Podcasts about creative project

HI cutie! My Maternity leave continues with another BEST OF from Unleash! This one is with the great Colin Bedell AKA Queer Cosmos and we're talking all about astrology! Ever since my baby Leo was born, I've been obsessed with diving into his birth chart- I have the zodiac on the brain! ENJOY this episode --both a fun and informative one! Astrology is my fave. We will be back in October. Until then, enjoy these gorgeous eppys! On The Guest:Today's guest is Colin Bedell. He's a  nondenominational, strengths-based Astrologer looking to queer the cosmos and provide secular approaches to personal, relational, and professional development. His work has been seen in Cosmo Magazine, discovery plus, his amazing Instagram, @QueerCosmos and countless podcasts, including his own, Good Risings! NOTE: We have an amazing discussion at the top about life, self-development, Colin's career journey and the difference between self-acceptance and self-enabling, but if you just want the astrology deep dive, skip to minute 28!From this conversation you'll learn:Why Everything is the same everywhereThe Difference between self-acceptance and enablingWhat the Big Three (Sun, Moon & Rising Sign) REALLY are and what they mean about you/your journeyThe best place in the chart to look for career developmentWhere in your chart to look to find information about your creativity and careerHow to develop self-trustHow to not run away from fear but the face it and embrace itThe importance of meditation to seal off your dayWhy Catholic and Italian Culture actually pairs beautifully with astrologyFollow Colin: @queercosmos

In this Margin Notes episode of the #amwriting podcast, host Jennie Nash talks with book coach and author Stuart Wakefield about approaching marketing as a creative project by making joyful “artifacts” that expand a story world rather than simply asking readers to buy a book. Wakefield shares his creative background, a past period when his creative practice stopped, and how he now immerses himself in projects tied to his latest novel, All Hands on Dick, set in 1956 aboard the cruise ship SS Celestial. Stuart describes the book's comedic, queer, mid-century influences and its characters, explains creating items like a 3D-printed ocean liner and a hand-cut 10-inch vinyl record featuring AI-assisted big band songs, and discusses building an animated music video. Nash also previews upcoming episodes with Wakefield on using the Blueprint method to develop a series, as he launches his trilogy A Gay Odysea.#AmWriting is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Connect with Stuart* Visit his book coaching site* Read his books* Watch his music videoTranscriptJennie: [00:00:00] Hi, I'm Jennie Nash, and you're listening to the #amwriting podcast, the place where we help writers of all kinds play big in your writing life, love the process, and stick with it long enough to finish what matters most. Hi, everyone. This is Margin Notes, the part of the podcast where we're talking about the big decisions writers face in their work or creative lives.I'm here today to talk with Stuart Wakefield about making marketing a creative project. And you've heard from Stuart before. He has coached on the podcast, and we'll link to that episode in the show notes. He also will be in episodes to come, which we'll talk about in a moment, and Stuart is a fascinating individual who's had a long career in all kinds of things, including TV writing, playwriting, a long stint in IT.What? [00:01:00] And, and now Stuart works with me at Author Accelerator, and he runs his own book coaching business at thebookcoach.co. Welcome, Stuart.Stuart: Thank you for having me, Jennie. I'm really excited to talk to you today.Jennie: I'm excited too. This is such a, such a interesting topic. So the reason this came up is that Stuart launched a new book, which he'll tell you about in a moment, which is part of a series, which he'll tell you about in a moment, and I started seeing out on social media just all this really fun content that he was producing.And obviously then I would get to talk to him at work, and I- he just would have so much joy, and then he would say, “Oh, let me show you this other thing.” And when I talk about fun content, I'm talking about, like, music videos, cartoons, animated [00:02:00] little shorts. He wrote a song. He, he's writing a music video. He 3D printed a ship.He printed a vinyl record. I mean, it's bonkers. And so I just wanted to dig into this about what are you doing, and why is it creating so much joy, and what can we learn from it? So that's what we're here to talk about.Stuart: Oh, oh, oh. Right. Okay. So, so in, in my creative practice, I have always enjoyed... You know, I started acting when I was five, um, so I've always been in kind of around the theater, even when my kind of IT career and project management career was all kind of going on.So I've always enjoyed that. I, um, started a, a- A degree in fashion design. Um, after a year at art college, I, you know, carried on acting and then had a break in 2003. Uh, if I'm really honest with you, I had a breakdown and- Yeah ... m- [00:03:00] my creative practice just stopped. And about six years later in 2009, I started writing.And you know, I've always been a creative person, and I've always been a storyteller, and I tend, but I tend to do it in a very short, concise way. So the shortest piece of fiction I've sold was 50 words.Jennie: That's short.Stuart: Right. Okay. So I, um- Have had like a, a side art project. It's called The Queer Historian of Emotional Truths.Um, and there is a website that sits with that, and the idea is that the queer historian has found artifacts, um, and he is curating those and sharing those on the website, and they might be voicemails, they might be found photos, found objects. And when I got my... So I really love that kind of very small to- storytelling, those, those really poignant moments, [00:04:00] as opposed to great big, long stories.Um, I recently s- sold a story to Divine Femins- Feminine Publishing as well, um, which is again, it's cozy sci-fi, but it's very much the small kind of human moments.Jennie: Right.Stuart: And I found that after writing this book, I became so invested in the world that I wanted to do small art projects that kind of lived within that world.So that's where this has come from. I, I don't see it as marketing. I see it as telling those smaller stories within that wider world that really convey the joy that not only have I got from writing that, that work, but I think lives on after the reader closes and reads that last, that last page and then closes the book.Jennie: Well, this is why it's so exciting and inspiring to me, because so often when writers talk about marketing or think about marketing, they're thinking [00:05:00] about, “Buy my book. Buy my book. Buy my book,” and that's not at all where you're coming from. I suspect... Well, with this current project, it's, it's brand new, but I suspect that that's where it's gonna go, right?That it's impossible to imagine sh- that you're gonna share all these creative acts and artifacts and not get people... I was gonna say on board, but that's gonna be like- The, it's a- ItStuart: is set follow... It's set on board a, a ocean liner. Right. So on, on board is great.Jennie: Right? Like the, how could those two things not happen?That, I guess what I'm getting at is I, I often think that the results people want don't usually come from the path that they think is gonna get them there. Right. The results come from doing the work you love, writing the story you want, and in your case, making this a creative project. Do you- Yes ... do you think that's [00:06:00] true?Stuart: Yeah. You know, very much so, and I was discussing this with a marketing book coach, uh, Rebecca Grogan.Jennie: Mm-hmm.Stuart: Highly recommend her to any romance writer. So that's beckythebookcoach.com, and, you know, we got talking about creative projects and how much I don't really like marketing. I always thought it was a very British thing not to like marketing, but the more and more US writers I, I meet and fellow coaches, again, you know, marketing can feel like something unsavory.Jennie: RightStuart: And what I really want to do is show people these cool things I've made and invite them very much into the world. Because what I do in any of my creative writing projects, I have objects that represent what I'm writing on my desk. So, um, I have a book that's set in 1907, so I got [00:07:00] artifacts from, from that time.I have a book that's set, well hopefully coming out in a few months, which is, uh, set in Madrid in 1958, and one of the characters works in a print shop. So I have wooden blocks, wooden printing blocks that spell out this character's names. So-Jennie: Oh,Stuart: that'sJennie: so cool.Stuart: So as I switch from project to project, I bring those things and put those onto my desk, and I just find it helps me get into that head space-Jennie: YeahStuart: and that emotional connection.Jennie: Yeah.Stuart: So because I still have a, a very strong emotional connection to what it is that I've just published, and I know there are two more books coming, I really wanted to sit and kind of immerse myself in that world. And the first object I created was this 3D printed ocean liner, because that has what has been sitting on my desk while I've been writing this first book.Jennie: So when you say you 3D printed it, how did you go about [00:08:00] that?Stuart: Okay, so I-Jennie: Oh, and, and let's just describe, since people can't see it. It's, it's about like eight inches, 10 inches? Uh, yeah, yeah. So- And it's... Is it made of plastic?Stuart: Yeah. So it's 3D printed, uh, so it's kind of a, a resinous kind of plastic that's- Yeahjust melted as it comes through the head. And yeah, so I found, uh, a model online, and then I... My comput- my computer modeling is not great. It's one of the few things that I'd see that I don't really, you know, have a skill at. So I contacted a friend and said, you know, “Can you modify this for me? Um, can you change the name on the side of the ship?”‘Cause the model that was already there, um, had a different name. And yeah, you know, we, we worked on the look and the feel, and then when we were ready, we found someone else to, to actually print it up. So for me, it's just a lovely object, and I know I'm going to be able to take it to book fairs. There's one coming up at the end of September- So I have little [00:09:00] wooden life rings, we have ship's rope, I have a reception bell.Um, so all of these artifacts, again, when s- if somebody comes to my stand at the book fair, they will be walking into the world of the SS Celestial.Jennie: That's so fun. Okay, so let's, let's talk about the, this, the ship and what happens on the ship and the story and the whole thing, ‘cause it's just too much fun.So it's, um, set in 1956 on a cruise ship. The name of the book is called All Hands on Dick, and it is currently out. So why don't you tell us about first All Hands on Dick, and then the series that it, um, begins?Stuart: Okay. So All Hands on Dick follows cruise director Dick Dockery, and Dick is one of those people that puts the passengers' needs before his own.So, and he is very good at his job But on the voyage from New York to Bermuda, [00:10:00] a slightly seedy kind of underground guy with a reputation called Van Valentine boards the ship. And Van very quickly identifies that what Dick is doing, that he's fulfilling everybody's needs but his own. So throughout a...It's very much a comedy of manners. So throughout that and some farcical moments and lots of beautiful sub-stories, um, Dick eventually learns that being needed is not the same as being loved.Jennie: Very, very, uh, profound message in a very fun setting. So some of the other characters, tell us about some of these other characters.Stuart: Okay. So we have, uh, newlyweds, uh, Buck and Kitty Devereaux. And Buck seems very nervous in his marriage, so one of the kind of mysteries is what is Buck hiding? And then eventually we start to learn that actually Kitty might be hiding some- something as well. We have [00:11:00] Aurelia Cashmere, who is a sort of a, a grande dame, I guess.She, she's first class. Um, she has come on board with a secret that she's going to reveal something when they get to Bermuda. We have, uh, Tony's sidekick, uh, Bunny Marlowe. We have a steward who seems to know everything called Tony Two Towels. We have a light-fingered magician called Pip Larkin. Um, and- ThisJennie: is just so great.And you s-Stuart: And then lounge singer... Sorry, then we have a l- a lounge singer called Rex Devereaux. Uh, and he has a on-off affair with his piano player, Joey Lamplight.Jennie: Okay. So you shared with me that, um, you loved The Love Boat, the, the TV show, right? Oh,Stuart: it's one of my... It, it's just fantastic. And I, I tell you what happened, I love the movie An Affair to Remember-Jennie: Mm-hmmStuart: with Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant. [00:12:00] And you know, I was... My mom loved kind of ‘40s, ‘50s movies. So she kind of introduced me to those when I was growing up, ‘cause I was born in the early ‘70s. So you know, sh- I was kind of weaned on, on movies by watching those. And I loved watching The Love Boat, and more recently...I say recently, it's a few years old now, but the movie Down with Love, uh, with Renee Zellweger.Jennie: Yeah.Stuart: And I watched that and it reminded me of the Doris Day, Rock Hudson kind of sex comedies.Jennie: Yeah.Stuart: So the vision for All Hands on Dick and the series that it fits into, um, very much came from those, those influences, and the love of, of the, all of those things.Jennie: Well, and it has that, and has that feel. So we'll talk about the whole series in a minute, but some of the other things that you made artifacts that you made, uh, well, there was a song and then there was a record, [00:13:00] and then there was a music video. So how much time have you spent making all these things?Stuart: I, I, I think, I think that wh- what, what happened was, I, I, I'd finished the book and I w- I was, I, something had happened.I think, I think an old Drifters song came up on my, um, Irene's, uh, list, and I'd been listening to... We have a, a TV, um, advert that's on in the UK that, uh, has the song, um, Beyond the Sea.Jennie: Oh, sure, sure.Stuart: It's Bobby... Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. And I was, “Oh, okay.” So I knew that Rex, the lounge singer, one of his storylines is that there's a song that he can't sing.Jennie: Oh.Stuart: It is too emotional for him, and he's desperately trying to get his career back on track and, but there's this one song that he just cannot sing, but it's one of the most powerful songs that could potentially bring his [00:14:00] career back. And I'd been thinking about songs and, you know, again, my mom was just a very, very funny wom- woman and, you know, we would make songs up together.And I wrote some jokey lyrics, uh, called, for a big band number sung by Bunny, called Everybody Needs Dick. And, and, you know, uh, you, the lyrics are, are, you know, a bit silly here and there, but, uh, I just had fun with it.Jennie: Yeah.Stuart: You know? So none of this was planned. Um, now I know some people are gonna be really anti-AI, and I, I totally get that, but this was for my personal consumption.So I put those lyrics into an, a, an AI and said like, “Can you write a big band, you know, backing track to go with this?” Just as an experiment, and what came out just really took me by surprise. So-Jennie: It's amazing. I mean, it sounds like a fully produced Andrews Sister song.Stuart: Yes, yes. Love The [00:15:00] Andrews Sisters.Yeah. And then I got thinking about Rex's song, and I thought, “What kind of avoidant thing would Rex sing?” So I wrote some lyrics for that and, um, again, put it into the same AI, AI, and it came out with a couple of versions, and one of them immediately made me start to cry. Oh, no. And I thought, “Okay, if I have an emotional connection to this song, then I need to do something with these tracks.”So I'd been kind of living in the world of the SS Celestial, which is the, the ship that the story is set on, and got to thinking about kind of souvenirs and, and would the ship sell souvenirs, and what kind of things might they sell? And I thought, “Okay, if I'm gonna have an object that's all my own, then as my kind of reward for finishing the book,” I thought, “wouldn't it be great to have a vinyl record?”So then I get into researching how much music can you get on, you know, a seven-inch, a 10-inch, [00:16:00] 12-inch record. Settled on a 10-inch record because, um, Rex's song is six minutes. It won't sit on the seven-inch. Then I had to do my research. You know, were 10-inch singles available in the US in the 1950s? Turns out they still were.Um, then I got to designing the record covers and the labels. I found a company in, uh, the, in London who handcraft. So rather than press a record, they hand-cut it.Jennie: Oh,Stuart: wow. Um, found a company to do that. And yeah, you know, a week later I had in my hands a, a, a 10-inch record, and that is just for my personal consumption, but, you know, I will share that on,um, you know,uh, social media. I will play parts of the record on social media. And yeah, that's where I kind of got to in there, and I just wanted to share with people like, “Oh, look, I made this cool thing.”Jennie: Yeah, yeah.Stuart: And-Jennie: I mean, it's so cool, and [00:17:00] when... We'll share, hopefully, uh, uh, cover a picture of the, um, m- the, uh, record so, in the show notes so people can see.But when, when you share it and talk about it, again, you're just filled with so much joy, like a kid. Yeah. Like, “Look at this.” Yeah. “Look at what I made.” And that has to feel really good, right?Stuart: It, it really, really does. And, and, you know, my family, immediate and wider, are going through some really difficult times at the moment.We started kind of March last year, and, um, I won a, a, a grant from the Arts Council here in the UK to, to really help me kind of zone in on my playwriting.Jennie: Right.Stuart: And a full-length play that I've written is, it's very dark, and it deals with some very dark kind of, uh, themes and issues. And a friend of mine had said to me, she said, “There's something wrong with you.There's, [00:18:00] there's, like, this little light that has gone out.”Jennie: Oh.Stuart: And she said, “I think you should get back to writing comedy.” Um, when I wrote for TV, that was comedy. Um, my last full-length novel, you know, had lots of comedic stuff going on. Um, and she's like, “Why don't you, you consider going back to comedy?”She'd read a lot of my writing when I was doing my master's degree, and she said, “I, I really think you need that, that kind of lift.” So when I was thinking about what to write, I was like, “Okay, I need to do something that, that just really sits with me.” I'm not... You know, writing a novel is a big commitment, and you need to be around people that you kind of really love.Jennie: Yeah.Stuart: And I wanted these people to- So many queer stories I think are written from a place of trauma.Jennie: Mm-hmm.Stuart: And I really wanted a group of people who had relatively low stakes threat, but [00:19:00] could really live and breathe in their environment and find joy. And that's exactly as passengers are disembarking at the end of this, this book, that's, you know, there is hope and there is joyJennie: And I imagine that's what you want your reader to feel.Stuart: Um, uh, a- absolutely. I've absolutely written it for people who, you know, to take on a take on a cruise- Right ... or read on the beach. And, you know, I think it's fair to say that, you know, politically and, um, literally the world is on fire, right?Jennie: Yeah.Stuart: Yeah. You know, we're seeing huge fires all over, you know, we're seeing political, just appalling political stuff.And I, and I just thought I, I need this story and I need these people, and I think other people out there need just some fun and some joy and some lightness.Jennie: So tell me about, um, right before we r- started [00:20:00] recording, you said you were almost finished with the music video. Tell me about that.Stuart: Right. Okay. So, uh, Everybody Needs Dick is a huge, joyous, big band number, and I was creating a little short animation to go on, um, social media, and also I wanted the challenge of learning something new from an IT point of view.Jennie: Mm-hmm.Stuart: And it kind of grew, ‘cause I was putting some music to the, the reel on Inst- on Instagram, and I just thought, “Hmm, this could... Like, I really like the results of what I've been able to animate here. Like, maybe this could be something bigger.” And I used to work for Turner Broadcasting Systems, which is now, like, part of Warner Brothers Discovery.Was there for about three years working mainly on the Cartoon network side, and I did some work with the animators of The Amazing World of Gumball, which is a very [00:21:00] popular show, um, in the US, and I kind of thought, like, maybe there's something in this. Maybe I could put all of the Everybody Needs Dick story into, like, an MGM musical number.Jennie: Right.Stuart: And like, so again, it, it captures the look and the feel and the tone of the joy of the book as well. So I'm 40 seconds away from finishing. It takes about an hour to get 14 kind of decent seconds. And I... But I'm, I'm exhausted, but what's keeping me going is watching it over and over again and feeling emotional, feeling that emotional connection to the relationships that are developing, even just through the video i- itself.Jennie: Right. AndStuart: what- So again, for me, it's just immersive.Jennie: What, um... When you approach Something like that, and you, you know, obviously we're all, uh, learning, if any of us listening use AI for [00:22:00] various things, we're all learning as we go d- because it's so new. How do you approach the technology side of it? Like, in addition to the creative part, you have to figure things out, right?Figure out how to do it.Stuart: Yeah. I mean, you know, I spend a lot of time engineering prompts for all different sorts of things. So for my own writing, um, I have a prompt that runs through my chapters and looks at all of the nasty habits that I have.Jennie: Yeah.Stuart: And I was talking to another coach the other day, and I was like, “Let me, let me just do a quick word count.”And that search, that, um, AI prompt, is 9,510 words.Jennie: Wow.Stuart: So I might have spent a long time working on that, that prompt, but it really helps me sit back, look at my chapters, really understand what's working and what's not working, and then from my past mistakes and patterns of writing, it helps me see those and that I've fallen back into to some of those [00:23:00] habits.Jennie: Yeah.Stuart: So, you know, I, I like to think I'm relatively good. Um, but again, some of the graphics that I was using on Instagram were... They were by real people.Jennie: Yeah.Stuart: And I thought, “Well, that's not really the kind of look I'm after. I'm kind of after that... For the, for the video, I'm after that mid-century American illustrated look that is somewhere between J.C.Leyendecker's illustrations of the sort of ‘20s, and the illustrations that you would expect to see in an American magazine in the mid-'50s.”Outro: Right.Stuart: So I worked and worked and worked, you know, with an AI tool on getting the look right, and then locking that look in. Then I was able to take the images from Instagram and say, “Okay, what would those character models look like if they were in dr- had been drawn in this style?”So again, we worked through those looks, um, you know, how smooth their skin was, what the kind of folds in their clothes should look like. [00:24:00] You know, we did a lot of work on that, and then it was really down to the things that I kind of learned at Warner Brothers and watching the extras on DVDs about storyboarding, um, the animations, and then really teaching myself the best way to use, um, the AI that I was using to get the best kind of effects out of it.And I- So it sound- You know... Hmm.Jennie: It, it sort of sounds like play.Stuart: It is. It really is. And I, you know, I, I love learning. I loved learning to be a book coach. I'm always doing some kind of course, whether it be creative or, you know, to do with writing. And, you know, I like a challenge, and teaching- Yeah ... me this new technology, I mean, I'm 54, and, you know, there's always that risk that the kids are gonna com- going to kind of overtake you.Jennie: Sure. Uh,Stuart: but I'm very curious about the world. You know, I l- I like my K-pop. I'm very excited today ‘cause Hatsize, you know, new EP is out. Um, I've had many a conversation with a 13-year-old who's just shocked that I know anything about K-pop- ... [00:25:00] let alone I'm kind of into different bands. So, you know, I'm interested in, in pop culture and learning new technologies and, you know, it has been a huge, huge challenge for me to do this.But again, it's playing in this world, and I've also noticed as I'm doing these other creative projects, because I'm still mentally in the world, some of the stories for the later books are, are coming to me.Jennie: Yeah. Yeah. So let's talk about the series. At what point did you decide that All Hands on Dick was going to be a series?Stuart: Pretty much from the beginning. I-Jennie: Okay ...Stuart: I, I... So the series is called A Gay Odyssey, and that's- AndJennie: it's, I have to spell it. It's- Yeah ... O-D-Y-S-E-A.Stuart: Yes. So it- it's A Gay Odyssey, and I call it, like, a naughty cal adventure. So- So, you know, I, I very much saw this as the ship as a [00:26:00] container.Jennie: Mm-hmm.Stuart: Okay? Quite literally.Right. But also like a story engine.Jennie: Right.Stuart: So I thought this is, this is a world in miniature, and I wanted to have one overarching love story that covers all three books. But like The Love Boat, I wanted that episodic nature to it as well, because I knew I wanted to bring in different characters and different crew.So A Gay Odyssey is, it's a trilogy of mid-century American queer romantic novels that also examine, uh, the life we live as performance as well as the life we live in private.Jennie: Mm-hmm. So that's where the, the lounge singer and the piano player, the literal- Yeah ... performers and the magician, as well as the just regular people who are performing different roles and things.Ab-Stuart: a- absolutely. You know, Buck is, is performing kind of the dutiful husband, and that's clearly not what's going [00:27:00] under, on under the surface. And, you know, Kitty is very much wanting to go out, you know, understand what's w- I want to say in quotes, “wrong with him.”Jennie: Right.Stuart: And yet Kitty starts to believe that actually she might not entirely be the person she thinks she is.So again, it's, some of it's around self-discovery, um, and some of it is just how you move in the world when the world is telling you you shouldn't be who you are. I mean, it's coming off the back of the Lavender Scare- Mm-hmm ... in the US, um, that Eisenhower signed in 1953 where queerJennie: people-Stuart: I'm not familiar withJennie: that.Stuart: Oh, okay. So I think it was Order 105410or s- or, or something. But Eisenhower signed it, signed it in 1953, and it basically meant that nobody, no gay man or lesbian could work in a federal job.Jennie: Oh, I, I was not aware of that.Stuart: So, you know, thousands and thousands of people were put [00:28:00] out of employment in the US. Wow. So it's coming off the back of that Lavender Scare, um, and it was very much treated like they were a security risk.Jennie: Wow. Um, I'm not gonna get really deep into the series because you and I are gonna do a deep dive on, uh, series development. Um, and for our listeners, Stuart is obviously, um, I would say one of the world's foremost experts on my blueprint method. H- how's that for a title?Stuart: That's very kind of you.Jennie: Um, he teaches it, he coaches it, he holds the high bar for certification that we have at Author Accelerator around the blueprint and other things.But one of the things that he has really done is, is to do a very deep dive on understanding how to use the blueprint [00:29:00] to develop a series, and how you think about one book, how you think about the whole series, the, the order of things, the, the way this tool can be used in this way, and his work on this is, uh, blew me away truly.So I've asked Stuart to come back onto the podcast, and we're going to do a series of two, uh, podcasts, where in one we're gonna talk about the overview of how to use the blueprint to develop a series, and it can be any genre, uh, any- Mm-hmm ... fictional genre, and then we're gonna do a second podcast on ... Now I can't remember what it was, but I think it wasOh, the story engine, and you, and you referenced that with, for your series, the, the ship and, and this container and how to develop a story engine. [00:30:00] And this will also all lead to a special offer to work directly with Stuart on a series, so, um, using the blueprint. So all of that, I'm making all these big promises.I hope they all come true.Stuart: They will. They will.Jennie: Um, all of this is just, uh, laying the groundwork for, for folks who are interested in designing, developing, building a series, and, um, doing it with somebody who has this incredible creative and playful mind, and you can get a sense of the way Stuart thinks and, and works and, um, of the things that he makes.Uh, can you tell us, Stuart, w- if people wanna read All Hands on Deck right now, where can they go? If people wanna find you, and how on earth can they see and hear all this cool stuff you've made? Tell us all the things.Stuart: Okay. [00:31:00] So, uh, in terms of, obviously you can find me at thebookcoach.co. On Instagram, I'm Mr.S Wakefield. Um, so that's where you'll be able to see where I share the cool things that I've made. Um, and then in terms of buying, I mean, all good bookstores. I've already had some, some podcast listeners of mine send me pictures of them holding their, uh, books in, you know, American bookstores, which is fantastic to see.Uh, so yeah, you know, everywhere that you can buy a book. It's not just Amazon, boo, hiss. Um, you know, you should be able to get it in all, all, you know, good, good bookstores.Jennie: Excellent. So, uh, say your, say that Instagram again, just so people can hear.Stuart: Uh, it's Mr. S Wakefield.Jennie: Okay, great. Well, um, we have much more to talk about, and we, and we will be talking about, but this was just so fun to hear your process and this, um, this sense of marketing as a [00:32:00] creative project.And it'll be really fun to follow along and check in with you in our next episodes about where all of this stands as well.Stuart: Great. Thank you.Jennie: Thanks for joining us, Stuart.Stuart: Okay. Take care, Jennie. Bye.Jennie: And for our listeners, thanks for listening. Now let's get back to work and finish what matters mostOutro: The hashtag amwriting podcast is produced by Andrew Perilla. Our intro music, aptly titled Unemployed Monday, was written and played by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their time and their creative output because everyone deserves to be paid for their [00:33:00] work This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

Hi CUTIE! I'm still out on maternity leave with my precious baby Leo. Check out my instagram to learn more and see some cute pictures of him! While I'm out, I wanted to I wanted to reshare one of my favorite episodes with my friend Nisha. In this one she shared how during the pandemic she completely started her life over- and why sometimes burning your life down is exactly what you need to get the freedom you dream of. Check it out and send me all your powerful good energy to help me be the best/most creative Mama I can be! MWAH! Do you ever feel like you're trapped by expectations, afraid to make bold moves in your creative journey? What if the key to unlocking your full potential is to embrace burning it all down and starting fresh? Today's guest is platinum-certified and Grammy-nominated songwriter Nisha, who has amassed over 300 million streams. She's sharing her powerful story of artistic reinvention and how embracing setbacks and maintaining high standards has shaped her career and life.From this conversation, you'll learn:-How to embrace change and navigate personal transformation-The importance of maintaining high standards to protect your artistic integrity & creativity-Practical advice on handling setbacks and failures as an artist-Tips for balancing ambition with personal well-being-The simple advice Nisha gave me that changed my lifeMore on Nisha: Nisha's music has been heard across the globe, from the U.S. to India and South America, earning recognition in Rolling Stone, Hulu, NBC, and Netflix. Beyond her hits, she's a mentor helping artists navigate the ups and downs of the creative industry, while staying grounded in their true identity.-https://thisisnisha.com/#about

Hi Babes! I wanted to reshare one of my favorite minisodes I've done while I'm out on Mat leave. Enjoy and have a great week! MWAH Original Description: Have you ever felt like you shouldn't start something because “Everyone else is doing it” or “the space is too crowded?” Today we'll discuss the Myth of Crowded spaces and what that has to do with candles. Promise it will make sense later From This Episode, You'll learn:-Why I believe there's no such thing as "too crowded of a space"-The reason your idea will work-How a story about candles gives you the ultimate retort to anyone trying to discourage your dreams!

What if enjoying where you are didn't mean giving up on where you want to go?In this episode, my friend Robin Hopkins returns to Unleash for an honest conversation about ambition, success, entrepreneurship, and learning how to appreciate the life you've built while still dreaming big. We talk about why reaching a major goal doesn't automatically make fear disappear, how to stop constantly moving the goalpost, how to build self-trust through uncertainty, and what it really means to define success for yourself.From this conversation, you'll learn:-How to enjoy where you are while still dreaming bigger-Why achieving your goals doesn't automatically make you feel secure-How to stop measuring your worth by how much you accomplish-Why accepting that you can't do everything can actually set you free-How to redefine success as your life and priorities evolveIf you're an ambitious creative who is always thinking about the next goal, this episode is your reminder to celebrate how far you've already come. The life you're living right now might just be the life a past version of you dreamed about.

What would happen if you finally took your creative dream seriously?Singer-songwriter Sophia Galaté spent years working behind the scenes in the music industry while quietly dreaming of becoming an artist herself. In this episode, we talk about how she finally found the courage to pursue music, build an authentic creative brand, grow a loyal community, and turn her dream into a real career.From this conversation, you'll learn:-How to finally start pursuing your creative dream.-Why small steps can help you move through fear and self-doubt.-How to build an authentic personal brand without losing yourself.-Why a niche community can be more powerful than a massive following.-How to balance creativity with the business of being an independent artist.If you have a creative dream you can't stop thinking about, this episode will remind you that you don't need the entire path figured out. You just need to take the next step.

Most creators think that when God inspires you to start a creative project, success is just around the corner. They're sorely mistaken.After starting God and Gigs, I (Allen) almost lost this podcast in 2017 — five months dark, no way back online. Now, 400 episodes later, I'm sharing the real story behind how this podcast made it through the early obstacles, and the three things that kept me going. Press play if you are a faith-fueled creative who is questioning if you should stick with your dream when nothing seems to be shifting in your favor.Send us a message!No More Promoting Alone - Learn How To Make Your Best Customers Your Best Sales Team! Sign up our free workshop on Friday, August 28th at 1pm Eastern here - https://godandgigs.com/free-workshop  - where we'll show you a easy system for turning fans into effective promoters - so you can look the best you ever have to future customers, clients and followers! Support the showDownload our FREE 7 Day Prayer Devotional for Creatorshttps://godandgigs.com/prayerFOLLOW US!  InstagramFacebook YouTubeWant to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show? Send us a message on PodMatch! © 2026 Paul Creative Solutions

Have you ever wondered if the reason you feel stuck isn't because you don't know who you are... but because you've spent years hiding parts of yourself to make other people comfortable?In this episode, I'm joined by journalist, editor, and author Stacey Lindsay to explore what it really means to become more of yourself. We talk about why getting older can be one of the most freeing and creative experiences of your life, how to stop living for other people's expectations, and why your 40s might just be the beginning of your most authentic chapter yet.From this conversation, you'll learn:-Why so many of us shrink ourselves to make others comfortable.-How to stop living by other people's expectations.-Why courage is built through small, everyday choices.-How to reconnect with the parts of yourself you've hidden.-Why your 40s can be one of the most creative and empowering seasons of your life.Whether you're approaching 40 or simply longing to feel more like yourself, I hope this  conversation reminds you that it's never too late to become who you've been all along.

I thought pregnancy would change my body. I didn't expect it to change the way I think about creativity, ambition, fear, relationships, and life.In my final live episode before maternity leave, I'm sharing the five biggest lessons pregnancy has taught me so far.From this conversation, you'll learn:-Why you should pre-prepare, but never pre-suffer.-Why pregnancy and Motherhood actually increases ambition.-Why advocating for yourself is one of the greatest acts of self-trust.-How surrender can unlock more creativity and peace.-Why protecting your energy changes everything.Even if you're not a parent, these lessons are for anyone navigating a major life transition, pursuing a creative dream, or learning to trust themselves more deeply. I hope this episode meets you exactly where you are.

Hi cutie! I am reairing the first-ever episode I did on Human design with Dana and Shayna from the Dayluna Human Design Podcast. I have been thinking a lot about birth charts with my son coming in just a couple weeks, and I had this episode on the brain because of that! It's a great one to start to learn about yoru design, so pull up your chart, sit back and enjoy!On The Guest: Shayna Cornelius and Dana Stiles, Human Design specialists and co-creators of DayLuna, are here on a mission to empower the collective towards self-love, personal freedom, and radical authenticity. Their wildly successful DayLuna Human Design Podcast has generated over 850k downloads worldwide.From this conversation you'll learn:How to navigate your life in alignment with your purposeThe danger of comparing yourself to your colleaguesThe basics of human designThe blueprint of your energyWhy self-awareness is freeingStrategy vs authorityThe 5 different energy typesEnergy differences in couples and how to navigate themThe ideal work hours for your energyIdeal careers for different energy typesWhat you're designed to feel when you are in alignmentThe importance of focus and rest for ProjectorsHow to use your specific creative energyThe danger in confusing the love of recognition for the love of the workThe collective “crumbling” and “rising”And so much more

What should you do when a creative project, business idea, product, or personal goal doesn't work the way you expected? Most people immediately focus on everything that went wrong, but that can prevent them from recognizing the one part of the idea that may actually lead to success.I go over the Start-Up J Curve from Howard Love's book and explain how its most important stage—the morph phase—applies far beyond entrepreneurship. Whether you are a filmmaker, writer, artist, content creator, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to improve a project, this framework can help you learn from failure, adapt your ideas, and identify what is already working.Instead of asking, “Why doesn't this work?” you'll learn to ask, “What might work if I changed the approach?” By finding the smallest sign of progress and building around it, you can turn disappointing results into a clearer path forward.Seven-Day ChallengeChoose one project, idea, habit, or effort that has disappointed you. Over the next seven days, do not begin by listing everything that failed. Instead, identify one element that received a positive response, made progress, felt effective, or showed even a small amount of potential.Each day, make one small adjustment that strengthens that element. At the end of the week, evaluate whether the project needs to be abandoned—or simply morphed into something better.

Hi Cutie! Today I'm resharing an episode that changed my life! Listen to hear the advice that shifted everything in my creative career. Love this episode with Mural Artist, Patrick Ganino! Check it out. Original Description below: Today's guest is Patrick Ganino. He is an artist, author, and social media expert. He  is best known for creating absolutely spectacular murals and paintings for celebs such as Hulk Hogan, Chevy Chase, Rosie O'Donell and many more as well as his own book, ‘The Business of Faux,' and his ability to create and curate online communities.Patrick hustled his way to become a professional artist--from the start, he approached his art as a business and was relentless in his drive to pursue it. He doesn't let perfectionism or overthinking get in the way of creating -he always just goes for it and trusts his instincts. From this conversation you'll learn:What characteristics you need to redefine your relationship with fearHow to bust through a creative block The power of rest in the creative projectWhy Delegating is a powerful tool as a creative What the benefits are to creating quickly and living by the moto “less think, more do”How to find ways to build up your personal business and start from the ground upThe most effective To-Do list, EVER!How to figure out ANYTHINGHow to move past creative blocksThe power of taking a break from your creativity How to self-promote authenticallyHow set a price for your business and work & WHEN to get paidWhy it's important to be a light in the roomAdvice for people who haven't made money from their passion YET Why I believe in going where you're not expected creatively 

Hi Creative! For today's best of, I am going DEEP into the archives: back to 2019! This was the first-ever time my parents came on the podcast. We shared our relationship and they spoke about how to raise a creative child. It felt appropriate given the fact that my baby boy is going to be arriving in the next 3-4 weeks! I can't wait to revisit this episode with you and continue on this journey down memory lane! LOVE YA!Original Description! On today's very special episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, Lauren Talks with her parents, Jo Ann and Mike LoGrasso. They talk all about what it was like to raise a creative child, their tips for parents who are raising or hope to raise creative children and tips for people who might not have had that encouraging base as a start. They also reveal the first time they realized Lauren was creative, the dreams that they still hope to achieve and the most difficult part of raising a passionate child. Check it out! 

Hi Creative! As I prepare for motherhood, continue building my business, Lauren LoGrasso Productions, release my next single and get the show ready for maternity leave, I realize need a little space to make the best work for you.  Therefore I have decided that I will [most likely] do best of episodes for the rest of July so I can get ahead and bring you brand new content in August and September while I'm out learning how to be a Mom! I might pop in with a solo or one with me and my hubby talking about prepping for parenthood, but otherwise, you're going to hear some of my fave episodes and ones I am re-listening to at this point in my journey! Also! I am putting out a new song on Friday, July 10th! Please pre-save it here: https://ffm.to/walkingonair2026 In the meantime, check out this FANTASTIC episode with Breathwork practitioner, Terry Moseley and hear you you can use breathwork in your life and creativity + my WILD first time doing breathwork including getting a visit from my ancestors! Original Description: Have you ever considered how the simple act of breathing could unlock profound changes in your mental, emotional, and physical well-being? Today's guest is Terry Moseley. She is a seasoned expert in breathwork and healing. She created Bionic Breathwork, which is based upon breathing techniques backed by science to help you begin to move through trauma, release old patterns and more. Today, Terry will teach you about the transformative power of breathwork and how it can not only enhance your daily life but also lead to deep healing and personal growth.From this conversation you'll learn:-What breathwork is-How it can help you release trauma-The Full Story of my (Lauren's) WILD breathwork experience--this is a must-hear!-What functional freeze is and how to get out of it -The connection between breathwork and therapeutic psychedelics & how to know which one is right for you-AND we will even walk you through a little breathwork at the end of the pod!Try a FREE Bionic Breathwork Class with Terry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpzBk3wXYWc

Hi Creative Cutie! This week I am just getting back from my Babymoon and wanted to reshare an episode that I LOVE and I've been thinking about a lot on my entrepreneurial journey. What I have found about both creativity and business ownership is that underneath it all, it's really a healing and self-development journey. This episode talks about exactly that: How to attain success through healing. ENJOY! Original Description: On The Guest:  Today's guest is Victoria Song. She is a leadership advisor and coach to CEOs, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs. She's worked with people like Cindy Crawford and Ryan Hudson who is the cofounder of Honey- which was acquired by paypal for 4 billion dollars.  She is also the author of the Wall Street Journal Bestseller, Bending Reality, was on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and has been featured in ABC, NBC, Glamour, Boston Globe, and more.From this conversation you'll learn:How to get out of your head and into your bodyThe signs of an inflamed nervous systemHow to healthily express angerHow to heal from feelings of unworthiness How to bend reality What Contraction/ expansion is and how can you start leaning more toward expansionHow to build self-trustWhy it's important to celebrate successes and winsHow to change your inner critic voice into something supportiveHow to rewrite old stories AND MORE! 

Lexie is a creative project manager and producer with twelve years of experience, over 500 completed shoots, and published content that has reached more than 16 billion people worldwide.She has overseen tens of millions in annual production budgets and led high-visibility 360 campaigns, including years in-house at CHANEL for the US Market, with work spanning VOGUE, NIKE, and some of the most iconic brands in the world. She is also the co-founder of STILETTO, a post-production company based in New York City, where she continues to take on freelance creative projects of distinction.In this episode, Rachel Swanson sits down with Lexie to trace her career from fashion marketing at SCAD to leading campaigns for Versace and Chanel. Lexie opens up about the power of side projects, building a business around trusted collaborators, and why she sees AI as an operational asset rather than a creative threat.

Have you ever had one bad day that suddenly made you question everything? Yesterday, that was me. After my most successful month as an entrepreneur, I found myself crying hysterically, convinced I wasn't doing enough and wondering if I was failing. Looking back, I realized my brain had turned one incredibly stressful day into a story that wasn't fully true. In this solo episode, I'm sharing what happened, the surprising lesson it taught me, and the framework I'm using to move through creative spirals without letting them define me.In this episode, you'll learn:- How to recognize when you're spiraling instead of seeing the full picture-Why your inner critic says the things it does and how to respond with compassion instead of shame-How to separate what's actually happening from the story your brain is telling you-A simple practice that's helping me regain perspective and move forward one step at a timeIf you've been feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or like you're somehow falling behind, I hope this episode reminds you that one hard day doesn't get to write the story of your life.

Have you ever poured years into building something only to watch it fall apart right when you thought you'd finally figured it out? That's where Steve Kamb was when he wrote How to Try Again, his new book on starting over after failure.Steve, founder of Nerd Fitness, wrote this book on how to try again while actually trying again himself, navigating a divorce, a cancer diagnosis, and a full reinvention of the business he'd spent 20 years building.In this episode You'll Learn: :-Steve's PACT framework for trying again after failure -Why self-compassion beats self-criticism when you're starting over-How perfectionism keeps your best work hidden-Why sometimes progress isn't the goal, staying afloat isIf you're in the middle of starting over, or just need permission to try again, this one's for you.More on Steve: founder of Nerd Fitness, author of How to Try Again, a guide to starting over after failure. Get How to Try Again here: https://stevekamb.com/howtotryagain/ 

Have you ever made a big change in your life, only to realize you're still living by the same rules that made you feel boxed in, in the first place?After leaving corporate America and becoming an entrepreneur, I started noticing all the old beliefs, fears, and expectations I had unknowingly carried into this new chapter.In this solo episode, I share the hidden rules I'm learning to let go of, why creativity is about questioning assumptions, and how to stop bringing the past into the future you're trying to createIn this episode, you'll learn:-Why changing your circumstances isn't enough-The invisible rules that may be holding you back- How to create a life that actually fits who you are…If you're in a season of reinvention, this episode is for you.

Have you ever been told that becoming a mother means losing yourself? Losing your creativity, your ambition, your momentum?Well, what if the opposite was actually true?Today's guest is comedian, writer, and one of the sharpest voices on the internet, Ginny Hogan, and this conversation will completely reframe everything you've been told about motherhood and creativity.From this episode, you'll learn:-Why so many women have their greatest creative success after having a baby-The truth about body image, eating disorders, and pregnancy that nobody talks about-How to balance ambition, guilt, and creativity as a working mom-What giving birth taught Ginny about the power of her own body and creativityGinny's honesty about the messy, beautiful, reality of creative motherhood is packed with humor, hard-won wisdom, and moments that will make you feel deeply seen. Whether you're pregnant, a parent, want to be a parent, or just a woman trying to hold onto herself through a massive life transition, this one is for you.More on Ginny: Ginny Hogan is a comedian, writer, and one of the most followed voices on Threads, known for her razor-sharp, deeply honest takes on modern womanhood, ambition, politics, body image, and motherhood.

Since leaving corporate America, my podcast downloads have increased nearly 200%.And it's definitely not= because I suddenly became a genius marketer. It's because, for the first time in over a decade, I stopped treating my dream like a side project.In today's solo episode, I'm sharing the surprising energetic shift that changed not only this podcast, but my entire creative life and business.We dive into:-Why the energy behind your work matters just as much as the work itself-The hidden cost of splitting your energy between survival and desire-What happens when you stop hiding your ambitions-Why people can feel when you're finally all-in on yourself-How prioritizing your creative dreams can create major shifts in momentum, visibility, and growthIf you've been quietly building a dream while pouring most of your energy into someone else's vision, this episode is for you. Because your breakthrough isn't always about working harder, most often, it's about finally choosing yourself.

Have you ever noticed that the moment you step into a new, big, chapter of your life, your old patterns can suddenly come rushing to the surface? I have… In this episode, I share a major realization I've had during week three of full-time entrepreneurship: sometimes you have to start saying you're the thing before you fully become it. I share how I came to this, how it helped me manifest one of my biggest dreams and how you can use it in your creativity and career. Now back to what I started with…every time you level up, you need to level up your growth and self-development… and for me, one of those edges is continuing to heal codependency, people pleasing, and learning not to abandon myself while building a life and business that's truly mine.So today, I'm replaying one of my favorite conversations from the archives with codependency facilitator and spiritual counselor Erika Wright.This conversation completely changed the way I think about self-worth, relationships, creativity, emotional resilience, and what it actually means to stay connected to yourself.From this conversation, you'll learn:-How to identify and heal codependent patterns-The difference between creativity and codependency-How to stop abandoning yourself for other people-Why emotional discomfort is not an emergency-How to stop giving unsolicited advice and start turning inward-And how to stay connected to yourself while still loving othersThis episode is especially for you if you're in a season of reinvention, entrepreneurship, healing, motherhood, transition, or personal growth.More on Erika Wright: https://erikawright.org/

Have you ever wondered if all that doing is actually getting in the way of your creativity? What if I asked you to let yourself be less useful?This week I'm sitting down with photographer, documentarian, and creative force Lindsey Lerner, founder of Field Notes From the Work in the Wild, a stunning project on Substack that documents people in the messy middle of their most meaningful work.Lindsey started out as my creative coaching client and has since become one of my dearest friends and creative allies. And in this conversation, she gets radically honest about what happened when she finally stopped over-functioning, stopped building everyone else's dreams, and started making room for her own.We get into:-Why being less useful might be the most creative thing you can do-How to keep the faith when your path makes absolutely no sense-What it really means to ask for help, and why it's so hard for high achievers-How to braid your passions into something only you can create-Plus the moment Lindsey's wife said something so simple it rewired everything.If you've ever confused hustle for worth, or wondered if there's a more holistic, authentic way to create, this one is for you, cutie.And if you're in New York, Lindsey's bringing Field Notes to life on September 26th at Bronxlandia in the South Bronx. Subscribe to Field Notes on Substack to get first access to tickets: https://fieldnotesfromthework.substack.com/ Love you. Let's get into it.

For years I taught other people to unleash their creativity. This week, I finally had to put my money where my mouth was and unleash myself. This is my real-time, raw, first-week-of-full-time-entrepreneurship origin story, and I'm not waiting until I have it all figured out to tell it.Last week, I left corporate America after 11+ years to launch my own company, Lauren LoGrasso Productions, while six months pregnant, and I'm bringing you with me for every messy, terrifying, exhilarating moment of it.In this solo episode I'm sharing my 10 self-coaching takeaways from my first week of being fully self-employed, what leaving your job to pursue your creative dreams actually feels like from the inside, and why a business is one of the greatest creative projects you'll ever build.We get into:-How to bet on yourself even when you're terrified-Why rest is part of the creative process, not the enemy of productivity-How to stop forcing and start flowing-Why singing your own praises isn't bragging, it's necessary-Plus a very special announcement I've been dreaming about for years.If you've ever thought about leaving your 9-to-5, starting a creative business, or betting on yourself in a way that scares you a little, this one is for you.Because if I can do this, six months pregnant, fresh out of corporate America, betting everything on my creativity, so can you!Love you, cutie. Let's go!

Have you ever needed just a little more time to finish a creative project? I definitely do right now.I underestimated how much energy it would take to fully launch my business this week while traveling and balancing life, so I need one more day before the new episode drops. In the meantime, I'm re-airing a solo minisode that deeply helped me get to this moment. It's all about how tiny steps lead to giant leaps, and why microdosing courage and creativity can completely change your life. Come back tomorrow, Friday, May 8th, for a special bonus episode where I'll share the real-time lessons, fears, gratitude, and growth I'm experiencing as I officially step into this new chapter.Original Description: Do you ever feel like there's no time left for your creative passions? Or maybe you dream of a big, bold goal but aren't sure how to make it happen? If so, this episode is for you! In today's Minisode, I'm sharing the power of small, consistent actions and how they can help you move closer to your dreams than you ever thought possible. Inspired by my latest obsession—belly dancing!—I dive into how breaking down your goals into manageable steps can help you show up every day, build momentum, and make real progress.

My sweet Creative Cutie! Today is a BIG HUGE day in my creative life. After 11+ years working a creative job in corporate America, I am finally taking the leap and taking a chance on myself with my company, Lauren LoGrasso Productions! It's my last day at work. I am super grateful for all the opportunities this job has brought me and the amazing shows I've gotten to executive produce and meet AND I am so excited to fully step into my own creative work full time.At the top of the episode I share a little bit about this and how I feel. I also share that I need a little time to process this and move through the full gravity of taking this leap, so I am re-sharing one of my favorite episodes with you: my episode with Robin Hopkins! It's very on brand for this day for me and I hope you find it just as helpful as I did, when you listen or re-listen to it! I love you so much- thanks for ALL your support and belief through the years. Can't wait to full debrief this with you next week. In the meantime, check out the original description below and enjoy!Do you struggle with fear? F ear of failure, what people will think, or even fear of starting? Fear isn't something to throw away: it's a teacher that shows us where our work lies...BUT it should not make our decisions--so we must take it out of the driver's seat. Today's guest, actor, comedian and podcaster, Robin Hopkins, will inspire you to release the grip of fear, choose yourself, and take bold steps toward creative freedom.✨ From this episode, you'll learn:-How to navigate fear and self-doubt in the creative process-Why listening to your gut is essential—and how to tune back in-What Robin's “heated toilet seat moment” taught her about taking the leap-How to escape golden handcuffs and embrace your authentic path-Why self-compassion and rest are vital for creativityRobin's journey from 9to5 life to entrepreneurship is packed with actionable wisdom, heartfelt moments, and hilarious insights. Whether you're stuck in fear, held back by golden handcuffs, or battling creative self-doubt, this episode will inspire you to take bold steps toward your dreams.More on Robin: Robin Hopkins is a writer, podcast host, and former stand-up comedian known for her blend of humor, honesty, and insightful advice. She's the author of If These Ovaries Could Talk and the host of two acclaimed podcasts, Dear Headspace and Well…Adjusting, the former earning an Ambie Award nomination. Robin's work offers a unique mix of wisdom and comedy, making even life's toughest challenges approachable and fun.

What if the reason you feel stuck creatively… isn't because you don't know what to do? Maybe it's not that you don't know what to say, maybe you're just not letting yourself say it.In this episode, I'm talking with award winning podcast producer, storyteller, and author, Rich Boerner, about what it takes to step out from behind the scenes and actually share your voice.Because for years, Rich helped shape other people's stories… while keeping his own in the background. Until life pushed him to face a question so many of us avoid:  What am I here to say?We get into:-Why we hold ourselves back from expressing what's really true-The fear of being seen, judged, or misunderstood-How to start sharing your voice before you feel ready-Why your most personal story might be the one you're meant to tell-And how small, brave steps can completely change the direction of your lifeRich also shares the story behind his book Not So Only Child (the tale of a family secret that came out and changed his whole life story and reality)… and how finally telling it opened up a whole new chapter for him.If you've been feeling stuck, blocked, or like you're not fully expressing yourself… this conversation is for you.  Because it's very likely that you're not stuck, you're just not saying the thing yet.Get Rich's Book, Not So Only Child Here: https://a.co/d/0g5sZ1IP

Have you ever noticed… the more you try to force something, the less it actually works? The more you push, control, overthink… the more stuck you feel? Same here, cutie! In this solo episode, I'm sharing something I'm actively working through in real time as I step into full-time entrepreneurship… how to stop forcing everything and start trusting that things can actually work out.Because lately, I've felt myself gripping. Trying to make things happen right now. Trying to control outcomes. And all it's been doing is burning me out and blocking the very things I want.So today, I'm talking about the shift I'm making from forcing → faith, while still taking real, intentional action.We get into:-Why forcing energy actually pushes life away-The difference between effort and desperation-How fear and past patterns keep us stuck in control-The daily practices helping me stay grounded (and not spiral)-How to focus on what's real instead of future-tripping worst case scenariosIf you've been feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or like you're trying so hard and it's still not clicking… this is for you. Love you!

Have you ever realized… you might be the one making everything harder than it needs to be? In this episode, the tables are turned. I'm the one being interviewed by nervous system expert and returning guest  Nahid de Belgeonne and what came out of this conversation was very refreshing, so I wanted to share it with you! We talk about stress, burnout, codependency, and the moment I realized I was taking on everyone else's “emergencies” as my own. I share what happened when my body forced me to slow down (in a very real way), and how I've started to finally calm my nervous system instead of living in overwhelm.We also get into:Why high achievers struggle to metabolize stressThe “second arrow of suffering” and how we make things worse than they areHow to stop absorbing other people's energy and emotionsMy new morning routine for regulating my nervous systemPregnancy, ambition, and learning to actually take care of myselfWhat it really looks like to step into a new chapter of your life (for me entrepreneurship and Motherhood) This conversation is honest, grounding, and deeply human. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or like life has been heavier than it needs to be… this one is for you.You can connect with Nahid and learn more about her work: https://www.thehumanmethod.co.uk/ Check out her retreat in Greece: https://www.thehumanmethod.co.uk/thesootheweekinlefkadagreece Check out my Substack: https://substack.com/@laurenlograsso

Have you ever had a moment where everything you thought was “working” suddenly wasn't… and you had to figure out who you were again?In this episode, I'm talking with Emmy Award-winning producer, speaker, and writer Teri Weinberg, former EVP of NBC Entertainment, Founder of Yellow Brick Road Productions, and one of the creative forces behind The Office, Ugly Betty, and The Tudors.But what stayed with me most from this conversation isn't just what Teri has built… it's how many times she's been willing to begin again.We talk about what it really looks like to reinvent yourself at any age, how to advocate for what you're worth, and how to stop holding yourself back in rooms where you know you're meant to be. Teri shares honestly about getting fired, navigating power in Hollywood, and learning to trust herself even when the path in front of her completely changed.We also get into creative leadership, confidence, and why life doesn't actually get smaller as we get older… it expands, if we let it.And one of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing how she's stepping into a whole new chapter in her sixties through writing, speaking, and mentoring the next generation.If you've been feeling stuck, questioning your timing, or wondering if it's too late to go after what you really want, this one is for you.In this episode, we cover:-How to reinvent yourself at any age-What it takes to stop holding yourself back-Advocating for your worth in high-stakes rooms-Lessons from producing The Office and leading at NBC + the secret behind the show's magic!-Navigating career setbacks and starting over-Why your next chapter can be your most expansive one yet Check it out! For more info on Teri, go here: https://teriweinbergspeaker.com/

Have you been sitting on something you know you're meant to share… and still not putting it out? Yeah. Me too.This episode is a real, unfiltered look inside my creative life right now and into my literal diary. I share what I've been thinking about, what I've been struggling with, and the biggest shift that's changing everything for me:Choosing expression over perfection. And impressions. Because the truth is, most of us are not stuck because we are not talented enough. We are stuck because we are overthinking, comparing, waiting for the right moment, or trying to get everything perfect before we begin.In this episode, I share why I'm finally releasing music I've been sitting on for years, when it's coming out,  what my journaling practice is teaching me about creativity and anxiety, and how I'm learning to stop holding myself back and actually follow through on what matters.Learn: -How to stop holding back your creativity and actually share your work -Why choosing expression over perfection can change your creative life -What to do when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or creatively stuck -How to stop comparing and trust your own creative path -Why you do not need the “perfect moment” to beginIf you've been waiting for a sign to release the thing, start the project, or put yourself out there, this is it.And if this episode resonates, it would mean so much if you shared it, left a rating and review, or sent me a message. I read everything and it really does keep me going.Now go make the thing! I believe in you! 

She's a strategic marketing pro, brand storyteller, and customer experience expert with more than two decades of experience driving growth for top organizations. Carly O'Brien is also the founder of Carly O'Brien Consulting, where she helps businesses refine their marketing, transform their messaging, and build brands that resonate. Her perspective blends creativity with data-driven insight — and her approachable style makes complex marketing strategy feel human and doable. We're thrilled to welcome Carly to The BrandBuilders Podcast.

Have you ever known sending one email could change your life… and still didn't hit send? Yeah. Same.If you're a creative who's been waiting to be chosen or secretly hoping someone will just discover you, this episode is your loving nudge to stop waiting and start creating your own opportunities. To say YES to yourself and open the door to your dreams!I'm talking with Carly Valancy, founder of Reach Out Party, who completely changed her life by doing one simple, very brave thing: Reaching out.After committing to sending one email a day for 100 days, she went from struggling artist to booking major opportunities, working at Lincoln Center, and even performing on Broadway. Now she teaches creatives how to do the same.We get into the fear, the overthinking, the “I don't want to bother them” spiral, and how to move through it in a way that actually feels aligned with your creativity and sensitivity. Near the end of the interview, she said something about what to write in your outreach that FREED me and I know it will do the same for you! Reaching out isn't just a career move, if you let it, it can actually be a creative act. And it might just be what changes everything.You'll Learn:-How to email anyone, even if you're scared to hit send-A simple way to write emails that feel like you and actually get responses-How to stop feeling cringy about it and start building real connection-Why rejection is part of the creative process, not a reason to play small (and how to actually romanticize it!)Check out all of Carly's work: https://carlyvalancy.com/

Have you ever felt creatively blocked and had no idea why? Lately, I found myself stuck on a project I knew I wanted to complete… and instead of forcing myself to push through it, I decided to ask a different question: Why am I actually blocked?In this solo episode, I share the breakthrough I had when I finally stopped beating myself up about procrastinating and started getting curious about what was really going on underneath the surface.What I discovered completely changed the way I think about creative blocks. Instead of seeing them as failures or signs that something is wrong, I started to realize they can actually be signals pointing us toward something important.In this episode, I walk you through the six most common reasons creatives get blocked and how asking yourself the right questions can help you move forward with more clarity, compassion, and momentum.If you've been putting off a creative project, feeling stuck, or wondering why something that matters so much to you suddenly feels hard to start, this episode is for you.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why creative blocks are often signals rather than failures• The six hidden reasons creatives get stuck• How past experiences can quietly create resistance to new projects• The difference between burnout and a creative block• The one question that can help you get unstuck

If you've ever questioned whether your loved ones are still with you after they're gone, Episode 410 of Grief and Happiness is not to be missed. Architect and artist Ksenia J. Merck shares how losing her husband Bill led her to complete his lifelong dream — finishing his science fiction novel Ghost Flower and authoring its companion journal. Through art, philosophy, and soul-searching questions about purpose and time travel, Ksenia shows how grief can become the unexpected catalyst for your greatest creative work.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(00:55) Ksenia's introduction as architect, artist, and author(01:49) The story behind Ghost Flower and Bill's hospital bed sketch(04:04) Feeling her husband's presence through the creative process(04:38) Inside the Ghost Flower Companion Journal and how it works(07:14) Would you time travel to save humanity? The book's soul-searching questions(11:02) Purpose as one of the most powerful tools for grief(12:35) How this project pulled Ksenia through her darkest chapter(14:22) Emily's journey from caregiving and loss to purpose-driven living(16:49) Turning the most painful experience of your life into something meaningful(19:29) Soul contracts, twin flames, and why this project was always meant for her(21:32) The oak tree story — and why Ksenia believes Bill guided it downKsenia J. Merck, AIA, NCARB is an architect, artist, and author with over four decades in the industry and a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech. By day, she serves as a Program Manager for large-scale Airport Capital Programs in Orlando; by calling, she bridges architectural precision with visionary artistry through her sketchbook and canvas. Fueled by a deep love of art history, travel, and the cosmic mysteries of the universe, her work explores themes of life, the afterlife, and the wonders that lie beyond. Her latest illustrations appear in Ghost Flower, a science fiction novel by her late husband William F. Merck II — for which she painted the cover and authored the companion journal. Originally from Arizona, she now calls Florida home.In this episode, Ksenia opens up about how grief became the doorway to profound purpose. After losing her husband Bill in March 2024, she channeled her loss into completing his lifelong dream — painting the cover of his science fiction novel Ghost Flower and authoring the Ghost Flower Companion Journal, a collection of illustrations and philosophical questions designed to deepen the reader's experience of the book. She shares how the project gave her direction at her most vulnerable, and how she believes Bill has remained a guiding presence every step of the way. Together, Ksenia and Emily explore the power of soul contracts, twin flames, and the idea that grief — when met with openness — can become the foundation for a meaningful new chapter.Connect with Ksenia J. Merck:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInFacebookLet's Connect: WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterestThe Grief and Happiness AllianceBook: Emily Thiroux Threatt - Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I welcome back Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way, for our sixth conversation on Unleash Your Inner Creative. We talk about the enduring power of Morning Pages, how to silence the inner critic, and what creativity needs now in the age of AI.Julia's work has helped millions of people reconnect with their creativity and art, and in this conversation we go deeper into the tools that actually sustain a creative life. We talk about why Morning Pages remain one of the most powerful practices for creativity, how to work with your inner critic (Julia calls hers “Nigel”), and why play is essential for creative breakthroughs.We also explore creativity during uncertain times, writing through fear and self-doubt, and how creativity evolves through major life transitions. Along the way, I share some personal news: that I'm pregnant and expecting my first child… and Julia offers beautiful wisdom about Motherhood and creativity.If you've ever struggled with creative blocks or wondered how to stay creative through ALL of life, you'll find Julia's perspective is both grounding and inspiring.In this episode we discuss:• The real purpose of Morning Pages • How to silence your inner critic • Why creativity thrives through play and curiosity • Julia Cameron's thoughts on AI and creativity • Writing through fear and self-doubt • Creativity and motherhood • The importance of “believing mirrors”Check out ALL of Julia's art and writing: https://juliacameronlive.com/ 

This is one of the most personal episodes I've ever recorded. I have an announcement...I'm pregnant. That's right, cutie! We're having a baby! And in this episode, I'm sharing what this moment means not just in my life, but in my identity as a creative. For years, I've talked about creativity as something we make. The art. The ideas. The projects. But this season is inviting me to rethink everything I thought I knew about purpose, growth, and what it really means to create something meaningful. This feels like the greatest creative project of my life so far, and I wanted to share it with you honestly and in real time.In this episode, I talk about:-The greatest lesson I've learned so far -The difference between preparation and pre-suffering -The creative expansion that motherhood can bring -The Power of letting yourself evolve in public-PLUS: the full story of how I found out I was pregnant Thank you for being here with me. It means more than I can say.

Our Live Online Gathering happens on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 1pm Pacific Time. The theme is: "Creative Project Development and Follow-through." To sign up, send an email to: send@drummerandthegreatmountain.com with the subject line "Join!" You'll be sent the zoom link and all the info. Links Mentioned in this Episode: (WORKSHOP) ADHD Mind Mapping Workshop - Feb 28 & Mar 3 Don't see a player? Click this link to download the MP3 file. If you have an Apple device (iPhone/iPad), you can download the podcast (and subscribe) for free at this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/adult-adhd-add-tips-support/id988935339 Visit the podcast web page to listen to all 123 episodes: http://www.drummerandthegreatmountain.com/adult-adhd-add-podcast >> Take the ADHD Hunter-type Quiz For more info, visit: http://www.DrummerAndTheGreatMountain.com

How do you know when it's time to reinvent yourself creatively? And once you do, how do you remember that through it all, who you are in the best thing about you? This episode was recorded while podcast host and producer, Zak Rosen and I walked around Belle Isle in Detroit talking about creative reinvention, identity, and what it really means to build a life around your values.You'll hear the wind moving through the trees and the ice crunching beneath our feet and sheer creative vulnerability as Zak discusses how he knew it was finally time to shift a long-term project. Zak is the host of the beloved indie podcast Weirdly Hepful and a longtime creative whose path has included multiple reinventions, pivots, and personal awakenings. Together, we explore the emotional side of creativity that rarely gets talked about, especially the danger of tying your self-worth to what you make.We talk about:-Why separating your identity from your work is essential for long-term creative health-The freedom that comes from redefining success on your own terms-Creative reinvention and how to let yourself evolve -What it means to build a creative life instead of chasing external validationListen to Zak's Pod: https://weirdlyhelpful.show/

Are you constantly funding your own creative projects and ending up depleted, disappointed, or broke?In this minisode, I share one of the most powerful lessons I ever learned while coaching a multimillionaire: rich people do not spend their own money to launch new projects. They find sponsors, investors, patrons, and partners.So why are artists and indie creators doing the opposite?In this episode, we talk about:- Why self-funding your art can create resentment and burnout-How to stop being your own investor-Where to look for funding including sponsors, grants, corporations, nonprofits, and angel investors-Why artists used to have patrons and why that model still works-How to adopt an abundance mindset without going into debtIf you've ever drained your savings for your art, this episode is your wake-up call. You deserve funding. You deserve support. And you do not have to go broke to create.

What if the story we've been telling artists is wrong? What if you don't actually have to choose between financial stability and the thing you love most?In this episode, I sit down with actor turned entrepreneur Sarah Kleist to talk about the toxic myth of the “starving artist” and why performers are uniquely equipped to build creative businesses that support their art instead of competing with it.Sarah is a musical theater performer living in New York City who also runs a thriving web design and branding business for creatives. She shares how she built financial stability without walking away from her artistic identity and why being multi-passionate is not a weakness, but a strategic advantage.We talk about:-Why the “if you can do anything else, do that instead” advice is harmful-The powerful skills actors and performers already have that businesses are desperate for-How to rewrite your money story as a creative-Why financial stability can make you a better artist, not a worse one-Practical ways to start thinking about what your own creative business could beIf you've ever felt like you were failing because you want both meaning and money, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.You don't have to choose. You can build a life that holds both.

I tried to record a normal episode today. I couldn't. I sat down to talk about creativity like I usually do, and instead I found myself overwhelmed, heartbroken, and honestly… empty. In this episode, I share what it feels like to be a creative person living in America right now when the news feels unbearable, when your emotions are so full they leave you feeling blank, and when you're wondering:What is even worth creating at a time like this?How are we supposed to go about daily life?This is a raw, unscripted reflection on creative paralysis, collective grief, human rights, and the cruelty happening around us, including the actions of ICE and the fear, harm, and devastation our communities are experiencing.I talk about:-Small ways to stay creative and human when you feel helpless-Creative burnout from current events and how to move through it -How to alchemize pain into purpose-The role of artists, makers, and storytellers during hard times-Why this moment is not a political issue, but rather, a human rights issueIf you've been feeling distracted, heavy, unable to focus, or wondering how to keep making things when your heart is breaking, this episode is for you. I love you. I'm with you.

The harder the project you commit to (and deliver on) the greater the payoff in terms of your personal growth, your professional mastery and your internal self-respect.I've created a powerful completely new online program called The Amazing Day Blueprint. It's a proven system to help you constantly make your days productive, healthy and happy in 2026. Here are the details.FOLLOW ROBIN SHARMA:InstagramFacebookXYouTube

What if the way you learned to love, connect, and succeed wasn't actually you, but survival strategies you picked up as a kid?In this episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, I sit down with Beá Victoria Albina, somatic experiencing practitioner and author of Emotional Outsourcing, to explore how people pleasing, perfectionism, and emotional over-responsibility quietly block creativity, self-trust, and authentic expression.We talk about what emotional outsourcing really is, how it develops in childhood, and how it shows up in our relationships, work, decision-making, and creative lives. We also explore how healing your nervous system and attachment wounds can help you reconnect with your voice and come home to yourself.This conversation is especially vulnerable for me. Bea even guides me through a live somatic practice to help release shame, and as you listen, I hope you can do the same. In this episode, you'll learn:-What emotional outsourcing is and why it develops-How people pleasing and perfectionism disconnect you from creativity-Why shame keeps you stuck and how to work with it-Somatic tools to rebuild self-trust and self-expressionIf you've ever abandoned yourself in order to be “good,” “enough,” or lovable, this episode will help you return to a more empowered, creative version of yourself.

Do you have big goals for 2026 but aren't sure where to start or how to actually follow through?In this solo episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, I'm sharing practical and emotional strategies for goal setting in 2026, especially if you want to go after your dreams in a way that feels doable and sustainable.This isn't about hustling harder or burning yourself out. It's about getting honest about what's been holding you back, aligning your daily actions with what you truly want, and breaking big goals into smaller steps you can realistically follow through on.I walk you through how to assess past goals, identify where you have more control than you think, and create a clear action plan that supports your dreams. I also share what I call microdosing courage, taking small steps that build momentum, confidence, and self-trust over time. We also touch on the emotional side of goal setting, including worthiness, limiting beliefs, asking for help, and healing creative wounds that can quietly block progress.You'll Learn: -How to honestly assess the goals you didn't reach last year and why-A simple way to check if your daily actions truly align with the goals you say matter most-How to microdose courage when approaching a big or scary task -Why stair-stepping goals works better than all-or-nothing thinking when fear shows up (and how it builds self-trust) -How worthiness, creative wounds, and asking for help impact your ability to follow throughIf you're setting New Year's goals for 2026 and want goal-setting advice that supports your creativity, emotions, and real life, this episode will help you move forward with compassion, clarity, self-love and momentum.

Today's guest is Kim Gravel. Kim is an entrepreneur, tv personality, public speaker, podcaster and industry leader. Most of all Kim has a passion for people and seeing them rise.Her authentic, common-sense style has resulted in Kim being one of the most booked guests on The Steve Harvey Show and starring in the hit docuseries, “Kim of Queens,” and partnering with retail giant QVC to launch her highly successful apparel line, Belle by Kim Gravel®, and the Belle Beauty® cosmetic line. She also has an awesome podcast called The Kim Gravel show! I will be on it next week! Be sure to check it out on QVC Plus, or wherever you get your pods! This is a great conversation about creativity and purpose!From this conversation you'll learn:-Kim's theory on purpose and how to find yours-How to take the first step toward your creative dream-How to use your fear as fuel-How to reinvent yourself at any age, and-The key to owning the power of ‘no!'

Every year, I sit down with my parents to record our annual Christmas podcast. What started as a holiday tradition has become one of my favorite conversations of the year. This episode is funny, emotional, honest, and full of the kinds of family stories that only come out around the holidays.In this special Christmas episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, my parents join me in the studio to reflect on family, marriage, childhood memories, and the moments that shape us long after the holidays end. We laugh, cringe, reminisce, and share stories that reveal why family dynamics are rarely perfect, but can still be deeply meaningful and beautiful.In this episode, you'll hear:-A shocking story from my parents' early marriage that still makes us laugh decades later-The tragic yet oddly hilarious story of Tim's saddest childhood Christmas-My mom's extremely confident and very incorrect retelling of Will Ferrell's Elf-A heartfelt recap of our wedding and what it taught us about love, family, and showing up for one another-Why messy family dynamics can still be healing, connective, and full of loveWhether you're celebrating with family, missing loved ones, or navigating complicated relationships this holiday season, this episode is a reminder that connection does not have to be perfect to be powerful and it's just also just a really fun Listen!If you prefer to watch, check it out on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxllx5aGD7U 

Nick Reid is an Audience Growth Expert, Content Development Producer, and Brand Strategist who's worked with major players like Paramount, Nickelodeon, Frederator, and the Producers Guild of America. But before that? He was selling merch on Broadway, having a breakdown at Trader Joe's, and questioning everything about his career and creative path. In this powerful conversation, we explore what it really looks like to grow a creative career. From breakdowns and layoffs to healing, reinvention, and stepping into your worth. You'll learn:-How to bounce back after rejection and burnout -Tools to stop proving your worth and start trusting it-Audience growth tips for indie creators -Why your nonlinear path is not a failure, it's your power Which part of Nick's story hit home for you? Comment on Spotify and let us know! Follow Nick: @itsnickreid Sign up for my Substack: https://substack.com/@laurenlograsso?

Have you ever felt stuck in life and seriously needed a sign? In this episode, I share how I once received the clearest sign of my life and break down my 7-step CHANNEL method that you can use to get a sign from The Universe. These steps help you quiet the noise, connect with your inner wisdom, recognize synchronicities, and trust what comes through.You will learn: • The moment I received a sign that changed my life • How to use my 7-step CHANNEL method in your life • The types of questions to ask the Universe to get a clear answer • How to recognize signs and synchronicities • How to trust your intuition and take the leap If you have been longing for a sign, this episode will help you receive it.

Struggling with self-doubt or a loud inner critic? In this episode, empathy expert, keynote speaker and bestselling author, Mimi Nicklin breaks down why self-empathy is the key to quieting that voice and unlocking deeper creativity, confidence, and clarity.We explore the neuroscience of empathy, the rise of loneliness, how listening transforms relationships, and why reconnecting with yourself is essential for creating your best work.You'll discover:What self-empathy is and how to practice itHow empathy impacts creativity and innovationTools to calm your inner critic and reduce anxietyHow to build stronger relationships through listeningWhy creatives need community more than everIf you're craving more confidence, creativity, and compassion, then this episode is for you.