Big Dreams & Little Things

By Maria Wronski-Ellis,Karina Kampe

It's about falling down, stumbling, regrouping and getting back up. It's the solo work behind the scenes when there's nothing to lead you but your own inner vision.

It's about self-doubt

... more

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FAQs about Big Dreams & Little Things:

How many episodes does Big Dreams & Little Things have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.

Big Dreams & Little Things episodes:

December 19, 2025What's Another Year!?
Season 2 finale! Karina and Maria reflect on an intense, creative, and educational season where real life happened – house purchases, new computers, psychology studies, music releases, and tech crashes. They share what they're keeping from the season, get honest about what flopped, and give a sneak peek into Season 3. This is the podcast for creative souls building their dreams messily, imperfectly, but persistently and from the heart.

Topics Covered
The Power of Community – Why the Bloomsbury Group episode changed everything and the science behind why we need each other (mirror neurons, 50% survival rate increase)
The Amber Effect – How the conversation with voice coach Amber McCathy inspired both hosts to sing more and launch creative projects
Victory Dance Science – Why celebrating small wins builds momentum for bigger success
Mindfulness & Flow – Maria's upcoming book "The Mindful Songwriter" and creating space for creativity
Tiny Experiments – Small steps that lead to big changes (reading, guitar, sketching, Christmas calendar)
Workshop Honesty – The flop: 30 people signed up, 3 showed up, and what they learned
Season 3 Preview – New guests, new look, and the name change from ECtA to Big Dreams and Little Things Community
Real Talk on Balance – How accountability meetings pulled them out of a creative slump this week

LinksThis Episode
Maria's book: https://www.instagram.com/themindfulsongwriter/
Karina's Christmas calendar: instagram.com/karina_kampe
Upcoming survey: Watch for it in January!
Big Dreams Community
Website: www.ectahub.net
Instagram: @bigdreams.ecta
Previous Episodes Referenced
Episode 20: Amber Mogg Cathey– Voice Coach & Community Builder
Episode 21: The Power of Celebration – Victory Dance Science
Episode 22: The Power of Community – Bloomsbury Group & Mirror Neurons
Episode 19: How Mindfulness Can Unlock Your Creative Flow

Best Quotes"Big Dreams and Little Things is for creatives who are building things messily, imperfectly, but persistently and heartfelt." – Karina"We become who we surround ourselves with. Mirror neurons literally make your brain reflect the people around you." – Maria"Is it bad business to admit when things flop? I think we can because we want to be authentic and honest." – Maria"Not everything is crumbling. Just the things that aren't working. We need to do this and this instead." – Karina (after their accountability check-in)"Show up. Speak up. Celebrate like a rebel. And don't forget the victory dance – you deserve it!" – Karina & Maria"Community is what we want to create. It is what we want to build." – Maria"It's not about being perfect. That's exactly just our starting scrappy theme, but sometimes it's really hard to take it on." – Maria"You become who you surround yourself with." – Maria
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you in January with Season 3! 🎄✨
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.
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22min
December 12, 2025How to Keep Going When It Feels Too Much
Episode Theme
Why staying with your creative work feels so hard — and how accountability, community, and small support systems make all the difference when you want to give up.
In This Episode
Why the middle of a project is usually where people quit

How accountability and peer support help you stay consistent

The Wright Brothers’ story — and what their partnership teaches us about resilience

The neuroscience of pushing through challenges (oxytocin, amygdala calming, dopamine + resilience)

Personal reflections from Maria & Karina on finishing vs. abandoning creative work

Simple practices to help you keep going even when you feel stuck

Favorite Quote
“Challenges grow louder in silence — but they shrink when you bring them into community.”
Connect With Us
Sign up for our News letter: https://big-dreams-little-things.kit.com/6bed1cba46
Website: www.ectahub.net
Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta
Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta
Karina's Website: karinakampe.com | frocoaching.se
Karina's Instagram: @Karina_kampe
Maria's Instagram: @TheMindfulSongwriter

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.
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26min
December 05, 2025Reflection Session on Episode 22 - The Power of Community
Why is Community Essential?
The numbers are in, Community gives you a survival rate of 50%!!! Karina and Maria revisits the last episode and talk about what has come up since it was recorded. How has community effected them and when is it OK to leave a group? A christmas calendar becomes the December Tiny experiment where Karina faces her piano imposter. Do you have a Thursday evening group? What does it take and who can you call? Why not drop us a line or join IGNITE?

Big Dreams & Little Things is the podcast and community for creatives, freelancers and solo entrepreneurs. It lands a new episode biweekly on Fridays. Every other week we reflect and look back. Because our topics are THAT GOOD!

Follow us to keep it happening!

We are also on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bigdreams.ecta
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Bigdreams-ecta

In January 2026 we launch our 12 week course IGNITE.

Make 2026 the Year You Finally Put Time Into What Matters
A 12-week online course for creatives and solopreneurs who want clarity, structure & momentum.
Bi-weekly peer accountability sessions
12-week structured online course in 6 modules starting January 2026
3 Focus & Reflection Live Group sessions
12 weekly nudging letters (micro-coaching between sessions)
Downloadable guides and workbook (yours to keep)
International community of like-minded creatives
Real results by April 2026

Read more at https://www.ectahub.net/ecta-Ignite
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.
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16min
November 28, 2025The Power of Community
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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32min
November 21, 2025 Reflection Session on #21 “No One Noticed… Good. Celebrate Anyway”

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.
...more
11min
November 14, 2025“No One Noticed… Good. Celebrate Anyway”
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.
...more
23min
November 06, 2025Reflection Session for Episode 20- The Magic of the Voice
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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17min
October 31, 2025The Magic of the Voice with guest Amber Mogg Cathey
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.
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49min
October 24, 2025Reflection Session for Episode 19 - Mindfulness
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.
...more
13min
October 17, 2025How Mindfulness Can Unlock Your Creative Flow
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.
...more
26min

FAQs about Big Dreams & Little Things:

How many episodes does Big Dreams & Little Things have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.