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

162. Knitting in Public: The Surprising Science of Fiber Arts and Brain Health

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] Have you ever thought about knitting as preventive healthcare? In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores the fascinating intersection of creativity, neuroscience, psychology, and fiber arts. What has often been dismissed as "women's work" is now backed by a growing body of research demonstrating significant benefits for brain health, emotional well-being, pain management, and even cognitive longevity. Drawing from her experience as both a psychologist and a lifelong knitter, Amy examines how knitting, crochet, and textile arts support memory, attention, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and social connection. She also shares surprising research from the Mayo Clinic, emerging discoveries from physics and engineering, and practical reasons why learning to knit may be one of the most accessible investments you can make in your future health. In This Episode * Why knitting and crochet are powerful tools for brain health * Research linking fiber arts to reduced risk of cognitive decline * How knitting supports memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility * The role of knitting in stress reduction and emotional regulation * Why repetitive handwork functions as active meditation * How fiber arts can support anxiety, depression, and chronic pain management * The importance of flow states and their connection to creativity and well-being * Social connection and community building through knitting groups * The surprising relationship between knitting, physics, architecture, and engineering * Why learning new creative skills benefits the aging brain * How perfectionism can interfere with creative practice—and what to do instead Key Takeaways Knitting Supports Cognitive Health Creativity Is Preventive Healthcare Knitting Creates an Active Meditative State Process Matters More Than Perfection Fiber Arts Build Community Knitting Is More Complex Than It Looks Resources Mentioned * Mayo Clinic research on knitting and cognitive health * Research published in Frontiers in Psychology * University of Gothenburg studies on knitting and well-being * Ravelry knitting community and pattern database * Elisabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Without Tears * Research from the Georgia Tech School of Physics * "Programming Mechanics in Knitted Materials" published in Nature Communications Quotes from the Episode > "Being able to use the creative part of your brain and the logical part of your brain gives you tremendous benefits.""The health benefits are cumulative over time.""Perfection is not the goal. The goal is process.""Creativity is one of the most accessible forms of preventive healthcare available to us." Mentioned in the Episode * International Knit in Public Day * Episode 161: The Male Gaze * Textile exhibitions at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts * Textile and fiber arts exhibitions at the Asian Art Museum Connect with Dr. Amy Backos If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps more women discover the art and science of creativity. The Modern Creative Woman podcast is proudly ad-free and supported by listener contributions. 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/]

161. Disrupting the Male Gaze in Art: Who Gets to Be Seen?

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] THE MALE GAZE IN ART: WHO GETS TO BE SEEN? In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the concept of the male gaze, its origins in art and film, and how it continues to shape what we see in museums, movies, and visual culture today. From feminist film theory to museum curation, this conversation invites listeners to look more critically at the images surrounding them and consider whose stories are being told—and whose are being left out. In This Episode What Is the Male Gaze? The male gaze is a concept that emerged from feminist film theory and describes the tendency to depict women from a heterosexual male perspective. In this framework, women are often portrayed as objects to be looked at rather than fully realized subjects with agency and complexity. Amy discusses how this lens extends beyond film and appears throughout visual art, literature, advertising, and popular culture. The Origins of the Concept The episode traces the development of the male gaze through several influential thinkers: * John Berger and his groundbreaking book and BBC series Ways of Seeing * Laura Mulvey and her seminal essay Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema * The psychoanalytic influences of Jacques Lacan and Sigmund Freud * How ideas about looking, being looked at, and power shape our experience of art Museums, Curation, and Visibility The conversation expands beyond artists themselves to examine who decides what art is displayed. Questions explored include: * Who curates museum collections? * Whose work gets purchased and exhibited? * How do institutional decisions reinforce existing power structures? * What voices and perspectives are still underrepresented? Amy reflects on her own art education and the overwhelming dominance of male artists in textbooks, galleries, and museum collections. Women Artists Who Offered a Different Perspective The episode highlights women artists whose work challenged dominant ways of seeing and centered women's lived experiences. Featured artists include: * Mary Cassatt * Berthe Morisot * Marie Bracquemond * Elaine de Kooning * Lee Krasner * Joan Mitchell Amy discusses how these artists created work outside the traditional framework of the male gaze and contributed important perspectives to art history. The Guerrilla Girls and Art World Activism The episode also explores the work of the feminist activist collective Guerrilla Girls. Topics include: * Their anonymous advocacy against sexism and racism in the art world * Their iconic gorilla masks and public campaigns * Ongoing disparities in museum representation * Why statistics around gender and racial representation in major museum collections remain troubling decades later Why Representation Matters Art does more than decorate walls. It shapes identity, belonging, and how we understand ourselves and others. Amy discusses: * The health benefits of engaging with arts and culture * The importance of seeing diverse experiences represented * How representation influences our sense of connection and community * Why expanding the stories we encounter through art matters for everyone Supporting Artists in Your Community The episode concludes with practical ways listeners can support the arts: * Visit local open studios * Attend community art events * Purchase artwork directly from artists * Give art as gifts * Become a museum member * Buy books by artists and art historians * Learn about women artists, artists of color, and underrepresented voices * Support local creative economies Key Takeaways * The male gaze is a powerful framework for understanding how women have historically been represented in visual culture. * Museums and cultural institutions play a significant role in shaping what art we see. * Women artists have long offered alternative ways of seeing the world. * Representation in the arts remains uneven despite decades of advocacy. * Supporting local artists creates meaningful benefits for individuals, communities, and culture as a whole. * Art can be both personally enriching and socially transformative. Mentioned in This Episode * Ways of Seeing * John Berger * Laura Mulvey * Jacques Lacan * Sigmund Freud * World Health Organization * Episode 160: Art and Desire Questions for Reflection * How has the male gaze shaped the art and media you consume? * Which women artists have influenced the way you see the world? * What museums, galleries, or community arts organizations in your area are amplifying diverse voices? * How might you support artists and creative communities locally this month? Connect with Dr. Amy Backos Follow Amy on Instagram and join The Modern Creative Woman community for more conversations at the intersection of creativity, psychology, art, and women's lives. 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/]

160. The Neuroscience of Pleasure, Desire, and Creativity

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] SHOW NOTES: THE NEUROSCIENCE OF PLEASURE, DESIRE, AND CREATIVITY In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the fascinating connection between creativity, pleasure, and the brain's reward system. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, art therapy, and her own recent experience completing a new book manuscript, Amy discusses how creativity activates the same neural pathways associated with fundamental human pleasures such as food and sex. She explains how dopamine, anticipation, awe, and artistic engagement contribute to motivation, joy, and overall well-being. Amy also shares practical behavioral strategies she used to complete a major writing project, including reward systems, structured scheduling, environmental design, and values-based action. Along the way, she offers encouragement for anyone working toward a meaningful creative goal. The conversation highlights the work of researchers such as Daisy Fancourt and explores why making art is not a luxury but an essential part of a healthy, engaged human life. In This Episode * Why the arts activate the brain's reward circuitry * The role of the nucleus accumbens and dopamine in pleasure and motivation * How anticipation increases enjoyment and creative engagement * Why looking at art slowly can deepen pleasure and insight * The neuroscience of awe, wonder, and peak experiences * Stendhal Syndrome and being overwhelmed by beauty * How creativity promotes new perspectives and unexpected insights * The concept of "cross-training" your brain through artistic activities * Why making art is beneficial even when the result is imperfect * Practical psychology strategies for completing large creative projects * Using rewards, schedules, and environmental cues to support motivation * The importance of continuing to live fully while pursuing meaningful goals Key Takeaways * Pleasure is a powerful driver of behavior and creativity. * Anticipation often creates as much enjoyment as the experience itself. * Art engages neural pathways associated with reward, motivation, and learning. * Looking at art and making art can increase experiences of awe, wonder, and insight. * Creative activities serve as cognitive cross-training that may improve performance in other areas of life. * You do not need artistic skill to benefit from art making. * Small, consistent creative practices can support emotional well-being, brain health, and psychological flexibility. Resources Mentioned * Daisy Fancourt's research on arts and health * The World Health Organization report on arts and health * Episode 125 featuring sex therapist and art therapist Skylar Collie * The Premack Principle * Flow states and peak experiences * Art journaling as a daily creativity practice Reflection Questions * What creative activity consistently brings you pleasure? * How might you build more anticipation into your creative life? * When was the last time you spent several minutes truly looking at a piece of art? * What would happen if you gave yourself permission to make imperfect art? * What creative practice could become a daily ritual of joy and connection? Connect with Amy * Modern Creative Woman [https://moderncreativewoman.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Amy Backos Psychology Practice If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a creative friend and subscribe to The Modern Creative Woman wherever you listen to podcasts. 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/]

159. Season 4 Premiere: Creativity, Meaning, & Art Therapy...Answers to Your Most Asked Questions

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] Season 4 Premiere: Creativity, Meaning, and Art Therapy—Answers to Your Most Asked Questions Welcome to Season 4 of The Modern Creative Woman podcast. As we begin another year together, I'm reflecting on what an incredible journey this podcast has been. What started as an attempt to put words to something I have always understood through experience—the transformative power of art and creativity—has become a global conversation. The podcast is now heard in 114 countries and territories and more than 1,200 cities around the world. Thank you for being part of this creative community. For this season premiere, I'm answering some of the questions I hear most often about art therapy, creativity, and living a meaningful life. We explore what art therapy actually is, why creativity matters for our wellbeing, how to overcome creative blocks, and how art can help us navigate perfectionism, overwhelm, and uncertainty. Whether you're new to art therapy or have been listening for years, this episode offers practical insights into using creativity as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. In This Episode We Discuss: * What art therapy is and how it differs from taking an art class * The evidence supporting art therapy and creative engagement * Why creativity is essential to wellbeing and human flourishing * Understanding creative blocks and what to do when you feel stuck * Why so many women lose touch with their creativity * The role of emotional labor, responsibilities, and midlife transitions * How art can help women who consistently put others first * Journaling as a creative and reflective practice * Whether colors and images have universal meanings * What happens in the brain and nervous system when we make art * How art can reduce stress and support emotional regulation * Why the language we use about feeling "overwhelmed" matters * Becoming an art therapist: training, education, and career pathways * How art therapy can help with perfectionism * Why you do not need to be an artist to benefit from art therapy * Creativity, purpose, values, and finding meaning in uncertain times * Insights from Carl Jung on creativity, development, and self-discovery Key Takeaway Creativity is not a luxury. It is a form of wellness, self-discovery, and meaning-making. You do not need to be talented, inspired, or even confident to begin. The creative process itself offers a pathway toward greater self-understanding, psychological flexibility, and a richer engagement with life. Resources Mentioned * Episode featuring sex therapist Skyler on desire and self-discovery * Upcoming book: The Art Therapy Toolkit * Information about year-long creative coaching and art therapy intensives Connect with Dr. Amy Backos Share your questions about creativity, art therapy, or living a more creative life. Future listener questions may be featured on the podcast. You can connect with Amy on Instagram at @DrAmyBackos and learn more through The Modern Creative Woman community. If your goal is maximum listener growth, I would actually pair a strong SEO title with a curiosity-driven subtitle: Why Women Lose Touch with Their Creativity (and How to Find It Again): Answers to Your Most Asked Questions About Art Therapy. That title captures the central tension running throughout the entire episode and is likely to resonate with exactly the women you're trying to reach. 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/]

158. Thoughts Are Not Facts: New Relationship with Your Mind

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2199359/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Amy Backos explores one of the most powerful concepts in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): cognitive defusion. What happens when you stop treating your thoughts like facts? What changes when you learn to observe your mind instead of obeying it? Amy walks listeners through the neuroscience of memory, thought formation, and perception, using the metaphor of a beach visualization to demonstrate how vividly the brain can generate experiences that feel real — even when they are simply mental events. From there, she explains the difference between cognitive fusion and cognitive defusion, and why learning to “hold thoughts lightly” can dramatically improve psychological flexibility, creativity, and peace of mind. This episode dives into the common fused thought patterns many women experience, including: * Impostor syndrome and the “phony intellectual” narrative * Upper limit thoughts that emerge when growth and visibility increase * Time-based thoughts that delay meaningful action * The deeply familiar “I’m not good enough” story * How self-critical thinking impacts creativity and emotional wellbeing Amy also explores how these thought patterns develop through childhood experiences, social conditioning, survival strategies, and the brain’s natural tendency toward comparison and prediction. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts, she explains how ACT encourages a different relationship with thinking altogether. Throughout the episode, she shares practical examples from her work as a psychologist and art therapist, including how creativity and art-making can help people separate from painful thoughts and move into a more observer-based perspective. You’ll also hear: * Why thoughts are biological processes, not objective truths * How creativity increases adaptability and resilience * Why the brain prefers familiarity, even when it is painful * The role of relapse and setbacks in real change * How metaphors can help create distance from difficult thoughts * Why observing thoughts creates more freedom than fighting them Amy closes the episode with a powerful art therapy exercise from her upcoming book, The Art Therapy Toolkit. Using metaphor and collage, listeners are invited to visually explore the relationship between themselves and their thoughts. Whether your thoughts feel like weather, software, paint, or trees in a forest, this exercise helps cultivate perspective, insight, and psychological flexibility. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, perfectionism, procrastination, or the feeling that your thoughts control your life, this episode offers a compassionate and deeply practical framework for relating to your mind differently. In This Episode * Cognitive fusion vs. cognitive defusion * Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) * Psychological flexibility * Creativity and mental health * Impostor syndrome * Self-critical thinking * Art therapy interventions * Metaphor and visual thinking * The neuroscience of memory and thought * Creativity as a human need Mentioned in This Episode * The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks * The work of Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes on impostor phenomenon * Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) * The Transtheoretical Model of Change Connect with Amy * Instagram: @DoctorAmyBackos * Website: The Modern Creative Woman [https://moderncreativewoman.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another creative woman who may need this reminder: your thoughts are not facts, and creativity begins the moment you create space between yourself and the stories your mind tells 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/]