Unblocked Creators

Read Kieran's letters here: https://substack.com/@itskierandrew?utm_source=global-searchBook your seat at the Future-Proof Creator Summit here: https://thelivinginternet.com/

View this full episode here: https://youtu.be/QY_qkry7GCkAaron Tharp forging knives in the Mojave Desert with a forge made from found materials.Support the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

In this episode of the Unblocked Creators Podcast, Jesse James Carver sits down with Kimia Nora to explore the intersection of neuroscience, neuroplasticity, and chronic pain. Kimia shares her personal journey from suffering to healing and explains how the brain’s perception of safety (or danger) dictates physical health and life success.Get your ticket to the Future-Proof Creator Summit:https://thelivinginternet.com/Subscribe to Kimia's Substack:https://substack.com/@kimianoraTimestamps[00:00] Introduction to Unblocked Creators – Jesse James Carver introduces the show's mission and guest Kimia Nora, an expert on the neuroscience of chronic pain.[02:36] The Journey into Writing Online – Kimia explains how Dan Koe inspired her to use writing as a lever to build a "school of thought" and refine her thinking.[06:50] Influence of Yogic Sciences – Discussion on Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings and how religion and spirituality can have a scientific basis.[12:09] Dr. Joe Dispenza and Mind-Body Medicine – How Joe Dispenza’s miraculous recovery led to a holistic science of consciousness and biological intention.[16:38] Overcoming Chronic Depression and Fatigue – Kimia reflects on her own struggle with being unable to get out of bed and her path to regulation.[17:36] The Mechanics of Neuroplasticity – A deep dive into how a brain under chronic stress signals the body to stay vigilant and "protected" through pain.[23:41] Symptoms with No Physical Cause – Understanding neuroplastic conditions like Long COVID, Lyme, and Fibromyalgia as stress-induced learned responses.[28:57] Dr. John Sarno and Repressed Emotions – Jesse shares his experience with Sarno’s theory that the brain uses pain as a defense against repressed rage.[34:45] Why Changing Your Brain is Easier Than Building Muscle – Kimia discusses the unmatched adaptive capacity of the human brain compared to any other organ.[38:34] Childhood Environments and Learned Pain – How early life stress and hypervigilance create associations that lead to chronic symptoms in adulthood.[44:15] Identifying "Familiar" Emotional States – A practical method for identifying when the brain is stuck in a past fear response rather than present reality.[49:58] The Scientific Revolution of 50% Curability – The estimate that half of chronic illnesses are neuroplastic and, therefore, fundamentally curable.[54:43] Creating a New Culture of Hope – Kimia’s vision for a future where mind-body medicine is the standard and how Gen Z can find meaning beyond image.[01:03:17] Finding Confidence as a Creator – Advice for women and entrepreneurs on allowing a "window of discovery" and the grace to make mistakes.[01:06:05] The "Michelangelo" Metaphor of Potential – Using play and childlike curiosity to "carve out" your true self from a block of potential.Support the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

Taylin Simmonds: College teacher turned AI assisted ghostwriter | Helping writers & creatives earn on the internet • 2B impressions • $4M+ revenue • All in on SubstackRead The Simmonds Signal on Substack: https://taylinsimmonds.substack.com/?...Get your ticket to the Future-Proof Creator Summit:https://thelivinginternet.com/[00:00:37] – Introduction & Origin Story[00:03:44] – The Twitter Breakthrough[00:04:55] – Learning the Craft of Concise Writing[00:08:11] – Scaling to $500K & Business Realities[00:11:37] – The "Soft Skills" of Ghostwriting[00:14:55] – Art vs. Income in the 20s[00:18:57] – Entrepreneurship as Self-Development[00:24:55] – Health as a Business Bottleneck[00:28:43] – Motivation & Standards[00:33:32] – The Creator Money Model[00:41:42] – Where to Start (Substack vs. X)[00:44:03] – Futureproof Creator Summit[00:47:47] – The Future of EducationSupport the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

Dan Koe, author of the book The Art of Focus, the collection of essays Purpose & Profit, and the renowned newsletter: Future/Proof.This episode is even better on Youtube: https://youtu.be/x3KW3_tlZoMOn this episode, he explains how he developed his 4-hour workday philosophy that earned him millions of dollars by his mid-twenties, and how his worldview continues to evolve.We discussed his recent experiments in trying to get AI to write like him, and his take on the future of the creator economy.To secure your spot at the Future-Proof Creator Summit, go here: https://thelivinginternet.com/To read Dan's Future/Proof letters, go here:https://letters.thedankoe.com/Get on the waitlist for Eden at: https://waitlist.eden.soGet your copy of The Art of Focus: https://theartoffocusbook.com/Support the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

Dennis McKenna, ethnopharmacologist, joins me for a profound conversation about the evolution of consciousness, mushrooms, and unconventional career paths.Get your ticket to the Creator Economy Convention: https://www.thelivinginternet.com/Join the free Living Internet Alliance community: https://living-internet-alliance.circle.so/join?invitation_token=226e75d9ce467200f26b8d69c30cc6fce33321b1-4df96578-ddf5-46b9-bd0c-81882743ba7dCheck out Jesse's wood art: https://www.oakmoss.ca/Take courses from the McKenna Academy: https://mckenna.academy/course-list/Support the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

Join us as we delve into the world of online writing and content creation with Hussain Ibarra, a self-proclaimed "beginner" with over 22,000 users on X. Hussein shares his journey from being a disenchanted engineering intern to becoming a successful online writer and mentor. We discuss the importance of consistency, the role of personal branding in the creator economy, and practical tips for starting your own writing venture. Whether you're stuck in a 9-to-5 or looking to improve your online presence, this episode offers invaluable insights.Get your ticket to the Creator Economy Convention: http://thelivinginternet.com?via=jesseRead Hussain's Letters on Substack: https://hussainibarra.substack.com/Read Hussain's threads on X: https://x.com/HussainIbarra00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:14 Weekly Meetings and Podcast Beginnings01:15 Journey from Engineering to Writing02:08 Early Struggles and Discovering Online Writing04:17 Balancing Work, Studies, and Writing09:59 Developing a Unique Writing Voice17:41 Understanding the Creator Economy26:39 Creator Economy Convention Announcement32:26 The Loneliness of the Creator's Journey34:17 Facing Skepticism and Self-Doubt35:47 Overcoming Identity Hurdles in Writing41:47 The Power of Delusional Aspirational Rates44:51 The Importance of Physical Fitness for Creativity50:01 Effective Writing Strategies for Attention56:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement57:55 Starting Your Creator JourneySupport the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

Breaking Free from PerfectionismRead Matt's Substack article (yes, the one we discuss in the episode!) here:https://mattbuffa.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsJoin The Living Internet Alliance, a free community for up-skilling your social, creative, and financial mastery:https://living-internet-alliance.circle.so/join?invitation_token=226e75d9ce467200f26b8d69c30cc6fce33321b1-4df96578-ddf5-46b9-bd0c-81882743ba7dJoin Matt Buffa and Jesse James Carver as they explore the struggle of perfectionism and its impact on creativity.Through a casual conversation about spirituality, anxiety, and the quest for self-improvement, we unpack the importance of letting go and embracing imperfection to make progress.00:00 Realization and Taking Things Too Seriously00:56 The Concept of Letting Go02:53 The Perpetual Need for Self-Improvement03:39 The Burden of Shoulds and Guilt06:59 The Red Light Syndrome and Authentic Conversations08:31 Balancing Podcasting and Personal Life20:45 Creative Habits and Systematizing Work24:24 The Challenge of Writing and Perfectionism33:44 Reflecting on the Creative Wayfinder34:24 Introducing a New Course Concept35:11 Exploring the Unblocked Carver Metaphor35:56 The Process of Carving and Creativity38:54 Sharpening Your Axe: Preparation vs. Procrastination41:17 Overcoming Resistance and Starting Projects43:18 The Role of Ego in Creativity50:57 Integrating the Self and Ego57:43 The Zen Approach to Creativity01:05:48 Final Thoughts and Sign OffSupport the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

This episode is with Josh Terry, a high performance coach who helps ambitious creators to achieve greatness without getting stuck in overwhelm and burnout.Follow his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshterryplays/Watch his Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOLdtkK1XqV6ikuHUqfetnQGet your early-bird ticket to the Creator Economy Convention:https://thelivinginternet.com/Support the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

This episode explores the profound connection between story, myth, and healing with Brian Maierhofer, an associate marriage family therapist, writer, and self-described "keeper of stories."Brian shares his transformative journey from struggling with substance use at 20 to discovering Jung and Campbell in a Hawaiian wilderness therapy program's library. We dive deep into how ancient myths and the hero's journey reveal fundamental patterns of psychological death and rebirth that are essential for modern healing.The conversation covers somatic therapy and the revolutionary concept of the "body-mind" - not two systems connected, but one integrated unit where your body literally maps your subconscious mind. Brian explains how chronic pain, anxiety, and addiction often stem from our brain perceiving suppressed sensations as threats, and how somatic tracking can rewire these patterns.We also discuss male initiation rites, the lack of cultural containers for transformation in modern society, and practical advice for building an authentic creator business. Brian emphasizes becoming a "relational being" online and letting your audience guide your niche through genuine connection.Guest: Brian Maierhofer - Associate Marriage Family Therapist, Writer, Former TV ProfessionalHost: Jesse James Carver - Wood Carver, Creator of Unblocked Creators PodcastJoin us at the Creator Economy Convention in Vancouver, June 5-7, 2026!TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Tesla Quote & Introduction 1:19 - Welcome to Unblocked Creators 3:04 - Introducing Brian Maierhofer 7:20 - Brian as "Keeper of Stories" 9:46 - Academic Origins & Discovery of Jung 12:36 - Why Myth Matters for Modern Psychology 15:06 - The Wasteland & Desert Journeys of the Soul19:25 - Understanding the Unconscious Mind 23:00 - Male Initiation & Rights of Passage 25:03 - The Myth of Icarus: Failed Initiation 30:04 - Indigenous Initiation Ceremonies 37:31 - Plant Medicine & Cultural Integration 42:14 - Somatic Therapy & The Body-Mind UnitySupport the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

Non‑duality is the absence of mentally fabricated boundaries.”In this wide‑ranging conversation, creator and teacher Dan Goldfield unpacks what that means in real life; how freeing ourselves from constant interpretation dissolves suffering, and why you don’t need hours of meditation to find rest.We cover Dan’s path from 20 years as a professional drummer/teacher to publishing hundreds of short teachings (Insight Timer, YouTube), and the non‑dual lineages that shaped him (Advaita Vedanta, Zen, Dzogchen, plus lessons from modern Theravada). Dan explains “non‑meditation” (dissolving the line between practice and life), how effort can become the problem, and practical ways to relate to pain, anxiety, and tension, including his experience with the Alexander Technique.We also reconcile spirituality with business and the creator economy: service over self, authenticity, and empathy‑driven marketing. You’ll hear why “being of benefit” is both the spiritual path and the most sustainable growth strategy for modern creators.Follow Dan Goldfield on X — @itsdangoldfieldWatch more from Dan on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsdangoldfieldJoin us in person: Creator Economy Convention (Vancouver, BC • June 5–7, 2026) Founder tickets are $200 off for a limited time: http://thelivinginternet.comYour ticket includes access to our Circle community and optional accountability groups, and access to the three-day long convention and three meals throughout the weekend.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Energy, frequency, vibration: opening and setup00:42 - Meet Dan Goldfield and the origin of his short teachings04:45 - What is non‑duality? “Absence of mentally fabricated boundaries”06:30 - The rain example: freedom from interpretation vs reactivity08:44 - Lineages that shaped Dan: Advaita, Zen, Dzogchen (and modern Theravada)09:45 - When effort backfires: “gladdening the mind” vs letting go16:27 - What is non‑meditation? Dissolving the boundary between practice and life22:21 - “I’m unhappy and in pain”—when to use supportive practices24:37 - Alexander Technique: releasing self‑created tension and chronic pain32:02 - Reconciling spirituality and money; creators, service, and authenticity38:13 - From drums to Dharma business: courses, $10k launch, and focus43:06 - “Being of benefit” as the test of enlightenment and the creator’s path1:16:32 - How to find rest now: awareness, gaps in anxiety, and the cloud frame story1:24:02 - Where to find Dan + Creator Economy Convention details and $200 offSupport the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

Paul Musso is a full time philosophy professor and solopreneur. After receiving his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Pennyslvania, he decided to begin pursuing a career teaching philosophy online. His main focus is teaching people how to build their own philosophy of life, which he calls a “micro-philosophy”. His work is primarily found on Substack, and he just released a free course on Stoicism as a way of life, titled Philosophy As The Art Of Living.Get tickets to The Creator Economy Convention: https://www.thelivinginternet.comRead Paul's Substack writings here: https://themicrophilosopher.substack.com/?utm_source=global-searchRegister for Paul's Micro-Philosophy: Foundations, and build your own personal philosophy of life, by clicking here: https://stan.store/paulmussophilosophy/p/the-microphilosophy-foundations-course-accessSupport the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

A Journey Through Poetry, Darkness, and Death Doula Work with David Morin.Join us in an intimate and enlightening conversation with David Morin, a poet and death doula, as he explores his journey to discovering his poetic voice and understanding his role in guiding others through their final moments. David shares his transformative experiences at a darkness meditation retreat, the profound impact of poetry on his life, and the unique challenges and rewards of working with incarcerated individuals. This episode delves into themes of purpose, mortality, finding peace within ourselves, and freeing our true voices, offering a compelling perspective on living a fulfilling life.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:31 Discovering Poetry02:09 The Darkness Meditation Retreat05:18 Becoming a Death Doula10:05 A Year to Live Experiment14:52 Reflections on Life and Death26:06 The Essence of Poetry31:32 Innovative Body Composting in Washington33:42 Personal Reflections on Meditation35:46 Rehabilitation and Poetry in Prisons39:54 The Role of a Death Doula in Prison50:33 Sharing a Poetic Journey59:43 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsRegister for The Creative Wayfinder here: Initiate Your Life PurposeDavid's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mor.intune/Milkweed: David’s poetry book that he describes as a raw, soul-stirring, vision quest of reclaiming himself through poetry. Get the book at the following link, as well as his free resource, the Voice Reclamation Guide, a poetic workbook for helping you reclaim the voice that you buried to survive:https://stan.store/MorintuneDavid’s podcast, Art 2 Heart, and other podcasts that David has been on can be found here:https://linktr.ee/morintune?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=9ebf4978-f515-4e41-80ad-b462da2bcaa0Support the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

In this episode with my mother, we discuss how to use art as a therapeutic outlet. Donna May shares personal stories about overcoming insecurities and finding inner peace through creative expression. Discover how to use your own artistic expression as a way to promote emotional wellbeing, and find spiritual awakening.See more of her artwork at: http://www.DonnaMayPaints.caRegister for The Creative Wayfinder here: https://stan.store/oakmoss/p/the-creative-wayfinderThank you for watching/listening. I'd love to hear about how it inspired by you if you feel inclined to leave a comment.Support the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

In this episode, somatic therapist Logan Quinn explores how our deepest wounds can guide us to our greatest sources of creativity and healing. Logan shares his journey from traditional bodywork to a more holistic, story-driven approach, discussing the subtle connections between physical tension, trauma, and self-expression. We examine agency, the role of the body in psychological healing, and how personal challenges can inspire transformation. Practical somatic tools and mythic perspectives offer hope for anyone seeking a more authentic, embodied life.Follow this link to find out more about The Creative Wayfinder Initiation, offered by Jesse James Carver: https://stan.store/oakmossSupport the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

On this episode, Jesse interviews his childhood magic mentor, Gary Savard!Gary has performed many thousands of magic shows, won award in kid show magic, comedy magic, stage magic, and more.You can find Gary for hire at https://themagicguy.ca/View the video version of this podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/Rt-aLyED_AcSupport the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

Meaning Making in a Machine World (& Meeting Dan Koe in the Desert)In this deeply philosophical episode of Unblocked Creators, Jesse James Boyes explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and human creativity against the backdrop of his transformative journey through the Mojave Desert.Jesse weaves together seemingly disparate threads—from ancient Chinese divination systems to modern computing fundamentals, from quantum physics to consciousness theory—to address a profound question: In a world where AGI might soon perform most tasks we currently call jobs, what makes human creativity uniquely valuable?The episode traces the fascinating historical connections between the 3,000-year-old Yi Jing (I Ching) and Leibniz's development of binary mathematics that forms the foundation of all modern computing. Jesse unpacks complex philosophical thought experiments like John Searle's Chinese Room, examining whether machines can truly "think" or merely simulate intelligence.Beyond the philosophical ponderings, Jesse shares his real-world desert adventure where serendipity led to meaningful connections, including a chance meeting with digital creator Dan Koe. Their mountain-top conversation about consciousness, creativity, and finding meaning in an increasingly automated world forms the emotional core of the episode.Through vivid storytelling of sleeping in a tent beside Sagauro cacti, following coyote tracks to hidden vistas, and making art in the beating sunshine, Jesse makes a compelling case for human relevance that transcends automation anxiety: our capacity to create meaning through direct experience, to jump between layers of abstraction, and to share moments of profound connection.This episode offers both intellectual depth and practical inspiration for creators wondering about their place in an AI-driven future.About our sponsors:Oakmoss - Jesse's handcrafted wood art celebrates the beauty of natural materials and human creativity. Each piece tells a unique story through intricate carving that no algorithm could replicate. Explore his work at http://www.oakmoss.caEvernia Design - The Internet for Humans: http://www.EverniaDesign.comUnblocked Creators with Jesse James Boyes explores the intersection of creativity, technology, philosophy, and meaningful work. New episodes weekly. Guest episodes every other week.Support the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

In Unblocked Creators episode 4, Jesse shares a personal journey of creating wood art for his mother through her cancer battle and a global pandemic.This experience, fused with Eastern philosophy, reveals how suffering ('Dukkha') and creative blocks can become fuel for artistic breakthroughs and spiritual freedom.Discover how to see obstacles not as barriers, but as "uncarved blocks" of potential, and transform them into doorways for new insights.Oakmoss wooden wallets can be purchased here: https://stan.store/oakmossThe Oakmoss website and gallery is here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/Donna May Paints gallery: https://donnamaypaints.ca/The Creative Wayfinder initiation: https://stan.store/oakmoss/p/the-creative-wayfinder---Need a website designed? Here's a showcase of what I do: https://www.everniadesign.com/Mention you found me through the podcast - I like to support creators, and if I want to work with someone, I'll charge them a lot less.Support the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

Ty Martens and I sit down at Open Space Gallery in Abbotsford, BC. where his show "Aptera" is on display until June 6, 2025, to discuss his artistic process.Check out Ty's work on Instagram at:https://www.instagram.com/tymartensart/Read his wild shenanigans here:https://tymartens.substack.com/Support the Unblocked Creators by purchasing an Oakmoss Hardwood Wallet:https://stan.store/oakmossSupport the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

Overcoming Artistic Struggles and Finding Creative Flow: A Conversation with Jack HendsbeeJoin us for a candid conversation with artist Jack Hendsbee as he delves into the challenges and triumphs of the art world. Jack discusses the importance of managing expectations, marketing, and the financial realities of being an artist. He shares his experiences with large-scale murals, the satisfaction of quick 'plein air' paintings, and how psychedelic experiences have inspired his unique use of color. This episode is a reminder to embrace the process of creation, overcome blockages, and find joy in artistic expression.00:00 Introduction and Managing Expectations07:25 Balancing Art and Practicality07:44 Exploring Different Scales of Art08:04 The Process of Creating Murals08:58 Strategic Approaches to Painting12:02 The Plein Air Painting Experience12:28 Experimenting with Artistic Constraints13:26 Collaborative Art Projects15:29 The Challenge of Releasing Art16:25 Painting on Carvings21:03 Promoting Art and Personal Projects21:50 Overcoming Creative Block23:31 Gaming and Fish Talk23:59 Gallery Show Preparation24:43 Artistic Process and Color Theory29:49 Psychedelic Inspirations34:54 Mystical Experiences in Art36:59 Encouragement for Aspiring Artists40:45 The Future of Art and AI42:29 Conclusion and FarewellOakmoss Hardwood Wallets can be purchased here:https://stan.store/oakmossSee more of my wood art here:https://www.oakmoss.caAnd see more of Jack's paintings here:https://www.instagram.com/jackhendsbee/For custom paintings, email Jack at:[email protected] the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver

In this video, I, Jesse Boyes, talk to Andrew Joakim, formerly the face of the Youtube channel "Sorting Myself Out," about getting creatively unblocked. We discuss how to live a life of meaning and purpose while earning a living.I don't mention my sponsor in the podcast, but its Oakmoss, a one man wood art and furniture gallery (run by me). See our premium wooden wallets here: http://www.oakmoss.ca/Support the showCheck out the Unblocked Carver newsletter here: https://www.oakmoss.ca/unblockedcarver