The Holly Hughes Podcast: Artist Reinvention After Burnout

Art is often inspired by the experiences we cultivate through our lives. Whether it’s through our interactions with others or our experiences in the world, our art is a reflection of the lives we’ve lived.

Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast is fantasy author and editor Ellen McGinty. Ellen has just published her latest fantasy adventure novel, Saints and Monsters, while also serving other talented writers through her editing, all while living as an American in Japan.

Ellen McGinty joins Holly Hughes for a discussion about the magic of storytelling, the journey of finding identity in a foreign land, as well as the many challenges of the publishing industry. Ellen also talks about drawing inspiration from her own personal experiences, her writing and editing process, and the influence of her faith in her work.

Connect online with Ellen McGinty at ellenmcginty.com. Buy your copy of Saints and Monsters here.

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The best art often challenges our comfort zones and makes us reexamine commonly held beliefs. The work of today’s guest does that with one of history’s most challenging figures, while adding a dash of humor to the mix.

Playwright and director Michelle Kholos Brooks joins host Holly Hughes for a delightful conversation about her creative playwriting process and challenging people’s perceptions about the treatment of young women through her latest play, Hitler’s Tasters. 

Holly and Michelle talk about the inspiration behind Hitler’s Tasters and the chance encounter that inspired it. They also discuss the balance between humor and tension, breaking writer’s block through overcoming fear and the critical importance of being open minded when consuming art.

Connect with Michelle Kholos Brooks online at michellekholosbrooks.com. Connect with other playwrights at newplayexchange.org.

Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.

Sign up for Holly’s email newsletter here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Conversations

01:53 The Inspiration Behind 'Hitler's Tasters'

06:38 The Process of Playwriting

13:04 The Challenge of Humor in Dark Themes

18:51 Writing Process and Community Engagement

25:51 Navigating the World of Theater

30:09 Future Aspirations and Current Projects

35:30 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

Connect with Holly

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehollyhughes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyhughesintuitive
• Get Holly’s book here: http://bit.ly/4ggvAamWebsite:
• https://hollyhughesintuitive.com/

Few things in this world embody grace, finesse, and beauty as ballet. Dancers train almost obsessively to refine their performances to the most minute detail. Dance can therefore become an all encompassing venture, but it doesn’t have to be.

Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast is professional ballet dancer Remi Okamoto. Remi is originally from Kyoto, Japan, but has trained and studied all around the world. Remi is currently residing in Charlotte, NC as part of Charlotte Ballet’s First Company. She is currently performing in their production of The Nutcracker, but you have seen her in Whispers, Echoes, and Voices as well as other performances.

Remi Okamoto joins host Holly Hughes for a discussion about traveling and reconnecting with nature. They also discuss cultural differences in training and the impact of body image. Remi also talks about how she draws emotion from movement and how she deals with the physical demands of dance.

Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.

Sign up for Holly’s email newsletter here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Remi Okamoto

02:19 Traveling and Reconnecting with Nature

05:34 Early Dance Experiences and Influences

08:39 Cultural Differences in Dance Training

11:26 Body Image and Standards in Dance

14:32 Diverse Body Types in Modern Dance

17:30 Experiences in Different Dance Companies

20:25 Language and Communication in Dance

23:40 The Physical Demands of Dance

26:38 Conclusion and Reflections on Dance Journey

34:44 Transitioning to Partnering in Dance

37:53 The Art of Trust in Dance

40:16 Learning and Performing 'Walking Mad'

44:16 The Impact of Set Design on Performance

49:31 Balancing Classical and Contemporary Dance

55:15 The Journey of a Professional Dancer

01:00:11 Finding Joy in the Process of Dance

Connect with Holly

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehollyhughes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyhughesintuitive
• Get Holly’s book here: http://bit.ly/4ggvAamWebsite:
• https://hollyhughesintuitive.com/

For those lucky enough to reach old age, the process of aging can be an ongoing adaptation, a warm reflection, and a bold step in a new direction - all in one. 

Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast is author Judy Goldman, an author of eight books — four memoirs, two novels, and two collections of poetry. Judy has recently released a book called The Rest of Our Lives, a reflection on the aging process no matter what stage of life you’re in.

Judy joins Holly for a discussion around different perspectives on aging, evolving feelings about self-image and confidence, and the beauty of writing memoirs.

Connect with Judy Goldman online at judygoldman.com. Get your copy of Judy’s book, The Rest of Our Lives, here.

Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.

Sign up for Holly’s email newsletter here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Judy Goldman and Her Work

00:35 Exploring Aging and Belonging

04:00 The Concept of Home and Its Evolution

08:37 Family Stories and Their Significance

11:49 Genesis Stories and Their Impact

17:58 Beauty Standards and Self-Perception

23:47 Friendship and Support Among Women

29:44 Reflections on Aging and Life Changes

35:39 Personal Experiences with Home and Family

39:12 Surviving Disasters and Finding Home

39:40 The Meaning of Home and Sentimentality

43:22 Reflections on Memoir and Self-Discovery

46:38 Aging, Invisibility, and Self-Confidence

52:25 The Power of Writing and Creative Expression

01:06:43 Legacy, Sentimental Objects, and Family Connections

Connect with Holly

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehollyhughes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyhughesintuitive
• Get Holly’s book here: http://bit.ly/4ggvAamWebsite:
• https://hollyhughesintuitive.com/

The world we live in is full or different cultures, each of which has its own distinct traditions and heritage that help weave the massively diverse quilt that is humanity. It’s not uncommon for some of us to identify with more than one culture, which can both enrich our lives, as well as shroud our real identities in mystery.

Canadian-Korean author Jinwoo Park joins host Holly Hughes on today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast for a conversation about his journey of cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the creative process behind his debut novel, The Oxford Soju Club.

Jinwoo and Holly explore themes of belonging, the challenges of fitting in, and the expectations placed on immigrant children. Jinwoo talks about his academic pursuits, the influence of family expectations on his career choices, and the importance of humor in storytelling.

Connect with Jinwoo Park online at jinwoo-park.com. Preorder your copy of The Oxford Soju Club here.

Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.

Sign up for Holly’s email newsletter here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jinwoo Park and His Work

02:59 Exploring Identity and Cultural Masks

05:56 The Journey of Fitting In

08:59 Academic Pursuits and Personal Growth

12:01 The Transition from Pre-Med to Writing

14:51 Cultural Expectations and Career Choices

18:03 Family Background and Immigrant Experience

20:57 The Path to Oxford and Creative Writing

23:57 Finding Voice and Narrative in Writing

26:59 The Importance of Engaging Storytelling

29:54 Reflections on Writing and Personal Insights

36:23 Cultural Connections and Identity

39:04 Navigating Academic Expectations

41:19 The Journey of Writing and Creativity

44:49 Experiences in the Adult Content Industry

52:30 The Path to Publication

59:58 Finding a Literary Voice

01:07:55 The Writing Process: Struggles and Triumphs

01:09:18 Finding the Right Mentor in Publishing

01:11:39 The Importance of Editing and Objectivity

01:12:08 Connections and Networking in the Literary World

01:16:53 Exploring Themes of Identity and Culture in Writing

01:18:34 The Role of Honorifics in Translation

01:24:01 Cultural Understanding Through Language and Translation

01:27:30 The Journey of a Writer: From Inspiration to Publication

Connect with Holly

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehollyhughes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyhughesintuitive
• Get Holly’s book here: http://bit.ly/4ggvAamWebsite:
• https://hollyhughesintuitive.com/

So many of us listening and watching this podcast have something to say, and we bet that most of you have thought about publishing a book at one time or another. But what goes into writing and publishing at that level? How do you turn an idea into it’s finished form? And how do you ask for help along the way?

Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast is a literary professional who helps countless other writers express their ideas and get their work published. Betsy Thorpe has worked with both big name authors at prestige publishing houses to indie writers trying to breakthrough.

Betsy Thorpe joins host Holly Hughes for an insightful conversation about all things writing. Betsy talks about her journey to becoming a writer, how a good editor can shape a story, the emotional core of storytelling and the business of writing and publishing.

Connect with Besty Thorpe online at betsythorpe.com. Buy a copy of her book, The Writer's Roller Coaster: Survival Strategies for the Wild, Emotional Ride to Publication here.

Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.

Sign up for Holly’s email newsletter here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Creative Life

02:35 The Duality of Creativity

05:00 The Journey to Becoming a Writer

11:19 The Role of an Editor

19:09 Navigating the Publishing World

25:42 Finding Balance in Creativity

30:00 Writing Quirks and Techniques

34:50 Capturing Moments on the Page

35:00 The Emotional Core of Storytelling

37:54 Navigating the Publishing Journey

39:54 The Pragmatism of Writing

42:58 The Challenge of Criticism

46:05 Earning a Living as an Author

48:47 The Role of Introverts and Extroverts in Writing

51:58 The Impact of Social Media on Writers

56:03 Overcoming Obstacles in Publishing

59:53 The Emotional Journey of Writing and Publishing

Connect with Holly

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehollyhughes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyhughesintuitive
• Get Holly’s book here: http://bit.ly/4ggvAamWebsite:
• https://hollyhughesintuitive.com/

The stories of living the Hollywood lifestyle full of glitz and glamor are as old as the Oscars themselves, but for many in the industry, it’s a job just like anything else. For today’s guest, that has meant everything from being a stunt man falling off buildings to shooting some of the most poignant films about the Holocaust.

Filmmaker Rob Moniot joins host Holly Hughes on today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast. Rob talks about his career in Hollywood, from being a stuntman to finding his path in filmmaking through short films. Rob also talks about the business of making movies, navigating loneliness, and telling a Jewish story as a non-Jew in one of his latest films.

Connect with Holly

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehollyhughes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyhughesintuitive
• Get Holly’s book here: http://bit.ly/4ggvAamWebsite:
• https://hollyhughesintuitive.com/

Constantly throughout the day, our brains are filtering out all sorts of stimuli, visual, auditory, etc. One of the few things your brain is tuned into and prioritizing is the sound of the human voice. That makes the ability to speak well publicly such a valuable tool.

Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast has spent his entire professional career using his voice to tell stories, communicate ideas and to bring art to life. Brian Lafontaine is an actor on stage, screen, and voice overs for more than 30 years. Today he also helps other creative professionals find footing in voice acting and public speaking.

Brian Lafontaine and Holly Hughes sit down for a conversation about how Brian uses his voice professionally. Brians talks about his background in the arts, particularly his love for live theatre. He also shares some of his philosophies for creativity, public speaking, and tuning into your own unique perspective to help you stand out from the crowd. 

Follow Brian Lafontaine online at brianlafontaine.com.

Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of an Actor: Beginnings and Influences

03:03 Storytelling in Acting: The Art of Performance

06:08 Stand-Up Comedy: The First Stage Experience

09:00 Hecklers and Audience Engagement: Navigating Challenges

12:04 Family Dynamics: Support and Understanding in the Arts

15:01 Voiceover Work: A Unique Career Path

18:00 The Impact of AI on Voice Acting and Creativity

23:51 The Art of Standing Out

25:00 Vulnerability in Creative Expression

27:54 Navigating Authenticity and Safety

30:42 The Challenges of the Creative Industry

35:19 Physicality and Standards in Acting

41:16 The Magic of Live Theater

46:05 Public Speaking and New Ventures

48:23 Mastering Public Speaking Techniques

52:33 The Importance of Authenticity in Communication

58:22 Exploring Creativity Beyond Public Speaking

01:02:56 Finding Your Unique Voice

01:09:07 The Power of Sharing Your Story

Connect with Holly

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehollyhughes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyhughesintuitive
• Get Holly’s book here: http://bit.ly/4ggvAamWebsite:
• https://hollyhughesintuitive.com/

Making music involves vulnerability, a sense of self, and an ability to be comfortable with one’s own identity. When the foundation feels fabricated, the music is sure to reflect that. Therefore, making music requires a heavy dose of introspection. 

Indie musician Francis Doom joins The Holly Hughes Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about music and the identity behind the beats. Born in the US, but to Korean parents, Francis Doom grew up quietly rejecting his Korean heritage in favor of American assimilation. It wasn’t until he was older and grew more comfortable with his roots that he was able to truly embrace his craft.

Francis Doom and Holly Hughes have a conversation about the creation of music, embracing identity, and the simple joys of creating. 

Follow Francis Doom’s music online at francisdoommusic.com.

Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Francis Doom and the Podcast

00:50 The Journey of a Musician

01:34 Instruments and Early Influences

04:33 The Creative Process of Songwriting

07:22 The Role of Melody and Lyrics

09:48 Concert Experiences and Music Community

12:24 Cultural Influences on Music

14:34 The Dichotomy of Sound in Music

19:46 Embracing Cultural Identity

23:15 The Impact of Labels and Acceptance

24:23 Generational Perspectives on Heritage

26:47 Artistic Vulnerability vs. Public Persona

29:11 Navigating Sexuality in Music

32:51 The Role of Social Media in Music Promotion

34:42 The Emotional Connection to Pets

38:33 Exploring Love in Long-Term Relationships

41:34 Advice on Parenthood and Relationships

43:31 The Minimalist Musician's Journey

48:26 Navigating the Challenges of Touring

53:55 Defining Success in the Music Industry

58:47 The Personal Touch in Music and Relationships

Connect with Holly

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehollyhughes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyhughesintuitive
• Get Holly’s book here: http://bit.ly/4ggvAamWebsite:
• https://hollyhughesintuitive.com/

The essence of creativity is both intangible and undeniable. Today’s guests on The Holly Hughes Podcast specialize in channeling your creativity energy and letting go of needless veneers.

Sam Howarth is the founder of The Way She Was Made, where she is a “brand alchemist, Business doula, embodiment guide, and soul-led business strategist.” Phoenyx (Vanessa Giorgio) is a visual artist based in Toronto.

Sam and Phoenyx join host Holly Hughes for a deep dive discussion on spirituality, creativity and tapping into our own intuition. Sam and Phoenyx also discuss human design and how it can help you live a more spiritually aligned life.

Find Samantha Howarth online at thewayshewasmade.com. Connect with Phoenyx (Vanessa Giorgio) at vgiorgio-art.blogspot.com.

Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys

02:59 The Power of Community and Connection

06:04 Understanding Intuitive Gifts

09:05 Personal Experiences with Spirituality

12:14 Navigating Life Transitions

14:58 The Influence of Astrology on Personal Growth

18:01 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

21:03 Claiming Your Intuitive Power

24:02 Exploring Past Lives and Spiritual Connections

31:14 The Illusion of Safety and Self-Discovery

33:14 Understanding Human Design

37:09 Navigating Corporate Expectations

41:16 The Role of Cycles in Creativity

42:06 Visioning the Future

45:17 The Essence of Creativity

49:17 Trusting the Process of Surrender

55:19 The Importance of Connection for Creatives

56:22 Navigating Human Design and Personal Growth

58:40 Healing Through Energy and Anxiety Awareness

01:01:02 Grounding and Releasing Emotional Burdens

01:03:15 Embracing Change and Self-Discovery

01:07:14 Creating for Yourself and Community Engagement

01:10:14 Personal Warning Labels and Authenticity