Louis Henry Mitchell, Creative Director of Character Design Sesame Workshop
How did Louis Henry Mitchell get to Sesame Street? The spark that started his creative journey began when he was just six years old, and saw Jim Henson on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was in that moment he realized that a person was behind creating his favorite characters, and if they could do it, why couldn't he?Today, Louis directs and oversees all aspects of character art for Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind Sesame Street. He's designed Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons and floats, directed Sesame Street Muppet photo shoots, and created iconic characters we've come to love. In this interview we discuss his amazing career and his debut book, QREATIVE EVOLUTION: How to Question Everything to Find Your Creative Fulfillment. (Out Now!)To buy the book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJFYVDSX?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZNBE089W6YQ1V4ZGABF0&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZNBE089W6YQ1V4ZGABF0&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ZNBE089W6YQ1V4ZGABF0&bestFormat=true&previewDoh=1To learn more about Louis: https://qreativeevolution.com/about-louis/Photo Credit Julian Waas
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Catharina Steel — The Vanishings: Fantasy Revisions & Character Craft
Catharina Steel on The Vanishings: beta readers, editing, and building braver fantasy characters.We dig into the world of fantasy writing with Australian author Catharina Steel—from beta readers and writing coaches to our beloved “Deleted Scenes” folders. We also explore how nature fuels ideas and practical ways to strengthen character arcs for kidlit and fantasy.What you’ll learnGetting useful feedback from beta readers (and what to ask them)When a writing coach helpsWhy a “Deleted Scenes” folder is a writer’s best friend (and when to resurrect a cut)Turning setting into story: using nature to deepen mood, stakes, and character growthResources & links• The Vanishings — https://books2read.com/u/bM8DlX• Catharina Steel — https://catharinasteel.com/Learn more about your host, Tracy Blom at www.theblomdotcom.com
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Interview with Kyle Zimmer, CEO and Co-Founder of First Book
Imagine taking the leap from practicing attorney to wanting to start a literacy non-profit. Seems pretty scary right? Well, that' exactly what Kyle Zimmer did in 1992 just before co-founding First Book.Fast forward to 2025, First book serves 6.5 million children each year through its network of more than 600,000 members – teachers, practitioners, and other dedicated adults who are working and volunteering in the lives of kids in need. Since its founding in 1992, First Book has distributed 250 million books and educational resources, with a retail value of more than $2 billion. Today, First Book is growing – to support 1 million more educators and reach all 27 million children in need.About Kyle:Kyle Zimmer is the Co-founder, President, and CEO of First Book, an award-winning, nonprofit social enterprise furthering educational opportunities for children in low-income communities across the United States. First Book currently serves 6.5 million children each year through its network of more than 600,000 members – teachers, practitioners, and other dedicated adults who are working and volunteering in the lives of kids in need. Since its founding in 1992, First Book has distributed 250 million books and educational resources, with a retail value of more than $2 billion. Today, First Book is growing – to support 1 million more educators and reach all 27 million children in need.Donate, support, and learn more by visiting https://firstbook.org/support-us/
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High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening | Christy Wilhelmi Interview
In this episode, I chat with gardener and author Christy Wilhelmi about her new book, High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening. Whether you're planting on an acre or a porch, her book is a goldmine of organized planting plans, tasty recipes, and helpful resources to help you grow more food in less space. A must-listen for anyone interested in gardening smarter!To learn more about Christy, read her blog, or buy her books visit: https://christywilhelmi.com/
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Interview with Vicky Fang | Inspiring Young Minds Through STEM & Storytelling
Former Google product designer Vicky Fang talks about turning a passion for tech and robotics into stories for kids!In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant author and illustrator Vicky Fang, whose creative books spark curiosity and laughter while introducing kids to the world of STEM, robotics, and innovation. With a background in engineering and a passion for storytelling, Vicky shares how her career in tech inspired her to write the books she wished existed for her own kids—fun, diverse, and full of smart characters solving real-world problems.From picture books to chapter books, Vicky’s work blends education and entertainment, empowering the next generation of thinkers and tinkerers. Tune in as we talk about her journey from product designer to children’s book creator, the power of representation in STEM, and what inspires her most as a mom, maker, and storyteller.🔗 Learn more about Vicky at vickyfang.com📚 Featured books include Layla and the Bots, I Can Code, and Invent-a-Pet
Acerca de Books, Kids & Creations with Tracy Blom
Viewers will meet creative people of all ages who inspire future generations with their work. Guests have included Cartoonists, Olympic champions, NASA scientists, ballerinas, children's authors, and more!
Hosted by Tracy Blom, awarding-winning author of over thirty books, plays, and screenplays.
Colombia