The Creative Soul Podcast

Ep 163: 13 Months Postpartum Update: Traveling to Morocco, Celebrating One Year, Book Updates!

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:33:18 +0000

Hi loves! I'm back after a podcast pause to share a life update at 13 months postpartum. In this episode, I talk about:

13 months postpartum reflections
Motherhood, identity + becoming more yourself
Grief, marriage shifts + changing relationships
Overwhelm, mental load + healing old patterns
Trusting intuition in parenting
Traveling to Morocco with a 1-year-old
Creativity in a full season of life
New book project: “10 things” from baby’s first year

PRE ORDER MY NEW BOOK! I Collect Stories Like Seashells. Pre-order here.

@leyavandoren

Ep 162: Unhinged 8 Months Postpartum Update: Nourishment, Identity, Embodiment

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 07:22:11 +0000

In today's solo episode, I share what it feels like being 8 months postpartum.

We talk about:

Postpartum nourishment
Navigating changing postpartum identities
Yoga & why the practice makes me feel held
SLEEP, caffeine, & my DC matcha tour
Herbal infusions
Postpartum hair loss and the spiritual reasons behind it
Making friends and finding community as a new mom
Travel anxiety
Planning mine and babies first international trip

& lots more!

PRE ORDER MY NEW BOOK! I Collect Stories Like Seashells. Pre-order here.

The First Forty Days by Heng Ou

@leyavandoren

Ep 161: Loving Lately, Letting Go and Letting God, Mundane into Magic

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:33:13 +0000

In this episode, I share what’s currently lighting up and inspiring my creative soul. We dive deep into synchronicities, creative inspiration, and gentle reminders that magic exists in the details of daily life.

We talk about:

The lessons and magic from my September writing group, Mundane into Magic
How to build a simple, consistent creative practice
The power of a 5-minute brain dump and the “10 Things” daily writing ritual
Reflection from reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir All the Way to the River
What it really means to let go and let God
How surrender is shaping my journey as a new mom
The process of writing and self-publishing my upcoming memoir, I Collect Stories Like Seashells
The reminder that your creative legacy can begin with your immediate community

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Mundane into Magic
Create for Yourself, First on Substack
All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert
Emma Watson on On Purpose
Elizabeth Gilbert on Soul Boom

Connect with Leya @leyavandoren

Pre-Order I Collect Stories like Seashells: https://leyavandoren.com/book

Ep 160: Celebrating 5 Years of the Podcast: Lessons on Creativity, Trust, and Following the Call

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:44:38 +0000

HAPPY 5 YEAR BIRTHDAY TO THE CREATIVE SOUL PODCAST! In this heartfelt solo episode, I reflect on five years of podcasting and what it takes to show up for your art - even amidst transition and change.

We talk about:

The journey of celebrating the 5-year anniversary of The Creative Soul Podcast and 160+ episodes recorded.
What it means to treat creative projects like living beings with birthdays, growth, and their own evolution.
Lessons I've learned about trusting my voice, creating sustainable rhythms, and navigating overwhelm.
The cosmic synchronicity of the podcast anniversary aligning with my baby’s six-month birthday.
Why creative structures (like journaling, voice memos, or podcasting) help build trust and confidence in your artistic voice.
Encouragement to honor your own creative soul projects and start, even if it feels messy, small, or unknown.

Whether you’re in a season of transition, doubting your creative voice, or looking for inspiration to start your own project, this episode is an invitation to trust your soul’s nudges and celebrate the art you’ve already birthed into the world.

Creative Resources Shared:

Ashley Love Creatives

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Ep 159: A Conversation with my Birth Doula, Elizabeth Beeker

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:22:07 +0000

I'm so excited to share this conversation I had with my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum doula, Elizabeth Beeker! We talk about the role of a doula in birth and the spiritual aspects and elements of birth.

We also talk about:

What observing birth work in Kenya taught her about Western birth practices
Surrender in birth
The importance of prenatal preparation
What to do if you're experiencing prodromal labor
Navigating miscarriage and loss
Why hiring a doula for birth is key

Creative Resources Mentioned

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
Call the Midwife

Connect with Elizabeth:

Facebook: By Design Birth Services

Ep 158: How To Make Your Life Feel Like Art

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:44:49 +0000

What if your everyday life could feel like art? In this creative minisode, I share a simple daily writing practice to transform the mundane into magic and help you reconnect with your creative soul. Plus you'll receive an invitation to a live 4 week writing circle starting September 9th, 2025.

We talk about:

Why the mundane moments of your life hold the most creative inspiration
A simple daily practice to spark creativity in just a few minutes a day
How to overcome fear, perfectionism, and the resistance of the blank page
The power of record-keeping through writing and journaling
How to tell the stories your creative soul wants to tell
Ways to romanticize your everyday life and infuse it with beauty
How writing connects you to your inner voice and creative soul

Join the live writing class: Mundane into Magic here

Connect with me on Instagram @leyavandoren

Read my Substack here

Ep 157: On Finding our Creative Soul's Purpose, Summer Abundance, and Honoring the Endings

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:44:23 +0000

In this solo episode, I share the magic of the summer season - from what I'm buying at the farmer's market, to reframing our creative purposes, to making our day jobs work for us, to balancing multiple identities, to navigating seasons of change and transformation.

We talk about:

The sensual, creative magic of summer abundance
What I’m cooking and loving from the farmer’s market
Living seasonally and honoring nature’s rhythms
Saying goodbye to our Michigan home and honoring the woman I became there
The cyclical nature of change: beginnings, middles, and endings
Why I stopped feeling shame about my “day job” and how I reframed it as part of my creative purpose
Creativity, authenticity, and the soul’s calling in a content-driven world
Redefining success as a creative and understanding your role in the collective

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Social Change Ecosystem Map by Deepa Iyer
Birth Story Workshop
My upcoming book I Collect Stories Like Seashells – releasing Fall 2025

Subscribe to my Substack for weekly writing, seasonal rituals, and soulful musings: leya.substack.com

Let’s stay connected:

Instagram: @leyavandoren

Ep 156: Trusting Your Creative Vision with Theater Director, Dalia Ashurina

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:44:06 +0000

Dalia is an Assyrian-American director and writer focusing on explosive theatricality and subverting existing narratives. She was listed in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Hollywood and Entertainment 2025. Her Broadway credits include serving as Associate Director of Sweeney Todd and as the Resident Director at Phantom of the Opera.

In this episode, we talk about:

What it really means to be a director
Learning to trust your creative vision
Making mistakes in the rehearsal process
How overstimulation kills creativity
Why collaboration is a mirror for self-growth
Telling ancestral stories
Finding the stories that matter to us

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Everything is Waiting for You by David Whyte
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Connect with Dalia:

@your_gal_dal

www.daliaashurina.com

Ep 155: Four Months Postpartum Life Update - Compassion, Spirituality, Birth Stories

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:40:33 +0000

In this solo episode, Leya shares her life updates being four months postpartum.

We talk about:

The importance of honoring and processing our birth stories
How you can reflect and honor your birth story, months and even years later!
What I'm navigating postpartum
Feeling more feminine becoming a mother
Why motherhood is bringing me deeper into compassion
How motherhood is strengthening my spirituality

Birth Story Reflection Workshop: Find the replay here.

Read my Substack here.

Connect with Leya @leyavandoren

Ep 154: ft. Lindsey Simcik of Almost 30 on Navigating Change and Embodiment in Motherhood

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 08:44:55 +0000

Lindsey Simcik is a creative force, entrepreneur, and media personality best known as the co-founder and co-host of the critically acclaimed Almost 30 podcast. Alongside her co-host Krista, she also launched Morning Microdose, a wildly popular daily show serving up the best bits of Almost 30. She created “New Mom on the Block”, a brand designed to support new moms in owning their unique flavor of motherhood through resources, products, and a vibrant community.

In this episode, we talk about:

How to know when is the right time for a creative idea
Determining what season you're in
What to do in a waiting season
Navigating a healing season, integration season, and chaos season (Hello Saturn Return!)
Embodying different roles in marriage
Finding embodiment through motherhood
Allowing our creative and spiritual practices to change with the seasons of life

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Time Passages App

Read the Book: Almost 30: A Definitive Guide to a Life You Love for the Next Decade and Beyond

Connect with Lindsey: @lindseysimcik

Ep 153: How to Write Personal Stories Without Hurting Your Relationships

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 08:44:00 +0000

In this creative minisode, Leya provides tips on how to navigate this nuanced and complex topic for creatives:

📝 How can you write and share your personal story—especially in memoir or creative nonfiction—without damaging relationships with family and loved ones?

If you've ever felt creatively blocked by the fear of how others will react to your truth, this episode will offer both comfort and clarity. Leya explores the emotional and practical sides of writing about real people in your life, especially in personal essays, memoirs, or storytelling projects.

We talk about:

Why this question often shows up too early in the creative process
How fear of offending others can block your creativity
Why your story matters even if it includes other people
The importance of writing your truth for yourself first
Tips for navigating sensitive relationships once you’re ready to share

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur
Mother, Nature by Jedidiah Jenkins
How to Write About Your Childhood Without Blowing Up Your Family by Jedidiah Jenkins

Want to start telling your story? Join The Creative Soul Practice today!

Use "CREATIVESOUL" for 10% off

Ep 152: Reiki, Realness, and The Power of Letting Go with Maya Davis

Thu, 29 May 2025 08:44:00 +0000

In this deeply nourishing episode of The Creative Soul Podcast, I sit down with energy healer and spiritual guide Maya for a raw, real, and inspiring conversation about transformation, intuition, and the power of trusting your path, especially when everything is falling apart.

Maya shares her evolution from full-time coach and entrepreneur to stepping away from her business, working a corporate job, and then returning home to her true calling: Reiki healing. We talk about Saturn returns, identity shifts, navigating the dark night of the soul, and what it means to listen to the body’s wisdom.

You’ll hear us explore:

Maya’s journey of spiritual growth and identity rebirth as a Scorpio sun and moon
Why she stepped away from her business and what led her back to it with more clarity and ease
How working a 9-to-5 taught her about compassion, privilege, and healing outside the “spiritual bubble”
The truth about dark nights of the soul and why “the only way out is through”
Creating safety and finding (or building) authentic community
How Reiki energy healing works (even from a distance!) and who it’s for

Whether you're in a season of rapid transformation, seeking spiritual support, or craving real talk about the behind-the-scenes of healing and entrepreneurship, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

✨ Learn more about Maya’s work:

Follow Maya on Instagram: @somedaymysoul

Ep 151: How To Keep Going on a Creative Project When You Feel Uninspired

Thu, 15 May 2025 08:44:00 +0000

In this week's solo mini-sode, I answer one of YOUR questions - how do you keep going on a creative project when you feel un-inspired?

We talk about:

Why the creative process is non-linear
How to navigate creative blocks or when you feel stuck
The importance of taking time away
How to stay committed and keep showing up to your creativity
Trusting the timing of your creative projects
Why inspiration isn’t enough—and how discipline can be devotion
Allowing yourself to be changed in the creative process
Questions to journal when a project feels stuck or ready to transform

Have a topic you want me to cover? Message me on Instagram @leyavandoren

Ep 150: On Being a Viral Tik-Tok Content Creator and Writing a NYT Best-Selling Book with Kacie Rose

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:33:00 +0000

Kacie is a travel content creator living in Florence, Italy. After a life-changing solo trip and her own little ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ moment, she made the official move to Italy in January 2021. Through positivity, authenticity, and humor, she began sharing culture shocks, travel tips, and life abroad across her social media, where her following quickly grew to a community of over 1.5 million people. Her New York Times best selling book, You Deserve Good Gelato is out now.

In this episode, we talk about:

Making your own work as an artist
Viewing social media as a performance
The ebb and flow of the creative process
Moving to Italy and meeting her fiance!
Navigating identity crises
Writing her NYT best selling book
What happens when you surrender

Creative Resources Mentioned:

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Connect with Kacie:

Website: kacierosetravel.com

Tiktok: @kacierose4

Creative Soul Practice: Learn more here

Ep 149: The Birth Story of My Son, Alexander Boaz Henderson

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:22:00 +0000

In this special solo episode, Leya shares the birth story of her first son, Alexander Boaz Henderson who was born March 10th, 2025 at 11:22 pm.

Tune into get the full story of surprising twists and turns and surrendering our plans for something greater.

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Ep 148: ft. Amie McNee on Creativity as a Path to Self Love and Why We Need Your Art!

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 07:33:00 +0000

Amie McNee is an author, speaker, creative guide, and the founder of the popular Instagram account @InspiredtoWrite. She writes historical fiction novels and writing guides and is known for speaking, teaching, and coaching artists all over the world and helping them to achieve their creative dreams.

In this episode, we discuss:

Creativity as a path to self love
How to gentle parent the inner critic
How to reparent ourselves through creating our art
Why it's okay to want attention as an artist
How to be a JOYFUL artist
How to share and promote your art
How to find your audience
Balancing life with your creative life

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck

Amie's Book: We Need Your Art

Connect with Amie: @inspiredtowrite

Join The Creative Soul Practice today!

Ep 147: Entering the Birth Portal and Facing My Fears Around Motherhood

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:33:00 +0000

In this from the heart episode, Leya shares vulnerably how she's feeling as she's entering the birth portal.

We discuss:

What fears and resistances have come up before entering motherhood
Moving through fear and anxiety around labor and childbirth
Why birth feels like the ultimate embodiment experience
Allowing our experiences to be unique and universal at the same time
Why motherhood is not a universal experience
How to deal with life circumstances that feel out of our control
Learning to surrender and trust

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Ep 146: ft. Mari Andrew on Transforming our Personal Stories into Art

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:33:00 +0000

Mari Andrew is a New York Times bestselling author, artist, and speaker, who has gained an international reputation for joyfully philosophical illustrations and essays that meander between deep and light, bitter and sweet. Mari is in the business of paying attention, and her work reflects her specific observations turned into universal life lessons.

In this episode, we discuss:

Connecting to your past art as a creator
Making meaning from your personal experiences
Embracing our humanity as creative souls
Not having to be consistent in a creative practice
How to own your own creative process
Letting yourself grow and evolve as an artist
Mari's decision to leave Instagram after gaining a large community
The number one thing that stops people from creating

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Sabrina Ward Harrison
How to Live a Good Life by Jonathan Fields

Connect with Mari: Substack

Join The Creative Soul Practice - a 7 day guided writing meditation series. Use code "CREATIVESOUL" for 10% off. Find more info here.

Ep 145: How to Make Creativity a Habit in 2025

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 09:44:00 +0000

In this solo episode, Leya shares how to make creativity a habit and how you can SHOW UP for your creative soul this year.

We discuss:

How to value your creativity and prioritize it
Cultivating a creative practice
Why we face resistance in our creative practice and how to move through it
How to show up consistently to your creativity
How to see your creative ideas come to life
How to take the pressure off your creativity and start accessing it in fun, simple, easy ways

Join The Creative Soul Practice:

A 7 day guided writing meditation series to help you cultivate your creative practice.

Find more info here.

Use code "CREATIVESOUL" for 10% off

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Tune into Episode 111 for a taste of The Creative Soul Practice and receive a free Heart Chakra Writing Meditation

Ep 144: Pregnancy Updates and How I Chose my Birth Plan & Team

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:33:00 +0000

In this solo episode, I share my updates from week 35 of pregnancy!

We talk about:

How I'm feeling at 35 weeks pregnant
What prenatal care decisions I made and why
How I chose my birth team
Hiring a doula
How I chose my birth plan (and why I'm planning for a home birth)
Why birth is not a medical event
Managing blood sugar during pregnancy
Prepping for postpartum

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Business of Being Born
Real Food for Gestational Diabetes by Lily Nichols
The First Forty Days by Heng Ou
Glucose Goddess

Ep 143: On Mythic Memoir and The Writer's Life ft. Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 09:44:00 +0000

In this episode, we talk about:

Creating our creative soul projects
Being in creative flow and getting "stuck" and how to move through
Writing retreats
Using myths and fairytales to tell our stories
Publishing
Hero and heroine journeys

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta is a storyteller and the author of thirteen books across genres, including Edit Your Life (2023); Awake with Asashoryu (2022); She Never Told Me About the Ocean (2021). She teaches for the Harvard Extension School Writing Program and Oxford University’s Diploma in Creative Writing.

Connect with Elisabeth: Website

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Writing the Story by John Franklin
The Virgin's Promise: Writing Stories of Feminine Creative, Spiritual and Sexual Awakening by Kim Hudson

Ep 142: Setting Intentions for the New Year (+ my 2025 Word of the Year!)

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:11:00 +0000

In this solo episode, Leya shares a letter from the heart on the final processing of 2024 and sets intentions for 2025. Tune into be inspired as you process on your own year and reflect on what 2025 may have in store for you.

We also talk about:

Beginnings and endings
Words of the year
The death of the maiden and rebirth of the mother
Favorite Creative Soul podcast episodes from 2024

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Ep 141: Reflections & Lessons for my 30th Birthday

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 07:26:00 +0000

In this solo episode, Leya shares her reflections, lessons, and celebrations for her 30th birthday! We talk about:

The importance of reflection on your birthday
Highlights from her 29th year
Being proud of how far you've come
The lessons she learned in her twenties
Dealing with purpose anxiety, identity, home, and belonging
The next phase she's moving into for her thirties
How to deal with being human

We end the episode with a special herbal reading to guide us through the end of the year and new year!

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Herbal Astrology Oracle by Adriana Ayales

Leave a rating and review as a birthday gift!

Connect with Leya @leyavandoren

Ep 140: Self-Care for Eco Anxiety with Rachael Cohen

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 09:44:00 +0000

Rachael Cohen is a spiritual guide, space holder, Nature connector, intuitive activator, energy transformer and author. She is the creator and founder of Infinite Succulent and Our Infinite Nature. When her experiences as an environmental educator, wild animal specialist and mother left her anxious and distraught over society’s destruction of Nature, Rachael learned to cultivate a creative relationship with plants and Nature that transformed her life and awakened her spiritual gifts.

In this episode, we talk about:

Creating with nature
How to deal with eco anxiety and existential dread
Staying connected in a disconnected world
Heart chakra imbalance in the world
Following our authentic joy
Nature practices to regulate your nervous system
Why we DO belong on earth

Connect with Rachael:

Website: ourinfinitenature.co

Instagram: @ourinfinitenaturerachael

Rachaels Books:

Self-Care for Eco Anxiety
Everyday Plant Magic
Infinite Succulent

Ep 139: On Finding Out I'm 6 Months Pregnant!!!

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:33:00 +0000

In this special solo episode, Leya shares about how she found out she was 6 months pregnant.

We talk about:

What it was like finding out at 6 months
Leya's journey with hormonal birth control & cycles
The physical experience of finding out you're pregnant in your third trimester
The spiritual and emotional work that led to this
The healing retreat Leya attended earlier this year
Healing mind, body, spirit

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

TW: Leya mentions her personal experience with CSA. Please visit Saprea for more info.

Ep 138: On The Magic Of Your Menstrual Cycle ft. Rebecca Akat

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 09:44:00 +0000

Rebecca Akat is a menstrual cycle coach and the founder and owner of Blume Womb where she guides women to have a deeper relationship to the cycles and seasons of their menstrual cycle.

In this episode, we talk about:

How to build a relationship with your womb and menstrual cycle
What cycle and/or hormonal imbalances might mean
The four feminine archetypes
The four phases of the menstrual cycle
The shadow and light of each feminine archetype
Why the wounded maiden is so prevalent in society
The transition from maiden to mother

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Maiden to Mother by Sarah Durham Wilson
Wise Power and Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer

Connect with Rebecca:

@blumewomb

Ep 137: ft. The Creative Soul Retreat and The Importance of Investing in Yourself ft. Najma Treadwell

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 08:44:00 +0000

In this episode, Leya invites one of the retreat participants from The Creative Soul Retreat, Najma Treadwell to share more about her experience, what she got from the retreat, and what it opened up for her in her life.

Najma homeschools her 6 children, is a birth doula, and community service advocate.

We talk about:

The importance of investing in yourself
The fears that come up when we invest in ourselves
How to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others
Why self care is the opposite of selfish!
Connecting to your creative soul
Najma's retreat experience and what she learned

If you're interested in coming on retreat, our next retreat is The Soul Radiance Retreat, January 17th-20th, 2025 in San Diego, CA.

Find more info here.

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

leyavandoren@gmail.com

Ep 136: 5 Tips on How to Start (and Finish) Your Creative Projects

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:33:00 +0000

In this solo episode, Leya shares 5 tips on how to start and finish your creative projects.

We talk about:

How to show up consistently to your creative projects
Honoring your creative projects
Finding inspiration when feeling stuck
How to find the motivation to finish your creative project even if you haven't touched it in years!
Playing and having fun to think of your project in new ways!

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

The Soul Radiance Retreat

January 17th-20th, San Diego, CA

Find more info here

Ep 135: ft. Varsha Mathur on Dating Intentionally and Finding Long-Lasting Love

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:33:00 +0000

Varsha Mathur, J.D, PCC, a certified dating and relationship coach with over seven years of experience, guides clients worldwide to effortlessly find and sustain lasting love with their ideal partners. Through her tailored coaching approach, Varsha empowers both singles and couples to cultivate confidence, ignite attraction, and build partnerships that withstand the test of time.

We talk about:

What to do if you’re feeling hopeless in the dating process
Finding clarity on what you want in a relationship/partner
The importance of knowing yourself both in and out of dating
The common misconceptions and pitfalls of modern dating
How to intentionally date
How to use or not use the dating apps to your advantage
The difference between therapy and coaching
Key ingredients for a long lasting relationship

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Power of Now by Eckhard Tolle
If The Buddha Dated by Charlotte Kasl
Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Connect with Varsha:

Website: coachingbyvarsha.com

THE SOUL RADIANCE RETREAT,

JANUARY 17TH-20TH, 2025

SAN DIEGO, CA

Find more info here.

Ep 134: ft. Anthony Meindl on Being an Artist in the Modern World

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 08:44:00 +0000

Anthony Meindl is an award winning writer/director, best selling author, and founder of international Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop. He's worked with 2-time Golden Globe Nominee Shailene Woodley, BAFTA Nominee Daryl McCormack, Grammy Winner Camilla Cabello, Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor and Simone Ashley, Pop Star Suki Waterhouse and hundreds of others, and is known as the Tony Robbins of Acting Coaches. He has also written 5 best-selling books on creativity and silencing your inner critic, including the groundbreaking, At Left Brain Turn Right, and his newest book UNSTUCK. And is currently in post-production on his second feature film (about the climate crisis), after selling his first film to Hulu.

In this episode, we talk about:

Protest as a form of art
The feeling path and how to feel your feelings as an artist
The risk of sharing your art
Social media & artists
The relationship between artist & audience
How to keep making things and keep the hope alive

Connect with Anthony:

https://www.anthonymeindl.com/

@anthonymeindl

Ep 133: On Loving and Letting Go of our Creative Dreams

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 08:44:00 +0000

In this solo episode, Leya shares her personal experience with her first creative love - the theater, and how she navigated heartbreak, rejection, and letting go of her dreams.

We talk about:

Why she fell in love with theater at 3 years old
Why theater represented family, home, and belonging
Keeping your heart open in the face of rejection
What happens when something you love becomes toxic
The shame of letting go of a dream
Going to college to study musical theater
What theater taught her about the creative process
Where she's at with her relationship to theater now

This is a beautiful heart warming episode for any creative who has ever loved the arts, has faced rejection, and still keeps going!

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.csssa.ca.gov/

Ep 57: On Identity, Home, and Creativity as a Practice of Presence

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

Ep 132: ft. Emma Andrews on Connecting to your Intuitive Gifts

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 06:22:00 +0000

Emma Andrews is an Intuitive, Medium and Intuition Teacher. She specializes in clairvoyance, energy healing and somatic therapy. She offers virtual and in-person Intuitive and Mediumship Sessions and leads intuition workshops and wellness retreats around the world.

In this episode, we talk about:

The story of how her intuitive gifts opened up
The difference between intuition and mediumship
The five intuitive senses
Learning to trust your intuition
Intuition & creativity
Discerning the difference between intuition & the mind

Connect with Emma:

Website: https://www.emma-andrews.com/

Instagram: @emmarews

Ep 131: ft. Anat Peri on Inner Child Healing and Feeling your Feelings

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 07:33:00 +0000

Anat Peri is an Inner-Child Healing Expert in the coaching and wellness space whose background blends traditional healing arts and modern psychology, with somatic and inner-child reparenting techniques that have enabled her to guide hundreds of practitioners, business owners, and their teams, through her TCS Method.

In this episode we talk about:

The importance of feeling your feelings
Why feeling your feelings feels so "taboo"
The Five Personality Patterns or safety strategies
Giving your inner child permission to grieve
The five stages of healing
How to reparent yourself
Why reparenting is an act of self-love

Connect with Anat:

Website: https://trainingcampforthesoul.com/

Instagram: @anat.peri

Ep 130: ft. Elyse Welles on Sacred Places and Connecting to Land Spirits

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 07:33:00 +0000

Elyse Welles is a Greek-Egyptian American earth intuitive witch, podcaster, & author based in Artemis, Greece. A practicing witch for over twelve years on three continents, she is a Priestess of the eclectic Faery Tradition. She writes regularly for Witchology, Witch Way Magazine, and the Wild Hunt, cohosts the Magick Kitchen Podcast, and runs Seeking Numina, giving tours to Greece's sacred sites and teaching magical living in nature through connection to land spirits and spirits of place.

In this episode we talk about:

The Witch Wound
Connecting to Nature
How to Connect to Land Spirits
Why Travel Can Be a Sacred Pilgrimage
Sacred Sites
Mythology & History of Greece

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Witch by Ron Hutton

Connect with Elyse

@seekingnumina

seekingnumina.com

Ep 129: Life Updates, Summer Travel, and Writing my Memoir!

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:11:00 +0000

In this solo episode, Leya shares a seasonal life update! We talk about checking in on our goals midway through the year and what she's been learning through her own creative process, as well as recapping a trip she recently took to Italy and Greece!

We discuss:

Showing up to our writing practice
Telling your story and the process of writing a memoir
Leya's experience attending a retreat for survivors of child sexual abuse
Leya's experience attending a writing retreat and sharing her story with others
Finding your voice and having the courage to speak
Sharing the process of self-publishing her second poetry book, coming out this fall!
A recap of mine and my husbands 2 week trip to Europe through Italy and Greece!
Intentions for the remainder of 2024

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Saprea Retreat

Ep 84: How I Self Published a Book of Poetry

Mari Andrew

Contact Leya: @leyavandoren

Ep 128: The Spiritual Transformation from Maiden to Bride (+ Wedding Day Recap!)

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 08:30:00 +0000

In this special solo episode, Leya shares ALL the details about her wedding day on the first anniversary of her wedding!

We talk about:

The wedding planning process being a portal of transformation
The death and rebirth cycle of transitions
Why grief can come up during the wedding planning process
How to infuse intention & ceremony throughout the wedding day
Having a sober curious wedding
Navigating stress, overwhelm, family drama, to come out more embodied on the other side
Surrendering to the WEATHER on your wedding day
Recapping the chaos and beauty of Leya and Paxton's wedding day!
Plus some of Leya's favorite wedding moments :)

Enjoy and send to any friends who are getting married or have gotten married!

Songs Mentioned:

Escala by Palladio
Old With You by Chuck Wicks
She's Magic by Mike Parker

Ep 127: ft. Shannon Keating on Connecting to your Authentic Self (+ Details on The Soul Radiance Retreat!)

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:22:00 +0000

In this episode, we discuss:

Healing from an eating disorder holistically
Navigating comparison with other women, body image, shame, and depression
How Shannon guides other women to be their most authentic selves
Using Human Design as a tool for self-understanding
Where to look in your own human design chart
Why we are creating an intentional women's retreat
Details about our women's retreat in San Diego, October 2024

Ep 75: ft. Shannon Keating on Cultivating Female Friendships

The Soul Radiance Retreat

October 18th-21st, 2024

San Diego, CA

Learn more here

Email soulradianceretreat@gmail.com for any questions

Connect with Shannon:

shannonkeating.com

@shannonkeating

Podcast: Unmasked and Open Hearted

Ep 126: ft. Heather Eck on Synesthesia and Color Therapy

Thu, 30 May 2024 07:33:00 +0000

HEATHER ECK is a multimedia abstract artist and writer. Heather interprets people, places, and experiences through color, a condition known as synesthesia. Her work has been exhibited in more than 30 shows, and she offers an inspiring perspective on connecting healing through color, symbolism, and form.

In this episode we discuss:

Leya's experience receiving a spirit portrait from Heather
Opening up to your spiritual, intuitive gifts
The importance of color and what colors represent
Creating healing art for people, places, and spaces

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Secret Language of the Body by Inna Segal

Connect with Heather:

@heathereckartist

heathereck.com/thankyou

THE CREATIVE SOUL RETREAT

Apply for The Creative Soul Retreat by June 1st! Learn more here.

Ep 125: What Nature Teaches Me about Creativity

Thu, 16 May 2024 08:44:00 +0000

Tune into this solo episode where Leya shares how she has developed a deep connection to nature, and what nature has taught her about her own creative soul.

We discuss how nature and creativity are mirrors, connecting with our childhood self, and Leya shares personal stories about how plants got re-introduced in her life and how nature has inspired her.

She also shares details, about The Creative Soul Retreat, happening July 26th-29th and invites you to attend to deepen your sense of connection to nature, and to yourself.

For more info, email leyavandoren@gmail.com or message @leyavandoren on instagram.

Website: Creative Soul Retreat

Ep 124: ft. Maria Brito on Art in the Digital Age and Dispelling Myths about Creativity

Thu, 02 May 2024 08:44:00 +0000

Maria Brito is an award-winning New York-based contemporary art advisor, curator and the bestselling author of “How Creativity Rules The World” (HarperCollins). A Harvard graduate, originally from Venezuela, Brito has been selected by Complex Magazine as one of the 20 Power Players in the Art World she was named by ARTNEWS as one of the visionaries who gets to shape the art world.

In this episode we talk about:

The common myths around creativity
How to find motivation to show up for your creativity
The power of action
Art in the age of digital media
Content Creators and Creativity
What it's like to be an art curator
How to start curating art for your own tastes and home

Connect with Maria:

Website: mariabrito.com

Book: How Creativity Rules the World

THE CREATIVE SOUL RETREAT

July 26th-29th, 2024

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Learn more here.

Ep 123: Creating for your Future Self

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 08:44:00 +0000

Tune into this week's solo episode where Leya shares a mini message on changing our mindsets on how we view success and how we can start creating for our future self, and creating our legacy.

We talk about:

Changing your definition of success
Creating for your legacy
The one question you can ask yourself today to create for your tomorrow
Being proud of how far you've come
Sending love to your future self

Leya's poetry book:

Mermaid Musings: Stories of Sea, Sex, and Spirituality

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Ep 122: ft. Val Alcorn on Herbal Bitters, Ancestors, and Gardening as a Spiritual Act

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 08:44:00 +0000

Val is an herbalist, gardener, writer, and artist. She is the owner of Woodspell Apothecary where she cultivates resources for folks to connect to the plant world around them.

In this episode we talk about:

The mythical nature of the forest
The connection between fairytales and the forest
Working with fear in nature
Connecting to ancestors through the land
Herbal bitters and how they affect the body
The ancestral gut connection to bitters
How to incorporate herbs into your daily wellness practice

Connect with Val:

Instagram: @woodspell.apothecary

Substack: Medicine Garden and Under the Linden Tree

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Join Us for The Poetry Of Plant Magic

Connect To Your Writing Practice & Deepen Your Connection With Nature

When: April 9th-April 30th, 2024

Where: Anywhere in the world via Zoom

4 weekly creative writing sessions
Creative Writing and Journal Prompts
Learn about herbal medicine and how to incorporate herbs into your wellness practice
Write and read poetry in safe community
Develop a deep connection with nature
Herbal folklore and ancient uses of herbs

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Spiritual Ecology
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Ep 121: The Poetry of Plant Magic - A 4 Week Creative Writing Workshop

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 08:44:00 +0000

Tune into this week's solo episode as Leya shares all the details behind the upcoming creative writing workshop, The Poetry of Plant Magic!

The Poetry Of Plant Magic

Connect To Your Writing Practice & Deepen Your Connection With Nature

When: April 9th-April 30th, 2024

Where: Anywhere in the world via Zoom

4 weekly creative writing sessions
Creative Writing and Journal Prompts
Learn about herbal medicine and how to incorporate herbs into your wellness practice
Write and read poetry in safe community
Develop a deep connection with nature
Herbal folklore and ancient uses of herbs

Learn more and sign up here.

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Ep 120: ft. Brooke Novick on Plant Medicine and Microdosing with Intention

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:22:00 +0000

Brooke Novick is a licensed psychotherapist and graduate of the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research program at the California Institute of Integral Studies. She has worked for a psilocybin retreat company, assisted a shaman during Ayahuasca ceremonies, and has years of experience working with individuals, couples, and groups.

In this episode, we talk about:

Integrating therapy and medicine work
Cultivating your intuition on when to work with plant medicine
Working through fear before and during a ceremony
Allowing integration to be part of the medicine experience
How to start an intentional microdosing practice

Creative Resources:

How To Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
Fantastic Fungi (Documentary on Netflix)
The Last Shaman (Documentary on Amazon Prime)

Connect with Brooke:

Website: https://axismundiceremony.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axismundiceremony/

Learn more about The Poetry of Plant Magic: https://leyavandoren.com/the-poetry-of-plant-magic

Ep 119: Creative Habits, Writing to Feel, and Friendship Breakups

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:22:00 +0000

In this solo episode, Leya shares the two intentions she made for 2024 and how sticking to her habits has created more stability, structure, and safety.

We discuss:

The changing of the seasons
What Leya loved about winter this year
The hardest part about sticking to your habits
Writing as an act of embodiment
Feeling your feelings
Friendship breakups
Healing the sister wound

DM @leyavandoren or email me at leyavandoren@gmail.com with the word "RETREAT" for more info on The Soul Radiance Retreat May 17-20th, 2024. The deadline to sign up is March 17th.

Discover Your Creative Soul Playlist: Listen here.

Ep 118: ft. Britt Olson on Healing through Motherhood

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:18:58 +0000

Britt is a certified health coach, spiritual life coach, podcast host, entrepreneur, energy healer, plant-based nutrition advocate, speaker, and integrative wellness enthusiast.

In this episode, we talk about:

How Britt hosted the MAGIC retreat in Puerto Rico and the gifts it gave us
Trusting your visions
Pausing your career for motherhood
Navigating parenthood and mental health with your partner
How to not self-abandon in motherhood

Listen to our first episode here:

Episode 55: ft. Britt Olson on Saturn Returns, Intuitive Eating, and the MAGIC Retreat

Connect with Britt: @thebrittolson

Apply for the Soul Radiance Retreat, May 17-20th in San Diego, CA:

Find more info here

Ep 117: ft. Ning Tendo on Dreamwork and the Gifts of Grief

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 10:55:00 +0000

Ning is a published poet, grief guide, spiritual healer and dream yogi specializing in the intersection of the healing power of dreams, rituals, and spiritual constellations as potent tools for helping the bereaved evolve and continue their relationship with their dead loved one and find the light side of grief.

Her work as a grief guide is an integration of 10+ years of Tibetan dream yoga, 6+ years of Spiritual Healing and Constellations work, shamanic breathwork, African mourning and grief rituals, western grief models, sleep and dream science, a master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from Columbia University as well as an embodiment of her personal experience grieving the death of her mother in 2018.

Her life’s work is to inspire people to develop a softer relationship with death and grief by learning how to consciously journey into their pain, evolve relationships with their dead loved ones, and extract the medicine, soul gifts and purpose hidden within their grief.

In this episode we discuss:

The gifts from death and grief
Connecting with your loved ones after they pass
The five dimensions of grief
Connecting with your loved ones through dreaming
How to start remembering your dreams
Interpreting the symbols from your dreams
Crafting rituals to support transitions in your life
The connection between creativity and grief

Connect with Ning:

@ning_tendo

Website: www.dreamreunions.com

Ning's Poetry Book: Death Song in Green

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Dream Messenger by Patricia Garfield
Grief Dreams by T.J Wray and Ann Back Price
Unattended Sorrows by Stephen Weller
The Dark Interval by Rainer Marie Rilke
The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller
Grief Dreams by Dr. Joshua Black

Ep 116: Announcing The Soul Radiance Retreat!

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 09:44:00 +0000

Leya announces the launch of The Soul Radiance Retreat - a sisterhood, creativity, and self-love focused retreat from May 17th-20th, 2024 near San Diego, California.

An invitation to slow down, connect with your true self, and experience the magic of sisterhood.

She invites her co-hosts for the retreat, Shannon Keating and Ashley Love to discuss:

All the details for the upcoming retreat, The Soul Radiance Retreat
What Shannon, Ashley, and Leya have all gained from attending various retreats (including how they met at a retreat!)
Our WHY for creating The Soul Radiance Retreat + what you can expect to receive!
The fears that can come up before investing in a retreat
The magic of sisterhood and finding soul-aligned friendships

Learn more about the retreat: bit.ly/thesoulradianceretreat

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren // www.leyavandoren.com

Connect with Ashley:

@ashleycreatrix // www.theashleylove.com

Connect with Shannon:

@shannonkeating // www.shannonkeating.com

Ep 115: My Favorite Books From 2023 and Why Reading Is Good For The Creative Soul

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:44:00 +0000

In this bonus episode, Leya shares some of her favorite books she read in 2023.

She talks about:

The importance of reading and why she's loved books and reading since childhood
Why this year she stopped reading as many self-help books and started reading more fiction!
How social media can be a window, but books can be a mirror
How books connect us to the collective unconsciousness

Some of the books mentioned:

Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker
Mother, Nature by Jedidiah Jenkins
Letting Magic In by Maia Toll
A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J Maas
The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch

+ tune into the episode to hear 10+ more!

Connect with Leya:

Instagram: @leyavandoren

Website: www.leyavandoren.com

Ep 114: 2023 Year in Review - Highs & Lows

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 10:55:00 +0000

Tune into this special solo episode where Leya reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, the lessons learned, and some of her hopes for 2024.

From spending the first six months of the year wedding planning, to hosting a bachelorette retreat trip in Tulum, to being a bridesmaid in a friends wedding, to getting married in June, to honeymooning in Mexico, to moving to D.C., to connecting with family and ancestors, and experiencing the contrasts of life, this year was one to remember!

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Conscious Bride by Sheryl Paul
The Wisdom of Anxiety by Sheryl Paul

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

leyavandoren@gmail.com

Purchase The Creative Soul Practice for $44 here.

Ep 113: Receiving PRESENCE for my 29th Birthday

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 07:26:00 +0000

Happy winter solstice and happy 29th birthday to our host, Leya!

In this episode, Leya shares what she's celebrating for her 29th birthday, including a celebration of this year and her favorite podcast episodes from the past year.

Today is the LAST day to receive 10% off The Creative Soul Practice using code "CREATIVESOUL10". After today, the price will remain at $44.00.

Leave a rating and review to get a free guided writing meditation.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn

Ep 112: ft. Nikki Novo on Soul-Led Living and Grounding Tips for Starseeds

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:33:00 +0000

Nikki Novo is a Cuban-American, best-selling author and master intuitive reader with a waitlist exceeding 1,000 people, and the founder of the Soul Reading Method®, a certification program where she has taught more than 1,300 students how to activate their own intuitive abilities. Nikki is the go-to spiritual advisor for the biggest names in the wellness industry and a leader in the spiritual Latinx community.

In this episode we talk about:

Her new book, Soul-Led Living
Grounding tips for starseeds
Developing the voice of the inner mother/inner parent
Reparenting yourself while raising kids
Spiritual reasons behind panic attacks
Your souls work and your career
The seasons of your soul's purpose

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Journey of Souls by Michael Newton
Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss
Aaron Abke

Connect with Nikki:

Website: nikkinovo.com

Book: Soul-Led Living: Discover Your Soul's True Path and Become Brave Enough to Follow It

The Creative Soul Practice - a 7 day guided writing meditation series is now live! Purchase it here for $44.

Listen to the free heart chakra meditation on Episode 111!

Use code "CREATIVESOUL10" to get 10% off

Discount available through Dec. 21st, 2023

Connect with Leya: leyavandoren.com

Ep 111: The Creative Soul Practice is HERE! & Heart Chakra Writing Meditation

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:33:00 +0000

The Creative Soul Practice is officially LIVE! It's a 7 day guided writing meditation series to help you reconnect back to your writing practice and your creative soul.

Listen to this episode as I share the WHY behind creating The Creative Soul Practice and what you can expect inside

+++PLUS a SNEAK PEEK of the practice - Get Day 4 completely free inside this episode, connecting you to your heart <3

The Heart Chakra Meditation starts at 16:29

Purchase the Creative Soul Practice HERE

Use code "CREATIVESOUL10" for 10% off

Discount Available through December 21st, 2023

Website: www.leyavandoren.com

The Creative Soul Practice: https://leyavandoren.com/the-creative-soul-practice

Ep 110: Learning Self-Care Through The Seasons

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 10:55:00 +0000

Tune into this week’s solo episode as Leya explores the topic of self-care and how to support and take care of ourselves through the darker, colder seasons:

What does it mean to really take care of ourselves?
Why millennials are the “self care” generation and why it’s not a bad thing
Who are examples in your life of women who take care of themselves?
Allowing self-care to change with the seasons
How plants can support your self-care practice
How where you live can affect your self-care routine
Some of my favorite ways to take care of myself through the seasons

Join me on December 5th for a free workshop:

The Poetry of Plant Magic

hosted with Creative Mornings. Sign up here

Rate and review the podcast for a free guided writing meditation!

Ep 109: On Body Love And Self Acceptance

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 08:44:00 +0000

In this episode, Leya shares about her soul sister retreat weekend in San Diego and talks about the lessons she learned from letting herself be seen in her most natural form in a photoshoot.

We also talk about:

How ancestral work deepens your sense of belonging
Leya discovering her great great grandmother is from an indigenous tribe in Siberia
The Taurus/Scorpio Eclipse cycle from November 2021 to October 2023
Lessons from the Taurus Lunar eclipse
The importance of female friendships
Letting yourself be witnessed and seen
Recapping the soul sister retreat weekend in San Diego
The feminine form
Releasing shame and judgement about our bodies
Being a future ancestor

Resources:

Connect with @leyavandoren

Photographer: @ashleycreatrix

Ep 108: ft. Amikaeyla Gaston on Music as Medicine

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:33:00 +0000

Amikaeyla Gaston is a force for change. Proclaimed as one of the “purest contemporary voices” by National Public Radio (NPR), Amikaeyla is a public keynote speaker, performer, educator, and author. She travels the world serving as a Cultural Arts Ambassador for the State Department and is the Founder of the International Cultural Arts and Healing Sciences Institute and co- Executive Director for World Trust Educational Services Organization.

In this episode we talk about:

How music helped Ami heal from a traumatic hate crime
Restorative Justice
The subconscious power of music
How to start singing even if you think you're a bad singer
Using the voice to heal the body
Sustaining hope through hopeless times
Examining privilege and power

Creative Resources:

Ami's Ted Talk: Dare To Be Dauntless
Appalachia Rising
Kiva

Connect with Ami:

www.amikaeyla.com

Get on the waitlist to be the first to know when The Creative Soul Practice launches!

DM @leyavandoren

Ep 107: ft. Jamie Varon on Identity Shifts and Writing her Book, Main Character Energy

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:33:00 +0000

Jamie Varon is a Writer, Course Creator, Branding Expert and Executive Producer. Her first book “Radically Content” (along with the companion journal Radically Content: The Journal) was released in 2022 and her fiction book, Main Character Energy was released in 2023. She also created a course called Live With Intention and writes a newsletter on Substack called Plot Twist.

In this episode, we talk about:

The Identity Shifts That Come with Reaching Success
How Writing For 2 Hours A Day Is More Productive Than Writing For 8 Hours
Finding Internal Self-Worth As A Creative, Even After Achieving Your Dreams
How To Live With Intention In The Age of Social Media
Dealing With Criticism Once Your Book Is Published
Valuing Your Own Creative Voice and Writing What You Believe In
How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset
The Differences of Writing A Self-Help Book Vs. A Fiction Novel
Her Book Writing Process for Main Character Energy

Creative Resources:

Outrageous Openness by Tasha Silver

Connect with Jamie:

Website: https://www.jamievaron.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamievaron/

DM @leyavandoren for first access to The Creative Soul Practice - a 7 day guided writing meditation series to start your daily creative practice.

Ep 106: How to Plan a Conscious and Intentional Bachelorette Trip, Maiden to Bride Ceremonies + my bachelorette trip RECAP to Tulum

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:33:00 +0000

In this episode, Leya shares about her bachelorette trip to Tulum, Mexico.

We talk about:

How to curate an intentional bachelorette trip and shift the focus from excessive drinking to conscious ceremony
Mindful travel
Navigating fears, self doubt, and low self worth when having an event celebrating the BRIDE!
How to ACTUALLY support the brides in your life
The full bachelorette itinerary in Tulum, Mexico
Why women gathering is SO healing
How to create intentional ceremonies to honor the transition from maiden to bride

+ Leya sings a special song devoted to Goddess Ixchel at the end :)

This episode is a must listen for any bride or maid of honor planning a bachelorette trip who wants to do it in a mindful, conscious, intentional way to really HONOR the transition and CELEBRATE with the women in your life.

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

Write a rating and review to receive a free guided writing meditation.

Ep 105: Welcome to Season 2 - Life Updates, Upcoming Creative Writing Workshops, and a NEW ERA

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 05:11:00 +0000

Welcome to Season 2 of The Creative Soul Podcast!

In this episode we talk about:

Post wedding energy and the change Leya has felt since getting married!
Navigating a dark night of the soul and making it to the other side
Stories from our honeymoon ft. turtles, the full moon, and the sea
Embracing change and new beginnings
What you can expect for Season 2 of the podcast!
Shares upcoming exciting creative projects, including The Creative Soul Practice - a guided writing meditation series, writing workshops focused on herbalism, ancestral work, finding the magic in everyday life, and RETREATS coming to you in 2024.

Join the waitlist for the upcoming writing workshops:

@leyavandoren

Write a rating and review and receive a free guided writing meditation!

Ep 104: WE'RE GETTING MARRIED IN TWO WEEKS! A Convo with Paxton on Spirituality, Love, and Growth

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:55:00 +0000

In this episode, Leya and Paxton discuss their 5 year journey on the road to marriage, with their upcoming wedding in 2 weeks!

They discuss:

What brought them together as a couple
The differences they had when they first met
The growth they've experienced as a couple
What Paxton is most excited for the wedding
Their different perspectives on religion and spirituality

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

Ep 103: ft. Alexandra Franzen on Marketing Without Social Media for Self Employed Creatives

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 08:33:00 +0000

Alexandra Franzen is a best-selling author, award-winning editor, and entrepreneur based in Hawaii. She has written seven books including two novels. She has written articles for Time, Forbes, Newsweek, The Huffington Post, and Lifehacker. Her work has been mentioned in The New York Times Small Business Blog, The Atlantic, The Los Angeles Times, Fast Company, BuzzFeed, Inc., in Tim Ferriss’ newsletter, and she has appeared on the Peabody Award-winning radio show, Marketplace.

She’s the co-founder of a company called Get It Done and a brick and mortar bookstore called One Idea Books and Gifts.

In this episode, we talk about:

How she became a self-employed creative
Her decision for getting off social media
How to market without social media
Her daily routine
Why she instituted a 4 day work week for her company
Working on projects for clients vs yourself
Self publishing vs Traditional Publishing

Creative Resources:

Alphabetizer
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Connect with Alex:

Website: www.alexandrafranzen.com

www.youcangetitdone.com

Ep 102: ft. Amy Green Smith on Having Difficult Conversations and Speaking Up For Yourself

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 06:11:00 +0000

Amy Green Smith is a certified and credentialed life coach and hypnotherapist, masterful speaker, and personal empowerment expert. Amy uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster, and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self-worth. With acute focus on helping people “find their voice”, she is highly sought after for her uncommon style of irreverence, wisdom, and humor and has been a featured expert in Inspired Coach Magazine and on Fox 5 San Diego.

In this episode we talk about:

Having difficult conversations with grace
Being in relationship with people you disagree with
Setting boundaries
How to have better communication with your coworkers, family, and friends
Regulating your nervous system to not be triggered during conflict
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
Why hypnotherapy can help

Creative resources:

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

Connect with Amy:

Website: www.amygreensmith.com
Podcast: The Bold Faced Truth

Ep 101: ft. D'Ana Joi Spencer on Focus & Prioritization as a Multi-Passionate Creative

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:44:00 +0000

Joi is a multi-passionate, educator, community builder, and content creator. She believes having many passions is a gift, not a burden and she’s on a mission to rewrite the narrative around “choosing one thing” being the only path to success. Through her e-book, signature course, and podcast, Joi teaches creatives how to make friends with focus, overcome overwhelm, and step into their Multi-Passionate Mastery.

In this episode we talk about:

How to know if you're a multi-passionate creative
Finding focus as a multi-passionate creative
Prioritizing different creative projects
Tips for following through on your creative projects
Building structure for your creativity to flow
Marketing as a spiritual practice

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Libby
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Finding Me by Viola Davis

Connect with Joi:

Website: www.joi-knows-how.com

Priority Mapping Method Free Training Here

Podcast: Multi-Passionate Mastery

Ep 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes with a SONG!

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 06:18:00 +0000

Tune into this special episode to celebrate 100 episodes of The Creative Soul Podcast. Leya shares a prayer and offering from her heart and sings for the very first time on the podcast.

Song begins at 5:25

Song: Please Prepare Me by Beautiful Chorus

Take a moment to pause, integrate, and celebrate how far you've come.

Leave a rating and review on the podcast and receive a free guided writing meditation.

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Ep 99: ft. Kat Daou on Family Constellations Therapy Healing Generational Trauma

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 05:22:00 +0000

Kat Daou is a Family Constellation Therapy Facilitator helping people clean up intergenerational trauma and support them back to their innate wholeness. She is trauma informed and utilizes parts work, inner child work, felt sense bodily awareness, and intuitive guidance to support clients in moving from "what's wrong with me" to "what happened to me". With a philosophy of one foot in the spiritual world and one foot in the physical 3D, FCT brings life force energy back into the family system and creates healing for 14 generations backwards, and forwards.

We talk about:

How to Face Negative Emotions
How she went from an Eating Disorder, Toxic Relationships, Depression, to Healing and Empowered
Family Constellations Therapy for Healing Generational Trauma
Why You May Be Called to Heal Ancestral Trauma
Millennial’s Current Role in Society
Epigenetics
Systems of Support for Processing Trauma

Resources Mentioned:

What Happened To You? By Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
@the.holistic.psychologist
@mindfulmft
Gabor Maté

Connect with Kat:

@heal_with_kat

healwithkat.com

Ep 98: ft. Nadia Last on Using Human Design to Connect to your Life Path

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 05:22:00 +0000

Nadia is a Human Design teacher, spiritual mentor, and host of The Current podcast, a show unpacking the changing energetic tides of our collective consciousness. Nadia also assists psychedelic therapy retreats and is currently a therapist-in-training.

In this episode we talk about:

How to use your human design type to rest
Navigating dark nights of the soul
Growing up religious and finding spirituality later in life
Masculine/feminine energies in the chart
Using human design to understand your life path

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Book of Destinies by Chetan Parkyn & Carola Eastwood
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Connect with Nadia:

nadialast.com

@nadialast_

Ep 97: ft. Megan Leatherman on Aligning your Life & Career with Nature's Seasons

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 05:22:00 +0000

Megan Leatherman is a career coach, mother, writer, podcast host and amateur ecologist living in the Pacific Northwest. Through her nature-based and seasonal perspectives, she’s helped thousands of professionals reconnect to their strengths and to what deeply matters to them. She has a Master’s degree in conflict resolution, a background in Human Resources, and believes that our work can be a spiritual practice.

In this episode we talk about:

Aligning your work and life according to the different seasons
Holding all of Earth’s Season to where you are
Internalized Capitalism and How it Shows up in our Nervous System
Being A Highly Sensitive Person In A Work Environment
What to do If You Hate Your Job

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Circle Round by Starhawk

Meditation Teacher: Jessica Snow

Martin Shaw

The Living Myth Podcast by Michael Meade

Connect with Megan:

Website: www.awildnewwork.com

Order her book: Winter at Work: Navigate Mystery and Cultivate New Vitality on your Vocational Journey

Podcast: A Wild New Work

@awildnewwork

Ep 96: SOLO 2022 Year in Review

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 19:22:00 +0000

Can you believe it's already 2023?

Tune into the first solo episode of 2023 where Leya share some of the lessons and learnings from the last year.

We talk about:

The themes of 2022: Home, Grounding, Grief
Experiencing burnout and overwhelm
Experiencing abuse at a personal and collective level
Ways to practice self-care
Why millennials need extra self-care right now
Why truth is love

+ Leya shares a reading from a poem she wrote, a sacred offering and expression of her heart.

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

Ep 95: SOLO on Stories From Going on a Safari in South Africa

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 07:22:00 +0000

The perfect solo episode to kick off Sagittarius season - this one's all about travel, new experiences, expansion, and joy. I share about my recent once in a lifetime trip going on a safari in South Africa and the stories and lessons it taught me.

In this episode we talk about:

Traveling solo vs traveling with friends - pros and cons!
A scary close encounter with an elephant!
The daily schedule of our safari and some of the animals we saw
Sharkdiving in Capetown
Discovering my Leo Moon
Western Astrology vs. Vedic Astrology
Connecting to animal medicine
Why Africa feels like the birthplace of God
The importance of joy during the healing journey

Resources Mentioned:

Zulu Nyala
Spirit of the Animals Oracle
The Last Gift of the Master Artists by Ben Okri

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

Ep 94: SOLO Wedding Planning as a Spiritual & Creative Process - Part 2

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 19:22:00 +0000

Leya shares an update on why the podcast has been on a short break and returns with part 2 of what she is learning during the wedding planning process.

She shares vulnerably about managing finances, feeling unsupported, feeling unworthy of love, and the body image issues that came up while shopping for her wedding dress.

She also shares an update of how the vision of the wedding has changed and evolved in this perfect, co-creation with the universe.

She also shares:

Why wedding planning is the ultimate manifestation
3 key steps to manifest anything you want in life
Choosing to change the wedding venue from Florida to Michigan
Dealing with body image struggles during an engagement photoshoot
The importance of size inclusivity for brides and wedding dress boutiques
The story of finding her dream wedding dress
Rejecting tradition and embracing tradition
Raising your self-worth and self-love
Stepping into the worthiness to receive the manifestations you desire

Episodes Mentioned:

Wedding Planning as a Spiritual & Creative Practice - Part 1

Unmasked & Open Hearted Podcast: Healing in Relationships with Leya Van Doren

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

Rate and review the podcast to receive a free guided writing meditation!

Ep 93: ft. Natalie Calzadilla on Low Self Worth, Codependency, and How it Suppressed her Dreams of Being an Artist

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Natalie Calzadilla, MBA is a Cuban-American T1D mom, mystic, illustrator, 1/1 NFT artist, and podcaster born and raised in Miami, FL. She teaches women how to connect to their inner knowing, experience divinity, and connect to their child-like wonder so they can feel empowered to face all of life’s situations and have the courage to be themselves.

In this episode we talk about:

How she went from quitting art school because she didn't believe in herself to becoming a full-time artist
Healing low self worth and codependency
Navigating grief during a pandemic
Flower essences as a healing modality
What happens when "the work" stops working
Finding different tools for different stages of your life

Creative Resources Mentioned:

essencementoring.com
Insight Timer

Connect with Natalie:

Website: nataliecalzadilla.com

Podcast: Pachanga and Possibility

Etsy Shop

Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and receive a free guided writing meditation!

Ep 92: On Foraging and Feminism and What It's Teaching Me about Value

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Leya shares what is currently fueling her creative soul in this season of life.

She shares how taking a vacation showed her how to practice being, why she is questioning how we work and why we work, tying your worth and value to how much you can produce, feminism and capitalism, unlearning hustle culture, and how we can look to nature to teach us how to be truly creative and create from a place of rest, ease, and flow.

She also shares how foraging and learning about herbalism is connecting her to the magic within. Stay to the end to hear the story on how she almost died from eating a potentially poisonous plant.

Creative Resources

Seek - Plant App
Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech
The Herbal Apothecary by JJ Pursell
Feasting Wild by Gina Rae La Cerva

Connect with Leya

@leyavandoren

leyavandoren@gmail.com

Leave a rating and review and receive a free guided writing meditation!

Ep 91: ft Bria Zoe on Herbal Medicine

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 04:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode I am joined by Bria Zoe. Bria Zoe is an herbalist and owns Sacred Moon Apothecary where she offers the medicine of cacao to people all over the world.

We talk about the medicine that lives within us and around us, how plants and herb can help support us in our healing process, how to start working with herbs, the wisdom of our bodies, metaphysical anatomy, and plant medicines.

This episode is a juicy one for anyone interested in true health, healing, and allowing the earth to support you.

Connect with Bria:

@sacred.moon.apothecary

@bria.zoe_

Ep 90: ft. Albert Flynn DeSilver on Writing as a Path to Awakening

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Albert Flynn DeSilver is an internationally published poet, writer, speaker, and workshop leader. His latest book is Writing as a Path to Awakening (based on his popular workshops by the same name) published by Sounds True. Albert served as Marin County, California’s very first Poet Laureate from 2008-2010. His work has appeared in more than 100 literary journals worldwide and is the author of the memoir Beamish Boy. Albert is also a speaker and trainer who has taught writing workshops at the Esalen Institute, the Omega Institute, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and literary conferences nationally.

In this episode, we talk about:

How embodiment can be a source of creativity
How photography lead him to writing
Why reading is important for writers
His writing process
How meditation and creativity influence each other
Teaching writing to others

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Mary Oliver
Natalie Goldberg
Terry Tempest Williams

Connect with Albert:

albertflynndesilver.com

Free writing coaching session here

Writing as a Path to Awakening

Ep 89: ft. Corrie Legge on Creating Your Own Work

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Corrie Legge is a multi-passionate artist and productivity coach for creatives. As an actor and voiceover artist, she has appeared in many independent films, national commercials, animation, video games, audiobooks, and more. She's also a filmmaker with several short films under her belt, and multiple feature scripts in the works! As a coach, Corrie hosts Your Creative Life, a creative community designed to helps multi-passionate actors take control over their dreams and build thriving creative careers without sacrificing the holistically fulfilled life they deserve.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why you shouldn't wait for gatekeepers to give you permission for your art
Following your creative urges
Building community vs networking
Finding collaborators for your creative projects
How to work creatively and collaborate with your partner
Finding time to be creative as a parent
Being a voiceover artist
Finding the right medium for a story
How to set goals with freedom instead of pressure
Building your sustainable creative life

Creative Resources Mentioned:

On Writing by Stephen King
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Libby
My Creative Type Quiz Here

Connect with Corrie:

@creatingwithcorrie

corrie@corrielegge.com

yourcreativelifecommunity.com

Ep 88: How to Host a Blessing Way for Pregnant Mothers

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Are you pregnant or do you know someone who is? Tune into this episode where we discuss how to host and curate a blessingway which is similar to a baby shower, but focuses more on the mother's journey from maiden to mother to create an intentional ceremony to honor her in this transition.

We also talk about:

What a blessingway is
Leya's experience being at her sister's birth
A blessingway vs baby shower
Why you might want to host one for yourself or a woman you love
Ideas for blessingway ceremonies
Virtual vs in person blessingways

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
Blessingway videos here and here

Connect with Leya

@leyavandoren

leyavandoren@gmail.com

Ep 87: ft. Kari Lynn Cotone on Copywriting & Creative Careers

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 12:51:57 +0000

Kari is a New York City-based freelance writer and performing artist. As a copywriter and strategist, she works with creative entrepreneurs and small businesses to develop their brand voice and craft high-converting messaging to support their business. She also writes a weekly newsletter sharing writing tips, content inspiration, and personal stories about life as a creative freelancer.

We talk about:

Pivoting careers
Her creative & storytelling process for copywriting
How her theater skills translated into other industries
Overcommitting yourself as a creative
Deadlines and work pressures
Living in NYC

Connect with Kari:

@karilynncotone

karilynncotone.com

JOIN THE SUMMER WRITING CIRCLE!

July 11th - August 8th, 2022

Learn more here

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Creative Pep Talk by Andy J. Pizza
RuPaul's Drag Race

Ep 86: Wedding Planning as a Spiritual & Creative Process - Part 1

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0000

In this week's solo episode, Leya takes us behind the scenes for her wedding planning process. We talk about why wedding planning might bring up difficult emotions, how wedding planning is the ultimate act of manifestation & creation, how being engaged feels like a portal, why wedding planning has caused Leya to look at and re-evaluate all areas of her life, and the details & process of finding her wedding venue.

Whether you're planning a wedding, have planned a wedding, or would like to plan one in the future, tune into this fun episode where we explore wedding planning as a spiritual & creative practice.

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

Rate and review the podcast to receive a free guided writing meditation!

Ep 85: ft. Kelly Smith on Yoga and the True Self

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Kelly Smith is a globally celebrated yoga and meditation teacher, E-RYT 500 /YACEP, founder of Yoga For You, and host of the iTunes chart topping podcasts, Mindful in Minutes and Meditation Mama. Kelly believes that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to yoga and meditation and encourages her students to find their own personal practice, listen to their bodies, and find inner joy by accessing their most authentic selves and owning their power. Kelly specializes in the non physical limbs of yoga and is best known for her master trainings in meditation, restorative yoga, and yoga nidra and her international retreats.

In this episode we talk about:

What true self work is
How yoga teaches you the true self
What real service means
Polarity work
Moving through resistance in your practice

and so much more!

Connect with Kelly:

yogaforyouonline.com

Podcast: Mindful in Minutes

Ep 84: How I Self-Published a Book of Poetry

Thu, 19 May 2022 04:00:32 +0000

In this episode, Leya shares the behind the scenes process of how she self published her first book of poetry, Mermaid Musings: Stories of Sea, Sex, Spirituality.

We talk about:

Why you might choose to self-publish

What inspired her decision to self-publish a book

The behind the scene process of self-publishing a book

The power of poetry

The creative process of writing a book

Marketing & selling your book

+ enjoy a poetry reading from a selection of poems from Mermaid Musings.

Buy the book:

Mermaid Musings: Stories of Sea, Sex, Spirituality by Leya Van Doren

If you have more questions about self-publishing and how you might get started with it or would be interested in a community based workshop around self-publishing the book your creative soul wants to write, feel free to reach out at leyavandoren@gmail.com.

Please leave a rating and review to help support my creative soul.

Ep 83: The Truest Story I Can Tell

Thu, 12 May 2022 11:36:59 +0000

In this episode, Leya gets raw & real about her life experience and some of the childhood trauma she’s been unpacking in therapy.

We talk about:

Why our stories matter

The healing power of sharing your story

Facing your pain & your shadow

Processing grief

Levels of awareness/consciousness

Uncovering uncomfortable truths

Trigger Warning: This episode mentions both sexual assault & mental illness.

Ep 82: ft. Erin Panzarella on Channelling the Akashic Records

Thu, 05 May 2022 04:00:36 +0000

Erin Panzarella is a space holder for women on a spiritual healing journey. Her work focuses on connecting people to their natural state of flow, intuition + spirit guides through different modalities including the akashic records, human design, energy healing, and more. Over the last 10 years she has been on an active mission to step into her power through uncovering tools and shedding the masks that are not her truth while helping others do the same. Erin shares her journey & healing tools on her podcast, Everyday Perspectives.

In this episode, we talk about:

What the Akashic Records is and what it isn’t

Leaving a 9-5 to pursue a spiritual business

What 10 years of healing has looked like

The beauty of telling our stories

Toxic positivity

Finding your gifts

The surprising truth about your purpose

Free Akashic Meditation

Connect with Erin:

@erinpanzarella

www.erinpanzarella.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leya.substack.com

Ep 81: Creativity as a Counter-Culture

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 04:00:31 +0000

In this episode, Leya explores how creativity acts as a counter-culture and in a world where we are disconnected from nature, how you can tune into creativity as a practice to connect back to your authentic and most natural self.

You’ll hear:

How a zoo and GMO flowers caused an existential crisis on Earth Day

How being disconnected from nature disconnects you to yourself

Why creativity is a counter-culture

Notes from Leya’s journal

Responding vs. Reacting

How to open your creative channel

The spiritual principles of a creative life

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leya.substack.com

Ep 80: On Remote Living, Nature, and Community with Hilary Messer-Barrow

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 04:13:36 +0000

Hilary Messer-Barrow moved from a big Canadian city to a remote northern Yukon community of 90 residents in 2019. Hilary shares her life-changing move, new perspectives, and experiences with her Instagram and TikTok community. She believes in the power of nature and the importance of noticing the beauty around her.

In this episode we talk about:

Moving from a big city to a small town

Stepping away from hustle culture

Slowing down and connecting to nature

What it’s like living 10 hrs round trip from the grocery store

Virtual vs. in person community

The lessons of each season of nature

+ her experience with the Northern Lights!

Connect with Hilary:

@north_phase

Creative Resources Mentioned:

@rudyjude

@_hollowbone_

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leya.substack.com

Ep 79: Stress Management & Psychedelic Therapy with Marina Kay

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:00:36 +0000

Marina Kay is a Stress Buster, Joy Finder, and a Holistic Wellness Coach focusing on stress and burnout prevention in high achievers and entrepreneurs. She left a successful career in HR Technology to pursue her passion of helping people feel happier and healthier through realistic and sustainable health habits. She now coaches individuals and works with companies all over the world, while traveling full time. She is a certified Integrative Nutrition Coach, 200hr RYT, Meditation Teacher, Breathwork Facilitator, Personal Trainer and Corporate Wellness business owner.

In this episode, we talk about:

How stress affects the body
Tips to prevent burnout
How to know if you’re stressed
Why caffeine makes you more stressed
Building more nourishing coping mechanisms
Treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD with Psychedelic Therapy
Finding your own medicine
Using creativity as a way to manage stress
The power of meditation and her experience on a Joe Dispenza retreat

Resources Mentioned:

John Hopkins Psychedelic Theray

MAPS

ThirdWave

Pubmed.com

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself - Joe Dispenza

Connect with Marina:

@sumofallpositive

sumofallpositive.com

Ep 78: Seasonal Reflection & Loving Lately

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 04:00:00 +0000

In this solo episode, Leya reflects on the winter season and the lessons and gifts it gave her.

We talk about:

How to honor your seasons
What reflecting and processing allows us
Her recent move to Michigan and the lessons it's teaching her
Creating a home space
Allowing your creativity to express in unexpected ways
What she's loving lately
Prompts for you to reflect on your seasons

Try Sunbasket and receive $90 off here

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Wintering by Katherine May
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
Maya and the Three
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Ep 77: ft. Emily Nachazel on Finding the Career that Serves Your Soul

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Emily Nachazel is an intuitive career coach who believes we all deserve to spend more time doing what we love. She supports entrepreneurs & conscious corporate individuals who want work that better supports their souls.

In this episode we talk about:

The parallels of birth and entrepreneurship
How she uses astrology & human design to align with your dream career
Defining your version of success
How to know when something is a hobby vs a business
Discerning between intuition vs fear
How the North and South nodes give you clues on your soul's purpose
Navigating social media

+more!

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Connect with Emily:

@emilynachazel

www.emilynachazel.com

$50 off Career Clarity Session here

Join the mastermind here

Ep 76: Writing Practice & Guided Writing Meditation

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Tune into this special episode where Leya breaks down writing practice and shares the practice with you to do anytime, anywhere.

We explore:

What is writing practice?
What writing practice means to Leya & how it's the ultimate tool for creativity, healing, expression, and communicating with your highest self
The difference between journaling vs writing practice
The two major influences to writing practice - Julia Cameron & Natalie Goldberg
Why writing is an act of love

Guided Writing Practice starts at 19:08

Meditation music via Blue Tree Audio

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
Wild Mind by Natalie Goldberg
Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

“Writing practice brings us back to the uniqueness of our own minds and an acceptance of it. We all have wild dreams, fantasies, and ordinary thoughts. Let us to feel the texture of them and not be afraid of them.Writing is still the wildest thing I know.”

― Natalie Goldberg, Wild Mind

Ep 75: ft. Shannon Keating on Cultivating Female Friendships

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Shannon Keating is a Holistic Life Coach for Women, Teen Girls in Middle/High School, & Young Adult Women in College. She supports women with self empowerment, self love, and gaining the tools to cultivate self awareness guiding them back home to their hearts. She is also a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Guided Meditation Teacher, Human Design Reader, Intuitive, and the host of the Unmasked & Open Hearted Podcast.

In this episode we talk about her work with teen women at such an important stage of their life and how to listen and access your intuition - no matter what stage of life you're in. We go deep on cultivating female friendships in your life and explore:

Showing up as your authentic self in your friendships
How to manage your energy within friendships
Managing expectations within friendships and navigating communication
Determining which relationships to water and nourish
Imperfect sisterhood
How to manifest deeper friendships in your life

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Green Lights by Matthew McConnaughey

Shannon's Spotify and themed playlists

Connect with Shannon:

shannonkeating.com

@shannonkeating

Podcast: Unmasked and Open Hearted

Ep 74: Is Social Media Helping or Hurting Us?

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Tune into this candid conversation with Leya as she shares her decision to go off social media.

With social media being so embedded in our daily life, how do we connect with our communities now that we’ve gone so digital? How much information is healthy for us to consume? Is social media keeping us from being present with what's real and true in our own lives? What is junk food creativity?

While we have more questions than answers, if you've been feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world and social media isn't helping, tune into this episode.

Connect with Leya:

leyavandoren@gmail.com

@leyavandoren

Ep 73: Engagement Story and Relationship Q&A

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000

In this special episode, Leya shares the story of her recent engagement to her fianceé, Paxton on 1/08/2022. She shares the story of how they met, their decision to get married, how the engagement happened, and answers questions from you!

We also cover

The difference between soul mates vs. life partners
Doing the work in relationships
Creating ceremony in your relationship
The significance of 108
How to keep a relationship alive

Enjoy this special celebration of love and partnership!

Write a review of the podcast and receive a free guided writing meditation:

leyavandoren@gmail.com

@leyavandoren

Ep 72: ft. Kat Norton aka Miss Excel on Using Manifestation to go Viral

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Kat Norton energetically teaches Microsoft Excel to individuals, businesses and educational institutions. Since launching Miss Excel in June 2020, she has grown a community of over 1 million people on TikTok & Instagram (@miss.excel) through viral Excel trick videos infused with creativity, music and dance. Kat was recently awarded the Microsoft MVP award and featured in Business Insider, Fortune Magazine and the Verge as a pioneer in the "Excel Influencer" space.

In this episode we talked about how she uses meditation, manifestation, and creativity to create viral tik toks and the business of her dreams, her creative process, how to get into alignment with your future self to create abundance, and more.

Creative Resources:

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza

Kundalini Yoga: @choices_outcomes

Connect with Kat:

@miss.excel

Ep 71: ft. Vienda Maria on Intuition, Feminine Business, and Being

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Vienda Maria is a writer & creative who teaches women how to redefine every aspect of life through the lens of psychology blended with spirituality and psychosomatic practices in online courses, classes & live events. Using an interactive teaching style — anecdotes, stories & real-world tools — she takes you on a heart-opening journey.

In this episode we talk about the magic of liminal space, feminine business, being over doing, embracing the full spectrum of human emotions and the paradox of this experience, her writing process, and how to co-create with the universe.

Connect with Vienda:

@viendamaria

www.viendamaria.com

re.define podcast

Ep 70: ft. Cara Wodka on Life on the Road as a Traveling Musician

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Cara has had a love for music and adventure since her toddler years. Her mom discovered she could sing well and hold a harmony at age 4 and the rest is history. She studied theater at UC Irvine and moved to NYC after graduation. It was there that Cara met her partner Michael, and the two decided to hit the road in an RV playing music across the country. They have been gigging on the road since June of 2021, where Cara also teaches vocal and creative master classes for high schoolers across the country and curates an online voice studio as well. She dedicates all performances to her cat, Merlin.

In this episode, we talk about what it's like living on the road as a traveling musician, the lessons it's taught her, the importance of self-care on the road, the connection between the body and creativity, & self-management for artists.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Book by Alan Watts
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Carry On by Crosby, Stills & Nash

Connect with Cara

www.thebandsunhead.com

@thebandsunhead

Ep 69: ft. Liliana Herrera on Andean Cosmovision and Being Your Own Healer

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Liliana Herrera is originally from Cusco, Peru and was born in a high Andean community. She is an Andean Therapist, facilitator for retreats of sacred plants and offers energetic alignments and oracle readings with the coca leaf virtually or in person in English and Spanish. She is the author of the book “Children of Pachamama” which is a guide to self awareness of human technology from the ancestral knowledge of the Andean Cosmovision. Her next project is a Youtube channel with stories for adults and children.

In this episode, we talk about what the Andean cosmovision is and the laws that guide it, ancestral knowledge, her work with ayahuasca, and why you are your own healer. We also talk about:

The importance of integration in ayahuasca ceremonies
How to know if ayahuasca is right for you
Oracles with the Coca Leaf
Her work with the sacred master plants and the Shipibo Maestros in Peru
The condor/eagle prophecy
Ancestral knowledge
Why you are your own healer

Connect with Lili:

@lili_munay

Ep 68: 2021 Year in Review

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Leya shares the process of her year and the lessons she learned. She talks about seeking truth, how her definition of truth has shifted, internal vs external experience, feeling lost, how her relationship with creativity has evolved, why writing is an act of love, and what she's learned from doing her 10 things as a daily creative practice this year. She ends this episode with some journal prompts to reflect on!

Creative Resources

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

Ep 67: ft Alejandra Diaz on Illustration and Drawing Everyday Moments

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Alejandra Diaz aka Ale is an illustrator and designer from Mexico City. She has a degree in Industrial Design, but soon discovered a passion for graphic design and went to Shillington for illustration and graphic design. She uploads her illustrations on Instagram @ale_sketch.

In this episode we talk about how the best inspiration is drawing the everyday moments, finding yourself in your mess, her journey to studying Graphic Design and finding her passion for illustration, how she got to study with artists in Paris and discover her own drawing style.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Tiny Book of Tiny Pleasures by Irine Smit
Flow Magazine

Connect with Ale:

@ale_sketch

Ep 66: Energy Cleansing for Highly Sensitive People

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Leya is back from a 3 week hiatus and is sharing where she's been at as she completes her 3 month solo trip throughout Latin America. We talk about:

Why taking breaks as a content creator is important for your process
Taking social media breaks
What she learned being in Costa Rica
Salt Water Therapy (aka daily ocean dips)
The Experience MAGIC Retreat in Puerto Rico
Tapping into Sagittarius Season
Practices to Clear your Energy for Highly Sensitive People

++ a New Year's Writing Ritual you can practice!

Rate and review the podcast and receive a free guided writing meditation!

Creative Resources Mentioned:

mybodygraph.com

Ep 65: She Rests to Create

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Leya shares a mini message from her heart sharing the truth of where she's at on her 3 month journey through Latin America. She gives an update from Peru, invites you to tune into the truth of this moment, and shares a story on how she needed to listen to her body, and rest, and how you might give yourself permission to rest, too.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Earth Warriors Oracle Deck by Alana Fairchild

Ep 64: ft. Eleri Ward on Songwriting Magic and Sondheim

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Eleri Ward is an actor, singer, musician, and songwriter originally from Chicago. She studied Songwriting at Berklee College of Music before transferring and graduating from The Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theater. Aside from theater, she also makes pop music and has released two EPs of original songs. Most recently she released a full length album of indie-folk Sondheim covers that she recorded in her closet and produced herself, which landed her a distribution deal with Ghostlight Records. You can listen to Eleri Ward on all streaming platforms.

In this episode we talk about her songwriting process, the importance of having an audience for an artist, why your art isn't about you, how she landed a distribution deal with Ghostlight Records, the power of Tik Tok, and the best way to make space for your creative magic.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Caroline Polachek

Sarah Kinsley

Connect with Eleri:

@eleriward

www.eleriward.com

Ep 63: My Relationship with Cannabis and Creativity

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Leya tunes in from Peru and shares about her personal relationship to plant medicine and how cannabis has been a tool to support her creative and spiritual practice. She shares how her relationship has evolved with it, the lessons it teachers her, how she uses it as a ritual, the fine balance between using plant medicine consciously/unconsciously and how to tell the difference within yourself.

Last Prisoner Project: Donate and learn more here.

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

Ep 62: ft. Sarah Van Doren on Motherhood and Mental Health

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I get to talk with my sister, Sarah Van Doren. Sarah is the mother to two beautiful boys and lives in New York City. We talk about what it was like growing up in a huge, unique, artistic family, what doing ballet full-time as a child taught her about life, what she didn't expect about motherhood, the difference between her first and second pregnancy, post-partum anxiety, and the spirituality of being a parent.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Wisdom of Anxiety by Sheryl Nissinen

Connect with Sarah

@sarahhvandoren

Ep 61: Healing Yourself and Your Past Through Creativity

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Leya shares how creativity has been a healing act for her while doing deep, inner work in therapy. She shares what she's been learning and working on in therapy and how she has been using creativity to help in the healing and feeling process.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Leya's Poetry Book: Mermaid Musings: Stories of Sea, Sex, and Spirituality
I Remember by Joe Brainard
Dani Shapiro Skillshare Class
This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin

Leave a rating and review and receive a free guided writing meditation!

Thank you so much for your support.

Ep 60: ft. Christina Irvin on Creativity and Healing the Sacral through Human Design

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Christina Irvin of GlowGlowJuice HD is a creative, guide and teacher who helps others embrace their authentic selves through Human Design. She is a traveler, a self-professed weirdo, way too into Harry Potter and all things magic, says hello to every creature she sees and truly believes in the power and potential of every person.

In this episode we talk about healing and managing chronic illness through human design, defined vs undefined centers, what it means to be a generator and how the world manipulates generator energy, healing the sacral through human design, and how knowing your design helps you express your innate creativity.

Connect with Christina:

@glowglowjuicehd

www.glowglowjuice.com

Ep 59: How Solo Travel Will Change Your LIfe

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Leya shares fun, personal stories about what she learned from the past month traveling solo through Mexico! She shares what led her to start solo traveling, the benefits of solo travel, what she learned from taking her first in-person yoga class since pre-pandemic, how a practice helps you evolve, developing perspective, and what the Basilica of Guadalupe taught her about meaning.

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Ep 58: ft. Sarah Mac on Entrepreneurship and Money Mindset for Creatives

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Sarah Mac is a Creative Business Coach who supports creative entrepreneurs to hit 5-figure months in fun ways in their dream business. She helps her clients to share their unique gifts through powerful storytelling that magnetizes dream clients to their offers with ease. Originally from the UK, Sarah is now based in New York. She's also a songwriter and performer.

In this episode, we talk about her experience doing a vipassana in India, entrepreneurship, how to balance personal life and entrepreneurship, money mindset, rewriting your own rules, and why artists should be making more money.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Creative Money Meditation

Connect with Sarah:

Creative Magic Club Podcast

withsarahmac.com

Ep 57: On Identity, Home, and Creativity as a Practice of Presence

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Leya shares about her travels to Mexico City, and explores the global identity crisis, finding home, and belonging, and navigating change and transition. She shares the ways in which creativity can be a practice for presence and shares a writing exercise that will help tap you into your senses and the present moment.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

@viendamaria

The Diary of Frida Kahlo

Connect with Leya:

Latest Blog Post

@leyavandoren

Ep 56: ft. Sydney Weiss on Navigating Burnout, True Rest, and Seek the Joy Podcast

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Sydney Weiss is a lawyer and the creator, host, and producer of Seek The Joy Podcast, your go-to podcast for heartfelt storytelling and conversations on all things self-love, joy, connection, wellness and spirituality. Sydney’s greatest mission is to uplift and empower others to find their authentic voice, encourage them to step into their vulnerability and courage, all to seek their joy and bring about greater healing.

In 2020, Sydney launched Stories of Inspiring Joy, a new space dedicated to sharing your stories, in your words. There is real power in storytelling, and when we come together around shared love, loss, laughter, joy and vulnerability, we build connection, create inspiration, and come together in community. We all have a story to share and a voice that is meant to be heard, and we want to share yours.

In this episode, we talk about Sydney's journey to becoming both a lawyer and podcast host, navigating burnout, the different types of rest, the evolution of Seek the Joy and healing your voice through podcasting, and living in your purpose.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone
The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav
Super Soul Sundays with Oprah
Trevor Hall

Connect with Sydney:

https://www.seekthejoypodcast.com

https://www.sydneyaweiss.com

https://www.storiesofinspiringjoy.com

Ep 55: ft. Britt Olson on Saturn Returns, Intuitive Eating, and the MAGIC Retreat

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Britt is a certified health coach, spiritual life coach, podcast host, entrepreneur, energy healer, plant-based nutrition advocate, speaker, and integrative wellness enthusiast. She utilizes the concept of bio-individuality as her guiding principle to helping overwhelmed women embrace the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to life. Her unique approach combines ancient wisdoms, quantum energy, and spirituality to guide women towards leading more aligned lifestyles, careers, and relationships.

In this episode, we talk about announcing the MAGIC retreat in Puerto Rico this December, rewriting beliefs, intuitive eating, saturn returns, spiritual wellness, surfing, and more.

Learn more about the MAGIC Retreat

Dec 3-6 2021, Rincon, Puerto Rico

Use code CREATIVESOUL for $100 off!

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Cosmic Health by Jennifer Racioppi
Art Journaling
Barbarian Days by William Finnegan
Chakra Playlist

Connect with Britt:

@thebrittolson

www.thebrittolson.com

Loving Your Own Soul Podcast

Ep 54: Creativity as a Grounding Practice & Guided Meditation

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this month's solo episode, Leya shares a life update and her tips for using creativity as a grounding practice. She shares two practices that have been helping her stay grounded in times of stress, overwhelm, and facing the unknown. PLUS she shares a special 10 minute guided meditation for grounding into your body and the earth.

Meditation starts at 12:34

Meditation music licensed by BlueTree Audio

Creative Resources Mentioned:

August 10 things
Marie Howe

Ep 53: ft. Jordy Alexander on NFT's, Experiments, and The Creator Economy

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Jordy Alexander aka Xndr is a director and startup addict currently based in Kauai. After creating his first viral video in 2013, "Hallway Swimming" he was blown away by the power of leveraging the internet. He spent the next seven years traveling and developing social content, documentaries and commercials for brands and influencers. Today, he is building Obtainable.io, Cibukan, Logos MMXX and some odd 13 other projects and is passionate about the startup world and helping others make money on the internet.

In this episode, we talk about what NFT's are and how they will impact the creator economy, how to experiment with your creativity, the value of art, how technology can help creatives, and the three realms we exist in today. This episode is perfect for people who have no idea what NFT's are and want to dive in!

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Jack Butcher
Greg Isenberg
Naval

Connect with Xndr:

@xndr.world

www.xndr.world

Ep 52: ft. Nicole Gulotta on The Writing Life, Creative Cycles, and Yoga Nidra

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0000

NICOLE GULOTTA is the author of Wild Words: Rituals, Routines, and Rhythms for Braving the Writer’s Path and Eat This Poem: A Literary Feast of Recipes Inspired by Poetry, which was inspired by her blog of the same name. Her winning poetry chapbook, Migration, was published by Flyway: A Journal of Writing and Environment at Iowa State University. As the founder of the Wild Words community, she helps fellow writers embrace the season they’re in, create at their own pace, and care for their minds and bodies along the way. Nicole holds an MFA in poetry from Vermont College of Fine Arts and her writing has appeared in Life & Thyme, LitHub, Motherwell, The Write Life, The Portland Review, Georgetown Review, and others. As a Daring to Rest™ yoga nidra facilitator, she guides women to feel both physically rested and tapped into their creative potential.

In this episode we talk about how to write in the margins, how to stay organized as a writer, the story of how she got her first book deal, how motherhood taught her to work within her seasons and cycles, writing rituals from her book, Wild Words, what to do with your old journals, and how yoga nidra can be a tool for your writing practice.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Daring to Rest by Karen Brody
Squarespace, Convertkit, Flo Desk
Alisha Sommer's podcast episode

Connect with Nicole:

thewildwords.com

@the_wildwords

Ep 51: ft. Katrina Markoff, CEO of Vosges Haut-Chocolat on Chocolate as a Medium for Storytelling

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Katrina Markoff is the CEO and Founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat and is the recipient of numerous accolades including being named one of The Top 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company, Fortune Magazine’s 40 Under 40, the Bon Appétit Food Artisan of the Year Award, and “THE innovator in chocolate to lead the US through the next 30 years” by Food & Wine Magazine. She was also honored as Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by OPEN American Express and Entrepreneur Magazine. Most recently, Vosges Haut-Chocolat was named one of the 10 Best Chocolatiers in the World by National Geographic.

In this episode, I share the serendipitous story of how we got connected through the Chicago airport and a love letter, what inspired Katrina to start Vosges, the importance of storytelling, where she finds inspiration, and the self-care practices that allow her to be a CEO, mother, wife, and more.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Energy for Success
Dennis William Hauck

Connect with Katrina:

https://www.vosgeschocolate.com/

Ep 50: Lessons On a Year of Podcasting, Finding Your Purpose, and Q+A

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this special milestone episode, Leya shares the lessons she's learned over the past year of podcasting, the unexpected gifts she's gained, and the ups and downs that this last year has taught her.

She also shares:

What to do when you get stuck in the comparison trap
How to know which creative project to follow next
How to claim your gifts
What is "purpose" and how do you find yours

++ She answers some "Know Yourself in 25 questions" and shares honestly about her journey in therapy, plant medicine, what habit she'd most like to break and the behind the scenes of the next chapter and season of The Creative Soul Podcast.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor
Beautiful Chorus, Deva Premal
A playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0YXyT36sDPpSGbQZomEAKi
Journaling Questions: https://www.mistysansom.com/blog/know-who-you-are-with-these-25-questions

Connect with Leya: https://instagram.com/leyavandoren

Ep 49: ft. Hanna Francis on Balkan Folk Dance, Songwriting, and the Power of Music

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Hanna Francis is a singer-songwriter and Balkan folk-dance teacher who is obsessed with self-help and believes you can be a little happier *right now* with the intentional use of music (both experiencing and creating). Her songs, weekly blog, monthly newsletter, podcast and YouTube dance lessons are all rooted in the belief that music is a form of therapy and self-hypnosis. She consciously uses the power of song to, with your permission, elevate you up the emotional ladder.

In this episode we talk about her journey growing up around Eastern European musicians, balkan folk dance, moving to Sweden, using songwriting as a form of therapy, how to navigate both the input and output of the creative process, and the healing power of music and community.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
Wonder Wheel by Klezmatics
Serbian Weddings on Youtube

Connect with Hanna:

@selfhelpsongwriter
The Self-Help Songwriter Podcast
https://www.hannafrancisofficial.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtynz7MiTubTDozJp4pJIow

Ep 48: ft. Ari Afsar on Activism and The Artist's Responsibility

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Ari Afsar is a singer/songwriter with placements on ABC, Disney, and Amazon. A graduate of Ethnomusicology from UCLA, Afsar just released her Concept Album distributed by Sony Masterworks, "We Won’t Sleep" She is the composer of Broadway-bound We Won’t Sleep the Musical, as named by Playbill. It was developed at the O'Neill NMTC where Afsar won the Lyricist Award. She has been commissioned for her compositions at the La Jolla Playhouse, Warren Miller Performing Arts, and The Berkshire Theater Group. Afsar has opened for Michelle Obama, Gloria Steinhem, Jane Fonda, Madeleine Albright, Misty Copeland, Michelle Kwan, Ani DiFranco and opened at the ACLU national conference with Bryan Stevenson as the keynote speaker. Her credits include starring in the Netflix original movie, “Wedding Season”, originating Eliza in Chicago's Hamilton, Miss California 2010, top 10 at Miss America 2011, and top 36 American Idol Alum. She is the co-founder of "Until We Do It" which provided masks to communities disproportionately affected by Covid-19.

In this episode, we talk about activism and the role and responsibility of the artist, how to find your collaborators and mentors, cultural representation in the arts, the making of her new musical, being a multi-hyphenate artist and the power of art to affect cultural & political change.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Democracy Now
Broadway for Racial Justice
Broadway Advocacy Coalition
Industry Standard Group

Connect with Ari:

@ariannaafsar

@wewontsleepmusical

Listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/4VLwAYBfhNy8YtgNkGLI29

Ep 47: ft. Kelly Collins on the Chakras and Living an Aligned Life

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Kelly Collins is a yoga teacher and your “go-to” Spiritual Coach and Trusted Advisor to women who are burnt out, uninspired in their career or relationships and feel disconnected from their true selves. Kelly supports clients through a holistic life audit and provides actionable spiritual tools all while using her celebrated methodology Soul Spark ™. Within a month, clients have stronger relationships, feel more fulfilled in work, have a greater sense of self-trust, and report feeling a “special spark”. Kelly’s signature coaching has captured the attention of 3.5 million readers on her blog, Paleohacks.com, and her highly-regarded podcast Soul Spark with Kelly Collins.

In this episode, Kelly shares about her spiritual awakening, going from fitness coach to yoga teacher, and gives us a masterclass on the chakra system. She goes through each chakra, sharing the energetics and qualities of each one, how to tell when it's out of balance, and how to bring it back to balance with self-care practices and mantras.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith
What Happened To You? by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Ho'oponopono meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6_QA3Mw1I4
Chakra Cheat Sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1edet7rwslT_Og02L0ND0kHpM_5mMPDaI/view?usp=sharing

Connect with Kelly:

www.kellycollinswellness.com

@thesoulsparkpodcast

Ep 46: How to Create Your Own Artist Retreat

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this month's solo episode, I share a practice that has been meaningful to me throughout the years - creating your own artist retreat! We go over what an artist retreat is, how to set intention, how to figure out what to do on your artist retreat, how to hold yourself accountable, and some at-home artist retreat ideas. I also share about some of the past artist retreats I've taken and the benefits they can provide in cultivating a relationship with you and your creativity!

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Artists Way by Julia Cameron
The True Secret of Writing by Natalie Goldberg

Need ideas for your next artist retreat or someone to hold you accountable? Connect with Leya on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/leyavandoren/

Ep 45: ft. Jyoti Chadda on Moon Wisdom, Menstrual Cycles, and Yogic Philosophy

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Jyoti is the founder of My Wellness Company, a cyclical living mentor, yoga & meditation teacher and holistic wellness practitioner. She is here to guide you back home to yourself and empower you on your journey as you peel back the layers, reclaim your truth & step into your power. She does this using a range of holistic wellness modalities including menstrual cycle mentoring, yogic philosophy, moon wisdom, ayurveda, pranayama and journaling. Jyoti has many offerings including one-to-one mentoring, women’s circles and more.

In this episode we talk about her experience growing up in the UK while being Indian, what led her to study yoga in India, the four phases of the menstrual cycle, how to build a personal relationship with your menstrual cycle, how to develop a moon practice, the 8 limbs of yoga, and the cultural appropriation and white-washing of yoga and how we can responsibly practice yoga.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Period Power by Maisie Hill
Wild Power by Alexandra Pope & Sjanie Wurlitzer
Code Red by Lisa Lister
Claire Baker - Start to Chart Free Course
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Saturn Returns with Caggie - Podcast

Connect with Jyoti:

@mywellnesscompany

www.mywellnesscompany.co.uk

Ep 44: ft. Lucy H. Pearce on Self-Publishing, Creative Bathing, and Her New Book: She of the Sea

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Lucy H. Pearce is the author of ten life-changing non-fiction books, including Nautilus Award winners Medicine Woman, Burning Woman, and Creatrix: she who makes. Her writing focuses on women’s healing through archetypal psychology, embodiment, historical awareness and creativity. Her work has been shared internationally in online and print media. Her latest book, She of the Sea, launches in July.

An award-winning graduate in History of Ideas with English Literature from Kingston University and PGCE from Cambridge University, Lucy founded Womancraft Publishing, publishing paradigm-shifting books by women for women, in 2014.

The mother of three children, she lives in a small village by the Celtic Sea in East Cork, Ireland.

In this episode we talk about how she has self-published 10 books, why she started her publishing company, WomanCraft Publishing, creative bathing, honoring your creative urges, birdsongs, inner and outer skills as an artist, why she weaves other women’s voice into her work, and her new book: She of the Sea.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Bird Net

Liquid & Ink watercoloring

Pre-order: She of the Sea https://www.womancraftpublishing.com/books/she-of-the-sea/

Connect with Lucy:

www.lucyhpearce.com

www.womancraftpublishing.com

Ep 43: ft. Oliver Butler on Hiking as a Creative Practice, Intuitive Ideas, and The Debate Society

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Oliver Butler is a director and theatermaker. He recently directed the Broadway Premiere of What the Constitution Means to Me (Nominations for the Tony Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Drama League Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and Drama Desk Award; Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama) and can be seen on Amazon Prime, West Coast Premiere of Will Eno's Thom Pain (based on nothing) starring Rainn Wilson at The Geffen Playhouse, Thom Pain (based on nothing) starring Michael C. Hall at the Signature Theatre Company, and The Amateurs by Jordan Harrison at The Vineyard, as well as many others. He is a co-founder and co-artistic director of The Debate Society with whom he has directed 10 premieres in 15 years including The Light Years (Playwrights Horizons), Jacuzzi (Ars Nova), and Blood Play (Bushwick Starr). He is a Sundance Institute Fellow and a Bill Foeller Fellow (Williamstown).

In this episode we talk about the lessons he learned from hiking the Appalachian trail for 30 days, how hiking mirrors the creative process, the process of making plays with The Debate Society, accessing intuitive ideas, trail magic, TikTok, and possibilities.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Breath of the Wild - Zelda
Joe Sacco - Footnotes in Gaza and Paying the Land
Queens Liberation Project
The People's Bodega

Connect with Oliver:

thedebatesociety.org

@oliverbutler

tik tok: oliverbutler0

Ep 42: Spirituality - My Personal Journey & Awakenings

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this month's solo episode, Leya goes deep and shares about her personal journey with spirituality. She explores religion vs spirituality, her experience living on an ashram as a teenager, how she got introduced to yoga and meditation, studying yoga in India, traveling to Bali and Thailand, plant medicine, therapy, and lessons in staying present and expanding our consciousness.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Soul on Fire Podcast
Journey of Souls by Michael Newton
Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss
Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

Connect with Leya:

@leyavandoren

www.leyavandoren.com

Ep 41: ft. Ashley Sondergaard on Cosmic Self-Care, Motherhood, and Yoga Magic

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Ashley Sondergaard is a self care coach, a yoga teacher, an astrology enthusiast and host of the Yoga Magic podcast. For 9 years, she has studied yoga, meditation, astrology and mindfulness practices that prioritize self-care and self-discovery. After having her two girls, Ashley discovered the hard way that taking care of yourself first is the only way to take care of others. Today, she supports her students & clients in up leveling their everyday routines into magical self-care rituals.

In this episode, we talk about cosmic self care which are ideas for self care based off your natal chart, motherhood and the lessons its taught her, finding expanders along your path, and what led her to starting the Yoga Magic podcast and the benefits of podcasting.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Buy Yourself The F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster

The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr

Nikki Novo

Connect with Ashley:

@ashleysondergaard.yoga

@yogamagicpodcast

www.ashleysondergaard.com

Ep 40: ft. Rukmini Poddar on the 100 Day Project, Creative Evolutions, and Drawing Emotions

Thu, 27 May 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Rukmini Poddar is an artist, designer, and educator. Her creative passion lies at the intersection of emotional wellness and creative storytelling. She is also a self-proclaimed 100dayproject artist and author of the book, 100 Obscure Emotions.

She believes what is most personal is most universal. The sooner we realize how alike we are, the more we can create a culture of empathy and personalism. She draws regularly and posts on her Instagram: @rockinruksi

In this episode, we talk about what the 100 day project taught her, leaning into your creative cycles and resistance, how she grew on Instagram and what it's like to create for other people, how to grow and evolve as an artist, the importance of quantity over quality, and the enneagram.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

On Being with Krista Tippett
Poetry Unbound
Jon Batiste - We Are
Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad
Personality Types by Don Richard Riso
The Road Back To You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile

Connect with Rukmini:

https://dearruksi.com/

Ep 39: ft. Anne Ditmeyer on Map Making, Valuing Yourself as a Creator, and Paying Inspiration Forward

Thu, 20 May 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Anne Ditmeyer (@pretavoyager) is an American creative coach and workshop facilitator based in Paris, France. She pulls from her background in design, anthropology, art history, and global communication as she helps people Write Your Own Rules and Map Your Path through fun, engaging experiences that encourage exploration and play. She's been blogging at Prêt à Voyager (translation: ready to travel) since 2007 where she explores the intersection of travel and design, as well as on her Biz Blog at anneditmeyer.com.

In this episode, we talk about community building, creative constraints, how she became French, how blogging and travel helped develop her perspective, creating your work style as a creator, learning to value yourself and your skills, and paying inspiration forward.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

London Writer's Hour
Creative Mornings Field Trips
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Adobe 99U

Connect with Anne:

https://www.anneditmeyer.com/

https://www.pret-a-voyager.com/

Ep 38: On Trusting the Process as it Unfolds

Thu, 13 May 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this month's solo episode, Leya shares authentically about her process on learning how to trust the process as it unfolds. She also shares about duality, specificity in the details, the two antidotes to any creative block, the importance of having a daily creative practice, and the possibilities of the unknown.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Janne Robinson

Mari Andrews

www.leyavandoren.com

Ep 37: ft. Rachael Ferrera on Following the Unknown Path, The Power of Breath, and Discovering Portals to your Creativity

Thu, 06 May 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Rachael Ferrera is a Certified Reiki Practitioner, Life Guide, and Spiritual Teacher. Founder of the Align & Shine movement, Rachael specializes in helping ambitious artists, creatives, and multi-passionates to level-up their lives and careers by learning to deeply love themselves, trust their intuition, and follow their unique paths.

Rachael is also an artist who believes in the powerful intersection of mindfulness and creativity. She is an actress and singer who originated a role on Broadway, has performed on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and can be seen on Netflix.

In this episode we talk about how to remove obstacles to your creativity, how to deal with “should’s” and “supposed tos” as a creative, how saying NO to Harvard and saying YES to the path of the unknown led Rachael to where she is today, her love for reiki, the power of breath, and discovering portals to your creativity.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Connect with Rachael:

Website: effortlesseasecoaching.com

Instagram: instagram.com/therachaelferrera

Free Align & Shine Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/effortlesseasecoaching

Ep 36: ft. Alyssa Lauren on Astrocartography and Travel as a Creative Process

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Alyssa Lauren is an astrocartographer and the founder of Nomad Astrology which combines her love of travel with the magic of astrology. She helps other's align with their soul purpose and find an energetically supportive destination where they can thrive.

In this episode we talk about how travel mirrors the creative process, what astrocartography is and why you might use it, how to listen to your intuition and see where you feel called, and Alyssa shares some of the travel experiences she's had using her astrocartography chart as a guide.

Connect with Alyssa:

@nomad_astrology

www.nomadastrology.com

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Line with Ashley Wood

Ep 35: ft. Malorine Mathurin on the Akashic Records, Developing your Psychic Gifts, and Intuitive Astrology

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Malorine Mathurin is an Intuitive Astrologer who uses her clairvoyant, clairsentient, and clairaudient skills in her Akashic Records, Tarot, Numerology, and Divination readings to help her clients. Malorine has studied various forms of Divination and spirituality through her Caribbean roots and ancestry and is a self-taught Astrologer and Cartomancer with over 25 years experience. Malorine has been featured in Mind Body Green as one of the 40+ black spiritual thought leaders to follow and learn from.

In this episode we talk about how she discovered and developed her psychic gifts, growing up in the Caribbean community in New York, the akashic records: what it is, how to access it, and why you might consult it, past lives, the different clair senses, and spiritual fatigue and how she decompresses.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Artists Way by Julia Cameron
Healing Pluto Problems by Donna Cunningham
Deviant Moon Tarot
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Connect with Malorine:

@moonladyastrology

Book a reading:

130moonlady@gmail.com

Ep 34: Creative Cycles & Seasons

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0000

In this month's solo episode, I share all about the different creative cycles and seasons and how to determine which one you're experiencing. From creative spring to summer to fall to winter, how can we honor our creativity as cyclical beings and allow ourselves to ebb and flow?

I also take a moment to honor the life and passing of Episode 23's guest, Amy Oestreicher.

www.leyavandoren.com

Ep 33: ft. Kate Lumpkin on Creativity & Capitalism, Point of View, and the Art of Personal Adornment

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Kate Lumpkin (she/her) is the Founder of and Lead Casting Director at Kate Lumpkin Casting, CSA. Collectively, as a casting professional, she has worked on over 40 TV/Film productions and 80 theatrical productions in New York City and across the USA including shows at The Kennedy Center, The Actors Theatre of Louisville, The A.R.T, NYTW, and many others. Kate teaches workshops in New York and at numerous Colleges + Universities and is a professor at James Madison University as well as a private coach to clients all around the world. Kate is also the host of Broadway WELLness for Playbill.

In this episode we talk about creativity and capitalism, how to develop your point of view, being a casting director, and she drops the best advice I've heard about finding creative resources!

Connect with Kate:

kate-lumpkin.com

@katelumpkin

playbill.com/socialselects

nomarketingsociety.com

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Broadway for Racial Justice
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

Ep 32: ft. Christina Sutra on the Art of Receiving, Painting, and the Messages in Dreams

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Christina Sutra is an artist, painter, and helps women rewild themselves. She shares authentically on her social media platform with her community of over 60,000 followers.

In this episode, we talk about being authentic on social media, sensuality as the art of receiving, the power of gratitude as a ritual, the messages in our dreams, and more.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Shambhala

Connect with Christina:

https://www.instagram.com/christina_sutra/

Ep 31: ft. Jessica Soares on Self-Sovereignty, Fear of Success, and Tarot as a Creative Practice

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Jessica Soares is an empowerment and self-sovereignty coach specializing in helping women overcome the fear of success and learn how to use their emotions to build a life by design rather than default. She is all about the doing and works to get people from the awareness stage into aligned action. She is also an actor and writer, wildly passionate about bringing original stories to the big screen. Dance floors are her church, she loves ice cream, and she hates mushrooms (except the magic kind)

In this episode, we talk about how to overcome the fear of success, the parallels between acting and coaching, on being a storyteller, how to cultivate your creative toolkit, movement as meditation, becoming a clear channel, self-sovereignty and discernment, and how she uses tarot for her creative practice.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Mystic Mondays
Afro Goddess Divination
Rider-Waite
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

Connect with Jessica:

https://www.jessicasoarescoaching.com/

https://www.uneditedvoices.com/

Sign up for Discover Your Creative Soul

https://leyavandoren.com/

Ep 30: Discover Your Creative Soul

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 04:00:00 +0000

What do dragonflies, bike rides, and sunrises in Mexico have to do with Discovering Your Creative Soul? Tune into this special solo episode where Leya announces the launch of her newest creative workshop, Discover Your Creative Soul - a 6 week journey to uncover your next creative idea. You'll hear the story of where she got the inspiration for the workshop, the steps of the journey that make up the creative process, and how and where to sign up!

Enroll by 3/22/21 and receive $50 off

Ep 29: ft. Shaun Leisher on Dramaturgy, being a New Play Doula, and Redefining Regional Theater

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Shaun Leisher (he/him/his) is a Philadelphia-based dramaturg and producer. As a dramaturg, Shaun has worked on productions of CLYBOURNE PARK by Bruce Norris and SMART PEOPLE by Lydia R. Diamond under the direction of nationally-recognized theatre artist and educator, Kashi Johnson at Lehigh University. As a producer, Shaun has organized play readings and new work festivals throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Shaun is also a passionate advocate for arts education and is thrilled to have recently joined the team of the theatre and education consulting company, Re:Theatre.

In this episode, we talk about that theater has shifted and adapted during the pandemic, what we miss about live theater, the challenges and issues that theater faces today, the role of the dramaturg in the creative process, and Shaun gives us a taste of how he works with actors to select new audition material.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

New Play Exchange

Delejos by Julie Piñero

Cobra Kai

Moment Work by Moises Kaufman & Barbara Pitts McAdams

Connect with Shaun:

@shaunaturgy

shaunleisher.com

Ep 28: ft. Kim Alexandrescu on Human Connection, End of Life Work, and Divine Inspiration

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Kim Alexandrescu is the owner of Sacred Space Astoria, a yoga studio and healing center created to fully support your spiritual journey. Born in Michigan, she’s made New York City her home since 2006. A 200-hour yoga teacher since 2012, Kim is also a reiki master, Urban Zen Integrative Therapist, End-of-Life Companion and Mama to 3 awesome kids.

In this episode we talk about end of life work and the lessons it has taught her, her own spiritual process of processing through the chakras, following your intuition, the process of creating her yoga studio, in person vs digital connection, and on motherhood and creativity.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Gather by Octavia Raheem

Deep Human Connection by Stephen Cope

@josielewisart

Connect with Kim:

https://www.sacredspaceastoria.com/

@mindfulmama.nyc

Ep 27: ft. Ashmi Pathela on Following Your Heart, Higher Consciousness, and the Ascension Journey

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Ashmi Pathela is an artist and writer who left her career in Silicon Valley with this intention: "Show me the power of my heart, and I will teach the world." Her travels took her all over the world, finding love in Bali, moving to Australia… but of course, the greatest journey was within. It opened her eyes to a new way of living – in joyful alignment with her heart. This week, she launched preorders for her book, Awakening the Heart of Humanity (available through @ashmi.path). It is a tribute to this unprecedented time of global awakening, an activation for the soul. She shares videos on the ascension journey with her partner Joel on @theinnerawakening.

In this episode we talk about her journey to the path of her heart, what practices helped her connect with her heart, painting and writing, 3D & 5D Consciousness, the collective awakening of humanity, New Earth, and why she wrote her new book.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Energetic Alchemist

Connect with Ashmi:

@ashmi.path

ashmipathela.com

Ep 26: How to Find Inspiration Anywhere & Everywhere

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Are you the type of creative that only creates when you're inspired? What do you do when you don't feel inspired?

In this episode, I share a mini message on inspiration and how to find inspiration anywhere and everywhere. I define the two different types of inspiration and share three ways you can find endless wells of inspiration.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

SparkFile - Susan Blackwell & Laura Camien

Lubalin: Random Internet Drama

Connect with Leya:

https://www.instagram.com/leyavandoren/

Ep 25: ft. Shauna Cummins on Hypnosis, Being an Artist of Your Life, and Her New Book, Wishcraft

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Shauna Cummins is a Hypnosis Practitioner and Trainer, board certified through the National Guild of Hypnotists in 2012. She is the author of Wishcraft: A Guide to Manifesting a Positive Future and Founder of The Divine Feminine School of Hypnosis.

Her work as a hypnotist and performance artist has been showcased worldwide at The Center for Contemporary Art in Glasgow, Scotland, The Queens Museum of NYC, Borealis Music Festival, Norway, Obonjan Island, Croatia, The National Gallery of Denmark and in publications such as The Independent, YAHOO news, NYLON, BUST, Refinery 29, and in the Jet Blue documentary HUMANKINDA among others. She maintains a private practice in NYC at The Center for Integrative Hypnosis.

In this episode, we talk about the difference between hypnosis, meditation, and manifestation, how to use hypnosis to engage your imagination in a creative way, what drew her to hypnosis, a simple wishcraft ritual to cultivate a loving relationship with yourself, and the process of writing and releasing her new book, Wishcraft.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Take a nature walk

Connect with Shauna:

http://www.shaunacummins.com/

Get the book:

http://www.shaunacummins.com/book

Ep 24: ft. Daniela Aldrich from Professional Ballerina to Farmer, What It's Like Walking Away From Your Dreams & Building a New Path

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Daniela is a ballet dancer turned farmer living in Boston, MA. After walking away from the professional dance world and finding farming in college, she hopes to find ways to bring the two together and share their numerous parallels with others (while dedicating her life to growing the sweetest carrots anyone has ever tasted). Daniela credits being able to press restart on her personal creativity journey to Leya and The Creative Soul.

In this episode, we talk about what it's like to sacrifice and dedicate everything to your craft as a child and teenager, dealing with perceived "failure", what it's like to walk away from your dreams, allowing your dreams to change, how she found farming, and the parallels between dance and farming.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

On Pointe

Konverjdans

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Podcast: Home Cooking

The Artist's Way

Connect with Daniela:

@danigramz

Ep 23: ft. Amy Oestreicher on Creativity as Healing, Life Detours, and Transforming Trauma through Art

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Amy Oestreicher is an Audie award-nominated playwright, performer, and multidisciplinary creator. Amy overcame a decade of trauma to become a sought-after PTSD specialist, artist, author, writer for The Huffington Post, international keynote speaker, RAINN representative, and health advocate. She has given four TEDx Talks on transforming trauma through creativity, and has contributed to NBC’s Today, CBS, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen Magazine, The Washington Post, Good Housekeeping, and MSNBC, among others. Her multi-award-winning musical, Gutless & Grateful has been seen in over 200 venues and she has recently published her memoir, My Beautiful Detour: An Unthinkable Journey from Gutless to Grateful.

In this episode, we go into her story and how creativity and art got her through, how to deal with life detours and the unknown, the importance of sharing your story and taking the proper time to integrate and process contrasted with today's culture of "instant sharing" on social media, and human connection.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Eugene O'Neill Theater Center

When God Was a Woman by Merlin Stone

If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

Connect with Amy:

www.amyoes.com

www.amyoes.com/shop

Ep 22: What is a Creativity Circle?

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0000

In this special solo episode, Leya explains what is a creativity circle, where the idea came from, the meaning behind the "circle" and what makes it sacred, and the four pillars that guide Leya's creativity workshops.

Then, she guides us through a mini creativity circle - complete with a guided meditation and writing prompts. Make sure you listen to this episode someplace where you can get comfortable and grab something to write with.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Circle Way

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Attend a Creativity Circle:

https://www.the-modernmermaid.com/offerings

Connect with Leya:

https://www.instagram.com/the_modernmermaid/

Ep 21: ft. Madeline Sayet on Story Medicine, Indigenous Theater, and Multi-Disciplinary Artistry

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Madeline Sayet is a citizen of the Mohegan Tribe and Executive Director of the Yale Indigenous Performing Arts Program. For her work as a theater maker she has been honored as a Forbes 30Under30, TED Fellow, and recipient of The White House Champion of Change Award from President Obama.

In this episode, we talk about how growing up with both Mohegan stories and Shakespeare shaped her, the responsibility of storytelling, the tenants of good theater, the process of writing and performing her solo show in Shakespeare's Globe, exploring the sacredness of theater, and being a multi-disciplinary artist.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Ty Defoe

Tara Moses

Vera Starbard

Perseverance Theater

Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel

Connect with Madeline:

https://www.madelinesayet.com/

Ep 20: ft. Lindsay Kinder on Food as Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Listening to Your Own Advice

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Lindsay quit a 5-year career selling corporate life insurance to pursue a dream of learning to cook in France. After backpacking solo for six months, working with local farmers exchanging labor for room and board, and receiving a Cuisine Certificate from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, she arrived in San Francisco. She is the founder of FOOD LA LA and curates unique creativity-inducing food and cocktail experiences. She's worked with brands such as Louis Vuitton, The Fairmont, Williams-Sonoma, Pinterest, Bloomingdales, Saks, Salesforce, Alaska Airlines, Google, Airbnb, and Facebook. Lindsay believes deeply in the healing power of creativity and leverages food as the perfect blank canvas.

In this episode, we talk about following your intuition and living life by your design, how she discovered her love for French Macarons and why it's the perfect blank canvas for creativity, food as an experience, and how to make cooking a fun, accessible, creative activity for all. She also gives some great tips on entrepreneurship and how to listen to your own advice.

As a gift to our listeners, Lindsay is offering one month free of the Food LaLa Cooking Club!

TRY 1 MONTH OF FOOD LALA COOKING CLUB FOR FREE!

Sign up HERE and use code CREATIVESOUL

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

How I Built This with Guy Raz

Connect with Lindsay:

https://www.food-la-la.com/

Ep 19: ft. Carly Valancy on Reaching Out, Building Habits, and Possibility

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Carly is an artist, community builder, dot connector, softball player and slam poet. She is the founder of The Reach Out Party, a course where individuals with diverse minds and from seemingly disparate industries gather to cultivate connection, community and collaboration. She is a curious questioner, nuanced communicator and mind map lover who has experienced the power of reaching out every single business day since July 27, 2019, and because of it, has found a new world of possibility and new avenues to bring art to artless spaces

In this episode we talk about cultivating habits, accountability fatigue, how to reach out to build community and connection, how reaching out helped her find her voice, imposter syndrome, the intersection between art & science, and how you can start reaching out TODAY for free!

Connect with Carly:

www.carlyvalancy.com

@carlyvalancy

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Rachel Rodger's Podcast

You Can't Stop Us - Nike Commercial

Letters to a Young Artist by Anna Deveare Smith

Moth Stories

Ted Talk: Derek Sivers: How to Start a Movement

Ep 18: 2020 Year in Review - reflections & lessons

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I share the lessons I learned during 2020. We discuss moving to NYC to follow your dreams, the economic privilege of being an artist, social media, my journey with ayahuasca and plant medicine, hosting creativity workshops, leading Writing Magic, facing your shadow, plants in Hawaii, shedding old dreams, and what navigating this year of ups and downs has taught me.

Take what you need and leave what you don't, I hope my journey can simply serve as a reflection for yours.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Reach Out by Molly Beck

Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson

Read the blog: https://www.the-modernmermaid.com/blog

Connect with Leya: https://www.instagram.com/the_modernmermaid/

RATE & REVIEW the podcast and receive a free writing meditation! Just screenshot your review and send a dm @the_modernmermaid

Ep 17: ft. Megan Bowen on Dance for EveryBODY and Creating Value for your Community

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Megan Bowen is a performer, creator & entrepreneur in NYC. Alongside her professional performing career, Megan founded Dance From Home LLC, an online company that helps Broadway lovers reconnect with the joy of live performance through musical theatre-themed fitness, dance & industry workshops. Megan believes the dance space is for everyBODY and is excited to reenter the industry post-pandemic.

In this episode, we talk about how she created a business during the pandemic, switching your mindset from starving artist to thriving artist, on the joy of dancing for every BODY, using Instagram to create community, and the story of how she ended up on an Instagram live with her Broadway Idol giving away $3,000 worth of LaDuca shoes.

Connect with Megan:

@meganbowen_

@dancefromhome_

https://www.dancebymeganbowen.com/

Creative Resources Mentioned:

@jera.bean

@jess.glazer

Vanessa Lau

Cathrin Manning

Robyn Hurder

Ep 16: ft. Kuhoo Verma on Being a Fully Formed Artist and Developing New Musicals

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Kuhoo Verma (she/they) is an NYC based artist who has been seen at Joe's Pub, 54 Below, UCB, and countless developmental workshops. Favorite roles include Zubeida (X-Files Girl) in Academy Award Nominated The Big Sick and Velma in Dave Malloy's OCTET (Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actor). Upcoming: The film Plan B coming to HULU and a show at The Public.

In this episode, we chat about how she found her path as an artist, her refreshing prospective on manifestation and gratitude, on the similarities of dating and auditioning, the development process of creating new musicals, cabarets and her time doing Octet.

Connect with Kuhoo: @whatisakuhoo

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Esperanza Spalding

James Blake

Lizzie McAlpine

Pen15

BoJack Horseman

https://www.cheeyang.com/maya

Ep 15: ft. Kerri Van Kirk on Human Design

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Kerri Van Kirk is a multidisciplinary storyteller, energy untangler, human design guide & soul-led coach for writers, performers, leaders and deep creatives. She has a podcast called The Cleaner I Get, orders nachos weekly, and is trying to choose between a hot tub and infrared sauna for her new house in Maine. She also loves TikTok.

In this episode we talk about her story living in NYC for 12 years, writing a one woman show and finding her voice, and what led her to human design. She gives us all the details on the five different energy types and how that relates to your creativity and how human design helps you figure out what you have energy for whether that be in creativity, activism, or life.

Connect with Kerri:

kerri@kaylocreative.com (for a free intro to human design course)

www.kerrivankirk.com

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Tanya Taylor Rubenstein

Podcast: Conspirituality

Ep 14: How Boredom is a Portal to Creativity

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I share a mini message on boredom and how to move through the feelings of boredom because so much creativity is born out of allowing yourself to get bored and DO NOTHING! While I find boredom very challenging, it can truly be a portal for creativity.

We explore questions like:

What happens when we judge ourselves for getting bored?
Is boredom a privilege?
How can you allow yourself to get bored?
What will we create when we’re faced with ourselves?
How can we surrender into the discomfort of moving through our feelings instead of pushing them away?
What do you want to do with all your time?
How can just being be enough?

Ep 13: ft. Lizzie Markson on Creative Flow, Interpretive vs Generative Artists, and Balance

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Lizzie Markson is a theatre artist, an acting teacher/coach, and a movement/meditation teacher. Her mission in everything she does is to empower others to open their hearts so they feel held in unity and catharsis. As an actor, she has appeared as Sophie in the “Mamma Mia!” Farewell National Tour, Anybodys in “West Side Story” at the IHI Stage Around Tokyo, and Natalie in “Next to Normal.” Every week she sends a newsletter to her mailing list called “Return To You” where she empowers creatives to come back home to their wholeness via blog posts, workshops, and classes.

In this episode we go deep on how to tap into the creative flow, setting intentions before creating, how to deal with dread and resistance, the importance of a daily creative routine, and the difference between interpretive vs generative artists.

Connect with Lizzie:

www.lizziemarkson.com

insta: @lizziemarkson

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Free Play by Stephen Nachmanovitch

Keep Moving by Maggie Smith

The Intent to Live by Larry Moss

Heart Talk by Cleo Wade

Lester Mayors - In & Out; of Life!" https://www.instagram.com/p/CB1HnGspcPn/

Ep 12: ft. Florrie Bagel on Embodying Your Fullest Expression and Creating as Energy Exchanges

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Florrie Bagel is a songbird artist who weaves with words, music, soul and wildflowers. She created Through the Smoke, an intimate cabaret evening honoring the wit, grit and jazz in the music of Amy Winehouse. She made her Broadway debut last year in The Rose Tattoo and has performed with City Center Encores! and National Tours.

In this episode we go deep on how to use breath, movement, and sound to move through fear and creative blocks, release old stories, and choose the stories you want to tell. We talk about Florrie's Broadway debut in The Rose Tattoo, creating sacred spaces in her dressing room, and on performance as an energetic exchange.

This episode is really helpful to anyone who deals with stage fright, performance anxiety, and more!

Connect with Florrie:

https://florriebagel.com/

Creative Resources Mentioned:

International School of the Temple Arts

Ep 11: ft. Yulia Van Doren on Creative Constraints, Crystals, and Professional vs Amateur Artists

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Yulia Van Doren is a Grammy-nominated international opera singer and sound healer and is one of the innovators of the modern holistic wellness movement. Her first book, Crystals is an international bestseller and has won several awards and been translated into multiple languages.

In this episode we discuss creative constraints, on making money as a creative, professional vs amateur artists, and her career transition from opera singer to crystal healer.

Connect with Yulia:

https://www.instagram.com/goldirocks.co/

http://www.goldirocks.co/

Ep 10: Lessons from Kauai & Island Meditation

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 04:00:00 +0000

In this special solo episode, I'm coming at you live from the island of Kauai in Hawaii!

I tell the story of how I unexpectedly found myself in Hawaii for the month and the lessons I learned from spending 2 weeks in quarantine.

I end the episode with a short meditation to infuse you with the magical island vibes, tap into the present moment, and ask the question - what is your island?

Creative Resources Mentioned:

How To Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell

On Being Podcast with Krista Tippett

Alisha Sommers Blog: https://www.sommersalt.com/

Ep 9: ft. Erica Schaeffer on Choosing What You Love and the Privilege of Being an Artist

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Erica (she/her/hers) is a multi-hyphenate performing and visual artist based in the Los Angeles area. She has an extensive background in Musical Theatre, and is a graduate of UC Irvine's Claire Trevor School of the Arts (where she met Leya!). When she is not on stage acting through song and dance, you can find her creating visual works (most often paint, collage, and mixed media), writing poetry, or making jewelry out of polymer clay. She also loves a good hike, thrift shopping, spending time with loved ones (like her partner Nikko), and exclaiming "DOG!" whenever she sees a dog in public.

In this episode, we discuss starting a business during quarantine, on dealing with imposter syndrome and perfectionism, what it's like to have a creative relationship with your mom, on the transition from college into the "real world", support jobs as an artist, and singing at funerals.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Collected Poems of Audre Lorde

Everything is Fucked by Mark Manson

Madison Cunningham - singer/songwriter

Connect with Erica:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ericaschaeff/

https://www.instagram.com/schaefferclaymaker/

Etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/schaefferclaymaker

GoFundMe:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-imagination-machine-help-us-stay-open

Ep 8: ft. Mandy Sham on Storytelling through Travel and Food

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Mandy Sham is a photographer, writer, and yogi seeking the power of human stories through travel and food. She has befriended, documented, and eaten her way through sixty countries. When not traveling, she is a freelance sound designer and food writer based out of Toronto, Canada.

In this episode we discuss finding creativity in the mundane, how to shed past identities, how yoga and creativity are connected, and her process on expressing your experiences from travel through creativity.

Connect with Mandy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peach.punk/

Blog: https://orenji.co/

Gobe: https://mygobe.com/blogs/ambassadors/mandy-sham

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The Artists Way by Julia Cameron

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Ep 7: ft. Alicia Albright on Going Inward, a Career on Broadway, and Mermaids

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Alicia Albright is an NYC based broadway performing artist, choreographer, creator, avid traveller and theatre dance/yoga/meditation and empowerment teacher and is starting her own company called The Feed Your Soul Project. She has appeared on Broadway as an original cast member and swing in Disney's Frozen the Musical, and was also as the Dance Captain/Swing of Wicked on Broadway.

We talk about going inward to discover your creative soul, discerning between intuition and the mind, the lessons she learned performing on Broadway, and what being a mermaid means to us.

Connect with Alicia: https://alicia-albright-njsj.squarespace.com/

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett

Finding Fred Podcast

Chicken Soup from the Soul of Hawaii

Journey of Souls by Michael Newton

Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson

When God Winks by Squire Rushnell

Ep 6: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & How Fear is Part of the Creative Process - Mini Message

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:16:00 +0000

In this episode I share a personal story how I learned to make friends with my fear and how I navigate imposter syndrome.

Whether you're scared of "calling" yourself an artist or feel too afraid of your big dreams, this episode will help you navigate those feelings and make them PART of your creative process rather than letting them stop you.

Creative Resources Mentioned:

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

Ep 5: ft. Elizabeth Woolf on Discovering Your Unique Voice, Following Your Fears, and Collaboration in the Creative Process

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Elizabeth Woolf is a singer/songwriter/guitarist who grew up in California singing along to early Frank Sinatra show tune recordings in the backseat of her mom's gray minivan, and found her voice while belting and sobbing to Sara Bareilles and Bon Iver from the driver’s seat of her dad’s hand me down Saab convertible. Once she discovered Stevie Wonder in ear buds on the BART, she knew it was time to fuse these influences into a sound of her own. Over the past two years, Elizabeth has been refining her voice, finding her storytelling, and collecting her favorite sounds. Her passion for music has turned into a craft, as she creates her own sound, based off of her interpretations of the LA indie music scene, where she currently resides. Her debut album is set for release on October 16, you can pre-order on Bandcamp here: https://ewoolf.bandcamp.com/album/til-its-dark-outside

Find Elizabeth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewoolf/

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Folklore by Taylor Swift

Ep 4: ft. Taylor Fagins on Creating Art for Social Change, Writing as Healing, and Unfinished Projects

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Taylor Fagins is a writer and storyteller. Through music, scripts, books, and speeches, he tells the story of the human experience from every lens possible. In this episode, we talk about his writing process, being a black artist in America, recording new songs on voice memos, the positive and negative feedback he got from his new song, We Need More, what to do when you have too many ideas, his experience working at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and more.

https://www.taylorfagins.com/

"We Need More" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDf2Yl3nSmY

Taylor & Leya's duet: "Run Away With Me" https://youtu.be/C6L-3etM8wA

Creative Resources Mentioned:

Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison

King of the World by Jason Robert Brown

Ep 2: ft. Ameya Ajay on the Freedom to Follow your Passions and Mixing Art & Business on Instagram

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Ameya Ajay is an artist, designer, musician, photographer, writer, and entrepreneur living in Melbourne, Australia. In this episode, she shares her thoughts on how to follow your passions, how to navigate being a multi-passionate creative, and how to turn your passions into a career!

Follow @ameyasrealm on Instagram and check out her incredible poetry books, cosmic cards, and cosmic art.

Follow her band @KeaperMusic and stay tuned for their upcoming EP!

Creative Resources Ameya Mentions:

The Secret

Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

Power vs. Force by David Hawkins

2001: A Space Odyssey

Ep 3: Creativity is your Gift - Mini Message

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I share a mini message on how creativity is your gift. Listen to this one if you've ever struggled with fear on sharing your work - whether it be an offering, a piece of art, etc! I share a personal story on how I was able to move through this particular creative block.

Trust that your creativity is a gift!

Ep 1: Intro & My Journey as a Multi-Passionate Creative, Overcoming Creative Blocks, and Being Aligned with my Path

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 17:46:13 +0000

In this episode I share my story from growing up homeschooled in a family of 8 children, starting performing in theater at the age of three, living on an ashram at the age of 14, to studying musical theater in college, working through my creative fears and blocks, self-publishing a poetry book, writing and performing a one woman show, and falling in love with creativity coaching.

This is my journey. Thank you for walking alongside with me.

Poetry Book

Instagram

Website