Dear Creator

What happens when a one-week trip to Mexico City changes your entire life?

In this episode, I sit down with Ciara, founder of Kiyoko Verde, host of the Business Circle, and one-on-one mentor for founders to talk about her Saturn return, the moment she stepped off the "conveyor belt" of a life she didn't choose, and how she rebuilt from the inside out.

We go deep on Human Design like what it actually means to experiment with your design (not just read about it), how it helped Ciara restructure her days as a Projector, and why starting with just ONE piece of your chart can be more powerful than trying to understand it all at once aka information overload.

Whether you're in the middle of a Saturn return, curious about Human Design, or just feeling like something needs to shift… this conversation will feel like permission to trust yourself again.

In this episode, we cover:

• Ciara's Saturn return story and the Mexico City trip that flipped everything
• The "conveyor belt" metaphor and how to recognize when you're on it
• Human Design for entrepreneurs: how to stop following everyone else's blueprint
• Why projectors burn out — and what to do differently
• How to start experimenting with your design (without getting overwhelmed)
• The one thing Ciara would tell her younger self

Connect with Ciara:

LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiyokoverde/

E-mail List:https://bykiyokoverde.myflodesk.com/jointhelist

Gate 13 Podcast: https://gatethirteen.substack.com/

Business Circle: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/community-business-circle-summer-registration-1985241382416?aff=oddtdtcreator

Human Design Sessions: https://kiyokoverde.notion.site/HUMAN-DESIGN-OFFERINGS-1ed79b1db07180e3b15bd4b9c37a5909

In this episode, I talk to Kelsey from Coming Up Roses who’s a launch strategist.

She breaks down how creative service providers like designers, copywriters, creators, and everyone else in between can use launch campaigns to stop waiting for inquiries and start booking out their services consistently. 

She covers what a launch campaign actually is, how to structure a warm up period, and the three questions every piece of launch content needs to answer.

She also shares how simplifying to one signature offer transformed her business, how to read whether your audience is warm or cold and why she made the bold decision to go completely AI-free!

Whether you’re launching for the first time ever or refining your approach, this conversation will change the way you think about selling your services.

Connect with Kelsey
Instagram

TikTok

Launch Your Own Way (affiliate link!)

Connect with Morgan

Instagram

Website

Dear Creator Blog

YouTube

Do you ever feel torn between too many interests to the point where you feel scattered when it comes to building your brand?

In this episode of Dear Creator, personal branding strategist CK shares how she went from burned-out lawyer to a thriving multi-passionate founder and her advice for building an authentic personal brand without having to choose just one thing.

Connect with CK

https://www.instagram.com/czarcreatesart

https://www.instagram.com/czarcreatesbrands/

Morgan's Links

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Articles: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/blog?category=Podcast

In this episode, I bring awareness to the symptoms of burn out, which I started to feel and tell you how I completely pivoted out of the burn out creep.

Then I do a deep reflection into everything I did to restructure and refine the direction of my business, goals, and life operations for Quarter 2.

Strap in, grab a note pad -- we're doing some spring cleaning.

Resources I mentioned in this episode:

Free Life System Reset

3 Recurring Business Checklists Blog Post

Momentous Business Consulting Waitlist

Velocity Offer Design Program Waitlist

Sara from BTL Dear Creator Interview

In this episode of Dear Creator, I sit down with Sydney, founder of Studio Mynde — a creative design studio and stationery brand based in the Chicago suburbs. Sydney's the founder and creative director of Studio Mynde, a creative studio and lifestyle brand rooted in intentional design, visibility, and nurturing brand buzz. Through creative direction, products, and community-driven offerings, she helps creatives and small businesses build brands that feel lived-in, aligned, and sustainable for the lives they hope to lead!She opens up about her journey from freelance designer to multi-hyphenate entrepreneur: how she sketched her first product (the *Everyday Tear-Off* notepad) on a piece of paper, iterated for six months, and launched a physical stationery line while still running client design work.We discuss the real differences between marketing a service versus a physical product, why in-person pop-ups and local connections are making a comeback, and how to survive a business pivot without burning out. If you're a creative entrepreneur trying to balance structure with flow, online visibility with local community, or wondering whether to build in public or build in quiet… this conversation is for you.Connect with SydneyStudio Mynde: https://studiomynde.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/studiomyndeSubstack (Blurring the Lines): https://substack.com/@studiomynde

Connect with Morgan

(FREE) 30-Minute Lifestyle backed system reset: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/lifesystem-resetWebsite / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-upYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowskiTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

In this episode of Dear Creator, I sit down with Jerry J White III who over the past 20 years has directed and produced 3 distributed feature films, and started multiple film and media programs at independent schools in Los Angeles.

He started Bronson Creative as an experiment around how modern creatives learn, share work, and sustain themselves throughout uncertainty.

Jerry’s garage operates as a living research space, and television studio that he uses to examine media and its ever growing infatuation with our attention.

We talk about the realities of building a creative career in today’s online world.

Jerry shares his 20 year journey in filmmaking from film festivals and distribution deals to experimenting with YouTube and self distribution.

Along the way, he opens up about the harsh truths behind the film industry, why most creators don’t actually make money from distribution and how artists can reclaim ownership of their work.

We explore the power of experimentation, teaching through transparency and why the future of creativity may lie in independent platforms, collaboration and community-driven distribution.

This conversation is an honest look at what it really takes to build a creative life and career.

Here's what we discuss:

• Why traditional film distribution often fails creators
• The realities of making money on YouTube
• Why experimentation is essential for creativity
• How filmmakers can self-distribute and build their own audience
• The importance of transparency in the creative industry
• Building a creative career without chasing algorithms

If you're a creator, filmmaker or artist trying to navigate the modern digital landscape... this conversation will give you a new perspective and actionable tips.

Connect with Jerry

Website: www.bronsoncreative.us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronsoncreative/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bronsoncreative

Watch Jerry’s Films: https://www.bronsoncreative.us/support

Substack: https://bronsoncreative.substack.com/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bronsoncreative

Morgan’s Interview on Jerry’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00lV0jCfPV0&t=170s

Connect with MorganWebsite / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-upYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowskiTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowskiDear Creator Articles: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/blog?category=Podcast

What does it actually mean to build a creative life on your own terms?

In this episode of Dear Creator, I sit down with Chelsea Riffe, the host of the Notes from the New World, previously known as In My Non-Expert Opinion, a Top 1% show known for asking the bigger questions around the cultural zeitgeist, our inner worlds, and what's this all FOR?

She's a Cultural Philosopher, obsessed with understanding how we think, and how seemingly unrelated things relate HARD (her favorite threads to pull are how reality TV is the ultimate mirror for our psyches—don't get her started).

We had one of the most honest conversations we've had on this show. We talk about how living abroad reshaped her entire relationship with work and rest, why she's experimenting with going part-time on social media (while actively running a business), and the Dark Forest Philosophy that might predict where online community is headed next.

We also get into the real strategy behind what drives her sales, how a three-year-old brand relationship landed her name on a magazine cover, and what it means to develop a personal philosophy so strong that it transcends any platform, niche, or algorithm.

If you've ever felt burnt out by social media, unsure of your creative direction, or like you're constantly doing more without feeling like it's enough — this episode is for you!

Topics:

• Why Chelsea is going part-time on social media
• The Dark Forest Philosophy and the future of micro-communities
• How long-term brand partnerships can change your career
• What a "cultural philosopher" actually does
• The 200-year vision framework and how to start developing your own philosophy

Connect with Chelsea

Website: https://www.chelseariffe.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseariffe/?hl=enThreads: https://www.threads.com/@chelseariffe?xmt=AQF0QQfdAild1A6OunsXJtII4_ywYc25fr_qYkqUDW-TFyoPodcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46sFOpt34jKVVmbWZVM2FH?si=1ffe6c4fff81409c

Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-my-non-expert-opinion/id1309417352

February felt like one of those months where everything was scattered, slow, and a little overwhelming. But looking back it might have been one of the most productive months I've had.

In Solo Entry 02, I'm doing a full February recap — sharing my goals list, the mindset shifts I've been sitting with, why I've started redefining what productivity actually looks like, and how slow momentum is still momentum.

I also get into the future of Dear Creator as a platform, my Soft Pivot e-commerce storefront (and an upcoming build-in-public YouTube series), my new consulting offer Momentous, my UGC goals, and why networking locally has been on my mind.

Plus February favorites — the books I loved (and one I couldn't finish), TV shows I've been watching, and the lifestyle habits that have genuinely been improving my day-to-day life.

If you're a creator, entrepreneur, or founder who's ever felt behind or unproductive — this episode is for you.

Topics covered:Productivity mindset, business pivots, content creation, building in public, soft pivot methodology, creator economy, monthly business recap, entrepreneurship, adaptability, goal setting

Connect with me:Instagram: @morganmarkowskiTikTok: @morganmarkowskiWebsite: www.morganmarkowski.com

Interested in one-on-one support for your business pivot? Reach out about Momentous: [email protected]

In this episode of Dear Creator, we explore why so many creatives feel stuck, unfocused, or burned out in remote work even when they “love what they do.”

Kacey shares their journey from theater and the restaurant industry into web development, and how movement, collaboration, and flow state shaped their creative brain long before entrepreneurship.

We talk about choosing website platforms, trusting yourself before using AI, and how your career is constantly evolving.

Connect with Kacey

@devbyjupiter across all socials

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@devbyjupiter

Website: https://www.devbyjupiter.com/

Connect with Morgan

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook

Pivot Proof Content Planning CourseWebsite / Work With MeSubscribe to NewsletterYouTubeInstagramDear Creator Articles

If you enjoyed this conversation, feel free to share it with someone who may want to hear it or rate the podcast!

Join me and Angela from Lost Angeles as we discuss creative leadership coaching, navigating career transitions, and building a business around multiple skills.

Perfect for multidimensional creatives, entrepreneurs struggling with "niching down," and anyone tired of rigid frameworks that don't fit real life.

Connect with Angela

Creative Consultancy - https://www.angelasauceda.com/

Boutique Brand Consultancy - https://www.lostangelescreative.com/

https://substack.com/@angelafromlostangeles

https://www.youtube.com/@angelalostangeles

https://tiktok.com/@angelafromlostangeles

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelasauceda/

https://www.instagram.com/angelafromlostangeles/

Connect with Morgan

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowski

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Substack: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/