The Art of Reinvention with Cara Alwill : Embracing Change, Letting Go of Ego, and Building What Lasts
Release Date: 02/04/2025
Make It Weirder: Maggie Smith on Poetry, Success, and Creative Survival in the Age of AI
Art & Cocktails
This episode is a dream come true. I sit down with bestselling author and poet Maggie Smith, whose viral poem Good Bones captured hearts around the world. We talk about navigating creative life with honesty and resilience—from managing unsupportive friends to staying grounded when the world starts watching. We also dive into her newest book, Dear Writer, and how artists can protect their joy, set boundaries, and thrive in the AI era by getting weird, staying real, and honoring their process. If you're a writer, artist, or creative soul trying to stay true to your work in a noisy world—this...
info_outline
Let the Place Speak: On Art, Life After Academia, Building a Practice on Our Own Terms, and Starting Again with Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg
Art & Cocktails
In this heartfelt and grounding conversation, Kat reconnects with her former professor, artist and printmaker Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg, to explore what it truly means to live a creative life—on your own terms. Cheryl shares how her work is shaped by place, walking, and deep observation—drawing inspiration from time spent in Wyoming, China, Finland, and her new home in Arizona. Together, they reflect on life after academia, the courage to start over, and the unexpected clarity that comes with experience, loss, and listening to the land. This episode is a balm for any artist...
info_outline
Beyond Trends: Tatum Dooley on Making the Art World More Interesting, Accessible, and Artist-Driven
Art & Cocktails
In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Ekaterina Popova speaks with Tatum Dooley—writer, brand strategist, and founder of Art Forecast. Tatum shares how she built a trusted curatorial platform that bridges art, fashion, and design while spotlighting emerging artists and helping demystify the art world. We discuss: How Art Forecast evolved from an Instagram account to a Substack and PR studio Why storytelling and consistency matter more than chasing trends How to build your own creative platform with purpose and integrity Practical advice for writers, curators, and...
info_outline
The Creative Business Audit: Maximize Your Profit, Reclaim Your Time, and Make Space for What Matters
Art & Cocktails
Feeling overwhelmed in your creative business? In this solo episode, Ekaterina Popova (Kat) walks you through how to do a Creative Business Audit—a practical process to clarify what’s working, where your time and energy are going, and how to boost your profit without burning out. Whether you're an artist, coach, designer, or creative founder—this episode will help you reset your priorities and build a business that actually supports your life and art. 🎯 You’ll Learn: How to audit your finances, time, and energy Why profit > revenue (and how to spot the difference)...
info_outline
There is Nothing Left to Prove – It’s Already Yours! Energy & Creating from Alignment with Olga
Art & Cocktails
In this uplifting and practical mindset episode, I’m joined by transformational coach and author Olga, whose new book It’s Already Yours offers a refreshing and accessible approach to identity, mindset, and aligned creation. We dive into: How your subconscious mind shapes your day-to-day reality The role of identity and nervous system regulation in reaching your goals Tools to gently shift out of doubt and into creative flow Why success comes from alignment—not from pushing harder How to move forward without needing everything to be “healed” first ...
info_outline
From Artist to Opportunity Creator: Entrepreneurial Mindset & Submission Tips with Sergio Gomez
Art & Cocktails
In this inspiring episode of Art & Cocktails, Kat Popova sits down with artist, curator, educator, and coach Sergio Gomez to talk about what it truly means to be a successful artist in 2025. Sergio shares his incredible journey—from creating art while working a 9 to 5 job to launching a thriving gallery, curating international exhibitions, and mentoring artists through The Artist NXT Level. We explore: ✨ The power of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset 🎯 Becoming an opportunity creator, not just a seeker 🖼 What curators actually look for in juried shows and proposals 🌀 How to...
info_outline
What Artists Truly Need in 2025 (It’s Not More Content)
Art & Cocktails
In this honest chat, Kat shares an unfiltered look at what artists like you and me truly need in 2025 and beyond. From navigating overwhelm and distraction to embracing deeper purpose and aligned visibility, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that your art, your voice, and your vision still matter. This episode offers grounded encouragement to help you reconnect with your mission, regulate your nervous system, and create from a place of clarity. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure about your next step, this episode is for you. You’ll hear...
info_outline
Shrinking the Problem, Expanding the Dream: Trusting the Next Level and Letting Go
Art & Cocktails
In this solo episode, host Kat — artist, certified coach, and founder of Create! Magazine — speaks directly to those navigating the in-between seasons of life and creativity: when the vision is clear, but momentum feels slow, and nothing seems to be moving fast enough. From reframing your challenges to trusting the pruning seasons, this episode is a reminder that you're not going backwards — you're evolving. You’ll learn how to stop over-identifying with obstacles, use tools like anchoring and “living as if,” and incorporate creative rituals like walking in nature to regulate...
info_outline
How We See and Understand Art with Gita Joshi
Art & Cocktails
What makes a work of art resonate? Is it the colors, the subject, the symbolism—or something more elusive? In this episode, curator, author, and coach Gita Joshi returns to talk about her new book Framing the Invisible: How We See and Understand Art. We explore how perception, personal experience, and context shape the way we engage with artwork—whether you're an artist, collector, or simply a curious viewer. We also talk about why visual literacy matters, how to talk about your work with confidence, and why there's no wrong way to see art. Order Gita’s book: Start learning with our...
info_outline
Why Your Pitch Isn’t Landing—And How to Actually Get Published in Magazines, Podcasts, and More with Kat
Art & Cocktails
If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I not getting featured?”—this episode is for you. Whether your pitches are met with silence, you’re dropping “feature me” comments under open calls, or you’re simply unsure how to approach editors, this is the (loving) tough-love conversation you didn’t know you needed. In this solo episode, Kat shares raw insight from her unique perspective as both a published artist and the editor of Create! Magazine. You’ll learn why some pitches get ignored (even when the art is strong), what editors are actually looking for, and how to approach press and...
info_outlineIn a world that’s constantly shifting, how do you stay true to your creative vision while allowing room for growth? In this episode, bestselling author and branding powerhouse Cara Alwill joins us to share her wisdom on reinvention—both in business and in life. From pivoting with confidence to knowing when to let go of what no longer serves you, we dive into the mindset shifts that help creative entrepreneurs build careers that truly align with who they are today.
Show Notes:
Reinvention isn’t just about starting over—it’s about evolving with purpose. In this episode, I sit down with Cara Alwill, a bestselling author, branding expert, and self-publishing rockstar, to discuss the art of flexibility in business, creativity, and personal growth.
Cara shares how to trust your creative instincts, shed outdated labels, and pivot with confidence, even when fear creeps in. We explore the delicate balance between staying true to your artistic vision and making strategic moves that support your long-term success.
In this episode, we discuss:
✔️ The power of trusting your gut when making big career moves
✔️ How to let go of projects, ideas, or identities that no longer serve you
✔️ The importance of protecting your creative work beyond social media
✔️ Why adaptability is the key to longevity in the art and business world
✔️ What Cara would do if she had to start her career over from scratch in 2025
🎙 Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about embracing evolution, staying resilient, and building a creative career that lasts.
💡 Sponsored by Create! Magazine
Want to explore 48+ issues of inspiring artist interviews, expert insights, and career opportunities? Visit createmagazine.co to subscribe to our digital archive (code: NEWREADER to save 20% off) or submit your work to one of our juried art calls!