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Windowsill Chats

Margo Tantau

Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.

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27 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 11 min
English

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S1 · E334
Wednesday · 1 hr 26 min
Full Circle: Reinventing Your Creative Identity Later in Life, with Nosheen Ahmed
Margo is joined by hand-drawn book cover illustrator Nosheen Ahmed for a conversation nearly a decade in the making. Margo first met Nosheen about nine years ago through portfolio reviews, when Nosheen was working as a dentist, raising her children, making art, and trying to find where she fit creatively. After more than 20 years in dentistry, Nosheen has built a career in illustration—bringing together her love of drawing, books, storytelling, and human connection. She and Margo talk about creative reinvention, letting go of the feeling that you're "behind," and realizing that none of the experiences along the way are wasted. They also explore the pressure to find a signature style, how motherhood and dentistry shaped Nosheen as an artist, and why work made by human hands matters in an increasingly AI-driven world. Margo and Nosheen discuss: Reinventing yourself creatively later in life Why your past experiences aren't wasted Finding your voice without forcing a signature style Creativity as a way of living, not just a career The importance of empathy and human connection in art Why hand-drawn work still matters in an AI-driven world Connect with Nosheen: Website: nosheendesigns.co.uk Instagram + LinkedIn: @nosheendesigns Work 1:1 with Margo: Looking for personalized support in your creative practice or business? Sign up for 1:1 coaching with Margo for focused guidance, clarity, and support tailored to where you are and where you want to go next. https://margotantau.com/coaching-with-margo
S1 · E333
September 16 · 1 hr 19 min
You're Not Alone: Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani on the Hidden Costs of Loving Someone the World Hates
Margo is joined by Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani, co-authors of Killer in the Family: The Hidden Costs of Loving Someone the World Hates. Melissa grew up in Spokane, Washington, and was sixteen when she learned that her father, Keith Jesperson, had been arrested for murder. He was later convicted as the Happy Face Killer. Melissa went on to become a New York Times bestselling author with her memoir Shattered Silence, a domestic abuse prevention advocate, and an Emmy-nominated investigative correspondent for Crime Watch Daily. She hosts the true crime podcast Life After Happy Face and is the real-life inspiration behind the Paramount+ drama series Happy Face, starring Annaleigh Ashford. Michele is a New York Times bestselling coauthor, a Pushcart Prize nominee, and an editor with more than twenty years in publishing, with an MFA from Stony Brook University. She spent fifteen years as an acquisitions and developmental editor at houses including Macmillan, Hyperion, and McGraw-Hill Trade before founding Bookchic LLC, and her collaborations span Hachette, Penguin, Hay House, and HarperCollins, most recently including Gypsy-Rose Blanchard's memoir My Time to Stand. She has collaborated with Melissa across four books. For Killer in the Family, Melissa and Michele spent six years with nine families who share something nobody chooses: someone they loved was responsible for something horrific. The book moves the focus away from the crimes themselves and onto the parents, children, siblings, and spouses left to carry the aftermath. Margo, Melissa, and Michele discuss: What it was like for Melissa's story to become public, and the years of shame that came before that Why so many people reached out to Melissa afterward with the same message: I'm just like you How they chose which families and relationships belonged in the book How Michele earned enough trust with nine families to get material this personal What Michele could see as an outsider that Melissa, so close to her own story, couldn't always see herself How they handled it when two people's memories of the same moment didn't line up The responsibility of sending a finished chapter back to the person who lived it How families hold love and horror about the same person at the same time The role media coverage plays in a family's grief and isolation Knowing when it's time to stop telling your story Killer in the Family is available now in print, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Connect with Melissa and Michele: https://michelem.net/ melissa.g.moore on TikTok Melissa G. Moore (@melissag.moore)
S1 · E332
September 9 · 1 hr 13 min
Enough, Not More: Redefining Financial Freedom for Creatives, with Dan Scott
Margo is joined by Dan Scott, co-founder and CEO of Spotlight Advisory Group, musician, lawyer, and longtime advisor to creatives. After decades spent both making art and advising some of the world's wealthiest individuals, Dan came to a powerful realization: having enormous wealth and experiencing financial freedom are not the same thing. Today, Dan helps artists, musicians, actors, entrepreneurs, and other creatives use money as a tool to support their purpose rather than a scoreboard for measuring success. His forthcoming book, The Experience of Financial Freedom, explores what it looks like to build a life around creativity, fulfillment, and a deeply personal definition of "enough." Margo and Dan discuss: Why purpose (not money) is the starting point for designing a fulfilling creative life What working with the ultra-wealthy taught Dan about the difference between wealth and true financial freedom Defining what "enough" looks like instead of constantly moving the goalposts Why budgeting can actually be a tool for greater creative freedom The tension between making meaningful art and navigating industries built to monetize it Letting go of society's default definitions of success, status, and achievement Becoming the architect of your own experience through intentional choices Thinking about legacy as something you create through the way you live—not just what you leave behind Connect with Dan: https://www.theexperienceoffinancialfreedom.com/ https://www.spotlightadvisorygroup.com/ https://www.spotlightadvisorygroup.com/blog
September 2 · 1 hr 23 min
My Creativity Is My Talent: Louie Loops on Turning a Crochet Hook Into Games, Stories, and a Creative Empire
Margo is joined by Louie, better known as Louie's Loops, a self-taught crochet artist, designer, game creator, and founder of Club Crochet. For nearly 20 years, Louie has been turning his love of crochet into an ever-expanding creative world of amigurumi, tutorials, games, characters, and stories—all rooted in curiosity, play, and community. Margo and Louie discuss: Following curiosity and asking "what if?" as a creative practice. Turning a self-taught crochet hobby into a career and creative business. Challenging the idea of crochet as simply a "craft" rather than an art form. Using play and experimentation to stay inspired and avoid burnout. Building community through tutorials, storytelling, and shared creativity. Expanding ideas beyond one medium into games, characters, animation, and more. Creativity and handmade art in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. Bringing 20 years of ideas together through Crochet Goomis and Battle Goomis. Connect with Louie: www.TheGoomis.com www.ClubCrochet.com www.instagram.com/LouiesLoops
August 26 · 41 min
From Death of an Artist | Petra Mathers and Her Michael
I'm bringing you a preview of the new series of Death of An Artist. In February 2024, celebrated children's book author and illustrator Petra Mathers and her husband, photographer Michael Mathers, mailed letters to dozens of friends and family members to let them know they had died by suicide. Petra and Michael were by all accounts healthy, happy, and in love. Why did they choose to die together? And what did that decision do to the people left to mourn them? Journalists Leon Neyfakh and Alice Gregory set out to interview everyone who got one of Petra and Michael's letters—as one married couple trying to understand another. Through intimate conversations with Petra and Michael's friends and family about their own relationships to aging, grief, death, and the friends they thought they knew, Death of an Artist weaves together a portrait of a community grappling with the Mathers' deaths and the final words they left behind. Done entirely in recordings, Death of an Artist is as much a love story as one about death. Listen to Death of An Artist wherever you get podcasts. And if you want to hear the full story right now, ad-free, you can binge the entire season with a Pushkin+ subscription—sign up on the Death of an Artist show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.
S1 · E329
August 26 · 1 hr 22 min
More Than an Heirloom: Daniel Boettcher on Meaning, Memory, and Jewelry Making
Margo sits down with Daniel Boettcher, founder of The Intrepid Wendell, to explore the intersection of storytelling, craftsmanship, and legacy—and how the most meaningful creative paths are rarely the most straightforward ones. Daniel's journey has taken him through music, law, aspirations of diplomacy, and ultimately, bespoke jewelry design. After a life-changing experience shifted the trajectory of his career, he found his way toward work that allowed him to combine creativity with something he has always been drawn to: people and their stories. Margo and Daniel discuss: Daniel's unexpected journey from music and law to diplomacy aspirations and, ultimately, bespoke jewelry design. How a life-changing experience redirected his career. Why deep listening and personal connection are at the heart of Daniel's design process. The stories behind a few deeply personal pieces. The idea of an "instant heirloom" and how jewelry can carry family history, memory, love, and meaning across generations. Daniel's move from Washington, D.C. to Puerto Rico and how the community and culture of Old San Juan have influenced his creativity. What happens when a client feels truly seen and understood by the person creating for them. The charming story behind The Intrepid Wendell Connect with Daniel: www.theintrepidwendell.com www.instagram.com/theintrepidwendell
S1 · E319
August 19 · 1 hr 16 min
When Your Joy Becomes Your Job: Protecting the Magic in a Creative Career with Andrea Campos
Margo is joined once again by New York Times bestselling illustrator, artist, and now author Andrea Campos, the creative force behind DreasDoodles. Since her first visit to Windowsill Chats, Andrea's creative career has continued to evolve—from a pandemic doodling practice that began simply as a source of joy to collaborations with Target, Jimmy Fallon, and Jennifer Lopez, and now the release of her very first picture book as both author and illustrator, Tis' the Season for Tamales. In this conversation, Andrea and Margo get candid about what happens when something you love becomes your livelihood. Andrea shares the deeply personal process of finally telling a story that is entirely her own, inspired by the beloved Latin tradition of gathering for tamaladas, while also opening up about the vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and pressure that can accompany creative success. Together, they explore how artists can protect the joy that brought them to their work in the first place—even while being asked to wear the hats of artist, marketer, content creator, entrepreneur, and everything in between. In this episode, Margo and Andrea discuss: Andrea's evolution from pandemic doodling to becoming a full-time artist, illustrator, and author What it felt like to move from illustrating other people's stories to writing and illustrating one that is entirely her own The inspiration behind Tis' the Season for Tamales and sharing the tradition of tamaladas through a bilingual picture book The reality of imposter syndrome—even alongside major milestones, high-profile collaborations, and public recognition Accidentally building a creative business and learning to navigate the good, hard, and complicated parts along the way The pressure on today's artists to also be content creators, marketers, editors, and personal brands Finding ways to show up and share your work that feel natural to you rather than forcing yourself into someone else's formula Using joy as a creative compass and learning how to protect the part of your practice that exists simply because you love making The importance of creative community, mentorship, and finding people who understand the unique challenges of building a creative life Connect with Andrea: https://www.instagram.com/dreasdoodles https://dreasdoodles.com/ https://dreasdoodles.substack.com
S1 · E328
August 12 · 1 hr 24 min
Building the Invisible Infrastructure for a Sustainable Creative Life with Kim Robinson
Margo is joined by Kim Robinson, founder of 3pts and a longtime contributor to and advocate for creative communities. With more than 15 years of experience at cultural platforms including The FADER, Complex, Red Bull, and the American Museum of Natural History, Kim has worked alongside artists like Solange, Kendrick Lamar, Spike Lee, Erykah Badu, and Tyler, the Creator. Raised within underground punk, hip-hop, electronic music, and art scenes, Kim eventually founded 3pts to put his experience directly in service of makers and creative entrepreneurs, helping them build sustainable careers on their own terms. Kim and Margo explore what working behind the scenes in music and culture taught him about what artists actually need, why he continues to approach his work as a fan first, and the role community plays in building a sustainable creative life. Margo and Kim discuss: How growing up in DIY punk, hip-hop, electronic music, and art scenes shaped Kim's approach to creativity and community What working with major artists and cultural platforms taught him about the realities of building a creative career Why Kim leads with a "fan first" mentality and how genuine curiosity has guided his career Why community is the invisible infrastructure behind so many successful creative careers Moving beyond the myth of the self-made artist and recognizing the people, resources, and relationships that help us grow Defining success on your own terms rather than following someone else's blueprint for a creative business The value of practical support—from sharing opportunities and resources to having someone a few steps ahead show you what's possible Connect with Kim: Website: www.3pts.co Instagram: www.instagram.com/3ptsco Substack: 3pts.substack.com A monthly newsletter dedicated to sharing opportunities for makers such as grants, residencies, open calls, markets and more. https://us7.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=eb522373216e8266b4805a156&id=45f83f7c19 Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
S1 · E327
August 5 · 1 hr 9 min
The Stories We're Wired to Tell: Abbie Emmons on Creative Instincts, Overcoming Self-Doubt, and the Power of Storytelling
Margo is joined by author, creative writing coach, and video creator Abbie Emmons for a conversation about the power of storytelling and why our ability to tell meaningful stories is more instinctive than we might think. Abbie is the author of three novels and YouTube's most-watched creative writing coach, with a community of more than half a million writers worldwide. Margo and Abbie explore storytelling as something fundamentally human, why compelling stories begin with internal conflict, and how we can move beyond rigid rules, perfectionism, and self-doubt to reconnect with our natural creativity. Abbie's nonfiction debut, Make Your Story Matter, releases August 11, 2026. Margo and Abbie discuss: Why storytelling is fundamentally human and helps us make sense of life The three pillars of relatable characters: desire, fear, and false belief Why internal conflict drives compelling stories and meaningful transformation How rules, expectations, and self-doubt can disconnect us from our natural creative instincts What neuroscience and creativity research reveal about losing—and rebuilding—creative confidence Creating from joy and curiosity rather than trends or external validation Moving through perfectionism, overwhelm, fear, and other creative blocks How to trust your instincts, reignite your storytelling spark, and create work that matters Connect with Abbie: www.youtube.com/abbieemmons www.abbieemmonsauthor.com www.makeyourstorymatter.com Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
S1 · E326
July 29 · 1 hr 46 min
The Stories We Carry: Three Artists on Collaboration, Legacy, and the Objects That Shape Us
Margo is joined by Amy Wilderson, Brenda Olson, and Katy St. John—three artists whose distinct creative practices come together in Objects Through Time: Connection, Story, and Legacy, an exhibition exploring memory, heritage, and the unexpected stories hidden within everyday objects. Amy is a multi-media visual artist whose metalsmithing and wirework transform forgotten treasures into meaningful jewelry and sculpture. Brenda is an illustrator, mixed media artist, and founder of Blueberry Road Cards, whose work celebrates storytelling, community, and creative connection. Katy is a Minneapolis-based photographer whose imaginative images blend artistry and narrative to capture what lies beneath the surface. Together, the three discuss how collaboration across disciplines has challenged, inspired, and transformed each of their creative practices. They share how family heirlooms, found objects, and personal histories became the foundation for this exhibition, why vulnerability is essential to meaningful collaboration, and how art can preserve stories that might otherwise be forgotten. Margo and Amy, Brenda, and Katy discuss: How three artists from different creative backgrounds came together to build a shared exhibition. Why ordinary objects often hold extraordinary stories of family, identity, and legacy. The role of trust, vulnerability, and honest conversation in successful creative collaboration. How working across different artistic mediums expanded each artist's perspective. The balance between honoring the past while creating something entirely new. Why taking small creative risks often leads to the biggest breakthroughs. How they hope visitors will reflect on their own treasured objects and personal histories. The power of art to spark conversation, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the stories we all carry. Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill Connect with Katy, Brenda, and Amy: www.amyajewelry.com www.instagram.com/amyajewelry www.brendaolsonart.com www.instagram.com/brendaolsonart www.saintphoto.org www.instagram.com/_saintphoto
S1 · E325
July 22 · 1 hr 9 min
Art for Everyone: How Liz Lidgett Combines Her Curiosity, Desire for Accessibility, and Storytelling to Promote Great Art (Replay)
In this re-aired episode Margo is joined by art advisor, curator, and gallery owner Liz Lidgett. Liz's passion for art allowed her to see that competent art consulting for private companies and corporations was a need that wasn't being filled. With that in mind, she began her art consultation business, Adore Your Walls, in 2013. Since then, her business has grown and she recognized once again that online and national consulting – the type that exists for furniture and interior design – was completely absent for the world of art and has expanded her services, including a gallery space. With her developed expertise, Adore Your Walls has evolved into her new brand: Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Within the rebrand, Liz continues to consult, partner with artists and regularly contribute to design publications across the country. She represents 50 unique artists from around the world—with a commitment to always represent at least 50% women and/or BIPOC artists. Although her gallery is located in Des Moines, Iowa, they have an international reach, shipping 80% of the work they sell, and have sold to clients in 45 states and 7 countries. It was important for Liz to create a gallery that operated in a way she felt galleries should operate, where artists were paid fairly and quickly, and where an approachable, non-pretentious experience is created for clients. Her mission is "Art For Everyone." Although they represent some very well-known artists like Hunt Slonem, Liz wants people to know that you don't have to be a millionaire to be an art collector. Liz has gained a huge following on social media by showcasing the art in her gallery, the artists, and fun facts about art. Margo and Liz discuss: What led Liz to start her own gallery The important of creativity and adorning your walls with art How she has changed the landscape of Des Moines and surrounding cities with murals Why art collecting can be accessible for anyone, not just millionaires How to find your personal style in art and how to find art that fits with the design of your space (size, color palette, spacing with furniture, etc.) How she helps clients in being socially conscious with the art pieces — who the artist is, how they create, the reasoning behind a piece of art, etc. Her approach to buying and selling art Connect with Liz: https://www.lizlidgett.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgettgallery/ https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgett/ Ten Minute Masterpieces with Liz Lidgett
S1 · E324
July 15 · 58 min
Curiosity Over Talent: Reigniting Artistic Joy in The Kindest Corner of the Internet with Lisa Bardot
Margo is joined by Lisa Bardot, an illustrator, author, and Procreate educator who has spent the past decade helping people discover the joy of drawing digitally. She's the founder of Art Maker's Club, a thriving online membership for Procreate artists, creator of the Making Art Everyday drawing challenge, and the artist behind Bardot Brush, known for its popular Procreate brushes and tutorials. Lisa is making her second appearance on Windowsill Chats, and this time she's digging into what she's learned after years of building online creative communities — and why consistency and connection matter more than raw talent. Margo and Lisa discuss: What Lisa has learned after years of running Making Art Everyday and Art Maker's Club, two of the most active creative communities in the Procreate space Why people join Art Maker's Club thinking they're there to learn Procreate — and why they actually stay for the consistency, encouragement, and friendships Why so many adults stop making art as they get older, and what it takes to reconnect with that creative side of themselves How small, sustainable creative habits can have a bigger impact than sporadic bursts of inspiration Why curiosity is often more valuable than talent when it comes to building a lasting creative practice Reflections on Founder's Month and four years of Art Maker's Club — what's changed, what's stayed the same, and what Lisa's most proud of Practical encouragement for anyone who's been wanting to try Procreate but doesn't know where to start A look at what's coming up during Art Maker's Club's Founder's Month celebration, including live tutorials, community events, and creative challenges Connect with Lisa Bardot: Art Maker's Club: https://artmakersclub.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/lisabardot Procreate Brushes: https://bardotbrush.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BardotBrush Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
S1 · E323
July 8 · 1 hr 9 min
The Continuous Evolution of Creativity: Reese Emry on Growth Over Perfection, Finding Your People, and Never Settling for One Story
Margo is joined by artist and entrepreneur Reese Emry for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, resilience, and following the unexpected twists of life. From humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington, through adventures in Waco, Round Top, and Austin, Texas, then North Carolina and Connecticut, Reese has woven creativity into every chapter of her life—flipping a "hoarder house," opening an antique shop, building a candle business, and ultimately finding her way to ceramics. Reese shares how she's learned to trust her own timing, embrace imperfection, and let her art evolve slowly and honestly, even when it doesn't fit a tidy narrative. Margo and Reese discuss: How raising kids in a creatively infused home shapes their resilience, adaptability, and creative spirit The leap from the Pacific Northwest to Texas, opening (and later closing) a beloved antique shop in Waco to prioritize family Falling in love with ceramics, building a practice around what sells and what inspires, and living in a camper to keep the dream alive The courage to pivot, move, and explore without apology—including gap years and creative breaks Taking a chance on a booth at the Round Top Antique Show and the joy of finally connecting with the right audience Pushing back against the pressure for fast, algorithm-driven art in favor of slow, intentional creative evolution The influence of artists like de Kooning and Joan Mitchell, and finding inspiration in local makers and unexpected encounters Trusting your gut over outside perceptions of what a "clean" creative story should look like Connect with Reese: ReeseEmry.com www.instagram.com/reeseemry Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
S1 · E322
July 1 · 1 hr 13 min
Creativity Machine: Building Better Ideas Through Practice, Process, and Play with Scott Dikkers
Margo is joined by comedy writer, creator, and entrepreneur best known as the founder of The Onion, Scott Dikkers. Scott served as editor-in-chief and co-owner during its first two decades, helping shape one of the most influential satire publications of all time. In this episode, Margo sits down with Scott to explore the surprising mechanics behind creativity and why inspiration isn't something you wait for—it's something you build. Drawing from decades of experience creating successful entertainment, Scott shares practical insights on developing creative habits, embracing constraints, overcoming self-doubt, and creating work that connects with people. Margo and Scott discuss: Why creativity is less about talent and more about building repeatable systems and habits. How constraints, deadlines, and structure often produce stronger creative work than unlimited freedom. The importance of creating lots of ideas instead of waiting for the perfect one to appear. How humor can become a powerful tool for resilience, connection, and making sense of difficult experiences. Practical strategies for quieting your inner critic and separating the creative process from the editing process. Why sharing your work, seeking honest feedback, and surrounding yourself with a creative community are essential ingredients for long-term growth. His new book, Creativity Machine Connect with Scott: https://www.instagram.com/itsscottdikkers/ https://scottdikkers.substack.com/ Creativity Machine: How to Innovate, Brainstorm, and Hatch Great Ideas on Command Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
S1 · E321
June 24 · 1 hr 8 min
The Art of Beginning Again: Lessons in Healing, Growth, and Horses with Jade Chen
Margo is joined once again by Jade Chen, a healer, guide, and space-holder whose work centers on helping people navigate transformation, uncertainty, and growth. With over a decade of experience in somatic and lineage-based healing practices, Jade helps others reconnect to their inner voice and creative resilience. Living on Hawai'i Island, her work is deeply inspired by the rhythms of nature, the wisdom of ancestry, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. In this returning conversation, Jade shares the profound changes that have unfolded since her last appearance on the podcast, including her move to the island, her work with a herd of horses at a healing sanctuary, and the unexpected ways life can transform when we learn to trust our intuition. Margo and Jade discuss: The concept of the "dreams behind the dreams" and how unexpected opportunities emerge when we follow our intuition Why beginning again often requires letting go of identities, comforts, and plans that no longer fit The role of courage in both life-changing decisions and everyday choices Simple practices for reconnecting with your inner voice through breath, mindfulness, and intention What living on Hawai'i Island has taught Jade about change, surrender, and transformation How horses became an unexpected part of her healing work and what they teach about presence, empathy, and connection Why discomfort is often a necessary part of growth and creating space for what's next How nature, water, and stillness can help us reconnect with our own wisdom Connect with Jade: www.mudlotuslife.com www.instagram.com/mud.lotus.life Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
S1 · E320
June 17 · 1 hr 21 min
Stitched in Memory: Symbolism, Color, and the Hidden Stories in Greek Folk Art with Ariadne Kritonos
Margo is joined by designer and storyteller Ariadne Kritonos, whose work brings centuries-old Greek folk motifs into contemporary life. Drawing inspiration from historic embroideries, textiles, and museum archives, Ariadne shares how studying the creative traditions of the past has shaped her approach to design, color, and inspiration today. Together, they explore the hidden stories embedded in traditional folk art, the value of looking beyond digital culture for creative inspiration, and what we can learn from the women whose stitches carried meaning across generations. Margo and Ariadne discuss: How Greek folk embroidery became the bridge between Ariadne's love of art, design, and cultural heritage The hidden symbolism and storytelling woven into traditional textile motifs Why researching archives, museums, and historic objects offers a different kind of inspiration than online algorithms The remarkable women behind these textiles and what their work reveals about creativity, community, and everyday life What traditional embroidery can teach us about imperfection, resourcefulness, and finishing our work The bold use of color in historic Greek textiles and why modern creatives should be less afraid to experiment How Ariadne is reimagining centuries-old motifs through contemporary design and wearable art Why preserving cultural traditions isn't about nostalgia, but about creating meaningful connections between past and present Connect with Ariadne: Website: https://ariadnekritonos.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariadnekritonos/ Newsletter: https://ariadnekritonos.com/newsletter-sign-up Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
S1 · E319
June 10 · 1 hr
Coming Home to Tradition: Sashiko, Storytelling, and the Art of Preservation with Atsushi Futatsuya
Margo is joined by Sashiko artisan, educator, and storyteller Atsushi Futatsuya for a conversation about creativity, cultural heritage, and the stories carried through handmade work. Born into a family deeply rooted in the Japanese tradition of Sashiko, Atsushi shares his journey from resisting the craft he grew up around to becoming one of its most passionate advocates and teachers. Through his work with Sashi.Co, Sashiko Story, and Upcycle Stitches, he helps people understand that Sashiko is far more than a stitching technique—it is a living cultural practice woven together by history, community, and care. Margo and Atsushi explore the role of rhythm, repetition, and mindfulness in creative practice, as well as the challenges of preserving cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation, the responsibility that comes with sharing inherited knowledge, and why stories matter just as much as skills. Margo and Atsushi discuss: What Sashiko is and the cultural history behind the traditional Japanese stitching practice Growing up in a Sashiko family and why Atsushi initially resisted the craft How the 2011 earthquake in Japan became a turning point in his relationship with his heritage The importance of sharing cultural traditions so they can continue to evolve and survive Why rhythm, repetition, and handwork can become powerful forms of mindfulness The distinction between visible mending and the deeper cultural context of Sashiko Navigating conversations around cultural appreciation, appropriation, and acknowledgment The stories, values, and human connections woven into every stitch How creativity helps us connect with history, identity, and community Why letting go of control is often an essential part of both stitching and life Connect with Atsushi:Website: https://sashikostory.com Instagram: @sashikostory Instagram: @upcyclestitches Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
S1 · E318
June 3 · 1 hr 20 min
The Case for Curiosity: Creativity, Awe, and Lifelong Learning with Lauren Henkin
Margo is joined by Lauren Henkin, founder of The Humane Space, a mindfulness and lifelong learning app designed to boost wellbeing and reduce stress by sparking curiosity, wonder, and awe. In this conversation, Lauren shares her journey from architecture and fine art photography to tech founder, and how following her own curiosity led her to create a platform built on the belief that wonder, awe, and lifelong learning are just as essential to our wellbeing as physical health. Together, they explore the role curiosity plays in creativity, personal growth, and human connection. They discuss how our environments shape the way we think, why many modern systems discourage curious thinking, and what we lose when we outsource our voices and ideas to technology. Lauren also shares the values that guide The Humane Space, including intellectual integrity, collaborative creativity, and a commitment to creating content made by humans, for humans. Margo and Lauren discuss: Lauren's unconventional path from architecture and photography to founding The Humane Space Why curiosity is a lifelong practice that supports wellbeing, creativity, and resilience How physical and digital spaces can be designed to inspire wonder and exploration The mission behind The Humane Space and its alternative approach to social media and technology The role of intellectual integrity, collaboration, and human-made creativity in an AI-driven world Practical ways to cultivate more awe, wonder, and curiosity in everyday life Connect with Lauren The Humane Space App: https://www.thehumane.space/ Lauren Henkin: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhenkin/ Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
S1 · E317
May 27 · 53 min
Creative Current Events: Beige Backlash, Unique Marketing Trends & The Most Valuable Place a Brand Can Be Right Now
Margo is joined by Abby for another edition of Creative Current Events—the series where they unpack the stories, launches, trends, and internet conversations shaping the creative world right now. This episode covers everything from the rise (and critique) of the "beige epidemic" in interiors to unexpected retail collaborations, bold beauty marketing, shifting brand landscapes, and artists doing interesting work outside the algorithm. Along the way, they discuss what these moments reveal about creativity, originality, accessibility, and where culture seems to be headed next. Mentioned in this episode: The Beige Epidemic – House Beautifulhttps://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a71336893/the-next-issue-beige-epidemic/ Colorful interiors and inspiration – The House That Lars Builthttps://thehousethatlarsbuilt.com/ Jonathan Adler collection at Michaels https://www.michaels.com/shop/jonathan-adler Review video of the Jonathan Adler collection https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXkZqF7kvtv/ GIMP's redesign: Photoshop familiarity without the subscription https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/open-source-gimp-reskin-gives-it-a-familiar-photoshop-look-without-the-hefty-fee/ Explore GIMP https://www.gimp.org/ Create! Magazine – Call for Art Submissions https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art Garden & Gun Magazine https://gardenandgun.com/ Cover artist feature – Brian Steely https://www.instagram.com/p/DYe7ldUx2YO/ The Bitter Southernerhttps://bittersoutherner.com/ The Ordinary's skewered beauty marketing approach https://www.creativereview.co.uk/the-ordinary-markup-marche-pop-up-supermarket-uncommon/ "The Most Valuable Place a Brand Can Be Right Now Isn't Online" https://www.instagram.com/p/DWZzckqEYuM/ Shein acquires Everlane discussion https://www.instagram.com/p/DYfcq7Ik49Y/ The "tone deaf" commencement speech conversation https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYNfbyEP82q/ Wylie Welling × Carhart https://wyliewelling.com/blogs/journal Artist & listener spotlight: Renee Reid https://www.instagram.com/reneereidcreations Connect with Abby: https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/ https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/ Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
May 20 · 59 min
Beyond Beautiful Spaces: Turning Creative Passion Into a Meaningful Career with Rebecca Ward
Margo is joined by interior designer, mentor, and entrepreneur Rebecca Ward for a conversation about creativity, career pivots, and the impact our homes have on daily life. As the CEO and Principal Designer of Rebecca Ward Design, Rebecca has spent more than 20 years creating contemporary spaces that help families live beautifully and function intentionally. She shares how her love for interiors started in childhood and eventually evolved into a thriving design career and mentorship platform. Margo and Rebecca explore the many paths into interior design, including second-career transitions and turning creative passions into sustainable businesses. They also discuss the psychology behind our environments, the realities of running a design business, and why mentorship and boundaries matter so much for creatives. It's an honest and inspiring conversation about building a creative career that supports both artistry and real life. Margo and Rebecca discuss: Rebecca's early creative influences and path into interior design Why interior design is often a second or third career for creatives The emotional and psychological impact of our homes How thoughtful design improves everyday life and wellbeing The realities of running a successful interior design business Setting boundaries and managing client expectations The value of mentorship for aspiring designers Encouragement for creatives considering a career pivot or side hustle Connect with Rebecca: Website: Rebecca Ward Design Mentorship & Bootcamp: My Design Mentor Instagram: @rwarddesign Podcast: Design Curious Podcast Connect with Margo: https://www.windowsillchats.com https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

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