Honestly, Dear Listener: Recent Episodes
Carrington Schaeffer
Honestly, Dear Listener is a place where artists, business owners, writers, and musicians talk about the creating and the struggles that accompany the process. Host Carrington Schaeffer seeks to inspire creativity through vulnerability and running at fear instead of away from it.
It’s our first episode of Season 4!
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we welcome vocalist, voice coach, friend, and frequent contributor to the show Amber Mogg Cathey back to the podcast. We discuss our strategies for how to positively motivate ourselves instead of what comes naturally to us: kicking our own butts into submission. We talk about positive versus negative motivations and how effective each is at motivating us. We also discuss what it’s like being the kid who stuck out and how we felt like, in order to escape the scrutiny of others, we took our own selves down a peg or two which only ended up hurting our self-esteem.
Where to Find Amber:
Website: evolvevocalstudio.com
Instagram: @EvolveVocalStudio
YouTube: @EvolveVocalStudio
Facebook: @EvolveVocalStudio
TikTok: @EvolveVocalStudio
Listen to our past episode with Amber HERE!
References:
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
- “51: Finding Our Creative Identity with Gemma Sugrue 09.20.24” - Honestly, Dear Listener episode Season 3, Episode 51
TIMECODES:
0:00 - Intro
0:34 - Amber intro & WE’RE NOW IN SEASON 4!
2:04 - Motivating ourselves while not kicking our own butts
10:47 - Filled up with ourselves/self-centering
20:12 - Toward and away motivations
27:27 - Steps to catching and changing negative motivations
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we face one of the hardest weeks for our creative practice: an entire week of NO NUMBING OUT. Inspired by Week 4 of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, we said no to reading (yes—reading), audiobooks and podcasts, social media, TV, and anything else that we do to fill the silence around us. In this episode, we relay how this silence has changed or hasn’t changed our artistic practice and what we’re taking with us as we transition back after this week.
References:
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
- “51: Finding Our Creative Identity with Gemma Sugrue 09.20.24” - Honestly, Dear Listener episode Season 3, Episode 51
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - Fun…go!
1:16 - Week 4 of The Artist’s Way: no numbing out week
7:21 - Cultivating personal integrity
11:00 - Sensory deprivation chambers & showers
13:55 - What Emily’s learning
15:02 - What Carrie’s learning
22:47 - How do we learn how to rest?
23:33 - What we plan on keeping moving forward
32:40 - What if you won 500 million dollars tomorrow…
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking to our friend Gemma Sugrue about how to find our creative identity. Gemma is a vocal coach and performer turned business coach. She has worked with the likes of Bon Iver and Damien Rice and has built several successful social media platforms including a Tiktok with a following of 450K and YouTube with 170K subscribers.
Through our conversation, Gemma narrows down on what we need to know in order to figure out who we are creatively including our core values and then encourages us to share who we are (our honest, real self) with the world.
Find Gemma:
- Instagram: @gemmasugrue
- Website: gemmasugrue.com
References:
- “30: Dream Reflectors: The Shot of Inspiration We All Need 04.26.24” - Honestly, Dear Listener podcast episode #30
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
- “Be Honest” meme with David and Victoria Beckham
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re delving into the concept of Shadow Artists. In her bestselling book on creativity, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron introduces the “Shadow Artist,” someone who is deeply connected to the arts but isn’t fully expressing their own creative potential. She goes on to describe Shadow Artists as individuals who are often attracted to creative fields but remain on the sidelines, assisting or supporting other artists rather than pursuing their own creative endeavors. They might be surrounded by creativity, but they feel blocked, afraid, or unable to fully step into their own creative path.
We discuss our own shadow artistry and how we can finally start listening to that small inner voice and step out into the light of our own realized creativity.
References:
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
- The Moth - storytelling events
- ChatGPT - Artificial Intelligence software
- Save the Cat Writes a Novel - book by Jessica Brody
- Alien: Romulus - 2024 sci-fi film
- Her - 2013 sci-fi romantic comedy drama
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear - book by Elizabeth Gilbert
- The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level - book by Gay Hendricks
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Emily’s Artist Date this week
6:28 - Carrie’s New BFF
12:42 - What is a “Shadow Artist?”
28:07 - Broadening our definition of what an artist is
37:47 - Give yourself grace
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about time traveling back to parts of our wounded childhood selves. We talk about how behind every traumatic event in our lives, we form a belief about that thing, and often, these unhelpful beliefs keep us stuck. We discuss pulling up those (often unconscious) beliefs, examining them, and walking our childhood selves through the trauma, with the knowledge, wisdom, gentleness, and support of our older selves. While revisiting these memories, we replace our outdated beliefs with new, wholehearted beliefs.
References:
- Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of “How Fundamentalism STILL Affects How We Create” (episodes 21 and 22) of the Honestly, Dear Listener podcast
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:58 - Childhood homes as a metaphor for our childhood selves
3:22 - Reliving painful childhood memories
4:21 - Basis for EMDR?
7:53 - Neural plasticity - we can change our brains
9:39 - Emily’s unhelpful childhood beliefs
13:43 - Carrie’s unhelpful childhood beliefs
17:26 - “Smell my butthole!”
21:10 - Examining the belief & replacing it
39:54 - Audacity
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re harkening back, back to when we were wee ones; what did we need back then but didn’t have? We discuss how Emily stumbled upon a quote:
"I think we become whoever would have saved our younger self."
We talk about how we are becoming who we needed and how we can re-parent our inner children with love and kindness. We also discuss idealism, Christian fundamentalism and how it still affects our creativity, and penises.
References:
- Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of “How Fundamentalism STILL Affects How We Create” (episodes 21 and 22) of the Honestly, Dear Listener podcast
- Women Who Podcast Magazine
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
Order your copy of The Artist’s Way for our class starting September 1!
Sign up for the class here!
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - The Artist’s Way Class commercial
0:48 - Intro
2:30 - Emily story about penises
4:58 - Carrie’s story about penises
11:25 - Dear men, don’t be creepy.
14:01 - Being NOW what we needed THEN
16:19 - What Carrie needed THEN
21:04 - What Emily needed THEN
25:27 - Adults who apologize
38:48 - The Artist’s Way class info
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about living a centered life that is rooted in the present. Carrie shares how she feels she is constantly being pushed forward by the past (or the left side) of the frame AKA time of an autoscroll Mario video game, and Emily feels she is ever pushing forward wanting to go faster into the future (or the right side) of the frame.
Both the past and future mindsets make us feel like we’re lazy, and this brings our self confidence and self concepts down. We talk about tips and tricks to help us live in the center—in the NOW.
References:
- Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of “How Fundamentalism STILL Affects How We Create” (episodes 21 and 22) of the Honestly, Dear Listener podcast
- “Sleeping My Life Away or Mario on Autoscroll” - Substack essay by Carrie Schaeffer (Carrie’s Substack account here —>carrieschaeffer.substack.com)
- Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond - book by Stacy T. Sims
- The War of Art - book by Steven Pressfield
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
Order your copy of The Artist’s Way for our class starting September 1!
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
1:20 - “You’re not terrible” - why it’s not a good idea to get your self-esteem from your kids
5:19 - I don’t want to be a pretty girl.
9:22 - Nuance over binary
10:34 - Mario on Autoscroll
15:30 - Goal: center screen
20:02 - Everything is a cycle
22:35 - A bad day doesn’t mean you’re a bad person.
24:21 - Self talk matters
27:49 - How to live a centered life if you’re a future-oriented person.
30:25 - How to live a centered life if you’re a past-oriented person.
38:48 - The Artist’s Way class info
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking to Sydney Parks Smith, Producing Artistic Director of OpenStage Theatre in Fort Collins, Colorado on how we know when it’s time to walk away. Sydney has always acted on stage, and in 2019, she stepped into her dream role as Producing Artistic Director of OpenStage. But when happens when your dream isn’t what you really wanted?
Sydney shares her personal and professional challenges, including fears of aging out as an actor, her transition into leadership roles within the nonprofit theatre industry, responsibilities and pressures within that role and why, after 26 years of working with her organization, she’s decided to stop down.
Sydney’s story of navigating fears, making tough decisions, and finding her true identity outside of her job title offers invaluable insights for anyone considering a pivotal change in their own lives.
References:
- OpenStage Theatre in Fort Collins, CO
- “Somebody Somewhere” - television show on HBO/MAX
- “Middle Aged Ingenue” and “Jeff Hiller is Basic” - comedy shows by Jeff Hiller
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
Order your copy of The Artist’s Way for our class starting September 1!
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
1:40 - Meet Sydney Parks Smith
4:46 - What is a Producing Artistic Director?
7:08 - When did you know what you wanted to be?
13:06 - Plot twist! She’s leaving!
18:12 - How do you know it’s time to walk away?
19:50 - Emotional repercussions
25:03 - I’m not special anymore
28:03 - Identity/value wrapped up in what we do
30:07 - Scarcity/fear: What if this is my only chance?
33:27 - Women and ageing in performance
41:59 - Talking to our future selves
46:05 - The Artist Way Class info
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about trying new things even when we feel stupid or vulnerable. Just the thought of looking foolish makes most of us squirm. It’s easy to keep at doing the same things we know we’re good at and pass up all the things we fear we could be “bad” at. However, learning new things is good for us—and especially for our brains. Join us as we discuss recent times we’ve tried new things…and felt dumb—but REFUSED to let fear keep us from doing the things we want.
References:
- “Where Did I Go?” - Art, music, and performance by Emily Hatch
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
Order your copy of The Artist’s Way for our class starting September 1!
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:25 - The Artist’s Way Class info
4:56 - Doing new and scary things
6:18 - Carrie’s foray into swimming
15:66 - Emily the Paper Tearer Queen
21:11 - “It was a lateral move”
25:07 - The gym is scary, but we REFUSE to be held back!
26:38 - We think everyone has it all together but us—IT’S NOT TRUE.
31:48 - Curiosity over judgement
33:39 - Social media amping up scrutinization
37:19 - What new thing are we going to do this week that scares us?
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about this American life—not the podcast—what it means to be an American (and ALL the things that come with it) AND make art. When we feel so bogged down by paying bills and managing households and businesses and remembering to schedule dentist appointments, etc., our creativity often takes the back burner or doesn’t get done altogether. When we’re overwhelmed, making things can feel like just another bullet point on a To Do list.
What if our art was something that nurtured us, giving us energy instead of draining us?
References:
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, book by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, book by Yuval Noah Harari
- The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:59 - Emily’s 40th birthday!
7:20 - Age as a self-fulfilling prophecy
9:00 - Carrie’s CO trip/RESET
12:49 - This American life - how can we do it all?
16:28 - Parenting
26:15 - But seriously. How do we have time for art when there’s so much we have to do?
30:49 - Taking care for our bodies
32:48 - Where does art fit in?
38:32 - Art as our safe place
44:38 - Art as a friend
47:00 - The Artist’s Way the CLASS is coming soon!
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about passion versus paycheck—and which one makes us a “real artist.” Join us as we question the glorification of “original” art, the discomfort of financial dependence on one's art, and the ultimate pursuit of joy and self-expression in creativity. Whether we’re working on our own art, teaching, or helping someone else on theirs, we believe nothing in creativity is wasted and every step—no matter how frustrating—matters.
References:
- “40: How Do You Know You’ve ‘Made It?’ 07.05.24” - Honestly, Dear Listener podcast episode
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:32 - The dream of making a living doing art
1:47 - Our histories of making money helping with other people’s art
6:46 - The car analogy
11:12 - THE question
15:21 - Financial pressure on our art
23:33 - When commercial success sucks/are we living the dream now (before commercial success)?
28:05 - Doing the thing for joy and delight
32:40 - It’s bigger than binary thinking
35:22 - Making things is hard for everyone!
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about AGEING. Let’s face it: We live in a culture obsessed with youth and beauty (and conflating the two). For so many of us, the message is, “If you’re over 40, you might as well get used to the slow, slippery slide into obscurity.” Well, we won’t go quietly into that night and neither should you, Dear Listener. We have the choice to reprogram our brains—to flip our stories to make creating in every decade better than the last.
References:
- Girls5Eva - TV Show on Peacock
- “The Rite of Legacy” - art by Kinsey Aleksi
- We Can Do Hard Things - podcast by Glennon Doyle
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:34 - When did looking good feel effortless?
3:06 - Aesthetic range
7:11 - Our beauty backgrounds
9:21 - How we look is the least interesting part about me
10:17 - Attraction and sex
20:08 - Drop the game, make the art
22:53 - Female archetypes
25:51 - Insecurity and culture
26:22 - You can’t be old
27:02 - Reprogramming ourselves
31:50 - Fear of aged women
38:39 - We can choose the stories we tell ourselves
41:16 - “I want to be more curious about where my face is headed.”
42:49 - Our bodies are tools to make art, not the art itself
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re delving into the universal topic of burnout. We’ll explore the cyclical and seasonal nature of life and the relentless pressure to stay productive in our capitalistic society. We’ll discuss strategies like creating flexible schedules for those UN-ideal days and how listening to the wisdom of our bodies can be the very thing that leads us out of burnout.
We’ll also talk about how finding bugs is kind of like grooming oneself and how Emily is a friend of insects everywhere.
References:
- Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle - book by Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA
- Carrie’s Substack: Follow her!
- “How to Write Consistently on a Daily Basis (Without Burning Out)” - Substack post by Lea Bardot of Write. Grow. Monetize.
TIMECODES
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Carrie eats bugs
3:19 - Emily is friends with bugs
10:05 - Let’s talk about burnout
11:04 - Emily’s relationship with burnout
12:16 - Carrie’s burnout life
14:52 - Cycles in nature
15:19 - Pushing ourselves
20:02 - Too high expectations for ourselves
21:57 - Ignoring our bodies
30:11 - Creating our Ideal Schedule Menu
35:50 - Trusting the wisdom of our bodies
40:24 - We almost always have more options than we think - CHOICE!
41:50 - Burnout when you work full time for someone else
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
It's Honestly, Dear Listener's 40th episode! This week, we're talking about how do we know when we've "made it" in our art. But first! A riveting discussion about Emily stumbling upon human fecal matter on a daily basis in New York City. We also discuss how poop is the great equalizer of humanity and how "ladylikeness" is a tool of the patriarchy.
We dive into what "making it" actually means and how we define success. We also talk about how we are responsible for our own happiness and how we as artists can find delight in making the every day magical.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we take a deep dive into the artist’s superpower: sensitivity. We discuss our personal struggles with criticism and the delicate balance of caring about others’ opinions while protecting our creative spirit. We also talk about how our sensitivity is like a knob that we can turn up and down depending on the situation and that, by strengthening that muscle, we give ourselves many more options than we originally thought we had.
We also discuss the New York City subway system and how it’s both confusing and charming.
Resources:
- The Best of Me - book by David Sedaris
- Signs of a Psychopath - television show on MAX (formerly HBO)
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear - book by Elizabeth Gilbert
- The Highly Sensitive Person - book by Dr. Elaine Aron
- Are You Highly Sensitive Self test
TIMECODES
0:00 Intro
0:33 No Period Club
3:00 Train story
10:57 We need to be around people
12:34 Everybody’s a baby
15:48 Sensitivity
18:27 Sensitivity and patriarchy
21:12 How sensitivity is great
26:52 Empathy/Treasure hunt
31:15 Turning down our sensitivity knob
47:10 Guarding/protecting our sensitivity
49:47 The mountain Carrie’s willing to die on
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about self-promotion and why it’s so easy to promote others, but it’s so hard when it comes to ourselves. We wade into the all-too-loaded worded “bragging”<—what is it and how can we transcend the word to get to what we really mean underneath: the desire to share our creation babies with the world.
We also discuss what Carrie is up to now that she’s 40 years-old including her commitment to writing every day. Finally, we reflect on the word “goulash.”
References:
- Carrie’s Substack // Follow Carrie’s Writing Here —> carrieschaeffer.substack.com
- “Licking Ourselves Up Off the Floor” - an original poem by Carrie Schaeffer
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, book by Elizabeth Gilbert
TIMECODES
0:00 - Introduction
0:39 - Internet Woes
4:13 - Carrie is 40
7:15 - Looking back on decades
9:46 - Carrie’s poem - “Licking Ourselves Up Off the Floor”
13:57 - We’re back
15:03 - Putting ourselves out there
20:50 - Bragging
26:23 - Christianity and Humility
40:50 - Competitive Bragging vs. Joyful Sharing
52:17 - What do we do?
55:24 - What is goulash?
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week, we have a treat, but first, a little history:
I (Carrie) first started the Honestly, Dear Listener podcast all the way back in 2014—things were a little different back then. The show ran for two seasons, each episode was shorter (about 15-20 minutes in length), and it was more produced and way more edited than the longer form conversations Emily and I have today on the podcast. The focus was much the same as it is today—I would interview artists on what it’s like being a creative, and we talked a lot about mindset and process. I did the show for 2014 and again in 2016, and then I had two little boys, life sped up to mach crazy, and I took a big fat break.
Then, fast forward literally a decade, and Emily and I were having these weekly conversations on Zoom about the exact same stuff you hear us talk about on the podcast today, and she casually mentioned that she was thinking it would be cool to start a podcast, and I was like—well, I already have one, and it’s all set up and ready to go if you want to be my co-host! She said yes, and we together, we launched the 2023 reboot - also known as Season 3 of the Honestly, Dear Listener podcast.
So today, we’re re-airing episode 2 from of Season 1 (first aired 4.18.14) where I’m interviewing my very first guest I ever had on the podcast which is none other than the current co-host of Honestly Dear Listener—Emily Hatch!
We hope you enjoy, Dear Listener!
We all have at least one boulder in our lives.
The people who are where we wish we could be.
And these boulders seem to sit right in the middle of our path, blocking our way to success.
This week, we interview soul singer and long-time friend (see picture below!) Miss Emily about insecurity, fear, and transforming the people who intimidate us into people who inspire us.
Music:
- "Sneaky Snitch" & "Fun in a Bottle" by Kevin McLeod
- "Lady Marmalade" by Bob Crewe & Kenny Nolan
Performed by Miss Emily, Steve Williams, John Schultz, Fernie Garcia, & Bill Moody - "Sweet Sunlight" by Miss Emily
- "Holiness" by Scott Carl Underwood
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we delve into the complexities of breaking free from familiar yet unproductive patterns and embracing a more playful mindset. By comparing the focus needed for meditation to maintaining a playful mindset, we emphasize the importance of catching oneself driving away from what really brings us joy and redirecting. In general, we go so fast in our lives, often forgetting to slow down and reexamine what it is in the world we really want. So, this week, we posit the idea that to actually get to where you want to get to (speed up), you actually have to slow down and reassess what you’re doing for joy and what is bogging you down.
We also dive into a rousing discussion about eating bugs—both accidentally and on purpose.
References:
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft - book by Stephen King
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
NOTE: This week, Carrie is hosting the podcast as Emily is gone. But don’t fret! She’ll be back next week!
On this week’s episode of Honestly, Dear Listener, I’m sitting down with none other than my husband, Seth Schaeffer. He’s an artist, songwriter, musician, filmmaker, director, and father to our two boys. First, we discuss how we attach our worth to our identity and what we do and make as well as how we make things both when we’re supposed to be good at it and when we’re not.
Next, we dive deep into the chaotic world of maintaining a household as creatives. We touch on the perpetual juggling act between our work and domestic responsibilities, the significance of establishing healthy boundaries, and the necessity of giving ourselves grace. Seth talks about his own podcast, Behind the Act, interviews with other artists and inspired by the unfiltered conversations during his film projects.
Join us as we unpack what we’ve learned in our nearly 20-year marriage; if you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations or the struggle of balancing a creative career with family life, this one’s for you.
Where to find Seth:
Website: behindtheact.com
Instagram: @behindtheact
YouTube: @behindtheact
Facebook: @behindtheact
TikTok: @behindtheactpodcast
References:
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, book by Elizabeth Gilbert
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re diving into the complexities of self-acceptance, personal growth, and the impact of social media on well-being. Carrie celebrates graduating from her one-year sewing program but finds it’s hard not to downplay her accomplishments. We discuss how self-belief is key to being able to celebrate ourselves. Emily shares about her recent show at the legendary 54 Below in NYC and her accompanying performance anxiety. Finally, we delve into social media’s impact on our ability to create and happiness.
We also unpack more of our fundamentalist Christian upbringing by wondering about hell, a sadistic god, the rapture, and living without a soul.
References:
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, book by Elizabeth Gilbert
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about something very scary indeed—what if we’re not actually special? If you’re anything like us, you were raised with the idea firmly planted in your brain that you were exceptional. This has served you some of the time, but it also plopped a huge helping of pressure on you when it came to creativity. Because if you make “bad art,” it would prove that you’re not actually as special as you thought. So you stick to things you’re inherently good at. And boy is that limiting!
Hence, the scary supposition that maybe we’re not actually as special as we think we are. No longer believing in our exceptionalism frees us up to make “bad art” (which is really just fertilizer for the good art we make after we get all the “bad art” out of our systems. We can make “mistakes.” We can expand into new things instead of feeling boxed in by the need to stick to the safe things we know we’re already good at.
We also discuss Emily anxiety in reference to a big gig she has coming up and what it was like growing up in the 90s.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about the peaks and troughs of the creative process, exploring the emotional rollercoasters that accompany the life of an artist. Emily shares about how she uses the coping strategy of downplaying her creative endeavors in order to save herself disappointment. Carrie reveals that she’s back on the novel-writing track and shares a few resources for writers that have helped her along the way.
We touch on the unique challenges we creatives face, from dealing with the dopamine cycle in the brain to handling the emotional impact of social media on self-worth.
We also implore you not to give up. WE NEED YOUR ART. Trust the process and stay the course.
References:
- “Is This All There Is?” - episode 17 of Honestly, Dear Listener podcast, aired 1/12/24
- Nanowrimo.org (National Novel Writing Month) - Write a novel (50,000 words in 30 days)
- Save the Cat! Writes a Novel - book by Jessica Brody
- The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, book by Christopher Vogler
- The Herby House podcast with Qveen Herby
- Morgan Riley - musical performing artist
- “How to Start Over: New Beginnings and the Power of Resilience with Amber Mogg Cathey” - episode 31 of Honestly, Dear Listener podcast, aired 5/3/24
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we dive into the process of starting over and the resilience it brings to us artists. Our wonderful guest, Vocal Coach Amber Mogg Cathey of Evolve Vocal Studio, discusses her recent move from Nashville, TN to Denver, CO. We relate! In the past several years, Emily has moved from Denver, CO to New York City, and Carrie has moved from a small town in Colorado to Nashville, TN.
Other than there being a ton of location overlap, we have all experienced what it’s like to start over and how the struggle forces us to grow. We also talk about the complexities of maintaining established relationships and while forging new ones in a digital age.
So tune in as we dissect the lessons learned from uprooting life as we know it, the power of staying true to oneself, and how sometimes, the most authentic thing we can do it to embrace the messiness of our journeys.
Where to Find Amber:
Instagram: @EvolveVocalStudio
YouTube: @EvolveVocalStudio
Facebook: @EvolveVocalStudio
TikTok: @EvolveVocalStudio
References:
- "I Am Here" - song by Pink - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UENevWnRsx0
- The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating - book by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re doing a special “uncut” episode (which basically means we had technical difficulties with our regularly scheduled episode and had to last-minute record the day before ; ). Today, we’re talking about how important it is to surround ourselves with people who can lift us up and reflect back who we are and where we’re headed when we forgot (and everyone does at some point). None of us are islands, and having solid community around us is key to helping us see our dreams through. But it has to be mutual! We can also reflect back to our people who they are. We also discuss undying Emily’s love for Wicked the Musical.
References:
-
“We’ll Do It Live” with Bill O’Reilly
-
“A Soft Place to Land” from Waitress the Musical
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“Defying Gravity” from Wicked the Musical
-
Broadway sensation Capathia Jenkins
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“11: Boundaries in the Music Industry 12.01.23” - Honestly, Dear Listener episode 11 with Sarah Mount of Sarah Mount and the Rushmores
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“28: How Gratitude Fuels Creativity 03.29.24“ - Honestly, Dear Listener episode 28
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Does the way I talk to myself actually matter?
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we're talking about self talk, what it is, and how it affects not only us but the world we're creating around us. We check in with our listeners on how monitoring our self talk the week before had gone. We explore the joy and freedom that come from engaging in hobbies without the pressure of perfection, and how to quiet the fear of being "bad" at something we love.
This is final installment in our two-part series on self talk. Click here to listen to Part 1!
Note: We recorded this episode back in October of 2023, but we're finally releasing it April of 2024.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Does the way I talk to myself actually matter?
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we're talking about self talk, what it is, and how it affects not only us but the world we're creating around us. We discuss the importance of being your own ally and carving out an internal sanctuary amid the chaos. This episode delves into the intricate dance with our inner critics as well as the different Parts of ourselves that come into play when we're creating a safe inner space. We'll examine the role of our upbringing, particularly within a strict Christian paradigm, and its influence on the narratives we tell ourselves.
Note: We recorded this episode back in October of 2023, but we're finally releasing it April of 2024.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking to musician, vocalist, and front-person for Bryce Evans and the Black Cats, Bryce Evans. We discuss their new release, The Moonlight EP, which launched this month and is now streaming on all major streaming platforms. We also delve into how to be a good ally for non-binary folks and artists including what to do about pronouns, how fear can spark hate, and what it’s like being a queer creator in an artistic community.
How to Find Bryce Evans:
- Website: bryceevansmusic.com
- Instagram: @bryceevansmusic
- Facebook: Bryce Evans and the Black Cats
- TikTok: @bryceevansmusic
- Threads: @bryceevansmusic
References:
- The Moonlight EP, album by Bryce Evans on Spotify
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Show notes coming soon!
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about overwhelm—all about facing the tidal wave of responsibilities, deadlines, and creative pursuits that can leave us feeling, well, overwhelmed. We’re talking to Becca Waugh, a multitalented artists who wears many hats, both literally in her hot dog-themed attire, and metaphorically in her diverse creative endeavors. However, managing such a variety of projects doesn't come without its challenges. Becca is with us to candidly discuss her journey, her relationship with procrastination, and how she sets her own rhythm when it comes to deadlines and personal projects.
We'll also dig into her strategies for tackling the big scary projects by breaking them down into small, achievable goals, and how those strategies have helped her to support herself entirely through her art. We’ll also explore the concept of “INCUP” as a motivation enhancer and the importance of balancing interest and passion with the hustle required in a creative career.
How to Find Becca Waugh:
- Website: beccawaugh.com
- Sleepy Panther Website: sleepypanther.com
- Instagram: @beccawaugh
- TikTok: @bextra5000
References:
- “Woman in Comedy with Katie Bowman,” episode 23 of Honestly, Dear Listener
- “The INCUP Secret: 5 Motivating Factors for ADHDers”
- The Artist’s Way, book by Julia Cameron
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
In this episode of Honestly, Dear Listener, we unpack the art of valuing ourselves and our art—and how our lives would transform if we took what we make as seriously as what we do for others. We dive headfirst into the psychological tango of setting sky-high goals while still staying grounded…with a dash of self-kindness. Think of it as being the world best boss, but the employee is you.
We also discuss the joy of hearing the clack clack of a 1960s typewriter, how lovely it is to create around fresh flowers, and the brilliance that is Kristen Wiig.
References:
- The Artist’s Way, book by Julia Cameron
- Jerry Lewis - “The Typewriter”
- The Airplane Scene from Bridesmaids with Kristen Wiig
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re pulling off the band-aid on something that indiscriminately affects ALL of us: the omnipresent companion that is fear. We explore not only the primal instincts that come with fear but also how it intricately weaves itself into our creative lives and personal growth. Join us as we dive into personal anecdotes—from our childhood misconceptions influenced by purity culture to the complexities of teeth grinding and sewing challenges. Emily's time teaching music and Carrie's new sewing project remind us that fear, like a passenger in a car, doesn't have to drive.
We reexamine whether fear is a friend or a foe and how we will allow it to function in our lives and how we will not. We also talk about how to motivate ourselves without using fear by using “toward” motivations instead of “away” motivations. As always, thank you for joining us on this journey with us—a journey on which we kindly ask fear to take a backseat as we drive toward goals and dreams.
References:
- Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of “How Fundamentalism STILL Affects How We Create” (episodes 21 and 22) of the Honestly, Dear Listener podcast
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, book by Susan Jeffers Ph.D.
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, book by Elizabeth Gilbert
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re peeling back the curtain on a topic that’s both personal and pervasive in creators’ lives—VICES. We discuss how our underlying beliefs inform our behaviors, and how when we change our beliefs, more often than not, our behaviors also change. We share our experiences with alcohol—from sipping liquid courage before stepping onto the stage to wrestling with social expectations at parties. We explore the scarcity mentality, the importance of mindfulness, and the power of gentleness and kindness over shame in addressing our not-so-helpful habits.
So, buckle up, Dear Listener, as we dissect the ties between beliefs, behaviors, and the vices that fill the gaps in between.
References:
- Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of “How Fundamentalism STILL Affects How We Create” of the Honestly, Dear Listener podcast
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
In this episode of Honestly, Dear Listener, we talk with visual artist and comedian Katie Bowman about the intersection of substance abuse and creativity in the entertainment industry. We explore the struggles of maintaining our personal and artistic boundaries amidst industry expectations, particularly in comedy and music. We discuss the need for diverse stories and authentic female portrayals in an industry often blinded by gender biases.
Prepare to rethink what it means to be a feminine creator in a world stubbornly molded for the masculine narrative. We're unpacking it all—aging, sexism, representation, and the resilience of womanhood.
Where You Can Find Katie:
- TikTok - @katiebowmancomedy
- Comedy Instagram - @katiebowmancomedy
- Art Instagram - @thecurlybush
- Website - katiebowman.rocks
Resources:
- Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol by Holly Whitaker, Published 2019 by Dial Press
- This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life by Annie Grace, Published 2015 by ASPN Publications
- “What Alcohol Does to Your Body” by the Institute of Human Anatomy - TW: Video includes real human cadaver parts.
- Comics referenced: Brandie Posey, Janae Burris, Jordan Wieleba, Atsuko Okatsuka, Laurie Kilmartin, Maria Bamford
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we delve further into the complexities of fundamentalism in part two of our series on growing up as Christian fundamentalists. We'll unpack the profound impact a religious upbringing can have on aspects of morality, mental health, and the daunting concern of never being "ok" without the framework of faith to guide us.
Throughout this episode, we share our deeply personal experiences, including the troubling ways in which our physical appearances and the concept of eternity were navigated within our religious communities. We'll explore how the sexualization of children and a cultivated fear of pride and joy in our achievements left lasting marks on our identities and self-perceptions.
In tackling the delicate subjects of religious trauma and creativity, we aim to offer a safe space for you, Dear Listener, whether you have or have not felt the weight of patriarchy and fundamentalism in your life and on your creative spirit. You are not alone.
References:
- Be Yourself - comedy special by Kevin James Thornton on Apple TV+
- HappyWholeWay.com - “Guiding You Out of Your Religious Programming and Back to Yourself”
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about the role fundamentalist religion plays in how we see the world and create in it. We dive into our own personal histories with charismatic, Pentecostal, evangelical Christianity and how just because we’ve deconstructed our faiths doesn’t mean we’ve left fundamentalism behind. We examine the barriers that rigid doctrines erect, squeezing the vibrant palette of expression into a narrow spectrum of black-and-white. Join us as we unravel the complex ties between fundamentalism and artistic freedom, and take a step towards reclaiming our creative spirits.
References:
- “Shamala Hamala” by Kevin James Thornton
- “Who’s in the House” by Carman
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we dive into what to do when we just can’t seem to MAKE ourselves make things we want to make. We reflect on the need for creativity as an integral part of life, rather than an occasional indulgence, discussing strategies like changing environments and implementing boundaries to infuse passion into daily tasks.
First, we talk about what happens when we finally get to where we want to be in our lives and we’re STILL worried we’re going to screw everything up. Then, we dissect the mentality of prioritizing unwanted tasks, sometimes resulting in the avoidance of the very activities we yearn for, and the struggle to find the right time for our creative pursuits. We propose practical solutions like setting a timer for tasks to ensure time is allocated for things we care about. We emphasize the importance of viewing creativity as a grounding and valid pursuit rather than a frivolous one.
And finally, we return to the subject of last week’s episode as Carrie unpacks what the patriarchy’s influence on fashion and the concept of what is “flattering” and what isn’t and how we might as well just wear whatever the hell brings us joy!
References:
- Self-Sovereignty - from We Can Do Hard Things Podcast, from episode 230 entitled “The Best Advice We’ve Ever Received”
- “The Secret Formula to Motivating Your ADHD Brain: INCUP” from inflow
- “How the Patriarchy Hurts Artists” - from episode 19 of Honestly, Dear Listener
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we are unpacking what the heck “the patriarchy” even means, how it hurts artists, and what YOU can do to dismantle it. Joining us today is Carrie’s childhood friend Rachel Darden, a working actor known not just for her talent but also for her keen observations on the state of the arts.
From storytelling shackled by skewed representation to the invisibility of aging women, the patriarchy has left its mark on creativity. Today, we'll explore the need for diverse stories and authentic female portrayals in an industry often blinded by gender biases. We also discuss how the patriarchy is hurtful for men and what all genders can do to recognize and counteract the patriarchy in their art and in their own lives.
Prepare to rethink what it means to be a feminine creator in a world stubbornly molded for the masculine narrative. We're unpacking it all—aging, sexism, representation, and the resilience of womanhood.
Where You Can Find Rachel:
- TikTok - @likely_nauseated
- Instagram - @likely__nauseated
Resources:
- "Last Fckable Day" - Inside Amy Schumer*
- The Mary Tyler Moore Show streaming on Hulu
- Being Mary Tyler Moore Documentary on MAX
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Welcome back, Dear Listener! In this special episode, we pull back the curtain of our show and discuss how we handle criticism—and, in particular—online criticism. We reflect on what we do when we receive negative and mean-spirited comments online and share our personal reactions and coping strategies.
From addressing controversial topics to navigating the onslaught of hurtful comments, the we discuss the emotional toll these comments have on our mental and emotional health and and our determination to champion vulnerability in the digital space. Join us for an intimate and eye-opening discussion on the complexities of sharing one's authentic self online.
Resources
That Controversial Episode: Ep. 17: “Is This All There Is?” 01.13.24
Brené Brown’s “Man in the Arena Speech” - on Daring Greatly
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we trot down the yellow brick road of our dreams and delve into the confusion and disillusionment that happens when we finally get what we want, peering behind the curtain and finding ourselves asking, “Is that all there is?” We’re not just tackling the Wizard of Oz’s famous quartet’s search for heart, brains, courage, and home—but also how that metaphoric journey ties into our own quest for creative identity and worth in our own lives. We’ll also take a good look at those poppy fields of life, touching on darker themes of depression and the traps that can stall our journey.
But before we go there, we talk all about Carrie’s recent tubal ligation and about how women’s bodies say it with us ARE 👏 NOT 👏 shameful 👏. So why don’t we feel like we can talk about them freely—> all this and more as we delve into another episode of Honestly, Dear Listener.
References:
“Is the ‘Barbie’ Movie Somehow Connected to The Wizard of Oz? Fans Say Yes!”
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we deep dive into first and secondhand embarrassment, why we’re really embarrassed for other people, and how we can be kinder to ourselves when we feel like our self-concept is shattered. We share how we all feel the nagging voice of self-doubt which leads to the all-too-familiar rendezvous with Imposter Syndrome. We share insights on creating safe havens for ourselves where it’s okay to take risks and mistakes are joyful learning moments instead of fodder for shame.
But first, Emily puts her voice teacher hat on as she shows Carrie a quick and useful tip for when you’re voice feels sick and phlegmy. And we even discuss a documentary in which Mary Tyler Moore picks herself up after huge embarrassment and goes on to do even bigger and better things.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
It’s Honestly, Dear Listener NEW YEARS edition! Today on the show, we’re talking about defining what we want to carry into the new year and what we want to leave behind in 2023. We only have so much time and attention, and we’ve decided that we’re no longer going to take some negative behaviors and/or thought patterns into the new year with us. We also talk about loneliness, sharing stories of how our desperation for community might have actually shifted from vulnerable to creepy.
But first, as we are both actors/singers/dancers, we are going to delve into the world of Musical Theatre and share some shocking confessions. We also include a retelling of a story Carrie heard and then directly bummed off of a This American Life story of a girl who watches The Sound of Music--but only the first half.
Happy New Year, Dear Listener. We hope 2024 brings you many laughs, much gentleness, and bursts of creative energy.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
In this week’s episode, we're bringing you the story of a true modern-day pioneer, Star Hawks. A visionary in the world of fashion, Star is a fashion stylist and owner of Punks Monks and Glitter Queens in Nashville, Tennessee. We discuss that pioneering is about embracing your creative quests but also about the spirit of perseverance, the joy of inspiring others, and how to keep sprinting towards your dream without the weight of doubt. Through her story, we'll learn about the pop-up events that confirm her purpose, her thriving Instagram presence, and her exciting new store opening in Nashville.
We also veer into some fun side conversations that include strange discoveries on a beach in Australia, our struggle with trying to replicate the Australian accent, and the truth about Dolly Parton’s naked dress form.
How you can find Star Hawks:Instagram: @punksmonksglitterqueens
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about keeping our wits about us when we’re doing so many things at once. Brilliant Performer, Costumer, Seamstress, (and not to mention our personal friend) Charlotte Campbell joins us today to chat about how she balances her time between her myriad of endeavors.
We discuss the matter of making things for personal joy versus financial necessity, and we talk about her approach to projects that don’t spark joy for her. We also delve into how our multi-faceted friend uses her art to continue to play as an adult.
Find Charlotte Campbell here:
Website: pillowfishco.com
Instagram: @pillowfishco
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on this episode of Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking about what to do when you’re at your limit--like the times when you’re so burnt out and exhausted that you feel yourself spiraling into anxiety and/or depression, and you don’t know what to do. We’ll talk about how you can recognize when you’re in a downward spiral and how you can craft your own 911 toolkit.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today, we’re talking about boundaries, a theme that runs deep through every industry but especially the music industry, and to help us tackle this theme is Denver-based Saxophonist, Artist, and Educator Sarah Mount of Sarah Mount and the Rushmores.
Sarah shares her journey of striking a balance between the art of making music and the art of making a living. She details how musicians playing for free can create a ripple effect that can undervalue their craft for everyone and how she’s learned to say no to lowball offers and yes to respecting her work, especially in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
Sarah also gets real with us about her encounters with the darker side of the industry: from combating sexism to facing down macho band leaders and handling uncomfortable advances, Sarah's stories shine a light on the importance of setting boundaries for women in music. Both Emily and Sarah swap tales of being undermined, undervalued, and the sometimes-loneliness of leadership within a male-dominated field.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Welcome back, Dear Listener. Today, we're diving deep into an all-too-familiar topic for many of us: guilt and shame. We're talking about the journey from the confines of self-doubt and societal pressure to the wide open space of self-kindness and light. We'll share some personal stories, our own battles with guilt and shame; including awkward moments on stage, and the often challenging path of creative expression.
We'll be chatting not just about how these forces can limit us, but also how they can be a catalyst for change. From taking a hard look at "shoulding yourself" to understanding the impact of language on motivation and self-perception. Expect some laughter, honest introspection and of course, a t-shirt slogan or two. So sit back, join us and remember--you're among friends here. Let's get started, shall we?
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Today on Honestly, Dear Listener, we dive into the deep, dark world of creating our very own structure--for our own selves. We share personal stories of our own goal-setting journeys including that one time that Emily wrote and produced an entire Steve Wonder tribute show in just nine weeks.
But it's not all a "pastime paradise." We discuss the challenges of comparing ourselves to others, particularly in the age of social media, where it seems like everyone else (except for us) has their life together. We dive into techniques for staying organized and motivated, sharing our personal strategies, including habit stacking, chunking tasks, and utilizing to-do lists.
All this and more, but not before we discuss being a mortician, never getting to see our internal organs, and our plan to flee to the public library should there ever be a zombie apocalypse.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
In today's episode, we'll be embracing change, tackling the concept of seasons in our lives, and opening up about our own struggles and triumphs. We share some laughably bizarre incidents from Emily's time in Australia, with everything from being defecated on by a bird to grappling with butt crack-awareness.
We also delve into the more serious aspects of life's seasons, discussing the challenges creativity faces when it meets motherhood, or the self-imposed guilt for not being productive enough. We discuss body acceptance, chronic pain, and mental health, and explore what it means to find value in life's challenging seasons. And true to our title, we get highly honest about the desire for control, struggling with self-trust and learning to ride the wave of life's seasons.
So buckle up, dear listeners, as we traverse the seasons of life, in all their beautiful, bewildering perplexity.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Our very first guest!
Mizz Bren is a dynamic force in the music industry hailing from Staten Island, New York. With a musical journey that started with piano lessons and singing in the church choir, Mizz Bren quickly emerged as a talent to be reckoned with. She honed her skills in school, embraced various instruments, and even had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with legendary figures like Timbaland and Pharrell. Mizz Bren also shared her incredible voice as a background singer for renowned artists such as Christina Aguilera and was signed to Justin Timberlake's label.
But her journey took an unexpected turn when Mizz Bren became a mother. She experienced a difficult and traumatic birth. Struggling with her physical recovery and adjusting to the overwhelming demands of motherhood, Mizz Bren found herself losing her sense of self. Instead of seeking professional help for postpartum issues, she turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
However, her son became her source of strength and inspiration. Mizz Bren incorporated him into her music, finding solace in their bond and rediscovering her passion. Now, she's here to share her insights and experiences with us on motherhood and art.
Mizz Bren’s Instagram: @mizzbren
Mizz Bren’s band The Sh-Booms: theshbooms.com
The Sh-Booms’ Instagram: @theshbooms
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Note: This episode was originally aired as an Instagram Live--before we upgraded to better sound equipment. As a result, the audio quality might not be as great as our more recent episodes. We hope you still enjoy!
Hello, Dear Listeners! Today on the show, we’re talking about the things we want to be able to say we did on our deathbed. We discuss how, perhaps, the richest achievements aren’t always necessarily the ones we can quantify or list, be the connections we forge with ourselves and others and the impact we leave behind. We also talk about balancing ambitions with the fact that we have less control than we think we have over our lives while emphasizing the power of crafting meaningful relationships and creativity legacies.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
This week, we talk about one the hardest subjects to deal with as artists: REJECTION. And we felt this one this week; Emily was very recently rejected, so naturally, we shared the process with you.
At some point in our lives, we all will be rejected. It’s so hard when it happens, often causing us to question ourselves and our belief in our abilities. The fear of rejection can make it tempting to shrink back and not share our work with the world. However, pushing through this fear is crucial to the creation process, requiring a deep sense of self-belief and a willingness to confront the possibility of rejection head-on. Taking the theme a step further, we can even celebrate when we’re rejection by using each one as a stepping stone towards improvement.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
In this episode, we navigate the treacherous terrain of trusting ourselves—ooo, scary! We explore the detrimental effects of negative self-talk that often makes us feel like we can’t trust ourselves.
Join us as we share strategies for battling self doubt, from engaging in physical exercise to creating a safe space inside for emotional processing. We all discuss how making things from a place of joy instead of from fear transforms the process from scary to safe.
Hosts: Emily Hatch and Carrie Schaeffer
Instagram: @honestlydearlistener
Youtube: youtube.com/@honestlydearlistener
Abigail Holmes // Professional Makeup Artist
Click here to download.
What happens when you're so hurt that all you want to do is numb? How do you emerge intact from the most painful rejection? How do we know what our worth is and operate out of wholeheartedness instead of from brokenness?
This week, makeup and hair artist Abigail Holmes of Abigail Holmes Artistry talks to us about looking your best in five minutes, her emotionally connected approach to hair and makeup, and how she healed and learned from rejection.
Click here to download.
What happens when we get stuck in a rut? We hate our job, we're not doing what we want to do, and we're not happy. Should we stay in a place where people don't respect us or our art?
This week, I talked with Seth Schaeffer of Hoptocopter™ Films (aka our sponsor), a Grand Junction based video production company who focuses on storytelling in corporate films.
Visit Hoptocopter™ Films online at hoptocopter.com.
See below for an example of Hoptocopter's work.
Music:
"Boop" by Podington Bear
Photo by Seth Schaeffer
Click here to download.
You're an artist--that is until you have kids and you no longer have time for art. Right? Is there a way to create while still holding on to who you were before having kids?
In our Season 2 opener, I talk about how to approach creativity while still being a parent.
Listen to my interview with Youngman Brown of YourCreativePush.com.
Click here to listen to the interview.
Music:
"Batty McFaddin" by Kevin MacLeod
"Filaments" by Podington Bear
"Just Watching" by Podington Bear
"Biplane" by Podington Bear
Photo by Allison Blevins
Click here to download.
Vulnerability and shame expert/researcher Dr. Brene Brown defines vulnerability as "uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure." Vulnerability isn't about just letting just anyone into our mess, and it isn't burying who we really are in armor that hides who we really are. Balanced vulnerability means that we open our hearts to people who we can trust with our hearts.
But what happens when we take calculated risks and vulnerability still backfires on us? This week, I talk to artist, entrepreneur, and dear friend, Allison Blevins to find out how to trust again after dealing with betrayal and personal loss.
Music by Podington Bear
"Back Stairs"
"Proliferate"
"Fragile, Do Not Drop"
"Song for a Pea"
"La Di Day"
"Biplane"
Click here to download.
I can't be the only one who is afraid of opening up...right?
This week, I took to the streets to ask you your thoughts on vulnerability. I was floored by your honesty. In the end, we're all in the same boat. We're hard-wired for connection, but everyone seems to be too scared to take the first step. What if we chose to put one foot in front of the other? What would our lives look like? What would our art look like?
All music by Podington Bear
"Airlift"
"Rarified"
"Filaments"
"Not Much"
Click here to download.
This week, I switched things up.
I didn't interview anyone. I didn't follow my usual podcast format. I set out to be vulnerable with you, Dear Listener. And this week, I kept my word.
Today, in three parts, is three different parts of me--my thoughts and feeling in voice memo form, my writing (an excerpt from a creative nonfiction short story), and a song. And guess what? None of it is perfect. Or even close.
Our culture says that to be admired and loved, we must look flawless, act flawlessly, write flawlessly, sing flawlessly. I do none of these things flawlessly. And I'm learning to be proud of it.
I want to help change culture. I want to embrace the process and even go as far as showcasing the process.
Life is messy. Art is messy. Welcome to my mess, Dear Listener.
Music
- "Piano Diddy" by Carrington Schaeffer
- "Silence Await" by cdk
- "Curious Process" by Podington Bear
- "Toxic" by Cathy Dennis, Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, & Henrik Jonback; Cover version by Seth (piano & vocals) & Carrington Schaeffer (vocals)
- "Outtake Beep" by slappy13
Photo by Seth Schaeffer
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This week, I interviewed someone very near and dear to my heart: my 91 year-old grandmother, aka: Grammy. Grammy was kind of like a third parent to me, and it's from her that I inherited the storytelling gene. She's feisty as all get out, sharp as a tack, and probably the most fun person you'll ever meet.
But she wasn't always so carefree. Grammy grew up very poor during the Great Depression and World War II. Through education and setting goals, she bettered herself and her situation. In our interview, we discuss being ourselves and the power of helping others.
Click on an image to enlarge it.
Music:
"Walk That Dog" by U.S. Army Blues
"California Blues" by the Abe Lymans California Ambassador Hotel Orchestra
"Lame Brain" by the Shorty Sherock Orchestra
"Désormais" by Podington Bear
Photo by Jeff Stoddart Photography
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This week, I interviewed my friend and all-around-artist/maker Cullen Purser. By day, he's a handyman, but by night, he's creating community at The Cavalcade, an art collective in Fruita, Colorado.
But what's so fascinating about Cullen is that he's made it his life's goal to learn how to do everything. And he does everything just a piece at a time; he doesn't focus on huge tasks. Instead, he takes everything "brick by brick." And before he knows it, he's built a huge wall and learned a thing or two about art and life.
Check out:
- The Cavalcade: www.cavalcadefruita.com
- Short & Hat (our 2011 travel blog I mention in the podcast): www.shortandhat.com
Photo by The Cavalcade
Photo by Michael Wong
The Cavalcade in Fruita, CO Photo by Jeff Stoddart Photography
Cullen was an extra in The Lone Ranger starring Johnny Depp
Seth Schaeffer, Daniel Suelo, & Cullen Purser Photo by Stephanie Summerfield
Jeannine (Cullen's wife) & I Photo by Stephanie Summerfield
Cullen's shop
Cullen's shop
Cullen's shop
Cullen's shop
A passage from the Tao Te Ching hanging on Cullen's shop wall
Cullen's shop
Cullen's drawings in his shop
Cullen's drawings in his shop
Music:
"Call to Adventure" by Kevin MacLeod
"Watching Seabirds Soar (Harmony)" by DoKashiteru
"Reverie (small theme)" by _ghost
An original by Cullen Purser
"peaceOut" by airtone
Photo by Benjamin Lesage
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We've all thought it.
"I would be happier if I had ______________."
But by focusing on what we don't have, are we missing out on what we do have?
This week, I interviewed Daniel Suelo who has...well...nothing. Literally.
In fact, he's lived without money for nearly fifteen years and has no mortgage, no car, no job, and no debt. He spends his time between his dwelling (a cave in Moab, Utah) and traveling around the world with his "moneyless tribe."
We also talked to Stephanie Summerfield who, at the time of our interview, had lived in Suelo's community for three weeks.
Keep up with Suelo:
Daniel Suelo's blog: www.zerocurrency.blogspot.com
Stephanie Summerfield's blog: www.stephaniesummerfield.blogspot.com
Daniel Suelo
Stephanie Summerfield
Daniel and our friend Cullen
Daniel's cave in Moab, UT
Daniel Suelo
Daniel Suelo
Music:
"Theme for Harold Var. 2" by Kevin MacLeod
"Batty McFaddin" by Kevin MacLeod
"George Street Shuffle" by Kevin MacLeod
"Dark Side of your Heart" by Jeris
"Freedom in our Voices" by ditto ditto
Photo by Cat Mayer
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Sometimes, life just stops you dead in your tracks. Maybe we're building a dream or an idea, and a person, an event, or a set of circumstances knocks you flat on your back. How do you recover?
This week, I talked with local business owner, letterpresser, and home brewer David Miller. After investing in his brand new business, The Letterpress, in 2001, David almost had to close the doors on Grand Junction's only letterpress shop when the great recession hit in 2008. David lets us in on what to do when real life happens.
Find David online at www.theletterpress.net. And if you're looking for great design and letterpress, check out his side venture, www.handcraftpress.com.
Photos by David Miller and Cat Mayer
Music:
"Call to Adventure" by Kevin MacLeod
"Unplugged and Out of It" by MC Jack in the Box
"Tell Somebody" by Alex
Photo by Kimberly Weber
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If you don't like something, change it. Instead of complaining about an organization, town, or city, why not use your creativity to be the positive change you want to see?
This week, I interviewed Brian Watson, an entrepreneur, a visionary, and a prime example of a leader who transforms his ideas into reality. Currently, he is the Director of the Colorado Leadership Network and the Marketing Director of the Good Samaritan Clinic, a free medical clinic for the under or uninsured. Last but not least, he is a part of my personal community, a close-knit group of friends who are dedicated to making our town a better (and more cultural) place.
Music:
"Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" by Kevin MacLeod
"Urbana-Metronica" by spinningmerkaba
Auld Lang Syne" by Jeris
"i dunno" by grapes
Miss Emily
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We all have at least one boulder in our lives.
The people who are where we wish we could be.
And these boulders seem to sit right in the middle of our path, blocking our way to success.
This week, we interview soul singer and long-time friend (see picture below!) Miss Emily about insecurity, fear, and transforming the people who intimidate us into people who inspire us.
Ways you can connect with Miss Emily:
- On the web: www.MyMissEmily.com
- Twitter: @mymissemily
- Miss Emily's Facebook
- Miss Emily's YouTube channel
- iTunes:
- Miss Emily EP
- "Sweet Sunlight" single
- Video links:
- "Miss Emily // An Introduction - "Sweet Sunlight"
- "Enjoy Music: Miss Emily"
Music:
- "Sneaky Snitch" & "Fun in a Bottle" by Kevin McLeod
- "Lady Marmalade" by Bob Crewe & Kenny Nolan
Performed by Miss Emily, Steve Williams, John Schultz, Fernie Garcia, & Bill Moody. - "Sweet Sunlight" by Miss Emily
- "Holiness" by Scott Carl Underwood
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Hi.
This is the very first episode of Honestly, Dear Listener wherein I introduce the show as well as tell you what you can expect which includes art, discussions about vulnerability, and only one mention of morticians.
Music:
"George Street Shuffle" & "The Snow Queen" by Kevin MacLeod
"Auld Lang Syne" by Jeris