Creative Genius

In this episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, I talk with designer, writer, and thinker Ben Rennie, author of a new book that explores the transformative power of curiosity and creativity. Together, we unpack the dynamic relationship between curiosity, creativity, and confidence, and how this path can guide us to overcome fear and step more fully into our potential. Ben shares his personal story—sparked by a promise to his late mother—that led him to examine how people find themselves in powerful, unexpected places.

We explore the idea that creativity isn’t limited to the arts but is...

A FEW THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT

Why joy is not frivolous—it’s essential.

How to observe chaos without absorbing it

Alchemizing anger into action

Grounding techniques to pull you back to yourself (barefoot walks, simple rituals)

Why online friendships and community can be just as real—and healing—as in-person ones

How feminine energy can help rebalance a world spinning off its axis

What it actually looks like to embrace your authentic self in a world that often shames it

Why creativity is your...

In the ever-evolving landscape of art and technology, the fusion of creativity and artificial intelligence is opening new horizons for artists worldwide. In a recent episode of Creative Genius, host Kate Shepherd engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Troy Plota, the visionary behind Plotaverse, exploring how AI can serve as a powerful ally in the creative process.

The Intersection of Art and Technology:
Troy Plota's journey from a seasoned photographer to the founder of a groundbreaking digital platform exemplifies the transformative potential of embracing technological advancements. Plotaverse, his innovative app, brought motion to still images, captivating...

What do we do when we feel frozen in the face of manufactured crisis and overwhelm? I sit down with wise and wonderful Sharazad Jamal to talk about finding your way back to your inner truth, using creativity, intuition, and ancient wisdom tools to navigate fear and chaos.

In this deeply resonant conversation, artist and soul-guide Sharazad Jamal joins me to explore how we navigate ongoing chaos, collective trauma, and personal overwhelm. We dive into tools and practices that help move through fear, reconnect to intuition, and activate creativity during crisis. With wisdom rooted in somatic therapy...

As the world feels increasingly unstable, many of us are seeking ways to stay grounded, to keep our hearts open, and to resist despair. In this timely encore episode, Buddhist teacher and author Lama Rod Owens reminds us that joy is not only possible in times of crisis—it is essential.

Lama Rod shares deeply from his lived experience as a Black, queer spiritual teacher in America. We talk about how rage can be holy, how rest is sacred, and how joy can serve as a radical, defiant act in the face of oppression.

This con...

In this episode of the Creative Genius podcast, I interview Rebe Huntman about her debut memoir, "My Mother in Havana, a memoir of magic and miracle." Rebe shares her personal story of losing her mother at a young age and the subsequent decades of feeling disconnected from her memory. Driven by a deep longing and intuition, Rebe embarked on a 30-day DIY pilgrimage to Cuba to seek a different perspective on grief and connection. 

The conversation delves into how Rebe's background as a Latin dancer led her to discover the spiritual roots of Cuban dances and the t...

In this deeply moving episode, Kate Shepherd sits down with Gabrielle Savory Bailey for a Listener Lab conversation that explores creativity as a force for connection, healing, and resistance in difficult times. Gabrielle shares her experiences as a Quaker, an artist, and a facilitator of creative communities, weaving together insights on spirituality, vulnerability, and the power of shared creative expression.

Together, they discuss:
✨ How creativity helps combat loneliness and fosters belonging
✨ The role of spirituality in creative practices
✨ The power of creativity as resistance in a divided world
✨ How difficult conversations can lead to deepe...

In this episode

If you’re craving connection, join us for Pod Club—our live community gathering for Creative Genius listeners—on Monday, March 10th, at 7 PM Pacific. This is a space to share, reflect, and support one another. Learn more at The Creative Genius Patreon.

In this encore episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, with a brand new intro - I revisit a powerful conversation with the wise and insightful Jane Dunnewold. In a time of uncertainty and upheaval, I'm reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster so many of us are experiencing—fear, despair, hope, and the flickering light of creativity. I am candidly shares my own struggle with doom scrolling, the paralysis it caused, and the steps I am taking to reclaim my inner peace.

Jane’s wisdom offers a timely and profound exploration of the inner bullies that live within us—those...

In this episode, I explore how the world we’ve known is broken—and how we are the ones being called to rebuild it. But before we can take on the external challenges, we have to confront our own inner bullies—the self-doubt, fear, and conditioning that keep us small. This episode is a call to arms for creatives, visionaries, and healers. The world needs you, but first, you must reclaim your power from within.

Resources & Links:

Morning Moon Nature Jewelry

Access a Library of resources and community support Patreon

Follow me on...

In this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Cami Smith, an incredible artist and community builder who shared her inspiring creative journey. We explored the importance of connecting with our creative selves and overcoming the limiting beliefs that hold us back. Cami spoke of her passion for building community, how her mother influenced her art, her creative evolution from fiber arts to painting, and we discussed how creativity gives us a sense of control, and acts like a rudder for our lives. We also reflected on the wisdom of Jane Dunnewald, and how her message of...

In extraordinary times, fear and despair can feel overpowering. But what if the opposite is true? In this special bonus episode, I share a deeply personal reflection on the battle between light and dark—both in the world and within ourselves. I explore the ways fear tries to convince us that all is lost, and how we can recognize the quiet, unwavering voice of truth and love instead. If you've been feeling anxious, hopeless, or overwhelmed, this episode is here to remind you: Love is always stronger than fear.

What You'll Discover in This Episode:
🌿 Why fear...

What does it take to create something truly original? In this episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, I sit down with John Roescher, a visionary thinker who shares profound insights into the creative process.

We dive deep into one of creativity’s most elusive challenges: How do you resist the urge to rely on what’s already there in order to allow something new to emerge? Drawing from his own experiences, John explores how to cultivate the courage to unsee the familiar, embrace uncertainty, and listen to the whispers of inspiration that lead to groundbreaking ideas.

Th...

Show Notes

Lisa’s journey from accounting to art and her rediscovery of creative passion.

The healing power of art and its role as a survival tool in challenging times.

The importance of connecting with intuition and quieting external noise.

Overcoming limiting beliefs and embracing imperfection in the creative process.

Building resilience through failure and using creativity to navigate grief.

The role of community in fostering connection, accountability, and encouragement.

Discover how intuitive painter Lisa Wagner uses art to heal and connect with her...

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT

-The importance of storytelling in all its various forms (including journaling) and how it is so much more than just words. 

-The thing she would do to change about society (if she had a magic wand)

-The quiet yet profound transformation she sees take place over and over again when people start to journal with the technique she developed

Heart journals course https://plantingmarigolds.teachable.com/p/heart-journal-course/

This episode is a special one. I sat down with the inspiring Roxanne Glaser—artist, educator, and creator of whimsical nature-inspired doodles—to talk about what it really means to live a creative life.

We dive into some deeply personal and powerful topics, like how Roxanne used art to process profound grief after experiencing unimaginable loss and how her creative practice became a tool for healing and self-discovery. We talk about the challenges of having too many choices in creativity (I know I’ve felt that paralysis!) and how gentle self-discipline and limitations can actually set us free t...

In this first-ever Listener Lab episode, Kate sits down with listener Lindsey Thomas to reflect on Scott Erickson's episode and explore creativity, vulnerability, and the ways art impacts personal growth. They dive into strategies for navigating transitions, managing negative beliefs, and using creativity as a tool for self-discovery. Lindsey and Kate discuss the importance of self-compassion, the haunting nature of unexpressed ideas, and how embracing stillness and surrender can lead to new insights. This conversation is a heartfelt journey through the highs and lows of the creative process, inspiring listeners to trust in their unique paths.

Key T...

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, Kate Shepherd speaks with Kwame Scruggs, the founder of Alchemy Inc., a nonprofit using the transformative power of mythology to inspire and uplift communities. Kwame shares his incredible journey, from working at Goodyear for 15 years while earning his degrees at night to founding Alchemy Inc. He highlights the wisdom we can gain from myths, including how they can help us identify the subconscious beliefs that may be holding us back.

Kwame is life work revolves around the transformative power of mythology and creative expression.  Born and r...

Discovering Creativity: An Intimate Conversation with Scott Erickson

What does it mean to live a creative life? Is creativity a talent, or is it an innate intelligence that we all possess? In this week’s episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable artist and storyteller, Scott Erickson, to explore these questions and so much more. Scott’s journey as an artist has been deeply influenced by his unique experience with aphantasia—a condition where one cannot visualize images in their mind’s eye—and he opens up about how this h...

In this episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, host Kate Shepherd sits down with Cory Allen—author of Brave New You, mindfulness expert, and prolific musician—to explore the journey of breaking free from self-limiting beliefs and reconnecting with the authentic self. Cory shares his own story of overcoming a traumatic childhood, turning inward through Eastern and Western philosophies, and discovering the power of mindfulness as a tool for deep self-awareness.

Together, they discuss:

What if you could use your dreams to accelerate personal growth, heal past traumas, and unlock your full creative potential? In this episode, lucid dreaming expert Andrew Holecek reveals how meditating in the dream state is seven to nine times more powerful than in the waking state. Tune in to discover how you can start practicing lucid dreaming tonight, and prepare to have your mind blown by the cutting-edge neuroscience behind subconscious programming that may be holding you back!

Episode Summary:

In this mind-expanding episode of the Creative Genius Podcast, Kate Shepherd sits down with...

James offers practical prompts for generating flow states and presents a genius solution for utilizing cherished but out-of-place creative gems. 

The conversation delves into the importance of discipline and flow in a healthy creative practice, the value of human creativity, and the concept of ownership over creative works. This conversation prompted Kate to create the 21 days of Rituals for Creativity which you can access by signing up for a Creative Genius Patreon Membership

James also shares a poetic vision for society's relationship with creativity, leaving listeners inspired and motivated to tap into their own creative p...

Episode Notes

Have you ever wondered any of these: What the science is behind creativity? What causes creativity in the brain? What part of the brain is used in creativity? Or maybe even how to activate creativity in the brain? 

In this episode Kate speaks with Dr. Cheryl Arutt a clinical and forensic psychologist based in Los Angeles, California working with actors, writers, directors and showrunners supporting their psychological well-being. A specialist in trauma recovery, creativity and post-traumatic growth, Dr. Cheryl is currently Access Hollywood’s go-to psychologist for trauma issues, a frequent psychologi...

Reclaiming Your Vital Spark with Lisa Marchiano

Key Topics:

Discussion Questions:

About Lisa...

In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the journey of overcoming self-doubt and building self-esteem with author and meditation teacher Giovanni Dienstmann. Giovanni shares his transformative journey from a chaotic upbringing to finding peace and purpose through meditation. We explore various themes such as the benefits of meditation, shifting identity, and creating your ideal self. Giovanni also offers insights on differentiating between fear and intuition and staying aligned with your true purpose.

Highlights:

Kate reflects on her own journey through the ebbs and flows of friendships as she transitioned through marriage, parenthood, and the isolating impacts of COVID-19. Anna, known as the New York Times friendship correspondent, shares her insights into maintaining and nurturing meaningful friendships in the modern world. They discuss the loneliness epidemic, the evolution of friendships in the digital age, the challenges of cross-gender friendships post-marriage, and the art of gracefully ending friendships.

Anna offers practical advice and hopeful strategies for cultivating lasting and nourishing connections, emphasizing that creating beautiful friendships is a profound act of creativity...

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Transform Your Life with Tammy Mastroberte's The Higher Help Method on The Creative Genius Podcast

Hello, wonderful listeners!

I am beyond excited to share a truly transformative episode of The Creative Genius Podcast with you. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the amazing Tammy Mastroberte to discuss her new book, The Higher Help Method. This guidebo...

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Show Notes 

 - The Importance of Radical Rest within the Creative Process with Pamela Bates (Subscribe & Listenhere) 

“If you don’t believe in yourself, prove yourself wrong”  - Pamela Bates

After 23 years of her creativity getting lost in client expectations working in PR and doing too much to take care of others a...

Episode Summary:

An engaging, lighthearted but deep conversation with philosopher Nate Klemp about his new book, 'Open: Living with an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World' which explores cultivating spaciousness in order to access the deep well of peace and creativity within our minds. 

This episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of inner spaciousness and the art of discernment in our daily lives, offering listeners practical insights and inspiration for their own journeys of self-discovery and creative expression.

Nate is a New York Times bestselling author, philosopher, and founding partner at Mindful magazine. His...

During this conversation, Emma shares candidly about her experiences with plant medicine, breaking old patterns, and the importance of letting go of the need for external validation. She delves into the idea that we are the ones tasked with resolving and healing the brokenness inherited from previous generations. Emma also challenges the notion of who can call themselves an artist, sparking thought-provoking conversations about identity and creativity.

Throughout the episode, Emma's raw and authentic storytelling draws listeners into her world, inspiring them to embrace their inner creativity and intuition. Her journey serves as a reminder that our...

Lama Rod navigates the complexities of healing and transformation, highlighting the role of community support in fostering resilience. His reflections underscore the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and emotional well-being.

We discuss the concept of radical self-care; what it is (and what it isn’t), why it is so important for us to know how to replenish our energy, set boundaries and avoid depletion, and why it plays such a crucial role in nurturing personal well-being and resilience that ultimately empowers us to serve the people we love better. 

We talk about the idea that our bro...

If you’ve been on the fence of stepping into yourself as an artist you’ll want to hear the amazing things she says about how art can serve as a tribute to the past, a processing of the present and of forward visioning. And how as artists in this potent time in history  we get to ask ourselves what we want to put our energy behind and what vision we want to create for our future to invite others into their own creativity and healing. 

My favourite part comes towards the end when she shares the ritual...

SHOW NOTES

Ashana is a true pioneer in the world of healing music. With her celestial vocals and the enchanting resonance of crystal singing bowls, Ashana has crafted a luminous sonic tapestry that transports listeners to realms of deep peace and inner harmony. Hailed as one of the premiere healing music artists of our time, Ashana's music has been described as "breathtaking" and "a Gift from Heaven" by listeners worldwide.

Ashana is a classically trained musician who grew up in the Bronx.  After a lifetime of being a professional musician and teacher, she unexpectedly found h...

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of the Creative Genius Podcast, host Kate Shepherd hosts a profound but lighthearted conversation with James McCrae (@wordsarevibrations) a Renaissance soul poet, author, meme artist, and creative strategist. Together, they explore the vital role of creativity in navigating life's complexities and uncovering deeper truths about ourselves. James shares his personal journey of surrendering to his inner voice and the transformative power of embracing and trusting our creative impulses. Throughout this easy to listen to episode, they delve into the essence of creativity, its connection to consciousness and culture, and why it is...

In this enlightening episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, we are joined by Jaime Hamilton, a passionate middle school English teacher and talented watercolour artist. Jaime shares her journey of embracing her purpose and navigating imposter syndrome while empowering teenagers to embrace their individuality. 

Jaime opens up about her personal mission to become the mentor she longed for during her own teenage years, now guiding her current students with compassion and wisdom. Through teaching teenagers, she has unearthed invaluable insights about herself and the human experience, offering transformative lessons on authenticity and self-discovery.

If you've e...

Subscribe and LISTEN to the FULL episode

“You can't believe everything you think”   

When Wendy McWilliams was 49 years old, she felt like she needed a hobby. What started as a search for a simple past-time hobby, quickly evolved into her life’s passion - a thriving art career her work sought after for private collections around the globe. After working through 22 different jobs including for Calvin Klein & Revlon in Europe, she finally landed on what she was meant to do in life - painting. 

It’s hard to not be skeptical about ourselves and our abi...

In this brand new episode, Kate Shepherd engages in a captivating conversation with the incredible Bibby Gignilliat, an artist whose journey navigates through self-doubt, career transitions, and a harmonious fusion of art, business, and spirituality.

We kick off diving into Bibby's early struggles with doubt and how those challenges shaped her artistic path. From leaving a successful career to returning to art later in life, Bibby opens up about blending her artistic flair with some serious business skills.

Ever wondered about selling art without the awkward "salesy" vibe? Bibby spills the beans on leveraging email...

Lunar Alchemy: Cultivating opportunities for Growth with Intention with The New Moon

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this insightful conversation, Kate Shepherd reunites with Beth, a watercolor artist and moon cycle coach, to delve into the profound influence of moon wisdom on intention-setting and navigating life's ups and downs. They explore the nuances of moon phases, their impact on energy, and emotional states. Beth underscores the significance of reflection, celebration, and rest synchronized with the rhythm of the moon's cycles. They also confront the contrast between societal expectations and our intrinsic nature. Beth shares simple and profound w...

This is the first instalment of our very special 2 part series: Rituals for the Thresholds of Time: Practical Ways to Shape Your Year with Intent and Clarity

Part 1 (Ep. 55. Dec 22)  Embracing Endings: Reverence & Presence in Farewell focuses on how to harness the power of ritual to close out 2023.  In this conversation, Megan Sheldon and Kate Shepherd discuss the power of ritual and ceremony in closing the year and setting intentions for the new year. Megan offers practical ways to invite ritual into your life to integrate the past and move forward with clarity and openness. 

Par...

The other day, I took Maggie, my sweet rescue pup, for our usual stroll in the nearby forest. The trails were their usual brand of magical, the fog lending an ethereal touch to the day.

As I meandered through my cherished trails, surrounded by trees with moss dripping from their dewy branches, and the gentle symphony of the nearby river, I had a moment of profound appreciation. This place has become my sanctuary, where I can simply exist and revel in the splendor of nature.

Lately, I've found myself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. Th...