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This week I spoke with Madeleine Gottlieb — an award-winning director, producer, screenwriter, and one of my oldest friends.
I met Mads when I was five. She was the smartest person I’d ever met, with the bluest eyes and the most commanding presence.
We were a couple of drama kids. And listening back to this conversation on a walk this week, I realised, we still are.
We talk about morning rituals, meditation, ADHD, therapy, why Mads’ word for 2025 scares her, and how cutting off all her hair at a roadside barber in Hobart turned out to be the best thing she ever did.
I loved this chat. It’s messy and raw and it made me smile. It also made me want to be braver. To be more myself.
Because over the last decade, Mads has stopped hiding. She’s learning to live, fully and honestly, as who she truly is.
I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did.
JYK 🤍
Episode Links:
Learn more about Madeleine Gottlieb: https://www.madeleinegottlieb.comSign up to Between The Lines: https://jessicayolandakaye.substack.comRead the letter by Sol LeWitt and Eva Hesse: Letters of notePick your one word for 2025: www.myword.is -
When Matteo and I spent two months in Puglia at the end of last year, living in a sleepy seaside town, we had a weekend ritual: a long walk by the sea, swimming and reading at Lo Scalo, spaghetti vongole and a spritz, a gelato along the promenade, and a movie on the couch.
Off our phones, away from the rest of the world, we could switch off. It was incredible.
I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately—less about Puglia, more about the presence we were able to cultivate there. Il dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing—and how hard that is to access in the real world. A world that keeps getting faster and noisier, constantly telling us we should do more.
Should we?
More and more, I think definitely not.
This week on the pod, we talk about that. About going analogue, content fatigue, the tyranny of should, and why I forgot—then remembered—that I’m an artist.
🕊🕊🕊
You can find the One Word Journal here: https://www.myword.is/journal
Between The Lines Newsletter here: https://jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/subscribe
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Fehlende Folgen?
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There’s a scene in A Complete Unknown I can’t stop thinking about.
Bob Dylan steps on stage at the Newport Folk Festival in ’65. Thousands and thousands of people chant his name. They came to hear the songs they know. To see the Dylan they know.
But Dylan has moved on.
He picks up his electric guitar and plays his new music. The crowd boos. They throw things. Festival organisers try to cut the sound.
It’s uncomfortable to watch. I caught myself thinking, Just give them what they want.
But he doesn’t.
He stands there and keeps playing. Looking forward, not back.
And sitting in that dark cinema on a quiet Sunday afternoon, I realised —
I want to be brave like Dylan.
Lately, I’ve felt torn—between what I think I should do and what feels true.
We talk about that on the pod this week.
Sign up to Between The Lines newsletter for more
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After seven years at luxury fashion house Zegna, Nimisha Gupta walked away from the safety of a big role to rediscover herself—and her joy.
In this week’s episode of Between the Lines, we talk about making bold career leaps, finding your way back to creativity, and building a life that feels like yours.
We also dive into the rituals that help Nimisha stay inspired—including why she takes a bath at 2pm every day (iconic).
And, of course, her word for 2025.
I loved this conversation with Nimisha. I hope you do too.
🕊 Find Nimisha on Substack, instagram, and Nimisha Inc.
🕊 Follow Between The Lines on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Substack.
🕊 Find the One Word Journal here.
🕊 Find my art and instagram.
JYK 🤍
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My earliest memories are anxious ones.
Clinging to my mum’s legs as a child. Hiding under a laundry basket when people popped in. Waking up at 5 AM, putting on my school uniform, and sitting there for three hours—because I was terrified of being late.
For most of my life, anxiety was my default state.
And then last year, driving from Milan to Umbria, Matteo and I were listening to a podcast about anxiety when he paused it and asked—How is your anxiety?
To my surprise, I said, Good. I hadn’t felt anxious in ages.
We both sat in silence, a little stunned.
Where did my anxiety go?
I’ve been sitting with that question for months. And recently, as I felt anxiety creeping back in, I realised—there’s one thing that helps me most.
This week, Matteo and I talk about:
The unexpected weight of moving homeMy life with anxietyThe turning point that forced me to make a changeAnd the ritual that’s helping me feel more at ease (and could help you, too)The One Word Journal: https://www.myword.is/book
Between The Lines Newsletter: https://jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/
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Not long ago, I sat down with Grace O’Neill in her Kitchen in London, and we recorded a chat. Grace is a writer. The former editor of Elle Australia. The co-host of After Work Drinks. And one of the most important people in my life.
We met during lockdown—Grace and Zach in Apartment B, Matteo and I in Apartment D. The pandemic turned us, and our neighbour Lena (Apartment C), from strangers into family.
Grace and I have spent hours walking through Holland Park, talking about the messy reality of being an artist—fantasising about a life where we simply make art, go to bed early, and occasionally go somewhere fabulous.
Now, Grace is stepping into a new chapter, launching her Substack, embracing motherhood, and writing her first novel.
In our chat, we talk about the vulnerability of making things and sharing them. The temptation to jump ahead, to seek validation, to chase the third thing. And why, really, we should all just move to Paris.
We also talk about Rick Rubin—a lot. The Creative Act is, to us, the bible. We discuss how there was life before that book and life after, and why we’re so obsessed with it.
Every time I speak to G, I feel seen, inspired, and so grateful.
I loved this chat. I hope you do too.
Links:
Grace's Substack 'So Darling': https://graceoneill.substack.com
The One Word Journal: https://www.myword.is/book
Between The Lines Newsletter: https://jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/
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Matteo and I sat down to talk about redesigning our life in Sydney—finding new rituals, navigating productivity shame, starting therapy, and having the courage to be ourselves. We share the Big Little Things we’re learning and why, in the end, it all comes down to one question: Does it charm you?
You can find my newsletter here: https://jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/
Our One Word Journals here: https://www.myword.is/book
And my IG here: https://www.instagram.com/jessicayolandakaye
Episode Links:
Dr Aditi x The Mel Robbins Show (Horizonless)
Alex Hormozi x Diary of a CEO (Courage To Be You) -
For as long as I can remember, I’ve woken up early. I used to resist it. But lately, I’ve realised it’s a secret part of the day—a time to catch ideas.
In this week’s pod, I talk about protecting your creative flow, the art of deep work, and the biggest thing I learnt from David Lynch’s 2.5-hour masterclass.
Would love to hear what resonates.
JYK 🤍
You can find my newsletter here: https://jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/
Our One Word Journals here: https://www.myword.is/book
And my IG here: https://www.instagram.com/jessicayolandakaye
Episode Links:David Lynch's Masterclass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/david-lynch-teaches-creativity-and-film
Matters Of The Art: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SVBZY2u6rmR7Sj4nzWMXc?si=ca0ff7ed7f644c9a -
A few weeks ago, I took my brother for breakfast and traded coffee and eggs for advice. I told him everything—my podcast vision, the name, the look and feel. I talked for 40 minutes. And then I asked him for a strategy.
Then he looked at me and said:
"You love the planning. The mood boarding, the strategy, the world-building. But while you’re doing all that, you’re not making the podcast. Stop planning. Start the podcast."
Annoying, because he was right.
I thought I was moving forward, but really, I was hiding behind the planning.
So what does it take to actually do the work? To stop circling the idea and step into it fully?
That’s what I explore in this week’s podcast—through the wisdom of Liz Gilbert, Nick Cave, Lucian Freud, Steven Pressfield, Rick Rubin, and my brother.
Would love to hear what resonates.
JYK 🤍
You can find my newsletter here: https://jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/
Our One Word Journals here: https://www.myword.is/book
And my IG here: https://www.instagram.com/jessicayolandakaye
Episode Links:
Fashion Neurosis with Nick Cave -
I love January, but I found this one hard. Not because of No Plans Jan—that gets easier every year. But because it’s been a period of transition. Matteo and I are back in Sydney. We’re staying in Sydney. And that still feels difficult to say out loud, even though it feels true.
This month, I’ve been thinking a lot about place. The place you live, and how you live within it. How to make space for what matters. How to find flow. How to cultivate resonance (my new favourite word). And how to practice patience along the way. I share about my experience in this episode.
You can find my newsletter here: https://jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/
Our One Word Journals here: https://www.myword.is/book
And my IG here: https://www.instagram.com/jessicayolandakaye
Episode Links:
Ezra Klein: Sabbath & The Art of Rest
Mel Robbins: If you Struggle With Stress & Anxiety, This Will Change Your Life
The Atlantic: Find The Place You Love. Then Move There. -
On January 1st, Matteo and I each took out our One Word Journals and started writing. Guided by the book, we reflected on 2024, reconnected with what’s important, and set an intention for the year ahead.
In this chat, we talk about our words for 2025, why Matteo changed his word, and why I stuck to mine. Along the way, Matteo also drops a bomb I wasn’t quite ready to share.
I hope you enjoy listening!
And I’d love to know: what is your word for 2025?
JYK 🤍
One Word Journal: https://www.myword.is/book
Between The Lines: https://jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/ -
This week, Matteo and I sat down to reflect on 2024.
It was a year that began with an eviction from our Notting Hill flat and ended by the seaside in Puglia, Italy. In between, there was a whirlwind of change — a “move” to Milan, a retreat to the forests of Sweden, and an unexpected chapter living in the green heart of Umbria. Along the way, we wrote a book that we’re so proud of.
It was a year of unknowns and constant pivots. And yet, it’s been one of the most transformative and beautiful years of our lives. A real lesson in letting go and discovering new ways of being and living.
In this episode of Between The Lines, we talk about the highs, the lows, the messy middle, and the quiet moments of clarity that came through it all.
December feels like the perfect time to take stock of it all and ask:
What will you leave behind in 2024? And what will you embrace in 2025?
With love,
JYK & Matteo (Dory) -
At the beginning of last year, I was in a creative rut. I knew I wanted to evolve my art but had no idea where to begin. I was terrified I’d never create anything worthwhile again and felt paralysed by indecision.
In this episode, I share how ‘play’ (my One Word for 2023) taught me to trust myself, and reconnect with the joy of expression, creativity, and life.
JYK 🤍
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For years, I was living on autopilot, completely unaware of how disconnected I had become.
One simple question changed everything and fundamentally changed the course of my career and life. It led me to quit my job, rediscover painting, and set me on a path toward meaning rather than validation.
This episode is just six minutes long, but the truth is, it took me days!
JYK 🤍
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The concept of journalling was always confusing to me; it felt elusive, awkward, and just another thing to do. So I resisted it for years. But the noise in my head kept getting louder. Matteo kept nudging me to try ‘positive affirmations’, and then my sister sent me a podcast that gave me the final push I needed.
Now, it’s something I do every single day. Not because I “should,” but because it’s a simple, quick practice that enriches my life in so many ways. It’s helped my confidence, self-esteem, and sense of peace.
Like all rituals, it took time and started small. Today, I’m sharing the simple prompt that got me started and the one word I remind myself of every day, in the hopes it helps you too.
JYK 🤍
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How do we stay focused when our attention is pulled in a thousand directions?
This week, I’m sharing my frustrations with my phone, exploring the hidden cost of distraction on our energy and creativity, and discussing the simple practices that are helping me make space for the things that matter most to me right now.
If, like me, you often feel scattered or overwhelmed, this might be for you.
There’s so much to unpack when it comes to attention, and I worry that we’re so addicted to tech, we’re not talking about it enough. I’d love to know—does it affect you too? And is it something you’d like to explore further?
JYK 🤍
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If you’re on the go, listen on Spotify 🕊
This week, I stepped out of my comfort zone and sat down to record this video.
I’m currently in Umbria, working on a podcast, which is pushing me to face my fears and navigate the unknown. It’s been both exciting and scary.
In this video, I share what it feels like to confront resistance, the discomfort of starting something new, and the book that’s helping me break through self-sabotage.
If you’ve ever felt held back by perfectionism or fear, this might resonate with you. Sometimes, just showing up, no matter how messy, makes all the difference.
JYK 🤍
ps. filming this was terrifying
From the 18th of October, I’ll be introducing membership.
Moving forward weekly posts like this will be shared with members only.
I’m making this change because creating this kind of content is both vulnerable and time-intensive, and I want to ensure that what I share remains meaningful, without cluttering your inbox.
I’ll continue to share ‘Things I Learn’ on the last Friday of every month for free. Thank you for being here. It means a lot 🤍
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/subscribe -
Over the last few months I wiped my Instagram, launched my new collection, and transformed my art studio into an exhibition space with almost 200 metres of drapery. In this 20-minute conversation, we touch on stepping into the unknown, finding the courage to lean into what excites you, and why everything is different this year. I hope you enjoy listening!
This conversation was recorded a few days before hosting my first open day, which was surreal. I absolutely loved meeting everyone and seeing their faces as they stepped into the space.
So much so, that I’ve decided to host another open day on Saturday, May 11th, and would love to see you there.
You can register here.
JYK x
Subscribe to Between The Lines for more subscriber-only content
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/subscribe -
This week, I sat down with Matteo (aka Dory) to discuss why starting something new is so incredibly hard (and how to get started anyway). You can listen to our first recording above!
Recently, I had lunch with a friend who started a brand-new job in a completely new industry.
"How’s it going?" I asked.
"Good," she said. "Though, there’s a LOT to learn. I’m excited for six months from now when I’m actually good at my job."
Interesting, I thought. I felt the same way when I was pushing my art in a new direction; I felt like a beginner again, and that was very unsettling.
Our conversation made me reflect on how uncomfortable it feels to not be good at something. All we want is to reach that beautiful end state where things feel effortless.
And yet, true growth is found in the challenges along the way.
My sister shared an insightful perspective with me. After years of wanting to play the guitar but never taking the first step, she reached a point of frustration. So, she said to herself, "This year, I am going to be bad at guitar." And every time she picked up her guitar and played poorly (almost giving up), she reminded herself, that’s the point!
So often, we don’t start something new because we fear we will be bad at it. We don’t journal, draw or skip because we don’t know how. But when we confine ourselves to what we know and excel at, there is little room for discovery.
What if the goal IS to be bad? To forget the outcome and find joy in the process?
For years, I have wanted to try podcasting. And for years, I have avoided it.
Well, this year, I’m going to be bad at podcasting.*
And Matteo is going to be bad at Italian.
What are you going to be bad at?
As always, I’d love to hear from you.
JYK x
*evidence above!
Things we mentioned in our chat above 🎙:
* Ira Glass on bridging the gap
* Casey Neistat on patience
* The War Of Art by Steven Pressfied
* Brené Brown on FFTs
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/subscribe -
A few days ago, Camille Liu Nock visited me at home in Sydney, and we spoke about our words for the new year. My word for 2024 is ‘ease,’ and in this two-minute video, I share why!
What’s your word for 2024?
JYK x
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jessicayolandakaye.substack.com/subscribe
