Ep 23. Acting, Authenticity & Creative Growth with Dennis Stessman | Creative Life Podcast

EP. 27 Graffiti, Storytelling & Creative Resistance with Alyssa Jade Baldridge | The Creative Life Podcast

In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast, hosts Dr. Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down with Alyssa Jade Baldridge, creator of Omaha Street Art, to explore the stories, voices, and creative resistance living on the walls of Omaha. Through her work documenting graffiti and street art across the city, Alyssa has become an archivist of a creative culture that often exists outside traditional institutions, galleries, and systems of approval. With a background spanning graphic design, journalism, advertising, and art history, she offers a unique perspective on how public art functions as storytelling, social commentary, cultural preservation, and community expression. Together, they discuss common misconceptions about graffiti culture, the role of street art in challenging power structures, and what it means to document creative work that may disappear overnight. Alyssa also reflects on her experience navigating both the corporate and creative worlds, her journey back to authentic artistic expression, and how her Native and white heritage shapes the way she understands art, identity, land, and public space. This conversation invites listeners to look beyond the surface of murals, tags, and street installations to see the deeper stories they tell about a city and the people who inhabit it. What You'll Learn in This Episode • What most people misunderstand about graffiti and street art culture • How street art serves as a form of storytelling, resistance, and public expression • Why documenting creative work can be an act of cultural preservation • The relationship between identity, place, and artistic interpretation • How to reconnect with creativity after experiencing burnout in commercial creative industries • What Omaha's street art scene reveals about the city and its communities Whether you're an artist, designer, storyteller, urban explorer, or simply curious about the hidden creative voices shaping our cities, this episode offers a fascinating look at creativity beyond conventional boundaries. Stay Connected! Keep up with Alyssa Jade Baldridge: https://www.instagram.com/omaha.street.art/ [https://www.instagram.com/omaha.street.art/] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativelifepodcastomaha/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecreativelifepodcastomaha/] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm5ErrhqtaaTScxsIPeDmQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm5ErrhqtaaTScxsIPeDmQ] Check our website: www.TheCreativeLifePodcast.com [http://www.TheCreativeLifePodcast.com] 🎧 Listen now on all major streaming platforms 🔔 Follow and turn on notifications for new episodes weekly on Fridays

EP.26 Reading, Literacy & Community Building with Keyosha Atwater | Podcast Recap

In this recap episode of The Creative Life Podcast, hosts Dr. Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons revisit their conversation with Keyosha Atwater, founder of Chapters & Connections, to reflect on the power of literacy, intentional reading, and community connection. This episode explores how reading can unlock creativity, expand perspective, and create meaningful opportunities for growth and belonging. Through her Omaha-based book club, Keyosha is building spaces where stories become catalysts for deeper conversation, self-reflection, and authentic human connection. From discussing the importance of literacy in today’s world to exploring why gathering around books still matters, this recap highlights how reading can help individuals reconnect with curiosity, purpose, and possibility. What You’ll Learn in This Recap • How reading supports personal growth and creative thinking • Why literacy and storytelling remain powerful tools for connection • The value of intentional book clubs and community spaces • How shared reading experiences encourage meaningful conversations • Why books can help unlock new perspectives and potential Stay Connected! Keep up with Keyosha Atwater: https://www.instagram.com/keyosha.atwater/ [https://www.instagram.com/keyosha.atwater/] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativelifepodcastomaha/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecreativelifepodcastomaha/] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm5ErrhqtaaTScxsIPeDmQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm5ErrhqtaaTScxsIPeDmQ] Check our website: www.TheCreativeLifePodcast.com [http://www.TheCreativeLifePodcast.com] 🎧 Listen now on all major streaming platforms 🔔 Follow and turn on notifications for new episodes weekly on Fridays

EP. 25 Building Community Through Books & Connection with Keyosha Atwater | Creative Life Podcast

In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast, hosts Dr. Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down with Keyosha Atwater, founder of Chapters & Connections, to explore the transformative power of literacy, reading, and intentional community. Through her growing Omaha-based book club, Keyosha is creating spaces where books become more than entertainment—they become tools for reflection, growth, learning, and human connection. This conversation dives into why literacy matters at every stage of life, how reading can unlock creativity and personal potential, and why book clubs create opportunities for deeper conversations and meaningful relationships. Together, they discuss the importance of slowing down in a fast-paced world, engaging with stories that challenge and inspire us, and building communities rooted in curiosity, learning, and shared experience. Whether you’re an avid reader, someone looking to reconnect with books, or a creative seeking inspiration, this episode highlights how reading can expand not only our knowledge—but also our sense of possibility. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How reading and literacy help unlock creativity and personal growth • Why book clubs create powerful opportunities for connection and learning • The inspiration behind building Chapters & Connections • How stories help us better understand ourselves and others • Why intentional reading communities matter in today’s world Stay Connected! Keep up with Keyosha Atwater: https://www.instagram.com/keyosha.atwater/ [https://www.instagram.com/keyosha.atwater/] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativelifepodcastomaha/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecreativelifepodcastomaha/] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm5ErrhqtaaTScxsIPeDmQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm5ErrhqtaaTScxsIPeDmQ] Check our website: www.TheCreativeLifePodcast.com [http://www.TheCreativeLifePodcast.com] 🎧 Listen now on all major streaming platforms 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube 🔔 Follow and turn on notifications for new episodes bi-weekly on Fridays

EP.24 Acting, Storytelling & Creative Growth with Dennis Stessman | Creative Life Podcast Recap

In this recap episode of The Creative Life Podcast, hosts Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons revisit their inspiring conversation with Omaha-based actor and storyteller Dennis Stessman about the realities of building a creative life in the performing arts. From portraying iconic characters like Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol to navigating auditions, rejection, and artistic uncertainty, Dennis shares how authenticity, emotional preparation, and passion continue to shape his journey as an actor. This episode reflects on the importance of storytelling, resilience, and staying connected to the work that inspires you. Whether you’re pursuing acting, another creative path, or simply searching for inspiration, this conversation is a reminder that creativity thrives when we lead with honesty, curiosity, and heart. What You’ll Learn in This Recap • How actors emotionally and practically prepare for performances • What makes a role or creative opportunity meaningful • Strategies for overcoming burnout and staying creatively inspired • Lessons learned from working in the acting industry • What living a “creative life” means in today’s world If you enjoy conversations with artists, illustrators, and creative professionals, be sure to like, subscribe, and share! Keep up with Dennis Stessman: https://www.instagram.com/dstessman/ [https://www.instagram.com/dstessman/] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativelifepodcastomaha/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecreativelifepodcastomaha/] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm5ErrhqtaaTScxsIPeDmQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm5ErrhqtaaTScxsIPeDmQ] Check our website: www.TheCreativeLifePodcast.com [http://www.TheCreativeLifePodcast.com]

Ep 23. Acting, Authenticity & Creative Growth with Dennis Stessman | Creative Life Podcast

In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast, hosts Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down with Omaha-based actor and storyteller Dennis Stessman to explore the journey of building a life in the performing arts. From bringing beloved characters like Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol to life, to navigating auditions and creative uncertainty, Dennis shares how authenticity, preparation, and emotional connection shape his work on and off the stage. This conversation dives into the realities of the acting industry—offering insight into how creatives can stay inspired, choose meaningful projects, and continue growing through challenges. Whether you’re an actor, creative professional, or someone pursuing a passion, this episode is a reminder that storytelling has the power to connect us through shared human experience. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How actors prepare emotionally and practically for roles • What makes a script or creative opportunity stand out • How to stay inspired and overcome burnout in creative work • Lessons learned from navigating the acting industry • What it means to live a “creative life” today 👍 If you enjoy conversations with artists, illustrators, and creative professionals, be sure to like, subscribe, and share! Keep up with Dennis Stessman: https://www.instagram.com/dstessman/ [https://www.instagram.com/dstessman/] Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativelifepodcastomaha/ [https://www.instagram.com/thecreativelifepodcastomaha/] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm5ErrhqtaaTScxsIPeDmQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm5ErrhqtaaTScxsIPeDmQ] Check our website: www.TheCreativeLifePodcast.com [http://www.TheCreativeLifePodcast.com]