Imagine | Believe | Discover Podcast

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, host Shannon MacKinnon sits down with Scott Perry, an author, coach, professional musician, and founder of Creative on Purpose. Scott shares his thoughts on building a business that fits your life, why he runs to a cemetery every day, how to show up fully with the gifts you have and so much more.

You can find out more about Scott and the “Inner Circle” by visiting his Substack Creative on Purpose.

Play Your Game - Show Notes

Building a Business That Fits Your Life

* Scott challenges the idea that entrepreneurs must become full-time marketers to succeed. (Hint: You don’t have to dance on TikTok.)

* He argues that a business should fund and fit the life you actually want to live, not consume it.

* The conversation explores the difference between chasing growth and defining what is “enough.”

Playing Your Game, Not Someone Else’s

* Success begins with knowing your values, strengths, and non-negotiables.

* Scott encourages creators to focus on their craft rather than obsessing over social media metrics and algorithms.

* The discussion examines why many creatives get trapped playing games designed by others instead of creating their own path.

Memento Mori: Life, Legacy & What Matters Most

* Scott shares why he runs in cemeteries and how the practice reminds him that time is finite.

* The conversation explores legacy, family, grandparenthood, and living with purpose today rather than someday.

* Both Scott and Shannon reflect on loss, mortality, and the importance of being present for the people we love.

Be a Blessing Marketing

* Scott introduces his philosophy of “Be a Blessing Marketing,” which focuses on helping people rather than selling to them.

* Instead of funnels, scripts, and sales tactics, he advocates showing up consistently with generosity and useful ideas.

* Authentic relationships, trust, and service become the foundation for attracting the right clients and community.

Community, Creativity & Meaningful Work

* Shannon shares her experience inside Scott’s Creative on Purpose community and the value of connecting with like-minded people.

* Scott explains how supportive communities help people discover their potential and pursue meaningful goals.

* The episode concludes with reflections on imagination, self-belief, curiosity, and surrounding yourself with people who help you grow.

Key Takeaway

“Define success on your terms. Play your game without compromise. Show up, be useful, and trust that the right people will find you.”

People and Organizations Mentioned

Scott’s book IntrepidCreative on Purpose - Substack Performance of “Imagine” - Scott Perry & Tom Ohmsen on Ukuleles

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps, it will arise from being a blessing, living fully, and making the difference only you can make.

Thank you Scott for being a Substack “LIVE” guest!

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, host Shannon R. Mackinnon sits down with Linda McLachlan, an actor, writer, podcaster, and voice artist, who encourages us all to live a more courageous life.

From creative rejection to reinvention, sobriety, running marathons, and returning to acting, this episode is an honest conversation about resilience, authenticity, and showing up anyway. You can find more of Linda’s awesome writing by visiting her Substack, Writing in the Wild.

Courage vs. Bravery

* Linda shares her distinction between bravery and courage, describing bravery as running toward danger while courage belongs to all of us in everyday life.

* The conversation explores small acts of courage, including speaking up, making difficult life changes, and pursuing dreams despite fear.

* Shannon reflects on courage in teaching, writing, and reinventing herself after retiring from public education.

Surviving Rejection in the Creative Arts

* Linda opens up about the realities of acting, including rejection, ghosting, uncertainty, and the need for deep self-belief.

* Shannon relates the experience to querying novels and creative work in publishing.

* Both discuss the importance of continuing to train, create, and show up even when success feels uncertain.

Reinvention, Sobriety & Marathon Training

* Linda discusses her journey of giving up alcohol and how changing environments and relationships supported that transformation.

* The conversation draws parallels between sobriety and marathon training, emphasizing identity shifts and surrounding yourself with people who reflect who you want to become.

* Shannon and Linda both reflect on the humility of starting over physically, creatively, and emotionally.

Meditation, Creativity & Becoming Someone New

* Shannon shares insights from meditation teacher Nancy Rebecca about transformation, fear, and stepping into a new identity.

* Linda discusses the role meditation, affirmations, yoga, and running play in helping her feel grounded while returning to acting.

* Together they explore the emotional challenge of reinvention and learning to trust growth even when it feels uncomfortable.

Acting, Storytelling & the Power of Presence

* Linda explains how actors prepare emotionally for roles and why trying to “force emotion” onto an audience doesn’t work.

* The conversation explores storytelling as a collaborative process involving actors, writers, directors, cinematographers, and composers.

* Shannon reflects on how stories create empathy and can genuinely change the world.

Imagine • Believe • Discover

* Linda beautifully reflects on Shannon’s “Imagine, Believe, Discover” philosophy as a waterfall of transformation:

* Imagine = Hope

* Believe = Action

* Discover = Learning what you’re capable of

* The episode closes with a reminder that hope is a discipline and courage is built through action.

People and Organizations Mentioned

Linda McLachlan’s Substack: Writing in the WildNancy Rebecca of Intuitive MindNaz Pankey’s vertical debut at the Atlanta Film Festival Story Summit Writing School

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps, it awaits on the other side of living courageously.

Thank you Linda for being a Substack “LIVE” guest!

xoxo

Shannon

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode of Imagine | Believe | Discover, host Shannon R. MacKinnon sits down with Judith Nilan, a spiritual teacher, author, and sacred sites tour guide based in Tacoma, WA. You can find out more about Judith’s books and Ireland gatherings at: https://stonefireblog.com

Judith joins the show to discuss what inspired her books, what Irish Indigenous Spiritual Heritage means, her journey of awakening and more.

Returning “Home” to Ancestral Lands

* Judith shares what it feels like to live part-time in Ireland and why locals often greet her with “welcome home.”

* Shannon reflects on emotional experiences visiting the Isle of Skye and the powerful feeling of recognition from ancestral lands.

* The conversation explores the idea that memory, spirituality, and ancestry may live within the land itself.

Spiritual Awakening Through Sacred Sites

* Judith recounts her first visit to Ireland and a transformative experience at the Drombeg Stone Circle that changed the course of her life.

* The discussion touches on ancestral visions, mystical encounters, and learning how to integrate spiritual experiences in everyday life.

* Shannon shares her own intense post-vision quest experience and how guidance and validation helped her navigate it.

Irish Indigenous Spiritual Traditions & the Tuatha Dé Danann

* Judith explains how Celtic and Irish people also carry indigenous spiritual traditions rooted in relationship with land, cosmos, and community.

* The episode explores the mythology of the Tuatha Dé Danann as mystical “people of light” connected to ancient wisdom and earth energies.

* Shannon and Judith discuss the growing resurgence of Gaelic language, Irish music, Beltane celebrations, and younger generations reclaiming cultural identity.

Pilgrimage, Sacred Community & Spiritual Purpose

* Judith describes the intention behind her Ireland retreats: creating sacred containers for personal spiritual transformation rather than tourism.

* The conversation highlights the importance of community, sacred space, and integrating mystical experiences after returning home.

* Shannon reflects on Judith’s generosity in creating spaces for creativity, healing, writing, and connection both in Washington State and Ireland.

Music, Storytelling & the Soul of Ireland

* Shannon shares funny and heartfelt memories from her student days in Ireland, including singing in traditional pub sessions.

* Judith reflects on Ireland’s deep musical culture and the role music plays in connection, memory, and belonging.

* The episode closes with reflections on imagination, belief, discovery, and the importance of staying open to mystery and meaning.

People and Organizations Mentioned

* Anthony Murphy, Author and Curator of Mythical Ireland

* Treacy O’Connor, OneSpirit Interfaith Minister, teacher, & writer. Subscribe to her Substack: Celtic Soul with Treacy O’Connor

* Judith Nilan sells her books at major sacred sites in Ireland or from her website: https://stonefireblog.com/books-by-judith

What are you ready to Imagine, Believe, & Discover?

Perhaps, it awaits you on the Emerald Isle of Ireland on a sacred tour with your spiritual guide Judith Nilan.

Thank you Judith for being my very first Substack “LIVE” guest.

xoxoShannon

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe

Fortune Favors the Brave, right?

So, I went on camera and did a LIVE video with Mike Searles who helps writers transition from the “content economy” to the “wisdom economy”. From Australia, Mike has worked in television, radio and as a stand-up comedian. He advocates for storytellers to get on camera to share their stories, is an expert at how to use PDFs to create income streams and hosts his Substack LIVE show “The Star Maker Show”.

I was nervous and excited! What a blast. I had such a lovely time. We talked about the mythical universe, the spiritual journey, my obsession with Scotland, storytelling, the path to pitching a holiday rom-com, solopreneurship, quitting the day job, and my beloved writing school, Story Summit.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. I’ve dreamed of doing interviews like this myself and now I feel like I am ready to just do it! Thank you Mike for this opportunity to get out of my comfort zone!

Now, to my circle… who wants to get interviewed first? :)

xoxo

Shannon

Here are his show notes for reference:

In this “Publisher Spotlight” edition of the Star Maker Talk Show, host Mike Searles sits down with Shannon MacKinnon, the storyteller and visionary behind the Substack publication Imagine, Believe, Discover. Shannon joins the show to discuss her transition from a 30-year teaching career to life as a “solopreneur,” exploring the magical intersection of Scottish folklore, spiritual heritage, and the modern creative journey.

Episode Highlights

* The Philosophy of Imagine, Believe, Discover: Shannon breaks down her publication’s mission: imagining more to reality than we currently believe, having the courage to believe in one’s curiosity, and discovering through personal experience what is real.

* Transpersonal Psychology & Ancestry: With a Master’s degree from Naropa University, Shannon explains how psychology and spirituality intersect, particularly in how we frame “intuitive” experiences and connections with our ancestors.

* A Lifelong Obsession with Scotland: Having visited 16 times, Shannon discusses her deep connection to her heritage and her current Young Adult novel project involving a bagpiper with “second sight” who can communicate with ghosts.

* From the Classroom to the Pitch Room: After three decades as a public school teacher, Shannon discusses her leap into screenwriting with Story Summit, including the nerve-wracking but rewarding experience of pitching a holiday rom-com to Hollywood producers.

* The Solopreneur Journey: Shannon shares the honest challenges of the first 12 months of creative independence, from overcoming the fear of “going live” to finding her unique voice and monetization path on Substack.

Whether you are part of the Scottish diaspora, a writer navigating the “Earth School” of creativity, or simply a deep thinker looking for an authentic conversation, this episode offers a grounded look at following your intuition.

People & Organizations Mentioned

* Story Summit Story Summit

A writing school and community founded by David Paul Kirkpatrick that helps writers craft screenplays, memoirs, and fiction.

* David Paul Kirkpatrick David Paul Kirkpatrick

Former President of Paramount Pictures and founder of Story Summit; a key mentor in Shannon’s screenwriting journey.

* Christine Conradt Christine Conradt

An accomplished producer, writer, and director who teaches the “12 Months of Christmas” screenwriting course.

* Scott Perry Scott Perry A marketing and mindset mentor who helps creatives navigate their “inner circle” and professional path.

* Tom Vaughn Tom Vaughan

A veteran screenwriter and teacher providing deep-dive insights into scriptwriting and story structure.

* SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)

A global organization for children’s publishing; Shannon serves as the coordinator for the Tacoma, Washington chapter.

Mike Asks You

Shannon mentioned being “totally terrified” to go live for the first time today. Does the idea of hosting or joining a Substack livestream fill you with trepidation, or are you ready to hit the ‘Go Live’ button? Let us know in a reply email or in the comments!

Get full access to Imagine | Believe | Discover at shannonmackinnon.substack.com/subscribe