Create for No Reason

In this episode, I’m reflecting on how we think about problems. Whether you’re building something meaningful, leading a team, or navigating a season of uncertainty, challenges aren’t a sign that you’re off track, they're part of the process. I share a personal story from early in my career, reflect on the discomfort of the messy middle, and explore how a simple shift in perspective can change the way you move through whatever you’re facing right now.In this episode, you'll discover:A new way to see problems as part of growth, not something to avoidWhy the messy middle feels so uncomfortable — and why it mattersHow to approach challenges without rushing to escape themA simple journaling prompt to help you look at your current challenge differently

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by how long something is taking — a project, a dream, or even becoming the best version of yourself — remember that meaningful work takes time. Creating anything that matters isn’t just about producing the work itself. It’s about growing into the person capable of creating it.In this solo episode, I talk about the creative process and why it can’t be rushed, no matter what you’re building. Whether you’re writing a book, starting a business, launching something new, or trying to build a life you love, real progress happens slowly, through trial and error, imperfect drafts, and the willingness to keep going.You can’t fix a page that’s never been written, and you can’t find clarity without taking the first step. The work reveals itself through action, patience, and trust in the process.Let this be an invitation to stay with the work, embrace imperfections, and keep creating—not perfectly, but honestly, with the skills you have right now.

What if your life is good… but something is missing?In this episode, I sit down with coach and longtime friend Jen Rose for an honest conversation about intuition, courage, and what it really means to follow the quiet nudge that says, there’s more for you.Jen shares her journey from living a “fine” life to making bold, intentional changes — leaving corporate, relocating across the country, and building a coaching practice rooted in authenticity and self-trust. We explore why so many people stay stuck in complacency, how to make meaningful shifts without burning everything down, and the power of taking small, courageous steps toward the life you actually want.This conversation is for anyone who feels restless, muted, or unsure of their next move — and is ready to stop silencing their dreams and start living with more clarity, creativity, and confidence.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why a “fine” life often isn’t enoughHow to listen to intuition without abandoning strategyThe difference between big, dramatic change and small, meaningful shiftsWhy trusting the process doesn’t require knowing the outcomeIf you’ve been feeling the pull to dream a little bigger, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Are you growing or just consuming more self-help content?In today’s episode, I explore the difference between real personal growth and being addicted to consuming books, podcasts, and videos. With so much content available, it’s easy to stay busy consuming rather than applying what we learn to live a more fulfilling life.In this episode, I explore a challenge so many creative, ambitious people face: confusing nonstop consumption with actual growth.With endless podcasts, books, and videos at our fingertips, it’s easy to feel productive while we binge new ideas… yet never meaningfully apply them. If you ever feel overwhelmed by information or stuck endlessly scrolling and consuming, this episode will help you rethink how you consume content and remind you of the power of pausing, reflecting, and creating.In this episode:• The difference between wanting to grow vs. being addicted to self-help• How rereading old ideas can spark new insights• A simple challenge to turn inspiration into actionQuestion for you:Are you consuming… or creating? What books, quotes, or ideas have stayed with you long enough to actually change your life in a meaningful way?

What does it really take to build a fulfilling second act? And do we all need to start a business to feel alive creatively?In this episode of Create For No Reason, Kate sits down with Shannon Russell, host of the Second Act Success podcast and author of Start Your Second Act, to talk about what it means to start over, pursue new dreams, and create a life with no regrets. Shannon shares her journey from television producer to business coach, how she helps women turn ideas into reality, and why not every passion needs to become a business. They explore what happens when your creative pursuits bring you joy instead of pressure, and how to find fulfillment no matter what season of life you’re in.On this episode, you’ll discover:Why not everyone is meant to start a business (and that’s okay)How to know when it’s time for your own “second act”What it means to live a life with no regretsShannon’s creative process for writing her book and producing her podcastWhy finishing what you start matters more than starting everythingThe importance of creative friends who truly get itA 10-minute practice to reset your creativity and reconnect with yourself

What does success really mean in your creative life? In this solo episode of Create For No Reason, Kate explores how different creators define success. Some build a business around their art, while others create simply for the joy of it. Through stories about friends, the creative process, and even Taylor Swift’s latest album, Kate reflects on why being proud of your work might just be the truest form of success.No matter where you are in your creative practice, this episode is a reminder to define success on your own terms and to enjoy the messy middle along the way.On this episode, you’ll discover:Why defining success for yourself is essential to staying groundedThe difference between creating for joy vs. creating for growthThe power of being proud of what you createHow to find fulfillment in the process—not just the results

My creative friend and poet, Terrance P. Elmore is back! We swap notes on the Poem-a-Day challenge, writing when you’re tired, turning okay drafts into great work, and navigating new creative chapters (including Terrance’s first novel).In this episode, you’ll discover:How a daily poetry challenge builds discipline Why writing tired can unlock surprising linesA mindset shift for “done vs. perfect” and sharing your workHow workshops, open mics, and reading fiction help spark creativityA 10-minute practice to spark momentum in your work It's a fun episode. We hope you enjoy.

What does it really take to create a podcast that makes an impact? In this episode, Kate sits down with Rachel Elsts Downey, Founder of Share Your Genius, to explore the creative process, podcasting myths, and how to approach content with purpose and authenticity.Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast or you’ve been creating content for years, this conversation will remind you why it’s never “just a podcast.”In this episode, you’ll discover:Why the podcasting space is not oversaturated and where the real opportunities areThe #1 mistake new podcasters make (and how to avoid it)How to measure success beyond downloads and viewsThe difference between creating for virality vs. creating for impactHow to balance authenticity, niche, and business strategy in your contentThe role of AI in content creation, and why it still starts with peopleA simple 10-minute practice to boost your creativity every dayIf you’ve ever wondered how to show up more consistently, build trust with your audience, and create content that actually matters, this episode is for you.

Mental toughness isn’t just for athletes. It’s for anyone striving to do meaningful, creative, or challenging work. In this episode, Dr. Rob Bell, mental toughness coach and author of eight books, shares what it really takes to perform under pressure, move through setbacks, and keep showing up when things get hard.From training PGA golfers to running 100Ks in the woods, Dr. Bell has lived his message. We talk about routines, refocusing after failure, building confidence, and why patience might just be the ultimate mental toughness skill.In this episode, you’ll discover:The 4 foundational levels of mental toughness (and how to build them)The hidden power of refocusing when things go wrongHow to mentally bounce back after a loss or setbackWhat elite athletes know about pressure that most people don’tA simple daily practice to strengthen your mental gameWhy "the reward is the work" and how to embrace the creative process Dr. Bell’s take on success, failure, and personal growth will leave you feeling motivated and ready to tackle your own next challenge with clarity and heart.Dr. Rob Bell's website: www.drrobbell.com

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