Episode 002: Ara Katz, The Mentor
For our first interview of the season, I sat down with my mentor and friend, the brilliant and ever-wise Ara Katz. During our conversation, Ara reflected on many things: her return to New York after years living in LA, how experiencing grief as a teen shaped her worldview, and how she turned to creativity as a means of survival as a child. We explore neuroaesthetics and the impact of physical space, the importance of quiet, intuition, and trust in oneself, and why creatives must resist “contorting” for social media algorithms.
Tune in for a meditation on self-trust, the importance of non-attachment, and the lifelong work of becoming who you are.
(0:00) Introducing Ara Katz, Co-Founder of Seed
(01:37) Three Deep Breaths & "How Is Your Heart Today?"
(04:11) Returning to New York & the Meaning of Home
(09:49) How Dianna & Ara Met
(11:08) When Do We Really Become Who We Are?
(13:20) Childhood, Early Trauma & Creativity as Survival
(16:03) Grief, Solitude & Losing Her Mom at 15
(25:34) "She Didn't Always Follow the Recipe" — Her Mother's Last Gift
(27:25) The Decision to Launch Crown Affair
(30:26) The Miracle of the Human Body & Lifelong Wellness Philosophy
(34:19) Disconnection from Nature & the Importance of Getting Quiet
(41:37) Building a Brand Without Contorting for the Algorithm
(45:25) Anxiety as a Signal You're Out of Alignment
(58:04) Mary Oliver's "The Journey" Read Aloud
(1:02:52) Take Your Time Questions Begin
(1:05:15) Seed's Storytelling Legacy & the Times Square Billboard
(1:12:02) When Does Time Stand Still? Reframing Our Relationship to Time
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Recommendations and resources from this episode:
* Undimmed [https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250385185/undimmed/] by Cecily Mak
* Seed [https://seed.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo_2JSGUvUgh5n6JzI7RrPQRfSJylwNP7Tp-F1RV4D-Fuev3Jkk]
* Mary Oliver Poem
