Create for No Reason

Sometimes the best inspiration is hiding in plain sight—an old notebook, a half-written idea, or a stack of books in the corner. Sometimes inspiration is found in the mess. In this episode of Create For No Reason, I dive into a little creative spring cleaning. While clearing out my office, I rediscovered lost resources, revisited lessons from Joyce Carol Oates and Austin Kleon, and even shared a poem inspired by an old story. Whether you're feeling creatively stuck or just need a little nudge to revisit unfinished work, this episode is an invitation to find inspiration in your home. In this episode, you’ll discover:A powerful writing tip from Joyce Carol Oates How revisiting old materials can reignite your creative sparkWhy starting small builds momentum for bigger projectsA zine by Austin Kleon that might inspire your next ideaThe surprising magic of turning forgotten drafts into shareable work

What happens when your biggest idea fails, but you still believe in your dreams? Starr Hall has built businesses, faced legal battles, and reinvented herself more times than most people dare to try. In this candid and inspiring conversation, we talk about the real cost of entrepreneurship, how to decide which creative ideas to pursue, and how AI can be the most powerful creative partner you've ever had. Starr shares her journey from early-stage tech innovator to her newest project, Growth Hive, and why she's finally creating the kind of business she always dreamed of.In this episode, you'll discover: How to know which of your ideas is worth pursuingA simple gut-check system for creative decision-makingHow to use AI as your “creative partner” The impact of personal setbacks—and how they help shape creative workStarr's unusual technique to calm a racing mind and stay playfulA powerful 10-minute exercise to spark self-love and creative clarity

How do you build a community around creativity, vulnerability, and meaningful connection?In this episode of Create for No Reason, Kate sits down with Keith Case—pastor, counselor, and creative community builder—to explore the intersection of art, faith, leadership, and mental health. Keith shares his unconventional journey from launching a church rooted in vulnerability to helping shape West Palm Beach into a flourishing arts-centered community.From collaborating with dancers and musicians to guiding people through emotional healing and inner child work, Keith opens up about what it really takes to nurture creativity—not just in individuals, but in entire neighborhoods.In this episode, you’ll discover:The power of “open-handed” leadership and creative risk-takingWhat happens when two radically different churches try to mergeWhy creativity is an essential part of healing and mental healthHow to reconnect with your dreams and create from a place of playThe surprising role of the Sabbath in accessing true creative energyHow to know when an idea is worth pursuing🎧 Whether you're a leader, artist, or someone seeking a more meaningful path, this episode is packed with soulful inspiration and real talk about what it means to create a life that matters.

How do great writers actually get their work done?In this episode of Create for No Reason, Kate sits down with bestselling author Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg for a refreshingly honest and insightful conversation about the writing process—what works, what doesn’t, and why most advice is worth testing, not following.They cover everything from building a writing habit to editing as you go, and even dive into a few spicy pet peeves (including a surprising rant on neuroscience in business books).Whether you're dreaming of writing a book or already have a draft, this episode will leave you energized to rethink your own creative process.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why Thomas writes only one day a week—and how that works for himThe one “writing hack” that helps him break through resistanceA counterintuitive trick to write faster How to “date” your book idea before you commit to writing itWhy great editing starts by reading your work out loud

What does it really mean to live a courageous life, and why is it more important than ever for your work, creativity, and leadership? In this episode, we chat with Ryan Berman, author of Return on Courage, to explore how bold decisions, uncomfortable conversations, and imperfect action can help you unlock your potential.We dive into the myths that hold people back, the messy middle of creativity, and why fear isn't something to avoid...it’s something to embrace as part of the journey. Whether you’re launching a new project, leading a team, or simply trying to find the courage to hit publish, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why courage is a journey, not a destination.The six myths that keep people stuck.How to strengthen your courage muscles.The power of being an imperfectionist. What to do when you’re afraid to share your work.Why owning your first 10 minutes of the day can change everything.

In this episode of Create for No Reason, we dive deep into the intersection of AI and creativity with Brian Piper, a seasoned writer, author, and AI enthusiast. Brian shares how AI has revolutionized his creative process, from writing to editing, and how it can become the best creative collaborator. We discuss the evolution of content creation, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, and how they can enhance your productivity without compromising your creativity.In this episode, you’ll discover:How AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are changing the way we create content.The power of using AI as a writing coach and collaborator.Why creativity isn't replaced by AI, but enhanced by it.How to leverage AI for efficiency without losing your personal touch.A sneak peek into Brian’s process for using AI in his book writing and content creation.Tips on how to effectively use AI to expand your reach and improve your creative output.Brian also talks about how AI helps him with tasks like organizing thoughts, generating ideas, and even creating personal testimonials. Whether you're a writer, content creator, or entrepreneur, you'll find insights on how to integrate AI into your workflow.

Have you ever caught yourself scrolling, comparing, and suddenly feeling behind? In this short episode, Kate shares a reflective piece on the trap of comparison—and how to reconnect with your own dream instead.It’s a reminder to create before you consume. To believe boldly, even when the results haven’t shown up yet.In this episode, you’ll be reminded to:Let your dream—not comparison—guide your actionsHonor your small wins and messy progressCreate with confidence, grounded in your own visionStop doubting your path just because someone else’s looks differentKeep going. Your dream is the compass...let it lead.

Struggling to figure out what to create next or whether you're even working on the right thing? In this episode, author and innovation expert Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg joins Kate to explore the messy but meaningful process of project finding. From choosing formats like newsletters or books to developing your unique perspective, they unpack how to discover, shape, and share work that matters.You’ll also hear how Thomas thinks about feedback loops, perfectionism, and building creative momentum, even when your process is far from perfect.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why project finding is the most overlooked part of the creative processThe surprising power of publishing rough drafts (and getting feedback early)A framework to uncover what makes your work differentHow to speed up your creative process without sacrificing qualityThe myth of the “perfect process”, and what to do insteadWhether you're writing a book, launching a podcast, or just trying to figure out what to focus on next, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace the creative chaos—and keep going. Because sometimes, the project that feels unclear today becomes the one that changes everything tomorrow.

In this episode, we’re joined by the Paulette Perhach—writer, creative writing coach, and founder of The Finishing School for Writers.Paulette shares her journey from dreaming of being a writer as a kid to surviving the corporate grind, navigating the Peace Corps, and finally building a thriving freelance writing career on her own terms.She opens up about what it really takes to make a living with words and why community, courage, and even AI can be part of your creative toolkit.In this conversation, you’ll discover:✨How to pitch story ideas editors actually want✨Practical tips to overcome impostor syndrome✨How AI can be a surprisingly great writing partner✨ The power of writing communities (and how to find yours)✨ The emotional rollercoaster of writing a novel✨ Why making art anyway matters—even when no one’s watching✨ How to balance passion projects with paid writing gigs✨ The moment Paulette walked away from corporate life for goodWhether you're scribbling in a journal or pitching national publications, this episode is packed with honest advice and a creative nudge when you need it most.

It’s easy to bounce from one shiny tool to the next, hoping this will be the magic bullet that unlocks all your creative genius. But let’s be real...there’s no magic bullet. Just heart, habits, and a few tools that actually help you do your best work.In this episode, you'll discover five go-to resources to help you stay inspired, organized, and creatively productive. And only two of them are tech.Whether you’re juggling a full-time job and a side project, building your next big thing, or just trying to stay in a creative rhythm, these tools are simple, powerful, and designed to help you keep showing up.Tune in to hear:✨ A simple book strategy to get unstuck creatively ✨ Two tech platforms that make podcasting and content creation easier✨ Why creative friends might be your most underrated resource✨ A gentle reminder to stop searching for all the tools and start using the right onesResources: Riverside: https://riverside.fm/?via=kate-volmanDescript: https://www.descript.com/Small notebooks: https://amzn.to/3SYnk1T