LightMinded Arts Podcast

Brent interviews crime‑fiction author and law‑enforcement veteran R.L. Carpenter about turning real investigative experience into gripping small‑town mysteries, finding inspiration after personal loss, and building a writing career while working full‑time.

In this episode of Light‑Minded Arts, Brent sits down with actor, author, and all‑around working creative Max Shippee—a man whose journey has taken him from rural Maine to Hollywood by way of Oklahoma, Texas, D.C., Vegas, and even Bali. Max opens up about crafting his debut novel Path of the Raven, the honesty of rewriting, and how his wife’s Shakespeare‑honed editorial instincts sharpened every spell and stanza.
They dive into earned endings, the tug‑of‑war between outlining and discovery, and why great storytelling is as much discipline as inspiration. Max also shares the real economics of acting—from commercials and conflicts to the unpredictable feast‑or‑famine cycles that pushed him to open a CrossFit gym and build stability on his own terms.
If you’re a creative trying to bridge the gap between passion and profession, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, craft, and carving your own path.

Designer‑turned‑digital‑strategist Wes Towers joins Brent to unpack what it really takes to get noticed in today’s AI‑driven world. Wes shares how his creative roots shaped his 20‑year journey building Uplift 360, why “search everywhere optimization” matters for artists and small businesses, and how to use AI as an amplifier—not a replacement. He also opens up about the hard lessons, near‑disasters, and simple principles that help creatives stand out without burning out. A grounded, practical conversation for anyone trying to build visibility and stay true to their craft.
To learn more about Wes Towers, catch him here: https://uplift360.com.au/
Also, don't forget to support this channel by following, and by getting my books, which can be found at: https://www.lightmindedarts.com/
 

In this episode of Light-Minded Arts, I sit down with someone who has lived every version of the creative journey — the exhilarating, the exhausting, and the downright absurd. Richard Moon is an award‑winning screenwriter, indie film producer, novelist, physics tutor, SF nerd, history obsessive, musician, hiker, and kitten foster… and somehow that’s still not the full list.
Richard has been in the trenches of indie filmmaking, navigating the house‑of‑cards chaos of financing, casting, distribution, and everything in between. He’s also crossed over into the world of novels, adapting stories across formats and learning firsthand why some ideas thrive on the page while others demand the screen.
In this conversation, we dig into:
The brutal realities of indie film production
Why some stories refuse to fit into a screenplay
The surprising advantages of short stories in adaptation
How to financially survive as an independent creative
Whether film festivals still matter in 2025
The biggest mistakes new artists make — and how to avoid them
The role of humility, community, and honest feedback in leveling up your craft
Richard also shares insights from his debut historical fantasy novel To Conquer Death, and we talk about the importance of visibility, networking, and simply letting people know you exist in a world overflowing with content.
If you’re a filmmaker, writer, or any kind of creative trying to build a sustainable life around your art, this episode is a must‑listen. It’s honest, practical, and packed with the kind of wisdom you only get from someone who’s been through the fire and still loves telling stories.
Tune in — and bring a notebook. This one’s full of gold.
Check out his website at: https://richardmoonbooks.com/ 

In this interview, I talk with Paul Pape about his creative journey and how he carved out a niche that never existed until he discovered it for himself.
Learn more about Paul at: https://paulpapedesigns.com/
And learn how he can help you as an artist by going to: https://www.gamifybusiness.com/
Don't forget to find more great learning help from my website either, at https://lightmindedarts.com/
 

I didn't plan on taking my old trunk novel out and re-releasing it under my own name. I had some major issues with it. But one day, I stumbled onto the fix for this novel, and I'm proud to say, that it is now a much better read, and so I happily share it with you in its new and improved state. Enjoy!

I go over the basics of debt with my wife, teaching her, sometimes to humorous effect, the good, the bad, and rediculous of taking out a loan.
This episode incorporates some diagrams. If you'd like to see those, run over to my youtube channel and catch them there: https://youtu.be/2_NWOC-Byuo

Kira Klinger is a successful author and online shop owner. Her story, told in her books, is facinating. I'm not interested in fabric, but I found I couldn't put her book down. Learn what Kira has to say about finding gold in old estate auctions, and see how her creativity jump started her author career.
You can also find her on
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DodOddity
Don't forget to check out LightMinded Arts for more great interviews and helpful info for artists looking to make a career without going broke.