Ep 154 Heather Donohue on Building a Ric Rac Inspired Life
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
Release Date: 11/16/2023
Canadian Artist Julia Veenstra on Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and the Square Foot Show
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I’m joined by Canadian artist and entrepreneur Julia Veenstra — a woman whose life and work are as vibrant as her canvases. Julia shares her journey from being a child whose natural artistic ability was quickly recognized, to becoming a mother of five, and an entrepreneur whose creative vision has opened doors for thousands of artists worldwide. We talk about her early influences, her fearless use of color, and the way her entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of The Square Foot Show, a global movement connecting artists and collectors....
info_outline
How to Build Confidence and Joy Through Art: A Motivatarian Exchange with Royce Hunt
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Royce Hunt—creative educator, artist, and founder of Roycycled—to talk about the courage, curiosity, community, and growth that fuel her mission to help women live more art-filled lives. Royce opens up about her family history, the pivotal moments that shaped her as an artist, and the ways she keeps showing up for her creativity—even in seasons when motivation feels far away. With tears, laughter, and an unwavering belief in the healing power of art, she shares how she guides women in their third act of life to create meaningful work that...
info_outline
Soul & Strategy: Building a Spirit-Led Business with Hayley Hunter Hines
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
Hear how Hayley Hunter Hines, spiritual advisor and creator of the Shine Experience, bridges the gap between soul work and business mastery. With over 25 years in corporate wellness and a divine calling guiding her path, she now empowers visionary leaders to build soul‑centered businesses and transformative retreats. From her Sacred Shakti Method™ certification to the Golden Goddess Equinox Experience in Crete, Hayley shares how intuition, heart‑centered strategy, and luxury spiritual travel create soul‑sparkling change. "When you see that you can do anything and anything is possible,...
info_outline
FreeFlo Living: Embodied Creativity, Intuitive Art & Inner Peace with Flora Bowley
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
What if your most honest art came not from control, but from surrender? In this soul-expanding episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne is joined by the luminous Flora Bowley—artist, author, and founder of the FreeFlo Community—for a powerful conversation on embodied creativity and intuitive living. Together, they explore: What it means to paint from the body—not just the brush How blindfolded dance helped Flora reconnect with freedom and flow The spiritual and emotional healing that comes from intuitive art Why inner peace is the true creative goal Her current journey...
info_outline
Making Art That Heals: A Motivatarian Exchange with Wendy Brightbill
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
"God used art to heal my fractured brain. I just kept showing up with paint.” — Wendy Brightbill After a life-altering car accident rewired her brain, Wendy Brightbill found healing through color, mess, and creative presence. In this heartfelt conversation, Dionne welcomes Wendy to The Motivatarian Exchange to explore how painting became both therapy and transformation — a true beauty-from-ashes story. Wendy opens up about the vibrant, soul-led path that pulled her from depression and hustle culture into a thriving creative life filled with purpose, vintage flair, and quiet...
info_outline
Season 2 - The Exchange Begins: Let’s Redefine Motivation Together
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
I’m back — and the podcast has a brand new name, purpose, and promise. After 6 months away from the mic, this solo episode kicks off Season 2 of the show — and I’m bringing you with me into The Motivatarian Exchange. Formerly known as Paint Talks, this podcast has always been about amplifying creative voices. But something shifted. I did too. And now it’s time to raise the bar — for motivation, creative leadership, and meaningful conversations that move us. In this episode, I’m sharing: Why I stepped away for 6 months — and what came alive in that quiet The story behind the...
info_outline
Ep 181 The Art of Resilience: Crafting Purpose with Jen Cushman of Soul Stirring Retreats
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
info_outline
Ep 180 Debi Primmer of Elsie Lane Art Garage on Building Layers of Creativity
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
Debi Pfrimmer is the owner and artist behind Elsie Lane Art Garage, where she brings creativity and passion to life through her beautifully crafted furniture and decor. Known for her vibrant designs and attention to detail, Debi uses techniques like painting and decoupage to transform everyday items into stunning works of art. Through her Facebook page, YouTube channel, and creative community, she inspires others to explore their artistic side and share in the joy of making. Debi’s one-of-a-kind pieces are available for purchase, combining functionality with artistic flair. Upcoming Events:...
info_outline
Ep 179 Susan Skinner with Your Path to Cultivating Hope
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
Dr. Susan Barber Skinner is a health psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, and author of Path to Hope: A Playbook for Creating Resilience, Optimism, and Active Hope. She is the founder of Hope Springs Healing Arts Studio, an online space dedicated to fostering holistic well-being through mindfulness, creativity, and therapeutic programs. Susan holds a PhD in health psychology and a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. A seasoned health psychologist, she has dedicated her career to understanding the intricate interplay between mental health and overall well-being....
info_outline
Ep 178 Danielle Kaminski with Brick by Brick: Strengthening Our Local Neighborhood Gems
The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods
Danielle Kaminski is a multi-passionate artist from Duncan, SC. She has been crafting and creating since she was in grade school, learning to sew with her grandmothers. Her brick-and-mortar store, Reinvintage Warehouse, is home to more than 60 different artists and curators. The MADE by Danielle brand encompasses jewelry design, candle making, and canvas & fiber art as well as the occasional furniture makeover! Once she made her dream of becoming a full-time maker a reality she began teaching other makers how to take their creative skills and turn them into businesses through her coaching...
info_outlineHeather Donohue is known for her charming, nostalgic take on felt Christmas stockings, tree skirts, ornaments, and other creative commissions. She creates original content and craft projects, and loves leading in-person craft workshops. (They usually include sequins…and treats.)
Her craft lab is in Minneapolis, where she lives with her husband, their twins, and cavalier king charles spaniel.
Upcoming Events: December 1-3, Julmarknad (YOUL-mark-nod) Handcraft Market & Festival at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Monday, Dec 11 at noon CT: MadeTV live holiday workshop via Zoom. Heather and Ana Bianchi lead a one-hour workshop on Fun Felt Ornaments. (The live is free, no MadeTV network membership is required.)
Fun Facts: I met my husband Nick through mutual friends in New York, yet we were born in the same hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.
I was a staff writer at The Onion in and after college.
I was on David Letterman for Audience Show and Tell. (I shared a photo of me with his pal, Martha Stewart. I worked for her from 2000-2002.)