Thoughts on being an artist this week after a few tortured days. Having compassion for the creative process. Showing up for my practice even when it is hard. Giving myself the support to work through it ..read more

Though music has been a part of theatrical arts since ancient times, modern Western musical theatre was born in America. Josh Kreitzman, my guest today, argues that musicals are the best art form, and I'm inclined to agree with him. How often do you get to witness art as it is happening and be a part of its creation with a room of people? Musicals are fully body sensory experience and the stories they tell have always been a reflection of the triumphs and heartbreaks of life. Music is a language beyond borders—how better to capture the heart and soul of our times? In this episode, we discuss P ..read more

They say that those who can't do teach. Unsurprisingly, teachers hate that phrase. It isn't true. And yet, for so much of my life, I believed it. I could be an art teacher, but I would never be an artist. I resisted the label mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally. My version of being an artist wasn't worthy. But something has shifted. I'm finally learning what it means to be an artist and to live my life as an artist. It's playful, risky, experimental. It's not about being good. It's about the process. Through the magic of attention, daily practice, and community, I've opened myself u ..read more

Does truth exist? If it does, is it possible to know the truth? That's what me and Dr. Amy Winebarger talked about as we discussed Action Painting II by Mark Tansey. Science and art are often seen as opposites—one concerned with numbers and facts, the other dipping into emotion and feelings. But both science and art are a way of exploring and explaining the world, the universe, and our experience of it all. Humans are curious. We've been seeking knowledge and attempting to share our own truths for as long as we've existed. No matter how we view the world, what matters most is the space between ..read more

Creating a work of art is a process—a process that can change who you are. Too often, we judge or rush our creative pursuits, ignoring the messages included in every brushstroke or written word. We end up saying too much or not enough. But when we approach the creative process with patience and compassion, we make connections with ourselves and with all who resonate with our work. And the impact? It's infinite. Heather Doyle Fraser is a publisher, writer, and coach who believes in the power of voice and works with writers to bring their words to the world. In fact, she's helping me write my bo ..read more

Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever had a paranormal experience? Are you drawn to ghost stories in art? Jane Mesa's first encounter with a ghost happened in her childhood bedroom. Now she investigates the paranormal. Jane joined me to discuss her experiences, both frightful and delightful, as we discuss Haunted House by Morris Kantor. Get all the links and see the artworks Jane chose from in the show notes ..read more

What is your relationship to your body? Our society does not make it easy to have a healthy, loving connection to your body. Krystal and I discuss how motherhood changed our bodies, how being fat affected how we move through the world, and how our thirties brought healing and wholeness. Get all the links mentioned in this episode and see the artworks Krystal chose from in the show notes. This episode contains conversation about an eating disorder ..read more

How do you feel when you think about climate change? Overwhelmed? Scared? Hopeless? Nikole Pearson has a different point of view. Together, we discussed one of Jason deCairnes Taylor's powerful underwater sculptures and Nikole shared her insight on how we can find hope and opportunity in the rising tides. For more the links and other artworks featured in this episode, visit the show notes at this link.  ..read more

I've discussed The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo with hundreds of people of all ages in my career, and this discussion with Allison Crow helped me look at this inspiring painting in a completely new way. In this episode, we talk knowing ourselves, being present with our pain, our emotions, and all of our parts, and the beauty and healing power of connection. You can get Allison's new book, Unarmored: Finding Home in the Wild Edges of Being Human, on Amazon. *affiliate link To see the artwork, click here. For more the links and other artworks featured in this episode. Visit the shownotes at this li ..read more

Art is magic, it changes with us. You never see the same artwork twice. Your life changes what you see and how you interpret it. Yola and I talk about how the meaning we find is shaped by our experiences and choices, and how our choices and experiences are shaped by the meaning we make. The artwork discussed on this episode is from the exhibit The Real Deal is Talking to Dad by Chen Ke. You can find the artwork here. Read more in the shownotes ..read more