Esther Weinberg, The Ready Zone

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, the podcast where we dive into the inspiration and insight behind the world’s most creative minds.Today, we’re talking about mental wellness, creative connection, and a new way to approach communication—with our guest who is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with over four decades of experience -- Jill Robin Payne.Jill 's Website Jill on YouTube Jill is a true trailblazer—starting as her college’s first intern at the National Institutes of Health, later continuing her journey through the VA Hospital in Houston and authoring a rehabilitative activities guide while still earning her master’s degree.But what truly sets Jill apart is her original, trademarked concept called Bempathy®—a blend of banter and empathy—which fosters reciprocal, harmonious relationships through meaningful, human-centered communication.1. Origins and Early Inspiration“Let’s start at the beginning—what led you to pursue mental health as your life’s work?”“You were a pioneer even in your college years—how did your internships at NIH and the VA Hospital influence your understanding of human behavior?”2. Introducing Bempathy®“You’ve created and trademarked an innovative concept—Bempathy®. What is it, and how did the idea first come to you?”“You describe it as a mix of banter and empathy—how does that play out in practice, particularly in communication or counseling?”“Can Bempathy® help resolve conflict or improve creative collaboration?”“What are some ways individuals or teams can begin to integrate Bempathy® into their everyday interactions?”3. Creativity and the Human Experience“In your experience, what is the relationship between mental wellness and creativity?”“Do you find that creativity itself can be a healing process?”“What mental roadblocks do creatives often face, and how might Bempathy® offer a path through them?”4. Behavior, Habits, and Wellness“You’ve taught behavior modification and written rehabilitative guides. What role do habits play in our personal growth?”“How do we begin to reframe habits that might be limiting our emotional or creative potential?”5. Helping Creatives in Recovery“Your work in chemical dependency counseling intersects with many creatives who struggle with substance use. How can creativity aid in the recovery process?”“What support systems are especially effective for creatives in recovery?”6. From the Heart: Spreading the Goodness“All of your work seems to come from a very personal and heartfelt place. How does your philosophy of ‘spreading the goodness’ guide your everyday approach?”“If our listeners were to take just one idea from today’s conversation into their lives and work, what would you want that to be?”Closing Remarks:“And thanks again to our sponsor—White Cloud Coffee Roasters—for supporting this episode. Don’t forget, listeners: you can enjoy 10% off your order when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Just visit <a href="http://whitecloudcoffee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Welcome back friends to our podcast, your World of Creativity. We're continuing our around the world journeys to talk to creative practitioners everywhere about how they get inspired, about how they organize ideas, and of course how they gain the confidence and connections to get our work out into the world.And today our creative passport is being stamped in Sydney, Australia. And we're talking to designer, creative director and founder of his own design firm, Ben Rennie. He is the author of a new book, Lessons in Creativity.Ben's Website @benrennie on Instagram Ben's book: https://www.wiley.com/LessonsinCreativity1. Your Creative &amp; Entrepreneurial JourneyBen, you’ve worked with some of the world’s biggest brands—Patagonia, Google, K-Mart, Canon, Nike, Adidas, American Apparel, Dolce &amp; Gabbana, Ray-Ban, Chanel, Prada, and more. What sparked your journey into design and creativity, and how did it evolve into leading a global brand and UX agency?2. The Power of Creativity in Everyday LifeYour book, Lessons in Creativity, emphasizes that creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s essential to work, relationships, and personal fulfillment. Can you share a moment when embracing creativity transformed your approach to life or business?3. Unlocking New Horizons Through Creative ThinkingYou talk about creativity as a tool for forming new habits, crafting fresh narratives, and unlocking unseen potential. What strategies or mindset shifts help people break out of creative ruts and reimagine possibilities?4. Overcoming Creative Blocks and Taking the First StepFor those feeling stuck or disconnected, your book serves as a guide to reigniting creativity. What’s one actionable step someone can take today to overcome fear and start engaging with their creative potential?5. The Intersection of Design, Technology, and PurposeAs Chair of Design Declares Australia and an advocate for sustainability, how do you see design and technology shaping a more meaningful and purpose-driven future?Special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters—listeners can enjoy 10% off with the code "CREATIVITY" at checkout. Visit www.whitecloudcoffee.com.Listeners, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

Today we welcome Victoria Racca, a southern mom, wife, and powerhouse entrepreneur in the beauty industry. She owns The Microblading Institute, a franchised school under the Board of Regents, and BrowSister, an international manufacturer of permanent makeup numbing products. She also helps beauty businesses scale through her Revenue Growth Systems program.Victoria's Website @Victoria.glam on Instagram Victoria on YouTube Here is a guide to our interview:Building an Empire in BeautyVictoria, you’ve built not just one but two thriving businesses in the beauty industry. What first inspired you to enter this space, and what was the moment you knew you were onto something big?From Microblading to ManufacturingMany entrepreneurs focus on either services or products, but you’ve mastered both. How did BrowSister come about, and what challenges did you face in launching a product internationally?Scaling Through EducationYour Microblading Institute is franchised under the Board of Regents—an impressive achievement! What was the process of getting it accredited like, and how has it helped you impact the industry on a larger scale?Coaching Beauty Businesses for GrowthThrough your Revenue Growth Systems program, you help beauty professionals scale their businesses. What are the biggest mistakes you see entrepreneurs making, and what’s one key piece of advice you give them?Balancing Business &amp; FamilyAs a wife and mother running multiple businesses, what’s your approach to maintaining balance? Are there any routines or strategies that help you stay grounded while growing your empire?Sponsor Shoutout:A big thank you to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters! Listeners, enjoy 10% off your coffee order with the code "Creativity" at checkout at whitecloudcoffee.com.Subscribe &amp; Review:If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the show on your favorite podcast platform. Until next time, keep unlocking your world of creativity!

Groundbreaking jazz artist, John Klemmer is our guest today. John's Website @johnklemmersaxophonist on Instagram John's Facebook page John's Facebook group Here's a guide to our interview.1. Pioneering New Sounds &amp; GenresJohn, your career is filled with groundbreaking moments—many credit you with creating the first jazz fusion album, pioneering smooth jazz, and introducing electronic effects into jazz saxophone. Looking back, what was driving your constant push for innovation? Did you ever feel resistance from the industry or audiences when breaking new ground?I was in Chicago when WNUA Radio launched the Smooth Jazz format, and I remember how your music, alongside artists like Ramsey Lewis, Larry Carlton, Dave Koz, and Richard Elliott, helped define an entirely new listening experience. Did you see the rise of Smooth Jazz coming, or was it a surprise to you how your sound became such a central part of the movement?2. The Evolution of an ArtistYour music has evolved across many different styles—straight-ahead jazz, jazz-rock fusion, smooth jazz, solo sax, and even New Age music. You’ve said that some people only know you from one era and may not realize the full scope of your work. How do you personally define your artistic identity? Do you see all these phases as part of one larger creative vision? Collaborations?3. The Art of Reflection &amp; ReinventionYou’ve taken several sabbaticals throughout your career—pausing to reflect, compose, and reimagine your music. In today’s fast-paced digital age, artists often feel pressure to constantly release new content. What advice would you give to younger musicians about the importance of reflection and artistic reinvention?4. The Intersection of Music &amp; EmotionYour album Touch became an unexpected worldwide sensation, connecting deeply with listeners on an emotional level. You’ve mentioned that this wasn’t a commercial decision but rather an honest artistic expression. What do you think made Touch resonate so profoundly with people, and how do you approach translating raw emotion into sound?5. Innovation in a Changing Music IndustryWith the rise of digital streaming, independent labels, and new technology, the music industry has changed drastically since your early days at Cadet/Chess and Impulse! Records. As someone who has always been ahead of the curve, how do you see the future of jazz and experimental music evolving? What excites you about where music is headed?Sponsor:This episode is brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters—use code "Creativity" for 10% off your next order.If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast platform!

Today's guest is Carter Fox, the Soulful Traveling Spaceman Bassman. He's the author of The YouTube/Google Ads Rockstar ApproachHe joins us from Philadelphia.Carter's Website @carterfoxmarketing on Instagram Carter on YouTube Carter's Facebook page Guide to the Interview1️ Blending Music &amp; Marketing – Carter, your career bridges both the artistic and business sides of the industry. How did you first realize the importance of marketing for independent musicians? What are some of the biggest mistakes artists make when promoting their music?2️ The Power of Branding – You emphasize the importance of artist branding. In a crowded music landscape, what are the key elements of a strong artist brand. How can musicians create a compelling identity that resonates with both fans and industry professionals?3️ Touring &amp; Collaboration Insights – You've toured with legends like Freddie Jackson and collaborated with both major and indie artists. What lessons have you learned from these experiences? How have they shaped your approach to music and business?4️ Building a Sustainable Career in the Digital Age – With streaming, social media, and evolving tech, the music industry is constantly changing. What are the most effective strategies today for independent artists to build a long-term, financially sustainable career?5️ The YouTube/Google Ads Rockstar Approach – Your book offers a three-phase plan for musicians to promote their work effectively. Could you break down this framework and share one key tip that any artist can apply right now to improve their reach and engagement?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters—get 10% off with the code CREATIVITY at www.whitecloudcoffee.com.Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app!

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of digital art, animation, and AI-driven creativity with a true pioneer—Troy Plota, revolutionizing digital content with Plotaverse Apps, and his latest venture, The Why of AI?Troy's Website Troy on YouTube Troy's Facebook group Discussion overview:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Evolution of Digital Art &amp; Animation "Troy, you’ve been at the intersection of art and technology for over three decades. What first inspired you to create tools like Plotaverse, and how has digital artistry evolved since you started?" Follow-up: “What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in getting Plotagraph off the ground, and how did you overcome them?”2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rise of Plotaverse &amp; Global Impact "Plotaverse has grown into a global creative platform with over 10 million downloads. What do you think has made it so successful, and how have you seen it impact creators around the world?" Follow-up: “Can you share any standout stories of artists or brands that have used Plotaverse in groundbreaking ways?”3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;AI &amp; The Future of Creativity "You’ve recently launched The Why of AI?—a show dedicated to AI-driven content creation. How do you see AI shaping the future of digital art, and what excites you most about this new era?" Follow-up: “Some artists worry that AI could replace human creativity—what’s your take on AI as a tool versus a threat?”4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Innovation &amp; Staying Ahead in a Changing Industry "Technology evolves fast. How do you stay ahead of trends and continue to innovate in such a competitive space?" Follow-up: “What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to build creative tech startups in today’s landscape?”5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Future of Plotaverse &amp; Your Mission "Looking ahead, what’s next for Plotaverse and for you personally? Any exciting projects or new innovations on the horizon?" Follow-up: “You’ve built a powerful community of digital creators. How do you see that evolving in the coming years?”Sponsor: a big thanks to White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy 10% off your order by using the code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to grab your discount.”Listeners: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Your support helps us bring more creative voices to the mic.

Today, we’re diving into the world of indie J-Pop with a rising star who’s making waves internationally—Olivia Millin.Throughout our interview, we hear excerpts of 3 new songs by Olivia.@Oliviaamillinn on Instagram Olivia on YouTube Olivia 's Facebook page 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Fusion of Cultures "Your music beautifully blends J-Pop with Western influences. What first drew you to Japanese music and culture, and how has that shaped your artistry?" Follow-up: "What challenges have you faced in merging these styles, and what do you think makes your approach unique?"2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Journey of Start Again "Your latest album, Start Again, resonates with fans across the globe. What’s the story behind this project, and what emotions or themes did you want to capture?" Follow-up: “Your song Broken Piece of Joy hit #1 in the UK on the iTunes J-Pop charts—how did it feel to see your music connect with an international audience?”3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Balancing Music and Academia "You’re not only an artist but also a student, majoring in Japanese Liberal Arts at a top university. How do you balance your academic pursuits with writing, recording, and performing?" Follow-up: “Do you find that your studies deepen your connection to your music, or do they pull you in a different creative direction?”4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Musical Influences and Evolution "You’ve mentioned being inspired by artists like Yoasobi, Iris, Atarashii Gakkou, and even Lady Gaga. How have these influences shaped your sound and performance style?" Follow-up: “Looking ahead, how do you see your music evolving? Any new directions or sounds you’re excited to explore?”5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Future &amp; Message to Fans "You’ve accomplished so much at just 20 years old. What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or dreams you’re working toward?" Follow-up: “For young artists inspired by your journey, what advice would you give about staying true to their creative vision?”A big thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners, you can enjoy 10% off your order by using the code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to grab your discount.If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Your support helps us bring more creative voices to the mic.

Today, we’re talking about the future of restaurant management with Geordy Murphy, founder of FobeSoft, a game-changing software that’s bringing restaurateurs into the future.Geordy's Website Geordy on YouTube Geordy's Facebook page If you’re in the restaurant industry, you know how challenging it can be to keep up with shifting costs, evolving trends, and customer expectations. Geordy is here to share how real-time profit tracking and financial insights can transform the way restaurants operate—leading to smarter decisions and bigger margins.1. Mastering Restaurant Margins"Restaurants are famous for razor-thin margins, and many struggle with financial blind spots. How does FobeSoft help restaurateurs make real-time, data-driven decisions that boost profits?"What are some of the most common financial mistakes restaurant owners make?Can you share a success story of a restaurant that turned things around using FobeSoft?2. Creating Buzz-Worthy Concepts"Beyond numbers, a restaurant’s concept and experience are key to success. What strategies do you recommend for crafting dining experiences that dominate the market?"What trends are you seeing in restaurant branding and customer experience?How can data help restaurateurs refine their concept to stand out?3. Leading Through Change"The restaurant industry is always evolving—what key trends should owners be watching, and how can they adapt to stay ahead?"How do economic shifts, labor challenges, and technology advancements impact restaurant operations?What innovations are you most excited about in the next few years?4. The Intersection of Tech &amp; Hospitality"Some restaurateurs are hesitant to embrace tech, fearing it takes away from the hospitality experience. How do you balance digital innovation with personal service?"What’s the biggest misconception restaurant owners have about using tech in their business?What advice would you give to those hesitant to adopt data-driven solutions?5. Geordy’s Creativity &amp; Inspiration"At Your World of Creativity, we love to explore what fuels innovation. What inspires your creative approach to hospitality and business?"What sparked your journey into restaurant tech?How do you stay creative and innovative in such a fast-changing industry?A big thank you to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters! Listeners, enjoy a 10% discount on your order at whitecloudcoffee.com by using the code CREATIVITY at checkout.If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. It really helps us bring more inspiring guests like Geordy to the show!

&nbsp;Welcome back to the podcast where we explore the creative process and innovation across industries. We’ve been on a global journey, speaking with authors, singer-songwriters, inventors, restaurateurs, and more—making virtual stops in Capetown South Africa, Queensland Australia, Milan, Italy, Santiago, Chile New York, and Miami. Today, we’re diving into the creative side of financial management in the food industry.Joining us is Marta Grumberg, the driving force behind Grumberg Accounting, a firm that specializes in bookkeeping, payroll, and tax consulting, particularly for the restaurant, bar, and catering sectors. We’ll be discussing how proper financial structures can fuel business growth, identify hidden costs, and optimize cash flow.Marta's Website @grumberg_accounting on Instagram Interview Guide:The Hidden Costs in Restaurant Operations“Restaurant owners often focus on front-of-house operations, but hidden costs can eat into profits. What are some of the most common overlooked expenses in restaurant operations, and how can owners stay ahead of them?”Strategies to Optimize Cash Flow“Managing cash flow is one of the biggest challenges in the food industry. What practical steps can restaurants take to improve their financial health and ensure long-term sustainability?”The Role of Cost Analysis in Menu Pricing“Many restaurants struggle with pricing their menu items competitively while maintaining profitability. How does proper cost analysis help in setting the right menu prices, and what mistakes should owners avoid?”Specialized Accounting and Business Growth“How does working with a specialized accounting firm like Grumberg Accounting give restaurants a competitive edge compared to traditional bookkeeping services?”Adapting Financial Structures to Industry Trends“The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, from supply chain challenges to changing labor costs. How can restaurant owners adapt their financial strategies to keep up with these trends?”Listeners, you can learn more about Marta and her team at GrumbergAccounting.com. Special thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a 10% discount off your specialty coffee order with the code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com

In our journey together, we’ve explored the creative processes of authors, songwriters, interior designers, architects, and even scientists. Each guest has shared unique insights into how they bring their ideas to life and push creative boundaries. Today, we continue that journey with someone who knows all about transforming the 'impossible' into reality—Melissa Dinwiddie.Melissa's website -- https://melissadinwiddie.comMelissa's Instagram -- @a_creative_lifeMelissa's YouTube channel -- https://youtube.com/@MelissaDinwiddieMelissa's LinkedIn -- https://linkedin.com/in/melissadinwiddieSpecial Offer: Get book excerpt -- &nbsp;https://bit.ly/YWoCthankyouFrom dreaming of Juilliard as a teenager to now empowering leaders and teams through her Create the Impossible™ keynotes and workshops, Melissa has mastered the art of making big dreams come true.Your journey from taking your first dance class at 16 to attending Juilliard just three years later is inspiring. What mindset shifts did you have to embrace to turn what seemed impossible into reality, and how do you help others do the same?You have such an eclectic background—calligraphy, jazz singing, and now corporate innovation coaching. How have these diverse creative experiences influenced your approach to fostering innovation in major companies like Google and Meta?Your book, The Creative Sandbox Way™, encourages readers to play and experiment. What role does playfulness have in achieving breakthrough innovation, especially in high-pressure corporate environments?You work with analytical minds, helping them adopt a creative mindset, skillset, and toolkit. What are some common challenges these individuals face, and how do you guide them past those barriers?Your workshops and retreats are known for being highly interactive and results-driven. Can you share a standout success story where a team truly embraced your approach and achieved remarkable outcomes?Listeners, if you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to leave us a review—it helps more creative minds like you discover the show. And don’t forget to tune in next time, when we’ll continue to explore the many facets of creativity with another incredible guest.A big thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a 10% discount when you use the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to grab your next favorite brew.