What happens when grief, loss, and uncertainty open a doorway back to creativity? In this soulful episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, host Kate Shepherd speaks with artist and author Jaime Townzen about how watercolor became her lifeline during a dark time, and how following her spark led her to write and publish her debut novel Absorbed. Together they explore creativity as healing, intuition as guidance, the courage to embrace being an artist, and how art helps us through times of crisis. Listeners will hear about Jaime’s journey from stay-at-home mom to professional artist and novelist, the power of daily creative rituals, the role of curiosity as an antidote to anxiety, and how to trust your own calling. This conversation is a balm for anyone longing to reconnect with their creative spark and live more fully as themselves.

What if your nervous system—the very force that protects you—was also the key to unlocking your creativity, joy, and deeper self-connection? In this profound and heartfelt conversation, Kate sits down with emotional healing specialist and nervous system guide Natalie (NatNat) Bédard of LiftOneSelf. Together, they explore how our nervous systems shape our experiences, how integrating soul and humanity allows us to embrace the full spectrum of being alive, and why vulnerability is at the heart of creative expression.

In this episode of The Creative Genius Podcast (the finale for Season 4!) Kate sits down with Albert Bramante — talent agent, psychologist, and author — to explore why so many creatives hold themselves back, how to reframe rejection, why fear isn’t the enemy, and how to trust yourself enough to rewrite your own script.

What if the collapse of old systems — the patriarchy, relentless productivity, and hollow doing — is really the birth pangs of something necessary and beautiful? In this conversation, I sit down with Leo Marrs, a writer, creative strategist, experience designer, and the author of the upcoming The New Creator: Rise of the Mindful Artist in the New Meaning Economy.

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

In this deeply grounding and honest conversation, I sat down with Gina Luker, founder of The Shabby Creek Cottage and The Soft Life Society. Gina is a creative visionary, intuitive guide, and one of the fiercest advocates I know for joy, softness, and radical authenticity. For over 15 years, she’s been helping women reclaim their creative magic and shed the cultural conditioning that tells us we must do more, be less, and stay quiet. Lately, Gina’s been putting her energy toward supporting people through what she calls the "manufactured chaos" we’re all living in—a deliberate and fear-based system designed to keep us small. In this episode, we explore how to meet that chaos with grounded presence, creativity, and meaningful connection. We talk about the extinction burst of the patriarchy, what it means to move toward a matriarchal way of being that honours the highest good for all, and how to stay tethered to our inner compass while the world shakes and shifts. Gina offers soul medicine in the form of wisdom, reminders, and powerful reframes that will leave you feeling more hopeful, more connected—and maybe even a little rebellious in the best way.

In this episode, Kate Shepherd sits down with Troy Plota, founder of Plotaverse, to chat about about the transformative role of AI in the creative process. They explore how technology can democratize art, making it more accessible to creators worldwide. Troy shares personal stories, including a spiritual experience that inspired a screenplay, and discusses the importance of community and service in the artistic journey.

In this deeply resonant conversation, artist and soul-guide Sharazad Jamal joins me to explore how we navigate ongoing chaos, collective trauma, and personal overwhelm. We dive into tools and practices that help move through fear, reconnect to intuition, and activate creativity during crisis. With wisdom rooted in somatic therapy, spiritual insight, and creative resilience, this episode is a balm for anyone feeling frozen, scattered, or exhausted. Sharazad shares frameworks for understanding our different bodies (mental, physical, emotional, and soul) and how to support each when fear takes over. If you’ve been struggling to stay grounded in the noise, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, Lama Rod Owens explores how tending to our own brokenheartedness can unlock the transformative power of creativity, offering a path to building an awakened and beautiful life. Through insightful and personal anecdotes from his book, "The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors," Lama Rod invites listeners to reimagine forgiveness, radical self-care, and awakened care as essential tools for crafting a fulfilling existence. Don't miss this opportunity to discover fresh perspectives on spirituality, human connection, and the boundless possibilities of creative expression.

Don't miss this insightful conversation that encourages listeners to turn inward, embrace their intuition, and find magic in the everyday. In this episode of the Creative Genius podcast, host Kate Shepard sits down with Rebe Huntman, a multi-passionate artist and author, to discuss her powerful journey of grief, intuition, and creative connection. Rebe shares the story behind her debut book, "My Mother in Havana, a memoir of magic and miracle", which chronicles her journey back to her mother 30 years after her death through the spiritual traditions of Cuba. This episode is a call to listen to your deepest longings in this time of upheaval we are all living through.

In this engaging conversation, Kate Shepherd and Gabrielle Savory Bailey explore the profound power of of creativity as resistance, the power of community, and creativity as it relates to spirituality. They discuss the importance of connecting with others through creative practices, the role of creativity in personal and communal healing, and the significance of listening to one's inner voice.

In this deeply personal episode, Kate shares her honest reflections on navigating the ups and downs of life in these uncertain times. She explores how fear, overwhelm, and distraction can pull us away from our highest selves—and how simple, grounding practices like journaling, breathwork, and community can bring us back.

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

Right now, many of us feel paralyzed by fear as we watch what’s happening in the world—especially in the U.S. political landscape. It’s easy to feel hopeless when we see powerful figures like Trump representing ideologies that seem to threaten everything we care about. But this moment is calling us to step forward. An episode worth forwarding to your community.

This episode features Kate Shepherd and Cami Smith discussing Jane Dunnewold's interviews in episodes 5&6 of The Creative Genius Podcast about creativity and community. Cami, a fiber artist and media manager, shares her artistic journey and passion for connecting artists globally. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of creative work, including overcoming self-doubt and building supportive communities. Cami shares some beautiful stories about growing nurturing inner creativity and fostering connections, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and trusting one's creative process. The interview concludes with reflections on the power of creative expression to empower individuals and the potential for collaboration between artists and larger corporations.

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

When was the last time you stopped to question the patterns in your creative work? In my latest episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, I spoke with John Roescher, who shared profound insights into the art of seeing the unseen. One of my favourite moments was when we explored how to resist the urge to lean on what’s already there—whether it’s painting a leaf the way you always have or approaching life through the lens of familiarity, creativity requires a willingness to unsee, to make space for the unexpected, and to trust what’s trying to come through. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your creative process or life, this conversation will open your eyes to new possibilities.

In this deeply resonant episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, Kate Shepherd sits down with intuitive painter Lisa Wagner to explore the transformative power of creativity in times of grief and healing. Lisa shares her inspiring journey from an accounting career to becoming a celebrated intuitive artist. Together, they discuss overcoming fear, reconnecting with intuition, and the vital role of creative expression in processing emotions and building resilience. They also delve into embracing imperfection, rediscovering one’s creative spark, and the importance of community support for personal and artistic growth.

EPISODE SUMMARY & SHOW NOTES Rachel Philips Co-founded  The Heart Institute of Whidbey, which hosts grown up summer camps, heart journaling events and other joyful art-based escapades in and around Whidbey island in Washington State. She makes and teaches HeART journaling which is something that extends far beyond what you might think ordinary journaling might be about - there is deep wisdom and medicine woven into her teachings. I can hardly wait for you to dive into this episode. 

This episode is a special one. I sat down with the inspiring Roxanne Glaser (SuperdoodleGirl) —artist, educator, and creator of whimsical nature-inspired doodles—to talk about what it really means to live a creative life. We dive into some deeply personal and powerful topics, like how Roxanne used art to process profound grief after experiencing unimaginable loss and how her creative practice became a tool for healing and self-discovery. We talk about the challenges of having too many choices in creativity (I know I’ve felt that paralysis!) and how gentle self-discipline and limitations can actually set us free to create more authentically.