In this episode of Producing Innovation, Michael Counts sits down with Kamau Zuberi Akabueze, visionary founder of The Alien School for Creative Thinking, for a conversation about reclaiming creativity in a world that feels increasingly automated and accelerated. Together, they explore Kamau’s Mundanity, Creativity philosophy, the idea that creativity isn’t a rare talent but a daily ritual embedded in ordinary life. They discuss his CREÅTIVE STEEPING framework, the neuroscience behind creative well-being, and how small, intentional practices can reconnect us to parts of ourselves we’ve become alienated from. This is a thoughtful, expansive episode about ritual, identity, and rediscovering the creative spirit hiding in plain sight.

In this episode of Producing Innovation, Michael Counts sits down with his brother Alex Counts—social entrepreneur, author, and founder of the Grameen Foundation—to explore how innovation shows up in places most people overlook, like poverty reduction and microfinance. They discuss Alex’s early decision to move to Bangladesh and work alongside Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank, why community and accountability are such powerful forces for change, and the leadership lessons Alex shares in his books Changing the World Without Losing Your Mind and When in Doubt, Ask for More.

In this episode of Producing Innovation, Michael Counts continues his conversation with Stacy Spikes, founder of MoviePass, diving deeper into the comeback story behind one of the most talked-about consumer startups of the last decade. They explore what it takes to pivot when the world changes, what rebuilding feels like after losing everything, and how Stacy ultimately found his way back to the company he helped create. The conversation also covers where MoviePass is today, its new product Mogul, and how theaters and audience behavior have evolved, making this a candid, builder-focused episode about persistence, reinvention, and starting again.

In this episode of Producing Innovation, Michael Counts engages in a deep conversation with Zoe Kalar, founder and CEO of We Are 8. They explore Zoe's journey as a serial entrepreneur, the vision behind her innovative social media platform, and the importance of human connection and creativity in today's world. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in social media dynamics, focusing on inspiration, community, and the potential for monetization that benefits users rather than corporations. They also touch on the significance of gratitude and the power of laughter in navigating life's challenges.

Cayla Sharp walks us through her journey from Virginia Tech to San Francisco, and offers inspiration for those looking to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.

Peter Sabbeth is an architect, builder, designer, painter, and creative entrepreneur. He and Michael discuss how to live a truly creative life.

This week Michael sits down with David Wise, a Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry, to discuss how to cultivate creativity and innovation in the business sector.

Michael Solomon explains his approach to management, the art of the pivot, and the importance of investing in yourself.