In this engaging conversation, Steve Chapman shares his multifaceted journey as an artist, writer, and podcaster. He reflects on the messiness of life, the importance of reconnecting with childhood creativity, and the human side of creativity as a means of self-expression.

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Guest

Steve Chapman's Instagram

Creative Adventures Podcast

Website

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Steve Chapman and his creative identity

00:57 Resonance with bold voices and messy journeys

01:14 The beauty of messiness in creative life

01:36 Valuing strangeness and neurodivergence

02:29 Reconnecting with the playful, free spirit of childhood

03:10 The contrast between free childhood and cautious adulthood

05:48 How to reconnect with your creative innocence

06:35 Quantum flirting and openness to inspiration

08:44 Creativity as a way of being human

10:37 The essence of spontaneous self-expression

12:11 The internal and external freedom in creativity

13:27 Why we hide our process and how to celebrate wonkiness

14:44 The ongoing presence of fear and anxiety in creative work

16:59 The curious project of the silent podcast

18:13 The adventure of recording silence with celebrities

21:21 The power of silence and presence in conversations

22:18 The magic of stage presence and masks

23:59 Designing meaningful endings in creative projects

24:44 Drop in and out of the industry for freedom

26:00 Staying on the edges of creativity to protect authenticity

27:01 Challenging norms and questioning industry standards

29:23 The importance of inner work and self-belief

32:03 Masks as a mirror to hidden parts of ourselves

34:52 The transformative power of mask workshops

36:18 Unexpected insights from mask exploration

38:39 Deep empathy and intense moments in mask work

40:42 Handling intense emotional moments with masks

43:43 The unexpected items in the studio drawer

44:16 Breaking out of creative ruts with curiosity

46:35 Misunderstandings and assumptions about creative work

47:55 The most ridiculous item in the studio

49:38 The story of the crow friend and nature connection

51:29 Supporting your creative curiosity and fascination

52:10 Connecting with Steve via social media and website

Mentions

Jim Moir

Terry Waite

Creatively Eccentric™

Kala shares her journey as a creative entrepreneur, navigating spaces where representation matters, and embracing her African heritage through fashion and business. She discusses overcoming industry pressures, building confidence, and supporting other women founders.

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Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

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Guest

Website - https://bykalax.com/

Instagram - https://instagram.com/kala

Twitter/x - https://twitter.com/kala

Takeaways

1. Be Bold: Embrace your voice and share your story unapologetically.

2. Seek Representation: Ensure that others are seen and heard in spaces where they are often overlooked.

3. Create Opportunities: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; make your own path.

4. Build Confidence: Understand that confidence can be cultivated through experience and resilience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kala's Journey

03:43 Embracing Bold Voices and Zero Apologies

06:29 Navigating Underrepresentation in Journalism

09:23 Building Confidence in a Male-Dominated Industry

12:01 Creating Opportunities in the Creative Space

14:44 The Power of African Prints in Fashion

16:00 Authenticity vs. Industry Expectations

18:03 Finding Your Authentic Self

18:46 Embracing Individuality in Branding

19:37 Cultural Significance of African Prints

22:19 Everyday Visibility Through Fashion

24:56 Supporting Small Businesses and Female Founders

27:44 The Importance of Community and Support

29:35 Creative Processes and Inspirations

33:35 Learning from Career Mistakes

37:35 Advice for Aspiring Creatives

Creatively Eccentric™

In this solo episode, I reflect on how Q1 2026 shifted from fear to momentum in my creative journey. What started as doubts about finding guests quickly changed when I began putting myself out there—experimenting with outreach, newsletters, and genuine connection.

I’ve learned that people are more open than we think, and that building relationships matters more than having a perfect plan. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when you stay flexible, take action, and keep showing up.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

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Takeaways

• Community building
• Be more flexible and agile
• Community building

Chapters

• 00:00 Starting the New Year
• 05:16 Experimenting and Adapting
• 13:12 Building Connections

Mentions

Freelancer Magazine

Fuse

Creatively Eccentric™

Emmelie identifies as a self-taught designer, a label that fills her with both confidence and uncertainty. While she has gained valuable skills on her own, the absence of a formal degree can sometimes make her question her capabilities.

Despite societal pressures to pursue traditional education, Emmelie’s journey illustrates that creativity can flourish outside of conventional pathways. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery in the creative world. By embracing her messy journey and the community around her, she has transformed her passion for design into a thriving career.

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Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

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Chapters

00:00 Emmelie Coulson's Background and Creative Focus

02:13 The Role of Illustration in Inclusive Design

03:17 Resonance with Bold Voices and Messy Journeys

03:53 Self-Taught Career Change and Educational Path

04:49 Challenges of Traditional Creative Education

07:11 Transition from Interior Design to Creative Business

08:07 Confidence and Career Shifts

09:43 The Pressure to Figure Out Creative Paths Early

10:10 Starting Creative Side Projects

12:04 Networking and Community Support

14:03 Building Client Confidence and Brand Clarity

15:34 The Role of Comfort Zones in Growth

18:16 Final Push to Leave Employment

20:41 Defining Bold Unapologetic Branding

20:53 Art for Expression vs. Strategy

22:56 Vibrant Branding for Female Entrepreneurs

23:42 Benefits of Bold Visuals for Female Founders

24:41 Revisiting Inner Child and Authenticity

25:30 Client Success Stories and Business Transformation

27:01 Common Questions and Misconceptions in Creative Work

34:30 Reflections on Nonlinear Creative Journeys

34:50 Lessons on Patience and Going at Your Own Pace

35:05 The Importance of Self-Compassion in Growth

36:33 Connecting with Emmelie Coulson on Social Media

Key Topics

• Creative journey and career change
• The importance of confident, unapologetic branding
• Challenges and misconceptions around branding and illustration
• The role of inclusivity in design and marketing
• Strategies for building confidence and overcoming self-doubt

Guest

Instagram

Contact - Website

Creatively Eccentric™

Gary Lewis, a multifaceted copywriter, shares his journey through the creative landscape, emphasising the importance of embracing messy journeys and neurodiversity.

He discusses the evolution of copywriting, the significance of emotional connections in marketing, and the challenges faced by working-class creatives. He also highlights the power of storytelling and the role of allyship in fostering supportive creative environments.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

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Takeaway

• Neurodiversity and career development
• The importance of professional allies
• The role of copywriting in creative expression

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gary Lewis

00:53 Intro - Gary Lewis

02:00 Navigating a Messy Journey

06:19 The Impact of Neurodiversity on Work

09:12 Understanding Neurodiversity in Marketing

12:04 The Role of Class in Copywriting

17:36 The Power of Copywriting for Creatives

23:32 The Power of Copywriting

29:02 The Role of Authenticity in Communication

33:16 Empathy and Support in Business

38:26 Building Alliances and Community

41:13 Creative Habits and Inspirations

46:30 Encouragement for the Underestimated

48:40 riverside_heather_ebanks_raw-audio_creatively_eccentric_0150.wav

Guest

Gary Does Copy

Creatively Eccentric™

Berenice Howard Smith shares her multifaceted journey as a designer, podcaster, and advocate for those who are childless not by choice. She discusses the importance of embracing creativity as a means of survival and healing, the value of community and support networks, and the challenges of navigating social media as a creative.

Berenice emphasises the significance of authenticity in storytelling and encourages listeners to reach out for help when feeling lost or broken. Her insights on the intersection of fear and creativity, as well as the power of messiness in the creative process, provide valuable lessons for anyone in the creative field.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

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Guest

Instagram Hello Lovely Design

Contact - Website

Takeaway

• Failure is a natural part of the creative process and not a personal flaw.
• Creativity can serve as a refuge and a way to heal from life's challenges.
• Embracing messiness and accidents can lead to unexpected and innovative ideas.
• Authenticity and honesty foster stronger connections and community.
• Sharing stories of vulnerability helps others feel less alone in their struggles.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Berenice Howard Smith

02:11 Navigating Life's Messy Journey

05:07 Creativity as a Healing Process

08:01 The Role of Failure and Fear

11:01 Exploring Creative Freedom

14:07 Curiosity and Diverse Interests

17:02 Finding Community and Support

23:02 Building Connections Beyond Labels

25:21 The Power of Community and Support

27:52 Navigating Childlessness and Shared Experiences

30:06 The Importance of Listening in Storytelling

33:08 Authenticity vs. Perfection in Social Media

38:00 Red Flags and Personal Boundaries in Work

40:08 Creative Inspirations and Personal Growth

45:27 Encouragement for the Struggling Creative

46:38 Outro

Creatively Eccentric™

Johanna, the founder of KCLAB,, shares her journey from a corporate marketing background to empowering culturally diverse creators. She discusses the importance of representation, visibility, and authenticity in marketing, emphasising the need for a supportive community.

She also addresses the challenges faced by black, mixed, and POC entrepreneurs and the significance of unlearning societal norms to embrace one's true identity. The discussion highlights the power of storytelling and the necessity of creating spaces for diverse voices in the marketing landscape.

Takeaways

• Challenges faced by culturally diverse entrepreneurs
• Strategies for authentic visibility without burnout
• The role of identity and cultural fluency in branding

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

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Chapters

00:00 Empowering Diverse Voices in Marketing

03:05 Navigating a Messy Journey: From Science to Marketing

05:40 Unlearning Limitations: Embracing Authority and Visibility

08:11 The Importance of Representation in Branding

10:52 Authority vs. Visibility: Building Your Brand Identity

13:57 Being Unapologetically You: Embracing Authenticity

16:27 Breaking the Cycle: Redefining Visibility Strategies

19:30 Navigating Burnout and Community Support

21:06 The Importance of Representation in Entrepreneurship

22:58 Overcoming Barriers for Culturally Diverse Entrepreneurs

24:55 Monetizing Expertise Without Commodifying Identity

29:24 Lighthearted Insights and Creative Rituals

34:06 Authenticity and Its Impact on Future Generations

Guest

Instagram - Kclab - Media

Made Visable By Jo

Contact - Website

Creatively Eccentric™

Kayleigh Hall’s creative journey doesn’t follow the usual rules — and that’s exactly the point.

In this episode, Kayleigh shares how her upbringing, early work experiences, and fascination with human behaviour shaped her approach to branding as something far deeper than aesthetics.

From leaving formal education to falling in love with typography and design psychology, her path is a reminder that creativity often grows in unexpected places.

We talk about social mobility, class, and the quiet inner conflict that can come with visibility when you didn’t start from the same place. She also reflects on confidence, clarity, and why understanding yourself — and your audience — can change how you show up in your work and your career.

This conversation is for creatives embracing non-linear paths, trusting their intuition, and building work that actually feels like them.

Takeaways

• Embrace your unique journey and the lessons learned along the way.
• Understand the psychology behind design to create meaningful connections.
• Align your creative endeavours with business goals for impactful outcomes.
• Never underestimate the value of practical experience in shaping your career.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kayleigh Hall

02:28 The Journey of a Renegade Designer

04:39 Education: A Blend of Tradition and Rebellion

09:20 The Psychology Behind Design Decisions

12:19 Art and Science: Building a Sustainable Creative Career

15:54 Supporting Creatives: The Drop-In Clinic

20:41 Social Mobility and Creativity

27:57 Finding Comfort in Self-Employment

32:31 Advice for Aspiring Creatives

36:01 Studio Draw: Behind the Scenes of Creativity

45:43 Outro

Guest

Hall Creative

Instagram

LinkedIn

Mentions:

Mother London

Creatively Eccentric ™