Get out of your creativity rut with these 6 inspiring podcasts

Podcasts are fantastic resources to refuel your creative tank while you’re waiting for inspiration to strike. October 25 is International Artist Day, and we’re celebrating creatives and the power of human expression with several podcasts.

In many of these podcasts, learn about bright minds’ creative processes, hear techniques to boost your productivity, stay in the right headspace, unlock more of your potential, and up your game. Hear from artists from an array of disciplines from technology to art, music, writing, and much more.

Difficult Artist

Journalist and author Lizzy Goodman speaks with creatives about their artistic journeys. In her book, Meet Me in the Bathroom, Lizzy dove into New York City’s music scene of the early 2000s. Her first guest of the show, musician Maggie Rogers, interned for Lizzy while she was writing the book. Lizzy begins episodes by asking the guests to describe what their creative work spaces look like. Guests have included guests have included Jia Tolentino, Rob Sheffield, Trent Reznor, Laurie Anderson, and Ed O’Brien. New episodes premiere weekly.

In the Studio

Interested in hearing how other creatives work? BBC World Service’s “In the Studio” visits guests to discuss their work. Some of the episodes feature niche artists like wax sculptors. The world’s first A.I. robot artist. We learn that this creation is the first-ever bot to draw real-life pictures of humans. The team behind this innovation is interviewed. Ada Lovelace (the bot is named after the famous computer programmer) has embarked on her first residency at UK’s Design Museum.

In another episode, we learn from guitar maker Jimmy Moon and his journey of creating custom guitars. Midge Ure (from the new wave band Ultravox) needs a new acoustic guitar for upcoming gigs. The whole episode walks through Moon’s process from adhering to Midge’s specifications, to finding the perfect wood, to its measurements, and crafting the instrument. Moon’s assistant, Stephen Devine, helps with the engineering process. At the end of the episode, Devine delivers the finished guitar, and we see the recipient’s reaction to their new, custom ax.

Creative Pep Talk

If you’re a professional artist and looking for inspiration, Andy J. Pizza and Co-Loop Podcast Network’s show “Creative Pep Talk” will help you. Andy has illustrated for Amazon, Google, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Warby Parker, and YouTube. He, along with his guests, will share tools on how they creatively perform at their best. If you’re a first-time listener, Andy recommends starting on episode 229 where he explains his foundational theory on creative practice.

Feeling uninspired and reevaluating every choice you’ve ever made as an artist? Need an actual pep talk? Check out episode 202 about determination and bringing excitement back to your workflow.

Perspective Podcast

From Scotty Russell I Perspective Collective comes “Perspective Podcast.” Scott welcomes guests to unpack topics like making friends with your inner critic, growth, and reaching the next level of your artistic practice. He offers advice on creating a side hustle outside of your job, navigating around social media, and making the most of your creative pursuits. He says not to be afraid to be a turtle, working at your own steady pace toward your goals.

Design Matters with Debbie Millman

As a designer, author, brand strategist, and educator, Debbie Millman has podcasted for 17+ years. When first starting out, Debbie wanted a space to learn more about her idols and share her knowledge with others. She interviews artists and creatives about their work, how they started their careers, what’s currently on their minds, and what they’re working on. Previous guests have included artists from all disciplines including Nick Cave + Bob Faust, writers/actors like Tavi Gevinson, poets like Eileen Myles, illustrators like Ping Zhu, and many more. This series is presented by TED Audio Collective.

The Accidental Creative

Can you truly create a diamond piece of work under pressurized timelines? Since 2005, Todd Henry has been answering creative-related questions like this on weekly episodes. He speaks about innovation and where great ideas come from. Todd interviews guests about topics such as overcoming work-related anxiety, remote collaboration, breaking through with big ideas, and the brainstorming process. His guests include authors, artists, and business leaders. Todd has created a spin-off podcast called “Herding Tigers.”