Podcast
Make It. Share It.
Hosted by Wonder Road Studios · EN
Creativity, meet courage.
We explore the simple yet profound process for overcoming fear, doubt, perfectionism, and other enemies of creativity: make it and share it.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
More Than Just Golf
Feb 25, 202500:55:12Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Make It. Share It. we explore Kyle Porter's fascinating journey as a writer and entrepreneur. From Oklahoma State fan site creator to CBS's top golf writer, Kyle reveals what inspired him to start his own independent newsletter, Normal Sport.Kyle opens up about a profound turning point in his life—losing his daughter in 2015—and how this tragedy deepened his faith, shaping both his personal life and professional approach to writing. He discusses finding the perfect balance between humor and depth in his content, noting that he aims for "80-90% funny and lighthearted, then 10% taking you below the line."The conversation examines the challenges of building a business from scratch, growing an audience authentically, and staying disciplined amid endless creative possibilities. Kyle also shares his upcoming projects, including some fun Normal Sport merch and a children's golf book.Something Unexpected: Discover why Kyle believes the most powerful stories in golf come not from the winner's circle, but from those processing the pain of near-misses and defeat.Resources Mentioned In The Show:Here is the Tim Keller quote on suffering that Kyle references from Keller’s book Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering:Suffering ‘plants the flag of truth within the fortress of a rebel soul.’Here is a link to the book Joy In The Sorrow where you can find Kyle’s chapter on losing his daughter and many other poignant essays. Listen to the full episode for:* Kyle's insights on writing about sports without taking it too seriously* The entrepreneurial challenges of growing a niche newsletter* Why writing a children's book is surprisingly more difficult in some ways than writing for adultsChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:51 Kyle Porter's Journey in Golf Writing08:22 Turning Points in Life and Faith12:36 The Birth of Normal Sport16:37 The Creative Process of Writing27:33 Balancing Humor and Depth in Communication30:08 The Importance of Authenticity in Storytelling33:25 The Value of Unconventional Paths in Careers36:57 Strategies for Growing an Audience43:03 Creating Meaningful Products for Families48:52 The Art of Storytelling and Overcoming Obstacles Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe
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The Baby Hippo Effect: How Identity Shapes Creativity
Jan 23, 202500:52:37Tap to summarizeJoin us for a powerful conversation with Greg Lathe about rediscovering creativity after failure and pursuing ambitious dreams. From conducting orchestras to developing Broadway Junior musicals, Greg's journey reminds us that our greatest setbacks can become launching pads for unexpected opportunities.✨ In this episode:Finding creative courage after hitting rock bottomHow a one-violin orchestra program led to the Kennedy CenterThe power of unlikely creative partnershipsTurning criticism into triumph (wait until you hear the "baby hippo" story!)Connect with Greg:Email: experienceredemptionproject@gmail.comInstagram: @babyhippogramChapters00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Courage02:58 Greg's Journey Through Music and Identity06:07 Overcoming Failure and Rediscovering Passion09:03 The Power of Collaboration and Vulnerability12:09 Creating a Musical: The Frederick Douglass Project14:58 Navigating Success and Setting Realistic Expectations18:05 The Importance of Identity and Community20:51 Finding Light in Darkness: A Story of Redemption23:57 The Role of Creativity in Healing26:53 Lessons from the Journey: Embracing Imperfection30:10 Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Creation32:45 The Power of Blessings in Disguise34:56 Community and Connection in Times of Struggle35:47 The Journey of Redemption and Restoration39:04 Facing Dreams and Vulnerability44:07 The Unexpected Paths to Fulfillment50:02 The Importance of Sharing Dreams55:04 Creating Together: The We and Him Story Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe
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'What Were They Thinking?' Oscars Podcast & Working With Ryan Reynolds
Dec 3, 202400:48:23Tap to summarizeFrom Oscar snubs to 90s nostalgia, screenwriter Adam Davis (Just Friends) takes us on a wild ride through his creative journey. He talks about his new podcast "What Were They Thinking?" investigating questionable Oscar decisions, shares the story behind Ryan Reynolds' iconic "I Swear" scene, and reveals what it really takes to make it in Hollywood. Join Kent and Coop for a fascinating conversation about courage, creativity, and never giving up.Stories From The Show* Adam shares a Turning Point from a middle school writing contest that sent him to a career in screenwriting* Adam shares how he went from making car wash parts in New Jersey to being a paid screenwriter* How Adam created Atomic Entertainment with his friend Jerry Kolber to create genre-defining neuroscience and informational series like BRAIN GAMES and BRAINCHILD.* Adam's newest podcast, "What Were They Thinking?” investigates past Oscar decisions and behind-the-scenes stories with co-host Bruce Vilanch, a writer for many Oscar shows over the years.* Adam shares a couple of surprising behind-the-scenes stories about actors and the Oscars from the podcast* The real story behind Ryan Reynolds singing "I Swear" in the fat suit for the opening of the movie “Just Friends.”Questions We Explore* How can creatives keep going in the face of frequent rejection and projects not getting made?* What lessons can be applied from the business world, like building strong relationships, to the creative process?* How important is it for artists to have a unique, searchable name to stand out in a crowded field?* Should you keep pitching and revising a rejected screenplay or move on to the next project?Chapters04:14 Turning Points in Writing07:09 The Importance of Creative Exercises09:56 Navigating Rewrites and Collaborations12:56 The Birth of Atomic Entertainment15:57 Resilience in the Face of Rejection19:08 The Journey To Making Just Friends21:42 The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?24:46 Creating the Podcast: A New Venture29:04 The Oscars: A Deep Dive into Nominations and Winners31:42 The Evolution of the Academy Awards33:24 The Importance of Branding and Marketing in Film37:52 The Making of Just Friends and Working With Ryan Reynolds42:09 Behind the Scenes: Oscar Stories and Anecdotes Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe
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Chasing Creativity Rather Than Awards
Nov 20, 202400:49:49Tap to summarizeKent talks to Coop about his behind-the-scenes work on Grammy-nominated albums, moving from business to music, and exploring the beauty of photography with actor Jason Lee.Stories From The Show* Cooper shares his journey of balancing his passion for music with his career in the oil and gas industry, and how the lessons learned in each world have shaped his approach to creativity.* In a providential encounter, Cooper meets actor Jason Lee at his camera shop in LA, leading to a moment of realization about the kind of multifaceted creative life Coop aspires to live.* The importance of preparation and having a deep well of creative ideas and sounds to draw from when collaborating with artists* How skills and lessons from the business world, especially building strong relationships, translate to the creative process in the studio* Maintaining a focus on the joy of the creative process itself rather than external validation or "chasing the third thing"* Staying true to yourself and your varied interests and passions rather than feeling the need to fit a certain moldQuestions We Explore* What lessons from seemingly unrelated fields can shape an approach to the creative process?* How does embracing a multifaceted identity contribute to a rich and fulfilling creative life?* How can we maintain a sense of childlike wonder and find joy in the act of creation rather than seeking external validation?"I left going, yeah, that's kind of the life I want also. Like photographer, musician, baker, (actor), drawing…whatever (creative expression emerges)."-Steven Cooper, after spending time with actor Jason Lee at his camera shop in LAChapters00:00 Transitioning from Oil and Gas to Music Production08:26 Finding Time for Creativity17:59 Navigating Creative Ideas in the Studio25:45 Innovative Sound Creation31:32 The Multifaceted Creative Life39:15 The Importance of Authenticity46:56 Sharing and Feedback in Creativity Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe
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Facing Our Creative Blocks
Oct 16, 202400:52:45Tap to summarizeIt's time to get honest about our challenges with making and sharing on this episode. Stories* Lauren shares a story about vulnerability from a recent public speaking event and how it led to deeper connections with God and others* Coop talks about finding space to create with his new Mega Desk invention (pic below)* Kent gives thoughts about the effects of award shows on creativity and shares a fascinating story about how the talent agency CAA crafted the career arc of a major star after only one movie* And more, including creativity in parenting, why it’s essential to apply your creativity to every domain of life, and what we can learn from funeral homes! (true story)Questions* What does it really mean to be vulnerable in public speaking? * How do we craft questions that spark meaningful conversations?* Can personal stories be both our greatest strength and weakness? * How do we balance the pressure to perform with the need for authentic expression? * We'll also examine the impact of audience expectations - do they fuel our creativity or stifle it? * What happens when we lose sight of our childlike wonder? Can we reclaim it, and should we?Mega Desk in actionChapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of Creative Challenges01:28 Exploring Podcasting Roadblocks05:51 The Art of Questioning in Interviews09:38 Personal Stories and Their Impact on Creativity12:05 Vulnerability in Public Speaking19:14 Creative Expression Beyond Traditional Outlets29:13 Navigating Audience Expectations and Creative Freedom31:10 The Role and Impact of Award Shows36:30 Creative Spaces and Personal Roadblocks43:00 Childlike Wonder in Creativity51:32 The Art of Originality and Inspiration Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe
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A Unique Approach To Conflict & Creativity
Sep 26, 202401:03:12Tap to summarizeJoin us on this episode of Make It. Share It. as we delve into Jamie Winship's extraordinary journey. From his humble beginnings as a police officer in the Washington, DC, area, Jamie was handpicked by the CIA for his innovative, out-of-the-box methods in conflict resolution, which he then applied in some of the world's most volatile regions. Jamie shares more about his unique identity discovery and development process, how it differs entirely from radical individualism, how to find your voice as a creative, and much more.🔑 Three Key Takeaways* True identity is a gift received in community. * Our true identity becomes more precise over time through ongoing listening to God’s voice in community with others. * Unaddressed fear shuts down true identity and creativity. Something UnexpectedFind out how two movies, Serpico and Buffalo 66, influenced Jamie's journey and taught him valuable lessons about resilience and the human condition.Listen to the full episode for:* Jamie's remarkable stories of using the power of true identity to bring peaceful resolutions and creative problem-solving to the world’s most militant, hostile regions. * Insights on discovering and embracing your true identity and finding your unique voice.* A rich perspective on the beauty of brokenness and the power of redemption when creating. If you’re like us, you’ll want to know more about “how” to find your true identity. As mentioned on the podcast a great place to start is with this set of audio guides where Jamie and his wife Donna lead you through their simple, but profound process to come into the presence of Jesus and hear what he has to say about the identity he knit together in your mother’s womb. ResourcesIdentity Exchange WebsiteLiving FearlessChapters00:00 Introduction 03:33 Impact of Movies on Life06:36 Turning Points and Relationships10:46 The Role of Shame in Creativity13:38 Fear and Creativity16:41 Received Identity vs Radical Individualism22:43 The Essence of True Identity25:42 Creativity in Crisis Situations30:51 The Power of Community in Identity34:40 Writing and the Creative Process38:46 Challenges in Writing a Screenplay54:38 Nurturing True Identity Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe
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Sharing, Listening, and Naming With Stewart Shurtleff
Aug 2, 202401:02:20Tap to summarizeThis episode of Make It. Share It. features a lawyer, and no, we’re not in trouble. Kent’s long-time friend, Stewart Shurtleff, who recently formed the law firm Rothberg, Shurtleff, and Dang, joins the show to discuss developing people, building places, and much more.🔑 4 Keys From The Episode * Leadership Lessons from the Band Hall to the Boardroom: The surprising influence of Stewart’s high school band director on his life. * “Jack-of-All-Trades, Master of None”: Is there more to this famous quote? Having diverse skills and interests can be a more significant asset than you think. * The Power of Naming: A vulnerable story about the power of naming our emotions clearly and the essential role of people who know us well enough to help us with this process.* The Gift of Listening: Stewart shares the importance of having friends who listen well and who can repeat back to you what you’re saying so it can finally penetrate your heart.📢 "I can't even put that narrative together really tightly still because the last couple, three years have been, I get whatever analogy, right? In the middle of the war, stuck in a forest fire, whatever sort of everything is on fire and falling around you, you want to lay on top of that."-Stewart on navigating the last few years of life, which has led to building something new with his wife and good friend🎮 Something Unexpected: Kent and Stewart reveal a rabbit’s hole for 90s gamers that is probably best avoided altogether…unless you want to try landing on that aircraft carrier again.📖 Resources Mentioned: The Expectation Gap by Steve CussSteve Cuss (Words) Website17Twenty Podcast by Stewart Shurtleff and Kevin CareyTune in to hear Stewart's inspiring story of making and sharing, filled with laughter, insights, and a fresh perspective on how creativity and courage can shape our lives. Follow Stewart On LinkedInChapters:00:00 Introduction and Background10:34 Stewart's Turning Point: Middle School and High School Band19:28 Building a Podcast: Stewart’s Journey with 17Twenty22:03 Stewart’s Career as a Lawyer: From Midsize Firms to In-House Counsel23:57 Building a New Firm: Rothberg, Shurtleff, and Dang32:50 The Power of Being a Jack-of-All-Trades46:47 Naming and Clarifying Emotions and Patterns56:16 Sharing Experiences and Expertise01:00:30 Focusing on Meaningful Work Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe
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A New Way To Record For "A New Dress"
Jun 11, 202401:04:47Tap to summarizeWe loved having Grady Spencer from Grady Spencer and The Work on the latest episode of Make It. Share It. 🎧 5 Keys You'll Learn:1. Authentic Creativity: Discover why staying true to your unique sound is more important than ever in today’s music landscape.2. DIY Production: Learn how Grady and his band are taking control of their music production, proving that you don’t need a big studio to create high-quality music.3. Engaging with Fans: Understand the importance of building and maintaining a strong connection with your audience.4. Financial Savvy: Grady shares valuable insights on the financial side of being a musician, from smart spending to managing revenue streams.5. Adapting to Change: Hear how Grady and his band adapt to new trends and technologies, staying flexible in a rapidly evolving industry. 🤩 Fun Fact from the Episode:Did you know Grady's favorite movie to watch with his kids is "Sing"? It's a household favorite and a perfect blend of great music and fun animation. 🤔 Something Unexpected:We talk about Dan Blank’s recent post “To Be Seen As A Writer Or Artist” when discussing the difficulties of writing, recording, and distributing indie music which is based on one of the best scenes of The Office:🎤 Outro:This episode is not just for musicians, but for anyone who loves music and appreciates the dedication and creativity it takes to bring a song to life. Links and Resources:* Follow Grady Spencer and the Work on social media: @GSandtheWork* Visit Grady Spencer’s official website: gradyspencer.com* Listen to the band’s latest single “New Dress” on all streaming platformsLove the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you think! Your feedback keeps us going. 🚀Chapters00:00 Introduction and Mutual Connections03:02 Personal Story and Music Industry Challenges08:06 Turning Point: New Perspective on Music and Creativity13:58 In-House Recording and Collaborative Songwriting36:17 Navigating the Music Industry Challenges46:37 Learning From The Office: Pam’s Art Show Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe
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Solving the Swimsuit Problem With Mivallo: A New Apparel Company For The Mountains and The Oceans That Started With A Frustrating Problem
May 16, 202401:03:16Tap to summarizeJoin us as we explore the world of creativity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving with our guest, Matt Murph. We discuss Matt's journey from building web apps to launching a new lifestyle apparel brand called Mivallo, and how creativity and determination have driven his success.We get started talking about the band “Dream Theater” then move to a few significant turning points in Matt’s life, including learning the importance of buying low and selling high when selling candy to classmates.We transition into the incredible story of creative iteration that led to the launch of a web app for donations that changed Matt’s life forever, what he learned about the importance of meaningful work vs working for money, and why he is taking on making and sharing Mivallo.Why does getting super specific about what problem you’re solving matter so much in business? What do you do if you have an idea and vision for a technology company but you’re not a technical person? Why is picking the right brand name for a product matter so much more than a service? What if you have a brilliant idea that you know will work but you don’t want to tell anyone because you’re worried someone will steal it?Check out this episode with Matt Murph for the answers to those and more.3 Fun Facts About Matt1. He sold roses at popular date spots in high school and started entrepreneurial pursuits at a young age.2. He learned to code to build a web app to help churches with online donations which launched a business that doubled in growth for several years in a row until he sold it. You’ll never guess how the idea for this came to him!3. He is starting a clothing brand called Mivallo and has his teenage daughters involved in the new venture. The inspiration for Mivallo is the perfect example of the importance of solving a specific problem when starting a new business rather than creating a solution looking for a problem.Excited for you to hear this one and please do take a minute to leave a review wherever you watch or listen to Make It. Share It.Matt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmurphMivallo Website: https://www.mivallo.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Matt Murph05:17 Entrepreneurial Habits: Seeing Opportunities and Going for the Lowest Hanging Fruit12:57 The Creation of Easy Tithe: An Online Donation Platform for Churches30:03 Transitioning from Building a Successful Company to Accidental Retirement37:32 Venturing into the Clothing Industry: Innovating Solutions for Women's Bathing Suits39:50 Empowering Mothers and Daughters44:36 Solving the Swimsuit Problem46:25 The Power of Unique Branding50:56 Word-of-Mouth Marketing53:28 Avoiding Trendy Fashion Choices56:23 The Fulfillment of the Journey Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe
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Secret Gardens & Wonderful Places
Apr 9, 202400:58:29Tap to summarizeChristie Purifoy joins the show to talk about a fascinating adventure that takes her from earning a PhD at the University of Chicago to trading the academic life for an old Pennsylvania farmhouse called Maplehurst. Now she cultivates art and space for people to experience beauty, wonder, and peace as a gardener, writer, and photographer.Why did the “The Secret Garden” have such a significant impact on Christie’s life? What does it take to move from a career in the academic world to one as a gardener and writer? What if the first book you write only has an audience of one? How do our physical experiences contribute to breakthrough for creative work? Why does giving one small “yes” unlock more than building up to a massive leap?Check out this episode for the answers to these questions and another inspiring story of creativity meeting courage.Christie’s Website: https://www.christiepurifoy.com/Christie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiepurifoy/Seedtime and Harvest: https://www.christiepurifoy.com/seedtime-and-harvest-book/The Secret Garden: https://www.amazon.com/Frances-Hodgson-Childrens-Curiosity-Exploration/dp/1774021765Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:58 Discovering a Love for Gardening06:40 Turning Points and Taking Risks09:24 The Importance of Small Yeses12:09 Teaching and Creating Community16:28 Transitioning from Academia to Writing23:21 Overcoming Stuck(ness) and Embracing Rest27:01 Engaging in Other Creative Pursuits29:09 Finding Community and Learning from Others36:19 Overcoming Fear and Sharing Your Work42:23 Detaching Your Identity from Your Creations46:16 Embracing Rest and Seasons of Life Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe
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