In this original series, Humanist and Greens Leader Bob Brown, Silverchair’s Ben Gillies, Tim Ross, Once Upon a Time in LA's Damon Herriman, the iconic Australian Myf Warhurst, and Presidential Photographer Ben Baker join Writer and Founder of Reny®, Ben Rennie and Filmmaker & Director Luke Shanahan for a drink and an improvised chat on creativity, the arts, and change-making. What follows is a conversation that will make you laugh, squirm, and feel oddly inspired. Luke and Ben aim to feed t ...
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Ben Rennie Podcasts
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Standout Creatives: Business, marketing, and creativity tips for solopreneurs launching their ideas
Kevin Chung
Feel stuck in the endless juggle of running a creative business? I'm Kevin Chung, your creative business host, and this podcast is your guide to thriving without losing your spark. This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions like: - Are you juggling creative work and the demands of running a business? - Do you feel overwhelmed by launching a product or course? - Struggling to find a marketing strategy that feels authentic to you? - Looking for ways to grow without burning o ...
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24: Stop Hiding Your Weird. Authentic Personal Branding with Rachel Lee
1:25:16
1:25:16
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1:25:16What if the thing you’ve been trying hide is actually the reason people remember you? Rachel Lee is a brand stylist and designer who built her business by doing the opposite of what she thought “serious” creatives were supposed to do. From growing up as an imaginative art kid to hiding parts of herself in traditional design roles, Rachel spent year…
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Come Join Us at the Book Summit with Marc Cordon
29:21
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29:21What if the story you’ve been holding onto is the one someone else has been waiting to hear? Marc Cordon and I had a great conversation about the upcoming Book Summit. It will be a creative space built for writers, not-yet-writers, and anyone who feels a tug to put their story into the world. If you’ve ever felt like your experiences aren’t “big en…
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Navigating Business as an Introverted Creative with Aicila from Business as Unusual
27:27
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27:27What if the thing that makes you feel “different” in business is actually the thing that makes you magnetic? In this special conversation, I sit down with Aicila from the Business as Unusual, where we talked about what it’s like to build a business as an introvert. If you’ve ever felt drained by networking, overwhelmed by visibility, or unsure how …
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23: Grow Your Business by Slowing Down with Heidi Weiland
1:16:48
1:16:48
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1:16:48What if growing your business didn’t require grinding harder, but actually slowing down, tending to your nervous system, and building something that feels human and sustainable? Heidi Weiland is a holistic business coach and strategist who went from burned-out freelance web designer to someone helping entrepreneurs blend smart strategy with real se…
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22: Reconnecting with Your True Creative Voice with Britta Buchanan
1:15:20
1:15:20
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1:15:20What if finding your creative voice wasn’t about adding more to your plate, but about slowing down, listening inward, and allowing yourself to realign with what feels true? Britta Buchanan is the founder of Aligned and Undefined, where she helps spiritually conscious creatives reconnect with their authentic voice and creative flow. After leaving he…
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21: Building with Intention: A Purpose-Led Path to Creative Influence with Ben Rennie
1:18:50
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1:18:50What if the secret to impactful design isn’t talent or aesthetics, but responsibility to your community, the planet, and the people you’re building for? As the co-founder of Reny, a certified B Corp agency, Ben Rennie has built his career around using design as a force for impact. The agency now works with global brands like Patagonia, Google, and …
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20: From Poetry to Purpose: Creativity, Identity, and Sharing Your Voice with Felicia Iyamu
1:05:02
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1:05:02What if standing out means showing up fully and not shouting the loudest? Felicia Iyamu’s creative journey has taken her from architecture and economics to Google, burnout, and back into the arms of poetry. Along the way, she’s been reflecting, writing, and reimagining what it means to live and work with purpose. Her latest work, Poetry in Eden, ex…
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Living and Leading with Joy, Trust, and Creative Freedom with Heather Vickery (From Substack LIve)
36:52
36:52
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36:52You ever get that gut feeling to do something wild — the kind that makes zero sense on paper but just feels right? That’s how this Substack Live with Heather Vickery started. Heather’s a Joy Warrior: coach, retreat host, and professional permission-giver for anyone tired of living by other people’s rules. We talked about what it means to lead with …
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Unplugged and Unfiltered: The New Podcast Vibe!
7:14
7:14
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7:14I’m switching things up. No more intro or outros. Just straight into the good stuff — the conversations. Because honestly? The production side was slowing me down. And I’ve got too many amazing people to talk to. This new format means: Faster episode releases. More creative stories. Easier to share on YouTube. Over the summer, I’ve been deep in thr…
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19: From Overwhelmed to Intentional: Planning Events That Work with Heather Black
1:14:34
1:14:34
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1:14:34What if your next event didn’t have to feel overwhelming? What if it could actually be aligned, intentional—and even profitable? Heather Black is here to show you how. She’s the founder of Phoenix Collaborations and has spent 25 years in the event world, helping solopreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits turn events and speaking gigs into meani…
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18: When the Life You Built No Longer Fits: How to Find Your Next Creative Direction
38:49
38:49
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38:49What if your next creative breakthrough doesn't come from doing more, but from doing what truly matters? In this episode, I’m talking directly to you—the creative soul who sometimes wonders Am I on the right path? Or worse, Am I behind? Spoiler alert: you’re exactly where you need to be. We’ll explore what it means to create intentionally, how to s…
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Today is my 40th birthday so I wanted to do something a little different. I started thinking about what I’m grateful for, so I wanted to bring back the idea of my gratitude journal to celebrate. Here are 40 things I’m deeply grateful for, broken down into themes that matter the most to me. Personal Relationships This is where everything starts. My …
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17: Finish Your Book Without Burning Out with Cynthia Morris
1:38:58
1:38:58
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1:38:58What if the key to unlocking your creativity as a writer wasn't about perfection, but about embracing the messy process, taking risks, and finding support along the way? Cynthia Morris is a writer, artist, and certified coach who has spent over two decades helping creatives finally get their ideas out of their heads and onto the page. As the founde…
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[Re-air] Starting Messy, Building Confidence, and Finding Your Creative Voice with Bob Baker
1:16:28
1:16:28
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1:16:28What if success as a creative wasn’t about being the best—but just showing up, experimenting, and giving yourself permission to start messy? Bob Baker didn’t start out with a perfect plan or a polished resume. He was a former musician and “non-traditional” marketer who slowly found his groove by helping creatives find confidence, consistency, and c…
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16: From 20-Year Art Hiatus to Creative Success with Steven Light aka SLART
1:50:41
1:50:41
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1:50:41What if the key to reigniting your creativity wasn't just talent, but embracing fear, experimentation, and community? Steven Light, known as SLART, walked away from art for two decades. A single blog post reignited his passion, sparking a journey of artistic self-discovery, personal branding, and creative business growth. Now, he's sharing the less…
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15: Empowering Black and Brown Designers Through Community and Support with Dominique Jones
1:03:56
1:03:56
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1:03:56What if the secret to success in book design isn’t just talent, but community, intention, and breaking through industry barriers? Dominique Jones is a senior designer at Dutton Penguin Random House and president of Blk + Brwn Book Designers. She turned her passion for graphic design into a powerful movement of representation in the publishing indus…
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14: Embracing Creativity, Courage, and Service with Brian Perry
1:28:41
1:28:41
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1:28:41What if your biggest creative block isn't talent, opportunity, or resources, but the fear of being fully seen? Brian Perry's journey is a testament to transformation, moving from struggling with depression and feeling like an outsider to becoming a communication coach, singer, and songwriter. Through his music and coaching, he's found a way to brid…
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13: How Two Indie Authors Built a Sci-Fi Brand and Empire from Scratch – The Forbidden Origins Story
2:12:36
2:12:36
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2:12:36What if the secret to building a successful multimedia company wasn’t just talent, but persistence and collaborative storytelling? Armani Salado and Eric Martinez started Forbidden Origins as a childhood passion project. Through sci-fi storytelling, collaboration, and strategic brand-building, they transformed it into a growing multimedia company s…
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12: How to Break Through Creative Blocks & Share Your Work with Confidence with with Melissa Dinwiddie
1:40:50
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1:40:50What if the secret to unlocking your best creative work wasn’t more discipline but more play? Melissa Dinwiddie started her creative journey as a calligrapher and ketubah artist. But she didn’t stop there. By following her curiosity and embracing play, she unlocked new creative paths that she never saw coming. Now, as a corporate creativity consult…
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11: Marketing for Creatives in the Age of AI: How to Adapt & Stay Authentic with Kenny Tjay
1:27:34
1:27:34
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1:27:34What does it take to stand out as a creative in a rapidly evolving digital world? For filmmaker and creative entrepreneur Kenny Tjay, success has come from constant experimentation, embracing technology, and treating creativity like a business. From his early days in wedding photography to building a digital media brand, Kenny has navigated industr…
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The Standout Creatives Manifesto: Your Art, Your Way
2:20
2:20
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2:20Feeling unseen? Struggling to stand out without burning out? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing The Standout Creatives Manifesto—a call to artists, writers, and indie creators who refuse to follow the crowd. This isn’t just a poem. It’s a rallying cry. Listen in and if it sparks a fire in you, let's connect. Explore Creativity Parties, …
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10: The Business of Creativity: How to License Your Art, Overcome Blocks, & Navigate Burnout with Lizzie Clark
1:06:46
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1:06:46What transforms a creative passion into a sustainable career? For surface pattern designer Lizzie Clark, the journey started with a love for collage and evolved into a thriving business in licensing and textile design. With years of experience navigating the creative industry, Lizzie has built a business that blends artistry with strategy—proving t…
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9: Writing with Heart: How Douglas Weissman Crafts Stories That Stick
1:37:07
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1:37:07I'm really excited to take you on a journey into the world of storytelling with someone who understands that great writing isn't just about plot, it's about connection. Meet Douglas Weissman, a travel writer and novelist who's turning personal experiences into compelling stories. But his story? It's not just about writing books. It’s about crafting…
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8: Creative Career Success: How Self-Published Authors and Creatives Can Build a Thriving Business with Russell Nohelty
1:48:24
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1:48:24Meet Russell Nohelty, the self-publishing maverick who's cracked the code to turning creative passion into a sustainable writing career. With nearly a million dollars raised through crowdfunding and a proven track record of breaking through the noise, Russell offers a step-by-step roadmap to help authors transform their writing from a side hustle i…
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7: Embrace Your Quirks: How Being Different Connects You to the Right Audience
6:12
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6:12The following is a narrative essay I wrote after my conversation with Bridget Baker. Fitting in was my survival strategy—until I realized it was suffocating my creative potential. In high school, I could morph myself into any group. In college, I went to parties even though I hated big groups of people. As an adult, I put on a "professional" face e…
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6: Mastering Authentic Storytelling for Authors & Creative Entrepreneurs with Vince Warnock
1:23:12
1:23:12
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1:23:12I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone who’s redefining the way we think about storytelling, marketing, and connection. Meet Vince Warnock—a neuromarketing expert, 11-time bestselling author, and creative business coach. His story? It’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of authentic relationships. From Adversity to Innovation L…
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5: Embrace Your Story: Building an Authentic Brand That Resonates and Connects with Your Ideal Audience with Bridget Baker
1:08:52
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1:08:52I’m really excited to take you on a journey into the world of authentic branding with someone who’s done it in the most unexpected way. Meet Bridget Baker a former professional ballet dancer who’s now flipping the script on branding and storytelling. Her story? It’s not just inspiring. It’s a game changer for anyone looking to share their unique pe…
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Recap: Storytelling, Connection & Growth: My Top 3 Takeaways from Kent Sanders
9:48
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9:48Ghostwriting might sound mysterious, but after talking with Kent on The Standout Creatives, it’s clear: ghostwriting is one of the most human ways to inspire and connect. Here are the 3 biggest insights from our conversation that can help your creative business thrive: 1. Your Story is Your Superpower Your story isn’t just nice-to-have—it’s the rea…
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3: Creative Business Success: How Starting Small Leads to Big Wins with Early Supporters
27:38
27:38
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27:38Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. In this episode of The Standout Creatives, I’ll show you how launching with a small, engaged audience can be your secret weapon for creative business success. Whether you’re working on your first course, digital product, or any big idea, this approach will set you up for growth without the stress of tryin…
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2: Ghostwriting Secrets: How Creative Entrepreneurs Can Use Their Passion to Build a Profitable Standout Business by Telling Powerful Stories with Kent Sanders
1:13:28
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1:13:28Ghostwriting might seem like a secretive craft, but it’s anything but. Kent Sanders breaks it down: this isn’t about hiding in the shadows—it’s about creating stories that genuinely connect. As the founder of Inkwell Ghostwriting, Kent has helped entrepreneurs and leaders bring their journeys to life in ways that inspire and resonate. If your story…
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1: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Relaunching as The Standout Creatives
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13:52Big news: the podcast is back, and it’s got a whole new look, name, and purpose. After taking a much-needed break, I’m beyond excited to relaunch as The Standout Creatives! This isn’t just a new name—it’s a new mission to help you build a business that stands out while staying true to your creative passion. In this episode, I’ll take you behind the…
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Aaron Curnow: 25 Years of Spunk & Rock Music!
1:00:06
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1:00:06Summary Aaron Curnow, the founder of Spunk Records, discusses his career in the music industry and the relationships he has built with artists. He reflects on the success of the label and the challenges he faced, including the impact of COVID-19. Curnow also talks about the importance of being connected to the music and the artists he works with. H…
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Blakey Johnston Part 2: The World Record Holder
51:46
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51:46Get ready to dive into an exciting and inspiring part 2 with Blakey Johnston, the world record holder for continuously surfing for 40.07 hours, riding 707 waves. Not only is Blakey, a skilled surfer, but he's also a passionate advocate for mental health, having raised $400,000 for Youth Mental Health and the Chumpy Pullin Foundation. In this episod…
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Blakey Johnston Part 1: Eight Days Prior to His World Record
44:28
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44:28Blakey Johsnton is about to surf for 40 hours. This episode captures Blakes's mindset just eight days from embarking on his world record attempt, which has already raised an incredible $150,000 for Youth Mental Health as we air on this episode of Dear Luke and Ben (without Luke). This is a testament to his passion and dedication to Mental health, a…
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Josh Lalor is one of only a handful of Indigenous cricketers to have represented NSW in First Class cricket. He is also really good friends with Ben (from Dear Luke & Ben). We called this episode the reluctant fast bowler and we need you to understand, before anything else, what reluctant actually means to us. Here is the abbreviation: feeling or s…
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This episode is essential listening. Every human should take the time to listen to Dave's story. Dave Winner is a lifelong, all-season surfer and ocean swimmer. He can often be seen striding confidently into the surf, regardless of the weather. In August 2020, at the age of 69, large unpredictable waves caught him off-guard and swept him off the ro…
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Vashti Whitfield's Guide to the Galaxy
1:04:34
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1:04:34Trust us, charging through not only your daily grind, but flying through the entire galaxy goes better with some Vashti Whitfield wisdom. Whether it be through her books, films, personal coaching or even a daily hit of "Vashti" that you can find on social media platforms, her inspiring words make intergalactic travel so much smoother. Following the…
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Welcome to our first official "Guestless" episode, where we break down the previous season and discuss what we have learnt, where we are heading and what it means to be a filmer maker and own a digital agency in times of upheaval and disruption. This episode shares our experiences through unscripted dialogue and organic confusion with your hosts, L…
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Culture Queen: Myf Warhurst vs Pop Culture
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48:08There are many reasons Australia loves, broadcaster, writer, host, actress and national treasure, MYF WARHURST. Her prolific broadcasting career, her love of Eurovision, her work on everyone's favourite Aussie show, BLUEY and her obsession with Dolly Parton are a few of the topics Luke and Ben sit down with Myf to discuss. The question remains, Wou…
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Greens Leader Bob Brown on How to Save the World
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55:29Speaking with Bob Brown makes us all feel a little lazy. He is, Australia's Humanist!Doctor, Senator, environmentalist, activist, leader and writer are some of the roles he's occupied but his reach is much wider than that. It's lonely at the top and from having to go it alone on many issues in parliament, he's now seen as a figurehead to the next g…
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Ben Gillies is a rockstar! From his lengthy career as founding member and drummer of Silverchair, the band that went on to sell 8 million records and win a staggering 21 ARIA awards, this Newcastle lad has packed three lifetimes into his 40 years. His prolific career started when he formed his first band at 12 and he then went on to travel the worl…
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Actor Damon Herriman: Once Upon a Time in LA
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56:15From Logie nominated child star to working alongside the world's most famous film-makers, Damon Herriman has done it all. Working constantly between LA and Australia, Damon not only has taken direction from some of the world's leading directors such as Clint Eastwood, David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino but also has worked with.....Luke Shanahan. You …
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PART 2: Ben Baker vs the Presidents of the United States.Ben is a beacon of hope for all of us. He represents anything is possible, how to keep looking forward, make good decisions, and the chips will, more often than not, land exactly where you need them to. In Bens case, in the White House or on the front cover of Rolling Stone or The New Yorker!…
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Ben Shares honest & powerful perspectives on what it takes to shoot the president of the united states, not once, over and over again! With a camera, of course, in the oval office with some of the most powerful humans in the world! How chance plays a part in our lives, but not at the expense of hard work, finding your voice and stamping your footpr…
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We chat with Dan Illic, writer, director, performer, comedian and political activist. Long revered for making people laugh, Dan has now turned his comic powers to the worldwide environmental cause. And he's got a bloody big billboard in Times Square, New York City to prove it!By Dan Ilic, Ben Rennie, Luke Shanahan
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Ellidy Pullin is the founder of the Chumpy Pullin Foundation & International Podcast Series, Darling, Shibe with Chloe Fisher. El is the life partner to world champion snowboarder - Alex (Chumpy) Pullin, who died tragically in 2020. This led Ellidy to reassess her life and the chance of a future family. The result is a fantastic journey through gri…
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Jimmy Niggles sold his beard for $1,013,970, to be exact. In this world-first; Jimmy talks for the first time about how he needs to say goodbye to the persona (Jimmy Niggles), to become the person who created it all, Scotty Maggs.By Ben Rennie, Luke Shanahan, Ren, Jimmy Niggles, Scotty Maggs, Merissa Dickenberg, Luke Serio
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Ever the Renaissance man, Tim Ross (Rosso) tackles our big question with thought-provoking ideas, wondering just how cavemen might have fared in these COVID times while at the same time pondering if there is in fact any (real) difference between a car salesman and a politician. What we really learn is how to lead, inspire and create a path that is …
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[Recap for Episode 91] Creativity vs. Natural Inspiration, Stealing in Art, Taking Chances, and Learning from Your Mistakes – Cracking Creativity Episode 91
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10:16A recap of episode 91 of the Cracking Creativity podcast. If you liked it, check out the full episode with Erik Young where he talks about creativity vs. natural inspiration, stealing in art, taking chances, and learning from your mistakes.By Kevin Chung
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92: Nick Gray on Turning Your Hobby Into a Business, Standing Out in a Crowded Market, and Being a Leader
1:03:38
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1:03:38Nick Gray is the founder of Museum Hack, a twist on the traditional museum experience. The funny thing about Nick is, he used to hate museums. That is until he went on a date that forever changed his life. During a snowy day in NYC, a girl brought him to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and showed him artifacts, furniture, and other interesting thing…
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