Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.

In this week’s episode, Chrishaun has completed her class (Full Stack Java Development at Per Scholas) and plans to take the week to rest and process big changes that are coming. She talks about leaving the structure of the class behind, as well as potentially leaving her American identity to move forward with her life in a safer environment. Jenn screenshares the designs for her upcoming tarot deck, which is being drawn by S.J. Gautreaux. Then she talks about other projects she’s working on for her book boxes.

Jenn’s favorite thing was reading Oathbound by Tracy Deonn on audiobook.

Chrishaun’s favorite thing was watching Severance and Paradise (and wearing her new wig!).

Stuff we referenced in this episode:

Per Scholas

Severance

Paradise

S.J. Gautreaux: the Night Witchery

To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil

For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

@CaramelSugarEvil

@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.

In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn catch up on their projects, sharing the things they are most proud of–Jenn revised 32 chapters in a week, and Chrishaun has developed new branding to house all of her projects under one label: Sique’s Powered by the Apocalypse. Chrishaun also talks about ways she works to lower her anxiety and keep from getting overwhelmed.

Both Jenn and Chrishaun’s favorite thing this week was Severance: Season 2, Episode 7

Stuff we referenced in this episode:

Severance

Powered by the Apocalypse

Godot

Splattercat

3-6-9 Method

Daredevil: Born Again

Nerdy Nuts

To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil

For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

@CaramelSugarEvil

@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.

In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss the joys of making progress and seeing results. Chrishaun shares her work on a hunter encounter generator. Jenn talks about getting feedback on her manuscript and starting revisions, then shares some finds for companies that make custom tea blends. Chrishaun explains her plan to compile her content into a new Substack: Sique’s Powered by the Apocalypse.

Jenn’s favorite thing was Severance

Chrishaun’s favorite thing was the Combine and Reward Cake

Stuff we referenced in this episode:

Designatea.com

Adagio Teas

Maggie Stiefvater’s Writing and Revision Courses

Severance

2025 NFL Scouting Combine

To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil

For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

@CaramelSugarEvil

@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.

In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn share their excitement about progress they’re making on their creative projects. Chrishaun talks about some of the reasons people make choices against their best interests, particularly in terms of whiteness. She shares her observation that building something of your own allows you to center yourself on your own creation, rather than on your dependence on someone else or on a system that places you above others. Building something of your own brings you joy and teaches you to validate yourself.

Jenn’s favorite thing was Queen Charlotte on Netflix.

Chrishaun’s favorite thing was working through anxiety, knowing that failure is the first step, and not the end.

Stuff we referenced in this episode:

Queen Charlotte

Severance

To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil

For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

@CaramelSugarEvil

@JennLessmannAutho

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.

In this week’s episode, Chrishaun talks about transitioning from an author to a game designer. She opens up about how facing her own truths and embracing her creative work has helped her get through dark times. Chrishaun and Jenn catch up on their creative work - Chrishaun’s Java course and Jenn’s manuscript - and discuss plans for physical products. 

Jenn’s favorite thing was Severance.

Chrishaun’s favorite things were her new Gel Pens.

Stuff we referenced in this episode:

Severance

Gelly Roll Pens

To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil

For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

@CaramelSugarEvil

@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.

In this week’s episode, Chrishaun addresses her white friends in a reflection on how political power shifts will affect them as members of a class over their race. Jenn expresses concern about the SAVE Act. Jenn and Chrishaun discuss options for dealing with tariffs and other concerns as a creative business. Then they break down the symbolism of Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show.

Stuff we referenced in this episode:

The SAVE Act

Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show.

To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil

For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

@CaramelSugarEvil

@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.

In this week’s episode, Jenn and Chrishaun discuss struggles with scheduling and mental health. They commiserate over winter weather and geek out about Severance. Chrishaun shares plans for a side quest and does an unboxing of Jenn’s PR box for Unforgivable, book two in her upcoming trilogy. They also discuss recent events in the news. (This was filmed the week of the presidential inauguration.)

Stuff we referenced in this episode:

Severance

To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil

For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

@CaramelSugarEvil

@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.

In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss the power and challenges of self-validation. Chrishaun talks about valuing skills learned over academic success. Jenn shares her new response to no response when it comes to reaching out to people professionally. They share news about a few different creative side projects they're working on, as well as giving updates on their primary ventures.

Jenn’s favorite thing this week was exceeding her word count goals and pushing herself to reach her stretch goals.

Chrishaun’s favorite thing was Severance’s season 2 premiere.

Stuff we referenced in this episode:

Severance

Severance PR Stunt

Stephen Colbert Interview with Adam Scott

Doctor Who

Doom Patrol

To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil

For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

@CaramelSugarEvil

@JennLessmannAuthor

In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn catch up on what they’ve been working on since the end of season one. Chrishaun shares her reasons for making a big move and then celebrates small wins, including her coding coursework and developing the game mechanics for RPGs in her Shaman States universe. Jenn talks about her progress in drafting her third novel and gives some updates on her plans for a special edition and in-person events.

Jenn’s favorite thing this week was building a dice popper for her family D&D game.

Chrishaun’s favorite thing was watching Landman and seeing Hulk Hogan get booed on RAW.

Stuff we referenced in this episode:

Book Vault

S.L. Rowland, cozy fantasy and LitRPG author with awesome special editions

How to Watch the MCU and Watching the MCU with Kids

Squid Game

Severance

Skeleton Crew

Dune: Prophecy

To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil

For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

@CaramelSugarEvil

@JennLessmannAuthor

Ep 16: seen and heard

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.

This week, in an episode filmed on Halloween, Chrishaun and Jenn geek out about the finale of Agatha All Along. They reflect on the first season of Building the Creative Life and share their goals for season two.

To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil

For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!

@CaramelSugarEvil

@JennLessmannAuthor

Mentioned in this episode:

Kathryn Hahn in Parks & Rec