Create for No Reason

Struggling to figure out what to create next or whether you're even working on the right thing? In this episode, author and innovation expert Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg joins Kate to explore the messy but meaningful process of project finding. From choosing formats like newsletters or books to developing your unique perspective, they unpack how to discover, shape, and share work that matters.

You’ll also hear how Thomas thinks about feedback loops, perfectionism, and building creative momentum, even when your process is far from perfect.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why project finding is the most overlooked part of the creative process
• The surprising power of publishing rough drafts (and getting feedback early)
• A framework to uncover what makes your work different
• How to speed up your creative process without sacrificing quality
• The myth of the “perfect process”, and what to do instead

Whether you're writing a book, launching a podcast, or just trying to figure out what to focus on next, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace the creative chaos—and keep going. Because sometimes, the project that feels unclear today becomes the one that changes everything tomorrow.

In this episode, we’re joined by the Paulette Perhach—writer, creative writing coach, and founder of The Finishing School for Writers.

Paulette shares her journey from dreaming of being a writer as a kid to surviving the corporate grind, navigating the Peace Corps, and finally building a thriving freelance writing career on her own terms.

She opens up about what it really takes to make a living with words and why community, courage, and even AI can be part of your creative toolkit.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

✨How to pitch story ideas editors actually want

✨Practical tips to overcome impostor syndrome

✨How AI can be a surprisingly great writing partner

✨ The power of writing communities (and how to find yours)

✨ The emotional rollercoaster of writing a novel

✨ Why making art anyway matters—even when no one’s watching

✨ How to balance passion projects with paid writing gigs

✨ The moment Paulette walked away from corporate life for good

Whether you're scribbling in a journal or pitching national publications, this episode is packed with honest advice and a creative nudge when you need it most.

It’s easy to bounce from one shiny tool to the next, hoping this will be the magic bullet that unlocks all your creative genius. But let’s be real...there’s no magic bullet. Just heart, habits, and a few tools that actually help you do your best work.

In this episode, you'll discover five go-to resources to help you stay inspired, organized, and creatively productive. And only two of them are tech.

Whether you’re juggling a full-time job and a side project, building your next big thing, or just trying to stay in a creative rhythm, these tools are simple, powerful, and designed to help you keep showing up.

Tune in to hear:

✨ A simple book strategy to get unstuck creatively

✨ Two tech platforms that make podcasting and content creation easier

✨ Why creative friends might be your most underrated resource

✨ A gentle reminder to stop searching for all the tools and start using the right ones

Resources:

Riverside: https://riverside.fm/?via=kate-volman

Descript: https://www.descript.com/

Small notebooks: https://amzn.to/3SYnk1T

In this episode of Create For No Reason, Greg Wasserman shares his journey as a seasoned content creator and podcast guest who’s passionate about staying consistent and creative. From voice memos to AI tools like CastMagic, Greg walks us through the systems that help him generate ideas, repurpose content, and keep showing up week after week.

You’ll discover:

• Why voice memos might be your secret weapon for capturing ideas
• How listening makes you a better host
• The power of breaking the fourth wall with your audience
• Why relationships are your greatest creative asset
• Tips for launching (and sustaining) a podcast you’re proud of
• How to navigate common struggles like growth and monetization

Struggling to stay motivated in your creative process? Wondering when your work is “good enough” to share? You’re not alone—and this episode of Create for No Reason is for you.

Inspired by two powerful quotes from Kent Nerburn’s Dancing with the Gods, this episode will reignite your passion for creating and help you reframe those frustrating moments of self-doubt.

🎨 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why your art often grows beyond the idea that started it
• How feeling lost can actually be part of your creative magic
• When to stop “perfecting” and start sharing
• The role of feedback in helping your work (and confidence) evolve
• A reminder that your next project may be closer than you think

In this episode, we're joined by Meg Dalessandro, a talented designer and marketer living her dream at Wistia.

We dive into Meg's creative journey — from studying graphic design and UX in art school to landing a pivotal role at Wistia, one of the most beloved brands in video marketing. She shares the full-circle moment that led her there, the story behind her 'Sorry I Missed You' voicemail newsletter, and why embracing bad ideas is often the first step to great work.

We also explore how to stay consistent in your creative practice, even when motivation dips, the evolving world of video content, and how balancing scripted and unscripted formats can make your work more authentic and impactful.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Meg turned a playful Wistia video into a career catalyst
• How to balance scripted vs. unscripted content for more natural videos
• Why live video is both exciting and challenging — and tips for doing it well
• How exploring bad ideas can lead to your best creative work
• Practical tips for managing creative projects and ideas
• Book recommendations that fueled Meg’s creative growth

Do you ever feel like you know where you want to be creatively or professionally, but you're just not there yet? You’re not alone. In this inspiring solo episode, Kate reflects on the creative “taste gap,” a concept introduced by Ira Glass, and how it shows up in her own work through poetry, projects, and personal growth.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned creator starting something new, this episode will remind you why the messy middle matters—and how staying committed to your creative process is the key to growth.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What the “taste gap” is and why it frustrates creators
• How daily creative challenges can build momentum and confidence
• Why mediocre work is often a stepping stone to something meaningful
• The power of trusting your taste (even when your skills aren’t there yet)
• How to stay motivated when the results haven’t shown up…yet
• Encouragement to keep going, no matter where you are in the journey

✨ If you’ve ever doubted your progress or felt stuck in the gap between where you are and where you want to be, this is your reminder that growth is happening—even when it may not feel like it.

Resources:

📚Get a copy of my book Do What You Love: https://amzn.to/3QVSRQw

🔔 To stay up to date with my weekly videos, Subscribe Here: https://goo.gl/zJ6pXA

💫💫 Sign up to get my weekly inspiration delivered straight to your inbox:

http://MassiveOptimism.com/

FIND ME ON:

Official Website | http://www.katevolman.com/

DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from the links above.

In this episode, I chat with one of my favorite authors and creatives, Derek Sivers. We explored his unique body of work, the power of asking great questions, and why looking at life through the lens of "Useful Not True" can be transformative.

Derek is known for his clear thinking, thoughtful writing, and ability to challenge conventional ideas—this conversation was no exception.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The fascinating concept of “Useful Not True” and how it can change your life
• How Derek thinks about and selects his next creative project
• The role of muses and intuition in the creative process
• The value of journaling as a tool for personal and professional growth
• Insights on minimalism and how less can lead to more fulfillment
• Some of Derek’s favorite books and thought-provoking questions

This episode is packed with wisdom and practical insights to help you navigate your creative journey with more curiosity, clarity, and confidence.

Resources:

Derek's Now Page: https://sive.rs/now

Derek's List of Questions: https://sive.rs/u

Derek's List of Books: https://sive.rs/book

Derek's List of Tools: https://sive.rs/uses

📚Get a copy of Derek's book, Useful Not True: https://sive.rs/u

📚Get a copy of Derek's book, How to Live: https://amzn.to/4ctkprg

📚Get a copy of my book, Do What You Love: https://amzn.to/3QVSRQw

Poetry isn’t just for writers or artists—it’s for everyone. April is National Poetry Month, and in this episode, we explore how poetry can help you grow personally and professionally.

Poetry has the power to unlock emotions, reduce stress, and even make us better leaders. And at the end, I have a fun, creative challenge for you.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How poetry helps us process emotions and reduce stress
• The surprising connection between poetry and leadership
• How poetry strengthens communication and storytelling skills
• A simple way to incorporate poetry into your daily life
• A fun poetry challenge to spark your creativity

Join me in celebrating National Poetry Month and see how poetry can add meaning to your life.

In this episode, Kate is joined by Jeff Perlman, an entrepreneur, politician, and community advocate, for a conversation about his eclectic career path. From journalism and local politics to writing screenplays and championing the arts, Jeff shares how embracing new opportunities has shaped his creative life.

They dive into the power of saying ‘yes’ to unexpected opportunities, the intersection of creativity and community, and how inspiration can be found in everyday moments.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Jeff’s journey through journalism, politics, business, and the arts
• The power of stepping outside your comfort zone
• Insights into local politics and community development
• The creative and collaborative process of playwriting
• Tips on sustaining a daily creative practice
• Why supporting local arts and culture matters