Big Juicy Creative

Stefanie is a fascinating, formidable woman who has so much wisdom to share on feeding your creative soul, while also feeding many other mouths that depend on her - not only the many Croft animals, but also her 3 kids, one of which is a 4.5 month old lockdown baby!

If anyone has the excuse of 'no time for creativity' it's Stefanie. But she weaves creativity, and connection to the land, into her busy day to day life in ingenious ways. Why? Because she deeply understands the need, value and catharsis of doing so.

She lives an alternative life, immersed in nature and largely away from screens (though you can find her poetic posts on Instagram).

Many of us have realised the benefits of nature in the pandemic and Stefanie offers a no-wifi space where we can visit and explore this connection more deeply, with her encouragement. And that's what you get a taste of in this podcast.

This is a special on-location, outside broadcast recorded while I was on holiday, staying in a wood cabin on Stefanie's Airbnb on her Highland Croft. You will feel like you are on the Croft with us, among the sheep, cows, chicks, pigs and pug!

For more about Stefanie:

On Instagram: @highland_croft

On Facebook: @highlandcroft01

To follow Big Juicy Creative for loads of inspiration on living creatively, see:

Instagram: @bigjuicycreativeliving

Facebook @bigjuicycreativeliving

LinkedIn: @suzybashford

Twitter: @suzybashford

contact Suzy: [email protected]

Big Juicy Creative podcast is available on all major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or directly from my website: https://www.bigjuicycreative.co.uk/podcast

Sheena Renea was sentenced to life imprisonment at 17 for murdering her ex-husband.

She talks openly and honestly about what led up to the crime, her darkest times and how she transformed her self-worth, sense of identity, confidence and purpose in prison; how creativity was a key part in this process and finding her voice.

This is a hugely uplifting conversation, particularly for anyone who feels they are currently in a hopeless situation. If you know someone who feels they are, why not share this episode with them?

Trigger warning: we talk about sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, addiction and rape

For more info on Sheena Renea:

Her non-profit Prison Did Not Break Me

Her Prison Did Not Break Me Facebook Group

Prison Did Not Break Me on Instagram

To follow Big Juicy Creative for loads of inspiration on living creatively, see:

Instagram: @bigjuicycreativeliving

Facebook @bigjuicycreativeliving

LinkedIn: @suzybashford

Twitter: @suzybashford

contact Suzy: [email protected]

Big Juicy Creative podcast is available on all major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or directly from my website: https://www.bigjuicycreative.co.uk/podcast

For the first time, Big Juicy Creative goes on location to bring you creative inspiration, broadcasting directly from the beach, so you can feel for yourself what it would be like to go on a creative retreat.

Following on from last week's episode with photographer and creative mentor Kim Grant, Suzy meets up with Kim on a beach in Moray Speyside, in the north of Scotland.

Kim will guide you on this creative 'Random Act of Living' (RAL), involving mindfulness, writing and taking pictures, which you can try anywhere (beach optional!).

Do get in touch to let me know what you think, or with any of your inspired creations via [email protected] or via social media @bigjuicycreativeliving (Instagram & Facebook handle).

For more about Kim Grant, whose company is called Visualising Scotland:

Instagram

Facebook

Youtube

The nature writing course we originally met at was run by Rebecca on the Wing

For more on the Moray Coast see here

To follow Big Juicy Creative for loads of inspiration on living creatively, see:

Instagram: @bigjuicycreativeliving

Facebook @bigjuicycreativeliving

LinkedIn: @suzybashford

Twitter: @suzybashford

contact Suzy: [email protected]

Big Juicy Creative podcast is available on all major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or directly from my website: https://www.bigjuicycreative.co.uk/podcast

Have you ever felt like you don't fit in? You don't belong? Or like an outsider in your life? Landscape photographer Kim Grant knows these feelings well and, in this podcast, explains how creativity and nature - which she believes go hand in hand - helped give her a sense of true belonging, happiness and gratitude (not the forced type!).

She shares her story generously and honestly, with lots of tips to follow her lead.

She's also a creative mentor, helping others find their creative voice so has lots to say on this - especially what to do with others' judgement.

I defy you not to listen to this podcast and not want to run out and explore Scotland, especially its northern beaches.

For more about Kim Grant:

Instagram

Facebook

Youtube

The nature writing course we met was run by Rebecca on the Wing

For more on the Moray Coast see here

To follow Big Juicy Creative for loads of inspiration on living creatively, see:

Instagram: @bigjuicycreativeliving

Facebook @bigjuicycreativeliving

LinkedIn: @suzybashford

Twitter: @suzybashford

contact Suzy: [email protected]

Big Juicy Creative podcast is available on all major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or directly from my website: https://www.bigjuicycreative.co.uk/podcast

I've heard a lot of people complaining that social media is draining them, especially if they're using it for work as well as personal stuff, and particularly as the world gets busier again.

I've felt these feelings too recently.

Fact is though, social media ain't going away.

So let's focus on how we can work it to our advantage, work it for our wellbeing, use it as a force for good in ourselves, in others and in the world generally.

And it CAN BE.

I tell you my thoughts on this in this podcast in 7 ideas for you to try – and this isn't a 'switch off your device' or 'delete your apps' tirade. This is a way for us to integrate social media in a healthy way, so it supports the building of healthy creative souls in ourselves and in others.

Please listen & share and why not forward to a friend who is struggling with social media right now, or tag them in the comments below…..

To follow Big Juicy Creative for loads of inspiration on living creatively, see:

Instagram: @bigjuicycreativeliving

Facebook @bigjuicycreativeliving

LinkedIn: @suzybashford

Twitter: @suzybashford

contact Suzy: [email protected]

Big Juicy Creative podcast is available on all major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or directly from my website: https://www.bigjuicycreative.co.uk/podcast

Today's a really special episode because it's with a friend I went to school with – Ruth - who is training to be a Church of Scotland minister. Because of our familiarity, we go deep quickly into potentially taboo topics; like the fact I don't believe in God, and she's dedicated her life to him.

We also cover her expertise on dealing with loss, whether that's through death, divorce or the fizzling out of a friendship. We also cover her uber creative creative tools which she uses in everyday life to see new perspectives and squeeze the juice out of life.

Ruth was always my most Tigger-like friend at school and I'm glad to say she hasn't lost any of her energy or calmed down. Her zest for life is infectious.

For more about Church of Scotland

https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchofscotland

Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchscotland

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchofscotland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/churchscotland

To follow Big Juicy Creative for loads of inspiration on living creatively, see:

Instagram: @bigjuicycreativeliving

Facebook @bigjuicycreativeliving

LinkedIn: @suzybashford

Twitter: @suzybashford

contact Suzy: [email protected]

Big Juicy Creative podcast is available on all major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or directly from my website: https://www.bigjuicycreative.co.uk/podcast

In this episode, I ask a stranger the meaning of life and have an epiphany on the back of it, about the 4 main things I've learnt from doing a podcast series on getting our mojo back.

The '4 pillars' I identify will get you thriving through this pesky pandemic and far beyond. Tune in to find out what they are, and how they can help you lead a bigger, juicier, more creatively contented life.

To follow Big Juicy Creative for loads of inspiration on living creatively, see:

Instagram: @bigjuicycreativeliving

Facebook @bigjuicycreativeliving

LinkedIn: @suzybashford

Twitter: @suzybashford

contact Suzy: [email protected]

Big Juicy Creative podcast is available on all major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or directly from my website: https://www.bigjuicycreative.co.uk/podcast

Solo episodes are back! After 25 interviews over 2 months for the Spring Series on getting our mojo restored, I'm back talking to myself.

This episode is about the power of reflection. Did you know regular reflection of 15 minutes daily can actually change the structure of your brain?

There are SO many reasons why self-reflection is a good idea. For health. For happiness. For productivity. For being a better human generally.

But how to fit it in, especially as life gets busier again?

Never fear, Suzy is here with some ideas that you can build seamlessly, and with a laugh, into your life. (Err, that's me, don't know why I suddenly slipped into the 3rd person... I blame a love of rhyme).

Also on this episode is the world premiere of 'Coviderata'; my take on the famous brilliant 'Desiderata' incorporating a Covid update. Tune in to see if I have butchered this artwork, or not.

Enjoy!

To follow Big Juicy Creative for loads of inspiration on living creatively, see:

Instagram: @bigjuicycreativeliving

Facebook @bigjuicycreativeliving

LinkedIn: @suzybashford

Twitter: @suzybashford

contact Suzy: [email protected]

Big Juicy Creative podcast is available on all major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or directly from my website: https://www.bigjuicycreative.co.uk/podcast

Today is the grand finale of the Spring Series! I wanted to save Edwina Dunn OBE until the last slot because she has been there, done that, and has the t-shirt (and wisdom) to show for it.

She, along with her husband, is the brains behind the hugely successful, game changing Tesco Club Card - starting the revolution to use 'big data' to understand people better. This entrepreneurial genius move, plus the brains obviously, made her a very, very rich lady as a result.

But in this podcast, what fascinates me most is that she talks openly about money and power and questions how much fulfilment these things actually bring. In fact, she is SO passionate about women in particular finding their fulfilment that she has created a data-based survey (link at end) so you can determine which fulfilment 'type' you are; this self-awareness will help you find your fulfilment more effectively in future.

She believes if more women do, then the world will be a better place - and she's determined to make the world a better place. Hence setting up the awesome The Female Lead. Edwina is the personification of a woman that supports women, passionate about putting the spotlight on, and celebrating, them in all their varying glory.

One of the main things this series has taught me is the importance of connecting to yourself, of enjoying your one precious life and feeling fulfilled. And that conversations - and who you have them with, about what - are all fundamental to a happy, meaningful life. Edwina covers all these things, so there couldn't be a more apt end to my Spring Back series!

For more about Edwina:

https://www.thefemalelead.com/

LinkedIn

You can take Edwina's survey to find out which 'fulfilment type' you are on this website, here: https://survey.thefemalelead.com/#/landing

You can also find The Female Lead, and its brilliant, funny, inspiring posts on:

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

To follow Big Juicy Creative for loads of inspiration on living creatively, see:

Instagram: @bigjuicycreativeliving

Facebook @bigjuicycreativeliving

LinkedIn: @suzybashford

Twitter: @suzybashford

contact Suzy: [email protected]

Big Juicy Creative podcast is available on all major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or directly from my website: https://www.bigjuicycreative.co.uk/podcast

This podcast I'm doing something I've never done: interviewing three guests at once.

So who is this special trio? Well, being Scottish and living in Scotland (not that you'd know it from my Somerset tones) I'm a big advocate of celebrating Scottish creativity – and I wanted to make sure we had some Scottish creative female voices on this Spring series.

Asking around the Scottish creative industry scene, these 3 lovely lasses were recommended to me:

Jane Strachan – who is the owner of creative agency PUNK Jessica Mullen – who is the cofounder of design and innovation company CreateFuture Fiona Proudler, board director at agency Tayburn

I've brought them on to brainstorm this topic of how we can get our collective mojo back, and feel a bit more inspired, after a tough year.

In typical Scots no-BS fashion, they had lots of practical, no-nonsense ideas, including why you should never buy someone a bottle of wine for their birthday and why threesomes are good (OK - yes, that last one is clickbait.... but if you REALLY want more on this latter saucy subject check out the podcast with Genevieve Le Jeune just before this one - episode 67!)

For more on our Scottish trio:

Jane Strachan https://www.linkedin.com/in/strachanjane/

Fiona Proudler https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-proudler-009361/

Jessica Mullen https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamarymullen/

To follow Big Juicy Creative for loads of inspiration on living creatively, see:

Instagram: @bigjuicycreativeliving

Facebook @bigjuicycreativeliving

LinkedIn: @suzybashford

Twitter: @suzybashford

contact Suzy: [email protected]

Big Juicy Creative podcast is available on all major platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or directly from my website: https://www.bigjuicycreative.co.uk/podcast