Nourishing Creativity with Chef Carla Contreras (formerly Show Up Fully)

“If you even have an inkling of something that you have been wanting to share, do it. It's time.” — Valerie OulaThis episode is your invitation to stop waiting for the perfect moment, start creating and sharing your work, ideas, and dreams. I’m joined by energy medicine practitioner and founder of Modern Ritual NYC, Valerie Oula, for a conversation about visibility, intuition, and creativity.Valerie shares how creativity is deeply connected to intuition. She believes creativity begins by listening to the nudges that keep returning and also having the courage to take action when they do. We explore what happens when inspiration meets implementation and why some ideas refuse to leave us alone until we bring them into the world.We take you behind the scenes of how the Creative Visibility Summer Immersion (we start Monday 6/29) was born. Spoiler: It started as a Instagram DM about showing up and quickly evolved into a container. Together, we’re co-creating a space for accountability, creative play, nervous system support, and bringing your ideas to life.Valerie shares how Human Design, astrology, meditation, and energy work all shape her creative process. As a Manifesting Generator, she reflects on the importance of following the spark, trusting what excites her, balancing out with periods of solitude, and also being with community and human connection.We dive into creative blocks through the lens of astrology, particularly Chiron, the wounded healer. Valerie explains how our deepest wounds can become pathways to growth, visibility, and creative expression. Sometimes the very thing we’re afraid to share is the thing we’re here to offer.The through line of this podcast conversation is about giving yourself permission and having the courage to do the darn thing. Whether you’re dreaming of launching a Substack, writing a book, sharing your art, or starting a podcast this episode is your reminder that you are meant to be seen.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @valerieoula to share your takeaways from the episode.xo CarlaPS: Join us inside Creative Visibility Summer Immersion (we start Monday 6/29). Questions? Send us a DM and let's chat if it's right for you.Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“Authentic alignment is the place where your intuition, your heart, and your voice all come together.” — Megan MosleyThis episode is your invitation to explore how creativity doesn’t have to be confined to work, it can flow through conversations, routines, parenting, and the ways we show up for others. I’m joined by Sally Ekus, cookbook literary agent, Substack writer, mother, and improv performer who leads who heart, humor, and honesty.Sally reminds us that creativity can come in many forms: Securing publishing deals for authors she works with, answering questions mid-walk during her “Huff and Puffs,” or performing on the improv stage. She speaks candidly about honoring boundaries, navigating grief, and the gift of community support.We talk about the emotional intensity of writing a book, the importance of doing your homework, and what it means to be in service to both your clients and your own creations. Sally opens up about the tension between consistency and capacity especially, when it comes to writing her Substack, Not So Secret Agent.Whether you’re writing a cookbook, considering a Substack, or curious about publishing, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a peek behind the scenes of the literary world. Bonus: If you’ve ever thought no one cares about your work, let Sally gently prove otherwise.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @bodywisejourney to share your takeaway from the episode.xo CarlaPS: Upgrade to Nourished Creator Studio on Substack for quick-hit micro workshops, BTS Podcast, and simple tools to help you work on your creative dreams now, not someday.Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“Sometimes creativity is a place where I hide, especially right now with everything going on in the world. I need that respite.” — Silvia BifaroThis episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of artistry, honesty, and finding your way back to your creative work. I’m joined by Silvia Bifaro, food photographer, stylist, and teacher whose evocative imagery blends storytelling, soul, and seasonal beauty.Silvia shares how creativity became both a refuge and a form of expression during early motherhood and personal transitions. We talk about the fantasy world she builds through photography, how her aesthetic reflects her inner life, and why every object she styles has a soul.She speaks to the physical and emotional demands of creativity: How burnout creeps in, how resistance builds, and how honoring your body’s needs becomes essential to living a creative life. Silvia opens up about rest, seeking help, and why nourishing your body is inseparable from nourishing your work.In a time when the world can feel heavy, Silvia reminds us that creativity can also be a form of sanctuary. And that creative blocks aren’t failures, they’re signals to slow down, restore, return with intention, and perhaps, a little bit of spoiling yourself.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @silvia_bifaro to share your takeaway from the episode.xo CarlaPS: Upgrade to Nourished Creator Studio on Substack for quick-hit micro workshops, BTS Podcast, and simple tools to help you work on your creative dreams now, not someday.Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“Closing loops creates mental real estate for creativity to grow.” — Jenna KnappThis episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of space, support, and the subconscious. I’m joined by Jenna Knapp artist, NLP Master Practitioner & Trainer, and founder of Have Cake Creative.Jenna opens up about how hypnosis, closing loops, and timeline work allow her clients and herself to unlock creative momentum, especially when capacity feels stretched.She shares how releasing control, receiving support, and working with the subconscious helps creative visions actually come to life. Jenna reminds us that creative blocks are often just signals for space, not signs to stop.When we nourish ourselves, clear the mental clutter, and connect to future vision, creativity can return with ease. Jenna’s resources + a digital Future Letter Writing Kit are in the show notes, please let us know if you do this!Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @havecakecreative to share your takeaway from the episode.xo CarlaPS: Upgrade to Nourished Creator Studio on Substack for quick-hit micro workshops, BTS Podcast, and simple tools to help you work on your creative dreams now, not someday.Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

"Creativity is something that moves through us, that rises through us from our core, from our roots towards expression." — Sofia AdlerThis episode is an invitation to explore creativity as energy, alive, moving, and rising from within. I’m joined by Sofia Adler, an energy worker, astrologer, and newly certified functional nutrition practitioner.Sofia is the founder of Sofia Adler Wellness, an online energy healing center that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Sofia defines creativity as something that comes from the body, not the mind.She shares what the energy of creativity wants to share with us through Energy Mapping. And also, shares about the importance of nourishment, and how honoring your body and spirit can unlock creative flow.Sofia speaks about composting old beliefs and tending to creative blocks with compassion. She reminds us that we do not have to force ideas into form. Instead, we can let creativity move through us from the inside out.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.Leave a comment below or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @sofiaadler_ to share your takeaway from the episode.xo CarlaPS: Join Cher and I inside Hit Send: Create, Complete, & Share Your Work. It’s a three-week co-sprint container, starting December 5th for creatives and entrepreneurs who are done sitting on ideas and ready to share their work.Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

"We are allowed and we must ask for attention if we wish to see a world that is more creative and restorative and mutual.” — Cher HaleThis episode is a reminder that you are not only allowed to ask for attention, but you must ask for attention. I’m joined by Cher Hale of Ginkgo PR, an agency that uses public relations to create a more equitable media landscape.Cher defines creativity as any medium that helps you bring clear, sharp, attention to your life. She emphasizes the importance of bringing loving attention to one’s life and creative endeavors.She also opens up about the importance of taking care of her body, so that she can create a clear channel for ideas and nudges to move through her. She also share a Visibility Practice with us that I hope you will return to often.Join Cher and I inside Hit Send: Create, Complete, & Share Your Work. It’s a three-week co-sprint container, starting December 5th for creatives and entrepreneurs who are done sitting on ideas and ready to share their work.Listen to the Episode: Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create and get the full show notes herexo CarlaPS: Substack curious? Listen to the podcast episode about building your new digital home on Substack. Join the Build Your Rising Substack Accelerator to share your creative projects and work in the world. Create, Launch, & Grow Your SubstackLeave a Comment: On Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @___whatthehale to share your takeaway from the episode.Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“I'm so grateful for the abundance that is happening despite the challenges in my life, which are plenty.” — Dara Erck This episode is your invitation to reframe your relationship with scarcity, in your creative process, work, and how you see yourself. I’m joined by Dara Erck, founder of Sam + Leo, the first all-natural wellness vitamin brand devoted to kid and teen mental health.Dara shares the BTS of building a brand while navigating challenges like divorce, solo parenting, moving, rebranding, and rebuilding after her thriving Amazon channel was unexpectedly deactivated.She also discusses her relationship with manifestation and intuition, and how she used aligned strategy and being open to the possibilities to grow her brand, including being named a finalist in Whole Foods’ program for emerging brands.Dara reminds you that even when things feel hard or unclear that you have the power to keep going and to take note of the abundance around you (big or small) to create your own solutions and pave your own unique path forward.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes + transcript hereQuestions to Reflect On: Sit with these questions: Journal, them on a walk, create a voice note, chat with a friend, or sit with a cup of tea and think about them. Leave a comment below or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @shopsamandleo to share your takeaway from the episode. 1. Where in your life are you being invited to think creatively and strategically right now? 2. Is there something that you want to create or manifest? xo CarlaPS: This post is free preview of what paid subscribers access with Press Publish Club. See the full post on SubstackJoin My Community:WebsiteInstagramSubstackDisclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

"Creativity gives us the opportunity to look at things from a more playful perspective.” — Cecilia TementThis episode of Behind the Scenes is an exploration on how creativity opens a direct line to your higher self. I’m joined by Cecilia Tement, soul life and business awakening mentor, divine channel, and song healer.Cecilia walks us through a Guided Higher Self Practice you’ll want to return to again and again. She also reminds you that you don’t need to force it, fix it, or prove anything to anyone. You just need to return to yourself.Cecilia & I are both doing live Playdates inside Deb D.'s REPlay Summer Podcast Party, running August 1st through 10th.Join Cecilia live at 12:00 pm EST on Wednesday 8/6 for, Whispers from Within and join me on Saturday 8/9 at 12:00 pm EST for the Creative Moon Planner Workshop (replays available).xo CarlaPS: Head to Substack to receive the show notes, journal prompts, resources, and more!Join My Community:WebsiteInstagramSubstackDisclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. Note: Save this mediation practice for when it’s safe to close your eyes. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe