Create for No Reason: Recent Episodes
Kate Volman
A show about making something for the pure joy of it—not to be rich or famous or successful. You don't need to post it on social media. You don't need a reason. Give yourself permission to explore your creativity. Give yourself permission to play. It's always worth it. We promise.
What does it really take to build a fulfilling second act? And do we all need to start a business to feel alive creatively?
In this episode of Create For No Reason, Kate sits down with Shannon Russell, host of the Second Act Success podcast and author of Start Your Second Act, to talk about what it means to start over, pursue new dreams, and create a life with no regrets. Shannon shares her journey from television producer to business coach, how she helps women turn ideas into reality, and why not every passion needs to become a business. They explore what happens when your creative pursuits bring you joy instead of pressure, and how to find fulfillment no matter what season of life you’re in.
On this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why not everyone is meant to start a business (and that’s okay)
- How to know when it’s time for your own “second act”
- What it means to live a life with no regrets
- Shannon’s creative process for writing her book and producing her podcast
- Why finishing what you start matters more than starting everything
- The importance of creative friends who truly get it
- A 10-minute practice to reset your creativity and reconnect with yourself
What does success really mean in your creative life? In this solo episode of Create For No Reason, Kate explores how different creators define success. Some build a business around their art, while others create simply for the joy of it. Through stories about friends, the creative process, and even Taylor Swift’s latest album, Kate reflects on why being proud of your work might just be the truest form of success.
No matter where you are in your creative practice, this episode is a reminder to define success on your own terms and to enjoy the messy middle along the way.
On this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why defining success for yourself is essential to staying grounded
- The difference between creating for joy vs. creating for growth
- The power of being proud of what you create
- How to find fulfillment in the process—not just the results
My creative friend and poet, Terrance P. Elmore is back! We swap notes on the Poem-a-Day challenge, writing when you’re tired, turning okay drafts into great work, and navigating new creative chapters (including Terrance’s first novel).
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How a daily poetry challenge builds discipline
- Why writing tired can unlock surprising lines
- A mindset shift for “done vs. perfect” and sharing your work
- How workshops, open mics, and reading fiction help spark creativity
- A 10-minute practice to spark momentum in your work
It's a fun episode. We hope you enjoy.
What does it really take to create a podcast that makes an impact? In this episode, Kate sits down with Rachel Elsts Downey, Founder of Share Your Genius, to explore the creative process, podcasting myths, and how to approach content with purpose and authenticity.
Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast or you’ve been creating content for years, this conversation will remind you why it’s never “just a podcast.”
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why the podcasting space is not oversaturated and where the real opportunities are
- The #1 mistake new podcasters make (and how to avoid it)
- How to measure success beyond downloads and views
- The difference between creating for virality vs. creating for impact
- How to balance authenticity, niche, and business strategy in your content
- The role of AI in content creation, and why it still starts with people
- A simple 10-minute practice to boost your creativity every day
If you’ve ever wondered how to show up more consistently, build trust with your audience, and create content that actually matters, this episode is for you.
Mental toughness isn’t just for athletes. It’s for anyone striving to do meaningful, creative, or challenging work. In this episode, Dr. Rob Bell, mental toughness coach and author of eight books, shares what it really takes to perform under pressure, move through setbacks, and keep showing up when things get hard.
From training PGA golfers to running 100Ks in the woods, Dr. Bell has lived his message. We talk about routines, refocusing after failure, building confidence, and why patience might just be the ultimate mental toughness skill.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- The 4 foundational levels of mental toughness (and how to build them)
- The hidden power of refocusing when things go wrong
- How to mentally bounce back after a loss or setback
- What elite athletes know about pressure that most people don’t
- A simple daily practice to strengthen your mental game
- Why "the reward is the work" and how to embrace the creative process
Dr. Bell’s take on success, failure, and personal growth will leave you feeling motivated and ready to tackle your own next challenge with clarity and heart.
Dr. Rob Bell's website: www.drrobbell.com
Sometimes the best inspiration is hiding in plain sight—an old notebook, a half-written idea, or a stack of books in the corner. Sometimes inspiration is found in the mess. In this episode of Create For No Reason, I dive into a little creative spring cleaning. While clearing out my office, I rediscovered lost resources, revisited lessons from Joyce Carol Oates and Austin Kleon, and even shared a poem inspired by an old story.
Whether you're feeling creatively stuck or just need a little nudge to revisit unfinished work, this episode is an invitation to find inspiration in your home.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- A powerful writing tip from Joyce Carol Oates
- How revisiting old materials can reignite your creative spark
- Why starting small builds momentum for bigger projects
- A zine by Austin Kleon that might inspire your next idea
- The surprising magic of turning forgotten drafts into shareable work
What happens when your biggest idea fails, but you still believe in your dreams? Starr Hall has built businesses, faced legal battles, and reinvented herself more times than most people dare to try. In this candid and inspiring conversation, we talk about the real cost of entrepreneurship, how to decide which creative ideas to pursue, and how AI can be the most powerful creative partner you've ever had. Starr shares her journey from early-stage tech innovator to her newest project, Growth Hive, and why she's finally creating the kind of business she always dreamed of.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How to know which of your ideas is worth pursuing
- A simple gut-check system for creative decision-making
- How to use AI as your “creative partner”
- The impact of personal setbacks—and how they help shape creative work
- Starr's unusual technique to calm a racing mind and stay playful
- A powerful 10-minute exercise to spark self-love and creative clarity
How do you build a community around creativity, vulnerability, and meaningful connection?
In this episode of Create for No Reason, Kate sits down with Keith Case—pastor, counselor, and creative community builder—to explore the intersection of art, faith, leadership, and mental health. Keith shares his unconventional journey from launching a church rooted in vulnerability to helping shape West Palm Beach into a flourishing arts-centered community.
From collaborating with dancers and musicians to guiding people through emotional healing and inner child work, Keith opens up about what it really takes to nurture creativity—not just in individuals, but in entire neighborhoods.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- The power of “open-handed” leadership and creative risk-taking
- What happens when two radically different churches try to merge
- Why creativity is an essential part of healing and mental health
- How to reconnect with your dreams and create from a place of play
- The surprising role of the Sabbath in accessing true creative energy
- How to know when an idea is worth pursuing
🎧 Whether you're a leader, artist, or someone seeking a more meaningful path, this episode is packed with soulful inspiration and real talk about what it means to create a life that matters.
How do great writers actually get their work done?
In this episode of Create for No Reason, Kate sits down with bestselling author Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg for a refreshingly honest and insightful conversation about the writing process—what works, what doesn’t, and why most advice is worth testing, not following.
They cover everything from building a writing habit to editing as you go, and even dive into a few spicy pet peeves (including a surprising rant on neuroscience in business books).
Whether you're dreaming of writing a book or already have a draft, this episode will leave you energized to rethink your own creative process.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why Thomas writes only one day a week—and how that works for him
- The one “writing hack” that helps him break through resistance
- A counterintuitive trick to write faster
- How to “date” your book idea before you commit to writing it
- Why great editing starts by reading your work out loud
What does it really mean to live a courageous life, and why is it more important than ever for your work, creativity, and leadership? In this episode, we chat with Ryan Berman, author of Return on Courage, to explore how bold decisions, uncomfortable conversations, and imperfect action can help you unlock your potential.
We dive into the myths that hold people back, the messy middle of creativity, and why fear isn't something to avoid...it’s something to embrace as part of the journey. Whether you’re launching a new project, leading a team, or simply trying to find the courage to hit publish, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why courage is a journey, not a destination.
- The six myths that keep people stuck.
- How to strengthen your courage muscles.
- The power of being an imperfectionist.
- What to do when you’re afraid to share your work.
- Why owning your first 10 minutes of the day can change everything.
In this episode of Create for No Reason, we dive deep into the intersection of AI and creativity with Brian Piper, a seasoned writer, author, and AI enthusiast. Brian shares how AI has revolutionized his creative process, from writing to editing, and how it can become the best creative collaborator. We discuss the evolution of content creation, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, and how they can enhance your productivity without compromising your creativity.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are changing the way we create content.
- The power of using AI as a writing coach and collaborator.
- Why creativity isn't replaced by AI, but enhanced by it.
- How to leverage AI for efficiency without losing your personal touch.
- A sneak peek into Brian’s process for using AI in his book writing and content creation.
- Tips on how to effectively use AI to expand your reach and improve your creative output.
Brian also talks about how AI helps him with tasks like organizing thoughts, generating ideas, and even creating personal testimonials. Whether you're a writer, content creator, or entrepreneur, you'll find insights on how to integrate AI into your workflow.
Have you ever caught yourself scrolling, comparing, and suddenly feeling behind? In this short episode, Kate shares a reflective piece on the trap of comparison—and how to reconnect with your own dream instead.
It’s a reminder to create before you consume. To believe boldly, even when the results haven’t shown up yet.
In this episode, you’ll be reminded to:
- Let your dream—not comparison—guide your actions
- Honor your small wins and messy progress
- Create with confidence, grounded in your own vision
- Stop doubting your path just because someone else’s looks different
Keep going. Your dream is the compass...let it lead.
Struggling to figure out what to create next or whether you're even working on the right thing? In this episode, author and innovation expert Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg joins Kate to explore the messy but meaningful process of project finding. From choosing formats like newsletters or books to developing your unique perspective, they unpack how to discover, shape, and share work that matters.
You’ll also hear how Thomas thinks about feedback loops, perfectionism, and building creative momentum, even when your process is far from perfect.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why project finding is the most overlooked part of the creative process
- The surprising power of publishing rough drafts (and getting feedback early)
- A framework to uncover what makes your work different
- How to speed up your creative process without sacrificing quality
- The myth of the “perfect process”, and what to do instead
Whether you're writing a book, launching a podcast, or just trying to figure out what to focus on next, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace the creative chaos—and keep going. Because sometimes, the project that feels unclear today becomes the one that changes everything tomorrow.
In this episode, we’re joined by the Paulette Perhach—writer, creative writing coach, and founder of The Finishing School for Writers.
Paulette shares her journey from dreaming of being a writer as a kid to surviving the corporate grind, navigating the Peace Corps, and finally building a thriving freelance writing career on her own terms.
She opens up about what it really takes to make a living with words and why community, courage, and even AI can be part of your creative toolkit.
In this conversation, you’ll discover:
✨How to pitch story ideas editors actually want
✨Practical tips to overcome impostor syndrome
✨How AI can be a surprisingly great writing partner
✨ The power of writing communities (and how to find yours)
✨ The emotional rollercoaster of writing a novel
✨ Why making art anyway matters—even when no one’s watching
✨ How to balance passion projects with paid writing gigs
✨ The moment Paulette walked away from corporate life for good
Whether you're scribbling in a journal or pitching national publications, this episode is packed with honest advice and a creative nudge when you need it most.
It’s easy to bounce from one shiny tool to the next, hoping this will be the magic bullet that unlocks all your creative genius. But let’s be real...there’s no magic bullet. Just heart, habits, and a few tools that actually help you do your best work.
In this episode, you'll discover five go-to resources to help you stay inspired, organized, and creatively productive. And only two of them are tech.
Whether you’re juggling a full-time job and a side project, building your next big thing, or just trying to stay in a creative rhythm, these tools are simple, powerful, and designed to help you keep showing up.
Tune in to hear:
✨ A simple book strategy to get unstuck creatively
✨ Two tech platforms that make podcasting and content creation easier
✨ Why creative friends might be your most underrated resource
✨ A gentle reminder to stop searching for all the tools and start using the right ones
Resources:
Riverside: https://riverside.fm/?via=kate-volman
Descript: https://www.descript.com/
Small notebooks: https://amzn.to/3SYnk1T
In this episode of Create For No Reason, Greg Wasserman shares his journey as a seasoned content creator and podcast guest who’s passionate about staying consistent and creative. From voice memos to AI tools like CastMagic, Greg walks us through the systems that help him generate ideas, repurpose content, and keep showing up week after week.
You’ll discover:
- Why voice memos might be your secret weapon for capturing ideas
- How listening makes you a better host
- The power of breaking the fourth wall with your audience
- Why relationships are your greatest creative asset
- Tips for launching (and sustaining) a podcast you’re proud of
- How to navigate common struggles like growth and monetization
Struggling to stay motivated in your creative process? Wondering when your work is “good enough” to share? You’re not alone—and this episode of Create for No Reason is for you.
Inspired by two powerful quotes from Kent Nerburn’s Dancing with the Gods, this episode will reignite your passion for creating and help you reframe those frustrating moments of self-doubt.
🎨 In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why your art often grows beyond the idea that started it
- How feeling lost can actually be part of your creative magic
- When to stop “perfecting” and start sharing
- The role of feedback in helping your work (and confidence) evolve
- A reminder that your next project may be closer than you think
In this episode, we're joined by Meg Dalessandro, a talented designer and marketer living her dream at Wistia.
We dive into Meg's creative journey — from studying graphic design and UX in art school to landing a pivotal role at Wistia, one of the most beloved brands in video marketing. She shares the full-circle moment that led her there, the story behind her 'Sorry I Missed You' voicemail newsletter, and why embracing bad ideas is often the first step to great work.
We also explore how to stay consistent in your creative practice, even when motivation dips, the evolving world of video content, and how balancing scripted and unscripted formats can make your work more authentic and impactful.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Meg turned a playful Wistia video into a career catalyst
- How to balance scripted vs. unscripted content for more natural videos
- Why live video is both exciting and challenging — and tips for doing it well
- How exploring bad ideas can lead to your best creative work
- Practical tips for managing creative projects and ideas
- Book recommendations that fueled Meg’s creative growth
Do you ever feel like you know where you want to be creatively or professionally, but you're just not there yet? You’re not alone. In this inspiring solo episode, Kate reflects on the creative “taste gap,” a concept introduced by Ira Glass, and how it shows up in her own work through poetry, projects, and personal growth.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned creator starting something new, this episode will remind you why the messy middle matters—and how staying committed to your creative process is the key to growth.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll discover:
- What the “taste gap” is and why it frustrates creators
- How daily creative challenges can build momentum and confidence
- Why mediocre work is often a stepping stone to something meaningful
- The power of trusting your taste (even when your skills aren’t there yet)
- How to stay motivated when the results haven’t shown up…yet
- Encouragement to keep going, no matter where you are in the journey
✨ If you’ve ever doubted your progress or felt stuck in the gap between where you are and where you want to be, this is your reminder that growth is happening—even when it may not feel like it.
Resources:
📚Get a copy of my book Do What You Love: https://amzn.to/3QVSRQw
🔔 To stay up to date with my weekly videos, Subscribe Here: https://goo.gl/zJ6pXA
💫💫 Sign up to get my weekly inspiration delivered straight to your inbox:
http://MassiveOptimism.com/
FIND ME ON:
Official Website | http://www.katevolman.com/
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In this episode, I chat with one of my favorite authors and creatives, Derek Sivers. We explored his unique body of work, the power of asking great questions, and why looking at life through the lens of "Useful Not True" can be transformative.
Derek is known for his clear thinking, thoughtful writing, and ability to challenge conventional ideas—this conversation was no exception.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- The fascinating concept of “Useful Not True” and how it can change your life
- How Derek thinks about and selects his next creative project
- The role of muses and intuition in the creative process
- The value of journaling as a tool for personal and professional growth
- Insights on minimalism and how less can lead to more fulfillment
- Some of Derek’s favorite books and thought-provoking questions
This episode is packed with wisdom and practical insights to help you navigate your creative journey with more curiosity, clarity, and confidence.
Resources:
Derek's Now Page: https://sive.rs/now
Derek's List of Questions: https://sive.rs/u
Derek's List of Books: https://sive.rs/book
Derek's List of Tools: https://sive.rs/uses
📚Get a copy of Derek's book, Useful Not True: https://sive.rs/u
📚Get a copy of Derek's book, How to Live: https://amzn.to/4ctkprg
📚Get a copy of my book, Do What You Love: https://amzn.to/3QVSRQw
Poetry isn’t just for writers or artists—it’s for everyone. April is National Poetry Month, and in this episode, we explore how poetry can help you grow personally and professionally.
Poetry has the power to unlock emotions, reduce stress, and even make us better leaders. And at the end, I have a fun, creative challenge for you.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How poetry helps us process emotions and reduce stress
- The surprising connection between poetry and leadership
- How poetry strengthens communication and storytelling skills
- A simple way to incorporate poetry into your daily life
- A fun poetry challenge to spark your creativity
Join me in celebrating National Poetry Month and see how poetry can add meaning to your life.
In this episode, Kate is joined by Jeff Perlman, an entrepreneur, politician, and community advocate, for a conversation about his eclectic career path. From journalism and local politics to writing screenplays and championing the arts, Jeff shares how embracing new opportunities has shaped his creative life.
They dive into the power of saying ‘yes’ to unexpected opportunities, the intersection of creativity and community, and how inspiration can be found in everyday moments.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Jeff’s journey through journalism, politics, business, and the arts
- The power of stepping outside your comfort zone
- Insights into local politics and community development
- The creative and collaborative process of playwriting
- Tips on sustaining a daily creative practice
- Why supporting local arts and culture matters
In this episode, we explore two powerful quotes from Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act that inspire a fresh perspective on our creative process. The first quote focuses on the importance of creating without being attached to the outcome, allowing your work to evolve into its truest form. The second quote emphasizes the power of creating something bigger than yourself, whether it's to inspire, educate, or connect with others.
Key Takeaways:
- Let go of the outcome: Focus on the creative process instead of fixating on what the final result should look like. Allow your ideas to evolve freely.
- Create with a purpose: Your work may have a bigger impact than you realize, inspiring or educating others in ways you hadn’t anticipated.
- Embrace the journey, not just the destination: Whether your creative project succeeds or fails, each experience brings valuable lessons that help shape your future work.
Resources:
Free 77 Journaling Prompts to Get Focused and Inspire Action
In this episode, we're joined by fellow creative Angela Kumar to discuss her exciting creative journey. At 57, Angela has embraced everything from interior design and art history to poetry and social media influencing. Discover the power of curiosity, the importance of fostering creativity, and how creativity can serve as a therapy and antidote to life's challenges.
Takeaways:
- Creativity and curiosity are intertwined and essential for personal growth.
- It's never too late to explore new creative outlets.
- Self-doubt can hinder creativity, but deadlines can help push through it.
- Creativity is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly.
- Creativity should not be seen as self-indulgent but as a necessity.
- The process of creating is more important than the end product.
- Exploring curiosity opens up new opportunities and experiences.
In this episode of Create For No Reason, we dive into a powerful quote often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci: "Art is never finished, only abandoned." Kate reflects on how this concept applies not only to creative work but also to our lives and personal growth. Are there dreams, ideas, or creative pursuits you've abandoned? It’s never too late to pick them back up.
Kate shares:
- What it means to be the artist of your life and how you're creating every day, even if it's not through traditional art forms.
- The importance of showing up for yourself, even when it's difficult, and not abandoning your passions.
- A personal story about how a year-long break from podcasting turned into a powerful return to what brings joy and purpose.
- How we often make excuses for not finishing what we start, and why it’s okay to come back to something after a break.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace the idea that art (and life) is a continuous journey—what you’re working on doesn’t have to be “finished” to be meaningful.
- It’s never too late to pick up something you’ve abandoned. Whether it's a creative passion or a dream, you can always start again.
- Journaling prompt: Reflect on something in your life that you’ve abandoned and think about why it’s important to bring it back. What could your life look like if you re-engage with it?
If you’ve ever set aside a creative project or a dream, this episode is for you. It’s time to bring it back into your life, and Create For No Reason is here to inspire you to do just that.
In today’s episode of Create for No Reason, Kate Volman offers a thought-provoking journaling prompt to help overcome the fear of judgment and move closer to your dreams.
What would you try if you didn’t care what others thought?
Kate dives into the impact that fear of what others think can have on our ability to pursue our dreams. She explores how this fear often holds us back from launching our businesses, sharing our creative work, or taking the leap into something new. Through this episode, you’ll discover how to shift your mindset, embrace the discomfort, and take meaningful steps toward your goals.
Kate also reflects on the beauty of the process—how pursuing our dreams, even if we don’t reach the finish line, leads us to unexpected opportunities and new paths.
If you’ve been holding back from pursuing something big (or small), this episode is for you. It’s time to embrace the fear, push forward, and start creating the life you’ve always wanted.
Journaling Prompt:
What would you try if you didn’t care what others thought?
In this insightful and inspiring episode of Create For No Reason, we’re joined by poet and educator Joseph Fasano, who shares his journey through the world of writing and poetry. From diving deep into the emotional side of storytelling to offering practical advice for writers of all levels, Joseph explores how to craft poems that resonate with authenticity and power.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How to overcome the fear that holds you back from writing
- The secret to creating poems that go beyond vagueness and resonate deeply with readers
- Tips for finding your unique voice and staying true to your craft
- Why silence and stillness might be your secret creative tools
Whether you're a writer, an aspiring poet, or just someone who appreciates beautiful art, this conversation will inspire you to dive deeper into your own creative practice and connect with your inner voice.
In today’s episode, we dive into a powerful quote from Robin Sharma: "Don't live the same year 75 times and call it a life." This thought-provoking statement invites us to reflect on how we approach our time, dreams, and personal growth. Kate shares how this quote has sparked deeper conversations with friends and clients, urging us to be intentional about creating new experiences and memories. We explore the importance of dreaming big, setting new goals, and infusing joy and wonder into our everyday lives. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply looking for creative inspiration, this episode will motivate you to take action and make this year truly different from the last. Get ready to journal, reflect, and, most importantly, start creating the life you’ve always dreamed of.
In this engaging episode of Create for No Reason, Kate reconnects with Raylen Davis, a fellow creator and friend, to explore the journey of content creation fueled by passion and authenticity.
They explore creating with purpose, not perfection, and the importance of creating content that resonates personally, not just following what the so-called "gurus" say will work. They highlight the value of writing and documenting ideas, overcoming perfectionism, and how to overcome self-limiting beliefs. Plus, they geek out over their shared strategy for more effective reading. It's a fun and inspiring conversation on maintaining the joy of creating and how it can inadvertently lead to authentic connection and business growth.
You'll discover:
- How to overcome perfectionism and create meaningful work
- How Raylen found his creative cadence (and you can, too)
- The power of creating daily to fuel your creative process
What habits make you the best version of yourself? In this episode, Kate shares five transformative habits that can help you grow and change your life. From reading and journaling to sitting in silence and practicing gratitude, discover simple yet powerful ways to improve your daily routine and reach your full potential.
In this episode of Create For No Reason, we welcome back Nick Hutchison, founder of BookThinkers, as he shares his journey over the past two years, including becoming a published author and a new dad. Discover the inspiration behind his book 'Rise of the Reader' and delve into strategies for mastering reading habits, retaining information, and applying what you learn. Nick also discusses his Rule of 25%, insights on finding the best books, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Whether you're an avid reader or looking to improve your reading habits, this episode is packed with valuable tips and inspiration.
00:00 Welcome Back, Nick!
00:21 Becoming a Published Author and New Dad
01:03 The Inspiration Behind 'Rise of the Reader'
06:56 The Rule of 25 Percent
13:18 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
17:18 Setting Intentional Reading Goals
20:56 Setting SMART Goals for Reading
21:34 Choosing the Right Books to Read
23:26 The Importance of Book Reviews
25:33 Challenges of Writing a Book
27:40 The Vision for BookThinkers
30:19 Balancing Life and Reading
32:51 Surprising Book Recommendations
36:57 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
In this episode of Create for No Reason, Kate shares three powerful quotes to inspire and challenge your perspectives on fear, patience, and self-worth.
From Steven Pressfield’s wisdom on tackling fear head-on, to Rainer Maria Rilke’s reminder to live with the questions, to Demi Moore’s vulnerable reflection on self-worth—these thought-provoking insights will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take on life’s challenges.
These are also incredible ideas to reflect on and journal about.
00:00 Introduction: Inspiring Quotes for Any Situation
00:06 Facing Fear: Wisdom from 'The War of Art'
03:27 Embracing Uncertainty: Insights from Rainer Maria Rilke
05:56 Redefining Success: Lessons from Demi Moore
09:17 Conclusion: Reflect and Grow
In this episode of Create For No Reason, I’m sharing The CREATE Formula for making 2025 your best year yet. A new year is like a fresh canvas—an opportunity to approach your dreams with a renewed mindset. If you’re ready to make this your most successful and fulfilling year, tune in to discover The CREATE Formula, a powerful framework to help you turn your dreams into reality.
In this episode of Create For No Reason, we're joined by speaker, author, and creative Andrew Davis. We dive deep into the creative process, exploring how to embrace the messy, imperfect creations that lead to meaningful art and work. Whether you're a content creator, entrepreneur, or someone starting a new project, this conversation will inspire you to experiment and stay true to your vision.
If you’ve ever wondered if your work is “good enough” or struggled with getting it out to the right people, this episode is for you.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How to stay focused on your long-term vision without getting lost in the pressure to constantly produce content for the algorithm.
- The power of experimentation and how trying new ideas (like "pay what you want" business models) can lead to surprising successes.
- The importance of marketing and packaging your work for different platforms to drive more visibility and impact.
- Why meaningful work—whether in a traditional job or a passion project — helps you live a more fulfilling life.
If you’ve ever felt torn between “grinding it out” and doing meaningful work, tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how to find your balance, explore new ideas, and share them with the world.
In this episode of Create For No Reason, Kate shares three thought-provoking quotes and one book recommendation. It's a quick mini-episode that will inspire you to keep creating.
In this episode of Create For No Reason, we're joined by Quantal Langford, host of The Creative Brew podcast. With over 200 episodes, Quantal shares his creative process, including a unique perspective on how he approaches his work. Not only is he an accomplished graphic designer, but he's also recently released his new art book, pouring his passion for creativity into every project.
Quantal reveals how he continuously learns new skills, manages his time to prioritize the right ideas, and keeps his creative fire burning despite the constraints of a busy life. And if that wasn't enough, Kate challenges Quantal to step out of his comfort zone and explore new topics on The Creative Brew because, as we know, creativity thrives when we explore our curiosity and push our boundaries.
In this episode of Create For No Reason, I'm sharing three journaling prompts to help you grow. Journaling is a powerful way to shift from overthinking to connecting with your heart, uncovering truths you may be avoiding, and discovering new solutions to the challenges in your life.
I especially love sharing prompts for those who don't journal regularly or who might feel like journaling isn't for them. I get it. A blank page can be intimidating. That's where prompts come in. They make it easier to get started and allow you to see what shows up. Sometimes, we really surprise ourselves. I hope this episode sparks some inspiration and encourages you to explore the power of journaling in your own life.
In this episode of Create For No Reason, we chat with Joe Ciccarone, host of the Built Not Born podcast. With over 150 episodes under his belt, Joe knows firsthand what it takes to stay consistent and keep showing up.
We dive into the story behind Built Not Born, starting as a blog and evolving into an awesome podcast. Joe shares the key lessons he's learned along the way, including how focusing on just 1% improvement every time you create can lead to big things over time.
In the episode, you'll discover:
- Why understanding your why is essential for staying motivated on your creative journey
- Practical steps to bring your creative dreams to life, no matter where you are right now
- How to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the creative process
Whether you're just starting out or looking for fresh inspiration, this conversation will give you the push you need to keep creating - no matter what!
In this episode of Create For No Reason, we dive into the art of creating and sharing your work with full-time content creator Justin Shiels. Justin is a powerhouse of creativity, tapping into his ideas daily, and he's on a mission to inspire others to do the same, no matter what their career path looks like.
A key moment in his journey includes a 30-day challenge where he committed to posting on social media daily. Challenges like this are a great way to push through self-doubt and get comfortable creating imperfectly.
We cover everything from developing a daily creative habit to tackling the fears and roadblocks that often hold us back from pursuing our creative dreams. If you've ever struggled to get started or wondered how to keep momentum going, this episode is packed with practical tips and lots of inspiration to help you take that next step.
In this episode, we chat with author Jen Craven to dive into the world of fiction writing. We discuss everything from the writing process and getting published to the key ingredients that make a story truly great. Whether you've thought of writing a novel or just enjoy the creative process, you'll surely gain inspiration from this conversation. Jen shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, tapping into your creativity, and learning how to stop comparing yourself to others.
In this energizing mini-episode, Kate shares three activities that will instantly boost your energy to help you pursue your creative dreams. While many people believe time is their most valuable asset, it's actually your energy that fuels your passion and productivity. These activities are sure to revitalize your spirit and set you in motion. Get energized and dream big.
In this episode, we were joined by podcaster and solopreneur Nick Bennett. We talked about overcoming perfectionism to launch your creative projects, the struggle of valuing your unique perspective (and how that's killing your content & creativity), and tips on deciding what to create and how to share it with the world.
Tune in to discover:
- Fresh ways to approach your creative pursuits
- Creative content ideas to engage your audience
- Why starting is the only way to create your best work
- The benefits of starting a newsletter
- ...and more
In this episode of Create For No Reason, we were joined by Creative Director and Brand Strategist Jeremy Pelley. We discussed the importance of creating for the joy of it, how to reignite your passion for lost creative pursuits, navigating the traps of confirmation bias, and how to leverage our past experiences and knowledge to fuel our future creations. This inspiring conversation will motivate you to embrace your unique creative journey.
Tune in to discover:
- How to choose the right creative projects for you
- How confirmation bias influences our creative choices
- The difference between creating for fun vs. creating for money
- A simple activity to unleash your creativity today
Ever thought about writing a memoir? Everyone has a story to tell. In this episode of Create For No Reason, we sit down with the talented writer, editor, ghostwriter, and coach, Emily Gindlesparger. We delve into the art of memoir writing and the secrets to cultivating a thriving creative practice.
Whether you’re dreaming of penning your own memoir or simply looking to enhance your writing skills, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone passionate about their creative journey.
Tune in to discover:
What makes great writing
How to overcome challenges of the creative process
Three powerful writing tips to help you unleash your best work.
Find Emily here: https://www.instagram.com/emilygindle/
Does writing have to be hard? Not according to Terri Trespicio. In this episode of Create For No Reason, we're diving into the exciting world of writing. If you've ever felt bogged down by the challenges of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), you're not alone. In fact, many writers talk about the pain of producing great work. Some believe the only way to create something remarkable is through struggle.
While many writers focus on criticism as the only path to improvement, Terri introduces us to the Gateless Method, an approach that helps you tap into your flow and rediscover the joy in writing.
In this episode, you'll discover:
-
The magic of the Gateless Method & how it empowers writers to unleash their best work
-
Why a supportive writing community can transform your creative journey
-
How to consistently create content without burning out
-
The difference between discipline and ritual and why it matters
-
...and more
Find out more about Terri and The Studio here: https://territrespicio.com/
Have you ever felt that nagging doubt in your Creative Pursuits? You start asking yourself questions like, "Who am I to create, to dream, to shine?" You're not alone! This creativity-crushing feeling can hold us back from reaching our fullest potential.
But it doesn't have to! In this episode, Kate reveals how impostor syndrome is merely an excuse, and she shares three powerful strategies to break free from its grip. It's time to embrace your passions and step into the best version of yourself. Tune in to discover how to overcome self-doubt and unleash your creative genius.
In this episode of Create For No Reason, we're joined by podcasting expert Marc Ronick, who shares valuable insights to elevate your creative game. Whether you're producing a podcast, writing articles, or producing videos, Mark's practical advice will empower you to create content you believe should exist in the world.
You'll discover:
- How to embrace your authentic self and let your unique voice shine
- Simple mindset shifts that will boost your creative confidence
- Proven strategies to help you produce more quality work
For more information about Marc, visit
https://ironickmedia.com/
https://www.instagram.com/marcronick/
In this episode, my guest, Brian Carter, shares valuable insights into the creative process. We dive into the world of stand-up comedy, explore the nuances of writing, discuss strategies for silencing critics, and uncover how to define success in any creative endeavor.
This episode will inspire you to reflect on your creative work, examine your approach, and understand why it’s crucial to keep creating.
Welcome back to Create For No Reason—we’re thrilled to be relaunching after a year-long hiatus! This podcast is dedicated to exploring the joy and craft of the creative process and what it takes to build a meaningful body of work. Our conversations with creators are designed to inspire and offer valuable insights to help you move forward in your creative pursuits.
In this episode, I share five questions to ask before starting, launching, or quitting your creative project. Reflecting on these questions will help you navigate your creative journey with greater clarity and confidence.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- What to expect from the newly refreshed Create For No Reason podcast
- Five key questions to ask yourself before launching or stepping away from your creative project
- How simple mindset shifts can propel your project forward
This is a simple mindset shift inspired by a joke from one of my favorite comedians. It can be so easy for us to focus on the negative aspects of life. All the things that aren't going right. All the things we can't control. But when we flip the switch and think about what in our life is going well and that we have the power to do something that will positively influence our future, we're taking back control. When we believe that the future is greater than our past, everything changes. Life becomes more fun. We start noticing things we never did before. We give ourselves permission to explore our passions and pursue our dreams. I hope this video inspires you to do more of what you love.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com.
Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
Today's mini-episode was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend of mine about personal growth, learning, books, and the importance of stillness. When was the last time you sat in silence and listened to your inner voice to discover answers to your challenges?
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com.
Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
If you're waiting to launch your creative project, this episode is for you. I chatted with writer, story coach, and brand storyteller Victoria Payne about her latest project, The Naked Librarian. With a vision to create a brand, she started this project with a blog and a podcast. The key word is started. We can't get a project up and going until we have the courage to start. I hope this episode inspires you to do just that.
Discover more about Victoria here: https://www.victoriapayne.com/
And check out The Naked Librarian here: https://www.nakedlibrarian.com/
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com.
Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
It's been really fun doing the show. I hope some of these lessons inspire you to live your creative life.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com.
Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
I love this beautiful letter written by Kurt Vonnegut to a group of high school students. It's an inspiring message we all need to hear. You can find it here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kurt-vonnegut-xavier-letter_n_4964532
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com.
Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
It's way too easy for us to talk ourselves out of creating. This is why it's important for us to have an accountability partner or create a system that sets us up to hold ourselves accountable for doing work that matters to us.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com.
Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
Can you write a book in two weeks? My friend Donnie Tuttle set out to do just that with a group of students. In this episode, we talked about the writing process, how to leverage ChatGPT in the book-writing process, and how to continue having creative adventures throughout your career.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com.
Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
I was so excited to have Michael Burke back on the show. Michael is a comedian/writer/actor. You can follow him on TikTok or Instagram (@DMichaelBurke) where he makes relatable videos about work/life boundaries. He also does a weekly improv series on Instagram stories where he brings to life anything from “a fly who can’t escape through the blinds” to a “plastic bag on the side of a highway.” He is an infectiously fun person to add to your timelines.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com.
Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
This episode was inspired by Rick Rubin's book The Creative Act and a conversation he had with Brian Koppelman.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com.
Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
This is a pretty random episode. I share a piece of my morning pages. I also share an incomplete poem I'm working on. I hope this episode inspires you to write, create, and share.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com.
Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
It's easy to start comparing our work to those we admire. But when we do, sometimes it stops us from creating. It stops us from pursuing the passion projects that are clearly meant for us. I hope this episode inspires you to keep creating.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism.
Kate's YouTube Channel
Inspiration doesn't strike when we're sitting on the couch or procrastinating on our work. It happens when we're working. When we show up even when we don't feel like it. Even when it's hard.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism.
Kate's YouTube Channel
I hope this episode inspires you to do more of what you love and rediscover the passion in your life.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism.
Kate's YouTube Channel
The thing about creating is... Well, it's complicated. There's so much that goes into the creative process. Sometimes ideas dance freely in our mind. We know what to do with them and which direction to go. Other times, it's not that simple. We sit in front of the keyboard or stare at a blank canvas waiting for inspiration to strike. In this episode, Kate shares some of her thoughts on the creative process and why, no matter what, we must continue to create.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism.
Kate's YouTube Channel
Creating a personal strategic plan helps us stay focused on what it is we truly want to accomplish in our lives. In this episode, Kate shares simple steps to creating a personal strategic plan you'll actually use to accomplish your dreams this year.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism.
Kate's YouTube Channel
In order to live a happier, more fulfilling life, we need to let go of what no longer serves us to make space for what does.
Here are 6 things to let go of to help you become the best version of yourself:
- Perfectionism – How many dreams are waiting or dying inside of you because you are waiting for the perfect time or because you don’t want to put it out into the world because it doesn’t have all of the ‘perfect pieces’ even though we know perfect doesn’t exist.
- Comparison – Nothing beneficial comes from comparing. The only person you need to compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday.
- Toxic relationships – Let go of the people in your life that don’t serve you, the people you give so much effort and energy to that don’t give it back. Let people show you who they really are, and believe them.
- Negative self-talk – Ask yourself: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind?
- Unused things – what can you get rid of that you no longer use? Maybe it’s clothes in your closet or books on your shelf. When we start getting rid of unused things, the energy shifts and opens up, and we invite new energy back into our lives.
- Judgment – let go of judgment of yourself and of other people. It is not our job to judge people in this world. We have no idea what other people are going through in their lives. If we lead with kindness and love, the world would be a much better place.
Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism.
Kate's YouTube Channel
What passion project have you been putting off? Now is the time to say yes to the opportunities and activities in your life that will help you become the person you are meant to be. Hopefully, this will be your reminder to stop talking yourself out of it and simply say yes. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this mini-episode, I share ten great books I've read in 2022. I hope you find something to add to your reading list. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate chats with Nicholas Hutchison, Founder of BookThinkers, a company dedicated to spreading the power of personal development books. Nicholas is focused on developing insightful content and interviewing the world’s top non-fiction authors for his podcast, BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books. Nick shared some of the books that changed his life including The Four Hour Work Week, Man's Search for Meaning, and Rich Dad, Poor Dad. He also shared some of his favorite authors and his dream podcast guests. As a digital nomad, Nicholas runs his business from a different country every month and gives all of the credit for this lifestyle to some of the early books he has read. https://www.bookthinkers.com/ (Click here )to learn more about BookThinkers. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate chats with Nicholas Hutchison, Founder of BookThinkers, a company dedicated to spreading the power of personal development books. Nicholas is focused on developing insightful content and interviewing the world’s top non-fiction authors for his podcast, BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books. Nick shared some of the books that changed his life including The Four Hour Work Week, Man's Search for Meaning, and Rich Dad, Poor Dad. He also shared some of his favorite authors and his dream podcast guests. As a digital nomad, Nicholas runs his business from a different country every month and gives all of the credit for this lifestyle to some of the early books he has read. https://www.bookthinkers.com/ (Click here )to learn more about BookThinkers. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate chats with Suzanne Gunderson, Speaker & Mentor of Stress Resilience Solutions. Suzanne shared strategies on how to experience the present moment in a safe, connected way. She also discussed the gut and mind connection, why we don't show our true feelings for fear of being disconnected from others, and how to lean into becoming your true and authentic self. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
This mini-episode was inspired by my own overthinking. For me, I call friends to help me break the cycle of overthinking. I also use a helpful set of questions I discovered from reading Jon Acuff's book Soundtracks. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
This mini-episode was inspired by my own overthinking. For me, I call friends to help me break the cycle of overthinking. I also use a helpful set of questions I discovered from reading Jon Acuff's book Soundtracks. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate chats with Author, Speaker, & Coach Wendi Blum Weiss. Wendi shares her five questions to discover your inner calling, how to reverse engineer the life you want, how to get crystal clear on your goals, and the importance of exploring your genius to live a more fulfilling life. She also discussed the importance of mentorship and how to get around other people who are living their calling. Pick up your copy of https://amzn.to/3f0xcYt (Called to Speak Lead & Impact). Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate chats with Jasmin Haley about what it takes to become a great speaker. Jasmin shares the three biggest mistakes speakers make, how to better connect with your audience, how to perfect your craft, and her HEART methodology to create a fabulous presentation. Jasmin Haley, MS, is a nationally-awarded speaker, author, educator, and podcaster dedicated to helping audiences understand that the time is now if they want to make an impact and serve their communities from the heart. Her global consulting firm helps rockstar professionals amplify their voices from the stage. Her inclusive message in burnout, becoming legacy-driven, and how to create presentations that reach the HEART have impacted the lives of her audience members and transformed the professionals she has coached to business growth and successful speaking careers. Learn more about her at http://www.jasminhaley.com/ (www.jasminhaley.com). Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate chats with author Terrance P. Elmore. Terrance believes it is his duty to share his creative work. He shares his thoughts on creativity, the writing process, and how to hold yourself accountable to do your best work. They also talk about self-sabotage, dealing with haters, and enjoying the process of writing. Find out more about Terrance https://thebrownsugarcafe.blog/links/ (here). Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate chats with Becca Powers, Author of Harness Your Inner CEO. Becca is also an award-winning sales executive and is currently writing her second book, Break Up With Burnout. Becca shares the five stages of burnout and what to do about each of them. She also discusses the importance of pursuing your creativity, why it's so challenging for high achievers to sit and do nothing, why being multi-passionate is a good thing, and how to let yourself change without guilt. Discover more about Becca https://www.beccapowers.com/ (here). Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
Do you have Creative Courage? What does that even mean to you? Kate believes it means making a bold decision about the direction of your work. To do that, you have to believe in your ideas enough to move forward and not look back. To not question if your choice was right or wrong. To not allow other people’s opinions to persuade you to go a different direction. It's in the videos you choose to make, the opinion article you decide to write, or a strategic decision about your business. Creative Courage is the topic of this week's episode. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate chats with Certified Wim Hof Method Instructor, Marie Bodine. She has a passion to influence others to heighten their creativity, elevate productivity, delete stress, and develop unshakeable inner peace. Marie shares why we spend so much time in "advanced worry" and how to get out of it, how to assess where you are today, and the power of breath work to help you live a happier life. She also warns against attaching too much value to accomplishments and outcomes. It may leave us feeling unworthy when really at the end of the day, we all have value simply because we are human. Did you know sadness and happiness have different breath patterns? So do fear and calm. Many interesting facts were uncovered in this episode. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate speaks with David Hill, host of The Path to Mastery podcast. David shares his ideas on creativity and how to live outside of your comfort zone. The more we push ourselves to try new things, the easier it gets. He shares how to keep moving forward even when things aren't going your way. David shares his experience in producing his books. He decided to hire a ghost writer instead of writing, which is one route to take to share your ideas with the world. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate shares her journey to get back on track with her daily writing practice and how you can do the same with one of your habits. Challenges are a great way to hold ourselves accountable to our dreams. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate chats with writer and creator Don Martin. Although Don is a full-time fraud investigator, it doesn't stop him from exploring his creativity. Don is a multi-passionate creative. With over 123K followers on TikTok, he understands the importance of storytelling and building a relationship with his community. His advice to other creators is to stop worrying about the algorithm and be a whole person first. Enjoy multiple outlets for your creativity. Don shares his journey of working with Simon & Schuster and writing the book he never thought he would write. Check out Don's podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/head-on-fire/id337689333 (Head on Fire). Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode, Kate chats with Stu Jeffery. Stu has over nine hundred thousand followers on TikTok. He creates hilarious videos simply by being himself and sharing his stories. Kate discovered that Stu started his career as a writer and even challenged him to write his first book of essays. Kate & Stu discussed the creative process, writing, video creation, and what Stu will do when he reaches one million followers. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
During this episode, Justin Konikow shares his formula for living a more creative life. He believes that living a fulfilling life means integrating your work and your purpose together in an authentic way. Justin explains why we shouldn't care about vanity metrics when it comes to our content. We also discussed how to become a more active reader and Justin's top three books. We explored why Justin believes creativity and authenticity are two in the same and how haters are just confused admirers. https://www.justinkonikow.com/resources (Click here )to gain access to Justin's free resources. https://www.youtube.com/c/JustinKonikow (Justin's YouTube Channel) Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvJ5IsMvwd6NKXbl64K-5Q (Kate's YouTube Channel)
In this episode Kate chats with Ramon Ray. He shares strategies on how to become the CEO of your life. They discussed how to get started with your side hustle or hobby, the best way to approach sponsorships, the importance of building your personal brand, and the difference between a Creative Pursuit and a business. If you're interested in writing a book, but not actually writing the book, Ramon shares the tactics he used to publish his book Celebrity CEO. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). To learn more about Ramon Ray, go to https://smarthustle.com/ (SmartHustle.com) Ramon Ray is an in-demand expert on small business success and the founder of SmartHustle.com. He has started four companies and sold two of them and is a four-time author. He's a global keynote speaker, event host and emcee, entrepreneur, and best-selling author.
In this episode of Create For No Reason, Kate chatted with Mike Zeller, Business Architect & Entrepreneur Mentor. Mike shared strategies to help us lean into our creative genius and live in our purpose. Mike also shared how to stop playing in small-itis, how to eliminate procrastination, and how to discover your powerful alter ego to help you push through fear and do the work you're meant to do. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism). Free resources from Mike: CLAIM YOUR POWER NLP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV48qtyWDv8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV48qtyWDv8) 6 PAGE ZOG GUIDE https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gr_MxRzqS7U-OZgDagdcrhoXC-LzNpfl/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gr_MxRzqS7U-OZgDagdcrhoXC-LzNpfl/view?usp=sharing) https://www.geniuswithinbook.com/gw-book-v1 (GenuisWithinBook.com )
In this mini-episode of Create For No Reason, Kate shares a piece of unfinished work. Some stuff is better to polish and make beautiful before sharing it with the world, but there is something special about seeing or hearing someone's unfinished work and thought process that is so interesting. Do you ever share work that isn't fully complete? Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism).
In this episode, Kate chats with Larisa Harrington, owner/founder of Strong By Nature, and a 20-year Air Force retiree, wife, and mother of 2. For over 2 decades, she has been helping clients live happier and healthier lives. During this episode, we talked about creating a mindfulness practice, how to identify burnout, and how to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism).
In this episode, Kate chats with Julie DeLucca-Collins. They talked about TikTok, content creation, consistency, and how to gain confidence in your creative work. Julie is the Founder and CEO of Go Confidently Services and the host of the popular Casa DeConfidence Podcast®. As a Business and Life Strategist Coach, Julie helps women business owners launch or grow their businesses, get clients, be productive,and achieve their dreams. Julie helps her clients create simple habits to achieve goals and change lives. Julie is also the best-selling author of the newly released book Confident You Confidence.
In this episode, Kate chats with Pedro Maciel about the power of social audio. If you have a message to share with the world, it's inside of you for a reason. Social audio like podcasting, Clubhouse, and live streaming is a great way to share your message and the right people will find it. We talked about imposter syndrome, how to find your voice, and simple ways to get started. I hope you find it helpful.
In this mini-episode, Kate shares three ways to live a happier life. The first of which is to identify your dreams. So many people have stopped dreaming. We become more fully alive when we allow ourselves to dream and actually go after them.
In this episode, Kate chats with Rocki Griffin, "Social with Rocki" about entrepreneurship and creativity. Rocki discussed her journey to becoming a full-time entrepreneur in a creative industry, how to deal with burnout, and how to stay optimistic. She also shared a great activity to help boost your creativity. To stay connected, sign up for Massive Optimism, a weekly newsletter sharing journaling prompts, book recommendations, and other ideas to inspire you every week: www.MassiveOptimism.club.
Rocki is an Instagram unicorn. She is a social media marketer and strategist who helps small businesses learn how to make sales and grow their brand on Instagram. She also works as a business coach, public speaker, and clubhouse influencer, among many other businesses. Rocki has worked as a volunteer Facebook group moderator for Gary Vaynerchuck, been a student business coach for Jenna Soard, and has been an Instagram marketer for over 8 years. She has helped over 2,000 clients secure a steady stream of income from the Instagram platform. https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FWww.socialwithrocki.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR23UXPf8iaipiWzDIoa2hN78VZyjB-YVaYMDe_CXTrwLnhdlvZnylqwm7w&h=AT1EBjqTDRxO45nHtAa8_rVOkmlAsRMKZnNR1vuibQyYsCmP4GlZNY8gIsHWPXzb4LT27zwRcdGaA77nwamHiiooaxquLauBhNPF6WxzfdnJ2TbJUjjvJa59EuQGoMdLhkI7cCvQpibwcfmBCX1d&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2sT-h_5j0k8AaDXRtiwB4XiG8ZeF5G-66ZNuVN2ghrHzRiZQ9ikLaOGpD1wFy3Edryp58b37B_axKZh0JO58vuTccTM0f5k_UZz0IH_exdozhoQIGIFmypjTFy_iWFiK0Wb_nnlHSt61IavU4hkVeX8GGhQuiNrnW80Lsx_UUSSBU (Www.socialwithrocki.com) https://www.instagram.com/socialwithrocki?fbclid=IwAR3NHlji-THBE2H9NZMtj3q5_VHmK0h4SE7YxHpvjAdmxK-NLowkQHfazNQ (Www.instagram.com/socialwithrocki)
In this episode, Kate chats with Psychotherapist Dr. Janie Lacey. Dr. Janie discusses how to have healthy relationships. She also describes attachment styles and how to identify if you are in a toxic relationship. She also shares tips on dating in a post- Covid world.
In this mini-episode, Kate shares the importance and frustration of trusting the process in our creative work. She's writing a book and is in the "messy middle" right now which can be an emotional space. Can you relate? To stay connected, sign up for Massive Optimism, a weekly newsletter sharing journaling prompts, book recommendations, and other ideas to inspire you every week: www.MassiveOptimism.club.
In this episode, Kate chats with Hollywood filmmaker Saul Blinkoff about creativity and living an awesome life. Saul shares his journey to becoming a Disney animator, his definition of creativity, and how to discover your passions. He also shares insight into trusting the creative process and how to keep showing up and doing the work to fulfill your dreams. Saul Blinkoff is a Hollywood filmmaker who has worked for many high profile clients including; THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS, NETFLIX and AMAZON. He started his animation career on the DISNEY films Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan and Tarzan. Currently, Saul is a Supervising Producer at DREAMWORKS on the new Award Winning series, MADAGASCAR: A LITTLE WILD, and lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children. Saul also hosts the weekly inspirational podcast, ‘Life of AWESOME!’ Learn more about Saul at https://www.saulblinkoff.com/ (SaulBlinkoff.com). To stay connected, sign up for Massive Optimism, a weekly newsletter sharing journaling prompts, book recommendations, and other ideas to inspire you every week: www.MassiveOptimism.club.
In this Mini Episode, Kate talks about eliminating excuses and pushing your creative ideas forward. You have everything you need to push your Creative Pursuits forward.
In this episode, Kate chats with Palmela Slim. Pamela is an author, business coach, and co-founder with her husband Darryl of the Main Street Learning Lab in Mesa, Arizona. She has written three books: Escape from Cubicle Nation (named Best Small Business and Entrepreneur book of 2009 from 800 CEO Read), Body of Work (2014 with Penguin Portfolio), and her latest The Widest Net. Kate and Pam chat about community building, the creative process, and the magic of muses. Pam shares her advice on writing a book, building community, and growing a business your way. They also discussed creative habits and rituals, and why you don't need to be an entrepreneur to be cool and creative. To stay connected, sign up for Massive Optimism, a weekly newsletter sharing journaling prompts, book recommendations, and other ideas to inspire you every week: www.MassiveOptimism.club.
In this episode, Kate chats with Social Audio Influencer & Entrepreneur, Alexander Gonzalez. His life changed forever after losing eighty-four pounds and finally discovering his purpose. He has dedicated his life to helping others work through similar life-changing transformations and live a more fulfilling life. Kate and Alexander talked about strategies to start before you're ready, finding your why, how to lead with confidence, how to lean into your superpower, and more. To stay connected, sign up for Massive Optimism, a weekly newsletter sharing journaling prompts, book recommendations, and other ideas to inspire you every week: www.MassiveOptimism.club.
In this mini-episode, I share a few thoughts that may inspire you in your creative work. First, are you creating content that people would miss if you stopped sharing? It's a great question inspired by Seth Godin. I think about it a lot when I'm creating content. Second, do what makes you better. These are the words that fell out of my mouth while I was journaling the other morning. Listen to this episode and let me know what you think. To stay connected, sign up for https://mailchi.mp/e22af3165ec6/katevolmansignup (Massive Optimism), a weekly newsletter sharing journaling prompts, book recommendations, and other ideas to inspire you every week.
Andrew Davis is a bestselling author & keynote speaker. He's built and sold a digital marketing agency, produced for NBC and worked for The Muppets. Today, Andrew Davis teaches business leaders how to grow their businesses, transform their cities, and leave their legacy. In this episode, Kate and Andrew talk about what it takes to earn attention from your audience, short-form vs. long-form content, and the number one way to become a better content creator. Kate asked Andrew if the market is too crowded for more content creators. Andrew explains why there is always a content hole in the market and how to find your version of FishTV (you'll have to listen to find out). Learn more about Andrew at www.akadrewdavis.com To stay connected, sign up for Massive Optimism, a weekly newsletter sharing journaling prompts, book recommendations, and other ideas to inspire you every week: www.MassiveOptimism.club.
Who are you? What do you want? These are two questions Donnie Tuttle encourages people to ask themselves during different phases of their lives. We're constantly learning, growing, and becoming. In this episode, we talked about collaboration, handling fear, being addicted to work and productivity, and more. We explored judgment and shame around the creative process and how to give yourself creative power. At the end of the show, Donnie asked Kate for a bit of coaching. He wants to be a generous artist unafraid of sharing his work with the world. He holds himself back and needs a little push. If you're scared to share your work or creative project, I hope the conversation inspires you to get it out. The world needs your idea.
In this episode, Kate chats with Jackie Minsky about energy, intuition, hypnotherapy, and more. Can you really attract the things you want in your life? Jackie believes you can. In fact, her podcast, Stupid Wise Girl, landed on Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 20 Podcast list in 2020. She attributes that along with other successes to the energy work she does to create a great life. To stay connected, sign up for Massive Optimism, a weekly newsletter sharing journaling prompts, book recommendations, and other ideas to inspire you every week.
In this episode, Kate chats with her friend Tariq Roberson. They chatted about Kate's experience in Tariq's poetry workshop, the creative process, and what it takes to become a good writer. Tariq shared some of his favorite artists that inspire him and he even read one of his poems at the end of the episode.
In this episode, Kate shares her experience with the 30-day cold shower challenge she started last month. There's something really exciting about incorporating a challenge to help you build a new habit. She also challenges you to turn one piece of content into three to five. If you're already investing time into creating one video, article, or post, think about how much better it will be when you turn it into multiple pieces of content to share online. Are you up for the challenge?
Happy New Year! Like many people, I took some time to reflect on the past year. To think about what I've learned, relearned, and created. I even spent some time creating my dream list which was fun. In this episode, I share a few thoughts and ideas that will hopefully inspire you to create more of what you love in 2022. Enjoy.
In this episode, Kate chats with Dimple Thakrar about love and relationships. Being in healthy, loving relationships helps us create more freely. We learn more about ourselves, what's important to us, and how we can communicate better. Dimple talks about the importance of getting clear on who you are before getting into a relationship. She also shared a great exercise to help you discover who you want to become. If you want your partner to show up as their authentic self, you must do the same.
For more information about Dimple and her incredible courses, check out: https://www.dimpleglobal.com/
In this episode, Kate introduces you to her friend Lolita E. Walker. She's an incredible coach, author, speaker, poet, and incredible human doing amazing things in the world. She encourages everyone she meets to live boldly and pursue their passions. She shared a wonderful affirmation exercise that you can do today. When you write your powerful affirmation, share it with Kate (@KateVolman) and Lolita (@HeyCoachWalker) on Instagram.
Thanks for listening to the show. If you haven't written a review, please do. Go create something only you can.
This episode is different than any other episode so far. Kate shares the conversation that inspired her to share one of her poems and hopes it inspires you to share your work. We talk a lot about the creative process on this podcast. While not everything is meant to be shared, you can learn a lot about yourself and your work when you're willing to share it with the world. Do you agree?
Kate had a fun conversation with Glenn Lundy, founder of Breakfast With Champions. Glenn shared his journey of creating an incredible community of entrepreneurs, professionals, and interesting people on a mission to achieve their dreams and make the world a better place. In this episode, you'll discover how to take action on your vision, how to build community, what's holding you back, and the importance of having an incredible team.
Glenn believes that if you change the way you start your morning, it will make a massive impact on your life. Get his Morning Five Planner here: https://themorning5planner.com/
Kate had such a fun time chatting with this week's guest Lincoln Hoppe. They talked about the creative process, what creativity means, and the power of improv to live a more fulfilling life. They also talked about acting, writing, and how different content creation is today vs. years ago. It's an exciting time to take your ideas and turn them into something.
Lincoln Hoppe is an award-winning Film and Television actor based in Los Angeles, CA. He’s appeared in over 80 movies and TV Shows for companies such CBS, NBC, Disney, Dreamworks, MGM, Nickelodeon, and Apple TV+. Notable appearances include ‘Stargate Origins’, ‘Scorpion’, ‘Saints & Soldiers: Airborne Creed’ and ‘Witnesses’; a Top 10 Box Office film in 2021. He shares and teaches his passion for Creativity, Play, and Improvisation through http://improvwizards.com/ (ImprovWizards.co)m. You can follow him across social media platforms @LincolnHoppe or at his website at http://lincolnhoppe.com/ (lincolnhoppe.com).
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
In this episode, Kate chats with Nate Forrest. He helps small and home-based business entrepreneurs create lead and sales funnels that get results. When he's not working, you can usually find him playing poker, at church, or on the social audio app, Clubhouse hosting The Social Media Show. He shared a great exercise at the end for listeners to help them find and connect with their audience.
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
In this episode, Kate was solo as she interviewed Dennis Shiao. They met at Content Marketing world earlier this year. Dennis spoke about newsletters and Kate was inspired to bring him on the show to share some of his best tips. Newsletters may sound boring at first, but they're an incredible way to share your ideas and content. Plus, it's another way to explore your creativity by giving it your own creative flare. I hope this episode inspires you to start one of your own.
Share your newsletter sign up in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
Reinvention with intention. In this episode, Kate and Shawn talk about what it takes to reinvent yourself. Some of us have lost a job and were forced to reinvent. Others decide to finally pursue that dream in their heart they've been ignoring for years. We make choices every day on how we show up, how we spend our time, and what kind of work we're committed to doing. Shawn says he wants to be the kind of person that looks for new adventures. What kind of person do you choose to be? Once you decide, the next step is to actually be that kind of person. Do the activities that kind of person would do. Reinvent yourself because you want to. Reinvent because it's exciting. Reinvent because you can. Today. Right now. How will you reinvent yourself?
We would love to hear your comments and feedback. Join our Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
Shawn and Kate hang out with TikTok sensation and futurist Brooke J Lacy. They nerd out about NFTs, Crypto, and the creative process. Brooke shares her story about how being vulnerable on TikTok one day gave her an opportunity to connect to hundreds of thousands of other people working on their mental wellness and anxiety during COVID. Her story is a perfect example of how doing one thing just because you love it, can turn into something that changes the course of your life.
Brooke has been a woman in tech for 24 years, she's faced doubt and criticism and moved through with empathy. She simplifies complex topics like technology and mental health so that everyone can relate to her. She has a unique ability to understand challenging topics like cryptocurrency and cyber security and simplify them for the masses so that they are properly educated and feel confident with the tech challenges they are facing.
https://www.tiktok.com/@brookejlacey?lang=en (Connect with Brooke on TikTok)
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https://www.instagram.com/katevolman/?hl=en (Follow Kate on Instagram)
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Kate and Shawn went live on the Facebook! They talked about people we need to surround ourselves with to do our best work.
Who are your best creative friends? Who are your soul friends? These are the people who push you to be the best version of yourself. They're the people you turn to for advice, support, and a kick in the pants. If, you know, a kick in the pants is what you need.
Check out Stephen Cope's book, https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Friends-Transforming-Power-Connection/dp/1401946526 (Soul Friends), for more information and join our https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason (Create for No Reason Facebook Group) to become part of the conversation.
Discover how a former gym owner turned into a full-time podcaster. During this episode, Kate & Shawn talk to Adam Schaeuble, a podcaster and coach with over 600 episodes recorded since 2016. He helps podcasters learn how to love their show like a hobby and build it like a business. They talked about Adam's journey into podcasting and what he's learned after starting three shows. Adam shares his thoughts on community building and collaboration to help build a successful podcast and have fun doing it. If you have a podcast or are interesting in creating one for fun or business, you'll love this episode.
If you enjoy the conversation, please write us a review. We appreciate all your support.
Join our Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
Kate and Shawn chat with Frank McKinney: author, artist, philanthropist, and real estate maverick. Frank is a consistent creative who has written multiple books, designed multiple homes, and changed the lives of multiple people. Frank shares who the people are he’s modeled his life after. He talks about his new book, Aspire, and why inspiration and motivation aren’t enough; we need to focus on who we aspire to be.
In this episode, we catch up with the consummate creative https://www.jaybaer.com/ (Jay Baer.) We talk about his latest book, https://www.jaybaer.com/keynotes/talk-triggers/ (Talk Triggers), and what it means to be mentionable today. How can we be creative and stand out? We also talk about hokey, tequila, alpacas, how to cheat at bbq competitions, and why Seth Godin is a perfect dinner party guest.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason (Join our Facebook Community).
Kate and Shawn talk about their own creative processes and what it feels like when things get harder. They talk about how expectations can gum up the works. It might be fun and games when we start making something. That's the whole point: create something for no reason. Sometimes though, we take our creative endeavors to the next level. We dipped our foot in the pool and decide it's time for a swim. It gets harder. We create expectations. We get frustrated. We consume more than we create. We procrastinate. That's when we get stuck. But it can still be play. Don't forget that. We more we create, the happier we are.
We're all capable of doing hard things. We simply need to commit to doing the work. Kate met Mark Drager on Clubhouse and loved what he was building. During one of their conversations, she told him about Create For No Reason. He laughed and said he sometimes wonders if what he used to create just for fun isn't exactly fun anymore. Kate thought it would be a fun conversation to explore on the show. Mark talked about Tonka trucks, getting messy, and what it takes to be a creative entrepreneur. Listen to the full episode for fun and inspiring ideas to help you do more hard things. Mark Drager is the host of the We Do Hard Things podcast and founder of the Clubhouse club under the same name. As a professional conversationalist, Mark sits down with the most extraordinary people to have real, inspiring conversations. He is the husband to his highschool sweetheart Jacqueline, father of four, and lives outside Toronto, Canada.
Join our Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
Shawn and Kate are life-long learners and explorers. They want to learn everything they can while they can. They’re good at parties. They ask lots of questions. They love listening to stories and figuring out new ways of doing things. They read a lot too, especially Kate—she’s gonna devour 50+ books this year. Shawn’s covering thousands of miles this summer to explore Central America and the Rocky Mountains. Are they reading and traveling as part of a creative practice or are they keeping themselves busy pretending to work by learning? Do a lot of us do the same thing? Do we hide from our creative work, by reading and watching videos about creative work?
Kate and Shawn talk about social media and long-form content (including the novel Joey Robert Parks wrote on Instagram). What works these days? What doesn’t work? If we’re artists, do we care? Or maybe an even more important question: How can we use social media to figure out if our ideas are a worthwhile or useful? Standup comedians test bits with different audiences to figure out “is this a thing?” How can we do the same?
Shawn's in Idaho hiking up beautiful mountains. Kate's heading to Oregon to visit her friend Kyle. Kyle always challenges Kate to ship her work. So in this episode, we talk about creating and getting your work out into the world. Being brave enough to share your ideas even when they aren't perfect. Because we know it'll never be perfect. Shipping helps the creative process because we get feedback. It also helps us get more comfortable sharing. Like how Shawn published his first book of poetry this year, I Believe in a God Who Rollerskates. What creative project will you commit to shipping this month?
Join our Facebook community and tell us what project(s) you're working on. Or better yet, ship your work by posting something you've created. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
In this episode, Shawn and Kate talk about what it takes to create good work. When you're in the creation process, is your work "real"? Shawn thinks it may just be a naughty puppet (listen to the episode). We know what great work looks and feels like, but it can only be accomplished by practice. It's hard to be consistent when we're creating mediocre work, but it's so worth it.
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
Shawn’s in the Jungle. Kate teases him about his Eat Pray Love journey. We talk about gathering the ingredients to create something only you can create. We also explore whether or not we're good at giving and/or receiving information. Are you open to receive what the universe has in store for you? Are you prepared to create something magical simply because you're willing to listen to the signs around you? We would love your thoughts on this episode.
Join our Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
In this episode, Kate and Shawn chat with Bobby Del Rio. He's a repped Hollywood actor, writer, and director. Most recently, Bobby wrote and directed the feature film The Market. Bobby has become one of the top film moderators on Clubhouse, curating many influential rooms in Hollywood.
Bobby creates what he likes. He's committed to the practice and believes the right people will find his work. Bobby is definitely confident in his own skin and isn't afraid to share his options and go after what he wants. It's just what he does. It serves him well. We hope this episode inspires you to step into your unique genius and create for you.
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
In this episode, Kate and Shawn explore mindset vs. environment. Can you get out of a creative rut or even do your best work simply by changing your thoughts or environment?
Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
In this episode, Kate and Shawn talk to Jeff McMahon. He's had an incredible music career. In his role as keyboardist and vocalist, he has shared the success of hits and landmarks with the celebrated country superstar Tim McGraw. While juggling a successful touring and recording career, he also worked hard to raise awareness and support cutting-edge research for brain tumor patients through the Tug McGraw Foundation. Jeff believes that creativity lives in each of us as long as we're willing to put in the work and practice our craft. He's a really wonderful human and we're so glad we're able to introduce you to him.
If you liked this episode, please leave us a review. And if you're not yet part of our Facebook community, join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
This is an episode about living with ourselves and becoming ourselves and stealing from other people to help make it happen. We talk about being happy exactly where you are while pursuing your dreams, where you find inspiration, and what you're willing to do to become the person you're meant to be.
Join our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
When was the last time you flipped through a book and read from a random page only to discover the words were exactly what you needed? What does being mindful mean to you? How often do you sit in silence and let yourself notice what's happening? This is a fun episode where Shawn and Kate explore music and noticing things others may not see. Who do you get inspiration from when creating your work? Can you discover something different about a song you've listened to hundreds of times? We hope this episode inspires you to create.
Join the conversation in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
Are you going through life as the tortoise or the hare? Sometimes we're so focused on achieving our dreams that we forget to take time to enjoy the journey along the way. To remember that there is no finish line. Fiercely pursuing our dreams of tomorrow doesn't mean we can't be genuinely grateful for exactly where we are today.
Join our Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
In this episode, Kate and Shawn explore a fun exercise to help you break through your fears and go after your dreams. So what? It's a phrase we can use to help us discover that the worst-case scenario isn't really that bad. This activity takes us through a process to remove anxiety and give us the confidence to start doing the work we know we're meant to do. We would love to know if you give it a try.
Join our Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
In this episode, Shawn and Kate talk about recognizing our creative habits. Shawn recently read James Clear's book Atomic Habits. In it, James shares a great analogy to help us understand more about the impact our habits have when we're willing to trust the process and continue doing the work. Pushing through your creative practice when you aren't seeing results can be difficult, but when we believe in our work and know we may be just one step away from impact, it's easier to keep going. We would love to know your thoughts.
Join our creative community on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason
In this episode, we chat with Joel Lalgee. He teaches recruiters how to post content other than boring. His content generates 2 million views a month! Like Kate and Shawn, Joel believes creativity can be found everywhere. Consistency matters. It's what helps you discover your creative genius and what to create that attracts your tribe. You can find Joel on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/recruitmentmarketing1/
In this episode, Kate and Shawn talk about process, practice, and the power of your dreams. It may seem random at first, but it all comes together. There's nothing we can do about the past, let it go. Decide what's next. Believe in your dreams. Fall in love with the process. Shawn hates this term. He prefers the word practice. Either way, it's what makes you stronger to create the thing only you can create.
This week we chat with intuitive-healer and candle-maker Sara Spring. We talk creativity, energy, chakras, blockage, and boredom. If all the universe is in a constant state of vibration, does it make sense that creativity—inspiration—is affected by it somehow? Is it a frequency in us and around us? And if it is, how can we take advantage of that? How can we tap into that? The answer, according to Sara, is a lot simpler than you think and it only takes an hour or two to make it happen.
Kate also figures out what people are talking about when they talk about Mercury in retrograde. Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!
Quantal is a creative polymath. He's an artist, podcaster, brand designer, storyteller, and wrestling coach. And get this: he feels like he's just now figuring out his footing. Constant discovery is a big part of what pushes him forward. These days he's focused on developing a creative ecosystem. Community is important. Listening to others is important.
Quantal is the host of https://www.facebook.com/TheCreativeBrew.tv/ (The Creative Brew), a show dedicated to talking about creative endeavors and living a purposeful live—be it basketball, comics, comedy, or gratitude.
Make sure you listen long enough to hear his story about a marshmallow who eats the fingers and toes of children who misbehave. It's brilliant and hilarious. He uses it to keep his grandkids on their toes.
What do you believe about creativity? Kate and Shawn talk about what creativity means and what they would include in a Creative Manifesto. Things like all people are born creative, you don’t have to be a writer or musician or artist to benefit from creativity, and creativity brings us joy. What do you believe about creativity? Join us in the Facebook Create for No Reason Group to join the conversation.
In this episode, we talk to Flose LaPierre. She's a writer, storyteller, and creator of Write to Heal. Flose turned to poetry while dealing with trauma in her life. She also found comfort in writing. She believes that beautiful poetry reveals itself through the process of writing. Give yourself permission to turn to the page and write, even if you don't think you're any good. She recently stepped into her power and started hosting writing workshops to help others heal. She's a brilliant writer, an awesome friend, and a beautiful human. Enjoy.
This week we chat with one of Shawn's longtime friends: the artist currently known as Tommy Kern. In addition to being a sought-after sculptor and furniture maker, https://www.instagram.com/badkern3/?hl=en (Tommy is a brilliant photographer). We talk about what it means to be an artist and why it's so important to have a creative practice. How can we quiet our inner perfectionist? What do we do when we're intimidated by others' work? How can we develop our own voice and perspective and honor our own truth? We end this episode with a simple phone photography challenge. You should try it. We did. It felt really really good.
Go visit the https://www.facebook.com/groups/createfornoreason (Create for No Reason group on Facebook) to follow along. We've got a good community started there. We'd love to know more about you.
We all know creativity can change your live. Millions of people have rediscovered their childhood passions in the middle of miserable careers or after significant life changes. It's healing. It feeds us emotionally and spiritually. But it's not always easy. Art is messy. Starting something new is messy. That's part of the process. It doesn't mean you're heading in the wrong direction. I means you're working on something that's worth your time. You're developing a creative practice. Let's talk about how to handle our creative mess.
In this episode we talk to Jennifer Liss, the founder of the Creative Commute https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCreativeCommute (community) and https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-creative-commute/id1527878347 (podcast). She's interested in seeing more people get creative because of the joy it brings into their lives and the lives of the people they interact with. Creative joy is funny that way. It spreads. It has a ripple effect. When we make something--anything, we become a little kinder and confident and encouraging. That's a win-win-win in our book.
We talk to Alyson Seligman. She’s been a lifestyle blogger for more than 10 years. That’s a lifetime for authors online. Many people have started and stopped blogs, podcasts, and businesses in only a few months. Not Alyson. She stuck with it. She’s now an influencer with a fierce following. She’s found that consistency builds community, and community is what inspires her to continue to create.
Do creative spaces matter? Do you work better when you have a ritual and a place to go? A closet, a kitchen, an office, a coffeeshop? Many creatives designate spaces for work and they find that it helps them focus. When they find themselves in that space, they know what to do. It's time to get to work. Or is all of this an eccentric excuse? You can create something anywhere, right? If you're not a welder or craftsperson who needs machinery or heavy equipment to do what you do, you can do what you do where you are right now. At least, it's possible.
On this episode, we have the very funny and very talented https://www.instagram.com/dmichaelburke/?hl=en (Michael Burke). He's a writer, performer, and comedian who had other IRL plans before COVID-19 kept him--and the rest of us--at home. Instead of taking a break, he started writing and producing clips on TikTok and Instagram. We talk about what his process looks like, how to experiment, and what it feels like to have people engage with your material in real-time.
Our favorite quote from Michael: "If you're an artist, don't worry about the palette. Just use what you've got in front of you." Love this so so much.
We have our first guest! Brian Carter is an artist, comedian, and gentlemen chicken farmer who owns a digital media agency in South Carolina. Brian is a constant creative. We talk about ideas, risks, and why it takes a little bit of narcissism to make something new. More importantly, we talk about what it takes to practice being creative and what we find when we do. The best art comes from being yourself and exploring your ideas.
Is inspiration a thing? Are muses real? Do they speak and create through us? Have you ever made something and then looked at it and thought it had to have come from a space bigger than you? And if the muses/god/mystery is a real thing, how can we tap into it? What do you do to keep the fire burning?
Are your friends and family helpful when you share your work with them or are they creativity vampires? Do they suck suck suck your idea dry or do they understand what you’re going through? When we’re building a tribe to support us, who should we look for? Who should we avoid? When is it time to share what we’re working on with them?
Kate and Shawn channel their inner Raymond Carver and Victor Frankl. This is what we talk about when we talk about art. Is there a difference between being a creator and an artist? Who decides? Do we care?
So you want to make something? You want to get busy? You want to bust out the oils, write that novel, or start doing that TikTok thing for real this time? Good luck. You will prove to be your own worst enemy. You are your biggest critic. You're going to have to fight through it. We believe in you. You're going to do it even when you think you suck.
Who cares if Hemingway really said it or not? It’s a valid point. Everyone starts with a sketch. Everyone starts with a first draft. And if you’re like most people in the world, what you start with can smell and sound like like you’ve got a few glasses of something in you. That’s perfect. Do it anyway. Then, at least you’ll have someone to plagiarize: yourself.
Emotions can fuel our creativity and they can get in the way. Kate and Shawn talk about their feelings. Where do they come from? Can we change them? Can we use them? Does it matter all that much anyway?
Wondering if creating something is worth it even if it might be crap? Even if you'll never master it? Even if you won't get paid? Is it worth it to learn how to play chopsticks and Yellow Submarine on the piano and then stop there? Is it worth it to spend five minutes tonight writing as much as you can about the beef stroganoff you had for dinner?
Wonder no more! We have the answer. This is it: it's always worth it.
This week, we’ll talk about how technology and tools get in the way of making something. They’re excuses. All we really need to write is a legal pad and a pencil. All we really need to paint are some watercolors and a paper bag. Let's talk about what gets in the way. Let's get it out of the way.
It's our first episode! Welcome to Create for No Reason: a show about making something for the pure joy of it. You don't need a reason. Give yourself permission to explore your creativity—not to be rich or famous or successful. Do it for you.
The other stuff is a bonus. What matters the most is that you made something only you can make and you're bold enough to share it with the rest of us. We're all artists, after all.