Episode 21 of Catching Fireflies: Startup Weekends & Toastmasters

Join us in this episode of Catching Fireflies, a podcast dedicated to the 'now' moments and our creative journeys. We dive into Keith's exhilarating experience at a Tech Startup Weekend, where he pitches a winning QR code business idea and forms an exciting team. Meanwhile, Rudo shares her transformative journey into Toastmasters, embracing public speaking challenges and the powerful feedback from her meditation sessions. We also explore insights from a Māori cultural lens and the rich principles it introduced into our creative processes. Tune in for a deep, vibrant conversation on creativity, growth, and the essence of living in the 'now'!

One off boost or loving gift:

Rudo : https://buy.stripe.com/7sI17rbf96Ho6wUfYY

Keith: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6eWH5i48l7aekdQQ

Get full access to Catching Fireflies at catchingfireflies.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive into reflections on a beautiful meditation from last week, unlocking magical doors in guided imaginations, and the emotional resonances of feeling safe and opportunities to slow down. We also explore the joy and realisations brought through art making, neurodivergence awareness, and meaningful conversations with digital copilots.

Become a paid subscriber to our podcast!

Paid subscriber benefits

Personal sessions with either Keith (coaching, goal setting, vision time) or Rudo (oracle, painter, creative tips and tricks, Post comments and join the community, shout-out on air when you activate paid!)

Founding member benefits

Personalised artwork and weekly shout-out on air every week! You can personalise your shout-out

One off boost or loving gift:

Rudo : https://buy.stripe.com/7sI17rbf96Ho6wUfYY

Keith: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6eWH5i48l7aekdQQ

Get full access to Catching Fireflies at catchingfireflies.substack.com/subscribe

Travel deep within your mind till you find the safest place you can imagine!

Here at Catching fireflies, we hope you find that sense of peaceful relaxation with a little help from the dulcet tones of your two hosts, Keith and Rudo.

Not all styles of meditation are going to be the same benefit for everyone. If you don't like this style, or the music, or the topic, that's okay! Don't give up on finding the RIGHT meditation for YOU.

If you like this one, pass it on as a pay it forward to all your creative friends and loved ones.

We're all creative in different ways. Go make your mark, and may it be a life of meaning, vibrancy, joy, learning, and play.

Tune in here, or on Youtube, or on any of your fave streaming platforms!

Become a paid subscriber to our podcast!

Paid subscriber benefits

Personal sessions with either Keith (coaching, goal setting, vision time) or Rudo (oracle, painter, creative tips and tricks, Post comments and join the community, shout-out on air when you activate paid!)

Founding member benefits

Personalised artwork and weekly shout-out on air every week! You can personalise your shout-out

One off boost or loving gift:

Rudo : https://buy.stripe.com/7sI17rbf96Ho6wUfYY

Keith: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6eWH5i48l7aekdQQ

Get full access to Catching Fireflies at catchingfireflies.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another insightful episode of Catching Fireflies, where hosts Keith and Rudo dive deep into the essence of 'now moments' in creativity. This episode is filled with rich discussions on the importance of exploration over perfection, the power of mindfulness, and creating art that resonates deeply. We touch on various personal experiences, from reflexology's rejuvenating effects to the fascinating science of vocal vibrations. Plus, there's an exciting announcement about the future of this podcast, including upcoming street interviews and meditations.

Join us as we share laughs, profound insights, and our unwavering love for the creative journey. Tune in, vibe with us, and let's explore the 'now moments' together. Don’t forget to comment and share your creative endeavors with us at [email protected]. We love you all!

Follow us on Youtube too for our full video library :)

Become a paid subscriber to our podcast!

https://catchingfireflies.substack.com/

Paid subscriber benefits:

Personal sessions with either Keith (coaching, goal setting, vision time) or Rudo (oracle, painter, creative tips and tricks,

Post comments and join the community, shout-out on air when you activate paid!)

Founding member benefits

Personalised artwork and weekly shout-out on air every week!

You can personalise your shout-out

One off boost or loving gift:

Rudo : https://buy.stripe.com/7sI17rbf96Ho6wUfYY

Keith: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6eWH5i48l7aekdQQ

Get full access to Catching Fireflies at catchingfireflies.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to a guided meditation with two parts! 15 minutes of a gentle symbolic prompt that I, Rudo, have designed with the intention that you will find a restoration and cleansing moment in your life. We all need to restore in order to rise again...and again. Resting moments are my favourite things to create.

Here at Catching Fireflies, we hope you find that sense of peaceful relaxation with a little help from the dulcet tones of your two hosts, Keith and Rudo. Not all styles of meditation are going to be the same benefit for everyone. If you don't like this style, or the music, or the topic, that's okay! Don't give up on finding the RIGHT meditation for YOU. If you like this one, pass it on as a pay it forward to all your creative friends and loved ones. We're all creative in different ways. Go make your mark, and may it be a life of meaning, vibrancy, joy, learning, and play.

Become a paid subscriber to our podcast!

Paid subscriber benefits

Personal sessions with either Keith (coaching, goal setting, vision time) or Rudo (oracle, painter, creative tips and tricks, Post comments and join the community, shout-out on air when you activate paid!)

Founding member benefits

Personalised artwork and weekly shout-out on air every week! You can personalise your shout-out

One off boost or loving gift:

Rudo : https://buy.stripe.com/7sI17rbf96Ho6wUfYY

Keith: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6eWH5i48l7aekdQQ

Get full access to Catching Fireflies at catchingfireflies.substack.com/subscribe

Join us for Episode Sweet 16! We deep dive into the essence of self-awareness, dopamine cravings, and how to dodge distractions in our daily lives. Get inspired by Keith’s update on the play, dancing, and how we both are embracing artistic dreams. We celebrate Gal Hochman’s amazing Beyond the Beat first episode, please do watch and subscribe!

Tune in here, or on Youtube, or on any of your fave streaming platforms for an enriching conversation full of energy, enthusiasm, and insightful nuggets!

01:15 Easter Break Reflections

03:21 Seasonal Changes and Personal Growth

06:21 Battling Phone Distractions

15:37 Sharing Hidden Desires

16:11 Celebrating Gal’s directorial brilliance

17:49 Embracing Dance and Movement

18:50 Exploring Burlesque and Stage Performance

23:39 Standing Up for Humans - Deeper Question

Get your Deeper questions deck direct from the maker, Kiran Patel: Deeper Questions

Become a paid subscriber to our podcast!

Paid subscriber benefits

Personal sessions with either Keith (coaching, goal setting, vision time) or Rudo (oracle, painter, creative tips and tricks, Post comments and join the community, shout-out on air when you activate paid!)

Founding member benefits

Personalised artwork and weekly shout-out on air every week! You can personalise your shout-out

One off boost or loving gift:

Rudo : https://buy.stripe.com/7sI17rbf96Ho6wUfYY

Keith: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6eWH5i48l7aekdQQ

Get full access to Catching Fireflies at catchingfireflies.substack.com/subscribe

You’ll never guess where the fireflies went for Keith’s birthday wishes. Come with us as personal reflections and the joy of thoughtful gifts unfold.

Some of you voted we talk about managing anxiety, some come along to a birthday recording filled with love and gratitude.

Whether you're looking for inspiration or comfort, this episode provides both through heartfelt and thought-provoking discussions.

* 00:00 Meditation Reflections and Birthday Wishes

* 00:56 Family History and Ancestral Connections

* 01:42 Artistic Inspirations and Creative Processes

* 02:55 Social Media Moments and Library Love

* 04:14 Crafting and Personal Gifts

* 05:34 Birthday Celebrations and Family Fun

* 11:19 General Life Updates and Artistic Projects

* 13:45 Dream Analysis and Symbolism

* 15:21 Managing Overwhelm and Anxiety

* 19:56 External Sources of Anxiety

* 21:22 Internal Sources of Anxiety

* 22:56 Facing Anxiety and Overwhelm

* 26:53 Impactful Books and Personal Growth

* 32:49 Conclusion and Reflections

Become a paid subscriber to our podcast

Benefits

Free subscriber benefits

Weekly posts and video

Paid subscriber benefits

Personal sessions with either Keith (coaching, goal setting, vision time) or Rudo (oracle, painter, creative tips and tricks, Post comments and join the community, shout-out on air when you activate paid!)

Founding member benefits

Personalised artwork and weekly shout-out on air every week! You can personalise your shout-out

One off boost or loving gift:

Rudo : https://buy.stripe.com/7sI17rbf96Ho6wUfYY

Keith: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6eWH5i48l7aekdQQ

Get full access to Catching Fireflies at catchingfireflies.substack.com/subscribe

With Rudo away this week, Keith welcomes a surprise guest—Dr. Brian Levine—for a soulful, unscripted conversation under the trees and by the water.

Brian, a PhD in soil science and wetland biogeochemistry, shares how his scientific curiosity led him to explore dream analysis through the lens of Jungian psychology—and how AI is helping him facilitate deeper insights into the subconscious.

The episode kicks off with a shared meditation and unfolds into a rich dialogue about magical firefly memories, soil science, bioluminescence, and the wonder of trees drawing water to their leaves.

Together, Keith and Brian explore lucid dreaming, emotional intelligence, the dance between rationality and emotion, and the liberating shift from achievement to presence. They also reflect on the meaningful people in their lives, the randomness (or synchronicity) of meeting them, and how manifesting friendships can be as simple as declaring, “I’m going out to make a friend today.” It’s a beautifully human episode filled with curiosity, laughter, vulnerability, and wisdom.

Become a paid subscriber to our podcast!

Benefits

Free subscriber benefits

Weekly posts and video

Paid subscriber benefits

Personal sessions with either Keith (coaching, goal setting, vision time) or Rudo (oracle, painter, creative tips and tricks, Post comments and join the community, shout-out on air when you activate paid!)

Founding member benefits

Personalised artwork and weekly shout-out on air every week! You can personalise your shout-out

One off boost or loving gift:

Rudo : https://buy.stripe.com/7sI17rbf96Ho6wUfYY

Keith: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6eWH5i48l7aekdQQ

Get full access to Catching Fireflies at catchingfireflies.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 13! Rudo’s favourite number.

In this episode, Rudo and Keith dive into a reflective conversation covering rituals, personal growth, and realness.

The deck of Deeper Questions comes out as well, you can get your own deck at Kiran Patel’s shop!

During the episode, Keith and Rudo explore the significance of fireflies in meditation, the therapeutic value of artistic expression with children, the power of storytelling, and the deep connection felt within community and loved ones. They also discuss personal achievements, recent adventures in nature, and Keith’s wild exploration of the essence of love and universal energy. Whether it’s experiences at Toastmasters or in Montessori, they underscore the importance of celebrating small moments and staying curious about life's big questions. They invite listeners to join the journey, share feedback, and help shape the future direction of their podcast. Rudo may have even gotten a bit saucy with her current distain for the world’s obsession with “views” as a currency for impact/worth.

00:19 Firefly Meditation Stories

02:48 Reflections on Energy and Well-being

05:01 Navigating Daily Challenges

08:50 Exploring Deep Questions

16:28 Happiest Moments and Personal Stories

21:13 A Special Moment with My Kid

22:13 Learning from Montessori

24:00 A Memorable Birthday Celebration

27:41 The Joy of Creating and Sharing

31:40 Engaging with Our Listeners

37:58 Exploring/rejecting social media goals for impact

Get full access to Catching Fireflies at catchingfireflies.substack.com/subscribe

This episode is perhaps the deepest we’ve dived into the importance of creative processes, collaboration, and the journey from conception to fruition. Whether you're a seasoned artist or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on harnessing creativity and the joy of collaborating with peers.

Deeper Questions

Get your own deck directly from Kiran Patel’s Shop

Deeper Question 1:   What in your life is surprising you at the moment? Could be unexpected events, learnings, experiences, changes…

Deeper Question 2: Can you tell me about someone who has made a difference in your life? Big or small...

We have a youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@CatchingFireflies-c5o) but heck, why not also add video in Substack where it’s add free and totally creatively aligned!

Want to donate? We’ve got you covered!

Become a paid subscriber to our podcast or give us a one off donation! Read on…

Benefits

As a free subscriber benefits: Weekly posts and video

Paid subscriber benefits: Personal sessions with either Keith (coaching, goal setting, vision time) or Rudo (oracle, painter, creative tips and tricks, Post comments and join the community, shout-out on air when you activate paid!)

Founding member benefits: Personalised artwork and weekly shout-out on air every week! You can personalise your shout-out

You could donate randomly at your own amount to either of us too!

Rudo : https://buy.stripe.com/7sI17rbf96Ho6wUfYY

Keith: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6eWH5i48l7aekdQQ

Get full access to Catching Fireflies at catchingfireflies.substack.com/subscribe