About Creative Jumpstart: Inspiration, Motivation, and Insight for Writers, Artists, and Creatives
Writer and performer Leslie Gaar interviews writers, entrepreneurs, and creatives of all stripes. They share their stories, wisdom, and insight. You come away with motivation and inspiration for your own creative work or business, and keep making amazing stuff. Let’s do this.
The Creative Jumpstart podcast shares an update, encouraging listeners to rate and review the show to help new listeners discover it.
23 Apr 2025
Creating in the Chaos with Author Karen Johnson
Author Karen Johnson discusses writing while parenting young children and building supportive communities for mothers in an interview with Creative Jumpstart.
9 Apr 2025
Finding Your Unique Voice with Author Wade Rouse
Author Wade Rouse discusses overcoming self-doubt and embracing individuality to cultivate a unique voice, highlighting the unexpected benefits of challenging early career experiences in this interview.
26 Mar 2025
Say What You Want To Say with Content Creator Katey DiStefano
Content creator Katey DiStefano discusses using humor to cope, discovering your true voice, and producing content for personal fulfillment in this interview episode.
19 Mar 2025
Creative Jumpstart Season 3!
Host Leslie Gaar interviews writers and entrepreneurs in Creative Jumpstart Season 3, as they share stories and wisdom to inspire listeners' creative work.
3 Aug 2022
Do It Anyway with Drag Queen Candi Shell
Drag queen Candi Shell discusses focusing on joy, releasing expectations, and embracing art's healing capabilities in an interview on the podcast.
20 Jul 2022
Parenting for Introverts with Humor Writer Julie Vick
Humor writer Julie Vick discusses the difficulties of parenting as an introvert, the importance of persistence in creative work, and publishing the parenting book she needed in this interview.
6 Jul 2022
Living The Dream with Singer/Actor Jenny Tucker
Singer and actor Jenny Tucker discusses pursuing her dreams in New York City, balancing an acting career with raising three children, and embracing authenticity in this interview.
3 Mar 2021
Artist Anna Vartiainen: Happy Accidents
Artist Anna Vartiainen discusses embracing unexpected opportunities, launching a microcinema in her home, and discovering new creative avenues through her business in this interview.
17 Feb 2021
Comedian + Writer Crystal Lowery: No Expiration Date on Talent
Comedian and writer Crystal Lowery discusses creativity as a form of redemption, the therapeutic power of comedy, and challenging societal expectations of mothers in this interview.
3 Feb 2021
Tango Dancer + Non-Profit Co-Founder Monica Caivano: Art is Essential
Monica Caivano, tango dancer and non-profit co-founder, discusses the importance of art and community, co-parenting, and reimagining her non-profit during the pandemic in an interview.
20 Jan 2021
Author + Songwriter VC Chickering: Why Not Me?
Author and songwriter VC Chickering discusses reinventing herself, the lives of divorcees, and raising good boyfriends, revealing her definition of success in this interview.
6 Jan 2021
Bonus Episode: 3 Things About Pixar's Soul Movie
Host Leslie Gaar analyzes Pixar's movie *Soul*, examining three significant themes relevant to individuals navigating their creative paths, offering insights into visual innovation.
30 Dec 2020
Ask Me Anything
Host Leslie Gaar answers listener questions about her creative origins, conquering self-doubt, and balancing artistic pursuits with family life in this episode.
16 Dec 2020
Storyteller + Filmmaker Charlotte Moore: Follow Your Inspiration
Storyteller and filmmaker Charlotte Moore discusses motherhood, trusting your calling, and dismantling racism through her nonprofit, Black Bodies Project, in an interview with the host.
2 Dec 2020
Cartoonist + Writer Adrienne Hedger: Life in Cartoons
Cartoonist and writer Adrienne Hedger discusses the realities of making a living as an artist, managing online negativity, and the therapeutic power of humor in this interview.
18 Nov 2020
Writer + Performer Abby Sher on Art as Activism
Writer and performer Abby Sher discusses her book *Sanctuary* and writing as therapy in this interview, revealing how art can be a form of activism.
4 Nov 2020
Author + Illustrator Elly Lonon: Do The Thing That’s On Fire
Author and illustrator Elly Lonon explores embracing imperfection and using art for healing, while also discussing how the pandemic has changed her creative process in this interview.
16 Oct 2020
Introducing: My Effing Desk
The hosts introduce "My Effing Desk," a podcast exploring the challenges of balancing motherhood with creative pursuits.
Who has been a guest on Creative Jumpstart: Inspiration, Motivation, and Insight for Writers, Artists, and Creatives
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Karen Johnson
Wade Rouse
Katey DiStefano
Candi Shell
Julie Vick
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
190
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
14 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
25
Social presence
91
YouTube
64
Engagement
51
Contact Creative Jumpstart: Inspiration, Motivation, and Insight for Writers, Artists, and Creatives
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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