The Wilderness of Creativity

What can linguistics teach us about creativity and the way we perceive the world? In this episode, PhD Applied Linguist Abi Kinsella joins Lucy in the wilderness once more to explore the unexpected connections between linguistics, creative writing, media representation, research and, most importantly, personal growth. Key discussion points: How language plays an important role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes. How interdisciplinary research can reveal connections that might otherwise be missed and why exploring diverse fields can broaden our thinking and open up new possibilities. Constraints can be a powerful catalyst for creativity and why. I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Why not become a Trailblazer member? Click here to sign up today and gain access to Part 2 of this episode with Abi. Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below! Applied Linguist passionate about harnessing creativity in language and communication to make knowledge accessible and enjoyable for as many people as possible! @abi_k_27_schwa on X

Trigger warning: this episode explores death, dying, grief and end-of-life experiences. What if talking about death could actually help us live differently? What if ritual could help us process what words can't? In this episode, I’m joined by Jade Adgate, a Certified Death Doula, founder of Farewell Fellowship and mentor through Farewell Education. Jade brings us into the world of death work, exploring the calling to support people at the end of life, the importance of ritual, the practice of detachment and compassion, and the delicate balance between loving someone deeply and knowing when to step back. We talk about what it actually means to become a death doula, the role of community and mentorship, and how literature, art and storytelling can help us normalise conversations around death. This conversation isn't just about dying; it’s about how we live, how we remember and how we hold space for the people we love when there are no easy answers. I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below! Ready to join the Trailblazer membership? Click the link and sign up today to continue to listen to part 2 of this conversation: Membership Mentioned in this episode: Membership

What does it mean to live life in all its fullness? In this reflective solo episode, I wanted to explore the themes of change, living life fully and embracing uncertainty. At the beginning of August, I talked about different frameworks outlined in 'The 12 Week Year', and I wanted to continue to reflect on some personal insights as well as invite you to consider what living in fullness means for you. Key discussion points: The importance of accountability, commitment, and greatness in the moment The emotional cycle of change and the concept of living life in all its fullness The impact of new beginnings, re-emerging after setbacks and practical strategies for taking action despite lack of motivation! I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

It's hard to believe we've reached 100 episodes of The Wilderness of Creativity. To celebrate this milestone, I headed to Lyrebird Studios to record a very special episode with the brilliant Sarah McDowell. Together, we reflect on the podcast so far, the lessons, the unexpected twists and what 100 conversations have taught me. Whether you've been listening since episode one or you've only just discovered the podcast, this is a celebration of creativity, community and everything in between! It's heartfelt, hilarious, a little bit chaotic, but absolutely worth a listen. Thank you for listening, Stay wild x Fancy becoming a Trailblazer member? Join today! I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Mentioned in this episode: Membership Membership

Are you feeling the pressure to make the rest of the year count? In this episode, I reflect on why mid-year goal setting has often left me feeling restricted rather than motivated and share a simple shift in perspective that has recently changed the way I think about my creative progress. Inspired by The 12 Week Year and the recording of our 100th podcast episode, we explore the power of shorter creative seasons, consistent habits and why what we choose to practise every day has the potential to change everything. Key takeaways: Why annual thinking can leave us feeling overwhelmed and behind. How six-week creative 'sprints' can help you build momentum and what sport can teach us about periodisation and focused practice. How our thinking shapes our actions and our actions shape our results. Download your free Creative Habits Reflection Template - a simple resource to help you identify one creative habit, track your progress over the next six weeks, and reflect on what you're learning along the way. Share your thoughts using #taketheroadlesstravelled and tag @the_wildernessofcreativity so I can cheer you on! Also mentioned: The 12 Week Year This week's Substack on Creative Habits Previous podcast conversations exploring creativity, consistency and showing up (links below) Urmi Hussain Una Cartwright '94 Years' Young' (Lifelong creativity, ageing with purpose and the joy of staying curious.) John Darvell, 'Workin 9-5' (Dance, LGBTQ+ experiences and creative habits that help us) Don't miss it! Episode 100 will be available from Thursday 20th August, 5am GMT! I’d love to hear from you! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - be sure to subscribe here so you never miss an episode - and check out our FREE Substack newsletter! Enjoying the show? You can rate and review the podcast here - your feedback helps more listeners discover the show, builds our community, and keeps the episodes coming! About the Host: Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector. She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling. Mentioned in this episode: You Tube channel