Embracing the Spice of Life: A Recap of Mike Wird’s Inspiring Talk at CreativeMornings/DEN

When we think of spice, we often envision bold flavors igniting our taste buds or the fiery kick that transforms a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. But what if spice went beyond the culinary realm? What if it became a metaphor for life itself—a catalyst for growth, connection, and transformation?

At April’s CreativeMornings/DEN event that took place at the Art Gym, speaker Mike Wird took the stage to delve into the concept of “SPICY” and how it manifests in our lives beyond the kitchen. His talk was a powerful reminder that embracing the spice of life means stepping out of our comfort zones, engaging with others, and finding confidence in our unique selves.

Leaving Comfort Zones to Mingle with Others

Mike eloquently articulated how stepping out of our comfort zones is essential for personal and collective growth. Just as a chef experiments with different spices to create culinary masterpieces, we must be willing to explore unfamiliar territories and interact with diverse perspectives to enrich our lives. It’s about breaking free from the confines of routine and embracing the unknown with open arms.

Getting in Our B-Boy Stance with Confidence

Drawing parallels to the world of hip-hop, Mike encouraged us to adopt a “B-Boy stance” in life—a posture of confidence, resilience, and self-assuredness. Much like a skilled dancer commanding attention on the dance floor, we must approach challenges with a sense of conviction and belief in our abilities. By embodying the spirit of the B-Boy stance, we can navigate life’s complexities with grace and authenticity. And, we stepped into the uncomfortability of crossing our arms the opposite of what feels comfortable in our stance and standing in that for a brief moment.

Stepping Out from Isolation and into Community

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of Mike’s talk was his emphasis on the power of community. In an age where isolation and disconnection prevail, he reminded us of the importance of forging meaningful connections and building supportive networks. Just as spices come together to create harmonious flavors, we thrive when we come together as a community, supporting and uplifting one another along the journey.

Watch Mike’s Video Under Talks

For those who missed Mike’s captivating talk or wish to revisit its inspiring message, his video is available under Talks on the CreativeMornings/DEN platform. Prepare to be motivated, challenged, and empowered to embrace the spice of life in all its glory.

Theater nerd Christopher Peck on Perspective

In the heart of March, CreativeMornings/DEN gathered at the Holiday Theater, not just to witness creativity but to unravel its intricate threads. What can we as creative leaders learn from an audience full of rowdy, irreverent college students? Theatre artist and Communication Coach, Christopher Peck, recalls the extraordinary performance of Anna in the Tropics—produced by Baylor University Theatre Department—when the shocking and unexpected behavior of the audience resulted in an equally unprecedented response from the play’s director. This incredible experience closely examines how audiences respond to art and what can be lost when that response is challenged by the vision and intention of the production. What is the responsibility of an audience? Who decides the meaning of a work of art? Finally, what do we fail to learn when we ignore or reject the perspective of our audience?

Chef Jose Avila on Native

Chef Jose Avila’s journey from the bustling streets of Mexico City to the flavorful landscapes of Colorado is like a spicy salsa dance for the taste buds and the soul! Hearing about his adventures of crossing borders, conquering the high highs of life and the low lows, and embracing the vibrant life here in Denver was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. His openness about the ups and downs in his life felt like an epic kitchen tale, complete with unexpected ingredients and surprise twists. THANK YOU, Jose, for serving up a delightful dish of vulnerability and inspiration. You have inspired us to embrace the flavorful chaos of life and to remember that there will be ups, there will be downs, and ups again, but to be persistent in our journeys! 🌮

What an awesome venue Mile High Spirts was! Located in the Ballpark neighborhood, this spot was perfect to host our CreativeMornings /DEN chapter! The sun shone bright as our guests enjoyed Purple Door Coffee and we even had PineMelon pop up sharing delicious goodies!

We had quite a few first-timers in our audience and even a new Denver transplant who was part of the Salt Lake City CreativeMornings.

A few were able to stay back and go on a neighborhood walk-about too which is always a fun way to get to know the community and people in the community.

It truly was an action-packed and inspiring morning!

Mike Johnson on Rise

Despite the challenging weather with rain and snow, the audience at Denver Dream Center’s event on January 26th was nothing short of wonderful. The atmosphere was charged with inspiration as attendees were captivated by Mike’s compelling journey of overcoming addiction, homelessness, and a period of incarceration.

What stood out was the powerful message that emerged from Mike’s narrative – that life’s messes can indeed become a message. Mike’s ability to transform personal struggles into a beacon of hope resonated deeply with the audience. Their engagement was evident as they stayed after the talk to learn more about both Mike and the impactful initiatives at the Denver Dream Center. The event not only highlighted personal triumphs but also underscored the universal truth that our challenges can be transformative, offering a message of resilience and hope to all who face adversity.

Dr. Paula Cushing on Pain

CreativeMornings Denver’s December event at the Museum of Nature and Science featured Dr. Paula Cushing, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology. Known for her expertise in arachnids and evolutionary biology, Dr. Cushing’s talk transcended the scientific realm, exploring the profound theme of PAIN.

Since 1998, Dr. Cushing has been a pivotal figure at the Museum, with a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Her extensive research on arachnids spans the deserts of the western United States to India, contributing significantly to our understanding of evolutionary patterns.Taking an unexpected turn, Dr. Cushing shared a poignant video on various perspectives of the afterlife. This added a deeply emotional layer to the event, prompting contemplation on universal themes of mortality. The event transformed into an interactive experience with attendees sharing thoughts and posing insightful questions. Dr. Cushing’s engagement added intimacy, making it a memorable and thought-provoking event.

Photos by Mio Sison III. View the complete album here

Passing The Baton

Celebrating a new chapter!

On November 1, 2013, 120 people crammed into Convercent on Broadway for Denver’s first morning of coffee, breakfast goodies, and listening to a member of the community share their experiences. The global theme was BRAVERY. Check out our first event in photos!

After hearing CreativeMornings founder Tina Roth Eisenberg speak at SXSW, RJ Owens knew we needed a chapter in Denver. Come to find out, the only thing needed was to finish filling out an application. He and Amy Fisk successfully launched our chapter that crisp fall morning in November.

Dave Momper wasn’t far behind, jumping in on the check-in team immediately. RJ was our Chapter Host from 2013 - 2017. In 2018, Dave became our second. On Friday, November 17th, he officially handed it off to Brandi McMichael.

CM/Denver would not be here without RJ, Amy and Dave! For years they’ve given their hearts and love to our community. As they step down from chapter leadership, we are thankful for the foundation they laid for the future. 

When you see them next, make sure to give them big hugs and high fives!

Brandi McMichael, formerly Shigley, is no stranger to the CreativeMornings/Denver community! She’s been Dave’s co-host for a year and we’re so excited to see her take the official Host Baton. Her infectious and wholesome energy is gonna send us forward into a new chapter!

Stay Engaged!

Hey CreativeMornings Denver community! 🎉 Are you ready to dive into our world of creativity, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes fun? We’ve got you covered! If you aren’t following us on Instagram, please join us for the fun!

📸 Follow us on Instagram at @cm_denver for:

1️⃣ Recent Updates: Stay in the loop with the latest and greatest from CreativeMornings Denver. Discover what’s happening in our vibrant community, from inspiring talks to innovative projects.

2️⃣ Upcoming Events: Be the first to know about our upcoming events! Whether it’s a thought-provoking speaker or a fun social gathering, you won’t want to miss out.

3️⃣ Behind the Scenes: Get an exclusive peek behind the curtain! Explore the creative process, meet our incredible team, and see what goes on behind the scenes as we bring our events to life.

4️⃣ Community Highlights: Connect with fellow creatives, share your insights, and be part of the conversation. Our Instagram community is a hub of inspiration, collaboration, and endless creativity.

Ready to join the adventure? 🚀 Follow us now at @cm_denver and be part of the CreativeMornings Denver experience like never before!

Let’s make creativity contagious! 🎨✨ #CMDenver #CreativeMornings #InspirationUnleashed

10 Years of Creative Mornings Denver Photos!

Yep! You can see a decade in photos from all of our CreativeMornings presentations. Have fun seeing our community grow and change over the past 10 years! Click here to view our galleries!

A Decade of Inspiration: Celebrating 10 Years of CreativeMornings Denver

In the heart of the Mile-High City, where the Rockies meet the skyline, an extraordinary journey began a decade ago. CreativeMornings Denver, an integral part of the global CreativeMornings community, embarked on a mission to celebrate creativity, foster connections, and build a thriving community of passionate individuals. As we raise our glasses to a remarkable journey, let’s reflect on the past ten years of inspiration, innovation, and collaboration.

In 2013, CreativeMornings Denver was born, bringing the renowned breakfast lecture series to the vibrant and diverse creative community of the city. Founded on the principles of generosity, empathy, and a commitment to making creativity accessible to all, the chapter quickly became a hub for like-minded individuals seeking inspiration in their creative endeavors.

Memorable Speakers and Themes:

Over the years, CreativeMornings Denver has played host to a plethora of inspiring speakers, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the stage. From local artists and entrepreneurs to international thought leaders, the monthly events have covered a diverse range of themes, sparking conversations that lingered long after the morning coffee had worn off.

Themes such as “Wonder,” “Risk,” and “Courage” have not only inspired the audience but have also spurred creative projects and collaborations within the community. The chapter’s commitment to exploring the intersection of creativity and meaningful topics has made CreativeMornings Denver a beacon of inspiration for the city’s creative minds.

The power of community was especially evident during challenging times, such as the global pandemic. Despite the physical distance, CreativeMornings Denver adapted to virtual platforms, ensuring that the creative spirit continued to thrive. The chapter’s resilience and adaptability have been a testament to the strength of the bonds forged within the community.

As we celebrate a decade of CreativeMornings Denver, it’s impossible to ignore the impact the chapter has had on the local creative landscape. Countless collaborations, projects, and friendships have been born from the connections made at CreativeMornings events. The chapter’s legacy is not just in the memories of past events but in the ongoing work of its community members who continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a creative in Denver.

As the sun rises over the Rocky Mountains, it also marks the dawn of another day for CreativeMornings Denver. A decade of inspiration, connection, and community-building has laid a strong foundation for the years to come. The chapter’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities.

Here’s to the next ten years of CreativeMornings Denver—may it continue to be a beacon of creativity, a catalyst for collaboration, and a source of inspiration for all who seek to bring their creative visions to life. Cheers to a decade well-celebrated, and to the countless mornings of creativity yet to come!

Celebrate Creativity: Join Us on August 18th at RMCAD’s Historic Campus!

Elevate your morning with a dose of artistic inspiration and meaningful connections as CreativeMornings Denver joins forces with Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) on August 18th. This event will feature Israeli architect Jonathan Monjack, who will bring a unique global perspective August’s theme “Pride. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and be inspired!

Nestled within this captivating historic campus, two remarkable exhibitions are set to unfold.

UNWAVERING: FIRST ANNUAL ALUMNI EXHIBITION

Step into the Rotunda Gallery and immerse yourself in “Unwavering,” an exhibition paying tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of RMCAD alumni. Like the gravitational pull of the moon, these artists were drawn to their creative careers through the nurturing environment of the college. Discover a diverse range of artistry from ten graduates spanning various classes and programs, capturing the spirit of RMCAD’s rich history. More details here!

SUMMER 2023 GRADUATION EXHIBITION

Experience the future of art at the Summer Graduation Exhibition, where recent RMCAD graduates showcase their innovative and fresh perspectives. Witness the birth of new artistic voices as these talented artists unveil their captivating work, offering a glimpse into the exciting landscape of tomorrow’s art world. More details here!

Hope to see you at RMCAD for our event on August 18th, and then back at one of these fantastic RMCAD events as well!