Art, Authentic Living & Mental Health with Coach Hardy Brooklyn | Free & Open Mind Podcast

In this episode of the Free & Open Mind Podcast, hosts Hardy Brooklyn (life & business coach, Brooklyn, NY) and Stan Nelson (moving forward & goal success coach, Perth, Australia) explore the art of being yourself and how creativity can literally save and reshape a life.Hardy shares his powerful journey from a burned-out tech consultant to body-painted performance artist, burlesque performer, and life coach—and how art helped him recover from medical trauma, addiction to prescription meds, and a career that was destroying his body. (Note: video includes reference to self-harm.)You’ll hear about: • How music and the live music community helped Hardy through serious medical challenges • The life-changing experience of being body-painted on stage and publicly embraced—even by the police • Using art to reduce stress, calm an ADHD/ADD brain, and reconnect with your body • Moving from perfectionism in tech to permission and play in art • How Hardy now integrates art into his coaching practice - Doodling as subconscious journaling - Photography and noticing what draws your eye - Collaging to understand workplace dynamics and emotions • Why mental health support and therapy are not taboo and how Hardy’s beliefs shifted • What improv really is (hint: it’s about “yes, and…,” presence, and acceptance—not just being funny) • Practical tips to start an art practice even if you “aren’t an artist” - 5–6 minute “micro sessions” instead of forcing an hour - Coloring books, clay, sketch pads, photo apps, and more • How art brings play, curiosity, and authentic expression back into adult lifeHardy also shares a sneak peek of a satirical performance piece he’s developing with an AI engineer about the future of AI and human connection.Key takeaway:Art isn’t about perfection or talent—it’s a tool for happiness, nervous system regulation, self-discovery, and authentic living. From rearranging your furniture (feng shui) to choosing colors that feel right on your body, you are constantly creating art in your life.