The Spark File with Susan Blackwell and Laura Cami

In this episode of The Spark File, Laura and Susan celebrate the art, science, and deep humanity of a good cry. Sparked by poems, personal stories, and a lovingly unofficial “research study,” they explore why tears are not a weakness—but a powerful form of emotional intelligence and creative release. You’ll hear why emotional tears literally help flush stress from the body, how “easy criers” may actually process feelings faster, and why letting emotions stay in motion can bring clarity, calm, and connection. Along the way, we share crowd-sourced cry catalysts (movies, music, moments), the concept of collective effervescence, and tender reminders that you never have to apologize for feeling deeply. This is an episode for sensitive souls, brave creatives, and anyone who’s been told they’re “too much.” Bring tissues. Check our website for playlists and movie references! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Spark File, we’re asking a question that might just unclench your whole nervous system: How Easy Can It Be? Susan shares a beloved Spark from our brilliant colleague Kate Kayayan (“How would this feel if I let it be easy?”), then takes us on a joyride through filmmaker Cyrus Bates (aka The Mental Level), NBA legend-in-the-making Tyrese Haliburton, big-wave surfing wisdom from 100 Foot Wave, and a simple magic phrase from choreographer Ohad Naharin: “Piece of cake.” We talk about the stories we’ve swallowed whole—nothing worth having comes easy, hard work has to feel unpleasant—and the radical possibility that ease and excellence can coexist. Come play with us. Come loosen your grip. Piece of cake, baby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Window; Not a Mirror is your new permission slip. In this episode, Laura shares a line she overheard in a NYC café that snapped her nervous system into clarity: “You cannot walk into the asylum and let it convince you that you’ve gone mad. Remember: it’s a window, not a mirror.” Together, Laura and Susan unpack the difference between healthy self-reflection and chronic self-blame—why “everything is a mirror” got oversimplified, how discernment changes everything, and how to tell when something is yours to own… versus yours to walk away from. This episode starts with Cocoa Puffs perfume and ends with a mic-drop truth bomb: sometimes it’s not your “growth edge”… it’s your exit sign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life attracts life. So if you want more creativity, more connection, more possibility… you can’t wait it out on the couch. In this episode of The Spark File Podcast, Laura revisits The Alchemist and uncovers why pursuing your creative calling isn’t about chasing a guaranteed outcome—it’s about choosing aliveness. We talk fear, failure, love, upper limits, and the quiet danger of staying “safe.” If your creative spark has been knocking, this is your reminder: movement creates momentum. Curiosity attracts opportunity. Life finds you when you show up for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this wintery, true-crime-meets-ghost-story episode, Susan shares the chilling tale of the 1892 “hex murder” at the Stone Arch Bridge. A poor farmer accused of witchcraft, a family convinced they’re cursed, a killing “three ways over water,” and a graveyard full of family members. Inspired by the old tradition of telling scary stories at Christmas, this eerie spark is perfect fodder for your next play, film, story, or artwork. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Spark File, Susan shares a spark that hit her straight in the nervous system: From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks — a book recommended by the late, beloved Gavin Creel. Together, Laura and Susan explore the “striver’s curse,” what it means to feel your brain changing as you age, and why the shift from fluid intelligence (raw speed + innovation) to crystallized intelligence (wisdom + synthesis) might be the best news you’ve heard all week. If you’ve ever worried you’re “not as sharp,” felt tempted to rage against time, or wondered how to build a creative life that gets richer—not smaller—with age… this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Season 7 of The Spark File podcast with Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien! On this episode, Laura and Susan discuss the wisdom of neuroscientist Dr. Dan Siegel and the fact that there is no such thing as Immaculate Perception. We only see what we believe. To truly see deeply, we must question everything we believe. Tune in to learn the inner workings of your own mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we welcome Melay Araya, Artistic Director at the Town Hall. In addition to her work as Artistic Director, Melay is a writer, archivist, and multimedia artist with three decades of experience. While providing extraordinary leadership at The Town Hall, one of New York City’s finest cultural institutions, Melay continues to study, compose, record, and perform. Join us as we discuss how Melay finds creativity in the many facets of her role at The Town Hall. She walks us through the curation process and the joys of problem-solving in a storied arts institution. Plus, she shares some details about the newly announced 2025/26 Town Hall Season—which she describes as a cornucopia of creative goodness. When we say it’s all happening at the Town Hall, it all starts with Melay Araya!   You can listen to The Town Hall Spark Sessions on The Spark File podcast feed - now on the Broadway Podcast Network! Or tune in to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. And, you can learn more about The Town Hall at thetownhall.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we welcome the iconic singer, songwriter, actress and composer, Sara Bareilles. With more than 15 million singles and 3 million albums sold in the U.S., she is one of the world’s leading popular musicians. Join us as we discuss how love and grief are interwoven and have sparked her creativity into a new album, the way that truth in creativity is visceral and her journey to the legendary Town Hall stage with the incomparable Rufus Wainwright.  To purchase tickets to Opening Night and support the ACLU, go to The Town Hall box office or purchase them online at Ticketmaster. Learn More and Listen Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we welcome luminary actress and singer Laura Benanti. Best known for her revolutionary performance in the 2008 revival of Gypsy, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, Benanti made her broadway debut at 18 playing Maria in the Sound of Music on Broadway. She has also starred in television and films, including ABC’s Nashville, NBC’s Supergirl, and HBO’s The Gilded Age. Join us as we discuss her upcoming appearance at the Town Hall, in John Cassavetes' Opening Night, the first musical with music, lyrics, and orchestrations by the brilliant Rufus Wainwright. We chat about what it’s like working with your idols and the creative power of taking long walks. In addition to her highly anticipated appearance at The Town Hall, Benanti will be performing her solo show, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, created with Todd Almond, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland this summer! You can listen to The Town Hall Spark Sessions on The Spark File podcast feed - now on the Broadway Podcast Network! Or tune in to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. And, you can learn more about The Town Hall at thetownhall.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we welcomed the golden-voiced Sofronio Vasquez, winner of NBC’s The Voice Season 26. With his championship win, Sofronio became the first Filipino and Asian man to win a major singing competition in the United States. Join us as we discuss Sofronio’s thrilling rise in the music industry. He shares his secret to remaining positive and his tips and tricks for navigating what he calls “beautiful rejection.” We also chat about his upcoming concert at the Town Hall on July 19 where Sofronio will take the iconic Town Hall stage to sing through his life story. You can pick up your tickets at the Town Hall box office or online at Ticketmaster. Learn More and Listen Here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of The Town Hall Spark Sessions, we were thrilled to welcome Griffin Newman. For a decade, with his co-creator David Sims, Griffin has hosted the wildly popular podcast Blank Check with Griffin and David. Join us as Griffin discusses the Blank Check origin story, and how a film critic and an actor/comedian became longstanding professional podcasters. We chat about the show’s focus on individual director’s comprehensive filmography, and Griffin shares what we can learn about creativity by studying the career highs and lows of luminaries like Steven Spielberg. Plus, we chat about the upcoming performance, BLANK CHECK: DEMAND AN AUDIENCE WITH KING RALPH. That’s right: after repeatedly promising their producer they’d analyze the 1991 John Goodman/Peter O’Toole screwball comedy KING RALPH, Griffin and David are finally making good on their word, live, at  The Town Hall to celebrate a decade of Blank Check. You can listen to The Spark File Podcast and the Town Hall Spark Sessions on the Broadway Podcast Network. You can also visit The Town Hall and The Spark File online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Town Hall Spark Session, we welcomed Sean Mayes, the visionary conductor and founder of Pops of Color, as he takes us behind the scenes of creating an orchestra that’s building bridges and breaking barriers. Join us as Sean shares how Pops of Color sparked from idea to inception. We discuss the impact of the orchestra’s unique programming, and Sean connects his work to Town Hall's remarkable 105-year history—as a venue that welcomed Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and other profound artists of Color when other prestigious institutions wouldn't. You can listen to The Spark File Podcast and the Town Hall Spark Sessions on the Broadway Podcast Network. You can also visit The Town Hall and The Spark File online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For our second round The Town Hall Spark Sessions award-winning actor, writer, and singer-songwriter, Eisa Davis. In addition to co-writing the Warriors concept album with Lin-Manuel Mirana, she wrote and starred in Angela’s Mixtape, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for her play Bulrusher. Join us as we discuss Eisa’s approach to her work, her early morning/late night writing process, and how she balances being an extraordinary multihyphenate. We also share our excitement for The Town Hall’s upcoming “Spring Shout,” honoring Lin-Manuel Miranda on May 19th—and we discuss some of her favorite Town Hall memories. Learn more and listen here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1E1 - Lin-Manuel Miranda

The Town Hall, New York City’s landmark cultural venue, is teams up with The Spark File, the acclaimed creativity podcast hosted by Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien, in this brand-new podcast series: The Town Hall Spark Sessions. The Town Hall Spark Sessions will spotlight creatives, musicians, comedians, artists, advocates, cultural creators and conversation makers who have graced—or are about to grace—the legendary Town Hall stage. Each episode features fun and fulfilling questions that dive deep into how these inspiring individuals are using their creativity not only to entertain, but to spark change, connection, and meaningful impact.

After 20 spark-filled episodes, we’re wrapping up the season with a celebration! Join us as we look back at this remarkable season of spark, discuss highlights, and share just how we made this season happen. Bringing Season 5 of the Spark File podcast was a challenge. We were wrestling between our desire to make a perfect product and our hope to get as many sparks into the world as possible.  As we planned for Season 5, one thing became clear right away: like all smart creatives, we couldn’t go it alone! So, we assembled a team of pros to help us run the nitty gritty stuff: audio production, socials, copy, transcripts. We committed to let our best B+ work get out the door. We crowdsourced a spark or two—and then something extraordinary happened: 20 episodes of hot-from-the-oven sparks were served straight into your podcast-loving headphones! We’re so grateful to the remarkable team who helped make it all happen. But, creative friend, we also need to thank YOU! Without loyal listeners, this podcast is just a bunch of juicy ideas spoken into a microphone. We are deeply grateful for your time, attention, reviews, referrals, recommendations, and feedback, and for placing your creative trust in us for another season. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.  Doors are open for our transformational 6 month program, BLAZE. Our next cohort begins February 6. Get all the information you need HERE

Doors are open for our transformational 6 month program, BLAZE. Our next cohort begins February 6. Get all the information you need HERE

Recently, we learned that the beloved Blue Man Group will be closing their New York City and Chicago companies in 2025. This news was bittersweet, to say the least.  Blue Man Group has impacted each of our personal and professional lives in many ways; not the least of which was the 25 years Laura dedicated to building the Blue Man Group brand as the VP of Communications.  Learnings for our time and experiences with Blue Man Group have influenced and impacted nearly every facet of The Spark File - our mission and values, the way we’ve built and marketed the company, the way we treat each other and every member of The Spark File community.... Join us this week as we discuss all that we learned from this extraordinary organization—like how every voice in the room matters and the importance of processing conflict before continuing with a task – and we’ll explore how those lessons impact our work to this day. We believe that endings are an essential part of the creative cycle. Shows close, messy manuscripts become bound books, art exhibits are hung with excitement and taken down with a pang of sadness. To find new beginnings, we must honor our endings–and this week, we feel profoundly aware of all that is lost, and all that is gained, when things end. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website. Doors are open for our transformational 6 month program, BLAZE. Our next cohort begins February 6. Get all the information you need HERE

We know that writing a book is hard work—longform creativity takes patience, stamina, and an extraordinary drive to make it to the finish line.  That’s why, this week, we’re celebrating our dear friend Jenny Clift, whose new book Thriving Artist: How Musicians, Performers, and Creatives Can Use EFT Tapping to Achieve Balance, Career Growth, and Success is released on January 15. We got a sneak peek at this incredible resource for artists, and we were too sparked not to share! Join us this week as we take a page from Jenny’s book to discuss fighting for creative freedom. We’ll discuss the process of EFT Tapping and how it has impacted our lives and work. And, we’ll analyze some of Jenny’s most helpful tactics for moving through trauma and limiting beliefs. We’re thrilled to celebrate Jenny’s achievement. But we’re even more grateful for the chance to share it with you! In honor of Jenny—and all the hard-working authors out there–we have one thing to say: We LOVE it! Keep going! You can learn more about Jenny and her new book on her website. You can listen to the Spark File podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and directly on our website.