In this episode, Amie McNee shares why the world desperately needs your art—and how to overcome the inner obstacles that keep so many creatives from stepping into their full potential. Amie is an author, speaker, creative guide, and founder of the popular Instagram account @InspiredtoWrite. Known for her candid conversations about creativity and self-doubt, Amie has helped artists all over the world reclaim their creative power and build a sustainable, fulfilling practice. She’s also the author of We Need Your Art, a manifesto and practical guide for anyone seeking to live a more creative, authentic life. In our conversation, we dive deep into what it means to choose yourself and stop waiting for permission to create. Amie talks about how she rewrote her story as a writer after being rejected by gatekeepers, turning her path around by embracing self-publishing and building a dedicated audience. We explore the tension between external validation and self-empowerment, why tiny steps are the secret to creative success, and the powerful mindset shift that allowed her to fully claim her identity as an artist. Some highlights we explore: The moment Amie realized she didn’t need a publisher’s permission to call herself an author Why "tiny steps" are more powerful than bursts of inspiration in building a creative habit How relentless vulnerability helped Amie build an engaged online audience over 10 years The unexpected advice Amie received from established authors—and why she ignored it Enjoy!

Hey friends, Chase here. Ever had that gut feeling—the one whispering that you’re meant for something more? Maybe it nudged you toward a bold move, a creative dream, or a life change you couldn’t quite explain. But then, almost immediately, fear kicked in. “That’s risky.” “What if I fail?” “What will people think?” Here’s the truth: Your gut is rarely wrong. Fear, on the other hand, is loud, irrational, and loves to keep you small. Why Trusting Your Gut Feels Hard The world conditions us to play it safe—to follow the map, not the compass. We’re told there’s a “right” way to live: go to school, get a stable job, and avoid risks. But what if that map is outdated? What if following someone else’s plan is the real danger? Some Highlights from This Episode: 🔥 The difference between a map and a compass—Why external advice can only take you so far. 🔥 Why playing it safe is the riskiest thing you can do—And how to reframe fear as a sign of growth. 🔥 How to take small, actionable steps toward your dreams—Without overthinking yourself into paralysis. Your Gut Knows. Listen to It. Fear will always be there. But so will your inner knowing. The key is learning to tell the difference—and having the courage to follow through. Until next time, trust yourself. You already have the answers.

Society often pushes us into a box, urging us to play it safe. But embracing multiple passions can lead to a fulfilling life. Mastery in one area can unlock doors to new pursuits, providing credibility and confidence. The best time to start chasing your dreams was years ago; the next best time is now. Challenge conventional norms and explore diverse pathways to success.

Feeling lost in your career? This discussion highlights the struggle between creativity and conformity. It shares a personal story of founding a successful platform that turned into a stifling corporate entity. Listeners learn how small shifts can lead to a drift away from purpose. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the need for change to reconnect with passion. Practical insights are offered for navigating career transitions, promoting a fulfilling life in sync with your true self.

Sahil Bloom, a writer, entrepreneur, and investor, challenges the conventional pursuit of wealth with his insights from 'The Five Types of Wealth.' He argues that chasing money alone limits true fulfillment. Instead, he proposes a holistic view of wealth that includes time, social connections, and mental health. Listeners will learn how to escape the busyness trap, implement the 'energy calendar' technique to manage their time more effectively, and redefine their personal success metrics. This conversation is a blueprint for living a meaningful life.

Aaron Leventhal, a former professional soccer player and performance coach, shares his transformative journey through health challenges that reshaped his outlook on life. He discusses how his experiences led to a reevaluation of priorities and deepened relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, embracing the joy of movement, and setting personalized fitness goals. Aaron's insights encourage listeners to view fitness as a catalyst for personal growth, particularly through life's transitions and the pursuit of wellness in middle age.

Life might not be as short as we think; in fact, a longer perspective can lead to deeper fulfillment. Embracing detours and slower periods is just as valuable as quick milestones. Switching careers later in life is a sign of growth, not failure. The discussion encourages listeners to explore their unique journeys and take their time to discover personal resonance. Rather than rushing through life, the focus shifts to cherishing each moment and connection, allowing for a richer, more meaningful experience.

Dr. Sandra Matz, a computational social scientist at Columbia Business School, explores the intriguing world of psychological targeting through big data. She reveals how our digital behaviors can predict personal traits with remarkable accuracy and discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding this powerful tool. Dr. Matz also addresses the evolving landscape of digital privacy, shedding light on the balance between technological innovation and personal autonomy. With insights on AI's impact on mental health and privacy practices, this conversation is both informative and thought-provoking.

In this episode, Martha Beck shares how curiosity, creativity, and purpose can help defeat anxiety and transform your life. As a Harvard-educated sociologist, bestselling author, and renowned life coach, Martha has dedicated her career to helping people find their truth and live authentically. Her latest work dives deep into the neuroscience of anxiety and reveals how we can rewire our brains to cultivate creativity and connection. We discuss how anxiety operates in the brain, why modern life amplifies it, and the surprising ways we can break free by embracing curiosity and creative action. Martha also shares fascinating insights into the brain's left and right hemispheres and how activating the right hemisphere can lead to profound joy and a sense of purpose. Whether you're battling anxiety or looking for new ways to thrive creatively, this conversation is packed with powerful tools and ideas to shift your perspective. Some highlights we explore: Why "the opposite of anxiety is not calm—it’s creativity." How the left hemisphere creates anxiety loops and the right hemisphere fosters connection. Why modern environments disconnect us from nature and amplify anxiety—and how to reset. Enjoy!

Gabby Bernstein, a New York Times bestselling author and renowned motivational speaker, shares transformative insights on unlocking your inner self. She discusses her latest book, offering actionable steps to heal trauma and confront coping mechanisms. Gabby introduces internal family systems therapy, emphasizing the importance of addressing past pain. A live exercise helps confront inner struggles, showcasing her approachable techniques. Listeners are encouraged to embark on a journey toward inner peace, clarity, and connection immediately.