In this special bonus episode, Creative or Dead hosts Aleesha Callahan and David Constantine turn the mic on themselves. The friends and collaborators reflect on their own creative journeys – from childhood instincts to circuitous career paths – and how they’ve each found space for expression, experimentation and impact across disciplines.

Aleesha opens up about her accidental pivot from interior design to editorship, the vulnerability of writing, and the slow-burn joy of a long-term creative project. David shares insights from his multidisciplinary practice as a creative consultant and Chief Creative Officer, including his enduring belief in curiosity, reflection, and the value of being an astute observer.

Together, they touch on themes that run through the podcast’s DNA: trusting your instincts, making space for creative percolation, the messiness of opinion, and how to build a meaningful life by connecting what you're good at, what brings joy, what pays the bills – and what the world needs.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode, hosts Aleesha Callahan and David Constantine step out of the studio and onto the Creative Mornings stage with Jo Hook – coach, and life designer – to talk about crossroads, creative burnout, money myths, and why designing your own death might just be the most life-affirming thing you can do.

Expect laughs, some surprising existential detours, and practical gems on how to stay creatively alive (while still paying your tax return).

Special thanks for Creative Mornings Melbourne, and event partner TOMS Place, Brunswick.

LINKS

Check out Jo's work at jo-hook.com

And sign up for more Creative Mornings each month at creativemornings.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thought-provoking episode of Creative or Dead, hosts David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan speak with Julie McLaren, an experienced curator known for her work with the Art Gallery of Ballarat and now (hot off the press!) as Senior Curator at HOTA on the Gold Coast.

Julie shares candid reflections on her journey, discussing the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, her deep-rooted empathy and the creative process of curating. She reveals how she finds inspiration from the natural world and from meaningful conversations with artists, as well as giving us a glimpse of her personal rituals that help her maintain focus and balance.

Julie’s vulnerability in speaking about burnout, the emotional weight of curating, and her approach to storytelling through exhibitions offers listeners a rare, authentic insight into the world of curation.

If you’ve ever been curious or intrigued by the intersection of empathy, creativity – and the transformative role curators play in the art world – this is for you.

LINKS

Sweat Dreams DJs – Julie’s side project, check it out on Instagram

A source of inspiration in Hans Ulrich Obrist

Look up the work of Scotty So on Instagram

See the work of Sassy Park

Also Belinda Fox

One of Julie’s final collabs at the gallery is with Ramesh Mario Nithiyendren

Julie’s grandad is Ian McLaren, who’s book collection numbering at 75,000 is now at the Baillieu library in Uni Melbourne

YOUR HOSTS

Aleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.

David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and Internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities including the Abbotsford Convent, Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres, Chunky Move and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists.

CREDITS

Creative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan.

It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.