Don’t Look Away When You Feel Sadness, Discomfort, and Rage with Monica Rivera, You Wanna Do What?!
Release Date: 07/23/2025
The Creative Impostor
How do creative leaders build capacity in a sociopolitical Hellscape? In this episode of The Creative Impostor (Creativity and Media as Resistance), Andrea Klunder talks with small business coach Leigh Cambre about building leadership capacity during a difficult sociopolitical moment. Leigh defines resistance as supporting the frontline through boundaries, balance, and structurally designed self-care, especially scheduling “two slots of blob time” each week for judgment-free spontaneity. The conversation uses the Enneagram as a practical tool for identifying over-coping patterns that...
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Is culture losing color? Are we becoming more neutral? More beige? More white? Why does it matter? Recently PANTONE® released it's pick for 2026 Color of the Year -- Cloud Dancer, a lovely shade of... white? It left a lot of the internet feeling everything from flat to pure outrage. Why? In this conversation with art therapist and ethnographer Isabelle Rizo, we're jumping into the commentary and taking it deeper into cultural resonance, end-of-life art making and choosing your OWN color of the year. Connect With Isabelle Rizo Recommended Episodes Recommended Reading ...
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Yeah... I'm over it too! But we need a game plan. As the internet erupts with extreme reactions over recent events, I am thinking about how to maintain our humanity and personal safety, while staying visible and vocal, amidst political chaos. Tune in for a grounded (I hope) discussion on how to navigate your role as a creator in turbulent times. *** Find Your Light! Get on the Waitlist Get the Podcast Envy Exclusive! Podcasting? Dreaming of podcasting? Let me support YOU! Get the FREE private podcast feed And ask me your biggest podcast questions! *** Recommended Episodes Also Mentioned ...
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What is the responsponsibility of being a content creator in these times? How do we curate our own feeds to hear more diverse voices -- not just what the algorithms lazily serve us? Why is it important to be selective about how, where, and with whom we share our stories? Do not miss this convo with podcasting trailblazer (and my personal industry oracle) Elsie Escobar! We cover: Elsie's journey into podcasting from teaching yoga Why independent creators matter now more than ever Industry insights from Elsie's vantage point as the Director of Community and Content at one of the most...
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How do we find the balance right now? Between staying clear-minded, informed, and alert and... disengaging in the most humanly engaged way possible? We need both. So I'm offering two must-listen podcast episodes and one total theatre immersion. 1 - Congressional Dish by Jen Briney 2 - The Money with Katie Show by Katie Gatti Tassin 3 - The Exodus Ensemble More Recommended Listening *** Find Your Light! Get on the Waitlist *** Get video! See our bright shining faces, unedited (eek!) Live streaming Thursdays at 3pm Central on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Replays available on...
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How do you have fun and stay social these days? How do you make new friends as an adult? Who do you share your random passions with? Last episode, I offered you One of those things was a live event called Show and Tell for Grown Ups. This week I have brought you the human behind the event, Mary Doctor of Tell Me Why It’s Cool. We are talking about… Shifting perspective from dead bird to grilled chicken Creating a welcoming social environment that doesn't center drinking or networking Audience participation and setting effective rules of engagement (i.e. how not to be a dick) Joy, fun...
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Sometimes the work is hard. Or maybe the work is rewarding but the context is hard. And we need to reset our nervous system, rediscover joy in human connection, and remember that progress is still happening even when it feels like society is tumbling backward. What you read, watch, attend, join, share, listen to (you get the idea) MATTERS. I'm offering you 3 things that are helping me enjoy connecting with others through creative projects and seeking out inspiration to combat the overwhelming feelings in today's socio-political climate. 1 - The Queen of My Dreams - film written & directed...
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Do you have any of those friends who every time you’re around them, you want to spill absolutely everything that’s on your mind because they have this knack for helping make sense of the complexities AND showing you a completely new perspective you hadn’t quite considered? Personal Brand & Communications Strategist, Speaker, Coach, Podcaster, Problem Solver, AND Storyteller Monica Rivera is that friend for me. We are talking about the power of showing up and using your talents and uniques story to make the world a better place. From personal branding to leveraging platforms for...
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If you’re NOT listening to and , add them to your podcast queue NOW while you’re listening to this conversation with podcaster Jen Briney. We’re getting into the intricacies of Congress by differentiating between legislative processes and political punditry and emphasizing the need for deeper public understanding and media coverage beyond theatrics. Our conversation spans topics from specific congressional hearings to the challenges of media sponsorship, the reality of political tribalism, and the importance of community action and self-care in today's political climate. FOR EXAMPLE: ...
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Dealing with feelings of fear, dread, denial, dissociation? We don’t want that! Let's blend art and activism, and discover how to harness your creative energy to inspire change. We'll talk about the power of community, navigating challenging conversations, finding balance in activism, and the perils of hypernormalization. Whether you're seeking inspiration or practical advice, this episode is your guide to making an impact through creative expression. RESOURCES VIDEO LINKS MENTIONED EPISODES MENTIONED Share YOUR story about Creativity & Media as Resistance by emailing me text for...
info_outlineDo you have any of those friends who every time you’re around them, you want to spill absolutely everything that’s on your mind because they have this knack for helping make sense of the complexities AND showing you a completely new perspective you hadn’t quite considered?
Personal Brand & Communications Strategist, Speaker, Coach, Podcaster, Problem Solver, AND Storyteller Monica Rivera is that friend for me.
We are talking about the power of showing up and using your talents and uniques story to make the world a better place. From personal branding to leveraging platforms for impact to the nuanced dynamics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in today's corporate and social landscape, we're inviting you into this rich blend of motivational support, practical advice, and personal anecdotes to revitalize your creative leadership.
Some Places We Visit In This Episode:
- Why we need to stay informed even when it's overwhelming
- Global citizenship and collective Impact
- The power of personal branding -- what people say about you when you're not in the room
- How and when to speak out to your personal values despite professional risks
- The evolution and potential of podcasting
- Visibility -- is it really even an option in this day and age?
- The attack on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging -- why it's a terrible idea
- Leading with curiosity
- Generational diversity in the workplace -- why it's not just about race and gender
- Immigration and changing narratives
- Overcoming challenges and staying true to our values
Mentioned in This Episode
Follow Monica
Get video! See our bright shining faces, unedited (eek!)
Live streaming Thursdays at 3pm Central on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Replays available on YouTube: https://bit.ly/creativityasresistance
LinkedIn: @andreaklunder
(I only accept connections from people I actually know, so include a message to say you’re a Creative Impostor listener.)
YouTube: @thecreativeimpostor
Instagram: @thecreativeimpostor
Share YOUR story about Creativity & Media as Resistance by emailing me text for voice memo to andrea@thecreativeimpostor.com.
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Credits
Edwin R. Ruiz - Technical Director