Windowsill Chats

Margo is joined by Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney and author of The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation. With 30 years of experience working with Disney's Imagineering, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar, and more, Duncan brings a wealth of knowledge on fostering groundbreaking ideas and creating magical experiences. In this episode, he shares practical tools and insights to reignite creativity, embed innovation into everyday life, and solve problems in revolutionary ways. From sending Buzz Lightyear into space to teaching innovation at Yale and Harvard, Duncan's expertise in Design Thinking has helped organizations like Apple, the NBA, and Spotify redefine how they innovate.  Margo and Duncan discuss: Why our creativity often fades by age six—and how to reignite it Simple, actionable tools to unlock imagination and achieve revolutionary results Employable skills that the next generation can use to thrive in an AI-driven world How The Imagination Emporium makes innovation accessible to everyone Real-life examples of using Design Thinking to drive creativity and innovation Stories from Duncan’s time at Disney and the lessons learned along the way   Connect with Duncan: duncanwardle.com  theimaginationemporium.com instagram.com/duncanjwardle linkedin.com/in/duncanwardle   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo and Abby are back with a packed episode of Creative Current Events, spotlighting creativity, community, and cutting-edge trends. They kick things off with news from Asheville, where Tanger Outlets is supporting displaced artists with a stunning 2,000-square-foot gallery. Next, they explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art's fascinating employee art show featuring over 600 works, tying it to insights from Patrick Bringley’s book, All the Beauty in the World. They also dive deep into design trends for 2025, reviewing Canva’s latest article and insights, discuss the rising influence of AI in content licensing, the power of human connection in media, and how bold, textured aesthetics are reshaping design. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or creative enthusiast, this episode is full of inspiration and insights to keep you ahead of the curve. Mentioned in this episode: Tanger Outlets Donate Gallery Space in Asheville https://www.wlos.com/news/local/tanger-outlets-asheville-donates-gallery-space-for-artists-displaced-helene-local-arts-community-creative   Orbit Gallery Space https://theorbitspace.com/   Met Museum Staff Show https://hyperallergic.com/969864/over-600-works-by-met-museum-workers-go-on-view-in-largest-ever-staff-show/   Canva’s 2025 Design Trends https://www.creativebloq.com/design/canva-predicts-these-will-be-the-hottest-design-trends-of-2025   More Canva https://www.canva.com/design-trends/?clickId=XjSTp1T3dxyKRYeUaAwyfw4HUkCVl82OPWmnQI0&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Future%20PLC._221109&irgwc=1   Open AI & Meredith Corp https://www.adweek.com/media/openai-dotdash-meredith-licensing-payment/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_11752201_ADWEEK_Daily_241119&lctg=5b82c665-7b66-4670-ae7c-17cb22d1753e   The People who Helped Resurrect Notre Dame https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-people-who-helped-resurrect-notre-dame-60-minutes/   Windowsill Chats Episode 83 - St Germaine de Pres https://margotantau.com/83-a-fascinating-conversation-about-the-magnificent-church-of-saint-germain-des-prs-and-what-is-being-done-to-preserve-its-rich-and-layered-history-with-david-sheppe/   Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Earth-Novel-Kingsbridge/dp/0451166892   Flowers & Projects by CJ Hendry https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Earth-Novel-Kingsbridge/dp/0451166892 Connect with Abby: https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/ https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Margo is joined by Ashley Gould, the founder of Âme Atendre™, a brand dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed everyday tabletop objects that foster connection and empathy. After a decade-long career as a lawyer and executive, Ashley pivoted toward a more personal mission—bringing people together through intentional design and meaningful conversation. Margo and Ashley discuss: Ashley's journey from law and corporate leadership to launching Âme Atendre™. How her mother's passion for community and gathering inspired her vision for an elevated tabletop brand. The philosophy behind Âme Atendre™, including the role of thoughtfully crafted objects in building deeper human connections. The fascinating field of neuroaesthetics and its connection to Ashley's work. The power of conversations often left off the table and how respect and curiosity can bridge gaps in understanding. Sneak peeks into exciting Âme Atendre™ projects in development, including a "death box" for intentional legacy planning, a sleek metal wastebasket, and a new hand-blown crystal vase. Insights from Ashley's podcast, On the Table with Ashley, and its mission to foster curiosity and reduce judgment. Connect with Ashley Gould: www.ameatendre.com www.instagram.com/ameatendre www.tiktok.com/@ameantendre https://www.youtube.com/@ameatendre https://www.facebook.com/ameatendre [email protected]   Connect with Margo: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Margo is joined by Jade Chen, a Shamanic Practitioner, Spiritual Guide, Public Speaker, and Activist, dedicated to helping women transform their lives through inner healing and self-empowerment. With expertise in Shamanism, mindfulness, and artistic expression, Jade shares her mission to guide women on journeys of self-discovery while emphasizing the power of creativity as a tool for healing and change.    Margo and Jade discuss: The pivotal moment when Jade left her corporate career and long-term relationship to embark on a healing journey. How creativity and art can serve as powerful forms of expression and spiritual practice, especially in challenging times. Practical mindfulness techniques, like mindful breathing and connecting to heart and sacral spaces, to unlock authentic creative expression. The role of community in fostering personal growth and supporting creative risks. The necessity of embracing raw truths and prayers through artistic work. Overcoming societal conditioning to honor your true self and prioritize self-care. Jade’s upcoming projects, including her new podcast, The Mud Lotus, focused on healing and transformation.   Connect with Jade: Website: www.mudlotuslife.com Connect: [email protected]   Connect with Margo: The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry Website: www.windowsillchats.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill