The Modern Creative Woman

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Why do so many intelligent, capable women long to be creative but never quite begin?In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores three surprisingly common mental barriers that keep women from painting, writing, making art, and expressing themselves creatively. These obstacles aren't a lack of talent or time. They're patterns of thinking that quietly pull us away from the creative life we want.Drawing from psychology, art therapy, and over thirty years of clinical experience, Amy explains why creativity actually increases with age, how life experience becomes a powerful creative resource, and what practical steps you can take this week to reconnect with your creative self.You'll also learn why thoughts are not facts, why over-scheduling quietly steals creativity, and how making space for "nothing" can become one of the most productive things you do.In this episode, you'll discover:Why women often become more creative as they get olderHow creativity grows by combining past experiences into something newThe first barrier: spending too much energy worrying about what other people thinkThe second barrier: conflicting values without a clear planThe third barrier: believing every thought your mind producesWhy thoughts are biological events, not objective truthsHow over-scheduling leaves little room for creativity or reflectionThe importance of protecting unstructured timeWhy art naturally strengthens present-moment awarenessJournaling practices that deepen self-understanding without requiring a daily habitA simple affirmation to help you move toward your values instead of away from themThis Week's Creative InvitationThis week, choose one small action:Block off 20 minutes of unscheduled time and resist filling it with chores.Schedule one uninterrupted hour to make art, write, knit, paint, collage, or simply play.Spend time journaling without worrying about doing it "the right way." Write freely, doodle, or write a letter to your future self.Small, consistent moments of creativity help retrain your brain to notice possibility instead of obstacles.Memorable Quote"The only barriers to your creative expression are inside your mind, and thoughts are not facts."AffirmationI am a modern creative woman, and I can figure this out.Resources MentionedAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Present-moment awareness and psychological flexibilityThe concept of flowJournaling as a tool for reflection and creativityIf this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram or leave a comment. Your support, whether it's sharing the podcast with a friend or becoming a small monthly supporter, helps keep The Modern Creative Woman ad-free and allows us to continue exploring the art and science of creativity together.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!We spend so much of our lives trying to eliminate uncertainty. We want the right answer, the perfect decision, and reassurance that we're on the right path. But what if uncertainty isn't something to avoid? What if it's actually one of the most important ingredients for creativity, growth, and living a meaningful life?In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores why self-doubt is not a flaw to overcome but information to work with. Drawing from psychology, art therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), she explains why the discomfort of not knowing is often the doorway to discovering what truly matters.The episode also takes a thoughtful look at artificial intelligence and the growing tendency to use AI for emotional reassurance. While AI can be an incredibly useful tool, relying on it to bypass difficult emotions may prevent us from developing the emotional resilience and self-awareness that meaningful change requires.If you've ever found yourself frozen by uncertainty, second-guessing your decisions, or asking, "What's the right choice?" this conversation will help you relate to self-doubt in a completely different way.In this episode you'll learn:Why uncertainty is a normal and necessary part of growthThe difference between healthy self-doubt and becoming stuckHow creativity develops through curiosity rather than certaintyWhy looking for validation can keep you from discovering your own valuesThe hidden risks of using AI as a source of emotional reassuranceWhat "cognitive surrender" means and why independent thinking mattersThree practical strategies for working with uncertainty instead of avoiding itHow identifying your values leads to clearer, more confident decisionsWhy committed action matters more than having perfect confidenceThree Steps for Working with Self-DoubtName what you're feeling instead of judging it.Clarify the values that matter most to you.Choose one committed action that moves you toward those values, even if uncertainty remains.Memorable Quote"If the path before you is clear, you're probably on someone else's path."— Joseph CampbellMentioned in this episodeAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Carl Jung and the midlife transitionJoseph Campbell's A Hero with a Thousand FacesArt therapy as a tool for discovering values and meaningCreativity, psychological flexibility, and living intentionallyCall to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear what uncertainty you're learning to embrace. Connect with me on Instagram @DrAmyBackos or visit ModernCreativeWoman.com to learn more about my programs for women who want to build a creative, meaningful life grounded in their values.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's navigating a season of uncertainty.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Have you ever thought about knitting as preventive healthcare?In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores the fascinating intersection of creativity, neuroscience, psychology, and fiber arts. What has often been dismissed as "women's work" is now backed by a growing body of research demonstrating significant benefits for brain health, emotional well-being, pain management, and even cognitive longevity.Drawing from her experience as both a psychologist and a lifelong knitter, Amy examines how knitting, crochet, and textile arts support memory, attention, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and social connection. She also shares surprising research from the Mayo Clinic, emerging discoveries from physics and engineering, and practical reasons why learning to knit may be one of the most accessible investments you can make in your future health.In This EpisodeWhy knitting and crochet are powerful tools for brain healthResearch linking fiber arts to reduced risk of cognitive declineHow knitting supports memory, attention, and cognitive flexibilityThe role of knitting in stress reduction and emotional regulationWhy repetitive handwork functions as active meditationHow fiber arts can support anxiety, depression, and chronic pain managementThe importance of flow states and their connection to creativity and well-beingSocial connection and community building through knitting groupsThe surprising relationship between knitting, physics, architecture, and engineeringWhy learning new creative skills benefits the aging brainHow perfectionism can interfere with creative practice—and what to do insteadKey TakeawaysKnitting Supports Cognitive HealthCreativity Is Preventive HealthcareKnitting Creates an Active Meditative StateProcess Matters More Than PerfectionFiber Arts Build CommunityKnitting Is More Complex Than It LooksResources MentionedMayo Clinic research on knitting and cognitive healthResearch published in Frontiers in PsychologyUniversity of Gothenburg studies on knitting and well-beingRavelry knitting community and pattern databaseElisabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Without TearsResearch from the Georgia Tech School of Physics"Programming Mechanics in Knitted Materials" published in Nature CommunicationsQuotes from the Episode"Being able to use the creative part of your brain and the logical part of your brain gives you tremendous benefits.""The health benefits are cumulative over time.""Perfection is not the goal. The goal is process.""Creativity is one of the most accessible forms of preventive healthcare available to us."Mentioned in the EpisodeInternational Knit in Public DayEpisode 161: The Male GazeTextile exhibitions at the Yerba Buena Center for the ArtsTextile and fiber arts exhibitions at the Asian Art MuseumConnect with Dr. Amy BackosIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps more women discover the art and science of creativity.The Modern Creative Woman podcast is proudly ad-free and supported by listener contributions.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!The Male Gaze in Art: Who Gets to Be Seen?In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the concept of the male gaze, its origins in art and film, and how it continues to shape what we see in museums, movies, and visual culture today. From feminist film theory to museum curation, this conversation invites listeners to look more critically at the images surrounding them and consider whose stories are being told—and whose are being left out.In This EpisodeWhat Is the Male Gaze?The male gaze is a concept that emerged from feminist film theory and describes the tendency to depict women from a heterosexual male perspective. In this framework, women are often portrayed as objects to be looked at rather than fully realized subjects with agency and complexity.Amy discusses how this lens extends beyond film and appears throughout visual art, literature, advertising, and popular culture.The Origins of the ConceptThe episode traces the development of the male gaze through several influential thinkers:John Berger and his groundbreaking book and BBC series Ways of SeeingLaura Mulvey and her seminal essay Visual Pleasure and Narrative CinemaThe psychoanalytic influences of Jacques Lacan and Sigmund FreudHow ideas about looking, being looked at, and power shape our experience of artMuseums, Curation, and VisibilityThe conversation expands beyond artists themselves to examine who decides what art is displayed.Questions explored include:Who curates museum collections?Whose work gets purchased and exhibited?How do institutional decisions reinforce existing power structures?What voices and perspectives are still underrepresented?Amy reflects on her own art education and the overwhelming dominance of male artists in textbooks, galleries, and museum collections.Women Artists Who Offered a Different PerspectiveThe episode highlights women artists whose work challenged dominant ways of seeing and centered women's lived experiences.Featured artists include:Mary CassattBerthe MorisotMarie BracquemondElaine de KooningLee KrasnerJoan MitchellAmy discusses how these artists created work outside the traditional framework of the male gaze and contributed important perspectives to art history.The Guerrilla Girls and Art World ActivismThe episode also explores the work of the feminist activist collective Guerrilla Girls.Topics include:Their anonymous advocacy against sexism and racism in the art worldTheir iconic gorilla masks and public campaignsOngoing disparities in museum representationWhy statistics around gender and racial representation in major museum collections remain troubling decades laterWhy Representation MattersArt does more than decorate walls. It shapes identity, belonging, and how we understand ourselves and others.Amy discusses:The health benefits of engaging with arts and cultureThe importance of seeing diverse experiences representedHow representation influences our sense of connection and communityWhy expanding the stories we encounter through art matters for everyoneSupporting Artists in Your CommunityThe episode concludes with practical ways listeners can support the arts:Visit local open studiosAttend community art eventsPurchase artwork directly from artistsGive art as giftsBecome a museum memberBuy books by artists and art historiansLearn about women artists, artists of color, and underrepresented voicesSupport local creative economiesKey TakeawaysThe male gaze is a powerful framework for understanding how women have historically been represented in visual culture.Museums and cultural institutions play a significant role in shaping what art we see.Women artists have long offered alternative ways of seeing the world.Representation in the arts remains uneven despite decades of advocacy.Supporting local artists creates meaningful benefits for individuals, communities, and culture as a whole.Art can be both personally enriching and socially transformative.Mentioned in This EpisodeWays of SeeingJohn BergerLaura MulveyJacques LacanSigmund FreudWorld Health OrganizationEpisode 160: Art and DesireQuestions for ReflectionHow has the male gaze shaped the art and media you consume?Which women artists have influenced the way you see the world?What museums, galleries, or community arts organizations in your area are amplifying diverse voices?How might you support artists and creative communities locally this month?Connect with Dr. Amy BackosFollow Amy on Instagram and join The Modern Creative Woman community for more conversations at the intersection of creativity, psychology, art, and women's lives.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Show Notes: The Neuroscience of Pleasure, Desire, and CreativityIn this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the fascinating connection between creativity, pleasure, and the brain's reward system. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, art therapy, and her own recent experience completing a new book manuscript, Amy discusses how creativity activates the same neural pathways associated with fundamental human pleasures such as food and sex. She explains how dopamine, anticipation, awe, and artistic engagement contribute to motivation, joy, and overall well-being.Amy also shares practical behavioral strategies she used to complete a major writing project, including reward systems, structured scheduling, environmental design, and values-based action. Along the way, she offers encouragement for anyone working toward a meaningful creative goal.The conversation highlights the work of researchers such as Daisy Fancourt and explores why making art is not a luxury but an essential part of a healthy, engaged human life.In This EpisodeWhy the arts activate the brain's reward circuitryThe role of the nucleus accumbens and dopamine in pleasure and motivationHow anticipation increases enjoyment and creative engagementWhy looking at art slowly can deepen pleasure and insightThe neuroscience of awe, wonder, and peak experiencesStendhal Syndrome and being overwhelmed by beautyHow creativity promotes new perspectives and unexpected insightsThe concept of "cross-training" your brain through artistic activitiesWhy making art is beneficial even when the result is imperfectPractical psychology strategies for completing large creative projectsUsing rewards, schedules, and environmental cues to support motivationThe importance of continuing to live fully while pursuing meaningful goalsKey TakeawaysPleasure is a powerful driver of behavior and creativity.Anticipation often creates as much enjoyment as the experience itself.Art engages neural pathways associated with reward, motivation, and learning.Looking at art and making art can increase experiences of awe, wonder, and insight.Creative activities serve as cognitive cross-training that may improve performance in other areas of life.You do not need artistic skill to benefit from art making.Small, consistent creative practices can support emotional well-being, brain health, and psychological flexibility.Resources MentionedDaisy Fancourt's research on arts and healthThe World Health Organization report on arts and healthEpisode 125 featuring sex therapist and art therapist Skylar CollieThe Premack PrincipleFlow states and peak experiencesArt journaling as a daily creativity practiceReflection QuestionsWhat creative activity consistently brings you pleasure?How might you build more anticipation into your creative life?When was the last time you spent several minutes truly looking at a piece of art?What would happen if you gave yourself permission to make imperfect art?What creative practice could become a daily ritual of joy and connection?Connect with AmyModern Creative WomanAmy Backos Psychology PracticeIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a creative friend and subscribe to The Modern Creative Woman wherever you listen to podcasts.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Season 4 Premiere: Creativity, Meaning, and Art Therapy—Answers to Your Most Asked QuestionsWelcome to Season 4 of The Modern Creative Woman podcast.As we begin another year together, I'm reflecting on what an incredible journey this podcast has been. What started as an attempt to put words to something I have always understood through experience—the transformative power of art and creativity—has become a global conversation. The podcast is now heard in 114 countries and territories and more than 1,200 cities around the world. Thank you for being part of this creative community.For this season premiere, I'm answering some of the questions I hear most often about art therapy, creativity, and living a meaningful life. We explore what art therapy actually is, why creativity matters for our wellbeing, how to overcome creative blocks, and how art can help us navigate perfectionism, overwhelm, and uncertainty.Whether you're new to art therapy or have been listening for years, this episode offers practical insights into using creativity as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.In This Episode We Discuss:What art therapy is and how it differs from taking an art classThe evidence supporting art therapy and creative engagementWhy creativity is essential to wellbeing and human flourishingUnderstanding creative blocks and what to do when you feel stuckWhy so many women lose touch with their creativityThe role of emotional labor, responsibilities, and midlife transitionsHow art can help women who consistently put others firstJournaling as a creative and reflective practiceWhether colors and images have universal meaningsWhat happens in the brain and nervous system when we make artHow art can reduce stress and support emotional regulationWhy the language we use about feeling "overwhelmed" mattersBecoming an art therapist: training, education, and career pathwaysHow art therapy can help with perfectionismWhy you do not need to be an artist to benefit from art therapyCreativity, purpose, values, and finding meaning in uncertain timesInsights from Carl Jung on creativity, development, and self-discoveryKey TakeawayCreativity is not a luxury. It is a form of wellness, self-discovery, and meaning-making. You do not need to be talented, inspired, or even confident to begin. The creative process itself offers a pathway toward greater self-understanding, psychological flexibility, and a richer engagement with life.Resources MentionedEpisode featuring sex therapist Skyler on desire and self-discoveryUpcoming book: The Art Therapy ToolkitInformation about year-long creative coaching and art therapy intensivesConnect with Dr. Amy BackosShare your questions about creativity, art therapy, or living a more creative life. Future listener questions may be featured on the podcast.You can connect with Amy on Instagram at @DrAmyBackos and learn more through The Modern Creative Woman community.If your goal is maximum listener growth, I would actually pair a strong SEO title with a curiosity-driven subtitle:Why Women Lose Touch with Their Creativity (and How to Find It Again): Answers to Your Most Asked Questions About Art Therapy.That title captures the central tension running throughout the entire episode and is likely to resonate with exactly the women you're trying to reach.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Amy Backos explores one of the most powerful concepts in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): cognitive defusion. What happens when you stop treating your thoughts like facts? What changes when you learn to observe your mind instead of obeying it?Amy walks listeners through the neuroscience of memory, thought formation, and perception, using the metaphor of a beach visualization to demonstrate how vividly the brain can generate experiences that feel real — even when they are simply mental events. From there, she explains the difference between cognitive fusion and cognitive defusion, and why learning to “hold thoughts lightly” can dramatically improve psychological flexibility, creativity, and peace of mind.This episode dives into the common fused thought patterns many women experience, including:Impostor syndrome and the “phony intellectual” narrativeUpper limit thoughts that emerge when growth and visibility increaseTime-based thoughts that delay meaningful actionThe deeply familiar “I’m not good enough” storyHow self-critical thinking impacts creativity and emotional wellbeingAmy also explores how these thought patterns develop through childhood experiences, social conditioning, survival strategies, and the brain’s natural tendency toward comparison and prediction. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts, she explains how ACT encourages a different relationship with thinking altogether.Throughout the episode, she shares practical examples from her work as a psychologist and art therapist, including how creativity and art-making can help people separate from painful thoughts and move into a more observer-based perspective.You’ll also hear:Why thoughts are biological processes, not objective truthsHow creativity increases adaptability and resilienceWhy the brain prefers familiarity, even when it is painfulThe role of relapse and setbacks in real changeHow metaphors can help create distance from difficult thoughtsWhy observing thoughts creates more freedom than fighting themAmy closes the episode with a powerful art therapy exercise from her upcoming book, The Art Therapy Toolkit. Using metaphor and collage, listeners are invited to visually explore the relationship between themselves and their thoughts. Whether your thoughts feel like weather, software, paint, or trees in a forest, this exercise helps cultivate perspective, insight, and psychological flexibility.If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, perfectionism, procrastination, or the feeling that your thoughts control your life, this episode offers a compassionate and deeply practical framework for relating to your mind differently.In This EpisodeCognitive fusion vs. cognitive defusionAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Psychological flexibilityCreativity and mental healthImpostor syndromeSelf-critical thinkingArt therapy interventionsMetaphor and visual thinkingThe neuroscience of memory and thoughtCreativity as a human needMentioned in This EpisodeThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksThe work of Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes on impostor phenomenonAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)The Transtheoretical Model of ChangeConnect with AmyInstagram: @DoctorAmyBackosWebsite: The Modern Creative WomanIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another creative woman who may need this reminder: your thoughts are not facts, and creativity begins the moment you create space between yourself and the stories your mind tells you.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!What would happen if you stopped documenting your life long enough to actually experience it?In this episode, we explore the growing cultural movement toward an “analog summer” — intentionally stepping away from constant digital stimulation and reconnecting with slower, more tactile, deeply human ways of living. From knitting and painting to playing cards, baking, reading, walking, and spending time in meaningful third spaces, this conversation is about reclaiming attention, creativity, and presence in a world designed to fragment all three.Amy shares reflections on wanting to be fully present during her son’s last summer before college, the surprising relief of taking several days away from her phone, and the neuroscience behind why our devices are making it harder to focus, create, rest, and connect.This episode also explores:the psychological cost of constant scrollingdopamine loops and digital overstimulationattention fragmentation and “brain rot”the loss of third spaces in modern lifewhy multitasking is damaging to the brainstress hormones, cortisol, and emotional overloadhow excessive screen time impacts creativity and cognitionrebuilding cognitive reserve through novelty, art, movement, and mindfulnesspractical ways to create your own analog summerYou’ll also hear simple, realistic strategies for reducing screen time without perfectionism or shame:switching back to a traditional alarm clockleaving books and art supplies visible around the housereplacing scrolling with tactile activitiescreating environments that make analog living easier and more appealingintentionally seeking out novelty, beauty, and in-person experiencesThis episode is ultimately an invitation to reclaim your attention and return to the kinds of experiences that nourish creativity, emotional health, and meaningful connection.Because creativity is one of the most analog experiences we can have.In This EpisodeWhy your phone feels impossible to put downThe neuroscience behind compulsive scrollingWhat happens to the brain during chronic overstimulationHow digital life has replaced many of our third spacesWhy boredom, slowness, and novelty matter for creativitySmall shifts that can dramatically improve focus and moodHow analog experiences help regulate the nervous systemMentioned in This EpisodeDavid SedarisArchitectural DigestEnso drawingFine Points yarn shop in ClevelandKitty Cotton’s “55 Ways I’m Unplugging This Summer”Reflection QuestionWhat would an analog summer look like for you?What are 55 things you could do instead of looking at your phone?Support the PodcastIf you enjoy The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. You can also support the show through monthly sponsorships, which help keep the podcast completely commercial free.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the inseparable relationship between art and politics, and why creativity is not a luxury—but a necessity for a healthy society.From political cartoons and protest imagery to community art and everyday creative expression, art has always been a catalyst for social change, empathy, and revolution. Amy reflects on the alarming decline of arts education in schools, the growing body of research connecting art to physical and mental health, and the urgent need to reclaim creativity as an essential human tool for understanding ourselves and engaging with the world around us.This episode also explores:Why arts education matters for democracy and critical thinkingThe role of creativity in empathy, civic engagement, and problem solvingHow images and symbols communicate powerful truthsThe importance of having imperfect but meaningful conversations about civil rights and democracyThe Japanese Zen art practice of the Enso and its connection to mindfulness and imperfectionHow perfectionism can silence creativity and become a barrier to changeThe connection between inner peace, artistic practice, and collective healingUpdates and inspiration from The Art Therapy ToolkitAmy also shares a simple and meaningful creative invitation: creating your own Enso circle as a practice of presence, self-expression, and letting go of perfectionism.Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, this episode is a reminder that creativity belongs to everyone—and that engaging with art can become a powerful act of healing, connection, and participation in the world around us.In This EpisodeThe devaluing of arts education and why it mattersArt as communication, protest, and transformationPolitical cartoons, symbolism, and storytelling through imagesCreativity as a tool for health and resilienceThe Enso circle and the beauty of imperfectionWhy peaceful inner environments matter for collective changeHow small conversations create meaningful social impactMentioned in This EpisodeThe Japanese tradition of Enso artDo Better by Rachel RickettsThe Art Therapy Toolkit by Amy Backos (in press)Creative Reflection PromptWhere do art and social change intersect in your own life? What conversations, emotions, or hopes are asking to be expressed creatively right now?Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!What actually creates a meaningful life? In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the deep connection between meaning, motivation, values, and behavior. Drawing from psychological research, personal stories, and her own creative process, Amy unpacks why fulfillment is not found through certainty, productivity, success, money, or external validation—but through acting in alignment with what matters most to us.Amy shares a candid behind-the-scenes look at finishing her latest book, including her struggles with procrastination, self-judgment, time anxiety, and the constant chatter of the mind. Through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she explains the difference between thought fusion and thought diffusion—and how learning to step back from our thoughts can help us reconnect with purpose, creativity, and meaningful action.This episode is an invitation to stop treating your thoughts as facts and instead begin asking: What kind of person do I want to be in this moment? Whether in parenting, work, relationships, creativity, or community, meaning emerges when our behavior reflects our deepest values—even when life feels uncertain or difficult.Amy also discusses:Why procrastination is often part of the creative processHow social media and constant stimulation disconnect us from meaningThe neuroscience of thoughts and why they are not commands or truthsThe relationship between values, satisfaction, and psychological flexibilityWhy creating spaciousness in your schedule supports creativity and emotional healthThe surprising power of tiny daily actions that align with your valuesKey TakeawayWe experience the deepest sense of meaning not when life is easy or predictable, but when our actions align with what truly matters to us.Where in your life do your actions currently align with your values?Where are you reacting to thoughts instead of responding to reality?What small action could you take today that would feel meaningful to you?What would happen if you stopped treating every thought as a fact?Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, it’s natural to return to familiar ways of coping. These patterns often developed for good reason—they worked at one point in time. But as circumstances change, those same strategies can become limiting, keeping us stuck in cycles that no longer support our well-being.In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the psychology of change and why moments of stress are often the most important times to try something new. Rather than retreating into old habits, these are the moments that invite experimentation, flexibility, and growth.Drawing from behavioral psychology, this episode breaks down the fundamental reasons we seek or avoid change—either to reduce discomfort or to increase pleasure—and how these motivations shape our decisions. Dr. Backos also explores three core drivers of change: movement toward our values, the process of self-actualization, and the innate human drive to explore and create.A central focus of this conversation is the role of creativity in disrupting automatic patterns. When we engage in art, we create space between thought and action. Instead of reacting immediately, we are able to observe our internal experience, externalize it, and approach it with greater curiosity and perspective. This shift allows for more intentional choices and opens the possibility for new ways of responding.You’ll also learn how subtle psychological tools—such as nudges, environmental design, and behavioral anchors—can support meaningful and sustainable change. These small adjustments reduce decision fatigue and make it easier to follow through on the behaviors that align with your values.This episode also explores:Why we return to old coping strategies during times of stressHow to recognize when you are ready for changeThe difference between rapid life changes and gradual behavioral shiftsHow admiration, frustration, and comparison can signal a desire for growthPractical ways to use your environment to support new habitsWhy consistency—not perfection—is essential for lasting changeCreativity is not just a form of expression. It is a mechanism for change. Through creative practice, you can begin to shift long-standing patterns, expand your responses to stress, and develop a more flexible, adaptive way of engaging with your life.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!The arts are not a luxury. They are a biological necessity.In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the powerful connection between creativity and health—breaking down the neuroscience behind why engaging in the arts improves not only emotional well-being, but cognitive functioning and even physical health.From brain fog and low mood to attention and memory challenges, the impact of stress on our thinking is real. But research shows that creative engagement—from listening to music to making art—can actually change how the brain communicates with itself, improving clarity, focus, and overall mental functioning.This episode goes beyond inspiration and into evidence. Drawing from neuroimaging research and global studies, including work from the World Health Organization, you’ll learn how the arts reduce cognitive symptoms, expand your behavioral choices, and interrupt the negative cycles that keep you stuck.You’ll also discover why how you engage matters. Passive consumption isn’t enough—true benefit comes from intentional, focused participation in the arts.Dr. Backos also introduces the concept of thought–action repertoires—the patterns that shape how you respond to your emotions—and how creativity can expand those patterns, opening up new ways of thinking, feeling, and acting.This is especially important during times of transition, stress, or reinvention. Whether you’re navigating a new phase of life or feeling disconnected from yourself, the arts offer a pathway back—to clarity, identity, and possibility.In this episode, you’ll learn:How stress and depression impact cognitive functioning (attention, memory, planning)What brain scans reveal about the effects of music and art on neural connectivityWhy focused, intentional engagement with art is key to its benefitsHow creativity expands your “thought–action repertoire” and disrupts negative cyclesThe role of the arts in identity development, self-compassion, and reinventionWhat research says about the dosage needed to experience real changeWhy long-term engagement—not one-off experiences—leads to lasting transformationYou’ll walk away with both the science and the strategy to begin integrating the arts into your life in a way that is sustainable, meaningful, and deeply supportive of your well-being.Because the question isn’t whether art “works.”The question is whether you are willing to engage with it in a way that can change you.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Art is not a luxury—it’s a defining feature of what it means to be human.In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores the deep psychological, biological, and cultural roots of creativity, starting with a powerful idea: humans have been making art for over 70,000 years—and we still underestimate its value.This is a conversation about more than art-making. It’s about storytelling, identity, and how we shape our lived experience through creative expression. You’ll learn why waiting for the “right time” is quietly disconnecting you from your most essential self, and how small, daily creative acts can transform your relationship with your life.Blending art therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and real-life stories, this episode invites you to stop consuming and start creating—because your life is the art.Why creativity is a biological imperative, not a hobbyThe psychological cost of waiting to enjoy your lifeHow storytelling shapes your identity and daily experienceThe difference between consuming art vs. creating itWhy comparison kills creativity—and what to do insteadHow to use tiny pockets of time to build a creative practiceACT-based strategies to diffuse from limiting thoughtsHow to make everyday life feel more meaningful, intentional, and alivePractical TakeawaysSpend 15–20 minutes a day on what matters (especially creativity)Wear the clothes, use the dishes, burn the candle—nowAsk: What would I create if I didn’t need to be good at it?Notice and name thoughts that delay your life (“later, when…”)Replace passive consumption with active creationJournal PromptsWhat am I waiting for before I allow myself to enjoy my life?Where am I choosing consumption over creation?If I treated today like something special, what would I do differently?What story am I telling about my creativity—and is it true?Share your process and tag @DoctorAmyBackos on Instagram—I want to see how you’re embracing your humanness through art.Support the ShowThis podcast is intentionally ad-free.If you’d like to support The Modern Creative Woman, you can:Sponsor the show ($3–$5/month)Share this episode with a friendLeave a review on your favorite platformSupport the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!What does it actually mean to have YOUR style?Not just in how you dress—but in how you think, create, relate, and move through the world.In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos explores style as a way of being—a deeply personal, psychologically rooted expression of self. Inspired by a moment at a San Francisco Symphony League event, where a pianist shared, “I try to play like myself every time,” this episode becomes an invitation to examine where you may be editing, performing, or over-referencing others in your own life.This is not a surface-level conversation about “being yourself.”It’s a deeper, clinically informed look at psychological flexibility, authenticity, and creative alignment.Dr. Backos weaves together art therapy, neuroscience, and lived experience to explore:Why over-referencing (social media, celebrities, trends) disconnects you from your own voiceThe psychological cost of self-editing before rejectionHow authenticity is built through alignment—not performance or perfectionThe role of novelty and neuroplasticity in reigniting creativityWhy technically “good” art—and even a well-curated life—can still feel emotionally flatHow developmental conditioning, trauma, and social expectations shape your personal styleDrawing on the artistic philosophy of Georgia O’Keeffe and the deeply original work of the Gee’s Bend Quilters, this episode highlights what becomes possible when you stop performing and start creating from within.You’ll also be guided through a powerful self-audit practice to help you identify:Where your life feels natural, easeful, and alignedWhere you may be over-editing or borrowing from othersHow to begin reconnecting with your own creative instinctsThis episode is both a reflection and a challenge:Where are you not “playing like yourself”?And what might shift if you did—just once this week?Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!What if the biggest limitation on your creative work isn’t your talent—but your perception of its value?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tanetha Jamay Fisher—leadership professor, former Capitol Hill strategist, and luxury business advisor—to explore the powerful intersection of power, perception, and prestige.Together, we unpack how high-level creative women can move beyond the “starving artist” myth and into positions of leadership, influence, and meaningful wealth creation.Dr. Fisher brings a rare and compelling blend of academic rigor and real-world strategy. With a background spanning political science, education, and high-stakes PR, she now helps experts translate their innate brilliance into language that resonates in the marketplace—without losing integrity or depth.This conversation moves far beyond business tactics. We explore:The psychology of prestige and how desire shapes leadership, visibility, and successHow emotions drive decision-making—in politics, business, and personal growthThe role of feminist, Indigenous, and anti-racist research methodologies in expanding how we understand human experienceWhy narrative, phenomenology, and qualitative inquiry create more human-centered, impactful workThe shift from luxury products to luxury experiences—and what that means for creative entrepreneursHow to monetize your genius in a way that reflects your values and expands your impactThe hidden cost of scarcity thinking in helping professions—and how to move beyond itWe also talk about the importance of creative rest, mentorship, and prestige positioning—and why investing in yourself is not indulgent, but essential for sustaining your mission.Dr. Fisher challenges conventional narratives around money, success, and creativity. Her work reframes financial growth not as excess—but as an act of leadership, agency, and legacy-building for the modern woman.If you’ve ever felt the tension between creativity and income, purpose and power, or artistry and visibility—this episode will expand what feels possible.Connect with Dr. FisherInstagram @jamayfisherReferencesFeminism and Intersectionality in AcademiaPedagogy of the OppressedSupport the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!When was the last time you intentionally engaged with the arts—not just as background noise, but as a tool for your well-being?In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores the powerful intersection of creativity, neuroscience, and health. Drawing from the landmark 2019 World Health Organization report analyzing over 3,000 studies, she unpacks why the arts are now being recognized as a critical component of whole-person care—supporting mental, physical, and social well-being.You’ll learn how engaging with visual art, music, movement, and storytelling activates the brain, supports emotional processing, reduces loneliness, and even improves recovery outcomes from illness. This episode also explores how creativity functions as both prevention and intervention—enhancing resilience, supporting trauma recovery, and increasing overall life satisfaction.From global policy shifts to practical, everyday access points, this conversation reframes creativity as essential—not optional.This is your invitation to see the arts differently—and to begin using them more intentionally in your own life.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why the arts are being called the “fifth pillar of health”Key findings from the World Health Organization’s 2019 report on arts and healthHow creativity impacts the brain through sensory stimulation and emotional activationThe role of the arts in preventing illness and supporting recoveryHow engaging with the arts can reduce loneliness and improve mental healthWhy access to the arts is a public health issue—and what’s changing globallySimple ways to begin incorporating the arts into your daily lifeResources Mentioned:WHO Report: What is the Evidence on the Role of the Arts in Improving Health and Well-being?The Modern Creative WomanIf You Loved This Episode:Leave a 5-star review and share a few words about what resonated with you. This helps more women discover the power of creativity as a tool for transformation.You can also support the podcast for as little as $3/month to help sustain and grow this work.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Have you ever noticed the kinds of questions you ask yourself throughout the day? In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Dr. Amy Backos explores the powerful role of our inner dialogue and how the questions we ask ourselves shape the answers our brains produce. Many women are familiar with harsh inner questions like “What’s wrong with me?” or “Why am I always like this?”—questions that tend to generate equally harsh responses. Dr. Backos introduces the idea that if we want better answers, we need to start by asking better questions.Drawing from principles in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, this episode explains how thoughts are not facts but natural biological events happening in the brain. When we begin to observe our thoughts rather than automatically believing them, we create space to choose how we respond. Dr. Backos offers a simple practice of noticing thoughts throughout the day to build awareness of the patterns that often run on repeat in our minds.From there, she introduces the concept of “thousand-dollar questions.” If every question you asked your brain cost $1,000, would you spend that money on criticism and self-doubt—or would you invest it in meaningful questions that guide you toward your values? Questions like “What matters most right now?”, “How do I want to show up in this moment?”, and “What action would help me feel proud of myself today?” invite curiosity, creativity, and self-compassion.The episode also includes an art-based reflection exercise. By journaling and responding visually to your questions through drawing or collage, you can deepen your insight and engage the creative process as a way of understanding yourself. Combining writing and art allows for a richer form of reflection than thinking alone.This episode is an invitation to rethink how you use your mind. When you begin asking higher-quality questions—questions rooted in curiosity, values, and possibility—you give your brain the opportunity to generate far more meaningful answers.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Dr. Amy Backos explores an important question: How do we care for ourselves when the world feels overwhelming? Drawing from positive psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, she reminds listeners that acknowledging suffering in the world does not require abandoning our own joy, rest, or creativity. Sustainable advocacy and meaningful engagement depend on our ability to restore ourselves. True self-care isn’t selfish—it’s what allows us to keep showing up for our communities and the people we love.Dr. Backos introduces the concept of creative rest, inspired by the work of physician and author Sandra Dalton-Smith. Creative rest goes beyond sleep or relaxation; it involves resting the brain by nourishing the part of ourselves that seeks beauty, inspiration, and wonder. One powerful way to experience this kind of restoration is by engaging with art—even if we’re not making it ourselves.The episode highlights the therapeutic value of visiting museums and experiencing art as a viewer. Rather than worrying about art history or whether we “understand” a piece, Dr. Backos encourages listeners to approach art with curiosity and playfulness. A simple practice like playing “I-Spy” with artworks can transform a museum visit into an interactive, reflective experience that sparks creativity and emotional renewal.Dr. Backos also shares examples of women artists who have created powerful work around themes of peace and resilience, including Yoko Ono and contemporary artists responding to conflict and social change. Their work reminds us that art has always been a way for humans to process difficult realities while still imagining something better.Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to step away from constant productivity and news consumption and reconnect with the restorative power of creativity. Whether through visiting a museum, noticing street art, or simply allowing yourself moments of awe and reflection, creative rest can help restore energy, perspective, and hope.Women Artists creating peace mentioned in this episodeYoko Ono Imagine Peace Tower, 2007Juana Alicia, Miranda Bergman, Edythe Boone, Susan Kelk Cervantes, Meera Desai, Yvonne Littleton, Irene Perez  Maestrapeace Mural 1994Käthe Kollwitz Never War Again!, 1924Hisako Hibi Peace, post-WWIIShamsia Hassani Various Graffiti, 2010s–presentLesia Khomenko large scale portraits of soldiers and civilians Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Have you ever believed a thought about yourself so completely that it felt like fact? I’m not good enough. I’m a fraud. I can’t handle this. In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores what Acceptance and Commitment Therapy calls cognitive fusion—the very human tendency to get tangled up in our thoughts and treat them as truth.Drawing from art therapy, neuroscience, and decades of clinical practice, Amy explains how self-critical thoughts form, why “imposter syndrome” is nearly universal, and how believing these thoughts can quietly shape our choices, relationships, and creative lives. When we’re fused, we shrink. When we learn to step back, we regain perspective—and freedom.You’ll learn simple, powerful defusion practices to help you observe your thoughts rather than obey them, including language shifts, present-moment awareness, walking meditations, and art-based exercises like doodling and mindful mark-making. These tools gently retrain the brain to see thoughts as mental events—not facts—so you can respond from clarity instead of fear.If you’ve ever felt held back by your inner critic, this episode offers a compassionate, practical path forward. Because you are not your thoughts—you’re the one noticing them. And from that place, everything opens.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!How much of your life are you actually experiencing… and how much of it are you trying to finish?In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores the difference between process and product — and why our culture’s obsession with outcomes quietly steals so much of our satisfaction, creativity, and peace. From childhood art classes to professional life, we’re often taught to focus on what we produce: the paycheck, the clean house, the finished painting, the perfect result. But art therapy, mindfulness research, and neuroscience all point in another direction. Well-being comes from how we engage with the experience itself.Amy shares how shifting your attention from outcome to process can transform everyday life — your work, your relationships, your creative practice, even washing the dishes. When you learn to stay present with what you’re doing instead of rushing toward what you’ll get, tasks become more meaningful, mistakes feel lighter, and pleasure is no longer postponed. You don’t have to wait until everything is finished to feel good.This episode offers a practical and compassionate reframe for modern women who are tired of chasing the next milestone and ready to enjoy their lives as they’re happening — one small, intentional moment at a time.In this episode, you’ll explore:The art therapy distinction between process and productWhy outcome-focused thinking increases stress and perfectionismHow mindfulness and creativity increase everyday satisfactionSimple ways to bring more presence and pleasure into ordinary tasksHow process-orientation supports psychological flexibility and resilienceIf you’re craving a slower, richer, more creative way of living — this conversation is for you.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Many of us think we have a motivation problem.We call ourselves lazy.We say we’re procrastinating.We wait to “feel ready.”But motivation isn’t a personality trait — and it isn’t something you have to wait for.In this episode, psychologist and art therapist Amy Backos breaks down what 70 years of research actually says about motivation — including intrinsic vs. extrinsic drive, expectancy–value theory, attribution styles, and self-efficacy — and why labeling yourself “unmotivated” quietly undermines your ability to act.You’ll learn:What motivation really is (and what it isn’t)Why calling yourself lazy backfires neurologically and psychologicallyThe simple formula that predicts whether you’ll take actionHow your internal “story” shapes effort and persistenceACT-based cognitive defusion tools to stop believing every thought your mind throws at youHow to act before you feel readyIf you’ve been waiting for motivation to show up before starting your creative work, this conversation will change how you approach action entirely.Because you don’t need more motivation.You need a different relationship with your thoughts.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!If I could gift everyone one psychological skill right now, it would be this: psychological flexibility.Because when the world feels overwhelming — when the news is heavy, systems feel broken, and old wounds get stirred up — rigidity doesn’t help. Avoidance doesn’t help. Doom-scrolling doesn’t help.Adopting a stance of Psychological Flexibility does help.In this episode, I step back from the headlines and talk about something deeper: how humans historically respond when widespread trauma is exposed. We look at the psychology of denial, backlash, and disbelief — and why our nervous systems sometimes push away what feels unbearable.Then I teach you the skill I rely on most in my clinical work and in my own life: psychological flexibility.It’s the ability to stay present, make room for difficult emotions, and choose actions that align with your values — instead of reacting from fear or overwhelm.This isn’t about consuming more information.It’s about staying steady enough to make a difference.If you’ve been feeling anxious, discouraged, or emotionally flooded by the state of the world, this episode will help you ground yourself, protect your energy, and move forward with intention.Because we don’t need more reactivity right now.We need clarity, compassion, and values-based action.Welcome to The Modern Creative Woman.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!In this deeply meaningful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Lavinia Jackson — Chair and Professor of Art Therapy at Marymount University, scholar, educator, and one of the most important voices shaping the future of our field.Dr. Jackson is the author of Cultural Humility and Art Therapy, a book that has profoundly influenced both my teaching and my clinical work. Her leadership has helped move art therapy beyond “cultural competence” and toward something much more human and honest: cultural humility — a way of being grounded in curiosity, critical self-reflection, and respect for the lived expertise of the people we serve.Together, we talk about the origins of cultural humility, born out of the social unrest following the Rodney King riots, and how this framework asks us to move beyond checklists and techniques into deeper accountability — personally, relationally, and institutionally.We explore:why humility is the foundation of ethical therapy workthe difference between competence and curiosityhow relationship — not information — is what truly healsthe risks of disconnection in our AI and algorithm-driven worldand how retreat, travel, art-making, and embodied practices help us step back, reflect, and return to ourselvesThis episode is both scholarly and soulful — a conversation about integrity, presence, and what it really means to show up for others with openness.If you care about creativity, healing, justice, and becoming a more thoughtful human and clinician, this one is for you.Welcome to The Modern Creative Woman — where we explore the art and science of living creatively.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Pick our metaphor to make your life a little easier and more enjoyable. Getting into your zone is the key to living your purpose with clarity, intention, and creativity.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!If your creative energy feels fragile right now, ask yourself not how to push harder or where to recruit more willpower. Instead, ask yourself what kind of container it's been asked to survive in. This episode draws your attention away from motivation and willpower, and towards creating containers where your creativity can grow and expand.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!There is enormous variety in the universe of visual art—and in this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, we explore why that matters so deeply to the human brain and nervous system.Inspired by research from the field of neuroaesthetics, this conversation bridges cognitive science, art therapy, and lived experience to help you understand how beauty, art, and the spaces we inhabit can genuinely support healing and well-being. From moments of awe and wonder to the calming effects of viewing art, we explore how aesthetic experiences influence mood, regulation, perspective, and even physiology.You’ll hear reflections on:Why beauty can create feelings of awe and meaningHow viewing art supports emotional regulation and mental healthWhat neuroaesthetics teaches us about architecture, space, and wellnessWhy art museums, sacred spaces, and expansive environments feel so soothingHow your personal aesthetic preferences matter more than you thinkSimple ways to bring more beauty and creative intention into daily lifeIn a time when so much feels uncertain, this episode is an invitation to stay connected to art—not as escape, but as a powerful source of healing, reflection, and restoration. Beauty is not frivolous. Creativity is not optional. They are essential to how we care for ourselves and one another.And as always, the question remains: now that you know, what will you create?Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!In this episode, I’m welcoming 2026 with a reflection on creativity as a fundamental human force—the energy behind civilization, healing, meaning, and change. As I begin the early, tender labor of writing my next book, I wanted to share some of what has been stirring in my mind and heart during this season of intention-setting and renewal.We explore creativity not as something reserved for “artists,” but as an essential way of thinking, making, and knowing. From the objects in our homes to the systems that shape our societies, creativity is the invisible thread that connects ideas, innovation, and emotional healing. I reflect on art as both an intellectual process—integrating disparate ideas—and a deeply human, embodied act of making with our hands.Drawing on art therapy, psychology, and thinkers like de Botton, Armstrong, and Pat Allen, this episode invites you to reconsider your relationship with art and creativity. We talk about why so many adults stop creating, what we lose when we do, and how returning to simple acts of making can support nervous-system regulation, clarity, insight, and emotional well-being.If you’re seeking inspiration, grounding, or a gentle reminder that creativity belongs to you—no art degree required—this episode is an invitation to open your eyes to the creative world already surrounding you and to ask yourself: Now that you know, what will you create?I also share details about the upcoming Paris art therapy retreat and a special bonus for podcast listeners.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!"Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women." -Maya Angelou As we cross the threshold from 2025 into 2026, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and choose a different way forward—one rooted in values rather than willpower. Opening with Maya Angelou’s reminder that when one woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women, we explore how values guide our decisions, actions, and sense of meaning across every area of life.Instead of setting resolutions that often fade within weeks, this conversation reframes the New Year as an opportunity to reconnect with what truly matters to you. Values—freely chosen, deeply personal, and ever-evolving—become a compass for how you want to live, relate, create, and care for yourself. We unpack the critical difference between goals and values, and how values provide the fuel that goals alone often lack.You’ll be guided through four powerful value domains to consider for the year ahead: self-talk, mental health, inner boundaries, and outer boundaries. Through personal stories, psychological research, and practical examples, this episode explores how kindness toward yourself, value-based self-talk, and clear boundaries—both internal and external—create consistency, self-trust, and sustainable change.This episode is an invitation to reflect on who you want to be, how you want to show up, and what you want to move toward in 2026. By choosing a value—or a word—to guide your year, you begin living in alignment with what matters most, one small, meaningful action at a time.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!“Self-care is how you take your power back.”— Lila Delia🧠 In This EpisodeWhy purpose = values + committed action (from an ACT perspective)How values differ from goals — and why that matters for long-term wellbeingWhat happens in your brain after 50–90 minutes of focused workWhy breaks improve productivity, creativity, learning, and memoryWhat doesn’t count as a break (hint: scrolling your phone)How micro-breaks support your prefrontal cortexSigns your nervous system is asking for a pauseWhy art-making and flow activities are especially powerful forms of restHow mindful breathing differs from guided breathingHow to identify what felt heavy in 2025 — and what you may be ready to let go of🔑 Key TakeawaysAlignment creates happiness. When what you think, say, and do are in harmony, your nervous system feels safer and more regulated.Breaks are biologically necessary. They restore focus, consolidate memory, reduce stress, and support creative problem-solving.Values need protection. Like something precious, they require boundaries and conscious choices.Elimination creates space. Letting go of what drains you allows more room for what matters most.Presence is a practice. Asking “What is most important and valuable right now?” brings you back into the moment.✍️ Reflective Prompts from the EpisodeWhat is most important and valuable right now?(Pause. Ask yourself again. Let the answer deepen.)What felt heavy in 2025?What slowed you down or created unnecessary stress?What are you ready to eliminate?What can you let go of to create more space for value-based living?🎨 Restorative Breaks (That Actually Work)A 5–20 minute walk (especially after learning something new)Stretching, dancing, or intentional movementArt-making without pressure (doodling, scribbling, painting)Flow hobbies (knitting, running, repetitive creative tasks)Mindful breathing (simply observing your breath)Brief solitude or time in natureShifting tasks (writing → editing, thinking → organizing)Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!In this episode of The Modern Creative Woman, Dr. Amy Backos continues the conversation on creating more chill holidays by exploring the neuropsychology of choice, habit, and tradition. She weaves personal reflection with brain science to offer listeners both compassion and practical insight into why the holidays can feel so overwhelming—and how meaningful change is actually possible.Dr. Backos begins by normalizing the gap between intention and reality during the holidays. Drawing from her own experience of scaling back perfectionism, she reminds us that time is not the goal—well-being is. Gifts can arrive late, traditions can shift, and self-kindness matters more than meeting imaginary deadlines.The heart of the episode focuses on the neuroscience of decision-making. Dr. Backos explains how four key brain areas—the prefrontal cortex, limbic system, anterior cingulate cortex, and striatum—work together to shape our choices. Importantly, she highlights how emotion, habit, and reward often override logic, helping explain why we revert to old patterns (especially around family and holidays), even when we “know better.”She then unpacks research showing that the brain initiates action before we’re consciously aware of deciding, underscoring why habits are so powerful—and why change requires patience. This insight offers deep empathy for ourselves and others, reframing impulsive or regressive behaviors as efficiency strategies of the brain, not personal failures.From there, Dr. Bakos turns toward hope and neuroplasticity. Our brains can change, learn new routes, form new traditions, and create new emotional associations. Traditions, while comforting and efficient, are not fixed—and we are free to keep, modify, or release them.The episode closes with a gentle, experiential art therapy practice: slowing down, noticing the urge to move before acting, and using artmaking as a way to interrupt automatic patterns. This mindful pause becomes a lived experience of neuroplasticity and choice—one that can extend beyond the art table and into how we navigate the holidays.Key takeaway: When we slow down and understand how our brains truly work, we can meet ourselves with compassion, experiment with small changes, and create holidays—and lives—that feel more intentional, creative, and calm.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!The Process Is the Way: How to Actually Enjoy Your Holiday SeasonIn this episode, Amy shares the surprising truth about the exact right moment to pause, relax, and return to yourself: when you feel way too busy to do it.If you’ve ever sprinted through December—overspending, overcommitting, overperforming, and quietly drowning in guilt, stress, or “holiday hustle”—this conversation is your invitation to stop treating the holidays like a finish line and start experiencing them as a process.Amy opens up about her own decades-long pattern of holiday bad habits: frantic gift-making, stressful travel, trying to recreate childhood magic single-handedly, and pushing herself far outside her values. Then she shares the shift that changed everything: embracing the process, not just the product.You’ll explore:Why rushing to “get through the holidays” never worksHow mindfulness, ACT, and Zen-inspired practices can bring you back to yourself anywhere—even in trafficWhat art therapy teaches us about staying present and dropping perfectionThe psychological and emotional benefits of valuing the journey rather than the outcomeHow to release traditions you secretly hate and consciously build a season that feels alignedAmy’s personal holiday transformations (no more frantic knitting, no more December flights, yes to pajamas + museums!)This episode will help you create a holiday season rooted in presence, pleasure, values, and genuine connection—not pressure or performance.If you want December to feel calmer, cozier, more intentional, and actually joyful, this is your guide.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos takes you inside a moment every creative woman knows too well—the quiet drift away from our creativity and, in many ways, from ourselves. What begins as a blank page or stalled idea can quickly snowball into self-doubt, overwhelm, or a nervous system stuck in self-protection. But this isn’t a personal failure—it’s biology, psychology, and lived experience converging.For 20 grounding minutes, Amy unpacks why we stop creating and how to gently navigate our way back. You’ll learn:Why the brain interprets vulnerability, visibility, and uncertainty as “threats,” and how that shuts down creative impulsesThe four psychological patterns that disconnect us from our art: avoidance, emotional overwhelm, perfectionism, and the freeze responseHow childhood experiences—from classroom critiques to the pressure to perform—shape our adult creative identityWhy creativity is not a luxury, but a biological form of expression that reconnects us to our sense of selfHow art-making supports self-regulation, identity repair, and the reclaiming of your own perspectiveA simple, soothing creative practice you can do today: the Rainbow Photo Series, designed to ground you in presence and rekindle your creative sparkAmy also shares personal stories about knitting failures, adolescent art shame, the psychology of “too muchness,” and the surprising perfectionism behind choosing the “right tomato.”You’ll walk away with practical ways to re-enter your inner world, slow your nervous system, and create not for the product—but for the reconnection.The Modern Creative Woman is a weekly podcast for women who want to live, create, and heal with intention. If this episode resonates, please share it with a friend and leave a 5-star review—your support helps bring this work to more women.To learn about the upcoming Modern Creative Woman x Girlboss Paris Retreat—a transformative week of art therapy, self-expression, and deep reflection—connect with Amy through the link in the show notes or on Instagram @dramybackos.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!In this week’s episode, Dr. Amy Backos invites listeners into a grounding and honest conversation about the power of values—especially as we head into a season filled with expectations, pressure, and anticipatory anxiety. Using the Buddha’s teaching on the “drunken monkeys” mind as a starting point, Amy explores how our restless, swirling thoughts can pull us away from what truly matters… unless we intentionally return to presence.Amy breaks down the heart of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): identifying what is most important to us, and taking small, consistent, value-aligned actions. She shares how values differ from goals, how to recognize the values already present in your daily life, and how non-value actions—overthinking, pseudo-action, avoidance, distraction, or overindulgence—quietly drain meaning and increase suffering.In this rich, reflective episode, Amy offers practical tools for returning to presence: two-minute mindfulness resets, mirror practices, grounding routines, mindful breathing at red lights, and small daily behaviors that strengthen your connection to what matters. She also unpacks the “emotional cycle of change,” explaining why so many people stall in the Valley of Despair—and how values help us move forward with informed optimism.As the holidays approach and the new year looms, Amy nudges listeners to begin preparing now: clarifying your values, envisioning how you want to live them in the months ahead, and biasing yourself toward action with creative, doable behavioral experiments.This episode is an invitation to reconnect with your purpose, choose the behaviors that express it, and gently return—time and again—to the present moment.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!"Creativity itself doesn't care about results. The only thing it craves is the process. Learn to love the process and let whatever happens happen next without fussing too much about it. Work like a monk or a mule or some other representative metaphor for diligence. Love the work. Destiny will do what it wants with you regardless." - Elizabeth Gilbert Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! “You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.” - Aung San Suu KyiIn this episode, Dr. Amy Backos invites you to rethink your relationship with creativity, success, and even everyday life. Amy explores how our attachment to outcomes—whether in art, parenting, or personal growth—can limit our sense of fulfillment and agency.Through stories from her own art practice, her time as a student in art critiques, and her love of knitting, she illustrates the deep satisfaction that comes from being immersed in the process itself. Drawing from Art Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she connects creativity to values-based living, showing how to align your daily actions with what truly matters—no matter the final product.This episode is an invitation to slow down, stay present, and rediscover the joy of becoming—one brushstroke, one choice, one act of courage at a time.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!“Extending yourself in compassion to another human being changes the nature of your relationship. The acknowledgment of one human being to another is what bonds, strengthens, and expands the human connection.”— Oprah WinfreyEmpathy is one of the most beautiful, natural instincts we have as human beings — and one of the most misunderstood.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!“The environment is where we all meet. Where all of us have a mutual interest. It is the one thing all of us share.” - Lady Bird Johnson In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos, psychologist and art therapist, explores the powerful relationship between your environment and your psychological well-being. Drawing from behavioral science, art therapy, and design psychology, Amy unpacks how your physical, social, media, and internal environments influence your emotions, focus, and creativity. You’ll learn six practical ways to shape your surroundings—from decluttering and reading habits to social boundaries and sensory design—to create spaces that truly support your mental health. Discover how small aesthetic shifts can bring you greater ease, clarity, and joy—and why your environment may be the missing piece in your creative and emotional balance.Listen to episode 127 here.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!The body remembers the bones. Remember the joints. Remember even the little finger remembers. Memory is lodged in pictures and feelings in cells themselves."        -Clarissa Pinkola, EstesEpisode Summary:In this episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores embodied cognition — the scientific and soulful understanding that our bodies think, remember, and know in ways beyond words. From the comforting scent of freshly baked bread to the gestures we make when we talk, Amy reveals how our physical experiences shape emotion, memory, creativity, and healing.Drawing from psychology and art therapy, she explains the four main tenets of embodied cognition, the science behind mirror neurons, and even the fascinating concept of “enclothed cognition” — how what we wear influences our mental state. Through personal stories and practical examples, you’ll learn how to deepen your awareness, enhance your creativity, and connect more fully with the wisdom already living in your body.Key Themes:The science and psychology behind embodied cognitionHow sensory memories (like scent and touch) shape emotionMirror neurons and the art of “action understanding”How your posture, gestures, and clothing influence your mindsetUsing embodied awareness in art, therapy, and daily lifeTakeaway:Your body is a source of intelligence, insight, and creativity. By tuning in to your sensory experiences and movements, you can access new ways of knowing — and a deeper connection to yourself.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!"Play is the state of mind that we can use in our creative process to our advantage."  Jessica Walsh Grab your Modern Creative Woman Manifest Here!Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!"Is this hot or not hot?"Skylar Collé holds a dual Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Sexology. Her research focuses on the 4-D Wheel as a tool for embodied, liberated, and decolonial healing. Skylar’s work brings together instinct and intellect, neuroscience and intuition, moving at the intersection of ritual and evidence-based therapy to support deep transformation and wholeness.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." – Henri NouwenThis week on The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Dr. Amy shares reflections from hosting a benefit tea party for I Support the Girls and how small, simple acts of service can ripple out into meaningful change.Then we dive deep into the psychology of wonder and awe — what they are, how they shape our perception of the world, and why openness to experience makes us more likely to feel them. You’ll learn:✨ The difference between happiness, wonder, and awe✨ What personality trait predicts your ability to feel awe✨ Simple daily practices to spark wonder — from sky-gazing to art-making✨ Why cultivating awe can shift your mindset and boost well-beingThis episode will leave you inspired to slow down, look around, and notice the extraordinary in the everyday.🔗 Links & Resources:I Support the Girls – Donate or host your own simple benefitFree 21-Day Gratitude ChallengeSubscribe to the Modern Creative Woman Digital Magazine🎧 Listen now and share with three friends who could use a little more wonder in their lives!Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!“I would sooner live in a cottage and wonder at everything. Then live in a castle and wonder at nothing.”  Joan Windmill Brown Hope is not just a feeling — it’s a practice, a mindset, and a vital ingredient for healing and growth. In today’s episode, Dr. Amy Backos explores the psychology of hope and how we can intentionally cultivate it in our lives.You’ll learn:✨ Why hope is the first and most important step toward feeling better✨ How solution-focused thinking rewires your brain for possibility✨ Simple actions (like celebrating small wins!) that spark hope and momentum✨ The neuroscience of awe — and why it feels so transformative✨ Creative practices to connect with wonder, from museum visits to land artPlus, Amy shares behind-the-scenes inspiration from organizing a donation drive for I Support the Girls — a beautiful example of community action that restores dignity and hope for women in need.If you’re craving a sense of optimism, connection, and meaning — this episode will help you take creative action and share hope with those around you.🔗 Links & Resources:I Support the Girls – learn how to donate or organize a collection in your communityModern Creative Woman Retreat – Oct 11, San Francisco – join us for a day of creativity, connection, and inspirationSupport the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!“It is only a thought and thoughts can be changed.”       - Louise Hay In this powerful episode of The Modern Creative Woman Podcast, Dr. Amy Backos dives into one of the most liberating concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): defusion – the skill of seeing your thoughts as just thoughts, not facts.Using a personal story about flying first class for the first time, Dr. Amy illustrates how fused thoughts (like “that’s for other women, not me”) can shape our lives – until we challenge them. She explores why so many women get stuck in old thought loops, how to create space between yourself and your mind, and the surprising freedom that comes from simply noticing, labeling, and experimenting with your thoughts.You’ll learn:What cognitive fusion is – and how it keeps you stuck.Simple defusion techniques you can practice today (like labeling, using imagery, and saying “thank you brain”).Why the goal isn’t to change your thoughts, but to change your relationship with them.How playful, creative experiments (even just buying a different brand of toothpaste!) can retrain your brain.This episode is part inspiration, part practical guidance — giving you tools to step back, observe your thinking, and act from your deepest values rather than old limiting beliefs.And if you’re ready to take this work deeper, Dr. Amy invites you to join her October 11th live retreat in San Francisco— a day dedicated to creativity, art therapy, and personal transformation. Podcast listeners receive a bonus month inside The Modern Creative Woman membership (a $97 value).Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think! “A good idea will keep you awake during the morning, but a great idea will keep you awake during the night.” -Marilyn Vos Savant Join your Modern Creative Woman retreat here: https://moderncreativewoman.comSpecial bonus for podcast listeners - reserve your spot in the retreat and as an added bonus, you get a month long workshop inside The Modern Creative Woman.This episode is all about cultivating the habit of Wonder and Awe - feelings that drastically improve our well being. Cultivating these feelings brings about joy, creativity, humility, empathy, and a connection to the wider world. Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!“If we're by ourselves, we come to feel crazy and alone. We need to make alternate families of small groups of women who support each other. Talk to each other regularly, can speak their truths and their experiences, and find they're not alone in them. And that other women have them too. It makes such a huge difference.”               -Gloria Steinem, writer, political activist, feminist icon How can you hear and see things from a different perspective without becoming defensive or ego-injured? The answer involves a commuity of women! Listen to the end for the four essential elements to foster change.The SkySpace ArtSupport the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!“Knowing what you don't want is just as important as knowing what you do want.”       -My MomIt's my mom's birthday today and I thought I would share 12 of the truisms she taught me growing up and how many of them are backed by science.Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!This episode is just you and me. I thought it would be a great time for us to catch up on what's happening and let you know what I've been up to. It will be a little bit of a different episode...rather than talking with you about art therapy and creativity, I hope to let you know me a little more. I'm talking about a month in Paris, lingerie, what book my anti-racism group is reading, my latest book, how I write, and what is happening with my kid.I mention these episodes and events I think you would enjoy:117. Feasting with your Eyes - Interview with Bebe Black Carminito112. Women in Leadership - Interview with Dr. Shilpa ReddyThe Paris Retreat 2026Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!BEBE BLACK CARMINITO is a food stylist, recipe developer, content creator, cooking teacher and professional makeup artist. Her debut cookbook, The Curated Board: Inspired Platters & Spreads for Any Occasion, was published in September, 2024. Bebe co-hosts three global cookbook clubs. Her early forays into cookbook contribution include The California Date Cookbook, as well as styling for Faith Kramer’s celebrated 52 Shabbats. Bebe attended the San Francisco Cooking School and started her culinary career at A16, an acclaimed restaurant in San Francisco. She resides in San Francisco in her teeny-tiny apartment with her husband and best friend, David Carminito.Bebe's InstagramBuy Bebe's book!The FinerySupport the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Leonardo da Vinci says time stays long enough for anyone who will use it. So many of the women I work with experience time anxiety. They are relating to thoughts about time in a really unhelpful way. They're using thoughts about what's happening in the past or the future to derail what's happening in the present. And they are taking the worst kind of action to deal with time anxiety...multi-tasking. I want to teach you how to relate to time differently, and get a handle on how you can use time, rather than be a victim of time scarcity. Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/

Ask me a question or let me know what you think!Making art is a biological process. This is the third episode in a series about the biology of making art, and the science that informs how and why we are creating. Today we're wrapping up this three part series on the biology and the science of why we're so compelled to make art, and why it feels so good. And let's address  why you might be avoiding taking action to do the things that you know will help you feel good. Support the showExplore the Modern Creative Woman Communityhttps://moderncreativewoman.comFree Goodies and Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletterhttps://moderncreativewoman.com/subscribe-to-the-creative-woman/Connect with Dr. Amy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/dramybackos/