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The Unbound Creative

Valerie & Mak McKeehan

62 episodes

1 week ago

What does it really mean to be free as an artist? In this conversation, Mak and Valerie explore the tension between mastery and play, the discipline that builds skill, and the surrender that opens the soul. They unpack how both are essential, how each feeds the other, and why real creative freedom is not about choosing one side but learning to hold both. It is an honest and reflective look at what happens when you stop trying to get it right and start listening to what your creativity and you...

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Self-Improvement

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What does it really mean to be free as an artist? In this conversation, Mak and Valerie explore the tension between mastery and play, the discipline that builds skill, and the surrender that opens the soul. They unpack how both are essential, how each feeds the other, and why real creative freedom is not about choosing one side but learning to hold both. It is an honest and reflective look at what happens when you stop trying to get it right and start listening to what your creativity and you...

Show more...

Self-Improvement

Episodes (20/62)

The Unbound Creative

What It Really Means to Be Free in Your Art

What does it really mean to be free as an artist? In this conversation, Mak and Valerie explore the tension between mastery and play, the discipline that builds skill, and the surrender that opens the soul. They unpack how both are essential, how each feeds the other, and why real creative freedom is not about choosing one side but learning to hold both. It is an honest and reflective look at what happens when you stop trying to get it right and start listening to what your creativity and you...

2 weeks ago

46 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Stop Saying This If You Want to Thrive

You’ve probably said this phrase hundreds of times. You’ve definitely heard it. It’s woven into how we talk about work, success, and creativity... but what if it’s been quietly stealing your joy all along? In this episode, Mak and Valerie pull back the curtain on a cultural belief that keeps so many creatives stuck in struggle. They share why this mindset feels noble on the surface but actually creates shame, burnout, and self-doubt… and what to replace it with instead. If you’ve ever wondere...

1 month ago

34 minutes

The Unbound Creative

The Lie You Likely Believe… That’s Costing You Everything

You’ve likely believed this lie without even realizing it, and it’s keeping you stuck. In this episode, we’re exposing the narrative that’s been holding creatives back for generations and replacing it with something far more powerful. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative! If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show. 💌 Connect with us on Instagram: @valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with ...

5 months ago

52 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Delight Is Not a Luxury - It’s Your Superpower

In Episode 10 of The UnBound Creative, Valerie and Mak celebrate their milestone by diving into a quietly radical idea: delight as a wayfinder. We live in a world that values hustle, productivity, and achievement, and yet, so many of us feel lost or disconnected. What if the missing piece isn’t more effort, but more delight? In this deeply reflective and joy-sparking conversation, you’ll learn: Why delight is not frivolous, but one of your most powerful creative toolsThe difference between fa...

6 months ago

37 minutes

The Unbound Creative

5 Ways to Beat Overthinking Today

Overthinking kills creativity, and it happens faster than you realize. In this episode, we unpack how fear often disguises itself as "preparation" and why it smothers your best ideas before they have a chance to grow. You will learn five simple ways to catch overthinking early, trust your creative spark, and take action before fear takes over. If you have ever gotten stuck in research, comparison, or second-guessing before you even start, this episode is for you. Get ready to move forward, tr...

6 months ago

36 minutes

The Unbound Creative

What Everyone Else Is Doing (And Why You Shouldn’t)

We’re getting honest in this one. So many creatives feel stuck, not because they aren’t talented or motivated, but because they’re silently following the rules everyone else is following. The ones that say: “Be practical. Play it safe. Stick to the plan.” In this episode, we unpack why that mindset is stifling your creativity. We explore left-brain vs. right-brain thinking, the pressure to conform, and how school and culture train us to fear failure and abandon joy. Valerie shares insights fr...

6 months ago

39 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Creative Catastrophe: The Christmas Train That Broke Me

A true story of public failure, creative heartbreak, and the unexpected path to redemption. This is the most vulnerable, raw, and unforgettable story we’ve told on the podcast so far. In this extended episode, Mak shares the real-life tale of a Christmas train festival gone spectacularly wrong; complete with crushed dreams, media headlines, lawsuits, and a moment that nearly broke him. It's a story of public failure, creative heartbreak, and the surprising redemption that came on the other si...

6 months ago

1 hour 20 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Fear of Failure: Why It’s Stopping You (and What to Do Instead)

In this emotionally rich and deeply honest episode of The UnBound Creative, Valerie and Mak explore one of the most universal experiences in creative life: failure. They dive into why fear of failure keeps so many creatives stuck, and offer mindset shifts, emotional tools, and gentle practices for moving through it. They discuss: How our brains are wired to avoid risk and how that shows up creativelyThe real meaning behind failure and why it’s rarely finalWhat to do when success brings new fe...

6 months ago

53 minutes

The Unbound Creative

How Your Creative Skills Are Your Greatest Business Asset

If you’ve ever said “I’m not a business person” because you’re creative, this episode is your wake-up call. The idea that creatives aren’t cut out for business is a story, and it’s a false one. In this conversation, we challenge the myth that creativity and business don’t belong together and show you how your artistic instincts are actually your biggest entrepreneurial superpower. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck inside someone else’s idea of how business should look, this ep...

7 months ago

51 minutes

The Unbound Creative

The Most Dangerous Lie Creatives Tell Themselves (and How to Stop)

In this fired-up, heart-on-sleeve episode, Mak and Valerie tackle one of the biggest invisible barriers creative people face: waiting for permission. Whether it's from society, our families, our Instagram followers, or—most sneakily—ourselves, this need for outside validation keeps so many creatives stuck on the sidelines. If you've ever found yourself saying "I'll start when…" or "I'm not legit enough yet," this one’s for you. They talk candidly about the cultural contradictions around creat...

7 months ago

52 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Why Creativity Feels Hard - And How to Make It Easier

If you’ve ever wondered why something you love — creating — can feel like pulling teeth to start, this is your episode. We’re unpacking the real reasons creativity feels so hard (hint: it's not because you're lazy or lack discipline) — and sharing practical mindset shifts and "biohacks" that will help you make creating feel easier, lighter, and even fun again. We’re diving deep into: ✨ Why your brain naturally resists creativity — and how to outsmart it ✨ The myth of "laziness" and why...

7 months ago

46 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Why You Feel Stuck — And How to Finally Move Forward (For Real)

What if the key to unleashing your creativity isn't found in hustling harder but in following the whispers of curiosity that most of us have been conditioned to ignore? Valerie and Mak McKeehan dive deep into how our education system and cultural messaging train us to become prisoners of outcome-based thinking, postponing joy until we achieve some distant goal. From their earliest days in school, people learn to focus on test scores rather than the process of discovery. This mindset follows ...

7 months ago

52 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Unleashing Your Creative Soul: Breaking Free from Society's Boxes

Valerie and Mak McKeehan launch their new podcast, The Unbound Creative, dedicated to helping creatives break free from societal constraints and self-imposed limitations to discover a more expansive, authentic creative life. • Creativity is an essence of being, not just an act—bringing forth something that didn't exist before • Our brains are wired to resist creativity and change, operating from a protection mechanism • The soul craves adventure and expression while the brain seeks safety an...

7 months ago

29 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Sell Your Artwork, Without the Stress | Part 5: The Secret Ingredient to Success

What truly sets successful creative entrepreneurs apart? It's not just about mastering pricing or nailing your branding—it's about how you show up every day. It comes down to having courage. This is the number one thing that sets apart someone who is finding success selling their art. We all have fears and imposter syndrome to overcome, but when you can feel the fear and do it anyway, you open yourself up to creating a life you want. Embarking on any creative journey takes courage, but what i...

11 months ago

26 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Sell Your Artwork, Without the Stress | Part 4: Building Your Personal Brand

Ever wondered how to craft a brand that truly embodies your authentic self? Valerie and Mak explore this vital question by examining the unique vibes of artists' personal brands, both online and offline. They provide insights on how having a personal brand will help you as an artpreneur, how to maintain authenticity while choosing which facets of your personality to highlight, and discuss how your brand's vibe extends beyond visuals to create meaningful connections with your audience. B...

11 months ago

39 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Sell Your Artwork without the Stress | Part 3: Selling without an audience

“I’d love to sell my artwork, but I just don’t have a big audience or following.” This is one of the first things a lot of artists interested in selling their artwork say. But having a big audience isn’t the answer. You can begin selling your art, today, whether you have 100 followers or 10,000. In today’s episode, Valerie and Mak McKeehan discuss the many ways you can kick-start your art business without a massive following. We also discuss the importance of maintaining a positiv...

11 months ago

46 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Sell Your Artwork without the Stress | Part 2: How to Price Your Art

One of the most daunting aspects of being an Artpreneur is figuring out how to price your work. In this next episode of “Sell Your Work, Without the Stress” Series, long-time entrepreneurs Valerie and Mak McKeehan share their secrets and philosophies for not only pricing, but pricing in a way that is fulfilling and exciting! Whether you're struggling to set a price that feels appropriate or looking to transform your art business, this episode offers a fresh perspective and actionable advice t...

11 months ago

51 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Sell Your Artwork without the Stress | Part 1: Where to Begin

Imagine viewing your art not just as a creative endeavor, but as a powerful way to enrich lives and engage in a meaningful exchange of value. In this episode, Valerie and Mak McKeehan explore the often daunting intersection of business and creativity, offering a fresh perspective that can transform the fear of selling into an invitation to connect with others. By addressing subconscious money blockers and encouraging mindset shifts, they will inspire you to embrace new possibilities, b...

11 months ago

48 minutes

The Unbound Creative

Saying No to Toxic Culture for Artists

What if the key to unlocking your creative potential lies not in the typical advice given to artists but in embracing the natural rhythms of rest and reflection? Join me as we challenge the toxic myth that artists must suffer to create great art. Valerie shares her personal journey chasing an external view of success to finding alignment and a healing approach to art. When we embrace the natural rhythms of our creativity, it will open our heart and mind to a more fulfilling creative practice...

1 year ago

23 minutes

The Unbound Creative

The Worst Advice Given to Artists

Why do we still cling to the myth of the "struggling artist" when creativity can be a joyful and healing process? Join me as we challenge this outdated narrative, advocating for a new approach that prizes personal fulfillment and well-being over relentless toil. Let's question the tired wisdom that equates success with sacrifice, and instead explore how artists can redefine productivity by focusing on who they are, not just what they aim to achieve. This episode is an invitation to scrap the ...

1 year ago

20 minutes