My mother has frequently told me, “We will often do for our children that which we won’t do for ourselves. Sometimes that’s how we learn.” I’ve witnessed that wisdom in my years of mothering again and again. When I share little instructional bits with my kids in how to listen to their bodies or emotions, how to relate with others, how to take care of themselves, others, and the spaces we inhabit, oftentimes I need to hear those same lessons. The same truths apply to me.
I have always wanted to foster creativity in our home, not just for my children but for my husband and myself, too. It’s one of the reasons I continue this space and put effort toward creative endeavors, even when it’s hard. If it’s true (and I think it is) that children learn more through what they experience than what is spoken to them, the reality is this: teaching my children about the creative process means I must be working through it, too.
That said, I thought I’d share a few favorites podcasts on the topic of creativity. They are each incredible food for thought and spirit regardless of whether you consider yourself a creative or not. Frankly, I appreciate this topic most when I’m doing work that generally feels un-creative, like folding laundry or tidying the house. Whenever you make time, I think they will inspire you. Please note: not all of the podcasts I share here will be appropriate for children. Just the same, I discuss many of the ideas I’ve learned through them with our children regularly. I hope you enjoy. And happy weekend!
On Being | “Creativity and the Everyday Brain” with Rex Jung | I’m fascinated by the science of thought and process, and although I was unfamiliar with many of the terms Jung uses early on, I loved this interview. I especially appreciated how he discussed the myth of brainstorming in creative work and the importance of unstructured idleness in conjunction with structured learning in our days.
TED Radio Hour | “The Source of Creativity” with Sting, Charles Limb, Sir Ken Robinson, and Elizabeth Gilbert | I adore each of these voices and TED talks, so naturally I gravitated here. Examining the mystery of creativity between the four, I loved the hearing the side conversation and details behind them, also how the ideas overlap and connect. In connection with what I wrote about the space for quiet in the home, I especially appreciate how Sting attributes creativity to his quiet rides with his father as a child, a sweet reminder that even for people who write words, having time to hear their thoughts is important.
Magic Lessons | “Big Strong Magic” with Elizabeth Gilbert and Brené Brown | Of course these two would be on this list. Whether you consider yourself to be creative or not, if you haven’t read Big Magic or Rising Strong, add it to your list. Both address fear, shame, vulnerability in the creative process and as people. This conversation is light-hearted and brief, but such a great taste of their voice and message.
Bethel Church | “Overnight Success Isn’t True” with Eric Johnson | This is a teaching, not an interview, and shared from a Christian perspective. In a culture driven by the longing for instant success, I loved being reminded of the need for deep conviction and purpose in my work, also for patience.
TED Radio Hour | “What is Original?” with Mark Ronson, Kirby Ferguson, Johanna Blakely, and Steven Johnson | Four voices exploring the idea of originality, or rather that nothing is original. This interview relieved the pressure to try and think of new in terms of never-been-done, but instead how do we make what has already been done our own? It’s also addresses copying and thievery, which is always a fitting topic in the somewhat nebulous online world.
“I’m Possible.” by Jeremy Cowart | This is NOT a podcast, but a 30 minute video. I watched Jeremy present this at a design conference last fall, where he received a standing ovation for his humanitarian work. As a creative, I was inspired. As a parent, I was humbled, realizing how important his parents’ encouragements were over his lifetime. It is a moving, must-watch video.
What about you? Do you have a favorite you want to share?
Comments
I too am someone who recently found your blog, and I just keep finding post after post that is hitting it home for and totally resonating for this season of life I’m in. As someone who just recently finished reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and am currently reading The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown, and as someone who will be venturing into writing to express my creativity amongst other things, I am DEFINITELY checking out these podcasts!! :) Thank you so much Bethany for sharing this and inspiring many once again ♡
I’m incredibly grateful for the kinds of info you share here and on IG. Ive been educating my children for most of my adult life & have my youngest ones still with many years ahead (age ranges from 22-9). As no surprise to anyone who has been doing this for awhile, I am still learning how to guide and teach each one at various levels. I found so much to ponder over these sites you offered & wanted to be sure to thank you for chaneling a portion of your time into sharing with others. Be blessed, Bethany!
I’m going to dive into these I love Sir Ken Robinson .. I also want to thank you for this blog it beautifully laid out and written and very inspiring.. I’m in Ireland and on the verge of removing my just turned 7yr old from formal education and have purposely not enrolled my newly turned 3yr old in preschool.., it’s scary and exciting and I so appreciate your voice .. Thank you x
Thanks for this, I’m really looking forward to listening to them. I love sir ken robinsons Ted talks about education. I’ve recently found your blog and I am loving it. I live in new Zealand and I’m planning to homeschool my children – they are 3 and 5 and I’m just letting them enjoy playing at the moment. You’re posts about homeschooling are really inspiring – thank you for using your creativity to make a blog that others can enjoy and benefit from. Love lydia
Thank you, Lydia Rose. I’m grateful to encourage parents on this journey as much as I can because I know it can be difficult. And what a beautiful place to raise children! New Zealand and Australia are on my list of places I hope to travel as a family someday. Those are such sweet years (tiring, but sweet), and well done enjoying where they are now and allowing them to play. I also love Sir Ken Robinson. ;)
I am so excited about listening to these! I also really enjoy The Art of Simple podcast with Tsh Oxenreider. She often interviews authors, makers, and philanthropists, which give me new ideas for executing projects.
I read Tsh’s first book several years ago, but have not listened to her podcast. Great idea! Thank you.
Thanks for this! As someone who grew up thinking I wasn’t very creative, I’m learning that humans are naturally creative – I just wasn’t looking at it properly (I had reduced creativity to artistic ability). I’m early in the process of learning what creativity really is and I look forward to listening to these!
I do think many of us are on that same journey, Ashley. For myself, I’ve found these talks entirely inspiring and liberating, although at times not in the way I expected. As a parent, it gives me compassion for my children and others; we’re all on some part of the journey, trying to find the best ways to get what’s in us out. Cheers to the process. x