Behind the Brilliance

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

This week's episode is a solo talk on the 11 things we should all stop doing in 2017. A lot of "to do" lists come out near the top of the year, but I decided there were more things we should probably quit than start. 1. Being busy for the sake of being busy (instead of productive) 2. Being lazy / cutting corners 3. Avoiding hard conversations 4. Using outdated definitions of success 5. Catering to the ego 6. Waiting on perfect timing 7. Allowing feelings to be an excuse for bad behavior 8. Flaking on people and things 9. Denying the truth of who we are 10. Hoping goals will just happen 11. Procrastinating unproductively Drop a line and let me know what you thought of this episode and if it was helpful. @LisaNicolebell

This show should be titled Hustle and Heart because those are the two things Tina Lifford has in spades. This conversation tells the story of Tina turning her wishful dream into a thriving career, recovering from major life setbacks, and developing the grit and clarity necessary to courageously live life the way she wants. From getting fired to buying property to choosing projects, this conversation is an inside look at the mindset and attitude of a dynamic artist. We covered a LOT including: -How Tina went from wanting to be an actress to being a sought after, working actress -The story of how Tina took a generous offer from a colleague and turned it into a personal wealth tool -Why getting fired can be a gift if you have the right perspective -How Tina chooses her projects -How Tina coped with losing her brother, dog, and father within 6 months of each other -Tina's advice to creatives who want to be wealthy without being controlled by the pursuit of money -and much, much more! Say hi to Tina and tell her what you thought of this episode: @tinalifford Show Notes: http://bit.ly/btb115

This week's Q+A episode deals with the topic of creating an "ideal life" and escaping a 9-5. I put ideal life in quotations because I don't believe in absolutes when it comes to figuring your life out. It's heavy lifting, it's hard, and it takes time (and I sure as heck am not a guru). Still, I do have a lot (I mean, a LOT, no seriously look at how insanely long this episode is...yeah, a lot) of thoughts, observations, and experiences related to the topic so I answered. Leissan asked: "In your opinion, what is the most graceful way to make that transition? From a 9-5 desk job to doing things that are completely nontraditional. I know everyone has their own path, but hearing your transition and how you took the steps to make your ideal life possible would help me construct mine. I'm at the point would require taking some risks and running into trouble with that as well. How do you gracefully take the risk to make your goals happen?" My answer covers many topics including managing time, managing money, rethinking priorities, mindset matters, assessing risk, and a lot more. Take a listen and tell me what you think -- I'm @LisaNicoleBell on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. All of the books mentioned in this episode are in the show notes. Link (case sensitive) below. Show Notes: http://bit.ly/btb114

What does it look like when your perfect career finds you instead of you stressing out about finding it? My conversation in this episode answers that question. Alyse Killeen is a venture capitalist, founder of City Fellows and Women in Venture, and a smart (and let's be honest, woke) woman who roots for outsiders and underdogs. In this conversation, Alyse opens up about her path from academia to grad school to venture capital. We discuss her philosophies on investing, inclusion, bro culture, and much more. My favorite part is near the end when she shares the best advice she's ever received. Lean in when you hear that come up. Say hi to Alyse and tell her what you thought of this episode: @alysekilleen Show Notes: bit.ly/BTB113