What does it really take to build a fulfilling second act? And do we all need to start a business to feel alive creatively?

In this episode of Create For No Reason, Kate sits down with Shannon Russell, host of the Second Act Success podcast and author of Start Your Second Act, to talk about what it means to start over, pursue new dreams, and create a life with no regrets. Shannon shares her journey from television producer to business coach, how she helps women turn ideas into reality, and why not every passion needs to become a business. They explore what happens when your creative pursuits bring you joy instead of pressure, and how to find fulfillment no matter what season of life you’re in.

On this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why not everyone is meant to start a business (and that’s okay)
• How to know when it’s time for your own “second act”
• What it means to live a life with no regrets
• Shannon’s creative process for writing her book and producing her podcast
• Why finishing what you start matters more than starting everything
• The importance of creative friends who truly get it
• A 10-minute practice to reset your creativity and reconnect with yourself

What does success really mean in your creative life? In this solo episode of Create For No Reason, Kate explores how different creators define success. Some build a business around their art, while others create simply for the joy of it. Through stories about friends, the creative process, and even Taylor Swift’s latest album, Kate reflects on why being proud of your work might just be the truest form of success.

No matter where you are in your creative practice, this episode is a reminder to define success on your own terms and to enjoy the messy middle along the way.

On this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why defining success for yourself is essential to staying grounded
• The difference between creating for joy vs. creating for growth
• The power of being proud of what you create
• How to find fulfillment in the process—not just the results

My creative friend and poet, Terrance P. Elmore is back! We swap notes on the Poem-a-Day challenge, writing when you’re tired, turning okay drafts into great work, and navigating new creative chapters (including Terrance’s first novel).

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How a daily poetry challenge builds discipline
• Why writing tired can unlock surprising lines
• A mindset shift for “done vs. perfect” and sharing your work
• How workshops, open mics, and reading fiction help spark creativity
• A 10-minute practice to spark momentum in your work

It's a fun episode. We hope you enjoy.

What does it really take to create a podcast that makes an impact? In this episode, Kate sits down with Rachel Elsts Downey, Founder of Share Your Genius, to explore the creative process, podcasting myths, and how to approach content with purpose and authenticity.

Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast or you’ve been creating content for years, this conversation will remind you why it’s never “just a podcast.”

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why the podcasting space is not oversaturated and where the real opportunities are
• The #1 mistake new podcasters make (and how to avoid it)
• How to measure success beyond downloads and views
• The difference between creating for virality vs. creating for impact
• How to balance authenticity, niche, and business strategy in your content
• The role of AI in content creation, and why it still starts with people
• A simple 10-minute practice to boost your creativity every day

If you’ve ever wondered how to show up more consistently, build trust with your audience, and create content that actually matters, this episode is for you.

Mental toughness isn’t just for athletes. It’s for anyone striving to do meaningful, creative, or challenging work. In this episode, Dr. Rob Bell, mental toughness coach and author of eight books, shares what it really takes to perform under pressure, move through setbacks, and keep showing up when things get hard.

From training PGA golfers to running 100Ks in the woods, Dr. Bell has lived his message. We talk about routines, refocusing after failure, building confidence, and why patience might just be the ultimate mental toughness skill.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The 4 foundational levels of mental toughness (and how to build them)
• The hidden power of refocusing when things go wrong
• How to mentally bounce back after a loss or setback
• What elite athletes know about pressure that most people don’t
• A simple daily practice to strengthen your mental game
• Why "the reward is the work" and how to embrace the creative process

Dr. Bell’s take on success, failure, and personal growth will leave you feeling motivated and ready to tackle your own next challenge with clarity and heart.

Dr. Rob Bell's website: www.drrobbell.com

Sometimes the best inspiration is hiding in plain sight—an old notebook, a half-written idea, or a stack of books in the corner. Sometimes inspiration is found in the mess. In this episode of Create For No Reason, I dive into a little creative spring cleaning. While clearing out my office, I rediscovered lost resources, revisited lessons from Joyce Carol Oates and Austin Kleon, and even shared a poem inspired by an old story.

Whether you're feeling creatively stuck or just need a little nudge to revisit unfinished work, this episode is an invitation to find inspiration in your home.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• A powerful writing tip from Joyce Carol Oates
• How revisiting old materials can reignite your creative spark
• Why starting small builds momentum for bigger projects
• A zine by Austin Kleon that might inspire your next idea
• The surprising magic of turning forgotten drafts into shareable work

What happens when your biggest idea fails, but you still believe in your dreams? Starr Hall has built businesses, faced legal battles, and reinvented herself more times than most people dare to try. In this candid and inspiring conversation, we talk about the real cost of entrepreneurship, how to decide which creative ideas to pursue, and how AI can be the most powerful creative partner you've ever had. Starr shares her journey from early-stage tech innovator to her newest project, Growth Hive, and why she's finally creating the kind of business she always dreamed of.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to know which of your ideas is worth pursuing
• A simple gut-check system for creative decision-making
• How to use AI as your “creative partner”
• The impact of personal setbacks—and how they help shape creative work
• Starr's unusual technique to calm a racing mind and stay playful
• A powerful 10-minute exercise to spark self-love and creative clarity

How do you build a community around creativity, vulnerability, and meaningful connection?

In this episode of Create for No Reason, Kate sits down with Keith Case—pastor, counselor, and creative community builder—to explore the intersection of art, faith, leadership, and mental health. Keith shares his unconventional journey from launching a church rooted in vulnerability to helping shape West Palm Beach into a flourishing arts-centered community.

From collaborating with dancers and musicians to guiding people through emotional healing and inner child work, Keith opens up about what it really takes to nurture creativity—not just in individuals, but in entire neighborhoods.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The power of “open-handed” leadership and creative risk-taking
• What happens when two radically different churches try to merge
• Why creativity is an essential part of healing and mental health
• How to reconnect with your dreams and create from a place of play
• The surprising role of the Sabbath in accessing true creative energy
• How to know when an idea is worth pursuing

🎧 Whether you're a leader, artist, or someone seeking a more meaningful path, this episode is packed with soulful inspiration and real talk about what it means to create a life that matters.

How do great writers actually get their work done?

In this episode of Create for No Reason, Kate sits down with bestselling author Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg for a refreshingly honest and insightful conversation about the writing process—what works, what doesn’t, and why most advice is worth testing, not following.

They cover everything from building a writing habit to editing as you go, and even dive into a few spicy pet peeves (including a surprising rant on neuroscience in business books).

Whether you're dreaming of writing a book or already have a draft, this episode will leave you energized to rethink your own creative process.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Thomas writes only one day a week—and how that works for him
• The one “writing hack” that helps him break through resistance
• A counterintuitive trick to write faster
• How to “date” your book idea before you commit to writing it
• Why great editing starts by reading your work out loud

What does it really mean to live a courageous life, and why is it more important than ever for your work, creativity, and leadership? In this episode, we chat with Ryan Berman, author of Return on Courage, to explore how bold decisions, uncomfortable conversations, and imperfect action can help you unlock your potential.

We dive into the myths that hold people back, the messy middle of creativity, and why fear isn't something to avoid...it’s something to embrace as part of the journey. Whether you’re launching a new project, leading a team, or simply trying to find the courage to hit publish, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why courage is a journey, not a destination.
• The six myths that keep people stuck.
• How to strengthen your courage muscles.
• The power of being an imperfectionist.
• What to do when you’re afraid to share your work.
• Why owning your first 10 minutes of the day can change everything.