Spark & Fire: Fuel Your Creativity

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Every creative work you’ve ever loved has a hero’s journey behind it. On Spark & Fire, you'll hear creators tell the story of bringing one beloved work to life. 

Iconic creatives — like Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, Pixar director Domee Shi, comedian Patton Oswald, musician Wynton Marsalis, and novelist Isabel Allende — share the endless iterations, the inevitable setbacks, and the breakthrough ideas along the epic process of creation. But this isn’t an interview show. It’s a story — told entirely in the artist's own words.

With host June Cohen, co-founder of WaitWhat and the former executive producer of TED Talks.

Transcripts and images for every episode are available at sparkandfire.com

Sign up for the weekly Spark & Fire newsletter.

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Recent Reviews
  • Anotherbadupdate
    Piano is annoying!
    Why or why do a number of podcasts, including this one, insist on playing music (piano) while the guest is speaking? It is really annoying. I try to listen to what the guest has to say, not to hear cheesy elevator music. Can't listen anymore. Bye!
  • Vacilando Siempre
    Great Show!
    I look forward to every episode! Hats off to everyone at Spark and Fire. Keep it coming!
  • 04Ry
    This is great
    Don’t stop. This is great and very much needed. You are inspiring people. This is important.
  • chilldude102
    Love it
    Great interviews. My only critique is that the narration is getting in the way of the interview at times. Very hand-holdy
  • AmyMaricle
    One of my favorite podcasts for inspiration
    I’m a new listener for a month or so now and I love Spark and Fire. These are thoughtful, inspiring interviews that indeed spark my creative fire. Thank you!
  • LinksFanOne
    Powerful and Empowering
    I cry at least once an episode, hearing the emotions and power and struggle of artists. As a writer, I wasn’t sure how much I could learn from the journeys of art in other mediums. What a fool I was! Spark and Fire uncovers the common humanity in all art and journeys of expression. Hope to be listening for years to come.
  • Overstable Studios
    Yes yes yes
    I couldn’t have discovered this podcast at a more opportune time. I am in a exciting moment in my career, and the gems that are dropped in every episode have just been ridiculously motivating and empowering and helpful. Love this podcast!
  • stacy__n
    Absolute favorite podcast
    Thank you! This podcast is so inspiring, fun and unique- thank you for bringing us these stories. I actually clapped at the end of the newest episode on Felix Barrett. ♥️
  • Ugly Bud
    Outstanding
    So inspirational
  • honeydippbre
    Great
    It Was Nice I loved it
  • loverrussian
    Ps
    This is the best series ever
  • JRMS2021
    Amazing!
    Just listened to the Patton Oswalt episode - if this is any indication of what’s to come in the rest of the season, I cannot wait! This episode was just as hilarious and heart breaking as it was inspiring. Love this podcast!!
  • shiestye2834
    Spark and fire
    I love how y’all just take y’all time out of the day to tell these stories
  • j_mcleodmusic
    It’s back!!
    I’m so glad this new season is dropping! The Patton Oswald episode is life changing. I can not wait until more episodes start rolling in!!! One of my favorite podcasts.
  • Zzino5
    Pleased it’s back!
    I’ve been waiting for this series to return. And the Patton Oswalt ep did not disappoint! Looking forward to more eps.
  • Jo Dine
    The podcast to spark my creativity
    This podcast is my go to for sparking innovation and creativity. I learn so much from other peoples stories and I love how the artist tells their story in first person and take us through their creative journey. This is a must listen.
  • Travdin Tuck
    A need for artists/creator/for those wishing to pull something into the universe
    There are books and resources how to get your creative project out of your mind and out on the page, screen, canvas, but none come close to the engaging and in-depth story ability of Spark and Fire. This will make you want to create, make, craft, write, snap photos, sing, film make, and in addition, hidden like chocolate treats in the podcast, will hand you practical tips from some earth’s top creators. Give it a listen—you won’t be disappointed!
  • 3busyboymom
    Super Inspiring!
    I love hearing the amazing stories of these creators. They have amazing stories and it’s truly inspiring for my own life.
  • Chaurley
    FINALLY! Season 2!!
    I flew through the first season and have been anxiously awaiting the return of season 2! Listening to the trailer has me so excited. The line up for this season sounds incredible and I can’t wait for my feed to start notifying me of new episodes. I’m most looking forward to Stephen Schwartz, having a soft spot in my heart for Wicked the musical. Keep doing your thing Spark and Fire team because I am LOVING it!
  • 3lakesroad
    This show keeps on surprising me!
    Listening is indulging in some of the best life stories from creative makers. Listening makes me feel like being a creative is a complete life and I’m in good company. A+
  • MagikMoe
    Ruben. The force of nature
    This story is shared by millions of Latinos who were shaped and enlightened by this guy trying to spoon feed us with his wisdom and his flavor.
  • Opete95
    Incredible stories
    This podcast is full of inspiration! Thank you for telling these amazing stories that truly spark the creativity in all of us.
  • Lanceinokc
    Window to Wonderful
    Thank you for inviting so many awesome storytellers and creating a format that allows them to give life to their own stories. June Cohen is the perfect host. Everyone of the episodes has helped me relaize something different about my own creative journey. Simply wonderful!
  • PRY_GG
    Thank You
    Thank you for introducing us to people, we would not know about If it wasn’t for this podcast. I’m finding my own creativity from it, while enjoying the learning that comes with thanks to your Podcast. Please keep it up!
  • Paige lulu
    Auditory Art
    A thorough exploration of the senses and their interaction with art and the artist. Very engaging guests; exceptional editing and amazing journeys in each episode.
  • OC Quilter & Crafter
    Susan Orlean
    I thoroughly enjoyed Susan Orlean's backstory for her novel, The Orchid Thief. I look forward to listening to more Spark & Fire stories.
  • pollolocicismo
    Creative inspiration
    A powerful glimpse into the creative mind and how to turn inspiration into reality. Thank you for bringing this series to life!
  • n00b2013
    Fascinating!
    This is a fantastic new podcast that explores creativity from a unique viewpoint-just letting the creators ‘tell their own stories’. I’m enjoying this format and it’s actually more revealing than a back and forth conversation.
  • Tgold08
    A series for all
    As an artist you love to hear stories about fellow dreamers who turned what seemed impossible into possible. This show gives me hope that is a chance for me.
  • Imari hall
    Couldn’t see it for Soul
    As a Black person I’ve become exhausted from vetting stories about Black people made for white people. The first Black protagonist in a Pixar film has to follow the same tired magical negro tropes. The storytelling didn’t hit the mark for me and I invite White folks to actually get to know a Black person ( a real one). Nobody wants to hear the perspective from another Uncle Tom. No thank you to it all.
  • vybgior
    Great Podcast!
    What a fantastic podcast! Evocative! Inspiring! Magical!
  • covid mason
    Great
    This is a great show, keep doing what you are already doing. Extra spot the difference 🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤘🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟 Level 2 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣😂😂😂😂😂 very hard 🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️🧛‍♂️
  • MSauder
    Orchid Thief
    As soon as I finished this episode I was able to watch the Movie Adaptation. I enjoyed it very much. Unique story telling at its best.
  • His Strength
    Thank you - a struggling creative. Gives Hope!
    Wow! A ‘real-life’ podcast, provides much needed post-2020 SPARKS of hope. A SPARKLE to kickstart 2021.
  • label78
    Inspiring
    I’m not a huge podcast person, but was recommend this podcast and just happened to watch the film soul recently. It changed my mind and I look forward to continuing to listen. Very well put together and extremely entertaining.
  • luvinbeer
    Thumbs up
    Hook, line, and sinker. Love Meditative Story and falling in love with Spark and Fire! Well done!
  • wendygkl
    Soul
    Wow going to watch Soul again after listening to this.
  • BigEarsBigHeart
    A new must listen!
    Oh man, I adore this new show! It’s so hard to get to the heart of the creative process, but this show does that and more. It gives humanity to what can seem like an elusive, intangible process and make you feel like you can tap into your own creative process. Plus, the host has a wonderful energy and voice. Can’t wait for the next one!
  • CityYogi2020
    Big fan!
    Love, love, love this pod! Big creativity podcast listener and this one tops the charts for me. Such great storytelling— a fresh break from from the usual “interview-style” podcast... and such cool insight into the creative process. Am a big fan of Pixar’s Soul and really enjoyed hearing some behind-the-scenes snippets from Kemp Powers. Inspiring and beautiful new podcast— can’t wait for more!
  • BoomerZoomed
    I’m sparked!
    An unfolding symphony of words describing that magical moment of spark!
  • Sammus Synthesizer
    Excited for the series
    I’m a creator so I’m always curious about the concrete details of what happens in order to make something that seems inexplicably incredible. WaitWhat has a history of quality podcasts so I know this will be no different.
  • Sandwoman_SS
    So excited
    It’s like this show was made for me!
  • BostonStartup
    WOW.
    Wow. So excited for this show. Based on the trailer, I’m picturing it like Masters of Scale (caliber of guest, great storytelling, sharp insights on what works) but subbing in the creative journey for the entrepreneurial journey. As someone who considers themselves to be both creative AND entrepreneurial — I cannot wait. Want this, need this now!
  • eman21
    What a slate!
    Can’t wait for Rian and the KNIVES OUT ep!
  • Halp41
    Excited!!
    Have always wanted to peak behind the veil of a creative’s process, and this podcast seems like such a gold mine for doing this across so many creative mediums. Can’t wait to listen as these episodes get released!
  • murphyjfraser
    Creative storytelling at its best!
    If you’re one whose creativity & curiosity is sparked through storytelling, then this is the podcast for you! What an intimate and expressive way to learn from many creative heroes - known & unknown. Can’t wait for more!
  • Wheeling3
    Great Job
    Very much looking forward to this insightful series! Already love the Meditative series and I have no doubt this will match the bar that has been set by WaitWhat!
  • Nyc10012
    can’t wait for this to go live!
    Excited to hear creators’ stories for new inspiration in 2021!
  • podcastr58
    A Creative Boost for 2021
    SO ready for a creative boost as we emerge from 2020. Listening to Spark and Fire will be one of my New Year's resolutions!
  • vmanzwife
    2021 a positive look!
    Looking forward to hitting the restart button with inspirational stories”)
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