Podcast: A Re-Introduction to the Born to Create Podcast

I’m excited about the re-launch of the Born to Create Podcast, and honored that you’re taking some time to read this post and listen to the episode. I call this a “re-launch” because the first version of Born to Create was simply an audio blog.

The new version of the show features interviews with artists, authors, thinkers, and leaders who can help make a difference in your life and your art.

In the notes below, I’ll share some info about the show so you’ll know what to expect each week. In the show audio, I go into a bit of detail about my background, but if you’re reading this post you can find more detailed information by visiting my About page.

What is the show about, and why should you listen?

Born to Create is a weekly show where we explore the stories, wisdom, and insights of creative thinkers who can help you make a bigger impact in your art and your life. Each show will average around 45-50 mins. total and will feature an interview, plus practical takeaways and action steps.

Here are a few reasons why you should listen:

• You will expand your curiosity and grow your appreciation and awareness of the world around you.
• You will learn practical action steps to help you be more creative in your work, relationship, art, and life.
• You will get to know great thinkers, leaders, artists, and writers who can help you unleash your God-given creative potential.
• You will be entertained! My goal is to make the show fun, educational, and practical.

Who should listen?

There are two answers to this question: the broader audience I have in mind, as well as a more narrow target audience.

The broader audience includes anyone interested in the topic of creativity. This might include artists, leaders, coaches, business owners, pastors, speakers, creative professionals, educators, students, and anyone else who wants to become more creative.

The more narrow target audience is what I would call “Christian creative entrepreneurs.” These are people who operate from a faith-based perspective and want to build a creative business that helps support them and their family. This includes musicians, artists, writers, speakers, designers, filmmakers, actors, etc.

How is the show different from other podcasts on creativity?

While there are many podcasts that focus on creativity, Born to Create blends several features that make it unique:

• A wide variety of guests from many different fields.
• A big focus on curiosity, learning, and application to your creative life and business.
• An emphasis on the creative process—none of us “gets there” overnight. It takes years to rise to our full creative potential. The show will help you develop systems and processes to implement into your life.

4 Convictions about creativity

Let me take a few moments to share several ideas that form the basis of the show. These convictions, in one way or another, drive everything I do. All of these stem directly from what I believe is my vocational mission in life: to help other people release their God-given creative potential.

1. God values creativity.

The very first image of God we see in Scripture is that of a Creator. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). God creates things. He brings them into existence. That’s first and foremost who He is.

We also have creative powers since we are made in God’s image. We can’t create things ex nihilo (“out of nothing”) like God can. But we can take existing materials and put them together in new and interesting ways that benefit society.

From the artistry of the priests’ robes in Exodus, to the poetry and music of the Psalms, all the way to the hymns of Revelation, we see that God is deeply interested in creativity.

2. You were born to create.

I don’t normally use a lot of Scripture in my writing since I see it as more of a practical exploration of creativity, and not a Bible study. However, I can’t talk about foundations without including Scripture since it’s the foundation of my faith.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We are literally God’s handiwork, created for good works. In a very real sense, we are born to create.

Your mission in life is to figure out what you were meant to do, and do it to the best of your ability. The author Frederick Buechner said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” We find the most joy, and we help the most people, when we are doing what we were born to do.

3. Everyone has creative gifts.

There’s a common misconception that creativity is confined to artists (or those who aspire to be). Most people believe that music, painting, film, writing, and similar areas are where true creativity happens. When we read about creative titans such as da Vinci, Steve Jobs, or George Lucas, it’s easy to feel inferior by comparison.

Creativity, by definition, is all about making things. You can do this in many different ways. It’s true that many people express their creativity by creating books, movies, and music. But what about the stay-at-home Mom who creates an orderly household for her family? Or the auto mechanic who has the skill to create a new engine? Or the janitor who creates a clean and orderly environment? Or the counselor who creates trust and rapport with a hurting client?

Creativity is not limited to artists. That’s a seriously narrow way of thinking. We must expand our horizons and realize that everyone has the capability to create by bringing something useful to the world.

No matter what kind of setting you’re in, you can exercise your creative powers and add more value to people — whether you’re in a church, business, entrepreneur, missionary, stay-at-home parent, retail worker, artist, or whatever you do.

4. Creativity is a habit that can be learned.

Creativity is like a muscle that we must exercise. It’s a learned habit, and it’s systematic while also being closely related to curiosity — so there’s a very cool paradox there. It’s great to occasionally feel inspired, but if we want to operate at our creative peak we have to think of creativity as a habit, not an emotion we feel whenever the Muse hits us.

One of the most important qualities you’ll find in the world’s most creative people is that they are lifelong learners. They never stop growing and learning. If we want to do the same, we must commit to constant growth as well. You can find lots of resources for growth on my Resources page.

These four convictions, in one way or another, drive everything I do. They are the foundation of my thinking about creativity, and pretty much all of my writing and this podcast as well.

Thanks so much for checking out this post! I’m looking forward to bring this podcast to you each week.