For the past few months, I’ve been having a time with time.

Looping through my own words.Finding comfort in past moments of clarity.Receiving sage advice, from me to me.

It’s been giving Back to the Future, TENET, and Interstellar around here; a full multiverse in my head and in my series of unreleased iOS Press Releases (aka my video journals) of going back to go forward.

There’s a West African term that touches on this concept.

Sankofa (phonetic /ˈsɑn.kɔ.fə/, pronounced SAN-kaw-fah) literally means, “go back and get it,” and might I add, without shame.

Sometimes it means returning to what you were up to.Sometimes it means reclaiming what you’re owed.And sometimes, like right now, it means going back to your own words.

And often, in the rewinds, you find gold.

You are a Creator.

I will quote a line from Inception like it’s my native language, and the one below often sticks with me. When speaking about the downfall of his late wife, Mal, Cobb said:

“She had locked something away, something deep inside her. The truth that she had once known, but... she chose to forget. Limbo became her reality.”

And even if we’re not trapped in the fourth level of a dream like Cobb was, the crazy scary spooky hilarious connection to this is, many of us of are in a limbo of our beliefs. Including the one that we’re not creative enough or at all.

And in this Musings of a Muse episode—reprised from one of my favorite chill chat sessions on my YouTube channel—with the help of my creative mentor-in-my-head, Rick Rubin, I challenge us to reframe and give ourselves the kick out of limbo.

Why? Because there’s power in owning who you are.

The Creative Act: Currency. Gift. Responsibility.

At the start of the year, while others tuned into ‘The Apprentice 2025’ (IYKYK), I sat in my robe, wrote a script, pitched to make it happen (and did!), and said this:

“Don’t get mad; just make some money. And how you make money is by creating. So, don’t get mad. Don’t get mad baby. Create. Go out and create something.”

And while I am being seriously cheeky, the truth is this:

Art is currency. Creativity is currency. Energy is currency.

And we can choose to either spend it frivolously, or multiply it wisely.

When we choose to be the creators we truly are, we are also choosing to step into our own power, and take on the collective responsibility to tell the truth of the times, as we see it. Being a creator, after all, is translating your lens and perspective of the world to others. And it’s time to own it audaciously.

“The culture informs who you are. And who you are informs your work. Who you are feeds back into the culture.” —Rick Rubin

Swag and Truth Unlocked.

So dear muses, we’ve unlocked the truth: Everybody’s so creative. And is. Now what?

Now, we tell the truth of the times.Now, we use the gold in the rewinds.Now, we create on purpose.

And now, we scroll back up to the top, and press play on this episode.

And as usual, the visual version of this reprised episode is on my YouTube.

(Stay until the end, where I do something a bit radical for me: I drop a rough cut before it was “ready.” I’m healing my perfectionist tendencies one release at a time.)

Whatever way you find to lift the consciousness of the world, it’s my hope that you do it and tell the truth of the times and to heal it, one creative act after another.

Muah, no bars. 💋

The Afterword & The Things

In homage to some artistic truth telling creators that I mention in this episode, give an inspired listen to the following artists.

Marvin Gaye’s Inner-city Blues and What’s Going On.

Michael Jackson’s They Don’t Really Care About Us.

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter.

Hayley Williams’s True Believer. (Live)

Kendrick Lamar’s Superbowl LIX Halftime Show (ELECTRIC and RAW!)

Don’t be shy, muses. I want to hear from you. What wins are you racking up in this season? Drop me a line in the comment section. Muah. 💋

Musings of a Muse™️ • I see you muse. 🦄 Thanks for your support. You’re one step away from receiving the next musings straight to your inbox. Subscribe & share with a friend. 💌

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit musingsofamusepodcast.substack.com

This week muses, we're talking about the truth about doing hard things.

You may consider this a spoiler, but here it is: The first step? The first go? The first try?

It will all feel hard.

Until you decide it's not.

Muses, this episode is for the version of you who’s ready to level up—but freezes at the open pitch draft, the blinking cursor, the unsent invoice, the unopened camera app.

I get it. Fully.

In fact, in this episode you’re catching me immediately after doing the hard thing first. After choosing courage. After pressing send.

And here’s what I want you to remember: Fear will always be there at the next level.

But so will the win.

You’re bound to win. So—win.

As always the visuals are available on my Youtube.

And the episode is available where you get your podcasts.

But the main squeeze is substack.

Why not subscribe and get these musings delivered directly to your inbox?

Try it out: https://melisathebest.substack.com/

Muah, no bars. 💋

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit musingsofamusepodcast.substack.com

Muses, I’m going to come out the gate with something real, as I always do, and in the words of Iyanla Avazant, we’re going to name a thing a thing. Let’s talk about, what I’ve coined, creative microaggressions—those subtle digs, dismissals, and judgments that undermine our artistry because it doesn’t fit into someone else's polished aesthetic or narrow definition of “professional.”

On this episode, I share a real story that happened while working on a client shoot, and why that moment lit a fire under me—literally sending me running to hop on the mic and press record with only a few minutes to spare before checking out of my Los Angeles hotel room. (I also somehow managed to squeeze in an aligned song-and-dance break to the tune of “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.” More here and below.)

This one’s for every creative who's ever been judged by the tools they use when creating. The message? It’s not on you, it’s in you.

As always, you can listen in or watch on my YouTube.

However you choose to tap in, remember this: Your creativity, your vision, your voice, and your tools are all valid. We are greenlit. And it’s time we clear the path of judgment and distraction, so that we can keep pushing the needle forward. So let's.

Start where you are. Create with what you have.

Muah, no bars.💋

🎧 BONUS I: Your mission should you choose to accept it is to listen to “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” like your future depends on it—with the lens of manifestation and focusing on your vision. “Don’t you let nothing, nothing, stand in your way.”

🎥 BONUS II: Get inspired by Apple's #shotoniphone playlist.

And then go out and create some magic.

___

I want to hear from you: have you ever experienced creative microagressions in your life? What have you done to overcome them? Drop a note in the comments.

___

I see you muse. 🦄 Thanks for your support. You’re one step away from receiving the next musings straight to your inbox. 💌

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit musingsofamusepodcast.substack.com

There are moments in life when everything gets just a little too loud. Not just externally—but internally, too. Your thoughts swirl, your creative clarity fogs, and you can feel your inner child tapping at the glass, asking for room to breathe.

So, that happened to me. And like the main character of my life, I took a side quest and went to Nicaragua.

Not for the thrill, the flex, or the photos—but for the quiet and recalibration. For the silence I knew I was craving.

There’s a quote I’ll never forget—lyrics from a voice that shaped a generation (who we now lovingly refer to as Anon):

“I just needed time alone with my own thoughts. Had treasures in my mind but couldn't open up my own vaults. My childlike creativity, purity, and honesty is honestly being crowded by these grown thoughts...”

That part.

We live in a world where we're always performing, producing, proving. But what happens when your soul says: “Nah—I need quiet. I need to hear me again”?

That’s what this episode is about.

I’m revisiting a video I recorded on my YouTube a while back—a reflection on the power of silence, sparked by lessons from a tea ceremony. Let this be your permission slip to tune out the noise and tune into your own frequency.

To take a breath. And if you feel so inclined, go silent.

See what speaks. Receive what’s yours, muse.

Muah. No bars. 💋

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit musingsofamusepodcast.substack.com

Muses 🦄

I just dropped a game-changing episode of the podcast, and this one?

Whew, it’s a must-listen. 💡

I get real. I get vulnerable. And I get fired up.

Breathe that in and out, ok?!

We’re talking about making bold moves, trusting your instincts, and how to channel that inner Anna Delvey energy (minus the scams, of course 😉).

In life, the opportunities you crave are just on the other side of a decision. The decision to play full out and advocate for yourself.

Here’s what you’ll take away:✨ Why success is more about the power of a single choice.✨ How to dust yourself off and make a comeback, even when the odds are seemingly stacked against you.✨ The mindset shift you need to see yourself as the star of your own show. Because, “Newsflash!”: You are the star.

Now, if you’re more of a visual person like me, you can catch the YouTube version for all of the vibes. Including Rosé-O’clock. I’m serious. Watch on YouTube.

Let me know your favorite moment from the episode—I love hearing how these conversations land with you! 💌 Sound off in the comments, muses.

“Success is made in both the valleys and the highs.”

Throw Some D’s On It

Muses, in addition to my typical “Get it Sexy” intro and outro soundbite, this episode also featured a track I’ve been playing to celebrate wins since the summer.

Throw Some D’s (AG x Pherris) remix, by two extraordinary musicians and DJs. (One of whom I directed and produced a branded music video with, but that’s another story for another time.)

Listen to the track and vibe out to call in more wins, today and forever.

Muah, no bars. 💋

I see you muse. 🦄 Thanks for your support. You’re one step away from receiving the next musings straight to your inbox. 💌

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit musingsofamusepodcast.substack.com

Let’s talk, creative rebirth.

The process of reigniting your spark, redefining your self-concept, and leaning into inspiration. That’s what I’ve been experiencing this year.

And today, on 11.11, I’ve been reflecting heavily on this; where I stand today and where I’m going tomorrow. And to be honest, I owe much of my journey to letting go of so much and taking on what felt aligned.

Including what I said yes to. I said yes to people, places, and spaces that just felt right. 

In this episode, I reflect on André 3000’s New Blue Sun listening party and the lessons it taught me about creativity. I explore the balance between creating for yourself first and thoughtfully presenting your work for others. Tune in for some gems—and stay until the end to hear my recording of André’s interview, so you can gleam more gems for yourself!

Key Takeaways:

Art is for the artist first.

Be selfish in creation, but considerate in presentation.

Your most personal work often resonates the most universally.

Special Features: An exclusive recording of André 3000’s interview from the event!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit musingsofamusepodcast.substack.com

Hello Multifaceted Muses and welcome to The Muses of a Muse.

Today we're talking about the art of starting something new—like this podcast episode.

So much to unpack here, like looking fear in the face and telling her to mind her business, moving to find inspiration, remembering who you are, choosing to rewrite your story, and being the damn algorithm by niching out.

I love that you're here and honored to have you listen to my musings.

Some links to things I talk about here:

📚 Glow Up Mindset Bookclub (The Alchemist and Atomic Habits)

🎥 "Just Do It. | Cheers to the Art of Getting Started"

My intro's my outro:

Continue niching out, never down.

Muah, no bars. 💋

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit musingsofamusepodcast.substack.com