The essence of creativity is both intangible and undeniable. Today’s guests on The Holly Hughes Podcast specialize in channeling your creativity energy and letting go of needless veneers.

Sam Howarth is the founder of The Way She Was Made, where she is a “brand alchemist, Business doula, embodiment guide, and soul-led business strategist.” Phoenyx (Vanessa Giorgio) is a visual artist based in Toronto.

Sam and Phoenyx join host Holly Hughes for a deep dive discussion on spirituality, creativity and tapping into our own intuition. Sam and Phoenyx also discuss human design and how it can help you live a more spiritually aligned life.

Find Samantha Howarth online at thewayshewasmade.com. Connect with Phoenyx (Vanessa Giorgio) at vgiorgio-art.blogspot.com.

Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys

02:59 The Power of Community and Connection

06:04 Understanding Intuitive Gifts

09:05 Personal Experiences with Spirituality

12:14 Navigating Life Transitions

14:58 The Influence of Astrology on Personal Growth

18:01 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

21:03 Claiming Your Intuitive Power

24:02 Exploring Past Lives and Spiritual Connections

31:14 The Illusion of Safety and Self-Discovery

33:14 Understanding Human Design

37:09 Navigating Corporate Expectations

41:16 The Role of Cycles in Creativity

42:06 Visioning the Future

45:17 The Essence of Creativity

49:17 Trusting the Process of Surrender

55:19 The Importance of Connection for Creatives

56:22 Navigating Human Design and Personal Growth

58:40 Healing Through Energy and Anxiety Awareness

01:01:02 Grounding and Releasing Emotional Burdens

01:03:15 Embracing Change and Self-Discovery

01:07:14 Creating for Yourself and Community Engagement

01:10:14 Personal Warning Labels and Authenticity

Behind every great novel is hundreds of hours of writing, editing and business-oriented decisions. Not to mention the lifetime of experiences and workshopping it takes for one’s words to breathe a life of their own.

Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast is writer, editor and publisher Lorin Oberweger. Lorin is a teacher of the art of writing in both one-on-one formats and workshops. Her students have been published by some of the world’s biggest publishers and been represented by some of the industry’s leading agencies.

Lorin Oberweger joins Holly Hughes to talk about a wide range of topics in the writing industry. They talk about the intricacies of editing, the importance of workshops, and the evolving landscape of publishing. Lorin shares her insight on the impact of AI on creativity, the dynamics of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and the significance of character agency in storytelling.

Find Lorin’s workshop company, Free Expressions, online at free-expressions.com.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Editing and Developmental Work

03:12 The Role of a Developmental Editor

05:46 Navigating the Publishing Landscape

08:58 The Impact of AI on Publishing

11:56 Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

14:53 The Reality of Agent Relationships

18:02 The Writing Process and Timeframes

21:04 The Importance of Tactile Reading Experiences

23:55 Upcoming Workshops and Community Building

27:12 Creative Exploration and Overcoming Resistance

30:59 Navigating the Writing Process

33:10 Character Development and Agency

36:15 The Role of Feedback in Writing

38:38 Exploring New Creative Avenues

41:44 The Art of Short Fiction

43:43 Understanding Word Count and Structure

46:54 The Journey of Ghostwriting

49:46 Audiobooks and Their Impact

52:47 Parental Embarrassment and Creative Expression

53:23 Key Tips for Aspiring Writers

How is playing drums to 60,000 people at a music festival easier than playing to ten people in a dive bar? How does a musician make it in the cut throat music industry, especially in Hollywood? Why is physical fitness key to longevity in music?

Our guest on today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast gives answers to all three questions and many more. Rob Noxious is the drummer of Killcode, but has been a session and touring musician for most of his life. 

Rob Noxious joins host Holly Hughes to talk about his musical influences growing up, making the move to Hollywood and launching a career in music. Rob also speaks on inventing Unigrips, a special grip for drumsticks, and the decade-plus journey it took him on. Finally, Rob speaks about balancing family life and music, as well as the need to stay fit to continue performing and recording.

Find Killcode online at killcode.net, or on Instagram at @_killcode_.

See Beavis and Butthead roast Holly’s starter husband here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to a Rock God

02:54 The Early Days of Drumming

07:31 Influential Teachers and Musical Foundations

11:13 Navigating High School and Musical Identity

14:40 Moving to Hollywood: The Big Leap

18:11 Building a Music Career in Hollywood

22:56 Networking and Opportunities in the Music Scene

25:34 Family Life and Career Shifts

27:47 Inventing Unigrips: A Unique Journey

30:04 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Music

35:56 Navigating the Music Industry and Copyrights

42:10 Balancing Family Life and Music Career

48:58 Experiences of Performing at Festivals

53:55 Physical Challenges of Being a Drummer

59:57 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

For many listeners of this podcast, the golden era of comic books is something we fondly remember. Names like Spiderman, Superman and Conan are more familiar to us than many family members. For each of those iconic properties, there is a creative mind behind the writing, artwork and storytelling that brings those comics to life.

Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast has dedicated his life to breathing life into some of the most beloved franchises to grace the pages of comic book lore. Jim Zub is an artist, writer and creative director for the Conan: The Barbarian franchise, as well as The Avengers, Skullkickers and more. 

Jim and Holly talk about the creation and direction of revered comic franchises, the atmosphere of events like San Diego Comic-Con, the industry of creativity, collecting memorabilia, and the power of relationships - particularly the one you have with your life partner.

Connect with Jim Zub online at jimzub.com.

Read Holly’s viral essay about sexual harassment in Hollywood that got Jim and Holly connected here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jim Zub and His Work

01:42 The Life of a Comic Book Writer

03:59 The Significance of Conan the Barbarian

06:50 The Creative Process Behind Comics

08:28 Collaboration and Community in Comics

11:27 The Future of Conan and International Opportunities

13:12 The Role of Teamwork in Comic Creation

13:31 Reflections on Past Collaborations

17:17 Personal Stories and Impact: The Power of Narrative

18:52 Legacy and Relationships in Creative Fields

22:23 Navigating the Business of Creativity

28:11 Ownership and Royalties in Comics

32:35 The Slow Grind of Hollywood Adaptations

37:08 Memorabilia and Personal Connections to Art

43:21 Rediscovering Self and Relationships

45:17 The Journey of Love and Marriage

47:36 Adventures in Marriage: Trials and Triumphs

49:58 The Power of Humor in Tough Times

54:28 Navigating the Creative Journey

57:28 Lessons from the Creative Industry

01:00:47 Defining Success Beyond Expectations

01:02:36 The Warmth of Personality and Connection

Writer, author and educator Samantha Dunn joins host Holly Hughes on today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast. 

Coming from a background in writing rooted in journalism, Samantha Dunn always writes with the idea that someone, somewhere will read what she’s writing. From that foundation, Samantha has authored numerous books, short stories, essays and memoirs, including Faith in Carlos Gomez: A Memoir of Salsa, Sex and Salvation. She is now the editor of PREMIUM Magazine for the Southern California News Group, and also teaches at Chapman University.

Samantha and Holly talk about their creative processes, the influence of journalism on her writing, her love of horses, and living with Parkinsons.

Find Samantha online at samanthadunnwriter.com.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

03:03 The Creative Journey and Writing Process

06:00 The Role of Personal Narrative in Writing

08:59 Navigating the Challenges of Writing and Journalism

12:08 The Impact of Social Media on Storytelling

15:08 Defining Success and the Creative Identity

17:55 Finding Your Voice and Overcoming Obstacles

21:00 The Journey to Los Angeles and Personal Growth

23:31 Dancing Through Life

25:49 Creative Vulnerability and Transparency

27:06 Managing Challenging Personalities

29:06 The Burden of Teaching

30:31 Kintsugi - A Japanese art form using gold to repair broken pottery

32:22 The Art of Memoir

34:52 Cataloging Life Experiences

38:39 Facing Chronic Illness

40:08 Connection with Horses

46:38 Life-Changing Accidents

48:07 The Beauty of Scars and Friendship

49:04 The Art of Memoir: Truth vs. Fiction

50:11 Memory and Its Intricacies

52:30 Foundational Memories and Their Impact

54:44 Writing About Personal Experiences

57:19 The Process of Writing and Reflection

01:00:01 Transforming Material: From Memoir to Essays

01:02:34 The Challenge of Finding a Home for Writing

01:06:51 Embracing the Past: The Trailer Life

01:11:19 Caution: Frequent Stops Ahead

Misha Fair is no stranger to music and the industry surrounding it. Growing up in Georgia, she was raised by a family that had deep connections to music, including parents who were in the SOS Band, a grandfather who was friends with Sammy Davis Jr., and another grandfather who was nicknamed “King of the Stroll.”

It’s no surprise that Misha has learned a lot from her family about the music industry, and today is a singer, songwriter and producer herself. Misha records and performs under her own name and draws from those intrinsic experiences to create her own brand of country music that resonates with a diverse audience.

Misha Fair joins host Holly Hughes on today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast to talk about her experience growing up in a rich musical family, breaking into the industry with her own unique sound, mentoring younger artists and connecting across multiple generations through a shared love of music.

Visit Misha Fair online at mishafair.com.

Chapters

00:00 The Creative Journey Begins

02:56 Musical Heritage and Influences

06:02 The Role of Family in Music

08:57 Finding One's Voice Through Music

11:56 The Power of Songwriting

15:01 Emotional Depth in Music

18:06 The Intersection of Pain and Creativity

20:45 Crafting Songs from Life Experiences

24:04 The Evolution of Musical Identity

27:11 Live Performances and Audience Connection

29:59 Balancing Emotion and Discipline in Creativity

32:13 Creative Processes and Inspirations

36:59 The Role of Rituals in Creativity

41:14 Writing for Others: The Songwriter's Journey

46:32 Nurturing Talent: Mentoring Aspiring Artists

50:12 Defining Success in the Creative World

56:50 Family Connections Through Music

The world we live in is bigger than we can fully grasp and holds more diversity than we know exists. While it would be easy to continue creating from a place of familiarity, discovering new places and people will challenge us as creatives to have a more complete perspective.

Chris Georgiev is a software engineer, graphic designer and founder of Imagga, and AI-powered image recognition software. Chris is Bulgarian, but has lived in Seoul, South Korea for more than a decade. Chris and Holly began a friendship while sharing time in Seoul, and have remained friends ever since.

In today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast, Holly talks to Chris about being a foreigner living in Seoul, how Chris got there, and what it means to adopt a new culture as your own.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chris Georgiev and His Journey

03:06 The Unexpected Path to Korea

06:04 Finding Home in Korea

09:05 The Start of Content Creation

11:56 The Evolution of Tours and Connections

15:03 Cultural Insights and Experiences in Korea

18:03 Navigating Language Barriers

20:47 Future Plans and New Adventures

24:00 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

No matter who you are or what you do, life has a way of challenging you. It’s never easy, but the way we react to things not working out the way you’d like often is the catalyst for personal growth. 

Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast makes midlife look like a dream. In her forties, Wendy Valentine found herself battling debt, divorce, unemployment, the passing of family, chronic illness and of course depression. From that low point, Wendy began a journey of rediscovery and transformation. Today, Wendy is a successful life coach, podcaster, and author.

Wendy Valentine joins Holly Hughes for a discussion about creativity, personal growth, and the challenges of mental health. They discuss the importance of self-care, the impact of loss on creativity, and the need to embrace imperfection. Finally, Wendy talks about the significance of detaching from external validation and the freedom that comes with pursuing one's passions.

Visit Wendy online at wendyvalentine.com.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Launch

02:45 Creative Journeys and Personal Growth

05:52 Facing Depression and Anxiety

11:43 The Journey of Change and Self-Discovery

13:57 Evaluating Life: The Wheel of Midlife

16:03 Stepping into Your Light

19:02 The Power of Words and Creativity

21:17 Finding Your Voice as a Writer

25:16 Navigating Emotional Highs and Lows

32:49 Navigating Public Perception and Personal Detachment

35:11 Embracing Life's Impermanence and the Beauty of Existence

36:53 Redefining Success and Failure in Creative Pursuits

39:27 Finding Your Creative Rhythm and Process

41:56 Overcoming Creative Overwhelm and Embracing Change

44:58 The Importance of Connection and Authentic Expression

48:59 Embracing Your Unique Creative Journey

51:29 The Future of Creativity and Personal Growth

In the very first episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast, Holly sits down for a conversation with actor, writer and teacher Jamie Rose. Rose began her Hollywood career as a child actor starring in commercials for Kool-Aid and Mountain Dew before becoming a full time actor. She would have starring roles in TV shows such as Falcon Crest and Lady Blue in the 1980s, and would have regular appearances on Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal and Walker, Texas Ranger in the 90s.

Jamie Rose now owns her own acting studio, JRose Studio in Los Angeles, where she teaches the next generations of actors.

In today’s podcast, Jamie shares her experiences in the entertainment industry, the challenges she faced, and how she reinvented herself after significant loss. Holly and Jamie dive into the creative process, the importance of self-expression, and the tools she uses to overcome self-doubt. Jamie also introduces her upcoming book, “Facing Madame X” which focuses on feminine power and personal growth. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jamie Rose

02:58 The Journey of an Actress

06:02 Transitioning from Acting to Writing

08:49 Life Changes and New Beginnings

12:02 The Complexity of Film Production

15:05 The Art of Storytelling

18:00 Writing Books and Overcoming Challenges

20:57 Coaching and the Power of Archetypes

25:32 The Birth of Madame X

27:10 Facing Madamax: The Journey of Self-Discovery

30:01 Tools to Combat Part X

34:03 The Dance of Masculine and Feminine

39:10 Creative Independence and Future Aspirations