logo
episode-header-image
Aug 12
1h 5m

The Brilliance of Boredom with creative ...

SIMON SINEK
About this episode

We’re wired to chase the next spark - scrolling, swiping, refreshing - but some of our brightest ideas sneak in when we stop chasing, let boredom settle in and give our minds room to wander.

Elle Cordova knows the power of that pause. When the pandemic hit pause on her life as a touring musician, she stumbled into new creative territory - making offbeat comedy videos about delightfully nerdy topics like particle physics, grammar, and fonts. Those sketches went viral, and suddenly she was thriving as a social media creator with a devoted following. 

In this episode, we talk about finding what truly lights you up, pushing through writer’s block, working with anxiety - and yes, Star Wars makes an appearance (because of course it does). Plus, Elle treats us to a live, in-studio performance of her song Roswell.

This…is A Bit of Optimism.

For more on Elle, check out:

ellecordova.com/

Up next
Aug 19
Simon Goes Nuclear with nuclear energy influencer Isabelle Boemeke
“Nuclear” might make you wince—but the real problem isn’t the energy, it’s the branding. Safe, low-carbon, and scalable, nuclear could be a climate hero—if only we told the story right.Isabelle Boemeke is on a mission to change how we think about nuclear energy. A Brazilian model ... Show More
1h 6m
Aug 5
The Privilege of Bad Experiences with NASA astronaut Jonny Kim
This was the most epic Zoom call we’ve ever been a part of — an incredible conversation with NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, live from the International Space Station, with sunrise on Earth as a stunningly causal site behind him as they barreled at 17,000 mph in orbit. Thanks to the am ... Show More
26m 10s
Jul 15
The Business Case for Good Manners with etiquette coach William Hanson
Good manners aren’t just about being polite — they’re about making other people feel seen.William Hanson is one of the world’s leading etiquette coaches. He’s advised royalty, CEOs, and television personalities on how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and grace. But his mi ... Show More
54m 44s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Poetry and music that reaches across the digital void | Elle Cordova
In this whimsical talk and performance, musician and comedian Elle Cordova ponders what happened before the Big Bang. She’s then joined by guitarist Toni Lindgren for the original song “Carl Sagan,” exploring social media, human connection and how we’re all just reaching out like ... Show More
8m 22s
May 2024
Overcoming Creative Block with a Creative Reset Challenge
Feeling creatively blocked or burned out as a creative business owner? In this episode, I share some practical steps to plan a creative reset at the end of the month to reboot your creativity. Whether you’re facing burnout or simply need a boost of inspiration, this episode offer ... Show More
22m 23s
Nov 2024
135. Creativity without limits: Finding balance and inspiration, with Khyati Trehan
In this episode, host Katy Cowan welcomes Khyati Trehan, a designer and 3D visual artist at Google Creative Lab in New York, to share a glimpse into one of the most innovative spaces in the design world. Known for her unique balance of intense creative work and personal projects, ... Show More
58m 20s
Jun 2024
Tell me your creativity tips! and summer break
Hello friends! I’m your host Angela de Burger and although I can’t believe it, we are already at the time of the year when I turn the microphone towards you because I’m curious to hear if you have a tip for staying creative, for moving forward when you feel a little stuck, or for ... Show More
4m 4s
Jun 10
Not Burned Out, But Not Excited. Now What?
Joy Is Not a Reward for Success — It's a Tool That Drives Sustainable Success In this episode, I’m talking to the version of you who’s not completely burned out…but you’re definitely not lit up either. You’re just fine. You’re checking off the to-dos without that sense of momentu ... Show More
31m 38s
Apr 2022
278: Radically Content with Jamie Varon
From cupcake tweetups to avoiding compare-and-despair traps, Jamie Varon is a long-time friend—the first person I met from Twitter back in 2008—who I always appreciate catching up with. Today we’re talking about her debut book, Radically Content: Being Satisfied in an Endlessly D ... Show More
57m 47s
Apr 2025
Living Through Grief, Finding Wonder, and Becoming Whole Again | Suleika Jaouad
Take Our Podcast Listener Survey! How would you transform life's greatest challenges into inspiring works of art? Suleika Jaouad shares her journey of "creative alchemy," turning her battles with leukemia into the acclaimed memoir Between Two Kingdoms and her new book The Book of ... Show More
59m 34s
May 30
Episode 770: Digital CEO Success Story: She SOLD OUT her Beta, Stopped Trading Time for Money and 3X her Annual Revenue - Jenny Ferrero’s BBD Success Story
Ready for a dose of what's truly possible? This week on the podcast, we’ve been featuring inspiring Business By Design students who are doing BIG things. Today, we introduce you to Jenny Jaucian, a fitness and sustainable weight loss coach who traded burnout for breakthrough and ... Show More
1h 5m
Apr 2025
LACKING CREATIVITY AND INSPIRATION - how to get inspired and enjoy the creative process
Whether you're a podcaster, content creator, artist, or just someone feeling stuck, this episode's for you. I'm diving into the mindset traps that keep us from authentically creating and being inspired. Today's episode I talk about - The need to constantly be creating - Being too ... Show More
36m 46s
Jun 2023
What’s Currently Inspiring Us: People, Places, and Things
In this episode, the girls are together in person so listener’s get a solid catch up segment about Ceara’s upcoming road trip and Allison’s second hand shop. Then we dive into sharing about the people, places, and things that are currently lighting up our inner essence, fueling o ... Show More
1h 7m