We Play Full Out with Bart and Sunny

How to Catch Lightning: The Secret to Unlocking Creativity and Living a Life That Lights You Up

• Bart and Sunny Miller • Season 1 • Episode 52

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Welcome to this week's episode of We Play Full Out with Bart and Sunny!

Ever wonder where creativity really comes from or how certain people seem to tap into ideas that change the world? 

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the mysteries of inspiration, the thrill of creativity, and why living a creative life brings energy and purpose. We’ll share stories of creative legends like Chris Thile and insights from Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, exploring how ideas might just be alive, waiting for someone to bring them into the world. Plus, we’ll talk about how setting up your own “lightning rods” can help you catch that creative spark. Get ready to find out how embracing creativity makes life richer, more exciting, and honestly, a lot more fun!

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Speaker 1:

Welcome to. We Play Full Out with Bart and Sunny Miller. Take it away, Sunny.

Speaker 2:

Thanks, Bart. I am so excited to dive into today's topic. You usually are and I'm going to start with a story.

Speaker 1:

Oh, you've learned something from these amazing podcasts, it's all about the story.

Speaker 2:

Take it away, it's all about the story Well, a few years ago, we attended a Punch Brothers concert.

Speaker 1:

It was awesome.

Speaker 2:

Led by the one and only Chris Thiele, with his insane mandolin skills. It was cool. Now, I would say Chris is a creative genius and maybe you don't know this, but he was the beneficiary of the MacArthur Fellowship, which is also called the Genius Grant. Oh, cool. Now, interestingly enough, which is also called the Genius Grant.

Speaker 1:

Oh cool.

Speaker 2:

Now, interestingly enough, this is so interesting. This fellowship is a prize that's awarded annually to only 20 to 30 people and it's for people who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication to creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction. Now prize money $500,000. Back then when he got awarded. Now it's $800,000. Wow, and no strings attached, you don't have to pay anything back.

Speaker 2:

That's so cool, no pun intended because it is a mandolin, but it's awarded to people across all walks of life, so not just musicians, right? But what's even more interesting is you can't apply for it, so applications are not accepted. Anonymous and confidential nominations are invited by the foundation and reviewed by an anonymous and confidential committee, and you don't even know you've been nominated for it until they call you and congratulate you.

Speaker 1:

Did they call us?

Speaker 2:

If I don't answer calls, I'm not like they're unknown, so they probably did Just wondering, just you know, missed it Spam, what a phone call.

Speaker 1:

What a phone call.

Speaker 2:

But so what I'm trying to say is it's a pretty big deal to get this award right. We had the opportunity to snag up VIP tickets at this Punch Brothers concert and we went and the venue was so small like it was astonishing, because the level of musicians they are really off the charts, right.

Speaker 2:

But that gave us access to a closed session, vip, where they did some Q&A and they played some music. And I will never forget this question that one of the VIP attendees asked. He basically told Chris, like I feel like when I'm writing music, I'm the one doing it. He's like I hear other people say that this creativity works through them or whatever. But whatever it is, my ego wants to say I'm the one doing the work, I'm the one doing the creative. What are your thoughts on that? And Chris, his response was so good. He said something to the effect of you have to do the work, but it's also something that comes through you and you never know when or where creative creativity is going to strike. He said he likes to think about it as like he's out there assembling all these lightning rods. It can be hundreds of them. He's doing the assembling because he knows at some point the lightning's going to strike and that's creativity to him.

Speaker 1:

So he's doing the work. He's doing the work Preparing the vessel or doing whatever he needs to.

Speaker 2:

He has no control over when that creative spark is going to hit one of those lightning rods.

Speaker 1:

Yep, so good right.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, so kind of switching gears. Now we just finished watching the Billion Dollar Code on Netflix. Yep, and that show is about two men who created a software called TerraVision, and they were based out of Berlin and at the time they had the vision for this. Nobody thought it was possible, they weren't even sure it was possible. No, but they had this incredible vision that they wanted to try to bring to life and and they gave themselves a year to do it. They sold some venture capitalists on it.

Speaker 2:

And it was literally if this movie is accurate, literally down to like 30 minutes before they were supposed to unveil it that they got it to work. Crazy.

Speaker 1:

Crazy yeah. But, which teaches you a principle there too that if you have an idea and you put a timeframe to it and you force yourself, like there is no, like there was no way for them to get out of it, no, there wasn't. Like they were standing on the stage naked.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Like, regardless. They had no escape. Like it was. You know what I mean, In fact.

Speaker 2:

And they kind of blundered their way through saying yeah, it's working, yeah, in fact. And they kind of blundered their way through saying yeah, it's working, yeah, it's working.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's working. They had no opportunity, but either fail or succeed.

Speaker 2:

Yep.

Speaker 1:

Which is very interesting.

Speaker 2:

It's a really good lesson, because I think that when our psyches know that we're super serious about it, it's going to find a way to make it happen.

Speaker 1:

It's got to.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it, like you said. It was either sink or swim. There was no in between.

Speaker 1:

And that's why it worked. Yeah Was because of that.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Because he had gone and gone and gone and uh, reality is, is that the psyche? The psyche had to click, but it's going to test them and it tested them Big time, anyway, but you, know their excitement.

Speaker 2:

Like to them, this was an art that they were creating.

Speaker 1:

Oh yeah, it was a masterpiece.

Speaker 2:

And it was beautiful.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, right.

Speaker 2:

To them. That's what it was all about.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, they were thrilled about what they were doing. That's why they were willing to sacrifice their lives.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, so after they, they completed this project and it was beautiful and everybody was astonished by it. They met a guy in and it happened to work exactly the same way that TerraVision did. So this show is about a lawsuit between the two of them, and we could go more into that, but we're not going to because, as we discussed it, our takeaway was more about the creativity and having vision beyond what we think is currently possible, and it's not always about the money. In fact, it never is.

Speaker 1:

Shouldn't be.

Speaker 2:

Shouldn't be, because then I think that gets in the way of your creativity.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I agree.

Speaker 2:

So there's a book called Big Magic. It's written by Elizabeth Gilbert and she explores this idea that inspiration and creativity exist almost as if they're alive. They're circulating around the world looking for a willing partner. She talks as if ideas have a will of their own and a consciousness of sorts, and appears to people who are open to them and ready to bring them to life. Cue the lightning rods Like you're building it. You want to bring something to life. You're ready, you're willing. They're going to come to you. If a person isn't willing or able to act on an idea, it may leave and find someone else who can.

Speaker 2:

Now she told a really cool story about this example in her own life. So obviously she's an author and she had this idea for a novel that she planned to write about a plot set in the Amazon. She had done initial research. She outlined a story involving a woman who goes on a journey to Brazil and gets entangled in a political and environmental plot Fast forward years later, she met a lady and a fellow author named Anne Patchett, and they became friends. As they begin discussing their work, elizabeth discovered that Anne was writing a novel with a very, very similar premise. An American woman travels to the Amazon and becomes caught up in a complicated local situation. At the time, elizabeth was really struck by how many of the details of Anne's story completely mirrored the ones she had conceived but had never written. She came to believe that the idea had left her and moved on to Anne, who was ready to take it on, and this gives someone a lot of food for thought, doesn't it?

Speaker 2:

Gilbert's notion is that ideas are energetic entities with a life of their own. Again, they're swirling around us, and she really stresses the importance of being open and receptive so that when an idea does come knocking, we're prepared to act on it before it moves on to someone else. So take this into our own lives. How many times have we had an idea, didn't act on it and then, all of a sudden, someone else has done it? Yeah Right.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, and I think the cool part about it is is not only to see that, but also to go back and say why didn't I act on it? And most of the reasons I didn't act on mine was fears.

Speaker 2:

And actually this is what this book is about Big magic. It's being moving past your fears to bring creativity to life.

Speaker 1:

It was. It was a fear, you know, fear of not just failure, lots of fears, you know. And so it stifled a lot of those things for me and I look back and go what the heck did I have to be fearful of? But I was at the time, you know. So it's really really interesting.

Speaker 2:

Can you give us an example of your fears, like fear of being seen, fear of what?

Speaker 1:

Yeah, think of you fear of yeah, a couple of them have been like mainly fear of financially devastating myself. That would be probably the biggest one. Like I've had ideas and I think I could, because I've been through several processes and I know the kind of capital, labor, all the things that's going to go into it that it's like if this doesn't happen, Sink or swim.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, exactly, the fear of that, when reality is and I think another part of it is is the fear of losing my idea. And what I mean by that is fear of losing my idea, and what I mean by that is if I tell somebody else they'll want this much of it and therefore, you know, take it and run with it, yeah, yeah.

Speaker 1:

So it's kind of like the thing that goes back to you and I've seen this lesson so many times and I've learned from it since then was like you know, here's $10 and you can both split and get five, or you know, you split and get five, or you know you both like here's $10. I'll give you a dollar. I'll give them $9. Are you okay with that?

Speaker 2:

And the person's like no, I'd rather do this and see if I get it all money than take the $1.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, even though they didn't have any money anyways, and it's just funny how our psyches work that way. But I saw my psyche do that a couple of times. So, interesting and it was like now I look back and I'm like what a moron, like I got nothing out of nothing you know instead of something out of something you know, and so I've really you know, as you age and you mature, you have to be honest with yourself sometimes and go back and go dang. I really did that to myself.

Speaker 2:

Yeah Well, sometimes it's hard to break out of routines because I feel like I get a lot of ideas, but then it's like the time, energy, effort, like you really have to like commit yourself to that, and it's not always the easiest thing to do. No, no because like, even if it excites you, it's like but I've got this daily routine that I've got to accomplish.

Speaker 1:

It's once again let's. Let's just put it in another, maybe a little far out there, but it would be like you and I saying, hey, let's have a kid.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, no, that's so good because in like ancient myths and stuff, having a kid is the example of bringing a new idea to life.

Speaker 1:

Okay, because that's exactly what it feels like to me. That's what you're saying to yourself yeah, and that's why when those come, some of them, you're like I got to pass. But then there's other people that have 10 kids, 11 kids, and they're fine. You know, like, some have the capacity to have one kid, some have the capacity to have 12 kids and manage it all fine. You know what I mean. But, like, reality is, when I get there and I think about those things, it's that's what pops in my head. It's like you're asking yourself am I willing to birth a kid?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and then there's the opposite of that, where people get really fired up about new ideas and they get really excited about them and they talk about them, and they talk about them and that, like that's their ignition point, but then they just let it die and then the idea dies. Well, and I think- I bring that up because, like it's so common, like you've got to put like at least 50% of the work around an idea if you're going to bring it to life.

Speaker 1:

Well, at least nine months, Right. So here here's. The thing that's interesting on that concept is is that there are people like for me, the process of having a kid, the nine months, the other when they're three years old. Turn them over to me. I want that little bugger Like I'm ready.

Speaker 2:

You don't want to start a phase.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, you know. So like we're all built for different phases and you've got to find that person sometimes in those phases too, because reality is we're not all the best at incubating and starting an idea.

Speaker 2:

Well and we kind of discussed that too after we watched this, this series was that it sometimes does take more than one person, more often than not.

Speaker 1:

Like 99% of the time.

Speaker 2:

In this movie. They needed a marketing guy and they needed the programmer in order to bring the idea to the world. Yep, so same thing, right.

Speaker 1:

That's exactly it.

Speaker 2:

Okay, and just a quick example actually of an idea. So probably a good five years ago I was thinking about energy drinks and having energy at the gym, and a lot of people will take their energy mix that they would put into water or whatever and they just eat it plain.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And I was like, well, what if we had pixie sticks that just had really good tasting energy in them and you just throw them in your bag, get to the gym, have a pixie stick and off you go to do your workout, right? Well, like last week, we were in a fitness store and there at the counter were things that look like pixie sticks that were full of caffeine. It's awesome. So just another. You know it's random, but there was came to life, yep. Somebody else had the idea. Somebody else acted on it, yep. But engaging with creativity connects us to something deeper within ourselves, and I think the reason why we decided to write about creativity today is because so many times we get stuck in our past, we get stuck in what our labels say about us and we forget that our souls are trying to express through us. Living a creative life doesn't just lead to fresh ideas. It brings an energy and an excitement that fulfills us and creates new and exciting life experiences for us that we wouldn't normally have.

Speaker 1:

Amen.

Speaker 2:

It invites us to break out of routines into a world of possibilities, offering a sense of purpose and passion. And sometimes, you know, having that kid just feels like work, and then other times you sit back and you're just in awe of the wonder of it all. Yeah, you know. So four ways you can open yourself up to creativity and to receiving and acting on new ideas. Step one would be to set up the lighting rods, put them out there, create routines that welcome inspiration, whether it's regular brainstorming sessions, keeping a notebook on hand or making time for activities that ignite your creativity.

Speaker 2:

And this has been quite a while ago. But do you remember when we went to that Entreport conference? I just for some reason remember that the CEO of Entreport made sure that all of his people had at least an hour during their day to focus on whatever they wanted to focus on. It's like they turned that business part of their brains down and they just got to focus on being creative and finding things that excited them. So good, you know. Step two would be to stay curious and playful. Sometimes that can be so hard.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it shouldn't be.

Speaker 2:

I got to get the videos done, I got to get the emails done, but curious and playful. Approach creative pursuits with curiosity instead of pressure. Wouldn't that be nice, so good. Sometimes the best ideas come when you're relaxed and open to exploration rather than focused on perfection. Number three act on sparks quickly. If an idea excites you, take small steps to develop it. Even just researching or outlining your thoughts can begin the process and signal that you're a willing partner for creative ideas. And one caution I would say here is and I've heard this said from a lady who's super creative is if you talk about it, talk about it, talk about it, talk about it but aren't taking action, the life forces behind that idea will die quickly. So you've got to be taking some steps towards it, not just talking about it, yeah. The fourth is to surround yourself with creativity. Attend concerts I love the creativity of concerts. Read books, engage with art and spend time with other creators. Exposing yourself to different perspectives can keep your mind primed for inspiration.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I watched a video I think it was today actually and I want to say it was Dan Martell was interviewed by somebody and don't quote me, it was Dan Martell, sure, I don't remember, but somebody like him. And this kid comes out of the woodworks and he's standing there and he says so why do you think what? What would you say to how to tell wealthy versus poor? And it was like I don't know why this popped into his head, but it was like he goes. If you go into a poor person's house, what I always look for is do they have a library? I go into a wealthy person's house and I always see massive libraries, bigger than their theater rooms, bigger than anything that they have. Or if you get into their Amazon, audible books you get into that kind of stuff you see a plethora of knowledge and he goes. So the difference between and once again, I'm not saying this is true or false, I don't have any stats about any of this?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it's an interesting idea. Keep going, it's just a concept. Yeah.

Speaker 1:

But reality is that creativity comes because you're reading, you're exploring, you're willingness to learn, you're willingness to push through things and concepts and stuff like that, and the only way you do that is by either digging in a library, reading a book, following different things, stuff like that, that are pushing your brain in those kind of categories, and so I think it's something you're bringing up that's really important is and I'm not saying it defines wealthy versus poor, but it's interesting that the concept of that thought Well, even if it might not be financially wealthy versus poor, you know, it is probably a more fulfilling life, maybe A more wealthy.

Speaker 2:

Fulfilling, agreed In that way.

Speaker 1:

At least you're learning, and I think that's a big thing. Of it is creativity. Is most creativity is not just it's learning and creating the same. I guess it is.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and I find that, like with my creativity, I'm a lot more able to like, synthesize ideas into my own, versus something like TerraV vision that's so far out there that, like you know, to envision something like that is crazy, yeah, pretty cool.

Speaker 2:

Okay, so inspiration's everywhere. Sometimes it only needs a willing mind and open hands. Embrace the mystery of creativity and be ready for the big magic to find you. Amen, okay, that was like our main topic for the day, so we're just going to talk about our life updates really quickly. Amen, okay, that was like our main topic for the day, so we're just going to talk about our life updates really quickly.

Speaker 1:

Cool.

Speaker 2:

Xander found out. He made it to Gem State Honor Band this week. So good, so exciting, yeah, and he also won a pickleball tournament that was held at his school on Tuesday. Yep, oddly enough, his pickleball partner is also the only other baritone sax player in a wind ensemble. How does?

Speaker 1:

that happen. It's called Xander's, a networker and recruiter and all the things. So Apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, so everybody had team names. They named theirs, number one, and it worked out for them. They were undefeated, yep undefeated Yep.

Speaker 1:

Undefeated number one.

Speaker 2:

Baby Lila and Mercedes are both doing amazing, and little Lila was the cutest little pumpkin I've ever seen for Halloween. So so grateful for them, and you know that they're both healthy and happy.

Speaker 1:

Fun phase.

Speaker 2:

And we've been shooting videos and getting them all set for some new funnels we're launching soon. Bart is the master. Put the video on him. He can talk about anything. It's incredible. It is so fun to watch, but what a freaking ton of work a funnel is. I just have to say it's never just a funnel. It's copy, it's images, it's videos, it's payment gateways, it's offers and products. It's copy, it's images, it's videos, it's payment gateways, it's offers and products, it's email sequences. And so I just want to shout out to anybody who's out there building a funnel right now it's a lot of work, great job, yeah, it's creative and then date night.

Speaker 2:

tonight we get to go have some much needed time together. Super excited about that.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, me too.

Speaker 2:

Anything else on the life updates that I missed here.

Speaker 1:

It's starting to. The weather's changing here, so right now winterizing. I think I talked about that a little bit, but now it's into getting my vehicles ready for the snow. So snow tires, wheels, things to that nature.

Speaker 2:

So grateful you do that.

Speaker 1:

And making sure that storage units are open to getting stuff into storage and firewood, making sure we get the house and heat and all that stuff going. So it's kind of funny when you change over you know everything takes time. So just working on all that kind of stuff and trying to find some trips to warmer weather it was also fun having Kobe here. Got to play a lot of great pickleball with him.

Speaker 2:

And.

Speaker 1:

I've been playing some really competitive pickleball this last week and been roping Bart's been like drilling with me, so I got his game up to where he can hang with the big boys, it's all me. You're welcome, amen, you're welcome. I'll take it. I'll take it, let's go. So other than that, I can't think of really any other life updates. I did buy an espresso machine.

Speaker 2:

That caught me. I wanted to actually do a video on that because you were like talking me through the steps pretty well the other day.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it's pretty. It was an interesting marketing funnel they caught me in. I ended up buying, so I've been.

Speaker 2:

It's a portable espresso machine.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

So you can take it with us when we travel.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it heats the water, all sorts of things what they got me on, but anyway, so I got that and so that showed up. But basically that's all the fun things right now that I think are going on and we've been working on. So, with that super excited for the next week and this segment is brought to you by, I Do Epic.

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Bart Miller

Host
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Sunny Miller

Host