157. The Creative Power of an Analog Summer

157. The Creative Power of an Analog Summer

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] What would happen if you stopped documenting your life long enough to actually experience it? In this episode, we explore the growing cultural movement toward an “analog summer” — intentionally stepping away from constant digital stimulation and reconnecting with slower, more tactile, deeply human ways of living. From knitting and painting to playing cards, baking, reading, walking, and spending time in meaningful third spaces, this conversation is about reclaiming attention, creativity, and presence in a world designed to fragment all three. Amy shares reflections on wanting to be fully present during her son’s last summer before college, the surprising relief of taking several days away from her phone, and the neuroscience behind why our devices are making it harder to focus, create, rest, and connect. This episode also explores: * the psychological cost of constant scrolling * dopamine loops and digital overstimulation * attention fragmentation and “brain rot” * the loss of third spaces in modern life * why multitasking is damaging to the brain * stress hormones, cortisol, and emotional overload * how excessive screen time impacts creativity and cognition * rebuilding cognitive reserve through novelty, art, movement, and mindfulness * practical ways to create your own analog summer You’ll also hear simple, realistic strategies for reducing screen time without perfectionism or shame: * switching back to a traditional alarm clock * leaving books and art supplies visible around the house * replacing scrolling with tactile activities * creating environments that make analog living easier and more appealing * intentionally seeking out novelty, beauty, and in-person experiences This episode is ultimately an invitation to reclaim your attention and return to the kinds of experiences that nourish creativity, emotional health, and meaningful connection. Because creativity is one of the most analog experiences we can have. In This Episode * Why your phone feels impossible to put down * The neuroscience behind compulsive scrolling * What happens to the brain during chronic overstimulation * How digital life has replaced many of our third spaces * Why boredom, slowness, and novelty matter for creativity * Small shifts that can dramatically improve focus and mood * How analog experiences help regulate the nervous system Mentioned in This Episode * David Sedaris * Architectural Digest * Enso drawing * Fine Points yarn shop in Cleveland * Kitty Cotton’s “55 Ways I’m Unplugging This Summer” Reflection Question What would an analog summer look like for you? What are 55 things you could do instead of looking at your phone? Support the Podcast If you enjoy The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can also support the show through monthly sponsorships, which help keep the podcast completely commercial free. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

156. Art Is Political: Creativity, Democracy, and the Courage to Speak

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the inseparable relationship between art and politics, and why creativity is not a luxury—but a necessity for a healthy society. From political cartoons and protest imagery to community art and everyday creative expression, art has always been a catalyst for social change, empathy, and revolution. Amy reflects on the alarming decline of arts education in schools, the growing body of research connecting art to physical and mental health, and the urgent need to reclaim creativity as an essential human tool for understanding ourselves and engaging with the world around us. This episode also explores: * Why arts education matters for democracy and critical thinking * The role of creativity in empathy, civic engagement, and problem solving * How images and symbols communicate powerful truths * The importance of having imperfect but meaningful conversations about civil rights and democracy * The Japanese Zen art practice of the Enso and its connection to mindfulness and imperfection * How perfectionism can silence creativity and become a barrier to change * The connection between inner peace, artistic practice, and collective healing * Updates and inspiration from The Art Therapy Toolkit Amy also shares a simple and meaningful creative invitation: creating your own Enso circle as a practice of presence, self-expression, and letting go of perfectionism. Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, this episode is a reminder that creativity belongs to everyone—and that engaging with art can become a powerful act of healing, connection, and participation in the world around us. In This Episode * The devaluing of arts education and why it matters * Art as communication, protest, and transformation * Political cartoons, symbolism, and storytelling through images * Creativity as a tool for health and resilience * The Enso circle and the beauty of imperfection * Why peaceful inner environments matter for collective change * How small conversations create meaningful social impact Mentioned in This Episode * The Japanese tradition of Enso art * Do Better by Rachel Ricketts * The Art Therapy Toolkit by Amy Backos (in press) Creative Reflection Prompt Where do art and social change intersect in your own life? What conversations, emotions, or hopes are asking to be expressed creatively right now? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

155. Procrastination Cure

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] What actually creates a meaningful life? In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the deep connection between meaning, motivation, values, and behavior. Drawing from psychological research, personal stories, and her own creative process, Amy unpacks why fulfillment is not found through certainty, productivity, success, money, or external validation—but through acting in alignment with what matters most to us. Amy shares a candid behind-the-scenes look at finishing her latest book, including her struggles with procrastination, self-judgment, time anxiety, and the constant chatter of the mind. Through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she explains the difference between thought fusion and thought diffusion—and how learning to step back from our thoughts can help us reconnect with purpose, creativity, and meaningful action. This episode is an invitation to stop treating your thoughts as facts and instead begin asking: What kind of person do I want to be in this moment? Whether in parenting, work, relationships, creativity, or community, meaning emerges when our behavior reflects our deepest values—even when life feels uncertain or difficult. Amy also discusses: * Why procrastination is often part of the creative process * How social media and constant stimulation disconnect us from meaning * The neuroscience of thoughts and why they are not commands or truths * The relationship between values, satisfaction, and psychological flexibility * Why creating spaciousness in your schedule supports creativity and emotional health * The surprising power of tiny daily actions that align with your values Key Takeaway We experience the deepest sense of meaning not when life is easy or predictable, but when our actions align with what truly matters to us. * Where in your life do your actions currently align with your values? * Where are you reacting to thoughts instead of responding to reality? * What small action could you take today that would feel meaningful to you? * What would happen if you stopped treating every thought as a fact? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

154. A New Way to Respond to Uncertainty

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, it’s natural to return to familiar ways of coping. These patterns often developed for good reason—they worked at one point in time. But as circumstances change, those same strategies can become limiting, keeping us stuck in cycles that no longer support our well-being. In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the psychology of change and why moments of stress are often the most important times to try something new. Rather than retreating into old habits, these are the moments that invite experimentation, flexibility, and growth. Drawing from behavioral psychology, this episode breaks down the fundamental reasons we seek or avoid change—either to reduce discomfort or to increase pleasure—and how these motivations shape our decisions. Dr. Backos also explores three core drivers of change: movement toward our values, the process of self-actualization, and the innate human drive to explore and create. A central focus of this conversation is the role of creativity in disrupting automatic patterns. When we engage in art, we create space between thought and action. Instead of reacting immediately, we are able to observe our internal experience, externalize it, and approach it with greater curiosity and perspective. This shift allows for more intentional choices and opens the possibility for new ways of responding. You’ll also learn how subtle psychological tools—such as nudges, environmental design, and behavioral anchors—can support meaningful and sustainable change. These small adjustments reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to follow through on the behaviors that align with your values. This episode also explores: * Why we return to old coping strategies during times of stress * How to recognize when you are ready for change * The difference between rapid life changes and gradual behavioral shifts * How admiration, frustration, and comparison can signal a desire for growth * Practical ways to use your environment to support new habits * Why consistency—not perfection—is essential for lasting change Creativity is not just a form of expression. It is a mechanism for change. Through creative practice, you can begin to shift long-standing patterns, expand your responses to stress, and develop a more flexible, adaptive way of engaging with your life. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]

153. From Brain Fog to Clarity: How the Arts Restore Your Mind

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] The arts are not a luxury. They are a biological necessity. In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the powerful connection between creativity and health—breaking down the neuroscience behind why engaging in the arts improves not only emotional well-being, but cognitive functioning and even physical health. From brain fog and low mood to attention and memory challenges, the impact of stress on our thinking is real. But research shows that creative engagement—from listening to music to making art—can actually change how the brain communicates with itself, improving clarity, focus, and overall mental functioning. This episode goes beyond inspiration and into evidence. Drawing from neuroimaging research and global studies, including work from the World Health Organization, you’ll learn how the arts reduce cognitive symptoms, expand your behavioral choices, and interrupt the negative cycles that keep you stuck. You’ll also discover why how you engage matters. Passive consumption isn’t enough—true benefit comes from intentional, focused participation in the arts. Dr. Backos also introduces the concept of thought–action repertoires—the patterns that shape how you respond to your emotions—and how creativity can expand those patterns, opening up new ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. This is especially important during times of transition, stress, or reinvention. Whether you’re navigating a new phase of life or feeling disconnected from yourself, the arts offer a pathway back—to clarity, identity, and possibility. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How stress and depression impact cognitive functioning (attention, memory, planning) * What brain scans reveal about the effects of music and art on neural connectivity * Why focused, intentional engagement with art is key to its benefits * How creativity expands your “thought–action repertoire” and disrupts negative cycles * The role of the arts in identity development, self-compassion, and reinvention * What research says about the dosage needed to experience real change * Why long-term engagement—not one-off experiences—leads to lasting transformation You’ll walk away with both the science and the strategy to begin integrating the arts into your life in a way that is sustainable, meaningful, and deeply supportive of your well-being. Because the question isn’t whether art “works.” The question is whether you are willing to engage with it in a way that can change you. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/support] Explore the Modern Creative Woman Community https://moderncreativewoman.com [https://arttherapycentersf.com/] Free Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter https://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/ [https://mcusercontent.com/53c5579a5feca0090377003c7/files/b4f5b916-6160-01d5-e760-40b1327eac06/Modern_Creative_Woman_Manifesta.pdf] Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/ [https://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/]