Creativity Isn’t the Point with LEGO's Mike Cass & Neurodevelopmental Biologist Dr. Michael Barresi

This Podcast Needs A Name, hosted by Lee Allentuck, is a podcast about creativity, curiosity, and what it actually looks like to make things for a living — not the polished version, the real one.

Episode 3, Creativity Isn’t the Point, started as a practice run and accidentally became one of the most honest conversations of the season.

Lee is joined by two of his closest friends — Mike Cass, of The LEGO Group and a communications leader and change catalyst, and Dr. Michael Barresi, a neurodevelopmental biologist, Smith College professor, and artist— for an unscripted conversation that feels more like a Friday coffee than a formal interview.

Together, they talk about why creativity isn’t a personality trait, how curiosity fuels meaningful work, and why impostor syndrome shows up even for experienced leaders, scientists, and educators. Along the way, the conversation weaves through parenting, play, focus, communication, leadership, and the pressure we put on ourselves to “get it right.”

It’s thoughtful, funny, occasionally chaotic, and grounded in real life — the kind of conversation that reminds you that creativity usually starts with curiosity… and a willingness to keep showing up.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Creativity plays a vital role in science, art, communication, and parenting.
• Curiosity and creativity are closely linked, and they contribute to personal and professional growth. Childhood creativity influences career paths.
• Imposter syndrome is a common experience and can be overcome.

👉 Watch / listen to the full episode of This Podcast Needs A Name… with Lee Allentuck + read the blog here: www.InnovationInPlay.com

Whether you work in the arts, entertainment, design, science, business, or any creative field, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance from people who’ve built world-class experiences—and still wrestle with the same doubts we all do.

• 00:00 Introductions and Beards
• 06:26 Communication in a Creative Environment
• 12:26 Parenting and Creativity
• 21:00 Childhood Creativity
• 26:24 Imposter Syndrome
• 34:32 Spark of Creativity