Ep. 16 - Devotion to Self-Initiation and Artistic Discipline w/ Graham Dern

In this deeply resonant and inspiring episode, Carly sits down with the multifaceted artist and sound alchemist Graham Dern. What starts as an interview quickly evolves into an intimate exploration of devotion, creativity, self-initiated rites of passage, and the powerful tethering that occurs when we commit to our art.Graham shares his lifelong relationship with music, how he rediscovered creative freedom by moving away from rigid structures, and how sound became a spiritual language for him. Together, Carly and Graham reflect on journaling, grief, memory, and how honoring the stories of our elders keeps their essence alive.The episode also dives into Graham’s powerful dopamine detox experiments and the Daily 10s ritual—a practice of reclaiming agency over our attention and focus. Graham unpacks how our relationship with cheap dopamine hijacks our creativity, and how choosing discipline becomes a path to presence, power, and sustainable artistry.They also discuss the life-changing impact of the Dharma Artist Collective—a growing global community for artists dedicated to turning their creative calling into embodied devotion. Whether you're curious about death cookies, dharma sprints, or just want to get your ass handed to you by yourself (with love), this one is for you.✨ Topics Covered:* Rediscovering music as spiritual practice* The power of storytelling and elder wisdom* Grief, memory, and the sacred tether of ritual* Dopamine detoxing + The Daily 10s* Death cookies & creative resistance* Co-founding the Dharma Artist Collective with Eric Godsey* What devotion truly means: being in service to your higher self🎧 Tune in if you're ready to choose challenge, take responsibility for your energy, and show up for your art like it’s your sacred duty.----------------------📂 Resources Mentioned:*Join The Dharma Artist Collective (DAC)*Join The Remembering*Erick Godsey's Journaling Course* The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron* Music & Memory Organization* Dharma Sprints and Zodiac Games⚡️Connect with Graham:Instagram: @grahamdernSpotify: Graham Dern