Sarah Humphreys transforms lives teaching arts and crafts in a women's prison, helping incarcerated women rebuild their identities through creativity. Working with individuals who've experienced trauma and abuse, she creates a sensory sanctuary where women who arrive saying "I can't" leave as proud creators with newfound confidence and purpose.

• Teaching in prison presents unique challenges with scissors and supplies requiring strict protocols
• Around 75% of women in prison have mental health concerns and most have experienced childhood trauma
• Sarah's classroom serves as a sensory haven with soft textiles, comforting scents, and supportive community
• A professional shoplifter achieved a breakthrough by later buying art supplies instead of stealing them
• Sarah introduces women to female artists who faced similar challenges, expanding their sense of possibility
• The Red Flag Project collects textile flags bearing phrases from abusive relationships, creating awareness around domestic violence
• Women in prison often face judgment as "imperfect victims" when they've experienced domestic abuse
• Creative activities build resilience, self-belief and new identities beyond "criminal"
• Prison crafting creates ripple effects, potentially breaking generational cycles of trauma
• The crafting community regularly donates supplies, showing incarcerated women they're not forgotten

If you're interested in supporting the Red Flag Project, please check the show notes for details on how to create and submit your own flag to help raise awareness about domestic violence. For those experiencing abuse, support resources are listed below.

To find out Full details about the red flags and how to get involved: Click below
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DW9ldQmwNWqAuyCJChrPNGX16TIDOn-3?usp=sharing

Follow Sarah on Instagram @edwardandthewhitebear

Book mentioned In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder : Smith, Jane Monckton: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Koestler Arts | Unlock the talent inside

If you need help:

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

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Rachel Pierman sits down with textile artist Judy Martin for a profound conversation about creativity, mortality, and finding healing through art. They explore the spiritual quality of handmade quilts and how creative work can become a sanctuary during difficult times.

• Judy describes her childhood in rural Canada where solitude and art supplies fostered her inner creative world
• The transition from painting to quilting as Judy raised her four children while maintaining her artistic practice
• How quilting became therapeutic during periods of depression and global anxiety
• The deeper meaning behind Judy's "perfectly imperfect" quilting philosophy 
• Judy's candid discussion about her fear of being forgotten and using art as a form of immortality
• The generational trauma patterns that influenced Judy's emotional landscape and artistic expression
• The symbolism of quilts - "the front is what we present to the world, but the back is where all the actual beauty happens"
• Judy's relationship with time and her comforting mantra: "I have all the time in the world"
• The yearning to return to painting while balancing the comfort found in quilting
• Finding inspiration in nature, particularly the sky, as a source of spiritual connection

If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave a review or share it with a friend who might find inspiration in Judy's story. For business inquiries, contact [email protected].

Follow Judy here: @judithemartin

https://www.judithemartin.com/

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Resilience emerges as the central theme when textile artist Caz Holmes shares her journey as a full-time carer for her husband following his debilitating stroke. She offers profound insights into finding balance between caring for others and maintaining your own identity through creativity and connection.

• Caz balances her renowned artistic career with caring for her husband Derek after his stroke in 2021
• The stroke left Derek with left-side weakness, limited vision, and spatial awareness challenges
• Creativity serves as healing for both carer and patient, providing focus and purpose
• Maintaining your identity is crucial when transitioning from life partner to caregiver
• Small moments of respite are essential for carers – walks, garden time, coffee with friends
• Finding ways to collaborate despite limitations helps preserve dignity for both individuals
• Caz identifies her "triangle of needs": challenge, connection to creativity, and connection to others
• The UK has approximately 5 million unpaid carers providing essential support
• Human connection is being eroded in our increasingly technology-focused society
• Speaking up about what you need as a carer is vital for maintaining your wellbeing
• Caz's motto "to do different" encourages finding alternative approaches to life's challenges

Contact Caz through Instagram to see her work and connect with her community of makers @casholmestextiles

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Davey Powell shares his journey as a queer traveller, navigating the complexities of growing up in fairgrounds while knowing he was gay from a young age. Through therapy, sobriety, and quilting, he's found a way to unite his traveller heritage with his queer identity to become the authentic person he was always meant to be.

• Growing up between two worlds - never "traveller enough" for the traveller community and too "traveller" for the outside world
• Experiencing violence and fear on the fairgrounds, forcing him to develop a tough exterior that conflicted with his sensitive nature
• Hiding his gay identity from age 8-9 until university, when he finally came out
• Facing rejection from his parents, culminating in his father saying "I've hated you since you were 15"
• Battling severe depression and suicidal thoughts while trying to find his place in the world
• Finding healing through therapy, sobriety, and quilting, which started during a difficult period in Canada
• Creating vibrant quilts that incorporate fairground aesthetics to unite his traveller heritage with his queer identity
• Learning to speak to his inner child and angry teenager to heal from past trauma
• Proudly embracing both his showman/traveller background and his gay identity after years of feeling they couldn't coexist
• Using traditional fairground fonts and sign-painting techniques to reclaim positive aspects of his heritage

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Sarah Spencer takes us on a journey of transformation, from corporate employee to artist, radio host, and community activist while navigating major life transitions and personal growth.

• Moving from Canada to Chicago represents a complete life reset
• Transitioning from property appraiser to artist required sitting with uncomfortable feelings of identity loss
• Meeting her husband at Burning Man led to love, marriage, and eventually motherhood
• Postpartum anxiety pushed her toward therapy, which became a transformative force
• Overcoming extreme fear of public speaking by trying stand-up comedy
• Using privilege for community good rather than feeling guilt
• Creating art as therapy during emotionally challenging times
• Finding your authentic voice and accepting that not everyone will appreciate it
• Learning to face fears rather than avoid them—bravery isn't absence of fear but acting despite it
• Developing the mantra: "I am a spirit having a human experience"

Find Sarah's art on Instagram @IOtheAlien and join her for the upcoming Picture This VIP Club at CraftyMonkies starting in June 2025.

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Leo Ransom shares his transformative journey from being in the wrong place at the wrong time to becoming an accomplished portrait quilter who channels his experiences of prejudice and hardship into creating meaningful art.

• Started quilting at 16 and progressed from traditional to portrait quilting
• Learned resilience after being arrested by association with drug dealers despite being innocent
• Faces ongoing racial profiling and prejudice as a Black quilter in Texas
• Developed a philosophy of patience and dignity when confronting discrimination
• Found his voice through portrait quilting that captures subjects' essence
• Married to a white man and found acceptance in their church community
• Uses his art to process societal trauma, particularly during difficult periods like the George Floyd murder
• Aims to expand charitable work creating quilts for children in homeless shelters
• Discovered his grandmother was a quilter only years after starting himself
• Graduated college at 50 after life circumstances interrupted his education

"Don't ever say that you can't; say that you can, jump in with both feet and see what happens."

Follow Leo on Instagram @lions_den_quilting

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Becca Shifflett shares her powerful journey from childhood abuse to becoming a successful YouTuber with a thriving community, revealing how she learned to shine her light after years of being taught to dim it.

• Experiencing severe childhood trauma including physical and sexual abuse
• Being removed from her parents at age 14 and placed into foster care
• Learning to process trauma rather than compartmentalizing it 
• Finding healing through forgiveness without excusing harmful behavior
• Discovering creativity and self-expression through sewing
• Managing imposter syndrome while building a YouTube channel with 42,000+ subscribers
• Breaking generational trauma cycles with her own daughter
• Cultivating a positive mindset despite past experiences
• Understanding that authenticity attracts genuine connections

Remember that taking care of your mental health is essential - put your own oxygen mask on first so you can help others.

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A poignant exploration of grief and healing unfolds as Josh Dunn shares his transformational journey following the loss of his mother. He discusses how creativity, particularly quilting, became a source of connection and solace in his life. The episode dives deep into personal stories and valuable lessons learned through navigating grief and toxic relationships.

• Josh talks about his close relationship with his mom and the impact of her passing 
• The role of therapy in understanding and processing grief 
• How creativity, specifically quilting, became a medium for healing 
• Stories about making masks from his mother's fabric during the pandemic 
• Insights on toxic relationships and personal growth post-grief 
• Awareness on colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection 
• Josh’s aspirations for creating a quilt that memorializes his mother 
• Discussing the healing journey and lessons learned through loss 
• Final reflections on love, memory, and embracing life amidst grief 

If you enjoyed this episode, please like or comment on our podcast page to help spread the message.

You can follow Josh on Instagram @liftingandstitching

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David Owen Hastings' inspiring journey reveals how he transformed past trauma into a meaningful, creative life. He stresses the importance of embracing our experiences, seeking community support, and using creativity as a healing tool.

• Discussion on David's challenging childhood and family dynamics 
• The significance of crafting as a coping mechanism 
• Insights into navigating life as a gay man during the AIDS epidemic 
• The power of creativity to foster joy and resilience 
• The role of community in personal healing and growth 
• Reflection on future aspirations and leaving a legacy

Follow David on Instagram @davidowenhastings

www.davidowenhastings.com

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In this insightful episode, we engage with author Matt Eicheldinger, who returns to discuss the complexities of navigating success after achieving his dreams. With reflections on imposter syndrome, the joys of connecting with readers, and the importance of community, Matt emphasizes the significance of staying genuine through every stage of the creative journey. 

• Matt shares his experiences since becoming a bestselling author 
• He discusses ongoing struggles with imposter syndrome 
• Finding fulfillment in interactions with young readers 
• The challenges of isolation in a writer's career 
• Importance of maintaining mental health and balance 
• Matt's future aspirations beyond middle-grade literature 
• The value of community and connection for creative growth 
• Emphasizing authenticity in the journey of an artist

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