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 

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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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This episode explores the transformative journey of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery through the experiences of Trudi Wood. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own emotional challenges and the importance of community and forgiveness in the healing process. 
• Trudi has shares her unexpected transition from the Air Force to quilting 
• Discussion on the impacts of solitude and loneliness 
• The recognition of self-sabotaging behaviors 
• Insights into the complexities of forgiveness 
• The significance of faith and community in healing 
• Encouragement to practice kindness and self-compassion 
• The importance of making conscious choices for personal growth

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Brandy Maslowski's journey from firefighter to quilter illuminates the complexities of trauma and resilience. She shares her experiences with discrimination, PTSD, and ultimately, how creativity became her healing mechanism, inspiring others to recognize the strength within their own stories.

• Brandy's background as a firefighter with familial ties to the profession 
• The discrimination experienced as a woman in a male-dominated field 
• Impact of workplace toxicity on mental health and the onset of complex PTSD 
• Deciding to leave her firefighting career for personal well-being 
• The transition to quilting as a form of healing and self-expression 
• Insights on the importance of support systems and self-care in overcoming adversity

Follow Brandy @quilteronfire on Instagram and YouTube.
Her website is: https://quilteronfire.com/

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After experiencing the profound pain of losing a loved one to suicide, Nicole Leth discovered the power of affirmations as a lifeline to healing. Her journey from personal tragedy to creating My Affirmation Project is a testament to resilience and creativity. Nicole shares how she transformed her grief into a mission of compassion, spreading messages of self-love and hope through various mediums like graffiti, quilts, and billboards. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, creativity can light the way to healing.

Nicole's poignant reflections on navigating addiction and trauma with empathy invite listeners to consider the deep connections between personal struggles and creativity. She recounts her close relationship with her father, marked by shared experiences at AA meetings, which profoundly shaped her understanding of addiction. Through her candid storytelling, Nicole reveals how vulnerability and artistic expression can transform grief into a source of strength and connection.

In examining the complex dynamics of relationships affected by trauma and addiction, Nicole offers valuable insights into the importance of personal healing and understanding. She candidly discusses her experiences with partners facing similar struggles and the lessons learned about codependency and empathy. Nicole's journey explores the beauty of embracing compassion and self-care, reminding us all of the strength found in softness and vulnerability. Join us for this heartfelt conversation as we explore the transformative power of affirmations and the enduring impact of compassion in the face of life's challenges.

Foolow Nicole on Insta @myaffirmationproject
and her website is www.myaffirmationproject.com

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Join us on Breaking the Blocks as Rachel Pierman welcomes Ian Garland, a charismatic quilter with a thriving YouTube community and a passion for fostering understanding through creativity. Ian shares his journey from Texas to Washington, seeking safer and more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ community. Alongside his new podcast, Sew Off Kilter, co-hosted with Sew Becca, Ian explores the power of art to unite people and nurture personal growth, revealing how his own experiences in crafting have shaped his beliefs and relationships.

Our conversation takes a thoughtful turn as Ian delves into the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities amidst political shifts and legislative threats. Reflecting on the anxiety surrounding marriage equality and the persistent fight for basic human rights, we discuss the importance of empathy, gratitude, and forgiveness in navigating a world often marked by anger and frustration. Ian's insights encourage listeners to prioritize self-care and personal well-being while advocating for a more inclusive society that learns from its past rather than repeating its mistakes.

As we wrap up, creativity emerges as a vital outlet for vulnerability and self-expression, with Ian emphasizing the importance of preserving arts programs in schools to foster a well-rounded society. Through heartfelt stories of protest quilting and personal encounters with art's transformative power, Ian invites us to embrace change and compassion in our interactions. Tune in to discover how creativity can inspire hope and connection, leaving you with a renewed sense of empathy in your own life journey.

Follow Ian on Instagram: @offkiltercrafterian
and the same handle on YouTube

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Join me for an inspiring conversation with Zak Foster, a trailblazer in the artistic quilting community, whose journey from a high school Spanish teacher to a full-time artist and podcaster is nothing short of transformative. Zak shares the pivotal moments during the pandemic that led him to embrace his passion and create the Quilty Nook, a vibrant community for quilters. Through our discussion, we uncover how Zak uses his art not just for expression, but as a force for community building and social change, highlighting the courage required to leave a conventional career path in pursuit of one's passion.

Discover how "Apogee Jubilee," Zak’s innovative creative piece, serves as a metaphor for humanity's journey and potential, tackling future anxieties and championing self-awareness and connection. We discuss the subtle power of everyday interactions in combating loneliness and nurturing community ties, illustrated by Zak’s journey in crafting a festival quilt for a folk school. The conversation is peppered with insights on the balancing act between creativity and responsibility, the nuances of setting boundaries, and the vital role of self-care in sustaining leadership within community spaces.

This episode also takes a poignant turn into the realms of family history and ancestral trauma, with Zak exploring the silence surrounding his own roots. We address themes of privilege and identity, particularly through the lens of Zak’s experiences as a white, male, queer artist navigating Brooklyn's diverse landscape. As Zak uncovers the layers of his family's past, he stresses the importance of confronting historical truths and the transformative power of understanding one's heritage. This enriching conversation promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for art's role in community building and the courage required to follow one's true calling.

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