Rachael has a craving that could bring about a big lifestyle change. She discusses with Lauren coming to a realization that she no longer feels at home in the environment she’s settled into— and the choice between staying the course or starting a new adventure. The hosts share how they have gained clarity, direction, and the courage to embrace the unknown in the quest to continually live creatively. Rachael’s new book “Prioritize Play” is now available for pre-order! Grab your copy today. Post o...
May 11, 2026•54 min•Ep. 40
What happens when pursuing a creative dream becomes a catalyst for major life changes? In this episode, Rachael and Lauren discuss instances when following the creative path has taken them into unexpected territory. Episode Mentions Rachael’s new book “Prioritize Play” is now available for pre-order! Grab your copy today. Learn more about Luis Barragán. Watch Rachael’s Bedroom Makeover Reel Filterworld - How Algorithms Flattened Culture by Kyle Chayka Check out Lauren’s Mural Mockups here! We ar...
Apr 27, 2026•41 min•Ep. 39
We all experience periods of low energy and motivation; but as Chaotic Creatives, our ideas and goals never stop calling to us. Rachael and Lauren talk about the necessity of giving ourselves grace when we’re feeling drained. They outline some actionable approaches that might help us advance towards our passions even when we aren’t feeling up to the task. This episode invites us to willfully take the path of inefficiency as an act of self care in a world burning with urgency and the pressures of...
Apr 13, 2026•42 min•Ep. 38
There are countless worries that come with self-promotion and marketing our offerings. Showing up consistently, sharing what we are working on, and selling can feel as if we are being annoying. BUT it’s necessary for our businesses and creative practices to thrive. Lauren and Rachael talk about overcoming apprehension when it comes to this challenging but critical aspect of being a creative entrepreneur. They also share the value of building “it” even when it’s not certain that “they will come.”...
Mar 30, 2026•38 min•Ep. 37
So many of us give the lion’s share of our capacity to our employers and have very little left for our creative passions. With only so much time, energy, and resources to do what we want in life how can we do more of what fills us up? In this episode, Lauren and Rachael talk about creative ways of reallocating our efforts towards what matters most to us. They discuss when it feels okay to half-ass, when to give it your all, and the importance of being intentional with your personal investments. ...
Mar 16, 2026•50 min•Ep. 36
After a long period away, Rachael found herself packing it all in when she returned to Detroit. Lauren was there to bear witness and support Rachael through the overwhelm, which inspired today’s discussion. They debrief on Rachael’s chaotic week, and talk ways to do all of what you truly want, while incorporating guardrails to prevent spiraling into burnout. Episode Mentions The Wedding People: A Novel by Alison Espach Watch a recap of our Marshalls Workshop in Detroit! Check out Rachael’s Onlin...
Mar 02, 2026•44 min•Ep. 35
Lauren and Rachael discuss the tools and rules they use to navigate running their creative businesses online. They talk about the line between convenience and spoon feeding, pitching clients, and accepting the pros and cons that come with going your own way. Episode Mentions Check out Rachael’s Online Community, The Juice Box here! Please explore “River Scars,” the work of Robert Hodgin who presented at OFFF MX 2025 If you liked this episode, check out Episode 12 “The Spark: How Advice for Datin...
Feb 16, 2026•41 min•Ep. 34
This episode is all about the “secret menu”, a concept that Lauren dreamed up for offering unprofitable skills that she still enjoys doing for herself and others. The hosts discuss the value of thinking of your own secret menu and how it can become a creative form of community care. This conversation is an invitation to pull your untapped abilities out of skill purgatory and put them to good use. Episode Mentions: Rachael’s Soup Gala Birthday Party Rachael’s Orange-Themed Birthday Party We are n...
Feb 02, 2026•36 min•Ep. 33
Rachael is ready to get serious about being an artist; so she and Lauren discuss a common component of presenting yourself as one: a portfolio. When describing your creative work and ambitions, it can be extremely helpful to have a curated selection of pieces to back it up; but many questions arise when attempting to build an online portfolio. In this episode, you’ll gain some insight towards answering those questions for yourself. Is it okay to have one-off works vs a series? How can you focus ...
Jan 19, 2026•42 min•Ep. 32
Lauren sold most of her things in the months leading up to moving back to BK and absorbed helpful lessons around sales, customer service, and communication that she brought back to her business. In this episode she shares these lessons with Rachael and reflects on how they were more easily absorbed when she was selling “stuff” (chairs, furniture, etc) as opposed to her creative work and services. Episode Mentions Lauren’s NYC Bedroom Storage Project Lauren at Creative Mornings NYC We are now boo...
Jan 05, 2026•47 min•Ep. 31
In the conclusion of this first Crash Course mini-series, the hosts are sharing some of the commonly overlooked aspects of selling a workshop. They discuss how to navigate specific scenarios that they've encountered in hosting creative events and send you off with some encouraging words. Join us for this special in-person creative workshop in NYC on November 13th! Get tickets here! For a transcript of this episode, contact us at chaoticcreativespodcast@gmail.com Cover art designed and photograph...
Oct 27, 2025•26 min
With a workshop concept locked in, Lauren and Rachael begin developing their idea into a more well-rounded offering. They work through how to provide the most valuable experience for workshop attendees, how to market the event, and what price point will cover costs while making a worthwhile profit for them as hosts. Throughout this phase of planning, they provide nuanced insight on what to consider when tailoring a gathering toward your own goals. Join us for this special in-person creative work...
Oct 20, 2025•24 min
Lauren and Rachael brainstorm on a guided experience that merges both of their skills and teaching styles. In pitching ideas to one another, they land on a workshop that they are both jazzed to facilitate! The big question is: Can they develop this idea into a strong, marketable offering? Episode Mentions: Lauren's Tutorial on Turning Junk Mail into Paper Clay for Crafts Lauren's Upcycled Croissant Lauren's Upcycled Pedestal Planter Shoutout to Meg Lewis and their 'taper mache' method. Check out...
Oct 13, 2025•20 min
Welcome to Crash Course! A Chaotic Creative mini series about gathering in the material world. Follow Lauren and Rachael as they plan a workshop that you can actually attend this November in New York City! In part one, the gals share how they began teaching and why they believe workshops are a great way to grow your creative community and business. Shoutout to The Dugout Podcast , which was an inspiration for this format. Go check them out! Join us for this special in-person creative workshop in...
Oct 06, 2025•22 min
In this wide-ranging conversation, Rachael and Lauren discuss how they stay creatively grounded in periods of grief; they then realize that the conversations they’ve had as friends and co-hosts have had a grounding effect as well. This season’s closing coincides with the closing of chapters in the respective lives of the Chaotic Creatives team and in this long indulgent sendoff, your gals are looking forward even while holding the sadness that comes with change. Episode Mentions Brené Brown: The...
Sep 08, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 30
In this penultimate episode of season 3, Rachael and Lauren both find themselves at the precipice of major change in their lives. They discuss how the nature of these changes have influenced their priorities and styles of decision-making. Expanding beyond the new seasons in their lives, they raise the importance of doing what you can to prioritize your creative work, and honing your intuition by practicing decisiveness in everyday scenarios. Episode Mentions: Paper pulp on Lauren’s blog Grit by ...
Aug 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 29
Get a sense of what a creative coaching session is like as Lauren and Rachael help each other with specific challenges they are facing in their respective businesses and lives. Each host listens and offers insights to help the other move closer to achieving their goals. Episode Mentions Here is the Forbes article about Mud Witch , and the inspiration behind their ceramics. Check out Lauren's website for an example of the "trail mix" style portfolio . Learn more about Lauren's 4-Week Portfolio Pr...
Aug 11, 2025•55 min•Ep. 28
Much has been covered about the what, why, and how we create but this episode is all about WHERE we do our creative work. In the wake of Lauren’s big move back to NYC, she’s been thinking a lot about transitioning from a dedicated art studio to a wall in her new bedroom. It’s got the gals thinking about the benefits of having a home within your home (however small) JUST for being the best, most imaginative, creative you possible. They talk about the possibilities and limitations of making dedica...
Jul 28, 2025•45 min•Ep. 27
Rachael was brimming with excitement after her experience at this year’s Alt Summit. As she shared the details with Lauren, a discussion unfolded about all of the places to find your people and the magic of face-to-face meetings. Consider this a more extended answer to a listener question from the previous episode about finding connection around your creative passions and hobbies. Your chaotic creative gals explore the benefits of gathering, navigating forming adult bonds, and being clear on the...
Jul 14, 2025•49 min•Ep. 26
Rachael and Lauren continue to answer listener questions! They discuss their silly, self-indulgent projects, ideas on building community, and navigating the more tedious aspects of living a creative life. Topics Covered The silliest things the hosts created that made their souls smile. Ways to respond when people say “you should sell these,” if you don’t want to turn your passion into a business. Finding a creative community that also aligns with your values. Balancing the tedious parts with the...
Jun 30, 2025•58 min•Ep. 25
Lauren and Rachael answer more of your questions! Being authentically you, building confidence, avoiding the cringe: these were a few of the concerns listeners had about developing an online presence and promoting their work. The hosts explore these ideas the best way they know how, with lots of curiosity and nuance, to guide you toward what works best for you! Questions Covered Tips/advice for incorporating playfulness, sparkle, and fun into your corporate job/work. How to not be cringey when p...
Jun 16, 2025•57 min•Ep. 24
Lauren and Rachael discuss the importance of managing expectations throughout the creative process and journey. As artists, we can’t help but to dream big and plan accordingly; BUT leaving space for unexpected twists and turns can allow us to better enjoy the process and tap into our playfulness. There is so much to gain when we embrace the detours that often occur on the path to where we really want to be. We hope this discussion allows you, dear listener, to be less hard on yourself and develo...
Jun 02, 2025•57 min•Ep. 23
In this discussion, Rachael and Lauren explore the how their upbringings, and communities of origin have influenced the trajectories of their creative lives and careers. Episode Mentions: ESPN 30 for 30: Bad Boys Rodman: For Better or Worse The Last Dance Sponsors: Mural Painting for Designers Dress For Yourself The transcript for this episode can be found here ! Cover art designed and photographed by Kristle Marshall for Hom Sweet Hom If you love what we are doing and want to support us, head t...
May 19, 2025•55 min•Ep. 22
The creative path is full of wonder and play; but sadness, depression, and grief are inevitable parts of the human experience. Rachael and Lauren return by discussing how they navigate these very real seasons in life while remaining committed to what they are passionate about. As we face down ever-increasing uncertainty and loss, does art still matter? Your creative gals say YES! This chat explores art practice as a healing balm and energizing force in our lives and communities. Mentions: The Wa...
May 05, 2025•45 min•Ep. 21
For this final episode of Season 2, Rachael and Lauren talk about creating challenges and passion projects and how the practice can be useful for self-discovery, play, and meeting creative milestones. They examine crafting prompts from both personal and business perspectives and share helpful examples along the way. Big thanks to our audience for listening this season. Please share our pod with someone you think would love the show AND give us a rating and review! We’ll be back soon for Season 3...
Mar 03, 2025•53 min•Ep. 20
Lauren and Rachael discuss the importance of creating personal guidelines for navigating social media. You can think of these as 10 Commandments, House Rules, Standard Operating Procedures etc. They each share three of their own ‘commandments’ related to common scenarios they’ve encountered as artists and business owners with large audiences online. Special shoutout to Therapy Jeff ! The transcript for this episode can be found here ! Cover art designed and photographed by Kristle Marshall for H...
Feb 17, 2025•49 min•Ep. 19
This episode is all about money and feelings! There’s a saying that is constantly floating around online: “Charge your worth and add tax.” Lauren and Rachael discuss the limits of this phrase and how decoupling your self-worth from the perceived value of your products or services can be a healthier perspective when building a sustainable business. Additionally, they discuss how values like accessibility inform their goals to engage in an inclusive form of commerce, while still covering the costs...
Feb 03, 2025•49 min•Ep. 18
As a creative entrepreneur, experimentation is important in finding a balance between your desires and those of your community. Rachael and Lauren discuss times that they’ve taken risks on new offerings in their business and the lessons learned from their experiences. How can we find profitable pathways for growth without abandoning our core purposes or interests? They also discuss low-effort ways to identify and test ideas on how to expand your business in a way that aligns with your missions a...
Jan 20, 2025•58 min•Ep. 17
Happy New Year! Lauren and Rachael are glad to be back and are thinking about loosening their adherence to certain labels that they’ve stuck with for far too long. This discussion was inspired by Lauren doing something that she had previously written off as not her thing and is all about revisiting the stories we’ve been telling ourselves. Do they still ring true? Are we unnecessarily closing ourselves off to new, beautiful experiences or facets of ourselves? The hosts share areas in which they ...
Jan 06, 2025•41 min•Ep. 16
Lauren and Rachael share reflections on the year as we head into 2025. If you’ve been listening since episode 1, you know that these gals LOVE reflection as a tool for resetting and crafting thoughtful future goals that are consistent with your personal values. In this discussion, they dig into: being flexible with metric-based goals, the power of self-awareness in setting your goals, AND acknowledging achievements that you didn’t see coming. Your Chaotic Creative Gals are taking a mini break fo...
Dec 09, 2024•58 min•Ep. 15
