Behind the Brilliance

Kristi and I had such a good conversation that lasted about 2 hours. We talked about her essay "Enjoli - read it at http://bit.ly/KristiEnjoli,why you're never too old to start over, and much more. Kristi is a writer and soon-to-be author who penned the (popular and somewhat controversial) essay "Enjoli" on Medium last summer. The response opened a floodgate of reactions from people discussing alcohol consumption, being sober, and how the choice plays into other aspects of life. After reading the essay earlier this year, I was struck by both Kristi's writing style and her observations about alcohol and what it's done to us culturally. Even if you don't "think" you have an alcohol problem, this episode is a good reflection on anything we consider to be a detriment or vice to well-being. I've thought deeply about it as it applies to a variety of areas of my life. Maybe you will too. Say hi to Kristi and let her know what you thought about our chat: @kristiccoulter Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB126

On Part 2 of Tipsy Talk, listener Priscilla asks about sustaining herself as an artist. I shared my experiences, and we covered a lot including: -why financial literacy is a must for creatives -high level marketing considerations for artists -rethinking how much money is "enough" -why doubling prices is often a great idea -much more! Share this episode with friends who are trying to work out the numbers of their ventures and art. Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB125

This episode is probably in my top 10 favorites of all the BTB episodes because of how practical and important the conversation was. It wasn't until the past couple of years that I stopped obsessing over making more money and started thinking more deeply about what money actually represents in my life. Most so-called finance gurus repeat platitudes about skipping lattes and "saving more" without ever addressing the stuff that really gets in the way of people making the kind of money they want to make and knowing what to do with it when they make it. Daniel and I unpacked all of that and more in this conversation. We covered a lot of topics relating to money and lifestyle including: -the amount of money research says is optimal for "happiness" -why you shouldn't "stay in your lane" when it comes to education and career -modern considerations for wealth creation -the reason super smart people get money management wrong -the connection between money and lifestyle satisfaction -and much more Let me + Daniel know what you thought of this episode - did you learn anything interesting?: @danielcrosby @lisanicolebell Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB124

In this first part of Tipsy Talk, listener and former guest Tamara turns the mic on me to ask about everything from my cross country move, how I clarified my values, my favorite project from the past and more. Show Notes: http://bit.ly/TipsyTalk1

This conversation is a must-listen for creatives and people who want to make something out of nothing. Amanda is one of the most inspiring creatives I've had on the show. In spite of not having the arts degree, the wealthy family, and whatever else you assume you need to succeed, she found a way to make what she wanted to see. You should too. This episode is a blueprint for creating personal art and a passionate life. We covered a LOT including: -how Amanda developed her entrepreneurial muscle as an artist -how Amanda deals with Imposter Syndrome -how Amanda manages her responsibilities on TV, radio, and print -why Amanda believes the right partner is an asset to artists -the way Amanda learned to surrender and appreciate life's flow -how to gracefully end friendships The conversation was honest, inspiring, and funny. Drop me + Amanda a line and let me know what you got from it: @amanda_parris | @lisanicolebell Show Notes: bit.ly/BTB122

This episode is a spiritual nerd's dream come true. I sat down with Dr. Andrew Newberg (neuroscientist + author of How God Changes Your Brain) to talk about how meditation, prayer, and religion change your brain. As a researcher, he's a pioneer in the neurotheology. We discuss how he got his start, what he's discovered in his research, and how all of these findings apply to people like me and you. We covered a lot including: -what the heck "neurotheology" is -the impact of religion on health and longevity -Andrew's advice to newbie meditators -the power of yawning -the practical value of optimism -the measurable effects of faith -and much more Let me know what you thought of this episode – did you learn anything interesting? I'm @lisanicolebell on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Show Notes: bit.ly/BTB121

This episode is a Q+A with answers to questions on how and why I weight train, my favorite books of 2016, and how I find time to read. My answers cover a lot of topics: -why I started weight training -the supplements I use to get results -the benefits of weight training -tactics for transitioning into harder workouts -how I find time to read 20-30 books each year -my favorite titles of 2016 -and much more SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTB120

This episode is one my favorite kind - one that touches on a wide range of topics with candor and curiosity. Andrea Pippins is an illustrator (you've seen some of her recent work in the Lenny Letter), designer, author, and generally amazing person. This conversation was rich with inspiring and funny stories and wisdom. Here's a sample of what we covered: -How Andrea got her start as a designer + illustrator -How Andrea faces her fears -The serendipitous story of Andrea's book deal -Andrea's natural hair journey and what inspired her book, I Love My Hair -the joys and complexities of splitting time between the United States and Sweden -work/life harmony -minimalism -much more Say hi to Andrea and tell her what you thought of this episode: @andreagpippins Show notes: bit.ly/BTB119

This episode is a Q+A with answers to questions about how and why I meditate, how I deal with Imposter Syndrome, and whether working for free is a good idea. My answers cover a lot of topics: -why I started meditating and what I get out of it -the step by step of how I meditate -my favorite meditation apps -what Imposter Syndrome is and what causes it -how I deal with Imposter Syndrome my thoughts on working for free -how leverage unpaid opportunities for career success -why some opportunities are -and much more Let me know what you thought: @LisaNicoleBell on FB, Twitter, Instagram

This episode is the perfect kickoff to Black History Month. Writer and Very Smart Brothas founder Damon Young (a self-described Professional Black Person) joined me for a funny and fascinating conversation about his journey from basketball star to writer. Beyond sharing his witty observations, Damon gets personal and talks about how getting married changed his art for the better, why desperation has been useful for his craft, and so much more. Say hi to Damon and tell him what you thought of this episode: @verysmartbros Topics Covered: -The realization Damon had that led him to give up his basketball career (he's still a Pittsburgh hoop legend) -Why 'Dick and Haiku' is the grandfather of 'Netflix and Chill' -Damon's stint as a teacher and his made up curriculum -How Very Smart Brothas was born and how Damon thinks about its growth -The serendipitous events following the release of Damon's first book -Damon's advice to aspiring full-time creatives -How Damon thinks about parenting, being an outsider, and managing his time -and much more Hit me up and let me know what you thought of this episode: @LisaNicoleBell Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB117