

Common Shapes
Cody Cook-Parrott
A podcast about practices and systems for creative work codycookparrott.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Dance of Self-Employment with Jamila Reddy
Jamila Reddy is a writer, meditation guide, ex-entrepreneur, and dear friend.In this episode, we talk about:What it means to be a writerThe capacity it takes to self-publishStepping away from entrepreneurshipSelf-promotion vs self-expressionThe marketing work required to keep a business afloatThe joys (and horrors) of working for othersPaywalls as a way of gathering communityHealthy distraction and self-care that doesn’t feel like laborNew definitions of success Mentioned in the episode:Creative Ideation PortalJamila’s websiteJamila’s newsletter Thanks to Softer Sounds, Saltbreaker, and Jess Herrera for their help making this podcast. If you'd like to support the show, please become a paying subscriber of my newsletter, Cody's World. Get full access to Monday Monday at codycookparrott.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 1, 2025 • 21min
Into the Broadcast: Taking Ideas from Fragment to Finished
Today’s episode is about the long journey of cultivating consistency in our creative practices.I talk about: the magic of giving up, how to find the right pace, minimum viable actions, tools for building momentum, and places to share your work.This one’s for you if you’ve been circling something important that wants to be released into the world. Or if you’re excited about integrating daily or weekly practices, so they can support your long-term projects.Tune in then get the Into the Broadcast Map, and join me in The Long Arc this weekend.Mentioned in the episode:Into the Broadcast MapCreative Ideation PortalSign up for The Long Arc on 10/4 Thanks to Softer Sounds, Saltbreaker, and Jess Herrera for their help making this podcast. If you'd like to support the show, please become a paying subscriber of my newsletter, Cody's World. Get full access to Monday Monday at codycookparrott.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 24, 2025 • 39min
The Cartography of a Season: Mapping Your Podcast & Business Cadence
Let me take you behind the scenes of mapping fall in my business.You’ll learn the three essential parts of a practice-based earning ecosystem. Plus, I share exactly how I plan my launch calendars to support my financial and energetic needs.Tune in for clarity, camaraderie, and creative cartography.Mentioned in the episode:Creative Ideation PortalAmelia Hruby & Nic AntoinetteSign up for The Long Arc on 10/4Join the joyful waitlists for: Pollinating Your Projects - happening in NovemberOffline Practice - happening in DecemberLandscapes - ongoingQuilt Class - returning in November?Use my link for 50% off your first year of Flodesk Thanks to Softer Sounds, Saltbreaker, and Jess Herrera for their help making this podcast. If you'd like to support the show, please become a paying subscriber of my newsletter, Cody's World. Get full access to Monday Monday at codycookparrott.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 19, 2025 • 15min
Creative Ideation Portal Day 3: Art as Service
Today we complete our mini series going over the free Creative Ideation Portal - a guide to help you vision your projects and share them with the world.Tune in to days one and two first. Then join me for today’s conversation about why the world needs your art and how to share it (even if you feel scared).If you’re listening when this comes out, join me and Amelia Hruby at the FREE COMMON SHAPES PARTY on Saturday, September 20th (aka tomorrow!). RSVP here.Mentioned in the episode:Creative Ideation PortalCody’s WorldAmelia Hruby Thanks to Softer Sounds, Saltbreaker, and Jess Herrera for their help making this podcast. If you'd like to support the show, please become a paying subscriber of my newsletter, Cody's World. Get full access to Monday Monday at codycookparrott.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 18, 2025 • 16min
Creative Ideation Portal Day 2: Moving the Needle Forward
Today we continue our mini series going over the free Creative Ideation Portal - a guide to help you vision your projects and share them with the world.Tune in to ‘Day 1 : Our Many Visions’ first. Then join me for today’s exploration of how to make progress (even when you don’t want to work).And if you’re listening when this comes out, join me and Amelia Hruby at the FREE COMMON SHAPES PARTY on Saturday, September 20th. RSVP here.Mentioned in the episode:Creative Ideation PortalCody’s WorldAmelia Hruby Thanks to Softer Sounds, Saltbreaker, and Jess Herrera for their help making this podcast. If you'd like to support the show, please become a paying subscriber of my newsletter, Cody's World. Get full access to Monday Monday at codycookparrott.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 17, 2025 • 22min
Creative Ideation Portal Day 1: Our Many Visions
Welcome to a new season of Common Shapes!We’re beginning with a mini series going over the free Creative Ideation Portal - a guide to help you vision your projects and share them with the world.Tune in for daily episodes.Day One : Our Many Visions Day Two : Moving the Needle Forward Day Three : Art as ServiceThen join me and Amelia Hruby at the FREE COMMON SHAPES PARTY on Saturday, September 20th. RSVP here.Mentioned in the episode:Creative Ideation PortalCody’s WorldOff the Grid & Amelia’s bookJess HerreraNicole CloutierLaurel Schwulst Thanks to Softer Sounds, Saltbreaker, and Jess Herrera for their help making this podcast. If you'd like to support the show, please become a paying subscriber of my newsletter, Cody's World. Get full access to Monday Monday at codycookparrott.substack.com/subscribe

Jan 29, 2025 • 57min
Leaving Social Media and Sacred Attention with Amelia Hruby
Amelia Hruby, a feminist writer and podcaster, dives deep into leaving social media for a more fulfilling creative life. She discusses the emergence of her company, Softer Sounds Studio, and the philosophy of running a business without social media. Amelia emphasizes building authentic connections and community engagement while navigating the emotional hurdles of this shift. The conversation also explores personal growth and the enriching experience of collaborative podcasting, alongside practical resources for those ready to embark on a similar journey.

Jan 15, 2025 • 25min
The Process of Leaving Platforms Behind
The host shares an intriguing personal journey of leaving Substack, highlighting the emotional challenges of migrating subscribers. They delve into the importance of aligning creative practices with personal values while navigating the transition. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of community support for artists and small businesses, and expresses gratitude for collaborative efforts in podcast production. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of balancing business practices with integrity.

5 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 13min
Weaving Your Own Path to Creative Success with Brandi Cheyenne Harper
Brandi Cheyenne Harper is a passionate knitter, writer, and facilitator known for her newsletter 'Knitting as a Love Language' and her book 'Knitting for Radical Self-Care.' She discusses the powerful connection between knitting and personal storytelling, and how fluidity in creative work enhances expression. Brandi shares her journey in self-publishing and the importance of community, particularly for marginalized voices. She highlights the joy of creating inclusive spaces and the transformative nature of radical self-care in her artistic pursuits.

Dec 23, 2024 • 23min
Creative Energy Outside of Instagram
Dear listener,Welcome to our last episode of Common Shapes for the year! We will return with new episodes every Wednesday starting January 8In today’s episode I share a series of practices, systems, and rituals I am doing in place of using Instagram.Make sure you grab the free Creative Ideation Portal : A three day email guide to help you vision your projects and put them out into the world.ALL MY GUIDES :Creative Ideation PortalWeaving in Our Values ToolkitNote Taking Tools + PossibilitiesDaily Writing TrackerSublime - You can also subscribe to Sublimeon Substack - grateful to Alex Dobrenko`for folding me inAre.naOTHER THINGS I MENTION:Tiego Forte’s PARA methodhow a photo and video-sharing social networking service gave me my best friends, true love, a beautiful career, and made me want to die - on sale for $5!LIST MAKING PROMPTS :Make a list of five things you’re grateful forMake a list of ten things you can do instead of reaching for your phoneMake a list of five friends to call in the next weekMake a list of your seventeen favorite words - hang these upMake a list of the ten blessings social media gave you and then make a list of ten places where you can replace thatWAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW :Leave a review on Apple PodcastsLeave a five star review on SpotifyWHO MAKES THIS SHOW POSSIBLE :Editing and support by Softer SoundsPodcast art by Lukaza Branfman-VerissimoMusic by Saltbreaker Thanks to Softer Sounds, Saltbreaker, and Jess Herrera for their help making this podcast. If you'd like to support the show, please become a paying subscriber of my newsletter, Cody's World. Get full access to Monday Monday at codycookparrott.substack.com/subscribe