Nothing Gets Better By Staying Quiet: Katie Cadwell of the NDA Podcast

In this episode of Never Not Creative, Andy Wright sits down with Katie Cadwell, founder of Lucky Dip and host of the NDA Podcast, to unpack the realities creatives don’t often talk about.

From burnout and boundary-setting to the pressures of agency life, Katie shares why creating space for honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations is more important than ever. She reflects on her journey from candid junior to confident founder, and how reaching a position of independence gave her the freedom to speak openly about the industry’s hidden challenges.

The conversation dives deep into the culture of overwork, the emotional toll of caring deeply about your craft, and why burnout may be inevitable for those who love what they do.

Katie explores the tension between personal responsibility and workplace accountability, the impact leaders have on team wellbeing, and why creatives ultimately need to advocate for themselves. It’s a candid, thought-provoking discussion that challenges industry norms and pushes for a healthier, more sustainable way of working.

🔎 Find Out More About Katie Cadwell

Katie Cadwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-cadwell-01803230/

Lucky Dip Studio: https://www.luckydipstudio.com/

Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/the-nda-podcast

Thanks to Streamtime, project management software for creative businesses who believe health profits and happy people can exist together!

📚 Chapters

00:00 - Meet Katie Cadwell & The NDA Podcast

02:02 - Talking About Taboo Industry Topics

08:16 - Burnout: The Reality for Creatives

14:29 - Who’s Responsible for Mental Health?

19:57 - Diversity, Inclusion & Industry Gaps

29:41 - Parenting, Priorities & Work Culture

38:11 - The Unsung Heroes of Creative Teams

47:12 - Moral Compass vs Making a Living

52:30 - The Cost of Caring So Much

#burnout #mentalhealth #creativeindustry