The Modern Creative Woman
The art and science of creativity, made simple.
Through the lens of art therapy, neurocreativity, and cutting-edge research, you’ll learn not just why you create, but how to create with more freedom, intention, and joy. Dr. Amy Backos — author, art therapist, psychologist, professor and researcher, with 30+ years of experience — unpacks the evidence-based psychology behind creative living.
Come for the science. Stay for the transformation.
Episodes
172 episodes
171. The Stories Your Brain Keeps Repeating: Neuropsychological Strategies to Change Your Inner Narratives
What if the way you see the world is being shaped long before you consciously decide what you think?In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores value priming, the fascinating psychological proces...
170. What your Symbols are Trying to Tell You: Three Art Practices to Try Today
What if the images you're naturally drawn to are telling you something about yourself?Symbols have been part of human expression for thousands of years, from prehistoric cave paintings to religious imagery to contemporary abstract...
169. Get Ready for a Creativity Renaissance
Are we on the cusp of a creative resurgence? I think we are.In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, I’m exploring why so many of us feel creatively starved and why I believe this is exactly the moment to bring more art, be...
168. Rest, Reset, and Keeping Promises to Yourself: September Resolutions
Rest, Reset, and Keeping Promises to YourselfThere is nothing selfish about taking care of yourself. In fact, you're the only person who can do it.In this episode, Dr. Amy Bakos explores why the weeks before September offer the pe...
167. The More You Look, the More you See: Art to Help you Find Solutions to your Most Vexing Problems
Can looking at art actually make you more creative? Absolutely—but only if you know how to look.Many people feel intimidated walking into an art museum, worrying they won't "get it" or that they need an art history degree to appre...
166. The Opposite of Procrastination is NOT Productivity—It is Persistence
Why do we procrastinate on the work that matters most? In this episode, Dr. Amy Bakos explores the psychology behind creative avoidance and why procrastination doesn't mean you're lazy—it often means you're deeply invested in what you're creati...
165. Self Conscious? Try Self CONSCIOUSNESS Instead
Why does being self-conscious often leave us feeling anxious, while self-consciousness can become one of our greatest strengths?In this episode, Dr. Amy Bakos explores the profound difference between these two experienc...
164. The 3 Biggest Barriers to Creativity (and How to Move Past Them)
Why do so many intelligent, capable women long to be creative but never quite begin?In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores three surprisingly common mental barriers that keep women from painting, writing, making art, and expressing the...
163. Stop Bypassing Your Emotions: Why Uncertainty Might Be the Best Thing for Your Creativity
We spend so much of our lives trying to eliminate uncertainty. We want the right answer, the perfect decision, and reassurance that we're on the right path. But what if uncertainty isn't something to avoid? What if it's actually one of the most...
162. Knitting in Public: The Surprising Science of Fiber Arts and Brain Health
Have you ever thought about knitting as preventive healthcare?In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores the fascinating intersection of creativity, neuroscience, psychology, and fiber arts. What has often been dismissed as "women's work" ...
161. Disrupting the Male Gaze in Art: Who Gets to Be Seen?
The Male Gaze in Art: Who Gets to Be Seen?In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the concept of the male gaze, its origins in art and film, and how it continues to shape what we see in museums, m...
160. The Neuroscience of Pleasure, Desire, and Creativity
Show Notes: The Neuroscience of Pleasure, Desire, and CreativityIn this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the fascinating connection between creativity, pleasure, and the brain's reward system. Draw...
159. Season 4 Premiere: Creativity, Meaning, & Art Therapy...Answers to Your Most Asked Questions
Season 4 Premiere: Creativity, Meaning, and Art Therapy—Answers to Your Most Asked QuestionsWelcome to Season 4 of The Modern Creative Woman podcast.As we begin another year together, I'm reflecting on what an incredible ...
158. Thoughts Are Not Facts: New Relationship with Your Mind
In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Amy Backos explores one of the most powerful concepts in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): cognitive defusion. What happens when you stop treating your thoughts like facts? W...
157. The Creative Power of an Analog Summer
What would happen if you stopped documenting your life long enough to actually experience it?In this episode, we explore the growing cultural movement toward an “analog summer” — intentionally stepping away from constant digital stimulat...
156. Art Is Political: Creativity, Democracy, and the Courage to Speak
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the inseparable relationship between art and politics, and why creativity is not a luxury—but a necessity for a healthy society.F...
155. Procrastination Cure
What actually creates a meaningful life? In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the deep connection between meaning, motivation, values, and behavior. Drawing from psychological research, personal stories...
154. A New Way to Respond to Uncertainty
When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, it’s natural to return to familiar ways of coping. These patterns often developed for good reason—they worked at one point in time. But as circumstances change, those same strategies can become limitin...
153. From Brain Fog to Clarity: How the Arts Restore Your Mind
The arts are not a luxury. They are a biological necessity.In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the powerful connection between creativity and health—breaking down the neuroscience behind why eng...
152. Art Is Human: Why Creating Is Essential to Your Life
Art is not a luxury—it’s a defining feature of what it means to be human.In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the deep psychological, biological, and cultural roots of creativity, starting with a...
151. “Play” Like Yourself Every Time: Authentic Style and Creativity
What does it actually mean to have YOUR style?Not just in how you dress—but in how you think, create, relate, and move through the world.In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores style...
150. Power, Perception, Prestige & Desire: Interview with Dr. Tanetha Jamay Fisher
What if the biggest limitation on your creative work isn’t your talent—but your perception of its value?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tanetha Jamay Fisher—leadership professor, former Capitol Hill strategist, and luxury business a...
149. Art as Medicine: The Science of Creativity and Well-Being
When was the last time you intentionally engaged with the arts—not just as background noise, but as a tool for your well-being?In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores the powerful intersection of creativity, neuroscience, and health. Dr...