Episode 1: Creating From The Margins with Amber Thomas
In this episode of Couragemakers, Amber Thomas really dig deep into the importance of creating from the margins, the work that falls to the wayside and how important it is to be able to show up as our imperfect selves and give ourselves time to be creative with no pressure.
Listen on your browser now:
ABOUT
Amber Thomas is an adventurer and homebody, a surprising misfit and devoted hopeful, a cocktail of colour and grace, born and raised in a small town laying happily under the Californian sun. Amber describes herself as more contradiction than constant; always seeking the space where life can bloom. When life fell apart, her art brought together the many jagged pieces in a beautiful array. Though she says her story is flawed, messy and all the brands of imperfect, art affords her the amazing opportunity to accentuate the greatness that is life.
Blog |Shop | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
TOPICS
Being trapped in a hamster wheel which is only a race with ourselves
Being honest with yourself about your intentions
Shaking up your echo chamber
The Painful 10 Minutes (a fantastic technique to get your creative work started) allowing for time for being creative with no pressure
RESOURCES
Sia – This is Acting (album)
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” — Pablo Picasso
ABOUT MEG &
THE REBEL ROUSERS
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers, as well as it’s sister podcast, The Daily Pep! and founder of The Rebel Rousers. I’m an INFJ creative and multi-passionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 2: The Power of Me Too with Jordan Gage
During our conversation, Jordan Gage dives into the power of the sharing your stories and struggles, how if feels to say no to things that no longer serve us and how courage comes in the form of being yourself exactly as you are today.
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ABOUT
Jordan is a twenty-something writer currently living in Nashville, Tennessee. When she’s not dreaming of writing and speaking truth to women across the world or new tattoos, she’s probably listening to Harry Potter audiobooks and co-leading Impractical Dreaming, an online community whose vision is to see every woman on the planet free from the bonds of shame, insecurity, and fear by having hard conversations in a space of unyielding empathy. Jordan loves discovering more about Jesus, and would appreciate knowing who allowed her to become an adult because she believes they made a terrible mistake.
Blog | Impractical Dreaming Facebook Group| Twitter
TOPICS
- Showing your true self with the people around you, and sharing your struggles
- Building a facade around yourself and saying yes to yourself
- Falling apart underneath while on the surface everything looks great
RESOURCES
- Emily Lorin Lifestyle
- The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
- An Open Letter to My Tribe – Jordan Gage
- Rising Strong – Brené Brown
- Dear Girl Series – Jordan Gage
- You Deserve a Drink – Mamrie Hart
- Yes Please – Amy Poehler
- Bossypants – Tina Fey
- For the Love – Jen Hatmaker
- Big Little Lies – Liane Moriarty
- Impractical Dreaming Facebook Group
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 3: Owning Your Superpower with Violeta Nedkova
During this episode of Couragemakers, Violeta Nedkova discusses starting from the core and not from the surface, going from someone who started many projects to concentrating on one project, building a business from your heart that fits your personality, advice she has for people struggling to choose themselves.
Listen on your browser now:
ABOUT
Violeta Nedkova is a multipassionate writer, marketing coach, and solopreneur, who enjoys tweeting, writing to humans, and helping fellow creative rebels grow their businesses authentically. Her goal for 2016 is to create an entire library of fun guides for creative rebels. Wish her luck!
Website | Creative Rebels Facebook Group | Twitter | Free Guide!
TOPICS
- Starting from the core and not from the surface
- Violeta’s advice she has for people struggling to choose themselves
- Building a business from your heart that fits your personality
- Going from someone who started many projects to concentrating on one project
RESOURCES
- Jen Carrington: http://www.jencarrington.com/
- Sian Richardson: http://freshbysian.com/
- Gary Vaynerchuk: https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/
- Elizabeth Gilbert: http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/
- Now Discover Your Strengths: Strengthfinder Test http://www.amazon.com/Discover-Your-Strengths-Marcus-Buckingham/dp/0743518144
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 4: Learning to Surrender with Megan Reynolds
In this episode of Couragemakers, Megan Reynolds talk about the link between bravery and honesty, the opportunities that open when we leave our planned path, our shared experiences of dealing with OCD and how you can embrace your flawed but perfect life.
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ABOUT
Megan Reynolds is a 24 year-old entrepreneur who attempts to balance her jewelry business, Flawed Perfection Jewelry, with being a personal stylist and part-time nanny. She was born, raised, and currently resides in San Diego County, California. She is constantly inspired by her beautiful surroundings. When she’s not making jewelry or being a clothing stylist, she’s listening to podcasts, chatting with her online friends, watching plenty of good t.v. shows, or enjoying time with all her family that lives nearby.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook
TOPICS
- The opportunities that open when we leave our planned path
- Creating a bullshit filter and the importance of saying no
- How heartbreak has led Megan to a completely different path with new experiences
RESOURCES
- Freedom House New Mexico
- The Malala Fund
- #Girlboss – Sophie Amoruso
- The Purpose Economy – Aaron Hurst
- Yes Please – Amy Poehler
- I am Malala – Malala Yousafzai
- “Sometimes the Universe takes away what you think you want to make room for what you actually deserve.” — Charles J. Orlando via eHarmony Australia
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 5: Life is a Slinky with Fab Giovanetti
In this episode we talk about, compassion and self awareness, the lessons Fab Giovanetti learned from a really difficult 6 months, the need to give ourselves time to feel shit, and the myth that we can go from zero to 100, or zero to Taylor Swift.
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ABOUT
Fab is an Italian cheeky lil monkey who moved to the UK looking to fulfil her never-ending cravings for avocado. Certified Health Coach, and business mentor with over five years of experience in PR, marketing and copywriting, she is the founder of the Health Bloggers Community: platform, events, awards and magazine for people passionate about health and writing.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Podcast | Website
TOPICS
- Creating a safe space for communities to grow online
- Recognising the stories we tell ourselves
- Learning to strengthen the ‘asking for help’ muscle
- Fab’s recent experience in the dating world and what it’s taught her about life
RESOURCES
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 6: Storytelling & Writing It Out with Torie Jochims
In this episode of Couragemakers, Torie Jochims really dives into the power of storytelling, dealing with perfectionism and how important it is to work on your relationship with yourself.
Listen on your browser now:
ABOUT
Torie is the over-caffeinated wordsmith at the helm of Wild Spark Creative. She’s passionate about helping small business owners and creative entrepreneurs create content that ignites their brand and authentically connects with their ideal audience. She’s a believer in people. She’s also a hiker, a mountain climber, a runner, a makeup enthusiast and a lover of craft beer and good desserts.
TOPICS
- Using writing as a way of dealing with the shit life throws at you
- Torie’s journey from co-creating a video production company, to starting her own business Wild Spark Creative
- Learning to open up to people and working on your perfectionism
- Working on your relationship with yourself
RESOURCES
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 7: Conviction, Feminism & Owning a Business with Jessica Humphreys
During our conversation on today’s Couragemakers, Jessica Humphreys shares her journey of entering the world of feminism and sexual politics and how she came to start her own business with several employees.
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ABOUT
Jessica is a self-described feminist and sex positivist living in Melbourne, Australia. Jessica owns a digital communications agency, Social Concepts, and is a social commentator who enjoys debating over copious amounts of herbal tea.
TOPICS
- Jessica’s journey of starting her own business
- The struggles that come with being Type A and learning to take time away from work
- How your perception of work changes when you work for yourself and do what you love.
- The importance of standing up for what you believe in, even if you’re the only one saying it
RESOURCES
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 8: Moving Beyond Comfort with Anabel Roque Rodríguez
During our conversation Anabel Rogue Rodriguez shares her journey to becoming a freelance curator and art historian, The Comfort Zone list – a snail mail project she started with her friend to move beyond fear, how storytelling has to be a two way process and how Anabel has started to trust herself and honour her decisions, past and present.
Listen on your browser now:
ABOUT
Anabel Roque Rodríguez is an independent curator and art historian. She works in the field of contemporary art with a focus on the relation of art and the social, the financial crisis in the Mediterranean, community based art practices and feminism.. She believes that the private is political and we can all make a change through our everyday choices. Her projects deal frequently with empowerment tools and how to create safe spaces where a dialogue can happen and we talk about that in today’s episode.
Website | Tinyletter | Twitter
TOPICS
- The Comfort Zone List – a weekly list writing practice Anabel shares with a friend to support each other to move beyond their comfort zone
- Annabel’s tips for anyone who wants to become more visible, and for anyone who wants to work on owning their own story.
- The art of storytelling, and the challenges of listening to people’s stories in an academic context
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 9: Following Your Passions & Multipotentiality with Joanna James-LynN
During today’s conversation, Joanna James-Lynn shares her journey into the world of lifestyle design, her experience of having depression and how this has impacted many choices she made,
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ABOUT
Joanna James-Lynn is a virtual assistant, podcaster, blogger, and writer. She’s fascinated by personality, identity, and the individual’s experience – themes she explores in her podcast, Introspectology, on her blog, and in the books she writes. (She considers herself a multipotentialite and in a former life she was a linguist. She has degrees in German, French, and Slovenian, and has lived in Germany, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and in a car. She now lives in Oxfordshire with her wife.)
Website | Introspectology Podcast | Twitter
TOPICS
- Joanna’s journey into multipotentiality and how her experiences with depression have led her to design a life that suits her
- Learning to like yourself
- The art of following your interests and seeing what happens
- Giving yourself permission to follow your hobbies for fun’s sake
RESOURCES
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 10: Self Love & Punk Parenting with Raewyn Sangari
During this episode, we really dive into Raewyn Sangari’s own self love journey, the motivation behind starting the Warrior Queen Movement and how alternative parenting (punk parenting) has made a difference to her life. Raewyn shares her struggles with anxiety and has great advice for anyone who wants to start their own self love journey.
Listen on your browser now:
ABOUT
Raewyn is the founder of Be a Warrior Queen, a movement empowering women to embrace self-love. She’s also a new wife and mother to a baby girl, learning to navigate these new waters while maintaining her sense of self. The Warrior Queen Movement began in 2006 among Raewyn’s group of friends. Always having a passion for writing and feminism, Raewyn’s posts empower and inspire.
Website | Free Self Love E-Course | Twitter | We Are Warrior Queens Facebook Group
TOPICS
- The inspiration and motivation behind the Be A Warrior Queen Movement
- Raewyn’s definition of self care
- Raewyn’s decision to move home from college
- Making an alternative magazine for friends in high school
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 11: Going Against the Grain with Mei Leong
In this episode, Mei Leong shares how leaving a career in teaching allowed her to tap into her creativity and how going against the grain helped her to value herself a lot more.
Listen on your browser now:
TOPICS
- How leaving a career in teaching helped Mei to lean into her untapped creativity
- How inspiration plays a massive part in Mei’s life
- The boldness and gumption it took Mei to go against the grain and leave her teacher training programme
- Mei’s inspiration wall
- How creativity, courage and making the world a better place runs through Mei’s life.
RESOURCES
- Noughts & Crosses – Mallory Blackman
- Elizabeth Gilbert
- Eat, Pray, Love and Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
- Impractical Dreaming Facebook Group
- Being Boss Facebook Group
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.
RELATED EPISODES:
Episode 12: Leaning into Discomfort with Jennifer Sterling
For this week’s episode, I talked to the lovely Jennifer Sterling. Jennifer Sterling is an Emotional Eating Coach. She helps women stop eating their feelings and release the physical, mental and emotional weight that’s keeping them from feeling their absolute best.
Listen on your browser now:
ABOUT
Jennifer Sterling is an Emotional Eating Coach. She helps women stop eating their feelings and release the physical, mental and emotional weight that’s keeping them from feeling their absolute best.
Outside of her business, Jennifer is a mom who enjoys dancing and baking. She can often be found in her kitchen doing both simultaneously.
TOPICS
- How your body is always in a state of unconditional love and how to reconnect to your body
- Why taking care of ourselves is really important not only for ourselves but for the people we look to serve
- How compassion and working on yourself can change the world and how we behave towards each other
- Leaning into discomfort and Jennifer’s advice on how to deal with discomfort
ABOUT MEG &
THAT HUMMINGBIRD LIFE
When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Sunday pep Talks to my wonderful Couragemakers community or working 1:1 with clients, I'm usually covered in paint and thinking of imaginative ways of hide my would-be dog from my landlord.
I’m Meg and I’m the host of Couragemakers and founder of That Hummingbird Life. I’m an INFJ creative and multipassionate who has a bit of a notebook and post-it note obsession, loves foot-stomping country music and likes her hot chocolate with way too much chocolate.
I started Couragemakers because I wanted to create a platform for passionate and unconventional women to have honest conversations and to share their stories, struggles and dreams. The intention behind this podcast is to inspire and encourage creative and mission-driven women to live a wholehearted life and follow the beat of their drum.