Calm and Creative Podcast

A podcast for artists and creative entrepreneurs seeking to build a resilient mindset, while feeling calm and creative. On this podcast we’ll dive into all things mindset as they relate to our creative journey. We’ll explore different tools & tips that can help us cultivate a more resilient and positive perspective on life. Connect with me volta@colorsnack.com or www.colorsnack.com

How To Tap Into Easy Creative Self Care With Watercolor Meditation - Chat With Course Alumna Ashley Beverly 02/29/2024

3 Practical Tips to Overcome Creative Blocks and Unlock Your Creativity 02/22/2024

Try This Surprising Approach for Easy Meditation, Perfect for Beginners 02/15/2024

Creative Wellness: The Surprising Link Between Creativity and Mental Health 02/09/2024

How to Unlock Your Creative Calm with a Creative Self Care Practice 02/01/2024

How To Experience Breakthrough Personal Growth through Trauma Healing and Creativity with Nichole Lee 01/25/2024

Art, Balance, and Self-Care: How Being Creative Increases Productivity with Sara Glupker 01/18/2024

Overthinking? How To Get Out of Your Head with Meredith Arthur 01/11/2024

How to Choose Your Word of the Year 01/04/2024

Tired of New Years Resolutions? Try This Instead 12/28/2023

How To Create Your Own Self Care Kit with Leah Guzman 12/14/2023

How To Create Your Own Self Care Kit with Leah Guzman In the latest episode of the Calm and Creative Podcast, Volta engages in a thoughtful conversation with Leah Guzman, an artist and art therapist. They delve into the vital role of self-care in the life of a creative individual and how integrating art into self-care practices can have transformative effects. To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit Shownotes and details: 00:01:56 - Leah’s Background: Leah discusses her dual role as an artist and art therapist. Insights into how her art practice and therapy work complement each other. 00:03:31 - The Importance of Self-Care for Artists: Leah emphasizes the need for self-care, especially when dealing with creative burnout. Discussion about keeping artistic practice and professional work separate. 00:04:16 - Starting a Creative Self-Care Practice: Leah advises on how to begin a self-care routine that includes creative expression. Mention of simple, accessible activities like making mini art pieces to express emotions. 00:05:14 - Tips for Beginners in Artistic Self-Care: Leah offers suggestions for those intimidated by starting a creative self-care practice. 00:06:19 - Integrating Art into Daily Routine: Discussion on how small creative acts can be fitted into everyday life. 00:07:16 - Using Color to Express and Manage Emotions: Leah talks about how different colors can represent various emotional states. Personal experiences and advice on using color in art therapy. 00:09:23 - Building a Self-Care Kit: Leah shares her idea of a personal self-care kit. Examples of what to include and how to tailor it to individual preferences. 00:12:04 - Creating a Personalized Self-Care Kit: Leah explains how to create a self-care kit that reflects personal needs and tastes. Tips on choosing items that engage the senses and provide comfort. 00:14:33 - The Grounding Hand Technique: Leah introduces a technique to help identify personal self-care items. Each finger represents a sense (touch, taste, hearing, sight, smell) for choosing items. 00:17:09 - Dealing with Creative Blocks: Leah discusses her approach to overcoming periods of creative blockage. Importance of self-compassion and taking breaks in the creative process. 00:19:01 - Further Advice on Self-Care and Art: Leah provides additional tips on maintaining a balanced creative life. Emphasis on self-care practices as a means to bounce back from life’s challenges. 00:21:46 - Closing Thoughts and Resources: Leah shares information about her books and online resources. Volta and Leah discuss the significance of art in maintaining mental health and wellbeing. /episode/index/show/artsnacksaffirmations/id/29068463

Why Embracing Creative Pursuits in Tight Schedules Can Transform Your Life with Heidi Fiedler 12/07/2023

Why Embracing Creative Pursuits in Tight Schedules Can Transform Your Life with Heidi Fiedler In a recent episode, Volta had an insightful discussion with Heidi Fiedler, a talented writer, editor, and mother. Heidi shares her profound wisdom on engaging with the creative process, especially for those with time constraints. Let’s explore the key takeaways from their conversation. To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit Key Takeaways: [00:02:30] The Personal Benefits of Writing: Heidi speaks about her lifelong passion for writing and how it serves as a personal haven, offering control and a space for her own thoughts amidst life’s demands. [00:04:09] Writing as a Tool for Presence and Control: Writing, like sketching, is a way to be more present and gain a sense of control in life. It’s about owning something that’s exclusively yours. [00:05:44] Overcoming Writing Blocks: Heidi suggests that journaling doesn’t have to be a lengthy, heavy process. It can be as simple as jotting down a word or a phrase, making the act of writing more accessible and less daunting. [00:08:12] The ‘Nebula Notebook’ Concept: Heidi introduces the ‘Nebula Notebook’, a unique approach to brainstorming and collecting ideas for a project, emphasizing a free, open, and dreamy process. [00:09:50] Perspective on Morning Pages: While acknowledging the benefits of morning pages for some, Heidi shares her method of dropping into her creative space when time allows, which is more suitable for her busy lifestyle. [00:11:20] Tips for Entering a Creative State: Treating activities like walking or reading as part of the creative process helps Heidi prepare for her writing sessions. She also emphasizes having a clear plan for each writing session. [00:13:18] Avoiding Self-Criticism: Heidi advises against self-criticism for not following certain writing practices or meeting expectations, as it hinders creativity. [00:14:07] Embracing the Creative Process: Working on paper and treating revising as a creative process helps Heidi maintain a playful and open approach to writing. [00:17:02] Finding Joy in Imperfection: Embracing the creative process as an experimental and playful journey helps overcome the resistance of perfectionism. [00:19:34] Simple Creative Practices: Heidi encourages embracing small, manageable creative practices, stressing that even short durations of creativity are meaningful. [00:23:26] Maximizing Limited Time: Heidi talks about how even with limited time, a small creative practice can be deeply fulfilling and meaningful. /episode/index/show/artsnacksaffirmations/id/28976788

The Art of Well-Being: Positive Psychology Meets Creativity with Lizzie Larock 11/30/2023

The Art of Well-Being: Positive Psychology Meets Creativity with Lizzie Larock Welcome to a new episode of the "Calm and Creative Podcast," where we delve into the fascinating intersection of art, creativity, mindfulness, and mental health. In this episode, we have an enriching conversation with Lizzie Larock, an applied positive psychology-based coach. Together, we explore how embracing creativity can significantly enhance our resilience and overall well-being, especially in challenging times. To grab Volta's free guide to 5 Easy Exercises for Creative Relaxation, visit: To join the free and private Calm and Creative Community, visit Key Takeaways: Lizzie's Life Lessons: Lizzie chats about her switch from high-stress restaurant life to the chill vibes of mindfulness and positive psychology. Positive Psychology, Simply Put: Dive into the cool world of positive psychology with us – it's all about bouncing back and feeling all the feels! Gratitude Meets Grief: Lizzie opens up about how being thankful can walk hand-in-hand with grief, helping us flex instead of break when times get tough. Gratitude, Up Close and Personal: Let's get real about gratitude! We talk about why it's super important to be specific with our thanks, including trying out the "Three Good Things" exercise to feel awesome. Creativity Comeback: Hear Lizzie's story about rekindling her love for photography and how it's been like a balm for her soul. Creativity in the Fast Lane: Got a hectic schedule? No sweat! We've got some neat tricks for squeezing in some creative fun, even with just your phone and a few spare moments. Art for a Happy Mind: We chat about why getting artsy can be a serious game-changer for your mental health, especially with everything going on in the world. Your Creative Call to Action: We're here to pump you up to find and embrace your own creative spark – because everyone deserves to feel creatively fulfilled! This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enrich their creative journey with mindfulness and positive psychology strategies. Whether you're an artist, a creative professional, or simply someone seeking a more fulfilling and resilient life, this conversation with Lizzie offers valuable insights and practical tips to inspire your path. /episode/index/show/artsnacksaffirmations/id/28856608