Ground and Gratitude

After a fantastic first season of Ground and Gratitude, Lorilee is taking some time to practice what she preaches: self care, rest, and reflection. From all of us here at Ground and Gratitude, thank you for coming along on this enriching journey of discovery and growth. While we take a break from producing new episodes, please check out Season 1 for many wonderful conversations exploring what it means to be a creative in this world and how to bring all the love, joy, and laughter back to the process of design -- and life too!Thanks so much for listening. We'll see you again soon!

Lorilee's close friend and colleague, Art Conn, joins her to discuss his creative journey. Art has worn many hats in his career, from acting and directing theater, to hosting radio and television shows, to working in marketing. He is also well known as the host and emcee for several Clarksville entertainment venues, in addition to being Committee Chairman for the “Best of Clarksville” event for the past 16 years. Currently, Art is a part of Lorilee's team at Thrive Creative Agency, where he lends his many years of marketing and advertising experience. The pair talk about the origins of his creativity, the resilience it's bred, and the many lessons of self care learned throughout Art's adventures as a renaissance man.Highlights: On Art's playlist: “The Joker and The Queen” - Ed Sheeran & Taylor SwiftHis mother's influence on his love for creativityAging and actingHis creative transition from acting to directing The importance of taking care of ourselvesCelebrating life and accomplishments in healthy waysAdvice for working in creative fieldsThe importance of passion One tool for our G&G toolbox Sponsored by Her-Bank.com

Lorilee is joined by fellow designer and Vermont College of Fine Arts graduate, Shruthi Manjula Balakrishna. Shruthi is an accomplished creative who draws from many different fields for inspiration in her design aesthetic. Her work is deeply influenced by her interest in anthropology, philosophy, and behavioral psychology, as she strives to create with a human-centric sensibility. In addition to her role as Design Director at Austin, Texas based firm, FÖDA, Shruthi is also an educator, speaker, and researcher, exploring the effects of design on human behavior through her position as a Doctor of Design scholar at North Carolina State University. Shruthi and Lorilee discuss the balancing points between strategy and creativity, the importance of using both sides of our brains, the intrinsic value of listening, and how data can be an essential resource for designers, just as creativity can be equally as valuable for strategic teams.Highlights: On Shruthi's playlist: Silence…and Bollywood music!How she got her start in advertising strategyThe importance of synthesizing art and scienceBolstering efficiency and efficacy in design by maintaining inclusivity between creative and strategic teamsInternal/narcissistic Listening vs. focused listening vs. 360 listeningHow the psychology of consumption informs the psychology of design and vice versaOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Yoon Soo LeeVCFAHick's LawSponsored by Her-Bank.com

In this episode, Lorilee connects with her friend and former professor, Susan Bryant. The two met in Susan's class at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee where she taught analog photography for 37 years. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibits across the country, and she has been the recipient of several distinguished artistic fellowships throughout her career. Though she retired from full time teaching in 2019, Susan continues to instruct online and in-person photography workshops, while also maintaining a robust and active studio practice. She and Lorilee discuss the nature and value of creativity in different phases of their lives, as well as their intertwined paths to recovery. Highlights: On Susan's playlist: ‘I Am Light' by India.ArieSusan's early love for painting and photography Analog art versus digital art in the pursuit of play and discoveryHer Light Catchers workshopsTheir respective and overlapping journeys toward sobrietyUsing therapy to break down the walls that we buildSusan's ‘third act,' now that's she's sober  One tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life by Laura McKowenTLC aka The Luckiest Club

Lauren Morrow is an acclaimed Nashville-based songwriter and performer. Her music is unique, blending genres like rock and classic-country with her adept storytelling skills and expressive voice. Like Lorilee, Lauren has come to embrace and draw on her own background to create from the heart. With this approach, her individual experience has resonated with people from many walks of life. Lauren joins Lorilee for a personal conversation about what drives her as a creative, why she takes risks in her art, and how she pushes through negativity and self-doubt to make incredible music.Highlights: On Lauren's playlist: “It's About Damn Time” by LizzoLauren's creative rootsUsing performance as a vehicle for growthWhy she tells her own story through musicPushing through negative self-talkEmbracing good thingsHow the personal can speak to universal truthsOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:The War of Art by Steven PressfieldBig Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert“You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive” by Darrell ScottLauren's new single, “Alabama”Sponsored by Her-Bank.com

Anticipating needs, sidestepping disruptions, and maintaining stability are all vital skills when you're running a creative, client-facing business; however, they can also come with a dark side. When left unchecked, this kind of conflict avoidance can spiral into repression and denial of one's own truth. In this special episode, Lorilee unpacks her peacemaking tendencies in an effort to understand their roots and embrace the messy, muddy, middle of real, authentic life.“Crisis of Charisma” is an excerpt from ‘Cultivator and Creator: An autoethnographic study understanding the addicted artist', which you can read in full at lorileerager.com. Sponsored by Her-Bank.com

Entrepreneur Kirbee Miller joins Lorilee to discuss how she navigates life as a creative, caregiver, partner, and founder. Kirbee runs Nashville-based lifestyle brand KiNiMi Kitchen, where she channels her culinary expertise and love of cooking to foster community and connection. She also holds degrees in biology and chemistry as well as a Masters in healthcare informatics. The two connect over their respective paths toward authentic self-discovery -- and how those journeys are rarely linear!Highlights: On Kirbee's playlist: “I Am Light” - India.Arie Kirbee's path from healthcare to launching her own brandFood as a powerful connector of peopleFinding the safety to just be humanEmbracing the nonlinear journeyHer relationship with gratitudeFinding balance in life One tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:KiNiMi Kitchen  Sponsored by Her-Bank.com

Lorilee is joined by Marielena André -- a multimedia designer and educator living in New Jersey. She is an accomplished artist with expertise in textile, fashion, graphic and sustainable design, as well as  product development. Marielena and Lorilee discuss the fundamental curiosity that has fueled their respective journeys in creativity and education, as well as the importance of experimenting, failing, reinventing, and reapplying ourselves as we grow and develop our lives. Highlights: On Marielena's playlist: Instrumental piano, Afrobeat, Brazilian music, Yo-Yo Ma, and SILENCE!Working with her hands and playing with materials from a young ageThe beauty and importance of reinventionThe power of curiosity and discoveryHow pivotal failure can be in the process of honing our education and craftBoundaries of skin, both physical and virtualRecognizing and synthesizing the different versions of ourselvesHow Marielena decided to move in a new direction with her careerOur intuition's role in telling us it's time for changeCrystalizing our priorities when our lives are busy One tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Taktile Design StudioAtmosphere Press Sponsored by Her-Bank.com

Lorilee sits down with Laura Watkins -- entrepreneur, licensed cosmetologist, mom, and owner of Pure Salon Spa in Louisville, Kentucky. Laura and Lorilee discuss their respective journeys with mental health and what it truly means to practice self care, especially when we're struggling. Laura shares her personal experience with depression and the many treatments she tried to address her mental health. She emphasizes how essential it is to have a dialogue about mental illness with our friends, families, and loved ones so that everybody experiencing difficulty knows that they're not alone.Highlights: On Laura's playlist: The ChicksGiving ourselves grace and allowing our brains time and space to restHow do we know if we're depressed?Rewriting the stigmas and negative narratives we've been taught about mental healthThe power of sharing our storiesWorking and parenting with depressionThe brain/gut connectionOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Mental Health LouNational Alliance on Mental IllnessBrain Stimulation Therapies (ECT, TMS)Sponsored by Her-Bank.com

Lorilee is joined by mother and daughter duo Janet and Brianna Velazquez. Janet and Brianna are both licensed mental health professionals whose goal is to help their clients uncover their true potential and lead lives that are worth celebrating. Brianna is a Licensed Professional Counselor MHSP and Janet is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. The three discuss the many benefits of therapy as well as the misconceptions and roadblocks that can inhibit getting started on a path to self-discovery and growth.Highlights: On the Velazquez's playlist:“One Less Day” by Rob ThomasKehlaniUncovering our true potentialUnderstanding EMDRPursuing a life that is authentic and meaningfulPermission and perfectionismDeciding to start therapyHow therapy can help with conflict resolutionWhat professional help can offer usOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:EMDR and Reprocessing TherapyThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkThe Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine AronJohn and Julie Gottman on conflictSponsored by Her-Bank.com

Ziddi Msangi is a Tanzanian-born educator and designer. His early experience of moving to California as a child informs his current awareness and interest in history, power and place. Lorilee and Ziddi sit down to discuss the common threads between their distinct backgrounds and how their senses of place have shaped who they are and their approach to design. They also dig into the innovative philosophy behind human centered design.Highlights: On Ziddi's playlist: King Sunny AdeUnderstanding sense of place and one's “origin story”Living as an insider and an outsider in different spacesEmbracing where you areHuman centered designExplaining liminal spaceZiddi's study of East African textiles as communication systemsOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Institute for Human Centered DesignSponsored by Her-Bank.com

What forces shape who we are on our respective journeys? Wendell Berry's 2004 novel Hannah Coulter portrays one woman's experience with her rural Kentucky farming community referred to as “The Membership.” Drawing on Berry's description, Lorilee shares the role that her own “Membership” played in her life; the people who came together to support each other and their farmland. Not only did this group define her childhood, but they also influenced her approach to running her design business today.“The Membership” is an excerpt from Cultivator and Creator: An autoethnographic study understanding the addicted artist, which you can read in full at lorileerager.com.

Stress is a normal part of life; we all experience it in useful and un-useful ways. Sometimes it can manifest in uncomfortable and even painful physical reactions. Understanding the physical and mental expressions of these feelings can help us gain control, let go, and live healthier lives. Lorilee shares her own experiences with panic attacks and is joined by one of the people who helped her to alleviate her symptoms, Cathy Boone-Black. Cathy specializes in reducing stress and anxiety through therapeutic methods like hypnosis and reflexology.Highlights: On Cathy's playlist: “Dear Younger Me” by Mercy MeDefining anxiety and stress and the differences between the twoUnderstanding physical manifestations of stressCommon roots of anxietyHow methods like hypnosis can reroute neural pathwaysHow our reactions can stem from our wounded inner childUnderstanding why we do what we doOur subconscious mind's impact on our feelingsFinding freedom through knowledge of self and mindfulnessOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:DiSC AssessmentSponsored by Her-Bank.com

Lorilee sits down with one of her mentors, Michael Janda, to talk shop; specifically, the business of being a designer. Michael is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for high-profile brands, including Disney, Google, Warner Bros., National Geographic and many others. Michael sold Riser in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social media content to help creatives level-up and navigate their careers. He is the author of Burn Your Portfolio and The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing.Michael and Lorilee discuss what it takes to run a successful design operation; from managing client relationships to utilizing data and balancing work and life.Highlights: On Michael's playlist: movie soundtracks, beats, and moreThe impetus behind Burn Your PortfolioHis career journey -- from copy store to successful agencyWhy self-education is key to career developmentUsing data to take control of your businessWhat they don't teach you in design schoolThe importance of cultivating relationshipsBalancing work and lifeOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Burn Your PortfolioSponsored by Her-Bank.com

“We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”- Brene Brown.Look on the bright side! Good vibes only. Think happy thoughts! Don't worry.While these phrases may seem helpful, they can all be examples of toxic positivity. Instead of offering hope, toxic positivity can actually stifle and dismiss very real experiences and emotions. Lorilee is joined by her good friend Starr Cliff to unpack why many of us respond to difficult situations with toxic positivity. The two explore alternative ways we can truly show up and offer help when people around us are suffering.Highlights: On Starr's playlist: “Your'n” - Tyler ChildersWhat is toxic positivity?Why people tend to react to conflict with toxic positivityThe danger of numbing our emotions and rejecting negativityHow to embrace the whole human experience...And show up for the people you loveOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Kristen Vanderlip's reflective toolsEnneagram Type IndicatorEugene Peterson's The MessageSponsored by Her-Bank.com

Fellow designer and VCFA graduate Ryan Slone joins Lorilee on the podcast. Ryan is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at University of Arkansas' School of Art. He shares his creative journey, from his childhood in Arkansas to designing for notable clients in Brooklyn. The two discuss the differences (and similarities) between agency and academic life and how grad school shaped their approaches. Today, Ryan's research focuses on social-advocacy poster design, and his award-winning work has been featured internationally.Highlights: On Ryan's playlist: “Moon” - Kanye WestHis creative trajectoryBeing a young designer at renowned design firm PentagramWhy he left agency life to teachParallels between client work and the classroomBalancing work and lifeRecapturing the fun in makingCommunicating complex social issues through designOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:“New House” - Michael BierutVermont College of Fine Arts' Graphic Design programSponsored by Her-Bank.com

It's a cycle you may have found yourself in: you make a lofty New Year's resolution or two, become discouraged by a lack of progress and ultimately abandon the whole thing by mid-January, feeling defeated. If so, you're not alone. In this special episode, Lorilee shares why she let go of yearly resolutions altogether and learned to take sustainable, simple steps toward her own self-care through rituals like breathing, mediation, and writing. The things we tend to each day will grow and flourish, so which seeds will you choose to cultivate?“Side Hustle Hangover” is an excerpt from Cultivator and Creator: An autoethnographic study understanding the addicted artist, which you can read in full at lorileerager.com.

Julie Satterfeal is a registered dietician, author, speaker, podcast host, and coach helping people to develop a shame-free relationship with food. Julie is a weight inclusive, anti-diet dietician with an empathetic, thoughtful approach. She joins Lorilee on the podcast to discuss her important philosophy, why dieting doesn't work, and what authentic nutrition actually looks like.Highlights: On Julie's playlist: “Crowded Table” - The HighwomenWhy Julie focuses on relationships with food rather than weight lossUnderstanding intuitive eatingAnti-fat bias and diet cultureWhat it means to eat shame-freeLearning to love and respect your body (and yourself)Challenging perceptions of ideal beautyDebunking diet myths like BMITaking small, sustainable steps toward shame-free eatingOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet ApproachShame Free Eating: The PodcastBrené Brown on the difference between shame and guiltThe Body is Not An Apology

Britney Campbell is the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations at Legends Bank, where she has played an important role in launching Her Bank, a Legends brand that celebrates, honors, and supports women. Britney is a gifted communicator and community-builder, and she sits down with Lorilee to share her personal experiences with confronting imposter syndrome, building self-confidence, and practicing self care. The two also discuss why it's so meaningful to meet women wherever they are when it comes to banking and financial conversations.Highlights:On Britney's playlist: Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, India Arie and more (check out Her Playlist)Setting healthy boundaries personally and professionallyUnderstanding and navigating imposter syndromePracticing self-care (beyond bubble baths and champagne)Why showing up for yourself can empower you to truly show up for othersOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Brené Brown on boundariesOprah's Super Soul SundaysEckhart TolleSponsored by Her-Bank.com

Lorilee sits down with longtime friend Dawayne Kirkman to talk all about resilience, family, their shared rural upbringing, and much more. Dawayne is the Vice President of Student Affairs at Clark State College where he works with students to overcome challenges and find success. His role has given him insight into the incredible power of mentorship and why it's so important to “pay it forward.”Highlights:On Dawayne's playlist: “All I Want for Christmas is You” - Mariah CareyOwning where you come fromWitnessing alcoholism as a childThe power of forgivenessHow Dawayne found peace and healing for himselfBringing purpose and passion into workThe importance of mentorshipPositive affirmations and being the best version of yourselfOne tool for our G&G toolboxNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK(8255)Sponsored by Her-Bank.com

In this special episode, Lorilee shares personal reflections on her childhood in Kentucky, detailing rich memories of Thanksgiving on Long Vue Farms and the safe spaces she created for herself as a young person. It was these sanctuaries -- under the dining room table or out in the garden --  that created the conditions for healing and true gratitude, but somewhere along the way, Lorilee lost touch with this grounding practice, leading her to ask a question many of us still grapple with; where is my safe space today?“Rural Route One” is an excerpt from Cultivator and Creator: An autoethnographic study understanding the addicted artist, which you can read in full at lorileerager.com.

Writer and speaker Samantha Perkins joins Lorilee to discuss her journey to living an alcohol-free life. They explore the link between alcohol and anxiety, and share their own experiences with sobriety and the pressures and stigmas that surround drinking culture.Samantha is the author of Alive AF: One Anxious Mom's Journey to Becoming Alcohol Free and speaks about the impact that alcohol had on her life and mental health. Highlights:On Samantha's playlist: “Rhythm Nation” - Janet JacksonHow stereotypical portrayals of drinkers affect our own perceptions of alcoholismThe connection between anxiety and alcoholCoping with childbirth, parenthood, and exhaustionMaking happy hour any hour and living alcohol freeHandling the holidays without alcoholOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Alive AFWe Are The LuckiestQuit Like A Woman by Holly WhitakerThis Naked Mind 

Clinical Social Worker Will Messer joins Lorilee to talk about all things therapy. The two get into some of the different approaches out there, how to ask for help, and what healing looks like -- all in the name of living a life full of joy, clarity, and peace. Will has extensive experience working with individuals and couples. He is a Certified EFT Therapist, Certified Enneagram Trainer and Coach, and level one AEDP Therapist based in Tennessee.Highlights:On Will's playlist: “One of a Kind” - Lin-Manuel Miranda, Juan de Marcos GonzálezCultivating safe spacesConnecting with a therapist and understanding why we seek to healTypes of therapyMindfulnessThe importance of connecting with and listening to yourselfEmbracing joy and gratitudeOne tool for our G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)The EnneagramOprah's Super Soul Sunday podcast with Eckhart TolleToxic positivitySponsored by Her-Bank.com

Dr. Anne Wall (a.k.a. Dr. Sweetie) joins Lorilee to explore the power of preparation and self-efficacy. Anne is a longtime educator who has taught at various levels; from elementary school up through higher education in undergraduate and graduate programs. She recently retired as a professor at Austin Peay State University. Anne shares stories from her own life about how she built the confidence and skills to excel in her career and beyond.Highlights:On Anne's playlist: Frank SinatraDefining self-efficacySelf-learning and experimenting with new tools and technologyCombatting procrastination by taking small stepsHow to do the “next right thing”One tool for the G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:ProcreateSkillshareThe Artist's Way

Welcome to the very first episode of Ground & Gratitude, a new podcast from designer and entrepreneur Lorilee Rager.To kick things off, Natalia Ilyin joins Lorilee on the show to discuss routines; the rituals that keep us grounded, calm the mind, and make space for creative ideas to thrive. Whether it's pouring yourself a cup of tea or sitting down to write morning pages, even small routines can lead to transformation.Natalia is a Professor of Design, Design History and Criticism at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, and is also Founding Faculty of the MFA in Graphic Design at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Natalia is an author who recently published her third book, Writing for the Design Mind.Highlights:On Natalia's playlist: “How Lucky” by John PrineBreaking destructive cycles and turning bad habits into positive routinesThe power of storytellingLetting go of perfection and the academic, omnipotent voiceWriting your truth...and dealing with conflictOne tool for the G&G toolboxMentioned in this episode:Writing Down the BonesThe Artist's WayCultivator and Creator

Welcome to Ground and Gratitude, a new podcast from Lorilee Rager. Lorilee is sitting down with experts, friends, and even the neighbor next door to talk about what it means to live a truly healthy life. How do we grow and better our lives -- and the lives of those around us? Tune in every other Wednesday to find out.Visit our website to learn more, or follow Lorilee on Instagram.