Creator's Playbook
101 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago -The podcast that inspires creativity for artists and writers - Join us as we explore the vast elements of storytelling. Every episode is an adventure into the creative process as we make monsters, relics, heroes, and more! Don’t ever feel alone in your creative pursuits again. We can’t wait to see what you make!
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Episodes
42 - "Red Sand" - Detective
February 05, 2021 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBThere is almost none more classic a story than a detective solving a mystery. A murder mystery perhaps? Today we explore the elements of what makes a detective story and put a spin on our own! What classifies a character as a detective? How do they stumble onto the scene of the crime? Will they solve the mystery or end up a victim, taking what they've found to the grave? Find all of that and more in our episode today! Today's episode featured the "Mars, The Bringer of War," from Gustav Hols...
Happy Anniversary!
January 30, 2021 22:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBAfter a rough patch there, we made it! It's been a whole year since we've started Creator's Playbook. We've had such a fun time with all of you and the stories you've shared with us, and we're excited for another year! In this episode we're just going to review some behind the scenes and announce some new changes! We love you guys!
41 - "Flow Rate" - Power Leveling
January 28, 2021 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBSuits of armor that increase in model number every movie. A magical wizard learning newer and more powerful spells until he grows from a minor wizard into a great wizard. And an alien from another planet literally changes hair color when they achieve a new level of strength. Power leveling can be found in big block buster movies and your most popular anime. It's a fun way for us to feel, along with our heroes, the sense of growth and the rewards that come with it. Join Robbie and Michael tod...
40 - "Dr. Hyperion" - Archaeological Dig
January 16, 2021 21:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBThere is something about the magic of discovering the past. Histories never seen before igniting a new reality of who we are as a people. In today's episode we explore the what happens when a discovery completely re-writes everything we know about the past, guiding us to a new future. Twitter: @CreatorsPBPod Facebook: Creator's Playbook Episode Hashtag: #cppodcast040 Website: Creator's Playbook
39 - "Leaves of Change" - Enchanted Forest
November 11, 2020 14:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBThe forest has been used to represent many different challenges and trials for heroes across literature. Tests of courage to quests of triumph, one may enter the forest, but they never leave the same person. In today's episode of Creator's Playbook, we explore the elements of using an Enchanted Forest in storytelling, and use these very elements to write our own story. Join us as we find our way into the woods, and what lies beyond. We are also currently in the middle of NaNoWriMo! Follow ...
38 - "The Watchmen of the Witch" - Jack-o'-lantern
November 06, 2020 06:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBThis episode is the first live broadcast of Creator's Playbook! The original record date was on Halloween, October 31, 2020. In today's episode, we chose to take one of the many traditions of Halloween and dive into it's history, which brings us to the Jack-o'-lantern. Learn about the interesting history of these carved gourd lanterns, How Heroes named Jack have always had an important part in literature, and then join us as completely re-imagine the legend of the Jack-o'-lantern! We are ...
37 - "The Whistle Woods" - The Undead
October 29, 2020 19:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBWhen the dead rise and crawl across the land, the bring an omen with them. Nothing is safe. On todays episode of Creator's Playbook we explore the undead! from the histories and origin of zombies to how they have changed over time into pop culture, and use what we learn to write our own zombie story! And a reminder, our first live broadcast is Saturday, October 31st 2020 at 11:00 AM Mountain Time! We cannot wait to see you there! Twitter: @CreatorsPBPod Facebook: Creator's Playbook Episod...
36 - "Adrift Towards the Light" - Grim Reaper
October 19, 2020 07:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBThough we face many fears, there is none more common than the fear of Death. Representation of the bringers of death, from angels to reapers have existed since the beginning of recorded history. On today's episode we explore the Grim Reaper, and why this figure can be seen as both comedic and truly terrifying. Join us as we work to brain storm a story that explores what it is like to face that transition from Life to Death, and who is greeting us when we get there. And a reminder, our first...
35 - "Little Nook" - Vampires
October 14, 2020 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBMosquitos are some of the most annoying, pesky insects of the world. So what happens when humanoids suddenly crave the taste of human Blood? One of the most horrifying fantasy monsters out there. Horrifying and fashionable! Well, that is subjectable. Today is day 2 of our October Month of Scary Stories, are we are exploring Vampires! In this episode we have another story prompt ready to go written by our very own Robbie! Please let us know what you think of this new format! We have really ...
34 - "Cold, Reflected Surface" - Haunted House
October 04, 2020 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBAs the months grow cold, the changes of the seasons bring a sense of reflection. Things once lively wither and die as those left behind prepare for the months ahead. Of course, the only thing that is important is that Halloween is around the corner, which means that scary stories are on the way! In today's episode we start the seasons of Spookiness by writing a classic haunted house story! We explore the history of haunted houses and talk about their place in pop culture. But for the first ...
33 - "No Reason to Leave" - Invention
September 29, 2020 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBThere are always problems to be solved, and how we solve them always cracks open the way for an interesting story. Today we explore how inventions solve problems, how they can relate to our every day lives, and what specific points need to be answered create and tell a story on inventions.
32 - "The Dragon's Figurines" - Romance Comedy
September 19, 2020 23:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBMost couples have a funny story on how they met, and romance comedies take that concept to the next level. In today's episode we explore the typical steps of a romance comedy and write one of our own! But we must warn you right now. Though the theme of our episode today is Romance Comedy, this is by far the nerdiest episode we have ever recorded. You know we like us some cheese, but this episode is truck loads of cheese. It is beyond cheese. This is the epitome of cheese. So, we invite you t...
31 - "Sleepy Chains" - Escape
September 06, 2020 01:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBEveryone goes through an experience of feeling trapped. Whether it's something physical or more metaphorical, it creates the need for freedom. That's probably why stories of escaping dungeons, corrupted societies, or evil task masters has subtly driven some of the most well known movies and books in the world. Today we'll take our own unique crack at creating a story of escape, getting out of bondage, and finding change along the path.
30 - "Nikola Pippin and the Dogs of Rome" - Hidden Worlds
September 01, 2020 06:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBWe are surrounded by endless secrets, and often times those secrets are hidden in plain sight. Worlds that aren't seen because they simply choose not to be. In today's episode we explore the concept of Hidden Worlds! We look into world building and how to use simple ideas as a foundation to building an entire society. The real challenge is discovering how the hidden world is connected to our own. Let us know what you think on Twitter @CreatorsPBPod - Use #CPPodcast030 to refer specifically t...
29 - "Breath of Life" - Apprentice
August 23, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBEven natural talents need precise guideline to refine the apprentice into the master. Our episode today explores that crucial period of time when a young, fledgling novice begins their journey into apprenticeship. What drives the desire to improve their craft and occupation? How is the bond of the apprentice and master forged? What failures and lessons do our characters learn on this journey? Join us in this episode as we dive into the mind of the student, and see if they truly have what it ...
29 - "Breath of Life" - Apprentice
August 23, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBEven natural talents need precise guideline to refine the apprentice into the master. Our episode today explores that crucial period of time when a young, fledgling novice begins their journey into apprenticeship. What drives the desire to improve their craft and occupation? How is the bond of the apprentice and master forged? What failures and lessons do our characters learn on this journey? Join us in this episode as we dive into the mind of the student, and see if they truly have what it ...
28 - "A Serpent's Secret" - Unraveled Mysteries
August 18, 2020 13:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBOur world is full of mysteries. Most can be explained quite easily, but there are many whose stories are so far-fetched that they simple cannot be solved. In today's episode of Creator's Playbook, we are going to use actual real-world mysteries to inspire our story. Was it paranormal? an alien abduction? Or was it a brilliant hoax and we all fell for it? Join us to see how the story unravels. Let us know what you think on Twitter @CreatorsPBPod - Use #CPPodcast028 to refer specifically to th...
27 - "Quantum Monks" - Belief System
August 09, 2020 03:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBWhat beliefs and superstitions drive society? How does the culture of the past evolve into rules that tell us what's right and wrong? And how in the world do you make a good and believable belief system? Today Michael joins Robbie as a guest to tackle these very problems in creating a fiction belief system. As is mentioned in the episode, please visits Mythcreants for an excellent reference on how to create a detailed belief system: https://mythcreants.com/blog/creating-religions-belief-sys...
26 - "Save the Cats, Save the World" - Time Machine
August 02, 2020 01:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBWhen time travel is the name of the game, you're going to need a means to transverse the unrelenting and unreliable waves of time. What better to assist you on your journey then your very own time machine! Join Sarah and myself and we make our very own time machine.
25 - "Who Hired the Veterinarian?" - Save the World
July 26, 2020 06:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBIt's the commonly tackled plot of all time. Save the World can be found in thousands of science fiction and fantasy plots. Join us as we tackle this broad topic in the hopes of creating a new story where our heroes will hopefully keep the world safe.
24 - "The Most Dangerous Desk Job" - Spy
July 12, 2020 06:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBInformation. Trickery. Disguise. Secrets. These are the things that are tied to every great spy story. What dark things are being swept under the rug? Who is the hero that will go and uncover them? Join us as we create our very own spy. Intrigue is the name of this game.
23 - "Breaking Point" - Adventure
July 05, 2020 06:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBThe third and final part of our journey series. We wrap up the creation of an adventure! Here we explore what nuances separate adventures from those of a Pilgrimage and Quest.
22 - "Tractors, Facts, and The Hover Axe" - Quest
June 27, 2020 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBOut there in the great open world is a thing that needs to be found, a place that needs to be uncovered, and a force compelling us to do it. In today's episode we'll be creating our very own quest. What does it mean to go on a quest? What separates it from your everyday pilgrimage or adventure? It all comes down to this episode where we take our very own crack and this kind of journey. As always let us know what you think on Twitter @CreatorsPBPod - Use #CPPodcast022 to refer specifically to...
021 - "Sometimes You Need to Make Memories" - Pilgrimage
June 21, 2020 23:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBNot every story is a grand adventure. Sometimes we are faced with quiet, personal journeys where the only prize is personal growth and a truer conviction. Today on the Creator's Playbook, we are talking about the Pilgrimage. What makes this kind of story the most interesting of all, to me personally at least, is how relatable this kind of journey actually is. Why does a person go on a pilgrimage? What calls them to make a change, and who are they when they return home again? We answer all of...
21 - "Sometimes You Need to Make Memories" - Pilgrimage
June 21, 2020 23:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBNot every story is a grand adventure. Sometimes we are faced with quiet, personal journeys where the only prize is personal growth and a truer conviction. Today on the Creator's Playbook, we are talking about the Pilgrimage. What makes this kind of story the most interesting of all, to me personally at least, is how relatable this kind of journey actually is. Why does a person go on a pilgrimage? What calls them to make a change, and who are they when they return home again? We answer all of...
20 - "Resonance" - Blacksmith
June 12, 2020 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBIn the very world we live in we are surrounded by curious and incredible tools. But who are the people behind the tools we use every day? Today's episode is a character sketch where all we know going into the episode is that we want to make a Blacksmith, and let the story and world unfold from there! Who are they? What do they make, and what drives them to do it? Come along for the ride as we discover who they are. As always let us know what you think on Twitter @CreatorsPBPod - Use #CPPodca...
19 - "The Vigilante of Vigilantes" - Extraordinary School
June 06, 2020 16:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBNot all heroes are simply born, some heroes are made! Obviously there is no better place that a school specialized in perfecting that very special craft. There are many stories that we see across the mediums about these specialized schools, from schools literally for training heroes, to magical school that teach the mystic arts. In today's episode we explore that makes an interesting "extraordinary" school, and how the main character can grow from it! As always let us know what you think on ...
18 - "Sea of Tranquility" - Treasure Hunt
May 29, 2020 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBSometimes a clue is found that unravels everything the Hero thought of the world around them, and sends them on a grand quest to find a hidden treasure. These stories not only build the character themselves to realizing their true potential, but the reward at the end can change everything for them. What are the elements of a good treasure hunt, and should your character venture to go? See the story we come up with and more in this episode! Let us know what you think on Twitter @CreatorsPBPod...
17 - "In the Pursuit of Fabulist" - Fables
May 20, 2020 09:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBThere isn't a person who hasn't heard the would-be tales as old as time. Fables are as legendary as legends get, and today we explore why they stick so deeply with us through the ages. What exactly is a fable, and more importantly, what do we call people who write these fables? Ah, yes, that is the most important question there is so answer! Let us know what you think on Twitter @CreatorsPBPod - Use #CPPodcast017 to refer specifically to this episode!
16 - "Ensemble" - Curse
May 13, 2020 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MBEvery now and again the main character of your story might find themselves in a bout of bad luck. We all face that, of course, but what if that was brought on by a force completely beyond their control? Today we are talking about Curses! We explore what makes a curse, where they can come from, and develop a little story of our own where we toy around with some very unsuspecting characters! As always let us know what you think on Twitter @CreatorsPBPod - Use #CPPodcast016 to refer specificall...
15 - "Do Not Adapt" - Technology
May 06, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MBTechnology drives civilization. It's the foundation for progress, stability, and discovery for all intelligent life. So what what would it look like if all technology were icecream based? How would grass provide all the needed chocolate milk for a nation? Our exploration of making a new technology takes some pretty wild turns in today's episode. Michael Stufflebeam joins us as we take a crack at our very own. Let's make something!
15 - "Do Not Adapt" - Technology
May 06, 2020 06:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MBTechnology drives civilization. It's the foundation for progress, stability, and discovery for all intelligent life. So what what would it look like if all technology were icecream based? How would grass provide all the needed chocolate milk for a nation? Our exploration of making a new technology takes some pretty wild turns in today's episode. Michael Stufflebeam joins us as we take a crack at our very own. Let's make something!
14 - "The Guilt Crew, Part 2" - Making a Ragtag Team
April 28, 2020 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBSometimes developing an entire cast of characters can take a little bit of time, so that is why we decided that this episode deserved to be done in 2 parts! If you have not listened to part 1, episode 13, then go do that right now and then come right back here! We also wanted to do something a little bit different, in that this time around all of our story idea prompts came from all of you! Huge thank you to everyone who participated in our story prompts questions! Let us know what you think...
13 - "The Guilt Crew, Part 1" - Making a Ragtag Team
April 19, 2020 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBMain characters are great and all, but what if your story is built around the chemistry of a whole team? That is what today is all about! But not just any team, a Ragtag Team! Team dynamic is everything in a great story about a crew. Why did the leader bring this team together? Who packs the punch? What is the favorite pastime hobby of the Team Support? Most importantly, why don't any of them get along? We explore the different roles of our team, and build a crew of our own! Best part, this ...
12 - "Skin Deep" - Magical Transformations
April 11, 2020 00:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MBAt least once in our life, whether it was in a movie with a beast or a 90's TV show with an extra magical girl, we've all seen the magical transformation. What makes these transformations so special? And what is it about seeing something change into something truly magnificent or horribly terrifying that inspires our imagination? Find out with us as we join Sarah Stufflebeam in this episode as we create our very own magical transformation. As always, we want to know what you think! You can f...
11 - "Lights on the Surface" - Aliens
March 31, 2020 13:00 - 43 minutes - 30.3 MBWe are making an alien! Not only do we briefly explore the history of aliens in pop culture, but we want to know what makes a good alien stand out in a story. What are their customs and why did they, themselves, take to the stars? We explore these questions while diving into the creative process to make our own alien species! So sit back, relax, and steer clear of the corn fields! As always, we want to know what you think! You can find us on Twitter @CreatorsPBPod, Instagram @CreatorsPlayboo...
10 - "Grave Mistakes" - Enviroments
March 13, 2020 06:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBWe're taking a stab at making an environment! With the now release Ori and the Will of the Wisp, we find our imaginations running with its wildly detailed and lively levels. This game is known for its hand painted animations and backgrounds where the world is just as much a part of the story as the character that experiences it. Come join as we welcome back Ty to help us build a new world that our story will explore.
9 - "Pulse of the World" - Magic Systems
March 09, 2020 07:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBToday we are talking about all things magic! With the release of Disney Pixar's Onward on the horizon, we wanted to go on a gallant quest and get into the nitty-gritty details of what truly makes magic work. From exploring different aspects of how magical energy is obtained, to how our hero might channel and use that magic. So climb aboard your noble steed and come along this journey as we get down to making our magic system and explore the world that it exists in! As always, we want to know...
8 - "Bring Us Home" - Enchanted Relics
February 27, 2020 23:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBEver wake up from a wonderful dream and wish it could be real? Dreams for the PS4 by Media Molecule is finally out after seven years of development! It's a game for making games, art, music, and so much more from your pure imagination. Players and creatives around the world are buzzing at its limitless potential, and we're excited too! To celebrate such raw creativity, we'll be talking about dreams and creating our first Enchanted Relic. Join us! Let us know what you think on Twitter @Creat...
7 - "Stories Behind Creativity" - Storyteller Interviews
February 20, 2020 15:00 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MBToday we have a very special episode! Join us as we go to the Life, The Universe, and Everything Symposium and meet some incredible storytellers! While there, we had the opportunity to interview some of these great authors and artists and found out some of their personal stories and inspirations that got them started on their journey into being creators. And we did what we do best; put them on the spot and got them to tell us bite-size stories! We do apologize for the noise in this episode, ...
6 - “Balloons of a Feather” - Mythical Creatures
February 14, 2020 10:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBGotta go fast, it's Sonic Day today! The long-awaited arrival of the Sonic the Hedgehog Movie is finally here. The rework of Sonic's character design for this movie was legendary from its very announcement, which got us talking, what makes Sonic such a great character in the first place? Is it his speed, or his fantastic blue color? Maybe it's the fact that he's a magical animal! Today we are joined by our sister Sarah! So get ready, because we are making a mythical creature. Let us know wha...
5 - “Hand of the Shadows” - Villains
February 07, 2020 00:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBWe are making a villain! But what makes the bad guy so interesting? We are going to boil it down and then put our heads together to make one of our very own. The real question is, what motivates a villain to commit their acts of evil? Was there a turning point that sent them down the path of no return? Find out as we chat about one of our favorites, Harley Quinn, and reminisce about what makes her such a compelling bad guy. How are they going to portray her in Birds of Prey? We can't wait to...
5 - “Hand of the Shadows”
February 07, 2020 00:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBWe are making a villain! But what makes the bad guy so interesting? We are going to boil it down and then put our heads together to make one of our very own. The real question is, what motivates a villain to commit their acts of evil? Was there a turning point that sent them down the path of no return? Find out as we chat about one of our favorites, Harley Quinn, and reminisce about what makes her such a compelling bad guy. How are they going to portray her in Birds of Prey? We can't wait to...
4 - “The Price of Dead Words”
January 30, 2020 18:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBCaptains not only exude leadership, but they are also confident in their resolve. So what makes a good captain, and how do they get anyone to follow them? Today is the day that Creator’s Playbook goes LIVE! But not only is our podcast now live, but this is also the day that Star Trek: Picard premiers as well! We hadn’t seen it at the time of recording, but we are HUGE Trekkies, so obviously, we are talking about what makes a good captain in today’s episode! Join us as we brainstorm a galacti...
4 - “The Price of Dead Words” - Captains
January 30, 2020 18:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBCaptains not only exude leadership, but they are also confident in their resolve. So what makes a good captain, and how do they get anyone to follow them? Today is the day that Creator’s Playbook goes LIVE! But not only is our podcast now live, but this is also the day that Star Trek: Picard premiers as well! We hadn’t seen it at the time of recording, but we are HUGE Trekkies, so obviously, we are talking about what makes a good captain in today’s episode! Join us as we brainstorm a galacti...
3 - “Walking Through the Trance” - Monsters
January 30, 2020 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBWhat was that noise? Wait, did you see that? RUN! Sometimes the hero comes face to face with a test of wits. But most of the time, it’s a monster. Do you have what it takes to defeat such a terrible foe? Join us today as we have our first guest Ty Carton from Paint Prompt! On today's episode we chat briefly about a little game franchise called Monster Hunter, and then put our heads together to try and create a fearsome monster of our own! Can you stand the heat? Let us know on Twitter @Creat...
3 - “Walking Through the Trance”
January 30, 2020 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBWhat was that noise? Wait, did you see that? RUN! Sometimes the hero comes face to face with a test of wits. But most of the time, it’s a monster. Do you have what it takes to defeat such a terrible foe? Join us today as we have our first guest Ty Carton from Paint Prompt! On today's episode we chat briefly about a little game franchise called Monster Hunter, and then put our heads together to try and create a fearsome monster of our own! Can you stand the heat? Let us know on Twitter @Creat...
2 - “Legends Above the Mountain” - Legendary Weapons
January 30, 2020 14:00 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MBIt’s dangerous to go alone, so don’t forget to equip your blade of legends! What makes a weapon so legendary anyways? Join us as we chat about Sora, Kingdom Hearts, and the legendary Keyblade itself with Kingdom Hearts 3 Re:Mind right around the corner! We then deep dive into a brainstorming session where we take a shot at making our very own fabled weapon and try to discover the dark mythos behind it all. Is our weapon worthy of legendary status? Let us know what you think on Twitter @Crea...
1 - “The Hero in All of Us” - Heroes
January 30, 2020 13:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBHave you ever sat down ready to write that book or paint your masterpiece to suddenly have all of space and time collapse in your brain? Have you ever stared at a blank page wondering when inspiration will strike? Writer’s block got you down? We have been there too! Welcome to episode one of Creator’s Playbook! In our very first episode, we dive headfirst into makings of a full, bonafide Hero! What does Dragon Ball Z have to do with it? Find out as we take the building blocks of courageou...
2 - “Legends Above the Mountain”
January 30, 2020 13:00 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MBIt’s dangerous to go alone, so don’t forget to equip your blade of legends! What makes a weapon so legendary anyways? Join us as we chat about Sora, Kingdom Hearts, and the legendary Keyblade itself with Kingdom Hearts 3 Re:Mind right around the corner! We then deep dive into a brainstorming session where we take a shot at making our very own fabled weapon and try to discover the dark mythos behind it all. Is our weapon worthy of legendary status? Let us know what you think on Twitter @Crea...