Creative Chats with Mike Brennan

From History to Screen: Michael Russell Gunn's Creative Approach to The Brink of War
In this episode of Creative Chats, we sit down with Michael Russell Gunn, acclaimed screenwriter and director, for an inside look at the making of The Brink of War. Michael Russell Gunn pulls back the curtain on his creative process, blending historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling, and shares how real-life events continue to shape his work. Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, or creative thinker, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your journey and seek out the power of story.
3 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Embrace the Unknown in Creativity – Michael Russell Gunn reveals the value of immersing yourself in nature, listening for inspiration, and being open to unexpected creative pivots, both in writing and on set.
🎨 Preparation Meets Opportunity – The importance of being prepared shines throughout Michael Russell Gunn's story, from having a ready script to seizing the right moment when opportunity knocks. "Best prep wins" becomes a guiding mantra.
🎨 The Power of Dialogue – The film's core message echoes today: meaningful conversations, even with adversaries, can build bridges, break down walls, and foster hope, both on screen and in real life.
Episode Highlights:
05:09 – Michael Russell Gunn describes his longstanding practice of retreating into nature before writing a feature, and how this clears mental space for creativity.
10:25 – The story behind The Brink of War: how a chance conversation and years of preparation led to the film's financing and production.
13:44 – Behind the cinematic craft: intentional visual storytelling, using split screens and staging to mirror the narrative's emotional arc.
27:57 – Lessons from production: adapting to unpredictable weather, improvising on set, and the humility required to serve the story in the edit bay.
Guest Bio:
Michael Russell Gunn is a screenwriter and director known for his thoughtful approach to true stories and cinematic storytelling. His credits include the acclaimed TV series Black Sails and the new historical drama film The Brink of War, which recounts the high-stakes 1980s summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. With roots in novel writing and a passion for history, Michael Russell Gunn seamlessly blends fact and artistry in his work.
Links and Resources:
Mike Brennan's Website & Creative Resources - https://mikebrennan.me

The Brink of War – In theaters August 14th - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33070884/

 
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Want to supercharge your creative practice? Explore Daily Creative Habit™ at mikebrennan.me, and make sure to catch The Brink of War in theaters for a moving creative experience you won't want to miss!

322. The Courage to Leave: Adrienne Dorison on Creative Endings and New Beginnings
In this episode of Creative Chats, we dive into the art of reinvention and leadership with Adrienne Dorison, Founder & CEO of Level 11 Leaders and co-creator of the transformative Clockwork framework. Adrienne Dorison opens up about navigating creative pivots, letting go of past successes, and building owner-independent businesses. Her powerful story and hard-won wisdom are a must-listen for anyone seeking to grow, reimagine their work, and pursue creative freedom.
3 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Redefining Creativity - Adrienne Dorison challenges the traditional definition of creativity, sharing how creativity isn't limited to art but includes visionary thinking, leadership, and innovative problem-solving (05:05).
🎨 Embracing Evolution - Seasons change, and so do we. Adrienne Dorison discusses the importance of recognizing when it's time to move on from projects—even if they're "your baby"—and how to gracefully navigate transitions for deeper creative fulfillment (25:30, 27:14).
🎨 The Power of Vulnerability & Community - Facing crossroads can be lonely, but saying things out loud, seeking support, and letting people in is crucial. Adrienne Dorison highlights the courage it takes to ask for help and how authentic community is key to surviving and thriving through reinvention (38:33).
Episode Highlights:
05:05 – Adrienne Dorison reframes creativity as visionary and strategic thinking, not just artistry.
14:09 – The journey from corporate to entrepreneurship—and how family influences shaped her path.
25:42 – Recognizing creative suffocation as a sign it's time to move on, and the challenge of separating ego from purpose.
38:33 – The essential role of speaking candidly with peers and allowing yourself to borrow their courage in difficult times.
45:06 – Adrienne Dorison shares her renewed focus on helping founders remove owner dependency for greater freedom and resiliency.
Links and Resources:
Adrienne Dorison's Website: Level 11 Leaders - https://level11leaders.com

Adrienne Dorison on Instagram https://instagram.com/adriandorison

Sorta Bossy Podcast

 
Feeling inspired? Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more amazing guests and stories to fuel your creative journey. And if you're seeking practical support to deepen your personal practice and business, check out Daily Creative Habit at https://mikebrennan.me

321. Overcoming Creative Setbacks and Rejection
In this solo episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan shares a candid look into the realities of the creative journey. Drawing from a month filled with rain-soaked events, rejection letters, and introspection, Mike offers hard-earned wisdom on what to do when creative opportunities don't go your way. This episode is an honest companion for artists, makers, and creative thinkers who seek encouragement and practical advice for navigating rejection and creative ruts.
3 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Love the Process – Sustainable creativity isn't just about accolades and recognition. A key theme that emerged is that true creatives must fall in love with the act of creating itself, not just the outcomes or external rewards. Cultivating this passion fuels perseverance through inevitable setbacks.
🎨 Rejection Is Part of the Journey – The discussion explored how rejection and missed opportunities are unavoidable and, in fact, vital aspects of a creative life. Processing these experiences constructively—rather than internalizing self-doubt—helps creatives build resilience and uncover new paths.
🎨 Find the Balance Between Retreat and Action – One concept discussed was navigating the extremes of swinging at every opportunity versus hiding from fear of rejection. Instead, the podcast encourages a rhythm of honest assessment, strategic action, and rest to support long-term creative growth and prevent burnout.
Episode Highlights:
02:56 – Rain derails local events, showing how external factors outside of one's control can impact even the best-prepared creative efforts.
06:03 – Processing the disappointment of repeated rejections, and how not being selected doesn't define your talent or worth.
18:32 – Identifying your natural response to setbacks and learning how to channel your energy productively—whether that's resting, regrouping, or reigniting your creative drive.
Links and Resources:
Mike Brennan's website: https://mikebrennan.me

Daily Creative Habit™ Journal & Newsletter: Available under the "Daily Creative Habit" tab on Mike's website

 
Feeling encouraged by this episode? Don't forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps bring more conversations and insights to fellow creatives. To deepen your own creative practice, check out the Daily Creative Habit™ resources at https://mikebrennan.me—and remember, the next opportunity always starts with showing up. Go create something!

320. Tom Provost on Young Washington, Writing, and Servant Leadership
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan sits down with screenwriter, filmmaker, teacher, and creative storyteller Tom Provost for a conversation about his journey through film, writing, teaching, and the making of Young Washington. Tom shares the childhood experiences that sparked his love of stories, the long road of perseverance in Hollywood, and how his creative life has evolved in unexpected but deeply meaningful ways.
3 Key Takeaways for Creatives and Storytellers:
Embrace Unexpected Paths: Tom Provost encouraged staying open to new and surprising opportunities. Sticking too rigidly to a plan may mean missing out on something even greater (11:02).

Power Through the "Dark Nights": Long periods of uncertainty are common in any creative career. Perseverance, self-belief, and a little stubbornness can keep you moving forward—even if the journey takes years (09:13).

Storytelling as a Force for Good: The stories that shaped Tom Provost, from "Chinatown" to "Close Encounters," drove home the value of art as a tool for empathy, justice, and communal reflection (07:00). His hope? That "Young Washington" inspires audiences of all ages, making history vibrant and relatable.

Looking for creative inspiration or tips on turning setbacks into breakthroughs? Check out the full episode and dive into Tom Provost's fascinating journey!
Tom Provost's websites
Food & Film blog: foodandfilm.com
Professional site: cinemalanguage.org
Charity: bagsandgrace.com

Final thoughts
This conversation is a reminder that creative work is shaped by persistence, humility, and the willingness to follow unexpected doors when they open. Tom's story is especially encouraging for anyone navigating uncertainty while trying to make meaningful work that reaches others.

Young Washington releases July 3rd, 2026.
Check out Mike's AMerica 250 art series celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States:
https://www.mikebrennan.me/art-prints

319. Cuffy and the Power of Letting Go
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares a personal story about bowling, his playful alter ego "Cuffy," and the surprising power of loosening control. What begins as a funny family memory becomes a deeper reflection on perfectionism, creativity, and the freedom that comes from showing up with more joy and less pressure.Mike explains how trying too hard often creates tension, frustration, and disappointing results—whether in bowling, pickleball, drawing, or creative work. He encourages listeners to stop white-knuckling their way through life, embrace imperfection, and make room for fun as part of the process, not just the reward at the end.He also reflects on how creativity has helped him reconnect with himself and how his book, Make Fun a Habit, explores this same idea through short stories, reflections, and exercises.
In this episode, you'll hear:
The story behind Mike's alter ego, Cuffy
Why trying to control too much can backfire
How silliness can reduce pressure and improve performance
A reminder that creativity should feel alive, not just productive
How fun can be a practice, not a prize
Key takeaways:
Perfectionism can disconnect you from joy and creativity
Loosening up can create better results and a better experience
You don't have to compare your beginning to someone else's middle
Creativity is a personal resource for problem-solving, expression, and life
Mentioned in this episode:
Mike Brennan's book: Make Fun a Habit
Website: mikebrennan.me
About the host
Mike Brennan is a creative guide who helps people reconnect with themselves through creativity. His work encourages listeners to live more colorfully, embrace their creative voice, and build a daily creative habit.
Closing thought
If you've been feeling stuck, tense, or overly serious in your creative life, this episode invites you to try something different, have some fun, and see what changes.