Keep the Flow

I never set out to become a minimalist composer, but somehow I accidentally stumbled into a creative process that completely transformed my output. What started as a simple experiment with my 2012 album Remote Location—recycling a bassline as a melody—turned into an ongoing game of "what can I get away with?" And here's the weird part: by giving myself fewer options and looser constraints, I ended up being way more productive. In this episode, I break down how minimalism and gamification accidentally helped me increase my creative output by 700%, and how you can use the same approach to unstick your own creative projects.Check out my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com/Join the Patreon community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The better I got at my craft, the less I actually created. Sounds backwards, right? In this episode, I share how improving our skills can paradoxically make us more hesitant, more critical, and less willing to experiment. Drawing from my own journey from coffee drinker to coffee snob, I explore why creative growth sometimes means hitting the record button less often—and why that's a problem we need to fix. If you've ever felt like you're too good for your own ideas, this one's for you.Jake Frew's video: https://youtu.be/DFirZ54qLbs?si=nKtKkCyTzvGjQlemCheck out my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com/Join the Patreon community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I was completely stuck trying to come up with a better title for an episode when something unexpected happened. 🤟 Come join my creative community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreThe moment I picked up my Apple Pencil and started doodling, the perfect phrase appeared—like my brain had been holding it hostage the whole time. This experience sent me down a research rabbit hole into the neuroscience of handwriting and creativity, and what I discovered completely changed how I approach creative blocks. In this episode, I'm breaking down the science behind why writing by hand can unlock breakthrough ideas, what's actually happening in your brain during those "aha" moments, and how you can trigger this process intentionally whenever you're stuck. 📬 If this resonated with you, you'll love my newsletter. I send one email a week with ideas like this: https://ktfpod.com/#newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the secret to creating your best work is convincing yourself it doesn't matter at all?📬 If this resonated with you, you'll love my newsletter. I send one email a week with ideas like this: https://ktfpod.com/#newsletter I recently sat down to write some throwaway background music for my podcast. Something pleasant, functional... and totally forgettable. Instead, I accidentally created what might be some of my best compositions in years. That's when I realized I'd stumbled onto something bigger: there's a side door to creativity that bypasses all the pressure and perfectionism we usually bring to our work. In this episode, I'll show you the neuroscience behind why lowering your expectations might be the key to unlocking your best ideas, how Larry David used this exact principle to create Seinfeld, and give you a practical 48-hour challenge that could completely change the way you approach your creative projects this week.🤟 Come join my creative community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A partially blind photographer who can't see what she's capturing just revealed the secret to why creativity might be the most powerful antidepressant you're not using.I've been feeling the seasonal dip lately... you know, those darker days that just weigh on you. Then I stumbled across a video from a photographer who's partially blind and can't totally see what she's photographing, and it completely shifted how I think about creativity and depression. In this episode, I'm sharing three ways your creative practice can act as a natural mood lifter, including what comedy writers understand that most of us miss, and a stupidly simple challenge that works even when your creative tank feels completely empty. If you're feeling the weight of the season right now, this one's for you.📬 If this resonated with you, you'll love my newsletter. I send one email a week with ideas like this: https://ktfpod.com/#newsletter🤟 Come join my creative community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I spent years as a musician, designer, and writer making the same mistakes over and over—here's what I'd tell my younger self to save years of suffering.📬 If this resonated with you, you'll love my newsletter. I send one email a week with ideas like this: https://ktfpod.com/#newsletter I don't feel like an expert, but when I look back at 35 years of creative work as a musician, graphic designer, and writer, I realize I've learned some hard lessons that my younger self desperately needed to hear. In this episode, I'm sharing five lessons that would have saved me years of self-doubt, scattered energy, and creative frustration. These aren't just nice ideas – they're the practical shifts that made me happier, more authentic, and actually productive. Whether you're just starting out or decades into your creative journey, I think these lessons will resonate with you too.🤟 Come join my creative community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I can improvise jazz without fear, so why does unscripted speaking terrify me?📬 If this resonated with you, you'll love my newsletter—I send one email a week with ideas like this: https://ktfpod.com/#newsletter I've been making this podcast with fully scripted episodes for a year and a half because I was terrified of not knowing what comes next. But here's the paradox: I'm a jazz drummer. I improvise music all the time without fear. So why is speaking so different? In this episode, I'm finally going off script (well, mostly - I have notes) to show you how the same principles that let jazz musicians improvise freely can help anyone become a better, more confident communicator. I share three practical exercises based on improv comedy, working memory research, and my own experience performing.Fair warning: this took me four attempts to record, my phone died halfway through, and I'm still uncomfortable doing this. But that vulnerability? That's where real connection happens. If you struggle with public speaking, lose your train of thought in meetings, or just want to think more clearly on your feet, this one's for you.🎧 Check out my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com/🤟 Join the Patreon community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreBTW, the background music in this episode is stuff I wrote and recorded in my home studio. I'm thinking about making an actual album out of it. Let me know if you'd be interested in that. https://ktfpod.comDr. Charles Limb - Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BomNG5N_E_0Alan Alda - 3 Things: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrOnk0JnXW4#unscripted #workingmemory #creativecareer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you lose sight of why you're creating—and how do you find your way back?📬 If this resonated with you, you'll love my newsletter—I send one email a week with ideas like this: https://ktfpod.com/#newsletter This week I'm feeling lost and questioning what really motivates my creativity. In this episode, I explore three ideas that help when you don't know why you're creating: relaxing into the process, giving yourself permission not to have all the answers, and reframing the ego question by focusing on service rather than achievement. If you've ever wondered whether your creative work is driven by genuine purpose or just ego, or if you've lost sight of why you even create, this conversation is for us.🎧 Check out my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com/🤟 Join the Patreon community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The secret to creative success isn't talent or inspiration—it's something much simpler (and harder) than you think.I used to think creative success was about making something great every time I sat down to work. But after years of composing, teaching, and yes—trying to learn those impossible drum patterns—I've realized something counterintuitive: the specific thing you're working on matters less than the fact that you're working at all. In this episode, I break down the psychological paradox that keeps us creating, why "doing the reps" is everything, and how to trick yourself into caring about the work without getting crushed when it doesn't pan out. 📬 If this resonated with you, you'll love my newsletter—I send one email a week with ideas like this: https://ktfpod.com/#newsletterCheck out my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com/Join the Patreon community: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a special, short episode about how creative people process loss and can move on without ignoring or pushing feelings of sorrow away.Bittersweet by Susan Cain: https://amzn.to/3WwMmarInspired by the loss of my mother, I felt compelled to make this episode as a way to allow those feelings to come into my work and guide me forward.I forgot to mention that there are many kinds of loss beyond losing a loved one. The loss of a pet, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job — any of these experiences require grieving and can upend your creative practice.Already I can see I will need to make a follow up to this episode. It was much too short anyway, but it was all I could handle right now.Join me on Patreon:https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the creative work that "doesn't matter" is actually the key to unlocking your most important breakthroughs?Grab a FREE copy of my ebook: https://payhip.com/b/RIqQxAfter 35 years as a professional musician, some of my biggest creative breakthroughs came from projects I almost threw away. In this episode, I'm sharing why thinking smaller—not bigger—might be the secret to unlocking your best work. I'll reveal the psychological tricks that make starting effortless, why side quests often become more valuable than your main work, and how tiny constraints can actually sharpen your creativity. If you've ever felt paralyzed by the pressure to create something important, this one's for you.The waitlist is open for my upcoming course Creative Resilience:https://ktfpod.com/creative-resilience/crwaitlist.htmlI'm so glad you tuned in to Keep the Flow my (hopefully) weekly podcast that looks under the hood of the creative process. The podcast finally has its own website — with merch even!https://ktfpod.comCheck out my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com/Follow for free on Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the only permission you’ve ever needed for your creative work was your own?The waitlist is open for my upcoming course Creative Resilience:https://ktfpod.com/creative-resilience/crwaitlist.htmlGrab a FREE copy of my ebook: https://payhip.com/b/RIqQxI spent years waiting to be “picked” — for bands, auditions, and even summer gigs. In this episode, I share my own story of setbacks, the shift that helped me move forward, and how you can stop waiting for permission and start creating on your own terms.I'm so glad you tuned in to Keep the Flow my (hopefully) weekly podcast that looks under the hood of the creative process. The podcast finally has its own website — with merch even!https://ktfpod.comCheck out my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com/Follow for free on Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab a FREE copy of the Wayfinder PDF: https://payhip.com/b/01AdwI thought I was leaving music behind when I moved from NYC to Iceland to start a design firm—but life had other plans. Here's the 4-part framework I developed to navigate back to your creative path when everything feels derailed. Keep the Flow with Scott McLemore is a weekly podcast that looks under the hood of the creative process. https://ktfpod.comFollow me for free on Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreHere's my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If your creative life feels like you’re driving in circles, this is the episode that shows you exactly how to find the exit.Follow me for free on Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreIn this follow-up to my most popular episode, I dig into how to actually break free from the “creative roundabout.” I share my own turning points, the discomfort of saying no, and three practical steps to close the gap between knowing and doing—so you can get unstuck and move toward your next creative level.Sign up for The Interval, my free newsletter for inspiration in your inbox: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how building your own attention map can help you stay focused, unlock flow, and navigate creative distractions with clarity.Sign up for The Interval, my free newsletter for inspiration in your inbox: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIn this episode, I explore how the concept of "attention maps" — inspired by self-driving cars and advice my dad gave me when I first learned to drive — can help us navigate the creative process. Just like learning to rely on peripheral vision while driving, creative flow requires us to manage distractions while staying focused on what really matters. I talk about how we build our personal attention maps over time, how they shape our style, and how to keep momentum when doubts and detours arise.__________Follow me on Patreon for free: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreMusic: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comhttps://scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover why true creative success isn't about numbers or popularity, but planting seeds that grow into unexpected forests of opportunity and connection. Sign up for The Interval for free inspiration in your inbox. https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIn this episode of Keep the Flow, I explore the complicated relationship we creatives have with success. I share my personal journey through disappointing album releases, unexpected connections that changed my career, and why I've come to see my creative work as planting seeds rather than chasing metrics. If you've ever felt discouraged when your passion project didn't get the reception it deserved, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how creative success unfolds over time in ways we can't always predict. I challenge you to revisit a project that didn't initially succeed and see what new growth might be possible.__________To follow me on Patreon for free: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreListen to my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comCheck out my new website: https://scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're a creative person feeling stuck, these 5 mistakes might be the reason your work isn’t getting the traction it deserves.YouTube version: https://youtu.be/ygvR3B_i_i0Sign up for The Interval for free inspiration in your inbox. https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIn this episode, I’m talking about five common mistakes that creative people—myself included—tend to make. From hiding our work out of fear to tying our self-worth to the results, these are the habits that can quietly sabotage our growth. I share some personal stories and hard-earned lessons in hopes that they’ll help you stay connected to the creative process and, as always, keep the flow.__________To follow me on Patreon for free: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreListen to my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comCheck out my new website: https://scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the four essential habits of disciplined creatives that transformed my daily workflow, including preparation techniques, morning rituals, procrastination management strategies, and deep work practices that consistently unlock creative flow and boost productivity.Sign up for The Interval for free inspiration in your inbox. https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIn this episode, I explore how discipline is actually the key that unlocks consistent creativity, not its enemy. Drawing inspiration from psychologist Nick Wignall, I share four powerful habits that transformed my creative practice: preparing your creative runway the day before, establishing a consistent warm-up ritual, changing your relationship with procrastination, and quarantining busywork. These simple practices work with your psychology rather than against it, making it easier to do the creative work you want to do.__________To follow me on Patreon for free: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreListen to my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comCheck out my new website: https://scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up for The Interval for free inspiration in your inbox. https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comTired of staring at a blank page? In this episode, we explore the counterintuitive truth that unlimited freedom might be your creativity's worst enemy. I break down how constraints—whether it's a tight deadline, limited tools, or self-imposed boundaries—actually spark innovation rather than stifle it. From Shakespeare's quarantine masterpieces to Spielberg's broken shark, history shows us that limitations breed brilliance. Learn three practical strategies to harness the power of constraints and transform creative paralysis into focused productivity. Stop waiting for perfect conditions and discover why the frame around your work might be more valuable than the endless canvas you've been dreaming of.__________To follow me on Patreon for free: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreListen to my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comTake a gander at my new website: https://scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up for The Interval for free inspiration in your inbox. https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comI used to think that quitting social media would destroy my career as a musician and podcaster—but the opposite happened. I didn’t vanish; I started feeling more visible to the people who actually care about my work. In this episode of Keep the Flow, I talk about how you can build a fulfilling and sustainable creative life without chasing followers or feeding the algorithm. I share why I stepped away from traditional social platforms, how I replaced them with more meaningful tools like newsletters, websites, and direct community engagement, and why real connection—online or off—is worth more than a thousand likes. This isn’t about convincing anyone to quit, but if you’re curious… maybe you can.___________https://hostinger.com?REFERRALCODE=KEEPTHEFLOWMood Machine by Liz Pelly: https://amzn.to/3GqA5PP___________To follow me on Patreon for free: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreListen to my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comCheck out my new website: https://scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Keep the Flow, I share a recent experience when I felt completely unmotivated on what should have been a productive day. Instead of forcing myself to work through creative blocks, I discovered that taking pressure off by watching a movie unexpectedly led to one of my best drum practice sessions. I explore the science behind why our brains need this balance between focus and relaxation, share strategies I've developed for working with low-energy days, and explain how this connects to the "enjoyment-based productivity" concept from Ali Abdaal's book. Despite increasing my creative output by 700% through systems, fluctuations are normal and sometimes the most productive thing we can do is stop trying to be productive.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a musician and creative professional, I discovered that waiting for inspiration is the enemy of creativity. By committing to a structured approach – setting aside dedicated time, documenting my process through Patreon, and removing the pressure of perfect output – I transformed my creative practice. Instead of treating inspiration as a rare, mystical force, I realized it's a skill that can be cultivated through consistent engagement. This shift allowed me to move from sporadic creative bursts to a reliable workflow, ultimately leading to two album releases and a fundamentally different relationship with my art. My message is simple: creativity isn't about waiting to be chosen, it's about showing up and creating space for ideas to emerge.Grab my new ebook: https://shop.scottmclemore.comTo follow me on Patreon for free: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreListen to my music: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comCheck my website: https://scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Keep the Flow, I dive into the tangled relationship between creativity and perfectionism. From personal stories of wrestling with unfinished compositions to insights from artists like Bill Frisell and research on "perfectionistic strivings," I explore the fine line between pushing for excellence and getting stuck in self-doubt. Whether you’re chasing creative flow or learning to let go, this episode is a reminder that sometimes 90% is good enough — and that progress beats perfection every time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab my new eBook, Necessarily Creative: https://shop.scottmclemore.comEver feel guilty about falling down a rabbit hole of distractions? In this episode of Keep the Flow, I flip the script on curiosity and show how the right kind of "curiosity snacks" can fuel your creativity instead of draining your time. Inspired by Anne-Laure Le Cunff’s take on mindful exploration, I dive into how creative professionals—especially those who are neurodivergent—can balance focus and discovery. From tweaking your digital environment to hacking YouTube’s algorithm, I share practical ways to turn distractions into creative fuel. Because sometimes, wasting time the right way is the most productive thing you can do.Also mentioned in this episode: Simon Sinek, Jacob Collier, Andy J. Pizza and Chris Piascik_____________Keep the Flow is a weekly podcast hosted by Scott McLemore that looks under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.I also have a free newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly run-down of inspiration and updates.Join here: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you'd like to get early access to podcast episodes as well as bonus material (like a free download of my eBook)...become one of my Patreon peeps: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore😎 ABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. In addition to my career in music, I've been involved in creative pursuits such as working in graphic design and writing about creativity.https://scottmclemore.comYou can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab my new eBook, Necessarily Creative: https://shop.scottmclemore.comIn this episode, I explore how creative people can boost both productivity and happiness by embracing Ali Abdaal’s book Feel Good Productivity. We break down the three energizers—Play, Power, and People—and see how they can help us work smarter, enjoy the process, and stay connected. I also share my own approach to gamifying tasks I usually avoid (like booking gigs) and why confidence, agency, and collaboration are essential for any creative. If you’ve ever struggled with creative burnout or self-doubt, this episode offers practical ways to shift your mindset and keep the flow going.–––––––––––––––––––Keep the Flow is a weekly podcast hosted by Scott McLemore that looks under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.I also have a free newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly run-down of inspiration and updates.Join here: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you'd like to get early access to podcast episodes as well as bonus material (like a free download of my eBook)...become one of my Patreon peeps: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore😎 ABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. In addition to my career in music, I've been involved in creative pursuits such as working in graphic design and writing about creativity.You can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a thrill to be able to chat with the incredible illustrator Chris Piascik on the latest episode of Keep the Flow! We get into his background in graphic design, the importance of creating what you like and being intentional with your work.YouTube: https://youtu.be/nIu6sYOPOZAKeep the Flow is a weekly podcast hosted by Scott McLemore that looks under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You might like my newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly run-down of inspiration and updates.Join here: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you'd like to get early access to podcast episodes as well as bonus material (like a free download of my eBook)...become one of my Patreon peeps: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore😎 ABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. I make Keep the Flow every week that look under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab my new eBook, Necessarily Creative: https://book.scottmclemore.comHow to Work Your Inspiration Muscle...- and stop taking things for grantedAs we get older, things that used to blow our minds become... unremarkable.But can we take steps to exercise our inspiration muscle and learn to notice more?I'm so glad you asked!That's exactly what I get into in this episode with 3 ways to stop taking things for granted and tune into the world again._____________________Keep the Flow is a weekly podcast hosted by Scott McLemore that looks under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You might like my newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly run-down of inspiration and updates.Join here: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you'd like to get early access to podcast episodes as well as bonus material (like a free download of my eBook)...become one of my Patreon peeps: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore😎 ABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. I make Keep the Flow every week that look under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com#creativecareer #creativity #productivity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab my new eBook, Necessarily Creative: https://book.scottmclemore.comStop Asking the Wrong QuestionsIn this episode of "Keep the Flow," I dive into the common struggle many creatives face: the tendency to ask ourselves the wrong questions. If you've ever found yourself trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and negativity, you're not alone – I've been there too. As a musician and creative professional, I understand how easy it is to fixate on perceived shortcomings, but I've learned that true growth comes from shifting our focus to the work itself. Instead of questioning why we're not better, we should be asking what we can create next or how we can approach our challenges differently.Keep the Flow is a weekly podcast hosted by Scott McLemore that looks under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You might like my newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly run-down of inspiration and updates.Join here: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you'd like to get early access to podcast episodes as well as bonus material (like a free download of my eBook)...become one of my Patreon peeps: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore😎 ABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. I make Keep the Flow every week that look under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab my new eBook, Necessarily Creative: https://book.scottmclemore.comWhy You Need to Make Your Story Part of Your Creative WorkWhen we tell our own story it has multiple benefits. It allows people to connect with our work. It gives us an opportunity to communicate facets of ourself that can be therapeutic and provides us with a vehicle to understand ourselves. Keep the Flow is a weekly podcast hosted by Scott McLemore that looks under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You might like my newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly run-down of inspiration and updates.Join here: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you'd like to get early access to podcast episodes as well as bonus material (like a free download of my eBook)...become one of my Patreon peeps: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore😎 ABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. I make Keep the Flow every week that look under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab my new eBook, Necessarily Creative: https://book.scottmclemore.comSometimes we can forget that the work we do is important. We can also get so fixated on our original ideas that we try to force things to conform to that vision instead of allowing outside forces to naturally shape the work, whether that’s through unforeseen circumstances or our collaborators. This week on Keep the Flow, I reflect on an interview I heard with actor Gary Oldman. He talked about working with director Christofer Nolan and how the brevity he used in his minimalist direction inspired great performances. Keep the Flow is a weekly podcast hosted by Scott McLemore that looks under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You might like my newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly run-down of inspiration and updates.Join here: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you'd like to get early access to podcast episodes as well as bonus material (like a free download of my eBook)...become one of my Patreon peeps: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore😎 ABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. I make Keep the Flow every week that look under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grab my new eBook Necessarily Creative: https://book.scottmclemore.comCreatives can access their heart drive for deeper work. Another way to think of our subconscious is a more easily accessible “heart drive” which stores the feelings and memories that inform our ideas. Creative people access the heart drive all the time, but usually without realizing it. A more intentional approach using these 5 tips can strengthen the connection to our heart drive and lead to deeper work. Keep the Flow is a weekly podcast hosted by Scott McLemore that looks under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You might like my newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly run-down of inspiration and updates.Join here: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you'd like to get early access to podcast episodes as well as bonus material (like a free download of my eBook)...become one of my Patreon peeps: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore😎 ABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. I make Keep the Flow every week that look under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As creatives, freedom is essential—but without discipline, freedom can lead to aimlessness. In this episode, I break down 5 ways to be your own boss and integrate structure into your creative pursuits without losing joy.When you master discipline, your creative career becomes an unstoppable force. 🚀Get your copy of Necessarily Creative - A Blueprint for a Creative Life: https://book.scottmclemore.comYou might also like my newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly run-down of inspiration and updates.Join here: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you'd like to get early access to podcast episodes as well as bonus material (like a free download of my eBook)...become one of my Patreon peeps: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore😎 ABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. I make Keep the Flow every week that look under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes, it's a bit of an announcement. In this episode I unveil my first eBook, Necessarily Creative - A Blueprint for a Creative Life.https://book.scottmclemore.comThe episode gets into some of the same subject matter but it's more inspired by the book and not really a summary or presentation of the material. Thanks to Med Badr Chemmaoui for the awesome picture in the episode art.You might like my newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly run-down of inspiration and updates. Join here: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you'd like to get early access to podcast episodes as well as bonus material (like a free download of my eBook)...become one of my Patreon peeps: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First of all, I'm ok. It's funny how when I post episodes about negative issues we deal with, people assume I'm going through something. I always have a few people who reach out to make sure I'm ok.I'm fine.However, I'm not always fine. None of us are. That's where creativity can actually help. But it's easy to forget that.In this episode I run through 4 factors to keep in mind that can help us stay creative when the going gets tough.And, as I mentioned in the episode, here's a link to Sunna's new project of music to Icelandic poetry: https://sunnagunnlaugs.bandcamp.com/album/stin-bjarts-nin-og-andskotans-bla-ri-f-lkinuI also have a free newsletter called The Interval which is a weekly rundown of inspiration and updates directly to your inbox. https://subscribe.scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creativity is why I started Keep the Flow and launched this YouTube channel. How many subscribers I have, or don't have shouldn't have an influence on what I create, but it's hard not to notice when we have a video that performs well. This week I go over my workflow, how I stay consistent, my struggles and potential perks to having a YouTube channel.As a creator, I'm trying to make sense of why my video "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" did better than usual. Should I even be trying to analyze the success or just smile and get back to work?https://youtu.be/hjeYYDlCF8g😎 ABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. I make Keep the Flow every week that look under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comAnd follow me for FREE on Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore🎙️ ALL THE GEAR:Audio:Røde Podmic USB: https://amzn.to/44TtDJrFocusrite Vocaster 2: https://amzn.to/3WRla7HHollyland Lark M2: https://amzn.to/3Sl1ia3Lighting:Amran P60x: https://amzn.to/4dUfekgWeeylite S05: https://amzn.to/3RnnzUbVideo:iPhone 13 Pro: https://amzn.to/47kJi5J📓 Research:Audible: https://amzn.to/3ulKRBuBlinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join my free weekly email The Interval for a rundown of inspiration and updates: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comWhen we get so close to our creative work, we can lose perspective. It’s good to have someone who can take an unbiased look at your work. Sometimes we miss things that seem obvious to others. We all make mistakes. Allowing someone you trust to give you constructive criticism shouldn’t mean less confidence for you, just that you’re human.The patron who helped show me the light was Anika Lacerte who make beautiful print work. Check out her designs here: http://thehandcraftedstory.com/And follow me for FREE on Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign up for my FREE weekly email The Interval for inspiration and updates: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comBy becoming more intentional with something we do naturally, it can change the way we look at the world and how we create. In this episode I take examples from Prince covering Radiohead, Steve Martin's book Born Standing Up and Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon.BOOKS:Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon https://amzn.to/3WJwnVXBorn Standing Up by Steve Martin https://amzn.to/3AyJXErABOUT ME:Hi. I'm Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. I make Keep the Flow every week that look under the hood of the creative process to keep our creative engines humming.You can listen to my music here: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comBecome a part of my family of patrons for FREE: https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We can sometimes get into endless debates with ourselves about the next step in our creative process. My own overthinking is usually based in fear or perfectionism and leads directly to inaction.This week on Keep the Flow I get into how all creatives could learn a lot from improvisers and athletes. Learning to make decisions on the fly can get us over the hurdles we set up for ourselves.Follow me on Patreon for free:https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreWatch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/h-Sz11ZJb7I Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join my weekly email The Interval where I share what's inspiring me and what I'm up to: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comIf you feel like you’ve been hovering around the same place in your creativity for longer than you would like; if you feel like your creative career has plateaued, this one’s for you. This week on Keep the Flow we look at the idea of What Got You Here Won't Get You There as applied to creatives. At the intersection of creativity and productivity, when we start to think of our creativity as a business sometimes what we ascribe to our success that has brought us to this point is maybe the wrong approach now or just not enough to get us to the next level in our careers. If you feel open to talking about what 3 actions you think you should take to get out of the roundabout, please leave me a comment over on the YouTube version:https://youtu.be/hjeYYDlCF8g------------------------------------------------------Keep the Flow is hosted by Scott McLemore, a drummer and composer living way up north in Iceland. It looks under the hood of the creative process in order to keep our creative engines humming.Join my growing community on Patreon for early access to podcast episodes and bonus material. https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreBooks mentioned:What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith:https://amzn.to/3WBayrTSlow Productivity by Cal Newport:https://amzn.to/3LZgbLfThe music of Icelandic pianist Sunna Gunnlaugs:https://sunnagunnlaugs.bandcamp.com/album/becoming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when we change our perspective, when we flip the subject upside down, when we entertain the notion that things could be different?This week on Keep the Flow we look at how artists and creators can flip the script on themselves and enrich their work and their authenticity.How do you think about authenticity?Please leave me a comment on the YouTube version:https://youtu.be/J1oDHvrjlgoWant to join my growing community of patrons? Right this way:https://patreon.com/scottmclemore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re putting off creating because of something you think you need to do or buy first, this one’s for you. This week on Keep the Flow I'm tackling the pitfall of putting off our creative pursuits because somehow we feel like the conditions are not ideal.I'm using myself as an example since I'm away from home and trying to keep up with the podcast and YouTube channel while still being "on vacation" and spending time with my family. It's tricky, but I think I found a happy medium.Please leave me a comment on the YouTube version:https://youtu.be/elTGi7mRoq0If you'd like to join the growing family of Patrons, right this way:https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreDeals:Free Trail on Riverside.fm: https://riverside.scottmclemore.com70% OFF Blinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.comAbout me:Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreMusic: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comNewsletter - The Interval: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comAll the gear:Audio:Røde Podmic USB: https://amzn.to/44TtDJrFocusrite Vocaster 2: https://amzn.to/3WRla7HHollyland Lark M2: https://amzn.to/3Sl1ia3Lighting:Amran P60x: https://amzn.to/4dUfekgWeeylite S05: https://amzn.to/3RnnzUbVideo:iPhone 12 mini: https://amzn.to/3KiFYgEResearch:Audible: https://amzn.to/3ulKRBuBlinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Short but sweet. This was a quick 'n' dirty recording I did while visiting in Virginia.We get into the idea of quitting a creative outlet. I tell the story of my brush with quitting, how I found my way back and ultimately how we, as creatives, need to figure out a way to function in this world that allows us to survive financially and thrive creatively.f you'd like to join the growing family of Patrons, right this way:https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreDeals:Free Trail on Riverside.fm: https://riverside.scottmclemore.com70% OFF Blinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.comAbout me:Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreMusic: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comNewsletter - The Interval: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comAll the gear:Audio:Røde Podmic USB: https://amzn.to/44TtDJrFocusrite Vocaster 2: https://amzn.to/3WRla7HHollyland Lark M2: https://amzn.to/3Sl1ia3Lighting:Amran P60x: https://amzn.to/4dUfekgWeeylite S05: https://amzn.to/3RnnzUbVideo:iPhone 12 mini: https://amzn.to/3KiFYgEResearch:Audible: https://amzn.to/3ulKRBuBlinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.com#creativity #bored #boredom #mindfulness #mindfulcreativity #stillness #escapism #technology #dopamine #dopaminedetox #art #artist #podcast #creators #softskills #iceland #icelandic #productivity #music #musician #drummer #drums #neuroscience #neurodivergent #actuallyautistic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bored? Good. This week on Keep the Flow we look at 3 ways we can leverage boredom to unleash our imagination, curiosity and hone our problem solving skills. Let's all get bored!If you'd like to join the growing family of Patrons, right this way:Join my PatreonBooks mentioned:Sacred Rest by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MDPodcasts mentioned:Mel Robbins Podcast with Dr. KDeals:Free Trail on Riverside.fm: https://riverside.scottmclemore.com70% OFF Blinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.comAbout me:Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreMusic: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comNewsletter - The Interval: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comAll the gear:Audio:Røde Podmic USB: https://amzn.to/44TtDJrFocusrite Vocaster 2: https://amzn.to/3WRla7HLighting:Amran P60x: https://amzn.to/4dUfekgWeeylite S05: https://amzn.to/3RnnzUbVideo:iPhone 12 mini: https://amzn.to/3KiFYgEResearch:Audible: https://amzn.to/3ulKRBuBlinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you ever feel like your self-worth is tied to your creative successes and failures, this episode is for you.This week we explore the creative's ego, process vs. results, fixed vs. growth mindset and 5 ways to hop off the Ego-Coaster.™As I mentioned in this episode, I've been listening to Steve Martin's book Born Standing Up on Audilble. If you'd like to get a 30 day free trial of Audible goto: https://audible.scottmclemore.comDeals:Free Trail on Riverside.fm: https://riverside.scottmclemore.com70% OFF Blinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.comBooks mentioned:Creative Confidence by David and Tom KelleyMindset by Carol DweckABOUT ME:Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreMusic: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comNewsletter - The Interval: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comALL THE GEAR:Audio:Røde Podmic USB: https://amzn.to/44TtDJrFocusrite Vocaster 2: https://amzn.to/3WRla7HLighting:Amran P60x: https://amzn.to/4dUfekgWeeylite S05: https://amzn.to/3RnnzUbVideo:iPhone 12 mini: https://amzn.to/3KiFYgEResearch:Audible: https://amzn.to/3ulKRBuBlinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It can be easy to misplace your priorities and forget why we're even putting the time and energy into this whole creativity thing at all. This week on Keep the Flow, I get into the big WHY behind all of our efforts and struggles. Do we need to create? Is necessity really the mother of invention and if so, should we not be asking invention - who's your daddy?Examples from Charles and Ray Eames as well as my own work show us what some of the motivations are for all our efforts.Free Trial on Riverside.fm: https://riverside.scottmclemore.com70% OFF Blinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.comABOUT ME:Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreMusic: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comNewsletter - The Interval: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comALL THE GEAR:Audio:Røde Podmic USB: https://amzn.to/44TtDJrFocusrite Vocaster 2: https://amzn.to/3WRla7HLighting:Amran P60x: https://amzn.to/4dUfekgWeeylite S05: https://amzn.to/3RnnzUbVideo:iPhone 12 mini: https://amzn.to/3KiFYgEResearch:Audible: https://amzn.to/3ulKRBuBlinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Keep the Flow, we get into the idea of being able to choose our thoughts as creative people.Ideas are a kind of thought, so to get good at dealing with our ideas we have to get good at dealing with our thoughts. We look at the relationship between cognitive flexibility and brain plasticity and what impact our environment has on our mental bandwidth.Put your thinking caps on.70% OFF Blinkist: https://blinkist.scottmclemore.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreMusic: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comNewsletter - The Interval: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comALL THE GEAR:Audio:Røde Podmic USB: https://amzn.to/44TtDJrFocusrite Vocaster 2: https://amzn.to/3WRla7HLighting:Amran P60x: https://amzn.to/4dUfekgWeeylite S05: https://amzn.to/3RnnzUbVideo:iPhone 12 mini: https://amzn.to/3KiFYgEResearch:Audible: https://amzn.to/3ulKRBu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Keep the Flow we get into the balancing act of hard skills vs. soft skills: knowing how to do a thing vs. knowing why we do the thing.There are many ways to look at this equation as applied to creativity. Let's traverse the rabbit-hole together, shall we?Patreon: https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreMusic: https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comNewsletter - The Interval: https://subscribe.scottmclemore.comAudio:Røde Podmic USB: https://amzn.to/44TtDJrFocusrite Vocaster 2: https://amzn.to/3WRla7HLighting:Amran P60x: https://amzn.to/4dUfekgWeeylite S05: https://amzn.to/3RnnzUbVideo:iPhone 12 mini: https://amzn.to/3KiFYgEResearch:Audible: https://amzn.to/3ulKRBuBlinkist: http://blinkist.o6eiov.net/ZdvkYR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So boring! But is repetition useful to creatives?This week we get into how we can harness the power of repetition to make our ideas more impactful, digestible and manufacture expectations... which we can then defy.(The photo is from inside Harpa in Reykjavik, showing the intricate pattern of Ólafur Elíasson's design.)Catch up on Hiking with Penny over at my Patreon. Follow for free or pick a tier for as little as $1 a month for early access to episodes, extended interviews and bonus content.https://patreon.com/scottmclemoreMy music is on Bandcamp:https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comMy newsletter, The Interval is here:https://subscribe.scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I explore the idea of infusing ourselves into our creative work... and how to figure out who we actually are creatively?Videos mentioned:David Carson at Fabrica: https://youtu.be/KugSqW6FDRQJohn Cusak in Say Anything: https://youtu.be/Pvuv2sn5fDQIf you'd like to join the growing family of Patrons, right this way:Join my PatreonTry Audible:https://amzn.to/3ulKRBuTry Blinkist with my link:http://blinkist.o6eiov.net/ZdvkYRListen to my music on Bandcamp:https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comSubscribe to my newsletter The Interval:https://subscribe.scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I get into the feeling of having lost our mojo. Why this happens. Can we prevent it? And what we can do to get it back.Trigger warning: Episode mentions slow cooked pork.Videos mentioned:BBC - Mondrian with Jason Moran: https://youtu.be/05KLW-xsoxENetflix - Abstract with Christof Niemann: https://youtu.be/q_k8fVNzbGULive in Reykjavik - [Free Download]https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.com/album/the-multiverse-live-in-reykjav-kIf you'd like to join the growing family of Patrons, right this way:Join my PatreonTour dates for Sunna Gunnlaugs Trio:http://sunnagunnlaugs.comTry Audible:https://amzn.to/3ulKRBuTry Blinkist with my link:http://blinkist.o6eiov.net/ZdvkYRListen to my music on Bandcamp:https://scottmclemore.bandcamp.comSubscribe to my newsletter The Interval:https://subscribe.scottmclemore.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.