The Gravedigger's Theory is a term in journalism that refers to the story of Jimmy Breslin, a journalist who, when offered the chance to cover JFK's funeral along with the world's media, chose to interview Clifton Pollard, the man tasked with digging the grave.

Creativity depends on thinking differently, and I reflect on this, and a career made of parts for which I wasn't trained.

Supported by The Creative Condition's founding sponsor, Illustration X.

Consider supporting the Ukrainian Institute's creative community at https://ui.org.ua

For coaching, more podcasts, and other opportunities, head to https://thecreativecondition.com

For my art: https://bentallon.com

Overthinking can be second nature to creative thinkers. A classic downside to empathy and sensitivity. I've battled with anxiety in recent years, and my overthinking has been out of control. Constant rumination, wild and unmanaged responses to news headlines, and an uncharacteristically gloomy outlook leading to sleepless nights and worry spirals.

I'm slowly getting a handle on it, and I want to help others suffering the same barriers to a calmer, more optimistic basis for their creativity.

Nikki Emerton, a therapist, trainer, and coach, joins me to discuss the brain, the patterns of thought and traps we fall into, and how we can help ourselves break this destructive cycle.

As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com

Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session, or work with me to write your story in the brand new 'The Internal' story coaching program now at https://thecreativecondition.com (https://thecreativecondition.com/)

Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com

Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

In this entry of The Creativity Diary:

• Understanding the self over job titles and skills
• The need for space to avoid overwhelm and nervous system activation
• Stoicism as a tool for managing uncertain times

As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com

Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com (https://thecreativecondition.com/)

See the Pit Stop flagship coaching session and an illustrator-specific coaching offer now. Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com

Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

Journaling was one of several tools I used to tackle a tough year of anxiety. While reflecting upon a previous entry, I noticed that the list of helpful habits to support my mental well-being was more or less interchangeable with core components of healthy creativity, so I wanted to explore that idea a little more.

I'd love to hear your take on this, so get in touch about it, or anything else at ben@bentallon.com

As ever The Creative Condition podcast is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X.

https://www.basedesign.com/about/min-lew

For more creativity resources, including coaching opportunities, reading lists and articles, head to the official The Creative Condition site.

Please consider supporting The Ukrainian Institute, who champion the brave and inspiring Ukrainian creative community during this awful time of war.

'Lived data' is how Min Lew, head of Base Design in New York City, described intuition. I loved this. Min has quite the story, and she joins me to discuss her work overseeing the creative output and business of Base.

We discuss why moodboards have their place, but often stifle thinking big and differently in the creative process, travel, cultural lessons, the future of branding, and much more in an inspiring conversation with a bona fide creative industry leader.

As ever The Creative Condition podcast is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X.

https://www.basedesign.com/about/min-lew

For more creativity resources, including coaching opportunities, reading lists and articles, head to the official The Creative Condition site.

Please consider supporting The Ukrainian Institute, who champion the brave and inspiring Ukrainian creative community during this awful time of war.

After a personal and generally challenging year, much has been learned, and the message is strong: we must fight for a baseline of optimism for creativity to thrive!

This will be the final episode of 2025, back to the usual weekly podcasts January 7th.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

As ever supported by Illustration X. See their global range of illustration and animation portfolios at https://illustrationx.com

Help the brave Ukrainian creative community during this horrible time of war at https://ui.org.ua

For all The Creative Condition's creativity resources, head to https://thecreativecondition.com

In this entry of The Creativity Diary:

• Two massively overlooked pillars of creativity and their role in anxiety
• Unexected wisdom and electronic tags on the bus

As ever supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com

Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com (https://thecreativecondition.com/)

See the brand new illustrator-specific coaching offer now Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com

Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua

Wiedemann Lampe uses the beautiful term 'cultureful brands' to describe their work. They work globally, at scale, on entire cities and cultureful institutions.

I joined co-founders Benji Wiedemann and Alex Lampe in London to talk about creating impact at scale, their methods of forging a meaningful brand, and their origin stories, and there's a lot to get through!

As ever The Creative Condition podcast is supported by founding sponsor Illustration X https://illustrationx.com

Today's guests can be found here: https://wiedemannlampe.com/

If you're looking for some personal creative elevation, work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session now at https://thecreativecondition.com

Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com

Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua