The Messy Middle: Going Inward & Artward in Creativity & Strategy episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 12, 2026 · 1H 17M

The Messy Middle: Going Inward & Artward in Creativity & Strategy

from Stand in the & with Heather Gates · host Heather Gates

In this episode, business owners and makers, Heather and Erin explore the intricate relationship between our internal narratives and the work to make our visions real in the world. They discuss the practice & challenges of moving from imagination to reality, the duality of anchoring and expanding in the creative process, and how fear can serve as a passageway. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of choice, the messy middle of creativity (in the broad sense), and the feeling of fierce responsibility to create meaning in our lives. Through their shared experiences, they highlight the interconnectedness of our “inward & artward” journey of inside reflection AND external creation and connection. The conversation honors an inclusive understanding of creativity and community, with a nudge to continue making what we can imagine as possible.Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Erin Hallagan Clare, founder of Story ParlorResourcesThe Story ParlorBattery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar The Inward & Artward School of CreativityYoga with Adrienne“Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown“Beauty” by John O'Donohue, Irish Philosopher – The Approach of Reverence “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" by Paulo Freire "Teaching to Transgress" by Bell Hooks"The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop" by Felicia Rose Chavez Connect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this episode, business owners and makers, Heather and Erin explore the intricate relationship between our internal narratives and the work to make our visions real in the world. They discuss the practice & challenges of moving from imagination to reality, the duality of anchoring and expanding in the creative process, and how fear can serve as a passageway. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of choice, the messy middle of creativity (in the broad sense), and the feeling of fierce...

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The Messy Middle: Going Inward & Artward in Creativity & Strategy

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This episode was published on March 12, 2026.

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In this episode, business owners and makers, Heather and Erin explore the intricate relationship between our internal narratives and the work to make our visions real in the world. They discuss the practice & challenges of moving from imagination to...

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