Creative Genius

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. From Kate: Today I’m bringing you a conversation that feels especially alive and needed right now. I sat down with Albert Bramante — a rare soul who bridges the world of psychology and the performing arts. For over two decades he’s walked alongside actors, dancers, and other artists as both a talent agent and a guide through the invisible terrain of mindset, fear, self-doubt, and that sneaky self-sabotage we all bump up against when we dare to put our true selves out in the world. In this conversation, Albert opens up about how rejection isn’t really rejection, how fear can be a strange protector, and how staying open to the unknown — in our art, our work, our relationships — can free us to live bigger, truer lives. I hope as you listen you feel a soft invitation to loosen your own grip a little, to see where you might be clinging too tightly to other people’s scripts for you — and maybe, just maybe, to let yourself play again. Highlights: Why rejection is rarely personal How our childhood shapes creative courage What fear of success really means The power of playing instead of performing Real stories about people pleasing, burnout, and letting go

About This Episode 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. Leo’s story begins in the wilds of Alaska and weaves through entrepreneurship, breathwork, altered states of consciousness, and a deep remembering that we are it — the universe expressing itself creatively through us. In this episode, we explore: How the collapse of old systems can feel like existential fight-or-flight — and yet a creative rebirth. Leo’s spontaneous awakening that revealed the creative intelligence suffusing everything. The essential role of art, vision, and imagination in shaping futures worth living. How to engage with technology — including AI — without losing our humanity. Why presence might be our greatest creative “technology” yet. How to drop the striving and become the mindful artist you already are. If you feel called to make things that truly matter, this conversation is for you. Listen Now Apple Podcasts: [listen here [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/creative-genius/id1572524424]] Spotify: [Lissten here [https://open.spotify.com/show/204KqgQjfwx3LD3KHMsDcW]]   Links & Resources Connect with Leo Marrs: https://www.leomarrs.com [https://www.leomarrs.com] Leo’s upcoming book: The New Creator: Rise of the Mindful Artist in the New Meaning Economy (sign up on Leo’s site for updates) Referenced in this episode: Integral Theory by Ken Wilber — https://integrallife.com/ [https://integrallife.com/] The Image of the Future by Fred Polak — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Polak [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Polak] Moga Dot (AI & ethics)  The Telepathy Tapes podcast — https://thetelepathytapes.com/  Aphantasia resources — https://aphantasia.com [https://aphantasia.com] Timestamps 00:00 — Welcoming Leo and the collective moment we’re in 04:00 — Leo’s spontaneous awakening in the shower 12:00 — The power of image, vision, and art to shape the future 20:00 — Engaging with AI and collective intelligence mindfully 30:00 — Aphantasia, inner knowing, and hidden gifts of not seeing 42:00 — Why we must learn to trust uncertainty 50:00 — The billboard message: You’re it — becoming the mindful artist you already are Go Deeper Read my blog reflections on this episode inside Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/creativegeniuspodcast] Get bonus episodes, reflections, and community connection: [Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/c/creativegeniuspodcast]] Subscribe to the Creative Genius Newsletter here [https://kateshepherdcreative.com/pages/newsletter-sign-up] If You Loved This Episode Share it with a friend — it helps so much. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — your words help Creative Genius reach more people who need it. Join our warm, growing community on Patreon for more bonus episodes, guided reflections, and ways to connect with others on this path. Stay Connected Follow me on Instagram: @kateshepherdcreative & @thecreativegeniuspodcast Follow Leo: @theleomarrs Reach out to me directly here [https://kateshepherdcreative.com/pages/contact-me] Thank you for listening — keep making things that matter.

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. We explore the idea that creativity isn’t limited to the arts but is instead the ability to see things differently, solve problems, and bring ideas to life. Through vivid stories and practical wisdom, Ben and I explore how curiosity is the antidote to fear, how creativity naturally flows from curiosity, and how confidence is built by simply beginning—and continuing—to create. From imposter syndrome at a Dolce & Gabbana event to finding inspiration in nature, this conversation is a powerful invitation to get curious, stay creative, and be kind to yourself in the process. [https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0514/8124/7898/files/94_ben_rennie_quote_1.png?v=1748914136] Topics Covered: How curiosity dissolves fear Why creativity is about seeing possibilities, not just making art Reframing repetition: why doing what’s been done before is still meaningful How creative confidence is earned through action The role of environment and nature in creative flow Navigating imposter syndrome and Honouring your path Resources & Mentions: Ben Rennie's new book Ben’s “Wednesdays” blog on Medium Brene Brown Steve Jobs: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward…” Meredith Hite-Estevez: “Join a song already singing” Rick Rubin: on creativity and remixing existing ideas Takeaways / Call to Action: Follow your curiosity—it’s the best antidote to fear Just start, even if it’s been done before—your voice matters Practice regularly and create space for your creativity Capture your ideas on the go Be gentle with yourself Spend time in nature to reset and reconnect

A FEW THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT Why joy is not frivolous—it’s essential. How to observe chaos without absorbing it Alchemizing anger into action Grounding techniques to pull you back to yourself (barefoot walks, simple rituals) Why online friendships and community can be just as real—and healing—as in-person ones How feminine energy can help rebalance a world spinning off its axis What it actually looks like to embrace your authentic self in a world that often shames it Why creativity is your most reliable compass during uncertain times Letting go of the pressure to save the world while still lending a hand The truth about money and how it amplifies who you already are SOUND BITES "The matriarchy is the highest good for all." "We have to focus on joy every day." "Community is not a one-way street." "Walking outside barefoot is grounding." "Ten minutes a day is all it takes." "Life is to savour it and enjoy it." "Your soul will never lead you astray." "That was medicine for my soul." CALLS TO ACTION If this episode stirred something in you, I’d love for you to support this work. Join my Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/creativegeniuspodcast] to help keep these conversations going and get access to bonus content, meditations, and other goodies I create just for our community. And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a friend. That’s how we grow this beautiful circle—and how we get these conversations into the hearts of those who need them most. RESOURCES + LINKS The Shabby Creek Cottage [https://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com] The Soft Life Society [https://ginaluker.mykajabi.com/the-soft-life-society] Join Kate's Patreon MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Patriarchy and the extinction burst The importance of grounding practices Creativity as guidance and resilience Building and rebuilding community with intention This one’s tender, fierce, and exactly what we need right now. I hope it lands in your heart the way it did in mine.   [https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0514/8124/7898/files/93_gina_luker_quote_1.png?v=1747428810][https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0514/8124/7898/files/93_gina_luker_quote_2.png?v=1747428891][https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0514/8124/7898/files/93_gina_luker_quote_3.png?v=1747440463][https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0514/8124/7898/files/93_gina_luker_quote_4.png?v=1747441312]

In the ever-evolving landscape of art and technology, the fusion of creativity and artificial intelligence is opening new horizons for artists worldwide. In a recent episode of Creative Genius, host Kate Shepherd engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Troy Plota, the visionary behind Plotaverse, exploring how AI can serve as a powerful ally in the creative process. The Intersection of Art and Technology: Troy Plota's journey from a seasoned photographer to the founder of a groundbreaking digital platform exemplifies the transformative potential of embracing technological advancements. Plotaverse, his innovative app, brought motion to still images, captivating audiences and achieving remarkable success with over 10 million downloads.  Democratizing Creativity: A central theme in the discussion is the democratization of art through AI. Troy emphasizes that AI tools can empower individuals with creative visions but limited resources, enabling them to bring their ideas to life without the need for substantial budgets or technical expertise. Spiritual Insights and Creative Inspiration: Beyond technology, the conversation delves into the spiritual dimensions of creativity. Troy shares a profound personal experience where he was inspired by a dream, awakening with a complete screenplay in mind. This narrative underscores the mysterious and often transcendent nature of artistic inspiration. Building Creative Communities: The episode also highlights the importance of community and service in the artistic journey. Troy discusses how platforms like Plotaverse can foster connections among artists, creating supportive environments that nurture creativity and innovation. The dialogue between Kate Shepherd and Troy Plota offers valuable insights into how embracing AI can enhance, rather than hinder, human creativity. By viewing technology as a collaborative partner, artists can unlock new realms of expression and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive creative landscape. To explore more about Troy Plota's work, visit Plotaverse [https://plotaverse.com/] Key Topics: The inception and impact of Plotaverse AI as a tool for creative empowerment Balancing technology with human artistry Spiritual insights and their influence on creativity Building communities through shared artistic endeavors Notable Quotes: "Creativity is a universal calling." "AI can enhance creativity rather than replace it." "Community and service to others can help combat fear and anxiety." Resources: Plotaverse Official Website [https://plotaverse.com/] Troy Plota's Personal Site [https://troychristopherplota.com/] Dor Brothers Video Mentioned [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Xkf8sOR90] Guest Bio: Troy Plota is a seasoned photographer and digital artist with over 30 years of experience. He is the founder of Plotaverse, a platform that revolutionized digital art by animating still images, garnering over 10 million downloads and reaching #1 in the App Store. Troy's work has been featured in prominent publications like Vanity Fair, GQ, and Rolling Stone.  Episode Highlights: Discussion on the role of AI in democratizing creativity Insights into the development and success of Plotaverse Exploration of spiritual experiences influencing artistic endeavors Emphasis on building supportive creative communities Subscribe to Creative Genius, leave a review, and support us on Patreon at patreon.com/creativegeniuspodcast [https://www.patreon.com/creativegeniuspodcast].