This week on Pixel Retentive, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Robin Sloane (formerly Seibert). She is a creative force behind some of the most iconic moments in modern music. With a career spanning over 20 years, Robin began her journey at Philo and Epic Records and eventually became VP of Music Video at Elektra. She later led the creative imaging departments at Geffen, DGC, and DreamWorks Records. Robin helped shape the visual identities of legendary artists like Nirvana, Counting Crows, and Weezer. Today, she is an accomplished classical pianist and is working on a memoir titled From Motley Crue to Mozart.

• How Robin helped create Nirvana's iconic "Nevermind" album cover and the video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

• The process behind artist imaging and creative direction before the concept of branding became mainstream

• What it was like navigating a male-dominated music industry in the 1980s and 1990s

• The rise of MTV and its influence on record sales and artist visibility

• Behind-the-scenes insights into working with Tracy Chapman, Counting Crows, and Weezer

• How Spike Jonze got his big break and what made his work on early music videos stand out

• The importance of creative instinct and trusting your gut

• Thoughts on the evolution of music formats, from vinyl to streaming

"For me, the biggest indicator is that that thing comes from inside you and not from here... This is the enemy of making things: your brain." — Robin Sloane

Robin's words are a powerful reminder that true creativity originates from within. She encourages us to stop letting our rational minds get in the way of creative exploration. Overthinking can sabotage inspiration before it ever gets a chance to grow. Her advice to follow what stirs your soul, no matter how small or odd it seems, is the kind of wisdom that only comes from living it. Whether it's painting a room, making a video, or picking up a new instrument at 45, the key is to just start.

This episode was a ride through music history told from the perspective of someone who helped shape it. Robin shared vivid stories from her time working with Nirvana, including how a simple idea from Kurt Cobain became one of the most recognizable album covers ever made. We talked about the evolution of artist branding, the cultural shift created by MTV, and what it took to push creative boundaries in a corporate structure. Robin's journey shows how trusting your instincts and refusing to be boxed in can lead to truly legendary work. Her story is as much about rebellion as it is about creativity, and I am incredibly grateful she shared it with us.

Zoe Hawkins, Director of Content Marketing and Thought Leadership at Sumo Logic, is what I like to call the Queen of Content, and for good reason. With over a decade of experience that spans gaming journalism, B2B tech marketing, and a deep love for sci-fi and video games, Zoe brings a refreshingly creative perspective to everything she touches. She's lived on three continents, lifts heavy things for fun, and still finds time to be a gamer mom and a content powerhouse. Our conversation explored creativity, burnout, AI, and what it really takes to keep content future-focused without losing its soul.

• Why content optimization means more than updating for SEO, and how voice, tone, and human relevance matter just as much

• How to breathe new life into old blogs and avoid letting valuable content decay on your site

• What creative resilience really looks like in fast-paced marketing environments

• Why making space for quiet moments can supercharge your creativity

• How Zoe's background in gaming and journalism helps her translate complex technical topics into accessible content

• The difference between content that's actually useful versus content that's just trying to ride the AI wave

• Practical ways to nurture your creative health on a daily basis

• Why journaling, long walks, and good pens might be your best productivity hacks

"Sometimes it's not about the output, it's just the act of doing it that releases whatever that creative health output might be."
— Zoe Hawkins

This quote really hit home. So many of us spend our days chasing outcomes, deliverables, or numbers, forgetting that the creative process itself is where the real magic often happens. Zoe reminded me that writing something just because it feels good or walking in the woods just because it clears your head can be the spark that brings your best ideas to life. If we treat creativity like a resource, then investing time into it should be non-negotiable.

This episode with Zoe Hawkins was one of those conversations that made me feel like I could talk for three more hours without missing a beat. We explored what content looks like today, what makes it meaningful, and how to maintain your creative edge when the grind of work threatens to dull it. From optimizing legacy content to maintaining joy in what you create, Zoe brought a mix of strategy and soul that really resonated. If you care about content, creativity, or just not burning out in your work, this one is for you.

Hey friends, Carl here. This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Danielle LeCourt. She's the founder of De LeCourt, a voice-first content studio that helps experts turn conversations into strategy. Danielle's journey started as a professional volleyball player, then shifted to writing and ultimately found its home in audio. She's worked with institutions like Harvard, NASA, and Roche, all through the lens of voice as an art form. If you've ever felt that great conversations can shape the world, this one's for you.