Shows
The Unbound CreativeThe Lie You Likely Believe… That’s Costing You EverythingYou’ve likely believed this lie without even realizing it, and it’s keeping you stuck. In this episode, we’re exposing the narrative that’s been holding creatives back for generations and replacing it with something far more powerful.Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative! If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show. 💌 Connect with us on Instagram: @valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!) 2025-05-1952 minThe Unbound CreativeDelight Is Not a Luxury - It’s Your SuperpowerIn Episode 10 of The UnBound Creative, Valerie and Mak celebrate their milestone by diving into a quietly radical idea: delight as a wayfinder.We live in a world that values hustle, productivity, and achievement, and yet, so many of us feel lost or disconnected. What if the missing piece isn’t more effort, but more delight?In this deeply reflective and joy-sparking conversation, you’ll learn:Why delight is not frivolous, but one of your most powerful creative toolsThe difference between false and true delight (and how to tell which one you’re following)How sm...2025-05-0537 minThe Unbound Creative5 Ways to Beat Overthinking TodayOverthinking kills creativity, and it happens faster than you realize.In this episode, we unpack how fear often disguises itself as "preparation" and why it smothers your best ideas before they have a chance to grow.You will learn five simple ways to catch overthinking early, trust your creative spark, and take action before fear takes over.If you have ever gotten stuck in research, comparison, or second-guessing before you even start, this episode is for you.Get ready to move forward, trust the delight, and create with courage. Your magic...2025-04-2836 minThe Unbound CreativeWhat Everyone Else Is Doing (And Why You Shouldn’t)We’re getting honest in this one.So many creatives feel stuck, not because they aren’t talented or motivated, but because they’re silently following the rules everyone else is following. The ones that say: “Be practical. Play it safe. Stick to the plan.”In this episode, we unpack why that mindset is stifling your creativity. We explore left-brain vs. right-brain thinking, the pressure to conform, and how school and culture train us to fear failure and abandon joy. Valerie shares insights from Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck, and Mak opens up about what it’s like...2025-04-2239 minThe Unbound CreativeCreative Catastrophe: The Christmas Train That Broke MeA true story of public failure, creative heartbreak, and the unexpected path to redemption.This is the most vulnerable, raw, and unforgettable story we’ve told on the podcast so far.In this extended episode, Mak shares the real-life tale of a Christmas train festival gone spectacularly wrong; complete with crushed dreams, media headlines, lawsuits, and a moment that nearly broke him. It's a story of public failure, creative heartbreak, and the surprising redemption that came on the other side.We know this ep...2025-04-091h 20The Unbound CreativeFear of Failure: Why It’s Stopping You (and What to Do Instead)In this emotionally rich and deeply honest episode of The UnBound Creative, Valerie and Mak explore one of the most universal experiences in creative life: failure. They dive into why fear of failure keeps so many creatives stuck, and offer mindset shifts, emotional tools, and gentle practices for moving through it.They discuss:How our brains are wired to avoid risk and how that shows up creativelyThe real meaning behind failure and why it’s rarely finalWhat to do when success brings new fearsWhy emotional processing like crying, journaling, and feeling deeply is part of...2025-04-0753 minThe Unbound CreativeHow Your Creative Skills Are Your Greatest Business AssetIf you’ve ever said “I’m not a business person” because you’re creative, this episode is your wake-up call. The idea that creatives aren’t cut out for business is a story, and it’s a false one. In this conversation, we challenge the myth that creativity and business don’t belong together and show you how your artistic instincts are actually your biggest entrepreneurial superpower.Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck inside someone else’s idea of how business should look, this episode will help you flip the script, reclaim your power, and finally s...2025-03-3151 minThe Unbound CreativeThe Most Dangerous Lie Creatives Tell Themselves (and How to Stop)In this fired-up, heart-on-sleeve episode, Mak and Valerie tackle one of the biggest invisible barriers creative people face: waiting for permission.Whether it's from society, our families, our Instagram followers, or—most sneakily—ourselves, this need for outside validation keeps so many creatives stuck on the sidelines. If you've ever found yourself saying "I'll start when…" or "I'm not legit enough yet," this one’s for you.They talk candidly about the cultural contradictions around creativity, the fear that hides behind perfectionism, and why messy action is the only kind that actually leads to growth. Expect l...2025-03-2452 minThe Unbound CreativeWhy Creativity Feels Hard - And How to Make It EasierIf you’ve ever wondered why something you love — creating — can feel like pulling teeth to start, this is your episode. We’re unpacking the real reasons creativity feels so hard (hint: it's not because you're lazy or lack discipline) — and sharing practical mindset shifts and "biohacks" that will help you make creating feel easier, lighter, and even fun again.We’re diving deep into: ✨ Why your brain naturally resists creativity — and how to outsmart it ✨ The myth of "laziness" and why you’re not broken ✨ Why perfectionism and fear of failure are wired in...2025-03-1746 minThe Unbound CreativeWhy You Feel Stuck — And How to Finally Move Forward (For Real)What if the key to unleashing your creativity isn't found in hustling harder but in following the whispers of curiosity that most of us have been conditioned to ignore? Valerie and Mak McKeehan dive deep into how our education system and cultural messaging train us to become prisoners of outcome-based thinking, postponing joy until we achieve some distant goal.From their earliest days in school, people learn to focus on test scores rather than the process of discovery. This mindset follows us into adulthood, where we become addicted—yes, literally addicted at a physiological level—to the stre...2025-03-1252 min
The Unbound CreativeUnleashing Your Creative Soul: Breaking Free from Society's BoxesValerie and Mak McKeehan launch their new podcast, The Unbound Creative, dedicated to helping creatives break free from societal constraints and self-imposed limitations to discover a more expansive, authentic creative life.• Creativity is an essence of being, not just an act—bringing forth something that didn't exist before• Our brains are wired to resist creativity and change, operating from a protection mechanism• The soul craves adventure and expression while the brain seeks safety and comfort• True fulfillment comes through experiencing flow state rather than merely achieving calm• Permission t...2025-03-1029 minThe Unbound CreativeSell Your Artwork, Without the Stress | Part 5: The Secret Ingredient to SuccessWhat truly sets successful creative entrepreneurs apart? It's not just about mastering pricing or nailing your branding—it's about how you show up every day. It comes down to having courage. This is the number one thing that sets apart someone who is finding success selling their art.We all have fears and imposter syndrome to overcome, but when you can feel the fear and do it anyway, you open yourself up to creating a life you want. Embarking on any creative journey takes courage, but what if you could pair that courage with a powerful detachment fr...2024-11-1526 minThe Unbound CreativeSell Your Artwork, Without the Stress | Part 4: Building Your Personal BrandEver wondered how to craft a brand that truly embodies your authentic self? Valerie and Mak explore this vital question by examining the unique vibes of artists' personal brands, both online and offline. They provide insights on how having a personal brand will help you as an artpreneur, how to maintain authenticity while choosing which facets of your personality to highlight, and discuss how your brand's vibe extends beyond visuals to create meaningful connections with your audience.By integrating your genuine interests and passions into your brand, you can foster a loyal following and true c...2024-11-1439 minThe Unbound CreativeSell Your Artwork without the Stress | Part 3: Selling without an audience“I’d love to sell my artwork, but I just don’t have a big audience or following.” This is one of the first things a lot of artists interested in selling their artwork say. But having a big audience isn’t the answer. You can begin selling your art, today, whether you have 100 followers or 10,000. In today’s episode, Valerie and Mak McKeehan discuss the many ways you can kick-start your art business without a massive following. We also discuss the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and detaching from outcomes to find joy in the process...2024-11-1346 minThe Unbound CreativeSell Your Artwork without the Stress | Part 2: How to Price Your ArtOne of the most daunting aspects of being an Artpreneur is figuring out how to price your work. In this next episode of “Sell Your Work, Without the Stress” Series, long-time entrepreneurs Valerie and Mak McKeehan share their secrets and philosophies for not only pricing, but pricing in a way that is fulfilling and exciting! Whether you're struggling to set a price that feels appropriate or looking to transform your art business, this episode offers a fresh perspective and actionable advice that promises to change the way you view the rocky road of pricing your artwork.Selling art...2024-11-1251 minThe Unbound CreativeSell Your Artwork without the Stress | Part 1: Where to BeginImagine viewing your art not just as a creative endeavor, but as a powerful way to enrich lives and engage in a meaningful exchange of value. In this episode, Valerie and Mak McKeehan explore the often daunting intersection of business and creativity, offering a fresh perspective that can transform the fear of selling into an invitation to connect with others. By addressing subconscious money blockers and encouraging mindset shifts, they will inspire you to embrace new possibilities, break free from limiting beliefs, and help you confidently sell your art.This episode is packed with insights a...2024-11-1148 minThe Unbound CreativeSaying No to Toxic Culture for ArtistsWhat if the key to unlocking your creative potential lies not in the typical advice given to artists but in embracing the natural rhythms of rest and reflection?Join me as we challenge the toxic myth that artists must suffer to create great art. Valerie shares her personal journey chasing an external view of success to finding alignment and a healing approach to art. When we embrace the natural rhythms of our creativity, it will open our heart and mind to a more fulfilling creative practice.Together, we explore the cyclical nature of...2024-10-1423 minThe Unbound CreativeThe Worst Advice Given to ArtistsWhy do we still cling to the myth of the "struggling artist" when creativity can be a joyful and healing process? Join me as we challenge this outdated narrative, advocating for a new approach that prizes personal fulfillment and well-being over relentless toil. Let's question the tired wisdom that equates success with sacrifice, and instead explore how artists can redefine productivity by focusing on who they are, not just what they aim to achieve. This episode is an invitation to scrap the burnout and embrace a creative journey filled with spontaneity, wonder, and joy.Dive into the...2024-10-0320 minThe Unbound CreativeSaying Yes to FearIn this episode Valerie explores two different types of fear. One type tells you you’re going in the wrong direction, but another type is actually a good sign. It’s a sign of expansion and growth. Your brain is trying to protect you simply because it is unknown. Yet it is precisely in this unknown space where magic happens! Here’s how to say yes to the fear and open up to the whispers calling to you to step up. It’s time to stop playing small. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative! If t...2024-09-2427 minThe Unbound CreativeWelcome to The Peaceful Creative!The Dear Creative Soul Podcast is now The Peaceful Creative! In this episode, Valerie talks about the reason behind the name change and what it means to be The Peaceful Creative. She shares her vision for a group of artists and creatives who put beauty into this world from the deepest parts of their authentic souls. Say goodbye to the cliche of the angsty, struggling, suffering artist and crack open a world of peace, joy, wholeness, and fulfillment. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative! If to...2024-09-1719 minThe Unbound CreativeBeing An Artist in a Heavy Dark WorldWhat is an artist to do when the world feels heavy and dark? We are often sensitive creatures and it's easy to crumble and succumb to the darkness. But, sensitivity is also the artist's superpower. In this episode, Valerie discusses how to navigate this balance. We need your light, beauty, and peace, especially in dark times. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative! If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show. 💌 C...2024-07-2414 minThe Unbound CreativeWhat Are You Waiting For?There’s nothing wrong with setting goals, but what happens when you’re holding off on feeling good until you reach those goals? This leads to a creative life of emptiness and in constant search of the next “hit.”There’s a better, more fulfilling way to live and Valerie talks about how you can start right now. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative! If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show. 💌...2024-07-2217 minThe Unbound Creative3 Tips for Accessing Flow StateFlow state - that out-of-body experience where the work seems to just appear and you are the vessel. Time stands still in those moments and it feels incredible! How do we get more of this? The good news is we can consciously create the conditions for flow state to happen more easily! In this episode, Valerie discusses three ways to welcome more flow into you creative practice.Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative! If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave...2024-07-1512 minThe Unbound CreativeHow to Have a Mindfulness Practice Through CreativityAre you the type of person who hears "enjoy the process" and it seems like a cliche? You are not alone! We hear these things and know it's what we are "supposed to do," but doing is another story. How do we break the barriers to enjoying the process? The answer lies in a mindfulness practice and through it, realizing the true medicine available through the act of making art. Not only does it release feel-good chemicals into your body, but it helps you connect more deeply to yourself! In this epis...2024-07-0932 minThe Unbound CreativeWe Want Your Humanity and ImperfectionOften as creatives and artists, we think we need to put out the polished, perfect version of ourselves. If it's not perfect then we hold back and think we're not ready or we're not good enough. But the truth is, it's the humanity and the imperfection that makes us connect with others and their artistry! Valerie discusses her recent experience at a concert to demonstrate the humanity that we all desperately want to connect with. You may feel the urge to insulate yourself from feeling paint or rejection, but it is because of your imperfections...2024-07-0221 minThe Unbound CreativeHow to Separate Your Worth from Your ArtThe life of a creative is full of juxtapositions! One of the biggest juxtapositions is the idea of creating from a place of who you are, yet not getting your identity so wrapped up in it that it debilitates you. When you can release the pressure of your worth being tied to what you create, a whole new world of healing and beauty opens up. In this episode, Valerie covers two important mindset shifts that can help you separate your worth from your art. Join My Creative CommunityThanks for listening to The UnBound Creative!2024-06-2632 minThe Unbound CreativeWhat to do When You are ProcrastinatingDoes this sound familiar? You feel inspired and have all intentions of making art. Then suddenly, you remember you have “so much to do.” You block creating and chalk it up to not having enough time. I don’t believe that’s the real reason. It’s actually fear. In this episode, we explore how to tackle this issue of procrastination and discomfort head on so that you can experience the life-giving joy of creation. Learn more about the Magic Maker's Membership: valeriemckeehan.com/membership/Thanks for listening to The UnBoun...2024-06-1824 minThe Unbound CreativeArt is EnergyIn today's episode I'm taking you inside our exclusive Facebook group in the Magic Makers Membership! We've been working through the book, The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. Every Friday, I've been going live to discuss portions of the book and it has been SO GOOD. I had to share this discussion with you! I talk about..how art is energywhy creating needs to be an act of self-lovehow to playthe "rules" of art and so much more!I hope it encourages yo...2024-06-021h 05The Unbound CreativeTalking Perfectionism and JealousyWe've been going through The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron in my membership, The Magic Makers. I've been going live on our Facebook community each week to discuss each chapter of the 12-week journey. It has been incredible! This episode includes the audio from one of the Facebook lives. It covers Week 7 in the Artist's Way and we talk a lot about overcoming perfectionism and jealousy. I hope you enjoy the discussion and that it gives fuel to your creative soul! For more information about my membership and becoming a Magic Ma...2024-04-0959 minThe Unbound CreativeFor The Stressed-Out CreativeMany people talk about creativity or having a creative outlet as a stress-reliever. This can certainly be true, however, what happens when your creativity does just the opposite? When you're stressed out about creating art and your body is sent into flight or fight mode? It's something I think we need to talk about more. In this case, creativity becomes a poison, dripping cortisol into your body, when it should be a life-giving medicine. It can be medicine. In this episode, we'll discuss what happens when you're a stressed-out creative and ways to help. Th...2024-02-1230 minThe Unbound CreativeTurn the Lights Back OnFor the first time in decades, Billy Joel released new music. After listening to the single, I had so many thoughts. Thoughts about creativity, courage, pressure, and succumbing to the praise of others. I asked Mak to join me again on the podcast to have this spontaneous conversation! We talk about the universal fear of creatives, how to decipher your fear, how to build creative resilience, become authentically yourself, and much more. Listen to Billy Joel's new single: https://open.spotify.com/track/1KTemUlHzS0SvVtTjY1NTw?si=2a59b6d224a94878L...2024-02-0256 min
The Unbound CreativeWhat Do You Really Want?Happy New Year!With a new year comes all the talk about setting goals and resolutions. There's a better way of tapping into what you desire and making it happen. It all boils down to the question: how do you want to FEEL?In this episode, we talk about letting yourself dream, how to discover what it is you really want, a new way to create a vision board, and a helpful, but simple exercise for feeling your best self each day this year.If you want to kick off your 2024 as part...2024-01-0825 min
The Unbound CreativeWhen You Don't Have Time For Your ArtWhen life gets busy, art is often the first thing to go. I wish this wasn't the case, but what I do know is that heaping on guilt is not the answer! In this episode, I'm sharing a pep talk I recorded for those in my membership community. You'll find encouragement for when you're feeling frustrated and disconnected from your art, especially now as we near Christmas.Christmas special!You can receive two free months in the Magic Makers Membership as part of your Magic of Soft Pastel On-Demand Course enrollment! 2023-12-1916 min
The Unbound CreativeChloe Minyon on Finding Creative AuthenticityI am thrilled to be joined on the podcast today by my friend, artist, creative entrepreneur, and coach, Chloe Minyon. This candid and vulnerable conversation was part of a live virtual retreat held for members of my Magic Makers Membership! We discuss creative authenticity, how there's always more going on behind the scenes of creative businesses, the pressure of being a full-time artist, knowing when to pivot, how to find your people, and so much goodness for your creative soul. I hope you enjoy!You can see more of Chloe's work an...2023-12-121h 09
The Unbound CreativeThat Time I Triggered People on Tik TokHere is the TikTok video! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT85hemvM/We all want to be liked and validated. That is part of being human! Especially when it comes to something vulnerable like our art. But, the fact is, not everyone is going to like you. This is not only okay, it is normal. Not everyone is going to like you, but you don't like everyone!Some people aren't going to be able to see you or understand you. It's not your job to contort yourself into something they can understand. This would be...2023-12-0532 min
The Unbound CreativeChange the story, change your lifeHave you ever heard the story about fleas in a jar? If you place fleas in a jar, they will jump out. If you add a lid to the jar, the fleas will try to escape at first, but eventually, they will stop trying. Even when the lid is removed, the fleas will still stay in the jar. They were trained to stay there.How often are we like the fleas? Perhaps you've allowed a comment that was said to you in the past to act as a lid on your life and potential. Have you stopped...2023-11-0320 min
The Unbound CreativeIt's Time to Practice FailingWe all know the phrase "practice makes perfect," but I actually do not believe in this phrase!I think a truer statement is "practice makes familiarity." When you practice something, it becomes familiar. When something becomes familiar, then your brain registers it as safe. Your brain has a funny way of taking the path of least resistance. The same thought patterns and emotions will keep coming up again and again only because they have become familiar. Even if the feeling is unwanted, your brain will decide it is safe. You've practiced it. This is...2023-10-2523 min
The Unbound Creative5 Tips for When You're Feeling DiscouragedYou set out to try something new, mustering the courage that it takes to try. You silenced your inner critic enough to do it and do it badly! A huge first step!But then, the weeks march on, the progress seems slower than expected. You feel the frustration and familiar feelings of self doubt and fear coming back to haunt you.Discouragement sets in.We’ve all felt its grip. The frustration may become unbearable and many people stop when they hit this wall. I don’t want you to get stuck here....2023-10-1829 min
The Unbound CreativeWhy Your Creativity is VitalI’ve been fired up lately. It’s about this notion that creativity is frivolous or childlike. It is NOT. Your creativity and artistic expression are vital. The world needs who you are when you are your lit-up, authentic self. In this episode:The Way of Integrity by Martha BeckJoin me for my next round of The Magic of Soft Pastel, a 6-Week LIVE online course experience. Sign up for the waitlist.Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative! If today’s episode resonated with you, sha...2023-08-1421 min
The Unbound CreativeHow to Make Your Life Instantly BetterToday I’m sharing the one thing I believe is an instant game-changer in your life as well as your creative practice! You’ll learn the simple trick that will make a difference in how you feel and elevate the mundane, day-to-day. Because here's the thing: MOST of your life will be lived in the mundane moments.We have highs and lows sprinkled in between a collection of many mundane, simple moments.Transforming these moments into something of beauty and romance will transform your life.Not to mention, it’s here where inspiration is fou...2023-07-1015 min
The Unbound CreativeWhat To Do When Things Don’t Work OutDo you have those instances in your life where you look back on things you wanted so badly, but they didn’t work out? Maybe you’re breathing a sigh of relief (like me)! There are many times I’m grateful circumstances didn’t go the way I thought I wanted them to.But hindsight is 20/20. How do we let go of expectations and the desire to force the outcome in our present day when the story is yet to be written? We’ll answer this question in today’s episode.My LIVE onlin...2023-07-0624 min
The Unbound CreativeWork Doesn't Have To Be HardI had a realization about burnout and overwhelm. So much of my creative journey has been spent in these states. I would read books about productivity and time hacks. Tell myself I need better routines and to get up earlier in the morning. But the truth was, it wasn't that I wasn't productive, I was misaligned. It wasn't an issue with time, it was an issue of authenticity. When we're working from a place of authenticity and flow, suddenly things feel easier. Our batteries don't drain the same way. If you're feeling a constant state of burnout a...2023-06-2415 min
The Unbound CreativeGo From Angsty to PeacefulThe angsty artist. It’s such a cliche, but for a good reason. Materializing something from your soul is gut-wrenching and fraught with reasons for angst. But, it doesn’t have to be that way! I want you to be able to create from a higher place of joy and peace!I believe there are two main blockers that if left unchecked, will keep you in a place of angst: people-pleasing (being worried about what others will think) and jealousy.I have some powerful mindset shifts for each of these roadblocks to help you go from...2023-05-3131 min
The Unbound CreativeYou Were Made to BloomI used to hear the phrase “don't play small” and think that meant chasing some grandiose dream or version of what society considers successful. But I've come to realize that playing small is actually what happens when you hold yourself back or tamp down who you really are. This can happen for many reasons: perfectionism, fear of being seen, needing approval, someone in your life making you afraid.Perhaps you are waiting to be called up or picked (this isn't going to happen). Maybe you are secretly hoping for an external circumstance that will validate you and make...2023-05-1614 min