Created Creative Podcast

Dawn and Ruth are shifting Created Creative to every other week episodes. Why? Running a top 5% podcast (yes, our humble little podcast is in the top 5% in the world) comes with an admin and editing load that’s getting heavy, and they need help.They're asking listeners to join their Patreon to help hire support and keep the show ad-free. In return, patrons get to join monthly "Created Creative Conversations" for community and coaching. They explore why people pay to belong to communities like NPR, churches, and yoga studios, while acknowledging how weird it feels to ask for support for less tangible creative work.But here's the core message: Creative projects are allowed to change. Rigid rules choke creativity, and "the magic is in the pivot"—as long as you communicate openly instead of just quitting.Dawn and Ruth model this beautifully, sharing life updates that show them both pivoting: funerals and sermon writing, painting projects, planning for Spain, and decluttering goals.This episode is for anyone who's felt guilty about changing direction on a creative project, or who thinks pivoting means failure. It doesn't. Sometimes the magic happens precisely when you're brave enough to adjust course and keep going, don't cha know.Because the opposite of quitting isn't sticking rigidly to the original plan—it's staying curious enough to let your project evolve.LINKS: Join our Patreon: patreon.com/u1107241700:00 Magic In The Pivot00:21 Why We Need Patreon01:14 Community Membership Mindset02:24 Patron Perks And Coaching03:49 Changing The Rules05:23 Life Updates And Sermons07:31 NYC Plans And Kid Crafts09:09 Decluttering Ten Percent11:03 Asking For Support Feels Weird12:02 Pivot Advice And Wrap Up

What do you do when you have no ashes the night before Ash Wednesday? You burn something, of course. And then twenty years later, you write a novel about it.That's exactly what happened to novelist Thomas Maltman, who teaches at Normandale Community College, is married to a Lutheran pastor, and has four novels under his belt, including Ashes to Ashes (currently in Minnesota Book Award contention).The real-life Ash Wednesday mishap became the premise for his latest book: What if the ashes wouldn't wash away? What if this happened in a small town? How would people react? That's how you turn an awkward church moment into compelling fiction.Dawn and Ruth also dive into Thomas's writing process. He shares his morning routine, drafting by hand with full permission to "write badly," then revising through typing, printing, and reading everything aloud. He talks about the value of writing community, headphones, and why you should always start new projects during those long publishing waits.This episode is for writers, obviously, but also for anyone who's ever wondered how real life becomes story. Because sometimes the best fiction starts with the moments that make you think "you can't make this stuff up."LINKS: Join our Creative Community and support this podcast by joining our Patreon: patreon.com/u1107241700:21 Springtime City Vibes01:15 Confirmation Walk Treats02:12 Botanic Garden Learning02:59 Meet Thomas Maltman04:56 Ashes to Ashes Origin09:22 Writing in the Morning10:23 Publishing Without an Agent12:09 Writing Anywhere Tools14:14 Finding Readers Today17:29 Long Form Comeback17:52 Start Small Write Rough18:46 From Journal To Draft20:39 Living In Story Worlds23:21 Embodiment And Truth24:50 Writing For Love Not Money26:48 Favorite Creators And Community27:58 Fantasy Roadblocks Coaching29:56 Find Your Genre Audience32:02 Gargoyles To Novellas

Dawn and Ruth welcome Dawn Rundman, a publishing professional at Augsburg Fortress since 2002 who also happens to have a PhD in developmental psychology. Her book Little Steps, Big Faith dives into using what we know about early childhood development to nurture children's faith through rituals, language, music, symbols, and worship. Dawn's suggestions for churches are practical and brilliant: upgrade those sad nurseries, provide higher-quality worship activity bags (not just broken crayons and photocopied sheets), create intergenerational making opportunities, and actually showcase children's art instead of hiding it away.Dawn also talks about creativity and discipline: how she leaves home to write because inspiration isn't enough, you need structure. She connects creativity and spirituality through communal worship traditions, showing how the practices that shape little brains also shape our own capacity for wonder and connection.This episode is for parents, church leaders, anyone who works with children, or anyone who's ever wondered why some environments nurture creativity while others shut it down. Because luck might be the residue of design, but good design starts with understanding how humans actually develop and thrive.LINKS: learn more about Dawn Rundman's work: https://www.dawnrundman.com/Join our Patreon community: patreon.com/u1107241700:17 Welcome And Weekly Catchup00:57 Yacht Rock Flashbacks02:03 Discern By Doing Business03:50 Patreon Community Momentum04:51 Meet Dawn Rudman08:23 Little Steps Big Faith10:28 Screens Boredom And Faith11:53 How Creativity Begins16:24 Church Spaces For Kids18:41 Kids Art On Display19:18 Beyond Art Creativity20:21 Adults Need Permission21:20 Small Steps To Start23:02 Creative Inspirations27:48 Life At Augsburg Fortress29:24 Coaching A Team Well32:35 Discipline Beats Inspiration34:15 Writing Space And Routine35:34 Creativity And Spirituality

Dawn and Ruth are celebrating Easter and swapping stories about Holy Week weather, canceled egg hunts, and Dawn's experience dyeing eggs at a New York community garden that sounds like the perfect "third space,” complete with potlucks, music, and the kind of welcoming energy that makes you want to stay all day.They're also reintroducing their new Patreon "Created Creative Conversations," themed around "seeds,” because that's how creative ideas actually work. They need nurturing, community, and the right conditions to grow. Join them for $10/month through the show notes.But the real magic happens when they share clips from past guests about how creativity actually emerges:Rob Bell describes novel-writing as this beautiful mix of loose direction and surprise—completely different from teaching, where you know where you're headed.Blessing talks about her "Sparkle Joy in New York City" microgrants, funded by leftover "Christmas Joy" money to spark neighborhood projects. Because sometimes the best ideas come from reimagining what you already have.Tyra explains how songs emerge while she's practicing—they require quiet focus and the willingness to let something unexpected unfold.Cathy Pino shares the story of writing "You are the Light of the World" at a stoplight and how community made it something that gets sung widely. Because creativity isn't just about the spark—it's about the people who help it grow.This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered how ideas actually turn into something real, or who needs reminding that creativity thrives in community, not isolation.LINKS: Join our Patreon here: patreon.com/u1107241700:09 Holy Week Weather01:10 Community Garden Eggs02:23 Egg Hunt Traditions03:11 Joining the Garden05:04 Seeds Theme Patreon06:46 Rob Bell Writing Flow10:37 Blessing Microgrants Joy12:04 Bubbles And Community Pins12:40 Scaling Micro Grants Citywide13:13 Funding From Christmas Joy13:53 Small Money Big Impact14:48 Songwriting With Tyra15:33 Tyra Creative Process Deep Dive21:44 Kathy Pinot Light Of World25:18 Themes Beginnings And Patreon

Dawn and Ruth dive into spring cleaning, hospitality, and the surprisingly spiritual act of preparing for Holy Week. But this isn't just about vacuuming. They're exploring a beautiful Moravian tradition of cleaning gravestones before Easter, bringing flowers, telling stories about loved ones, and sometimes even worshiping right there in the graveyard.They share the details of Ruth’s dining room refresh project, Dawn’s aversion to both cleaning and clutter, and coordinating the beautiful chaos of church logistics for Holy Week. This episode is for anyone who's ever felt like spiritual preparation should be more meaningful than just showing up, or who needs permission to find the sacred in the everyday work of making space—literally and figuratively—for what matters most.LINKS: Join our patreon and let us help you bring your project from idea to implementation: patreon.com/u1107241700:23 Cleaning and Clutter01:13 Dining Room Makeover01:53 Yellow Kitchen Memories03:01 Moravian Easter Prep04:55 Decluttering and Toys07:34 Holy Week Logistics08:57 Stained Glass Art Project11:20 Movies and Musicals12:57 Easter Plans14:43 Holy Week Encouragement15:54 Closing and Farewell

If you enjoy Created Creative Podcast, we warmly invite you to become a patron: patreon.com/u11072417 For just $10 a month you can become part of our monthly Created Creative Conversations. Find out more below!Dawn and Ruth welcome Regina Shands Stoltzfus, Goshen College professor in northern Indiana and Mennonite Church USA member, whose journey from peace education and anti-racism training led her through activism, pastoring, seminary, and into higher education.Regina's book Resistance, Resilience, and Radical Love: Reflections on Blackness and Teaching Peace tackles something crucial: You can't teach peace without studying violence. And to do that effectively, you have to be "hearable" creating space where students can actually listen and engage without shutting down from trauma.She's using historical cases like the Wilmington Massacre of 1898 to teach about systemic violence, addressing secondary trauma in the classroom, and navigating the current political pressures around DEI work. Regina defines what it means to "work together for justice" across different professions and commits to creating an accountability plan for her next book on the seasons of activism life.This conversation is for educators, activists, and anyone wondering how to sustain justice work without burning out, how to teach difficult truths without retraumatizing people, and what it actually takes to be "hearable" in a world that's often too loud or too defensive to listen.LINKS: We love making this podcast for you and we'd love your support for! patreon.com/u11072417 Join at the $10 level and become part of Created Creative Conversations where you can get support from Dawn and Ruth and other creatives for your own new project! Want to write a book? Dreaming of starting a business? In April our theme is "Seeds of Possibility" and we'll help you get moving!Find out more about our guest, Regina Shands Stoltzfus: https://www.goshen.edu/academics/faculty/regina-shands-stoltzfus/00:17 New Tech Week00:30 Tech Rage Stories02:28 Get Human Help02:44 Church Water Timer03:32 Small Town Singalong07:30 Meet Regina08:11 From Activism to Academia11:16 Teaching in a Red State13:05 New Book Launch14:06 Teaching Peace Studies Violence16:35 Holding Trauma in Class17:35 Writing Through Sabbatical20:08 Course Design for Care21:32 Hearable as Black Professor23:22 Student Pushback and Growth25:12 Systemic Violence Rhymes26:00 Citations Over Opinions26:15 Fake Historian Cred26:47 First Solo Book27:39 Writing Through 202429:30 Teaching Under Scrutiny31:09 Choosing the Right Rooms32:17 Work Together Justice34:30 Conflict Skills Everywhere36:53 Next Book Seasons38:14 Accountability Mapping Plan40:40 Memorial Day Deadline

Dawn and Ruth check in mid-Lent about rotating Wednesday pastorates, quirky church history discoveries, and children's theater outings before sitting down with Kim Knowle Zeller, ELCA pastor and writer from rural central Missouri.Kim's got two books under her belt: The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early Years (co-authored) and her new release Small Steps: Blessings to Lift Your Soul on the Pilgrimage of Life. But here's what makes her story compelling—the new book was born from her Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and a "100 Day Project" where she wrote one blessing daily.That practice changed everything. Kim learned to notice God's presence in small, ordinary moments instead of waiting for the big spiritual revelations. She reads "A Blessing for When the World Is on Fire" during the conversation, and honestly? It's the kind of blessing we all need right now.Kim shares her traditional publishing journey, marketing strategies, writing rhythms, and the truth about what blessings actually do. Spoiler: They don't guarantee safety or fix everything. But they do something maybe more important—they accompany people into a hard world so they're not alone.This conversation is for anyone who's ever wondered if the small, everyday moments of faith actually matter, or who needs permission to find the sacred in the ordinary instead of waiting for lightning bolts from heaven. Because sometimes the biggest hope comes from the smallest steps.If you love the work we do at Created Creative Podcast we invite you to become a patron! For just $10 a month you can be part of our Created Creative Conversations and get the support you need as you start your own next creative project! patreon.com/u11072417Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is a writer, pastor, wife, mother of two, and the co-author of The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early Years, and the upcoming book of blessings, Small Steps: Blessings to Lift Your Soul on the Pilgrimage of Life. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, Missouri. She loves to walk around her town of 1,000 and enjoy the many festivals and events, as well as attend her monthly book club and trivia night.IG: @kknowlezellerSubstack: https://kimberlyknowlezeller.substack.comWebsite: kimberlyknowlezeller.com00:00 Blessing Not Bubblewrap00:21 Lent Check In00:36 Country Church Tales04:28 Marionettes In Central Park06:18 Meet Kim Knowle Zeller08:24 Beauty Of Motherhood Book11:00 Small Steps New Blessings12:13 Hundred Day Blessing Habit15:05 Structuring The Pilgrimage Lens16:33 Finding An Agent Publisher18:54 Landing a Publisher19:21 Marketing Through Connection20:22 Local Media and Events21:02 Substack Over Instagram21:48 Writing Rhythm and Routine23:47 Favorite Devotionals and Reads25:38 Reading a Blessing Aloud27:27 Coaching for Motivation29:57 Simple Reels and Tech Help32:52 Blessings as Creative Faith34:04 Final Thanks and Sendoff

Matt Smith is a fellow yogi from rural Minnesota who makes the rest of us feel like we've been living in bubble wrap our whole lives. He grew up seasonal farm style: spring morel and Chicken of the Woods mushroom foraging, summer Boundary Waters canoeing, winter camping at 38-below (because apparently that's a thing people do for fun), and winter beaver trapping and fur handling. You know, typical Tuesday activities.But wait, there's more. Matt worked wildland firefighting, became a paramedic, and then decided to build his own log house over eight years without taking out any loans. Just learned as he went, recounting close calls with falling trees and a horse accident that probably should've ended differently.Oh, and in his spare time? He built a glamping retreat from scratch. Road, platforms, bathhouse, septic—the whole operation. It's earned over 100 five-star reviews because of course it has.Matt also talks about yoga, self-work, faith, community service, and how he's encouraging his kids to overcome fear and learn actual skills. You know, the kind of skills that matter when the power goes out or you need to, I don't know, survive in the actual world.This conversation is for anyone who's ever wondered what it looks like to live completely outside society's safety nets and create something entirely from your own hands and knowledge. Because some people really do know how to build a life from the ground up. Literally.LINKS:Join our patreon to support this podcast and to join Created Creative Conversations in April! patreon.com/u1107241700:00 Backcountry Beginnings00:17 Welcome and Boxes01:27 Meet Matt the Builder02:45 Farm Life Seasons03:18 Mushroom Foraging 10105:15 Chicken of the Woods07:43 Farming and Work Ethic08:45 Boundary Waters Adventures10:04 Wildland Fire to Paramedic10:40 Building a Log Home12:09 Close Calls and Mustangs13:37 Trapping and Fur Craft16:46 Glamping Retreat Origins18:22 Zillow Hobby Hunting18:37 Buying Land For Family19:08 Building The Glamping Retreat20:41 Community Know A Guy22:01 Reviews And Retreat Ideas22:48 Yoga And Self Work25:02 Kids Farm Freedom26:33 Fixing A Calf Leg29:00 You Are The Project31:45 Mindset And Failure33:28 Campfire Cooking Stories34:50 Documentary And Farewell

Some songs are too dangerous for the songbook—and that's exactly why we need them. Richard Bruxvoort Colligan joins Dawn and Ruth from Rochester, MN fresh from selling his Iowa home and diving into his first book: “Dangerous Songs: The Psalms in a Gloriously Disrupted Life,” dropping April 21 with a music-focused kickoff event.Here's what makes this conversation so compelling: Richard's not talking about the pretty, comforting Psalms you hear in worship. He's diving into the extreme songs—the ones about thriving, desolation, and unknowing. The violent ones. The frightening ones. The ones that make you go "wait, this is in the Bible?"He shares what he learned about ego through the editing process, his writing journey, and how the Psalms aren't just ancient poetry but raw, honest expressions of what it means to be human when life gets gloriously disrupted. Plus, he's got future book ideas brewing and runs "psalmimmersion" on Instagram.This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered why we sanitize the Bible's most honest moments, or who needs permission to bring their whole messy, complicated, disrupted life to their faith.LINKS:Support this podcast by becoming a patron patreon.com/u11072417Richard's music: https://www.worldmaking.net/Follow him @psalmimmersion on instagramFind Dawn's coaching at bigpicturebigpurpose.comHappy mail for ministers at consecrate.cratejoy.com00:00 Finding Yourself in Psalms00:26 NYC Snowstorm Survival02:06 Taxes That Actually Help05:20 School Closures and Meals05:57 Microwaves and Power Problems07:05 Space Heaters and Cold Venues09:21 Psalm for Conference Lament00:18 Meet Richard and New House11:30 Cat Talk and Holy Week Jokes12:24 Book Origin Story13:29 Dangerous Songs Book Launch13:53 Writing Process and Ego14:49 Author Editor Tension15:14 Daily Writing Routine16:43 Book Structure Explained18:21 Thriving Desolation Unknowing20:19 Devotional Use Today21:22 Launch Events Singing Psalms22:59 Beatles Meets Psalms23:50 Hard Psalms Canon Questions25:39 Future Books Promotion28:11 Personal Faith Takeaways29:44 Ancient Text Modern Shock31:22 Publisher Credits Wrap32:42 Where To Find Richard33:11 Final Thanks Call To Create

Dawn and Ruth start this one with Ash Wednesday updates and a wild circus reinvention Dawn attended (no animals, robotic performers, no ringmaster, just pure light-show magic). The circus becomes the perfect metaphor for what happens when you throw out the old playbook and create something entirely new.Enter MaryAnne McKibben Dana: Presbyterian pastor in Northern Virginia, writer, leadership coach, and author whose fourth book Better Than Normal drops April 14, 2026. MaryAnne's been living the "yes, and" improv principle for years (she literally wrote a book called God, Improv, and the Art of Living), and now she's taking it to the next level.Here's her thesis: What if most of our struggles aren't internal deficits but external cultural mismatches? What if "norm culture" is the problem? MaryAnne knows this from raising three neurodivergent kids through mental health challenges and watching how the world tries to squeeze them into boxes that don't fit.Better Than Normal argues for discarding the idea of a default human standard altogether. We're talking neurodivergence, race, immigration status, LGBTQ identity: all the ways humans actually exist versus how we pretend they should. The book's six chapters walk through shifts like moving from certainty to curiosity, from rigid categories to expansive possibilities.MaryAnne imagines a world where we question everything: the 40-hour work week, traditional schooling, all of it. Dawn coaches MaryAnne through her discomfort with self-promotion, reframing publicity as stewardship of an idea that can reduce suffering. Because this book? It's arriving at exactly the right cultural moment.LINKS: Find out more about MaryAnne McKibben Dana's work: https://www.maryannmckibbendana.net/Join our Patreon now and gain access to monthly group conversations and Q & A about creativity (starting in April) - patreon.com/u1107241700:00 Throwing Out “Normal”: Making Room for the Full Human Spectrum00:23 February Check-In: Lent, Ash Wednesday, and New York Stories01:07 Ashes on the Sidewalk: Church at a Busy Intersection01:47 Ash Thursday at the Circus: The Reinvented Big Top (No Animals!)03:45 From Acrobats to Expectations: Setting Up the “Living Outside the Norm” Theme04:48 Meet Maryanne McKibben Dana: Pastor, Writer, Coach, Runner06:58 Improv as Spiritual Practice: “Yes, And” for Real Life09:22 Introducing the New Book: From Hope During COVID to Better Than Normal11:15 What “Better Than Normal” Argues: Ditching Defaults, Choosing Curiosity13:42 If the Book Changed the World: Rethinking School, Work, and Assumptions15:07 Creativity on the Run: Capturing Ideas Mid-Workout16:22 Running vs. Yoga: Different Paths to a Creative Mind17:07 Finding a Writing Rhythm in the Margins of Life18:16 Writing Retreats: Making Space for Deep Work19:04 Virtual Co-Working & Pomodoro: The ‘Writing Table’ Method20:43 Creative Mentors & Inspiration (Substack, Austin Kleon, Carrie Newcomer)22:59 Where Creativity Meets Spirituality: Writing as a Journey25:11 Pastor + Writer: Boundaries, Authenticity, and Being ‘More Than One Thing’27:54 Coaching on Book Promotion: From Self-Promo to Stewardship30:43 Sincerity vs. Cynicism: Getting the Idea Into the World33:12 Release Details, Pre-Orders, and Final Send-Off

Dawn and Ruth are unpacking a lot this episode, and honestly? It's some of their most honest conversation yet. Things get real when they talk about Dawn's recent eye scare: floaters and peripheral flashes that sent her straight to urgent retina care. This leads to reflecting on Ruth's Guillain-Barré experience a year ago, her recovery, and how health scares change everything about how you show up for people. Because there are people who disappear when things get scary, and people who show up. Guess which ones matter?From there, they dive into The Other Significant Others, a book about lifelong, non-romantic partnerships and chosen family. Think: power of attorney, co-parenting arrangements, end-of-life decisions made by people who aren't legally married. Society gives all the benefits to romantic partnerships—tax breaks, bereavement leave, legal recognition—while other deep relationships get zero validation.They're exploring alternative family structures, cultural attitudes toward single adults, and how community-building works differently in Minnesota versus New York City. Plus, they're questioning inherited beliefs about friendship and why we act like romantic love is the only kind that really counts. This episode is for anyone who's ever felt like their most important relationships don't fit the template society expects.LINKS:We'd love your support! Join our patreon: patreon.com/u1107241700:00 Why One Person Can’t Meet All Your Needs (Friendship vs. Marriage)00:18 Meet Dawn & Ruth + The Suzuki Conservatory Info Night01:06 How Suzuki Works: Commitment, Interviews & Letting Kids Choose Instruments03:29 City Life Updates: Late Nights, Ash Wednesday & The Circus Next Door04:14 Eye Scare & Dr. Google: Floaters, Retina Fears, and Getting Checked06:37 A Year After Guillain-Barr: Recovery, Gratitude, and New Perspective on Illness08:11 “Just Show Up”: Visiting the Sick, Funerals, and Who Really Comes Through08:54 Your Support Network in Action + Introducing ‘The Other Significant Other’10:13 Redefining Life Partners: Legal Rights, Co-Parenting, and Chosen Family12:39 Society Built Around Romance: The Village Model and Making Space for Deep Friendships13:20 Friendships as ‘Real’ Family: Being Seen Beyond Marriage14:02 When the System Doesn’t Recognize Your People (Deathbeds & Bereavement)15:53 Nontraditional Paths to Parenthood: Co-Parenting, Donors, Surrogacy & IVF17:50 The Stigma of Being Unpartnered (and the ‘Not a Real Adult’ Moment)19:12 Money, Taxes, and Why Culture Pushes Unhappy Partnerships20:06 Place, Belonging, and Chosen Family: Minnesota vs. New York23:23 Discussion Guide: Learning to Say ‘I Love You’ to Friends25:17 History of Friendship Commitments: Sworn Brotherhoods & Romantic Pedestals26:03 Closing: Emergency Contacts, Legal Recognition, and Final Takeaways

The Little Heart Project is going to wreck you in the best way. Kathleen Jensen, the founder, crochets small hearts, attaches notes of encouragement, and leaves them in public places for strangers to find. Simple, right? Except these tiny hearts are reducing stigma around mental illness and preventing suicides. These little acts of kindness are literally saving lives.Kathleen shares the story behind the project, including her own personal journey with mental health (because you don't start something like this without knowing the darkness firsthand). She's talking about how the project has grown from a local effort to a global movement—people all over the world are crocheting hearts and leaving them for strangers who need hope.But we’re not just talking about the impact on the people who find the hearts. We’re talking about what it does for the people who make them. The community that's formed around this. The volunteers who've found purpose and healing through creating something for someone else.Kathleen also gets real about the challenges of managing a nonprofit, the logistics of spreading kindness at scale, and how creativity can become a tool for mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. This episode is a reminder that you don't need a massive platform or a huge budget to change lives. Sometimes all it takes is a tiny crocheted heart and a note that says "you matter.”LINKS:Check out Dawn's coaching at bigpicturebigpurpose.comShow your love for a favorite minister: consecrate.cratejoy.com and consecratebox.comHelp support our work on Created Creative Podcast by becoming a patron: patreon.com/u1107241700:00 Welcome to Created Creative00:47 Personal Stories and Reflections06:24 The Little Heart Project: An Introduction07:13 Spreading Kindness and Mental Health Awareness10:53 The Origins of The Little Heart Project13:29 Impact and Growth of The Little Heart Project15:26 Personal Struggles and Motivation15:41 Community Support and Outreach16:32 Surprising Connections and Growth17:48 Impact on 9-1-1 Dispatchers19:01 Youth Involvement and University Partnerships20:15 Challenges and Coaching21:32 Nonprofit Management and Funding24:32 Advocacy and Recognition27:55 Educational Efforts and Mental Health Awareness29:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ruth's raw, unfiltered voice memos from her solo journey through New Zealand make up most of this episode, and honestly? It's one of the most truthful, vulnerable things we've ever put out there. Ruth's walking you through the whole thing: The initial excitement of departure (that "holy buckets, I'm really doing this" energy), the physical challenges that make you question everything, the moments of reflection when you're alone with your thoughts in the wilderness, and all the interactions with locals and travelers that remind you why humans need each other.But here's what makes this special: You're hearing Ruth navigate the emotional highs and lows in real time. Not polished. Not edited into neat takeaways. Just the messy, beautiful truth of what it's like to push yourself beyond what you thought you could do.By the end, Ruth's gained profound insights and a sense of accomplishment that only comes from finishing something audacious. And when she gets home? She reflects on how the whole experience transformed her. This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered what it actually feels like to do the thing that scares you. Not the Instagram version. The real version. So grab your coffee (or your hiking boots) and settle in. Ruth's taking you to New Zealand—and it's going to change how you think about what you're capable of.LINKS:Check out Dawn Trautman's coaching: bigpicturebigpurpose.comNeed a gift for your favorite minister? consecrate.cratejoy.com00:00 Introduction to Ruth's Journey00:57 Ruth's Pre-Departure Thoughts00:57 Travel Hiccups and Delays02:53 Arrival in New Zealand04:21 First Days on the Trail05:48 Challenges and Small Victories06:56 Reflections on Home and the World08:45 Unexpected Encounters and Decisions10:38 Reaching Queenstown and Final Thoughts18:09 Returning Home and Processing the Journey21:04 Reflecting on the Journey21:18 Challenges and Adaptations22:20 Survival Strategies23:22 Facing Loneliness23:38 The Value of Community26:45 Unsupervised Adventures30:03 Packing Essentials31:14 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

When we welcomed back Meta Herrick Carlson in December to discuss her children's book called We Remember Your Baptism, we never knew how much more timely her words would become by January.Meta is a Minnesota pastor helping children understand and cherish their baptismal stories, which sounds simple until you realize how many of us have NO idea what our baptism even meant or why it matters. She worked with her illustrator Clara to create something that helps families hold onto these sacred moments in ways that actually stick.But here's where the conversation gets deeper: We talked about what baptism means for community. What it means for her Minneapolis neighborhood right now. With ICE presence and everything else happening, the question isn't just "do you remember your baptism?" It's “Do you remember whose you are? And who's got you?"Meta shares her unique pastoral experiences with baptism (and trust us, pastors have STORIES), and we dive into the importance of mutual aid, showing up for each other, and what it actually looks like to live into your baptismal promises when the world feels heavy.This episode is about memory, yes. But it's also about belonging, community support, and the power of knowing you're claimed by God and by your people.PREORDER META’S BOOK: https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9798889836490/We-Remember-Your-Baptism00:02 Meet the Guest: Meta Herrick Carlson01:57 Meta’s New Book: We Remember Your Baptism03:07 The Creative Process Behind the Book05:48 Choosing the Right Illustrator08:42 Personal Reflections on Baptism13:13 The Power of Storytelling in Faith15:17 Hope for the Book's Impact15:38 Personal Reflections on Children's Books16:55 Baptism Rituals and Traditions18:32 Book Release and Promotions20:53 Community and Social Justice22:48 ICE Presence and Community Response25:36 Faith and Social Responsibility27:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo is basically the Created Creative podcast in book form. There's so much overlap it's wild.Dawn and Ruth get real about how family beliefs shaped their creative journeys (spoiler: Dawn got cast in a professional show as a kid and wasn't allowed to do it—ouch), what limiting beliefs are still holding them back (like "I don't wanna bother people" when marketing), and the whole messy tension between building a personal brand and maintaining humility in ministry. Because yeah, that's a thing.They're also talking about the difference between holy persistence and unhealthy striving (when do you keep going and when do you let go?), and how to integrate all the different pieces of your life—ministry, business, creativity—without losing your mind. Dawn calls it "being a jazz musician" with her schedule, and honestly, that tracks.

Naomi Arnold is a journalist, author, and the kind of person who decided to walk the entire length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa Trail. Because why not, right?Naomi's sharing with Dawn and Ruth the whole messy, beautiful story: the trail conditions (spoiler: not always great), the personal fears she had to face, the environmental challenges that nearly broke her, and what it actually takes to put one foot in front of the other for months on end. All of this became her book Northbound, which is basically a masterclass in resilience and determination.But here's what makes this conversation so good: They're not just talking about hiking. They're talking about the writing process, the life lessons that only show up when you're alone in the wilderness with your thoughts, and what happens when you commit to something audacious and then actually do it.This episode is packed with practical advice for future hikers (Ruth's actually in New Zealand hiking right now) and aspiring writers who need to hear that finishing the thing—whether it's a trail or a book—requires the same kind of stubborn persistence.So if you've ever wondered what it takes to walk across an entire country or write about it afterward, Naomi's got answers. And honestly? Her story might just inspire you to do that audacious thing you've been putting off.LINKS: Are you dreaming about starting something new? Check out Dawn's coaching groups: https://bigpicturebigpurpose.lpages.co/discern-by-doing-for-business/Have you heard about ConseCrate? It is happy mail for ministers! consecrate.cratejoy.com00:19 Planning the New Zealand Trail Adventure02:07 Interview with Naomi Arnold02:47 Naomi's Trail Experience and Challenges06:24 Navigating the Trail and Unexpected Obstacles14:03 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Hikers19:10 Struggles on 90 Mile Beach19:58 A Painful Journey to the End21:22 Unexpected Kindness and Recovery22:29 Post-Trail Reflections and Social Anxiety22:59 The Impact of COVID-1924:46 Book Success and Reader Reactions25:39 The Journey of Writing and Publishing28:03 Future Projects and Ideas29:18 Creative Challenges and Accountability

Dawn and Ruth are diving into something women in ministry desperately need but rarely talk about: systems. Not the sexy stuff—just the practical, life-saving routines that keep you from drowning in overwhelm.They're bringing on three incredible coaches who've all been through Discern by Doing and are now helping women actually survive (and thrive) in ministry life:Michelle Pavasars is helping women in ministry create calm, organized spaces and build the systems that make family dinners and ministry responsibilities actually coexist. Because yes, you can have both—but not without structure.Jodi Golden Lund is coaching women through the messy reality of balancing family and ministry, helping them stop over-functioning (which, let's be honest, is what society has trained us to do) and start living with intention instead of exhaustion.Jillene Gallatin took her own grief journey and created Grief Yoga, a practice that holds space for loss, transitions, and all the heavy stuff women in ministry carry but rarely have permission to process.This episode is about community, accountability, and using your unique skills to support each other instead of trying to do it all alone. Because the truth is, most women in ministry are drowning in responsibility, absorbing criticism, and getting way less support than they deserve.These coaches? They're changing that. One calm space, one routine, one yoga session at a time. So if you're overwhelmed, over-functioning, or just tired of white-knuckling your way through ministry life, this one's for you.LINKS:Become part of Dawn's next Discern by Doing for Business Group: https://bigpicturebigpurpose.lpages.co/discern-by-doing-for-business/Have you heard of ConseCrate? It's Happy Mail for Ministers! consecrate.cratejoy.comMichelle Pavasars coaching: https://www.michellepavasars.com/Jillene Gallatin grief coaching: https://www.groundedloveforgrief.com/Jodi Golden-Lund coaching: https://www.jodigoldenlund.com/00:45 Epiphany Insights and Personal Goals01:53 The Concept of Over-Functioning03:03 Introducing Michelle Pavasars04:12 Creating Calm Spaces and Organized Lives07:29 The Value of Family Dinners08:59 Building a Coaching Business16:28 The Unique Role of a Coach16:45 Introducing Jodi Golden-Lund17:42 Jodi's Journey and Coaching Philosophy19:37 The Impact of Coaching Programs22:02 Introducing Jillene Gallatin22:59 Jillene's Grief Yoga and Coaching26:18 The Power of Community in Business35:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Dawn and Ruth are introducing Discern by Doing for Business, a program designed specifically for women who want to build sustainable businesses rooted in who they actually are. And then? They bring on three incredible guests who are living proof that this works.First up: Diane Harpster is teaching Zentangle art—intricate, meditative drawing that reduces stress and unlocks creativity. It's art therapy meets spiritual practice, and it's beautiful.Then there's Erin Martinson with the Strong Her Ministry Collective, creating space and support for women in church leadership. Because honestly? Women leading in the church need community, resources, and people who get it.And finally, Julie Hoplamazian introduces Faith on Pointe. Yes, that's ballet and theology together. She's literally integrating movement, worship, and Scripture in a way that's both ancient and brand new.This episode is all about community support, intentional practice, and proving that spirituality and creativity aren't separate from your business—they're the foundation of it. When you build from that place? Everything changes. So if you're ready to create something that's authentically yours, this one's for you.DISCERN BY DOING FOR BUSINESS: https://bigpicturebigpurpose.lpages.co/discern-by-doing-for-businessCONSECRATE: it's Happy Mail for Ministers! consecrate.cratejoy.comZENTANGLE: https://www.dianeharpsterart.com/STRONG_HER: https://www.embodywisdomca.com/FAITH ON POINT: https://www.faithonpointe.com/00:34 New Year Reflections and Vision Boards01:07 Achieving Goals and Overcoming Challenges02:21 Discern by Doing: Empowering Stories03:09 Interview with Diane Harpster: Zentangle Journey05:32 The Benefits of Zentangle and Self-Care14:49 Interview with Erin Martinson: Stronger Ministry Collective19:18 Living Out God's Purpose19:48 The Importance of Discernment20:54 Shifting Directions in Life21:33 Strong Her Ministry Collective23:16 Introduction to Faith on Pointe24:04 The Origin of Faith on Pointe25:47 Connecting Dance and Spirituality26:50 Challenges and Community Support31:35 Promoting and Growing the Ministry33:13 Upcoming Collaborations and Final Thoughts

Terry Niemann is Santa. Not just plays him. Is him. And his conversation with Dawn and Ruth is gonna punch you right in the feels. Terry is a transportation dispatcher from Minnesota who started playing Santa in 2018, and what began as a fun gig became something so much deeper when cancer entered the picture. Because here's the thing: When you face your own mortality, every interaction with a wide-eyed kid, every act of generosity, every moment of spreading joy becomes sacred.He's sharing heartwarming moments with children, spontaneous acts of kindness during the holidays, and what it's like to embody hope and magic when life has thrown you some serious curveballs. Terry's battle with cancer didn't stop him from being Santa. If anything, it made him better at it.This episode is about resilience, yes. But it's also about gratitude, the power of simple kindness, and what happens when you decide to keep showing up for people even when, especially when, life gets hard.So if you need a reminder that generosity and joy are choices we make every single day, and that the true spirit of Christmas isn't about presents but about presence, this one's for you.Grab your tissues and your coffee. Terry's story is the kind that stays with you long after the episode ends.LINKS: Do you dream about having a little more financial freedom? Join ministers who are building small businesses of all kinds! New group beginning in January: https://bigpicturebigpurpose.lpages.co/discern-by-doing-for-business/Have you heard about ConseCrate? It's happy mail for ministers: consecratebox.com00:22 Meet Santa: Terry Niemann01:19 Becoming Santa: The Journey Begins02:45 Memorable Moments as Santa03:43 Spreading Joy: Santa's Impact06:32 The Life of a Busy Santa09:05 Santa School: Preparing for the Role09:56 Magic Key and Coins for Kids10:23 Reading Humphrey's First Christmas11:17 Santa School Experience13:32 Battling Cancer and Finding Strength15:29 Best Christmas Ever Organization17:47 Spreading Thankfulness and Joy

Sometimes you have to follow where your calling actually leads, not where people expect it to go. Dawn and Ruth sit down with Dale Harris. He’s a former pastor, current psychotherapy student, and the kind of creative who refuses to pick just one lane.Dale's been making Three Minute Theology videos, writing novels and poetry, releasing music albums, and now? He's transitioning from ministry into mental health work because sometimes you have to follow where your calling actually leads, not where people expect it to go.Here's what makes this conversation so good: Dale gets real about the challenges of being a creative person in a church setting (spoiler: it's complicated), why he's shifting his focus to therapy and writing, and what it's like to integrate all these different pieces of who you are when the world keeps asking you to just be one thing.They're diving into Van Gogh (because art and faith have always been tangled up together), the intersection of music and mental health, the practical side of promoting your creative work without feeling like a fraud, and how to actually overcome imposter syndrome when you're doing something new.This episode is for anyone who's ever felt too creative for the church, too spiritual for the art world, or like they're supposed to stay in the box everyone else built for them. Dale's proof that you don't have to.LINKS: Learn more about Dawn's Group Coaching Opportunity for those starting a side business - https://bigpicturebigpurpose.lpages.co/discern-by-doing-for-business/Find a gift for your favorite minister: consecratebox.com00:26 Christmas Activities and Traditions01:04 Sing-Along and Community Events02:52 Winter Challenges and Festivities05:50 Interview with Dale Harris07:33 Dale Harris: From Ministry to Psychotherapy09:26 Three Minute Theology and Creative Projects13:33 Van Gogh and the Intersection of Art and Faith19:23 Music, Mental Health, and Community20:14 Introduction to Therapy and Songwriting20:54 Transitioning from Ministry to Therapy22:25 Setting Up a Therapy Practice22:57 Writing Practices and Inspirations26:33 Creative Projects and Holy Saturday30:03 Promoting Creative Work36:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome39:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

What does it take to tell the truth about where you come from, even when that truth is wrapped in silence? Dawn and Ruth sat down with North Dakota native Melanie Hoffert to discuss her memoir, Prairie Silence, a profound exploration of life, identity, and the kind of quiet that shapes you whether you want it to or not. And she's getting real about her decade-long writing journey, because good work takes time. She's sharing the whole messy process: finding an agent, navigating rejections, balancing major life changes (like having a baby), and somehow keeping her creative practice alive through all of it.Here's what matters: They're diving into the unique pressures authors face, why you have to keep writing even when it feels impossible, and what advice actually helps when you're trying to birth something meaningful into the world. Melanie's creative process has evolved through marriage, motherhood, and all the significant life changes that could've derailed her—but didn't. This episode is for anyone who's in the long haul of a creative project and wondering if it'll ever be done. Spoiler: It will. You just gotta keep showing up.LINKS: Learn more about Dawn's Discern by Doing for Business Groups: https://bigpicturebigpurpose.lpages.co/discern-by-doing-for-business/Check out Ruth's ConseCrateBox shop: consecratebox.com00:00 Introduction to Prairie Silence00:19 Meet the Hosts: Dawn and Ruth00:21 A Chilly Welcome00:26 Tree Lighting and Sing-Along02:04 Preparing for New Zealand02:48 Introducing Melanie Hoffert04:13 Melanie's Background and Prairie Silence05:37 Writing and Promoting Prairie Silence10:14 Impact of Prairie Silence11:47 Current Creative Projects15:22 Writing Practices and Routines16:45 Navigating Parenthood and Creativity17:05 Daily Writing Practice and Efficiency17:33 Balancing Work and Writing18:24 Inspiration from Other Creators19:44 Creativity and Spirituality20:56 Coaching on Overcoming Insecurities25:49 Finding a Publisher29:13 Advice for Aspiring Authors

Dawn and Ruth sit down with Rev. Elizabeth Riley, and this conversation is about to get real. We're talking about her book Rage Prayers—which is exactly what it sounds like and exactly what we all need permission to do.Here's the deal: You don't have to sanitize your feelings for God. Anger? Bring it. Grief? Absolutely. The messy, ugly, raw stuff you think you're supposed to keep hidden? God can handle it, and Elizabeth's here to tell you why that matters.She's sharing personal stories that'll punch you right in the feels - navigating divorce, losing her father, and all the ways life has taught her that authentic spirituality means showing up as your whole self, not just the parts that look good on Sunday morning.They're also diving into how social media has changed modern evangelism (for better and worse), and why creative ministries require the kind of flexibility that traditional church structures sometimes can't handle. Because the work of reaching people where they are? That's messy, evolving, and beautiful all at once.This episode is for anyone who's ever been told their feelings were "too much" for God. Spoiler alert: They're not. So grab your coffee and get ready to feel seen.LINKS: Check out Dawn's coaching - https://bigpicturebigpurpose.lpages.co/discern-by-doing-for-business/Gifts for ministers from ConseCrate - https://consecratebox.com/00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Memories00:27 Balloon Handling Adventures03:08 Thanksgiving Traditions and Stranger Things04:51 Introducing Elizabeth Riley05:21 Elizabeth's Journey and Rage Prayers08:18 Social Media and Digital Evangelism09:37 Challenges and Flexibility in Church Practices12:48 Engaging with the Episcopal Church Online18:04 Rage Prayers: Origin and Impact20:22 Embracing Authenticity in Faith20:51 Publishing Journey and Social Media Influence21:43 Challenges in the Publishing Industry24:18 The Power of Rage Prayers26:12 Personal Reflections on Grief and Prayer28:00 Creative Processes and Inspirations29:39 Navigating Interim Periods and Future Projects33:41 The Value of Bi-Vocational Ministry38:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Okay, so Matt Marohl is a scholar, pastor, and the kind of guy who can talk about the book of Hebrews and make it actually interesting. This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered how we form our identities, why we put people (and ourselves) in boxes, and what theology has to do with any of it.Matt's breaking down social identity theory in a way that'll actually make sense, diving into his recent commentary on Hebrews (which, let's be honest, is not the easiest book in the Bible), and sharing about his devotional book for college students who are right in the thick of figuring out who they are.But here's what makes this conversation so good: Matt gets real about his writing process, how his background in speech and debate shaped the way he thinks, and why categorization—while sometimes limiting—is also how we make sense of the world. Plus, he's talking about his passion for music and how it helps him connect with students from all walks of life. Because creativity isn't just about writing.This one's about balancing academic discipline with creative teamwork, and finding ways to help people understand themselves and God a little better.So if you're into theology that actually connects to real life, grab your coffee and settle in. Matt's got the goods.LINKS: Explore coaching with Dawn: https://bigpicturebigpurpose.com/discern-by-doing-2/Happy mail for your minister! ConseCrateBox on Etsy: https://consecratebox.etsy.com/listing/132146267501:01 Meet Matt 02:28 Matt's Academic Journey04:12 The Fascination with Hebrews08:20 Social Identity Theory and Its Impact11:07 Writing and Creative Process16:46 Building Momentum with New Ideas17:38 The Joy of Collaborative Writing18:31 Balancing Writing with Other Passions19:55 Favorite Creators and Inspirations22:30 The Impact of Speech and Debate28:50 Authenticity and Connection with Students30:30 Concluding Thoughts and Memories

Dawn and Ruth are back with another book group, and this time they're diving into Jen Hatmaker's new book Awake, which is basically a masterclass in personal growth, resilience, and figuring out who the heck you are when everything falls apart.Look, we're getting real real here: ministry challenges, full-blown identity crises, and the messy, beautiful work of adapting when life throws you a curveball the size of Minnesota. Because here's the thing—change is coming whether you're ready or not, and you've got two choices: resist it or lean in and see what's on the other side.They're talking about the guts it takes to be authentic in leadership (spoiler: it's harder than it looks), how major life transitions can actually set you free instead of breaking you, and why community matters when you're in the thick of it. Because you can't do this alone.This episode is for anyone who's ever felt stuck, lost, or like they need permission to reinvent themselves. Consider this your permission slip: You don't have to stay who you were. You get to become who you're meant to be. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's talk about staying true to yourself when life gets messy. Because it will. And that's okay.LINKS:Check out Dawn's coaching (and new Discern by Doing for Business group starting January 5!) at https://bigpicturebigpurpose.com/discern-by-doing-2/ConseCrate Subscription Box: consecrate.cratejoy.com00:23 Book Club Dynamics and Reading Habits01:30 Discussion on Jen Hatmaker's Book01:49 Themes of Awakening and Personal Growth03:26 Identity and Role in Ministry05:19 Navigating Personal and Professional Transitions07:25 Freedom After Loss11:31 Midlife Transitions and Wisdom12:54 Authenticity and Public Image13:55 Balancing Personal and Public Life as a Pastor14:14 Navigating Personal Challenges in the Public Eye14:38 The Importance of Privacy and Boundaries15:01 Impact of Family and Personal History16:26 Gender Roles and Personal Growth17:55 Challenges in Ministry and Coaching20:08 Systemic Issues in Church Support25:12 Building a Business Alongside Ministry27:01 Reflections on Jen Hatmaker's Book

You don't need a massive budget to change lives. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of money in the right hands and a whole lot of heart.Dawn and Ruth host Blessing, who is doing something absolutely beautiful. She's running a grassroots micro grant program that's spreading joy in both Zimbabwe and New York City—proof that small projects and faith-based initiatives can create massive ripples in communities. We're talking real people, real needs, real transformation.This episode is your reminder that you don't have to wait for some big organization or perfect moment to make a difference. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is see a need, gather your people, and just start.LINKS:Check out Dawn's coaching at bigpicturebigpurpose.comConseCrate subscription box: consecrate.cratejoy.com00:00 Introduction00:19 Parenting and Letting Go01:23 Memories and Early Childhood04:54 New York Politics and Community08:21 Introducing Blessing09:58 Blessing's Background and Cultural Identity13:59 Christmas Joy Project18:15 Grassroots Initiatives and Organizational Dynamics19:22 Role and Responsibilities at the Synod Office19:33 Faith Formation and Deia Program20:51 Experiences with the Cross and Clergy Perception22:33 Sparkle Joy Project in New York City24:19 Funding and Expanding Micro Grants29:44 Future Projects and Personal Reflections31:14 Creativity and Spirituality33:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This week’s wisdom: Focus on what you can control, and let the rest go. Seriously. Let it go.Dawn and Ruth are breaking down the whole "circle of concern versus circle of influence" thing, which sounds fancy but really just means stop spinning your wheels on stuff that's out of your hands. Instead, find tangible ways to help, create, and show up for your people. It’s exactly what Ruth has been doing for FIVE YEARS with her ConseCrate subscription box (which is a whole milestone worth celebrating), these two are getting real about the challenges, the joys, and what it takes to build something that lasts. Five years of curating meaningful resources for church leaders? That's not nothing, friends.Oh, and they're spilling the tea on Dawn’s small group 'Discern by Doing for Business‘—a space where people start and sustain real, successful businesses by actually doing the thing instead of just talking about it. Revolutionary concept, right? So if you're feeling overwhelmed by everything you can't control, this episode's your permission slip to focus on what you can do.LINKS:Check out Dawn's coaching and groups at bigpicturebigpurpose.comConseCrate Subscription Box - consecrate.cratejoy.com00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:17 Halloween Festivities00:51 New York Trick-or-Treatingrate.cratejoy.com02:11 Circle of Influence vs. Circle of Concern02:27 Voting and Local Government04:02 Community Involvement and Despair06:39 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges09:46 Historical Context and Perspective10:56 Reflecting on the First Consecrate Box11:47 Lessons Learned Over Five Years12:16 The Evolution of Packaging and Shipping13:13 Gifts Beyond the Box14:10 How to Get the Anniversary Box14:31 The Consecrate Community16:07 Expanding the Business: Etsy Shop16:32 Future Plans and Business Insights17:55 The Joy of Entrepreneurship20:28 Celebrating Five Years and Looking Ahead

Theater and Church Aren't That Different, Actually with Todd DavisonTodd Davison is the artistic director of Maples Repertory Theater in Macon, Missouri, and this guy gets it. He knows that whether you're putting on a show or leading a church service, you're really just gathering people together knowing something magical happens. Dawn and Ruth sit down with Todd to talk about the beautiful chaos of producing live theater in a small Midwestern town (which, let's be honest, takes vision), and how his church work and theater work are basically two sides of the same coin. Every performance is different, every audience is unique, and you can't control it—you just show up and let it unfold. Sound like Sunday morning? Exactly.Todd also gets real about his puppetry days (yes, puppetry), how he picks shows that'll actually resonate with his community, his casting philosophy, and how he juggles approximately seventeen responsibilities without losing his mind. Here's the thing: Creativity and spirituality are deeply connected, and Todd's living proof that you don't have to choose between them. You just build community wherever you are and trust the process.So grab your coffee and settle in—this one's good.LINKS:01:37 The Role of Community in Theater03:26 Church and Theater: A Symbiotic Relationship09:19 Todd's Journey into Theater11:37 Selecting and Producing Shows12:59 Challenges and Successes in Theater Production15:14 The Church Basement Ladies Series16:50 Personalizing Productions: Pirates of Penance and More18:09 Recruiting Actors: Pre and Post COVID19:41 The Challenges of Remote Auditions20:21 Building a Theater Community23:37 Favorite Creators and Inspirations25:24 Choosing Plays with Purpose29:12 Balancing Multiple Responsibilities33:41 Creativity and Spirituality

Celebrating 100 Episodes (Yes, We Made It!)Holy buckets, friends—we hit 100 episodes, and Dawn and Ruth are celebrating the only way that makes sense: on a gorgeous farm, reflecting on this wild ride. We've had incredible guests, technical disasters that would make you weep, and more small-town charm than you can shake a stick at. We're talking regional theater stories, parade appearances (because of course), and all the behind-the-scenes chaos that comes with building something from scratch.Here's what matters: You showed up. Episode after episode, you listened, you shared, you became part of this thing we're building together. And we're not gonna lie—we're getting a little misty about it. So join us for the farm tour (it's as picturesque as it sounds), some good old-fashioned reminiscing about our early episodes when we barely knew what we were doing, and a whole lot of gratitude for this community. Because honestly? We couldn't have done this without you.Here's to 100 more, and whatever beautiful chaos comes next. We're just getting started.00:00 Celebrating 100 Episodes!00:11 Life on the Farm00:55 The Big Parade02:20 Reflecting on 100 Episodes04:22 Memorable Guests and Moments11:02 The Life of a Professional Actor12:08 Travel and Flowers12:51 Exploring the Farm14:19 Small Town Charm14:42 Theater and Community18:35 Returning to New York23:22 Reflections and Future PlansFind out more about Dawn's coaching: www.bigpicturebigpurpose.comOrder a ConseCrate for your favorite minister! consecrate.cratejoy.com

Opportunities are literally everywhere, and Dawn and Ruth are here to prove it.Dawn's deep in the thick of performing in 'Church Basement Ladies' in Missouri (which, if you know, you know), and Ruth just MacGyvered her microwave back to life with a 3D-printed handle from eBay. You read that right—eBay. Someone out there printed handles, listed them online, and is making money off broken microwaves. This is the kind of scrappy genius we're celebrating today.Here's the deal: You don't need some massive, world-changing idea to build something meaningful. Sometimes the best business opportunities are hiding in the small, annoying problems you solve every single day. Like Duolingo's founder, who looked at expensive language learning and said, "Well, that's ridiculous," and then built an app that millions of people use for free.Oh, and PSA: It's Clergy Appreciation Month, so maybe go ahead and gift your pastor something nice from Consecrate. They've earned it.Now go find your microwave handle moment, okay?LINKS:Explore Discern by Doing with Dawn: https://bigpicturebigpurpose.com/discern-by-doing-2/ConseCrate Subscription Box - consecrate.cratejoy.com00:00 Starting a Business: Identifying Needs00:17 Introduction to Created Creative00:21 Life in Missouri: Theater and Community01:08 The Iconic 'Daily Bread' Photograph02:11 Church Basement Ladies: A Musical Journey04:21 The Importance of Community and Support08:09 Maintaining Relationships Across Distances09:20 A Story of Innovation: Fixing the Microwave Handle12:12 Appliance Overload in a Tiny Apartment13:08 The Convenience of Extra Fridges13:58 Settling into a New Apartment15:12 Understanding Community Needs17:16 Unexpected Connections in Public20:00 The Story Behind Duolingo21:46 Taking the First Step to Solve Problems22:22 Clergy Appreciation Month

This episode is about showing up to build the life you want. Dawn and Ruth sit down with Michelle Wahila, an ordained Presbyterian pastor who said "nope" to traditional ministry and is now marrying English-speaking couples in Paris, leading retreats, and writing liturgies that'll punch you right in the feels. She's raising her kids French-style, navigating the gorgeous chaos of expat life, and just wrote a book called Ruffled by Grace.But here's the thing: Michelle's wrestling with the scary possibility of moving back to the States for family reasons, and wondering if her ministry can exist beyond Paris. Spoiler alert—it can, and we're gonna talk about why. This one's for anyone who's ever wondered if there's a creative, unconventional path forward when life throws you a curveball. Because there is, friend. There absolutely is.LINKS: https://www.discernbydoing.com/consecrate.cratejoy.com - It's Clergy Appreciation Month! Surprise your friend in ministry with a ConseCrate!00:00 A Dreamy Start at the Eiffel Tower00:16 Welcome to Creative: Meet Dawn and Ruth00:36 The Joys and Challenges of Community Theater02:09 A Day on the Farm03:48 Exploring Fergus Falls' History06:23 Introducing Michelle Wala: A Unique Ministry in Paris11:36 Raising Third Culture Kids in France14:23 Michelle's Book: Healing Through Quirky Liturgies16:50 Travel Show Ideas and Creative Practices18:19 Writing Process and Book Journey19:06 Publisher Collaboration and Book Launch21:07 Homecoming and Emotional Events23:18 Creative Collaborations in Paris24:16 Building a Business and Future Plans26:08 Balancing Family and Career28:29 Entrepreneurial Pastor and Future Steps31:37 Conclusion and Book Information

In this catch-up episode, Dawn's been knee-deep in the Missouri theater scene, choreographing and directing a comedy production that's apparently been running longer than some marriages. She gets real about the magic of working with a cast with a deep past and why tight-knit creative communities are worth their weight in hotdish.Meanwhile, Ruth's got her hiking boots laced up for New Zealand because someone's living their best life over here. Plus, we're celebrating Jeff Hiller's Emmy win (because good things happen to good people), diving into Julia Cameron's wisdom about trusting the universe (even when it feels sketchy), and getting honest about why you absolutely NEED your people when you're putting your creative work out there.Fair warning: this episode might make you want to book a flight, audition for a show, or at least call that friend who always believes in your wild ideas.Check out Dawn's coaching: www.bigpicturebigpurpose.comClergy appreciation month is coming - get a ConseCrate for your minsiter: consecrate.cratejoy.com00:00 Introduction and Catching Up00:34 Theater Life in Missouri01:02 Comedy and Community01:47 Rehearsals and Local Life02:31 Jeff Hiller's Emmy Win04:21 Small Town Adventures09:05 Travel Plans and Reflections11:38 Future Vlog Ideas12:29 Travel Plans and Flights12:50 Business Group Insights13:30 Economic Freedom and Side Hustles14:01 Challenges Facing Churches16:18 World Schooling Adventures18:19 Creative Pursuits and Overcoming Doubts22:59 Nurturing Creativity and Support Systems25:49 Conclusion and Encouragement

Today’s guest, Dawn Marie Duncan, is doing ALL the things. We're talking music industry veteran turned children's book author, visual artist, AND creativity coach. Because apparently one creative pursuit just wasn't enough. Dawn Marie gets real about her transformation journey (spoiler alert: Julia Cameron's 'The Artist's Way' was involved), and how she went from industry burnout to leading creativity workshops that actually change people's lives. She's not here for your perfectionist nonsense - this is about getting messy, being vulnerable, and discovering what happens when you stop overthinking and start creating. Fair warning: this conversation might just inspire you to finally pick up that paintbrush you've been staring at for months. You've been warned.00:00 Introduction and Creative Exploration00:23 Meet Dawn Marie Duncan01:24 Journey into Entrepreneurship03:47 Music Industry Adventures07:29 The Artist's Way and Personal Transformation14:21 Embracing Vulnerability in Creativity15:39 The Journey of Writing and Publishing a Book17:29 Marketing and DIY Spirit20:31 Creative Process and Daily Routine22:51 Inspiration from Fellow Creators24:34 Future Plans and Creative Spaces26:07 Connecting Creativity and Spirituality26:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dawn and Ruth are diving into the age-old struggle every creative person knows by heart: how do you keep your artistic soul alive when real life keeps happening every day. Chapter 11 of "The Artist's Way" gets the full treatment here, including some thoughts on how the Creator influences our creating and why your body might be trying to tell your brain something important about art.Fair warning: This episode might make you realize that creativity isn't something you squeeze into your spare time - it's something that wants to show up in every corner of your life, whether you planned for it or not. And honestly? That's exactly how it should be.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Name Inspiration00:23 Unexpected Door Fix and Today Show Excitement01:41 Royal Wedding and Seasonal Preparations02:35 Travel Logistics and Winter Predictions04:45 Chapter 11: Recovering a Sense of Autonomy08:31 Creativity and Physical Movement09:55 New York City Dance Scene10:12 Lucy's Ballet Journey10:33 Social Dancing and College Memories11:17 Physical Expression and Creativity12:09 Nurturing Yourself: Tasks and Tips13:22 Exercise and Wellness Routines15:36 Homeschooling Adventures18:26 Conclusion and Farewell

Note: This episode is also available on our YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/SC2Pr2i2JhI) - you might enjoy seeing some of the scenes we filmed. Dawn and Ruth dive headfirst into the beautiful chaos of Minnesota's greatest gathering, where you can get hot dish on a stick (because of course you can) and witness the genuine artistry of butter sculptures that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about dairy products.They're not just wandering around eating corn dogs - though there's definitely corn dog eating happening. They're exploring what happens when creativity meets tradition, from seed art that's way more impressive than it sounds to a pie contest that got a little too spicy for its own good. Plus, they're celebrating the magic of actually walking places (revolutionary, we know) and catching up with friends like normal humans do.Fair warning: This episode includes a 4-H performance that might just restore your faith in young people, personal stories that'll hit you right in the feels, and enough Fair food talk to make you plan your next trip before the episode's over. You betcha it's worth your time.00:00 Welcome to Creative: A Day at the Fair Begins00:13 The Charm of Walkable Cities00:40 A Fun-Filled Day at the Fair01:49 Creative Foods and Unique Experiences02:17 The Hot Dish on a Stick Adventure03:11 Exploring the Creative Arts Building03:24 The Great Pie Scandal04:38 Lost and Found at the Fair05:21 Butter Heads and Fair Traditions07:22 Seed Art and Political Statements09:16 Reflecting on Fair Memories11:30 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Spirituality and creativity aren't just connected—they're practically best friends who finish each other's sentences.On this episode, Dawn and Ruth sit down with the absolutely delightful Brey Noelle (actress, model, musician, and honestly, is there anything this woman can't do?) who decided to go full-time creative and somehow made it work. We're talking Cannes Film Festival, people. CANNES. While the rest of us are over here trying to figure out how to juggle a side hustle with Sunday service.Brey spills the tea on everything—the messy middle of chasing dreams, how faith keeps her grounded when Hollywood gets weird, and what it's really like having a film on Amazon Prime (spoiler alert: it's pretty darn cool). Plus, she breaks down her quirky writing process that actually works, her upcoming HBO 'Peacemaker' gig, and why building the right team is harder than finding good hotdish at a church potluck.We also peek at what's next for this creative powerhouse, including her return to music. Trust us, you'll want to take notes—and maybe grab some coffee. You're gonna need it.00:00 Introduction and Realizations00:12 Casual Conversations and Daily Life00:48 State Fair Plans and Adventures01:12 Museum Visit and Central Park03:02 Creative Blocks and Social Media05:22 Comfort Items and Routines09:01 State Fair Foods and Traditions11:13 Guest Introduction: Brey Noelle13:29 Brey Noelle's Journey to Cannes17:33 Unexpected Opportunities and Cannes Film Festival18:01 Amazon Prime Release: 'See You Again'18:21 Creating Faith-Inspired Films20:43 Upcoming Projects and Industry Insights22:42 Balancing Multiple Creative Pursuits23:27 The Creative Process and Collaboration24:46 Challenges in the Creative Journey28:24 Taking Leaps of Faith30:30 Inspiration from Other Creators33:49 Connecting Creativity and Spirituality35:42 Building a Trustworthy Team38:47 Exciting Future Projects39:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFollow Brey @breynoelle on instagram

You're Not Lazy, You're Just Scared (And That Changes Everything)This week we’re calling out that sneaky little lie we tell ourselves: that we're just being "lazy" when we can't seem to start that project. Spoiler alert: you're not lazy, you're scared. And that's totally normal, so quit beating yourself up about it.Hosts Dawn and Ruth get wonderfully honest about their own creative fumbles – like when Ruth completely blanked on work commitments (been there!) and Dawn's white-knuckle journey launching her business course. They're diving into why enthusiasm beats discipline every single time when it comes to sustaining your art, plus sharing gems from “The Artist’s Way,” their current book obsession, about treating work like play and finding your people.You'll get the real talk on creative U-turns, why visualizing success actually works (even if it feels a little woo-woo), and – here's the kicker – why asking for help isn't admitting defeat, it's being smart. Because sometimes you need your people to lovingly tell you to get your act together, and that's what community is for.Ready to stop hiding and start creating? This one's for you.Find out about Dawn's coaching: bigpicturebigpurpose.comLooking for a gift for your favorite minister? consecrate.cratejoy.com00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:53 Summer Reflections and Theater Experiences03:01 Discussing Chapter Nine: Recovering a Sense of Compassion03:23 Overcoming Fear in Business05:41 The Importance of Belonging and Success07:42 Treating Work as Play11:21 Discussing Creative U-Turns12:06 The Importance of Collaboration12:44 Overcoming Creative Blocks13:18 The Power of Community and Support14:43 Morning Pages and Creative Activities17:11 Visualizing Success and Staying Motivated20:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Yes friends, We're Going There: Jesus, Mushrooms, and Mental Health with the Ligare FolksWe’re diving headfirst into the deep end today, friends! After Dawn and Ruth catch up on their weekend shenanigans (including some quality time at WeFest), we're serving up a conversation that'll make your church ladies raise their eyebrows.The Ligare folks, a Christian psychedelic society, are out here doing some pretty remarkable work that might surprise you. These lovely humans are bridging the gap between faith and psychedelic therapy, and before you do a double-take into your hot dish, just stick with us for a minute here.Turns out there's real honest-to-goodness science behind using these plant medicines for folks dealing with depression that just won't budge, PTSD that's been hanging around way too long, and other mental health struggles that regular treatments can't seem to touch. And here's the thing - they're not tossing their faith aside. Nope, they're weaving spiritual practices right into the healing process because apparently God shows up in the most unexpected places (which shouldn't surprise any of us Midwesterners who've seen Him work through a good hotdish and genuine community).So grab your coffee (or Diet Coke, we don't judge), set your preconceptions aside for just a bit, and let's chat about hope, healing, and why sometimes the road to wholeness looks different than what we grew up thinking. Plus, we'll fill you in on how to connect with Ligare because this conversation is just the beginning, and honestly, the world could use more of this thoughtful, compassionate work.Fair warning: This one's gonna stretch you, and that's exactly the point.00:00 Introduction to Psychedelic Healing and Christianity00:21 Weekend Recap: We Fest and Local Events02:28 Daily Life and Personal Updates03:21 Business Ventures and Creative Pursuits06:37 Creative Blocks and Overcoming Challenges08:46 Guest Introduction and Discussion on Psychedelics12:27 Introduction to Alyssa Jo May12:50 Hunt's Journey with Psychedelics14:22 Megan's Involvement and Background15:19 Alyssa's Dual Life and Role17:06 The Need for Psychedelic Healing23:07 Legal and Practical Aspects25:24 Personal Experiences with Psychedelics32:23 Conclusion and ResourcesFind out more at ligare.orgConnect with Dawn's new Discern by Doing for Business - bigpicturebigpurpose.comLooking for a gift for your favorite minister? Check out ConseCrate subscription box: consecrate.cratejoy.com

Ruth and Dawn are discussing something that nobody talks about in seminary: pastors are natural salespeople who cast vision, build programs, and run stewardship campaigns. But when it comes to using those same skills to start a side hustle? Suddenly we're "too commercial" or "not focused on ministry." After 20 years watching talented women pastors struggle financially while apologizing for wanting financial stability, we have some thoughts, and a program called Discern by Doing for Business that's changing everything.LINKS:Talk with Dawn about being part of Discern by Doing for Business: https://bigpicturebigpurpose.lpages.co/explore/What We're Covering:Why "being too forward" is code for "being effective" (00:00)Two decades of trial, error, and refusing to take no for an answer (06:49)

We're diving headfirst into why vulnerability makes us squirm, why effort actually matters, and how abundance shows up when you're not trying so dang hard. Dawn and Ruth are back with another episode of 'Created Creative,' and we're not messing around.Broadcasting live from the parking lot of Hector International Airport in Fargo, ND, we're talking Chapter Six of 'The Artist's Way' focusing on all the messy stuff nobody wants to admit: chasing dreams that might be pipe dreams, making real connections in a world full of fake ones, and figuring out how to want nice things without losing your soul in the process. Oh, and we'll throw in some honest talk about parenting fails, travel mishaps, and whether your job is actually your calling or just paying the bills.Plus, we're spilling details about our upcoming Puerto Rico retreat for women in ministry—because sometimes you need to leave North Dakota winter to remember who you are. Come for the community, stay for the personal growth, and maybe learn something despite yourself.Consult Dawn for Coaching: bigpicturebigpurpose.comFind a gift for your minister: consecrate.cratejoy.comLINKS:00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections00:18 Welcome to Create Creative00:24 Life in Fargo, North Dakota01:58 Parenting and Screen Time03:50 Chapter Six Discussion05:16 Artist Dates and Personal Experiences09:13 Abundance and Capitalism14:36 Navigating Life and Career Choices16:28 The Joy and Challenges of Pursuing Parenthood17:37 The Evolution of Calling and Career19:14 The Reality of Generational Wealth and Success22:24 Crafting a Lifestyle of Abundance26:04 The Importance of Connections and Networking31:09 Embracing Possibility and Effort32:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

Dawn and Ruth tried media deprivation week from 'The Artist's Way' - no social media, no binge-watching, and no podcasts. Turns out cutting the digital noise actually works for unleashing creativity. Skip our podcast this week and do some morning pages instead - your brain will thank you!It's a great week to get coaching! Contact Dawn to set up an exploratory session: bigpicturebigpurpose.comOr maybe you could send a thoughtful gift to your favorite minister! Consecrate.cratejoy.com

Everyone thinks their story has already been told. But it hasn't been told by you yet, and that makes all the difference. On this episode of Created Creative, Dawn and Ruth are getting real about kicking self-doubt to the curb and why your voice matters in this noisy world.We reflect on last week's theme from 'The Artist's Way' - reading deprivation. Sounds terrible, right? Well, buckle up buttercup, because it's actually pretty amazing what happens when you step away from everyone else's words for a hot minute.Then we sit down with Laurie Neill, a pastor and author who's not here to play games. She's tackling the lies we tell ourselves about who we are versus the actual truth about our identity and spirituality in her book. Laurie walks us through her journey from graphic designer to published author - and let me tell you, the road was no walk around the lake.We get into the nitty-gritty of creativity and inspiration, plus Laurie shares her gorgeous devotional blog (seriously, the art pieces will make you stop scrolling) and her one-of-a-kind junk journals. Because here's what we know for sure: your spiritual life and your creative life aren't separate things - they're meant to work together, every single day.So grab your favorite mug, settle in, and let's talk about why your story is exactly what the world needs to hear.Dawn Trautman's coaching: bigpicturebigpurpose.comRuth's subscription boxes for ministers: consecrate.cratejoy.comEnjoy our podcast? Help us grow by joining our patreon page - patreon.com/user?u=1107241700:00 Overcoming Self-Doubt00:17 Introduction and Delays01:08 Artist's Way Week 4: Reading Deprivation01:41 4th of July Fireworks Chaos04:09 Reflecting on Reading Deprivation05:43 Recovering a Sense of Possibility06:15 Synchronicities and Community08:27 Dreams and Aspirations12:28 Virtue Trap and Self-Abandonment14:18 Interview with Lori Neal22:03 The Journey of Self-Publishing22:23 Marketing Challenges and Strategies22:58 The Essence of the Book: Christ-Centered Transformation23:14 Personal Stories and Authenticity24:08 Exploring the Blog and Artistic Background26:27 The Concept of Junk Journals27:49 Favorite Artists and Inspirations28:57 A Creative and Musical Household29:30 The Story of Meeting Her Husband30:53 Balancing Creativity and Discipline35:52 Publishing Dilemmas and Solutions38:52 Encouragement for Aspiring Authors39:24 Conclusion and Contact Information

Look, we need to talk about something that's going to sting a little: you can't pour from an empty cup, but somehow we keep trying anyway. In this episode of Created Creative, Dawn and Ruth are getting real about Chapter 4 of Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way – and it's about to call us all out.Here's the thing nobody wants to admit: we're so busy being everything to everyone that we've completely lost touch with who we actually are. Sound familiar? Yeah, we thought so. We are diving deep into why integrity isn't just about being honest with others – it's about being honest with yourself about what you need to thrive.We’re tackling the hard stuff: a reading deprivation challenge (yes, that's a real thing), why we feel guilty about having hobbies, and how to actually make room for fun without feeling like we're being selfish. Plus, you'll get some beautifully messy stories about juggling responsibilities, creative dreams, and those curveball life transitions that nobody prepares you for.This isn't just another "find your passion" pep talk – it's permission to stop abandoning yourself in the name of being good. Ready to reconnect with that creative spark you've been ignoring? Let's do this thing.Drop us a line on social media – we want to hear your stories too.LINKS:Join our Artist’s Way Accountability Group: https://bpbp.samcart.com/products/artists-way-discussion-groupDawn’s coaching: BigPictureBigPurpose.comConseCrate Subscription Box: consecrate.cratejoy.comJoin our Patreon! https://patreon.com/user?u=11072417&utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLin00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts00:17 Casual Conversation and Personal Anecdotes02:11 Reflections on Integrity and Creativity04:24 Exploring New Hobbies and Interests06:11 Challenges and Personal Growth10:33 Embracing Change and Transformation11:29 Reflecting on High School Memories12:45 Navigating Life Transitions13:24 Creating Your Ideal Environment14:59 Financial Reflections and Future Planning16:38 Living in Alignment and Integrity18:18 Balancing Creativity and Responsibilities20:15 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

This conversation is going to hit you right in the feels. Dawn and Ruth talk with Stephanie Lape about how the Enneagram completely changed her relationships—including helping her reconnect with her father in a deep, healing way. Stephanie's journey from comparative religions professor to pastor is fascinating, but what really gets us is how she breaks down the Enneagram without judgment. We're covering the basics, how different types interact, and why this system makes you more compassionate, not more critical.Find out more about Stephanie Lape at: https://stephanielape.com/Join our Artist’s Way Accountability Group: https://bpbp.samcart.com/products/artists-way-discussion-groupDawn’s coaching: BigPictureBigPurpose.comConseCrate Subscription Box: consecrate.cratejoy.comJoin our Patreon! https://patreon.com/user?u=11072417&utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink00:00 Introduction and Personal Story00:16 Local Television Interview Experience00:40 Rummage Sale Highlights01:23 Artist Way Accountability Group04:00 Manifesting and Synchronicity06:39 Enneagram and Personal Growth07:35 Guest Introduction: Stephanie Lape09:01 Stephanie's Journey and Comparative Religions11:14 Understanding the Enneagram20:04 Exploring the Enneagram Types22:30 Heart-Centered Types: Twos, Threes, and Fours25:52 Head-Centered Types: Fives, Sixes, and Sevens26:58 Gut-Centered Types: Eights, Nines, and Ones29:16 Common Misdiagnoses and Triads30:59 Teaching the Enneagram: Challenges and Insights32:54 Creativity and the Enneagram35:05 Writing and Publishing a Book37:20 Coaching and Entrepreneurship43:42 Resources and Final Thoughts

Do you suffer from time sickness? In this episode of Created Creative, co-hosts Dawn and Ruth discuss their summer journey through the book 'The Artist's Way'. In particular, they focus on Chapter 2 which covers the themes of time management and dealing with 'crazy makers'. Dawn shares her experience with an occupational therapist, while Ruth touches upon her attendance at her son's recital and visiting a museum event. They also discuss their personal strategies for time management, the concept of time sickness, and how they incorporate creative pursuits into their lives. The episode wraps up with encouragement for listeners to join their accountability group for ongoing support through 'The Artist's Way'.Links: Join our Artist’s Way Accountability Group: https://bpbp.samcart.com/products/artists-way-discussion-groupDawn’s coaching: BigPictureBigPurpose.comConseCrate Subscription Box: consecrate.cratejoy.com00:20 Occupational Therapy and Daily Life Updates01:25 Museum Visits and Artistic Inspirations02:36 Library Story Hours and Community Activities03:00 Artist's Way Journey and Accountability Group04:31 Time Management and Time Sickness10:17 Artist Dates and Following Curiosity11:31 Joyful Living and Home Decor12:46 Love Every Subscription and Child Development14:14 Crazy Makers and Personal Reflections15:25 Dealing with Crazy Makers16:00 Coaching Tips for Handling Difficult People17:14 Personal Stories and Examples18:03 Navigating Change and New Situations22:15 Balancing Parenthood and Personal Interests24:31 Creative Recovery and Time Management29:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

This episode of 'Created Creative' features a conversation with Paul Drees, a ELCA Lutheran pastor and social media influencer, who shares his journey of blending traditional ministry with modern platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Paul discusses the challenges and triumphs of using social media as a medium for progressive Christian evangelism, the need for institutional support, and the importance of creating meaningful digital content. The discussion also touches on monetization strategies, the potential impact of creative collaboration, and the broader implications of connecting with audiences in today's digital age.Join our Artist’s Way Accountability Group: https://bpbp.samcart.com/products/artists-way-discussion-group00:00 The Importance of Social Media in Spreading the Gospel00:06 Introduction to Created Creative and Artist Way00:13 Morning Pages and Artist Dates01:13 Joining the Artist Way Group02:56 Discussion on Unlived Lives05:18 Interview with Paul Drees05:49 Paul Drees on Lawns and Community Interaction09:39 Paul Drees' Journey and TikTok Ministry17:09 Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Evangelism23:11 Addressing Common Questions23:54 The Realities of Social Media Creation25:40 Creative Process and Inspirations27:57 The Impact of Fascism on Art and Culture29:21 Woodworking and Personal Projects36:31 Monetizing Faith-Based Content39:05 Future Plans and Community Engagement43:43 Concluding Thoughts and EncouragementJoin our Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=11072417Dawn’s coaching: BigPictureBigPurpose.comConseCrate Subscription Box: consecrate.cratejoy.comLearn more about Paul Drees at https://www.pauldrees.com/

In this episode of 'Created Creative,' hosts Dawn and Ruth discuss the importance of everyday creativity and methods to stay grounded in a world driven by monetization. They are joined by guest Meta Herrick Carlson, a pastor and poet, who shares her experiences around recent significant events like family graduation and birthday celebrations. Meta delves into her creative journey, from embracing poetry during challenging times of postpartum anxiety to publishing multiple books including her upcoming children's book 'We Remember Your Baptism.' She talks about the importance of community and support for creative endeavors and provides insights into her work with the Renewing Reformation project. There's also a discussion on the balance of family life and maintaining personal creativity, especially during transitional periods like the start of summer. Dawn provides some coaching to Meta on managing summer transitions with her children. The hosts encourage listeners to join 'The Artist's Way' program that they are starting in the summer.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:15 Graduation and Birthday Recap01:02 Church Updates and Community Stories02:39 Guest Introduction: Meta Carlson05:53 Meta's Background and Ministry12:54 Writing Journey and Inspirations18:20 Launching 'Speak It Plain'18:33 Writing a Children's Book19:33 Balancing Ministry and Writing20:40 The Importance of Clergy Flourishing23:29 Creative Practices and Hobbies29:28 Navigating Summer with Kids35:13 Advice for Aspiring Authors37:21 Conclusion and FarewellFind out more about Meta here: https://www.metaherrickcarlson.com/Join our Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=11072417Dawn’s coaching: BigPictureBigPurpose.comRuth’s Subscription boxes: consecrate.cratejoy.com

After 80 consecutive weeks of brand new episodes we are doing a throwback this week to one of our very first interviews! Enjoy this re-release of Pottery, Parables, and Portable Communionware: A Conversation with Lisa Kaufer. In this whimsical kickoff of "Created Creative from November of 2023," hosts Dawn and Ruth embark on an Advent adventure, debating when the season truly begins. Meet their first guest, Lisa Kaufer—part minister, part potter, and an all-around Renaissance woman. Lisa spills the clay on her current projects, juggling finger labyrinths and curriculum creation. Unveiling how she’s crafted her multi-hyphenate identity, she confesses the joys and challenges of having so many irons in the fire, or rather, projects in the kiln. The trio digs into the art of crafting unconventional curriculum, including parables with a splash of basketball. Lisa shares her creative rituals and even reveals her idea of portable ceramic communion wear. Stay tuned as they create a tagline for Lisa’s business … and then struggle to create a tagline for this podcast. 00:01 Introduction and Welcome 00:19 Beginning of Advent and Church Traditions 01:03 Introduction to the Podcast and First Interview 01:32 Interview with Lisa Kaufer: A Renaissance Woman 02:08 Lisa's Multifaceted Creative Journey 02:57 Lisa's Work and Creative Process 05:34 Lisa's Diverse Interests and Creative Balance 07:31 Lisa's Creative Approach to Faith Formation 09:03 Lisa's Inspirations and Creative Influences 11:31 Challenges and Future Directions for Lisa's Creative Work 16:28 Brainstorming Session: Defining Lisa's Creative Brand 23:39 Conclusion and Farewell Find Lisa's work at www.themuddyfork.org!Join us next week for a brand new episode!Join our Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=11072417Dawn’s coaching: BigPictureBigPurpose.comRuth’s Subscription boxes: consecrate.cratejoy.com

In this episode, we dive into an insightful quote from renowned author and artist Julia Cameron, known for her book 'The Artist's Way.' During her interview, Cameron shared a thought-provoking idea that deeply resonates with the core themes of our podcast: 'Creativity and spirituality intertwine like dancing partners.' This elegant metaphor illuminates how creative expression and spiritual growth are closely connected, inspiring us to explore these synergies in our own lives. We discuss how embracing this perspective can enhance both our artistic endeavors and spiritual journeys, offering practical insights and reflections on integrating creativity and spirituality. Tune in to explore how these two powerful forces can work together to enrich our lives, bringing greater fulfillment and a deeper sense of purpose. Whether you're an artist, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious about the intersection of these domains, this episode offers valuable wisdom and inspiration.LINKS:Join our Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=11072417Ruth’s Boxes: consecrate.cratejoy.comDawn’s coaching: http://www.bigpicturebigpurpose.comLearn more about the Artists Way: https://www.npr.org/2023/09/05/1193447515/the-artists-way#artistsway #juliacameron #creativitychallenge

In this episode of 'Creative', hosts Dawn and Ruth explore a spectrum of engaging topics surrounding everyday creativity and community impact. They delve into personal routines and the joys and challenges of balancing professional and personal life, including anecdotes from the hosts' daily experiences. Mayor Latham Hetland of New York Mills, Minnesota, joins the discussion, sharing his unexpected journey into local politics, the dynamic growth of his community, and his role in launching the Continental Divide restaurant. Hetland recounts the intricacies of community-driven investments, the trials within his mayoral tenure, and his creative strategies for fostering local development. He also talks about his personal endeavors, such as managing an Airbnb and previously running a DJ business. The episode highlights the interconnection between creativity, community, and personal balance.Join our Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=11072417Ruth’s Boxes: consecrate.cratejoy.comDawn’s coaching: http://www.bigpicturebigpurpose.com00:10 Welcome to Creative03:40 Creative Containers and Community Gatherings05:55 Meet the Mayor: Latham Hetland08:24 Small Town Politics and Community Growth12:37 The Continental Divide: From Idea to Reality15:32 Downtown Growth and New Businesses15:47 The Role of a Mayor in a Small Town16:34 Challenges of Being a Young Mayor18:40 Exciting Projects and Community Development20:17 Balancing Multiple Ventures22:36 Creative Inspirations and Personal Growth27:14 Future Aspirations and Political Ambitions30:33 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Join Our Patreon and Enhance Your Creative JourneyIn this episode of Created Creative, Dawn encourages listeners to join their Patreon by Thursday. She details the benefits of supporting the podcast at various levels, including participation in the 'Created Creative Container,' an interactive creative coworking session with fellow supporters and former podcast guests. Higher-tier supporters can also receive quarterly laser coaching sessions. Dawn emphasizes the importance of community, creativity, and connection, inviting everyone to engage and enrich the collective creative experience.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:03 Join Our Patreon for Exclusive Benefits00:36 Creative Container Event Details00:56 How to Participate and What to Expect01:30 Additional Patreon Tiers and Benefits02:19 Final Encouragement and Invitationpatreon.com/user?u=11072417