Never Wear Boring Socks

I had a bit of an epiphany recently about what creativity means to me...and since creativity is the #1 thing we talk about here on Never Wear Boring Socks, I wanted to share it with you! In this episode, I'm talking about my current definition of creativity, and how trusting myself has helped me to live a more creative life both inside and outside the studio. Schedule an Awaken Your Artist call Get access to my free creativity resources Work with me Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com Episode transcript

We all have an artist inside of us. If you don't believe me, it's possible your artist has gotten a bit bored and fallen asleep... In this episode, I'm sharing some other signs that your inner artist might be sleeping, and how you can start to wake them up. Schedule an Awaken Your Artist call Get access to my free creativity resources Work with me Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com Episode transcript

How many times have you put off a creative project because something more "important" came up? If you've done this more times than you can count, you're most certainly not alone. Art often gets put on the back burner in favor of more pressing tasks, but in this episode Maria is making the case that it is actually a very important and worthy pursuit. She's sharing why creativity matters, how expressing your creativity benefits yourself as well as the people around you, and why you should start prioritizing your creative practice now. Schedule a FREE coaching call Get access to my free creativity resources Work with Maria Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com Episode transcript

Do you ever get tired of the advice to just "be yourself?" Of course we want to be authentically ourselves as creatives, but what does this really mean? In this episode, Maria is sharing a new way of thinking about this concept that has the potential to be way more actionable and helpful. We discuss inner critics, inner wisdom, outer socks, and the mopey Eeyores lurking inside our brains. Maria also shares some of her favorite tools for tapping into the most wise, confident, fully expressed version of yourself, and why this is important for artists. Get access to *free* creativity resources Work with Maria Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com Episode transcript

Have you ever felt yourself putting off your creative projects until "someday"- some magical time when you have more time, more space, more support? In this episode, Maria is sharing why you DO in fact have everything you need to get started right now, why it's important that you get started right now, and one of the most underrated ingredients to be a successful, confident artist. Get access to *free* creativity resources Learn more about working with Maria Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com Episode transcript

Have you ever sat down to create your art and it just feels forced? Like you have to push and will yourself to write words on the page, and you just can't get into that flow state where things feel easy and inspired? In this episode, Maria is sharing her tips for how to move from trying to will creativity to happen into allowing creativity to happen. Get the free workshop on how to set up a creative workspace Learn more about creativity coaching with Maria Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com Episode transcript

Have you ever felt like you're just not creative, or like you're just not that good at art or music or writing (or any other creative medium)? In this episode, Maria is sharing why you are in fact a creative and talented person, and the real reason you feel stuck. Join me in the Secret Garden of Creativity (free resource library!) Learn more about creativity coaching with Maria Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com Episode transcript

Do you ever feel frustrated with your creative practice? Like you don't have enough ideas or talent? Do you ever feel like you're just not a creative person? In this episode, Maria is sharing her solution: make bad art. Listen in to learn how embracing "bad" art can help you break through your creative blocks. Creativity coaching Join the newsletter Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com Episode transcript

Today we are talking about boundaries! A lot of us struggle with them, but strong boundaries are so important when it comes to making creative work consistently. In this episode, Maria shares what she has learned about boundaries from one of her favorite flowers, and how better boundaries helped her make more art. Learn about creativity coaching Join the newsletter Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com Episode transcript

In this episode, we're discussing a very popular topic: How do you have more creative ideas? Whether you're a visual artist, a writer, a musician, or you just know you want to make something, you first need ideas. But where do they come from? Today Maria is sharing her experience and perspective on how to invite more creativity and better ideas into your art practice and your life. Learn about creativity coaching Join the newsletter Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com Episode transcript

Today, Maria is sharing one of the most valuable things she's gained from a regular creative practice: a deeper connection to her intuition. In this episode, she shares how she used to be a super indecisive kid, how making more art connected her to her intuition, how intuition is related to confidence and self-trust, and some questions to help you connect to your inner wisdom as well. Sign up for a free coaching call. Join the creative space workshop on Dec 14. Join the newsletter. Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com to say hello. Episode transcript

In this episode, Maria is sharing some of her tips for staying inspired as a creative. Often, we think of looking to other artists, writers, and musicians, but that's not the only place to look for inspiration. Maria talks about the importance of venturing outside your medium and genre for inspiration, as well as play and "pointless" activities as ways to nurture your inner artist. Sign up for a free coaching call. Join the creative space workshop on Dec 14. Join the newsletter. Website: thephilosophersstem.com Instagram: @thephilosophersstem Email hello(at)thephilosophersstem.com to say hello. Episode transcript

What does making your bed have to do with creativity? Listen to this episode to find out! Maria shares her philosophy on "making the bed" (both literally and metaphorically), how our daily rituals support creativity, and how creativity is like a plant. Sign up for a free coaching call. Join the creative space workshop on Nov 18. Join the newsletter. thephilosophersstem.com Email maria(at)mariakatharine.com to say hello or request a transcript of this episode.

A lot of creatives are resistant to structure because it feels restrictive. However, as Maria shares in this episode, structure can be incredibly supportive - even an essential ingredient - in allowing creativity to flow. Sign up for a free coaching call. Join the creative space workshop on Nov 18. Join the newsletter. thephilosophersstem.com Email maria(at)mariakatharine.com to say hello or request a transcript of this episode.

This is the last in a three-part series about making space for creativity. In this episode, we're focusing on ENERGETIC space. Now that you've carved out space in your physical environment and your schedule to work on your art, it's time to look at whether or not you are energetically available for a satisfying creative practice. Maria is sharing a few things that have helped her become more available to creativity, and some reflection questions for you to ponder. Get in touch: @mariakatharine Email maria(at)mariakatharine.com to say hello or request a transcript of this episode. Sign up for a free coaching call. Join the creative space workshop on Nov 18. Join the newsletter. thephilosophersstem.com

This is the second in a three-part series about making space for creativity. In this episode, we're focusing on TIME space. It can be hard to find the time to work on your art. In this episode, Maria is sharing a few of the things that have helped her prioritize creativity in her schedule, and some prompts to help you do the same! Get in touch: @mariakatharine Email maria(at)mariakatharine.com to say hello or request a transcript of this episode.

This is the first in a three-part series about making space for creativity. In this episode, we're focusing on PHYSICAL space. As creatives, we require some sort of physical space to do our creative work. Today, we're exploring how to carve out that space, even if you live in a smaller home and don't have the luxury of a separate creative studio. Get in touch: @mariakatharine Email maria(at)mariakatharine.com to say hello or request a transcript of this episode.

Never Wear Boring Socks is back! In this episode, Maria shares her perspective on creative inspiration and what inspired her to get back into podcasting. Then, she shares a few reflection questions for anyone wanting to invite more inspiration into their life. Get in touch: @mariakatharine Email maria(at)mariakatharine.com to say hello or request a transcript of this episode.

Get in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

Get in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

The holiday season is fast approaching, which means it’s time for the third annual Never Wear Boring Socks gift guide! In this episode, Maria and Anna share their thoughts on the importance of gratitude and how to develop a gratitude practice, and then describe some of their favorite items to gift to others. Whether your preferred type of gift is a product you buy, a food you make, or an experience you share, our co-hosts are sure to offer ideas that will suit everyone on your list.This week’s quote:“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” — Thich Nhat HanhMentioned in this episode:More With LessJane EyreLittle WomenBig Magic Love Real FoodWomen Who Run with the WolvesDr. Bronner’s soapsAlaffia lavendar lotionPrimally Pure mistBuffalo Gal mistEtsySoulKuTina Lilja jewelryEvery Body is Beautiful productsContigo travel mugKlean KanteenStabilo pensStaedtler pensJournals: Peter Pauper Press, Moleskine, LeuchtturmPrismacolor colored pencilsMaria’s Etsy shopGet in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

This week, Anna and Maria discuss a new and exciting topic: permaculture! Permaculture is a form of agriculture that is based on a holistic system of people care, earth care, and future care. Our hosts talk about how permaculture works and why it’s important, how it relates to environmentalism, and its influence on—you guessed it—creativity and wellness. They wrap up with some wisdom from one of Maria’s own mentors.Mentioned in this episode:In Defense of FoodInhabitThis week’s quote:“Because everything is interdependent, there are no simple, single causes and effects. Every action creates not just an equal and opposite reaction, but a web of reverberating consequences.” ― Starhawk, The Earth Path: Grounding Your Spirit in the Rhythms of NatureGet in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

Our co-hosts are joined this week by guest Heather Sommerlad. A musician and writer, Heather knows her way around the creative process—though isn’t afraid of admitting how difficult it is to create. In this episode, Heather shares her thoughts on the creative motivation and instinct, sharing your creative work, and managing multiple creative pursuits.Mentioned in this episode:Big MagicRachel GrimesMasterChefGet in touch with Heather:Website: https://heathersommerlad.wordpress.com/Get in touch with Anna and Maria:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

Get in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

In this episode, Anna and Maria dive into the topic of structure as it relates to creativity. As creatives, many of us are resistant to structure; but as ambitious creatives, our desire to follow through and finish projects often requires some element of structure. Maria and Anna have been leaning into this idea in their own lives, so they’re sharing what’s worked for them. As usual, the specifics of what works best will depend on your circumstances, but they offer some suggestions for structuring space as well as time, with ideas for day-to-day time management as well as longer term goal setting.Mentioned in this episode:Big MagicGretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies frameworkOur episode on valuesOur episode on creative spacesThis week’s quote:“It’s hard to be fully creative without structure and constraint. Try to paint without a canvas. Creativity and freedom are two sides of the same coin. I like the best of both worlds. Want freedom? Get organized. Want to get organized? Get creative.” - David AllenGet in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

This week, Anna and Maria are back from vacation (#cousinreunion), so to keep the vacation vibes going a little longer, they enjoy a summer vacation variety episode! With updates on creative and wellness pursuits, some interesting questions, and a lot of recommendations, our co-hosts keep things light this week to help you enjoy the last few weeks of summer, and to stay creative and well along the way.This week’s quote: “You belong among the wildflowersYou belong in a boat out at seaSail away, kill off the hoursYou belong somewhere you feel free” - Tom Petty (from the song “Wildflowers”)Mentioned in this episode:Just Between UsRozziFather of the Bride by Vampire WeekendAmericanah by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieAgatha ChristieThe Longevity Kitchen cookbook@sweetwaterfloralShetlandScott & BaileyRuby Warrington’s astro deckThe Wailin’ JennysGet in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

We’re SO excited to have wellness director, wholeness lifestyle consultant, writer, and podcaster Kris Mereigh joining us on the podcast this week! We talk about:- what it means to be an adult and Kris’ inspiration to start her podcast- intersectionality and wellness- what Kris discovered about the word “wellness” through her work- considering all parts of your identity and what each part needs for self care- community, ancestry, systems, and your environment as another ingredient of wellness- the importance of finding self care that works for you- Kris’ writing practice- the importance of saying noMore about Kris:Kris Mereigh is a native and proud New Yorker but considers herself a global citizen. Kris has been an advocate for holistic and identity based wellness since 2013, earning her master’s degree in public health communications from Johns Hopkins University. She fancies herself a life learner and has certifications in health communications; diversity and inclusion; monitoring and evaluation, social entrepreneurship; and body positivity facilitation. She regularly consults with hospitals, universities and K-12’s on inclusion and equity integration into programming and curricula. When she has time, she provides lifestyle coaching to individuals interested in the pursuit of “whole” life living.Kris regularly authors for medium and is the cohost of the coming of age lifestyle podcast @AttemptedAdults. She is the 2018 national recipient of the American College Health Association’s New Professionals Affiliate Award for the development of the wholeness framework, used to increase belonging amongst all students of diverse identities within higher education.Outside of her professional life, Kris believes in the power of social justice and individual activism. She believes in the intentionality of being a global citizen by engaging in and with languages, regular travel, cuisines galore, dance, and spending time in the beautiful outdoors.Mentioned in this episode:Smiling MindBurnout by Emily NagoskiThe Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee TaylorNetflixGet in touch with Kris:Kris’ Medium blogAttempted Adults podcastKris’ websiteGet in touch with Anna & Maria:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

Here at Never Wear Boring Socks, we give out quite a bit of advice. Not because we are experts at life, but because we believe that everyone has valuable insight to share and we can learn a lot from each other’s experiences (and missteps). However, we often have a hard time following the advice we give ourselves. For some reason (and we attempt to shed some light on what this reason might be in this episode), it’s often a lot easier to follow through on things when other people say you should. BUT, given that we believe in the value of our own intuition and inner wisdom, we want to get better at following our own advice, and in this episode we explore several ideas for how to do that.This week’s quote:“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” - Steve JobsMentioned in this episode:Big Magic by Elizabeth GilbertGretchen Rubin’s Four TendenciesThe Best Friend MethodGet in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

This week’s quote:“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre LordeGet in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

This week’s quote: ”You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” - Oprah WinfreyGet in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksJoin our Facebook group!

Show notes:Get in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksTwitter: @noboringsocks

Show notes:Get in touch with Ella: Instagram: @nutellachristineGet in touch with Charlotte (Ella’s kitty):Instagram: @charlotte__the__catGet in touch with Anna & Maria:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksTwitter: @noboringsocks

Show notes:https://www.neverwearboringsocks.com/listen/artist-many-art-fomsWe have a NEW website! https://www.neverwearboringsocks.com/Get in touch:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksTwitter: @noboringsocks

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Show notes:https://www.neverwearboringsocks.com/listen/alicia-hunterGet in touch with Anna & Maria:Email: neverwearboringsocks@gmail.comInstagram: @neverwearboringsocksFacebook: Never Wear Boring SocksTwitter: @noboringsocks

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