Episode 84

full
Published on:

30th Apr 2026

What happens when we stop dreaming?

What happens when we stop dreaming? Do we lose more than imagination? Do we lose our voice, our future?

In this powerful conversation, award-winning actress and producer Ariana Lebron reveals how creativity didn’t just shape her career, it saved her. Once a selectively mute child navigating trauma, she found her voice through theatre and transformed it into a life of storytelling across stage and screen.

From art as healing to art as community, from motherhood to multicultural expression, this is a story about why dreaming isn’t optional - it’s essential; because when artists dare to imagine, they don’t just change their own lives… they help us all see what’s possible.

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About the Host:

Lucy Colgan is a seasoned creative leader, educator and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in the arts and education. She holds a PGCE in Drama & Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, and has worked as a freelance artist, project manager, and director across the creative sector.

She launched The Wilderness of Creativity in 2024 and invites listeners to explore what it really means to 'take the road less travelled', combining vulnerability, practical insight and inspirational storytelling.

Want to learn more about today’s guest? Check out their full bio and links below!

Ariana Lebrón was born in Dominican Republic to a Domincan mother and Puerto Rican father. This meant she would live most of her childhood between both Caribbean Islands and learn to appreciate the love for a life full of culture and arts. From a very young age Ariana started exploring stage performances in school plays and theatre groups, which made her fell in love with the performing arts. It was not much later in life that she landed the opportunity to attend London's prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

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About the Podcast

The Wilderness of Creativity
A platform for creatives to share their stories of survival.
If you are looking for fast hacks or viral growth tips, this is not the place! However, if you’re looking for depth, vulnerability and a sense of belonging while feeling lost or 'in between', then you have finally found your tribe! The Wilderness of Creativity is the platform for creatives, thinkers and dreamers to share their stories of survival. Through meaningful conversations with inspiring guests and gentle solo reflections, we will brave the wilderness of creativity together as a means to gain creative clarity, confidence and connection. Welcome to your next adventure!
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About your host

Profile picture for Lucy Colgan

Lucy Colgan

Lucy's career spanning two decades has seen her excel as a versatile freelance artist, project manager, and director within the dynamic world of the creative industry. Armed with a PGCE in Drama and Performing Arts and a Professional Diploma in Dance from Trinity Laban, she effortlessly imparts her boundless energy and expertise to budding talents. Lucy crafts bespoke training sessions for educators and non-specialists working across various educational sectors and community platforms. Currently holding the position of Head of Dance and Drama at a leading independent school in Derbyshire, Lucy continues to inspire and empower the next generation of artistic trailblazers.