Art, Music & Creative Expression

What happens after surviving a traumatic event? Christina Reckard shares how being held at gunpoint reshaped her perspective and the mindset that helped her heal.

Reading fiction does more than entertain. Holly Root explains why stories help us understand other people, explore different lives, and see ourselves in new ways.

Why are so many passionate teachers leaving the classroom? Former science teacher Trey Cokeroft shares the realities of teacher burnout, low pay, and the lasting impact educators have on students long after graduation.

After his girlfriend died by suicide, Todd Maguire disappeared into a new identity as an undercover cop—and into a world of drugs, guns, biker clubs, and extreme risk. He shares how unprocessed grief shaped his years as “Donny,” what happened when he had to become Todd again, and why speaking openly about PTSD finally changed his life.

Can art teach us who we are? Sculptor Ben Minnis shares how creativity, nature, and even childhood education can deepen human connection, reveal hidden parts of ourselves, and change the way we experience the world.

People often think of T-shirts as disposable. Sherry Spivey has spent more than 30 years proving the opposite. Hear how creativity, craftsmanship, and a love of nature have shaped a career built around art that people hold onto for decades.

What if the best use of AI is not replacing human thought, creativity, and connection but protecting our time for them? AI consultant Peter Swimm explores ethical AI, automation, creative work, and what technology can never replicate about being human.

Making something with your hands can do more than pass the time. Stephanie Stewart-Howard explains why creativity has always helped people find purpose, connection, and joy.

Most people assume burlesque is about performance. Kristen Teffeteller explains why it's really about confidence, body acceptance, creative expression, and having the courage to be fully seen.

What starts as a creative project can become something much bigger. Michelle Liter shares how illustrating her first children's book helped her rediscover purpose, embrace handmade traditions, and rethink consumer culture.

What happens when people feel truly heard? Susan Ruth shares lessons from hundreds of conversations about storytelling, curiosity, creativity, and human connection.

What if purpose isn't one destination but a collection of choices that reflect who you are? Interior designer Wendy Yates shares why building a meaningful life starts with knowing what truly brings you joy.

A childhood obsession with mermaids turned into a career in underwater performance art, freediving, shark encounters, and ocean activism for Hannah Mermaid.

What starts as a conversation about tattoo culture becomes a deeply human story about grief, healing, cancer survival, and connection. Tattoo artists Jeff Barnard and Caitlyn Campbell share how special tattoos transformed not only their clients, but themselves.

Dan Strelan examines gut health, nervous system regulation, and the connection between authentic living and reconnecting with nature. Learn how modern culture disconnects us and why healing often begins by listening more closely to your intuition.

After his wife suffered a traumatic brain injury, Jon Mullins turned to music to process fear, grief, and healing. The Nashville artist opens up about marriage after trauma, writing “Better Man,” going viral on TikTok, and learning how vulnerability can help other people feel less alone.

Long before social media, Clif Doyal was already witnessing how politics can strain relationships. He reflects on the Vietnam War era, integrated bands in the 1970s, and losing connections over political division.

After 100 episodes, Human Amplified has become more than a podcast. Brandi Fleck and Ryan Sauls revisit the stories, guests, creative breakthroughs, grief, healing, and human connection that shaped the show over four years.

After doctors repeatedly told Hannah Bethel she didn’t have Lyme disease, her body told a different story. In this deeply personal conversation, the Nashville singer-songwriter shares how chronic illness, holistic healing, yoga, intuition, and solo hiking adventures reshaped both her life and her music career.

What does fame really do to a person?

In this From the Vault episode, musician Carrie Akre reflects on coming up in Seattle’s legendary grunge scene, the creative freedom of the 90s music era, and the unexpected emotional cost of visibility. From the rise of alternative rock to the role intuition plays in creativity, this conversation explores what it means to be seen, heard, and truly understood.

Explore how gender roles and labels shape identity in this conversation with author Craig Pomranz and Brandi Fleck. They discuss masculinity, femininity, stereotypes, and the story behind Made by Raffi, a children's book that encourages self-expression and challenges traditional gender expectations.

7 simple ways art can instantly inspire you when life feels flat. From beauty to courage, these quick jolts reconnect you to meaning, joy, and creative spark.

Nashville, Tenn. teaching artist, Amanda Cantrell-Roche, explains how embodied storytelling heals personal and collective trauma, fuels social-justice campaigns, and even reshapes the immigration debate.

Singer-songwriter duo Pattycakes (Patty Carasquillo) and Boomer Roe share their deeply personal journey into the Nashville music scene—proving that it’s never too late to follow your calling. 

What if raving in a crowd of strangers could heal your nervous system better than lying on a yoga mat? Dr. Megan Galaske—pediatrician turned sound healer—joins us to break down the science behind music (from EDM to sound baths), vibration, and healing.

This is a personal story from a professional musician turned software developer about learning to appreciate self-expression in all it’s forms — you don’t have to be great at something creative to get your story out, embrace it, and still have fun while you’re doing it. Read on for inspiration to get started.