14: How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis

Kari and Tory are excited to introduce you to James McCrae. James is an author, poet, creative guide, and meme-artist based in Austin, Texas. In his writing and art, he applies the principles of mindfulness and Eastern philosophy to modern life with humor and candor. This is a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, humor, teaching, engaging with and in the world, and so much more. James shares why creativity springs from listening, why memes are an art movement, and why all feedback isn't created equal. James also shares why we are in a collective dark night of the soul and how we can emerge transformed.  James' message is one of hope and positivity. You don't have to have it all figured out! He believes we are all creators, and in this episode, he discusses how to be a more conscious creator and live the life you dream.  ABOUT JAMES James McCrae is an author, poet, creative guide, and meme-artist based in Austin, Texas. In his writing and art, he applies the principles of mindfulness and Eastern philosophy to modern life with humor and candor. James is the author of two books: Sh#t Your Ego Says (Hay House, 2017), an autobiographical guidebook for quieting negative self-talk and reconnecting with intuition, and How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis (Thought Catalog, 2021), a book of poetry and memes about leaving your comfort zone to embrace the unknown.  As a creative strategist, James has led workshops and brainstorms with top global brands (including Microsoft, NBC, Target, Organic Valley, and United Healthcare) to help define their mission, vision, and brand story.  He has written articles on creativity for publications like Forbes, HuffPost, Adweek, Yogi Times, Entrepreneur, and Elephant Journal, and his poetry has been featured in literary journals such as American Journal of Poetry, 34th Parallel Magazine, Thought Catalog, New Millennium Writings, and Musepaper. On his popular Instagram page (@wordsarevibrations) James shares daily memes, poems, and illustrations that delight and inspire his audience. He also hosts Homesick Alien Club, a podcast that explores the intersection of creativity, consciousness, and culture.  In his spare time, James enjoys practicing yoga, visiting art museums, watching basketball, walking his dogs, and listening to music.   ABOUT THIS FEELS IMPORTANT This Feels Important is an exploration into the hairy, scary, weird, and sometimes orgasmic journey of navigating our ever-evolving relationships to self, others, and the world around us. Your hosts, Kari Keating and Tory Dube - along with a lineup of epic guests - open the floor for honest discussions about the taboo feels (sex! money!), the painful feels (miscarriages! divorce! grief!), and the fun feels (psychedelics! sex again!) that are inevitable, necessary and freaking important as we all navigate the highs, lows and in-betweens of the human experience.  #thisfeelsimportant SHARE YOUR FEELS WITH KARI AND TORY Find the show on Instagram Share with Kari Share with Tory CREDITS Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect at andrew {at} 51features {dot} com.