Mia takes a step back to reflect on what a year of hosting Creative Conversations has taught her about creativity, community, and the creative life itself. Rather than interviewing a guest, she walks through the major themes that have emerged across the conversations — from resilience and return, to authenticity in an over-polished world, to the refusal to be boxed into a single identity. She shares her perspective on her own episodes and the guests Sophia has brought to the show, and unpacks what the podcast was always meant to be: a sanctuary where creative people feel genuinely seen.

Key themes in this episode

• Resilience and return — The pattern of stopping and starting again, sometimes years apart. The fear that keeps people from returning, and what it takes to come back.
• Authenticity over polish — In a world of filters and algorithms, real people with real struggles resonate more than perfection. The value of being seen as you actually are.
• The creative as a verb, not a noun — Tom Gorst's framework: don't become the label. Stay fluid. Stay able to grow. Keep doing, not being.
• Multi-hyphenate identity — The creative life that refuses a single box. Photography and mathematics. Music and Reiki. Modelling and DJing. This flexibility seems protective and generative.
• Community as the real mission — Guests meeting each other. Collaborations forming. Listeners feeling less alone. The podcast as a gathering place, not just a broadcast.

James sits down with Jorgi fresh off submitting her PhD to celebrate the milestone and unpack what four years of research actually looked like. Jorgi's thesis sits at an unusual crossroads — circus practice, disability studies, and philosophy — and she walks us through how those three worlds collide, what she discovered, and where she's taking it next. Along the way we hear about growing up in Pembrokeshire, belly dancing in Cairo at age 11, spinning fire every Wednesday, and why she thinks disability is, ultimately, good for innovation.

"There is no box for me. Can't think inside the box if it isn't there."

Key ideas from this episode

• Capal epistemology — Jorgi's term for how knowledge is shaped by and through the body, particularly bodies that diverge from a perceived norm.
• The Vortex Methodology — a framework for understanding creative (and research) process as multiple inputs swirling together around an axis until they produce a finite, defined output.
• Photo elicitation interviews — a research technique where visual media is used within an interview to elicit responses that words alone can't reach.
• Social circus — using circus skills as a vehicle for community wellbeing and social good, parallel to applied theatre.
• Epistemic injustice — injustice that operates at the level of knowledge itself: how we share, receive, and value information, and whose knowledge counts.

Mentioned in this episode

• Petra Kuppers — artist-scholar working at the intersection of disability and performance
• Pina Bausch — German contemporary dance choreographer, themes of tragedy, love, and memory
• Katrina Carter — circus scholar and aerialist; disability and circus accessibility; Paralympic opening ceremony choreography
• Organised Chaos (KAOS) — social circus organisation in the Swansea/Cardiff area, Wales
• Philip Astley — 18th-century British trick rider, credited with founding the modern circus

Find Jorgi

Instagram

@flofficial (modelling & performance)

TikTok

Fire spinning videos

Find the podcast

Website granary.digital

Email: podcast@granary.digital

Instagram: @Granary_Digital

In this upbeat and candid episode of Creative Conversations, Mia Moore sits down with content creator, interviewer, and self-proclaimed “country music idiot” Liam Kenny. Known for his infectious energy, unfiltered honesty, and love of cowboy hats (whether or not they’ve seen a pile of horse poo), Liam opens up about his rise on social media, the joys and chaos of putting yourself out there, and the power of authenticity in a world obsessed with perfection.

🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:

✅ The Accidental Content Creator – How a spontaneous concert video in Hyde Park unexpectedly went viral and launched Liam’s online journey.

✅ The Power of Being Yourself – Why Liam’s favourite moments are when fans say his videos inspired them to live more confidently.

✅ Dealing with the Haters – From “not cowboy enough” critics to internet trolls, Liam shares how he stays grounded and positive.

✅ Community and Friendship – How country music gigs and online spaces have helped Liam build real-life connections and a loyal support network.

✅ The Creative Process – From trends to off-the-cuff ideas, Liam’s secret is a 300-strong notes list and a willingness to post “any old rubbish” when inspiration stalls.

✅ Vulnerability on Socials – Liam talks openly about mental health, posting through tough times, and using his platform to encourage honest conversations.

✅ Country Music and Storytelling – A deep dive into why country resonates, the beauty of imperfect songwriting, and the power of relatable lyrics.

✅ Diversity in Country – Liam’s take on artists like Post Malone and Beyoncé entering the genre, and why there’s room for everyone at the country table.

✅ The Joys of Freedom – From ditching the 9-to-5 to living life as a “rolling stone”, Liam celebrates the unpredictability and freedom of the creative path.

✅ Manifesting the Dream – What’s next? Liam’s bucket-list interview with Luke Combs, keeping it authentic, and chasing the next adventure.

💡 Key Takeaways:

🎬 Authenticity wins – Whether you’re a polished influencer or “just an idiot with a camera”, people connect with what’s real.

🤠 There’s no “right way” to be creative – Post what you love, try new things, and don’t be afraid to go against the grain.

💬 Community is everything – Surround yourself with people who support you, online or in real life.

🧠 Share your struggles as well as your wins – Vulnerability builds connection and helps others feel seen.

✨ Don’t overthink it – Sometimes your biggest hits are the unscripted, messy moments.

🎙️ About Our Guest:

Liam Kenny is a content creator, interviewer, and passionate country music fan. Known for his no-nonsense approach to social media and infectious humour, Liam is building a following with his honest takes, uplifting energy, and commitment to keeping it real. You can find him on Instagram at @heylookitsliam and on TikTok as Hey_Look_Its_Liam (beware of fakes!).

🚀 Join the Creative Movement!

We want to hear from YOU! 🎙️ Are you a musician, content creator, or creative with a story to share? Let’s collaborate! DM us on Instagram at @Creative_conversations_pod or email podcast@granary.digital to be featured on Creative Conversations.

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🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.