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Discover the remarkable journey of Trudi Wood, the UK queen of free-motion quilting, who transitioned from a structured career in the Air Force to flourishing as a creative entrepreneur. We chat with Trudi about her inspiring shift from personnel administration to a passion-filled quilting business, sharing how her time at Citizens Advice reignited her artistic talents. Her story is a testament to how the unexpected blend of analytical skills and creativity can open doors to new, fulfilling paths.

Trudi opens her heart about overcoming self-sabotage and the emotional hurdles tied to avoidant behaviors in relationships. She bravely recounts her personal experiences with divorce and heartbreak, offering valuable insights into recognizing the patterns that hold us back. Through counseling and a commitment to self-growth, Trudi emphasizes the profound importance of self-compassion and living in the present moment. Her transformative journey highlights how embracing vulnerability can lead to resilience and a renewed sense of self-worth.

In a touching narrative, Trudi shares the power of forgiveness and the liberating release of bitterness. We reflect on how small acts of kindness can impact our daily lives, drawing parallels to the Japanese art of kintsugi, where brokenness is mended with gold to create beauty. Join us as we celebrate the healing journey and personal growth that come from embracing adversity, discovering how these experiences shape who we are and inspire us to support others through their struggles.

You can find Trudi on Instragram @trudi_wood and her website is: www.trudiwood.com

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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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Crafting holds a meditative power, a truth that Lucy Brennan, also known as @CharmAboutYou (and she does a Saturday Night Craftalong on Instagram). embodies in her life journey. As she shares her story, we learn how the art of crafting, passed down from her grandmother and mother, became her refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Balancing a full-time job and creative passions, Lucy reflects on how crafting has found its way back into the hearts of a younger generation, offering a peaceful counterbalance to modern-day stress.

Our conversation takes a heartfelt turn as we navigate through the emotional challenges Lucy faced over the past few years. Unexpected opportunities, such as TV appearances, arrived unplanned, alongside personal loss, all of which reshaped her understanding of self-worth. Through a playful meme comparing 2019 to 2023, we take a moment to acknowledge the shared anxieties of our times, while the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle guides our discussion on finding peace and reducing self-imposed pressures by staying anchored in the present.

In our exploration of personal growth, Lucy opens up about the vital role of gratitude, connection, and self-care in overcoming anxiety and depression. From music and movement to embracing one's divine energies, she shares practical strategies for lifting spirits and fostering a sense of self-worth. Whether it's through the metaphorical oxygen mask of self-care or the empowering act of stepping out of comfort zones, Lucy's experiences underscore the strength and resilience needed to embrace life's inevitable changes with grace and courage.

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Ever felt trapped by the roles others expect you to play? Quilter Dee Bushrod of @pixelquilts knows that feeling all too well. Renowned for her intricate pixel quilts, Dee takes us through her emotional journey of overcoming depression, breaking free from people-pleasing habits, and bravely stepping away from a structured religious environment to embrace an authentic self. Listen as she recounts the touching story of attempting to gift a pixel quilt of the Queen during her Platinum Jubilee, a project that was met with an unexpected twist, highlighting the unexpected paths authenticity can lead us down.

Quilting became more than just a craft for Dee—it was a lifeline during times of family transition and personal struggles. A Billie Eilish-themed quilt, created to comfort her daughter, sparked a newfound passion that transformed dark times into moments of beauty and connection. Dee's experience is a testament to how creative expression can lead to self-discovery, illustrating the therapeutic power of embracing imperfections and celebrating authentic joy.

Stepping away from long-held roles and identities is not easy, yet Dee shares how rewriting her narrative led to a liberation from fear and societal expectations. Her journey emphasizes the courage it takes to prioritize self-worth over external validation, fostering meaningful relationships that transcend religious boundaries. Through her story, Dee inspires us to find the courage to be true to ourselves, shedding the masks of people-pleasing to uncover a more fulfilling life—one quilted with love, authenticity, and joy.

Follow Dee on Insta @pixelquilts

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What if embracing your true identity could unlock a world of healing and self-discovery? Join us in this heartfelt episode of Breaking the Blocks as we sit down with the remarkable Chris Marchini, an inspiring quilter whose personal journey is nothing short of transformative. Chris courageously opens up about his struggles with severe depression and suicidal tendencies, offering a beacon of hope to those facing similar battles. He shares the intimate details and the profound impact of coming out as gay while married, all during a tumultuous chapter in his life.

Navigating the turbulent waters of his Mormon upbringing, Chris shares the challenges of reconciling his sexuality with religious expectations. His story highlights the societal pressures that led to a marriage bound by norms and the liberation he found in breaking free to live authentically. The conversation delves into the complexities of family dynamics, revealing the emotional and logistical hurdles of separating from a partner and co-parenting, while maintaining authenticity in personal growth. Through Chris's narrative, we explore the profound impact of embracing one's identity and finding freedom in authenticity.

Chris's passion for creativity shines through as he recounts how sewing and quilting became vital components of his healing journey. From a childhood interest in sewing to a flourishing quilting career, Chris's story is a testament to the power of creative expression in overcoming personal hurdles. With insights into building a social media presence and advice for navigating life’s challenges, this episode underscores the importance of focusing on self-preservation and living authentically. Chris’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing one’s true identity and passions.

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Have you ever wondered how a passion for quilting can become a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing? Join me as I chat with Amanda Oros, the dynamic host of "Not Your Granny's Quilt Show." Amanda and I share our personal journeys as step-parents, highlighting the emotional challenges and growth that come with it. We also explore the deeper meaning of community within the quilting world, breaking stereotypes and emphasizing the importance of creativity in overcoming life's hurdles.

Our conversation takes a heartfelt turn as we discuss the journey of healing through self-trust, especially when confronting deeply rooted beliefs from an evangelical upbringing. We delve into the significance of self-awareness, the struggle against black-and-white thinking, and the importance of maintaining family connections despite differing beliefs. Through personal anecdotes, we reflect on the pivotal moments that triggered our healing journeys, stressing the importance of open communication and personal growth in fostering better relationships.

Navigating the loneliness that often accompanies personal growth is another key theme in our chat. We touch on the relief and challenges of embracing one's true self, setting boundaries for self-care, and recognizing the toxic nature of people-pleasing. Amanda and I also discuss the concept of toxic positivity and how embracing authenticity and self-love can lead to a more fulfilling life. Join us for an episode filled with honest reflections and insights on overcoming personal blocks and finding genuine connections.

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Join us for an inspiring kick-off to season two of "Breaking the Blocks" with your host, Rachel Pierman. This episode features a heartfelt conversation with seasoned quilter Sherri Lynn Wood, who shares her journey from traditional quilting to sustainable practices. Sherri Lynn's dedication to using second-hand fabrics is not just an ecological choice but also a deeply personal one, driven by the desire to create meaningful connections through fabric and personal stories. We also touch on Sherri Lynn's resilience in overcoming life blocks, like the loss of her mother at a young age, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles.

Rachel and Sherri Lynn delve into the profound impact of grief on creativity, discussing how the death of a parent can shape an artist's path. She recounts her experience of losing her mother during her MFA program, which empowered her to pursue her artistic vision with renewed determination. They explore how emotions, even painful ones, can fuel intense creativity and a sense of purpose. Quilting, as they discuss, is more than just a craft; it's a therapeutic practice that can lead to significant emotional and artistic breakthroughs.

Finally, the episode emphasizes the importance of focusing on the positives in life and how this mindset can enhance creativity and personal growth. Sherri Lynn shares her life motto, "May your creativity lead you to more truth and love," and discusses her focus on creating enriching experiences through workshops. From exploring the interconnectedness of creativity, healing, and community, to encouraging listeners to embrace their creative journeys, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Tune in to connect with Sherri lynn's inspiring work and gain insights that could transform your own creative practice.

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