In this episode, Mike Raven speaks to Ella Willis - a talented illustrator and content creator based in Newcastle. Ella's work is a beautiful blend of performance and illustration, that aims to raise awareness of different aspects of identity. Together they discuss creativity's power in helping self-discovery, how it can foster strong connections with others, and why carving out a safe space to create without expectation is vital. Follow Ella @EllaWillis, Mike @mikeraven, and Self Esteem @slfestm on Instagram, and see more of Ella’s work on Instagram and www.slfestm.com If you've enjoyed this episode please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts... and share it out, it helps SO much!

In this episode, Mike Raven speaks to Philip Ellis (P.J. Ellis), an author, journalist and editor whose debut novel Love and Other Scams has just been released globally. Phil's search for a creative outlet during his childhood led him through various avenues before settling on writing. Art and drama were early stepping stones that helped him uncover a sense of freedom. He soon discovered that books offered him an escape, inspiring him to lose himself in novels and ultimately begin writing his own. Phil believes that imagination is the most beautiful act of creation. In this episode, we delve into the power of creative thinking, the challenge of dealing with feedback when creativity is so personal, and how writing gave Phil an opportunity to find his place in the world. Follow Philip Ellis @Philip_Ellis, Mike @mikeraven and Self Esteem @slfestm on Instagram, Phil’s debut novel Love and Other Scams is available in on e-book, paperback and hardcover in all good retailers. If you've enjoyed this episode please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts... and share it out, it helps SO much!

In this episode, Mike Raven speaks to Dan Broadley - A film-maker, musician and photographer whose work for pop megastars you’ve most likely seen, you may have even been one of the 100 million listeners streaming his band Meadowlark’s music. Dan started exploring his creativity with a video camera in his teenage years. Since then, his honest and simplistic approach to portraying those closest to him has influenced his artistic vision and outlook on life. From making skate films in the early 2000s to working with some of the biggest music stars, Dan's personal experiences and memories continue to shape his creativity. For Dan, creativity is all about expressing oneself. In this interview, we discuss why it's important to prioritise emotions and art over logic, the universal nature of creativity, and why chasing money as a creative pursuit will never lead to happiness... As Dan says, true happiness comes from self-generated moments. Follow Dan @DanielBroadley, Mike @mikeraven and Self Esteem @slfestm on Instagram, and see more of Dan’s work at ww.danielbroadleyfilms.com and www.slfestm.com If you've enjoyed this episode please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts... and share it out, it helps SO much!

In this episode, Mike Raven speaks with Jodanna Bird, a conceptual art director, self-published author, creative coach, and TEDx speaker passionate about creativity. Growing up in an environment that encouraged imagination and curiosity shaped Jo's approach to creativity. Her boundless optimism and view of creativity show that embracing it can help push the boundaries of what we believe we're capable of and aid self-discovery. Creativity has anchored Jo in the world. Here, we discuss building resilience, the power of the subconscious mind, and how ideas can help unlock our limits to understand who we can become. Follow Jo @jodannabird, Mike @mikeraven and Self Esteem @slfestm on Instagram. Hear more from Jo on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodannabird/ and www.slfestm.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Sharing also helps a lot! All Chapters (timestamps): 00:59: Introduction 01:42: Discovering The Magic Of Creative Thinking 05:38: A Journey Into Creativity 10:05: The Power Of Intent 12:24: Visualising A Creative Future 14:01: An Abstract Reality 19:47: The Emotionless Problematic Reality Of A.I 24:10: The Power Of The Subconscious 25:52: On Consumption 29:11: Nurturing A Creative Mind 31:34: Creativity And Social Media 36:44: Finding Purpose Through Creativity 40:49: The Possibilities Of Creative Thinking 41:54: Life Lessons 44:33: The Importance Of Process 45:54: Creativity And Identity 47:49: Creating Isn’t Always Easy 49:59: Creative Advice 52:45: More About Jo Bird

In this episode, Mike Raven speaks to his good friend Ëpha J. Roe - an artist and writer whose expansive work utilises both traditional and alternative photographic techniques to examine the complex relationship between humans, the natural world, cultural heritage, and identity. The conversation explores Ëpha's photography and writing, his anthropological and highly conceptual approach to image-making, the personal experiences that have shaped his practice, and the immense power that creativity has held for him in discovering and embracing a true sense of self. Inspired by the growing interest in plant intelligence and the increasing socio-political concern surrounding climate change, Ëpha's artistic practice and PhD studies interrogate how humans conceptualise and relate to the plant kingdom through mythological, scientific and cultural means. His work is also deeply informed by explorations of heritage, identity, gender, perception, presentation and the anthropological nature of creativity itself. Through our conversation, Ëpha shares insights into finding similarities between nature and personal identity, the importance of creativity as a means of self-expression and empowerment, the role of research and theory in their practice, and the constant evolution of the self. Follow Ëpha @ephajroe, Mike @mikeraven and Self Esteem @slfestm on Instagram, and see more of Ëpha's work at www.ephajroe.com and www.slfestm.com If you've enjoyed this episode please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts... and share it out, it helps SO much!

Welcome to Self Esteem - A Journey Into Creativity. Throughout the series, we'll be talking to a collection of inspirational artists, makers and thinkers and explore just how much our identities are shaped by our need for creativity and self-expression.