Margo is joined by comedy writer, creator, and entrepreneur best known as the founder of The Onion, Scott Dikkers. Scott served as editor-in-chief and co-owner during its first two decades, helping shape one of the most influential satire publications of all time. In this episode, Margo sits down with Scott to explore the surprising mechanics behind creativity and why inspiration isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build. Drawing from decades of experience creating successful entertainment, Scott shares practical insights on developing creative habits, embracing constraints, overcoming self-doubt, and creating work that connects with people.
Margo and Scott discuss:
- Why creativity is less about talent and more about building repeatable systems and habits.
- How constraints, deadlines, and structure often produce stronger creative work than unlimited freedom.
- The importance of creating lots of ideas instead of waiting for the perfect one to appear.
- How humor can become a powerful tool for resilience, connection, and making sense of difficult experiences.
- Practical strategies for quieting your inner critic and separating the creative process from the editing process.
- Why sharing your work, seeking honest feedback, and surrounding yourself with a creative community are essential ingredients for long-term growth.
- His new book, Creativity Machine
Connect with Scott:
https://www.instagram.com/itsscottdikkers/
https://scottdikkers.substack.com/
Creativity Machine: How to Innovate, Brainstorm, and Hatch Great Ideas on Command
- People Inspiring Scott:
- Spielberg
- Connor O’Malley
- His partner, Dandelion
- Emily Catalano
