Creative Genius

After a long and necessary silence, Kate is back - and she comes bearing something real. In this tender welcome-back episode, Kate shares honestly about the months she spent unable to show up: the depression, the grief, the days she couldn't get out of bed, and the slow, quiet process of finding her way back to herself and to this work. She reflects on what it means to be a guide for others when you've temporarily lost your own footing — and why trusting the wisdom of stopping was, in fact, the most important creative act of all. But this episode isn't just about the dark. Kate also shares the luminous knowing that's been growing in her even through the silence, a bone-deep sense that what we're living through right now, as painful and terrifying as it is, is nothing less than the birth of a new humanity. The ancient, tarry weight of old ways is rising to the surface to be burned away. And we - all of us, together - are the ones bringing something more beautiful into being. She talks about the unexpected conversations she's been having at her jewelry kiosk at Granville Island, the messages from listeners that finally tugged her back, and what this next chapter of the podcast might hold. This is a short episode. An outstretched hand. A hello. And an invitation to walk forward together. In this episode: Why Kate went quiet - and why she had to The physical weight of depression and what it asked of her What she's been witnessing in her daily conversations with people from around the world The knowing underneath the fear: why she believes we are living through the birth of something magnificent What's coming next for the Creative Genius Podcast Mentioned: Meredith Hite Estevez — Artists for Joy podcast Tracy Mazuer — Trees Have Feelings, and her book about Ravina the Raven Kate's jewelry and artwork at Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs it right now. One quiet recommendation can be the spark someone else has been waiting for.

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.

What 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.

In this deeply grounding and honest conversation, I sat down with Gina Luker, founder of The Shabby Creek Cottage and The Soft Life Society. Gina is a creative visionary, intuitive guide, and one of the fiercest advocates I know for joy, softness, and radical authenticity. For over 15 years, she’s been helping women reclaim their creative magic and shed the cultural conditioning that tells us we must do more, be less, and stay quiet. Lately, Gina’s been putting her energy toward supporting people through what she calls the "manufactured chaos" we’re all living in—a deliberate and fear-based system designed to keep us small. In this episode, we explore how to meet that chaos with grounded presence, creativity, and meaningful connection. We talk about the extinction burst of the patriarchy, what it means to move toward a matriarchal way of being that honours the highest good for all, and how to stay tethered to our inner compass while the world shakes and shifts. Gina offers soul medicine in the form of wisdom, reminders, and powerful reframes that will leave you feeling more hopeful, more connected—and maybe even a little rebellious in the best way.

In this deeply resonant conversation, artist and soul-guide Sharazad Jamal joins me to explore how we navigate ongoing chaos, collective trauma, and personal overwhelm. We dive into tools and practices that help move through fear, reconnect to intuition, and activate creativity during crisis. With wisdom rooted in somatic therapy, spiritual insight, and creative resilience, this episode is a balm for anyone feeling frozen, scattered, or exhausted. Sharazad shares frameworks for understanding our different bodies (mental, physical, emotional, and soul) and how to support each when fear takes over. If you’ve been struggling to stay grounded in the noise, this episode is a must-listen.

Don't miss this insightful conversation that encourages listeners to turn inward, embrace their intuition, and find magic in the everyday. In this episode of the Creative Genius podcast, host Kate Shepard sits down with Rebe Huntman, a multi-passionate artist and author, to discuss her powerful journey of grief, intuition, and creative connection. Rebe shares the story behind her debut book, "My Mother in Havana, a memoir of magic and miracle", which chronicles her journey back to her mother 30 years after her death through the spiritual traditions of Cuba. This episode is a call to listen to your deepest longings in this time of upheaval we are all living through.

In this deeply personal episode, Kate shares her honest reflections on navigating the ups and downs of life in these uncertain times. She explores how fear, overwhelm, and distraction can pull us away from our highest selves—and how simple, grounding practices like journaling, breathwork, and community can bring us back.

Right now, many of us feel paralyzed by fear as we watch what’s happening in the world—especially in the U.S. political landscape. It’s easy to feel hopeless when we see powerful figures like Trump representing ideologies that seem to threaten everything we care about. But this moment is calling us to step forward. An episode worth forwarding to your community.

In extraordinary times, fear and despair can feel overpowering. But what if the opposite is true? In this special SOLO episode, I share a deeply personal reflection on the battle between light and dark—both in the world and within ourselves. I'm exploring the ways fear tries to convince us that all is lost, and how we can recognize the quiet, unwavering voice of truth and love instead, and inviting you to be a part of The Creative Genius Rising movement. If you've been feeling anxious, hopeless, or overwhelmed, this episode is here to remind you: Love is always stronger than fear.

In this deeply resonant episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, Kate Shepherd sits down with intuitive painter Lisa Wagner to explore the transformative power of creativity in times of grief and healing. Lisa shares her inspiring journey from an accounting career to becoming a celebrated intuitive artist. Together, they discuss overcoming fear, reconnecting with intuition, and the vital role of creative expression in processing emotions and building resilience. They also delve into embracing imperfection, rediscovering one’s creative spark, and the importance of community support for personal and artistic growth.

This episode is a special one. I sat down with the inspiring Roxanne Glaser (SuperdoodleGirl) —artist, educator, and creator of whimsical nature-inspired doodles—to talk about what it really means to live a creative life. We dive into some deeply personal and powerful topics, like how Roxanne used art to process profound grief after experiencing unimaginable loss and how her creative practice became a tool for healing and self-discovery. We talk about the challenges of having too many choices in creativity (I know I’ve felt that paralysis!) and how gentle self-discipline and limitations can actually set us free to create more authentically.

In this episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, Kate Shepherd speaks with Kwame Scruggs, the founder of Alchemy Inc., a nonprofit using the transformative power of mythology to inspire and uplift communities. Kwame shares his incredible journey, from working at Goodyear for 15 years while earning his degrees at night to founding Alchemy Inc. He highlights the wisdom we can gain from myths, including how they can help us identify the subconscious beliefs that may be holding us back.

In this episode of The Creative Genius Podcast, Kate Shepherd speaks with Cory Allen, author of Brave New You, about how to break free from self-limiting beliefs and reconnect with your true creative self. Cory shares powerful insights on recognizing negative stories we tell ourselves, navigating our inner world with mindfulness, and learning to trust our intuition. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom and fresh perspectives to help you unlock your creative potential and embrace life with more intention and clarity.