What happens when a reluctant teacher, a vintage sewing machine, and a dial-up internet connection collide?

In this inspiring episode, Shannon sits down with Lyric Montgomery Kinard, award-winning artist, educator, and founder of the Academy for Virtual Teaching, who has spent decades guiding creatives—from quilters to course creators—toward confidence, clarity, and connection through online education.

But Lyric’s journey into the online course world wasn’t mapped out. It began unexpectedly, with young kids at home, limited travel opportunities, and a camera in hand. What followed was a series of bold pivots, from filming grainy DVDs to teaching design principles to students on every continent. Along the way, she discovered how to translate in-person energy into a compelling digital presence, how to build an audience without relying on social media, and how to step fully into her role as a guide, not the hero.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re curious about transitioning from in-person to online teaching
• You feel intimidated by technology or the idea of being on camera
• You think you need a big audience to launch a successful course
• You’re an artist, creative, or craftsperson wondering how to monetize your skills through teaching
• You’ve hit burnout and are looking for a grounded way to reconnect with your “why”

Topics We Cover:

• Lyric’s unconventional path from quilt guilds to course creation
• The myth of needing a massive audience to succeed online
• How to develop confidence on camera (and why it’s okay if it feels cringey at first)
• Why creating online courses is a creative act in itself
• Tactical advice for teachers who feel overwhelmed by video tech
• The secret to building deep trust with your audience—even without flashy marketing
• What to do when you’re starting to wonder if course creation is still right for you

Whether you’re at the very beginning of your course creation journey or years into it and looking for renewed purpose, this conversation is a reminder that there is no one right path to success—just a commitment to serving others and staying true to your values.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to build an online teaching business that fits your life—on your terms.

Lyric Kinard is an award-winning artist, educator, and author dedicated to helping artists gain confidence, refine their creative vision, and develop their unique artistic voice. With over 25 years of experience teaching art quilters and visual artists, Lyric specializes in making complex design concepts accessible and practical for creators at any level.

www.lyrickinard.com

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This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]