

botanical studies of internet magic
kening zhu
on creative alchemy, world-building + the internet
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 12, 2025 âą 16min
19. autumn itinerary for the unknown
hello there, after a summer. this episode is on why being with the unknown is at the heart and core of all imaginative, wilderness work -- through your inner life, creative life, digital life, and business. today, I'll share my syllabus-itinerary for navigating uncertainty through the autumnal astrological archetypes of Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius -- aka, how to hold complex truths, walk through the darkness, and find joy in the quest. -this is my itinerary for the first season of Labyrinth Library -- an ongoing seasonal community and teaching vessel for mystery work. we begin September 22. explore more here.mentioned: truth is a glittering glacierthe visual slides of this episode (youtube) ~đĄ visit my website đł explore my courses & â offeringsâ đ receive â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â my lettersâ â â

Mar 29, 2025 âą 20min
18. digital silence as practice
Explore the transformative journey from digital overstimulation to mindful solitude. Discover the emotional and creative rewards of embracing digital silence. Hear personal experiments in digital minimalism, including a day without screens and embracing solitude in nature. Learn how disconnecting from constant connectivity fosters genuine connections with yourself and the world around you. This meditation offers a deeper insight into presence and the richness of stepping back from the noise of technology.

Mar 14, 2025 âą 24min
17. transcendence of a productivity addict
I spent many years needing to feel âproductiveâ everyday â a word that was programmed into me, and which I clung to â but which felt wholly insufficient in trying to measure creative work, especially when self-employed. in this episode, Iâll tell you my journey â from being a productivity addict, to rejecting all imposed structures, to slowly, over time, reimagining what a sustainable, regenerative system actually looks and feels like.I made this podcast shortly after creating my zine, in preparation for teaching a new course, Creative Systems. đ Zine: Deconstructing the Productivity Machine (download)đȘș Creative Systems Course (self-paced study)also mentioned: The Serviceberry: an Economy of Abundance (essay) by Robin Wall KimmererA Moody Creativeâs Guide to Work Overwhelm ~đ sign up for â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â my lettersâ â đĄ explore â â â house on the webs courseâ đȘ· inquire about â â â advising sessionsâ â â đ§ â â â waterâ â â my world

6 snips
Feb 4, 2025 âą 11min
16. digital presence is a place
Explore the concept of digital presence beyond mere productivity. Discover the idea of aligning with inner rhythms instead of succumbing to pressure. Delve into the freedom of embracing absence as a valid part of creative life. Learn how the internet transforms our experience of time and connects us with past versions of ourselves. The discussion wraps up with the notion of digital spaces serving as vessels for genuine presence.

Oct 15, 2024 âą 15min
15. no fear of being seen
Dive into the complexities of embracing visibility and overcoming the fear of being seen. Discover how creativity can flourish from self-acceptance and supportive environments. Explore the tension of being different, and why being present matters more than being public. Learn to face your imaginary shadow gaze while curating safe zones for artistic expression. It's all about making art for no audience and practicing self-acceptance in the process!

10 snips
Sep 11, 2024 âą 27min
14. making a home on the internet
Discover the art of creating a vibrant digital ecosystem that reflects your true self. Learn a three-step process to enhance your online space by focusing on creation before structure. Explore the importance of committing to your creative practice and how to navigate the challenges of maintaining a website. Engage with thought-provoking questions about aesthetics and the dynamic nature of your online identity. This discussion offers inspiration and permission to nurture your unique creative world.

12 snips
Sep 3, 2024 âą 26min
13. the anatomy of a digital world
Dive into the fascinating concept of websites as immersive digital worlds! Discover how your site can be a body to inhabit, shaping a unique atmosphere that reflects your brand. Explore the homepage as an inviting entryway and the importance of clear navigation paths. Uncover the creative potential of a blog as a garden for growth and learn how organized destinations enhance user experience. This engaging discussion reimagines the digital landscape, providing insights for building your own enchanting online presence.

8 snips
Aug 22, 2024 âą 19min
12. your website is not a brochure
Discover why your website shouldn't just be a rigid brochure. Explore the societal pressures of marketing yourself versus the freedom of existing authentically online. Learn the importance of creating a digital garden that reflects your multifaceted creativity. This nurturing space invites visitors to linger, fostering real connections and prosperity. Embrace world-building as wealth-building, and shift from being a marketing niche to showcasing your boundless self.

6 snips
Aug 15, 2024 âą 21min
11. the joy of missing out on platforms
Explore the allure of social media as cruise boats that promise ease while keeping you tethered. Discover alternative ways to build community and monetize your art without traditional platforms. Embrace the idea of being hard to find, enhancing your creative essence away from validation loops. Learn the power of personal websites for deeper connections and the joy of making art without an audience. Dive into authentic expressions and meaningful engagement instead of chasing numbers.

4 snips
Aug 8, 2024 âą 23min
10. sharing your work as creative release
Explore a fresh perspective on sharing your creative work online, viewing it as an integral part of the creative process. Delve into the emotional barriers like overwhelm and guilt that often hinder expression. Discover sharing as a flow of energy and a means to foster self-worth, while embracing vulnerability and surrender. Learn four empowering guidelines to make sharing feel effortless and fulfilling, reinforcing the idea that it's primarily about nurturing your own creative journey.