Creative Genius

Ep. 98 - Jaime Townzen Creativity as a Lifeline

Creativity as a Lifeline: A Conversation with Jaime Townzen What happens when grief, loss, and uncertainty open a doorway back to creativity? In this soulful episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, host Kate Shepherd speaks with artist and author Jaime Townzen about how watercolour became her lifeline during a dark time, and how following her spark led her to write and publish her debut novel Absorbed. Together they explore creativity as healing, intuition as guidance, the courage to embrace being an artist, and how art helps us through times of crisis. Listeners will hear about Jaime’s journey from stay-at-home mom to professional artist and novelist, the power of daily creative rituals, the role of curiosity as an antidote to anxiety, and how to trust your own calling. This conversation is a balm for anyone longing to reconnect with their creative spark and live more fully as themselves. This week on the Creative Genius Podcast, I sat down with artist and author Jaime Townzen. Her story is one of grief, healing, and rediscovering herself through creativity — a path that eventually led her to publish her first novel Absorbed. We talked about why art matters in times of crisis, how daily creative rituals can reorient your whole life, and what it means to follow your calling even when it doesn’t make sense on paper. Jaime’s journey is a beautiful reminder that creativity isn’t indulgent — it’s essential.

Ep. 97 - Natalie Bedard on The Warrior Work of Being Human

What if your nervous system—the very force that protects you—was also the key to unlocking your creativity, joy, and deeper self-connection? In this profound and heartfelt conversation, Kate sits down with emotional healing specialist and nervous system guide Natalie (NatNat) Bédard of LiftOneSelf. Together, they explore how our nervous systems shape our experiences, how integrating soul and humanity allows us to embrace the full spectrum of being alive, and why vulnerability is at the heart of creative expression. Natalie (NatNat) Bédard is the founder of LiftOneSelf and a devoted emotional healing specialist and nervous system guide. After surviving a life-threatening health crisis that left her in the hospital for 40 days, Natalie embarked on a profound journey of somatic healing, meditation, and self-discovery. She now teaches others how to navigate the “force field” of the nervous system, turning survival instincts into pathways for creativity, resilience, and joy. Her upcoming book, The Gift Wrapped in Sandpaper: Untamed Power, blends science, story, and practice to help readers integrate both soul and humanity. Through one-on-one sessions, group programs, and her own podcast, Natalie creates safe spaces where people can process trauma, embrace vulnerability, and access the deep creative intelligence within. Based in Ottawa, Canada, she is also a solo parent and brings lived experience, wisdom, and compassion to her work. Learn more at LiftOneSelf.com Key Takeaways Why Natalie calls nervous system healing “warrior work” and how it transforms our relationship with emotions. How to move beyond fear vs. love into true integration of the human and the soul. The nervous system as a wild stallion: learning to ride with it instead of fighting against it. Parenting, trauma, and authenticity: how to navigate messy real life with compassion. Playful, simple ways to reconnect with intuition, creativity, and joy. Resources Mentioned Natalie Bédard’s website: LiftOneSelf.com Natalie’s upcoming book The Gift Wrapped in Sandpaper Kate’s jewelry & podcast community: KateShepherdCreative.com [https://kateshepherdcreative.com] Call to Action If this conversation stirred something in you, subscribe to The Creative Genius Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. For deeper practices, meditations, and community, join us on Patreon at patreon.com/creativegeniuspodcast.

ep. 96 Albert Bramante on Rejection, Self-Doubt & Playing Beyond the Script

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

Ep. 95 - Leo Marrs: Making Things That Matter

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.

Ep 94 - Ben Rennie: Curiosity, Creativity, and Confidence

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