Genius Moments #13 - Life Lessons from Spiders & Children: Meeting Change with Courage & Excitement

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of the Creative Genius Podcast, host Kate Shepherd hosts a profound but lighthearted conversation with James McCrae (@wordsarevibrations) a Renaissance soul poet, author, meme artist, and creative strategist. Together, they explore the vital role of creativity in navigating life's complexities and uncovering deeper truths about ourselves. James shares his personal journey of surrendering to his inner voice and the transformative power of embracing and trusting our creative impulses. Throughout this easy to listen to episode, they delve into the essence of creativity, its connection to consciousness and culture, and why it is so important to share our creative work, regardless of how imperfect we may believe it to be (and the incredible thing this can lead to for us) This episode will inspire you to trust in your innate creativity and contribute to a flourishing, interconnected world and maybe even nudge you to share some of your work bravely with the world.

SHOW NOTES

Forget about waiting for perfection to knock on your door! Kate and guest James McCrae explore how the best creative journey is all about embracing the messy, beautiful chaos of creation. 

From memes to poetry to strategic wizardry, James McCrae brings a unique flair to the table that'll make you want to grab your own slice of the creative pie. Host Kate Shepherd sits down for a colourful, inspiring chat with James, a multi-talented creative based in Austin, Texas, known for his thought-provoking memes, insightful poetry, strategic expertise and popular books about creativity. 

Creativity isn't just a luxury reserved for the select "chosen few" it is actually baked right into our DNA. This episode explores how creativity is intrinsic to human existence, and offers us a clear pathway to purpose, authenticity and fulfillment. Despite societal conditioning and fears, both Kate and James both passionately advocate reconnecting with our deepest creative essence as a way to transcend some of the common limitations preventing lasting personal growth.

Creativity also isn't just about making pretty things but is actually a deep dive into the very essence of who we are. James elaborates on the two main stages of creativity, likening them to the yin and yang aspects of existence. Through his forthcoming book, "The Art of You," he explores how creativity emerges from the depths of emotion and intuition, guiding individuals towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

You'll be freshly inspired to trust in the creative process, regardless of whether you believe you have any talent or not. And Kate and James emphasize the importance of forgetting about external validation and instead focus on curiosity, self-expression and vulnerability so you can feel free to let your creative visions out into the light of day no matter how "good or bad", "weird or normal" they may seem to you. 

You'll be inspired to examine and explore your own creative impulses and probably have a brand new perspective on cultivating a culture of creativity and collaboration.

If you've ever felt that spark of creativity bubbling up inside you but weren't sure how to set it free, then this episode is for you! Kate and James are here to sprinkle a little magic into your day and remind you that your creative journey is just getting started. So grab your headphones and get ready for an adventure that'll leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to unleash your inner genius!

Key Takeaways:

Creativity as a Birthright: Kate and James underscore the innate creativity inside each and every one of us. Talent is kinda irrelevant, what is important is the willingness to go inside and see what is in there and then to begin to express it as truthfully as possible. By embracing our creative impulses, we tap into a wellspring of wisdom and inner healing which will contribute significantly to the coming Creative Renaissance. 

Trust in the Creative Process: Trusting the creative journey, recognizing that uncertainty and vulnerability and even failure are integral parts of the creative process. By relinquishing the need for perfection and external validation, we cultivate lasting resilience and unlock our full creative potential and purpose.

Community and Collaboration: The episode highlights the importance of community and collaboration in fostering a culture of creativity. Through mutual support and engagement, we amplify our impact and contribute to a thriving ecosystem of shared inspiration and innovation.

Why Listen to This Episode:

This episode of the Creative Genius Podcast offers a compelling exploration of creativity as a catalyst for personal and collective transformation. Through candid conversation and insightful reflections, Kate Shepherd and James McCrae inspire listeners to reclaim their creative power, embrace vulnerability, and contribute to a flourishing culture of creativity and collaboration. Whether you're seeking guidance on nurturing your creative impulses or simply craving inspiration and encouragement, this episode promises valuable insights and practical wisdom for navigating life's creative journey.

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

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

If you've ever grappled with your inner critic or sought guidance on navigating the complexities of teenage years, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we delve into the heart of mentorship, resilience, and the pursuit of true authenticity.

Through her insights, she illuminates the challenges of self-judgment and conformity in the middle school environment, offering valuable lessons on authenticity and self-discovery. Join us as we explore the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and trusting one's inner wisdom.

SHOW NOTES

Kate Shepherd welcomes listeners to another inspiring episode of The Creative Genius Podcast and introduces the remarkable guest, Jaime Hamilton, a middle school English teacher and watercolor artist from California. Jaime shares her personal mission to be the mentor she needed during her teenage years, now guiding her students with compassion and wisdom. She discusses her journey from being a reluctant English teacher to embracing the profound insights teaching middle school kids has given her, despite initially preferring to teach history.

Jaime offers a glimpse into her approach to connecting with teenagers in her classroom, highlighting the challenges of reaching out to certain groups while remaining authentic. She reflects on the misconception of mistaking our inner critic for ourselves and the liberating realization that brings. Jaime shares strategies for confronting our inner critic, including journaling and engaging in dialogue with it, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-compassion.

The conversation delves into various topics, from embracing imperfection in creativity to navigating childhood traumas and finding healing through self-expression. Jaime and Kate exchange stories about survival and resilience, emphasizing the transformative power of creativity and honest relationships. They explore the energetic portal of creativity and the significance of trusting one's intuition in the creative process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Embrace your purpose and overcome imposter syndrome by trusting in your abilities.
2. Encourage teenagers to embrace their individuality and authenticity.
3. Navigate self-judgment and conformity by staying true to yourself.
4. Find balance in chaos by focusing on the next right step and trusting your intuition.
5. Practice creativity for its own sake and engage in honest self-expression for healing and self-discovery.

Subscribe and LISTEN to the FULL episode

“You can't believe everything you think”   

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

It’s hard to not be skeptical about ourselves and our abilities. Art allows us to channel a source of energy, of inspiration, and opens us to become a vehicle for creativity to create beauty through our hands. We are meant to create, to allow creativity to flow through us. Our job is to remain open and to make sure we do not believe everything we think - especially when it comes to limiting beliefs. 

“You hate your own creations because you think they look too much like you made them. You think if you keep trying you can make your work look like some other, better person made it. But there is no level of skill where you transcend yourself. The thing you hate about your art, is the most valuable thing about it”  (paraphrased from Elicia Donze) 

In this encore presentation, the episode revisits Wendy McWilliams' inspiring journey, originally featured in Season One. Wendy, who started seeking a simple hobby at the age of 49, eventually discovered her life's passion in painting. Despite going through 22 different jobs, including roles at Calvin Klein and Revlon in Europe, Wendy found fulfillment and success as an artist with her work sought after for private collections worldwide. The central message of the episode is encapsulated in the phrase "You can't believe everything you think," emphasizing the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs.

EPISODE NOTES:

• Wendy McWilliams, a guest from Season One, is reintroduced in this encore presentation.
• Wendy's journey began as a search for a hobby at the age of 49, ultimately leading to a thriving art career.
• Despite navigating through 22 different jobs, Wendy found her true calling in painting.
• The episode highlights the skepticism we often harbor about our abilities and the role of art in channeling creativity and inspiration.
• The quote "You can't believe everything you think" serves as a guiding principle, encouraging listeners to challenge their limiting beliefs.
• Wendy's story reinforces the idea that we are meant to create and be open to the flow of creativity.
• The episode emphasizes the importance of remaining open, having fun, and being curious in one's journey.
• Wendy's transformative experience occurred when she allowed herself to be guided by what would be fun and enjoyable.
• The episode underscores the power of letting go of self-imposed limitations and allowing enjoyment to guide one's path.
• Wendy's journey is described as a powerful reminder of the significance of remaining open and lighthearted in pursuing one's passion.

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

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

Ever wondered about selling art without the awkward "salesy" vibe? Bibby spills the beans on leveraging email, social media, and the power of community. Plus, she takes us on a journey into the mystical realms of spirituality and intuition in art.

But here's the gold: Bibby shares the secret sauce—embracing uncertainty. Yep, surrendering control can be the gateway to your creative jackpot. She dishes on being present, noticing life's signs, and starting small on your creative odyssey.

Throughout our chat, we uncover nuggets of wisdom, like how to tackle those sneaky limiting beliefs and finding joy even amidst uncertainty (cue the furry caterpillar story!).

And hold onto your paintbrushes for Bibby's evening ritual with her artwork—this bedtime activity might just inspire your own creative rituals!

So, if you're ready to unlock your creative potential, embrace uncertainty, and blend art with business wizardry, this conversation with Bibby Gignilliat is your ticket! Trust me, you don't want to miss this artistic rollercoaster! 🎨✨

Sign up for the Creative Genius Patreon Membership, Monthly LIVE WORKSHOPs, bonus episodes, behind the scenes content, guided meditations, and truly so much more. 
 

What We Talked About - Top 3 Takeaways:

• Overcoming self-doubt and childhood experiences fuels creative passion.
• Artistic success merges artistry with business skills.
• Surrendering to uncertainty maximizes creative potential.

Show Notes:

• Introduction and Background
  • Early experiences with art and battling self-doubt.
• Pursuing Art and Career Transition
  • Finding courage to pursue art and transitioning from a successful career.
• Artistic Journey and Business Skills
  • Embracing a career in art and the importance of business acumen.
• Marketing Art and Building a Community
  • Insights into using email, social media, and nurturing a community.
• Spirituality, Intuition, and Creativity
  • Exploring spirituality's role and the significance of intuition in creation.
• Embracing Uncertainty and Surrender
  • Letting go of control, embracing uncertainty, and surrendering to creativity.

Chapters & Highlights:

• Overcoming Doubt & Pursuing Art: Early experiences and battling self-doubt.
• Transitioning to Art: Leaving a successful career, returning to art later in life.
• Art and Business Fusion: Balancing artistic prowess with business skills.
• Selling Art & Community Building: Using email, social media, and nurturing community.
• Spirituality & Creativity: Exploring spirituality's role in the creative process.
• Embracing Uncertainty: Surrendering to uncertainty and its impact on creativity.
• Finding Clarity in Moments: Being present and noticing life's signs.
• Starting Small & Building Habits: Initiating creative journeys with minimal resources.
• Facing Limiting Beliefs: Overcoming obstacles to make a living as an artist.
• Surrendering for Creativity: Balancing surrender and actively creating.

Top 3 Things You'll Gain:

1. Strategies to overcome self-doubt and leverage past experiences in art.
2. Insights into blending business skills with artistic pursuits.
3. Techniques to embrace uncertainty and maximize creative potential.

Resources Mentioned:

• Academy of Intuition Medicine
• Artists: Nick Milton, Andrew Faulkner, Michael Cutlip
• Books: "Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer

Kate's Highlight Questions:

• Introduction to Artistic Journey: Sharing experiences and battling self-doubt.
• Key Strategies for Selling Art: Overcoming the discomfort of selling art.
• Creative Surrender & Uncertainty: Embracing uncertainty and its creative impact.

This episode is a transformative journey through the intersections of art, business, spirituality, and surrendering to the creative process. Gain valuable insights into overcoming obstacles, embracing uncertainty, and igniting your artistic passion. Tune in to unlock your creative potential!

FULL TRANSCRIPT available at KateShepherdCreative.com

About Kate Shepherd

Kate Shepherd, Founder of Morning Moon Nature Jewelry and Creative Genius Inc., is a celebrated artist and podcast host, making waves in the world of creativity. Her jewelry has appeared in Netflix's "Yellowjackets" and Disney's "Once Upon a Time," while earning recognition from stars like Andie Macdowell (a repeat customer) and Meghan Markle, who once called her on the phone to tell her how much Kate’s jewelry meant to her. 

But Kate's story is not just one of artistic achievement; her true passion and calling is for supporting the human spirit to return to its creative roots. Kate believes Humanity is Glitching™ because we have collectively become disconnected from our inner creative gifts, and through her podcasts, meditations, writing, and workshops, she dedicates herself to helping as many people as she can to find and activate their intuition and creativity. 

Despite a challenging childhood and discouragement from early “teachers” Kate forged her own path with creativity at the helm. Her podcast, "The Creative Genius Podcast," empowers others to find their creative voices, too, it ranks among the top 1% of podcasts, globally.

Kate resides in North Vancouver with her two kids and rescue dog, Maggie. Join her newsletter for art classes, workshops, exclusive content, and a chance to win a piece of her work. 

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

EPISODE SUMMARY

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

SHOW NOTES

Welcome to the second part of this special two-part series dedicated to bringing closure to the old and welcoming the new. In the first part aired in December, Megan Sheldon guided us through ceremonial closure techniques for bidding farewell to the passing year and ushering in the new. Megan's expertise lies in creating personalized rituals and ceremonies, empowering transformational moments in our lives.

Now, in this sequel, we welcome back Beth Suter, a familiar face from Season One's Episode 11 of the Creative Genius Podcast. Beth, a watercolor artist and moon cycle coach, shares profound insights into harnessing the potent energy of moon cycles for intention setting and life navigation.

Beth's Expertise and Moon Cycle Wisdom:

Beth delves into the nuanced understanding of moon phases, linking them to reflection, celebration, and rest. Her depth of knowledge illuminates how each lunar phase corresponds to different aspects of life. She guides us on aligning with these cycles, creating rituals, and setting intentions for a fresh start every month.

Simplified Approach for Transformative Change:

Rather than overwhelming ourselves with an extensive list of resolutions, Beth simplifies the process by identifying one aspect of moon cycle energy that can yield substantial transformation. She crafts a feasible formula, tailored for each new moon, revealing the magic within the 13 to 24 cycles within a year.

Embracing Natural Cycles for Sustainable Growth:

Beth emphasizes the importance of honouring the natural cycles of rest, growth, and release, inherent within moon cycles. This episode is a powerful resource that listeners can revisit monthly, offering prompts, questions, and a structured routine around the new moon for transformational experiences.

The Compassion Within Moon Cycle Practices:

Central to Beth's teachings is the reminder that growth isn't the sole focus; it's equally vital to embrace rest and release. Moon cycle rituals serve as a reminder of when to channel vibrant energy and when to nurture introspection, providing a balanced approach to life's evolution.

Invitation to Transform:

Listeners are encouraged to embrace Beth's offering by committing to her new moon rituals monthly, an invitation to incorporate these practices into their lives for sustained growth and introspection.

Workshop Invitation

The next Activating Intuition & Creativity workshop is scheduled for January 25th. For patrons of the Colorful Community tier Patreon Membership, workshop admission is included. The support from patrons helps sustain the podcast, and Kate Shepherd is grateful for every contribution.

Parting Words:

As we embark on this journey of intentionality and transformation, remember to take care of yourself and have faith in the unfolding journey.

Key Discussions:

Reflecting on Personal Growth: Embracing the power of retrospection to release what no longer serves personal growth.

Moon Cycles and Intention Setting: Understanding the profound influence of various moon phases on directing energy and emotions toward specific intentions.

Aligning Practices with Moon Cycles: Embracing reflection, celebration, and the vital role of rest as harmonious practices in sync with the moon's rhythm.

Societal Expectations vs. Authenticity: Unveiling the disparity between societal pressures and the intrinsic essence, particularly prevalent during festive periods.

Rituals for the New Year: Insights into crafting meaningful rituals and intentions using upcoming moon cycles for a fresh start and sustainable progress.

Takeaways:

Moon cycles offer a potent tool for intention setting and navigating life's journey.
The diverse phases of the moon exert distinct influences on emotional states and personal energy.

Reflection, celebration, and deliberate rest serve as pivotal practices intertwined with the ebbs and flows of lunar cycles.

Crafting rituals and setting intentions in tandem with moon phases offer a gateway to renewed beginnings and continual advancement.

Things we Talk About

Beth's Insights on Moon Cycles: Understanding and harnessing the energy of lunar phases.
Power of Moon Energy: Delving into the phases' impact on emotional states and intentions.
Embracing Reflection and Celebration: Highlighting the importance of rest and honoring achievements.
Navigating Societal Expectations: Addressing the contrast between societal norms and authentic inclinations.
Crafting New Year Rituals: Insights into setting intentions aligned with forthcoming moon cycles.
Tapping into Lunar Cycles for Intentions: Strategies to release and progress through moon-aligned intentions.

Tune in for a transformative dialogue on syncing life's rhythms with the captivating cadence of moon cycles, fostering intentionality, and embracing authenticity in navigating life's journey.

Sign up for the Creative Genius Patreon Membership, Monthly LIVE WORKSHOPs, bonus episodes, behind the scenes content, guided meditations, and truly so much more. 

About Kate Shepherd

Kate Shepherd, Founder of Morning Moon Nature Jewelry and Creative Genius Inc., is a celebrated artist and podcast host, making waves in the world of creativity. Her jewelry has appeared in Netflix's "Yellowjackets" and Disney's "Once Upon a Time," while earning recognition from stars like Andie Macdowell (a repeat customer) and Meghan Markle, who once called her on the phone to tell her how much Kate’s jewelry meant to her. 

But Kate's story is not just one of artistic achievement; her true passion and calling is for supporting the human spirit to return to its creative roots. Kate believes Humanity is Glitching™ because we have collectively become disconnected from our inner creative gifts, and through her podcasts, meditations, writing, and workshops, she dedicates herself to helping as many people as she can to find and activate their intuition and creativity. 

Despite a challenging childhood and discouragement from early “teachers” Kate forged her own path with creativity at the helm. Her podcast, "The Creative Genius Podcast," empowers others to find their creative voices, too, it ranks among the top 1% of podcasts, globally.

Kate resides in North Vancouver with her two kids and rescue dog, Maggie. Join her newsletter for art classes, workshops, exclusive content, and a chance to win a piece of her work. 

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

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

Part 2 (Ep. 56. Jan 5th)  Lunar Alchemy: Cultivating opportunities for Growth with Intention will be released in January. Moon Cycle Coach Beth Suter (episode 11) will guide us through a set of rituals we can turn into habits for aligning with the rhythms of the moon to grow in our lives with intention and clarity. 

Part 1: Embracing Endings: Reverence & Presence in Farewell

In this conversation, Megan Sheldon, Founder of Be Ceremonial, discusses the importance of ritual and ceremony in personal growth and reflection. She shares her journey to becoming a life cycle celebrant and the inspiration behind launching Be Ceremonial.

Megan emphasizes the potency of end-of-year rituals and the role they play in acknowledging and processing emotions. She encourages listeners to choose a word for the year and offers guidance on creating their own closing ceremony. Megan also highlights the community aspect of ritual and the power of coming together to share and witness each other's experiences.

In this conversation, Megan Sheldon and Kate Shepherd discuss the power of ritual and ceremony in closing the year and setting intentions for the new year. They explore the importance of personalized ceremonies and the role of ritual in fostering connection and vulnerability. They emphasize the significance of embracing the present moment and reflect on the past year to gain insights and choose words of guidance. 

Megan introduces the Be Ceremonial app, which offers a variety of rituals and ceremonies for different life events. They highlight the transformative potential of rituals and the importance of building a community of ceremony seekers. 

This episode is packed with specific information about how rituals make up ceremonies and how to create your own. She offers us four rituals each rooted in one of the four elements (Fire, Water, Air & Earth) and walks us through a ceremonies that are immensely supportive for navigating the complexities of time of year to help us with everything from how to simultaneously hold two polarities like grief and joy (Two-Sided Coin) to how to let go of specific difficult events from the past year (The Calendar Burn, and The Release Boat) 

She shares the beautiful ritual she does with her husband (that you could also do with a friend or sister) on the last day of each year that helps her both stay deeply connected with him and herself and her goals and dreams. 

She gives us a simple yet powerful prompt for something to reflect upon over the next couple of weeks to help us prepare to close out the year. 

She also provides us questions to contemplate now, in advance of our actual end of year rituals and ceremonies that will make them that much more potent. 

This episode is POWERFUL support for bringing more intention and presence into your life in a living, breathing way. I am not exaggerating when I say that this episode could change your entire life. 

Takeaways

• Ritual and ceremony provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and pay attention to the moments of change and transition in our lives.
• Acknowledging and validating all emotions, including the difficult ones, is an important part of the ritual and ceremony process.
• Choosing a word for the year can serve as a guiding intention and help shape our experiences and actions.
• End-of-year rituals can involve releasing what no longer serves us, being present in the moment, and setting intentions for the future.
• Rituals can be adapted and personalized to fit individual preferences and can involve elements such as fire, water, air, or earth. Setting intentions for the new year can be done through personalized ceremonies and rituals.
• Rituals foster connection, vulnerability, and a deeper sense of community.
• Reflecting on the past year helps gain insights and choose words of guidance.
• The Be Ceremonial app offers a variety of rituals and ceremonies for different life events, providing ongoing guidance and support.

What We Talk About 

• The Importance of Ceremony and Reflection
• The Role of Ritual and Ceremony in Personal Growth
• The Potency of End-of-Year Rituals
• The Community Aspect of Ritual
• How to Choose a Word for the Year
• Guidance for Rituals to Close the Year
• Setting Intentions for the New Year
• Creating Personalized Ceremonies
• The Transformative Potential of Rituals
• Building a Community of Ceremony Seekers

Sign up for the Creative Genius Patreon Membership, Monthly LIVE WORKSHOPs, bonus episodes, behind the scenes content, guided meditations, and truly so much more. 

About Kate Shepherd

Kate Shepherd, Founder of Morning Moon Nature Jewelry and Creative Genius Inc., is a celebrated artist and podcast host, making waves in the world of creativity. Her jewelry has appeared in Netflix's "Yellowjackets" and Disney's "Once Upon a Time," while earning recognition from stars like Andie Macdowell (a repeat customer) and Meghan Markle, who once called her on the phone to tell her how much Kate’s jewelry meant to her. 

But Kate's story is not just one of artistic achievement; her true passion and calling is for supporting the human spirit to return to its creative roots. Kate believes Humanity is Glitching™ because we have collectively become disconnected from our inner creative gifts, and through her podcasts, meditations, writing, and workshops, she dedicates herself to helping as many people as she can to find and activate their intuition and creativity. 

Despite a challenging childhood and discouragement from early “teachers” Kate forged her own path with creativity at the helm. Her podcast, "The Creative Genius Podcast," empowers others to find their creative voices, too, it ranks among the top 1% of podcasts, globally.

Kate resides in North Vancouver with her two kids and rescue dog, Maggie. Join her newsletter for art classes, workshops, exclusive content, and a chance to win a piece of her work. 

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

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

Lately, I've found myself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. The daily routines, the holiday rush, and the weight of global events have left me feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Yesterday's walk was particularly poignant. The rain mirrored my emotions, pouring down as I wrestled with feelings of frustration and a sense of being lost amidst the holiday chaos and maybe even life itself. 

As the the rain kept falling, the trees kept treeing. The dog kept running. And I without having to really think about it, kept putting one foot in front of the other. I realized, it's okay to have days when everything feels a bit out of sync. So right there, in the midst of all these ordinary miracles; mushrooms growing underfoot, the ancient, stoic trees effortlessly sustaining all our lives, and the relentless rushing of water (how does the river always seem to know exactly where it is going? And with such purpose?) I allowed myself to have a good cry amidst it all. I let it all out. And not surprisingly, it did. It served as a gentle reminder that none of us have it all together, no matter how it might seem on the surface.

The other night, I had this dream about meeting Ellen DeGeneres. When I sat with it I was able to decode a pretty beautiful message from this dream. I talk about it inside this episode. Have a listen when you have 15 mins. (And if you know Ellen, please send her a note that I would love to talk to her on Creative Genius!) 

There's an incredible two-part series—starting on December 22  - the first one is about closing out the year with meaningful rituals and intentions, with another one two weeks later with invaluable insights for making 2024 a stellar year. Make sure you are tuned in for those. 

And if you hadn't heard, I'm hosting a special event on January 1st called "Liminal Lights." It's all about bidding adieu to 2023's baggage and setting intentions for the new year. I have a strong feeling it's going to be an incredibly powerful experience. Sign up below. 

I want to remind you that it's perfectly fine not to have everything figured out. Life's journey is messy, but within that chaos lies a beautiful path of growth and discovery. We're all navigating this journey together, embracing the twists and turns as best we can.

Take good care of yourself, and let's catch up soon. Sending you loads of positive energy your way!

xoxo

About Kate Shepherd

Kate Shepherd, Founder of Morning Moon Nature Jewelry and Creative Genius Inc., is a celebrated artist and podcast host, making waves in the world of creativity. Her jewelry has appeared in Netflix's "Yellowjackets" and Disney's "Once Upon a Time," while earning recognition from stars like Andie Macdowell (a repeat customer) and Meghan Markle, who once called her on the phone to tell her how much Kate’s jewelry meant to her. 

But Kate's story is not just one of artistic achievement; her true passion and calling is for supporting the human spirit to return to its creative roots. Kate believes Humanity is Glitching™ because we have collectively become disconnected from our inner creative gifts, and through her podcasts, meditations, writing, and workshops, she dedicates herself to helping as many people as she can to find and activate their intuition and creativity. 

Despite a challenging childhood and discouragement from early “teachers” Kate forged her own path with creativity at the helm. Her podcast, "The Creative Genius Podcast," empowers others to find their creative voices, too, it ranks among the top 1% of podcasts, globally.

Kate resides in North Vancouver with her two kids and rescue dog, Maggie. Join her newsletter for art classes, workshops, exclusive content, and a chance to win a piece of her work. 

​​In this episode we explore the transformative power of reconnecting with intuition, unlocking the secrets to artistic mastery through connecting with your inner child, and the profound impact of bravely following one's artistic impulses. 

Artist Andrew Faulkner candidly shares his journey—from the creative doubts that plagued him even when his work was being published in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times & The Washington Post to embracing the profound magic of honest, childlike expression in his artwork. This conversation offers practical wisdom on navigating creative blocks, embracing continuity in your work, and understanding the true essence of intuition beyond stereotypes and promises to reignite your passion for creativity and your sense of what is possible. 
 

The Artist's Journey: Doubts and Discoveries
Andrew's artistic journey was been marked by uncertainties despite prestigious publications. His transition from graphic design to where he is now as an acclaimed painter hints at the profound transformations possible when we heed the call of our creative intuition.

Discipline, Continuity, and Deeper Resonance
We delved into the significance of discipline and crafting work with continuity for a more profound connection with our audience. Andrew's insights on creating a cohesive narrative in our artwork are inspiring food for thought. 

Unveiling Intuition: Beyond Stereotypes
In our conversation we challenge stereotypes surrounding intuition, emphasizing its role in artistic processes and have an honest conversation about what intuition IS and IS NOT. Andrew's perspective on understanding and cultivating intuition beyond conventional notions provides a refreshing take on creative inspiration and I think will really inspire you. 

Embracing Creative Practices: Overcoming Blocks and Fears
From integrating digital tools to facing creative blocks and overcoming fears, Andrew's experiences offer practical advice for artists navigating the challenges of the creative process.

Balancing Mastery and Childlike Expression

A fascinating exploration unfolded around balancing artistic mastery with the honest, childlike expression that infuses magic into artwork. Andrew's insights shed light on the delicate interplay between skill and authenticity in creative endeavors.

Community, Inspiration, and Environmental Influences

The importance of community, sharing trade secrets, and finding inspiration from environmental influences, particularly the vibrant landscapes of Northern California, emerged as pivotal themes.

A Call to Reconnect with Creativity

As the episode draws to a close, it leaves a resonating message about the role of creativity in personal fulfillment and societal well-being. Andrew Faulkner's journey serves as an inspiring reminder to heed the whispers of creativity and embrace its transformative potential.

Sign up for the Creative Genius Patreon Membership, Monthly LIVE WORKSHOPs, bonus episodes, behind the scenes content, guided meditations, and truly so much more. 

About Kate Shepherd

Kate Shepherd, Founder of Morning Moon Nature Jewelry and Creative Genius Inc., is a celebrated artist and podcast host, making waves in the world of creativity. Her jewelry has appeared in Netflix's "Yellowjackets" and Disney's "Once Upon a Time," while earning recognition from stars like Andie Macdowell (a repeat customer) and Meghan Markle, who once called her on the phone to tell her how much Kate’s jewelry meant to her. 

But Kate's story is not just one of artistic achievement; her true passion and calling is for supporting the human spirit to return to its creative roots. Kate believes Humanity is Glitching™ because we have collectively become disconnected from our inner creative gifts, and through her podcasts, meditations, writing, and workshops, she dedicates herself to helping as many people as she can to find and activate their intuition and creativity. 

Despite a challenging childhood and discouragement from early “teachers” Kate forged her own path with creativity at the helm. Her podcast, "The Creative Genius Podcast," empowers others to find their creative voices, too, it ranks among the top 1% of podcasts, globally.

Kate resides in North Vancouver with her two kids and rescue dog, Maggie. Join her newsletter for art classes, workshops, exclusive content, and a chance to win a piece of her work. 

This mini episode addresses the  formidable force of limiting beliefs and their impact on personal growth and self-expression. Creative Genius Podcast Host Kate Shepherd candidly shares  her own lifelong struggle with some of these beliefs, how she's performed acrobatics to keep herself small and held back her own innate brilliance. And the ongoing yearning to embrace and express her true self. 

Kate shares how she gradually dismantled these limiting beliefs, taking courageous steps like applying for jobs she felt unworthy of and vulnerably sharing her art with the world. These actions led to transformative outcomes, from life-changing jobs to resonating deeply with audiences through her art.

The pivotal moment when Kate courageously identified as an artist revealed the power society’s perceptions had in deterring her from fully embracing her artistic identity, despite it being a part of her since childhood.

Reflecting on the societal conditioning around declaring one's true self, Kate contemplates the impact of the stories we tell ourselves and their connection to our identities and societal responses. She shares her ambition for the Creative Genius Podcast, aiming to empower others to embrace their creativity and spark a movement of self-expression.

INSIDE THIS EPISODE

The Power of Limiting Beliefs: Kate’s personal journey of navigating and chipping away at these beliefs that hindered her from embracing her true identity as an artist.

Challenging Societal Norms: The impact of societal expectations and conditioning on self-expression and the fear of being perceived as arrogant or unacceptable when embracing one's true self.

Empowering Creativity: Kate’s vision for the Creative Genius Podcast and her transformative workshops centered around activating intuition and creativity.

Invitation to Break Free: Encouraging listeners to challenge their own limiting beliefs, contemplate the stories they tell themselves, and embrace their truest selves as a way of serving both themselves and the world.

This episode serves as a compelling reminder of the power of authenticity and self-discovery. Kate’s journey highlights the transformative potential of breaking free from limiting beliefs, inviting listeners to embark on their own journeys toward embracing their true brilliance.

About Kate Shepherd

Kate Shepherd, Founder of Morning Moon Nature Jewelry and Creative Genius Inc., is a celebrated artist and podcast host, making waves in the world of creativity. Her jewelry has appeared in Netflix's "Yellowjackets" and Disney's "Once Upon a Time," while earning recognition from stars like Andie Macdowell (a repeat customer) and Meghan Markle, who once called her on the phone to tell her how much Kate’s jewelry meant to her. 

But Kate's story is not just one of artistic achievement; her true passion and calling is for supporting the human spirit to return to its creative roots. Kate believes Humanity is Glitching™ because we have collectively become disconnected from our inner creative gifts, and through her podcasts, meditations, writing, and workshops, she dedicates herself to helping as many people as she can to find and activate their intuition and creativity. 

Despite a challenging childhood and discouragement from early “teachers” Kate forged her own path with creativity at the helm. Her podcast, "The Creative Genius Podcast," empowers others to find their creative voices, too, it ranks among the top 1% of podcasts, globally.

Kate resides in North Vancouver with her two kids and rescue dog, Maggie. Join her newsletter for art classes, workshops, exclusive content, and a chance to win a piece of her work. 

SUMMARY 

Megan Sheldon, a seasoned End of Life Doula, Celebrant, and Cultural Mythologist, guides us through the profound significance of rituals and ceremonies in acknowledging life's transitions, especially during moments of loss and change. With her background and expertise, Megan shares insights into the transformative potential of these practices, offering tools and frameworks for creating personalized rituals. She emphasizes their role in processing emotions like anger and grief, discussing their historical absence in modern society and how they were once fundamental in ancient cultures. Megan's personal experiences, including recurrent pregnancy losses and the loss of a loved one, fuelled her passion for empowering others through rituals, showcased by a poignant story of creating a meaningful ritual for her father's dying friend. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how rituals serve as powerful tools for emotional healing and understanding in life's most challenging moments.

EPISODE NOTES 

In this episode, Megan Sheldon, End of Life Doula, Celebrant, Cultural Mythologist and Founder of BE Ceremonial, an organization that supports people through grief and loss through bespoke rituals and ceremonies, takes us on a journey into the transformative potential of rituals and ceremonies. Megan,  who has her Masters in Cultural Mythology, has helped thousands of individuals connect with their inner creative instincts to craft meaningful experiences by activating the power of ritual and ceremony to acknowledge life's moments, particularly amidst loss or change. 

Throughout the episode, Megan answers thought-provoking questions that unravel the essence and importance of rituals and ceremonies, delving into the mechanics of their magic, empowering listeners to explore and incorporate rituals into their lives.

Megan shares her framework of creating ceremonies (her 1-5 ingredients), tools for building personalized rituals, examples of rituals resolving past traumas, to the societal absence of rituals surrounding significant life events like death and miscarriages. She delves into the lost connection to creativity, exploring how rituals and ceremonies were once integral to ancient cultures but have been largely excluded from modern Western society. Megan shares her perspective on rituals as a means to process emotions, addressing anger, grief, and other overlooked feelings, emphasizing their role in guiding us through life's emotional landscapes. She enlightens listeners on the mechanics of ritual magic and provides guidance for individuals seeking to incorporate rituals into their lives.

She opens up about how her own recurrent pregnancy losses and the loss of a close family member led her to turn to ceremony and ritual to make sense of and heal from those losses, and how that sparked a passion in her to empowering others to tap into the power of rituals as a means of authentically expressing and navigating complex feelings. 

And she shares a deeply touching story about creating a ritual for her father's dying friend, a story that had me in tears. 

Throughout the episode, Megan touches on various aspects, from the framework of creating ceremonies (her 1-5 ingredients), tools for building personalized rituals, examples of rituals resolving past traumas, to the societal absence of rituals surrounding significant life events like death and miscarriages. She delves into the lost connection to creativity, exploring how rituals and ceremonies were once integral to ancient cultures but have been largely excluded from modern Western society. Megan shares her perspective on rituals as a means to process emotions, addressing anger, grief, and other overlooked feelings, emphasizing their role in guiding us through life's emotional landscapes. She enlightens listeners on the mechanics of ritual magic and provides guidance for individuals seeking to incorporate rituals into their lives.

What we Talk About

-Understanding and practice of rituals and ceremonies.

-The mechanics of rituals and their potency in guiding individuals through difficult emotional landscapes

-Megan’s 1-5 ingredients and a list of tools she uses to empower individuals in building personalized and impactful rituals.

-How you can begin to invite ritual and ceremony into your life

-Societal pressure to pursue constant happiness, leading to the neglect of negative emotions and how rituals can help us learn to sit with the uncomfortable 

-Examples of transformative rituals designed by Megan, that have supported people to resolve traumatic experiences from their past.

About Kate Shepherd

Kate Shepherd, Founder of Morning Moon Nature Jewelry and Creative Genius Inc., is a celebrated artist and podcast host, making waves in the world of creativity. Her jewelry has appeared in Netflix's "Yellowjackets" and Disney's "Once Upon a Time," while earning recognition from stars like Andie Macdowell (a repeat customer) and Meghan Markle, who once called her on the phone to tell her how much Kate’s jewelry meant to her. 

But Kate's story is not just one of artistic achievement; her true passion and calling is for supporting the human spirit to return to its creative roots. Kate believes Humanity is Glitching™ because we have collectively become disconnected from our inner creative gifts, and through her podcasts, meditations, writing, and workshops, she dedicates herself to helping as many people as she can to find and activate their intuition and creativity. 

Despite a challenging childhood and discouragement from early “teachers” Kate forged her own path with creativity at the helm. Her podcast, "The Creative Genius Podcast," empowers others to find their creative voices, too, it ranks among the top 1% of podcasts, globally.

Kate resides in North Vancouver with her two kids and rescue dog, Maggie. Join her newsletter for art classes, workshops, exclusive content, and a chance to win a piece of her work.