Behind the Creative

Behind the Creative

by Dr. Kristelle Beecher, PhD, MBA

Arts Mental Health

Season 1

Is AI Destroying Creative Jobs? Here's Why We Don't Think So with Elliott McKnight

Elliott McKnight joins us on Episode 5 of Behind the Creative to explore why the future of creativity depends on embracing technology instead of fearing it. From AI, music, to emerging tools we haven’t even imagined yet, Elliott makes the case for curiosity over hesitation. We dig into how innovation can open doors for accessibility, opportunity, and connection, and why this moment is a rare window we simply can’t afford to miss. With the wisdom of someone who’s seen trends come and go, Elliott reminds us that every breakthrough we now take for granted, from microphones to cars, was once cutting-edge tech. The real challenge? Ensuring our communities aren’t left behind in this next wave of change. Whether you’re a creative, a technologist, or just tech-curious, this episode will shift the way you see the tools shaping our world. --- This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment Artist: Devin O’Bannon

ADIDAS S.E.E.D. Creator Liz Connelly Says Your Emotions Are Killing This

Your emotions aren’t just something you feel—they’re shaping every decision, every design, and every creative choice you make, often without you even realizing it. In this episode of Behind the Creative, Kristelle sits down with Liz Connelly, designer and creator of the ADIDAS SEED program, to explore how emotional framing impacts not just the work we do, but how we see ourselves as creatives. Liz shares how she’s learned to channel emotion into design, the fine line between emotions that fuel creativity and those that derail it, and how awareness of that framing can change the entire trajectory of your work. 🎙️ Whether you’re an artist, designer, or simply someone who wants to understand how to bring more intention to your craft, this conversation will have you rethinking the role your emotions play in your creativity. --- This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment Artist: Devin O’Bannon

WNBA Vet Lynetta "Kizer" Shares Her Comeback Catalyst for the First Time Ever!

In this powerful episode of Behind the Creative, former WNBA star Lynetta Kizer opens up, for the first time ever anywhere, about her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and reclaiming her life on and off the court. Known for her strength, skill, and spirit, Lynetta’s story goes far beyond basketball. She shares what it took to confront her truth, fight her way back to herself, and redefine what it means to bounce back in the public eye. We talk about the pressure of professional sports, identity beyond the game, and what it means to truly heal while still performing at the highest level. Whether you’re a fan of the WNBA, a creative navigating your own comeback, or someone who’s ever had to start over, this conversation will move you. --- This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment Artist: Devin O’Bannon

Eric Penn: He Built His Career on ONE Core Belief, It Changed Everything!

What keeps you grounded when everything around you changes? In this episode of Behind the Creative, rising R&B artist Eric Penn shares how he stays rooted in his artistic cornerstone—through music, storytelling, and immersive performance. From navigating the ever-shifting industry to designing his own "American Fairytale Experience," Eric walks us through the moments that have shaped his journey and how he remains intentional with every move. If your creativity had a foundation, what would it be and how do you protect it? Tap in to explore what it means to evolve without losing your essence. --- This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment Artist: Devin O’Bannon Audio Engineer: Kennis Clark

Khadija Speer: How To Pivot for Success as a Creative

In this episode of Behind the Creative, Dr. Kristelle Beecher sit down with Khadija Speer: international actress, creative director, and collaborator of Donald Glover — to unpack what it truly takes to scaffold your own path in an industry that often asks you to wait for permission. With her signature clarity and soul, Khadija shares how her global experiences, commitment to personal evolution, and unwavering creative vision have shaped a career that defies traditional lanes. We talk about what it means to live between worlds, the tension between visibility and authenticity, and why resilience isn’t just a trait, it’s a spiritual practice. Khadija also reflects on the internal architecture required to not just make it, but to build something that reflects who you really are. This is a conversation for the creatives who are tired of waiting for a seat at the table, and ready to build their own. --- This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment Artist: Devin O’Bannon

Behind the Creative Teaser

What if your greatest creative block is actually your mindset? In this 2-minute teaser, host Dr. Kristelle Beecher introduces Behind the Creative — a bold and intimate podcast exploring the intersection of mental health, mindset, and creative careers. This isn’t your average podcast. Each episode dives beneath the surface to explore the emotional resilience, identity shifts, and psychological framing that empower creatives to build aligned, purpose-driven careers. You’ll hear from multi-hyphenate professionals across entertainment, sports, entrepreneurship, and media who’ve navigated chaos, burnout, self-doubt, and reinvention — and came out on the other side with clarity and impact. This is where your hustle meets your healing. Because creativity isn’t just what we do, it’s how we think. Hosted by Dr. Kristelle Beecher, an industrial-organizational psychologist, culture innovator, and Forbes HR Council Member. As a first-generation American and founder of The Creative Corporate, Kristelle brings a bold lens to the conversation, blending science, storytelling, and soul. With a PhD in I/O Psychology, an MBA in HR, and a BA in Journalism, her mission is to help creatives design their careers and brand their brilliance to build lives that align with who they really are. 🎧 Catch the first season, launching Summer 2025 on YouTube and all major streaming platforms! This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com --- Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment Artist: Devin O’Bannon Audio Engineer: Kennis Clark

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