My Effing Desk

Follow My Effing Desk
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Is a creative life possible when you’re a mom? How do you rekindle your artistic spark when it’s buried under the laundry? Whether you’re an established creative or trying to remember who you were before Fortnite, My Effing Desk is your permission slip to

Leslie Gaar

Donate to My Effing Desk


    • May 7, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 20 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from My Effing Desk with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from My Effing Desk

    Creative Jumpstart Update!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 1:53


    Creative Jumpstart S3 E4Creative Jumpstart Update!Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Threads. Learn more at creativejumpstartpod.com Tags: creativity, creative, writer, voice, unique, passion, inspiration, motivation, author, creatorSupport the show

    Creating in the Chaos with Author Karen Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 40:00


    Creative Jumpstart S3 E3Creating in the Chaos with Author Karen JohnsonAuthor Karen Johnson (21st Century SAHM) talks about writing through the early years of parenting, creating a place for moms to learn from each other, and looking towards the future.Find out more about Karen at https://the21stcenturysahm.com/ .Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Threads. Learn more at creativejumpstartpod.com Tags: Karen Johnson, SAHM, 21st century SAHM, stay at home mom, mom, creativity, creative, writer, voice, unique, passion, inspiration, motivation, author, motherhood, parenthood, parents, mother, mothers, moms, parentSupport the show

    Finding Your Unique Voice with Author Wade Rouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 41:04


    Creative Jumpstart S3 E2Finding Your Unique Voice with Author Wade RouseAuthor Wade Rouse (Viola Shipman) talks about pushing past self-doubt in order to create, embracing your unique voice, and why terrible first jobs are actually the best.Find out more about Wade at https://violashipman.com/ .Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Threads. Learn more at creativejumpstartpod.com Tags: Wade Rouse, Viola Shipman, creativity, LGBT, LGBTQIA, creative, writer, voice, unique, passion, inspiration, motivation, authorSupport the show

    Say What You Want To Say with Content Creator Katey DiStefano

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 50:32


    Creative Jumpstart S3 E1Say What You Want To Say with Content Creator Katey DiStefanoContent creator Katey DiStefano (The Mother Octopus) talks about humor as a coping mechanism, finding your authentic voice, and creating for yourself.You can find Katey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotheroctopus/Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Threads. Learn more at creativejumpstartpod.com Tags: Katey DiStefano, Mother Octopus, creativity, motherhood, creative, writer, content creator, sobriety, divorce, passion, inspiration, motivation, creatorSupport the show

    Creative Jumpstart Season 3!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 0:56


    Creative Jumpstart Season 3 launches March 26th!Writer and performer Leslie Gaar interviews writers, entrepreneurs, and creatives of all stripes. They share their stories, wisdom, and insight. You come away with motivation and inspiration for your own creative work or business, and keep making amazing stuff. Let's do this.Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on  Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Threads. Learn more at www.creativejumpstartpod.comSupport the show

    Exciting Update From My Effing Desk!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2022 3:09


    My Effing Desk is now Leslie and the Drag Queen! Please enjoy this preview from our new podcast and don't forget to subscribe!Leslie is a creative mom in Austin. Candi is a singing drag queen in Honolulu. They both like making things, and they want you to make things, too! Join Candi and Leslie as they talk about momming, queening and all things creativity. Whether it's dishing about the latest disaster at the Humiliation Station or taking a deep dive into the history of fake eyelashes, Leslie and Candi will take you places you never thought you'd ever go.Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Get in touch at leslieandthedragqueen@gmail.com .Support the show

    Do It Anyway with Drag Queen Candi Shell

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2022 44:22


    My Effing Desk: S2 E3Do It Anyway with Drag Queen Candi ShellDrag queen singing sensation Candi Shell talks about focusing on what gives you joy, letting go of expectations, and the healing power of art.You can find more about Candi on her website: www.candishell.comLink to Alice in Wonderland sketches: https://www.instagram.com/p/CfE1cRcpQKR/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com Support the showTags: Candi Shell, Dan Paul Roberts, creativity, motherhood, artist, art, singer, drag queen, passion, inspiration, dreamsSupport the show

    Parenting for Introverts with Humor Writer Julie Vick

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 54:12


    My Effing Desk: S2 E2Parenting for Introverts with Humor Writer Julie VickHumor writer Julie Vick talks about the challenges of parenting as an introvert, publishing the kind of parenting book she wishes she had, and the role of persistence in creative work.You can find more about Julie on her website: www.julievick.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Buy her book, Babies Don't Make Small Talk (So Why Should I?) here.Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com Support the showTags: Julie Vick, creativity, motherhood, writer, humor writer, introversion, introverts, parenting, passion, inspirationSupport the show

    Living The Dream with Singer/Actor Jenny Tucker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 46:04


    Singer and actor Jenny Tucker talks about chasing her dreams all the way to the Big Apple, turning her acting hobby into a career while raising three kids, and being her authentic self.Link to Jenny's cityscape painting.You can find more about Jenny on her website: www.jennytucker.net or her FB page: J.Tucker Designs. Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com Tags: Jenny Tucker, creativity, motherhood, actor, singer, musical theatre, theatre, Broadway, NYC, New York, passion, inspiration, dreamsSupport the show

    S1 E10: Artist Anna Vartiainen: Happy Accidents

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 31:37


    My Effing Desk: S1 E10Artist Anna Vartiainen: Happy AccidentsArtist Anna Vartiainen talks about embracing the unexpected, starting a microcinema in her home, and finding another kind of creativity when she opened her business.Take the listener survey!Support the Podcast on Patreon!To find out more about Anna and see her work…https://annasdrawingroom.com http://foundshopstudio.com/ https://www.instagram.com/annasdrawingroom/ One Bum Cinema ClubThe Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory*Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com *Amazon affiliate linkTags: Anna Vartiainen, Anna's Drawing Room, creativity, creative, creator, motherhood, artist, art, printmaking, screenprinting, passion, inspirationSupport the show

    S1 E9: Comedian + Writer Crystal Lowery: No Expiration Date on Talent

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 17, 2021 45:04


    My Effing Desk: S1 E9Comedian + Writer Crystal Lowery: No Expiration Date on TalentComedian and writer Crystal Lowery talks about creativity as redemption, the therapy of comedy, and smashing patriarchal expectations of mothers.Take the listener survey!Support the Podcast on Patreon!Follow Crystal on Facebook and Instagram.Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris*The Primal Scream: America's Mothers Are In Crisis (NYT article)Untamed by Glennon Doyle*Bossy Pants by Tina Fey *A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders*Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com Tags: Crystal Lowery, creativity, motherhood, humor, author, writer, stand-up, comedian, screenwriter, passion, inspiration*Amazon affiliate linkSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/myeffingdeskpodcast )

    S1 E8: Tango Dancer + Non-Profit Co-Founder Monica Caivano: Art is Essential

    Play Episode Play 26 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 3, 2021 49:44


    My Effing Desk: S1 E8Tango Dancer + Non-Profit Co-Founder Monica Caivano: Art is EssentialTango dancer and non-profit co-founder Monica Caivano on the role of art and community in hard times, co-parenting and co-running a cultural center with her ex, and reimagining her non-profit, Esquina Tango, during the pandemic.Take the listener survey!Support the Podcast on Patreon!The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron*Esquina Tango websitePetition to support EsquinaPictures of the outdoor platforms created during the pandemicEnjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com Tags: Monica Caivano, Esquina Tango Austin, tango, dance, Austin, non-profit, dancer, creativity, motherhood, co-parenting, inspiration*Amazon affiliate linkSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/myeffingdeskpodcast )

    S1 E7: Author + Songwriter VC Chickering: Why Not Me?

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 20, 2021 42:52


    My Effing Desk: S1 E7Author + Songwriter VC Chickering: Why Not Me?Author and songwriter VC Chickering on reinventing herself at 45, the scintillating sex lives of divorcees, raising good boyfriends, and what success means to her.Take the listener survey!Support the Podcast on Patreon!Tori's websiteTori on InstagramTori Erstwhile and The Montys YouTube channelTori's funny combo spoken word/song “Still Smokes” from Listen to Your MotherNo Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty*Tell Him, an Essay on Masculinity by Jameela JamilThe Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel*Martha Graham quote Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com *Amazon affiliate linkTags: VC Chickering, Nookietown, Twisted Family Values, creativity, motherhood, songwriting, author, writer, songwriter, passion, inspirationSupport the show

    Bonus Episode: 3 Things About Pixar's Soul Movie

    Play Episode Play 55 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 16:42


    My Effing Desk: Bonus Episode3 Things About Pixar's Soul  MoviePixar's movie Soul was groundbreaking in so many ways, and it has particular creative significance. In this bonus episode, host Leslie Gaar explores three of the movie's themes as they apply to people on their creative journey.Take the listener survey!Support the Podcast on Patreon!Soul is Pixar's most visually inventive film, and one of its most poignant by Alissa WilkinsonThe War of Art by Steven Pressfield*The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron*Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com *Amazon affiliate linkSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/myeffingdeskpodcast )

    S1 E5: Ask Me Anything

    Play Episode Play 26 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 30, 2020 37:45


    My Effing Desk: S1 E5Ask Me AnythingHost Leslie Gaar answers listener questions about her creative roots, overcoming self-doubt, the importance of forgiveness when it comes to goals, and juggling a creative life with three kids.Take the listener survey!Support the Podcast on Patreon!How To Be Everything: A Guide For Those Who (Still) Don't Know What They Want To Be When They Grow Up by Emilie Wapnick*The Dutch House by Ann Patchett*Interior Design MastersRiver Deep, Mountain HighEnjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com *Amazon affiliate linkSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/myeffingdeskpodcast )

    S1 E4: Storyteller + Filmmaker Charlotte Moore: Follow Your Inspiration

    Play Episode Play 29 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 16, 2020 36:37


    My Effing Desk: S1 E4Storyteller + Filmmaker Charlotte Moore: Follow Your InspirationStoryteller and filmmaker Charlotte Moore talks about motherhood and creativity, trusting your calling, and the hard work of dismantling racism through her nonprofit, Black Bodies Project.Take the listener survey!Support the Podcast on Patreon!Black Bodies ProjectI Wonder as I Wander by Langston Hughes*For Every Mountain performed by Kurt Carr SingersSilent WitnessEnjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com *Amazon affiliate linkSupport the show

    S1 E3: Cartoonist + Writer Adrienne Hedger: Life in Cartoons

    Play Episode Play 20 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 42:14


    My Effing Desk: S1 E3Cartoonist + Writer Adrienne Hedger: Life in CartoonsCartoonist and writer Adrienne Hedger shares the truth about paying bills as an artist, how she deals with trolls, and using laughter as therapy.Take the listener survey!Support the Podcast on Patreon!Adrienne's websiteAdrienne on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramWild Geese by Mary Oliver*Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese*Click here to find Adrienne and my cartoon collaboration, her types of annoying people cartoon, and pics of her life hack figurine.The other contender for our collaboration.Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com *Amazon affiliate linkTags: Adrienne Hedger, Hedger Humor, creativity, motherhood, writing, drawing, cartoons, humorSupport the show

    S1 E2: Writer + Performer Abby Sher on Art as Activism

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 31:04


    My Effing Desk: S1 E2Writer + Performer Abby Sher on Art as ActivismWriter and performer Abby Sher discusses her latest book, Sanctuary, co-authored with Women's March co-founder Paola Mendoza, writing as therapy, and finding joy in creating with her kids.Take the listener survey!Support the Podcast on Patreon!Abby's websiteAbby on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramSanctuary book*Scrubs clip where Turk dances to "That Girl Is Poison"Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli*Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com *Amazon affiliate linkTags: Abby Sher, creativity, motherhood, writing, activismSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/myeffingdeskpodcast )

    S1 E1: Author + Illustrator Elly Lonon- Do The Thing That's On Fire

    Play Episode Play 18 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 4, 2020 36:15


    My Effing Desk: S1 E1Author + Illustrator Elly Lonon: Do The Thing That's On FireAuthor and illustrator Elly Lonon discusses embracing imperfection, art as a tool for healing, and how the pandemic has changed the way she creates.Take the listener survey!Support the Podcast on Patreon!Elly's websiteElly on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramFind out where to buy Elly's graphic novel, Amongst the Liberal EliteUkulele graphic pieceLink to the Ira Glass quote we referencedBlack is The Body: Stories from My Grandmother's Time, My Mother's Time, and Mine  by Emily Bernard*Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com *Amazon affiliate linkTags: Elly Lonon, creativity, motherhood, writing, drawing, celebrating failure Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/myeffingdeskpodcast )

    S1 Trailer: Introducing: My Effing Desk

    Play Episode Play 25 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 2:28


    Welcome to My Effing Desk, a podcast about juggling motherhood and a creative life. Whether you've already got your own effing desk or are still trying to find it under the laundry, this podcast is for you! Enjoying the show? Take a minute to rate it and leave a review so new listeners can find it!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. Learn more at www.myeffingdeskpodcast.comGet in touch at myeffingdeskpodcast@gmail.com Support the show

    Claim My Effing Desk

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel