Novelist and poet Patrick Hicks on finding literary inspiration at home and abroad

Season 2 wrap-up and a creative wellness challenge

Minnesota Minds co-host Rachel Lauer interviews fellow co-host Aleisha Theisen about her wellness and creativity coaching for writers and other professionals. They also discuss what they enjoyed most about Season 2. If you'd like to follow Aleisha's coaching practice, you can check it out at the sites below. To join the 5-day wellness and creativity challenge, email her at aleisha at connectiontowellness.com. www.connectiontowellness.com [www.connectiontowellness.com] https://www.instagram.com/connected_to_wellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/connected_to_wellness/] You can learn more about the Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota, which Rachel discussed in this episode, at this website: https://twincitiesballet.org/ [https://twincitiesballet.org/]

Ellie Palmer on processing her diagnosis through writing a cozy rom-com

We sit down with Ellie Palmer, who wrote the romantic comedy novel she was looking for when she was diagnosed as a BRCA1 gene mutation carrier. As she recovered from a preventative mastectomy, she found herself drawn to romance novels, and she decided to write one with a protagonist who'd faced the same daunting medical situation she had. The result? A sweet, poignant, and funny "Four Weekends and a Funeral," set in the Twin Cities and Duluth. Hear about her writing process and what's next for this Minnesota author. Follow Ellie on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/elliepalmerwrites/ [https://www.instagram.com/elliepalmerwrites/] Stay up-to-date on her latest author news at www.elliepalmerwrites.com [www.elliepalmerwrites.com]

Jewelry designer and entrepreneur Larissa Loden on taking the leap and following your creative passions

Minnesota jewelry designer Larissa Loden seems to thrive when she has multiple creative endeavors going at once. Her self-titled business has stores in St. Paul and the Mall of America as well as an online shop. She also co-hosts the podcast “The World's Okayest Entrepreneur” and supports other entrepreneurs as a certified business coach. She didn’t always see herself as a business owner, though. She started her career as an art teacher. Over time, she followed her intuition and craving for more autonomy, and her once-small side project of jewelry designing took off. Now you can find people across the country wearing her fun, irreverent pieces. Hear the story of this evolution and the inspiration behind some of her most-sought-after pieces in this episode.  Find Larissa Loden’s jewelry at larissaloden.com [http://larissaloden.com]. Follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/larissaloden/ [https://www.instagram.com/larissaloden/]

Victor Yepez on making art accessible for everyone

Minneapolis-based artist Victor Yepez began his career in Quito, Ecuador, where he attended college and quickly found an eager audience for his found-art sculptures, vivid paintings, and community-driven murals. When he moved to Minnesota, he continued his passion for public art and community involvement. His murals brighten many once-dreary walls and corners of the city, and he teaches classes throughout the Twin Cities to help others discover their own connections through art. ⁠https://www.victoryepezarts.com/⁠ [https://www.victoryepezarts.com/] ⁠https://www.facebook.com/victoryepez.arts⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/victoryepez.arts] ⁠https://www.instagram.com/victoryepezarts/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/victoryepezarts/]

Novelist and poet Patrick Hicks on finding literary inspiration at home and abroad

Born in Stillwater, MN, novelist, poet, and professor Patrick Hicks' life and work have taken him across the globe. He has written more than 10 books, including three historical fiction novels centered on the Holocaust. Now, Patrick is turning his eye homeward with "Greater Minnesota," a blend of history and travelogue that crisscrosses the North Star State. Join us as we uncover: * How bowls of oatmeal and a writing legend shaped Patrick's early career * The passion driving his powerful Holocaust narratives * Why he decided to shift his focus and theme for his latest Minnesota-centric project You can read more about his works at https://patrickhicks.org/ [https://patrickhicks.org/].