Episodes
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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/60
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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/60
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Missing episodes?
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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
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WATCH Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
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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
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WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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If you look up the name “Neal Foard” on social media, you will see a man standing in front of a black background telling stories. No flashy edits, no animations or jump cuts. It’s just him, the camera, and while staring straight into the screen, delivering powerful, personal stories.
Guess what? It’s working.
As an award-winning advertising and marketing creative professional with over three decades of experience, Neal has crafted successful campaigns for global brands such as Budweiser, Lexus, and Sony. Recently, he has brought that skill online.
A few weeks ago, I asked previous guest Rain Bennett who one of the best storytellers he knows is. He said, hands down, it was Neal Foard. When I visited Neal’s pa lge, I was shocked to find him breaking so many social media rules and still knocking it out of the park. I had to have him on the show to pick his brain about storytelling.
In this conversation, you will hear:
How he develops his storytelling style and becomes comfortable with his deliveryHow he uses intentional vocabulary and scripts his contentHow he connects with his audience by shifting his energy and intentionACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/49
Other Episodes Mentioned:
Increase Your Content’s Engagement Through Sequencing | Rain Bennett | Episode 43How to Captivate an Audience & Be More Confident | Rene Rodriguez | Episode 10William Paul Young | Finding God Outside of ReligionConnect with Neal Foard: https://www.nealfoard.com/ or https://www.storyfire.net/
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
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Alejo Porras is a graphic artist and storyteller specializing in sketchnotes. I met him at a conference where I was speaking a few months ago. Afterward, he walked up to me and handed me this—a summary of everything I had said, designed in this insanely cool graphic. WOW.
Apparently, this is a thing—artists who create pieces of art summarizing lectures, talks, etc., to help people remember what was shared. Cool idea, but how do you market something like this? What Alejo told me he does…is kind of surprising.
In this conversation, you will hear:
How he uses “voluntary generosity” to grow his businessUsing active listening techniques to become a better creatorA step-by-step walk-through of how he markets his sketchnotesACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/48
Connect with Alejo Porras: https://www.alejoporrasart.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
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Elisabeth Wykert is a stand-up comedian and actress, famously known for her leotard dance videos. Yes, you heard that right.
I’ve been following her since the pandemic when she decided one day, you know what, it's time to put on a leotard, dance in public, and put it on the internet. Definitely the type of person I want to know. What happened afterward is pretty mind-blowing.
Growing an engaged audience of over a million people over the past couple of years, I’ve been so curious about her creative process, how she’s merging her online content with her professional goals, and where in the world she learned all these dance moves.
In this conversation, you will hear:
How she improves the quality of her content while maintaining relatabilityHow she manages her energy and shows up full force on screenAnd she shares something she's very passionate about but doesn't talk about much (it has to do with confidence and some societal issues that need to be addressed)ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/47
Connect with Elisabeth Wykert: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethwykert/
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
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Susan George is the founder and CEO of Mediary, where she launches and scales top brands on TikTok through strategic influencer campaigns.
As a Pop/Soul recording artist herself, she knows firsthand that pursuing creativity seriously as a career makes you a business. You need to not only be creatively talented but also be intentional about knowing how to monetize.
During the pandemic, she started making videos on TikTok, landed big brand collaborations for herself, and eventually helped other creatives land deals and find unique ways to monetize, including, more recently, creating and selling products through TikTok Shop.
In this conversation, you will hear:
How she negotiates and lands collaborations with big brands (Cliff bar)How she “made her husband an influencer”How she helps influencers create their own productsACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/46
Connect with Susan George: https://www.instagram.com/susangofficial/ or https://www.mediarymarketing.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
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Today, I connected with Rivky Gross, a hypnotherapist and somatic practitioner for heart centered leaders.
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/45
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
When “healing” is actually a defense mechanism“Feeling” again (when it feels uncomfortable)What “urgency” is a sign of...Connect with Rivky Gross: https://www.rivky-gross.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
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Tyler Tometich landed his dream career, as a visual effects artist his career spanned Hollywood hits like Thor, Ant-Man, and Captain Marvel.
Transitioning from film production to content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyler quickly amassed a following of nearly 500,000 across social media platforms by producing viral videos that resonate with visual effects enthusiasts.
Tyler then shifted gears to focus full-time on his creator business, founding Viral VFX to teach aspiring creators how to build viral brands. His online courses have attracted over 1,200 students and generated six-figure revenue in just six months.
In this conversation, we dig into his story as a young man overcoming addiction, building his dream career, and ultimately taking the unconventional path, to build his own business.
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/44
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Tyler’s journey from conventional entertainment career to full time content creator What to do if your product launch isn’t successful Why you should probably cut the beginning of all your videosConnect with Tyler Tometich: https://www.tylerjt.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
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Today, I connected with Rain Bennett, a two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker, writer, and competitive storyteller. In this conversation, we dig into how to increase retention and engagement in your stories through sequencing and developing a strong payoff.
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/43
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
How to properly sequence your storiesDeveloping a strong payoff in your contentWhy you might want to put your CTAs in the middle of your storyConnect with Rain Bennett: https://www.rainbennett.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
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Today I connected with Adam Ivy, who helps creative entrepreneurs develop raving fans through what he calls 'Attention Marketing.' In this conversation, we dig into how to apply attention marketing to our content, how to make CTAs less icky, and how to create entertaining content while building a deep connection with our audience.
ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/42
TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:
The 'Illusion of Productivity'Adam’s 'BRAVE' framework for CreatorsHow to make content entertaining and engagingConnect with Adam Ivy: https://adamivy.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
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