Building the Creative Life

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun shares her experience at BBG Con (Board Games and Geeks convention). Jenn talks about selling out of her books at River City Witch Market. They reflect on what they’ve learned and accomplished since the beginning of the season and discuss plans for the future.Stuff we referenced in this episode:BBGWitch MarketPlay Dead PotteryKillem with KitschPainted Wings PublishingGetting Witch With It in SalemTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun reflects on validation she’s received in her spiritual life and then talks about participating in the Breathless Jam with a new game. Jenn shares her struggle with a creative hangover in the wake of finishing her third book and how she worked through it to ultimately take advantage of a new opportunity. Chrishaun talks about the concept of “active rest” and maintaining 5-7 streams of income to help balance the creative life.Chrishaun’s favorite things were the TikTok trend about Gingers being Black, playing DOOM: the Dark Ages and making barbacoa.Jenn’s favorite things were the casting announcement for the Buffy reboot and watching Poker Face on Peacock.Stuff we referenced in this episode:AndorBreathless JamRocking with MarkPottery by DanielleBuffy Reboot CastingSlayers: a Buffyverse Story on AudiblePoker FaceTwisted MetalDOOM: The Dark AgesTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun discusses the steps she’s taken to reduce her anxiety, physically and mentally. She reflects on events of the last few months and how they have affected her. Having done emotional and spiritual work to process things, she describes the physical effects of anxiety and what she plans to do to manage it. Her newest project is going to be an apocalyptic monster-hunting/journaling game within the Shaman State world she created.Jenn talks about attending a local author fair at a winery that was hosted by an indie bookstore. Her favorite thing this week was Warner Brothers’ announcement of the Practical Magic sequel.Chrishaun’s favorite thing was the anniversary of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef. She’s loving the way she’s changed since that time.Stuff we referenced in this episode:JuiceLandOhno CohoHarlan EllisonEverything ShowerAndorThe Last of UsPractical Magic 2To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Jenn shares updates on her book sales and her first attempt at Facebook ads. Chrishaun discusses going to Leander Con and talking with other gamers about what they look for in a new game. She’s excited to try building a new duelist game based on one she played there. They discuss the class action suit Stonemaier Games has joined to sue the Trump administration over the tariffs on goods from China and the effects these tariffs are having on small businesses. Chrishaun shares a new plan for completing four projects before her next assignment. Jenn and Chrishaun discuss the challenges of doing their work outside of the house, and what that means for the way they interact with people and present themselves.Stuff we referenced in this episode:Peeps, Legos, and Block Tech at Five BelowDuelists of Darkwana by Martin WoltOld Navy Pixie PantsLevi 510 bootcut jeansYummy Skin Blurring Balm PowderYummy Skin Moisture Repair Balm SerumUnseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40Colour Case Cosmetic Paint Palette The EssentialsBailey SarianTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about protein coffee and other ways to take care of themselves while they work towards new creative goals and projects. Chrishaun talks about changing her plans–including doing her work on the grounds of her church instead of at home. She shares the challenges she faced in shifting the way she approaches her job and accepts the fact that sometimes existing in a public space is enough. Jenn and Chrishaun talk about current events (Juan Abrego Garcia), remembering to take a moment to celebrate good news and breathe. Both Jenn and Chrishaun share plans for attending conventions in the next few months. Chrishaun shares her adventures in car buying with Bill. Jenn’s favorite thing was working with her tarot artist and beta readers, and watching The Studio.Chrishaun’s favorite thing was rewatching Silicon Valley. She also got excited about China promoting direct warehouse sales to help people get around the tariffs.Stuff we referenced in this episode:Select Protein PowderJavvy CoffeeHow to Draw AdorableLeanderConFlingConRavenConGetting Witchy With It in SalemSilicon ValleyThe StudioGlaze - anti-AI softwareCoreyxKenshin and The Monsters We MakeTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn math out the options for getting tarot cards printed. They discuss pricing options, including considerations for bulk vs small-batch orders, as well as the consequences for shipping from overseas in light of the undetermined status of new tariffs.Jenn’s favorite thing was a book box from Beth Revis that included Night of the Witch and The Fate of Magic.Chrishaun’s favorite thing was playing South of Midnight.Stuff we referenced in this episode:South of MidnightShuffled InkMakePlayingCards.comDongguan Bayaya Board Game CoTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about letting their creative moods guide them and remembering to take time out from the creative business to live the creative life - because being flexible and having fun is why we do this. Play is research, so it’s time to stop feeling guilty about the time spent enjoying it. Jenn’s favorite thing was reading for enjoyment instead of work (Keepers of Forest and Flame by E.E. Holmes).Chrishaun’s favorite thing was watching Severance and Daredevil.Stuff we referenced in this episode:SeveranceSouth of MidnightHuggin’ MollyTwo-toed TomGodotLeonie DawsonOutliers by Samantha LeighSolo Survivor: Wasteland by Javier LoustaunauDaughters of Sea and Storm/Keepers of Forest and Flame by E.E. HolmesDaredevil: Born AgainDavid Gaughran’s Starting from ZeroShuffled InkMakePlayingCards.comTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun has completed her class (Full Stack Java Development at Per Scholas) and plans to take the week to rest and process big changes that are coming. She talks about leaving the structure of the class behind, as well as potentially leaving her American identity to move forward with her life in a safer environment. Jenn screenshares the designs for her upcoming tarot deck, which is being drawn by S.J. Gautreaux. Then she talks about other projects she’s working on for her book boxes.Jenn’s favorite thing was reading Oathbound by Tracy Deonn on audiobook.Chrishaun’s favorite thing was watching Severance and Paradise (and wearing her new wig!).Stuff we referenced in this episode:Per ScholasSeveranceParadiseS.J. Gautreaux: the Night WitcheryTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn catch up on their projects, sharing the things they are most proud of–Jenn revised 32 chapters in a week, and Chrishaun has developed new branding to house all of her projects under one label: Sique’s Powered by the Apocalypse. Chrishaun also talks about ways she works to lower her anxiety and keep from getting overwhelmed.Both Jenn and Chrishaun’s favorite thing this week was Severance: Season 2, Episode 7Stuff we referenced in this episode:SeverancePowered by the ApocalypseGodotSplattercat3-6-9 MethodDaredevil: Born AgainNerdy NutsTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss the joys of making progress and seeing results. Chrishaun shares her work on a hunter encounter generator. Jenn talks about getting feedback on her manuscript and starting revisions, then shares some finds for companies that make custom tea blends. Chrishaun explains her plan to compile her content into a new Substack: Sique’s Powered by the Apocalypse.Jenn’s favorite thing was SeveranceChrishaun’s favorite thing was the Combine and Reward CakeStuff we referenced in this episode:Designatea.comAdagio TeasMaggie Stiefvater’s Writing and Revision CoursesSeverance2025 NFL Scouting CombineTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn share their excitement about progress they’re making on their creative projects. Chrishaun talks about some of the reasons people make choices against their best interests, particularly in terms of whiteness. She shares her observation that building something of your own allows you to center yourself on your own creation, rather than on your dependence on someone else or on a system that places you above others. Building something of your own brings you joy and teaches you to validate yourself.Jenn’s favorite thing was Queen Charlotte on Netflix.Chrishaun’s favorite thing was working through anxiety, knowing that failure is the first step, and not the end.Stuff we referenced in this episode:Queen CharlotteSeveranceTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAutho

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun talks about transitioning from an author to a game designer. She opens up about how facing her own truths and embracing her creative work has helped her get through dark times. Chrishaun and Jenn catch up on their creative work - Chrishaun’s Java course and Jenn’s manuscript - and discuss plans for physical products. Jenn’s favorite thing was Severance.Chrishaun’s favorite things were her new Gel Pens.Stuff we referenced in this episode:SeveranceGelly Roll PensTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun addresses her white friends in a reflection on how political power shifts will affect them as members of a class over their race. Jenn expresses concern about the SAVE Act. Jenn and Chrishaun discuss options for dealing with tariffs and other concerns as a creative business. Then they break down the symbolism of Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show.Stuff we referenced in this episode:The SAVE ActKendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show.To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Jenn and Chrishaun discuss struggles with scheduling and mental health. They commiserate over winter weather and geek out about Severance. Chrishaun shares plans for a side quest and does an unboxing of Jenn’s PR box for Unforgivable, book two in her upcoming trilogy. They also discuss recent events in the news. (This was filmed the week of the presidential inauguration.)Stuff we referenced in this episode:SeveranceTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed.In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss the power and challenges of self-validation. Chrishaun talks about valuing skills learned over academic success. Jenn shares her new response to no response when it comes to reaching out to people professionally. They share news about a few different creative side projects they're working on, as well as giving updates on their primary ventures.Jenn’s favorite thing this week was exceeding her word count goals and pushing herself to reach her stretch goals.Chrishaun’s favorite thing was Severance’s season 2 premiere.Stuff we referenced in this episode:SeveranceSeverance PR StuntStephen Colbert Interview with Adam ScottDoctor WhoDoom PatrolTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn catch up on what they’ve been working on since the end of season one. Chrishaun shares her reasons for making a big move and then celebrates small wins, including her coding coursework and developing the game mechanics for RPGs in her Shaman States universe. Jenn talks about her progress in drafting her third novel and gives some updates on her plans for a special edition and in-person events.Jenn’s favorite thing this week was building a dice popper for her family D&D game.Chrishaun’s favorite thing was watching Landman and seeing Hulk Hogan get booed on RAW.Stuff we referenced in this episode:Book VaultS.L. Rowland, cozy fantasy and LitRPG author with awesome special editionsHow to Watch the MCU and Watching the MCU with KidsSquid GameSeveranceSkeleton CrewDune: ProphecyTo learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevilFor info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.comFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!@CaramelSugarEvil@JennLessmannAuthor

Ep 16: seen and heard Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed. This week, in an episode filmed on Halloween, Chrishaun and Jenn geek out about the finale of Agatha All Along. They reflect on the first season of Building the Creative Life and share their goals for season two. To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor Mentioned in this episode: Kathryn Hahn in Parks & Rec

Ep 15: be the one who asks the questions Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss a challenge Jenn had with her son’s teacher, bridging that experience into a broader discussion of how to have open communication when you need questions answered, being honest with yourself about what you need to know and why, and letting go of responsibility for how the other person reacts. They also talk about motivation and doing the hard and fun stuff at the same time.  Jenn’s favorite thing was episode 7 of Agatha All Along. Chrishaun’s favorite thing was getting her games ready for fulfillment. To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor Mentioned in this episode: Episode 6 Bonus Content: Hard Conversations (Director’s Cut)

Ep 14: embracing chaos Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Chrishaun talks about her plans for her newest project: the Chaos Machine. She discusses the courses she’s taking and other steps involved in building her own AI, as well as addressing the concerns she’s heard about the use of AI in creative processes. She explains how the skills she is currently developing for that project will have cross purpose applications, allowing her to take on gigs when she needs a side hustle. Jenn shares her experiments with finding the ideal level of chaos in her writing environment to promote a creative flow. Jenn’s favorite thing was VE Schwab’s podcast, No Write Way Chrishaun’s favorite thing was watching the Dallas Cowboys and eating American Dream Nut Butter. To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor

Ep 13: grounding Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about grief and making space in the creative life to process hard emotions. Chrishaun shares a technique she calls the Conversation, which helps her to ground herself and prepares her to move forward. Chrishaun’s favorite thing was watching Agatha All Along and Law&Order UK Jenn’s favorite thing was reading Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn and watching Agatha All Along on Disney+ To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor Recommended channels: TikTok:  Folklore and Myth- Dr. Jean Menzies @jeansthoughts  Agatha All Along Recaps- Tiffie Starchild @tiffiestarchild

We will continue to talk about Agatha All Along for as long as they make episodes!

Chrishaun and Jenn discuss episode 6 of Agatha All Along

Sique and Jenn's full talk about building strong connections through hard conversations

Sique (a djinn with 42 years in spiritual work) discusses the consequences of disrespecting closed practices. (and why is Jenn so tiny?)

Welcome to Building Bonus, where we share all those side conversations from the Building the Creative Life podcast. In this bonus, Sique (who is extremely food-motivated) shares what she loves about pork belly and how Kombucha has saved her tummy.

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about Jenn’s second book launch and her progress in building inventory for her shop. Chrishaun explains her project-based business model. Chrishaun’s favorite thing was Mr. Mahon on Netflix Jenn’s favorite thing was Agatha All Along To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor

Ep 11: planning for fun Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed. This week, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about Jenn’s trip to Salem and the Getting Witchy With It signing event she attended. Then they discuss how they plan to organize their daily schedules for maximum productivity and fun. Chrishaun’s favorite thing was watching Rings of Power on Prime Jenn’s favorite thing was the premiere of Agatha All Along on Disney+ To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor Recommended channels: ScreenCrush New Rockstars

Ep 10: macguyvering small wins Building the Creative Life is a podcast about prioritizing creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss creating a career out of fun. Chrishaun encourages Jenn to tilt the lens with which she views her past projects to recognize that her goals have been met, even if the end results don’t look the way she expected them to. They discuss looking at their achievements through their own lens, instead of the perceived lenses of other people, and being honest with themselves about what they’ve accomplished. Chrishaun’s favorite thing was getting her cards in from the manufacturer after several complications. Jenn’s favorite thing was prepping for her trip to Salem for an author-signing event. To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor

Ep 9: filling the well Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Chrishaun and Jenn talk about the joy of having positive energy after overcoming burnout. Jenn shares updates on her launch plans for her second novel and her plans to attend a witchy book convention. Chrishaun talks about her trip to Longhorn Le Mans and her progress on her cards and game projects.   Chrishaun’s favorite thing was Netflix’s Kaos. Jenn’s favorite thing was The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst. To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor

Welcome to Building Bonus, where we share all those side conversations from the Building the Creative Life podcast. In this one, from episode 11, Jenn and Sique discuss the mechanics of writing vampires who don't drink blood. This includes not only blood alternatives but also the physiology of vampires, why blood is needed, and what can be used instead.

Ep 8: articulating the Lens Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed. This week, Chrishaun explains how she views the world through a Lens of Empathy, Truth, Joy, Kindness, and Anti-Greed. Then Jenn and Chrishaun update each other on their creative projects. At the time of recording, Jenn was prepping her second novel to publish (Sept 13, 2024). Chrishaun was working on fulfillment for her Kickstarter project, taking a class, and getting into a groove with her new writing routine. Chrishaun’s favorite thing was the DNC roll call and returning to her college habit of watching a movie in the background while doing her coursework. Jenn’s favorite thing was watching clips of Hadestown on TikTok. To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor Stuff we referenced in this episode: Die With a Smile  DNC Roll Call Playlist Band of Robbers movie Deborah Ann Woll teaching Jon Bernthal D&D Books With Sydney “Wait for Me”  Walk Like You’re on Broadway playlist (on Spotify)  Dice Maker: 2 Crazy Casters

Ep 7: taking a rest Building the Creative Life is a podcast about the choice to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Chrishaun and Jenn expand on the previous episode’s discussion about slowing down to take a closer look at how they rest and how self-care can be considered a business strategy. Chrishaun talks about taking the shame and guilt out of the things you love and allowing yourself to feel joy in them. Chrishaun’s favorite thing was finding something to be joyful about in political news. Jenn’s favorite thing was watching Olympic swimming with her kids. To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor

Ep 6: slowing down Building the Creative Life is a podcast about prioritizing creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss the challenges of slowing down, building strong connections through hard conversations, and taking deliberate actions for success. They share experiences that remind them of the importance of personal responsibility in business and discuss communicating with their audiences. Chrishaun’s favorite thing this week was TikTokker Shining Nathan’s Warhammer lore. Jenn’s favorite thing this week was working on her new book merch. To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Jenn and Chrishaun discuss the importance of facing the truth about yourself in leading an authentic life. They also discuss reading and writing romance from an ace perspective. Chrishaun makes a connection between asexuality and anti-greed viewpoints. Then, Jenn talks about finishing her second book and planning for the next one. Chrishaun’s favorite thing: Max's Hard Knocks and Brian Daboll's inability to STOP. LOOKING. INTO. THE. CAMERA! Jenn’s favorite thing: the trailer for Agatha All Along. To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor *Bonus Content: What Comes Next–Chrishaun talks about the consequences of disrespecting closed practices.

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Chrishaun and Jenn discuss the balance between living a creative life and avoiding procrastination. Chrishaun shares her musical time management plan, and Jenn talks about planning for ARCs and promos. Jenn’s favorite thing this week is the New York Times Games app, especially Connections. Chrishaun’s favorite things this week are the Drake/Kendrick Lamar Beef and Elden Ring.  To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor *Bonus Content: Chrishaun’s Kombucha and Pork Belly Belly Recipes

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. In this episode, Jenn and Chrishaun pick up where they left off, discussing the difficulties of getting an indie book into brick-and-mortar stores. Then they talk about the healing qualities of creative pursuits and the challenge of breaking impossible tasks into manageable pieces. They set a new goal for homework assignments: updating and maintaining their book bibles. Jenn’s favorite thing this week was a witchy novel: Weyward by Emily Hart. Chrishaun’s favorite thing was a road rally game: Torq by Will Jobst To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti-greed. This week, Jenn and Chrishaun discuss the importance of clear communication when working with other artists and talk about using Story Origin with beta readers. Then, they each share their personal journeys in building a creative life, leading up to their current projects. As they describe what they’re working on, they talk about what drives their creative passions. This episode cuts off unexpectedly due to technical difficulties, but Chrishaun and Jenn pick up again in the next episode! To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed. In this week’s episode, Jenn and Chrishaun catch up on their individual creative projects: building an x-wing cake and developing a grimoire. Then they dig deep to discuss their struggles with perfectionism, finding worthiness in their creative pursuits, and overcoming internal barriers to joy and success.  To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor

Building the Creative Life is a podcast about choosing to prioritize creativity as we build a life that supports the lens of empathy, truth, joy, kindness, and anti greed. In this week’s episode, Chrishaun and Jenn bumble through choosing recording software, discuss the purpose of the podcast, talk through a list of possible topics for future episodes, and chat about the things that brought them joy this week, including the Munchlax-Grogu correlation and Clipped on Hulu. To learn more about Chrishaun’s games and the world of The Shaman States of America: linktr.ee/caramelsugarevil For info about Jenn’s writing: www.JennLessmann.com Follow us on Instagram and TikTok! @CaramelSugarEvil @JennLessmannAuthor