Made To Create

In this episode I chat with my friend (and next door neighbor) Brittany Oaks Portis about her start as a dancer, musician, and actress. Brittany shares how all of life - motherhood, dreams, aspirations, and career - have shifted and grown over time into what she is doing now. Follow Brittany on Instagram: @portisfamilyCheck out her work on IMDb: Brittany Oaks

This episode was such a treat! I chat with Amanda Morrow, Co-Owner of The Flower Pot Cafe and Bakery and Three Legs Coffee Roasters in La Jolla, California.  Amanda shares all about her crazy journey starting out as Owner of the Pannikin, La Jolla - until they unexpectedly lost their lease. Through lots of community support, they were able to open up their current cafe, a beautiful space that is a "safe haven for the old, young, and the black sheep of the family. "Follow  them on Instagram @flowerpotcafeandbakery Visit the website at https://www.flowerpotcafe.org/Or tlcroasters.org

God can use everything we do, even that which feels mundane and unimportant. In this episode I chat with Sarah Hausser, Author, Speaker, and food blogger about the intersection between faith, food, community...and of course creativity.Gathering together can seem so normal and insignificant but there is such sacredness between gathering at the table. Sarah details in such beautiful imagery the significance of it - not just in this life but in the one to come. Website: https://www.sarahjhauser.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.j.hauser/ Food blog: https://www.sarahjhauser.com/blog Order her book, All Who are Weary: https://www.sarahjhauser.com/book Chicken and Peach Skewers recipe: https://www.coffeeandcrumbs.net/blog/2019/7/25/were-going-to-get-it-wrong-and-a-recipe-for-chicken-peach-skewersSlow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: https://www.wellplated.com/slow-cooker-honey-garlic-chicken/

Sometimes when we begin feeling uninspired or your creative outlet has lost its luster it can be very tempting to throw in the towel. However, maybe we don't need to do that. Maybe all we need is to make a small change. 

In this episode we have a full house. Cody and I are both joined by Zach and Kristen LaValley in this "creative couples" episode. Our conversation is full of plenty silly banter as well as deep conversation around the intersection of faith, family, community, and creativity, and parenthood. Zach and Kristen are parents to 5 kids and had so much wisdom to share about living faithfully and creatively amongst the chaos of life. Connect with Zach and Kristen:@kristen.lavalley@zachlavalleyPre-order Kristen's book, Even If He Doesn'tCheck out Kristen's substack, Things I'm Thinking AboutLearn more about Lk10

In this episode I chat with Coral Goetze, artist and Founder of My Illustrated Family. Coral shares her story of how she got started as an artist and about her recent journey with vision loss. She opens up about all the ways it has impacted her life as a mom, visual artist, and person of faith. Coral's story is so inspiring and she has so much wisdom to share for anyone going through a season of uncertainty or unexpected change. To follow Coral and see more of her art:Instagram: My Illustrated FamilyInstagram: Coral GoetzeEtsy: My Illustrated Family

Presenting the first of many, monthly bonus episodes. In this solo episode I share my latest thoughts on the connection between failing forward, perseverance and the creative journey. 

In this episode I totally geek out with Gary Ware, Founder of Breakthrough Play. Gary shares how he went from working the corporate rat race to now inspiring others to bring more playfulness in their lives, whether they are the CEO or a stay -at-home mom. Gary's work is backed by research and his own personal testimony of feeling run down and burnt out until he discovered the wonderful world of improve and play. This episode will have you wanting more playfulness in your life, for home and even your work. To follow and learn more about Gary and Breakthrough PlayWebsiteInstagramLinked InYoutubeFacebookCheck out Gary's new book, Playful RebellionTake the Play Personality Assessment 

In this episode I chat with Musician and Founder of the Table Art Society, Haley Dall   (or Haley Montgomery - the name under which some of her music can be found).Haley absolutely BRINGS it in this conversation as we talk about the intersection of faith, community, and creativity. She calls out all the ways in which many artists and creatives have felt broken, alone and longing for a place to bring their true creatives selves. She also leaves us with so much hope and wisdom as she shares about the Table Arts Society - a space where the artist can be seen for who they are, not just what they do or create. To follow and learn more about Haley and The Table Art Societytable arts society instagramWebsites: www.thetableartsociety.com  www.haleymontgomery.comwww.haleymontgomery.com/confessionsInstagram:haleymontgomerymusicwhatadall

In this episode, I chat with Ashlee Gadd, Founder of Coffee + Crumbs—a beautiful online space where motherhood and storytelling intersect. We discuss her newest book, Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood. In her book and our conversation, Ashlee gives us permission to pursue our creative gifts alongside motherhood and shares her thoughts on the question every parent has - how do you balance it all?To follow and learn more about AshleeWebsite:  www.ashleegadd.comInstagram: @ashleegaddPinterest: ashlee_gaddSubstack: ashleegadd Buy her book on Amazon: Create Anyway  

In this episode I chat with Rheanna Downey and Molly Jenson of the band, Shhhhh. Don't worry they're not trying to shush you, that's just their name. We cover a lot of ground in our conversation but central to it all is the idea of trusting yourself and the creative process. Whether that be, believing you are never too old to pursue what you love or just trusting that the next song, book, painting, or inspiration in general will  come to you. Molly and Rheanna share all about how they met, what it is like writing and playing together, and about all the things that are lighting them up these days. Also, stick around to the end to hear them play one of their new songs! Follow Shhhhh on Instagram: shhhhhthebandOr follow on Facebook: shhhhhthebandVisit their website: www.shhhhhtheband.com 

What on earth could chemistry, music and comic books have in common? Quite a bit as it turns out!In this episode I chat with Dr. Colleen Kelley, Founder of Kids Chemical Solutions. Colleen found herself captivated by the question, “Why do my students think chemistry is SO hard?” After a great deal of research, Colleen decided to do something to make the subject of chemistry accessible and fun for even the youngest learners through her comic book series called The M.C. Detective Agency: Chemical Solutions Required. Colleen shares all about her process for developing these books - from how she came up with the characters and plot lines and even shares a bit about the magic of chemistry in our every day lives.  Visit Colleen's website https://kidschemicalsolutions.com/Order Colleen's book series http://mcdetectiveagency.org 

In this episode I got the pleasure to chat with Bass Player, Jeremy Radio.  We chat about his long career in music and what it is like to dream big dreams. Then see them come true, while also maintaining a great love and appreciation for the work. Jeremy shares what life on the road has been like, what it is that makes music last and how spirituality and individuality play a part in the music he creates. Jeremy has so much joy and gratitude and was such an awesome guest. Whether you are a musician or not, this episode has something for everyone. Jeremy  just released an album with his band Thousand Dollar Movie, he produces  music with Gigantic Record Company, and plays bass for John Mark McMillan Follow Jeremy on instagram: @jeremyradio 

In this episode I chat with Justin Wilson, a Tattoo Artist, Navy Veteran, Painter, Writer and more. Justin shares how he developed his passion for art and tattooing. We also discuss how identity plays a critical role in how we see ourselves and our abilities. Justine has tattooed all over the world and is currently residing and working in San Diego, California. To follow and learn more about JustinInstagram: @the.lost.viking  Website: thelostviking.us 

In this episode I chat with Heather Penny - Coach, Speaker, and Author. Heather works with clients both privately and in the corporate world to identify the false beliefs holding them back and replace them with true beliefs. We discuss the challenges that come along with cultural and societal expectations to constantly burn the candle at both ends and how detrimental it can be both personally in addition to our creativity. If you find yourself in need of encouragement as you balance all the roles and responsibilities in life, this is the episode for you!To follow and learn more about Heather Website: heatherpenny.com Instagram: @heatherpennyphd

In this episode I chat with Melissa Heinemann and Lisa Bencivenga of Gigi's Getaway - an outdoor preschool dedicated to teaching through play. We chat about how play and nature can be tools for learning and how (in the words of Maria Montessori) play is the work of children. Melissa and Lisa share about the things they've learned from their students, how they've had to be flexible in an outdoor environment and even share some crazy stories like having multiple funerals for the same dead bird.  Learn more about Gigi's Getawayinstagram.com/gigisgetaway gigisgetaway.com     

We got to chat with our friends Jenna and John Moore. Jenna runs a creative vending movement called WonderboxSD, which features local makers, merchants and artisans. Her husband John has a mobile book store and booth in Liberty Station both under the banner of Gentleman John Books.We talked about their creative and entrepreneurial journeys and what it is like to pivot and shift with your ideas.Connect with Jenna and John:wonderboxsd.art@wonderbox.sd@gentlemanjohnbooks

I don’t know about you but I definitely remember seeing comments on my report cards that read, “spends too much time daydreaming”. But is daydreaming really a bad thing? And how does daydreaming relate to creativity? We talk about this and more in this episode with Paula Intravaia from The Cloud Club Collective. Connect with Paulawww.mycloudclub.orgwww.instagram.com/cloud_club_collective

In this episode with Jess at Raisingslow we talk about making the choice to slow down and the impact it can have on us, our kids and our creativity. Jess shares with us how she was forced to reevaluate her pace of life and how minimizing the mental and physical clutter has helped them to live a fuller and more creative life. Connect and get some free resources from Jess at raisingslow.comFollow Jess on instagram @raisingslow

Made to Create welcomes back Laura Haver to talk about her journey as a writer and aspiring author. We talk about how comparison can be the "thief" of our creativity. Laura is also the founder of Author Moms, a group dedicated to providing space for moms to develop their writing skills, share ideas, and work towards authorship. Follow Laura on Instagram @lauramhaver Find out more about Author Moms @authormoms Reach out to Laura for coaching and free goodies at laurahaver.com Find out more about Made to Create live workshops on Instagram @iammadetocreate