In this episode of Also That, Heidi and Gennaro talk with Houston-based muralist and painter Hannah Bull about how and why she connects her art to something bigger. By centering on ecology, place, and community, Hannah’s social sculptures and public art installations are meant to be experienced.  

Join us for a conversation about:

• Using imposter syndrome to your advantage
• Finding your way to the art you were meant to create
• Fostering connection through art, urban spaces, and shared experience 
• Houston’s vibrant art scene and more! 

Hannah is currently the artist-in-residence at Hobby Airport in Houston, TX. Learn more about Hannah and see her murals at https://hannahbull.com. You can follow her on instagram at HannahBullNectar. 

Also That is a community-driven podcast where we explore ways to cultivate a more creative life. Join the conversation on Instagram and TikTok. Follow us @AlsoThatPod. Or send us an email at [email protected] 

It’s our 10th episode y’all! To celebrate, Heidi and Gennaro catch up with a creative check-in. Learn what’s been inspiring them lately and why joy can be a powerful act of resistance. From reflecting on their creative partnership to finding inspiration in art, travel, and community, this episode is a love letter to adult creativity and all the messy beauty that comes with it.

Today, they’re talking about:

• How burnout is a systemic issue and how creativity helps us heal
• Activism as an artistic expression
• Feeling re-energized by travel and spending time with creative friends
• The role of joy, beauty, and curiosity in personal resistance
• Visiting Happy Medium Art Cafe in NYC as a creative recharge

Whether you’re new to your creative journey or simply trying to reconnect with your spark, this episode is your reminder that making art, feeling joy, and building community are radical acts.

Gennaro and Heidi sit down with YouTube artist May Wonder, a graphic designer and content creator who reignited her creative passion during the pandemic. After experiencing burnout in her job as a full-time graphic designer, May turned to video storytelling on YouTube. Through this new medium, she found her voice, reconnected with her creativity, and discovered “whatever I have to say is valuable.”

Join us for a conversation about:

• How a creative professional found new inspiration and motivation as a YouTube content creator
• How art can can help you tell personal stories with purpose  
• Fostering a practice of finding creative inspiration 
• Embracing imperfection and learning to make a mess 

Whether you’re just getting started on your creative journey or feeling stuck in the 9–5 grind, this episode is for you. As May reminds us, “Everyone is creative—you just have to know that you have it in you.”

Follow May on:

YouTube: MayWonder
Instagram:@may.wonders
TikTok: @maywondering

Beginning is the most important step to any creative endeavor. But if the thought of beginning a something new stresses you out, you’re not alone. 

Gennaro and Heidi dive into why it feels so intimidating to begin a new creative project and share tips to help you overcome beginner's paralysis. Consider this episode your cheerleader. Start that project, girl. The rest will come.

Chey Mongeon, author of The After: A Memoir, joins Gennaro and Heidi in a conversation about using creative outlets to move through grief. They also discuss:

• Processing trauma and finding your voice through your art
• Ways to find inspiration in everyday life
• Fostering an active imagination as an adult
• Staying true to your instincts and your art
• Deciding to self-publish instead of traditional publishing

You can find Chey’s book The After: A Memoir on Amazon or add it to your Goodreads. 

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for support. 

We’ve been humbled. If there’s one thing 2024 taught us, it’s that things don’t always go according to plan. But that doesn’t stop us from dreaming big and reflecting on how we can improve on our creative journey. 

Join Gennaro and Heidi in this special New Year’s episode filled with reflections on starting a podcast and ambitions for 2025.  

Episode notes:

• We talk about S.M.A.R.T. Goals which are defined as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. 
• Gennaro mentions Rupi Kaur’s Healing Through Words and Jeff Tweedy’s How to Write One Song. 

How would your creativity change if you were more vulnerable? Gennaro and Heidi discuss how to create from a place of authenticity and have an open, honest conversation about what it means to bring our whole, authentic selves into both our art and our lives.

As creatives, we have a limited amount of energy we can spend on our passions. Gennaro and Heidi talk about ways to manage your energy, avoid burnout, and even generate a bit more in your day. We discuss sealing energetic leaks, how inspiration can help you feel more energized and the importance of movement.  

Show notes:

• Gennaro references the Instagram account @BlondeinCar
• We talk about third places, which you can learn more about here: https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/24119312/how-to-find-a-third-place-cafe-bar-gym-loneliness-connection 

How can you make more time for your creative pursuits? Gennaro and Heidi discuss strategies for time management, optimizing our time, and getting into a flow state.