On this episode of The Creative Life Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome the multi-talented Jewel Rodgers—an artist and performer whose dynamic career spans visual art, poetry, and community engagement.

Jewel’s impressive resume includes two nominations for the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards, recognition as a 2022 Union for Contemporary Art Fellow, a 2023 Andy Warhol – Populus Fund Grantee, and a 2024 Blackberry Peach Poetry Slam finalist.

Join us as Jewel shares her journey navigating diverse creative fields, the inspirations behind her work, and how she harnesses her versatile talents to impact both the arts community and audiences alike.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and the power of artistic expression.

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This week on The Creative Life Podcast, hosts Jessica Olsen and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons sit down to reflect on the vibrant conversation with Haley Harrer—artist, entrepreneur, and founder of True Colors Face Painting and Body Art.

In this thoughtful recap, Jessica and Dr. Jaclyn break down the key takeaways from Haley’s journey, including what it really means to build a creative business that brings joy to others. From the unexpected ways art shows up in everyday life to the challenge of balancing creativity with entrepreneurship, the hosts explore how Haley’s story offers inspiration for anyone pursuing their passion.

They’ll dive into:

• The emotional impact of bringing art into public spaces
• Strategies for turning a creative side hustle into a sustainable business
• Why joy and play are essential ingredients in any creative career

Whether you’re an artist, a business owner, or just curious about what fuels creative success, this episode is full of insight and encouragement. Tune in for a heartwarming and energizing discussion.

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This week on The Creative Life Podcast, Olsen sits down with the incredibly vibrant and talented Haley Harrer — owner and operator of True Colors Face Painting and Body Art. From weddings and birthday parties to community festivals like the Midtown Merry Market, Haley brings joy and color to every event she touches.

Haley shares how she turned her natural love for art into a thriving business, creating unforgettable experiences for kids and adults alike. Creative coach Jessica Olsen first met Haley at — of all places — a birthday party, where a spontaneous face painting session sparked a fascinating conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and the power of doing what you love.

Tune in as we explore:

• The behind-the-scenes of face painting at large-scale events
• How Haley balances artistry with business
• What it takes to bring joy to people, one brushstroke at a time

This episode is a celebration of turning passion into purpose — don’t miss it!

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In this powerful recap episode, we revisit our conversation with actor and Air Force veteran James Verderamo—a performer whose journey from military service to the stage is as compelling as it is inspiring.

Highlights include:

• James’ transition from 10 years in the U.S. Air Force to professional acting
• His fluency in Korean and mastery of stage dialects
• Insights into his creative process and how discipline shapes his craft
• Reflections on his favorite roles across nearly 20 theater productions
• The importance of versatility, vulnerability, and voice in live performance

Whether you missed the full interview or want a refresher on the key takeaways, this recap offers a concentrated dose of inspiration and creative wisdom.

A reminder that courage doesn’t end with service—it evolves into storytelling.

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In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast we are sitting down with actor and Air Force veteran James Verderamo. With a decade of decorated military service under his belt, James brings discipline, resilience, and depth to his craft as a performer. Fluent in Korean and skilled in a variety of stage dialects, James has built an impressive theater résumé, with nearly 20 credits spanning comedy, drama, and everything in between.

We dive into his unique path from serving his country to stepping into the spotlight, how his military experience informs his acting process, and what it means to bring authenticity to the stage. Plus, hear about the theaters he’s loved working in, the roles that challenged him most, and why creativity and courage go hand in hand.

Whether you’re an artist, a veteran, or someone seeking inspiration, James’ story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passion.

Tune in and be inspired by the creative evolution of James Verderamo.

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In this follow-up to our electrifying interview with Omaha-based rock band Virgin Mary Pistol Grip, we’re breaking down the creative gems they shared — and exploring how their passion, grit, and independent spirit can inspire your own work.

This episode features reflections from creative coaches who unpack the band’s approach to collaboration, authenticity, and emotional storytelling. We’ll dive into what it means to stay true to your voice, how to channel raw emotion into powerful art, and why taking creative risks matters more than ever.

Whether you're a musician, writer, or maker of any kind, this episode offers real-world takeaways you can apply to your next project — and a fresh reminder of why we create in the first place.

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In this episode of The Creative Life Podcast, we’re turning up the volume with Virgin Mary Pistol Grip, an independent rock band based out of Omaha, Nebraska. Known for their raw, emotional sound and electrifying energy, this four-piece group is carving out a space all their own in the world of modern rock.

Join us as we sit down with band members Jales Hupke (vocals, guitar), Wyatt Mason (lead guitar, vocals), DJ Sumerall (bass), and Nate “Schroeder J” Johnson (drums, vocals) to talk about their creative process, the stories behind their songs, and the release of their powerful new album.

From gritty lyrics to soul-shaking performances, VMPG opens up about making music that speaks to the heart — and what it means to stay true to your vision as an independent band. This one’s for the music lovers, the rebels, and the creatives chasing something real.

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In this follow-up to our powerful first episode with Leia Baez, we’re diving deeper into the key lessons and takeaways from her inspiring journey. From mindset shifts to the courage of vulnerability, Episode One sparked important conversations — and now, we’re unpacking them with Coach Jessica and Dr. Jaclyn Gibbons.

In this episode, you’ll hear expert insights on how creatives can apply Leia’s story to their own projects and personal growth. Our coaches break down actionable strategies around storytelling, resilience, and building a mindset that supports creative work. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with tools to help you turn inspiration into impact.

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In this inspiring episode of The Creative Life Podcast, we sit down with Leia Baez — award-winning journalist, government communications director, mindset coach, and motivational speaker. Leia first captured hearts with a powerful 2018 commencement speech that went viral, amassing over six million views. Since then, she’s built a career around sharing her story of resilience, transformation, and purpose.

We talk about the power of vulnerability, the mindset shifts that changed her life, and how embracing your story can unlock your creative potential. Whether you're navigating your own challenges or seeking a spark of motivation, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and uplifted.

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