Creative Genius

• Ep. 97 - Natalie Bedard on The Warrior Work of Being Human

  What if your nervous system—the very force that protects you—was also the key to unlocking your creativity, joy, and deeper self-connection? In this profound and heartfelt conversation, Kate sits down with emotional healing specialist and nervous system guide Natalie (NatNat) Bédard of LiftOneSelf. Together, they explore how our nervous systems shape our experiences, how integrating soul and humanity allows us to embrace the full spectrum of being alive, and why vulnerability is at the heart of creative expression.Natalie (NatNat) Bédard is the founder of LiftOneSelf and a devoted emotional healing specialist and nervous system guide. After surviving a life-threatening health crisis that left her in the hospital for 40 days, Natalie embarked on a profound journey of somatic healing, meditation, and self-discovery. She now teaches others how to navigate the “force field” of the nervous system, turning survival instincts into pathways for creativity, resilience, and joy.Her upcoming book, The Gift Wrapped in Sandpaper: Untamed Power, blends science, story, and practice to help readers integrate both soul and humanity. Through one-on-one sessions, group programs, and her own podcast, Natalie creates safe spaces where people can process trauma, embrace vulnerability, and access the deep creative intelligence within. Based in Ottawa, Canada, she is also a solo parent and brings lived experience, wisdom, and compassion to her work. Learn more at LiftOneSelf.comKey TakeawaysWhy Natalie calls nervous system healing “warrior work” and how it transforms our relationship with emotions.How to move beyond fear vs. love into true integration of the human and the soul.The nervous system as a wild stallion: learning to ride with it instead of fighting against it.Parenting, trauma, and authenticity: how to navigate messy real life with compassion.Playful, simple ways to reconnect with intuition, creativity, and joy.Resources MentionedNatalie Bédard’s website: LiftOneSelf.comNatalie’s upcoming book The Gift Wrapped in SandpaperKate’s jewelry & podcast community: KateShepherdCreative.comCall to ActionIf this conversation stirred something in you, subscribe to The Creative Genius Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. For deeper practices, meditations, and community, join us on Patreon at patreon.com/creativegeniuspodcast.

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• ep. 96 Albert Bramante on Rejection, Self-Doubt & Playing Beyond the Script

  In this episode of The Creative Genius Podcast (the finale for Season 4!) Kate sits down with Albert Bramante — talent agent, psychologist, and author — to explore why so many creatives hold themselves back, how to reframe rejection, why fear isn’t the enemy, and how to trust yourself enough to rewrite your own script.From Kate: Today I’m bringing you a conversation that feels especially alive and needed right now. I sat down with Albert Bramante — a rare soul who bridges the world of psychology and the performing arts. For over two decades he’s walked alongside actors, dancers, and other artists as both a talent agent and a guide through the invisible terrain of mindset, fear, self-doubt, and that sneaky self-sabotage we all bump up against when we dare to put our true selves out in the world.In this conversation, Albert opens up about how rejection isn’t really rejection, how fear can be a strange protector, and how staying open to the unknown — in our art, our work, our relationships — can free us to live bigger, truer lives.I hope as you listen you feel a soft invitation to loosen your own grip a little, to see where you might be clinging too tightly to other people’s scripts for you — and maybe, just maybe, to let yourself play again.Highlights:Why rejection is rarely personalHow our childhood shapes creative courageWhat fear of success really meansThe power of playing instead of performingReal stories about people pleasing, burnout, and letting go

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• Ep. 95 - Leo Marrs: Making Things That Matter

  About This EpisodeWhat if the collapse of old systems — the patriarchy, relentless productivity, and hollow doing — is really the birth pangs of something necessary and beautiful? In this conversation, I sit down with Leo Marrs, a writer, creative strategist, experience designer, and the author of the upcoming The New Creator: Rise of the Mindful Artist in the New Meaning Economy.Leo’s story begins in the wilds of Alaska and weaves through entrepreneurship, breathwork, altered states of consciousness, and a deep remembering that we are it — the universe expressing itself creatively through us.In this episode, we explore:How the collapse of old systems can feel like existential fight-or-flight — and yet a creative rebirth.Leo’s spontaneous awakening that revealed the creative intelligence suffusing everything.The essential role of art, vision, and imagination in shaping futures worth living.How to engage with technology — including AI — without losing our humanity.Why presence might be our greatest creative “technology” yet.How to drop the striving and become the mindful artist you already are.If you feel called to make things that truly matter, this conversation is for you.Listen NowApple Podcasts: [listen here]Spotify: [Lissten here] Links & ResourcesConnect with Leo Marrs: https://www.leomarrs.comLeo’s upcoming book: The New Creator: Rise of the Mindful Artist in the New Meaning Economy (sign up on Leo’s site for updates)Referenced in this episode:Integral Theory by Ken Wilber — https://integrallife.com/The Image of the Future by Fred Polak — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_PolakMoga Dot (AI & ethics) The Telepathy Tapes podcast — https://thetelepathytapes.com/ Aphantasia resources — https://aphantasia.comTimestamps00:00 — Welcoming Leo and the collective moment we’re in04:00 — Leo’s spontaneous awakening in the shower12:00 — The power of image, vision, and art to shape the future20:00 — Engaging with AI and collective intelligence mindfully30:00 — Aphantasia, inner knowing, and hidden gifts of not seeing42:00 — Why we must learn to trust uncertainty50:00 — The billboard message: You’re it — becoming the mindful artist you already areGo DeeperRead my blog reflections on this episode inside PatreonGet bonus episodes, reflections, and community connection: [Patreon]Subscribe to the Creative Genius Newsletter hereIf You Loved This EpisodeShare it with a friend — it helps so much.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — your words help Creative Genius reach more people who need it.Join our warm, growing community on Patreon for more bonus episodes, guided reflections, and ways to connect with others on this path.Stay ConnectedFollow me on Instagram: @kateshepherdcreative & @thecreativegeniuspodcastFollow Leo: @theleomarrsReach out to me directly hereThank you for listening — keep making things that matter.

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• Ep 94 - Ben Rennie: Curiosity, Creativity, and Confidence

  In this episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, I talk with designer, writer, and thinker Ben Rennie, author of a new book that explores the transformative power of curiosity and creativity. Together, we unpack the dynamic relationship between curiosity, creativity, and confidence, and how this path can guide us to overcome fear and step more fully into our potential. Ben shares his personal story—sparked by a promise to his late mother—that led him to examine how people find themselves in powerful, unexpected places.We explore the idea that creativity isn’t limited to the arts but is instead the ability to see things differently, solve problems, and bring ideas to life. Through vivid stories and practical wisdom, Ben and I explore how curiosity is the antidote to fear, how creativity naturally flows from curiosity, and how confidence is built by simply beginning—and continuing—to create.From imposter syndrome at a Dolce & Gabbana event to finding inspiration in nature, this conversation is a powerful invitation to get curious, stay creative, and be kind to yourself in the process.Topics Covered:How curiosity dissolves fearWhy creativity is about seeing possibilities, not just making artReframing repetition: why doing what’s been done before is still meaningfulHow creative confidence is earned through actionThe role of environment and nature in creative flow Navigating imposter syndromeand Honouring your pathResources & Mentions: Ben Rennie's new book Ben’s “Wednesdays” blog on Medium Brene Brown Steve Jobs: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward…” Meredith Hite-Estevez: “Join a song already singing” Rick Rubin: on creativity and remixing existing ideasTakeaways / Call to Action:Follow your curiosity—it’s the best antidote to fear Just start, even if it’s been done before—your voice mattersPractice regularly and create space for your creativityCapture your ideas on the goBe gentle with yourselfSpend time in nature to reset and reconnect

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• 93 - From Manufactured Chaos to Soft Living: Navigating the Rise of the Matriarchy with Gina Luker (Shabby Creek Cottage)

  A FEW THINGS WE TALKED ABOUTWhy joy is not frivolous—it’s essential.How to observe chaos without absorbing itAlchemizing anger into actionGrounding techniques to pull you back to yourself (barefoot walks, simple rituals)Why online friendships and community can be just as real—and healing—as in-person onesHow feminine energy can help rebalance a world spinning off its axisWhat it actually looks like to embrace your authentic self in a world that often shames itWhy creativity is your most reliable compass during uncertain timesLetting go of the pressure to save the world while still lending a handThe truth about money and how it amplifies who you already areSOUND BITES"The matriarchy is the highest good for all.""We have to focus on joy every day.""Community is not a one-way street.""Walking outside barefoot is grounding.""Ten minutes a day is all it takes.""Life is to savour it and enjoy it.""Your soul will never lead you astray.""That was medicine for my soul."CALLS TO ACTION If this episode stirred something in you, I’d love for you to support this work. Join my Patreon to help keep these conversations going and get access to bonus content, meditations, and other goodies I create just for our community.And if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a friend. That’s how we grow this beautiful circle—and how we get these conversations into the hearts of those who need them most.RESOURCES + LINKSThe Shabby Creek CottageThe Soft Life SocietyJoin Kate's PatreonMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEPatriarchy and the extinction burstThe importance of grounding practicesCreativity as guidance and resilienceBuilding and rebuilding community with intentionThis one’s tender, fierce, and exactly what we need right now. I hope it lands in your heart the way it did in mine. 

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