Spark & Fire: Fuel Your Creativity

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Every creative work you’ve ever loved has a hero’s journey behind it. On Spark & Fire, you'll hear creators tell the story of bringing one beloved work to life. 

Iconic creatives — like Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, Pixar director Domee Shi, comedian Patton Oswald, musician Wynton Marsalis, and novelist Isabel Allende — share the endless iterations, the inevitable setbacks, and the breakthrough ideas along the epic process of creation. But this isn’t an interview show. It’s a story — told entirely in the artist's own words.

With host June Cohen, co-founder of WaitWhat and the former executive producer of TED Talks.

Transcripts and images for every episode are available at sparkandfire.com

Introducing: Pioneers of AI
Sep 18, 2024 – 00:01:58
Introducing: Offsite Adventures
Apr 17, 2024 – 00:20:35
Create from joy: Writer Phoebe Robinson on "You Can’t Touch My Hair"
Apr 19, 2023 – 00:32:32
5 ways to handle creative conflict
Mar 30, 2023 – 00:23:20
Get to the fun part: Game creators Matthew Inman and Elan Lee on Exploding Kittens
Mar 23, 2023 – 00:35:17
Trust creates gold: Comedian David Cross on “Arrested Development”
Mar 15, 2023 – 00:30:38
Let emotion be your North Star: Composer Kris Bowers
Mar 8, 2023 – 00:28:49
5 strategies for overcoming failure
Feb 27, 2023 – 00:28:09
Fight for your dream: Comedian Cristela Alonzo
Feb 22, 2023 – 00:33:19
Find the people who see your dream: Actor Aasif Mandvi
Feb 15, 2023 – 00:33:01
Always be iterating: Pomplamoose’s Jack Conte & Nataly Dawn
Feb 8, 2023 – 00:39:14
Take responsibility for your creativity: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Jan 25, 2023 – 00:33:09
5 strategies for starting something new
Jan 23, 2023 – 00:19:09
Tell a universal truth: “Wicked” composer Stephen Schwartz
Jan 18, 2023 – 00:41:11
Sweat the details: Punchdrunk artistic director Felix Barrett
Jan 11, 2023 – 00:38:38
Embrace your inner weirdo: Pixar’s Domee Shi on “Turning Red”
Jan 4, 2023 – 00:33:44
Generosity creates magic: “Frozen” songwriters Robert Lopez & Kristen Anderson-Lopez
Dec 21, 2022 – 00:42:58
Replenish your sense of meaning: Musician Kayhan Kalhor on “Silent City"
Dec 14, 2022 – 00:35:52
Find what you need to fuel your work: Mark Bradford’s “Unicorn Tapestries”
Dec 7, 2022 – 00:35:34
Commit to your best work (always!): Novelist Ann Patchett on “The Dutch House”
Nov 30, 2022 – 00:36:33
How to recover your creative voice: Comedian Patton Oswalt on “Annihilation” & “I Love Everything”
Nov 21, 2022 – 00:39:55
5 ways to get creatively unstuck
Nov 14, 2022 – 00:20:08
Be utterly honest: Musician Ben Folds on “Whatever and Ever Amen”
Jul 1, 2021 – 00:38:35
How to spark others: Yo-Yo Ma on the Silk Road Project
Jun 24, 2021 – 00:55:42
Stick with it: "The Queen's Gambit" producers Allan Scott and Bill Horberg
Jun 10, 2021 – 00:34:19
Trust your instinct: Salsa legend Rubén Blades on the iconic song “Pedro Navaja”
Jun 1, 2021 – 00:41:53
Stay authentic to yourself: Randall Park on making "Always Be My Maybe"
May 25, 2021 – 00:35:59
Create the conditions for your own creativity: Yaa Gyasi on "Transcendent Kingdom"
May 18, 2021 – 00:23:33
Play to an elevated purpose: Wynton Marsalis on "The Democracy! Suite"
May 11, 2021 – 00:29:26
Cultivate a child's sense of wonder: "Knives Out" director Rian Johnson
May 4, 2021 – 00:38:46
How to build your creative vision: Photographer Stephen Wilkes on the 2021 Inauguration Photo
Feb 23, 2021 – 00:33:06
Great collabs start with trust: Apollo Theater’s Kamilah Forbes on “Between the World and Me”
Feb 9, 2021 – 00:37:46
Creativity starts with play: Designer Thomas Heatherwick on NYC's The Vessel
Feb 2, 2021 – 00:35:14
Turn crisis into art: Choreographer Bill T. Jones on “Afterwardsness," his pandemic masterpiece
Jan 26, 2021 – 00:43:29
Turn memory into art: Isabel Allende on “The House of the Spirits”
Jan 19, 2021 – 00:38:09
How to find inspiration: Chip Kidd on the "Jurassic Park" book cover
Jan 12, 2021 – 00:32:43
How to begin: Susan Orlean on "The Orchid Thief"
Jan 5, 2021 – 00:45:40
Oscar winner Pixar's Kemp Powers on "Soul": The best person for the project
Jan 4, 2021 – 00:31:50

Recent Reviews

thorfinnone

Stopped Following

Stopped following this podcast due to their support of AI.
Anotherbadupdate

Piano is annoying!

Why or why do a number of podcasts, including this one, insist on playing music (piano) while the guest is speaking? It is really annoying. I try to listen to what the guest has to say, not to hear cheesy elevator music. Can't listen anymore. Bye!
Vacilando Siempre

Great Show!

I look forward to every episode! Hats off to everyone at Spark and Fire. Keep it coming!
04Ry

This is great

Don’t stop. This is great and very much needed. You are inspiring people. This is important.
chilldude102

Love it

Great interviews. My only critique is that the narration is getting in the way of the interview at times. Very hand-holdy
AmyMaricle

One of my favorite podcasts for inspiration

I’m a new listener for a month or so now and I love Spark and Fire. These are thoughtful, inspiring interviews that indeed spark my creative fire. Thank you!
LinksFanOne

Powerful and Empowering

I cry at least once an episode, hearing the emotions and power and struggle of artists. As a writer, I wasn’t sure how much I could learn from the journeys of art in other mediums. What a fool I was! Spark and Fire uncovers the common humanity in all art and journeys of expression. Hope to be listening for years to come.
Overstable Studios

Yes yes yes

I couldn’t have discovered this podcast at a more opportune time. I am in a exciting moment in my career, and the gems that are dropped in every episode have just been ridiculously motivating and empowering and helpful. Love this podcast!
stacy__n

Absolute favorite podcast

Thank you! This podcast is so inspiring, fun and unique- thank you for bringing us these stories. I actually clapped at the end of the newest episode on Felix Barrett. ♥️
Ugly Bud

Outstanding

So inspirational
honeydippbre

Great

It Was Nice I loved it
loverrussian

Ps

This is the best series ever
JRMS2021

Amazing!

Just listened to the Patton Oswalt episode - if this is any indication of what’s to come in the rest of the season, I cannot wait! This episode was just as hilarious and heart breaking as it was inspiring. Love this podcast!!
shiestye2834

Spark and fire

I love how y’all just take y’all time out of the day to tell these stories
j_mcleodmusic

It’s back!!

I’m so glad this new season is dropping! The Patton Oswald episode is life changing. I can not wait until more episodes start rolling in!!! One of my favorite podcasts.
Zzino5

Pleased it’s back!

I’ve been waiting for this series to return. And the Patton Oswalt ep did not disappoint! Looking forward to more eps.
Jo Dine

The podcast to spark my creativity

This podcast is my go to for sparking innovation and creativity. I learn so much from other peoples stories and I love how the artist tells their story in first person and take us through their creative journey. This is a must listen.
Travdin Tuck

A need for artists/creator/for those wishing to pull something into the universe

There are books and resources how to get your creative project out of your mind and out on the page, screen, canvas, but none come close to the engaging and in-depth story ability of Spark and Fire. This will make you want to create, make, craft, write, snap photos, sing, film make, and in addition, hidden like chocolate treats in the podcast, will hand you practical tips from some earth’s top creators. Give it a listen—you won’t be disappointed!
3busyboymom

Super Inspiring!

I love hearing the amazing stories of these creators. They have amazing stories and it’s truly inspiring for my own life.
Chaurley

FINALLY! Season 2!!

I flew through the first season and have been anxiously awaiting the return of season 2! Listening to the trailer has me so excited. The line up for this season sounds incredible and I can’t wait for my feed to start notifying me of new episodes. I’m most looking forward to Stephen Schwartz, having a soft spot in my heart for Wicked the musical. Keep doing your thing Spark and Fire team because I am LOVING it!
3lakesroad

This show keeps on surprising me!

Listening is indulging in some of the best life stories from creative makers. Listening makes me feel like being a creative is a complete life and I’m in good company. A+
MagikMoe

Ruben. The force of nature

This story is shared by millions of Latinos who were shaped and enlightened by this guy trying to spoon feed us with his wisdom and his flavor.
Opete95

Incredible stories

This podcast is full of inspiration! Thank you for telling these amazing stories that truly spark the creativity in all of us.
Lanceinokc

Window to Wonderful

Thank you for inviting so many awesome storytellers and creating a format that allows them to give life to their own stories. June Cohen is the perfect host. Everyone of the episodes has helped me relaize something different about my own creative journey. Simply wonderful!
PRY_GG

Thank You

Thank you for introducing us to people, we would not know about If it wasn’t for this podcast. I’m finding my own creativity from it, while enjoying the learning that comes with thanks to your Podcast. Please keep it up!
Paige lulu

Auditory Art

A thorough exploration of the senses and their interaction with art and the artist. Very engaging guests; exceptional editing and amazing journeys in each episode.
OC Quilter & Crafter

Susan Orlean

I thoroughly enjoyed Susan Orlean's backstory for her novel, The Orchid Thief. I look forward to listening to more Spark & Fire stories.
pollolocicismo

Creative inspiration

A powerful glimpse into the creative mind and how to turn inspiration into reality. Thank you for bringing this series to life!
n00b2013

Fascinating!

This is a fantastic new podcast that explores creativity from a unique viewpoint-just letting the creators ‘tell their own stories’. I’m enjoying this format and it’s actually more revealing than a back and forth conversation.
Tgold08

A series for all

As an artist you love to hear stories about fellow dreamers who turned what seemed impossible into possible. This show gives me hope that is a chance for me.
Imari hall

Couldn’t see it for Soul

As a Black person I’ve become exhausted from vetting stories about Black people made for white people. The first Black protagonist in a Pixar film has to follow the same tired magical negro tropes. The storytelling didn’t hit the mark for me and I invite White folks to actually get to know a Black person ( a real one). Nobody wants to hear the perspective from another Uncle Tom. No thank you to it all.
vybgior

Great Podcast!

What a fantastic podcast! Evocative! Inspiring! Magical!
covid mason

Great

This is a great show, keep doing what you are already doing. Extra spot the difference 🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤘🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟 Level 2 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣😂😂😂😂😂 very hard 🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️
MSauder

Orchid Thief

As soon as I finished this episode I was able to watch the Movie Adaptation. I enjoyed it very much. Unique story telling at its best.
His Strength

Thank you - a struggling creative. Gives Hope!

Wow! A ‘real-life’ podcast, provides much needed post-2020 SPARKS of hope. A SPARKLE to kickstart 2021.
label78

Inspiring

I’m not a huge podcast person, but was recommend this podcast and just happened to watch the film soul recently. It changed my mind and I look forward to continuing to listen. Very well put together and extremely entertaining.
luvinbeer

Thumbs up

Hook, line, and sinker. Love Meditative Story and falling in love with Spark and Fire! Well done!
wendygkl

Soul

Wow going to watch Soul again after listening to this.
BigEarsBigHeart

A new must listen!

Oh man, I adore this new show! It’s so hard to get to the heart of the creative process, but this show does that and more. It gives humanity to what can seem like an elusive, intangible process and make you feel like you can tap into your own creative process. Plus, the host has a wonderful energy and voice. Can’t wait for the next one!
CityYogi2020

Big fan!

Love, love, love this pod! Big creativity podcast listener and this one tops the charts for me. Such great storytelling— a fresh break from from the usual “interview-style” podcast... and such cool insight into the creative process. Am a big fan of Pixar’s Soul and really enjoyed hearing some behind-the-scenes snippets from Kemp Powers. Inspiring and beautiful new podcast— can’t wait for more!
BoomerZoomed

I’m sparked!

An unfolding symphony of words describing that magical moment of spark!
Sammus Synthesizer

Excited for the series

I’m a creator so I’m always curious about the concrete details of what happens in order to make something that seems inexplicably incredible. WaitWhat has a history of quality podcasts so I know this will be no different.
Sandwoman_SS

So excited

It’s like this show was made for me!
BostonStartup

WOW.

Wow. So excited for this show. Based on the trailer, I’m picturing it like Masters of Scale (caliber of guest, great storytelling, sharp insights on what works) but subbing in the creative journey for the entrepreneurial journey. As someone who considers themselves to be both creative AND entrepreneurial — I cannot wait. Want this, need this now!
eman21

What a slate!

Can’t wait for Rian and the KNIVES OUT ep!
Halp41

Excited!!

Have always wanted to peak behind the veil of a creative’s process, and this podcast seems like such a gold mine for doing this across so many creative mediums. Can’t wait to listen as these episodes get released!
murphyjfraser

Creative storytelling at its best!

If you’re one whose creativity & curiosity is sparked through storytelling, then this is the podcast for you! What an intimate and expressive way to learn from many creative heroes - known & unknown. Can’t wait for more!
Wheeling3

Great Job

Very much looking forward to this insightful series! Already love the Meditative series and I have no doubt this will match the bar that has been set by WaitWhat!
Nyc10012

can’t wait for this to go live!

Excited to hear creators’ stories for new inspiration in 2021!
podcastr58

A Creative Boost for 2021

SO ready for a creative boost as we emerge from 2020. Listening to Spark and Fire will be one of my New Year's resolutions!