In this episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, I talk with designer, writer, and thinker Ben Rennie, author of a new book that explores the transformative power of curiosity and creativity. Together, we unpack the dynamic relationship between curiosity, creativity, and confidence, and how this path can guide us to overcome fear and step more fully into our potential. Ben shares his personal story—sparked by a promise to his late mother—that led him to examine how people find themselves in powerful, unexpected places.

We explore the idea that creativity isn’t limited to the arts but is instead the ability to see things differently, solve problems, and bring ideas to life. Through vivid stories and practical wisdom, Ben and I explore how curiosity is the antidote to fear, how creativity naturally flows from curiosity, and how confidence is built by simply beginning—and continuing—to create.

From imposter syndrome at a Dolce & Gabbana event to finding inspiration in nature, this conversation is a powerful invitation to get curious, stay creative, and be kind to yourself in the process.

Topics Covered:

How curiosity dissolves fear

Why creativity is about seeing possibilities, not just making art

Reframing repetition: why doing what’s been done before is still meaningful

How creative confidence is earned through action

The role of environment and nature in creative flow Navigating imposter syndrome

and Honouring your path

Resources & Mentions: Ben Rennie's new book Ben’s “Wednesdays” blog on Medium Brene Brown Steve Jobs: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward…” Meredith Hite-Estevez: “Join a song already singing” Rick Rubin: on creativity and remixing existing ideas

Takeaways / Call to Action:

Follow your curiosity—it’s the best antidote to fear Just start, even if it’s been done before—your voice matters

Practice regularly and create space for your creativity

Capture your ideas on the go

Be gentle with yourself

Spend time in nature to reset and reconnect

A FEW THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT

Why joy is not frivolous—it’s essential.

How to observe chaos without absorbing it

Alchemizing anger into action

Grounding techniques to pull you back to yourself (barefoot walks, simple rituals)

Why online friendships and community can be just as real—and healing—as in-person ones

How feminine energy can help rebalance a world spinning off its axis

What it actually looks like to embrace your authentic self in a world that often shames it

Why creativity is your most reliable compass during uncertain times

Letting go of the pressure to save the world while still lending a hand

The truth about money and how it amplifies who you already are

SOUND BITES

"The matriarchy is the highest good for all."

"We have to focus on joy every day."

"Community is not a one-way street."

"Walking outside barefoot is grounding."

"Ten minutes a day is all it takes."

"Life is to savour it and enjoy it."

"Your soul will never lead you astray."

"That was medicine for my soul."

CALLS TO ACTION If this episode stirred something in you, I’d love for you to support this work. Join my Patreon to help keep these conversations going and get access to bonus content, meditations, and other goodies I create just for our community.

And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a friend. That’s how we grow this beautiful circle—and how we get these conversations into the hearts of those who need them most.

RESOURCES + LINKS

The Shabby Creek Cottage

The Soft Life Society

Join Kate's Patreon

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Patriarchy and the extinction burst

The importance of grounding practices

Creativity as guidance and resilience

Building and rebuilding community with intention

This one’s tender, fierce, and exactly what we need right now. I hope it lands in your heart the way it did in mine.

In the ever-evolving landscape of art and technology, the fusion of creativity and artificial intelligence is opening new horizons for artists worldwide. In a recent episode of Creative Genius, host Kate Shepherd engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Troy Plota, the visionary behind Plotaverse, exploring how AI can serve as a powerful ally in the creative process.

The Intersection of Art and Technology:
Troy Plota's journey from a seasoned photographer to the founder of a groundbreaking digital platform exemplifies the transformative potential of embracing technological advancements. Plotaverse, his innovative app, brought motion to still images, captivating audiences and achieving remarkable success with over 10 million downloads. 

Democratizing Creativity:
A central theme in the discussion is the democratization of art through AI. Troy emphasizes that AI tools can empower individuals with creative visions but limited resources, enabling them to bring their ideas to life without the need for substantial budgets or technical expertise.

Spiritual Insights and Creative Inspiration:
Beyond technology, the conversation delves into the spiritual dimensions of creativity. Troy shares a profound personal experience where he was inspired by a dream, awakening with a complete screenplay in mind. This narrative underscores the mysterious and often transcendent nature of artistic inspiration.

Building Creative Communities:
The episode also highlights the importance of community and service in the artistic journey. Troy discusses how platforms like Plotaverse can foster connections among artists, creating supportive environments that nurture creativity and innovation.

The dialogue between Kate Shepherd and Troy Plota offers valuable insights into how embracing AI can enhance, rather than hinder, human creativity. By viewing technology as a collaborative partner, artists can unlock new realms of expression and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive creative landscape.

To explore more about Troy Plota's work, visit Plotaverse

Key Topics:

The inception and impact of Plotaverse

AI as a tool for creative empowerment

Balancing technology with human artistry

Spiritual insights and their influence on creativity

Building communities through shared artistic endeavors

Notable Quotes:

"Creativity is a universal calling."

"AI can enhance creativity rather than replace it."

"Community and service to others can help combat fear and anxiety."

Resources:

Plotaverse Official Website

Troy Plota's Personal Site

Dor Brothers Video Mentioned

Guest Bio:
Troy Plota is a seasoned photographer and digital artist with over 30 years of experience. He is the founder of Plotaverse, a platform that revolutionized digital art by animating still images, garnering over 10 million downloads and reaching #1 in the App Store. Troy's work has been featured in prominent publications like Vanity Fair, GQ, and Rolling Stone. 

Episode Highlights:

Discussion on the role of AI in democratizing creativity

Insights into the development and success of Plotaverse

Exploration of spiritual experiences influencing artistic endeavors

Emphasis on building supportive creative communities

Subscribe to Creative Genius, leave a review, and support us on Patreon at patreon.com/creativegeniuspodcast.

What do we do when we feel frozen in the face of manufactured crisis and overwhelm? I sit down with wise and wonderful Sharazad Jamal to talk about finding your way back to your inner truth, using creativity, intuition, and ancient wisdom tools to navigate fear and chaos.

In this deeply resonant conversation, artist and soul-guide Sharazad Jamal joins me to explore how we navigate ongoing chaos, collective trauma, and personal overwhelm. We dive into tools and practices that help move through fear, reconnect to intuition, and activate creativity during crisis. With wisdom rooted in somatic therapy, spiritual insight, and creative resilience, this episode is a balm for anyone feeling frozen, scattered, or exhausted. Sharazad shares frameworks for understanding our different bodies (mental, physical, emotional, and soul) and how to support each when fear takes over. If you’ve been struggling to stay grounded in the noise, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics We Cover

Why artists are uniquely prepared for uncertainty and change

Irene Lyon’s somatic trauma work and the freeze response

Understanding the four "bodies": mental, physical, emotional, soul

How to get unstuck when you feel frozen or overwhelmed

The power of imagination and emotion in shaping our future

Why beauty and creativity are revolutionary, not indulgent

Using Byron Katie’s "The Work" to unhook from unhelpful beliefs

Building journaling and creative rituals as grounding practices

Trusting intuition even when it feels disorienting

Discerning your feelings from the collective or others’ energy

Resources & Mentions

Irene Lyon (Somatic Therapist, Vancouver)

Byron Katie’s "The Work"

Morning Moon Jewelry (lovemorningmoon.com)

As the world feels increasingly unstable, many of us are seeking ways to stay grounded, to keep our hearts open, and to resist despair. In this timely encore episode, Buddhist teacher and author Lama Rod Owens reminds us that joy is not only possible in times of crisis—it is essential.

Lama Rod shares deeply from his lived experience as a Black, queer spiritual teacher in America. We talk about how rage can be holy, how rest is sacred, and how joy can serve as a radical, defiant act in the face of oppression.

This conversation is an anchor for anyone navigating stress, overwhelm, or heartbreak right now. May it nourish you deeply.

In this episode:

How joy functions as a tool for resistance

What it means to stay emotionally present without being consumed

Why creative expression is essential for survival

How to begin cultivating inner spaciousness, even in chaos

Practices to help you return to your centre

💡 BONUS RESOURCES
Join my Patreon for additional tools to support your creative and spiritual journey. Get access to exclusive guided meditations, creativity worksheets, and more.
Sign up for the newsletter to receive weekly inspiration, behind-the-scenes podcast updates, and timely tools to help you stay connected to your inner wisdom.

Resources Mentioned:

Lama Rod Owens' book: The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors

lamarod.com

In this episode of the Creative Genius podcast, I interview Rebe Huntman about her debut memoir, "My Mother in Havana, a memoir of magic and miracle." Rebe shares her personal story of losing her mother at a young age and the subsequent decades of feeling disconnected from her memory. Driven by a deep longing and intuition, Rebe embarked on a 30-day DIY pilgrimage to Cuba to seek a different perspective on grief and connection. 

The conversation delves into how Rebe's background as a Latin dancer led her to discover the spiritual roots of Cuban dances and the traditions of honoring the deceased.  Rebe recounts her experiences immersing herself in rituals dedicated to the goddess Oshun, visiting the sanctuary of Cuba's patron saint, and meeting with a spiritist who she hoped would connect her with her mother.

Rebe and I discuss the importance of intuition and following one's unique path, even when it doesn't seem logical. We also explore the disconnect in Western culture from ancestral connections, magic, and meaningful rituals, contrasting it with the Cuban traditions of keeping the dead close.

The conversation touches on the challenges of staying creative and connected to one's inner voice in the face of overwhelming global issues and personal fears. Rebe shares her belief in creativity as a portal and emphasizes the importance of honouring inner longings and choosing to champion humanity. She also shares her personal rituals for grounding and connecting with her intuition and ancestors, offering practical advice for listeners seeking to do the same. Ultimately, Rebe's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, the wisdom of intuition, and the potential for magic and miracle in our lives, even in the darkest of times. 

In this deeply moving episode, Kate Shepherd sits down with Gabrielle Savory Bailey for a Listener Lab conversation that explores creativity as a force for connection, healing, and resistance in difficult times. Gabrielle shares her experiences as a Quaker, an artist, and a facilitator of creative communities, weaving together insights on spirituality, vulnerability, and the power of shared creative expression.

Together, they discuss:
✨ How creativity helps combat loneliness and fosters belonging
✨ The role of spirituality in creative practices
✨ The power of creativity as resistance in a divided world
✨ How difficult conversations can lead to deeper understanding
✨ Why creativity is not frivolous—it is necessary

Through stories, laughter, and moments of deep reflection, this conversation highlights the essential role creativity plays in restoring balance and helping us navigate life’s challenges.

Takeaways:
🎨 Creativity is a form of prayer and meditation.
🌿 When we create together, we build bridges instead of walls.
🤝 Loneliness is an epidemic, and creativity can help combat it.
💬 Difficult conversations, grounded in love, can bring people together.
🌀 Surrender is not giving up—it’s joining with something greater.
💖 Beauty is everywhere, and noticing it is an act of resistance.

Memorable Quotes:
🖌 "Creativity is a form of prayer."
💬 "Your existence is the resistance."
🌎 "Finding beauty is not to be ignored."
🎨 "Creating is the point, not the thing."
❤️ "We are relational beings—we need each other."

Takeaways:

• Creativity is a vital form of expression and connection.
• Community and creativity can help combat loneliness.
• Listening to our inner voice is essential for personal growth.
• Creative practices can serve as a form of prayer and meditation.
• Engaging in hands-on activities fosters deeper connections.
• The act of creating together can bridge divides.
• Creativity is not frivolous; it is a necessary response to challenges.
• Finding common ground through shared experiences is crucial.
• The importance of nurturing relationships in our communities.
• Creativity can be a powerful tool for resistance and healing.

Memorable Quotes:
"Creativity is a form of prayer."
💬"We are relational beings."
"Your existence is the resistance."
"Creating is the point, not the thing."
"Finding beauty is not to be ignored."

In this episode

• The connection between the oppressive forces we see in the world and the inner critic we battle within
• How to recognize and stop the trance of negative thoughts
• Why rebuilding the world starts with inner transformation
• The importance of community and leaning into support systems

If you’re craving connection, join us for Pod Club—our live community gathering for Creative Genius listeners—on Monday, March 10th, at 7 PM Pacific. This is a space to share, reflect, and support one another. Learn more at The Creative Genius Patreon.

In this encore episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, with a brand new intro - I revisit a powerful conversation with the wise and insightful Jane Dunnewold. In a time of uncertainty and upheaval, I'm reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster so many of us are experiencing—fear, despair, hope, and the flickering light of creativity. I am candidly shares my own struggle with doom scrolling, the paralysis it caused, and the steps I am taking to reclaim my inner peace.

Jane’s wisdom offers a timely and profound exploration of the inner bullies that live within us—those relentless voices of self-doubt, fear, and unworthiness that hold us back. I connect this concept to the larger external forces at play in the world today, recognizing that until we learn to defeat the bullies in our own minds, we will struggle to stand up to the ones outside of us.

This episode is an invitation to step into deeper self-awareness, to recognize the power of creativity as a means of resistance, and to become part of the essential ‘islands of sanity’ in a chaotic world. Join me as I share my thoughts, vulnerabilities and inspiration along with, Jane’s transformative insights, and a heartfelt call to reconnect with creativity as an act of personal and collective resilience.

Join an island of sanity inside the Creative Genius Patreon

In this episode, I explore how the world we’ve known is broken—and how we are the ones being called to rebuild it. But before we can take on the external challenges, we have to confront our own inner bullies—the self-doubt, fear, and conditioning that keep us small. This episode is a call to arms for creatives, visionaries, and healers. The world needs you, but first, you must reclaim your power from within.

Resources & Links:

Morning Moon Nature Jewelry

Access a Library of resources and community support Patreon

Follow me on Instagram: @kateshepherdcreative