<![CDATA[This Podcast Needs A Name]]>This Podcast Needs a Name is a conversation series that explores one of life’s biggest truths: everyone can be creative — even if they don’t think they are.

Hosted by Lee Allentuck, longtime brand strategist, toy and game creator, and former creative leader at LEGO and Hasbro, who has worked with iconic brands like T-Mobile, Disney, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, and more, the show brings together two guests from completely different creative worlds for a candid, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of creativity.

This is not another stiff “expert interview” show.
It’s a playful, thoughtful, and occasionally vulnerable look at how real creative people think, work, struggle, and grow — and what the rest of us can learn from their stories.

What We Talk About

  • Childhood sparks and the early moments that shaped who we became
  • Creative habits, rituals, and the role of curiosity
  • The magic of collaboration — and the chaos
  • The surprising overlap between wildly different creative fields
  • How creators handle doubt, burnout, and imposter syndrome
  • The messy mistakes and unexpected accidents that led to breakthroughs
  • What inspires creative people today… and what scares them
  • How anyone (yes, anyone) can build a more creative life

Why This Podcast Is Different

Creativity isn’t limited to people who draw, write, or perform.

Creativity lives in how we parent, problem-solve, break rules, make decisions, take risks, and connect with others.

By bringing together two guests who normally wouldn’t sit on the same stage, we spark conversations that don’t sound like anything else. They compare notes, challenge each other, riff, debate, and discover common ground in real time.

It’s part creativity masterclass, part therapy session, part comedy, and part late-night campfire conversation.

Who This Podcast Is For

  • People who want to feel more creative in their everyday lives
  • Creatives who want to refill their inspiration tank
  • Professionals who want to innovate and think differently
  • Anyone who has ever quietly wondered, “Am I actually creative?”
  • Fans of podcasts like Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, SmartLess, Ten Percent Happier, and Design Matters

What You’ll Take Away

By the end of each episode, you’ll walk away with:

  • A new way of thinking about creativity
  • Permission to explore your own ideas
  • Practical inspiration you can use right now
  • A reminder that even the most accomplished creators feel stuck or insecure sometimes
  • And maybe… a belief that you’re more creative than you realized

Whether you’re looking for insight, inspiration, community, or just a smart, entertaining conversation with incredibly creative people, you’re in the right place.

👉 Watch / listen to the full episode of This Podcast Needs A Name… with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: www.InnovationInPlay.com

Welcome to This Podcast Needs a Name — the podcast so creative, we couldn't even think of a name.

]]>https://www.innovationinplay.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 01:18:48 GMTFri, 28 Nov 2025 22:22:16 GMT60Lee Allentuck<p><b>This Podcast Needs a Name</b> is a conversation series that explores one of life’s biggest truths: <i>everyone</i> can be creative — even if they don’t think they are.</p><p>Hosted by <b>Lee Allentuck</b>, longtime brand strategist, toy and game creator, and former creative leader at <b>LEGO</b> and <b>Hasbro</b>, who has worked with iconic brands like <b>T-Mobile, Disney, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon</b>, and more, the show brings together two guests from completely different creative worlds for a candid, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt exploration of creativity.</p><p>This is <i>not</i> another stiff “expert interview” show.<br />It’s a playful, thoughtful, and occasionally vulnerable look at how real creative people think, work, struggle, and grow — and what the rest of us can learn from their stories.</p><h3><b>What We Talk About</b></h3><ul><li>Childhood sparks and the early moments that shaped who we became</li><li>Creative habits, rituals, and the role of curiosity</li><li>The magic of collaboration — and the chaos</li><li>The surprising overlap between wildly different creative fields</li><li>How creators handle doubt, burnout, and <b>imposter syndrome</b></li><li>The messy mistakes and unexpected accidents that led to breakthroughs</li><li>What inspires creative people today… and what scares them</li><li>How anyone (yes, anyone) can build a more creative life</li></ul><h3><b>Why This Podcast Is Different</b></h3><p>Creativity isn’t limited to people who draw, write, or perform.</p><p>Creativity lives in how we parent, problem-solve, break rules, make decisions, take risks, and connect with others.</p><p>By bringing together two guests who <i>normally wouldn’t sit on the same stage</i>, we spark conversations that don’t sound like anything else. They compare notes, challenge each other, riff, debate, and discover common ground in real time.</p><p>It’s part creativity masterclass, part therapy session, part comedy, and part late-night campfire conversation.</p><h3><b>Who This Podcast Is For</b></h3><ul><li>People who want to feel more creative in their everyday lives</li><li>Creatives who want to refill their inspiration tank</li><li>Professionals who want to innovate and think differently</li><li>Anyone who has ever quietly wondered, <i>“Am I actually creative?”</i></li><li>Fans of podcasts like <b>Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend</b>, <b>SmartLess</b>, <b>Ten Percent Happier</b>, and <b>Design Matters</b></li></ul><h3><b>What You’ll Take Away</b></h3><p>By the end of each episode, you’ll walk away with:</p><ul><li>A new way of thinking about creativity</li><li>Permission to explore your own ideas</li><li>Practical inspiration you can use right now</li><li>A reminder that even the most accomplished creators feel stuck or insecure sometimes</li><li>And maybe… a belief that you’re more creative than you realized</li></ul><p>Whether you’re looking for insight, inspiration, community, or just a smart, entertaining conversation with incredibly creative people, you’re in the right place.</p><p>👉 <b>Watch / listen to the full episode of <i>This Podcast Needs A Name…</i> with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.InnovationInPlay.com" target="_blank"><b>www.InnovationInPlay.com</b></a></p><hr /><p><b>Welcome to This Podcast Needs a Name — the podcast so creative, we couldn't even think of a name.</b></p>episodicLee Allentucklee@allentuck.comno<![CDATA[From Foam to Felt with Fraggle Rock's Kanja Chen and Hat Restorer La Touche (Ep 2)]]>Creativity doesn’t start with talent — it starts with curiosity, commitment, and courage.

In this episode of This Podcast Needs a Name, host Lee Allentuck sits down with Kanja Chen — writer, producer, and puppeteer on Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock — and La Touche, a cultural brand strategist and renown British hat restorer who has helped restore and reimagine some of the world’s most iconic hatmakers.

From foam and felt to culture and identity, this conversation explores how raw materials become meaningful work — and how creativity shows up differently for everyone. Together, they unpack origin stories, confidence vs. competence, creative blocks, and why going deep into craft matters more than chasing inspiration.

This is a thoughtful, funny, and honest conversation about creativity as a practice, not a personality trait — and about making the invisible visible through commitment to the work.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Creativity is innate — but often unlearned as we grow older
  • Commitment to craft matters more than early talent
  • Confidence without competence doesn’t last
  • Inspiration often comes from outside your category
  • Meaning emerges when imagination meets intention

👉 Watch / listen to the full episode of This Podcast Needs A Name… with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: www.InnovationInPlay.com

Why Listen

Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Origin Stories
  • 07:23 Finding Inspiration
  • 14:09 The Creative Process
  • 19:12 Embracing Imagination
  • 25:33 Cultural Tradition and Creativity
  • 33:25 Mentorship and Corporate Culture
  • 39:23 Absurd Ideas and Confidence
]]>5c4adbbf-0609-46d4-a022-70a1479ff085Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:26:18 GMT<p><b>Creativity doesn’t start with talent — it starts with curiosity, commitment, and courage.</b></p><p>In this episode of <i>This Podcast Needs a Name</i>, host <b>Lee Allentuck</b> sits down with <b>Kanja Chen</b> — writer, producer, and puppeteer on <i>Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock</i> — and <b>La Touche</b>, a cultural brand strategist and renown British hat restorer who has helped restore and reimagine some of the world’s most iconic hatmakers.</p><p>From foam and felt to culture and identity, this conversation explores how raw materials become meaningful work — and how creativity shows up differently for everyone. Together, they unpack origin stories, confidence vs. competence, creative blocks, and why going deep into craft matters more than chasing inspiration.</p><p>This is a thoughtful, funny, and honest conversation about creativity as a <b>practice</b>, not a personality trait — and about making the invisible visible through commitment to the work.</p><hr /><h2>KEY TAKEAWAYS</h2><ul><li>Creativity is innate — but often unlearned as we grow older</li><li>Commitment to craft matters more than early talent</li><li>Confidence without competence doesn’t last</li><li>Inspiration often comes from outside your category</li><li>Meaning emerges when imagination meets intention</li></ul><p>👉 <b>Watch / listen to the full episode of <i>This Podcast Needs A Name…</i> with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.InnovationInPlay.com" target="_blank"><b>www.InnovationInPlay.com</b></a></p><hr /><h2>Why Listen</h2><p>Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.</p><hr /><h2>Chapters</h2><ul><li>00:00 The Origin Stories</li><li>07:23 Finding Inspiration</li><li>14:09 The Creative Process</li><li>19:12 Embracing Imagination</li><li>25:33 Cultural Tradition and Creativity</li><li>33:25 Mentorship and Corporate Culture</li><li>39:23 Absurd Ideas and Confidence</li></ul>no00:42:5512From Foam to Felt with Fraggle Rock's Kanja Chen and Hat Restorer La Touche (Ep 2)full<![CDATA[Draft Ugly, Edit Beautifully- Disney's Matt Conover & Music Composer/Producer Philip Sheppard (Ep 1)]]>Draft Ugly, Edit Beautifully- Disney's Matt Conover & Music Composer/Producer Philip Sheppard (Ep 1)

Creativity isn’t clean. It’s messy, uncertain, and full of bad first drafts—and that’s exactly the point.

In this episode of This Podcast Needs A Name, host Lee Allentuck sits down with Matt Conover, a Disney Live Entertainment producer, and Philip Sheppard, an award-winning composer, producer, and cellist, for an honest, unscripted conversation about how creative work actually gets made.

Not the polished highlight reel—but the real process behind creativity in entertainment, music, design, and leadership.

Together, we talk about imposter syndrome that never fully goes away, why creative constraints often lead to better ideas, and why the mindset of “draft ugly, edit beautifully” isn’t just advice—it’s a survival skill for anyone doing meaningful work. This isn’t a conversation about waiting for confidence or chasing perfection. It’s about learning how to keep creating, collaborating, and moving forward—even when things feel unfinished or uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your creative ability, or wondered whether you’re doing it “right,” this episode is a reminder that the mess is the work—and often where the magic lives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Creativity and the real creative process (not the polished version)
  • Imposter syndrome in creative leadership and high-performance roles
  • How constraints fuel creativity in entertainment, music, and design
  • Why the first draft is supposed to be bad—and why that’s liberating
  • The role of subtraction and restraint in making better creative work
  • Daily creative practices to stay inspired without burning out
  • Why immersive experiences and emotional connection matter more than spectacle

👉 Watch / listen to the full episode of This Podcast Needs A Name… with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: www.InnovationInPlay.com

Why Listen

Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Journey of Creativity
  • 08:35 Empowering Creativity
  • 16:11 Creating Lasting Memories
  • 27:02 Immersive Experiences
  • 32:24 Daily Creative Practice
]]>85c73b3a-bfd1-4f91-a624-cac2466b5a7eTue, 27 Jan 2026 20:05:31 GMT<p><b>Draft Ugly, Edit Beautifully- Disney's Matt Conover &amp; Music Composer/Producer Philip Sheppard (Ep 1)</b></p><p></p><p><b>Creativity isn’t clean. It’s messy, uncertain, and full of bad first drafts—and that’s exactly the point.</b></p><p>In this episode of <b>This Podcast Needs A Name</b>, host <b>Lee Allentuck</b> sits down with <b>Matt Conover</b>, a Disney Live Entertainment producer, and <b>Philip Sheppard</b>, an award-winning composer, producer, and cellist, for an honest, unscripted conversation about how creative work <i>actually</i> gets made.</p><p>Not the polished highlight reel—but the real process behind creativity in entertainment, music, design, and leadership.</p><p>Together, we talk about imposter syndrome that never fully goes away, why creative constraints often lead to better ideas, and why the mindset of “draft ugly, edit beautifully” isn’t just advice—it’s a survival skill for anyone doing meaningful work. This isn’t a conversation about waiting for confidence or chasing perfection. It’s about learning how to keep creating, collaborating, and moving forward—even when things feel unfinished or uncomfortable.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your creative ability, or wondered whether you’re doing it “right,” this episode is a reminder that the mess <i>is</i> the work—and often where the magic lives.</p><hr /><h2>KEY TAKEAWAYS:</h2><ul><li>Creativity and the <b>real creative process</b> (not the polished version)</li><li>Imposter syndrome in creative leadership and high-performance roles</li><li>How <b>constraints fuel creativity</b> in entertainment, music, and design</li><li>Why the first draft is supposed to be bad—and why that’s liberating</li><li>The role of <b>subtraction and restraint</b> in making better creative work</li><li>Daily creative practices to stay inspired without burning out</li><li>Why immersive experiences and emotional connection matter more than spectacle</li></ul><p>👉 <b>Watch / listen to the full episode of <i>This Podcast Needs A Name…</i> with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.InnovationInPlay.com" target="_blank"><b>www.InnovationInPlay.com</b></a></p><hr /><h2>Why Listen</h2><p>Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.</p><hr /><h2>Chapters</h2><ul><li>00:00 The Journey of Creativity</li><li>08:35 Empowering Creativity</li><li>16:11 Creating Lasting Memories</li><li>27:02 Immersive Experiences</li><li>32:24 Daily Creative Practice</li></ul>no00:53:56Draft Ugly, Edit Beautifully- Disney's Matt Conover & Music Composer/Producer Philip Sheppard (Ep 1)full<![CDATA[This Podcast Needs a Name: Why Creativity, Curiosity & Play Matter More Than Ever (Ep. 0)]]>Welcome to This Podcast Needs a Name, hosted by Lee Allentuck — a podcast about creativity, curiosity, and play, told through honest conversations between people who shouldn’t have much in common… but do.

In this short manifesto-style Episode 0, Lee shares why this podcast exists, how the format works, and what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes. Drawing from his career working at the intersection of creativity, play, and innovationwith global brands, educators, scientists, and makers, Lee explores the surprising patterns that show up again and again across creative lives.

Each episode brings two guests from different worlds together — scientists and artists, designers and educators, inventors and communicators — to talk openly about creativity. Not as a buzzword, but as a lived experience. The fear. The doubt. The curiosity. The constraints. The play. And the quiet persistence it takes to keep showing up.

You’ll hear conversations about:

  • Creativity at NASA and beyond
  • Why play is essential to serious work
  • Imposter syndrome and self-doubt
  • Creativity under constraints
  • Curiosity as a daily practice, not a personality trait

There are no hacks, no formulas, and no guru takes — just thoughtful, human conversations and ideas you can take with you into your own work, life, and creative practice.

If you create, problem-solve, teach, design, communicate, parent, or have ever thought “I’m not as creative as I used to be” — this podcast is for you.

Because creativity isn’t something you lose.
You just get busy.

👉 Watch / listen to the full episode of This Podcast Needs A Name… with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: www.InnovationInPlay.com

Why Listen

Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.

]]>c2fdd08e-64bd-486f-8a11-e04e6d2ebdf1Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:15:30 GMT<p>Welcome to <b>This Podcast Needs a Name</b>, hosted by <b>Lee Allentuck</b> — a podcast about creativity, curiosity, and play, told through honest conversations between people who <i>shouldn’t</i> have much in common… but do.</p><p>In this short manifesto-style Episode 0, Lee shares why this podcast exists, how the format works, and what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes. Drawing from his career working at the intersection of <b>creativity, play, and innovation</b>with global brands, educators, scientists, and makers, Lee explores the surprising patterns that show up again and again across creative lives.</p><p>Each episode brings <b>two guests from different worlds</b> together — scientists and artists, designers and educators, inventors and communicators — to talk openly about creativity. Not as a buzzword, but as a lived experience. The fear. The doubt. The curiosity. The constraints. The play. And the quiet persistence it takes to keep showing up.</p><p>You’ll hear conversations about:</p><ul><li>Creativity at NASA and beyond</li><li>Why play is essential to serious work</li><li>Imposter syndrome and self-doubt</li><li>Creativity under constraints</li><li>Curiosity as a daily practice, not a personality trait</li></ul><p>There are <b>no hacks, no formulas, and no guru takes</b> — just thoughtful, human conversations and ideas you can take with you into your own work, life, and creative practice.</p><p>If you create, problem-solve, teach, design, communicate, parent, or have ever thought <i>“I’m not as creative as I used to be”</i> — this podcast is for you.</p><p>Because creativity isn’t something you lose.<br />You just get busy.</p><p>👉 <b>Watch / listen to the full episode of <i>This Podcast Needs A Name…</i> with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.InnovationInPlay.com" target="_blank"><b>www.InnovationInPlay.com</b></a></p><hr /><h2>Why Listen</h2><p>Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.</p><hr /><h2></h2>no00:04:041This Podcast Needs a Name: Why Creativity, Curiosity & Play Matter More Than Ever (Ep. 0)full<![CDATA[Creativity Isn’t the Point with LEGO's Mike Cass & Neurodevelopmental Biologist Dr. Michael Barresi]]>This Podcast Needs A Name, hosted by Lee Allentuck, is a podcast about creativity, curiosity, and what it actually looks like to make things for a living — not the polished version, the real one.

Episode 3, Creativity Isn’t the Point, started as a practice run and accidentally became one of the most honest conversations of the season.

Lee is joined by two of his closest friends — Mike Cass, of The LEGO Group and a communications leader and change catalyst, and Dr. Michael Barresi, a neurodevelopmental biologist, Smith College professor, and artist— for an unscripted conversation that feels more like a Friday coffee than a formal interview.

Together, they talk about why creativity isn’t a personality trait, how curiosity fuels meaningful work, and why impostor syndrome shows up even for experienced leaders, scientists, and educators. Along the way, the conversation weaves through parenting, play, focus, communication, leadership, and the pressure we put on ourselves to “get it right.”

It’s thoughtful, funny, occasionally chaotic, and grounded in real life — the kind of conversation that reminds you that creativity usually starts with curiosity… and a willingness to keep showing up.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Creativity plays a vital role in science, art, communication, and parenting.
  • Curiosity and creativity are closely linked, and they contribute to personal and professional growth. Childhood creativity influences career paths.
  • Imposter syndrome is a common experience and can be overcome.

👉 Watch / listen to the full episode of This Podcast Needs A Name… with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: www.InnovationInPlay.com

Why Listen

Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introductions and Beards
  • 06:26 Communication in a Creative Environment
  • 12:26 Parenting and Creativity
  • 21:00 Childhood Creativity
  • 26:24 Imposter Syndrome
  • 34:32 Spark of Creativity
]]>66dedd9f-418f-471b-b50c-6a3f40e0d033Mon, 29 Dec 2025 03:26:59 GMT<p><b>This Podcast Needs A Name</b>, hosted by <b>Lee Allentuck</b>, is a podcast about creativity, curiosity, and what it actually looks like to make things for a living — not the polished version, the real one.</p><p></p><p><b>Episode 3, </b><i>Creativity Isn’t the Point</i>, started as a practice run and accidentally became one of the most honest conversations of the season.</p><p></p><p>Lee is joined by two of his closest friends — <b>Mike Cass</b>, of T<b>he LEGO Group</b> and a communications leader and change catalyst, and <b>Dr. Michael Barresi</b>, a neurodevelopmental biologist, <b>Smith College</b> professor, and artist— for an unscripted conversation that feels more like a Friday coffee than a formal interview.</p><p></p><p>Together, they talk about why creativity isn’t a personality trait, how curiosity fuels meaningful work, and why impostor syndrome shows up even for experienced leaders, scientists, and educators. Along the way, the conversation weaves through parenting, play, focus, communication, leadership, and the pressure we put on ourselves to “get it right.”</p><p></p><p>It’s thoughtful, funny, occasionally chaotic, and grounded in real life — the kind of conversation that reminds you that creativity usually starts with curiosity… and a willingness to keep showing up.</p><p></p><p><b>KEY TAKEAWAYS:</b></p><ul><li>Creativity plays a vital role in science, art, communication, and parenting.</li><li>Curiosity and creativity are closely linked, and they contribute to personal and professional growth. Childhood creativity influences career paths.</li><li>Imposter syndrome is a common experience and can be overcome.</li></ul><p>👉 <b>Watch / listen to the full episode of <i>This Podcast Needs A Name…</i> with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.InnovationInPlay.com" target="_blank"><b>www.InnovationInPlay.com</b></a></p><hr /><h2>Why Listen</h2><p>Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.</p><hr /><h2>Chapters</h2><ul><li>00:00 Introductions and Beards</li><li>06:26 Communication in a Creative Environment</li><li>12:26 Parenting and Creativity</li><li>21:00 Childhood Creativity</li><li>26:24 Imposter Syndrome</li><li>34:32 Spark of Creativity</li></ul>no00:40:5313Creativity Isn’t the Point with LEGO's Mike Cass & Neurodevelopmental Biologist Dr. Michael Barresifull<![CDATA[Everything’s a Toy - with Indy Toy Lab’s Jordan Goddard and NASA JPL’s David Delgado]]>Creativity doesn’t live in one lane.

And sometimes the best conversations start before you hit record.

Welcome to This Podcast Needs A Name…, the podcast about how creativity actually works — not how we pretend it does. I’m your host, Lee Allentuck, and in this episode I sit down with two brilliant creatives working at wildly different scales.

Jordan Goddard is a toy & game inventor, founder of Indy Toy Lab, and former Apple designer, creating play experiences you can literally hold in your hands.
David Delgado is the former Creative Director at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, whose work helped millions of people emotionally connect with space exploration.

One designs toys.
The other designed wonder for the cosmos.

Somehow, they land in the exact same place.

In this episode, we talk about creativity as a practice, not a personality trait — why constraints fuel better ideas, why doubt never really goes away, and why curiosity is often more reliable than confidence.

Along the way, we explore:

  • Why being the “dumbest person in the room” can be a creative superpower
  • Designing for people who aren’t you — and why ego gets in the way
  • Imposter syndrome, rejection sensitivity, and creative loneliness
  • Practical habits that keep creativity alive when inspiration disappears
  • Asking the deceptively simple question: “Why should anyone care?”

It’s thoughtful, funny, deeply human — and one of my favorite conversations so far.

If you’ve ever questioned your ideas, your process, or whether you’re doing creativity “right,” this episode is proof that you’re probably closer than you think.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Creativity thrives within constraints
  • Creativity is a skill that can be practiced and strengthened
  • Imposter syndrome is common — especially among experienced creatives
  • Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria plays a real role in creative hesitation
  • Curiosity is often a more powerful driver than confidence

👉 Watch / listen to the full episode of This Podcast Needs A Name… with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: www.InnovationInPlay.com

Why Listen

Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Creative Introduction
  • 07:13 Navigating Constraints and Self-Doubt
  • 14:41 The Misunderstood Creative
  • 23:03 Navigating Imposter Syndrome
  • 32:45 Imposter Syndrome and Creativity
  • 38:02 The Creative Process and Self-Doubt
  • 50:02 Practical Approaches to Creativity
  • 59:36 Naming the Podcast
]]>5bf0d0e2-0090-4d5b-ac91-bacaecfe82caMon, 06 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p><b>Creativity doesn’t live in one lane.</b></p><p>And sometimes the best conversations start before you hit record.</p><p>Welcome to <b>This Podcast Needs A Name…</b>, the podcast about how creativity <i>actually</i> works — not how we pretend it does. I’m your host, <b>Lee Allentuck</b>, and in this episode I sit down with two brilliant creatives working at wildly different scales.</p><p><b>Jordan Goddard</b> is a toy &amp; game inventor, founder of <b>Indy Toy Lab</b>, and former Apple designer, creating play experiences you can literally hold in your hands.<br /><b>David Delgado</b> is the former Creative Director at <b>NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab</b>, whose work helped millions of people emotionally connect with space exploration.</p><p>One designs toys.<br />The other designed wonder for the cosmos.</p><p>Somehow, they land in the exact same place.</p><p>In this episode, we talk about creativity as a <i>practice</i>, not a personality trait — why constraints fuel better ideas, why doubt never really goes away, and why curiosity is often more reliable than confidence.</p><p><b>Along the way, we explore:</b></p><ul><li>Why being the “dumbest person in the room” can be a creative superpower</li><li>Designing for people who <i>aren’t</i> you — and why ego gets in the way</li><li>Imposter syndrome, rejection sensitivity, and creative loneliness</li><li>Practical habits that keep creativity alive when inspiration disappears</li><li>Asking the deceptively simple question: <i>“Why should anyone care?”</i></li></ul><p>It’s thoughtful, funny, deeply human — and one of my favorite conversations so far.</p><p>If you’ve ever questioned your ideas, your process, or whether you’re doing creativity “right,” this episode is proof that you’re probably closer than you think.</p><hr /><h3>KEY TAKEAWAYS</h3><ul><li>Creativity thrives within constraints</li><li>Creativity is a skill that can be practiced and strengthened</li><li>Imposter syndrome is common — especially among experienced creatives</li><li>Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria plays a real role in creative hesitation</li><li>Curiosity is often a more powerful driver than confidence</li></ul><p>👉 <b>Watch / listen to the full episode of <i>This Podcast Needs A Name…</i> with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.InnovationInPlay.com" target="_blank"><b>www.InnovationInPlay.com</b></a></p><hr /><h2>Why Listen</h2><p>Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.</p><hr /><h2>Chapters</h2><ul><li>00:00 The Creative Introduction</li><li>07:13 Navigating Constraints and Self-Doubt</li><li>14:41 The Misunderstood Creative</li><li>23:03 Navigating Imposter Syndrome</li><li>32:45 Imposter Syndrome and Creativity</li><li>38:02 The Creative Process and Self-Doubt</li><li>50:02 Practical Approaches to Creativity</li><li>59:36 Naming the Podcast</li></ul>no01:01:3615Everything’s a Toy - with Indy Toy Lab’s Jordan Goddard and NASA JPL’s David Delgadofull<![CDATA[From Stars to Star Wars - With Astrophysicist Michelle Thaller and Toy Photographer Mitchell Wu]]>One studies stars, galaxies, and the origins of the universe.
The other builds cinematic, story-driven worlds using toys.

In this episode of This Podcast Needs a Name, host Lee Allentuck sits down with NASA astrophysicist Michelle Thaller and professional toy photographer Mitchel Wu for a fun, thoughtful, and deeply human conversation about creativity, curiosity, and play.

Together, they explore creativity as a trainable muscle, the lasting impact of childhood imagination, the role of storytelling in science and art, and why imposter syndrome never fully disappears—even at NASA or after decades in the creative industry. From career pivots and self-doubt to LEGO-filled brainstorming rooms and nostalgia-fueled inspiration, this episode proves that creativity isn’t reserved for artists or scientists—it’s available to anyone willing to stay curious.

If you care about innovation, creativity, storytelling, science communication, design, play, or finding your creative spark at any stage of life, this conversation is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Creativity is a muscle — not a talent — and it can be trained, practiced, and sustained
  • Play isn’t childish; it’s a powerful tool for innovation, problem-solving, and imagination
  • Childhood curiosity and storytelling shape how we think, create, and explore as adults
  • Imposter syndrome is normal — embracing doubt and fear can unlock personal and professional growth
  • Creativity exists at every scale, from space exploration to toy photography

👉 Watch / listen to the full episode of This Podcast Needs A Name… with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: www.InnovationInPlay.com

Why Listen

Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Intersection of Creativity
  • 09:19 Navigating Career Paths
  • 22:51 Reigniting Creative Energy
  • 30:10 The Power of Play
  • 35:15 Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
  • 43:42 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks
  • 50:48 Curiosity and Creativity
]]>d3b04809-bd65-41c6-8391-049b3b482f0cMon, 09 Mar 2026 14:15:00 GMT<p><b>One studies stars, galaxies, and the origins of the universe.<br />The other builds cinematic, story-driven worlds using toys.</b></p><p>In this episode of <b>This Podcast Needs a Name</b>, host <b>Lee Allentuck</b> sits down with NASA astrophysicist <b>Michelle Thaller</b> and professional toy photographer <b>Mitchel Wu</b> for a fun, thoughtful, and deeply human conversation about creativity, curiosity, and play.</p><p>Together, they explore creativity as a <i>trainable muscle</i>, the lasting impact of childhood imagination, the role of storytelling in science and art, and why imposter syndrome never fully disappears—even at NASA or after decades in the creative industry. From career pivots and self-doubt to LEGO-filled brainstorming rooms and nostalgia-fueled inspiration, this episode proves that creativity isn’t reserved for artists or scientists—it’s available to anyone willing to stay curious.</p><p>If you care about innovation, creativity, storytelling, science communication, design, play, or finding your creative spark at any stage of life, this conversation is for you.</p><hr /><h2>KEY TAKEAWAYS</h2><ul><li><b>Creativity is a muscle</b> — not a talent — and it can be trained, practiced, and sustained</li><li><b>Play isn’t childish</b>; it’s a powerful tool for innovation, problem-solving, and imagination</li><li><b>Childhood curiosity and storytelling</b> shape how we think, create, and explore as adults</li><li><b>Imposter syndrome is normal</b> — embracing doubt and fear can unlock personal and professional growth</li><li><b>Creativity exists at every scale</b>, from space exploration to toy photography</li></ul><p>👉 <b>Watch / listen to the full episode of <i>This Podcast Needs A Name…</i> with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.InnovationInPlay.com" target="_blank"><b>www.InnovationInPlay.com</b></a></p><hr /><h2>Why Listen</h2><p>Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.</p><hr /><h2>Chapters</h2><ul><li>00:00 The Intersection of Creativity</li><li>09:19 Navigating Career Paths</li><li>22:51 Reigniting Creative Energy</li><li>30:10 The Power of Play</li><li>35:15 Doubt and Imposter Syndrome</li><li>43:42 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks</li><li>50:48 Curiosity and Creativity</li></ul>no01:00:5414From Stars to Star Wars - With Astrophysicist Michelle Thaller and Toy Photographer Mitchell Wufull