Friction: a force that resists movement or causes conflict.

Friction shows up in our lives in different ways. Now, there are AI tools designed to remove friction for the sake of producing a faster output.

But if you reduce the creative process in this way, what actually comes out the other side?

In this episode of Creative Mode, Annie shares the new buzzword taking over AI conversations and how creatives can actually use friction as a tool for momentum.

Key insights:

• Any creative process will be met with resistance.
• Ways to reduce friction without removing it entirely.
• How to build an on-ramp for yourself and use friction to create better art.

Links:

Create.Repeat - The Value of Friction in Creativity

Frictionless Creativity by Lawrence Yeo

Designing Friction in an Age of Frictionless Creativity

Creative Mode is an independent production. If you'd like to support the show, please visit https://buymeacoffee.com/azomaya. Your support will help me continue making weekly episodes and improve production quality as the show grows. Thank you! ❤️

When Superman premiered in theaters this summer, it shifted the entire timeline in the best possible way. Okay, maybe not, but what if. . . ?

In this episode of Creative Mode, Annie explores themes of hope, self belief, and optimism in 2025 pop media and culture.

Key insights:

• Hope is punk.
• Kindness is rebellion.
• Self belief is your superpower.
• The internet belongs to humans, not tech companies.

Reflect on some of the most uplifting moments in movies, tv and music from this year and get inspired!

Insta: @anniezomaya

links:

The Year Superhero Movies Turned to Hope

Alive Internet Theory - Struthless

Alive Internet Theory - Ali Gallop

Creative Mode is an independent production. If you'd like to support the show, please visit https://buymeacoffee.com/azomaya. Your support will help me continue making weekly episodes and improve production quality as the show grows. Thank you! ❤️

This week, Annie shares her thoughts on the premier of Stranger Things 5 and reflecting on the hit Netflix series as a cultural phenomenon.

Instagram: @anniezomaya

Creative Mode is an independent production. If you'd like to support the show, please visit https://buymeacoffee.com/azomaya. Your support will help me continue making weekly episodes and improve production quality as the show grows. Thank you! ❤️

Bad is the new good. At least when it comes to creativity.

In this episode of Creative Mode, Annie shares three ways to move past artist's block and put pen to paper (or whatever your medium may be).

💡 Key insights:

• Perfectionism is an excuse (!!!)
• Why you should embrace the drafting process
• Failure is a skill and bad art is still good art

Later, Annie shares news about the return of Vine and the upcoming Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping.

🔗 Links:

Pearlieee - all you need is audacity...

A Writing Practice to Help You Meet Yourself

Vine

Jon M. Chu for TIME

Thoughts? Find @anniezomaya on Instagram 💖

Creative Mode is an independent production. If you'd like to support the show, please visit https://buymeacoffee.com/azomaya. Your support will help me continue making weekly episodes and improve production quality as the show grows. Thank you! ❤️

How is an album release like having a baby? I've done neither, but apparently they have more in common than I thought.

This week on Creative Mode:

• Annie does a deep dive on the latest release from Florence + The Machine, including the real-life events that inspired the album
• Charli xcx is (creatively) pregnant!
• "Is AI an instrument?" - The rise of AI singers and music with no soul

Links: Charli xcx on Substack

Have thoughts? Find me on Instagram @anniezomaya.

Creative Mode is an independent production. If you'd like to support the show, please visit https://buymeacoffee.com/azomaya. Your support will help me continue making weekly episodes and improve production quality as the show grows. Thank you! ❤️

Creativity is an act of resistance. In a world where generative AI blurs the lines between art and output, how can we preserve our human creativity?

Each week, I'll share trending topics in entertainment, from pop culture to the indie web, and discuss the creative inspiration behind them.

This is a celebration of 100% imagination-generated content. This is Creative Mode.