In this episode, Karina and Maria take you back to 1905 and into the Thursday Night gatherings that formed the Bloomsbury Group — a small community that transformed art, literature, and even economics.

From Virginia Woolf’s courage to innovate to Vanessa Bell’s wild creativity, we explore how a supportive community fuels autonomy, creativity, resilience, and well-being.

You’ll learn the science behind why community is biologically essential — not just “nice to have” — and how isolation impacts your health, motivation, and creativity.

We also break down how to build the kind of meaningful community that helps you thrive.

And of course, we end with this week’s Tiny Experiment to help you take action.

Summary

We explore:

• The Bloomsbury Group’s Thursday gatherings
• Why community boosts creativity and well-being
• The health consequences of loneliness
• Dunbar’s number and why meaningful connections matter
• Vulnerability as a gateway to creativity
• How creative entrepreneurs can build the right kind of community
• 
  

And we introduce Ignite — a 12-week creative cohort designed for exactly this kind of support.

Tiny Experiment of the Week

This week, reach out to one person and say:

“Hi, can I borrow your ear? I have an idea — and I’d love to hear one of yours too.”

Use the Quick Accountability Guide to frame it.

Try it. Observe what happens. Tell us.

Join Ignite — 12-week cohort for creatives

https://ectahub.net/ecta-ignite

Follow us on Instagram

https://instagram.com/bigdreams.ecta

Karina’s December music calendar

https://instagram.com/karina_kampe

Quick Accountability Guide

https://checkout.mailerlite.com/checkout/9591

Newsletter: Backstage Wednesday

https://ectahub.net

Further resources and links can be found at https://www.ectahub.net/community

Connect With Us

Website: www.ectahub.net

Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

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Connect With Us

Website: www.ectahub.net

Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Theme

You hit publish. You finish the project. You finally complete that thing you’ve been working on for weeks — and then… silence. No confetti. No applause. Just you, your laptop, and the quiet that follows doing something brave.

In this episode, Maria Wronski-Ellis and Karina Kampe unpack the art and science of small wins — why they matter, how to celebrate them, and how to turn those tiny victories into real creative momentum.

In This Episode

• Why small wins matter more than you think
• 
  
• The surprising science behind celebration (hello, dopamine!)
• 
  
• How Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s writing rituals show the power of micro-moments
• 
  
• Real-world ways to build momentum and quiet your inner critic
• 
  
• A simple Tiny Experiment to help you actually feel your progress this week
• 
  

Favorite Quote

“Nobody else will notice your wins — but when you do, everything changes.”'

Featured ECtA Links

Join the IGNITE Waitlist

 Subscribe to Backstage Wednesday

Follow Big Dreams & Little Things on Instagram — @bigdreams.ecta

Connect With Us

Website: www.ectahub.net

Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this reflection episode, Karina and Maria dive into their biggest takeaways from their conversation with voice coach Amber Mogg Cathy. They explore themes of reconnection, courage, and staying true to yourself through life's transitions.

Main Topics:

• Reconnecting with Your Voice - Maria shares how the episode inspired her to start singing again after years of neglect
• The Courage to Reinvent Yourself - Amber's journey from artist to teacher and adapting your career to different life phases
• The Challenge of Starting Over - Amber left Nashville after 26 years and rebuilt in Denver, including joining a "Soulful Coaching Circle"
• The Meaning of Authenticity - From Nashville Vocal Studio to Amber Mogg Cathy Voice - being yourself in your brand
• Playfulness and Experimentation - How play is the key to discovering your authentic voice

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
• 00:35 - Maria's reflection: Reconnecting with her own voice
• 02:20 - The importance of having a coach, even as a professional
• 03:20 - Karina's takeaway: Amber's honesty about not wanting the touring life
• 04:20 - The challenge of reinventing yourself and changing priorities
• 04:46 - Audio clip: Amber's move to Denver after 26 years in Nashville
• 06:48 - Discussion: The courage of starting over
• 08:00 - Moving with family vs. moving alone - different challenges at different ages
• 10:19 - Listener reflection from Sarah: The red jacket story
• 12:29 - Tiny Experiment: One Minute Voice Reset
• 13:20 - Karina demonstrates the humming exercise
• 15:19 - Wrap-up and where to find us
• 16:23 - Preview: Victory Dance

Listener Contribution: Sarah shares how the episode inspired her to buy a red jacket instead of black and white, transforming her presentation experience - "faking it from the outside in."

This Week's Tiny Experiment: One Minute Voice Reset - Take one minute daily to hum or sing one note, just for yourself. Focus on vibrations in your body rather than sound. Let it be soft, playful, and leading. Notice effects on mood, focus, and creativity.

Links:

Amber Mogg Cathey Voice & The Vocal Pro Membership

🌐 Amber Mogg Cathey Website

🎧 Vocal Tips in 10 Podcast

📸 @ambermoggcatheyvoice

Mentioned in This Episode

• Sara Strese – Good Ready Co.

Featured ECtA Links

Join the IGNITE Waitlist

 Subscribe to Backstage Wednesday

Follow Big Dreams & Little Things on Instagram — @bigdreams.ecta

Webb: www.ectahub.net/thevoice

Next week: Victory Dance - celebrating the small wins that light your spark!

Big Dreams and Little Things - where big dreams grow through little things.

Connect With Us

Website: www.ectahub.net

Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

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It’s Halloween — a night when masks come off — and what better moment to talk about finding your real voice?

In this special episode of Big Dreams & Little Things, Karina and Maria talk with Amber Mogg Cathey, creator of Amber Mogg Cathey Voice Studio.

Amber opens up about what it really means to reinvent yourself — from her early dreams of stardom and years in Nashville’s music industry to the moment she decided to stop touring and start teaching.

What unfolds is a deeply human story about healing, purpose, and building a brand that truly reflects who you are. The conversation flows from stage lights to color palettes — and yes, even what not to name your business and why to do it anyway!

Amber shares how she built a life and brand rooted in joy, play, authenticity, and community — and how you can do the same.

She also gives us a hands-on challenge to reconnect with your own voice and creativity. And as usual we dig deep in science and tiny experiments on this weeks topic.

Enjoy!

“I didn’t lose my dream — I reshaped it.” — Amber Mogg Cathey

Main Topics Covered

• Leaving the artist grind — why Amber chose not to be a touring performer
• The courage to build a purpose-driven brand (Amber Mogg Cathey Voice & The Vocal Pro Membership)
• Reinvention through service, education & creativity
• Voice science and emotional healing — the vagus nerve and three diaphragms
• Motherhood, identity, and artistic integrity
• The importance of play and experimentation in business
• Building an authentic online presence and creative community
• How ECtA and accountability fuel long-term growth

References & Resources

Amber Mogg Cathey Voice & The Vocal Pro Membership

🌐 Amber Mogg Cathey Website

🎧 Vocal Tips in 10 Podcast

📸 @ambermoggcatheyvoice

Mentioned in This Episode

• Berklee College of Music
• The Bluebird Café, Nashville
• Polyvagal Theory – Stephen Porges, PhD
• The Science of Singing & Vagus Nerve
• Voice Science & the Three Diaphragms – Journal of Voice, 2021
• Eva Cassel
• Sara Strese – Good Ready Co.

Featured ECtA Links

Join the IGNITE Waitlist

 Subscribe to Backstage Wednesday

Follow Big Dreams & Little Things on Instagram — @bigdreams.ecta

Connect With Us

Website: www.ectahub.net

Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your greatest creative block isn’t lack of inspiration — but lack of presence?

In this episode of Big Dreams & Little Things, hosts Karina Kampe (certified transformational coach, artist, creative entrepreneur, and songwriter) and Maria Wronski-Ellis (artist, songwriter, educator, and author of the upcoming The Mindful Songwriter) explore how mindfulness can transform your creative process — from chaotic overthinking to calm, confident flow.

You’ll hear stories (yes, one includes George Lucas and Star Wars), science-backed insights, and gentle reminders that creativity isn’t just about doing more — it’s about being here more.

Topics Covered

• The surprising link between mindfulness and creativity
• How George Lucas used presence and intention to create entire worlds
• Why your brain literally changes when you practice mindfulness
• The hidden health benefits of slowing down
• A 5-minute “Tiny Experiment” that can instantly boost joy and focus
• How to cultivate calm even in chaotic creative seasons
• Maria's Upcoming book "The Mndful Songwriter"
• 
  

DOWNLOAD THE ACCOUNTABILITY QUCK GUIDE: https://big-dreams-little-things.kit.com/quick-guide

Website: www.ectahub.net

Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

Connect With Us

Website: www.ectahub.net

Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your greatest creative block isn’t lack of inspiration — but lack of presence?

In this episode of Big Dreams & Little Things, hosts Karina Kampe (certified transformational coach, artist, creative entrepreneur, and songwriter) and Maria Wronski-Ellis (artist, songwriter, educator, and author of the upcoming The Mindful Songwriter) explore how mindfulness can transform your creative process — from chaotic overthinking to calm, confident flow.

You’ll hear stories (yes, one includes George Lucas and Star Wars), science-backed insights, and gentle reminders that creativity isn’t just about doing more — it’s about being here more.

Topics Covered

• The surprising link between mindfulness and creativity
• How George Lucas used presence and intention to create entire worlds
• Why your brain literally changes when you practice mindfulness
• The hidden health benefits of slowing down
• A 5-minute “Tiny Experiment” that can instantly boost joy and focus
• How to cultivate calm even in chaotic creative seasons
• Maria's Upcoming book "The Mndful Songwriter"
• 
  

DOWNLOAD THE ACCOUNTABILITY QUCK GUIDE: https://big-dreams-little-things.kit.com/quick-guide

Website: www.ectahub.net

Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

Connect With Us

Website: www.ectahub.net

Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reflection 18 — Authenticity: Showing Up as You

Can you be authentic and still belong — or does honesty always come at a cost?

In this reflection episode of Big Dreams & Little Things, hosts Karina Kampe and Maria Wronski-Ellis explore the tension between truth and belonging, courage and restraint — a must-listen for creative entrepreneurs and solopreneurswho care about authentic leadership and real connection.

Maria admits she’s skeptical — “Are politicians even real people anymore?” — while Karina reflects on her own time “on the barricades,” standing up for what mattered but paying the price in bruises and burnout. Together, they ask: How much truth can we carry before it starts to hurt?

The conversation expands on Episode 18’s story of Malala Yousafzai, whose courage to speak up changed her life — and the world. What does she have in common with Jane Austen? And how does authenticity unfold through art, leadership, and literature? Karina also shares her honest (and slightly conflicted) thoughts on Liz Gilbert’s At the Way to the River.

And one of our listeners shares her story and gives us this week's Tiny Experiment!

The Tiny Experiment

This week’s practice:

Notice when you start to shrink your words or ideas.

Instead of saying, “Just a small thought…”, try saying,

“I have something to say.”

Observe what changes in your tone, posture, and confidence.

Tools & Takeaways

• Authenticity doesn’t mean exposure — it means alignment.

• Cherish your truth and protect your process.

• Body language can shape how authentic you feel — stand center-stage, breathe, and claim your space.

• Courage can be quiet. Sometimes it’s knowing when to pause, not when to speak.

Resources Mentioned

• I Am Malala – Malala Yousafzai

• At the Way to the River – Elizabeth Gilbert

• Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert

About ECtA

The ECtA Method (Empower Change through Accountability) helps self-led creatives and solopreneurs stay in motion through structure, reflection, and community support.

Next up:

🗓 October 23rd — Strategic Focus: Doing the right things, not just more things

💻 Sign up at ectahub.net.

Next Week

We’ll explore Mindfulness and Creativity — diving into the mind of George Lucas, blending science, storytelling, and a few Tiny Experiments from Maria’s upcoming book The Mindful Songwriter.

Stay Connected

Follow us on Instagram→ @bigdreams.ecta

Subscribe on YouTube → Big Dreams & Little Things

Join our mid-week letter → Backstage Wednesday

Connect With Us

Website: www.ectahub.net

Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world of filters, polished feeds, and curated perfection, what does it really mean to be authentic? Is it about baring it all — or is there a smarter, braver balance between being real and being raw?

In this episode of Big Dreams & Little Things, hosts Karina Kampe (certified transformational coach, artist, creative entrepreneur, and songwriter) and Maria Wronski-Ellis (artist, songwriter, educator, and author of the upcoming The Mindful Songwriter) dive deep into the art of showing up as your true self.

From Malala Yousafzai’s fearless stand to Greta Thunberg’s unapologetic voice, we explore the science and stories behind authenticity — and how you can harness it as your strength (without oversharing or burning out).

And yes, Karina really did record this one without a shower, makeup, or sleep… talk about walking the talk. 😉

Topics Covered

• Why perfection can actually make us boring
• Malala Yousafzai: authenticity under fire (literally)
• Greta Thunberg and the teenage fire for truth
• Self-Determination Theory & mirror neurons (science of why we connect with realness)
• Authentic vs. transactional vs. transformational leadership
• Where authenticity ends and overexposure begins
• Reality TV vs. real life: when “authentic” is just strategy
• Boundaries as part of being real (personal but not private)
• Tiny Experiments: “Blossoming Through the Eyes of the Authors I Choose”

Episode Timeline

00:00 – Why perfection dulls our sparkle

03:00 – Malala’s story: standing up for truth

07:00 – Greta Thunberg’s courage at the UN

10:00 – The psychology of authenticity (SDT, mirror neurons)

12:00 – Leadership styles: transactional, transformational, authentic

13:00 – Reality TV vs. reality: what’s real, what’s staged

16:00 – Artists, labels, and the push for “more”

18:00 – Adele, boundaries, and congruence

20:00 – Authenticity + business values

22:00 – Tiny Experiment: Reading as blossoming

All links are at www.ectahub.net/authenticity

ECtA: Empower Change through Accountability

Want to practice authenticity in a safe, structured way? That’s exactly what our ECtA workshops offer.

• Monthly 1-hour sessions on focus, voice, progress, and support.
• Guided Quick Accountability Meetings — set goals, get reflection, leave with momentum.
• Next up: October 23 – Strategic Focus: Doing the right things, not just more things.

And if you’re ready to go deeper, join Ignite, our 3-month program starting January 2026. Think of it as accountability with a victory dance. 💃

👉 Join the waiting list

Connect with Us

• Instagram: @bigdreams.ecta
• YouTube: Big Dreams & Little Things
• Newsletter: Backstage Wednesday (weekly inspiration straight to your inbox)
• Website: www.ectahub.net

And remember: Show up, speak up, and never skip the victory dance!Connect With Us

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Episode OverviewOur very first Reflection episode! This week, we slow down to revisit Episode 17 on how business can become a“third partner” in marriage, the hidden toll of always being on, and why boundaries matter. We share a listener’spowerful insight, plus Maria’s Tiny Experiment (with a little music 🎸).

DOWNLOAD THE ACCOUNTABILITY QUCK GUIDE: https://big-dreams-little-things.kit.com/quick-guide

Website: www.ectahub.net

Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

Connect With Us

Website: www.ectahub.net

Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta

Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta

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