S3 E6: The Afterbirth of Creativity

This cozy recording in which I hosted Spencre L.R. McGowan of @gingertoothandtwine in my tiny recording closet, she and I explore the impact of being publicly creative. What happens after the book is published, the art exhibit closes, the podcast launches? Then what? Do you pause, get sad, allow space for something new? Spencre boldly shares her story, the one of conception, birth, and a seeming postpartum depression before new ideas and clarity again blossomed. Join us as we explore this real thing we creatives feel, but don’t often reveal. We’ll leave you with a bath of tea and an herbal steam.     Why to create even when you think no one’s watching (of very few) What the afterbirth blues of a creative project can reveal How to nourish yourself with herbs in your bath and beverage     Links Mentioned: Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center http://ravenwoodolc.org/ Kim Krans Wild Unknown https://www.thewildunknown.com/ Blotto Botany http://www.gingertoothandtwine.com/the-book/ Gingertooth & Twine http://www.gingertoothandtwine.com/ California School of Herbal Studies http://cshs.com/ Rosemary Gladstar https://www.sagemountain.com/welcome-to-sage-mountain-2016/about-rosemary-gladstar/ Haus Witch https://hauswitchstore.com/ Harper Collins https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062740618/blotto-botany/ J.K. Rowling https://www.jkrowling.com/ Show Highlights: 01:50 Easeful Living Practice -- Creative Cooking 5:17 Interview with Spencre L.R. McGowan begins -- our cooking and teaching connections, and an intro to Spencre’s book, Blotto Botany 09:21 Spencre’s journey from Nantucket to Montana by way of Herbalism school & her love of cordials 19:48 The book’s release date and the postpartum depression of sorts that followed 26:20 What Spencre learned about herself in the process of producing her book, Blotto Botany 32:00 Spencre’s Pie Delivery service 33:33 Courageous Self-Care Tip   Favorite Quotes: “What we don’t talk about as creators is the process and the emotional toll that it can take on a person.” -- Spencre L.R. McGowan   “When you release a book, it’s like...a milestone birthday.” -- Spencre L.R. McGowan   “[In the process of writing a book] I’ve learned mostly what I don’t want.” -- Spencre L.R. McGowan   “I am fucking Harriet the Spy.” -- Andrea Catherine   Meet Spencre: Spencre L.R. McGowan is an herbalist and writer from many places, primarily Maine and Nantucket. She is the creator of Gingertooth & Twine, a blog and shop dedicated to enhancing herbal wisdom through plant based brews, meals and publications. Spencre received her certification as an herbalist from the California School of Herbal Studies in 2013 and is the author of Blotto Botany: a Lesson in Healing Cordials & Plant Magic. She currently lives alongside the icy caps of Montana with some plants.