In this episode, Heidi and Gennaro explore the concept of flow and its significance in enhancing creativity. They discuss the definition of flow, the research by Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi, and the importance of attention in achieving this state. The conversation delves into practical steps to cultivate flow, the challenge-skill balance, and the triggers that can help individuals enter flow. They also address barriers to flow, such as self-consciousness and distractions, and provide practical tips for achieving flow in creative endeavors.

References:

• Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention by Johann Hari
• Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi
• Beyond Boredom and Anxiety: Experiencing Flow in Work and Play by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi
• Flow Research Collective
• The Siren’s Call by Chris Hayes

Takeaways:

• Attention is crucial for achieving flow.
• Curiosity drives creativity and helps trigger flow.
• You need to resolve to commit to a task to enter flow.
• The challenge of a task should be slightly above your skill level.
• Immediate feedback is essential for maintaining flow.
• Self-consciousness can block the flow state.
• The optimal time for flow is between 90 to 110 minutes.
• Practicing flow can significantly enhance creativity.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Flow State
• 01:16 - Understanding Flow: Definition and Characteristics
• 03:51 - Historical Context and Key Figures in Flow Research
• 07:22 - The Relationship Between Flow and Happiness
• 09:43 - Steps to Achieve Flow State
• 14:52 - Conditions Supporting Flow State
• 20:04 - Exploring Flow Triggers and Creativity
• 22:12 - Curiosity as a Flow Trigger
• 23:49 - The Role of Passion in Creativity
• 25:04 - Finding Purpose in Creative Endeavors
• 28:05 - Understanding Flow and Creativity
• 29:56 - Identifying Flow Blockers
• 32:10 - Optimal Time for Flow State
• 34:58 - Applying Flow to Creative Processes

In this episode of Also That, Heidi and Gennaro sit down with Northern California-based songwriter and storyteller Benjamin North to talk about music, process, and the art of staying creatively alive. Benji has written more than 40 songs and countless horror short stories. In this conversation, he shares what it takes to keep writing honestly, consistently, and finding joy in the act of making art.

Join us for a conversation about:

• Why letting go of perfectionism fuels authentic art
• How the creative process evolves throughout time
• The balance between discipline and inspiration
• Using failure and “doing stupid stuff” as creative practice
• How to know when you’ve made “good” art

Whether you’re a writer, musician, or creative spirit searching for your rhythm, this episode is a reminder that every song and every story—finished or not—teaches you something about who you are.

Find Benjamin’s music and videos on Instagram and YouTube at @music.benjamin.north.

Also That is a community-driven podcast exploring how adults cultivate creativity and connection. Join the conversation on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @AlsoThatPod, or email us at AlsoThatPod@gmail.com

In this episode of Also That, Heidi and Gennaro talk with Houston-based muralist and painter Hannah Bull about how and why she connects her art to something bigger. By centering on ecology, place, and community, Hannah’s social sculptures and public art installations are meant to be experienced.

Join us for a conversation about:

• Using imposter syndrome to your advantage
• Finding your way to the art you were meant to create
• Fostering connection through art, urban spaces, and shared experience
• Houston’s vibrant art scene and more!

Hannah is currently the artist-in-residence at Hobby Airport in Houston, TX. Learn more about Hannah and see her murals at https://hannahbull.com. You can follow her on instagram at HannahBullNectar.

Also That is a community-driven podcast where we explore ways to cultivate a more creative life. Join the conversation on Instagram and TikTok. Follow us @AlsoThatPod. Or send us an email at alsothatpod@gmail.com

It’s our 10th episode y’all! To celebrate, Heidi and Gennaro catch up with a creative check-in. Learn what’s been inspiring them lately and why joy can be a powerful act of resistance. From reflecting on their creative partnership to finding inspiration in art, travel, and community, this episode is a love letter to adult creativity and all the messy beauty that comes with it.

Today, they’re talking about:

• How burnout is a systemic issue and how creativity helps us heal
• Activism as an artistic expression
• Feeling re-energized by travel and spending time with creative friends
• The role of joy, beauty, and curiosity in personal resistance
• Visiting Happy Medium Art Cafe in NYC as a creative recharge

Whether you’re new to your creative journey or simply trying to reconnect with your spark, this episode is your reminder that making art, feeling joy, and building community are radical acts.

Gennaro and Heidi sit down with YouTube artist May Wonder, a graphic designer and content creator who reignited her creative passion during the pandemic. After experiencing burnout in her job as a full-time graphic designer, May turned to video storytelling on YouTube. Through this new medium, she found her voice, reconnected with her creativity, and discovered “whatever I have to say is valuable.”

Join us for a conversation about:

• How a creative professional found new inspiration and motivation as a YouTube content creator
• How art can can help you tell personal stories with purpose
• Fostering a practice of finding creative inspiration
• Embracing imperfection and learning to make a mess

Whether you’re just getting started on your creative journey or feeling stuck in the 9–5 grind, this episode is for you. As May reminds us, “Everyone is creative—you just have to know that you have it in you.”

Follow May on:

YouTube: MayWonder
Instagram:@may.wonders
TikTok: @maywondering

Beginning is the most important step to any creative endeavor. But if the thought of beginning a something new stresses you out, you’re not alone.

Gennaro and Heidi dive into why it feels so intimidating to begin a new creative project and share tips to help you overcome beginner's paralysis. Consider this episode your cheerleader. Start that project, girl. The rest will come.

Chey Mongeon, author of The After: A Memoir, joins Gennaro and Heidi in a conversation about using creative outlets to move through grief. They also discuss:

• Processing trauma and finding your voice through your art
• Ways to find inspiration in everyday life
• Fostering an active imagination as an adult
• Staying true to your instincts and your art
• Deciding to self-publish instead of traditional publishing

You can find Chey’s book The After: A Memoir on Amazon or add it to your Goodreads.

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for support.

We’ve been humbled. If there’s one thing 2024 taught us, it’s that things don’t always go according to plan. But that doesn’t stop us from dreaming big and reflecting on how we can improve on our creative journey.

Join Gennaro and Heidi in this special New Year’s episode filled with reflections on starting a podcast and ambitions for 2025.

Episode notes:

• We talk about S.M.A.R.T. Goals which are defined as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based.
• Gennaro mentions Rupi Kaur’s Healing Through Words and Jeff Tweedy’s How to Write One Song.