Join Lyndon and Breallyn on this episode of 'Pain In The Arts' as they explore the cost of constant connectivity. Inspired by author Jay Kristoff's bold advice for creatives, we dive into why putting down your phone and resisting the "misery machine" of modern technology is essential for artistic growth. We also discuss the shifting role of AI in the creative process—from the use of tools like Suno to historical debates on technological disruption in art—alongside the usual personal updates, including Bunnings adventures and exciting news about our new puppy, Lacey.

Transcript available here

Pain In The Arts is a Creative Life Chronicles production.

Enjoyed this episode? Please share with a friend!

Support the show, access exclusive content, or explore our free tier on Patreon:

http://www.patreon.com/painintheartslife

For more from Creative Life Chronicles (website coming soon!) and the Pain In The Arts podcast, visit our website:

http://www.paininthearts.life

Recorded and produced at Morning Phase Recording Room.

Original theme music by Lyndon Wesley:

http://www.lyndonwesley.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is creativity a gift for the few, or a fundamental human energy we all possess? This week, Lyndon and Breallyn explore the work of Australian designer Ben Rennie and his book, Lessons in Creativity: Stories and Strategies to Cultivate Your Creative Confidence.

We dive into why 'creativity' isn't actually 'art,' but an energy we can all access. By focusing on two specific pillars—curiosity and generosity—we discuss how to dismantle 'scarcity thinking' and the fear that ideas are a limited resource.

From finding inspiration in the details of a seashell to the bravery of sharing unfinished work, we look at how an abundance mindset can transform your creative agency. If you’ve ever felt like you 'weren't an artist,' this conversation is for you.

Ben Rennie website

Pain In The Arts is a Creative Life Chronicles production.

Enjoyed this episode? Please share with a friend!

Support the show, access exclusive content, or explore our free tier on Patreon:

http://www.patreon.com/painintheartslife

For more from Creative Life Chronicles (website coming soon!) and the Pain In The Arts podcast, visit our website:

http://www.paininthearts.life

Recorded and produced at Morning Phase Recording Room.

Original theme music by Lyndon Wesley:

http://www.lyndonwesley.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was originally released on October 28, 2025, and we're re-releasing it today due to the Easter break disrupting our usual scheduling — hope you enjoy it if you missed it the first time around!

In this episode, Breallyn and I discuss the essential role that hobbies and side projects play in a creative life. From my own cat-trapping adventures to furniture restoration and some pretty spectacular lapidary failures, we talk through how low-stakes creative outlets can actually prevent burnout and make your main artistic work better.

We get into the paradox of needing distractions from your art in order to make better art, the very real danger of accidentally raising the bar on a hobby until it stops being fun, and why that calm, clear creative headspace often shows up at the worst possible moment.

Pain In The Arts is a Creative Life Chronicles production.

Enjoyed this episode? Please share with a friend!

Support the show, access exclusive content, or explore our free tier on Patreon:

http://www.patreon.com/painintheartslife

For more from Creative Life Chronicles (website coming soon!) and the Pain In The Arts podcast, visit our website:

http://www.paininthearts.life

Recorded and produced at Morning Phase Recording Room.

Original theme music by Lyndon Wesley:

http://www.lyndonwesley.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.