What Fiction Teaches Us About Being Human

What Fiction Teaches Us About Being Human

Season 3, Episode 9 In this episode of Your Next Chapter, I’m exploring the deeper purpose of stories through two incredible novels: Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller and The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. We’re talking about: • Why fiction matters so much • How stories shape empathy • Why books are often feared throughout history • Access to stories and censorship • The emotional power of reading • Why fiction may be more important now than ever before This conversation is spoiler free and perfect for readers, writers, book clubs, and anyone who has ever felt changed by a story. Plus, I created free companion book club guides for both novels and a bonus comparison guide if you read them back-to-back.  ***NOTE*** These resources will be on their own tab on my website (www.rebeccahasulak.com) soon, but for now, please contact me here: https://www.rebeccahasulak.com/get-in-touch to request them and I'll send them your way.  Take a listen, and let’s talk about what fiction teaches us about being human.

What Drives Popularity in Art (Hint: It’s Not Just Talent)

Why do some books, songs, and artists take off… while others don’t? It’s easy to assume it comes down to talent or quality, but that’s only part of the story. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real drivers behind popularity in art, from exposure and promotion to timing, luck, and privilege. Because understanding this changes how you see both your own work—and everyone else’s.

Subjectivity in Art: What Your Taste Might Actually Reveal

Season 3, Episode 7 Why do we like what we like? It’s easy to write something off as “not for me.” But if you look a little closer, there’s often something deeper underneath. In this episode, I’m unpacking the idea that our taste in art isn’t always objective—and sometimes, our reactions say more about us than the work itself. From personal insecurities to creative comparison, this is a conversation about openness, awareness, and what it really means to engage with art.

Stop Overthinking Your Creativity & Trust Your Body Instead

Season 3, Episode 6 What if overthinking is the very thing blocking your creativity?  In this episode, I'm exploring the connection between your body and your creative process, and why trying to think your way into better work can actually make things worse.  From piano to yoga to writing, I've noticed the same pattern: the moment I overanalyze, I lose the flow.  Listen in to hear about somatic practices, simple ways to reconnect with your body, and how to create from a place of instinct instead of control.  (Resource referenced in the show: https://resiliencecounselinghtx.com/somatic-therapy-exercises/ [https://resiliencecounselinghtx.com/somatic-therapy-exercises/]).

Why You Can't Focus (And What Actually Helps)

Season 3, Episode 5 You don't have a discipline problem; you have an environment problem.  In today's episode, I'm breaking down how technology is designed to fragment your focus, and what you can actually do about it.  From phone habits to notifications to deep work (concept coined by the book Deep Work by Cal Newport), this is a practical guide to protecting your attention so you can create with clarity.