Feminism, Women’s Stories: The Creative Process: Empowering Stories, Inspiring Women, Gender Equality, Women's Rights & Emp

How does architecture shape the way we think, learn & remember? SALWA & SELMA MIKOU - Highlights 08.06.2026 22min

Founders of Mikou Architecture, Salwa & Selma Mikou bring a deeply human-centric approach to modern design. Drawing from their childhood in the vibrant, labyrinthine medinas of Fez, Morocco, they view architecture as a powerful social infrastructure that shapes relationships and evokes memory. In this episode of The Creative Process, they discuss how they transform sites into living ecosystems, weaving local narratives and historical traces into their projects. The sisters reflect on their formative years working alongside architectural legends Jean Nouvel and Renzo Piano, and how their complementary visions fuel their collaborative practice. From designing serene mosques in England and holistic "water temples" in France to crafting intricate spaces for Hermès and Yves Saint Laurent, they reveal how buildings can truly sing. Join us to explore how art, intuition, and structural necessity converge to create spaces of profound wellbeing.

Humans as Storytelling Animals: Poets, Novelists & Musicians on the Power of Writing 02.06.2026 17min

Why do we write? In this episode, we explore writing as an awakening and a bridge between memory and discovery. We hear from poets, novelists, musicians and thinkers who reflect on how narrative helps us make sense of displacement, failure and our connection to the natural world. Join us for a deep dive into the stories that make us human.

Women in Architecture: Building Bridges Between Memory, Nature & Culture w/ SALWA & SELMA MIKOU 08.05.2026 1t 18min

Founders of Mikou Architecture, Salwa & Selma Mikou bring a deeply human-centric approach to modern design. Drawing from their childhood in the vibrant, labyrinthine medinas of Fez, Morocco, they view architecture as a powerful social infrastructure that shapes relationships and evokes memory. In this episode of The Creative Process, they discuss how they transform sites into living ecosystems, weaving local narratives and historical traces into their projects. The sisters reflect on their formative years working alongside architectural legends Jean Nouvel and Renzo Piano, and how their complementary visions fuel their collaborative practice. From designing serene mosques in England and holistic "water temples" in France to crafting intricate spaces for Hermès and Yves Saint Laurent, they reveal how buildings can truly sing. Join us to explore how art, intuition, and structural necessity converge to create spaces of profound wellbeing.

Women in Climate Leadership: Listening to the Living World & The Rights of Nature 22.04.2026 19min

How do we reconnect with a world we have stopped listening to?. In this episode, we explore the kinship we share with nature and the urgent need for a shift in perspective—from seeing the environment as a collection of objects to a community of subjects. We hear from novelists, photographers, scientists and indigenous leaders on the rights of nature, the volatility of a warming planet and the hope found in restoration.

The Psychological & Emotional Impact of Occupation w/ Actress, Director CHERIEN DABIS 19.03.2026 54min

My guest today is filmmaker and actress Cherien Dabis, the first Palestinian to receive an Emmy nomination. She has worked on hit series like The L Word, Mo, and Only Murders in the Building. We discuss her ambitious new film All That's Left of You, Jordan's official submission for the Academy Awards. Cherien Dabis shares the profound challenges of filming after October 7th, her collaboration with the legendary Bakri Family, and why choosing humanity is the ultimate act of resistance.

Trust, Education & Writing as Resistance w/ AL KENNEDY - Highlights 03.03.2026 34min

In this insightful episode of The Creative Process, host Mia Funk sits down with Costa Book Award-winning author, activist, and comedian Al Kennedy to explore the intersection of education, democracy, and storytelling. Kennedy unpacks the chilling reality behind the Spy Cop scandal and how undercover state surveillance informed her latest novel, Alive in the Merciful Country. Through a blend of candid humor and sharp political critique, Kennedy reflects on the dangerous rise of AI-generated content, the deliberate dismantling of education systems, and the radical power of "whimsy" in protests. Whether discussing her experiences in environmental activism or detailing the Alfred Wolfson voice method, Kennedy reminds us that fiction remains one of the most essential ways to uncover forbidden truths and reconnect with our shared humanity.

The Art of Fiction, Democracy & Truth with AL KENNEDY 03.03.2026 1t 36min

In this insightful episode of The Creative Process, host Mia Funk sits down with Costa Book Award-winning author, activist, and comedian Al Kennedy to explore the intersection of education, democracy, and storytelling. Kennedy unpacks the chilling reality behind the Spy Cop scandal and how undercover state surveillance informed her latest novel, Alive in the Merciful Country. Through a blend of candid humor and sharp political critique, Kennedy reflects on the dangerous rise of AI-generated content, the deliberate dismantling of education systems, and the radical power of "whimsy" in protests. Whether discussing her experiences in environmental activism or detailing the Alfred Wolfson voice method, Kennedy reminds us that fiction remains one of the most essential ways to uncover forbidden truths and reconnect with our shared humanity.

SIRI HUSTVEDT on Love, Grief & Her Late Husband PAUL AUSTER - Highlights 23.02.2026 25min

In this poignant and intellectually sweeping episode of The Creative Process , celebrated writer Siri Hustvedt opens up about the loss of her husband of 43 years, the legendary novelist Paul Auster. Delving into her new memoir, Ghost Stories, she explores the disorientation of grief, framing it as a particular kind of unrequited love. Hustvedt maps the emotional and physiological toll of loss, drawing parallels to the phantom limb phenomenon discussed by the French philosopher Merleau-Ponty.

Ghost Stories · A Memoir of Love & Grief 23.02.2026 1t 37min

In this poignant and intellectually sweeping episode of The Creative Process , celebrated writer Siri Hustvedt opens up about the loss of her husband of 43 years, the legendary novelist Paul Auster. Delving into her new memoir, Ghost Stories, she explores the disorientation of grief, framing it as a particular kind of unrequited love. Hustvedt maps the emotional and physiological toll of loss, drawing parallels to the phantom limb phenomenon discussed by the French philosopher Merleau-Ponty.

Who Are We? What Makes Us Care? Jim Shepard, Neil Patrick Harris, John Patrick Shanley & Artists Share Their Stories 11.02.2026 13min

Today we explore the internal dialogues of artists, actors, writers and directors to ask what it means to step into someone else's shoes. We hear from voices like Jim Shepard on historical dilemmas and Neil Patrick Harris on the transformative power of theater. This episode examines how stories build solidarity and expand our emotional education.

The Healing Power of the Arts: Longevity, Immunity & Wellbeing w/ DAISY FANCOURT - Highlights 11.02.2026 20min

We often view the arts as a luxury—something to enjoy only after the "real work" is done. But DAISY FANCOURT, Associate Professor at University College London and author of Art Cure, argues that creativity is a biological necessity. Drawing on the field of psychoneuroimmunology, she reveals how the arts can physically alter our stress hormones, immune system, and even our genetics. In this episode, DAISY FANCOURT shares the science behind "social prescribing" and her work with the World Health Organization. From the evolutionary origins of singing to the impact of art on premature infants and stroke victims, she dismantles the false dichotomy between science and creativity, proving that the arts are vital for a healthy, resilient life.

ART CURE: How the Arts Can Transform Our Health with DAISY FANCOURT 11.02.2026 1t 3min

We often view the arts as a luxury—something to enjoy only after the "real work" is done. But DAISY FANCOURT, Associate Professor at University College London and author of Art Cure, argues that creativity is a biological necessity. Drawing on the field of psychoneuroimmunology, she reveals how the arts can physically alter our stress hormones, immune system, and even our genetics. In this episode, DAISY FANCOURT shares the science behind "social prescribing" and her work with the World Health Organization. From the evolutionary origins of singing to the impact of art on premature infants and stroke victims, she dismantles the false dichotomy between science and creativity, proving that the arts are vital for a healthy, resilient life.

Writers on Memory, Language & the Power of the Unconscious 12.12.2025 11min

How can we use negative spaces in fiction to engage with readers’ imaginations? How are memory and trauma passed onto us through language? How do we become more than the stories we tell ourselves?

In the Presence of the DALAI LAMA - Doc. Director of WISDOM OF HAPPINESS - Highlights 06.11.2025 14min

“I can change my mind. I can reduce anger, hatred. Nothing to do with religion. All religions carry the message of love, loving kindness, and tolerance. With different views, there is a possibility to synthesize new ideas. If majority of the world leaders become female, world become safer. I feel that. Compassion is the key factor. Non-violence, compassion and self-confidence, these are key factors for happy individual, happy community, peaceful world. This century should be century of compassion, century of peace. No more bloodshed. We should develop a big “we,” rather than “we” or “they.” With these wings, you can fly.” -DALAI LAMA For decades, the Dalai Lama has been a global symbol of peace, compassion, and resilience, a spiritual leader living in exile from his home in Tibet. But how do you capture the essence of his wisdom—the kind that can truly change a life—in a way that feels intimate and personal? My guest today, documentary filmmaker Barbara Miller, has managed to do just that in her new film, Wisdom of Happiness. It’s a beautiful film that feels less like a documentary and more like a private, heart-to-heart conversation, where he invites us into his thoughts and shares practical steps for finding inner peace in a chaotic world. She's dealt with anti-globalization, domestic violence, and the fight for female pleasure in her previous works. We’ll talk about how she shifted from exposing systemic pain to focusing on radical hope and her collaboration with Executive Producer Richard Gere and Manuel Bauer, the Dalai Lama’s personal photographer for the last thirty-five years, who made his cinematography debut with this film. She shares what the Dalai Lama taught her about living in harmony with our body, nature, and the world.

WISDOM OF HAPPINESS - Heart-to-Heart w/ DALAI LAMA - Conversation w/ Director Barbara Miller 06.11.2025 43min

“ Everybody wants happiness, joyfulness, peaceful world. Our 21st century will not be easy century. Fear, anger, hatred. In our mind we created distinctions. Different nationality, different color, different religion. Strong concept of “we” and “they”. Brothers and sisters of this small planet, we are same human beings. Meanwhile, global warming is a serious problem. Destruction of this planet is actually destruction of yourself. Our common responsibility should be work together, to save our world. We all have this marvelous human brain. The problem is, when negative emotions develop, our whole mind is taken over. So, we must deal with emotions. I can change my mind. I can reduce anger, hatred. Nothing to do with religion. All religions carry the message of love, loving kindness, and tolerance. With different views, there is a possibility to synthesize new ideas. If majority of the world leaders become female, world become safer. I feel that. Compassion is the key factor. Non-violence, compassion and self-confidence, these are key factors for happy individual, happy community, peaceful world. This century should be century of compassion, century of peace. No more bloodshed. We should develop a big “we,” rather than “we” or “they.” With these wings, you can fly.” -DALAI LAMA

Listening to the Planet - Writers' Perspectives on Nature, Place & Interconnectedness 18.10.2025 12min

How do our environments shape who we are and how we care for the world and each other? There are many solutions to climate change, inequality, and poverty around the world. How can we learn from them and transform our society?Eiren Caffall (All the Water in the World) discusses the importance of embracing complexity and emotional flexibility in facing ecological grief.Irvin Weathersby Jr. (In Open Contempt) discusses the transformative power of meditation and nature, drawing inspiration from Emerson and Thoreau.Jay Parini (Biographies of Steinbeck, Frost, Faulkner…) on the significance of place in literature and life.Natasha Hakimi Zapata (Another World Is Possible) explores the generosity and hope in people’s efforts to build better societies.Audrea Lim (Free The Land) on how personal experiences with public lands influence our views on conservation.Katie Kitamura (Audition, Intimacies) reflects on the role of landscape and memory in her novels.Dr. Bayo Akomolafe (Philosopher, Founder of Emergence Network) discusses his awe for mountains, using them as a metaphor for humility and the search for meaning beyond oneself.For more from each guest, listen to their full interviews.Episode Websitewww.creativeprocess.info/podIG @creativeprocesspodcast

The Arrogant Ape: The Myth of Human Exceptionalism & Why it Matters with CHRISTINE WEBB 17.10.2025

“There are many ways in which I think human exceptionalism has seeped into the sciences, but one of the many ways is through the methodologies we use when we compare the intelligence of humans and other species. In particular, in my field, I’m a primatologist by training, comparing the cognitive abilities of humans with the abilities of our closest living relatives, the great apes. Many times, those studies compare the intelligence of captive chimpanzees who are living in highly restricted, manmade environments. Often, these chimpanzees have been separated from their biological mothers at birth. They're often separated from the group during testing. They're subjected to very human-centric experimental paradigms, like playing with plastic puzzle boxes or computer touchscreens, and we're measuring how they perform on these tasks.”In this episode of Speaking Out of Place podcast, Professor David Palumbo-Liu talks with primatologist Christine Webb about her new book, The Arrogant Ape: The Myth of Human Exceptionalism and Why it Matters. The title of the book itself is a concise and precise description of its two constituent halves. First, Webb tells us how science itself, from premodern times onward, has operated with an assumption it keeps reconfirming constantly--that humans are not only exceptional, but also superior to other forms of life. Webb convincingly debunks this science over and over again. And most importantly, she explains how this myth has devastating political, cultural, and environmental consequences. Combining scientific and humanistic studies, we go into some detail about what this arrogance produces, and why we desperately need a much more humble sense of ourselves.Christine Webb is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at New York University, where she is part of the Animal Studies program. Her research is driven by growing awareness that the ecological crisis demands a profound shift in how we understand other animals and our place among them, leading to two intersecting lines of inquiry. First, her work seeks to elucidate the complex dynamics of animal social life and to apply this knowledge to foundational questions in animal ethics and conservation. Second, she is interested in how prevailing societal norms, values, and institutions shape contemporary scientific knowledge of other animals and the environment, with a critical emphasis on human exceptionalism. Her debut book, The Arrogant Ape: The Myth of Human Exceptionalism and Why it Matters, was recently published with Avery (Penguin Random House) and is being translated into 17 languages.www.palumbo-liu.comhttps://speakingoutofplace.comBluesky @palumboliu.bsky.socialInstagram @speaking_out_of_place

Nordic Art & Contemporary Perspectives at the ARKEN MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART - Highlights 25.09.2025 12min

“This awe that I feel every time I meet an artist who has the courage to deal with what it means to be in the world as a human being and to tackle it from different ways and through different media. I always feel that through the collaborations I have with artists, I learn a little bit more about the world, myself, my feelings or emotions, and how I reflect on things. Getting another person's perspective and taking that in is extremely generous. What we can take with us from the artistic practices we encounter is significant. Again, I think one of the fundamental aspects of art is that it doesn't require agreement, consensus, or rules. It's a place where we can speculate, imagine, and, hopefully, re-courage ourselves in a way, if that's a word. I've always been motivated by working with artists; that personal meeting is always extremely fruitful.”

The Future of Museums with MARIE NIPPER, Director of ARKEN MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART 25.09.2025 1t 9min

“This awe that I feel every time I meet an artist who has the courage to deal with what it means to be in the world as a human being and to tackle it from different ways and through different media. I always feel that through the collaborations I have with artists, I learn a little bit more about the world.”

How to Make an Algorithm in the Microwave with Poet MAYA SALAMEH 21.09.2025 38min

“Poetry is like one of the great loves of my life, and I think it's probably the longest relationship I'll ever have. I read a lot of poetry. I also wrote these short stories even when I was pretty young, like in second grade, and the stories kept getting shorter and shorter. My family used to go to Damascus in Syria and Lebanon every summer for three months until 2011, when the Civil War broke out in Syria. In 2015, we made our first return after that gap, and my father and I went to Lebanon for two weeks. It's the first time I felt that I belong. To the extent that was true or not, I'm obviously irrevocably American. I speak broken Arabic. I don't think I could ever live in Lebanon or Syria. But for what it was worth at 15 years old, it was a life-changing trip. I wrote my first official poem on the plane back to San Diego from that trip, and I feel that was a formative moment for me. I felt that I had a story to tell and wanted to put it to paper in the form of poetry.”