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What happens when we stop running from our pain and instead race toward it with open arms? In this soul-stirring conversation with artist Mark Russell Jones, we discover how embracing our deepest wounds can transform not just our art, but our very humanity.

Mark's journey into authentic artistic expression wasn’t linear. Coming from a working-class background where art was relegated to "hobby status," he initially pursued more practical creative paths. It wasn’t until becoming a father that he made the pivotal decision to fully embrace his identity as a painter – realizing he couldn’t teach his child to pursue their dreams if he wasn’t pursuing his own. This moment of clarity, coupled with profound personal losses including his father's death and his daughter's stroke, formed the alchemical foundation of his creative practice.

"The tragedy is the beauty in my work," Mark confesses, revealing how facing grief head-on rather than compartmentalizing it has deepened his artistic expression. This philosophy of "running toward" difficult experiences instead of avoiding them has become central to his approach. Through vulnerability and openness, he's discovered that creativity isn’t something he generates, but rather something that flows through him when he becomes a willing vessel.

Our conversation ventures beyond technique into the spiritual dimensions of creativity – how becoming authentic opens channels to what Mark calls "the divine." We explore the dangers of overthinking and the wisdom in Leonardo da Vinci’s observation that "the supreme misfortune is when theory outstrips performance." Mark reminds us that ultimately, creativity is performance – the doing rather than the theorizing about doing.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator struggling with authenticity or someone just beginning to honor your creative impulses, Mark’s wisdom will inspire you to embrace vulnerability as the pathway to extraordinary expression. Listen now and discover why the thread of love may be the most powerful creative force we have.

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What does it mean to live a life driven by boundless curiosity? Surtzy takes us on an extraordinary journey through her creative existence, where each day brings a new project and every experience becomes potential artistic fuel.

From crafting avant-garde moss shoes for sustainable fashion shows to performing as an aerialist, Surtzy embodies the spirit of fearless exploration. Her story begins at just four years old, when her parents normalized creativity as "just part of life," even encouraging her to repurpose trash as canvas when conventional materials were too expensive. This shaped her approach to creativity as accessible and essential rather than precious or elite.

After studying anthropology and sociology, Surtzy applied this knowledge to her passion: connecting people through art. "Nobody can do anything at all without community," she explains, challenging the myth of the solitary creative genius. Her diagnosis with Graves' disease at 19 crystallized her understanding that time is limited—fueling her drive to document her creative process and share it with others.

What truly distinguishes Surtzy is her commitment to daily collaboration. Whether rehearsing with her a cappella group, doing film readings, or co-creating large-scale community projects, she constantly seeks connection through creativity. Yet she balances this with intentional stillness, taking "meditation days" to let inspiration flow naturally instead of forcing it.

For creatives struggling with pressure and expectations, Surtzy’s wisdom is liberating. She abandoned the factory-model of art-making when her brand grew, choosing instead to create only when genuinely inspired—resulting in work that feels authentic, not resentful. Her advice for finding your creative community? Go where like-minded people gather: galleries, museums, libraries, and universities.

Listen in and discover how embracing curiosity, community, and the courage to try new things can transform your creative practice and perspective.

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This is Maddox & Dwight! More than anything, we want to connect and communicate with you. We don't want to think of you as listeners. We want to think of you as community. So, scroll to the bottom of the show notes and click the SUBSCRIBE link. Thank you!

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"You've got to have the fire." These words from metal artist Eric Breish capture the essence of the creative journey—that inexplicable burning passion that pulls you back to your craft even after declaring "I'm done" just a day before.

Eric's path to becoming a full-time artist winds through unexpected territory. From Marine Corps service to IT work to audio engineering, he eventually discovered his artistic voice through metal—creating three-dimensional works that challenge perception and evoke physical responses in viewers. What makes his art truly special is impossible to capture digitally; the way light reflects or absorbs from precisely scored metal surfaces creates a dimensional experience that photography, with its "one eye," can’t reproduce.

The conversation explores the spiritual side of creativity, with Eric describing himself as a vessel through which art flows. "I almost wasn't present for it," he explains about his best creative moments, when he steps "outside of myself and lets everything flow through." This state represents the delicate balance between technical control and surrender that defines true artistic flow.

Perhaps most moving is Eric's reflection on how heartbreak and personal struggles have shaped his most powerful work. After experiencing profound loss, he allowed himself to "go to the very bottom of the ocean and sit on the floor... and really feel everything," transforming that pain into a meaningful exhibition. His wisdom resonates beyond art: "Don't run from the emotions that you really don't want to look at and you don't want to feel, because that can be really the greatest reward you'll ever have."

For anyone on the creative path, Eric's journey offers both inspiration and practical insight. From writing a life-changing letter to his mentor to finally quitting his day job in 2015, he shows how courage and authenticity fuel artistic growth. Whether you're just beginning or facing a moment of doubt, this conversation reminds us why we keep coming back to create again and again.

This is Maddox & Dwight! More than anything, we want to connect and communicate with you. We don't want to think of you as listeners. We want to think of you as community. So, scroll to the bottom of the show notes and click the SUBSCRIBE link. Thank you!

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What happens when you create art purely from your soul, without worrying if it will sell? For Christi Meril, that authentic approach became the foundation of a thriving artistic career she never planned to have.

In this captivating conversation, Christi shares how a simple act of love—creating a handmade menorah for friends—unexpectedly launched her journey as a multidimensional artist. Despite no formal training, she's now a resident artist at ALG Fine Art in the Dallas Design District, creating distinctive mixed-media works that blend urban industrial elements with natural beauty.

"The one thing in my life that I always feel brave about is my art," Christi reveals, explaining how creativity became her refuge from people-pleasing tendencies. This freedom allowed her unique artistic voice to emerge, one that incorporates unconventional materials like nails from old mining ruins—a connection to both her Colorado hiking experiences and her late mother's similar habit of collecting these seemingly ordinary objects.

Christi's story beautifully illustrates how community involvement shapes artistic growth. Through her work with DIFFA Dallas, Dwell with Dignity, and the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center, she's not only shared her talents but built meaningful relationships that continue to enrich her life and work. "If I can't give back with my art, then why should I make art?" she asks, highlighting the profound connection between creativity and service.

Perhaps most inspiring is Christi's journey to embrace her identity as an artist despite lacking formal training. For anyone who struggles to own their creative identity—saying "I paint" instead of "I'm an artist"—her experience offers a powerful reminder that authenticity outweighs credentials every time.

Ready to be inspired? Listen now and discover how following your creative instincts, rather than market demands, can lead to both artistic fulfillment and professional success.

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The way you live your life is an act of art. This profound truth forms the foundation of our conversation with writer Jennifer Locke, who shares how creativity became the organizing principle guiding her journey—from shy college student avoiding creative writing classes to professional ghostwriter and aspiring novelist.

Jennifer reveals the delicate balance of pursuing artistic passion while managing family life with three young children. She speaks with refreshing honesty about the vulnerability required to call herself an artist despite facing a decade of rejection in traditional publishing. "I've been heartbroken," she admits, describing the peculiar pain of receiving "complimentary no's" from agents and editors who praise her work but still decline to publish it. Yet her persistence shows what happens when we orient our lives around what matters most.

The conversation explores how community sustains creative practice even when it's "never convenient but always necessary." Jennifer shares how critique groups, creative gatherings, and intentional connections provide the feedback and encouragement essential for artistic growth. She challenges the belief that we must present perfect, finished work to others, explaining how sharing in-progress creations helps us avoid abandoning our most meaningful projects.

Most powerfully, Jennifer explains why vulnerability acts as a "self-selecting tool" that draws the right people toward us while naturally filtering out those who wouldn’t truly understand our work. "The minute I get vulnerable, I give everybody else permission," notes host Maddox—a principle that applies not only to creative communities but to all human connection.

Whether you're struggling to claim your creative identity or seeking to balance paid work with passion projects, this episode offers both practical wisdom and emotional sustenance. Listen now to discover why your life itself might be your greatest creative act… and how embracing vulnerability could transform both your art and your relationships.

This is Maddox & Dwight! More than anything, we want to connect and communicate with you. We don't want to think of you as listeners. We want to think of you as community. So, scroll to the bottom of the show notes and click the SUBSCRIBE link. Thank you!

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Sara Sparky Baumann's creative journey demolishes the myth that artists must struggle financially. Born into a family of artists but pushed toward traditional careers by her Iranian mother, Sara pursued occupational therapy while nurturing her art on the side. The pandemic became a turning point—witnessing life’s fragility in healthcare settings sparked her resolve to follow what truly fulfilled her.

What sets Sara apart isn’t just talent—it’s her entrepreneurial mindset. She’s built a thriving career by mastering business fundamentals. From founding the Women and Weapons community that raised over $170K for the Malala Fund to diversifying her income through painting, murals, and commercial work, she proves artists can adapt to economic shifts without sacrificing integrity.

"You can't rely on anybody else to come save you," Sara says. This philosophy fuels her drive to build multiple income streams, use platforms like LinkedIn for growth, and embrace tech other artists resist. Her art, depicting powerful women, boldly challenges outdated narratives.

Sara also values true community over superficial networking, preferring “kooky, weird misfits” to socialites. This authenticity has helped her build global relationships with artists and collectors while staying rooted in her vision.

For creatives torn between passion and practicality, Sara offers this: there’s no one right path. Whether keeping a stable job or going all in, the key is to choose intentionally and adapt. With business savvy, community, and heart, your creativity can be your livelihood.

Sara's Profile
Sara Baumann Art

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What happens when a creative refuses to choose between passion and practicality? Tony Hale III, professional actor and corporate tech professional, shatters the myth that artists must struggle or sacrifice to pursue their craft.

Growing up watching classic films with his grandfather in Memphis, Tony's path to acting wasn't straightforward. A fateful high school elective class introduced him to theater, where his teacher immediately recognized his talent. Fast forward to today, and Tony has built parallel careers – one in acting across various genres and another at a Fortune 500 tech company. Unlike many creatives who see their day jobs as mere financial support, Tony finds genuine fulfillment in both pursuits.

What sets Tony apart is his deliberate approach to selecting roles. "If it's not a challenge, I'm not doing it," he explains, turning down projects that don't align with his artistic vision. This selectivity comes from a desire to portray characters with power and depth rather than perpetuate stereotypes. The result? A portfolio that makes him difficult to typecast and a reputation for exceptional performances.

Behind Tony's success lies a profound personal journey. Through therapy, he's embraced vulnerability both on and off screen – something that has transformed his acting and strengthened his relationships. His commitment to treating everyone with dignity on set comes from remembering his early experiences as an extra and knowing that every role matters in creating something meaningful.

For fellow creatives, Tony offers powerful guidance: "You are your biggest believer. Never let someone put a dollar on your worth." His story shows that with intentional choices, boundary-setting, and the courage to stay true to your values, it's possible to build a creative life that reflects your authentic self over industry expectations.

Whether you're juggling multiple passions or seeking to make bolder moves in your creative path, Tony’s insights will inspire you to approach your art with both heart and strategy.

This is Maddox & Dwight! More than anything, we want to connect and communicate with you. We don't want to think of you as listeners. We want to think of you as community. So, scroll to the bottom of the show notes and click the SUBSCRIBE link. Thank you!

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What happens when we refuse to fit the mold others created for us? Keke Brooks, a musical theater performer and psychology student, joins us for a soul-stirring conversation about turning pain into passion through creative expression.

Keke opens her heart about growing up as a preacher's kid who "never felt like she fit in," struggling with social anxiety and ADHD while simultaneously developing her gifts as a performer. Rather than allowing these challenges to define her, she's transformed them into wellsprings of authenticity that fuel her performances and connect her deeply with audiences. As she beautifully puts it, "I am still afraid, but I'm doing it anyway."

The conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore the psychology of bullying, the false sense of power that comes from controlling others, and how true power can only be found by empowering those around us. Keke shares profound insights about the difference between healthy solitude (where creativity flourishes) and unhealthy isolation (where victim mentality festers).

What makes this episode particularly special is Keke's willingness to share her ongoing journey—not as someone who has "arrived" at perfect healing, but as a fellow traveler who continues to face challenges while choosing resilience daily. Her perspective that "healing is not a destination, it's a journey" offers permission for all of us to embrace our imperfect paths toward authentic expression.

Whether you're a creative struggling with anxiety, someone feeling pressured to conform to others' expectations, or simply seeking inspiration to show up more authentically in your life, Keke's story will remind you that your unique voice matters—and that your greatest wounds often become your greatest gifts when channeled through creative expression.

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This is Maddox & Dwight! More than anything, we want to connect and communicate with you. We don't want to think of you as listeners. We want to think of you as community. So, scroll to the bottom of the show notes and click the SUBSCRIBE link. Thank you!

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