Listener Reviews

Andy is a beyond-talented host + interviewer creating such rich tools and advice for emerging + established creatives.His broad range of guests make for a weekly must-listen!

I started listening to the Creative Pep Talk Podcast while in a non-creative job/industry that I was not enjoying. For a while, I saw no end in sight. Then I started listening to the Creative Pep Talk Podcast. Listening to Andy gave me the motivation (some might say PEP) to stop making excuses and change my stars. Because of Andy, I began making personal work, which rolled into freelance gigs, and now a fulltime job. I stopped worrying about working in a "specific style" and began just having fun to see where it'll take me. I'm now a full-time graphic designer and illustrator at a non-profit, and doing tons of illustration work on the side. Since I began listening to Andy, I've created murals, been commissioned for editorial illustration, and have even had my work published in an ACTUAL PICTURE BOOK (dream = realized). Andy and the Creative Pep Talk Podcast has literally helped me live the creative life I've always wanted and I could not be more thankful. Thanks Andy!

I can’t remember how I stumbled upon this podcast earlier this year, but I have been hooked. It has been so helpful for me, particularly this year as I’ve gone on a journey of changing my path and deciding to pursue my dream of becoming a film/game composer. Thanks Andy for regularly pepping me up!

Each episode contains an incredible amount of wisdom, resources, and smiles. If you’re a creative, do yourself a favour and have a listen to this wonderful podcast.

This podcast is needed in the creative community!! I have been listening to an episode most mornings and it has made all the difference in motivating me and making me believe that my goals are 100% achievable. Thank you Andy!

No matter what stage you are in, The Creative Pep Talk Podcast is seriously the answer! I’m completely converted. I began listening to the podcast a year ago in hopes to find some direction. I knew that creativity was a strength of mine but I didn’t really know where to go from there. The advice Andy has given has been so deeply personal and applicable. I have never felt more confident or assured that my trajectory is the right one. I am starting my application for culinary school and I’ve never felt more excited or secure. I have Andy 100% to thank for it. Thank you, Andy, and the Creative Pep Talk Podcast!

Andy, I’ve been listening to you for over a year now, and your insights and inspiration for creatives is so helpful to me. I am looking to enjoy a creative career as my third and final occupation once I retire from education. I do not hold an art degree, but through your podcast I realize I have always been part of the arts: whether singing to the top of my lungs in a choir, acting in a school play, scrapbooking, or now diving deep into watercolor, art has always been my sanity. I’ve listened to you encourage creatives to pursue their dreams and that it is possible to earn a living. Happily, I won’t need to rely on selling art to fund my retirement, but I am hopeful that I can earn enough for extra cash to pay for art supplies and materials. This episode made me sad, but it also underscored what I have believed deep down... to make it in the arts does require a lot of being in the right place at the right time. The thing is...it’s also true that thriving also involves tenacity and showing up. Relying on Social Media alone will never pay the bills. As you have said over and over again, relationships, finding your tribe, and being brave enough to put yourself out there is really what gets the job done. Thanks for always keeping the main thing the main thing. I hope to be a spark in my community to promote and support the arts so that those who want a career will see all the possibilities.

Andy is the man. Appreciate what ya do friend.

I am so grateful that I found my way to this podcast. Andy and I have different mediums and different ways of being, but his insights and encouragement and tools have absolutely transformed my creative life. Thank you so very much for what you’re sharing with us, Andy!

Hi Dr Pizza! My MA tutor recommended your podcast and I am so glad that he did! This is my favourite podcast ever, I’ve searched and listened to a lot and they all seem to lack the creative joyful energy that you give. So much wisdom for creativity and life that I’ve applied and it’s gotten me through some difficult blocks in my life. Thank you for creating this podcast and being you Andy J PIZZA! From Ben

Thanks A. J. For taking the energy and time to share your wealth of knowledge and experience with all of us out here trying to make it. Finally I feel like I have direction to move off the start line. You are awesome and found your calling. Thanks!!!

Love this guy

I just found this podcast today and as a creative (fashion designer), it speaks to so many insecurities that I’ve kept locked away, but ultimately hindered me from success. I’m only one episode in and I’m hooked! THANK YOU for your honesty and courage to do this podcast for us small fries with big dreams and I can’t wait to hear more!

This podcast is incredible. Andy is a gem, and is literally transforming my life with his insightful tips and tactics. Inspiring, motivational, and also just downright entertaining.

I suggest this podcast to anyone creative, artists writers or musicians can all benefit from listening to this podcast. There have been a few times I was listening to this show and I turned it off to go get busy! Thanks Andy!!!!

I listen to podcasts while walking and (gasp) accidentally discovered Creative Pep Talks while looking for help with Instagram for artists. The self deprecating humor had me laughing out loud. Great information delivered in a totally entertaining way. I can’t wait to dive into more episodes!

I subscribe to a lot of podcasts—mostly marketing and creativity related. This is my favorite! (I’m also the same enneagram type as Andy, so just about everything he says resonates with me!)

Love his energy and positive attitude. Lots of practical advice.

I’ve been listening for a few years now- on my drive to and from work, on the elliptical in the basement- and it always inspires me. This is really a philosophy podcast. It applies to life in so many ways. As a direct result of listening, I’m writing a book now and I’m so excited about it every single day! -Meredith Stoudenmire @volcanoanswers

I honestly think that everyone should listen to this podcast. In a world, where every field is becoming saturated, we need new, creative ways to penetrate our industries and to stay relevant. Dr Andy J Pizza is the one you need -he is the modern day Nanny McPhee!! I am proud to be a (pescatarian) pepperoni. Thank you, so much Andy.

Earlier last year, I decided to start thinking about creative work as the next step in my journey; Dr. Pizza’s deep-pan dish of the finest motivational pep in the land! His series on Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey sparked a relationship to a project I began earlier this year and in listening to Andy every so often, I find a deep sense of connection and understanding of his vision for the world. We couldn’t be more thankful for someone like the Dr. himself! Thank you for everything you do Andy, I for one can say I wouldn’t really be the person I am now without his pep-talks every now and then.Much love from Australia, AJ

I'm a designer and artist who has struggled with the balance between paid work and my exploratory work for a long time. This podcast has done an amazing job of making me think about my work in a different light and give me real advice on how to improve it and enjoy it again.Only build for Andy is to step back and let your interviewers speak more - love hearing their perspectives. Much love!

I love storytelling with great metaphors and Andy is full of incredible stories. Andy pulls inspiration from so many different people, places and genres. I learn so much from each episode. This podcast showed up in my life when I was very confused and discouraged about my creative process. He has helped infuse new life and meaning into my photography and artistic journey.

This has to be one of the most honest podcast for creatives. A deep, real, and intriguing conversation (+tangents) of the struggles to fulfilling your creative quest. Great Work! DR PIZZAAAA!!!!! - An Orator from Namibia