HP Podcast Backlog 2

If you know that there is greatness inside of you and you have a creative calling, but maybe find it difficult to get into the right rooms or create your own opportunities—this conversation is for YOU.

Today I connected with Esteban Serrano, a seasoned music television producer/director with 20 years experience, who has worked on iconic shows like TRL and MTV Raps and presented Hip Hop to audiences in new and innovative ways. He is now working to shed light on the positive influence that Hip-Hop culture can have on society with his debut book "The 10 Dad Commandments, Fatherhood Through a Hip Hop Lens".

Esteban literally knocked on the right doors, made the right connections, and built his creative career through GRIT and a deep knowing that he was called to be in the rooms he desired to be in. In this conversation, he shares with us about knowing the value that you add, understanding the gravity of the moment, and why there is no better path than the one that God has for you.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/114 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Greatness is achieved through a relentless pursuit, work ethic, and building relationships (it’s not just about talent) and it takes time to attain.
• Being a light in dark rooms & standing firm on principles
• Finding favor with decision makers and adding real value by understanding their needs 
• Why it is crucial to understand the gravity of the moment and act accordingly.

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Connect with Esteban Serrano: www.rapdads.com 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

For the writers in the room, this one's for you! I connected with Karl Beckstrand, a bilingual author and illustrator, who has published (so far) TWENTY-SEVEN books and helps others unlock their writing skills.

In this conversation, we discuss common mistakes made by newbie writers, why you should never stop marketing your work, and what he learned after his publisher passed away on the day his book went to print.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/113 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Understanding the main idea of your book and the editing process
• Writing a conclusion that leaves readers satisfied & creating empathy for your characters
• When you have too many ideas, how do you choose where to start?
• What is the most significant obstacle that prevents writers from publishing their work?

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Connect with Karl Beckstrand: https://premiobooks.com 

Abundant Paths: Beyond Either/Or Thinking to Fulfilling Same-Sex Relationships That Last https://amzn.to/3HoHw83

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

Today, I have a quick story to share with you about a project I once was involved in. I also would like to invite you to a free challenge over the summer where we can collectively FINISH our creative projects.

Sign up here: https://www.heatherparady.com/theproject

Show Notes: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/112

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

If you are working really hard on your craft, but struggle with marketing it once you deliver it out into the world, this episode is for you.

Casey Cavaliere is a producer, songwriter, artist coach, and has been in a band called The Wonder Years for two decades. He started coaching musicians after they finished recording and asked for help with releasing and promoting their music.

In this conversation, we dig into how to make your work memorable by finding sticky stories, hidden talents, and going against the grain.

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Interrupting the status quo in your genre 
• Developing a unique brand by zeroing in on one key sticking point 
• Tapping into your OTHER skillsets to SUPERCHARGE marketing

Show Notes: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/111

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Connect with Casey Cavaliere: https://www.caseycavaliere.com/ 

Download his guide: https://www.caseycavaliere.com/guide

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

Do you dive deep enough into an idea without overediting yourself or being too practical? 

Show Notes: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/110

Creative Project Sprint Survey: https://forms.gle/EhNDym2FGTvxL2UV8 

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

In today’s episode, we are joined by Lisa Guillot - a mindset coach, personal brand expert, and author of "Find Your Clear Vision". Lisa shares valuable insights on how to identify your true desires, pursue your "unrealistic" dreams, and overcome self-doubt. 

She also provides practical advice on navigating the messy middle of creative work and staying committed to your goals. Whether you're looking to finish a creative project or discover your life’s purpose, Lisa's tips and strategies will inspire you to take more action and develop a clearer vision.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/109 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Figuring out what you really want
• What if what you want feels far fetched?
• Navigating the “messy middle” of your creative work

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Creative Project Sprint Survey: https://forms.gle/EhNDym2FGTvxL2UV8 

Connect with Lisa Guillot: https://bebrightlisa.com/ 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

Today, we are exploring how to improve our videos through storytelling. Our guest is Michael Neelsen, the Co-founder and Director of Story First Media. Michael shares his insights on why starting with obstacles is crucial when developing a story, and we dive into the questions you should ask yourself when beginning a story idea.

Michael provides valuable tips on how to develop characters in your story and how to conclude a story that doesn't have an obvious solution. Lastly, Michael ends the conversation with words of encouragement for creatives, emphasizing that there is a huge market for storytellers, even in the midst of AI.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/108 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• The science of storytelling and how the brain filters information based on story 
• Why we should start first with obstacles when developing a story 
• What questions should we ask ourself when beginning a story idea?
• How to develop characters in your story (even if it's your brand)
• How do you conclude a story that doesn’t have an obvious solution?
• When is it time to stop developing a story and share it with the world?

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Creative Project Sprint Survey: https://forms.gle/EhNDym2FGTvxL2UV8 

Connect with Michael Neelsen: www.storyfirstmedia.com 

Take a look at Beyond Human Nature: https://www.beyondhumannature.com/ 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

Ever had an idea for something and you were not too sure what to do with it next? In today’s episode we discuss three things you can do with an idea to see if it’s worth pursuing.

Show Notes: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/107 

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Creative Project Sprint Survey: https://forms.gle/EhNDym2FGTvxL2UV8

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

This conversation is unlike any I have shared before. I sat down with my dad and had an incredibly honest conversation with him about his life and some stuff I didn't really know about him. And with his permission, I'm sharing it with you.

Now, I know it's a bit weird because at face value this doesn't have anything to do with our usual topics around creativity or making a living as a creator. But I'm sharing it with you for three reasons.

First of all, this conversation was really meaningful to me, and I think it could be for you too. If you have a chance to interview a parent or someone you love, just record it. It doesn't have to be something crazy, but having an audio or video version of this kind of conversation that you can keep forever is really cool.

Secondly, I feel like my dad's story needs to be heard. He's been through some pretty incredible experiences, and I don't know anyone else in my life who has gone through what he has. And if I have a platform, I just want to give him a voice. 

Lastly, I wanted to be vulnerable with you because, let's be real, family and the way we grew up shapes us in ways we might not even realize

I want to thank my dad for being so cool and willing to share this stuff with a whole bunch of strangers because he didn't have to. So, thank you, Dad. I love you.

And with that, I want to introduce you to my father, Tommy Worsham. 

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/106

Show Notes: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/106

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

Want to connect with your audience on a deeper level? While listening to a Puddle of Mudd song I realized I needed to do this one thing…

Show Notes: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/105 

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/