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
165 episodes
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...
148. The Million Dollar Question
Have you ever noticed the kinds of questions you ask yourself throughout the day? In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Dr. Amy Backos explores the powerful role of our inner dialogue and how the questions we ask oursel...
147. Creative Rest in Turbulent Times
In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Dr. Amy Backos explores an important question: How do we care for ourselves when the world feels overwhelming? Drawing from positive psychology and Acceptance and Commitment ...
146. Unhooking from your “I’m Not Enough” Story: Changing your Relationship to Thoughts
Have you ever believed a thought about yourself so completely that it felt like fact? I’m not good enough. I’m a fraud. I can’t handle this. In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores what Acceptance and Commitment Therapy calls cogni...
145. Process vs. Product: Why Being In the Moment Changes Everything
How much of your life are you actually experiencing… and how much of it are you trying to finish?In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores the difference between process and product — and why our culture’s obsession with outcomes quietly ...
144. The Myth of Motivation (and What Actually Gets You Moving)
Many of us think we have a motivation problem.We call ourselves lazy.We say we’re procrastinating.We wait to “feel ready.”But motivation isn’t a personality trait — and it isn’t something you have to wait for.In thi...
143. Staying Steady in Difficult Times: Psychological Flexibility
If I could gift everyone one psychological skill right now, it would be this: psychological flexibility.Because when the world feels overwhelming — when the news is heavy, systems feel broken, and old wounds get stirred up — rigidity doe...
142. Art Therapy & Cultural Humility: Special Guest Dr. Louvenia Jackson
In this deeply meaningful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Lavinia Jackson — Chair and Professor of Art Therapy at Marymount University, scholar, educator, and one of the most important voices shaping the future of our field.Dr. Jackson...