Local artists Sarah Goff and Nan McCartney join hosts Maddie Penwell and Brittany Schock on the Better Together podcast. Credit: Brittany Schock / Audience Engagement Editor

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MANSFIELD — This week’s episode of the Better Together podcast is all about how art connects us when words fall short.

Hosts Brittany and Maddie sit down with two local creatives — singer-songwriter Sarah Goff and illustrator Nan McCartney — for a vulnerable, joy-filled conversation about identity, self-expression, and the role of creativity in community.

Listeners might recognize Sarah’s voice already — she’s the artist behind the podcast’s original theme song. Meanwhile, Nan helped shape the show’s look through a custom set of whimsical brand illustrations.

Together, they share why making art is about so much more than talent — it’s about truth.

“The imperfections are what make it beautiful,” Nan said. “I love being able to see someone’s touch on something.”

The conversation touches on everything from imposter syndrome to why we’re often more willing to show up for others than ourselves. Both artists reflect on how creative work can be a bridge between who we are and what we feel.

“You’re going to fail, and that’s going to be what makes you better,” Nan shared.

“I want to make people happy. I want to spread joy,” she added. “And those are the things that make me smile — that’s what I want to share.”

The episode ends with a Hearth Moment prompt that invites listeners to reflect on their own creative courage:

“If artists create connection through self-expression and vulnerability, what is one thing each of us can do to share ourselves a little more?”

The Village Voices

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Brittany Schock is the Regional Editor of Delaware Source. She has more than a decade of experience in local journalism and has reported on everything from breaking news to long-form solutions journalism....