Off The Grid: Leaving Social Media Without Losing All Your Clients

⏱️ Making Time: Creativity over Productivity — with Maria Bowler

Feb 26, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Maria Bowler, a writer and coach with a Master's in Religion and the Arts from Yale, discusses the nuances between productivity and creativity. She challenges the obsession with efficiency, proposing that true presence and engagement in our work foster creativity. Maria shares insights on how to stretch time and lose track of it, encouraging listeners to embrace creative friction as a catalyst for growth. Their discussion also touches on the complicated relationship with social media, emphasizing a more meaningful connection to art and life.

57:32

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Episode guests

Maria Bowler

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Productivity should be redefined as meaningful engagement rather than just the completion of tasks, fostering genuine creativity.

The painful sense of alienation due to productivity culture can hinder individuals from embracing their inherent creativity.

Active presence in creativity is dynamic and energized, contrasting with traditional views that often see it as passive or calming.

Deep dives

Invitation to Co-Working Sessions

The host announces the creation of the Off-The Coworking Club, offering interaction opportunities for listeners through twice-weekly pop-up co-working sessions. Scheduled from March 10th to April 30th, these sessions encourage participants to gather, work, rest, and collaborate, fostering a sense of community among listeners. The sessions operate under a 'pay what you can' model, with a minimum payment designed to make participation accessible. Additionally, a bonus social session allows attendees to connect directly with the host and fellow members, promoting the idea of relationship marketing.

Intro

2min

Navigating Creativity and Social Media Amidst a New Perspective

3min

Redefining Productivity and Creativity

24min

The Power of Deep Engagement and Community Sponsorship

4min

Exploring Time and Creativity Beyond Traditional Productivity

2min

Redefining Productivity and Creativity

18min

Embracing Creativity Over Rigid Productivity

5min

How do we stay creative — when there’s so much to do and so much at stake?

Today I’m joined by writer, coach, and retreat leader Maria Bowler for a practical and philosophical conversation about:

The difference between productivity & creativity
Why we don’t want to focus on “being efficient” or “maximizing ROI”
How to actually be present (without feeling like you’re just being told to “be present”)
The pain of alienation & how it permeates our daily lives
Distinguishing between creative friction & oppressive friction
Why creating more isn’t about doing less
How to stretch time, lose track of it, and be with yourself beyond the clock
What Maria thinks about social media this year

If you love this conversation, make sure to get yourself a copy of Maria’s book, Making Time! Off the Grid listeners get a special discount and free shipping at this link. (sponsored)

RESOURCES + LINKS
👋 Download the FREE Leaving Social Media Toolkit
🌐 Join the Interweb for courses + community
🌸 Peep the Clubhouse for bonus episodes + emails
💌 Learn more about purchasing ad space + sponsoring the show

🫶 Looking for nuanced conversations about adult friendship? Listen + subscribe to Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship anywhere you get your podcasts (sponsored)

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