Creators at Work: The Stories Behind What We Make
by Donald Dunn
Creators at Work is a podcast about the real process behind creative work — the discipline, routines, struggles, and decisions that shape artists, writers, podcasters, filmmakers, and makers of all kinds.Each episode features grounded conversations with creators who take their work seriously, exploring how ideas turn into finished projects and what it takes to stay consistent when motivation fades. Rather than focusing on fame or growth tactics, the show centers on craft, identity, and the realities of creative work over time.Creators at Work is for listeners who care about the process, the practice, and the long road of making meaningful work.
Episodes
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From Crisis Communications to Award-Winning Thriller: John David on Writing The Bystander
What does it take to pivot from crisis communications expert to award-winning thriller novelist? In this episode of Creators at Work, Donald Dunn sits down with John David, author of the breakout thriller The Bystander, named one of the best thrillers of twenty twenty five. Inspired by real-world...
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The $660 Million Problem No One Fixed… Until Now | The Ultimate Coaster Story - Built from Scratch: Real Stories of Risk, Failure, and Reinvention
What if a simple annoyance turned into a patented innovation? On this episode of Built From Scratch, Donald Dunn sits down with inventor and engineer Bob LeBay, the creator of the only drink coaster engineered to truly prevent condensation spills. After a coaster stuck to his Manhattan glass and...
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How Podcasting Helped Me Overcome Depression and Anxiety: Building Lethal Venom and Growing a Mental Health Platform
How can podcasting become therapy for depression and anxiety? In this episode of Creators at Work, host Donald Dunn sits down with Noah May — journalism graduate, mental health advocate, and host of the rapidly growing podcast Lethal Venom — to talk about building a podcast from scratch…
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Why Accessibility Matters for Podcasters and Creators, And How It Increases Your Reach
In this episode of Creators at Work, Donald Dunn sits down with Maxwell Ivey, known worldwide as The Blind Blogger, to discuss why accessibility matters for podcasters and creators — and how improving accessibility can directly grow your audience. Maxwell shares his journey from teaching himself...
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Writing Beyond the Veil: A Chat with Paranormal Author Vicki Ann - Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books
Vicki Ann, a talented young adult paranormal author, dives into the enchanting world of spiritualism and the paranormal in our latest chat. With a knack for crafting gripping tales—like her award-winning Alex McKenna series featuring a transgender teen with extraordinary gifts—Vicki shares her...
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How to Become an Author Later in Life
In this episode of the Creators at Work Podcast, host Donald Dunn sits down with Terry M. Brown author, award-winning novelist and host of Online for Authors, to explore what it truly means to rebuild your life after hardship. After leaving a fourteen-year emotionally abusive marriage, Terry...
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Pedal to Publish: How a 3102 Mile Bike Ride Ignited My Writing Dream - Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books
Terry M. Brown, an award-winning author, shares her incredible journey from overcoming an emotionally abusive marriage to becoming a successful writer. With a spirit of resilience, she cycled 3,102 miles across the U.S., which sparked her fiction career and helped her reclaim her voice. We dive...
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If Not Now, When? The Urgency of Writing Your First Book - Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books
Today, we're diving into the world of writing books with the incredible Ray Hartjen, who’s not just an author but a lifelong storyteller. Ray shares his journey from a B2B and B2C revenue guru to penning five diverse books, ranging from sports history to personal memoirs shaped by his own battle...
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Lights, Camera, Action: Unveiling the Magic of Filmmaking with Lisa Kaufman! - Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books
Today, we're diving deep into the world of filmmaking and storytelling with the talented Lisa Kaufman, a filmmaker who’s not just all about the glitz and glamour but has a rich history that connects her to some fascinating figures in literature and publishing. From her accidental discovery of...
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From Homeless to Harvard: Guy Morris's Journey Through Adversity
The discussion centers primarily on the profound implications of artificial intelligence, as articulated by our guest, Guy Morris, a pioneer in the field. Morris shares his multifaceted journey, from overcoming a tumultuous childhood to becoming a notable author and consultant for major...
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Unmasking the Past: A Dive into Military Mysteries During 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' - Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books
Today we're diving into a gripping mystery that unfolds during the tumultuous Don't Ask, Don't Tell era in the military. Our guest, Darryl Barry, a retired army officer turned novelist, shares his firsthand experiences and insights into a world where hidden pressures and quiet battles are all too...
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Does your office door title plate describe your leadership knowledge - The Real Leadership Brief
In this episode of The Real Leadership Brief, we explore what leadership really means beyond the title on your door. Joe Wyrwas joins the conversation to unpack leadership as responsibility—how decisions, ownership, and accountability define real leadership far more than position or authority....
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Unveiling the Creative Journey: Lucinda Sage's Lifelong Passion for Storytelling
The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the profound interconnection between film, storytelling, and the creative process, as articulated by our esteemed guest, Ms. Lucinda Sage. As a lifelong storyteller with extensive experience in theater, literature, and education, Lucinda...
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Exploring Identity and Community at Burning Man with Sarah Marshall - Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books
Burning Man isn't just a wild desert party; it's a transformative experience that challenges our notions of community and belonging. In this episode, I chat with Sarah Marshall, author of "Play A Dust in My Soul," who shares her journey from a cautious traveler to a full-fledged participant in…
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Unlocking Leadership Potential: Insights from Walter Dusseldorf - The Real Leadership Brief
The salient point of this podcast centers on the multifaceted nature of leadership and the importance of adaptability in various contexts. I engage in a profound discussion with Walter Dusseldorf, a seasoned mentor and personal development coach, who elucidates the pivotal role of experience in...
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Embracing the Irish Music Scene: Insights from Tara Connaghan
The discourse presented in this podcast delves into the intricate realm of Irish music and the essential etiquette surrounding it, particularly within session environments. We elucidate how an understanding and respect for the existing cultural frameworks can significantly ameliorate the anxiety...
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Accessibility as a Competitive Advantage: Lessons from Maxwell Ivy - Built from Scratch: Real Stories of Risk, Failure, and Reinvention
Maxwell Ivy, renowned as the Blind Blogger, joins us to elucidate the paramount importance of accessibility within the digital landscape. In our dialogue, we delve into his transformative journey, which began as a carnival owner and evolved into a distinguished advocate for inclusivity,...
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Unlocking Human Potential: Insights from Jim Marshall's Engineering Approach
The discussion critically examines the intricate nature of human behavior and the methodologies employed to enhance personal growth. Central to this discourse is the unique approach of Mr. Jim Marshall, who has dedicated over four decades to unraveling the complexities of human functioning…
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How Small Businesses Grow Real Leaders – Rich Ashton on Building People-First Companies - The Real Leadership Brief
What does it really take to build leaders inside a small business—without burning people out or losing your culture? In this episode of The Real Leadership Brief, Donald Dunn sits down with Rich Ashton, a Navy veteran and entrepreneur with more than four decades of experience building, fixing…
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Growing Up in Turbulence: How the Nineteen Seventies Shaped a Generation with Laura Van Wormer - History Told Forward: The Stories That Shape Who We Are
In this episode of History Told Forward, we deliver a powerful storytelling podcast experience rooted in real life stories, deep conversations, and the living memory of the human experience. We sit down with author and podcast creator Laura Van Wormer to explore what it was truly like to grow up…
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From Idea to Award: Crafting a Thriller and Finding Your Voice with John David - Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books
In this episode of Authors After Action, we deliver a storytelling podcast experience built on real life stories, inspiring interviews, and the creative side of the human experience. We sit down with John David—public relations professional, corporate ghostwriter, and award-winning novelist—to...
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Trailer: Creators At Work
Creators at Work is a conversational podcast focused on creativity through lived experience. Each episode features podcasters, writers, artists, filmmakers, and digital creators discussing what they make, why they started, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Rather than tutorials or...
About this show
Creators at Work is a podcast about the real process behind creative work — the discipline, routines, struggles, and decisions that shape artists, writers, podcasters, filmmakers, and makers of all kinds.Each episode features grounded conversations with creators who take their work seriously, exploring how ideas turn into finished projects and what it takes to stay consistent when motivation fades. Rather than focusing on fame or growth tactics, the show centers on craft, identity, and the realities of creative work over time.Creators at Work is for listeners who care about the process, the practice, and the long road of making meaningful work.
Hosted by
Donald Dunn