Dope x Design

006: When Reality is the Choke Chain on Your Creative Dog

Season 2 is here. And I'm not easing into it. This episode is about what happens when life has such a tight grip on you that your natural instincts can't breathe. The choke chain is real. And for a long time, mine looked like autopilot, a committee of critics I never voted for, and a closet full of creative ideas that never made it out of my head. The thing that cracked it open? Sewing. Going back to it after 10-15 years, a New Year's trip to Sedona, a wish ritual, a stranger in a convenience store who told me I had style, and a pants class that brought me face-to-face with younger Alissa. She didn't fail. She just wasn't ready. This episode also features Hollywood, my spicy little dachshund, who has strong opinions about who deserves her attention and even stronger opinions about prime sunshine hours. Seven episodes. Monthly. All personal. No formulas. No preaching. Stick with me. 🎙 Host: Alissa Follow the journey: @originallyremixed [https://instagram.com/originallyremixed] ✨ Visit the site: originallyremixed.com [http://originallyremixed.com/] If this resonated, pass it to someone who needs to hear it.

005: Finishing Is Overrated (The Finale?)

In this solo finale episode, I reflect on what it means to be multi-passionate — starting everything, finishing some things, and giving yourself permission to hold projects lightly. From photo walks and collage-making to cooking experiments, workshops, and art hangs, this summer reminded me that not every idea needs to become a business or a long-term commitment. Some projects are here to spark joy, teach a skill, or simply move through us. And that’s enough. We talk about:• why starter energy is just as valuable as finisher energy• the importance of having an anchor project or home base• using seasonal creativity to structure your many passions• how community keeps creative energy alive• the "chaos bag" — a way to honor and repurpose half-baked projects• why finishing is sometimes overrated, and starting is a gift in itself This is also the last episode of Season 1. Five felt like the right number — a complete cycle to get the idea out of my system, reflect on the process, and imagine what’s next. The show isn’t finished, though. Dope x Design will continue to live inside the Originally Remixed container, possibly in a new monthly format. If you’ve ever felt guilty for not finishing everything you start, or overwhelmed by too many passions, I hope this episode gives you permission to see your creative chaos as brilliance. 🎙 Host: Alissa (the Artist) Follow the journey: ⁠⁠@alissatheartist⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/alissatheartist] + ⁠⁠@originallyremixed⁠⁠ [https://instagram.com/originallyremixed] ✨ Visit the site: ⁠⁠originallyremixed.com⁠⁠ [https://originallyremixed.com] ⁠ If this resonates, share it with a friend, rate and review the show, or drop me a note. I’d love to hear what’s in your chaos bag right now — or what creative season you’re in.

004: Do You Even Hear Yourself?

In this solo episode, I reflect on survival, self-trust, and the slow journey of finding your voice again, and what a reality show like Alone has to do with all of it. Weaving together thoughts on exposure therapy, past creative wounds, and the fear of being seen, this episode is about what happens when you stop editing yourself to fit someone else’s comfort. It’s a personal one. A little raw. But also a reminder that your voice matters... even when it shakes. We talk about: • how Alone became a mirror for my creative process • the emotional impact of being mocked or silenced • podcasting as exposure therapy • reclaiming self-expression after creative trauma • learning to like yourself, in your own voice If you've ever pulled away from your creative voice because of judgment, shame, or fear — I hope this episode helps you take one small step back to yourself. 🎙 Host: Alissa (the Artist) Follow the journey: @alissatheartist [https://instagram.com/alissatheartist] + @originallyremixed [https://instagram.com/originallyremixed] ✨ Visit the site: originallyremixed.com [https://originallyremixed.com] If this resonates, share it with a friend, rate and review the show, or drop me a note. I’d love to hear what you're working through — or what creative season you're in.

003: Brushstrokes & Becoming with LaKrishia Armour

In this episode, I’m joined by LaKrishia Armour — writer, creative marketing consultant, painter, and tarot enthusiast — for a conversation about following creative nudges and allowing your practice to evolve. LaKrishia’s journey has spanned content strategy, editorial writing, therapeutic art, and now a deeply intuitive approach to creativity that blends all of the above. Her work explores healing, expression, and the quiet ways we return to ourselves through what we make. We talk about: • her early work in journalism and the evolution of her writing career • navigating the worlds of fashion, marketing, and content strategy • the rise of AI and how creatives can adapt • what it really means to be an artist • turning to painting as therapy — and staying for the joy • how tarot and intuition shape her creative process 🃏🔮🌙 We also mention the Before Tarot and After Tarot kits — two decks that explore what happens just before and just after the traditional scenes of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot. • Before Tarot Kit [https://www.loscarabeo.com/en/products/before-tarot-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopfPLimZt0tk9YKfN_lGNdWvSZZc0zMgWKROLST-uwqk-Fdlv4h] • After Tarot Kit [https://www.loscarabeo.com/en/products/after-tarot?srsltid=AfmBOorJP-yweWmyQT9p1PcyFQI3U-KbXO_ZBusPgPO5flx3ZwQ3E5M4] If you’ve ever followed a feeling and ended up somewhere new — creatively, professionally, or personally — this episode is for you. 🎙 Guest: LaKrishia Armour Follow her journey: @ultravenus.art [https://www.instagram.com/ultravenus.art] + @_armourelle [https://www.instagram.com/_armourelle] ✨ Let’s stay connected Follow me on IG: @alissatheartist [https://www.instagram.com/alissatheartist] + @originallyremixed [https://www.instagram.com/originallyremixed] Visit the site: originallyremixed.com [https://originallyremixed.com] If this resonated, share it with a friend, rate and review the show, or send me a note — I’d love to hear what creative season you’re navigating.

002: Amber J. Adams and The Art of the Creative Pivot

In this episode, I’m joined by Amber J. Adams — writer, speaker, strategist, and founder of Amber Career Studio — for a conversation on what it really means to pivot. Amber’s career has spanned journalism, creative direction, marketing, and now coaching. She’s traveled solo around the world, lived in multiple countries, and reimagined her life more than once — all while helping others find the clarity and courage to do the same. We talk about: • what it looks like to listen to your inner voice • how to navigate the messy in-between • the freedom (and fear) of starting over • building a career that reflects who you really are Whether you’re in the middle of a shift or quietly craving one, this episode is your permission slip. 🎙 Guest: Amber J. Adams Follow her journey: @amberjadams [https://www.instagram.com/amberjadams] + @ambercareerstudio [https://www.instagram.com/ambercareerstudio/] Learn more: ⁠ambercareerstudio.com [https://ambercareerstudio.com/] Subscribe to the Sunday Reset: thefablifeproject.com [https://thefablifeproject.com/] ✨ Let’s stay connected Follow me on IG: @alissatheartist⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/alissatheartist] + ⁠@originallyremixed⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/originallyremixed] Visit the site: originallyremixed.com [https://originallyremixed.com/] If this resonated, share it with a friend, rate + review the show, or send me a note — I’d love to hear what you’re navigating or dreaming about.