From Dyslexia to Award‑Winning Art: Harrison Love on Living Authentically - Free & Open Mind Podcast

Welcome to The Free and Open Mind Podcast, where we explore what it really means to live authentically in a world that constantly pushes us to conform.In this episode, Hardy Brooklyn and Stan Nelson sit down with award‑winning artist and author Harrison Love—one of the rare creators celebrated both as a visual artist and a novelist. Harrison’s illustrated novel, “The Hidden Way,” was 13 years in the making and is rooted in three years of first‑hand research living among indigenous tribes in the Amazon jungle.In this conversation, we explore: • Turning dyslexia into a superpower • How being labeled “learning disabled” pushed Harrison to develop a different kind of intelligence and ultimately become a writer and illustrator. Living with Amazonian tribes: • What Harrison learned from the Shipibo and Ashaninka about art, spirituality, reciprocity with nature, and the role of the artist as a sacred medium. The invitation to stay in the jungle forever: • A shaman’s offer to marry his daughter and build a life in the Amazon—and why Harrison chose to return to New York and complete his life’s work. Thirteen years, four thefts, one book. • How The Hidden Way was stolen multiple times, why most people would have quit, and what kept Harrison coming back to the page. Art, social media, and staying safe while being visible: • Harrison’s personal experiences with online harassment and stalking, and how he protects his authenticity in a culture that can punish those who stand out. Founding Stoa: bringing art back to the people… • Why Harrison created Stoa, a grassroots arts movement in Brooklyn that “rewilds” inspiration, bypasses broken gallery systems, and gives artists a public, communal stage. A call to artists: the “yelp” of the soul: • Harrison shares a poetic manifesto—a “yelp”—calling artists to push through resistance, honor their creative calling, and understand that progress always comes with a little resistance.Guest Info – Harrison Love • Website: HarrisonLove.com • Book: “The Hidden Way” by Harrison McDonald Love – available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble • Email: [email protected] • Follow Harrison on social media for updates on book readings in Chattanooga, Brooklyn, and across New York City, plus recordings of live readings and Stoa events.👤 About the HostsHardy BrooklynLife and business coach based in Brooklyn, New York. Hardy helps individuals who feel something’s “just not right” figure out how to reconnect their path to a healthier, happier, more rewarding journey. Website & Newsletter: https://boxofrain.com Link: https://www.bor.bz Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hardybrooklynStanMoving forward and goal success coach from Perth, Western Australia. Stan helps people who feel stuck start living extraordinary lives with clarity, momentum, and aligned goals. Website & Blog: https://coachingwithstan.com.au🔴 Watch Live & Catch Past EpisodesThe Free & Open Mind Podcast streams live every Friday at 9:00 AM Eastern Time. Watch live and find past episodes: https://freeandopenmind.com (Redirects to the YouTube channel and the archive of past episodes.)We feature guests from all walks of life who openly share about authentic living, identity, transformation, and personal growth.💬 Join the ConversationWe encourage you to: Ask questions in the live chat and comments Share your own experiences with authenticity, motherhood, identity, and big life transitions Suggest future guests or topics you’d love to see on the show👍 Support the ShowIf this conversation resonates with you: Like this video Subscribe to the channel Comment with your biggest takeaway from CC’s story Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to live more authenticallyYour support helps us reach more people who are ready to live with a Free & Open Mind.