Orchard Conversations

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 12
This week we invite you into the story of Lanecia Rouse Tinsley. Lanecia is a creative based in Houston, TX. Her work includes photography, painting, mixed media, teaching, writing & speaking. Studio D at Hardy & Nance Streets Studios is where her creativity often blooms. Most days you will find her there sipping on a cup of coffee with music playing as she creates work that reflects what life has revealed to her about healing, freedom, and beauty found in everyday experiences. Acrylics, pastels, charcoal, paper, and encaustic wax are my mediums of choice. Life has taught Lanecia that we all have creative potential and the need to encounter beauty. As an artist, she believes her call is to create opportunities for people to encounter beauty through the work of her hands & the spaces she cultivates for them to tap into their creativity.
 
This week’s conversation is produced by our friends at The Work of the People. For more visit theworkofthepeople.com
 
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Questions for contemplation and conversation:
Where have you experienced that cycle of birth, loss, and rebirth? What were the low points and hight points of that story for you?
What leap have you taken where the fear of not doing the thing was greater than the fear of doing it? What leap might you be flirting with right now, getting closer to that tipping point?
What types of supports and community do you have in your life to work through your own cycles of birth, loss, and rebirth? How might you want to intentionally strengthen those networks and supports during this upcoming season of life?
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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 11
This weekend we sit down with our friend, multidisciplinary visual artist Sara Mock. Sara Mock is a lifelong creative who has learned to follow her curiosity into art mediums as diverse as doll creation, pattern design and coin making. Join us for a conversation about developing a lifestyle that fuels creativity regardless of its particular format. 
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Questions for contemplation and conversation:
Sara talks about the three words of “play, create, and heal". Which of these most resonates with you? Which of these concepts comes easy to you? Which are tough for you? How could you tap even more into playing, creating, and healing?
What’s YOUR growth edge? What are you doing right now that might be at the edge of your comfortably? What supports could you put in place to help you more fully lean INTO that growth edge during this season.
Where is that fork in the road showing up in life for you? Where are the daily opportunities for you to choose the path of curiosity over the path of fear?
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Things mentioned in this week's episode:
Sara's Spoonflower (surface patterns) Account
Sara's Instagram
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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 9
This week, we're excited to have Joy Thomas and Jenelle Landgraf with us. They're identical twins who live with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition. For years, they kept it a secret, but about 10 years ago, they started writing about it on their blog, DoubleVisionBlog.com. Their goal is simple: to show that "there is no right way to go blind." Through their blog, they've touched many lives, both in the disabled community and beyond. Stay tuned for an honest conversation that might just change the way you see the world.
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Questions for contemplation and conversation:
What resonated with you the most from today's conversation? Was there a particular moment or insight that shifted your perspective or inspired you to approach life more creatively?
Brené Brown once said, "Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome." How does this idea connect to your own experiences of being misunderstood as a child or young adult? Have you had to show up and be vulnerable to change that narrative?
Can you think of an area in your life where embracing self-acceptance could improve your interactions with the people around you?
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Things mentioned in this week's episode:
Joy & Jenelle's Blog
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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 8
This week, we continue our "Here to Create" series with more thought-provoking conversation about identity and the value of art that helps us feel seen and heard with Derek Webb. Derek is a singer/songwriter and veteran influential voice within and beyond the Christian Music Industry. Over the course of the past 25 years, Derek has made a career out of making forward-leaning art - first with his band Caedmon’s Call, which he co-founded in the mid-90’s, and then as a solo artist. He is well known for his progressive musicality and his unwaveringly honest lyrics - calling into question everything from our relationship with politics to evolving gender issues. His most recent album, The Jesus Hypothesis, was released this spring and is billed as his “first ‘Christian & Gospel record’ in over 10 years”. 
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Questions for contemplation and conversation:
When have you experienced art that really sees or hears you?
What about this story compels or intrigues you? Is there a part that challenges you or resonates with you in your own place of creativity?
What are some boundaries that can help you engage with social media in a healthy way?
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Things mentioned in this week's episode:
"The Jesus Hypothesis" - Derek Webb (album)
"Boys Will Be Girls" - Derek Webb ft. Flamy Grant Music Video
"Bible Belt Baby" - Flamy Grant (album)
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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 7
This week, we are thrilled to welcome Derek Webb, a singer/songwriter and veteran influential voice within and beyond the Christian Music Industry. Over the course of the past 25 years, Derek has made a career out of making forward-leaning art - first with his band Caedmon’s Call, which he co-founded in the mid-90’s, and then as a solo artist. He is well known for his progressive musicality and his unwaveringly honest lyrics - calling into question everything from our relationship with politics to evolving gender issues. His most recent album, The Jesus Hypothesis, was released this spring and is billed as his “first ‘Christian & Gospel record’ in over 10 years”. 
A true fringe voice, Derek’s work is deeply resonant with The Orchard’s values and mission, and we can’t wait of you to get to know him!
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Questions for contemplation and conversation:
How do you see labels and categories as helpful or unhelpful (or both) for creativity?
What is the weirdest or most peculiar part of your story?
"The narrower the deeper" : what is the invitation in this phrase for you today?
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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 6
As we continue our series, "Here To Create", Scott and Benjamin have a conversation with creative powerhouse, Mel McGowan.
 
Mel is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Storyland Studios. With a rich background in film and design, Mel's journey into the world of creativity took a remarkable turn during his decade-long tenure at the Disney Company. As an Imagineer, he played pivotal roles in projects like Disney's California Adventure, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Downtown Disney. Mel's expertise extends beyond Disney, as he champions the art of spatial storytelling through his work at Storyland Studios. His legacy is deeply intertwined with crafting stories in three-dimensional spaces, making places come alive with narrative and meaning.
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Questions for contemplation and conversation:
Recollect a moment from your childhood where you felt a burst of creativity, similar to Mel's Star Wars room. How did that shape or influence your perception of your own creative potential?
Mel's story about 'My Refuge House' highlighted the significance of empathy in creation. Can you think of a time where your creative endeavors were influenced by deep empathy or understanding?
Taking inspiration from the idea of being 'Image Bearers', how can you tap into your inherent creative spirit in your everyday life? What 'canvases' exist around you that you've perhaps overlooked?
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Things mentioned in this week's episode:
Storyland Studios website
"Culture Making" - Andy Crouch (book)
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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 5
This week we welcome back our friend, Adam Mock, for an encore conversation about mountain biking, mental health and risk-taking that leads to creative magic in our lives. In case you missed last week’s conversation, Adam Mock is a Leadership Coaching Specialist and Transformational Partner who uses his "Rescue Your Dreams" approach to develop organizations and individuals to their highest levels of effectiveness. Adam is also an avid mountain biker and a vital part of the thriving SoCal MTB scene. His YouTube Channel has opened up opportunities for him to connect his passion for human development with his love of outdoor sports.
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Questions for contemplation and conversation:
How do you like to "play"? How do you tap into your creative self?
Can you recall a time when you took a risk to gain something (rather than a risk to avoid loss)?
Mary Davis once said, "To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles." What does this quote say TO you? What does this quote say ABOUT you?
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Things mentioned in this week's episode:
Adam's website
Adam's Youtube Channel
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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.comSubscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com

HERE TO CREATE || WEEK 4
This week we sit down with our dear friend, Adam Mock for a conversation about creativity and human development. Adam Mock is a Leadership Coaching Specialist and Transformational Partner who uses his Rescue Your Dreams™ approach to develop organizations and individuals to their highest levels of effectiveness.
 
With over 25 years of leadership experience Adam has the privilege of facilitating workshops and trainings at global brands like Nike, Jordan Brand, and PayPal. He also works 1-on-1 with Olympic gold medalists, hall of famers, and world champions.
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Questions for contemplation and conversation:
Adam told a story of struggling to receive a compliment about his creativity as a young person. Do you have any similar stories? Why do you think it’s so hard for us to receive positive feedback?
We talked a bit about DREAMS of ours and how they get buried. Why do you think so many of us struggle with this? How do YOU think our dreams end up getting buried?
Adam shared how important SELF-KNOWLEDGE is, and one pathway into that is to identify your 3-5 CORE VALUES. He gave us 3 steps in helping uncover and identify those:
Reflect back to when you were age 6-12: what sparked your curiosity then? what things could you NOT NOT do back then? What value do you think you were displaying at that time?
In the past 2-5 years - when did you feel you were living or being at your most “ON PURPOSE” or ALIVE? What values do you think you were tapping in to then?
Ask people who know you well what they think your values are.
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Things mentioned in this week's episode:
Adam's website
Adam's Youtube Channel
"Give yourself permission to be creative" - Ethan Hawke (TED Talk)
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To learn more about The Orchard Community visit theorchardcommunity.com
Subscribe to Orchard Conversations in your favorite podcast app or at orchardconversations.com