Mark is an Irish illustrator based out in Melbourne with his family. He creates dreamy, Matisse like surreal portraits and illustrations. His work might be whimsical but don't be fooled by the dreaminess of it all - Mark works hard and has built a consistent following of 200K+ followers on Instagram.

He's also done work for Etsy, Airbnb, Coca Cola and The New York Times. We chat about what it takes to flex from a traditional design role to becoming an illustrator. Mark chats to me about creative stamina, where he draws ideas from and keeping going in spite of anxious moments.

Be inspired by Mark's story:
markconlan.com
instagram.com/markconlan

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
https://www.calloncourage.com/podcast
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

What a delight to interview a courage expert - I need one of these in my life! Sandra is a ray of light, shining everyday courage on people's mindsets and habits. She's not in the business of bravado or feats of bravery. Her passion is grounded in research and writing. Sandra breaks down the word courage to its heart and spirit level meaning. From that position she applies her skill and expertise in seeing people grow and flourish.

We had a great conversation, talking about Sandra's principles, ways of working and books: COURAGE The Heart and Spirit of Every Woman and Face it! Sandra is someone you'll admire and want in your corner if you're looking to overcome doubt and uncertainty and unlock a treasure trove of unstuck thinking.

Learn more about Sandra's work: sandrawalston.com

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
https://www.calloncourage.com/podcast
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

According to Adina, when you live, lead and love with productive curiosity, clarity is only one question away. Adina teaches leaders and people who want to live intentional lives and share deeply connected relationships how to leverage the power of curiosity to b effective. Adina has many pearls of wisdom to share from the frontline of courage mixed with curiosity.

Listen to the end to discover the powerful questions Adina asks from her card decks Live, Lead and Love with the Courage to be Curious.

Discover more here: couragetobecurious.com

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
https://www.calloncourage.com/podcast
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

I'm delighted to introduce my next guest to you. I know him as a ray of sunshine and caffeinated exuberance in my local coffee shop. Yup Joss does his day shift as a barista. Not only that but he snagged a genius name for his coffee art on Instagram: Vincent Van Froth www.instagram.com/vincentvanfroth

Joss is high energy and passionate about life, coffee, music and festivals. We talk about it all and I can't help wonder where Joss will end up. Joss firmly asserts that we need more silliness and hats in the world. Something I couldn't agree more with him on. Enjoy this episode. And I heartily recommend a Black Sheep caramel latte to float by the side as you listen. Just depends on who serves you whether you get a wonky heart or dove drawn into your coffee froth.

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
https://www.calloncourage.com/podcast
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

Sas is by name and nature sass. I was chuffed to bits to get just under an hour with her talking through all things self belief, coaching and growth. Sas came from a city job doing management consultancy - before making the leap into her heart led business The Self Belief School https://selfbelief.school/

Sas has created a safe space to heal self doubt. By the end of this episode it's likely you might want to grab an hour with Sas yourself. I ended up feeling that way! We had a delightful and eye opening chat about overcoming obstacles and dealing with limiting beliefs.

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
https://www.calloncourage.com/podcast
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

I'm pleased to introduce you to an accomplished Manchester artist: Oskar with a K. You might have seen his work already. He's a street artist and muralist busy at work making messages stand out at large scale on walls, walkways and shop shutters. He started off in graffiti and now is commissioned to paint and run mural workshops.

This was a gem of a conversation covering off what makes Oskar fire up creatively and what his overcoming hurdles were. He's been prolific in the last couple of years so there's plenty we chat about. If you need a visual reference as you listen, check out Oskar's Instagram to see what we're chatting about: https://www.instagram.com/oskarwitha.k/

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
https://www.calloncourage.com/podcast
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

It was such a privilege to interview Sadie. As you might have seen in the news women are leading the way for a disruptive revolution against fear and an oppressive regime in Iran. Women have come up against the loss and threat of life protesting freedom and rights to be and express who they are. It's hard to fathom in the West because we take these freedoms for granted.

Sadie is a ray of light shining her experience on such a difficult subject. Originally raised in Iran and spent her teen and uni years there, it was no easy journey discovering music and performance was going to be her calling. The legal threat to Sadie attempting to express her artistry was real and something she had to be rather fearless in pressing forwards with.

If ever I'm going to interview someone about mining deep for the courage to express their art I think this episode embodies it. Sadie is courage through and through. Listen to her beautiful tracks and some of her songs in her mother tongue, Farsi: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfJq2RLvz6Il8NtEB7S9kTg

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
https://www.calloncourage.com/podcast
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

Today's guest is someone who I found in her own space of calm at Beautiful Voyager https://bevoya.com I was delighted to find this site in the scattered world of mental health blogs - Meredith's site stood out as a peaceful oasis. Somewhere you can create a lighthouse on a mental health map of well wishes across the world.

Meredith Arthur has many strings to her bow. She's a chief of staff creating emerging ideas at Pinterest connected to emotional wellbeing. And a published author: Get Out of My Head - an illustrated guide for over-thinkers. I was pleased to have 45 minutes with Meredith, chatting all things mental health, anxiety and overcoming. Not to mention dealing with perfectionism and some talk of hustle culture.

If your internal world has felt connected to achievement and striving for more at the cost of your wellbeing and inner peace - this might be a good conversation to dive into.

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

Let me introduce you to Jax - the woman behind The Miracle Mindset. Jax is out there in the world and online as a Sobriety Coach. Gulp. Does that sound interesting or a bit of a turn off? Let Jax show you the gifts that cutting back on alcohol can bring into your life.

We talk about the science behind Hangxiety (aka The Fear) and why alcohol likes to have a field day with your mental wellbeing. (Even with a couple of glasses.) We compare notes on what can open up in your mind and world when you take booze out of the equation.

This isn't about boozey fuelled embarrassing stories. Haven't we heard enough of them already? Jax will actually inspire you to reconsider some of your drinking habits. It's the gains and benefits that she'll convince you on. We start this conversation with why the name, The Miracle Mindset?

Jax on Instagram: instagram.com/the.miracle.mindset

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.

I can't quite believe I'm saying this, but I managed to get an interview with one of my favourite creators on Instagram: Lu in Luland. What da?! If you haven't already discovered her, Lou has been dancing, doing get dressed with me videos and becoming a badass in the process.

The two things that grabbed me about Lou: she's a creative pioneer and an irresistible people connector. Lou puts high value on community and finding the creative spark that cuts right through average. Don't underestimate the outfit changes and dancing on her bins... She's on a serious mission to spread fun, fitness and love thy self. You have to see Lou's style: she's anti-ageing and anti-beige-ing. This will inspire you to start something new with a KICKARSE ATTITUDE.

Also keep your eyes peeled for Susie - that's Lou's bus she'll be taking on tour. Let the fearless positivity spread far and wide!

Enter the world of Lu in Luland: instagram.com/luinluland

Keep being courageous,
Rachael x

WHO'S BEHIND THIS PODCAST?

I'd ridden pretty high on the creative career rollercoaster. At times it was exhilarating (and occasionally it was terrifying.) It takes stamina, guts and more than a smattering of resilience. Don’t panic, this isn’t another podcast telling you to hustle harder. I’ve been there and got the burnout badge to prove it.

I'm looking to find people who are doing the work they love, but it's been a bumpy ride.

Starting over can be wonderful, agony and pants shakingly scary all at the same time. There are others who did it. Who are right in the centre of figuring that out. I'm trying to find the people, I needed to hear, at the time I felt I was free-falling from the loop-di-loop.

BUILD A CREATIVE LIFE YOU LOVE

I've found creativity + courage = the best storytellers building a life they love.
The stories we tell ourselves are powerful.

I'm looking to find people who are building a creative life but it's not always been easy. Call On Courage posts the conversations I was looking to find when my career dreams were sliding out of view. Your creative life is worth making happen even when doors close or you're dealing with difficult people. I'm in your corner encouraging you to keep going.

I'm not all over the 'Gram or Tik Tok famous. But I am making quality content on Substack. That's where you'll find the best of Call On Courage: podcasts and writing that go in depth on how to push past fear and make the creative life you have in mind.

Go to: calloncourage.substack.com
Subscribe to get all the latest updates and exclusives.
PS. If you've enjoyed this episode, I really appreciate you telling a couple of friends about it.