💖 A Choice Between Love and Fear

Author

Helen Todd (Human)
January 23, 2025 

Creativity Squared: On the Power of Art to Heal
❝

"Everything that you do in life is a choice between love and fear. To choose love, if everyone just started to choose love more often, we would have a much better world."

ASHA AMA

Dear Creativity Squared Member —

I’ve been working on some exciting developments today which I can’t wait to share with you when I can — and it’s really, really, really hard for me not to share!!! 😁

Today’s newsletter is going to be a little bit shorter and sweeter than normal — regular news roundup is below on everything at the intersection of A.I. and creativity. There’s been an onslaught of news this week. I know, you know — we all know.

I’m still wrapping my head around the fact this is the timeline that we’re currently all on:

Are these the people who we really want to trust with the most powerful technology humans have ever created, without any guardrails, to unleash to everyone online without any proper onboarding? Just checking in here. 🧐

And for those who are curious, my #ImaginationAge post on LinkedIn has slowed down but crossed over 123K impressions! 🎉

The other day, I rewatched a few of my 2023 ArtsWave interviews and wanted to share ASHA AMA’s with you because her message is so beautiful and a nice reprieve from the dumpster fire filling our feeds and screens (and if you’re not subscribed to our YouTube channel, subscribe today! 😉):

And as a reminder, when you support this show, you’re also supporting ArtsWave!

Because it’s important to support artists, 10% of all revenue Creativity Squared generates goes to ArtsWave, a nationally recognized non-profit that supports over 150 arts organizations, projects, and independent artists. For the third year in a row, we’re proud to partner with ArtsWave to also amplify the phenomenal artists selected for their 2025 Black and Brown Artist Program, elevating underrepresented voices and bridging cultural divides through art. You can get caught up on previous years’ ArtsWave interview series here!

How can you support this show? I’m so glad you asked! ☺️

Here are a few ways you can contribute to this independent female voice’s platform who’s championing Responsible A.I. and a human-centered future in the #ImagainationAge where it’s Dolly Parton and Holly Herndon — protectors of dreams and generative in their generosity and work — ushering in the #ImaginationAge (not AI ushering in the Intelligence Age, where humans are erased, starting with the framing…but I digress!).

Please consider supporting Creativity Squared in whatever way you can and would like to:

(And more ideas are here as I’m getting this platform more sustainable, so I can just focus on great content for ya’ll!) Shira Lazar, Creativity Squared Episode 73 guest, highlights the issues with the current incentives in the creator economy in this hilarious video!

🦄 FREE CONSULTING ADVICE: The platforms/brands/etc. that take care of their whole ecosystems, especially the heartbeat who are the creators, in a mutually beneficial way for all stakeholders involved, will be the long-term winners in the #ImaginationAge, leveraging all this new technology in truly generative ways — versus the Information Age’s extractive approach to everything. Here’s more on this on a LI post I shared.

Last but not least:

🥳 My mom, Pat K. Thomas, is in a documentary that is premiering in Pigeon Forge, TN — where I grew up AND Dolly Parton’s hometown! — on Thursday, January 30, as part of their Wildnerness Wildlife Week! For those who are nearby and interested in this doc and meeting my mom and I, please stop by! It’ll be sure to be a fun event, and I’m so excited for my mom!!

Until next week, here’s to playing in the playground of possibility and manifesting more magic in 2025! 🪄✨

With love,
Helen (Human)

p.s. Our 2025 podcast season will kick off again in April, but we’ll keep the newsletter going between now and then, aside from the holidays.

Helen Todd (she/her)
Human behind Creativity Squared
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How creatives are collaborating with A.I.

💝 SUPPORT CREATIVITY SQUARED & ARTSWAVE

🎨 I want to live in a world where artists not only coexist with A.I., but thrive. And because it’s important to support artists, 10% of all revenue Creativity Squared generates goes to ArtsWave, a nationally recognized non-profit that supports over 150 arts organizations, projects, and independent artists. Consider becoming a Premium Member today or making a one-time tip!

🦋 I'm SUPER excited to share that my upcoming SXSW presentation, Farewell, Information Age — Welcome to the Imagination Age, is becoming a book! 📗 The conversations on my podcast Creativity Squared have informed many of the concepts, and I couldn’t be more excited to present them on stage in Austin in March and in print this year. Pre-order your copy today as a crowd-funded advance to support an independent female voice. Your support will enable me to bring this idea to life — and is greatly appreciated! 🥰💛

🚀 Interested in becoming a sponsor of Creativity Squared? Reach out!

👍 AFFILIATE RECOMMENDATIONS 

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🐝 We use Beehiiv for this newsletter and are big fans! (If you’re not aware of Substack’s racist issues, this NYT article is for you.)

🎙 Riverside is the platform we use for recording podcast episodes, and recommend the web-based software!

🎶 Play Audio Agency, headquartered in Cincinnati, is home to the team that helps produce the show and are audio rock stars!

🖥 Need a new website or the slightest of help on your current site? Check out e9 Digital — they created, and help us host and manage Creativity Squared’s website! They know how to make accessible websites which I love. Mention Creativity Squared for 20% off too!

📆 EVENTS, A.I. CONFERENCES & MORE! 

👷‍♀️ JANUARY 14 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), Jan meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - Apply to join)
🤝 JANUARY 14 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), Jan meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host) — SOLD OUT
🤝 FEBRUARY 4 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), Feb meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host)  — 🎟 RSVP today!
🎤 FEBRUARY 6 Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Cincinnati (Speaker)
👷‍♀️ FEBRUARY 12 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), Feb meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - Apply to join)
🎤 FEBRUARY 12 EO Learning Luncheon, Cincinnati (Speaker - Private)
🪑 FEBRUARY 15 T­E­Dx­U­Cincinnati­Salon, Cincinnati (Attendee)
🥳 FEBRUARY 18 Helen’s Birthday! ✨🎂
🤝 MARCH 4 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), March meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host)
🎓 MARCH 9 SXSW Official Mentor Session, Austin (Mentor) [🎟 SXSW March 7-15]
👷‍♀️ MARCH 11 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), March meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - Apply to join)
🎤 MARCH 11 (Tentative date) SXSW (#SXSW), 🤠 Austin (Speaker) [🎟 SXSW March 7-15]
🤝 APRIL 1 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), April meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host)
👷‍♀️ APRIL 9 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), April meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - Apply to join)
📍 APRIL 9 OhioX GovTech Summit 
🎤 APRIL 26 T­E­Dx­U­Cincinnati, Cincinnati (Interviewing Phase to be Speaker 🤞)
🤝 MAY 6 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), May meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host)
📍 MAY 8 OhioX 2025 Ohio Tech Summit (OhioX, #OhioX), Columbus (On radar to attend)
👷‍♀️ MAY 13 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), May meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - Apply to join)
🎤 MAY 16 Power to Pursue, Cincinnati (Speaker) 
🪑 JUNE 10-12 Cincy AI Week (#CincyAIWeek), Cincinnati (CincyAI Community Partner)
🤝 JUNE 17 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), June meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host)
🤝 JULY 1 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), July meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host)
👷‍♀️ JULY 8 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), July meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - Apply to join)
🎥 JULY 17-20 (Tentative dates) ArtsWave 2025 Black and Brown Artists Grant Program Showcase, Cincinnati (Media Partner)
🎥 JULY 16-18 Data 4 Public Good (D4PG, #D4PG), Minneapolis (Media Partner) 
🤝 AUGUST 5 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), Aug meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host)
👷‍♀️ AUGUST 13 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), Aug meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - Apply to join)
🤝 SEPTEMBER 2 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), Sept meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host)
👷‍♀️ SEPTEMBER 9 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), Sept meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - Apply to join)
🪑 SEPTEMBER 10-11 MidwestCon (#MidwestCon), Cincinnati (CincyAI Community Partner)
📍 SEPTEMBER 26 OhioX Ohio Tech Day (OhioX, #OhioX), Columbus (On radar to attend)
🤝 OCTOBER 7 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), Oct meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host) - 2 Year Anniversary! 🥳
👷‍♀️ OCTOBER 8 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), October meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - Apply)
🪑 OCTOBER 14-16 Marketing AI Conference (MAICON, #MAICON) Cleveland (Attendee)
🤝 NOVEMBER 4 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), Nov meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host)
👷‍♀️ NOVEMBER 11 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), November meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - Apply) - 2 Year Anniversary! 🥳
🪑 NOVEMBER 19 OhioX Ohio AI Summit (OhioX, #OhioX), Columbus (Attendee)
🤝 DECEMBER 2 CincyAI for Humans (CincyAI, #CincyAI), Dec meetup, Cincinnati (Co-Host)
🎥 DECEMBER 5-7 FilmGate Immersive Festival at Art Basel Miami Beach, Miami (Media Partner) [Art Basel Miami Beach Dec 5-7]
👷‍♀️ DECEMBER 10 Cincinnati AI Catalyst (CaiC, #CincinnatiAICatalyst), Dec meeting, Cincinnati (Volunteer Marketing Leader - - Apply to join) 🥳

✨❄️🎄 December 25 - January 7 Holiday Break 🥳❄️✨

Interested in having me speak at your event or host a workshop for your organization? Reach out!

🗞 PRESS & PODCAST INTERVIEWS

🖥 SXSW Conference Community Newsletter (December 5, 2024) — SXSW 2025 Speaker Helen Todd talks Digital Twins

🎙 AI Explored with Michael Stelzner of Social Media Examiner (November 5, 2024) — Using AI to Expand Your Ideas and Creativity 

🎙 Reflections with an Accent with Kike Calvo (October 18, 2024) — Unveiling AI's Creative Power with Helen Todd | Reflections with an Accent 

🏆 Aviatra Accelerators (September 5, 2024) — Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award 

📖 Movers & Makers Magazine (October 1, 2024) Notables in AI + Print

Listen: Ep.75 BBL Drizzy, A.I. & Manifesting A.I.: Discover How Will Hatcher Manifested His Way to a Time100 A.I. 2024 Honoree

Apple | Spotify | YouTube | Pandora | Amazon | Google | SoundCloud | iHeart Radio

“If you're trying to play life safe, then I don't think you can fully experience life, you know. So you gotta go to places that you never been before, be in uncomfortable situations, because that's where the real growth is.” -King Willonius

Discover the magic of manifesting in a Creativity Squared exclusive interview from the ONLY comedian (and one of two artists!) who’s a Time100 AI 2024 honoree in the Innovators category: King Willonius. 👑 

His real name is Willonius Hatcher (his first name is pronounced “Will-OWN-ee-us,” and he also goes by Will). 2024 has been a breakout year for Will after his “BBL Drizzy” comedy song went viral — the first song made in collaboration with A.I. that became a cultural phenomenon, transcending genres and mediums!  

What do Burning Man, Dune 2, and the Frost Planetarium have to do with his story? Listen in to our 75th episode — and the last one for 2024! — to find out.

Creativity Squared interviewed Will live at the FilmGate Miami Interactive Festival XI, one of the top ten immersive festivals in the world! You’ll hear why it’s so special from the festival’s Head Curator, Co-Founder, and Executive Producer, Diliana Alexander. 

On opening night, the FilmGate Miami audience got a preview of the “BBL Drizzy Musical Dome Experience”. Next year, Creativity Squared will be back to see the full production and host another time capsule conversation with Will. 

Once you check out the interview, you’ll know that Will is just scratching the surface of what’s possible — he’s ahead of the entertainment industries, and is definitely one to follow!

Why did he make the Time100 AI 2024 Innovators list? 

For Creativity Squared Founder and Podcast Host, Helen Todd’s take, check out the dedicated blog post accompanying this episode (we recommend starting with this first 😉):

Ep75. King Willonius: BBL Drizzy, A.I. & Manifesting - Creativity Squared

Ep75. King Willonius: BBL Drizzy, A.I. & Manifesting: Discover How Will Hatcher Manifested His Way to a Time100 A.I. 2024 Honoree

Our 2025 podcast season will kick off again in April, but we’ll keep the newsletter going between now and then, aside from the holidays.

Here’s to manifesting more magic in the new year — enjoy! 💝🪄✨

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