by 
You’re A Better Artist Than You Think is my new podcast from The Magic Box Academy.
As some of you know, I have been hosting and producing podcasts for visual artists and storytellers since podcasting was invented.
That’s almost twenty years!
…nearly eight with my current team.
…and I truly believe this is our best work yet.
To learn more about the new show and to subscribe, read on…
The Blurb:
In “You’re A Better Artist Than You Think,” host Chris Oatley (Disney, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation) explores the mindset, strategies and practices of professional artists from a wide range of creative fields.
Whether you’re a total beginner or seasoned pro, this podcast provides actionable insights to enhance your creative skills and advance your artistic career.
New episodes post on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
Subscribe via Apple, Spotify, Audible, YouTube, Email and more.
The Guests:
My team and I have recorded over a year’s worth of new interviews with some of the most effective communicators from animation, games, comics, kidlit and musical theater.
We’ll hear from my former students who now enjoy established careers: animation artist Amy Lewis (SpongeBob, Moominvalley), graphic novelist/ literary agent Tori Sharp (Just Pretend), and theme parks concept artist Chris Bradley (Disney, Universal), among them.
We’ll also catch-up with listener favorites like storytelling consultant and screenwriter Brian McDonald.
…and we’ll cover a few new topics that long-time listeners will consider completely unexpected, yet no less inspiring.
The Style:
I cannot listen to podcast hosts who consistently interrupt their guests and/ or center themselves in the telling of what really should be the guest’s story.
From the beginning, I’ve attempted to model my interview style after “collaborative” hosts like Elvis Mitchell and Oprah. Though I still have a long way to go before I’m even half as good as they are, their approach is, in my opinion, the standard.
…because it leads to such profound discoveries.
On You’re A Better Artist Than You Think, you’ll hear some of our guests discover things about their own creative processes in real-time!
It’s not uncommon for a guest to pause mid-interview and share, “I’ve never thought about this before.”
…or even, “I feel like I’m in therapy right now.”
The Feel:
The audio is carefully produced to create a small, intimate sound space. There are no ads or sponsors to disrupt the flow of conversation or the listening experience.
Occasionally, listeners will complain: “I can’t listen to your show because your voice puts me to sleep!”
…but my team and I take that as a compliment.
…because it means, just as we intend, we’re creating an experience that contrasts most of the Internet.
Instead of sensational headlines, frenetic editing and shouting about things like “smashing subscribe buttons” we offer something more sensitive.
The Sound:
My team and I have invested significant time and resources into improving our audio production skills and workflows. As a result, You’re A Better Artist Than You Think benefits from a major upgrade in sound quality.
I even composed an original lofi soundtrack to create the most immersive vibe possible.
The Magic Feather:
One of the most unique aspects of the show is that each interview features a segment called “The Magic Feather.”
Inspired by the classic Disney film Dumbo, we challenge our guests to reflect on what they once thought they needed to succeed but later realized they could (or should) let go of.
So far, every guest’s response has revealed surprising insight into their artistic growth.
The Response:
Thank you to listener Elise who recently shared some encouraging words about the new show:
“These [new episodes] are life-changing and appreciated greatly. I am just blown away by the effort put into them and the amount of wisdom you have packed into each [one].”
New episodes of You’re A Better Artist Than You Think are now available.
Subscribe via Apple, Spotify, Audible, YouTube and Email.
If you have any questions, guest suggestions or feedback, please feel free to email my team and me.
