Episodes
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Feeling behind in your business or creative work? As the year wraps up, it’s easy to feel down if you didn’t meet your goals or feel off track from where you want to be. If that sounds like you, here’s a little pep talk for ya.
WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/60Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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If you struggle with telling your story—whether it’s fear of being judged or labeled, or maybe exposing others that you love—this episode is for you. Today, I connected with Irene from Irene’s Entropy, a musician and content creator. She’s built a big ol’ community around her journey of leaving Mormonism and rebuilding her life and career after leaving literally everything behind and having to start all over.
Although her story is complex, she has mastered a way to communicate it through her music and short-form content.
And my guess is, maybe you have a complex story too. There is a way to communicate it effectively, but it’s going to require something. Like Irene says, “It really all comes back to self-awareness, emotional awareness, and understanding your goals and where you’re headed. And then being okay if the public doesn’t see you for who you are yet—knowing that they will if you keep moving toward your goal.”
Well, this is a good one, y’all. This is Irene.
WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
How to share your story despite fear of judgment or appearing like a victimHow to share deeply personal experiences without exposing othersHow to keep your story engaging without it feeling gimmicky or repetitiveCONNECT WITH IRENE: https://www.instagram.com/irenes.entropy/
SERIES OF MUSIC VIDEOS SHARING HER STORY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj_qq_wDnHg&list=PLv49btAcOU0IMix14DxFZCpwlK9nCA-Y_
CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/68Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Missing episodes?
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In today’s episode, we are answering a question from Conner: “How do you get your creative work ‘out there’?” I had a few thoughts and then brought in my friend Jay, who is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, to help answer this question.
WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Previous Interview with Jay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnKyZ92DXWo&t=1sConnect with Jay: https://www.instagram.com/jayworsley/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/67Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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If you are ambitious, it can sometimes be challenging to relate to others who don’t share that ambition. You may also wonder how to maintain healthy relationships when you choose to work more than the average person.
In this episode, I sat down with Stefanos Sifandos, a relationships expert with an extensive background in psychology, philosophy, and ecology, to explore the delicate dance between ambition and connection. In this conversation, you’ll hear why Stefanos believes that "most people's ambition is a compensatory strategy to avoid the pain they don’t want to feel" and how "ambition doesn’t have to disappear, but it should evolve."
If you’re curious about how to reconcile the drive to build something amazing while maintaining healthy relationships, this episode is for you.
WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Topics from this Episode:
Why ambitious people often feel misunderstood or unseenHow to balance the energy required to build something big while nurturing relationshipsWhat to do when your partner doesn’t share your passion or enthusiasmCONNECT WITH STEFANOS SIFANDOS: https://stefanossifandos.com/
CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/66
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One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced lately as a creator is finding the balance between “being consistent” and not putting out something I don’t fully believe in. How do we stay professional and "show up," as Seth Godin says, while keeping our work honest and meaningful?
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Understanding why you're creating and who it’s for.Accepting that inspiration doesn’t come on demand—and that’s normal.Using structure and deadlines to create space for creativity.Reusing ideas in fresh, exciting ways to ease the pressure of constant innovation.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Overview of the 4 Stages of Flow: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17xVsZbw3P/
CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/65PSybYL8nuetKDcNNAyAQ
Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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You might think content from a project management company would be dry, right? Think again.
Today I sat down with Chris Cunningham, a founding member of ClickUp and the head of their social media marketing, to explore their unconventional approach to content creation. Believe it or not, ClickUp isn’t just making business content—they’re breaking all the rules by taking inspiration from comedy and entertainment (think Saturday Night Live) while still delivering value to their audience.
Chris shared how their team takes their content strategy seriously—investing in talent, writing teams, and a creative vision that’s anything but boring. We also talked about how creators can adopt scrappier methods, why it’s important to “take bets off data,” and how reframing embarrassment can unlock your creative potential.
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Scrappy ideas for content creatorsDocumenting your journey and leveraging that contentHow to “think in pictures” to spark better ideasRyan Reynolds’ approach to newsjacking (and what you can learn from it)How to reframe “embarrassment” as a creator and push through doubtCONNECT WITH CHRIS CUNNINGHAM:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cunningham/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisclickup/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/64Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Jimmy asked for marketing advice, and I gave a couple of answers he might not have expected.
WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/63Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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There isn’t a straightforward career path for creatives. You’re often figuring it out on your own and facing resistance. When is it "too lofty" of a dream? Where’s the line between "This isn’t for me" and just needing patience?
Today, I connected with Jay Worsley, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, here to share what it took to build a career (and life) telling stories. In this conversation, he shares his decision-making process and why he "says no as much as he can" (and sometimes says yes for reasons beyond the project). Jay also dives into finding emotion in a story, building a team, networking (even if you’re not extroverted), and his bold ideas about marketing indie films. And he shares why it’s crucial to get still and ask, How does this move me?
This, my friends, is Jay Worsley.
WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
When should you say “no” to a project?Developing a strong vision in your workFinding and conveying emotion in a storyYou might not need social media (try this instead)CONNECT WITH JAY WORSLEY:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayworsley/Website: https://sonderstorytelling.com/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/62Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Today, I'm answering a question from William about what to do when friends and family are critical of your dreams.
Clips Mentioned:
Dan Martell TikTok Clip: https://www.tiktok.com/@money.secretx/video/7424834138139659538?_t=8qgENScavut&_r=1Lewis Howes with Jen Sincero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FV7YCDfp5A&t=42sWATCH Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/60Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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The conversation around money and art is a tricky one. What do you do when folks aren't buying your work? How much should you really be charging? And why do so many people feel uncomfortable even talking about this?
Today, we have with us Amie McNee, the author of We Need Your Art and the voice behind the wildly popular community Inspired to Write, where she helps her global audience of creatives dismantle limiting narratives and start taking their work seriously.
In this episode, you’ll hear why Amie believes that charging for art is “ANTI-Capitalist,” the conspiracy around keeping artists “small and poor,” and why, as a creative, you might want to ignore traditional marketing advice and… f*ck the niche.
WATCH Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Why making money with your art is “anti-capitalist”What you should consider when folks AREN’T BUYING your artA unique approach to MARKETING (that’s actually kinda fun) Why ”NICHING DOWN” is NOT good adviceCONNECT WITH AMIE:
Order ‘We Need Your Art’: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761126/we-need-your-art-by-amie-mcnee/Website: https://www.amiemcnee.com/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/60Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Negative comments. Some folks advise that you “just shouldn’t look at them.” What if there was another trick?
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/59
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
WATCH Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Eric Petersen is an American actor, singer, and comedian – most recently known for his leading role as Kevin in Kevin Can F**k Himself. You may have also seen him in Kirstie, Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, and even Broadway plays like School of Rock, Shrek, and Escape to Margaritaville. He also co-hosts one of the biggest Christmas podcasts – The Christmas Countdown Show.
In this conversation, we dig into how to keep the magic of the creative spirit alive while navigating the business side, building traction in your creative career, calming nerves during performances, and the invitation “to be smarter” as a creative.
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/NUMBER
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Keeping the magic of the creative spirit – even when there’s a business sideBuilding traction in your creative careerCalming nerves during performancesEric’s creative process for finding charactersConnect with Eric Petersen: https://www.instagram.com/ericpete/
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Brandi asked, 'What are the three best books on tactical storytelling?' I share them here, along with examples of what they taught me.
Books Mentioned:
Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks: https://amzn.to/4877Gs6The Best Story Wins by Matthew Luhn: https://amzn.to/4dMxHxQOn Writing by Stephen King: https://amzn.to/3XZ7g2dSave the Cat by Blake Snyder: https://amzn.to/4dGHQMIEpisodes Mentioned:
Matthew Dicks: • How to be a Better Storyteller | @mat... Matthew Luhn: • How to Tell Better Stories | Pixar’s ... Rob Bell: • Rob Bell on Writing, Creativity, and ...ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/57
Ask Heather a Question:
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You may have worked hard to get the opportunity in front of you—whether it’s landing a speaking gig, getting cast in an independent film, or finally gathering the courage to post content online for the first time. Even though you genuinely want it, your body may be in full freak-out mode.
In today’s conversation, I sat down with Will Reynolds—an actor, writer, composer, and seasoned performer who has written songs for Central Park on Apple TV and Disney. We talked about why Will believes overcoming nerves requires stepping into service-based storytelling, how to reframe rejection by seeing art as medicine, and how to approach performing from a healed place, rather than using it to seek validation.
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/56
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Service-based storytellingHow to reframe rejection by seeing art as medicineOperating from a healed place → Not making art for validationTools for calming nerves and preparing adequately for successConnect with Will Reynolds: https://willreynoldsonline.com/
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Someone sent me an email the other day. The bottom of it said, “Sometimes I worry that I am too old to do X”.
My response? You are too old.
Here is why.
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/55
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Today’s episode is a solo one. Let’s talk about Apathy.
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/54
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Joshua Dixon is the founder of Admire Wear, a platform that explores issues around mental health and helps its community rediscover their self-worth. After surviving a life-threatening pit bull attack as a little boy, Joshua is on a mission to help others overcome deep struggles and find purpose in pain. In this conversation, you will hear how, as a grown man, Joshua has conceptualized what happened to him and used his story to impact the lives of tens of thousands of people.
Please support his work here: https://www.admirewear.com/
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/53
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Looking within to find validationHow to use your story to connect with others and make an impactMaking sense of faith after traumatic experiencesConnect with Joshua Dixon: https://www.joshuadixonarts.com/
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Michael Jamin is a veteran TV writer and showrunner with over 20 years in the industry, known for his work on shows like Just Shoot Me, King of the Hill, and Beavis and Butt-Head. Michael is also the author of the bestselling collection of personal essays, A Paper Orchestra, which he tours as a one-man show.
In our conversation, we explored how to draw inspiration from small, relatable moments and the significance of writing through the lens of character. Michael shared valuable insights on the future of writers and performers, tips for avoiding oversharing in storytelling, and whether it's best to conclude a story with a joke or a serious note.
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/52
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Michael’s writing process and the questions he asks himself when outlining a storyShowing the “dark” side of yourself to connect with your audienceWhy he has chosen to build an audience on social media (while still working in television)Connect with Michael Jamin: https://michaeljamin.com/
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Today, I connected with Cindy Zaweski, an award-winning journalist, storyteller, and content strategist. With over 15 years of experience in journalism, she left her job as an executive editor and content director for a luxury magazine in New York to open her own boutique content marketing agency.
Since then, she has built a loyal online community of over 80,000 people. She helps founders connect their expertise and passions through authentic storytelling—get this—all while rejecting conventional niche marketing. In today's conversation, you're going to hear the one thing that will kill a story, why the hero's journey is *%$# on social media, and why you and your audience all share a common enemy.
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/51
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Identifying the key elements of the story & what’s important to shareThe #1 killer of stories & Why the hero's journey is sh*t on socialConnect with your audience with the “common enemy”Listen to Matthew Dicks’ episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lohwMR56bvA
Connect with Cyndi Zaweski: https://www.cyndizaweski.com/
Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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Dr. David Hindin is a trauma and critical care surgeon at Stanford University who is... obsessed with storytelling.
You heard me right—a surgeon who tells stories. In addition to serving as the Associate Chair of Innovation and Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, and the Assistant Director of Stanford’s Biodesign Faculty Fellowship, he also developed a storytelling course at Stanford to help physicians and engineers enhance their communication skills, blending his passion for medicine with creativity. What?
I found him on Instagram, where I was intrigued by his storytelling skills, methods of communication, and advocacy for the arts in scientific fields. I had to have him on the show today, and I was lucky that he agreed (I think this is the first surgeon I’ve ever interviewed). I never would have imagined it would be about this…
In this conversation, you will hear:
How he creates emotional connections in his storytellingThe principles behind being “entertaining,” especially when you dont feel like you areHow he finds the extraordinary in the “ordinary”How to deal with the fear of being “seen” as a creator in you professionACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/50
Connect with David Hindin: https://www.instagram.com/thesurgeonlife/
Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask
Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
Mentioned in this episode:
THE CREATIVE WORKSHOP
January 9, 10 am ET – 1 pm ET
KARY WORKSHOP
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