Was It Chance?

What if saying “yes” before you know how is the real creative superpower? In this episode of Was It Chance, Heather Vickery and Alan Seales sit down with Paul Pape—creative problem navigator, TEDx speaker, author, and the man affectionately known as “Santa for Nerds.” From a studio in Nebraska, Paul has built custom props, collectibles, and prototypes for Disney, Universal, Nickelodeon, Broadway, and The Tonight Show, becoming the go-to person when clients need something that doesn’t exist yet. Paul shares how a theater background, relentless curiosity, and a bend-don’t-break mindset led him from being told he’d never act again to designing iconic objects for film, television, and live entertainment. Along the way, he breaks down how creatives can build sustainable businesses without sacrificing their artistic soul—by charging for labor, reframing pricing, and even gamifying business strategy. This conversation is a masterclass in intentional risk, creative problem solving, and why the “starving artist” narrative deserves to be retired for good. Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ ⁠Visit Heather's Bookshop⁠ Visit ⁠The Reading Well EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: Creative success often comes from saying yes before you know how, then trusting yourself to figure it out along the way. Efficiency and experience increase your value, not decrease it, and your pricing should reflect that growth over time. Charging too little attracts the wrong clients and limits sustainability, while pricing appropriately creates commitment and respect. Failure is not a stopping point but a critical step that teaches faster and deeper than success ever can. A background in one creative discipline can unlock opportunities in entirely different industries if you stay curious and adaptable. Gamifying business concepts can make strategy, pricing, and structure more accessible for creative thinkers. Creative work has real labor value and must include compensation for time, skill, and years of experience. Building a sustainable creative business requires surrounding yourself with people who complement your weaknesses, not mirror your strengths. The myth of the starving artist persists only when creatives undervalue their work and avoid business fundamentals ntentional risk, combined with passion and problem solving, can turn unconventional paths into long-term creative careers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special year-end wrap-up episode, hosts Heather Vickery and Alan Seales kick 2025 out the door the only way they know how: with candid reflection, sharp banter, and a deep appreciation for creative risk. From standout guests and unforgettable conversations to personal highs, hard-won lessons, and the realities of building meaningful work in the middle of busy, complicated lives, Heather and Alan look back on what made this year weird, wonderful, and unexpectedly transformative. They revisit favorite moments from the show, reflect on growth both on and off the mic, unpack what it means to stay curious in a fast-moving creative landscape, and share what they’re carrying forward into 2026. It’s less a recap and more an honest conversation about momentum, friendship, resilience, and why saying yes to opportunity still matters—especially when you’re tired, unsure, or figuring it out in real time. Consider this an inside look at the conversations behind the podcast, the lessons that stuck, and the intentions shaping what comes next. Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ Visit Heather's Bookshop Visit The Reading Well Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning author and Hollywood veteran Kay A. Oliver joins Was It Chance to unpack a career shaped by creative persistence, hard-earned reinvention, and the courage to walk away from systems that no longer fit. With more than three decades in Hollywood—spanning writing, production, consumer products, and studio work—Kay shares what it really takes to survive (and stay sane) in an industry driven by power, timing, and compromise. After being laid off during a breast cancer diagnosis, Kay made a pivotal decision: stop waiting for permission and start telling stories on her own terms. That choice led her to novel writing, where her work has earned more than 30 literary awards and sparked interest from streaming platforms for adaptation. In this episode, Kay breaks down the creative and business realities of Hollywood, the difference between writing for screen versus page, why failure is a prerequisite for success, and how trusting yourself can be the biggest creative risk of all. This conversation is candid, sharp, and deeply grounded in lived experience—proof that sometimes the most important “chance” is deciding not to play by someone else’s rules. Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Failure is not the opposite of success; it is an essential part of any meaningful creative path. Creative rejection can be a redirection that leads to work with greater autonomy and impact. Surviving a personal crisis can permanently change how risk is evaluated and embraced. Writing for Hollywood and writing novels require fundamentally different creative and business mindsets. Strong female characters were never unmarketable; they were simply unsupported by the system. Self-publishing can be a deliberate, empowering strategy rather than a compromise. Protecting creative rights is a necessary business practice for long-term sustainability. Letting go of control in adaptation can preserve both perspective and creative freedom. Thorough research is what allows fiction to feel emotionally and intellectually authentic. The most resilient creative careers are built by trusting personal conviction over external validation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sit down with award-winning novelist and former CNN senior copy editor John DeDakis—a storyteller whose life and career have been shaped by remarkable twists of fate. From navigating the Vietnam War draft and interviewing Alfred Hitchcock as a 20-something Army broadcaster, to decades in journalism at the White House and inside CNN’s The Situation Room, John’s journey reflects both serendipity and relentless creative drive. John shares how grief, politics, and lived experience have informed his Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense series, why he chose a young female protagonist, and how real-world events inevitably find their way into his fiction. He also opens up about failure, fear, courage, and the healing power of writing—offering tangible wisdom for creatives, writers, and anyone navigating major life transitions. Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ Connect with John: Website: johndedakis.com Books, classes, editing services, and upcoming events are all available through his site. Follow John for updates on new novels, writing workshops, and podcast appearances. EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Serendipity shaped John’s entire career, from being drafted during the Vietnam War to discovering journalism and interviewing Alfred Hitchcock at age 23. A long journalism career—including decades at CNN and years working directly on The Situation Room—taught John discipline, story structure, and the power of truth. Writing fiction began as a creative outlet from the emotional toll of newsroom life; it later became a second career and a vehicle for processing grief. His Lark Chadwick series emerged from deep listening and curiosity, especially about women’s lived experiences, with early beta readers helping him get the character right. John believes failure is a critical teacher. His jazz-drummer “crash and burn” moment became a foundational lesson in courage and confidence. Real-world events inevitably influence his writing, including themes of political tension, power, and personal autonomy. Writing—whether journaling or storytelling—can be a profound tool for healing from all forms of grief and loss. Creativity often requires making it up as you go; characters and stories evolve when you allow space for uncertainty and intuition. Career reinvention is possible at any stage of life when you stay curious, open, and willing to take intentional risks. Listening—to others, to mentors, to the world—is one of the most powerful tools any creator can cultivate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather and Alan sit down with writer, lyricist, editor, and creative force Kara Cutruzzula—whose winding, multidimensional career is a masterclass in following curiosity, embracing uncertainty, and letting creative energy lead the way. Kara shares how a series of “sliding doors” moments shaped her path from journalism to essays, from writing short plays to crafting musicals, and how she learned to stop treating choices as “right or wrong” and instead as opportunities to experiment, evolve, and discover what’s possible. She opens up about the power of self-belief, the importance of external accountability for big creative projects, her life as a manifesting generator (which Alan and Heather have thoughts about), and her brilliant system for managing ambition without burning out. We also dive into her upcoming Off-Broadway–focused publication The Hat, her musical Marathon, the joy of collaboration, the magic of mixing mediums, the necessity of tender self-compassion, and yes… the many unexpected life lessons learned from Wendy’s, Cracker Barrel, and saucy nugs. Connect with Kara: Brass Ring Daily newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.co Marathon the Musical: https://instagram.com/marathonmusica Open Skies creative brainstorm sessions: Link available via her Substack or Instagram bio Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS There’s rarely a “wrong choice” — only the next choice. Kara reframes creative decisions not as irreversible forks in the road, but as directions you can always step away from or return to later. Follow what feels just out of reach. If a project feels a little scary, a little too big, or slightly beyond your current skills, that’s Kara’s signal to lean in — not run away. External deadlines are magic. Kara thrives when she brings in collaborators, contests, classes, or structures that help propel her forward when self-created timelines aren’t enough. Curiosity is a compass. Every major shift in Kara’s creative life — from journalism to plays to musicals to newsletters — began by following a spark of interest and treating it like an experiment. You don’t have to do the same thing twice. Kara intentionally avoids repeating what she already knows how to do; new mediums energize her and expand her skills. Self-compassion is a creative tool. “Tender self-compassion” helps combat the guilt loop of not doing enough. Kara normalizes renegotiating commitments with yourself and starting again tomorrow. Small steps matter more than perfect plans. Whether it’s a “things I can do later” list or writing tomorrow’s newsletter today, she reduces overwhelm by shrinking tasks to their next actionable piece. Failure is data, not a dead end. Kara embraces the idea of “first attempt in learning”— seeing setbacks as rerouting toward opportunities she couldn’t have anticipated. Community fuels creation. From the BMI workshop to launching The Hat, Kara continually builds and collaborates with creative networks that energize her ideas and keep momentum alive. Creative lives aren’t linear. Kara’s journey shows that weaving between mediums, interests, and roles doesn’t dilute your path — it is the path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a milestone! For our 100th episode, we’re joined by the powerhouse that is Bianca D’Alessio—real estate broker, reality TV star of Selling the Hamptons, and now author of Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Power and Lead with Lasting Impact. In this inspiring, high-energy conversation, Bianca opens up about her journey from earning just $11,000 her first year in real estate to managing billions in property sales. She shares how writing became her therapy, how travel shaped her worldview, and how self-awareness and intention drive every decision she makes. Bianca dives deep into what it really means to live authentically—breaking free from toxic goal setting, learning to listen to your intuition, and understanding the difference between toxic positivity and contagious positivity. Her story of turning personal challenges into fuel for growth is as real and raw as it is motivating. Plus, we celebrate this huge Was It Chance? milestone by reflecting on risk-taking, reinvention, and the power of sharing your truth. 🌐 biancadalessio.com 📚 Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Power and Lead with Lasting Impact — available wherever you get your books 📱 Follow Bianca on Instagram and LinkedIn @biancadalessio Connect with Bianca D’Alessio 🌐 biancadalessio.com 📚 Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Power and Lead with Lasting Impact — available wherever you get your books 📱 Follow Bianca on Instagram and LinkedIn @biancadalessio Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS You can redefine success at any time—intention matters more than outcome. Vulnerability is power; your story becomes a tool for connection and impact. Toxic positivity ignores pain, but contagious positivity helps others rise. Failure isn’t the end—it’s the indicator that you’re trying hard enough. Self-awareness is the foundation of growth and authenticity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sit down with David Armstrong — lifelong theater-maker, educator, and author of Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical. David’s 40-year career as a director, producer, choreographer, and writer has been steeped in creative risk, from his 18 years leading Seattle’s Fifth Avenue Theatre (where Hairspray began!) to hosting the Broadway Nation podcast and now teaching Broadway history at the University of Washington. His passion for illuminating the overlooked creators of America’s most iconic art form is both inspiring and overdue. We talk about the evolution of Broadway through marginalized voices, the political power of art that doesn’t look political, and how risk-taking theaters like the Fifth Avenue became incubators for some of Broadway’s greatest hits. David shares the creative leap that led to Hairspray, how collaboration with an audience shapes a show’s success, and the “legacy chains” connecting generations of musical theater creators — from Otto Harbach to Lin-Manuel Miranda. He also gets candid about failure, what it really feels like when a show “almost” works, and why he still sees risk as essential to the creative process. 🎧 Connect with David Armstrong: 📚 Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical — available everywhere books are sold (or through Bloomsbury for a discount!) 🎙️ Listen to Broadway Nation on the Broadway Podcast Network and all major podcast platforms 🌐 Learn more: Broadway Nation Podcast Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Art created by outsiders has always shaped the mainstream. Theaters that take risks on new work keep Broadway alive. “Shows aren’t written — they’re rewritten.” Legacy and mentorship sustain creative evolution. Risk and failure are inseparable parts of artistic success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Goldberg Ruoff knows a thing or two about living a double life—in the best way possible. By day, she’s a middle school teacher, bringing “Ms. Frizzle-level” energy to the classroom. By night (and early mornings, and stolen weekends), she’s a novelist who just released her debut adult novel, Hopelessly Devoted. This cozy, witchy rom-com blends love, humor, ghosts, and tea in a way that feels perfect for fall—and forever. In this conversation, Audrey shares the winding journey that led her from journalism to teaching to finally finishing and publishing her first book. We talk about the creative risks she’s taken along the way: querying for years, writing stories “just for herself,” and daring to put her real name on her book. From Addams Family inspiration to YA horror recommendations, to thoughtful takes on teaching, sex positivity in literature, and even the ethics of AI, this episode is full of the same warmth and wit you’ll find in her writing. 📚 Find Hopelessly Devoted wherever books are sold (support your local indie or check bookshop.org) 📸 Follow Audrey on Instagram: @audreygoldbergruoff Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Creativity often blooms when you finally write for yourself, not for the market. Failure—whether in writing or teaching—is inevitable, but it’s also the doorway to growth. Cozy, witchy magical realism can make our world feel “just a little bit better.” Teaching is a deeply powerful, creative profession that shapes future storytellers. Risk is choosing to show up authentically—even if it means students, editors, or the world will see the real you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes creativity shows up in the most unexpected places. For author Megan Michelle, it was during recovery from open heart surgery and battling severe light sensitivity that her debut novel Skylark came to life. What started as a vivid story playing in her mind became the foundation for The Seales Saga—a seven-book series blending military action, slow-burn romance, and fierce patriarchy-smashing energy. In this conversation, Megan opens up about the divine-download nature of her writing process, the role crowdfunding played in bringing Skylark to print, and her passion for advocating veterans’ rights and mental health awareness. We also dig into the business side of indie publishing, how to make books beautiful inside and out, and why sometimes the universe has to force us to slow down so our true creative work can emerge. Connect with Megan Michelle: Get the book, Skylark (The SEAL Saga, Book 1) 📚 Website: megan-michelle.com 📸 Instagram: @megan_michelle_storytelling Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Creativity can be born in the most unexpected circumstances. Indie publishing is expensive—but crowdfunding and community can make it possible. Beautiful books are art, and presentation matters as much as story. Sometimes life forces you to slow down, and that pause might reveal your true creative calling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling author Evelyn Skye joined us for this episode, and wow—what a ride. Evelyn is the author of ten novels, including The Hundred Loves of Juliet and her brand-new release The Incredible Kindness of Paper. Her books have been published in 16 languages, and she’s written for Netflix and Disney, but what we loved most about this conversation is how open she was about the rejection, risk, and a healthy dose of “delusion” it took to get here. From her early manuscripts that never sold, to switching genres mid-career, to finally finding her voice in stories rooted in kindness and joy—Evelyn’s path is a masterclass in perseverance. We also dug into her writing process (spoiler: she cranks out a messy zero draft in 30 business days and then tears it apart), the courage it took to leave her legal career behind, and why she refuses to compromise on the heart of her stories. Evelyn also shares about her Substack community Creative Inspired Happy, where she hosts a book club, author interviews, and creativity challenges. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to sustain a creative career—or you just need a reminder to stay delusionally optimistic—this one’s for you. Connect with Evelyn Skye: 📚 The Incredible Kindness of Paper – out now wherever books are sol 🌐 Website & Substack: creativeinspiredhappy.com 📸 Instagram: @evelyn_skye Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: A “healthy dose of delusion” can be essential fuel for creative careers. Rejection doesn’t mean failure—it’s feedback that the story hasn’t landed yet. Sometimes success comes when you stop writing what you think the market wants and lean into what you want to create. Creative longevity requires balancing input (reading, living life) with output (writing).Protecting the heart of your work is worth holding the line, even if it means saying no. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply compelling and eye-opening episode, we sat down with historian and viral TikTok creator Tad Stoermer, whose work dismantles the "Patriot Myth" and reimagines the American narrative. With a resume that includes Colonial Williamsburg, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and a PhD in history, Tad is anything but your typical academic. We unpack how his journey from Capitol Hill to the classroom — and eventually to social media — led him to challenge everything he’d been taught about the founding of the United States. His powerful deconstruction of the sanitized version of history we’ve all been fed is nothing short of radical truth-telling. Tad’s upcoming book, Resistance: A History of the United States, aims to reframe the American story through the lens of those who have fought back — often at great personal cost — in the name of equity and justice. In this episode, we dig into why real resistance isn’t about fast wins, how joy itself can be an act of rebellion, and why he believes the stories we’ve erased are actually where the real American heroes live. Oh, and we talk about why Alexander Hamilton might’ve been, well, kind of an asshole. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you’ll walk away changed. CONNECT WITH TAD: 📚 Look out for this book: Resistance: A History of the United States (March 2026) 📱 TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Patreon, and Substack: @tadstoermer CONNECT WITH US: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: The “Patriot Myth” isn’t just a distortion — it’s a strategic narrative rooted in exclusion. Real resistance is a long game, not a quick fix. Deconstructing history means challenging your own education. Joy, creativity, and curiosity are essential tools of resistance. TikTok might be the most unexpected — and effective — classroom in America right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she was born to be a writer—she was literally introduced as one at the age of seven when her second-grade class performed her first play. That moment sparked a lifelong passion, even if it took decades to pursue professionally. Now a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 books under her belt, Victoria’s work blends powerful storytelling with faith, moral conflict, and deeply rooted historical truths. Her historical fiction—including the breathtaking Harlem Rhapsody—shines a light on extraordinary Black women who have been erased from the pages of history. In this candid, funny, and deeply moving conversation, Victoria shares the circuitous path that led her from corporate success to full-time author, the invaluable support of her late husband, and how she guerrilla-marketed her way into a major publishing deal. She talks about the creative joy (and challenge!) of co-authoring with Marie Benedict, immersing herself in research by living in Harlem, and her unwavering belief that it’s never too late to chase your purpose. Victoria’s art is her resistance, and this episode is full of wisdom, inspiration, and a little bit of magic. Connect with Victoria: 📚 Website: victoriachristophermurray.com 📘 Instagram & Facebook: @victoriachristophermurray 🎬 Watch her Lifetime movies based on The Seven Deadly Sins series 📖 Read Harlem Rhapsody, The Personal Librarian, and more wherever books are sold Connect with us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, ⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and more EPISODE TAKEAWAYS You can’t write a book in your head—start with just one word a day History untold is history erased—write what deserves to be remembered Your dream isn't just for you; it's meant to serve and inspire others It’s never too late: Victoria hit the NYT bestseller list at 65 Mistakes ≠ failure—learning from them is how we grow Guerrilla marketing 101: postcards, bookstores, and creative hustle Collaboration can unlock new creative superpowers Your path may not be linear—but it's always right on time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s guest is the brilliantly charming and very British Laura Wood — author of 17 (yes, seventeen!) books including her newest adult rom-com, Let’s Make a Scene. Laura is a screenwriter, novelist, unapologetic romantic, and former PhD student whose creative journey started as the ultimate procrastination project. In this episode, we dig into how a last-minute writing contest entry changed her entire life, the difference between writing for adults and young readers, and why procrastination might just be a secret creative superpower. Laura opens up about her writing process (spoiler: she’s a speed demon), her love of dual timelines, and what it really takes to create effortless, seamless storytelling. We also get into why blank pages are terrifying, how she structures her novels like a mad genius, and how therapy — both real and fictional — shapes her characters. This conversation is part author confessional, part comedy, and part creative masterclass. Also, someone please get Laura to Costa Rica. Connect with Laura: 📚 Check out her latest book Let’s Make a Scene 🌐 More about Laura: https://laurawoodauthor.com 📸 Follow her on Instagram: @lauraclarewood Connect with the Hosts & Show: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, subscribe to her ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠, and follow her on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: Sometimes procrastination leads to brilliance — and publishing deals.A blank page is the enemy, but structure can be salvation. Therapy isn’t just healing; it can also be hilarious and plot gold. Adulting doesn’t mean the end of coming-of-age. Celebrate your wins. Don’t let the goalposts keep moving without you. Creative success isn’t about one big break — it’s built slowly, consistently, and authentically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

USA Today bestselling author Serena Burdick is living proof that creative success doesn’t follow a straight line. In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Serena shares how her journey from aspiring actor to celebrated novelist came with plenty of unexpected twists—including returning to waiting tables in her 40s while raising kids and chasing her dream. With honesty and humor, she opens up about the realities of artistic life, the power of resilience, and the value of believing in your own story—especially when others don’t see it yet. We dive into Serena’s new book, A Promise to Arlette, and the fascinating real-life inspiration behind it—her grandmother’s connection to avant-garde photographer Man Ray and a long-lost nude photograph that sparked a fictional journey through postwar France and conservative 1950s America. Serena talks about balancing fiction with history, channeling her theatrical background into richly drawn characters, and navigating the emotional tightrope of writing stories that sometimes go to very dark places. This is a must-listen for anyone who's ever wanted to rewrite their own story. Connect with Serena Burdick: 📘 Buy A Promise to Arlette anywhere books are sold 🖋️ Follow Serena on Instagram: @serenaburdick 📚 Learn more at Zibby Media to purchase signed copies and support indie authors Connect with the Hosts & Show: 🎧 Follow Was It Chance on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, ⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠, and follow her on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Your first creative dream doesn’t have to be your last Failure is part of the process—and can sometimes lead to unexpected wins Historical fiction is a powerful tool for preserving and imagining untold stories Creative careers often require privilege and sacrifice—acknowledge both Be open to feedback, but stay grounded in your artistic voice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a masterclass in following your gut, showing up fully, and creating your own path—even when it’s not the one you planned. Nick Rashad Burroughs joins us to share the wild and wonderful story of how a missed ride after school led to an accidental audition… and an entirely new life trajectory. From growing up in a deeply religious, sports-focused family in Alabama to starring on Broadway in Kinky Boots, Something Rotten, and Tina, Nick has lived a life powered by guts, grit, and creative risk. Nick opens up about the struggle to reconcile his artistic truth with his upbringing, the challenges of coming out, and what it meant to have his mother watch him perform in drag on Broadway. He also shares the deeply personal origin of his music career, his viral music video that Beyoncé reposted (!!!), and how he’s living in the center of a manifestation with his latest role in Goddess at The Public Theater. This conversation is packed with honesty, vulnerability, inspiration—and a whole lot of laughter. EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: Inspiration is a gift—don’t waste it. You can do it scared. Self-advocacy creates opportunities. Your unique voice and background are assets, not limitations. Fear doesn't go away—it just gets quieter when you're doing what you love. Connect with the Hosts & Show: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠ 🎭 More about Alan via ⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠ and check out ⁠⁠⁠The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Award-winning performer Lena Hall joins Heather and Alan for a wide-ranging and often hilarious conversation about discovering her true creative voice—literally and metaphorically. From her roots as a ballerina bred by artistic parents, to reinventing herself after vocal surgery, Lena shares how a mix of chance, grit, and gutsy choices helped her chart a bold path in musical theater, TV, and rock music. Whether she’s fronting a band, redefining her Broadway persona, or belting out Radiohead in her latest TV role, Lena proves that creative success comes from embracing the unexpected—and never losing your sense of play. You’ll hear about her journey through roles in Cats, Kinky Boots, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, her stint on All My Children as a hooker-turned-potential-series-regular, and the life-changing audition that landed her a role opposite Jon Hamm in Your Friends and Neighbors. Lena opens up about perimenopause, social media pressures, creative burnout, and how she’s learned to stop taking rejection personally—well, mostly. Key Takeaways: Lena’s vocal transformation after tonsil surgery that unlocked a whole new range and sound Why she left ballet and the Broadway grind to find a truer, edgier artistic path Her surprising and circuitous road back to Broadway—and then into TV and film How taking bold, creative risks (like bringing her own amp to an audition) led to breakout roles The importance of having financial and creative buffers to survive the industry’s constant rejection How Lena navigates social media with a “learned skin,” not just a thick one Follow Lena: 📱 Instagram: @lenarockerhall 🎵 TikTok (or as Lena calls it, "ShitTok"): @lenarockerhall 📺 Watch Your Friends and Neighbors on AppleTV+ Connect with the Hosts & Show: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, ⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠ 🎭 More about Alan via ⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠ and check out ⁠⁠The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to live gutsy? In this episode, we sit down with mindset coach Becky Mollenkamp, the powerhouse behind the Gutsy Boss brand. Becky’s journey from journalist to entrepreneur to feminist coach is full of brave pivots, hard-earned wisdom, and a whole lot of intentional unlearning. After the sudden loss of her brother, she started asking the big questions—and her life hasn’t been the same since. We talk about what it takes to break free from patriarchal conditioning, how people-pleasing sneaks into our lives and businesses, and why redefining success is an act of rebellion. Becky shares how she helps women-identified and nonbinary folks reclaim their agency, set boundaries without guilt, and build lives aligned with their values. If you’ve ever felt stuck in who you “should” be, this conversation will light something up in you. Connect with Becky: 🌐 Gutsy Boss Website 📬 Subscribe to her newsletter 📱 Follow Becky on Instagram Connect with the Hosts & Show: 📩 Email us at ⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com 🎧 Follow Was It Chance on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on TikTok and LinkedIn ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠website⁠, subscribe to her Substack⁠ and on ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠BlueSky⁠ 🎭 More about Alan via ⁠@theatre_podcast⁠ and check out ⁠The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Grief can be a catalyst for transformation—Becky’s life changed profoundly after losing her brother. Unlearning patriarchal thinking is a powerful, ongoing process that requires self-awareness and community. People-pleasing often feels safe, but it limits our growth and authenticity. Success isn’t about external achievement—it’s about living in alignment with your values. Boundaries are a radical act of self-respect, not selfishness. Feminism isn’t just theory—it can be a daily practice in how we lead and live. Reinvention is possible at any stage of life and career. Coaching isn’t about fixing people—it’s about helping them access their own power. Vulnerability and honesty are business strengths, not weaknesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you blend ancient wisdom with modern science? Meet Mei Lee, a powerhouse entrepreneur who retired from a 30-year career in finance to follow her passion for natural healing and skincare. Growing up in Hong Kong, Mei watched her father practice traditional Chinese medicine, instilling in her a deep respect for holistic wellness.  After years as an avid tennis player, the sun took a toll on her skin, leading her back to her roots. She founded Ageless Zen, merging herbal healing with cutting-edge research to create a skincare line that’s as effective as it is natural. But Mei didn’t stop there—she built a technology platform to help others launch their own skincare brands and launched the Ageless Zen Community Partnership to give back. In this episode, Mei shares the differences between Eastern and Western medicine, the power of persistence in entrepreneurship, and why integrity is non-negotiable. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about reinvention, resilience, and giving back. Connect with Mei & Ageless Zen: Ageless Zen Website – Explore and shop the products. Ageless Zen Community Partnership – Support an organization or become a partner. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com. Connect with us on TikTok and LinkedIn and help us grow those platforms! More about Heather via her website, subscribe to her Substack and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Eastern medicine focuses on natural healing with fewer side effects, a philosophy Mei built Ageless Zen on. After 30 years in finance, Mei embraced a new passion—creating a skincare line rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and scientific research. She’s personally tested her products for five years, ensuring top quality and effectiveness. Entrepreneurship is a long game—don’t quit, and surround yourself with a supportive community. Integrity is everything. She’s committed to making sure her products actually work! Mei’s Circle of Giving Foundation and Ageless Zen Community Partnership support important causes like metastatic breast cancer awareness and community fundraising. Failure isn’t an end—it’s a business opportunity. Mei’s optimism helps her take risks and keep going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like you’re living a life that doesn’t quite fit? Don Mammone knows that feeling all too well. After years of thriving in the hospitality industry, Don took a leap of faith, leaving behind the “shoulds” and societal expectations to pursue photography, coaching, and a life lived authentically. Heather and Alan go deep in this heart-felt conversation with Don about their journey of self-discovery, navigating identity, and challenging the binary mindset. As a proud non-binary advocate, speaker, and brand new author of Different Doesn’t Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary, Don shares what it means to embrace your truth, even when it scares the hell out of you. Don’s story is a reminder that being different isn’t a flaw—it’s a strength. Grab your copy of Different Doesn’t Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary and learn more about Don’s work at www.donmammone.com. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com. Connect with us on TikTok and LinkedIn and help us grow those platforms! More about Heather via her ⁠website⁠, ⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠ and connect with her on ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠BlueSky⁠. Listen to ⁠The Brave Files⁠ More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Authenticity Is a Superpower: Living as your true self isn’t just freeing—it’s transformational. Don’s journey shows that embracing who you are changes everything. Risk Isn’t Reckless: Real courage means owning your truth, even if it challenges the status quo. Ask the Awkward Questions: Don welcomes genuine questions about being non-binary—curiosity fosters understanding. Fail, Learn, Repeat: Don doesn’t like failure, but they love what it teaches. Each setback is a setup for growth. You’re Always in Control: Even when life feels out of control, you have the power to choose your path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally aired Jan 30th, 2024, we are bringing this back because When the Tides Held the Moon is now available for (pre) order! Venessa Vida Kelley is a Washington, DC-based author, illustrator, and sequential artist. Her work focuses on magical realism, fantasy, and culturally diverse romance. Venessa has been featured alongside the works of such authors as Casey McQuiston, TJ Klune, Everina Maxwell, Sophie Gonzales, Becky Albertalli, Sarah Rees Brennan, Alexis Hall, Jennifer Weiner, and others, as well as the marketing campaign for Amazon Studio’s highly-anticipated movie adaptation, “Red White & Royal Blue.” Her graphic novel debut, MANU FACES THE MUSIC, is in development with Oni Press, with her first illustrated adult historical fiction novel WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON set to debut with Erewhon Books in 2025.  Connect with Venessa on: Instagram or her website. And support her work via Patreon and Etsy. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com  More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Venessa dreamed of being an animator as a child and fell in love with sequential art Sequential artist is the fancy term for comic art One of the original viral “fan artists,” Venesssa never lost sight of her passion even when working in voiceover and marketing for The Federal Government When her day job got a little too heavy, Venessa would retreat to a novel for pleasure and create sketches from those works. A random share on Twitter turned viral and catapulted Venessa to the core of fandom love. Much of Venessa’s artwork is driven by the desire to get books she loves in front of a larger audience. She has always worked to support BIPOC and LGBTQ authors and help raise awareness for their work. Venessa’s art is mostly digital art because it’s fast and doesn’t take a lot of expensive resources but she begins with pencil and paper sketches. Eventually, it became impossible to have a day job and make art professionally. She chose her own graphic novel and we’re all so glad she did. Be the ladder - Venessa loves helping other artists to value themselves and fight for their fair share, especially in the face of AI art. We love Venessa’s approach to “failure” She believes in a “Bless your mistakes” approach to life. In the episode, we talk about emotional deficit - what it is and how to deal with it. There is NO wasted time - ever. All of Venessa’s past experiences are showing up in her own work and she’s wildly grateful for all of her experiences. It wasn’t until Venessa was in her 30s that she began to untangle her identity and embrace her Queer identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices