Shows
Building the Creative Lifeep 216: Stop Negging Yourself and Watch for the WinsBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun shares her experience at BBG Con (Board Games and Geeks convention). Jenn talks about selling out of her books at River City Witch Market. They reflect on what they’ve learned and accomplished since the beginning of the season and discuss plans for the future.Stuff we referenced in t...
2025-08-111h 05
Building the Creative Lifeep 215: Completing projectsBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun reflects on validation she’s received in her spiritual life and then talks about participating in the Breathless Jam with a new game. Jenn shares her struggle with a creative hangover in the wake of finishing her third book and how she worked through it to ultimately take advantage of a new opportunity. Chrishaun talks about the concept of “...
2025-08-041h 06
Building the Creative Lifeep 214: Reducing AnxietyBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun discusses the steps she’s taken to reduce her anxiety, physically and mentally. She reflects on events of the last few months and how they have affected her. Having done emotional and spiritual work to process things, she describes the physical effects of anxiety and what she plans to do to manage it. Her...
2025-07-281h 11
Building the Creative Lifeep 213: Enjoying YourselfBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Jenn shares updates on her book sales and her first attempt at Facebook ads. Chrishaun discusses going to Leander Con and talking with other gamers about what they look for in a new game. She’s excited to try building a new duelist game based on one she played there. They discuss the class action suit...
2025-07-211h 06
Building the Creative Lifeep 212: Taking a BreathBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about protein coffee and other ways to take care of themselves while they work towards new creative goals and projects. Chrishaun talks about changing her plans–including doing her work on the grounds of her church instead of at home. She shares the challenges she faced in shifting the way she approaches her job and accepts the...
2025-07-141h 06
Building the Creative Lifeep 211: Counting the CostBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn math out the options for getting tarot cards printed. They discuss pricing options, including considerations for bulk vs small-batch orders, as well as the consequences for shipping from overseas in light of the undetermined status of new tariffs.Jenn’s favorite thing was a book box from Beth Revis that included Night of the...
2025-07-071h 12
Building the Creative LifeEp 210: Going with the flowBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about letting their creative moods guide them and remembering to take time out from the creative business to live the creative life - because being flexible and having fun is why we do this. Play is research, so it’s time to stop feeling guilty about the time spent enjoying it. Jenn’s favorite thing was reading for enj...
2025-06-301h 00
Building the Creative LifeEp 209: Finding Moments of Rest in the Midst of ChaosBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun has completed her class (Full Stack Java Development at Per Scholas) and plans to take the week to rest and process big changes that are coming. She talks about leaving the structure of the class behind, as well as potentially leaving her American identity to move forward with her life in a safer environment. Jenn screenshares the designs for her upcoming tarot de...
2025-05-2659 min
Building the Creative LifeEp 208: Getting Paid to Have FunBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn catch up on their projects, sharing the things they are most proud of–Jenn revised 32 chapters in a week, and Chrishaun has developed new branding to house all of her projects under one label: Sique’s Powered by the Apocalypse. Chrishaun also talks about ways she works to lower her anxiety and keep from getting overwhelmed.Both Jenn and Ch...
2025-05-1947 min
Building the Creative LifeEp 207: Making Progress and Finding Joy in ItBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss the joys of making progress and seeing results. Chrishaun shares her work on a hunter encounter generator. Jenn talks about getting feedback on her manuscript and starting revisions, then shares some finds for companies that make custom tea blends. Chrishaun explains her plan to compile her content into a new Substack: Sique’s Powered by the Apocalypse.Jenn...
2025-05-1251 min
Building the Creative LifeEp 206: Building Something of Your OwnBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn share their excitement about progress they’re making on their creative projects. Chrishaun talks about some of the reasons people make choices against their best interests, particularly in terms of whiteness. She shares her observation that building something of your own allows you to center yourself on your own creation, rather than on your dependence on someone else or on a sy...
2025-05-0555 min
Building the Creative LifeEp 205: Gamifying Your WorldBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun talks about transitioning from an author to a game designer. She opens up about how facing her own truths and embracing her creative work has helped her get through dark times. Chrishaun and Jenn catch up on their creative work - Chrishaun’s Java course and Jenn’s manuscript - and discuss plans for physical products. Jenn’s favorite thing was Sever...
2025-04-281h 04
Building the Creative LifeEp 204: unpacking the shift from race to class as a cultural dividing lineBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun addresses her white friends in a reflection on how political power shifts will affect them as members of a class over their race. Jenn expresses concern about the SAVE Act. Jenn and Chrishaun discuss options for dealing with tariffs and other concerns as a creative business. Then they break down the symbolism of Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show.Stuff we refe...
2025-04-211h 12
Building the Creative LifeEp. 203: Creating in ChaosBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Jenn and Chrishaun discuss struggles with scheduling and mental health. They commiserate over winter weather and geek out about Severance. Chrishaun shares plans for a side quest and does an unboxing of Jenn’s PR box for Unforgivable, book two in her upcoming trilogy. They also discuss recent events in the news. (This was filmed the week of the presidential inauguration.)Stuf...
2025-04-1457 min
Building the Creative LifeEp. 202: Building This for MeBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss the power and challenges of self-validation. Chrishaun talks about valuing skills learned over academic success. Jenn shares her new response to no response when it comes to reaching out to people professionally. They share news about a few different creative side projects they're working on, as well as giving updates on their primary ventures.Jenn’s favorite thin...
2025-04-0759 min
Building the Creative LifeEp.201: Embracing Creativity as a Healing ToolIn this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn catch up on what they’ve been working on since the end of season one. Chrishaun shares her reasons for making a big move and then celebrates small wins, including her coding coursework and developing the game mechanics for RPGs in her Shaman States universe. Jenn talks about her progress in drafting her third novel and gives some updates on her plans for a special edition and in-person events.Jenn’s favorite thing this week was building a dice popper for her family D&D game.Chrishaun’s favori...
2025-03-3159 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 16: seen and heardEp 16: seen and heard
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.
This week, in an episode filmed on Halloween, Chrishaun and Jenn geek out about the finale of Agatha All Along. They reflect on the first season of Building the Creative Life and share their goals for season two.
To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: li...
2025-01-1356 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 15: be the one who asks the questionsEp 15: be the one who asks the questions
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss a challenge Jenn had with her son’s teacher, bridging that experience into a broader discussion of how to have open communication when you need questions answered, being honest with yourself about what you need to know and why, and letting go of responsibility for how the other person reacts.
They al...
2025-01-0654 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 14: embracing chaosEp 14: embracing chaos
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Chrishaun talks about her plans for her newest project: the Chaos Machine. She discusses the courses she’s taking and other steps involved in building her own AI, as well as addressing the concerns she’s heard about the use of AI in creative processes. She explains how the skills she is currently developing for that project will have cross purpose applications, allo...
2024-12-3058 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 13: groundingEp 13: grounding
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about grief and making space in the creative life to process hard emotions. Chrishaun shares a technique she calls the Conversation, which helps her to ground herself and prepares her to move forward.
Chrishaun’s favorite thing was watching Agatha All Along and Law&Order UK
Jenn’s favorite thing was reading Bloodmarked by Tracy Deon...
2024-12-2359 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding Bonus: if the cheekbones fit...We will continue to talk about Agatha All Along for as long as they make episodes!
2024-12-1915 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding Bonus: wiccanChrishaun and Jenn discuss episode 6 of Agatha All Along
2024-12-1913 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding Bonus: Hard ConversationsSique and Jenn's full talk about building strong connections through hard conversations
2024-12-1916 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding Bonus: What Comes NextSique (a djinn with 42 years in spiritual work) discusses the consequences of disrespecting closed practices.
(and why is Jenn so tiny?)
2024-12-1921 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding Bonus: Kombucha and Pork recipes.Welcome to Building Bonus, where we share all those side conversations from the Building the Creative Life podcast.
In this bonus, Sique (who is extremely food-motivated) shares what she loves about pork belly and how Kombucha has saved her tummy.
2024-12-1906 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 12: building a business that pays for itself
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about Jenn’s second book launch and her progress in building inventory for her shop. Chrishaun explains her project-based business model.
Chrishaun’s favorite thing was Mr. Mahon on Netflix
Jenn’s favorite thing was Agatha All Along
To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.e...
2024-12-1956 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 11: planning for funEp 11: planning for fun
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.
This week, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about Jenn’s trip to Salem and the Getting Witchy With It signing event she attended. Then they discuss how they plan to organize their daily schedules for maximum productivity and fun.
Chrishaun’s favorite thing was watching Rings of Power on Prime
Jenn’s favorite thing was the premiere of Agatha All Al...
2024-11-2559 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 10: macguyvering small winsEp 10: macguyvering small wins
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about prioritizing creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss creating a career out of fun. Chrishaun encourages Jenn to tilt the lens with which she views her past projects to recognize that her goals have been met, even if the end results don’t look the way she expected them to.
They discuss looking at their achievements through their own lens, instead of th...
2024-11-1856 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 9: filling the wellEp 9: filling the well
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about the joy of having positive energy after overcoming burnout.
Jenn shares updates on her launch plans for her second novel and her plans to attend a witchy book convention.
Chrishaun talks about her trip to Longhorn Le Mans and her progress on her cards and game projects.
Ch...
2024-11-1151 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding Bonus: Vegan VampiresWelcome to Building Bonus, where we share all those side conversations from the Building the Creative Life podcast.
In this one, from episode 11, Jenn and Sique discuss the mechanics of writing vampires who don't drink blood.
This includes not only blood alternatives but also the physiology of vampires, why blood is needed, and what can be used instead.
2024-11-0710 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 8: articulating the LensEp 8: articulating the Lens
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.
This week, Chrishaun explains how she views the world through a Lens of Empathy, Truth, Joy, Kindness, and Anti-Greed. Then Jenn and Chrishaun update each other on their creative projects. At the time of recording, Jenn was prepping her second novel to publish (Sept 13, 2024). Chrishaun was working on fulfillment for her Kickstarter project, taking a class, and getting into a groove with...
2024-11-0459 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 7: taking a restEp 7: taking a rest
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about the choice to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Chrishaun and Jenn expand on the previous episode’s discussion about slowing down to take a closer look at how they rest and how self-care can be considered a business strategy. Chrishaun talks about taking the shame and guilt out of the things you love and allowing yourself to feel joy in them.
Chrishaun’s favorite thing was find...
2024-10-2852 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 6: slowing downEp 6: slowing down
Building the Creative Life is a podcast about prioritizing creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss the challenges of slowing down, building strong connections through hard conversations, and taking deliberate actions for success.
They share experiences that remind them of the importance of personal responsibility in business and discuss communicating with their audiences.
Chrishaun’s favorite thing this week was TikTokker Shining Nathan’s Warhammer lore.
Jenn’s favo...
2024-10-2145 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 5: facing the truthBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Jenn and Chrishaun discuss the importance of facing the truth about yourself in leading an authentic life. They also discuss reading and writing romance from an ace perspective. Chrishaun makes a connection between asexuality and anti-greed viewpoints.
Then, Jenn talks about finishing her second book and planning for the next one.
Chrishaun’s favorite thing: Max's Hard Knocks and Brian Da...
2024-10-1455 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 4: balanceBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss the balance between living a creative life and avoiding procrastination. Chrishaun shares her musical time management plan, and Jenn talks about planning for ARCs and promos.
Jenn’s favorite thing this week is the New York Times Games app, especially Connections.
Chrishaun’s favorite things this week are the Drake/Kendrick Lamar Beef and...
2024-10-0746 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 3: one small thingBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
In this episode, Jenn and Chrishaun pick up where they left off, discussing the difficulties of getting an indie book into brick-and-mortar stores.
Then they talk about the healing qualities of creative pursuits and the challenge of breaking impossible tasks into manageable pieces. They set a new goal for homework assignments: updating and maintaining their book bibles.
Jenn’s fa...
2024-09-3058 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 2: what is the "what"?Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.
This week, Jenn and Chrishaun discuss the importance of clear communication when working with other artists and talk about using Story Origin with beta readers.
Then, they each share their personal journeys in building a creative life, leading up to their current projects. As they describe what they’re working on, they talk about what drives their creative passions.
This episode cuts off unexpectedly due to...
2024-09-2354 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life, Episode 1: back to the drawing boardBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.
In this week’s episode, Jenn and Chrishaun catch up on their individual creative projects: building an x-wing cake and developing a grimoire. Then they dig deep to discuss their struggles with perfectionism, finding worthiness in their creative pursuits, and overcoming internal barriers to joy and success.
To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of
The Shaman States of Am...
2024-09-1652 min
Building the Creative LifeBuilding the Creative Life Episode 0: bumbling throughBuilding the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.
In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn bumble through choosing recording software, discuss the purpose of the podcast, talk through a list of possible topics for future episodes, and chat about the things that brought them joy this week, including the Munchlax-Grogu correlation and Clipped on Hulu.
To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of
Th...
2024-09-0945 min
Indie Author MagazineEpisode 28: Featuring Theodora Taylor / PerfectIT Editing Software, AI Editing with Sudowrite, Universal FantasyDive into the world of editing and perfect your craft with this month's issue of Indie Author Magazine. In an industry constantly evolving, we bring you the tools and strategies to help enhance your work and reach your readers more effectively.
Immerse yourself in these key articles:
✓ Corner the Market: Amazon Attribution Links Remove the Guesswork from Your Ad Campaign by Steve Higgs
✓ Ready for Proofreading? PerfectIt Is the Editor's Style-Checking Software that Can Assist Authors Too by Tiffany Robinson
✓ Should You Americanize Your Writing? The In...
2023-08-051h 11
Indie Author MagazineIssue #26 - Featuring Joanna PennDearest Listeners,
We cordially welcome you to another enlightening episode of Indie Author Magazine's podcast. This is your confidante, Indie Annie, here to escort you through a maze of literary wisdom and publishing insight.
This month, we delve into the delicate art of manuscript preparation and sharing with an article by Jenn Lessmann titled "Document Sharing Tips and Best Platforms for Delivering Your Manuscript Securely". To complement this, Eryka Parker explores a most pertinent question for authors in "Developmental Editor or Beta Readers? Navigating the Book Revision Conundrum".
2023-06-011h 47