This is Disruption

The Misfortune Teller: Humour and Honesty

Send a text message and share your thoughts on this epiosde!In this episode I was lucky to speak with an artist whose work I really love. The Misfortune Teller is a london based artist hailing from Glasgow, who has a unique approach to art informed by his background in advertising. We talk about the importance of honestly combined with humour, being your own raw material, as well as dark prophecies and the importance of Sauna. You can find The Misfortune Teller on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/themisfortuneteller/ and linktree right here: https://linktr.ee/themisfortunetellerThanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:|Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

Aoife Dunne: Breaking Barriers - Creativity Beyond Privilege

Send a text message and share your thoughts on this epiosde!I had the honour of sitting down with the amazing Aoife Dunne, a force of creative energy and someone I greatly respect. Aoife has an inspiring story of initially encountering barriers, experiencing profound loss, and ultimately embracing her artistic rebirth.Growing up in beautiful Galway (where we both agree the wild Atlantic way shapes not just the landscape but also the people), Aoife dreamt of acting since childhood. In what was a beautifully candid conversation, we unpack the journey her life has taken, how at one time she gave up on her dreams and how grief became her greatest teacher. "Death has taught me so much about laughter and about the necessity of sadness," she reflects. This wisdom is evident in her one-woman show "Good Grief," where audiences have found themselves both laughing and crying. It is truly not to be missed. What makes Aoife's story particularly powerful is her advocacy for creatives from disadvantaged socioeconomic groups, and the powerful stories born from diverse experiences that risk being lost as the creative industries become increasingly accessible only to the privileged. The message to fellow underdogs is clear: If you don't belong in existing rooms, we're building new ones and you're all invited - I couldn't love this more. Join us for this profound exploration of creativity, resilience, and finding your authentic voice against all odds. x Follow Aoife on Instagram at: @aoife_is_never_dunne and catch her show as it tours Ireland, including the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin this September.All Aoife's links can be found at the linktree right here xThanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:|Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

My Dog Sighs: Paint, Pigeons and Passion. Inside: We Shelter Here Sometimes.

Send a text message and share your thoughts on this epiosde!I was so delighted to speak with an artist I greatly respect and admire in this episode. Street art legend My Dog Sighs kindly joined me to share the story of his creative evolution, from primary school teacher to internationally celebrated artist. We chat about the birth of Free Art Friday, which evolved into it's own cultural movement with artists leaving free pieces for passersby to discover. This emerged from My Dog Sigh's desire to participate in street art without risking his teaching career. What began as canvases left on streets evolved into painted found objects, such as his iconic painted tin cans that have now traveled across continents with their new owners and inspired other artists to do the same. At the heart of this episode is a discussion exploring My Dog Sigh's recently released documentary "Inside: We Shelter Here Sometimes," chronicling a two-year project that saw him transforming an abandoned 1920s ballroom into an immersive installation during the pandemic. The vulnerability he displays in sharing the creative process is super refreshing. All too often we see the highlights and successes but in this raw and vulnerable film we see  the struggles, doubts, and moments of pure inspiration and flow. This is a rare insight into the emotional journey of artistic creation and it is so beautifully shot with a gorgeous soundscape. From developing a unique language for his creatures little voices, to navigating health and safety concerns in a decaying building, the documentary captures a once-in-a-lifetime creative endeavour that nearly broke him. I loved this film, it's truly a story of creative persistence and determination. As My Dog Sighs says, "If you've got this idea, just invest in it. Just invest in yourself and your time and your skill base, and get out there and get it done, because it's worth it. In the end it really is, and you're all the better person for doing it."You MUST watch this documentary, it is truly it's own work of art. Find it at:  My Dog Sighs website: https://mydogsighs.co.uk/Link to the documentary: https://vimeo.com/1058981776 My Dog Sighs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydogsighs/ My Dog Sighs TED Talk (Lost and Found): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaTNwJL0BiAThanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:|Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

Quint: The Angel in Jakarta - When Giving Up Leads to Breaking Through

Send a text message and share your thoughts on this epiosde!Bonus Episode! Introducing Quint. This bonus episode captures a profound conversation with a street artist whose journey defies conventional artistic narratives and reminds us of the transformative power of creativity.Quint transforms ordinary, often gritty and neglected urban spaces into places of beauty. His artistic journey began at age twelve with stencil art, though he wouldn't realise that until years later. After being expelled from art school for graffiti (there's some irony in this for sure) Quint embraced street art fully, adapting his approach when financial constraints limited his access to supplies.The heart of this episode reveals a moment of divine right place/right timing that changed everything. During what Quint believed was his final artistic act before surrendering to conventional life, he spent his last money painting the streets of Jakarta from midnight until dawn. Though city workers erased his creation hours later, leaving him devastated, somebody had witnessed his work that night. Days later, this "angel" (as Quint calls him) reached out with an invitation to the Jakarta Biennial, launching Quint's career in ways he never imagined possible.What resonates most in Quint's story is his remarkably pure artistic philosophy: "I'm doing art for my happiness. If people are happy too, it makes me even more happy." In a world that often complicates creative pursuits with concerns about marketability and reception, Quint's perspective serves as a powerful reminder of art's fundamental purpose. His plans for the future? Simply "doing better and doing more... just live your life and do art."What a message. You can find Quint on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/quint.art/Follow Disruption podcast on all major platforms and @thisisdisruptionpod on social media to discover more stories of fearless creatives who challenge the status quo.Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:|Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)

Vanessa Wallace: Becoming a Paralympian - The Power of Yes, Red Lipstick and a Tweet

Send a text message and share your thoughts on this epiosde!How does one become a Paralympian? Vanessa Wallace's answer might surprise you: "Red lipstick, a tweet, and a year of saying yes."I was lucky to speak with the incredible Vanessa Warner, a former Paralympian, who shares the journey that took her from facing serious health challenges to representing Great Britain at the Paralympic Games. This was a deeply moving conversation, I had goosebumps during the interview and got very teary whilst editing it in a coffee shop. Growing up in North London, Vanessa was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and dystonia – conditions that changed her life trajectory. However, through what she describes as a series of fortunate encounters and a commitment to saying "yes" to new opportunities, she discovered a path to elite sports that nobody (including herself) could have predicted.Vanessa's story is especially interesting as she's never considering herself naturally competitive. She instead developed a strategy focused on tiny, manageable goals rather than overwhelming four-year Paralympic cycles. "Can I get through today? Can I figure out what I need to do today to do tomorrow?" This perspective not only carried her through eight years as an elite athlete but continues to influence her work as a professional development coach and storytelling facilitator today.The conversation explores the vital importance of community support, representation in Paralympic sports, and the power of embracing your unique differences. Vanessa's "Turn Up Your Volume" storytelling workshops now help others discover their authentic voices and share their stories effectively. As she powerfully states, "Your differences are your superpower" which I know is a message that will resonate whether you're an athlete, creative, or corporate professional.Vanessa is such a special women and she truly lights up every room she's in. Follow Vanessa @freshness_uk on social platforms and discover how your story, authentically told, is exactly what the world needs to hear.Vanessa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshnessuk/Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:|Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)