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Creativity With Purpose
Creativity With Purpose episodes
- Why Women Doubt Themselves
Free guided meditation: https://symphonyoftheself.com/free-meditation
Find Your Frequency quiz: https://symphonyoftheself.com/frequency-quizSymphony of Self: Compose Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99CImposter syndrome wears on women's mental health and keeps capable women playing small. In this episode of Creativity With Purpose, I talk with Kemi Emmanuel, a British mental health nurse, former college principal, publisher, and author of The Woman in Red, about why women doubt themselves and how to lead anyway.We connect Kemi's work on women's leadership with the ideas in my book, Symphony of Self: Compose Your Life, including where self-doubt starts and how to change the story you tell yourself.
In this conversation, you'll hear:
- How imposter syndrome affects your mental health- What women's empowerment looks like in daily life- Where self-doubt starts, and how Symphony of Self approaches itABOUT KEMI EMMANUELKemi is the founder of Kemi Emmanuel Publishing & Academy, where she helps authors, entrepreneurs, and professionals publish their stories. She hosts The Purpose Pathway Podcast and curates the BLOOM Summit for women in leadership. Her books include The Woman in Red, Money Skills for Teens Made Simple, Love Made This Happen, and Muna and Her Superhero Hair.Connect with Kemi:
Website: https://www.kemiemmanuelacademy.com/Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DCJ7RZCFLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kemiemmanuelpublishingABOUT ANN MRACEK
Ann Mracek is a composer, pianist, author, and keynote speaker. Her book, Symphony of Self: Compose Your Life, uses the structure of music as a framework for personal change.Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99CFree guided meditation: https://www. symphonyofself.comThis conversation is for education and inspiration. It isn't a substitute for care from a licensed mental health professional.
41 min - Why Does Trauma Keep Repeating
Free guided meditation: https://symphonyoftheself.com/free-meditation
Find Your Frequency quiz: https://symphonyoftheself.com/frequency-quizSymphony of Self: Compose Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99CWhy do the same painful patterns keep showing up in your relationships, your work, and your money? Cassandra Love Lambert lived with C-PTSD for decades before she found EFT tapping. In this conversation, she shares what finally helped her stop repeating her past.Cassandra is a trauma-trained somatic coach, TV host, artist, and author of the memoir Into the Light: Becoming My Own Hero. She holds certifications in Clinical EFT, Brainspotting, and Somatic Attachment Therapy, and she leads a 10-week Pain into Power Process for women.
In this episode of Creativity With Purpose, you'll learn:
- What EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is and how tapping works- How childhood trauma shows up years later in work, relationships, and finances- Why Cassandra combined EFT with Brainspotting and somatic workContent note: this conversation includes discussion of childhood abuse. Please watch with care.
CONNECT WITH CASSANDRA
Free consultation: https://www.cassandralovelambert.comBook: Into the Light: Becoming My Own Hero www.amazon/com/dp/ 1917724020CONNECT WITH ANN
Symphony of Self: https://symphonyofself.comBook: Symphony of Self: Compose Your Life www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99CIF YOU NEED SUPPORT
US: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673Outside the US: https://findahelpline.comThis podcast is for education only and does not replace care from a licensed mental health professional.
45 min - 3 Novels of Her Own
Free guided meditation: https://symphonyoftheself.com/free-meditation
Find Your Frequency quiz: https://symphonyoftheself.com/frequency-quizSymphony of Self: Compose Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99CTanya Ross taught English, history, AVID, and student leadership for 32 years. After leaving the classroom, she wrote The Tranquility Series, 3 young adult novels: Rising Up, Facing Off, and Bleeding Out.Rising Up grew out of something she wanted for her readers and her students: a world where people are kind, compassionate, and upbeat. In this conversation, Tanya talks about writing for young adults, what 32 years of teaching writing taught her about doing it herself, and why she waited until after she retired to start.
ABOUT TANYA ROSS
Born and raised in San Diego County. Educator for 32 years, now a young adult novelist. When she isn't writing, she's reading, spending time with her husband and 2 kids, or walking her golden retriever.Website: http://www.tanyarossauthor.com/THE TRANQUILITY SERIES
Book 1: Rising Up | www.amazon.com/dp/B0GB54GMFWBook 2: Facing Off | www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZWPKPV6Book 3: Bleeding Out | www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKB1T3TPCreativity With Purpose is hosted by Ann Mracek, composer, pianist, and author of Symphony of Self: Compose Your Life.
Get the book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99CWebsite: https://symphonyofself.comBooking and media: [email protected]28 min - She Illustrated Her Late Husbands Sci-Fi Novel
Free guided meditation: https://symphonyoftheself.com/free-meditation
Find Your Frequency quiz: https://symphonyoftheself.com/frequency-quizSymphony of Self: Compose Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99CKsenia Merck is an architect with more than 40 years in the field. She's also the artist behind the illustrations in Ghost Flower, the science fiction novel her late husband William F. Merck II wrote, and the author of the Ghost Flower Companion Journal.
Ghost Flower is a story of space, time, and fate, where love carries across eras and human survival depends on connections that outlast them. Ksenia's illustrations give that scale a visual form. The companion journal adds quotes and questions that ask readers to reach their own conclusions.
In this conversation, Ksenia talks about drawing a world someone else imagined, where her sketches come from, and what it takes to keep a creative life going next to a demanding career.
Ghost Flower and the Companion Journal: https://www.merckiipress.com/ghost-flower
All 3 of William's books: https://www.merckiipress.com/booksHosted by Ann Mracek, composer, pianist, and author of Symphony of Self: Compose Your Life.
Get the book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99CWebsite: https://symphonyofself.comBooking and media: [email protected]38 min - Kids and Grief
Free guided meditation: https://symphonyoftheself.com/free-meditation
Find Your Frequency quiz: https://symphonyoftheself.com/frequency-quizSymphony of Self: Compose Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99CJerry L. Woodbridge is an award-winning Christian author and educator who writes for grieving children. Her new book, The Intersection, follows 13-year-old Colton Marshall after he witnesses the death of his identical twin brother, and it walks through grief, survivor's guilt, faith, family, friendship, and the slow work of moving forward.
Jerry is a widow and a single mom of two children who lost their dad. She taught K through 9th grade, mentored doctoral candidates, and now serves as an assistant professor at Liberty University. Her book Joy Overcame Sorrow won an International Christian Book Award.
In this episode we cover:
Why children need honest stories about death instead of protective silence
How families can start the conversation when no one knows how to beginSurvivor's guilt in children and what healing actually looks likeFaith, hope, and resilience when the season does not end quicklyHow churches, schools, and communities fail grieving kids, and what to do differentlyWriting stories that help children name what they are feelingJerry Wodbridge's Book "The Intersection" is available at: www.amazon.com/dp/B0H7TCTTQL
Her book "Joy Overcame Sorrow" is available at: www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8KC864ZLearn More About Jerry at: drjerrylwwodbridge.com34 min - Life Answers Back When You Ask It
Free guided meditation: https://symphonyoftheself.com/free-meditation
Find Your Frequency quiz: https://symphonyoftheself.com/frequency-quizSymphony of Self: Compose Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99CThe best book you've never read has stories from over 80 people. "Life Answers Back" by Dan Klusmann is a collection of stories that will make you laugh, make you cry, and teach you things you didn't know.
Dan spent 56 years in the movie theatre industry. In the second half of his career he built a marketing service for theatres with clients in 37 countries, and he personally wrote over 20,000 movie info pages. Along the way he collected stories. "Life Answers Back" is what came of it.
What's inside:
Stories that make you laugh out loudStories that will move youStories that teach you something you never knewQuiet life lessons underneath all of itGet the book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0FRJ52GB9
ABOUT DAN KLUSMANN: lifeanswersback.com
Contact Ann: ann@annn,racek.com
42 min - My Wife Died of ALS While I Fought Cancer
My wife Nancy died of ALS while I was fighting my own cancer. Here's what that taught me about finding real joy every day.
I met my wife Nancy in 2001. She was a deeply spiritual person who practiced yoga, meditated daily, and listened with her heart to every challenge the people around her faced. We married in 2010. On the evening of May 15, 2025, after two years of fighting ALS, she died in my arms. Around that same time, I was also facing my own terminal cancer diagnosis. Both of those experiences woke me up to how little time we actually have, and that's what led me to write Finding Joy in Daily Living.
About Michael
Michael J. Riso is an author, motivational speaker, and PGA associate golf instructor dedicated to helping individuals find joy in their everyday lives. Finding Joy in Daily Living includes 72 individual sections, each one titled with a single word. Every word is designed to help you notice something in your life you may have overlooked.Inside, you'll find heartfelt stories paired with powerful themes meant to inspire you to reach higher than you may have ever dreamed. Michael's mission is to guide others toward a more fulfilling life, filled with joy, happiness, and a level of introspection that's key to living at a higher, more conscious level.
Finding daily joy means staying conscious. It means responding to life's ups and downs instead of reacting to them. It starts with letting go of even the smallest bit of blame toward anyone or anything that's happened, and choosing to be happy anyway. We're all on this journey. Let's do it together.
Read sample chapters or pre-order your copy at FindingJoyDaily.com
If this video meant something to you, tap like and subscribe for more.
Contact Michael at FindingJoyDaily.com
Contact Ann at: [email protected]
He latest book is Symphony of Self: Compose your Lifewww.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99C#FindingJoyInDailyLiving #MichaelRiso #ALSAwareness #TerminalCancer #FacingMortality #InnerPeace #LettingGo #AuthorInterview #FindingJoy #GriefAndPeace
48 min - When Your Life Plan Falls Apart
What happens when your carefully crafted life plan shatters? My guest today, Fiona Bayliss, found out at 23, and she's spent the years since rebuilding, again and again.
In How to Thrive When Life Doesn't Go As Planned, Fiona shares her deeply personal journey through chronic illness, career upheaval, single parenthood, trauma, and resilience. Diagnosed with epilepsy at 23, her life quickly diverged from the future she imagined, forcing her to rewrite her story again and again.
From international travels and career reinventions to navigating a hidden disability, medical crises, abuse, and loss, Fiona's memoir, 98% Normal, is a brutally honest and inspiring roadmap for anyone who's had life take an unexpected turn. Her reflections are filled with hard-earned wisdom, humor, raw vulnerability, and reminders that healing, growth, and purpose are still possible even when things fall apart.
About Fiona
Fiona Bayliss is a seasoned financial consultant, dedicated community volunteer, and inspiring author whose journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. With a rich background in financial planning and a deep commitment to helping others, Fiona has faced significant health challenges with unwavering strength and grace. Her new book, 98% Normal, reflects her unique insights and experiences.Whether you're facing a chronic illness, recovering from divorce, coping with trauma, or simply struggling with change, Fiona's story will help you feel seen, understood, and empowered to thrive on your own terms.
link to purchase 98% Normal www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4RG57MH
[FILL IN: Fiona's website or social links]If this episode meant something to you, tap like and subscribe to Ann's Podcast for more conversations like this one.
#98PercentNormal #ChronicIllnessWarrior #EpilepsyAwareness #ResilienceJourney #TraumaRecovery #WomenWhoThrive #MemoirAuthor #AnnsPodcast #OvercomingAdversity #LifeAfterDiagnosis
42 min - Connection Comes Before Guidance
What does it actually take to reach a student who refuses to open up?
Nancy Regas spent 22 years as a school counselor, working with teenagers who were struggling, shut down, or invisible to everyone around them. She learned that connection comes before guidance — and that without trust, nothing else works.In this conversation, Nancy shares what she learned across two decades in public education: how she protected her time without losing her students, why every counselor needs to hear the phrase "a career is an expression of who you are," and the story of a girl who never spoke — until she sang Taylor Swift in Nancy's office.She's also the author of The Art of Being a School Counselor: Leading with Confidence, Compassion, and Authenticity — a book for counselors, teachers, administrators, parents, and anyone who guides other people.In this episode:• Why building the relationship always comes before the work• How Nancy juggled administrators, teachers, parents, and students — without losing anyone• Her practical system for protecting face-to-face time with students• The single piece of advice she gives every overwhelmed new counselor• What 22 years of student stories taught her about passion, purpose, and showing up.Get Nancy's book: The Art of Being a School Counselorwww.amazon.com/dp/B08YFJPR5MConnect with Ann:
Email: [email protected]Website: https://annmracek.comAnn's books are available on Amazon
"Symphony of Self" - www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99C"Unpacking the Attic" - www.amazon.com/dp/0976648873Disclaimer: This video is intended solely for entertainment and educational purposes, opinions shared by the guest are their personal views. We do not intent to defame or harm any person/ brand/ product/ country/ profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help audience make informed choices.
56 min - White Noise: Rethink It
Can a white noise machine impact baby hearing loss? We examine the potential risks of using white noise for babies after a personal experience.
White noise machines are in millions of nurseries right now. Pediatricians mention them. Baby product sites recommend them. Exhausted parents buy them without a second thought.But what does the science actually say?Beverly Hansen, R.N., M.B.A. — registered nurse with 40 years of clinical experience and founder of Clinical Brainiacs — joins Ann Mracek for a direct conversation about what emerging neuroscience reveals about white noise exposure in infants and why the question most parents never think to ask may be one of the most important ones they can.In this conversation:Why white noise machines were originally designed for adults — and what that means for a developing infant brain. How extended exposure to loud sound can damage the sensory hair cells in the ear that send signals to the brain — and why those cells don't regenerate TLC
Why animal research shows continuous white noise exposure can delay development of the auditory cortex — the brain region responsible for processing all sound CBDVWhy no long-term studies confirm white noise is safe for infant brain development Alabama PoliticsWhy speech-rich environments are critical for language acquisition, and how constant background noise reduces the varied acoustic input a developing brain needs most CBDVWhat Beverly did when she saw white noise machines surrounding her own grandchildren — and the personal cost of speaking upBeverly Hansen is the author of White Noise–Dark Impact, winner of the 2025 International Impact Book Awards, and founder of Clinical Brainiacs — a nonprofit dedicated to education, awareness, and advocacy for optimal pediatric brain development.
📖 Get Beverly's book: https://stan.store/ClinicalBrainiacsalso at www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBKYFRHV🌐 Clinical Brainiacs: https://www.clinicalbrainiacs.org📄 Free fact sheet — Risks of White Noise: https://stan.store/ClinicalBrainiacs/p/get-my-free-white-noise-dangers-overviewConnect with Ann:
Email: [email protected]Website: https://annmracek.comSubscribe for more conversations with extraordinary guests.
Ann's Best Selling book "Symphony of Self: Compose Your Life" is now available on Amazon www.amazon.com/dp/B0H2H8Y99C
Ann's book "Unpacking the Attic: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child" is also available on Amazon www.amazon.com/dp/097664887345 min
About Creativity With Purpose
From the publisher's feed
Creativity with Purpose is a podcast that celebrates the stories behind the art. Hosted by Ann M. Mracek, the show invites musicians, authors, craft artisans, and creative thinkers from all walks of life to share how their passions were born, what inspires their work, and how creativity shapes their journey.
Each conversation goes beyond the finished piece to uncover the personal stories, challenges, and moments of discovery that give art its meaning. Listeners will hear about the sparks of inspiration, the perseverance required to bring ideas to life, and the ways creativity can heal, connect, and transform.
From soulful music and powerful writing to handmade crafts and innovative projects, Creativity with Purpose explores the many forms creativity takes—and the impact it leaves on our lives and communities. Whether you’re an artist yourself or someone who simply loves to be inspired, this podcast will encourage you to embrace your own creative purpose.