Shows
A Creative AffairArt Is Personal: Embracing the Subjective Nature of Creation
Art Is Personal: Embracing the Subjective Nature of Creation
In this episode of A Creative Affair, Brie and Len dive deep into the subjective nature of art, with all its highs, lows, and beautiful nuances. Here’s what you can look forward to:
•The Subjectivity of Art: Why “good” art is in the eye of the beholder. Brie and Len discuss how different perspectives can bring about wildly different reactions to the same work of art.
•Judging Art: What happens when judges and the public disagree? Len shares his experience judging a prestigious art competition and how the...2025-03-2834 min
Your Creative & Magical LifeTHE DEVIL: I Can Tell My Story Too (without Feeling Shame) w/ Khadi OluwatoyinIn this episode exploring The Devil card, I talk with Khadi (Khadijat) Oluwatoyin, founder and director of Sober Black Girls Club, an organization that offers support and community for Black women, femmes, and nonbinary folks who are practicing or exploring sobriety. Both Khadi and I share lived experience with alcohol addiction, a dynamic perfectly encapsulated in The Devil card. We talk about our struggles with alcohol, when and how we got sober, 12-step programs (their gifts and limitations), and what becomes possible when we reclaim our power from substances that may be draining our life force, health, cr...2025-01-311h 32
Your Creative & Magical LifeTEMPERANCE: Tending Our Aliveness w/ Natalie RossTo explore the Temperance card, I connected with Natalie Ross, a trauma-informed marketing coach and the creator of one of my favorite podcasts, the now-retired-but-still-available "Earth Speak," which aired from 2016 to 2023.In this episode, Natalie and I dork out about the art on both the Smith-Waite and the Gentle Tarot decks, analyzing the visual elements and parsing out themes and messages: earthy-ness versus the celestial, homeostasis and flow, balance, surrender, and peace.Natalie makes the beautiful connection that TEMPERANCE IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, and she shares her own journey from wondering "what's...2024-12-271h 55
Your Creative & Magical LifeTHE HANGED ONE: Now I Can't Unsee It w/ Amelia HrubyFor an exploration of The Hanged One, I had to talk to Amelia Hruby, creator and host of the podcast Off the Grid, a show for small business owners who want to leave social media without losing all their clients.These days, the prevailing logic is that ANY and EVERY successful business MUST have an Instagram account. But Amelia's made it her mission to show us what else is possible — something The Hanged One is in the process of realizing. This 12th card in the Major Arcana is about stepping away to take another look, being willing to...2024-11-271h 29
A Creative AffairCreative Clarity: Enhancing Creativity Through Organization
Creative Clarity:
Enhancing Creativity Through Organization
Join Brie and Len in this enlightening episode as they dive into the transformative power of organization within the creative process. Discover how structured spaces can lead to spontaneous artistry and why every artist could benefit from a little tidying up.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Winnie the Pooh’s Wisdom: Discover the charming way Winnie the Pooh approaches organization—because everything’s better when it’s not all mixed up!
•Anchors in Organization: Learn how being organized can anchor and ground you, making your creative endeavors l...2024-11-1358 min
A Creative AffairThe Reflective Artist: Journaling to Deepen Creative Practice
The Reflective Artist:
Journaling to Deepen Creative Practice
Join Brie and Len as they dive into the transformative world of journaling in the final installment of their three-part series on writing. This episode isn’t just about writing—it’s about discovering oneself and enhancing artistic expression through the reflective practice of journaling.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Discover Guided Journaling: Learn about apps like Wake Up Warrior that offer prompts to explore emotions and thoughts, helping you dive deeper into your personal psyche.
The Art of Storytelling: Uncover the stories we tell ou...2024-10-3033 min
A Creative AffairVoice of the Visual: Writing About Your Art
Voice of the Visual: Writing About Your Art
Join Brie and Len as they dive into the enriching practice of articulating the layers behind one’s artistic creations. This episode peels back the curtain on how artists can deepen their connection with their work and share their journey more profoundly with an audience.
In this episode, you'll discover:
The Personal Revelation: Understand how writing about your art can serve as a mirror, reflecting back insights about your creative identity and process.
For the Audience: Discover how articulating the stories and emotions behind your pie...2024-10-1635 min
A Creative AffairThe Art of the Artist Statement
The Art of the Artist Statement
Join Brie and Len as they delve into the intricate world of artist statements in this enlightening episode of our podcast. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, understanding how to articulate the essence of your work is crucial.
In this episode, you'll discover:
The Purpose of an Artist Statement: Why it’s more than just a formal necessity; it’s a gateway to understanding your own art on a deeper level.
Insights from the Masters: From Georgia O’Keeffe’s notorious struggles with words to Alf...2024-10-0229 min
A Creative AffairGroup Magic: The Collective Power of Creative Energy
Group Magic: The Collective Power of Creative Energy
In this next episode of A Creative Affair, Brie and Len dive into the dynamic world of collaborative creativity, exploring the unique magic that sparks when artists come together. Whether you’re a solo creator or thrive in a communal setting, this discussion will inspire you to consider the enriching possibilities of group creativity.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Shared Experiences: Discover how coming together in a physical space can amplify creativity through shared energy and collective enthusiasm.
Learning from Others: Gain insights into how gro...2024-09-1830 min
A Creative AffairPresence in Practice: Mindfulness for Artists
Presence in Practice: Mindfulness for Artists
In Episode 67 of “A Creative Affair,” join Brie and Len as they dive deep into the art of mindfulness and its transformative power in the creative process. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that blends practical advice with personal insights, all designed to help you harness the full potential of mindfulness in your artistic endeavors:
In this episode, you'll discover:
Defining Mindfulness: Start with the basics as Brie reads from the dictionary to ground us in what mindfulness truly means.
Mindfulness in Action: Discover how mindfulness can enhan...2024-08-1445 min
Your Creative & Magical LifeWHEEL OF FORTUNE: Seeing Where the World is Gonna Take Me w/ Ami PlasseIn this episode, we explore the Wheel of Fortune archetype with visual artist Ami Plasse, who I first met in group therapy! We start out this conversation reliving our Wheel-of-Fortune origin story — how we went from strangers in a therapy room to friends and collaborators in the "outside" world.Then we dive into the Wheel of Fortune card, exploring its rich symbolism and meanings, including "the unspeakable name of God" and the connection between god and change.Ami also talks about the varied elements of his multifaceted art practice — how he started out working in crea...2024-08-131h 38
A Creative AffairTechnology and Creativity: A Dynamic Duo for Artistic Growth
Technology and Creativity:
A Dynamic Duo for Artistic Growth
In Episode 66 of "A Creative Affair," join Brie and Len as they discuss the intersection of technology and creativity. Discover how digital tools not only enhance artistic expression but also forge global connections, making art more accessible and allowing artists to thrive in new and exciting ways. Whether it’s leveraging digital art platforms, utilizing cloud storage for seamless creative processes, or engaging in remote collaborations, Brie and Len explore the myriad ways technology acts as a catalyst for creative growth.
In this epis...2024-07-3152 min
A Creative AffairGrowing Pains: The Beauty of Creative Discomfort
Growing Pains: The Beauty of Creative Discomfort
In Episode 64 of "A Creative Affair," hosts Len Metcalf and Brie Stockwell embark on a reflective exploration of creative growth and the art of embracing awkwardness. With a blend of humor and introspective dialogue, they uncover the pivotal role discomfort plays in artistic evolution. Tune in as they delve into the intriguing process of personal and creative development, making this episode a must-listen for anyone engaged in creative pursuits.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Embracing the Awkward: Discover how embracing your creative awkwardness can be th...2024-07-2452 min
Your Creative & Magical LifeTHE HERMIT: Trying to Find the Light w/ Chad HutchinsonIn this episode, we explore The Hermit card with poet and writer Chad Hutchinson, who is also a friend of mine. In our conversation, Chad talks about his personal Hermit story — how he spent much of his adult life "on the run," trying to escape The Darkness that found him when he was alone. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and Chad was forced to sit with himself, he made the choice to sit still on a blanket in his backyard, where he met a neighborhood cat and discovered a sense of peace. Since then, he's mi...2024-07-161h 27
A Creative AffairThe Power of Creative Community: Experimental Photography with Pablo Giori
Experimental Photography with Pablo Giori
Join host, Len Metcalf, in an exploration of experimental photography with guest Pablo Giori, co-founder of the Experimental Photography Festival. Unpack the essence of innovation in photography, the crucial role of community, and the profound impact of education as mentors and students.
Highlights Include:
Demand for Innovation: Pablo discusses the necessity for new photographic methods in response to the repetitiveness and homogeneity bred by mainstream media and social platforms.
Essence of Experimental Photography: Learn about the philosophy behind experimental photography which embraces unconventional techniques to craf...2024-07-031h 09
A Creative AffairChanging Beliefs: Transforming Creativity and Self
Changing Beliefs: Transforming Creativity and Self
Join Brie Stockwell and Len Metcalf in a thought-provoking episode of "A Creative Affair," where they dive deep into the transformative power of beliefs and how they shape our creative and personal lives. Drawing on personal experiences and a variety of inspirational sources, this episode explores the dynamic relationship between belief and action, offering listeners valuable insights into overcoming limitations and embracing new possibilities.
In this episode, you'll discover:
The Power of Beliefs: Discover how Brie and Len have seen their personal and professional lives transformed by...2024-06-191h 05
Your Creative & Magical LifeDiscussing TAROT (the Supernatural Horror Film) w/ The Basement GirlsIn this collaborative episode with The Basement Girls podcast, we discuss the recent supernatural / horror film TAROT by Anna Holberg and Spenser Cohen, based on the 1992 novel Horrorscope by Nicholas Adams.I had a great time watching this film in the theater with Bianca Pérez and Steph Grossman, who cohost The Basement Girls podcast, which explores their mutual passion for the horror genre. I expected to hate this movie, thinking it falsely demonized Tarot. And while it wasn’t a mind-blowing, genre-redefining film, it was fun to watch as someone who loves Tarot and sca...2024-06-051h 07
A Creative AffairExploring Big Magic: Tapping Into Creative Living Beyond Fear
Exploring Big Magic: Tapping Into Creative Living Beyond Fear
Join hosts, Brie Stockwell & Len Metcalf, for an upbeat discussion on Elizabeth Gilbert’s transformative book, "Big Magic". From personal anecdotes to universal truths about the creative process, we explore the themes of inspiration, persistence, and the mystical nature of ideas as presented in Gilbert's work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to spark their creative spirit and manage the fears that come with it.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Overview of Big Magic: Brie and Len discuss the main concepts of El...2024-06-0554 min
A Creative AffairSparks to Fire: Turning Creative Ideas into Reality
Sparks to Fire: Turning Creative Ideas into Reality
Brie Stockwell and Len Metcalf, from opposite ends of the globe, discuss the intricacies of handling creative ideas. From the first spark of inspiration to the tangible steps of realization, this episode explores the creative processes that drive artists and thinkers alike. Whether you're a painter, writer, or dreamer, join Brie and Len as they unravel the threads of creativity that weave through their daily lives.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Honoring Creative Ideas: Learn how both hosts capture and honor their fleeting ideas—whet...2024-05-2249 minYour Creative & Magical LifeYour Art is a Transmission & an Act of LOVE!This shorter episode is a follow-up to our conversations about The Hierophant and The Lovers, where we turn those cards into guides for our creative work. Here, I'm sharing about how your art is a transmission — a broadcast of sorts, a message, a way of beaming something from inside of you to someone else. And even if no one sees what you create, your art can be a way for you to transmit something to your Future Self! I talk about why that's important, and how your art is also an act of love — for yourself and for...2024-05-1820 min
Your Creative & Magical LifeTHE LOVERS: That Much Closer to Madness w/ Bianca Alyssa PérezIn this episode, we explore The Lovers card with poet, teacher, and lover Bianca Alyssa Pérez, whose poetry chapbook Gemini Gospel dances with themes of this card deeply and beautifully, touching on self-love, grief, family, and romance. Our conversation starts with the imagery and symbolism of The Lovers, and unfolds into an exploration of Bianca's journey toward self-love as someone who struggles with anxiety and panic disorder. Bianca also shares what it's like being a Gemini and the challenge of making choices. She also shares her own beautiful love story — how she met her husband, Nick, in...2024-05-121h 43
Your Creative & Magical LifeTHE HIEROPHANT: I Am a Messenger w/ Becky Bullard (aka Democrasexy)In this episode, we explore The Hierophant with guest Becky Bullard, the creatrix, messenger, and megaphone behind Democrasexy, a project that aims to engage more people in the democratic and civic process by making it easier, more fun, and... sexy!In our conversation, Becky shares how her disappointment after the 2016 presidential election spurred to do more, and how a workshop on "awakening your highest self" led her to invoke the archetype of the messenger, which she embodies daily in her Democrasexy work.Our conversation also explores: overcoming the fear of speaking up and raising our...2024-04-271h 26Your Creative & Magical LifeWhy You Need CREATIVE SPACE & How to Get it…In this shorter episode, I stay with The Emperor just a moment longer (see previous episode), and invoke his energy to talk about creative space and why Creative Spirits need it — and deserve it!I talk about The Emperor's relationship to space as a container for his leadership, just like Creative Spirits need containers to move and hold their creative energy.I also talk about different forms and kinds of creative space, what that can look like, and I share a story about recently giving up creative space, feeling pretty twisted up about it, and ho...2024-04-2031 min
A Creative AffairArt and Soul with Gabrielle Wildheart
Art and Soul with Gabrielle Wildheart
Join us for a lively and insightful episode of A Creative Affair as hosts Brie and Len dive deep into the world of art, creativity, and community with special guest, painter and public artist, Gabrielle Wildheart.
Highlights Include:
The Power of Fun: Discover how having fun with your creative process can lead to higher levels of mastery and efficiency.
Soulful Creation: Explore the importance of listening to your inner calling and crafting art that speaks to your soul.
Flow State and Art Making: Delve into the co...2024-04-171h 13
A Creative AffairUnlock Creative Potential: Making Time for Art
Unlock Creative Potential: Making Time for Art
Join hosts Brie and Len as they catch up on current happenings AND discuss Brie's struggle with making time for art. Get ready for open discussions and laughs as they talk about getting your creative groove on (spoiler for something new to the podcast!).
Highlights Include:
•Current Projects: Hear what Brie and Len are looking forward to (and how you can join in)
•Mindset Magic: Discover how to shift your mindset and overcome creative blocks to harness the full power of your artistic vision.
•Time-Bending Technique...2024-04-1759 min
Your Creative & Magical LifeTHE EMPEROR: Power Beyond Patriarchy & Embodying Nonbinary Daddy Energy w/ Kelly MarshallIn this episode, we explore The Emperor with Kelly Marshall, a nonbinary writer and yoga therapist who supports people with nervous system recalibration, embodiment, and trauma-informed approaches to yoga, teaching, and community-building. Together, we examine the imagery of The Emperor card and the energies and meanings conveyed by the visual composition of the archetype. We question why female and femme-identifying folks might struggle to connect with this card (idk, could be THE PATRIARCHY?!). Kelly also shares how they have personally experienced embodiment with Emperor energy in a way that's been healing for them and others — through presence in...2024-04-111h 19Your Creative & Magical LifeYou "Abandoned" a Creative Project and You Have FEELINGS About That...This first shorter episode is for Creative Spirits who've abandoned, ghosted, or otherwise fallen out with a creative project they used to love. What's often standing in the way of a reunion with an abandoned project isn't just time, space, and a long to-do list. Usually, there's FEELINGS involved, and this tends to perpetuate avoidance. But all those feelings are NORMAL, and we're gonna normalize them! I share theories on why this happens, questions you can use to explore what's creating the distance, and how you might reconnect with your project, or determine if you want to!...2024-04-0726 min
Your Creative & Magical Life6. Divination Cross-Pollination: Tarot & the I Ching (Heaven & Earth) w/ Kat Hosoo LeeWe continue our exploration of Tarot and I Ching with Kat Hosoo Lee, a business mentor for spiritual entrepreneurs, Daoism nerd, and I Ching practitioner. In our last episode, Kat and I laid out the basics, so if you haven't heard it yet, I recommend you hop over to episode 5. In this episode, we explore four hexagrams within the heaven / earth pairing — Hexagrams 1, 2, 11, and 12. Kat shares about the energetic interplay between elements when heaven and earth combine and diverge. I bring in Tarot cards that coincide with these hexagrams — Ace of Pentacles, Ace of Swords, 10 of Wands, and...2024-03-301h 37
Your Creative & Magical LifeDivination Cross-Pollination: Tarot & the I Ching (the Basics) w/ Kat Hosoo LeeIn this episode, we explore divination more broadly, focusing on Tarot and I Ching. This is the first in a year-long series cohosted with Kat Hosoo Lee, who helps spiritual entrepreneurs connect with their purpose, build sustainable businesses, and attune to intuition and nature. She's been using I Ching as a divination tool for years.In this conversation, Kat and I explore the history of I Ching and Tarot, how the two systems are structured, and how the elements play an essential role in both. We also share how we approach divination as a practice, centering intention...2024-03-231h 38
Your Creative & Magical LifeTHE EMPRESS: Resting in Power w/ Christina RosalesIn this episode, we explore The Empress, the vast creative force that moves through nature and gives us LIFE! Our guest is an Empress herself — Christina Rosales, a journalist-turned-activist who developed a video game about housing justice, which she turned into a stage play. Christina also sews her own clothes, is raising a young son, and has two artistic passions I didn't even know about until late in our conversation!Christina and I talk about the many faces of The Empress and what she teaches us about creativity, interconnectedness, rest, receiving, biodiversity, and collective action. Christina also sh...2024-03-151h 49
Your Creative & Magical LifeTHE HIGH PRIESTESS: Unclench Your Butt Cheeks w/ Ebony Isis BoothIn this episode, we explore The High Priestess with Ebony Isis Booth, a coach who supports primarily Black and Indigenous folks in transformation, leadership, and emotional alchemy. Our conversation explores the second Major Arcana card through the lens of intuition, self-trust, and Spirit, and we talk about internal and external resistance that arises when intuition delivers its wisdom.Ebony also teaches us about "unclenching our butt cheeks" and takes us through an exercise to experience this act of full-body softening, which helps The High Priestess connect with us.Ebony also shares about growing up Southern...2024-02-292h 02
Your Creative & Magical LifeTHE MAGICIAN: Bringing Something Into Existence That Wasn't There Before w/ Jessica JerniganSince this show is just getting started, and this episode focuses on THE MAGICIAN, I spend a little time explaining what I mean by Your Creative & Magical Life, and I share about my theory of creativity and how magic can how up in different ways and how we can invite it into our lives.Then I talk with writer, zine-maker, and postmodern witch Jessica Jernigan all about The Magician archetype. Jessica and I co-teach this card and riff off The Magician's energy — how "manifestation mindset" and "create your own reality" thinking can be dangerous, the trickster side of...2024-02-161h 48
A Creative AffairSketchbook Chronicles with Ami Plasse
Sketchbook Chronicles with Ami Plasse
Get ready for a lively conversation as Len, Brie and their guest, artist Ami Plasse, dive into the world of creativity, art, and authenticity. In this episode, they explore the joys and challenges of daily artistic practice, sharing personal experiences and inspiring insights to ignite your own creative journey.
🎨 Highlights:
Gonzo drawing: The joy of creating fast and on the fly!
Creative February Challenge: Discover how Ami, Len, and Brie plan to infuse creativity into their daily lives during Creative February, sparking new ideas and pushing their artistic boundaries.
The...2024-02-071h 28
Your Creative & Magical LifeTHE FOOL: We Can Always Begin Again w/ Annar VeröldIn this inaugural episode, I kick things off with a little tribute to Mom and Dad, then we dive right in to explore The Fool and the elements and symbols we see in this very first card of the Tarot. I talk about what The Fool IS and ISN'T about, and how this podcast reflects a Fool moment, which reflects the very Fool-like origins of Typewriter Tarot. Then, I bring on a member of the Typewriter Tarot coven, Annar Veröld, a writer, filmmaker, publisher, and graphic designer, who shares about her recent experience dancing with The Fo...2024-01-301h 10
The Rabble | Texas Politics for the Unruly MobDay 33: Daily Democracy Challenge (13 Days 'til Election)Only 13 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! But guess what... we get to see you tonight!TODAY'S ACTION:Come to our series finale of "In the House" TONIGHT at 6:30pm CT, in partnership with Swing Left! It's gonna be a big ol' Texas House Party with comedy, music, art, and a bunch of sheroes, including MJ Hegar! Here's the amazing lineup:❖ Thao Nguyen (of Thao & The Get Down Stay Down)❖ Texas US Senate Democratic Candidate MJ Hegar❖ Comedy from Vanessa Gonzalez...2020-10-2108 minThe Rabble | Texas Politics for the Unruly MobDay 32: Daily Democracy Challenge (14 Days 'til Election)Only 14 more days until Election Day, and early voting is going on now through October 30! Who else is feeling sweaty???TODAY'S ACTION:Ooookay, Election Day is officially 2 weeks from today. If you have friends who haven't volunteered yet, now is the time to bring them into the fold! OUR dear friend Cari Marshall (the mastermind behind Flip the Texas House) has organized a "Friend Bank" for two of our favorite candidates tonight from 6-7pm -- Wendy Davis and Julie Oliver.Here's what Cari says:"We're throwing a socially distanced party o...2020-10-2005 min
The Petty PodGetting Sketchy With Illustrator and Creative Director Ami PlasseAmi Plasse is one of the most sociable illustrators to bless the streets of New York and Austin, TX. From live music to around-the-town scenes, his sketches capture interesting personalities in a style that everyone spots as Ami's. He's even published a book, Ami Underground — a kaleidoscope of sketches from New York’s subway system. Did we mention he’s also a seasoned creative director? We talked about why it’s okay to be an extroverted artist, his grind at Parsons, riding bikes, and where his company, Gonzo Viz, is headed!2018-05-0900 min