Windowsill Chats

By: Margo Tantau
  • Summary

  • Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.
    © 2023
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Episodes
  • After the Storm: Hannah Cole on Surviving Asheville’s Floods and Supporting Creatives in Crisis
    Nov 6 2024

    Margo is joined by friend of the pod, Asheville, NC resident, artist and tax expert Hannah Cole to bring a powerful story of survival, community, and the unwavering support for artists affected by recent devastating floods in Asheville. Together they explore the harrowing events that led to severe flooding, destroying homes, businesses, and cherished creative spaces. They also touch on the importance of financial strategies, particularly for creatives, with insights from Hannah at and how her expertise has been a beacon of hope for many small business owners navigating the treacherous waters of disaster recovery (and those outside of the flood zone).

    Margo and Hannah discuss:

    • What it was like to experience Hurricane Helene first hand

    • Support efforts and challenges post hurricane

    • The loss of Hannah’s art studio in Asheville

    • Campaigns and efforts to support those in and around Western North Carolina

    • The need for increased grant funding in the River Arts District

    • Managing tax liabilities and leveraging deductions.

    • "1% for Asheville" support grants

    • Hannah’s offering, Money Boot Camp for creatives and how she makes financial education non-intimidating.

    Connect with Hannah:

    https://www.sunlighttax.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/sunlighttax/

    Connect with Margo:

    www.windowsillchats.com

    www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

    www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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    58 mins
  • The Art of Resilience: Mindset, Wellness, and Rediscovering Creativity with Kay Wolfersperger
    Oct 30 2024

    Margo is joined by designer and illustrator Kay Wolfersperger, based in Savannah, GA. Known for her lively, colorful work infused with humor and positivity, Kay’s designs have appeared in advertising, stationery, branding, children’s books, and surface design. She has extensive experience partnering with brands to craft unique, memorable campaigns. When not at her desk, Kay enjoys strength training, running, traveling, and catching up on films. In this episode, they explore Kay’s journey from a young art enthusiast to a respected creative professional, reflecting on the importance of experiential learning, maintaining physical and mental wellness, and using positive affirmations to navigate both personal and professional challenges.

    Margo and Kay discuss:

    • Kay's early artistic influences, including her stepmother, an art teacher

    • Her transition from graphic design to fibers and screen printing at SCAD

    • The challenges and autonomy of running a small business vs. corporate roles

    • Creative practices for overcoming creative block in daily routines

    • The role of mind-body wellness in enhancing creativity

    • Using therapy and affirmations to manage anxiety and build a positive outlook

    • Collaboration in creative projects, balancing personal vision with teamwork

    • Embracing imperfection with the mantra, "done is better than good"

    • Kay's upcoming wholesale collection and the key moments that inspired its development

    Connect with Kay:

    https://www.kaywolfersperger.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/kaywolfersperger/

    Connect with Margo:

    www.windowsillchats.com

    www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

    www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Aging in the Digital Age: Lisa Murphy on Mindset, Nervous System Balance and the Impact of Technology on Health and Wellness
    Oct 23 2024

    Margo is joined by Lisa Murphy, a guest with an inspiring story of reinvention and resilience. Raised in small-town Iowa, where her family grew their own food, Lisa followed a traditional path—earning a degree in Actuarial Science and securing a lucrative corporate job. But life shifted when she left her career to travel the world, study Eastern philosophy, and teach yoga, even to members of the royal family in Dubai, while supporting her now-ex-husband.

    After her divorce at 47, Lisa realized her best years were still ahead. Now, at 57, she’s a healthy aging expert and has been running her own successful business since 2013. Her mission is to help women and business leaders move away from common health fears and adopt proactive habit changes. Through her signature RAV protocol, Lisa empowers professionals to optimize their health, allowing them to live vibrant, active lives while reaching their biggest goals.

    Lisa and Margo discuss:

    • Lisa’s life in Asheville and the impact of Hurricane Helene

    • How the wellness industry can better incorporate mental awareness and balanced nervous systems into mainstream narratives

    • The four pillars of healthy aging: food, mood, rest, and movement

    • Lisa’s critique of the Standard American Diet

    • Strengthening community support systems to better cope with natural disasters

    • The power of mindset in the aging process

    • Holistic health practices that have worked for Lisa

    • Device addiction, digital detoxes, and maintaining a balanced nervous system for well-being

    Connect with Lisa:

    https://www.lisamurphyllc.com

    https://www.instagram.com/lisamurphyllc/

    https://www.facebook.com/lisa.murphy.kc/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-murphy-health-coach/

    https://www.youtube.com/@LisaMurphyLLC

    Connect with Margo:

    www.windowsillchats.com

    www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

    www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

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    1 hr and 11 mins

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I love this podcast!

Margo has such a wealth of knowledge herself and knows some truly interesting creatives in many walks of life. If you want to thrive as an artist, designer or illustrator listen to these as you work and be inspired!

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