23 journeys: a network for creatives by Thato and Naomi Dadson

What happens when the drive to create starts draining your life force? In this powerful episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Dr. Karen Fiorello, educator, yoga instructor, entrepreneur, and community leader, reveals the hidden cost of creative ambition and how to reclaim your energy without losing your edge.

Balancing business, parenting, and mental health is challenging, and prioritizing your mental well-being is essential for your success and happiness.

Creatives often feel overwhelmed by late nights, racing thoughts, client deadlines, kids, and the pressure to 'keep going,' making sleep difficult. In this episode, sleep expert and behavior analyst Michelle Kreuzer acknowledges these everyday struggles and explains how they affect our work, health, and emotions.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Thato and Naomi break down the truth about burnout. Most creatives don't burn out because of work; they burn out because they work without boundaries. This highlights how much their well-being matters and can help you feel seen and supported. Together, they talk through real-life examples of setting schedules, protecting family time, handling client expectations, and learning when to say no. They also share how to build systems, automate your business, and create sustainable routines so you don't collapse under pressure. Whether you're a photographer, designer, freelancer, or entrepreneur, this episode will help you reset, recharge, and build healthier habits that protect both creativity and mental health.

This episode was recorded live at Art Means Business, a networking event inside the Wilmington International Film Festival. Thato and Naomi sit down with filmmakers and educators to discuss creativity, filmmaking, opportunities, and the power of genuine connections.

Kate Braunstein joins hosts Thato and Naomi to share her journey from dance major to professional broadcaster. She discusses not just overcoming nerves and learning the craft of radio, but also the personal growth and confidence she built behind the microphone. Kate opens up about her early mistakes, mentors who shaped her path, and how networking helped her land opportunities with ABC and KGW.

Filmmaker and CEO of Crystal Fox Films, Mike Fox, joins Thato and Naomi Joy Dadson to talk about storytelling, networking, and building a sustainable creative business. He shares insights from his journey into film, the role of family in his creative process, and the future of filmmaking with AI.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Thato and Naomi sit down with artist Rebecca Rutstein, whose work is a unique blend of fine art, geology, and marine science, and has left a lasting impact on public installations, oceanographic collaborations, and museum collections worldwide.

Thato and Naomi, two successful professionals in the modeling industry, share their unique journey of how they met at a modeling shoot and leveraged creative networking to build their careers. They will guide you on how to connect with photographers, directors, makeup artists, and fellow creatives, and how to build a reputation that opens doors.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Thato and Naomi welcome back networking expert Chris Gittings for an exhilarating exploration into how creatives can unlock the full potential of LinkedIn. It's not just a résumé, but a powerful tool for fundamental growth, and we're here to show you how.

In this impactful episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Bethany Williams, event strategist and co-leader of Wolf of Broad Street, candidly discusses the practical steps to build community through networking. She shares actionable advice on how to make people feel seen at events, the importance of maintaining authenticity online, and the specific strategies women in the creative industry can use to navigate networking spaces with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time event host or looking to foster deeper connections, Bethany’s practical insights will guide you in making a lasting impression and staying committed to your networking goals.

In this episode, Thato and Naomi delve into the practical aspects of online networking for creatives. They stress the importance of a strong LinkedIn presence and the strategic use of Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, providing actionable ways to make an impact and get noticed.

Katie Taylor, founder of Savvy Custom Swag, shares how she built a seven-figure business from the ground up, starting as a single mom with no roadmap, hustle, faith, and the power of networking. In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Katie breaks down how she used vendor events, personal branding, and community relationships to grow her product-based business into a national success.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, we sit down with host, speaker, and all-around creative force NanaKofi Dadson, who also happens to be Thato’s younger brother.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Thato and Naomi, two seasoned creatives, delve into the intricate dynamics of creative collaboration. They draw from their own experiences, sharing candid lessons, real-life anecdotes, and practical advice to empower you in fostering stronger creative partnerships.

Insurance may not sound glamorous, but it could be your business's lifeline. In this episode, we sit with commercial insurance broker Don Blizzard to break down the coverage every creative entrepreneur should know about. From protecting your gear and reputation to guarding against lawsuits and cyberattacks, Don explains how the right policy, found with the help of a good broker, can mean the difference between bouncing back or going broke.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, we sit down with Josh Butcher, founder of Wolf of Broad Street, to explore how he transformed small networking mixers into Philly’s go-to real estate events. Josh shares his journey from magazine publisher to event strategist, diving deep into how authenticity, niche focus, and creative partnerships fuel his success. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Sometimes, all it takes is one connection to change the course of your entire career.

What happens when you’ve had 23 jobs before 30? It was a transformative journey for Ashley to learn how to build a business out of relationships, not résumés. In this episode, Ashley shares her powerful journey from being a celebrity assistant to founding her company as the first “Networking Concierge.” She generously shares practical gems on how creatives and introverts can network purposefully, build lasting connections, and stop hiding behind the camera. We talk about her 15-minute meeting strategy, how she stays grounded by remembering the 5 lives she’s changed, and why “speed to trust” is the key to real success. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur or tired of surface-level networking—this episode will challenge and inspire you.

Discover the inspiring journey of Chris Gittings, the founder of Cogent Connections. He shares his remarkable transformation from a self-described introvert, initially fearful of rejection, to his current role as a leading connector and event host for professionals.

In this premiere episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, hosts Thato and Naomi Joy Dadson dive deep into what networking truly means for photographers, videographers, musicians, and aspiring creatives.

🎧 Welcome to 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives — the podcast for photographers, videographers, and creative entrepreneurs ready to grow their brand, expand their network, and take their creative journey to the next level.