23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives

What happens when the drive to create starts draining your life force? In this powerful episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Dr. Karen Fiorello, educator, yoga instructor, entrepreneur, and community leader, reveals the hidden cost of creative ambition and how to reclaim your energy without losing your edge.

We talk about why wellness is often treated like a luxury, how creatives can protect their energy without guilt, and why setting boundaries is essential for long-term success. Karen shares practical insights on mindfulness, movement, and staying grounded while juggling business, leadership, and personal life.

Plus: the art of networking without the soul-crushing pressure, building relationships that actually matter, and why human connection is your secret weapon in an AI-saturated world.

If you’re running on fumes and wondering if there’s another way, this conversation will change how you think about success. Your creativity depends on your well-being, not the other way around.

Balancing business, parenting, and mental health is challenging, and prioritizing your mental well-being is essential for your success and happiness.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, we talk with licensed therapist Nicole McNelis about burnout, guilt, setting boundaries, and managing the mental load that comes with being both a parent and an entrepreneur.

This is an honest conversation about exhaustion, pressure, and learning to let 'done' be better than 'perfect.' Nicole shares practical, actionable advice to help protect your energy and build support systems that truly work, making you feel capable and supported.

If you're a parent running a business and feeling stretched thin, you're not alone, and you're not failing.

Guest: Nicole McNelis

Licensed Professional Counselor, Maternal Mental Health Specialist

Instagram: @therapistmomcollective

Creatives often feel overwhelmed by late nights, racing thoughts, client deadlines, kids, and the pressure to 'keep going,' making sleep difficult. In this episode, sleep expert and behavior analyst Michelle Kreuzer acknowledges these everyday struggles and explains how they affect our work, health, and emotions.

Michelle explains the difference between true insomnia and simple sleep deprivation, why melatonin should be used only as a short-term tool, and how routines and structure can create a sense of freedom for both adults and kids. We also talk about hustle culture, emotional regulation, creative focus, and what really happens to your brain when you finally rest.

If you've been tired, overwhelmed, or running on fumes, this conversation will help you rebuild healthier habits, protect your energy, and get your nights back.

Tune in and discover how better rest can enhance your creative focus, boost productivity, and lead to more inspired work.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Thato and Naomi break down the truth about burnout. Most creatives don't burn out because of work; they burn out because they work without boundaries. This highlights how much their well-being matters and can help you feel seen and supported. Together, they talk through real-life examples of setting schedules, protecting family time, handling client expectations, and learning when to say no. They also share how to build systems, automate your business, and create sustainable routines so you don't collapse under pressure. Whether you're a photographer, designer, freelancer, or entrepreneur, this episode will help you reset, recharge, and build healthier habits that protect both creativity and mental health.

This episode was recorded live at Art Means Business, a networking event inside the Wilmington International Film Festival. Thato and Naomi sit down with filmmakers and educators to discuss creativity, filmmaking, opportunities, and the power of genuine connections.

Guests include

• Gordon Delgorino, founder of the Wilmington International Film Festival, shares the vision behind bringing an international film platform to Delaware.

• Maximillian Remmler, filmmaker of 4 Clones Alone, breaking down the story, the technical challenges, and acting as four characters at once.

• Charlene Davis, retired Delaware attorney turned filmmaker, discusses her film Relative Control, how she wrote it, and how decades of relationships helped bring the project to life.

• Timothy Day & Denise Wells from Wilmington University, talking about their student film competition, mentorship program, and the full scholarship awarded to an emerging young filmmaker.

Thato and Naomi wrap up the episode by reflecting on their first on-location recording, the importance of networking, and why showing up to creative events can change everything.

Ideal for filmmakers, students, and anyone pursuing a career in the creative field.

Kate Braunstein joins hosts Thato and Naomi to share her journey from dance major to professional broadcaster. She discusses not just overcoming nerves and learning the craft of radio, but also the personal growth and confidence she built behind the microphone. Kate opens up about her early mistakes, mentors who shaped her path, and how networking helped her land opportunities with ABC and KGW.

We also discuss:

• The importance of preparation vs. improvisation in broadcasting
• Tips for building a personal brand and audience through audio
• Why in-person networking matters more than just online connections
• How to handle criticism, self-awareness, and growth in the media world

Whether you're a podcaster, creative professional, or aspiring radio host, this conversation with Kate Braunstein is packed with practical takeaways. You'll learn how to find your voice, build a personal brand, and make authentic connections in the broadcasting world.

Filmmaker and CEO of Crystal Fox Films, Mike Fox, joins Thato and Naomi Joy Dadson to talk about storytelling, networking, and building a sustainable creative business. He shares insights from his journey into film, the role of family in his creative process, and the future of filmmaking with AI.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Thato and Naomi sit down with artist Rebecca Rutstein, whose work is a unique blend of fine art, geology, and marine science, and has left a lasting impact on public installations, oceanographic collaborations, and museum collections worldwide.

Rebecca shares how she built a career blending fine art with geology and marine science, the practical steps and persistence it took to land expeditions with scientists, and why collaboration and networking are essential for artists.

Listeners will hear personal stories from the ocean floor, tips for building lasting partnerships, and insight into balancing creative vision with the business side of art.

Thato and Naomi, two successful professionals in the modeling industry, share their unique journey of how they met at a modeling shoot and leveraged creative networking to build their careers. They will guide you on how to connect with photographers, directors, makeup artists, and fellow creatives, and how to build a reputation that opens doors.

You'll also hear:

• Why authentic connections matter more than quick wins
• How social media can be your best agent
• Lessons from years in front of and behind the camera

This episode is designed for actors, models, and creatives seeking to expand their network and career. It's a place where you'll feel welcomed and part of a supportive community.

In this episode of 23 Journeys: A Network for Creatives, Thato and Naomi welcome back networking expert Chris Gittings for an exhilarating exploration into how creatives can unlock the full potential of LinkedIn. It's not just a résumé, but a powerful tool for fundamental growth, and we're here to show you how.

We talk about:

Why creatives avoid LinkedIn (and why they shouldn’t)

How to make your LinkedIn profile stand out as an artist, photographer, or creative

Innovative posting strategies that drive real engagement

The art of reaching out (without being spammy)

Using tools like Sales Navigator, digital business cards, and newsletters

Cross-platform tips to maximize your content

If you’re a creative ready to stop hiding and start connecting, this episode is a must-listen. After tuning in, take the first step towards professional growth by applying the strategies we discuss.

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-gittings/

Learn more at Cogent Connections: https://www.cogentconnections.io/

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