Breaking the Blocks

Send us a textBrandy Maslowski's journey from firefighter to quilter illuminates the complexities of trauma and resilience. She shares her experiences with discrimination, PTSD, and ultimately, how creativity became her healing mechanism, inspiring others to recognize the strength within their own stories.• Brandy's background as a firefighter with familial ties to the profession • The discrimination experienced as a woman in a male-dominated field • Impact of workplace toxicity on mental health and the onset of complex PTSD • Deciding to leave her firefighting career for personal well-being • The transition to quilting as a form of healing and self-expression • Insights on the importance of support systems and self-care in overcoming adversityFollow Brandy @quilteronfire on Instagram and YouTube.Her website is: https://quilteronfire.com/Support the show

Send us a textAfter experiencing the profound pain of losing a loved one to suicide, Nicole Leth discovered the power of affirmations as a lifeline to healing. Her journey from personal tragedy to creating My Affirmation Project is a testament to resilience and creativity. Nicole shares how she transformed her grief into a mission of compassion, spreading messages of self-love and hope through various mediums like graffiti, quilts, and billboards. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, creativity can light the way to healing.Nicole's poignant reflections on navigating addiction and trauma with empathy invite listeners to consider the deep connections between personal struggles and creativity. She recounts her close relationship with her father, marked by shared experiences at AA meetings, which profoundly shaped her understanding of addiction. Through her candid storytelling, Nicole reveals how vulnerability and artistic expression can transform grief into a source of strength and connection.In examining the complex dynamics of relationships affected by trauma and addiction, Nicole offers valuable insights into the importance of personal healing and understanding. She candidly discusses her experiences with partners facing similar struggles and the lessons learned about codependency and empathy. Nicole's journey explores the beauty of embracing compassion and self-care, reminding us all of the strength found in softness and vulnerability. Join us for this heartfelt conversation as we explore the transformative power of affirmations and the enduring impact of compassion in the face of life's challenges.Foolow Nicole on Insta @myaffirmationprojectand her website is www.myaffirmationproject.comSupport the show

Send us a textJoin us on Breaking the Blocks as Rachel Pierman welcomes Ian Garland, a charismatic quilter with a thriving YouTube community and a passion for fostering understanding through creativity. Ian shares his journey from Texas to Washington, seeking safer and more inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ community. Alongside his new podcast, Sew Off Kilter, co-hosted with Sew Becca, Ian explores the power of art to unite people and nurture personal growth, revealing how his own experiences in crafting have shaped his beliefs and relationships.Our conversation takes a thoughtful turn as Ian delves into the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities amidst political shifts and legislative threats. Reflecting on the anxiety surrounding marriage equality and the persistent fight for basic human rights, we discuss the importance of empathy, gratitude, and forgiveness in navigating a world often marked by anger and frustration. Ian's insights encourage listeners to prioritize self-care and personal well-being while advocating for a more inclusive society that learns from its past rather than repeating its mistakes.As we wrap up, creativity emerges as a vital outlet for vulnerability and self-expression, with Ian emphasizing the importance of preserving arts programs in schools to foster a well-rounded society. Through heartfelt stories of protest quilting and personal encounters with art's transformative power, Ian invites us to embrace change and compassion in our interactions. Tune in to discover how creativity can inspire hope and connection, leaving you with a renewed sense of empathy in your own life journey.Follow Ian on Instagram: @offkiltercrafterianand the same handle on YouTubeSupport the show

Send us a textJoin me for an inspiring conversation with Zak Foster, a trailblazer in the artistic quilting community, whose journey from a high school Spanish teacher to a full-time artist and podcaster is nothing short of transformative. Zak shares the pivotal moments during the pandemic that led him to embrace his passion and create the Quilty Nook, a vibrant community for quilters. Through our discussion, we uncover how Zak uses his art not just for expression, but as a force for community building and social change, highlighting the courage required to leave a conventional career path in pursuit of one's passion.Discover how "Apogee Jubilee," Zak’s innovative creative piece, serves as a metaphor for humanity's journey and potential, tackling future anxieties and championing self-awareness and connection. We discuss the subtle power of everyday interactions in combating loneliness and nurturing community ties, illustrated by Zak’s journey in crafting a festival quilt for a folk school. The conversation is peppered with insights on the balancing act between creativity and responsibility, the nuances of setting boundaries, and the vital role of self-care in sustaining leadership within community spaces.This episode also takes a poignant turn into the realms of family history and ancestral trauma, with Zak exploring the silence surrounding his own roots. We address themes of privilege and identity, particularly through the lens of Zak’s experiences as a white, male, queer artist navigating Brooklyn's diverse landscape. As Zak uncovers the layers of his family's past, he stresses the importance of confronting historical truths and the transformative power of understanding one's heritage. This enriching conversation promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for art's role in community building and the courage required to follow one's true calling.Support the show