is a bespoke kilt maker and tutor, with over 11 years of teaching experience, who has adapted her classes to an online format, making it easier for busy adults to embrace their creativity while learning a new skill. Paula teaches students from all walks of life, some seeking to create a single kilt while others aspire to turn their newfound skills into a business. As a member of the Creativity Found Collective, Paula thrives in a community of like-minded creatives, where collaboration and inspiration abound. She believes that...
2025-01-1914 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeMeet the Collective: From gremlins to growth with Sheena WhyattRunning a small business can feel isolating, but finding the right support and community can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your dreams.Sheena Whyatt is a business coach with over 23 years of experience, who loves to help creative entrepreneurs navigate the challenges they face. In this chat Sheena and I discuss the common struggles many small business owners – in any field – face, including relentless self-doubt and the nagging voice of the 'gremlin' that often hinders progress. Sheena emphasizes the importance of accountability in coaching, noting that it's not just about meeting goals but...
2025-01-1225 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeMeet the Collective: Mindful mosaic making with Becky PatonExplore the transformative power of mosaic art as a mindful and enjoyable way to express yourself. Becky Paton teaches mosaic classes for adults of all abilities, and in this episode she is keen to emphasize that anyone, regardless of their perceived creativity, can create beautiful pieces with the right materials and guidance. Becky tells me about her experiences of creating mosaics with children and families in hospital settings, illustrating how art can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy during challenging times.The conversation also delves into the importance of community among creatives, highlighting how sharing...
2025-01-0518 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeAshton Rodenhiser: the listening eye!From self-doubting doodler to skilled graphic facilitator, embracing the messiness of creativity can lead to transformative experiences. Societal pressures initially deterred my guest Ashton Rodenhiser from pursuing the arts in higher education. Instead she went to community college and then on to a role working in parenting programs and prenatal support, followed by transitioning to family support, a facilitation role that Ashton especially enjoyed.Ashton discovered graphic facilitation through a transformative one-day workshop, a pivotal moment that not only reignited her passion for creative expression, but also led to a career that seamlessly combines her skills in...
2024-11-2444 min
Creativity Found: Finding Creativity Later in LifeOksana Kukurudza – storytelling in times of conflictOksana Kukurudza is currently immersed in a deeply personal writing project titled Sunflowers Bend But Rarely Break, which explores her parents' harrowing experiences as forced labourers in Nazi Germany during World War II. Oksana's motivation for writing stems not only from her parents' stories but also from the striking parallels she observes between their experiences and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.Born and raised in Western Ukraine, which was part of Poland before the war, Oksana's mother, just 17 years old in 1941, and her father, 20 at the time, fell victim to Nazi propaganda and coercion that led many Slavs...
2024-11-1034 min