Episode 126: Creative Devotion, Messaging, & Brand Strategy: Becoming the Messenger of Your Work with Luna Battalia

This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of leadership, branding, and creative devotion. I’m joined by leadership mentor and founder of Caru Creative, Luna Battalia. Luna supports service-oriented women and entrepreneurs in building brands and businesses that reflect the deeper purpose behind their work.

Luna introduces us to attraction-based branding, a philosophy where your brand presence, messaging, and content work together to magnetize aligned clients before a sales conversation even begins. Instead of convincing or chasing clients, the brand experience itself builds trust and clarity so that when someone reaches out, the decision to work together already feels natural and aligned.

We also explore Luna’s belief that creativity is a co-creative process between us and something greater whether you call it the muse, divine inspiration, or creative potential. Luna shares how creative ideas often “choose” us, and our role as creators, leaders, and entrepreneurs is to say yes, nurture them, and bring them into form.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that creativity flourishes when we trust our ideas, follow the energy, and stay connected to the deeper purpose behind the work we’re here to bring into the world. Luna encourages founders to develop intimacy with their brand by listening, observing, and allowing its message to emerge naturally through them as the messenger.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 125: Do You Really Want to Write a Book? The Truth About the Nonfiction Writing Process with Caroline Malloy

This episode asks you the question, do you really want to write a book? I’m joined by Caroline Malloy, a Chicago-based book coach, editor, and historian. Together, we explore what it takes to move from idea to manuscript and why not every idea needs to become a book.

Caroline explains why trying to write for “everyone” dilutes your message and how staying deeply rooted in one specific reader makes your work more powerful and widely relatable. She also unpacks a causal, page-turning narrative that keeps readers engaged.

If you feel stuck in your writing or creative work, Caroline offers practical wisdom: Sometimes the most productive thing to do is walk away. You can also shift your focus and work on different parts of a project to maintain joy and creative flow.

Whether you’re writing a book or deepening your creative practice this episode will remind you that creativity thrives when it’s supported by the right people, those who help you shape your ideas, stay accountable, and bring them to fruition.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 123: The Creativity Choice: Why Perfectionism Kills Creativity (and How to Get Past Version 1.0) with Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle

This episode explores perfectionism, visibility, and why waiting for the “perfect” version can halt creativity altogether. I’m joined by Dr. Zorana Ivccvic Pringle, Senior Research Scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and author of The Creativity Choice.

Zorana shares a science-backed definition of creativity that moves beyond talent or artistic identity. We dive deeply into the role of questions in the creative process. She explains why first ideas are often the most obvious and how developing 1.0 versions require time, effort, and openness to change.

This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin. Zorana reminds us that creativity is not about waiting for inspiration, it’s about choosing to engage, asking better questions, and staying with the creative process.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 122: The Art of Showing Up: Creativity, Visibility, and Camera Confidence with Lisa Haukom

This episode is your invitation to explore whether you’re navigating visibility, or craving a creative reset this conversation is full of grounded wisdom. I’m joined by content partner, photographer, and founder of The Golden Brand, Lisa Haukom.

Lisa shares her innovative approach to remote photography that feels natural, honest, and deeply personal. She walks us through her process, where clients forget about the camera, settle into their own space, and leave with photos that feel like themselves.

We also dive into the origins of Photo Club, Lisa opens up about her own self-portrait practice and how it helped her confront body image challenges, helped her develop empathy, and became the foundation for helping others feel seen and comfortable on camera through self-portrait challenges.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 121: Creative Vitamins: Somatic Tools for Authentic Alignment in a Chaotic World with MEgan Moseley

This episode is your invitation to explore how creativity is not separate from life, it emerges when we feel calm, present, and aligned. I’m joined by MEgan Mosley founder of BodyWise Consulting and Coaching and creator of The Art and Science of Being Me.

She defines creativity as a natural expression of a nervous system that feels safe, connected, and grounded. MEgan shares how her work integrates physical therapy, somatic psychology, trauma release, and plant medicine to help people embody their truth and live in alignment.

MEgan walks you through a powerful Authentic Alignment micro practice that brings you into your body and opens space for intuition, clarity, and creative flow. I’ve used this practice regularly since we recorded, it’s become a reset button in my day. I am curious, if you try it too!

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Carla Contreras
Episode 120: Inside Nonfiction Publishing: Creativity, Boundaries, and Book Deals with Literary Agent Sally Ekus

This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of advocacy, improvisation, and carving space for what matters. I’m joined by Sally Ekus, literary agent, Substack writer, improv performer, and cookbook champion.

Sally shares how creativity lives at the intersection of professional clarity and personal expression—whether she’s securing publishing deals for authors, answering questions mid-walk during her “Huff and Puffs,” or performing on the improv stage.

We talk about the emotional intensity of writing a book, the importance of doing your homework, and what it means to be in service to both your clients and your creative calling. She opens up about the push and pull between consistency and capacity, especially when it comes to writing her Substack, Not So Secret Agent.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 119: Behind the Lens: Fueling Creativity with Rest, Ritual & Visual Storytelling with Food Photographer Silvia Bifaro

This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of identity, friction, and the clearing that follows the dark. I’m joined by Caroline Mays, writer, brand strategist, and founder of Switchblade Lemonade.

Caroline defines creativity as a kind of spark that happens through process of rubbing two sticks together. She shares how her work is rooted in dialogue, deep listening, and helping people love the way their mind works so, they can share it with others.

We talk about tech failures, nervous system overwhelm, and running to reset. We explore her nuanced view on AI, where it helps (spreadsheets) and where it falls flat (writing that lacks soul) and how humor and movement can snap us out of a blocked state.

Caroline reminds us that the creative process is often messy and emotional, and that white-knuckling it can still lead to clarity. She brings honesty, sharp insight, and a fierce sense of creativity to her work.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 118: The Creative Dark: White-Knuckling, AI, and Running with Caroline Mays

This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of identity, friction, and the clearing that follows the dark. I’m joined by Caroline Mays, writer, brand strategist, and founder of Switchblade Lemonade.

Caroline defines creativity as a kind of spark that happens through process of rubbing two sticks together. She shares how her work is rooted in dialogue, deep listening, and helping people love the way their mind works so, they can share it with others.

We talk about tech failures, nervous system overwhelm, and running to reset. We explore her nuanced view on AI, where it helps (spreadsheets) and where it falls flat (writing that lacks soul) and how humor and movement can snap us out of a blocked state.

Caroline reminds us that the creative process is often messy and emotional, and that white-knuckling it can still lead to clarity. She brings honesty, sharp insight, and a fierce sense of creativity to her work.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 117: Releasing Control, Closing Loops, & The Power of the Subconscious Mind with Jenna Knapp

This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of space, support, and the subconscious. I’m joined by Jenna Knapp artist, NLP Master Practitioner & Trainer, and founder of Have Cake Creative.

Jenna opens up about how hypnosis, closing loops, and timeline work allow her clients and herself to unlock creative momentum, especially when capacity feels stretched.

She shares how releasing control, receiving support, and working with the subconscious helps creative visions actually come to life. Jenna reminds us that creative blocks are often just signals for space, not signs to stop.

When we nourish ourselves, clear the mental clutter, and connect to future vision, creativity can return with ease. Jenna’s resources below + a bonus Future Letter Writing Kit, please let us know if you do this!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 115: Let Creativity Rise: Energetic Wisdom, Nourishment, and the Inner Truths of Creative Flow with Sofia Adler

This episode is an invitation to explore creativity as energy, alive, moving, and rising from within. I’m joined by Sofia Adler, an energy worker, astrologer, and newly certified functional nutrition practitioner.

Sofia is the founder of Sofia Adler Wellness, an online energy healing center that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Sofia defines creativity as something that comes from the body, not the mind.

She shares what the energy of creativity wants to share with us through Energy Mapping. And also, shares about the importance of nourishment, and how honoring your body and spirit can unlock creative flow.

Sofia speaks about composting old beliefs and tending to creative blocks with compassion. She reminds us that we do not have to force ideas into form. Instead, we can let creativity move through us from the inside out.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 114: When Creativity Feels Like Failure: The Lies We Tell Ourselves with Alexa Juanita Jordan CLC

This week’s episode is an invitation to show up this holiday season as the most authentic version of yourself. I’m joined by Alexa Juanita Jordan, a certified life coach, published author, and playwright. Alexa takes us behind the scenes in creating her newest offering, Holiday Survival Kit, designed to support people through the holiday season’s rawest moments. Listen along as we peel back the layers of holiday expectations and get real about the support we deserve to give ourselves through one of the busiest (and most social) times of the year. 

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Carla Contreras
Episode 113: Doing it For the Attention: Equitable Media & Visibility with Cher Hale of Ginkgo PR

This episode is a reminder that you are not only allowed to ask for attention, but you must ask for attention. I’m joined by Cher Hale of Ginkgo PR, an agency that uses public relations to create a more equitable media landscape.

Cher defines creativity as any medium that helps you bring clear, sharp, attention to your life. She emphasizes the importance of bringing loving attention to one’s life and creative endeavors. She also opens up about the importance of taking care of her body, so that she can create a clear channel for ideas and nudges to move through her. She also share a Visibility Practice with us that I hope you will return to often.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 112: Courageous Self-Expression, Leadership, & Nakedness with Melanie Curtis Professional Skydiver + Keynote Speaker

This episode is your invitation to explore the meaning of courageous self-expression. I’m joined by Melanie Curtis, professional skydiver, keynote speaker, and life coach.

Melanie shares the BTS of her creative journey including: Skydiving naked, building an art installation, and how she uses psychedelics for deeper healing and sharper creative insight.

She also opens up about what it means to share from the scar, not the wound. Why risk is a non-negotiable in her creative process. And how “being naked” is less about shock and more about truth.

Melanie reminds you that your most meaningful work comes when you let go of how it will land, and make it anyway. Creativity isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessary to nourish your soul.

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Carla Contreras
Episode 110: Going For It, Shifting Careers, & Manifestation with Christine Fiorentino of Beyond the Plate

This week’s episode is a reminder that creativity asks you to trust your inner voice, even before you’re ready. I’m joined by Christine Fiorentino, writer, recipe developer, culinary storyteller, and host of the YouTube series Beyond the Plate.

From teaching in a classroom to sharing food stories on camera, Christine reminds you that creativity is more than what you create, it’s also who you become when you decide that you’re going to go for it!

If you’re craving change but feel afraid to begin or if you’re in the middle of a transition and wondering what’s next, this episode is for you. It’s also your reminder and affirmation to come back to when things get challenging.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.

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Carla Contreras