Spark Minds

By Virginie Pithon and Jessica McKenzie

Welcome to Spark Minds! Every episode I explore a different facet of the concept of creativity - from what it actually means and how we have tried to measure it, to why it’s so important. In the 21st century, creativity is considered a key skill to survive the changes and challenges that the future will bring. It’s also a fun and enjoyable part of being alive! Tune in to discover how you can inject more of that creative spark in your life.

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The Dark Side of Creativity

Spark MindsMar 07, 2021

00:00

48:26

The Dark Side of Creativity

On this podcast we love creativity and want to encourage it - but is there a dark side to creativity? In this episode we explore the basis for the “tortured genius” tropes, as well as what happens when someone uses their power of creativity for...not so good outcomes. Show notes can be found here: www.virginiepithon.com/blog/spark-minds-episode-10-the-dark-side-of-creativity

Mar 07, 202148:26

Book Club: Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Starting the new year with something a little different - join Jess and I as we discuss the ideas shared in Austin Kleon's book "Steal Like an Artist" and share our personal takes and experiences with Austin's advice. Show notes can be found here: www.virginiepithon.com/blog/spark-minds-episode-9-book-club-steal-like-an-artist-by-austin-kleon

Jan 16, 202149:07

Can Artificially Intelligent Robots Be Creative?

Do you fear our future robot overloads or do you welcome them? In this episode, Jess and I delve into what exactly do we mean when we talk about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and what evidence is there for AI being creative? We cover different examples, as well as the limitations of AI's creative capabilities and what that might mean for the future of work for creative humans. Show notes can be found here: www.virginiepithon.com/blog/spark-minds-episode-8-can-ai-robots-be-creative

Nov 17, 202049:05

There's No Creativity Without Vulnerability

Sharing your ideas and creative work can be a scary process - ever felt like you were exposing the rawest most vulnerable parts of yourself for judgment and criticism? Today with Jess we talk about what it is about sharing our creative endeavours that can make it feel more vulnerable than sharing other kinds of work and how vulnerability is a critical component for true creativity. Show notes can be found here: Spark Minds Episode 7: There's No Creativity Without Vulnerability

Oct 09, 202050:12

Leadership and Creativity in the Workplace

Creativity in many workplaces is a desirable trait, but how do you go about creating a creative workplace? In this episode, we dive into some of the reasons why fostering creativity at work is a good for your business; as well as and the different ways to go about doing that. Show notes can be found here: https://www.virginiepithon.com/blog/spark-minds-episode-6-leadership-and-creativity-in-the-workplace

Aug 25, 202047:31

Culture and Creativity - Challenging Assumptions About Creativity in the East

"The West invents, the East copies" - in fashion, art or consumer goods, how often have you heard some variant of this assertion? This month we're challenging this notion and view that innovation and progress are found primarily in the West. We're looking at how creativity from the East is received by a Western audience, and look at examples of cultural exchange. Disclaimer: I’m aware the editing is not very smooth on this episode and the sound quality a bit questionable. I’m looking into ways to improve this for the next one. Show notes can be found here: www.virginiepithon.com/blog/spark-minds-5-culture-and-creativity-challenging-assumptions-about-creativity-in-the-east

Jul 21, 202032:15

How To Get Over Imposter Syndrome

It’s been a while but Spark Minds is back with a new contributor, Jess McKenzie! Today we will be talking about our personal experiences with imposter syndrome, the factors that exacerbate it and what you can do to combat imposter syndrome if any of these feelings resonate with you. Show notes can be found here: https://www.virginiepithon.com/blog/spark-minds-episode-4-how-to-get-over-imposter-syndrome

May 30, 202026:49

5 Myths About Creativity and 3 Tips To Increase Creative Output

We all have ideas about who is a creative or what increases creativity - by are any of them true? And if they aren't, what can we do to increase our creative output? In this month's episodes we are looking at the research behind some common creativity myths - do they bear out? And what can I do about it? Show notes can be found here: www.virginiepithon.com/blog/spark-minds-episode-3-5-myths-about-creativity-and-3-tips-to-increase-creative-output

Mar 18, 202009:53

Creativity, Evolution and why it matters

Why does creativity exist and why does it matter? In this episode we take a trip to the stone age to see what human evolution and anthropology has to tell us about why we engage in creativity as a species and what that means for us today. Show notes can be found at: www.virginiepithon.com/blog/spark-minds-episode-2-creativity-evolution-and-why-it-matters

Feb 18, 202010:25

Creativity: What even is it?

Creativity seems like an obvious concept to get a grasp of, but as we dive into this episode we’ll discover how the concept of creativity has changed over time and how many different ways there are to look at it. From divine inspiration to an investment theory approach, creativity is not a concept we have fully defined or exhausted yet. Show notes can be found at: www.virginiepithon.com/blog/spark-minds-episode-1-creativity-what-even-is-it

Jan 17, 202013:36