Explore every episode of the podcast Windowsill Chats
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| You're Not Alone: Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani on the Hidden Costs of Loving Someone the World Hates | 16 Sep 2026 | 01:19:53 | |
Margo is joined by Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani, co-authors of Killer in the Family: The Hidden Costs of Loving Someone the World Hates. Melissa grew up in Spokane, Washington, and was sixteen when she learned that her father, Keith Jesperson, had been arrested for murder. He was later convicted as the Happy Face Killer. Melissa went on to become a New York Times bestselling author with her memoir Shattered Silence, a domestic abuse prevention advocate, and an Emmy-nominated investigative correspondent for Crime Watch Daily. She hosts the true crime podcast Life After Happy Face and is the real-life inspiration behind the Paramount+ drama series Happy Face, starring Annaleigh Ashford. Michele is a New York Times bestselling coauthor, a Pushcart Prize nominee, and an editor with more than twenty years in publishing, with an MFA from Stony Brook University. She spent fifteen years as an acquisitions and developmental editor at houses including Macmillan, Hyperion, and McGraw-Hill Trade before founding Bookchic LLC, and her collaborations span Hachette, Penguin, Hay House, and HarperCollins, most recently including Gypsy-Rose Blanchard's memoir My Time to Stand. She has collaborated with Melissa across four books. For Killer in the Family, Melissa and Michele spent six years with nine families who share something nobody chooses: someone they loved was responsible for something horrific. The book moves the focus away from the crimes themselves and onto the parents, children, siblings, and spouses left to carry the aftermath. Margo, Melissa, and Michele discuss:
Killer in the Family is available now in print, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Connect with Melissa and Michele:
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| Enough, Not More: Redefining Financial Freedom for Creatives, with Dan Scott | 09 Sep 2026 | 01:13:34 | |
Margo is joined by Dan Scott, co-founder and CEO of Spotlight Advisory Group, musician, lawyer, and longtime advisor to creatives. After decades spent both making art and advising some of the world's wealthiest individuals, Dan came to a powerful realization: having enormous wealth and experiencing financial freedom are not the same thing. Today, Dan helps artists, musicians, actors, entrepreneurs, and other creatives use money as a tool to support their purpose rather than a scoreboard for measuring success. His forthcoming book, The Experience of Financial Freedom, explores what it looks like to build a life around creativity, fulfillment, and a deeply personal definition of "enough." Margo and Dan discuss:
Connect with Dan: https://www.theexperienceoffinancialfreedom.com/
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| My Creativity Is My Talent: Louie Loops on Turning a Crochet Hook Into Games, Stories, and a Creative Empire | 02 Sep 2026 | 01:23:33 | |
Margo is joined by Louie, better known as Louie's Loops, a self-taught crochet artist, designer, game creator, and founder of Club Crochet. For nearly 20 years, Louie has been turning his love of crochet into an ever-expanding creative world of amigurumi, tutorials, games, characters, and stories—all rooted in curiosity, play, and community. Margo and Louie discuss:
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| From Death of an Artist | Petra Mathers and Her Michael | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:41:16 | |
I'm bringing you a preview of the new series of Death of An Artist. In February 2024, celebrated children's book author and illustrator Petra Mathers and her husband, photographer Michael Mathers, mailed letters to dozens of friends and family members to let them know they had died by suicide. Petra and Michael were by all accounts healthy, happy, and in love. Why did they choose to die together? And what did that decision do to the people left to mourn them? Journalists Leon Neyfakh and Alice Gregory set out to interview everyone who got one of Petra and Michael's letters—as one married couple trying to understand another. Through intimate conversations with Petra and Michael's friends and family about their own relationships to aging, grief, death, and the friends they thought they knew, Death of an Artist weaves together a portrait of a community grappling with the Mathers' deaths and the final words they left behind. Done entirely in recordings, Death of an Artist is as much a love story as one about death. Listen to Death of An Artist wherever you get podcasts. And if you want to hear the full story right now, ad-free, you can binge the entire season with a Pushkin+ subscription—sign up on the Death of an Artist show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus. | |||
| More Than an Heirloom: Daniel Boettcher on Meaning, Memory, and Jewelry Making | 26 Aug 2026 | 01:22:16 | |
Margo sits down with Daniel Boettcher, founder of The Intrepid Wendell, to explore the intersection of storytelling, craftsmanship, and legacy—and how the most meaningful creative paths are rarely the most straightforward ones. Daniel's journey has taken him through music, law, aspirations of diplomacy, and ultimately, bespoke jewelry design. After a life-changing experience shifted the trajectory of his career, he found his way toward work that allowed him to combine creativity with something he has always been drawn to: people and their stories. Margo and Daniel discuss:
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| When Your Joy Becomes Your Job: Protecting the Magic in a Creative Career with Andrea Campos | 19 Aug 2026 | 01:16:30 | |
Margo is joined once again by New York Times bestselling illustrator, artist, and now author Andrea Campos, the creative force behind DreasDoodles. Since her first visit to Windowsill Chats, Andrea's creative career has continued to evolve—from a pandemic doodling practice that began simply as a source of joy to collaborations with Target, Jimmy Fallon, and Jennifer Lopez, and now the release of her very first picture book as both author and illustrator, Tis' the Season for Tamales. In this conversation, Andrea and Margo get candid about what happens when something you love becomes your livelihood. Andrea shares the deeply personal process of finally telling a story that is entirely her own, inspired by the beloved Latin tradition of gathering for tamaladas, while also opening up about the vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and pressure that can accompany creative success. Together, they explore how artists can protect the joy that brought them to their work in the first place—even while being asked to wear the hats of artist, marketer, content creator, entrepreneur, and everything in between. In this episode, Margo and Andrea discuss:
Connect with Andrea: | |||
| Building the Invisible Infrastructure for a Sustainable Creative Life with Kim Robinson | 12 Aug 2026 | 01:24:47 | |
Margo is joined by Kim Robinson, founder of 3pts and a longtime contributor to and advocate for creative communities. With more than 15 years of experience at cultural platforms including The FADER, Complex, Red Bull, and the American Museum of Natural History, Kim has worked alongside artists like Solange, Kendrick Lamar, Spike Lee, Erykah Badu, and Tyler, the Creator. Raised within underground punk, hip-hop, electronic music, and art scenes, Kim eventually founded 3pts to put his experience directly in service of makers and creative entrepreneurs, helping them build sustainable careers on their own terms. Kim and Margo explore what working behind the scenes in music and culture taught him about what artists actually need, why he continues to approach his work as a fan first, and the role community plays in building a sustainable creative life. Margo and Kim discuss:
Connect with Kim: | |||
| The Stories We're Wired to Tell: Abbie Emmons on Creative Instincts, Overcoming Self-Doubt, and the Power of Storytelling | 05 Aug 2026 | 01:09:24 | |
Margo is joined by author, creative writing coach, and video creator Abbie Emmons for a conversation about the power of storytelling and why our ability to tell meaningful stories is more instinctive than we might think. Abbie is the author of three novels and YouTube's most-watched creative writing coach, with a community of more than half a million writers worldwide. Margo and Abbie explore storytelling as something fundamentally human, why compelling stories begin with internal conflict, and how we can move beyond rigid rules, perfectionism, and self-doubt to reconnect with our natural creativity. Abbie's nonfiction debut, Make Your Story Matter, releases August 11, 2026. Margo and Abbie discuss:
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| The Stories We Carry: Three Artists on Collaboration, Legacy, and the Objects That Shape Us | 29 Jul 2026 | 01:46:54 | |
Margo is joined by Amy Wilderson, Brenda Olson, and Katy St. John—three artists whose distinct creative practices come together in Objects Through Time: Connection, Story, and Legacy, an exhibition exploring memory, heritage, and the unexpected stories hidden within everyday objects. Amy is a multi-media visual artist whose metalsmithing and wirework transform forgotten treasures into meaningful jewelry and sculpture. Brenda is an illustrator, mixed media artist, and founder of Blueberry Road Cards, whose work celebrates storytelling, community, and creative connection. Katy is a Minneapolis-based photographer whose imaginative images blend artistry and narrative to capture what lies beneath the surface. Together, the three discuss how collaboration across disciplines has challenged, inspired, and transformed each of their creative practices. They share how family heirlooms, found objects, and personal histories became the foundation for this exhibition, why vulnerability is essential to meaningful collaboration, and how art can preserve stories that might otherwise be forgotten. Margo and Amy, Brenda, and Katy discuss:
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| Art for Everyone: How Liz Lidgett Combines Her Curiosity, Desire for Accessibility, and Storytelling to Promote Great Art (Replay) | 22 Jul 2026 | 01:09:28 | |
In this re-aired episode Margo is joined by art advisor, curator, and gallery owner Liz Lidgett. Liz's passion for art allowed her to see that competent art consulting for private companies and corporations was a need that wasn't being filled. With that in mind, she began her art consultation business, Adore Your Walls, in 2013. Since then, her business has grown and she recognized once again that online and national consulting – the type that exists for furniture and interior design – was completely absent for the world of art and has expanded her services, including a gallery space. With her developed expertise, Adore Your Walls has evolved into her new brand: Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Within the rebrand, Liz continues to consult, partner with artists and regularly contribute to design publications across the country. She represents 50 unique artists from around the world—with a commitment to always represent at least 50% women and/or BIPOC artists. Although her gallery is located in Des Moines, Iowa, they have an international reach, shipping 80% of the work they sell, and have sold to clients in 45 states and 7 countries.
It was important for Liz to create a gallery that operated in a way she felt galleries should operate, where artists were paid fairly and quickly, and where an approachable, non-pretentious experience is created for clients. Her mission is "Art For Everyone." Although they represent some very well-known artists like Hunt Slonem, Liz wants people to know that you don't have to be a millionaire to be an art collector. Liz has gained a huge following on social media by showcasing the art in her gallery, the artists, and fun facts about art.
Margo and Liz discuss:
Connect with Liz: https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgettgallery/ | |||
| Curiosity Over Talent: Reigniting Artistic Joy in The Kindest Corner of the Internet with Lisa Bardot | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:58:29 | |
Margo is joined by Lisa Bardot, an illustrator, author, and Procreate educator who has spent the past decade helping people discover the joy of drawing digitally. She's the founder of Art Maker's Club, a thriving online membership for Procreate artists, creator of the Making Art Everyday drawing challenge, and the artist behind Bardot Brush, known for its popular Procreate brushes and tutorials. Lisa is making her second appearance on Windowsill Chats, and this time she's digging into what she's learned after years of building online creative communities — and why consistency and connection matter more than raw talent. Margo and Lisa discuss:
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| The Continuous Evolution of Creativity: Reese Emry on Growth Over Perfection, Finding Your People, and Never Settling for One Story | 08 Jul 2026 | 01:09:27 | |
Margo is joined by artist and entrepreneur Reese Emry for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, resilience, and following the unexpected twists of life. From humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington, through adventures in Waco, Round Top, and Austin, Texas, then North Carolina and Connecticut, Reese has woven creativity into every chapter of her life—flipping a "hoarder house," opening an antique shop, building a candle business, and ultimately finding her way to ceramics. Reese shares how she's learned to trust her own timing, embrace imperfection, and let her art evolve slowly and honestly, even when it doesn't fit a tidy narrative. Margo and Reese discuss:
Connect with Reese: Connect with Margo: | |||
| Creativity Machine: Building Better Ideas Through Practice, Process, and Play with Scott Dikkers | 01 Jul 2026 | 01:13:35 | |
Margo is joined by comedy writer, creator, and entrepreneur best known as the founder of The Onion, Scott Dikkers. Scott served as editor-in-chief and co-owner during its first two decades, helping shape one of the most influential satire publications of all time. In this episode, Margo sits down with Scott to explore the surprising mechanics behind creativity and why inspiration isn't something you wait for—it's something you build. Drawing from decades of experience creating successful entertainment, Scott shares practical insights on developing creative habits, embracing constraints, overcoming self-doubt, and creating work that connects with people. Margo and Scott discuss:
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| The Art of Beginning Again: Lessons in Healing, Growth, and Horses with Jade Chen | 24 Jun 2026 | 01:08:46 | |
Margo is joined once again by Jade Chen, a healer, guide, and space-holder whose work centers on helping people navigate transformation, uncertainty, and growth. With over a decade of experience in somatic and lineage-based healing practices, Jade helps others reconnect to their inner voice and creative resilience. Living on Hawai'i Island, her work is deeply inspired by the rhythms of nature, the wisdom of ancestry, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again. In this returning conversation, Jade shares the profound changes that have unfolded since her last appearance on the podcast, including her move to the island, her work with a herd of horses at a healing sanctuary, and the unexpected ways life can transform when we learn to trust our intuition. Margo and Jade discuss:
Connect with Jade: www.mudlotuslife.com | |||
| Stitched in Memory: Symbolism, Color, and the Hidden Stories in Greek Folk Art with Ariadne Kritonos | 17 Jun 2026 | 01:21:16 | |
Margo is joined by designer and storyteller Ariadne Kritonos, whose work brings centuries-old Greek folk motifs into contemporary life. Drawing inspiration from historic embroideries, textiles, and museum archives, Ariadne shares how studying the creative traditions of the past has shaped her approach to design, color, and inspiration today. Together, they explore the hidden stories embedded in traditional folk art, the value of looking beyond digital culture for creative inspiration, and what we can learn from the women whose stitches carried meaning across generations. Margo and Ariadne discuss:
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| Coming Home to Tradition: Sashiko, Storytelling, and the Art of Preservation with Atsushi Futatsuya | 10 Jun 2026 | 01:00:46 | |
Margo is joined by Sashiko artisan, educator, and storyteller Atsushi Futatsuya for a conversation about creativity, cultural heritage, and the stories carried through handmade work. Born into a family deeply rooted in the Japanese tradition of Sashiko, Atsushi shares his journey from resisting the craft he grew up around to becoming one of its most passionate advocates and teachers. Through his work with Sashi.Co, Sashiko Story, and Upcycle Stitches, he helps people understand that Sashiko is far more than a stitching technique—it is a living cultural practice woven together by history, community, and care. Margo and Atsushi explore the role of rhythm, repetition, and mindfulness in creative practice, as well as the challenges of preserving cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation, the responsibility that comes with sharing inherited knowledge, and why stories matter just as much as skills. Margo and Atsushi discuss:
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| The Case for Curiosity: Creativity, Awe, and Lifelong Learning with Lauren Henkin | 03 Jun 2026 | 01:20:58 | |
Margo is joined by Lauren Henkin, founder of The Humane Space, a mindfulness and lifelong learning app designed to boost wellbeing and reduce stress by sparking curiosity, wonder, and awe. In this conversation, Lauren shares her journey from architecture and fine art photography to tech founder, and how following her own curiosity led her to create a platform built on the belief that wonder, awe, and lifelong learning are just as essential to our wellbeing as physical health. Together, they explore the role curiosity plays in creativity, personal growth, and human connection. They discuss how our environments shape the way we think, why many modern systems discourage curious thinking, and what we lose when we outsource our voices and ideas to technology. Lauren also shares the values that guide The Humane Space, including intellectual integrity, collaborative creativity, and a commitment to creating content made by humans, for humans. Margo and Lauren discuss:
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| Creative Current Events: Beige Backlash, Unique Marketing Trends & The Most Valuable Place a Brand Can Be Right Now | 27 May 2026 | 00:53:08 | |
Margo is joined by Abby for another edition of Creative Current Events—the series where they unpack the stories, launches, trends, and internet conversations shaping the creative world right now. This episode covers everything from the rise (and critique) of the "beige epidemic" in interiors to unexpected retail collaborations, bold beauty marketing, shifting brand landscapes, and artists doing interesting work outside the algorithm. Along the way, they discuss what these moments reveal about creativity, originality, accessibility, and where culture seems to be headed next. Mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Abby: https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/ https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/
Connect with Margo: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill
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| Beyond Beautiful Spaces: Turning Creative Passion Into a Meaningful Career with Rebecca Ward | 20 May 2026 | 00:59:36 | |
Margo is joined by interior designer, mentor, and entrepreneur Rebecca Ward for a conversation about creativity, career pivots, and the impact our homes have on daily life. As the CEO and Principal Designer of Rebecca Ward Design, Rebecca has spent more than 20 years creating contemporary spaces that help families live beautifully and function intentionally. She shares how her love for interiors started in childhood and eventually evolved into a thriving design career and mentorship platform. Margo and Rebecca explore the many paths into interior design, including second-career transitions and turning creative passions into sustainable businesses. They also discuss the psychology behind our environments, the realities of running a design business, and why mentorship and boundaries matter so much for creatives. It's an honest and inspiring conversation about building a creative career that supports both artistry and real life. Margo and Rebecca discuss:
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Connect with Margo: https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats | |||
| The Magic of Letting Go: Motherhood, Illustration, and Redefining the "Successful Artist" with Natalie Lundeen | 13 May 2026 | 01:12:22 | |
Margo is joined by illustrator and children's book artist Natalie Lundeen for a candid conversation about creativity, motherhood, burnout, and redefining what it means to be a "successful" artist. Based in Clearwater, Florida, Natalie specializes in children's books, greeting cards, and licensed artwork, with illustrations spanning indie publishing, Etsy products, and now traditional publishing through Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Her newest books, Dear Mom and Dear Dad, were released this spring. Natalie shares the winding path that led her from fine art and gallery work into illustration, how becoming a mother completely reshaped her creative process, and the surprising timing of landing a two-book publishing deal just days after deciding to step away from illustration professionally. Margo and Natalie explore the freedom that can come from releasing pressure, the realities of balancing creative work with financial stability, and why having a part-time job outside the art world doesn't make someone any less of an artist. It's an honest and refreshing conversation about building a creative life that actually supports your wellbeing—not just your résumé. Margo and Natalie discuss:
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Connect with Margo: https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats | |||
| Embracing the Messy Middle: The Twisty, Turny Path to a Creative Life with Nicki Traikos | 06 May 2026 | 01:20:49 | |
Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Nicki Traikos for a conversation on creativity, perfectionism, and building a life rooted in art. Known for her approachable watercolor teaching style and the global community she's built through life i design, Nicki shares the winding journey that took her from a corporate career and makeup artistry into the world of watercolor, online education, and publishing. Margo and Nicki explore the realities of creative growth—the messy middle, the pivots, the comparison traps, and the courage it takes to keep showing up for your art. Nicki opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the pressure artists face in the age of social media, and why embracing imperfection is often where the real breakthroughs happen. They also discuss her newest book, Watercolor Made Simple Workbook, and how approachable creativity can transform not only artistic confidence, but overall wellbeing. Margo and Nicki discuss:
Connect with Nicki: Website: https://www.lifeidesign.com Connect with Margo: https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats | |||
| Rhinestones, Reinvention & the Art of Embracing Your Multi-Passionate Mind with Kim Bloomberg of Studio Art Beat (Replay) | 29 Apr 2026 | 01:07:01 | |
In this replay episode, Margo is joined by multi-passionate creative Kim Bloomberg, the joyful force behind Studio Art Beat. A fine artist, educator, and self-proclaimed art supply nerd, Kim brings a refreshing perspective to the creative journey—one that's less about staying in your lane and more about following curiosity wherever it leads. With a background in both fine art and education, over two decades of teaching experience, and years running her own jewelry business, Kim shares how she ultimately found fulfillment by embracing her ADHD-fueled love for switching mediums and diving headfirst into new materials. After leaving behind the New York hustle for the artistic charm of Chicago's North Shore, Kim launched Studio Art Beat as an inclusive space to demystify art and make creativity accessible to all ages. She now leads workshops, partners with brands like Gelli Arts, and teaches online courses—including one that brings rhinestone bedazzling to the masses. Through her story, Kim reminds us that freedom, play, and experimentation are not distractions—they're the path. Margo and Kim discuss:
Connect with Kim: www.instagram.com/studioartbeat
Connect with Margo: https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats | |||
| More Play, Less Perfection: Embracing Experimentation and Finding Your Creative Rhythm with Lisa Solomon | 22 Apr 2026 | 01:04:02 | |
Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Lisa Solomon to discuss her newest book, Art, Craft, Color—a thoughtfully curated collection of essays, reflections, and creative projects designed to inspire a more playful, hands-on approach to making. Lisa's work explores the intersection of art, craft, and personal history, often blending unexpected materials and techniques to challenge traditional boundaries. Alongside her studio practice, she teaches at the college level and has authored several books on color and creativity. In this conversation, Lisa offers a behind-the-scenes look at her process while reflecting on experimentation, perfectionism, and the power of community. Margo and Lisa discuss:
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| Paint Brushes to Balance Sheets: Financial Literacy, Tax Knowledge and How to Break the Starving Artist Stereotype With Hannah Cole (Replay) | 15 Apr 2026 | 01:02:55 | |
In this replay episode, Margo is joined by tax expert Hannah Cole who specializes in working with creative businesses and mission-driven solopreneurs. A long-time working artist herself, she's helped tens of thousands of self-employed people skill up with accessible tax and money education, through her Money Bootcamp program, speaking engagements from Florida to Alaska, and on the Sunlight podcast. She is the founder of Sunlight Tax. As artists carve their paths through various industries, they encounter a myriad of challenges, yet financial literacy is rarely addressed, leading to feelings of failure and shame. Today's conversation with Hannah sheds light on this systemic failure and turns it into a journey of empowerment and self-compassion (something all creatives should have)! Margo and Hannah discuss:
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| Three Good Things: A Practice in Perspective, Hope, and Everyday Joy with Emily Gaines Demsky | 08 Apr 2026 | 01:10:56 | |
Margo sits down with artist, writer, and creator Emily Gaines Demsky for a conversation centered on creativity, perspective, and the quiet power of noticing what's good. Emily makes vibrant floral paintings (symbols of hope and possibility), and is the founder of Tell Me 3 Good Things, a Substack community practice centered on noticing, naming, and sharing simple moments of goodness each day. Through her work, she invites others to shift their perspective in meaningful, life-giving ways. Emily's approach blends art, writing, and daily ritual into a powerful reminder: even in difficult seasons, we have the ability to choose where we place our attention. From her father's lasting influence to the organic growth of her community, this conversation explores how small, intentional practices can create profound change. Margo and Emily discuss:
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| What's the Best That Could Happen? Madison Phipps on Building an Art Business in the Margins | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:51:53 | |
Margo is joined by artist and illustrator Madison Phipps, the creative force behind Madison Phipps Studio. Known for her feminine, timeless botanical artwork rooted in nostalgia and storytelling, Madison shares how she's built a growing art business while balancing motherhood and a full-time job. From painting in the quiet margins of her day to landing dream collaborations and launching collections, this conversation is a refreshing and honest look at what it really takes to pursue creativity in the "messy middle." Margo and Madison explore the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and courageous decisions that helped her turn a personal creative practice into a thriving business, without waiting until everything felt "ready." Margo and Madison discuss:
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| Creative Current Events: The Future of Licensing & the Reinvention of Retail | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:55:23 | |
Margo is joined once again by Abby Campbell for a Creative Current Events catch-up episode, and this one is packed. After a short hiatus, the two dive right back into the ever-evolving world of art, design, and creative business—starting with Margo's firsthand experience exhibiting at the Birmingham Spring Fair's new Licensing Lab. She shares what stood out, from booth design trends to the shifting landscape of licensing and wholesale in a post-SurTex world, offering a behind-the-scenes look at where the industry is heading. From there, Margo and Abby broaden the conversation into a curated mix of resources, trends, and cultural observations shaping creative work right now. They explore everything from artist-friendly AI tools and art competitions to trend forecasting, retail evolution, and immersive brand experiences. Mentioned in this episode:
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| Draw Your World: Samantha Dion Baker on Sketchbook Diaries, Everyday Inspiration, and Letting Go of Perfection | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:10:46 | |
Margo is joined by artist, author, and teacher Sam Dion Baker for a conversation about creativity, sketchbook practice, and finding meaning in the everyday. Originally from Philadelphia and now based in Brooklyn, Sam spent over two decades as a graphic designer before returning to drawing in her forties—ultimately building a deeply personal and widely loved sketchbook diary practice. Through her books, teaching, and artwork, Sam encourages others to slow down, observe their lives, and express themselves in their own unique way. Margo and Sam discuss:
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| Following a Good Idea: Salli Swindell on Illustration, Creative Community, and Finding Joy Beyond Client Work | 11 Mar 2026 | 01:13:59 | |
Margo is joined by illustrator, creative community builder, and industry champion Salli Swindell, who has spent nearly five decades in the illustration world. Salli began her career at American Greetings before co-founding several beloved platforms with her brother Nate Padavick—including They Draw, The Illustrator's Circle, and Illustrators For Hire—all dedicated to celebrating and promoting illustrators around the globe. Margo and Salli explore Salli's creative evolution, from decades of client-driven illustration work to embracing a more personal, self-directed creative practice. Margo and Salli discuss:
Connect with Salli: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallistyle/ Website: https://freshfoodillustration.cargo.site Illustrators For Hire: https://illustratorsforhire.com The Illustrator's Circle: https://www.illustratorscircle.com They Draw: https://www.they-draw.com
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| Get Paid to Draw: Mike Lowery on Building a Portfolio That Gets You Hired | 04 Mar 2026 | 01:28:55 | |
Margo is joined once again by celebrated illustrator, author, and educator Mike Lowery for a lively conversation about the realities of building a creative career. Mike is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of more than 80 books for children and he's spent decades navigating the ups and downs of freelance illustration and publishing. In this episode, Margo and Mike pick up where their first conversation left off—diving into the lessons Mike has learned over twenty years as a working illustrator, what it actually takes to build a portfolio that attracts clients, and why being "good at drawing" isn't always the same as being hireable. They also talk about Mike's new course, Get Paid to Draw, designed to help illustrators create strategic portfolios, understand what art directors are really looking for, and turn their creative skills into real opportunities. Margo and Mike discuss:
Connect with Mike: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelowerystudio/ Connect with Margo: | |||
| Creativity's Edge: Skill Over Talent & the Case for Creating Before You Consume with Susan Riley | 25 Feb 2026 | 01:13:33 | |
Margo Tantau is joined by educator, researcher, and national leader in creativity, arts integration, and STEAM education, Susan Riley. As the founder of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM and author of Creativity's Edge, Susan brings a refreshing, deeply human perspective on creativity — not as an artistic gift or innovation buzzword, but as a decision-making skill essential for navigating uncertainty, complexity, and an increasingly AI-influenced world. Susan shares her journey from growing up as a self-described "farm girl" in Pennsylvania to becoming a pioneer in arts integration. She reflects on the early creative influences that shaped her, the role of music in her life, and the challenges of forging a nontraditional career path. Margo and Susan discuss:
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| Credibility, Point of View & Relevance: Gloria Chou's No-Gatekeeper PR Approach | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:44:38 | |
Margo is joined by award-winning PR strategist, community builder, and host of the Small Business PR Podcast, Gloria Chou. Known for disrupting traditional PR by helping creatives, founders, and small business owners land top-tier media using AI tools instead of big budgets or insider connections. In this episode, Gloria joins Margo to unpack how PR now fuels AI search visibility, why press and podcasts act as modern trust signals, and how artists, makers, and small brands can use accessible tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to pitch with clarity, credibility, and relevance. Margo and Gloria discuss:
Connect with Gloria: Website: www.gloriachoupr.com Instagram: @gloriachoupr YouTube: @smallbusinesspr LinkedIn: in/gloriaychou Connect with Margo: | |||
| Creative Paths Without a Blueprint: Building Art Programs, Practices, and Possibility with Ashley Lohr | 11 Feb 2026 | 01:24:05 | |
Margo is joined by Ashley Lohr, an artist, educator, and community builder based in Petersburg, Alaska—a small fishing island town where she has taught art for nearly two decades. Working across painting and enamel jewelry, Ashley has built a creative life rooted in place, curiosity, and long-term commitment. From sustaining robust school art programs to teaching workshops far beyond the classroom, her path is a testament to what can unfold when artists design lives that support both their work and their values. Ashley shares how moving to Alaska at 23 shaped her identity as both a teacher and artist, how she continues to grow her own practice alongside full-time teaching, and what she learned from intentionally stepping away during a self-created sabbatical. In this conversation, we discuss:
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| Creating a Career Without Labels: How Jill Labieniec Cultivates Creative Satisfaction in Multiple Mediums | 04 Feb 2026 | 01:17:03 | |
Margo is joined by Jill Labieniec, an illustrator, designer, and endlessly curious maker living on Vashon Island in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Working primarily with watercolor, Jill's whimsical illustrations and patterns have found homes on everything from fabrics and home goods to books, stationery, and editorial projects. Alongside her illustration practice, she has a deep love for working with her hands—sewing dresses, making shoes, and shaping clay—guided by a belief that art should help people create spaces where they can rest, daydream, and grow. In this episode Jill reflects on her winding creative path—from a homeschooled childhood centered on making, through art school and freelance work, to building a creative career that prioritizes curiosity, balance, and day-to-day happiness over rigid labels or prestige. In this conversation, we discuss:
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| What 300 Episodes Has Taught Me About Creativity, Confidence, and Staying the Course | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:51:45 | |
In this 300th episode of Windowsill Chats, Margo sits down for a special solo conversation—answering thoughtful listener questions that span creativity, confidence, career longevity, leadership, and the magic that keeps artists going. With over two decades of experience in the creative industry, Margo reflects on how her relationship with art has evolved, what she's learned from running The Foundry, and the advice she returns to again and again when mentoring artists. Margo shares:
Mentioned in this episode: Get 50% off your first month of The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/offers/XVKbuygV/checkout Connect with Margo: | |||
| Aging Out Loud: Caregiving, Creativity, and the Power of Beginning Again with Judith Henry | 21 Jan 2026 | 01:03:37 | |
Judith Henry joins Margo for a deeply honest and life-affirming conversation about caregiving, creativity, and what can unfold when we stay open to possibility at every age. A writer, artist, and podcaster, Judith shares how caring for her parents in the final chapter of their lives became the unexpected catalyst for an expansive creative journey—one rooted in humor, grit, color, and connection. At 61, Judith wrote The Dutiful Daughter's Guide to Caregiving, a practical and compassionate resource born from lived experience. In her late 60s, she picked up her mother's paintbrushes and fell in love with visual art. And at 71, she launched One Mouthy Dame, a podcast empowering women to embrace aging with honesty, gratitude, and good humor.
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| Reframing Creativity as a Necessity: How the Arts Heal, Connect, and Sustain Us with Daisy Fancourt | 14 Jan 2026 | 01:00:33 | |
Margo is joined by Daisy Fancourt—Professor of Psychobiology & Epidemiology at UCL and a globally recognized leader in understanding how creativity and social connection influence our health. From her early days designing arts programs inside hospitals to directing major WHO initiatives and publishing over 250 papers, Daisy has spent her career documenting the profound, measurable impact of creative engagement on stress, aging, recovery, cognition, and community wellbeing. In a world that often treats the arts as extra or a luxury, Daisy reframes them as essential—showing how even the simplest creative rituals can foster joy, resilience, health and a deeper sense of belonging in our everyday lives. Margo and Daisy discuss:
Mentioned in this episode: Connect with Daisy: Connect with Margo:
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| Nourishing Creativity: Building a Ritual-Based Creative Practice for the New Year | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:21:17 | |
In the first episode of 2026, Margo invites listeners to join her in a conversation about beginning the year with intention—rather than pressure. Inspired by a recent Substack article by writer Suleika Jaouad, Margo reflects on themes of release, gentleness, and honoring the creative process over rigid resolutions and why this approach is so important for creatives. She also shares real responses from the Windowsill Chats community about what they're letting go of this year, from comparison and self-doubt to perfectionism and "shoulds." Margo explores why finite, manageable containers—like daily sketching, journaling, or mindful walks—can create scaffolding for a sustainable and supportive creative life. | |||
| Getting Out of the Screen and Into Your Life: A Heartfelt Conversation With Sarah Walsh on Dream Projects, Self-Sabotage, and Creative Ruts Part 2 (Replay) | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:51:26 | |
Margo is joined by Sarah Walsh for part two of their heartfelt conversation where they discuss finding inspiration, committing time and energy to yourself, slowing down, and Sarah's Domestika class amongst more. Sarah is an illustrator, painter and designer with home goods, children's books, socially conscious based projects, nature and loves tapping into mystical subject matter as the mainstays of her work. She is also the co-proprietor of the illustrative product based brand Tigersheep Friends. She collects books, new and old, plants, adores folk art and also loves cooking, thrifting, listening to records, haunting coffee shops with her sketchbook and spending time with her favorite humans. Connect with Sarah
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| Getting Out of the Screen and Into Your Life: A Heartfelt Conversation With Sarah Walsh on Dream Projects, Self-Sabotage, and Creative Ruts (Replay) | 24 Dec 2025 | 01:24:39 | |
Margo is joined by Sarah Walsh in this two part conversation where they go in-depth on finding motivation, leaning into intuition, how you can work on your true dream project today, by taking ahold of your time, and your yeses. Sarah is an illustrator, painter and designer with home goods, children's books, socially conscious based projects, nature and loves tapping in to mystical subject matter as the mainstays of her work. She is also the co-proprietor of the illustrative product based brand Tigersheep Friends. She collects books, new and old, plants, adores folk art and also loves cooking, thrifting, listening to records, haunting coffee shops with her sketchbook and spending time with her favorite humans. Margo and Sarah discuss:
Mentioned in this episode: I Didn't Do the Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt by Madeleine Dore
Connect with Sarah https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tigersheepfriends www.instagram.com/sarahwalshmakesthings
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| Taxes for Humans: Hannah Cole on Self-Employment, Creativity, and Money Without Shame | 17 Dec 2025 | 01:05:44 | |
Margo Tantau is joined by artist, tax expert, and founder of Sunlight Tax, Hannah Cole, for a refreshingly human conversation about money, creativity, and her new book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed. Hannah brings compassion, clarity, and humor to a topic many creatives carry shame, fear, or confusion around—and reframes taxes as something that can actually support creative, mission-driven work rather than stifle it. Margo and Hannah discuss:
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| The Pull to Paint: How Juliene Sinclair Built Confidence, Color Skills, and Creative Joy as a Watercolor Artist & Muralist | 10 Dec 2025 | 01:00:12 | |
Margo is joined by watercolor landscape artist and muralist Juliene Sinclair, a creative whose passion for color runs as deep as the mountains she paints in. Juliene is dedicated to helping painters finally understand color—why it behaves the way it does, how to mix it with intention, and how mastering it can completely transform artistic confidence. She believes that once you grasp how color truly works, your entire creative world opens up. Juliene lives in the mountains with her husband, son, and two cats, and when she's not painting, she's likely geeking out about color theory or hiking steep trails with bear spray in hand. Together, they explore the emotional and technical layers of color, the courage it takes to follow your creative curiosity, and why making art—imperfect, vibrant, deeply human art—is essential to feeling whole.
Submit Your Questions for Margo Tantau & Emily McDowell
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| Creating Joy on Purpose: Kate Smith on Reinvention, Creative Courage & Making People Smile | 03 Dec 2025 | 01:04:02 | |
Margo is joined by artist and joy-maker Kate Smith, the creative force behind Kate Smith Co.™, a brand dedicated to finding "the happy that's already here" in everyday moments. Kate has built a thriving career in greeting cards and art licensing, working with beloved partners in the U.S. and U.K. to create products that make people smile. From early success with her first brand, From Frank, to a full reimagining of her creative path, Kate's journey is filled with bold decisions, reinvention, and a commitment to following what feels joyful. She also spent seven years living and working full-time in an Airstream, a chapter that deeply shaped her artistic voice and philosophy. Margo and Kate discuss:
Submit Your Questions for Margo Tantau & Emily McDowell Connect with Kate: www.instagram.com/katesmithcompany Connect with Margo: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
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| The Art of Exchange: Risk, Rebellion & Connection with Edgeworth Johnstone | 26 Nov 2025 | 01:07:45 | |
Margo sits down with Edgeworth Johnstone — a musician, painter, printmaker, and the unconventional creative force behind The Camden Market Free Art Man. With deep roots in the raw and gritty culture of Camden, Edgeworth has built a life around instinct-driven art, spirited collaboration, and connection through creativity. He shares how a childhood love of music evolved into multiple bands, how discovering painting later unlocked a new artistic identity, and why giving away his work in exchange for stories has become one of his most meaningful projects yet. From working with the Black Ivory art collective to dreaming up a future artist commune in Thailand, Edgeworth reminds us that creativity thrives when we allow it to take us somewhere unexpected.
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| The Power of Creative Expression & Living Life in Full Color: Amy Lohr on Creative Healing and Finding Your Voice | 19 Nov 2025 | 01:10:42 | |
Margo sits down with artist, writer, and creative director Amy Lohr to talk about the nonlinear, magical, and sometimes messy journey of reclaiming your creative voice. Amy shares how a personal "creative awakening" helped her move through body dysmorphia and social anxiety, and how painting, writing, and photography became tools for healing and deeper self-understanding. They explore the spiritual and practical sides of creativity—from living off-grid in Hawaii, to writing her book Like the Sun at Midday, to embracing curiosity in all its unexpected forms (yes, including papier-mâché and xylophones). Amy also dives into the power of branding and storytelling, and how she helps entrepreneurs and visionaries express the heart of their work with clarity and soul. Margo and Amy Discuss:
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| Out of the Ashes: Poetry, Resilience & Reclaiming Your Voice with Courtney Peppernell | 12 Nov 2025 | 01:08:41 | |
Margo sits down with internationally bestselling poet and storyteller Courtney Peppernell. Known for her Pillow Thoughts series and many other beloved poetry collections, Courtney has spent nearly a decade writing about love, healing, and the resilience that carries us through life's hardest moments. Her words have reached millions across the globe, offering comfort and connection through the power of honest storytelling. In this conversation, Courtney shares how her creative journey has evolved—from "accidental poet" to global literary voice—and how her newest book, Out of the Ashes, explores rising after trauma, recognizing emotional abuse, and learning what healthy love truly looks like. She and Margo also discuss community, vulnerability, and the whimsical characters (yes, jellyfish!) that make her work so unique. Margo & Courtney Discuss:
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| It Starts With You: Claiming Your Creative Identity, Building Confidence & Community with Martina Flor | 05 Nov 2025 | 01:22:55 | |
Margo welcomes internationally acclaimed lettering artist, illustrator, author, and creative mentor Martina Flor to the show. Originally trained as a graphic designer in Argentina, Martina took a leap of faith that led her to Berlin — and eventually to building one of the most recognized lettering studios in the world. Through bold choices, ongoing experimentation, and a belief in the power of claiming your identity, she has carved out a career filled with artistry, entrepreneurship, and community. Martina opens up about what it really looks like to follow your passion before the world has validated it — from printing "lettering artist" on her business cards long before she had clients, to trusting that the right environment and relationships can transform everything. Margo and Martina discuss:
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| For the Love of Renovating: How the Brownstone Boys Built a Brand Rooted in Authenticity and a Creative Life from the Ground Up | 29 Oct 2025 | 01:02:18 | |
Margo sits down with Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum—better known as The Brownstone Boys—a Brooklyn-based couple, award-winning interior designers, and renovation experts known for their ability to breathe new life into historic homes while keeping design fresh, livable, and true to their roots. What began as a shared passion project to restore their first brownstone quickly became a creative business built on authenticity, approachability, and an unshakable belief in learning by doing. Without formal design training, Barry and Jordan leaned on curiosity, community, and sheer persistence to grow their brand into one of the most trusted names in renovation. Along the way, they've worked with clients like Kerry Washington and Peloton's Anna Greenberg, launched collaborations with brands like Blueprint Lighting, and released their debut book For the Love of Renovating. Together, they share what it means to build a business (and a life) together, how to stay grounded in your values, and why the most beautiful spaces often come from imperfect beginnings. Margo, Barry and Jordan discuss:
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| The Art of Sound: Silas Hite on Scoring Stories, Creative Variety, and a Life in Music | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:51:08 | |
In Part 3 of the Dawn Dusk series, where Margo explores the creative forces behind the documentary, she sits down with Emmy-winning composer Silas Hite, whose music spans blockbuster films, hit TV shows, museum installations, bestselling video games, and award-winning commercials. With over two decades of experience and an unmatched ability to move between genres, Silas shares how an early love of rhythm and melody grew into a multifaceted career in composing and recording. They explore how the industry has shifted over the years — from strikes to the rise of AI — and how Silas balances commercial projects with deeply personal creative work. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at his collaborative process, translating visual stories into sound, and the joy of creative experimentation. Margo and Silas discuss:
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| From Dawn to Dusk: Chelli Look on Grief, Beauty, and the Healing Power of Creativity | 15 Oct 2025 | 01:09:11 | |
In Part 2 of a special Dawn Dusk series, Margo sits down with designer and maker Chelli Look, whose story is at the center of the documentary Dawn Dusk. Directed by Jason and Blue Gerber, the film follows Chelli's journey through grief and healing after the devastating loss of her sister to domestic violence. In this conversation, Chelli shares how creating leather handbags under her brand CHC became both a lifeline and a language for navigating profound loss. She offers her perspective on how the documentary came to be, what it means to create beauty amidst grief, and how creativity continues to shape her work as a designer, advocate, and visual storyteller. Through her story, we're reminded of the resilience found in making and the quiet strength of simply being. Margo and Chelli discuss:
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