Contributors

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Host

Rich Wright

Rich Wright is a seasoned artist and designer with over 30 years of experience across multiple industries. Throughout his extensive career, Rich has faced and overcome significant mental health challenges, including a suicide attempt. His journey to healing has transformed him into a beacon of hope and inspiration for other creatives facing similar struggles.

Read Rich's Story

https://www.richwrightunlimiited.com

Guests

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Guest

Episode 1 | Marilyn Edwards

My heart's desire is to help you step out of pain and self doubt - whether it's physical, mental, spiritual or emotional - and learn to have real compassion for yourself, uncover your true essence and thrive. I would love to help you on your journey to a life where you feel great, share your true gifts, and shine!

There are times when something deep inside you signals that a big change is needed. These wake-up calls can manifest as:

  • Anxiety
  • Creative blocks
  • Overactive mind
  • Communication problems
  • Physical or emotional pain
  • Trauma history resurfacing
  • New levels of sensitivity and intuition that scare you
  • Feeling like you are going a little crazy!
  • Knowing there's something bigger to life but feeling totally in the dark about what it might be

 You are needed to step forward and share your true, authentic self with the world. It's time to create, form community and enjoy life!

https://www.marilynedwards.com
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Episode 2 | Tom Powell

In this conversation, Rich Wright and Tom Powell explore themes of humor, personal growth, and the creative road. They discuss Tom's multifaceted career, his upbringing in a pastor's home, and the challenges and triumphs of navigating school life as an achiever. The dialogue delves into Tom's athletic pursuits, creative endeavors, and the unique experiences of attending a Christian college, highlighting the importance of authenticity and connection in personal and professional journeys. In this conversation. In this conversation, Tom Powell shares his profound journey through personal and professional struggles, emphasizing the importance of faith, resilience, and creativity. He recounts the challenges of losing his home and the impact it had on his mental health, while also highlighting the role of faith in navigating these tough times. Rich and Tom discusses his commitment to empowering veterans through entrepreneurship and the significance of storytelling in recovery. 

https://www.theaddisongroup.com
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Episode 3 | Wendy Powell

In this Episode Rich Wright sits down with Wendy Powell to discuss her life journey and how creativity has played out in her life along with a husband that is an Agency Lead and what it's like living with a creative. Wendy's journey has lead her to a place of becoming a certified Enneagram Coach which allows people to understand themselves better through the Enneagram types.


https://www.adventure9.com/
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Episode 4 | Maddox and Dwight

In this deeply moving and insightful conversation, Rich Wright sits down with Maddox and Dwight Spencer, co-founders of For the Love of Creatives, to discuss creativity, resilience, and the urgent need to rebuild authentic community in a post-pandemic world.

https://www.fortheloveofcreativespodcast.com/
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Episode 5 | Jon Bannan

In this inspiring and eye-opening conversation, Rich Wright sits down with Jon Bannan, an illustrator, designer, and musician based in Richmond, Virginia. Jon has worked with major names like Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, and Samuel Adams—but his journey has been anything but ordinary. From being homeschooled and starting college at just 14 to pursuing music, facing unexpected setbacks, and ultimately creating No Go Stories, Jon’s path is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless creativity.

https://noghoststories.com/
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Episode 6 | Tracy Matthews

What happens when your entire business collapses overnight? Tracy Matthews knows this story all too well. In this powerful and eye-opening interview, Tracy sits down with Rich Wright to share her incredible journey of reinvention, from losing her first jewelry company in the 2008 financial crash to rebuilding herself as a visionary leader, author, and business mentor.

https://reinvent.tracymatthews.com/art-of-reinvention
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Episode 7 | Dennis Liegghio

💔 What if one moment changed your life forever?
For Dennis Liegghio, that moment came when he was just 13 years old, when he tragically lost his father to suicide. In this raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring interview, Dennis sits down with Rich Wright to share how he turned his personal pain into a global movement of hope, healing, and suicide prevention.

https://www.knowresolve.org/
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Episode 8 | Scott Fisk

🌟 Get ready to be inspired! In this powerful episode, Rich Wright sits down with Scott Fisk—a professional hot rod illustrator, author, and founder of the "IAIAM Community for Creatives." Scott’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. From growing up in a blue-collar town in upstate New York to becoming a celebrated artist and entrepreneur residing in Vermont, Scott shares his incredible journey and the life lessons that shaped him. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

https://www.studio669.net/
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Episode 9 | John Mcbride

🔥 WATCH THIS if you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your path, or needed that one sign to keep going.
In this raw and inspiring episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, Rich Wright sits down with John McBride — Director of Product Design at Bestway Global Holdings, former Crayola designer, Matchbox/Hot Wheels mastermind, Designer at the Franklin Mint and founder of Midnight Octane. He opens up like never before.

https://www.midniteoctane.com/
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Episode 10 | Gareth Robertson UK

🔥 What does it take to grow a brand from scratch and evolve through chaos? In this gripping episode of Artist Recovery Podcast we sit down with Gareth Robertson, the powerhouse behind GR-aphic Studio (formerly Design Pit). From his kitchen table to leading a full-fledged creative agency, Gareth shares the unfiltered truth about building a business in the ever-evolving world of branding and digital marketing.

If you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a dream, Gareth’s story is packed with real-world lessons, branding gold, and emotional insight. His resilience, innovation, and honesty will leave you inspired.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethrobertson/
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Episode 11 | Sarah Bierenbaum

In this episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, Sarah Bierenbaum shares her inspiring and unorthodox journey from professional theatrical stage manager to tech startup executive, and now, founder and coach at Nimble Penguin Coaching. Sarah brings a unique blend of creativity and leadership experience to the table, offering invaluable insights on how empowerment, self-awareness, and alignment with personal values drive success—whether in the arts, tech, or entrepreneurship.

https://www.nimblepenguin.com/
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Episode 12 | Trea Cotton

In this captivating interview on the Artist Recovery Podcast, Trea Cotton, founder of Next World Fitness, opens up about his unique journey in fitness and how he’s redefining wellness for artists and creatives. From growing up in Drew, Mississippi, to crafting a revolutionary approach to online fitness coaching, Trea shares insights on how his early life—shaped by gospel, blues, and family—helped him discover his passion for health and creativity.

https://www.nextworldfitness.com/
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Episode 13 | Claire O'Connor

🌿 In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Claire O’Connor — intuitive essence midwife, brand stylist, and founder of Wellness Web Designers — to uncover a life journey filled with resilience, creativity, and spiritual reclamation. This is not your typical design or entrepreneurship story.

✨ Claire takes us deep into her early life in suburban New Jersey, painting a raw portrait of growing up in a household marked by intergenerational trauma, addiction, and religious dogma. From being a silent, withdrawn child in Catholic school to discovering salvation in art, books, and imagination, Claire's story is as powerful as it is relatable.

https://www.wellnesswebdesigners.com
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Episode 14 | John Rios

In this unforgettable episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, host Rich Wright sits down with John Rios, a self-taught creative powerhouse whose art has graced the stages of rock legends like KISS, Motley Crue, Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, Eminem, Uncle Kracker and Alice Cooper. But this isn’t just a story about fame and paintbrushes—it’s about resilience, healing, and rediscovery through art.
🎤 WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS INTERVIEW:
This episode isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone chasing a dream, healing from trauma, or looking for inspiration to keep going when the odds are stacked high. John’s authenticity and powerful storytelling will leave you thinking, laughing, and possibly crying. Whether you’re a creative, a veteran, or just someone seeking a deeper purpose, this one is for you.


https://www.instagram.com/john_rios_designs/
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Episode 15 | Lisa Borden

What happens when a quiet, sensitive kid grows up to disrupt industries and redefine what success really means? This week’s episode of Artist Recovery Podcast features the wildly original Lisa Borden—a reiki master, urban organic farmer, ethical entrepreneur, founder of Borden Communications, and creator of the Wellness Intelligence Collective.
🔥 In this raw and real interview, Lisa gets deeply personal about:
✨ Growing up misunderstood in conventional schools
✨ Being told she was “stupid” by teachers—and how she turned that trauma into empowerment
✨ Why perfectionism nearly crushed her, and how she found freedom through imperfection
✨ Creating her first business at age 22 using just the Yellow Pages and her intuition
✨ Raising bold, free-thinking kids who thrive outside the “system”
✨ The powerful role summer camp and her grandfather played in shaping her
✨ Why being “weird” is actually your superpower

https://www.bordencom.com
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Episode 16 | Peter Bragino

In this soul-stirring episode of theArtist Recovery Podcast, Rich Wright reconnects with visionary artist and former US Marine Peter Bragino, more than a decade after their last face-to-face meeting. What unfolds is not just an interview—it’s a powerful story of resilience, creativity, leadership, overcoming addiction and spiritual discovery.
👉 Listen now if you're ready to be inspired by the evolution of an artist who blends discipline, emotion, and intuition into every brushstroke.

🌀 WHO IS PETER BRAGINO?
Mixed-media visual artist & creative director
US Marine Corps veteran turned air traffic controller
Overcoming Addiction with Plant Medicine
Indigenous medicine community participant
Advocate for self-discovery and inner healing

https://www.bragino.com/
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Episode 17 | Lindsay Reynolds

Welcome back to the Artist Recovery Podcast — where creativity meets healing. In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, host Rich Wright sits down with multidisciplinary artist and board-certified creative arts therapist Lindsay Reynolds to explore a journey that redefines what it means to pivot, persevere, and create with purpose.
🧠✨ Lindsay’s story is more than art — it’s a blueprint for healing, growth, and reclaiming creativity.
If you’re a creative soul navigating a career crossroads, this episode is your sign to keep going. Lindsay speaks with raw vulnerability about growing up in a blue-collar family that didn’t fully understand her artistic path — and how she carved a space for herself as both a therapist and a visual storyteller.
We talk about the mental health benefits of sports, why creativity should never be confined to one identity, and the power of having just one mentor believe in you.

https://www.sayreynoldsdesign.com/