It's All Creative - Creative Life, Creative Career, Creative Balance

Today's episode features Dr. Mimi Zieman, an OB/GYN who is also an author and playwright, with her most recent project, her memoir Tapdancing on Everest, out in stores now! We talk about her experience as a medic with a team climbing the east face of Mt. Everest, as well as the experiences of her family members, escaping the holocaust, moving to Palestine, and then settling in NY, as well as the boxes she found herself in as she grew, and how she escaped them one by one. You'll also hear about her dreams of dancing on Broadway, her play, The Post-Roe Monologues, and how Mimi faces life and listens to the universe and her gut to find the path to her true self and the life she was meant to live. I found our discussion awe-inspiring and I think you will, too. Important Notes: Tapdancing on Everest the book Mimi's website Broadway World's Promo of The Post-Roe Monologues Article from When Women Inspire Information on the East Face of Everest

This episode features a discussion I had with Tania Ho, owner of Museflower Retreat and Spa in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Tania talks about how she started her business, named one of Thailand's Top 10 Yoga and Wellness Retreats in 2016. We also talk about the variety of modalities she offers, how they work, and how they can support your search for peace, help reduce stress, and put you on a path for continuing your rituals and practices after your stay. We discuss things from labyrinths to intuition, meditation, and natural health as well as devotional chanting, Bhakti yoga and Kirtan, shamanic journeying, Cacao Ceremonies, flower essences, and how each type of practice can be modified to suit your personal needs. There is no one right way to do any of them. As you'll hear, Tania had a passion for natural health as a young girl and pursued a degree in Hotel Management with an emphasis on Spa Management. Eventually, she connected with someone who agreed to go into business with her, but that didn't run as planned, and instead, she and her boyfriend decided to open Museflower. I found our conversation filled with interesting topics, from the entrepreneurial angle to many other points including how we each connect to our intuition via our unique dominant sense, to the 7 types of rest needed to be at peace. And we chatted quite a bit about the services offered and how they can help. If you've ever wondered what goes into creating a space for individuals and groups to pursue inner health and peace, or how a business like Museflower gets started, you'll find a lot to connect with in our discussion. #Museflower #yoga #innerhealth #intuition #creativeretreat #cacaoceremony #plantmedicine #sacredrest Important Links Museflower Retreat and Spa Read more about the Sacred Rest with Nature retreat Bach's Flower Essences (I was unable to find Healing Herbs Flower Essences online) The 7 Emotional Groups impacted by healing herbs The 7 types of Rest from Ted.com Free printable Finger Labyrinth Child Sense by Priscilla Dunstan 7 Styles of Learning Kirtan Kriya, a 12 minute meditation with sound on Youtube

Today's episode features my recent conversation with Flytimeless, a motivational entertainer building an exciting and innovative project that features motivational concerts in San Diego and southern CA. His company also offers professional development events that help people discover their "masterpiece" inside and build the skills needed for success. As you'll hear, Flytimeless has plans to take his movement beyond San Diego, going worldwide, connecting cultures, and providing inspiration for those seeking self-development/improvement and connection. The motivational concerts take advantage of the power of epic orchestral music, challenges to connect, musical culture from around the world, and his own innate sense of positivity, "can-do" attitude, and the value he sees in every person. Flytimeless approaches life and the world from a place of positivity. In our discussion, you'll hear about how Elijah Caldwell became Flytimeless, including his dreams, his opportunities, and his beliefs from childhood to adulthood and beyond. Today's episode includes personal stories, dreams, and a sense that you can meet your own best self if you look within. Elijah Caldwell has also authored and published a book, Close Your Eyes & Look, as the first in a series. T The book "tells the story of Micah, a timeless dreamer who journeys within on a magical path to success beyond his wildest imagination. The story of Micah's journey teaches us about the invaluable wisdom of walking by faith and following our hearts to make our dreams come true." Our discussion makes it clear that life is creative, and thinking creatively, and listening to your intuition can bring about change, and provide a path that gives you the life you hope for! #FindYourTrueSelf #Flytimeless #MotivationalEvents #MotivationalConcerts #MusicIsUniversal #RefuelingAmericasDreams #FollowYourPath Important Links Flytimeless Website (you can purchase tickets for the next Motivational Concert held in January 2025) Purchase Elijah's Book, Close Your Eyes & Look Thomas Carlyle Scottish essayist, historian, and philosopher You can also find Flytimeless on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tiktok

Do you feel stuck in life? Are you an empty-nester or someone who has reached a point in life where maybe you're realizing life isn't what you'd hoped, and you wish there was some way to make a change? In today's episode, Jennifer Arthurton and I discuss exactly that. How to take that pause, and listen to your inner voice. How to take that tiny seed of a dream, and give it some air, out in the world, where you can make things happen. Jennifer is the host of the Old Chicks Know Shit podcast as well as her Facebook Group, her blog, her one-on-one coaching, and her Mastermind group for ambitious, driven midlife women, The Maven Collective, all dedicated to helping women create the life they've dreamed about, and respecting that whatever and wherever life has brought you, you've learned things and have value. As we ended our conversation Jennifer stated, "As long as you're breathing, it isn't too late." I like that. Because I know it's true. This episode will give you inspiration and ideas and help you realize that listening to your inner voice is important. I hope you do exactly that, and start making the changes needed to live more true to who you are at heart, to quote Jennifer again, "Your fears and doubts have no bearing on your capabilities." #YourBestChaptersAreAheadofYou #LifeYourBestLife #LearntoTrustYOU #ReinventionStories #MidLifeCrisis #InnerVoice #BeYourOwnBestFriend Important Links Jennifer's Website, Old Chicks Know Sh*t, features all the sites and work Jennifer does Jennifer's Facebook group, Old Chick's Know Jennifer's podcast, Old Chicks Know Sh*t Jennifer's Blog Info on Lao Tzu, quoted by Jennifer

Jacqui A. Johnson started life in Ghana, where she followed her grandmother's and mother's paths, by becoming a fashion designer at just 19. Relying on word of mouth for advertising, her business was quite successful, and by the time she was 29, she had 14 full-time employees and a backlog of orders that would take 7 months to complete! She moved to London and started her family, and continued in the design business, providing evening wear and elegant clothing for women. Once COVID hit, the demand for evening wear waned. Once COVID lockdowns ended, demand for evening wear increased, but the fashion world and tastes had changed, and Jacqui found herself designing clothing made more to show off skin than the clothing being worn. She didn't feel proud of the work she was being asked to design and hesitated to show it on her Instagram pages. Even though her elegant clothing line business closed in the last two years, she continues to design, focusing on accessories instead. Jacqui sees this as just another step in her life story. When asked how her coaching and mentoring started, she told me it wasn't unusual for her to develop a close relationship with clients. Many shared their stories, asked her for advice, and felt that her wisdom was as valuable as the outfits she designed. This fact and this type of wisdom started growing within Jacqui and she is now building out her accessory line while working on her degree in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology. She has started a public speaking business as well as providing life coaching for women in mid-life. She also works as an educator. You can find her work on Facebook in the Proverbs Party group. This group includes woman from around the world, who spend time reading Proverbs from the bible, gaining insight into themselves, and sharing their thoughts. Jacqui leans on her faith to help interpret her calling in the world. She developed the Solomon Life Model to help her understand how to listen to inner wisdom, how to use our innate gifts, and how to get our voices out into the world to make the most use of whatever it is you are carrying inside. Your "Diamond," as she sees it.  We do discuss suicide in this episode, and there is a discussion on depression, health issues, and several other serious topics, but Jacqui defines herself as a Hope Stirrer. She maintains a positive outlook, and fosters hope both in herself and others. #proverbs #fashion #design #FindTheGood #designtalk #FaithSupports #FindYourPeople #LifePath #PositivePsychology #MidLife Important Links Jacqui's Facebook Group, The Proverbs Party Do The Thing Challenge Group ( connect to the Accelerator program we discuss) Jacqui's site offering the free kickstart Purpose and Dreams Roadmap training is live now. Being offered starting 10/7 through 10/24. Visit here. C. R. Snyder's Paper on Hope Theory, Hope Theory: Rainbow's in the Mind.

Maggie Mills is a ghostwriter who talks about the writing process, how readers' minds work, how non-fiction is researched and written, how to overcome writing blocks, and how to get your story out there into the world. She confirms that, much unlike what some people say, it doesn't have to cost thousands. Have you ever found yourself reading a book, or listening to a story and thinking, "I could have written that! Maybe it's time to DO EXACTLY THAT! Maggie provides ghostwriting services to non-fiction authors and has covered many books from medical to crime to life stories, for preachers, medical professionals, educators, self-help gurus, and more. I asked her whether she'd agree, are there certain topics where we just "have enough books on that?" (spoiler alert, Maggie thinks there are NEVER enough books written about a specific topic). She coaches fiction writers, assisting them with dialogue, setting, character building, storyline, etc. And uses persona and target audience to help with voice and language when ghostwriting and coaching. She found her most interesting topic was human trafficking. But true crime and other topics also provided her with a different perspective, and in some cases a deeper understanding and empathy with those she was supporting. Being a ghostwriter and coach, I didn't think she got much time to do her own writing but when I asked her, she admitted, she has a few books in the planning stages. One, a mystery, was inspired by her stage of life, being a woman who has difficulty being heard, and sometimes feels she's invisible to others. Her main character shares this problem and ends up taking on a life of crime to support a financial emergency. She is also collaborating with a medium to write a book of advice for writers. The latter is titled 6 Dead People Tell You How to Write a Book. I don't know about you, but I'll be looking for that one... and will check in with her in a few months to see how her fiction series is coming along. Today's episode has something for everyone, from writers to readers to people who have a story inside that they want to share with the world (or at least a few friends). Thanks for listening. #ghostwriter #writerlife #authortalk #nonfiction #writersblock #HowDoYouWriteABook #TellYourStory #PutItInWriting Important Links Maggie's Linked In Page Maggie's Writing Coach/Ghostwriting Page

According to her media package, Laura Bray is a creative non-fiction writer who focuses on her memories and the challenges many GenX women face as they enter their 50s and beyond. But in our discussion today, you'll find that there is much more to Laura. Laura is a non-fiction creative writer who finds herself at the end of that fiction cliff, with some great stories in mind, including one that features a sturgeon who frequents the waters near her Pacific Northwest home. She's also a fibre artist and well-known craft designer (think embroidery, crewel work and similar) and owner of the Substack, The Cozy Library, as well as author of The Bisquick Diaries. Our discussion today covered a broad range of topics. From creative injury and how results from children (or adults) being told by a perceived expert, that they have no talent in a given area. In fact, those kinds of conversations may squash a person's sense of adventure when it comes to creativity. The result? They never try to do anything creative because they fear failure. For Laura, that squashed passion was art. And that conversation resulted in her looking elsewhere for a degree in literature and a career in finance. Thankfully, that original passion kept poking at her, and after completing Julia Cameron's 12-week program The Artist's Way, she leaped to become a very successful craft designer. We laughed over how inspiration and creativity can be found in unexpected places, like when you come across a really good obituary. We both hope in the end, we'll have lived a life worthy of a great one. We talk about how people can be afraid to try their hand at being creative, and we both agreed, there is no wrong to creativity.  Laura is proud of her Substack, The Cozy Library, and is a huge fan and supporter of libraries in general. She invites anyone who is a reader or a writer, to visit her site to learn the art of reading, to get inspiration for their next read, or to provide a new perspective for writers. I know many of my listeners are readers writers and artists, so I am confident you'll enjoy our discussion and feel that itch to start a new project, or get back to one you've let sit for a bit too long! #creative #needlework #artist #loveyourlibrary #substack #CozyLibrary #LiveYouurUniqueLife #CreativityofChildren #GenX #InspiringArtists #CreatativeNonFiction #LauraBray #DoCreative #BeCreative Important Links The Cozy Library (Tell Laura It's All Creative Sent You!) The Bisquick Diaries Design Transfers, a Sample of Laura's Work Laura's Pinterest Design Page Instagram @laurakbray Youtube laurabray

Today's episode features Laura Westman, an executive/leadership coach with a different take on building connections, who also considers play and fantasy as pillars for true creative leadership. And that leadership style supports team, passion, and cohesion in a workforce. OK, OK, are you asking yourself, "What does that mean?" Laura Westman brings her unique approach to coaching today's creative business leaders. Whether they're leading in a boardroom, mentoring and leading a staff, or running their own business, Laura believes that stepping back and opening your creative heart to the challenge in front of you provides a new perspective, one that is rooted in our hearts, and our inner child. What does that do? It brings about a way to lead that expands beyond the expected, to results you couldn't have imagined... without that inner child helping you. Ever look at the challenge ahead of you and think the hobbits' journey to Mordor was easier? Or perhaps if you had just a drop of Felix Felicis for an employee struggling with a problem, they'd succeed? But like the hero in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, you know it isn't needed, it's belief in oneself that gets those challenges solved. Yes, this is the type of magic and imagination Laura uses to inspire her clients. After all, she built her own business plans and direction using a map of Disneyworld, and it works! Laura is also a singer/songwriter who overcame a diagnosis of Hashimoto's Disease. Initially devastating, she found that seeing her sensitivities from the disease as something to honor and care for, brought her singing back, and helped her to grow while honoring her unique reality. Our conversation explores personal stories, funny stories, dreams, all in the spirit of finding your true self, that deep blue jewel of spirit hidden inside each of us. I hope you find inspiration and are given pause to think about what is truly valued by you. What are the things that make your inner creative child sing, dance, and look at the world filled with hope and happiness? #transformationalleadership #creativeprocess #ThrivetoSurvive #WestofWonderland #FindYourself #Creativity #CreativeMagic #WhatMakesYouTick #LeadFromCreativity #CreativeManagement #Lead Important Links Laura's website 8 Step Guide to Uncovering Your Creative Magic West of Wonderland Podcast Laura's Book - ⁠How to Be Creative in the Age of Digital Noise⁠ Women Who Run With the Wolves Book Hashimoto's Disease

Today's episode is a discussion with Mary Moses, the daughter of a previous guest, motivational speaker Sarah Moses. Mary is entering her senior year in high school, works as editor-in-chief of her school newspaper, and has just completed 10 episodes of her YouTube Series, Life Stories of Santa Barbara, in which she interviews residents of an assisted living facility, Wood Glen Hall. As you'll hear, Mary feels asking questions is important. It's a type of love language to show someone you care about them, about their story, and the little details of people's lives, because that's how we can truly know someone. Mary has dreams of becoming an investigative journalist and would love to be a contributor on 60 Minutes, but there is more to her than aspirations of being involved with network news. She looks forward to traveling the world, working with the Peace Corps after she graduates college, and connecting to communities and cultures vastly different than her own. She seeks to understand others and dig into the minutiae of their lives to connect with people where they are. Mary also finds that helping women speak their truth and providing opportunities to get their voices out into the world is powerful. As she learned from her guests with Life Stories, women have stories to share and benefit from having those stories heard. It isn't just telling the stories, but having them listened to, and sharing the wisdom they've gained by simply living their lives. As we chat, Mary talks about a role model that was her inspiration. Hunter Prosper, a YouTuber who showcases random conversations with people on the street. Mary recommends, that if you have a dream, if there's something you want to do, pursue it. Don't make excuses for not getting it done. Do the research, give yourself the skills, and lean on your natural gifts to get those things inside your heart out into the world. I hope you enjoy today's episode! #marymoses #investigativejournalism #thepowerofwomen #listen #lifestory #wisdom #intergenerational #youtube #talkANDlisten #oldergeneration #startyourdream Important Links Life Stories of Santa Barbara Link to Episode 3 of Life Stories of SB Hunter Prosper's YouTube Channel Link to It's All Creative episode with Sarah Moses

Today's episode features someone who is an author, a poet, a soon-to-be one-woman show coordinator, a survivor, a mother, and a library fan. DeLisa Seals has weathered life's storms and believes that we all have our storms to survive. With her collection of poetry, Clearing the Room, she has taken that first step beyond the stories of the past, to create a new life, and a more positive outlook on possibilities. DeLisa survived an abusive relationship, leaving it on her own during COVID, with her young son, moving to a hotel, teaching him on her own during the lockdown, and completing her college degree, magna cum laude. She's a proud mom who knows her value, and that you can make a change to have the life you want, and she knows for certain that everyone deserves a good life. But as we discussed, she had a lot of inner battles to overcome, including a childhood filled with challenges. She is working on a one-woman show dedicated to the grandmother who raised her. She's always been a poet, but didn't find the courage to publish her work until she got herself out of the bad places she'd been in, and took the time to "clear the room" of old habits, old negative self-talk, and old beliefs and create a room filled with sunlight, positivity, and room for possibilities to become realities. We talk about how hardship can sometimes feed creativity, and how we all have choices in life, to draw from our experiences, good or bad. As she has learned, we are not called to fit in, but instead, we are called to stand out. As DeLisa says, don't let someone else tell your story; speaking up and letting the world know who you are is important. Note: In today's episode we talk about abusive relationships, how to get out of domestic abuse situations, and how DeLisa accomplished this on her own, but in her own words, if this is your life, you are not alone. There are people out there who can help you. #poet #domesticabuse #abusiverelationships #proudtobeme #raisinggoodkids #parenting #speakyourstory #thisisme #clearingtheroom #authorchat #onewomanshow #tellyourstory See links to important websites below: National Domestic Violence Hotline (please note this site gives instructions to erase your activity so it cannot be tracked. DeLisa's book, Clearing the Room (link to purchase) Do The Thing Website with Stacey Lauren Do The Thing Collaboration Network on Facebook

Today's episode features Danielle M. Orsino, author of the "Birth of the Fae" series of novels. If you're a fan of the fantasy genre, you may be familiar with Danielle, and looking forward to her second volume of stories, which draw on more of a contemporary theme. She's currently getting ready to relaunch her first volume, rewritten, re-edited, and perhaps a bit closer to her original ideas. She admits that her first volume of stories is light on romance, and heavy on survival and organization of the world, but as she explains, in the beginning people were more focused on how they got where they were, what they need to do to survive, and how they can honor their families. As she says, "Fairies don't spend a lot of time on Tinder!" But she promises that the next volume of stories will indeed include more romance. Her newest book, At the Heart of War: Danaus and Jayden is a separate story, but builds on the stories included in her first volume. She explains that she writes 'novellas' not novels. The average length is about 200 words, and in the case of her newest book, you don't have to read the others to understand the story. So feel free to jump right on in, whether you're a fantasy fan, or just wondering what that genre is like. It may be the doorway to a whole new passion for you! In our discussion, Danielle talks about how she got into martial arts. She feels it's the best way to get kids moving forward if they're feeling ostracized by others, not fitting in, and in general, having difficulty finding their direction. I found today's conversation fascinating, with something for everyone. If you're interested in purchasing any of Danielle's books, or perhaps interested in hearing her on the Moving the Chains podcast on Block Talk Radio, or catching her on Liberty Bell Smack on WWDB, look for links below. Thanks for listening! #martialarts #fantasybooks #fantasyauthor #authortalk #birthofthefae #dragons #strongwomen #halloffame #inspiredvoices #MovingtheChains #LibertyBellSmack Important Links Birth of the Fae website Danielle's Instagram page Link to FightCamp program (Kick Boxing) Danielle's IMDB page Moving the Chains podcast, 7 pm ET Block Talk Radio WWDB Liberty Bell Smack starting 7/11/24

Today's episode is a bit different. Rather than featuring a guest who shares their creative passion, community, or skills, I'm featuring a conversation with Kimmie Nowak. Someone who has experienced some serious challenges in her life, but who has recently discovered the creativity of finding her voice, taking on challenges that pushed her outside of her comfort zone, and found a new approach and vision of what her life can be, and who she can be as well. We talk about the challenges Kimmie has faced including homelessness, job loss, toxic/abusive relationships, divorce, and a lot more. But we also talk about her ideas for a podcast that might involve a virtual bonfire party, and conversations with guests who have found their paths through life and can provide tips that others may find useful. Kimmie acknowledges that she has carried a chip on her shoulder for a long time, due in part to her own personality, but also as a result of things that happened to her in the past and recent past. But she's learning to listen to her heart and move forward in a way that she hopes will bring positive relationships, realize her hopes for life, and connect her to a community that appreciates her for who she is, and what she brings. I hope our discussion brings you inspiration! Thanks for listening. Please note: Our conversation was edited to remove personal details and situations to maintain the privacy of others involved in the situations discussed. We also had an issue with our connection on Zoom, running into frozen video and occasional loss of sound, so I am offering this conversation via audio only. #findyourvoice #findyourcommunity #toxicrelationships #abuse #childhoodtrauma #christianlife #dontgiveup #matchingsocks #liveforyou #positivity Important Links Do The Thing Community on Facebook Do The Thing Podcast Challenge website Article on Childhood Trauma and Adult Relationships from PsychCentral 6 Tips for Ending a Cycle of Unhealthy Relationships from Psychology Today

Do you celebrate Pride? Is it something you feel is inappropriate, or something you try to avoid? Or do you feel it belongs to all and why should there be a separate day/month/event to honor it? In today's episode I talk about two TV shows I've been watching that are featured on HBO and Paramount+ in honor of Pride month. They may be available all year round, but they were definitely featured when I was looking for something to watch. And both got me thinking about the creativity involved. In producing the amazing shows featured in We're Here, and the creativity of the people featured in the documentary Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution. I've inserted links below if you'd like to watch, or read more about the shows. But today's episode includes my thoughts on those shows, why Pride is important to so many, how you can support pride, and what pride means to me; my own experiences around it... just a short commentary. I've been out since before Ellen came out. In fact, I came out before her because I didn't want my mother to think it was some fad or something. And I've run into discrimination throughout the years. From hotels and caterers who wouldn't provide service when we got married (It was legal in my state back in 2006, now its legal everywhere), to bosses who put me on warning because I used the "L" word when talking to a co-worker, to contractors who provided an estimate but when they found out Beth and I were a couple, they never returned to do the job. It's been a wild ride, and it feels like we may be turning a corner to an even wilder ride, soon, but I'm staying positive, and today I know I have many friends and family who support us and would stand by us if needed (I think.). In the end, I just want to wish everyone a happy Pride, and hopefully after listening to this episode, if you didn't before, you'll understand a bit more about the June celebration and why it's important. The LGBTQIA+ community still has a long way to go. Life isn't safe and supportive everywhere, and in some places those members still receive the death penalty if discovered. So the world needs more pride, not less. And if you find that pride is annoying and why do you have to hear about it, give that feeling some thought. Maybe you're not as open and accepting as you think you are. Thanks for listening. Important Links Ru Paul's Drag Race We're Here Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution The History of Pride Stonewall Riots

Crazy to think that It's All Creative hit it's first birthday on June 2nd, and with today's episode (a much pared down version of what I'd hoped to create) I am launching my 100th episode. This is a milestone for podcasts, since only 4% of podcast series reach that number. I wanted to thank my guests, my listeners, talk about some of the types of episodes I've done, what I'll be doing in July, and where I hope It's All Creative goes in the next year. I'm not stopping now! I'm just getting started, so I hope you subscribe, listen, and enjoy. I'm also looking for guests for my next year of episodes. If you're interested, please reach out, either via voice message right here on Spotify's site, or send me an email Thanks for following and listening to It's All Creative.

In today's episode, I reflect on the creative community, and how we benefit from offering our skills, life experience, and ideas as a way both to receive benefits, but also to help our chosen community grow, and how our input can energize someone else's creative life. From someone wishing they could "do" something creative, but don't know where to start, to someone reaching burnout, to someone who has no other creative person near them to push them, support them, or encourage them... creative communities, a creative tribe, or maybe a few of them, are vital to our continued growth as creatives. And I'm not talking just classic artists and performers. Anyone who is looking to approach life differently... that's creative, too, and we all need partners in crime when it comes to that! If you're wishing you could FIND a creative tribe, like-minded individuals, or a group that would support you as you explore those big ideas floating in your head, do a Google search, check out clubs, groups, etc on Facebook, or send me a message. I'm pretty good about finding people to connect with. I hope you find inspiration in this episode. I was inspired to talk about it after spending a weekend with my singing tribe, or a part of it. And enjoying all that the people attending with me shared. From balloon artists to clowns, to ASL interpreters, singers, directors, quartets, and people looking to get started in something along those lines, we shared what we brought with us, and it helped us all to be more. Many of my guests on this podcast offer their knowledge for free to others who are interested. It's an amazing thing to have a community to plug into, to be supported by, and to be applauded by. We all need it. I hope you find your community or communities and share what you've got with those like minded individuals. It's important! #CreativeTribe #DoTheThing #LifeExperience #YouCanDoIt #FindYourPeople #ShareYourMagic Important Links Sweet Adelines, Find a Chorus Near You Do The Thing on Facebook Ann Trainor Domingue's episode Faleena Hopkins' episode

PLEASE NOTE: This episode does include conversations about suicide. While this is not the focus of the discussion, this is a spoiler to alert any who may be triggered by this topic. Today's guest, Sara Moses, had a life and career path similar to many. She went to college, and started a career in public relations and sales, but quickly realized that the 9 - 5 grind, was not for her. She wanted something that fed her entrepreneurial spirit and also allowed a bit more flexibility in her day. She took a job as a casting associate and loved the work. Even if it may require more hours than her previous job. She went to grad school and started working towards a certificate in family and marriage counseling... but she also got married, and children came along. This resulted in her deciding to make another career change, working in a field that provided more flexibility... she entered the home renovation, construction, and real estate management industry. Doesn't sound like a job that allows a lot of free time, but it was her choice and did provide her with the time she needed. As her children grew, and she supported her husband in his acting career, she dedicated herself to caring for her family and putting her dreams aside. A few years ago, her family suffered the traumatic loss of two relatives, with suicide being a part of that loss. It was devastating to Sara and became a life-changing moment. She recognized that she'd become a constant caregiver, living in a codependent state, and not feeling confident in her abilities to take the steps necessary to "go for it." With that sudden loss, she realized how short life was, and that to live her dreams, she'd need to make some changes. Raising strong, authentic daughters was still a major priority, but after a divorce and living as a single mom, she decided to start living the life she wanted. She became an inspirational/motivational speaker, with a focus on mindset and positivity. Sara believes that "some action" is always better than "no action", and it's never too late to begin the life you want. Taking Action and DOING IT NOW! Is her mantra. She's also a firm believer that women, in particular, have a habit of putting themselves second, and not giving time or support to their dreams. Many women can get stuck in that people-pleaser mode, hiding their true selves, and just going along to get along. When asked how she's raised her daughters to be strong and true to their dreams, she provides a surprising answer. Listen to the podcast episode to learn more! Sara is now speaking at public events, hosts her podcast Do It Now, and has started a new Facebook Community Group, The Do It Now Community. If you're interested in being a part of a community that supports and celebrates getting your life started and living your dreams, check out this community via the link below. on that path to join.  Our conversation touches on many things, from storytelling to finding the courage to step out into your dreams, to finding your true path no matter how old you are. I hope you find inspiration and the courage to take that first step in your own life. Thanks for listening, and as Sara says, whatever is in your heart, Do It Now! #CreativeInspiration #MotivationalSpeaker #MentalHealthAwareness #ImposterSyndrome #BeAuthenticallyYou #Storyteller #Podcast #PositiveMindset #ItsNeverTooLate #TrainYourBrain #TimeIsShort #PutYouFirst #BeABossofYourThoughts #SuicideAwareness Important Links Connect with the Do It Now Community Sara's website Do It Now with Sara Moses podcast on iTunes The Alter Ego Effect, the book we discuss American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Today's meanderings is related to a question I got on a podcast where I was a guest and was asked about my podcast. It spurred my thinking towards the whole idea of creativity and the arts having nothing to do with science, technology, etc. I have friends who say, "oh, I'm not into that fluffy stuff. I'm more a numbers person, or I like technology better." Or as my cousin Joann used to say, "none of that artsy fartsy stuff for me!" But in my opinion, the arts IS science, technology. engineering, and math... Things that are supported in our school systems via the STEM programs. At a number of schools that's also known as STEAM (with the A in there for the arts), but we're hearing daily about schools cutting the arts to balance budgets and provide "real" education. Sadly, for many students, the STEM portion of school doesn't connect, EXCEPT through ART. As you'll hear, I see science and technology in a lot of the creativity I'm involved with. And after listening, I think you may have a more expanded view of what it takes to be creative, and where creativity meets math, science, engineering, and technology. I hope you enjoy today's episode. I've included links to the various companies and facts I've talked about. I encourage you to check them out and maybe start a little science experiment, creatively speaking, of your own! #STEAM #ItsAllCreative #podcast #homecooking #canning #playingwithclay #makeityourself #baking #kitchenscience #clayworks #barbershopmusic #canningbasics #baking #homebaking #kitchenscience Important Links Al's Backwoods Berrie Serious Eats' article about pickling science Sourced Journey's article on cinnamon and baking Ceraspace's article on finding and processing natural clay Wikipedia's page on Barbershop Harmony and Harmonics

Are you a 9 - 5 worker feeling overwhelmed with your job and the life you feel stuck with? Are you someone looking to start a business or a busy entrepreneur wishing you could take a break from the craziness, regroup, and perhaps discover a new life for yourself and those you love? How does an escape to the northeast corner of TN, with plenty of fresh air, wildlife, and a comfy place to lay your head sound? Maybe you've always wished you could spend more time outdoors. Perhaps you've always dreamed of gardening, the simple life; caring for chickens, ducks, or a highland cow or two? Well, today's guest, Susan Anderson, is living her dream, planning just that type of escape, and you could enjoy the fruits of her dream. Idyllwild Woods is a future retreat for entrepreneurs, creatives, and people feeling burned out by society, and wishing for an escape. On 35 acres of land, Susan and her husband, along with their famil cats and dogs, are creating a low-impact natural retreat space for individuals, teams, and companies to return themselves to the land, clear some space in their heads, and get in touch with their authentic self and the energy that comes from spending time in nature. As you'll hear, Susan is just now starting to plan her retreat, with future cottages, glamping sites, meeting spaces, and performance spaces to meet the needs of those desiring an escape from today's high-pressure world. Currently working as a ghostwriter, and being inspired by Trevor G. Blake's book 3 Simple Steps, Susan bought her property with the help of a couple of angel investors about two years ago. In March of this year, after selling businesses, a house, and more, she and her husband moved from Alabama to Tennessee, and together with their kids, took on the challenge of land management, creek management, determining farming areas, building areas, and working to be the best stewards of their property that they can be. Susan wants to create a place that businesses and individuals will return to year after year, to find inspiration, clear their minds, and explore new ideas by having a bit of adventure, and a lot of nature. As you can imagine, a dream like this doesn't just happen, it takes time, focus, and creativity, and we cover all of that in our discussion. I hope you enjoy our discussion and that you'll subscribe to this podcast for more from It's All Creative. #entrepreurs #podcast #nature #getoutside #breathetheair #idyllwildwoods #tennessee #dothething #doitmessy #destress #findyourpurpose Important Links 3 Simple Steps by Trevor G. Blake Entrepreneurs Gone Wild website Idyllwild Woods website (sign up for info hot off the presses) Baby Bathwater Institute Dopamine and Social Media from Psychology Today

In today's episode I talk about the importance of time, and giving yourself time to do all that needs to be done. Believe it or not, time to daydream, time to just sit and think, time to get outside and connect with nature... those are important, too. For me, chapter 7, Geography is No Longer Our Master, from the book Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon was an important one. It talked about finding and/or creating your own world for creativity. Living in the middle of nowhere is no excuse for not being creative, or getting your creative dreams out there for the world. In fact, we can create our own spaces, even if they're small. We can create our own schedule... even if that "time for me" is only 10 minutes. But it is important to make that time and carve out a portion of your life for yourself and all your dreams. I hope you find inspiration in today's episode, and that it pushes you towards making time for yourself and time for those you care about. Don't have anyone you care about? Maybe it's time to change that! #TimeforMe #TimetoBe #Creativity #CreativeLife #WhatDoIDoNow #GetOutdoors #Family #Friends #ListentoYourHeart #NatureIsCalling

In today's episode, I speak with a fellow Do The Thing community member, Jean Green. Jean is the host of the "Your Life After 50" Podcast. We spend time talking about Jean's life... how she got to where she is, and where she hopes to continue. Our discussion starts with Jean as a young woman signing up for military life to pay for college. There she met her husband, and soon after had her three children. Jean is an introvert who always loved interacting with people but found her comfort zone was being a "wallflower" as she puts it. It wasn't until joining ToastMasters, and later the Do the Thing community, where she had support developing an idea for a podcast, and getting that up and running that she started to feel out of her comfort zone but in a good way. Jean is a storyteller and finds that podcasting fits in perfectly with her love of connecting with others. She collaborates with others to teach the art of storytelling at the Sacramento Public Library and has worked with the Capital Storytelling program. In our discussion, we talk about raising children, living as an introvert who loves people, and how Jean connects to others through storytelling. We also talk about the fact that she spent the bulk of her life as a caretaker, spouse, and mother, and how that happens to many women, putting off their "turn" in life until the nest is empty. But when "your time" comes around, how do you step out and find your voice again? I know you'll find Jean's story interesting, and may identify with some of the life experiences Jean shares. Thanks for listening, and please subscribe for more from It's All Creative. Important Links Capital Storytelling Program Sacramento Public Library - Storytelling Toastmasters Do The Thing