Reimagining the Possible – The Art of Change with Dr. Tasha Golden
Reimagining the Possible – The Art of Change with Dr. Tasha Golden
On this episode of The Breakout Podcast, hosts Dr. Keri Ohlrich and Kelly Guenther speak with the brilliant Tasha Golden—a public health researcher, artist, and justice reform advocate whose work sits at the powerful crossroads of creativity and healing. Her story illuminates how the arts aren’t just a personal outlet—they’re a powerful force for individual and systemic transformation.
Who is Tasha Golden?
Tasha Golden is an international speaker and consultant, career singer/songwriter, and PhD scientist. As a leading expert in Creativity, Behavior, and Wellbeing, she helps leaders across industries harness unconventional thinking to spark innovation, reimagine wellness, and drive powerful change.
Reimagining Systems Through Art
Tasha believes creativity is a tool for reimagining broken systems, from health care to juvenile justice. She describes creativity as a process that begins with refusal, leads to reimagination, and results in remaking.
We evolved to make and respond to art—it’s part of how we understand ourselves and connect with others. Tasha invites us to consider what sparks curiosity and makes life feel meaningful, reminding us that well-being often lives outside the clinic and inside the culture.
Project Uncaged: Amplifying the Voices of Girls in Detention
One of Tasha’s most impactful initiatives is Project Uncaged, a creative writing program for incarcerated girls. Rooted in trauma-informed care and advocacy, the program helps girls:
- Safely share their stories.
- Publish their work in poetry collections.
- Send their words directly to policymakers alongside advisory briefs for systemic change.
“They always name decision-makers—judges, wardens, probation officers, legislators. The people who need to hear them.”
This initiative underscores her belief that youth are experts in their own experience—and they deserve to be heard.
Key Takeaways from Tasha’s Story
Creativity Is a Human Need – Art isn’t a luxury; it’s central to how we thrive and heal. It engages the brain, the body, and our social connections in profound ways.
Health Isn’t Just in Clinics – From “arts on prescription” programs to museum visits and nature walks, healthcare systems are starting to recognize that art and culture improve mental and physical health.
Honor Lived Experience – Tasha emphasizes the need to trust young people and their wisdom. They know what they need. We just have to ask and listen.
Small Choices Matter – Agency and choice are critical for growth. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work in healing or in creativity.
This Could Be a Beginning – When life feels like it’s falling apart, Tasha invites us to see it as the painful beginning of blooming. A hard winter may precede a remarkable spring.
Redefining Creativity
Think you’re not creative? Think again. Tasha challenges this belief, reminding us:
- Enjoying music, film, or art is creative engagement.
- Making a playlist, journaling, or decorating your space is art.
- “Bad art” is still good for your health—and can rewire how you see your life.
What Gives Tasha Hope
Tasha isn’t an optimist in the traditional sense, she simply knows that change is always possible.
This is the heart of The Breakout: exploring the imagination, courage, and action it takes to break through life’s limitations and reimagine what’s possible.
Listen to the full episode to hear Tasha’s unforgettable insights and stories.
About The Breakout
Dive into transformative tales of personal growth with The Breakout podcast by Abbracci Group’s thought leaders, Dr. Keri Ohlrich and Kelly Guenther. Join them monthly as they chat with inspiring guests who offer practical insights on breaking boundaries, boosting confidence, and living boldly. Subscribe today to hear upcoming episodes filled with motivation and advice to help you live whatever the hell kind of life you want.
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