In the Kitchen with Katie Lee

On this episode of Creative Living, Jane Clauss is chatting with the queen of stitches and stories and the amazingly talented costume designer Amanda Tadaro. She's rocked the theater world with her 100+ productions and has tons to share about costume design magic. We took a little trip down memory lane to where it all started: with a young Amanda perched next to her mom, totally mesmerized by the sewing machine's dance. It wasn't long before she caught the costume bug in high school drama club and—spoiler alert—she never looked back.

For all you dreamers wanting to make a splash in the design world, Amanda’s got you. She’s all about getting your hands thread-deep in experience She's even got some killer tips for the up-and-comers—hint: volunteer to get those skills!

We also got the scoop on how she spun her career into something new when the world went topsy-turvy. So, hit play to soak up Amanda’s savvy on sewing education and sneak a peek at the wizardry that goes into dressing up characters not just for the stage, but for the soul.  Don’t miss out on the gems of wisdom Amanda dropped during our chat.  

So, tune in for a dose of inspiration and let’s keep our creativity cranking!  Ready, set, let's get inspired!

Here are some of the highlights:

3:52 – Amanda talks about embracing the flops and shifts in your creativity. Lead why you should be open to changes, new paths, and experimentation.

11:00 - Dive into how Amanda draws inspiration from the past, studying historical eras and characters for her costume designs.

12:00 - Peek into Amanda’s method for crafting costumes that echo a character's essence, including chats with directors, actors, and mood board magic.

16:00 - Discover the role of costumes in transforming actors into their characters and boosting their performances.

23:00 - Hear about Amanda's dazzling stint on Dancing with the Stars and the contest that spotlighted her designs.

25:00 – Amanda talks about the technical feats and oops moment of Squidward's four-legged costume in the Spongebob musical.

27:00 - Amanda's career swivel during the pandemic: from mask-making to mastering Adobe Illustrator and snagging a fabric licensing deal.

31:00 – Jane and Amanda look at sustainable practices in costume design, like recycling materials, allowing for alterations, and treasure hunting at thrift stores.

34:00 – Learn insight onto how the tech revolution is impacting costume design, and the innovations that are offering new robust sewing machines, light-up fabrics, and pattern projecting with gadgets like Ditto.

37:19 – Amanda gives tips for aspiring designers is to network, volunteer in costume shops, and don’t be afraid to get out there. She says, sketch and mood board away, even if you’re not the next Da Vinci. Portfolios are your golden ticket.

38:47 - The power of friendship and networking in the costume and theater helps to unlock doors to new gigs. Collaborations and referrals can lead to new opportunities.

40:00 - Amanda’s insights on sewing education and the key to stitching up confidence.

42:45 – Why you should build confidence in your sewing skills through practice. Start amping up your sewing game with relentless practice. Zippers got you down? Sew 'em till you own ‘em! 

44:01 – Amanda leaves us with her words of wisdom, don't shy away from cold calls or emails to pitch your skills. The worst you’ll hear is a 'no', but the best could be your next big break!

Huge high-fives to costume designer, Amanda Tadaro. She’s this incredible force in the costume design world, and she’s got stories for days about the magic of theater and fashion. Amanda’s been in the game for ages and has been crafting character looks for over 100 shows!  Thankfully, she dished out some solid gold tips for anyone itching to get into the biz. Amanda’s big on diving right in—volunteer at a costume shop, get your hands on fabric, and just start playing around.

So, here’s a shoutout to Amanda for spreading her wisdom and stoking that creative fire in all of us. Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep chasing those creative sparks!

The Art and Business of Being Creative: Balancing Passion and Practicality to Fuel your Creative Career

Jane Clauss takes a deeper dive into creativity not only as a hobby but how to turn it into a successful business. She chats with Sean Low, the founder of The Business of Being Creative, to help creatives navigate and succeed in the business of being creative. 

Check out these featured highlights from the conversation:

2:17 – 5:10 Creativity defined.

Sean defined creativity as "getting lost in the sauce" - embracing not knowing and discovery through the creative process. He emphasizes maintaining artistic integrity while creating work for clients and finding the balance between your vision and their needs.

5:00 -11:00 Creativity, artistry, and business for creative professionals.

Sean shares how he found his path in consulting creatives through helping Preston Bailey and learning from Vincent Wolf. This exposed him to different creative processes and now he can help you with your creative business.

11:02 - 15:31 Prioritizing joy in the creative business.

Sean emphasizes that prioritizing joy in the creative business is learning how it can be your compass. Sean give tips on how to understand your needs and how to price your work properly to avoid that creative burnout.

15:00 – 17:00 Common mistakes creatives make in business.

Sean talks about the difference between being too greedy and self sustaining. Don't how you could get crushed if you're not careful. 

And then, Sean gives us common mistakes people make when starting a creative business; are you a butterfly or a catepillar?

17:20 - 20:31 Starting a creative business.

Sean talks about knowing when it's time to take a side hustle to a full-time job by using positive client feedback and feeling confident in your process. Sean shares his insight on the importance of validation in the design process.

20:01 - 21:52 Defining creative business culture and DNA.

Sean explains how to discover and define your unique business DNA and explains that by knowing your authentic DNA you can better establish a clear business culture. By feeling confident in your DNA you can use that as a way to stand out in a crowd of competition.

25:00 - 31:00 Creativity, business, and self-expression.

Sean supports the idea od redefining the norm while staying flexible - he uses a slinky toy as an example. Sean talks thru the stages of the creative process.

32:00 - 37:00 Wrapping it all up in a smart creative bow! 

Sean shares that his main goal when mentoring clients is for them to be able to think "what would Sean do?" when facing business challenges.

Sean Low is a master when it comes to mentoring creative businesses. He provides invaluable insights into balancing creativity, artistry and business. Sean emphasizes embracing uncertainty and curiosity in the creative process, while also understanding your needs and value as a creative to sustain a joyful business practice over the long run. You’ll be left with thought-provoking perspectives to contemplate as you evolve your own creative path.

Sean's parting message, "Be better tomorrow than you are today and get paid for it."

Want to learn the truth about common nutrition myths and how your diet could boost your creativity? Tune into the latest episode of Creative Living with Jane Clauss.

Jane sits down with researcher Brady Holmer to separate fact from fiction when it comes to protein, carbs, fats, supplements and more. You'll be shocked by which "unhealthy" foods are actually good for you.

They also dive into how nutrients like antioxidants may fuel your brain. Brady explains new research on the "mind diet" and how feeling your best through nutrition could indirectly support creativity.

Don't miss this informative and entertaining discussion that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about food. Tune in to get the real scoop on diet from a leading expert and get insider tips for powering your creative potential.

Key moments from this conversation: 
6:56  Protein myths - Protein is not bad for your kidneys or bones and people should aim to get protein from a variety of sources. 

11:32  Carb myths - Not all carbs are bad - complex carbs like whole grains are healthier than refined carbs.

13:42 Fat myths - Fats, including saturated fats, are an important part of a healthy diet and consuming fat does not directly make you fat. 

18:23 Red meat myths - Red meat has been unfairly demonized and moderate consumption is fine for most people.

20:51 Salt myths - Salt intake is generally okay in moderation for healthy individuals.

24:05 Supplement myths - Supplements can be useful to address specific dietary deficiencies or needs but are often overconsumed.

30:43 Creativity and Nutrition - Jane asks Brady if a healthy diet can help one's mind be more creative. Brady talks about research on the "mind diet" which focuses on foods like blueberries, walnuts and fish that are high in antioxidants and compounds thought to promote brain health.  Brady also notes that a healthy diet may promote clearer thinking and more energy/feeling better overall, which could indirectly support creativity. So while the direct link is unclear, Brady suggests a nutritious diet can still positively impact the brain and mental state.

In the end, Brady provided a wealth of information on debunking common nutrition myths and separating fact from fiction. While some long-held beliefs were challenged, the overall message was that balance and moderation are key when it comes to a healthy diet. Rather than eliminating entire food groups, focusing on whole, minimally processed foods and being mindful of nutrients from a variety of sources is most important. While direct links between certain foods and brain health or creativity need more research, optimizing overall well-being through diet is likely to indirectly support creative pursuits as well. 

Biggest takeaway, you learn how nutrition science is an evolving field, and to approach new claims critically. Most importantly, finding an individualized approach based on personal needs and lifestyle was emphasized over strict rules. For more healthy living inspiration go to JaneClauss.com 

Jane is joined by the driver of the Number 12 car from Team Penske and the NASCAR Cup Series Champion Ryan Blaney. He not only talks about the ups and downs of the season and in the end becoming the NASCAR Cup Series Champion but he also peels back the curtain on his gift wrapping skills. 

2:11 Ryan takes us back to November 5, 2023 at the Phoenix Raceway for the Championship and his battle with Kyle Larson and explains what happen and how he managed to put Team Penske on top! 

3:00 Ryan talks about Roger Penske and his gratitude for the entire team over the last 10 years and his special relationship with his crew chief Jonathan Hassler.

5:45 Ryan talks about the July 4th Chicago Street Race and what he would have done differently that weekend! And his change of heart about the street race and desire to come back and do it again next year. 

7:38 Ryan talks about how drivng a street course is so different than any other race. He said once they got going he was feeding off the energy of the crowd and trying not to get distracted by the buildings but once he got going and the nerves wore off he was happy to put on a show for the new spectaors. 

9:55 Ryan peels back the curtain on Nashville's Champions Week and what he's most excited about. 

10:34 Finally, Ryan gets to the important stuff like gift giving and creatively wrapping presents! 

We all know that laughter is the best medicine. And when it comes to creativity laughter might just be one of the pillars. Jane’s guest on this episode of Creative Living knows how to bring the funny and add the creativity to laughter!  Jane chats and chuckles with the owner of The Laughing Academy, Kim Hiller. 

Here is a round down of the conversation and quick access to hot topics! 

1:59 

Jane Curtain was an inspiration to Kim and her brand of comedy motivated this budding actress to get into the business of funny.

2:47 

Learn what it means to be funny and how being “in the moment” can be the best way to get a laugh.  Kim explains why what you consider “normal” can be more amusing than a one liner.

4:41 

 What comes first? Being creative to be funny, or if you must being funny to be creative? Why being trained in improvisation can be the answer when you mix creativity and action; it’s seeing something outside the box.

7:14  

Why optimism is more important than IQ to success. And if you have optimism, you can see the good in any situation and it all starts with learning how to improv. Kim shares a lesson from her time at Chicago’s famous, Second City.

11:36 

There are no mistakes when you are being creative and no shame, no blame are two phrases used to encourage creativity and improv skills.

13:38  

Improv can help you in all aspects of life from being a good friend, a good teammate, a good worker to personal goals and creativity. Kim encourages everyone to foster their Improv skills and help teach other along the way.

17:52

Never say you can’t because mental gymnastics, mind agility and attitude simply learning how to implement a way of thinking and it just takes practice, practice, practice.  

20:19

How can someone be more creative? Allow yourself to brainstorm, take a walk, allow your brain to explore, see different things. listen to podcasts you love. read articles that interests you. Because it’s the creative part of it is your brain making these connections from separate thoughts. Remember, we are human beings, not human doings so we all need to take some time to just be.

21:54 

Why humor at its core is us looking at something in an alternative way. Try creating a pun to get started; draw new parallels to the way you look at things.

25:15

Top 3 takeaways that we can all do today to be lighter and lovely or in funnier and spread creativity everywhere we go.

You want more Kim Hiller just go to the Laughing Academy.com  Or check out their YouTube page for improv games and exercises you can do on your own, just put the laughing Academy in the search bar and check

Katie Lee Biegel is the co-host of The Kitchen on the Food Network, and the host of Beach Bites on the Cooking Channel, she's an author, a frequent question on morning show tv, and today, celebrity chef Katie Lee Biegel joins Jane on Creative Living to talk all things food, wine, family and love!

Katie Lee talks about the success of hosting season 34th of The Kitchen alongside Sonny Anderson, Geoffrey Zakarian, Marcela Valladolid, and Jeff Mauro.  She shares heartwarming sentiments about the team who, she says, feels like extended family members.

3:55 -- Before The Kitchen Katie Lee dabbled in television but when she was ready to throw in the towel, it was an unexpected call that got her the job at the Food Network.  A friend urged her to audition for this “new show" called The Kitchen... and she listened.

5:25 -- Learn why Katie Lee is open to taking chances and finding opportunities to see where they lead which, we learn, is how she met her husband.

7:32 -- Katie Lee gives us an unexpected ingredient she loves to use in her cooking and why you should use it too.

7:46 -- As a busy mom Katie Lee shares her favorite cooking technique that’s quicker, easier and less mess!

9:54 -- Katie Lee discusses wine and food pairing and why we shouldn’t stress about what pairing makes sense. She says, at the end of the day, it's all about what you enjoy, and what you want to drink.

13:59 -- Learn about Katie Lee’s signature wine with Coopers Hawk and why blending a bright crisp Rose is what you should be drinking this summer.

19:08 -- We know Katie Lee loves her comfort food so she shares a secret family recipe from her grandmother which she is still trying to perfect.

20:31 -- Katie Lee gives us two things you must have at a summer barbecue and what to bring if you’re the guest!

21:10 -- Katie Lee is on the Board of the food bank for New York City and talks about the importance encourage of volunteering and giving back to the community.

24:13 -- As the author of 4 cookbooks, Katie Lee is also a novelist and recently had her book made into a Hallmark movie!  Check out “Groundswell” for more information.

25:57 -- Katie Lee gives her advice to those who want to explore the idea of cooking as a creative outlet and simply says, get comfortable, always read your recipe from start to finish, and build your confidence.

Creativity and Katie Lee are both essential ingredients in the kitchen and in your cooking.  So listen now to the Creative Living Podcast for more, watch her shows, follow her ion Instagram, buy one of her cookbooks, and get creative in the kitchen with Katie Lee Biegel.

In this Creative Living podcast, Jane gets the dirt on gardening with experts Katie Rotella and Claire Josephson from Wave and Burpee brands. They cover all things gardening, from the basics to the more advanced.  They talk about everything from choosing the right plants to caring for them, and they also share tips and tricks to get your garden going.

Jane's mission is to remind us all that gardening can help unlock the creative side of your personality. Here is the episode dissected just for you:

1:00 Meet the experts from Ball Horticulture

3:10 Gardens of all types are can be a success by everyone and anyone with a desire not just the people born with a green thumb.

4:50 The experts answer why starting a garden should begin with flowers or vegetables and the answers give you the ultimate decisions. No rotten tomatoes were thrown with their difference of opinions. 

7:20 We find out why Wave Petunias are the rock stars of the garden and how they can add the pop of color you're looking for to express your creativity in the garden. 

8:40 Discover which flowers are "sun lovers" and how to pair them perfectly with fellow sun worshipping blooms. 

10:30 The experts give some insight into the flowers and plants that do well in the shade that are easy to take care of and create a beautiful oasis. We see you Begonias! 

11:50 Why Jane's theory of "More is More and Less is a Bore" works for hte garden too. 

13:00 Trend spotting with Trend #1: being mindful of your pocketbook while still creating a gardening that is full and lush. Mega Watts can help. 

15:10 The experts dive into the number one rule when it comes to the season of planting and tell us when to start. Best advice is to check your weather app. Find out why!

16:50 Learn more about "Lemmy" Jane's lemon tree and if it will survive an unusual spring cold snap. 

18:20 Home sales have changed the way people approach their gardens giving new meaning to the old nursery rhyme Mary, Mary quite contrary How does your garden grow? All the flowers, all the colors, All in a perfect row! Yes, gardens are getting bigger and homeowners are getting more hands-on. 

19:20 Trend #2: Create an all-in-one vegetable and flower garden in a pot! One example is to mix compact slicing tomato plant with red Wave Petunias useable basil. You will always have color, scent and a harvest. 

21:00 Trend #3: Tropical Colors are bringing gardeners on a mental mini vacation with these bright, bold looks.  Try incorporating the color of the year, Viva Magenta, into your garden with Wave Petunias. 

22:30 Need to find out what colors and types of flowers and plants are available to you? The experts offer up all the resources you need. 

23:30 Trend #4: Indoor Gardening. Who says you need to get dirty to have a garden. The experts explain the hottest trend of "Kitchen Minis" and why they are low care and perfect for anyone who wants a harvest. 

24:30 The experts give us their quick fire answers for inspiration on alternatives to use instead of a traditional pot, planting in unexpected places, adding personality to your garden with jewelry, best gardening tool and more. 

26:40 The experts give us some final advice and how you can not make a mistake when it comes to creativity in the garden. 

27:41 Get all the info you need on how to connect with the experts at Wave, Burpee and the parent company, Ball Horticulture, with socials and sites for more inspiration. 

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, learning the Creative Roots of Gardening is the perfect Creative Living podcast episode for you! 

Learn more about Jane Clauss and how you can be a creative genius too!

Jane chats with author, speaker and international color guru, Lee Eiseman. Lee has an innate ability to see colors in ways that are more brilliant than the hues they give off. 

In this Creative Living episode, you will learn why color is important in your life and how color affects your every move.... even your social media likes.  

Lee has been color trend forcasting for decades and spills the secrets behind how the masters choose the colors you will love.  Since Viva Magenta is Pantone's color of the year, Jane disects the color and Lee explains why it's important for 2023.

Lee explains how our personal tastes may have changed as we emerge from the pandemic and the pyschology behind it.  She gives us simple color rules to consider and invites us to class.  

With Lee's ten books in publication, Jane asks her about her two favs:

• "More Alive with Color"
• "Pantone on Fashion a Century of Color in Design" 

If color sparks joy in your soul or you just need inspiration to find your next "it" color, you need to listen to Lee Eiseman on Creative Living with Jane Clauss. 

Popular brands all over the world are thankful to the amazing Lee Eiseman for givign us a reason to live in color.

"There is no beauty without color" Essie 

Jane sits down with award-winning producer, editor, film and television distributor Marcy Hamilton who is the creator of Made it Myself TV. Together they take a deep dive into what you will find on the free craft channel and why you should watch.

From muglarking to butter scultping, Suminagashi and more, Marcy gives us a peak into some of the creative innovators and skilled artisans featured on the channel.

As a self-proclained maker, Marcy saw the need to inspire the masses to get creative. You can learn more about Made it Myself TV with Jane Clauss and start listening right now!

Enjoy the show. 

Cultural anthropologist and author, Grant McCracken, joins Jane Clauss for an in-depth discussion about the artisanal revolution and how makers are playing a major role in today's economy.

In Grant's latest book, The Return of the Artisan: How America went from Industrial to Handmade, he explains how the maker's movement is sweeping the nation, why big business is welcoming it, and how you can successfully be a part of it.

Grant tells us why the artisan economy can live happily with industrial capitalism and what it means to be a creative disruptor.

Anyone and everyone can be an artisan in today's world so Grant shares his knowledge about this current cultural shift responsible for transforming the big business model. 

This is a conversation you don't want to miss. Grant gives artisinalpreneurs hope for the future and assurance for today. 

Thank you for listening. Get more inspiration and other creative lifestyle topics to tantalize your earbuds from Jane Clauss.