In this episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, Sarah Bierenbaum shares her inspiring and unorthodox journey from professional theatrical stage manager to tech startup executive, and now, founder and coach at Nimble Penguin Coaching. Sarah brings a unique blend of creativity and leadership experience to the table, offering invaluable insights on how empowerment, self-awareness, and alignment with personal values drive success—whether in the arts, tech, or entrepreneurship.

🔑 Key Moments in This Interview:

The unexpected crossroads of art and tech: Sarah reveals how her path from stage management to tech was both surprising and transformational. She walks us through her first role in a tech startup and how she adapted her artistic instincts into effective leadership in business.

A transformative conversation about values in the workplace: Hear about Sarah's frank conversation with her CEO, where they explored how to align personal values with the companies you work for—a moment that will resonate deeply with anyone navigating work-life values .

Salary negotiations & advocacy: A moment of vulnerability as Sarah reflects on her early struggles with salary negotiations in the tech industry and how she learned to advocate for herself, a lesson she now passes on to others, especially women and marginalized groups .

Lessons learned at the intersection of art and business: As a former stage manager, Sarah brings creativity and adaptability from the world of theater into high-stakes business environments. She explains how both worlds require innovation and teamwork, where people from diverse backgrounds collaborate to create something new .

Sarah’s journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader looking to level up, or someone navigating a career transition, Sarah’s story will inspire you to find your unique path and bring your whole self to work.

📈 How to Grow as a Leader:

Sarah emphasizes the importance of empowering others and yourself, creating spaces where innovation thrives, and knowing your worth in negotiations.

She shares her experience from working with “Chief,” a private network for executive women, highlighting the power of community and the support it offers as women climb to the C-suite .

🌟 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts or questions! Who is someone you know that has successfully made a career shift? Let us know below!

🔗 Stay Connected with Sarah Bierenbaum:

Nimble Penguin Coaching: https://www.nimblepenguin.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbierenbaum/

✴️ Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd/

#Leadership #Tech #CareerTransition #StageManagement #Coaching #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Empowerment #SalaryNegotiation #CreativeLeadership #CareerGrowth

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🔥 What does it take to grow a brand from scratch and evolve through chaos? In this gripping episode of Artist Recovery Podcast we sit down with Gareth Robertson, the powerhouse behind GR-aphic Studio (formerly Design Pit). From his kitchen table to leading a full-fledged creative agency, Gareth shares the unfiltered truth about building a business in the ever-evolving world of branding and digital marketing.

👀 IN THIS EPISODE:
💡 How Gareth went from a one-man design studio to running a multi-service creative agency.
📘 The story behind his book "Decade: A Creative Journey in Business" — a raw look at reinvention, growth, and failure.
🧠 Lessons in branding, content creation, and thriving in the digital age.
😷 Pivoting during the pandemic: restructuring, relocating, and still coming out stronger.
🌍 Going eCommerce with Print Pit — a bold leap that expanded his creative reach.
❤️ His powerful fundraising mission for Parkinson’s UK, raising over £15,000.
🏆 From startup hustle to winning “Best Creative Business” — what it really takes.

📈 WHY YOU SHOULD Listen: If you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a dream, Gareth’s story is packed with real-world lessons, branding gold, and emotional insight. His resilience, innovation, and honesty will leave you inspired — and maybe even spark your next big idea.

🧠 WHO IS GARETH ROBERTSON?

Founder & Creative Director of GR-aphic Studio (est. 2012)

Author of Decade: A Creative Journey in Business

Winner of multiple business awards including Best Creative Business

Creator of the Print Pit eCommerce platform

Connect with Gareth Robertson: https://gr-aphic.uk/
Gareth on Linkedin: / garethrobertson

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Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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🔥 WATCH THIS if you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your path, or needed that one sign to keep going.
In this raw and inspiring episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, Rich Wright sits down with John McBride — Director of Product Design at Bestway Global Holdings, former Crayola designer, Matchbox/Hot Wheels mastermind, Designer at the Franklin Mint and founder of Midnight Octane. He opens up like never before.
📌 Timestamps & Highlights: 00:00 - Intro & John's killer design resume
02:30 - Discovering creativity in childhood
05:10 - How cars + crayons shaped a future
10:00 - His Garfield obsession & early schoolyard “fame”
14:00 - From struggling in algebra to mastering design thinking
17:40 - The unexpected flyer that changed his life
21:00 - Grappling with depression, faith, and nearly giving up
31:00 - The moment that pulled him off the edge
36:00 - Surviving on ramen while making it in art school
41:00 - Building futuristic car models with airbrush and grit
48:00 - Why he chose design over comic books
54:00 - Jealous coworkers, chalkboard cartoons, and Wegmans wisdom
✨ Why You Should Watch:
Whether you're a young designer, seasoned creative, or just someone who needs a reminder that you're not alone in the grind — this episode is for you. Hit play, get inspired, and keep creating.
This isn’t just an origin story. It’s a creative survival guide — loaded with wisdom for aspiring artists, designers, and anyone chasing dreams through adversity. John drops unfiltered gems on:
-Using creativity as communication 🔊
-The power of faith and resilience 🙏
-Turning artistic passion into a paycheck 💼
-What it takes to break into industrial design 🚗💡

-Why sometimes being “the weird art kid” is your superpower

💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments: ➡️ What moment hit you the hardest in John’s story?
➡️ Have you ever felt stuck creatively or personally — and how did you get through it?
➡️ Drop your dream career in the comments — we want to support you!

👀 New here? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on 🔔 notifications — we’ve got more powerhouse creatives sharing their journeys, design insights, and mental health real talk. This is where art meets authenticity.

📣 Follow John McBride: Midnight Octane → https://www.midniteoctane.com/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/midniteoctane/

Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

—

#JohnMcBride #ARPodcast #CreativeJourney #IndustrialDesign #MatchboxDesigner #MidnightOctane #FaithAndCreativity #DesignCareer #MentalHealthInCreatives #HowToBeADesigner #BestwayGlobalHoldings #CrayolaDesigner #ArtSchoolLife #CreativeInspiration #ArtistStory

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Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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🌟 Get ready to be inspired! In this powerful episode, Rich Wright sits down with Scott Fisk—a professional hot rod illustrator, author, and founder of the "IAIAM Community for Creatives." Scott’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. From growing up in a blue-collar town in upstate New York to becoming a celebrated artist and entrepreneur residing in Vermont, Scott shares his incredible journey and the life lessons that shaped him. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

✨ Key Moments You’ll Love:
A Hallmark Love Story:
Scott shares the touching story of how his parents fell in love through letters while his father was stationed overseas—complete with a proposal from a phone booth in Germany! 💌

Overcoming Childhood Trauma:
At just 8 years old, Scott lost his mother to leukemia. He reflects on how this profound loss shaped his perspective on life and fueled his passion for art as a form of healing. 🖌️

The Birth of a Creative Visionary:
Discover how Scott transitioned from aspiring civil engineer to professional illustrator featured in iconic magazines like Cartoons Magazine, Hot Rods Illustrated, and more. 🚗✨

Building a Purpose-Driven Community:
Learn about Scott’s mission behind the "IAIAM Community for Creatives," where he empowers artists worldwide to connect, collaborate, and thrive. 🌍🎨

Lessons from Grandpa:
Scott’s grandfather taught him timeless values like respect, love, and perseverance—lessons that continue to guide him today. 👴❤️

Turning Pain into Purpose:
“Pain is not unique—what we do with it is what makes us unique.” Scott’s heartfelt reflections on grief and resilience will leave you inspired to face your own challenges with courage.

🔥 Viral Moments You’ll Rewatch:
“Art became my escape.” Scott reveals how drawing became his sanctuary during the toughest times of his life.

“Celebrate the time you had.” Scott’s emotional tribute to his late mother will tug at your heartstrings and inspire you to cherish every moment with loved ones.

“No one escapes pain, but we can choose to be victorious.” A powerful reminder that our response to adversity defines us.

🎯 Why Watch This Episode?
Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for inspiration, Scott Fisk’s story will resonate deeply. His journey is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn pain into purpose or build something meaningful from scratch, this conversation is for you.

#Hotrodillustrator, #automotiveart, #creativecommunity, #overcominggrief, #childhoodtrauma, #inspirationalpodcast, #artistspotlight, #professionalillustratortips, #graphicdesignjourney.

📢 Don’t forget to like 👍 this video if it inspired you! Share your favorite moment in the comments 💬—Scott might just respond personally! And hit that subscribe button 🔔 so you never miss another story that fuels your creativity.
Connect with Scott: https://www.studio669.net/
Scott's Community: https://iaiam.mn.c

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Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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💔 What if one moment changed your life forever?

For Dennis Liegghio, that moment came when he was just 13 years old, when he tragically lost his father to suicide. In this raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring interview, Dennis sits down with Rich Wright to share how he turned his personal pain into a global movement of hope, healing, and suicide prevention.

👉 If you or someone you love has ever struggled with loss, mental health, or finding purpose after tragedy, this episode will speak to your heart.

🔥 Key Moments You Can’t Miss:

🔹 “The last words I ever heard from my father haunt me to this day.”
Dennis opens up about the heartbreaking final conversation with his father and the emotional impact of losing a parent to suicide at such a young age. This moment sets the stage for an unforgettable journey of healing and activism.

🔹 "I turned my pain into purpose—now I’m helping others do the same."
Rather than letting grief define him, Dennis founded KnowResolve, a powerful organization dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. His story is proof that hope can rise from even the darkest moments.

🔹 “Suicide isn’t about wanting to die—it’s about wanting the pain to stop.”
Dennis shares life-changing insights into the mindset of those struggling with suicidal thoughts, breaking down myths, stigma, and how we can all be part of the solution.

🔹 Music as Healing: How Writing Songs Saved My Life
Dennis reveals how music became his outlet for survival, leading him to write songs that connected deeply with others facing similar struggles. This segment is raw, powerful, and inspiring for anyone who has ever turned to creativity as a way to cope.

🔹 The ONE Question That Can Save a Life
During the interview, Dennis shares the most important question you can ask someone who may be struggling—a simple but life-changing approach to opening a conversation that could make all the difference.

🎯 Why This Interview Matters:

✅ Mental Health Awareness – Understanding the impact of suicide and how we can offer support.
✅ Personal Growth & Healing – Transforming grief into a mission that helps others.
✅ Actionable Advice – Practical tips on how to talk about suicide and support loved ones.
✅ Inspiration & Hope – A reminder that even in the darkest times, there is light ahead.

💡 YOU CAN HELP: SHARE THIS VIDEO
By watching and sharing this conversation, you’re helping break the silence around mental health and suicide prevention. Let’s spread hope together!

🔔 Subscribe for More Powerful Conversations
📌 Comment Below: What part of Dennis’s story resonated with you the most?

#DennisLiegghio #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #KnowResolve #PodcastInterview #RichWright #Hope #Healing #MusicTherapy #EndTheStigma #YouAreNotAlone

Connect with Dennis: http

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Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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What happens when your entire business collapses overnight? Tracy Matthews knows this story all too well. In this powerful and eye-opening interview, Tracy sits down with Rich Wright to share her incredible journey of reinvention, from losing her first jewelry company in the 2008 financial crash to rebuilding herself as a visionary leader, author, and business mentor.

👉 If you've ever felt stuck, afraid to pivot, or unsure of your next move—this episode is for you!

🎯 Key Takeaways from This Interview:

🔹 "My Entire Business Was Wiped Out Overnight—I Had to Reinvent Everything."
Tracy built a successful jewelry brand that was thriving—until 2008 hit and everything collapsed. She opens up about the emotional toll, financial chaos, and the tough decisions she had to make to move forward.

🔹 "I Stopped Taking Art Classes Because I Wanted to Be ‘Smart’—That Was My Biggest Mistake."
Tracy shares a deeply personal story about how societal pressure made her question her own creativity. This moment shaped her mission to empower artists and entrepreneurs to embrace their talents without fear of judgment.

🔹 "You Have a Choice—You Don’t Have to Keep Doing Something Just Because You Started It."
One of the most impactful moments of the conversation! Tracy explains why so many creatives and entrepreneurs stay stuck in businesses or careers that no longer serve them. She reveals how she learned to pivot with confidence and create success on her own terms.

🔹 How Tracy Turned Rock Bottom into Her Greatest Comeback
Instead of letting failure define her, Tracy launched Flourish & Thrive Academy, a game-changing platform that has helped thousands of jewelry designers and creative entrepreneurs scale their businesses with clarity and confidence.

🔹 The Power of Reinvention: Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Over
Now in her 50s, Tracy is pivoting once again, this time to focus on mentoring women and young creatives who are feeling stuck in their careers. She reveals her next big project, The Art of Reinvention, and how she plans to inspire others to make bold moves.

🎧 Watch This Interview If You Want To:

✅ Overcome fear of failure and take control of your future
✅ Learn how to pivot your career or business with confidence
✅ Gain insights into creative entrepreneurship and branding
✅ Understand why resilience is the #1 skill every creative needs
✅ Get inspired to reinvent yourself at ANY stage of life

✨ "If you feel stuck, it’s time to act. The world needs your creativity!" – Tracy Matthews

🔔 Subscribe for More Powerful Conversations!
📌 Like & Comment: What part of Tracy’s story resonated with you the most?

#TracyMatthews #PodcastInterview #CreativeEntrepreneurship #BusinessResilience #TheArtOfReinvention #JewelryDesign #FlourishAndThrive #PersonalGrowth #MindsetMatters #Entrepreneurship #CreativeJourney

Connect with Tracy: https://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/

Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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In this inspiring and eye-opening conversation, Rich Wright sits down with Jon Bannan, an illustrator, designer, and musician based in Richmond, Virginia. Jon has worked with major names like Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, and Samuel Adams—but his journey has been anything but ordinary. From being homeschooled and starting college at just 14 to pursuing music, facing unexpected setbacks, and ultimately creating No Go Stories, Jon’s path is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless creativity.

🔹 "Don’t Let Your Regrets Become Ghost Stories"Jon shares the powerful philosophy behind No Go Stories, his creative studio that helps brands tell their stories before it's too late. He explains why so many people hold back on pursuing their dreams—and how his work is all about helping creatives take action before regret sets in.

🔹 From Microsoft Paint to Master IllustratorJon’s journey into design started in the most unexpected way: playing around with Microsoft Paint as a homeschooled kid. A chance encounter with a graphic designer planted a seed, but music was his first love. It wasn’t until his dream of touring as a musician took a turn that he returned to design, building a career that now impacts countless brands.

🔹 Breaking the Mold: The Power of Thinking DifferentlyJon reveals why he always approaches problems from a completely different angle—a mindset that has shaped his career and made his designs stand out. Whether it was deciding to play guitar left-handed just to be different or redefining how brands tell their stories, Jon’s unique approach to life and business is truly inspiring.

🔹 A Journey of Risk & ReinventionFrom leaving home at 16 to working with major brands and reinventing himself after personal setbacks, Jon’s story is a testament to the power of embracing change and staying true to your creative passion. He opens up about the challenges of navigating failure, rebuilding after divorce, and learning the business side of design—lessons every entrepreneur and creative needs to hear.

💡 This is a must-watch for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone who’s ever felt like they needed to pivot in life.

🔥 Watch now and get inspired to tell YOUR story! 🔥

💬 Which part of Jon’s journey resonates with you the most? Let us know in the comments!

📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & HIT THE BELL for more inspiring conversations!

#CreativeJourney #PodcastInterview #JonBannan #NoGoStories #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #DesignLife #MusicIndustry #PersonalGrowth #Motivation

Connect with Jon: https://noghoststories.com/

Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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In this deeply moving and insightful conversation, Rich Wright sits down with Maddox and Dwight Spencer, co-founders of For the Love of Creatives, to discuss creativity, resilience, and the urgent need to rebuild authentic community in a post-pandemic world.

🔹 From Overcoming Bullying to Building Connection
Ron and Dwight open up about their childhood struggles, facing bullying, othering, and personal hardships that shaped who they are today. Maddox shares how being an effeminate child in an era with little understanding left lasting wounds—but also fueled his journey toward self-acceptance and personal growth. Meanwhile, Dwight speaks on the unique challenges of growing up in a divided world, navigating racial identity, and finding solace in creativity.

🔹 "I Had to Train People How to Treat Me" – The Power of Self-Worth
One of the most powerful moments in this conversation is when Maddox shares the realization that changed his life: “I had to train people how to treat me.” This breakthrough moment in setting boundaries and demanding respect is a lesson everyone needs to hear.

🔹 Escaping Isolation: Why Community Matters More Than Ever
The pandemic didn’t just isolate us—it erased our sense of real community. Maddox and Spencer explain how their mission is to bring people back together in an era where most connections are surface-level. Through their work, they create safe, creative spaces where artists and visionaries can thrive.

🔹 From Struggle to Strength: Resilience in Action
Dwight shares his journey of leaving home at just 17 years old, figuring out how to survive on his own, and eventually enlisting in the military. Despite hardships, his creativity and resilience never left him. He later found purpose in working at a suicide crisis hotline, helping others in their darkest moments—proving that our hardest struggles often shape our greatest strengths.

🔹 For the Love of Creatives: A Movement for Heart-Centered Artists
Through their events, podcast, and coaching, Maddox and Spencer are creating a movement for heart-centered creatives—people who are driven by passion, authenticity, and meaningful connection. Their work isn’t just about networking; it’s about rebuilding what was lost and redefining what community truly means.

🔥 Watch this interview to hear their incredible journey, gain life-changing insights, and be inspired to embrace your own creative power! 🔥

Follow Maddox & Dwight : https://www.fortheloveofcreativespodcast.com/

💡 What part of their story resonated with you the most? Drop a comment below!

📌 Subscribe for More Inspiring Conversations!
🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

#Creativity #PodcastInterview #Resilience #ForTheLoveOfCreatives #MentalHealth #SelfGrowth #CommunityBuilding #Authenticity #Empathy #Artists #Entrepreneurship

Always remember, Listen to your Heart and Be Kind to Your Mind! -Rich Wright

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