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MAKERSODE: Lynne Cox

MAKERSODE: Lynne Cox

Long time listeners will know what a joy this episode was for us!

In the way back times, Susan introduced us to a human spark named Lynne Cox - a celebrated athlete who set swimming records around the world and achieved astonishing feats of strength and endurance (including swimming with a baby gray whale - eighteen feet long! - in open waters)

She is internationally famous for swimming the world’s most difficult waterways without a wet suit, and she is able to endure water temperatures so cold they would kill anyone else.

Lynne is the acclaimed best-selling author of Swimming to Antarctica and many more books, including her upcoming Tales of Al.

She is also a beautiful human being who recognizes and celebrates all forms of athleticism and creativity in others, human or otherwise!

And this week, we got to talk to Lynne!!

Join us as we explore the creative mindset of Lynne Cox - her resilience, gravitas, discipline, imagination… (make us stop because we could go on and on…)

MAKERSODE: Marc Janowitz

MAKERSODE: Marc Janowitz

This week, Susan and Laura got to hang with bad ass lighting designer and friend, Marc Janowitz, whose holistic, dynamic lighting designs illuminate a story and light up an audience.

His bold, no holds barred lighting transforms comedians into a rock stars and rock stars into gods.

Tune in to hear how Marc approaches designs for concerts for My Morning Jacket, The Lumineers, Fun., and many others, and comedy specials like Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Flight of the Conchords, Bo Burnham, theatre shows like Blue Man Group and Forbidden Broadway and so much more…

MAKERSODE: Mike Michalowicz

MAKERSODE: Mike Michalowicz

This week, Susan and Laura had the distinct pleasure of unpacking the mind of Mike Michalowicz, the man Simon Sinek claims might be “the patron saint of entrepreneurs”.

We have to agree.

He’s a saint, but our kind of saint - comfortable with subversive humor served with a dash of profanity.

On a mission to end entrepreneurial poverty, Mike changed our lives (and the way we think about making a living) with his book, Profit First. He has done the same for millions of other entrepreneurs as well.

If you want a fresh, bold perspective on earning a living as a creative entrepreneur, please tune in!

Mike is a joy to talk to, and life-changing to learn from!

MAKERSODE: Hunter Bell

MAKERS: HUNTER BELL: CONNECTION, COMMUNITY AND FANTASY ISLAND

This week, Susan and Laura got to spend extra time with their beloved Hunter Bell, Tony and Drama Desk nominee, Spark File Creativity Coaching client, and creative / writer / maker extraordinare! Tune in to feel the love and the belly laughs. Too much is never enough Hunter Bell.

Listen HERE.

MAKERSODE: John Ellison Conlee

MAKERS: JOHN ELLISON CONLEEE: GREAT CONVERSATION AND A CUP OF JOE

This week, Susan and Laura take a deep dive with Tony-award nominee (and Creativity Coaching Client) John Ellison Conlee, and discuss the creation of a life in addition to a career. Plus, in this very special episode, The Spark File debuts a short story written and read by John Ellison Conlee himself - Cup of Joe.

Listen HERE.

MAKERSODE: SIR RICHARD EYRE

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MAKERS: SIR RICHARD EYRE: THE OPPOSITE OF SCHADENFREUDE, YEATS, AND A CAREER IN THE ARTS

This week, Susan and Laura have a bloody delightful time talking with Sir Richard Eyre, whose creative work has spanned all manner of Arts -- directing theatre, film, television and opera, as well as writing books and plays. He has guided Kate Winslet, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Dame Judi Dench and many more to some of our favorite performances. His insight from decades of experience is both practical and inspirational, and at 75, he is far from finished!

Listen HERE.

MAKERSODE: RYAN J. HADDAD

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MAKERS: RYAN J. HADDAD: NEW HOMES, SOLO SHOWS, + HI, ARE YOU SINGLE?

This week, Ryan Haddad, writer and star of Hi, Are You Single? (now playing virtually through February 28 at Woolly Mammoth Theater) shares secrets of storytelling via solo shows. His passion for centering "gay, disabled and arabic communities" is palpable and essential. Susan and Laura celebrate Ryan's message to us all - "You don't have to wait for anyone to approve. Your stories are compelling."

Listen HERE.

MAKERSODE: KENYATTA EMMANUEL

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MAKERS: KENYATTA EMMANUEL: SLAVIC SOUL PARTY, CARNEGIE HALL, AND THE TIME WITHOUT TIME

This week, Susan and Laura have the honor of speaking with Kenyatta Emmanuel, musician, singer, songwriter, and storyteller. Kenyatta shares his personal story of how, on October 21, 2019, he exited a New York state prison after 24 1/2 years incarcerated, and at 6pm that same evening, he performed at Carnegie Hall. In this episode, Kenyatta shares his creative process, his commitment to uplift, and the constant desire to be in "the zone."

Listen HERE.

MAKERSODE: BILLY EICHNER

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MAKERS: BILLY EICHNER

This week, Susan and Laura have the pleasure of speaking with Billy Eichner about his many creative endeavors, including Man on the Street, Friends from College, and making his singing debut on The James Corden Show. We even get a glimpse into the new gay rom-com he's writing, plus some truly helpful advice -- stand up for yourself, say what you need to say to get the quality of work you envision.

Listen HERE.

MAKERSODE: JOHN EARLY

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MAKERS: JOHN EARLY: SEARCH PARTY, SHORT FILMS, AND POLITICAL STORYTELLING

On this week's episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura laugh more than they listen to comedian John Early, star of HBO's Search Party, The Characters on Netflix, and more.

Listen HERE.

Makers: Michael R. Jackson

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MAKERS: MICHAEL R. JACKSON: TYLER PERRY, TRUTH TELLING + THE PULITZER PRIZE

The Pulitzer Prize winning truth teller, Michael R. Jackson will blow your hair back with his authenticity. His metafictional musical, A Strange Loop explores the transformational story of an artist confronting issues of sexuality, race and identity. 

Listen HERE.

Makers: Bobby Lopez + Kristen Anderson-Lopez PART 2

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MAKERS: BOBBY LOPEZ + KRISTEN ANDERSON-LOPEZ: KINDNESS, CONFIDENCE + CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS

Part 2 of Susan and Laura's conversation with the inspirational and aspirational Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, all about creative collaborations, big wave riding and who determines success and failure?

Listen HERE.

Makers: Jill Twiss

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MAKERS: JILL TWISS: ‘READY, AIM, RECYCLE’, POLITICS AS COMEDY + A GREAT BUNNY NAME

Susan and Laura talk with Emmy Award winning comedy writer, Jill Twiss about her years on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver making people laugh (rather than cry) from current events, and how constantly pitching new things lead to writing her successful children's books, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, and The Someone New.

Listen HERE.

Makers: Kris Andersson / Dixie Longate

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MAKERS: KRIS ANDERSSON / DIXIE LONGATE: TAKING RISKS, CHARGING FORWARD + BURNING THE BOATS

This week, Susan and Laura catch up with Kris Andersson, accidental hyphenate, who gives us an exclusive scoop, his biggest creative risk so far — shuttering his uber successful show, Dixie’s Tupperware party. With his eye on new creative ideas and endeavors, Kris shares his gratitude for Dixie’s adventures and his vision for brand new shenanigans.

Listen HERE.

MAKERS: FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME'S ANTHONY "TWO-TOUCH" VENEZIALE AND CHRIS "SHOCKWAVE" SULLIVAN part 2

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MAKERS: FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME’S ANTHONY “TWO-TOUCH” VENEZIALE + CHRIS “SHOCKWAVE” SULLIVAN - PART 2

Part 2 - Recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop in NYC, Anthony and Shockwave share their belief in restorative play, mental fitness and the ability to learn how to learn. Plus, the unforgettable story of taking a tennis ball to the, well… balls during a performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Brutal.

Listen HERE.

MAKERS: FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME'S ANTHONY "TWO-TOUCH" VENEZIALE AND CHRIS "SHOCKWAVE" SULLIVAN PART 1

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MAKERS: FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME’S ANTHONY “TWO-TOUCH” VENEZIALE + CHRIS “SHOCKWAVE” SULLIVAN

In this episode, recorded LIVE from The Spark File New Year 2020 Creativity Workshop, Susan and Laura share in the flat out delight of Freestyle Love Supreme's Anthony 
”Two Touch" Veneziale and Chris "Shockwave" Sullivan. We talk of overriding the fear mechanisms in our brains to allow for more freedom in expression and creativity and the belief that improv skills can benefit everyone. Plus, they’re just hella cool.

Listen HERE.

MAKERS: META WAGNER PART 2

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MAKERS: META WAGNER PART 2: IDENTIFYING YOUR CREATIVE TYPE (AND ITS EVOLUTION)

Ready for Part 2 of our conversation with Creativity Expert Meta Wagner? We dig into the remaining Creative Types — Sensitive Souls, Gamechangers and Activists and question whether we can evolve into other areas? Can we be a combo-platter of motivations?

Listen HERE.

Makers: Meta Wagner Part 1

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MAKERS: META WAGNER PART 1: WRITING THE BOOK ON CREATIVE TYPES

This week, Susan and Laura dig into the meaty topics of talent, dedication and purpose with Meta Wagner, author of What's Your Creative Type? Harness the Power of Your Artistic Personality. In Part 1 of 2, Meta shares the driving passion and purpose behind the 5 Creative Types. You can't help but question, what is YOUR 'why'?

Listen HERE.

Makers: Brad Montague

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MAKERS: BRAD MONTAGUE: CONFETTI, A CHOIR, A T-SHIRT CANON + A HUMAN BEING WHO WANTS TO BE LOVED

Susan and Laura connect with the magic and the genius that is Brad Montague - writer, Director, Illustrator, Creator of Kid President, but ultimately, "just a human being who wants to be loved." Join us to hear about Brad's mission to seek good, create good, and celebrate good.

Listen HERE.

Makers: Julianne Moore and Bart Freudlich Part 2

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MAKERS: JULIANNE MOORE + BART FREUDLICH PART 2: BECAUSE 60/40 WAS ALREADY TAKEN

Part Two of Susan and Laura's conversation with Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore and filmmaker Bart Freundlich. These two award winning creatives discuss their union of creative endeavors, dealing with perceived failure, their shared production company and things they need to do before they're done. 

Listen HERE.
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