Creator conversations

~ Partnering with businesses who are too busy to figure out how to make the most of their time, this is the story behind Well Aware~ hosted by Jas Hothi~ intro + outro music: Scenic Route, by Chris Porter~ produced by Indie Writer Media ~ supported by Aaron + Matt @ getrealnice.com

~ describing himself as an entrepreneur since the age 16 with over 25 years’ experience in starting and running businesses, Mat is the CEO of Beneficial~ hosted by Jas Hothi~ intro + outro music: Scenic Route, by Chris Porter~ produced by Indie Writer Media~ supported by Aaron + Matt @ getrealnice.com

Welcome to the podcast!I’m out of time, I got four minute, only got four minutes…. 🎵This is my intro, and normally I don’t sound like this—blame it on the cold. Apologies to Madonna and Timbaland for the disservice.It’s been nearly four years since I last recorded an episode. Honestly, it feels a bit scary after such a long break, especially since the podcast was intended for conversations with others, not just me talking to myself. Right now, I'm leaving this voice note on my iPhone to say welcome.If you’re new here, you might be wondering who this random guy is. Yes, this podcast is weird, different, unscripted, and unedited. I do add some intro and outro music though. I'm thrilled to be back on the mic and excited to bring you conversations with incredible creative people—makers, builders, crafters, artisans. That’s why the podcast has a new name: creator conversations.I've already recorded a few episodes and have more planned. In April, it will be 10 years since I first started writing online while commuting to my corporate job, dreaming of a different life. It's been a wild decade with ups and downs and travels to many countries. If you had told me 10 years ago that I'd be where I am now ~ ~ I wouldn’t have believed it.I want to keep this at four minutes because it's a good length to say what needs to be said without rambling. So, you're awesome and meant to be here. Stay tuned—this podcast is going to be great.I love you all 🫶

My conversation partner this week is Elizabeth Miner. In Elizabeth's words:  "Global business coach, international speaker, digital nomad, and author Elizabeth Miner has learned true sustainable success relies on understanding the human engine running a business. Combining her 20+ years as a corporate paralegal with coaching clients around the globe, she has a unique worldview of entrepreneurship. Elizabeth recognized distinct patterns in the success and failure of business owners and has been piecing together where traditional education has failed entrepreneurs. When she’s not writing or helping business executives thrive in the face of persistent change, Elizabeth hosts her own podcast, entrepreneurs IRL, sharing real life stories of those along the entrepreneurial journey. She has been featured on podcasts including Entrepreneur on Fire and The Conscious Millionaire, and has been published by She is Fierce!, Rank & File Magazine and Mike Dooley’s personal development site Tut. Find Elizabeth at: elizabethminer.net We talk about: - Elizabeth's back-story, "year of retirement" + journey to becoming a full-time nomad - Moving to Belize as a single mother, in the face of the opinions of others - How Elizabeth's blog became a coaching business, and how this has evolved as a remote business - About Elizabeth's book "The Entrepreneur Advantage", and the process of putting it together  - How Elizabeth decided to self-publish early on & the flexibility that came with that - The stories we tell ourselves... and how we can work through them - "Getting things done" whilst being a nomad, & how Elizabeth structures her days - Elizabeth's book tour to promote her new book, including who she is reaching out to & how she is scheduling her talks & events - Elizabeth's tips for getting started with managing and growing your emotional intelligence // by Jas Hothi, with music by Chris Porter PS. join INF Club (free) at infclub.net

My conversation partner this week is Rick Rigdon. In Rick's words: I'm a 63 year-old gay man who lives with my spouse of 26 years in Everett, Washington. (We've officially been married for 8 years after marriage equality passed in the US). I'm an INFJ who's a semi-retired web developer. This past year, I created a blog (Mystical Bear) where I document my experiences of using the writing of a novel as a tool to help overcome depression, anxiety, and PTSD that I've experienced most of my life. Find Rick at: mysticalbear.com We talked about:- Rick's story with PTSD, depression & anxiety- Rick's experiences with conventional therapy / what worked for him & what didn't- Flashbacks & a painful break-up / on unhappy experiences & mental health stuff- How holotropic breathwork helped Rick- Rick's current outlook on his depression- The importance of having a creative outlet to manage his depression- Rick's fiction project / the origins of the story- Rick's relationship with his father- Rick's experiences with blogging & why he is writing- On writing for ourselves, authenticity, and sharing what we write online- Why Rick decided to start his Mystical Bear blog- How sharing his experiences through writing online has helped him thus far//by ⁠⁠Jas Hothi⁠⁠, with music by ⁠⁠Chris Porter⁠⁠

My conversation partner this week is Laurence Warner, aka 'Cerulean'. In Laurence's own words: I'm Cerulean, an independent Performing Artist, born Laurence Warner in Eastleigh, a small town on England's South Coast. I make pop music for your ears AND your brain (and sometimes even your funny bone too)! I'm proudly #SavvyIndie, but I love to collaborate with creatives across The Arts & Tech to put on a show. Find Laurence at: https://wa.rner.meWe talked about: - Laurence’s music-making process - Making money from your art - Is Laurence an extrovert or an ambivert? / Myers-Briggs chat - The “organic” journey of the indie artist - Why Laurence makes music, and the magic of “sonic experiences” (music) vs verbal (words) - Who is Cerulean? (aka Laurence’s artist name) - Using the internet to share your authentic expression with other people… but balancing this with using tech in an intentional way - Laurence’s advice for indie musicians promoting their work - The joy of being an ‘independent artist’ vs going ‘traditional’ - SavvyIndie: Laurence’s plans for this community for independent musicians / music artists//by ⁠⁠Jas Hothi⁠⁠, with music by ⁠⁠Chris Porter⁠⁠

The eighth conversation in a series with my friend Lauren Sapala. Lauren is a writer, writing coach and INFJ. Find Lauren at: laurensapala.comWe talked about:- Tools for changing the 'stories' you tell yourself- Lauren's journey from alcoholism to sobriety & re-discovering writing- Why Lauren really needed her silent writing group when she started writing again- "Breathing out our stuff" / why Lauren writes- Focusing on writing for yourself vs being a full-time author or making an income from it- The job Lauren worked whilst she was writing & blogging, & how Lauren has set up her business- The types of genre INFPs & INFJs seem to be particularly drawn to//by ⁠⁠Jas Hothi⁠⁠, with music by ⁠⁠Chris Porter⁠⁠

My conversation partner this week is David Johnson. In David's own words: I am an Englishman married and living in Hawaii. I have been a practicing Tibetan Buddhist for 30 years (ouch, where does the time go?). I identify as an introvert and highly sensitive person (INFJ), and work as a Life Coach. Find David at: crossingthethreshold.netWe talk about:- The effects of the (full) moon / sleep- David's travels to the Himalayas - and beyond- Tibetan Buddhism, faith, religion & spirituality- Hedonic vs eudaimonic happiness- David's writing, blogging and podcasting- How David's online presence & business has unfolded- Micro blog & social media- David's book: "Meditation Tips for Introverts and Highly Sensitive People"- Men & high sensitivity//by ⁠⁠Jas Hothi⁠⁠, with music by ⁠⁠Chris Porter⁠⁠