

The Tillage Podcast
Shirlee Fisher
The Tillage Podcast is a space I've created to help you gain clarity on your creative journey. Being a creative entrepreneur comes with its ups and downs, and sometimes it can feel like you're all on your own. I’m passionate about digging deep with you, asking the tough questions, and encouraging action that transforms your creative business and life into something you truly love. In each guest episode, you’ll hear from fellow artists who have shifted their mindsets on their path to success and gain actionable advice and strategies to move forward with purpose. Thanks for listening! 🧡🌿
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2025 • 25min
141: Celebrating 3 Years of The Tillage Podcast: Why Looking Back Matters
Three years, 141 episodes, and countless lessons later—The Tillage Podcast is officially celebrating its 3rd birthday! 🎉In this episode, I’m reflecting on what looking back can teach us as creatives and entrepreneurs. From noticing patterns in our energy and mindset, to gaining clarity on what’s working and what isn’t, and even recognizing how our hopes and desires shift over time...reflection is one of the most powerful tools we have for growth.We’ll also talk about the invisible impact of our work and how gratitude for the journey fuels resilience for what’s next.If you’ve ever rushed past your own milestones without pausing to celebrate, this episode is your invitation to stop, look back, and honor how far you’ve come. Because your story matters and your journey matters.🧡🛒Get $10 off your first Instacart Order today!☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM

Aug 19, 2025 • 39min
140: Embracing Being Scrappy in Your Creative Business
When life and business feel messy, do you wait for the perfect conditions or push through? In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes reality of "making it work" this summer like taking meetings from a YMCA bench and even recording this episode from my car. We’ll talk about why shifting from perfection to progress is so hard for creatives, how embracing scrappy seasons can actually fuel resilience and momentum, and practical ways to move forward when conditions are far from perfect.If you’ve ever struggled with waiting for the “right” time, place, or setup before creating, this episode will encourage you to show up as you are...because done is better than perfect, and your work matters and is worth fighting for. 🧡🎨Enroll in Stacie Bloomfield’s 8 Week Course "Leverage Your Art" with my affiliate link☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM

Aug 12, 2025 • 35min
139: Balancing Household Labor and Business Growth with Audra King of She Loves Her Biz
In this empowering conversation, business coach Audra King joins us to explore how the division of household labor directly impacts women entrepreneurs and their ability to thrive creatively and financially. We unpack the concepts of mental load, invisible labor, and why so many women feel like the “default” parent or household manager...even while running full-time businesses.Audra shares practical strategies for having collaborative, non-accusatory conversations with your partner, drawing on insights from Eve Rodsky’s Fair Play framework. You’ll learn why fair doesn’t have to mean 50/50, how to identify and release guilt around taking time for your creative work, and how shifting household roles can unlock more energy, focus, and joy in your business.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of running a household while trying to grow your creative business, this episode will help you reclaim your time, protect your creative energy, and advocate for the fairness you deserve.🎨Join Stacie Bloomfield’s FREE Workshop, The Profitable Art Blueprint happening August 12-19 ☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM

Aug 5, 2025 • 39min
138: From The Archives | Encouragement When Starting is Difficult with Kristi Westberg of At The Dot Design
Starting something new can feel overwhelming, whether it's launching a creative business, diving into surface pattern design, or simply beginning a passion project. There is a whole lot that goes on in our minds and hearts that can create some stall. In this episode, artist and educator Kristi Westberg of At The Dot Design shares her journey from graphic design to rare book conservation to becoming a fabric designer and Skillshare instructor.Kristi opens up about the mental hurdles of taking the first step, how setting realistic goals helped her build momentum, and why imperfect action is often the key to growth. She reminds us that progress rarely happens overnight, but consistency and patience can change everything.If you’ve been feeling stuck, afraid to start, or overwhelmed by perfectionism, this episode will give you practical tips and encouragement to move forward, embrace the process, and build confidence along the way.Get 10% off your Canvas Lamp today with code: Tillage10Get 50% OFF Your First Year of Flodesk!☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM

Jul 29, 2025 • 31min
137: From The Archives | Rebooting Your Rhythm and Routine
Enjoy this episode that first aired in September of 2023, to assist you in getting back to your rhythm and routine. 🧡In this episode, I am diving into strategies to reboot your rhythm and routine, determining what has gotten you off course, finding your anchors for stability, and embracing the power of persistence. Also, if you are a planner lover I am getting into various planning techniques that I am currently using to keep me on track. This episode is full of resources to help you, so make sure to check out the show notes!☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Get 10% off your Canvas Lamp today with code: Tillage10⭐ Want some extra support creating some structure with your routine? Book a 1 hour coaching call today!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM

Jul 22, 2025 • 36min
136: From The Archives | Combating the Shame of False Starts and Getting Up Again
Enjoy this episode from the archives that first aired April 2024.This episode covers paralyzing effects of shame following unsuccessful attempts in creative endeavors. In this conversation I share personal stories of false starts, from a dormant Instagram account to a short-lived Patreon, and provide practical steps for overcoming the internal struggles and negative self-talk that often accompany these experiences. Through a blend of personal reflection and expert insights, this episode offers a path to forgiveness, courage, and the opportunity to embrace second chances without the burden of shame.Want to dig deeper? Download worksheet!Get 50% OFF Your First Year of Flodesk!☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM

Jul 15, 2025 • 40min
135: From The Archives | Overwhelm and Shiny Object Syndrome with Elizabeth Silver
Join me as I ease back into life after vacation with this special episode from the archives. 😌In this episode, artist and surface pattern designer Elizabeth Silver shares powerful strategies for staying focused and avoiding burnout in the creative industry. We explore how to overcome shiny object syndrome, narrow your niche, and make aligned decisions that support both your business growth and personal well-being. If you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions or unsure where to focus next, this episode offers grounded advice and encouraging insights for navigating your creative path with clarity and intention.Get 10% off your Canvas Lamp today with code: Tillage10Get 50% OFF Your First Year of Flodesk!☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM

Jul 8, 2025 • 32min
134: From The Archives | The Plague of the 3 P’s-Perfectionism, Performance, and Productivity
Join me and revisit one of my highest ranked solo episodes first aired in October 2023—while I spend much needed time with family on vacation. 🌴🧡In this episode, I explore something I call the “Plague of the 3 P’s” – the toxic trio that keeps so many creatives stuck in cycles of burnout, shame, and self-doubt. I share personal stories about how these pressures have shaped my journey, along with practical tools to break free from perfectionism, redefine your worth beyond performance, and embrace rest without guilt. If you're ready to quiet the inner critic and reclaim your creative peace, this one’s for you. 🧡⭐Get 50% OFF Your First Year of Flodesk!☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM

Jul 1, 2025 • 47min
133: Burnout, Sabbaticals, and the Art of Deep Rest with Maegan Megginson
Feeling burnt out, creatively drained, or stuck in hustle mode? In this powerful episode, I am joined by Maegan Megginson, a holistic business coach and host of the Deeply Rested podcast, to explore how intentional rest, sabbaticals, and slowing down can actually fuel your creativity and business growth.Maegan shares her personal journey from therapist to entrepreneur, her experience with burnout, and how creating space for deep rest helped her reconnect with her purpose. You'll learn what a sabbatical really is (and isn’t), how to listen to your intuition without rushing into action, and practical ways to incorporate mini sabbatical moments into your daily life.Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, coach, or multi-passionate soul craving a reset, this episode will leave you with tools to build a more sustainable business and life without sacrificing your well-being.⭐Get 10% off your Canvas Lamp today with code: Tillage10☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM⭐Sign Up for the NEWSLETTER

Jun 24, 2025 • 29min
132: The Power of Easing Into Your Work
Have you ever felt anxious or stressed the moment you wake up? In this episode, we explore why slow starts matter and how easing into your morning can transform the rest of your day. You’ll learn how creating a gentle morning routine can reduce overwhelm, support emotional well‑being, and enhance focus and creativity.If you’re a creative entrepreneur, artist, or anyone craving more intention and balance, this episode will give you actionable steps to design mornings that ground you, spark ideas, and set a calm, productive tone for the rest of your day.😌Download your Slow Start Menu Freebie⭐Get 50% off Flodesk today! ☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM⭐Sign Up for the NEWSLETTER


