Also That

Heidi and Gennaro talk with Gabbie Gonzalez to learn about her journey from a hobbyist baker to a sweets and social justice content creator. Gabbie emphasizes the importance of creativity in baking and shares her unique approach as a 'Type B Baker' on Instagram and Substack. She shares the creative process behind creating recipes and her upcoming cookbook Men & Sugar: Recipes for Disaster, which intertwines personal stories and sweet desserts with broader sociological issues surrounding gender and relationships. Gabbie shares the therapeutic nature of baking and the political implications of food, encouraging listeners to embrace creativity and connection in their culinary endeavors. In this episode:How Gabbie turned a hobby into a social justice-forward baking brandWhat it means to be a "Type B Baker” and embrace imperfection and creativityCookbooks as both creative work and reflections of personal narratives.Why aren’t food bloggers talking more about their relationship with food? How sharing recipes on Instagram can serve as storytelling tools about societal issues such as gender, race, and capitalismHow creativity in baking allows for personal expression and experimentation.The political dimensions of baking, including historical examples of resistance through foodTimestamps:2:48 - From Hobby to Content Creator5:50 - Defining a Type B Baker8:20 - Is Baking a Creative Act?11:20 Cookbooks vs. Finding Recipes Online14:17 Finding Inspiration in Personal and Shared Experiences 17:28 The Cookbook Journey21:50 Depression Baking & Mental Health27:30 Navigating Vulnerability in Content Creation29:17 Baking as a Political Act32:00 Community and Connection through BakingConnect with Gabbie:Type B Baking SubstackPanza Baby Website Instagram Other Resources & Links:Kitchen Arts & Letters — A bookstore dedicated to cookbooksKimberle Crenshaw’s Intersectionality Tags: baking, social justice, content creation, cookbook, creativity, mental health, community, sociology, mutual aid

In this episode, Heidi and Gennaro reflect on the past year, discussing their personal growth, creative goals, and the importance of showing up for others. They emphasize the significance of setting intentions for the new year and embracing an unapologetic approach to life and creativity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with societal expectations, and they share their concrete goals for the upcoming year, including a focus on purposeful creativity in their podcast's second season.TakeawaysNew Year's is a time for reflection and hope.Setting intentions can help guide personal growth.Quitting a corporate job can lead to creative freedom.Showing up for others is essential in tough times.Comparison can hinder personal joy and creativity.Being unapologetic about one's identity is empowering.Creative problem-solving is key to overcoming challenges.Embracing multiple creative mediums can enhance skills.It's important to create systems that support creative goals.The podcast aims to explore creativity with purpose.Chapters00:00 Setting Intentions for the New Year00:22 Navigating Creativity and Corporate Life02:37 Channeling Energy and Personal Values04:53 The Importance of Showing Up for Others10:15 Exploring Creative Mediums14:14 The Year of Being Unapologetic16:44 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Bravery18:08 Creative Travel19:54 Navigating Creative Challenges and Comfort Zones22:53 Setting Concrete Creative Goals for 202624:48 Introducing Season Two: Creativity with Purpose25:13 A new chapter for Also That

In this episode, Heidi and Gennaro explore the concept of flow and its significance in enhancing creativity. They discuss the definition of flow, the research by Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi, and the importance of attention in achieving this state. The conversation delves into practical steps to cultivate flow, the challenge-skill balance, and the triggers that can help individuals enter flow. They also address barriers to flow, such as self-consciousness and distractions, and provide practical tips for achieving flow in creative endeavors.References:Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention by Johann Hari Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihály CsíkszentmihályiBeyond Boredom and Anxiety: Experiencing Flow in Work and Play by Mihály CsíkszentmihályiFlow Research Collective The Siren’s Call by Chris Hayes Takeaways:Attention is crucial for achieving flow.Curiosity drives creativity and helps trigger flow.You need to resolve to commit to a task to enter flow.The challenge of a task should be slightly above your skill level.Immediate feedback is essential for maintaining flow.Self-consciousness can block the flow state.The optimal time for flow is between 90 to 110 minutes.Practicing flow can significantly enhance creativity.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Flow State01:16 - Understanding Flow: Definition and Characteristics03:51 - Historical Context and Key Figures in Flow Research07:22 - The Relationship Between Flow and Happiness09:43 - Steps to Achieve Flow State14:52 - Conditions Supporting Flow State20:04 - Exploring Flow Triggers and Creativity22:12 - Curiosity as a Flow Trigger23:49 - The Role of Passion in Creativity25:04 - Finding Purpose in Creative Endeavors28:05 - Understanding Flow and Creativity29:56 - Identifying Flow Blockers32:10 - Optimal Time for Flow State34:58 - Applying Flow to Creative Processes

In this episode of Also That, Heidi and Gennaro sit down with Northern California-based songwriter and storyteller Benjamin North to talk about music, process, and the art of staying creatively alive. Benji has written more than 40 songs and countless horror short stories. In this conversation, he shares what it takes to keep writing honestly, consistently, and finding joy in the act of making art. Join us for a conversation about:Why letting go of perfectionism fuels authentic artHow the creative process evolves throughout time The balance between discipline and inspirationUsing failure and “doing stupid stuff” as creative practiceHow to know when you’ve made “good” artWhether you’re a writer, musician, or creative spirit searching for your rhythm, this episode is a reminder that every song and every story—finished or not—teaches you something about who you are.Find Benjamin’s music and videos on Instagram and YouTube at @music.benjamin.north.Also That is a community-driven podcast exploring how adults cultivate creativity and connection. Join the conversation on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @AlsoThatPod, or email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Also That, Heidi and Gennaro talk with Houston-based muralist and painter Hannah Bull about how and why she connects her art to something bigger. By centering on ecology, place, and community, Hannah’s social sculptures and public art installations are meant to be experienced.  Join us for a conversation about:Using imposter syndrome to your advantageFinding your way to the art you were meant to createFostering connection through art, urban spaces, and shared experience Houston’s vibrant art scene and more! Hannah is currently the artist-in-residence at Hobby Airport in Houston, TX. Learn more about Hannah and see her murals at https://hannahbull.com. You can follow her on instagram at HannahBullNectar. Also That is a community-driven podcast where we explore ways to cultivate a more creative life. Join the conversation on Instagram and TikTok. Follow us @AlsoThatPod. Or send us an email at [email protected] 

It’s our 10th episode y’all! To celebrate, Heidi and Gennaro catch up with a creative check-in. Learn what’s been inspiring them lately and why joy can be a powerful act of resistance. From reflecting on their creative partnership to finding inspiration in art, travel, and community, this episode is a love letter to adult creativity and all the messy beauty that comes with it.Today, they’re talking about:How burnout is a systemic issue and how creativity helps us healActivism as an artistic expressionFeeling re-energized by travel and spending time with creative friendsThe role of joy, beauty, and curiosity in personal resistanceVisiting Happy Medium Art Cafe in NYC as a creative rechargeWhether you’re new to your creative journey or simply trying to reconnect with your spark, this episode is your reminder that making art, feeling joy, and building community are radical acts.

Gennaro and Heidi sit down with YouTube artist May Wonder, a graphic designer and content creator who reignited her creative passion during the pandemic. After experiencing burnout in her job as a full-time graphic designer, May turned to video storytelling on YouTube. Through this new medium, she found her voice, reconnected with her creativity, and discovered “whatever I have to say is valuable.”Join us for a conversation about:How a creative professional found new inspiration and motivation as a YouTube content creatorHow art can can help you tell personal stories with purpose  Fostering a practice of finding creative inspiration Embracing imperfection and learning to make a mess Whether you’re just getting started on your creative journey or feeling stuck in the 9–5 grind, this episode is for you. As May reminds us, “Everyone is creative—you just have to know that you have it in you.”Follow May on:YouTube: MayWonderInstagram:@may.wondersTikTok: @maywondering

Beginning is the most important step to any creative endeavor. But if the thought of beginning a something new stresses you out, you’re not alone. Gennaro and Heidi dive into why it feels so intimidating to begin a new creative project and share tips to help you overcome beginner's paralysis. Consider this episode your cheerleader. Start that project, girl. The rest will come.

Chey Mongeon, author of The After: A Memoir, joins Gennaro and Heidi in a conversation about using creative outlets to move through grief. They also discuss:Processing trauma and finding your voice through your artWays to find inspiration in everyday lifeFostering an active imagination as an adultStaying true to your instincts and your artDeciding to self-publish instead of traditional publishingYou can find Chey’s book The After: A Memoir on Amazon or add it to your Goodreads. Content warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for support. 

We’ve been humbled. If there’s one thing 2024 taught us, it’s that things don’t always go according to plan. But that doesn’t stop us from dreaming big and reflecting on how we can improve on our creative journey. Join Gennaro and Heidi in this special New Year’s episode filled with reflections on starting a podcast and ambitions for 2025.  Episode notes:We talk about S.M.A.R.T. Goals which are defined as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. Gennaro mentions Rupi Kaur’s Healing Through Words and Jeff Tweedy’s How to Write One Song. 

How would your creativity change if you were more vulnerable? Gennaro and Heidi discuss how to create from a place of authenticity and have an open, honest conversation about what it means to bring our whole, authentic selves into both our art and our lives.

As creatives, we have a limited amount of energy we can spend on our passions. Gennaro and Heidi talk about ways to manage your energy, avoid burnout, and even generate a bit more in your day. We discuss sealing energetic leaks, how inspiration can help you feel more energized and the importance of movement.  Show notes:Gennaro references the Instagram account @BlondeinCarWe talk about third places, which you can learn more about here: https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/24119312/how-to-find-a-third-place-cafe-bar-gym-loneliness-connection 

How can you make more time for your creative pursuits? Gennaro and Heidi discuss strategies for time management, optimizing our time, and getting into a flow state. 

From quantum physics to Dave & Busters, Gennaro and Heidi go deep on how harnessing the power of our own intuition can make us better creatives. Join us as we discuss the origins of intuition, how to connect with your intuitive side, and why it can help you become a better artist. Also That is a community-driven podcast, so be sure to join the conversation on social media @AlsoThatPod and tune in each week as we explore how we can make space for creativity in all aspects of life. 

It’s the first episode of Also That! Gennaro Aliperti and Heidi Kerr discuss why we wanted to launch a podcast focused on fostering creative pursuits while dealing with the chaos of everyday life. Join us as we discuss our relationship with creativity identity and how our self-perception of “not being creative enough” can block us from our potential.Also That is a community-driven podcast, so be sure to join the conversation on social media @AlsoThatPod and tune in each week as we explore how we can make space for creativity in all aspects of life.