You’ve likely believed this lie without even realizing it, and it’s keeping you stuck. In this episode, we’re exposing the narrative that’s been holding creatives back for generations and replacing it with something far more powerful. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative ! If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show. 💌 Connect with us on Instagram: @valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy (that’s Mak with a K!) ...
May 19, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In Episode 10 of The UnBound Creative, Valerie and Mak celebrate their milestone by diving into a quietly radical idea: delight as a wayfinder. We live in a world that values hustle, productivity, and achievement, and yet, so many of us feel lost or disconnected. What if the missing piece isn’t more effort, but more delight? In this deeply reflective and joy-sparking conversation, you’ll learn: Why delight is not frivolous, but one of your most powerful creative tools The difference between fals...
May 05, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Overthinking kills creativity, and it happens faster than you realize. In this episode, we unpack how fear often disguises itself as "preparation" and why it smothers your best ideas before they have a chance to grow. You will learn five simple ways to catch overthinking early, trust your creative spark, and take action before fear takes over. If you have ever gotten stuck in research, comparison, or second-guessing before you even start, this episode is for you. Get ready to move forward, trust...
Apr 28, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 9
We’re getting honest in this one. So many creatives feel stuck, not because they aren’t talented or motivated, but because they’re silently following the rules everyone else is following. The ones that say: “Be practical. Play it safe. Stick to the plan.” In this episode, we unpack why that mindset is stifling your creativity. We explore left-brain vs. right-brain thinking, the pressure to conform, and how school and culture train us to fear failure and abandon joy. Valerie shares insights from ...
Apr 22, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 8
A true story of public failure, creative heartbreak, and the unexpected path to redemption. This is the most vulnerable, raw, and unforgettable story we’ve told on the podcast so far. In this extended episode, Mak shares the real-life tale of a Christmas train festival gone spectacularly wrong; complete with crushed dreams , media headlines , lawsuits , and a moment that nearly broke him . It's a story of public failure, creative heartbreak, and the surprising redemption that came on the other s...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 21 min
In this emotionally rich and deeply honest episode of The UnBound Creative , Valerie and Mak explore one of the most universal experiences in creative life: failure . They dive into why fear of failure keeps so many creatives stuck, and offer mindset shifts, emotional tools, and gentle practices for moving through it. They discuss: How our brains are wired to avoid risk and how that shows up creatively The real meaning behind failure and why it’s rarely final What to do when success brings new f...
Apr 07, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 6
If you’ve ever said “I’m not a business person” because you’re creative, this episode is your wake-up call. The idea that creatives aren’t cut out for business is a story, and it’s a false one. In this conversation, we challenge the myth that creativity and business don’t belong together and show you how your artistic instincts are actually your biggest entrepreneurial superpower. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck inside someone else’s idea of how business should look, this episo...
Mar 31, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this fired-up, heart-on-sleeve episode, Mak and Valerie tackle one of the biggest invisible barriers creative people face: waiting for permission. Whether it's from society, our families, our Instagram followers, or—most sneakily—ourselves, this need for outside validation keeps so many creatives stuck on the sidelines. If you've ever found yourself saying "I'll start when…" or "I'm not legit enough yet," this one’s for you. They talk candidly about the cultural contradictions around creativi...
Mar 24, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 4
If you’ve ever wondered why something you love — creating — can feel like pulling teeth to start , this is your episode. We’re unpacking the real reasons creativity feels so hard (hint: it's not because you're lazy or lack discipline) — and sharing practical mindset shifts and "biohacks" that will help you make creating feel easier, lighter, and even fun again. We’re diving deep into: ✨ Why your brain naturally resists creativity — and how to outsmart it ✨ The myth of "laziness" and why you’re n...
Mar 17, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 3
What if the key to unleashing your creativity isn't found in hustling harder but in following the whispers of curiosity that most of us have been conditioned to ignore? Valerie and Mak McKeehan dive deep into how our education system and cultural messaging train us to become prisoners of outcome-based thinking, postponing joy until we achieve some distant goal. From their earliest days in school, people learn to focus on test scores rather than the process of discovery. This mindset follows us i...
Mar 12, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Valerie and Mak McKeehan launch their new podcast, The Unbound Creative , dedicated to helping creatives break free from societal constraints and self-imposed limitations to discover a more expansive, authentic creative life. • Creativity is an essence of being, not just an act—bringing forth something that didn't exist before • Our brains are wired to resist creativity and change, operating from a protection mechanism • The soul craves adventure and expression while the brain seeks safety and c...
Mar 10, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 1
What truly sets successful creative entrepreneurs apart? It's not just about mastering pricing or nailing your branding—it's about how you show up every day. It comes down to having courage. This is the number one thing that sets apart someone who is finding success selling their art. We all have fears and imposter syndrome to overcome, but when you can feel the fear and do it anyway, you open yourself up to creating a life you want. Embarking on any creative journey takes courage, but what if y...
Nov 15, 2024•27 min•Ep. 48
Ever wondered how to craft a brand that truly embodies your authentic self? Valerie and Mak explore this vital question by examining the unique vibes of artists' personal brands, both online and offline. They provide insights on how having a personal brand will help you as an artpreneur, how to maintain authenticity while choosing which facets of your personality to highlight, and discuss how your brand's vibe extends beyond visuals to create meaningful connections with your audience. By integra...
Nov 14, 2024•40 min•Ep. 47
“I’d love to sell my artwork, but I just don’t have a big audience or following.” This is one of the first things a lot of artists interested in selling their artwork say. But having a big audience isn’t the answer. You can begin selling your art, today, whether you have 100 followers or 10,000. In today’s episode, Valerie and Mak McKeehan discuss the many ways you can kick-start your art business without a massive following. We also discuss the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and d...
Nov 13, 2024•47 min•Ep. 46
One of the most daunting aspects of being an Artpreneur is figuring out how to price your work. In this next episode of “Sell Your Work, Without the Stress” Series, long-time entrepreneurs Valerie and Mak McKeehan share their secrets and philosophies for not only pricing, but pricing in a way that is fulfilling and exciting! Whether you're struggling to set a price that feels appropriate or looking to transform your art business, this episode offers a fresh perspective and actionable advice that...
Nov 12, 2024•52 min•Ep. 45
Imagine viewing your art not just as a creative endeavor, but as a powerful way to enrich lives and engage in a meaningful exchange of value. In this episode, Valerie and Mak McKeehan explore the often daunting intersection of business and creativity, offering a fresh perspective that can transform the fear of selling into an invitation to connect with others. By addressing subconscious money blockers and encouraging mindset shifts, they will inspire you to embrace new possibilities, break free ...
Nov 11, 2024•49 min•Ep. 44
What if the key to unlocking your creative potential lies not in the typical advice given to artists but in embracing the natural rhythms of rest and reflection? Join me as we challenge the toxic myth that artists must suffer to create great art. Valerie shares her personal journey chasing an external view of success to finding alignment and a healing approach to art. When we embrace the natural rhythms of our creativity, it will open our heart and mind to a more fulfilling creative practice. To...
Oct 14, 2024•24 min•Ep. 43
Why do we still cling to the myth of the "struggling artist" when creativity can be a joyful and healing process? Join me as we challenge this outdated narrative, advocating for a new approach that prizes personal fulfillment and well-being over relentless toil. Let's question the tired wisdom that equates success with sacrifice, and instead explore how artists can redefine productivity by focusing on who they are, not just what they aim to achieve. This episode is an invitation to scrap the bur...
Oct 03, 2024•21 min•Ep. 42
In this episode Valerie explores two different types of fear. One type tells you you’re going in the wrong direction, but another type is actually a good sign. It’s a sign of expansion and growth. Your brain is trying to protect you simply because it is unknown. Yet it is precisely in this unknown space where magic happens! Here’s how to say yes to the fear and open up to the whispers calling to you to step up. It’s time to stop playing small. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative ! If to...
Sep 24, 2024•27 min•Ep. 41
The Dear Creative Soul Podcast is now The Peaceful Creative! In this episode, Valerie talks about the reason behind the name change and what it means to be The Peaceful Creative. She shares her vision for a group of artists and creatives who put beauty into this world from the deepest parts of their authentic souls. Say goodbye to the cliche of the angsty, struggling, suffering artist and crack open a world of peace, joy, wholeness, and fulfillment. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative !...
Sep 17, 2024•19 min•Ep. 40
What is an artist to do when the world feels heavy and dark? We are often sensitive creatures and it's easy to crumble and succumb to the darkness. But, sensitivity is also the artist's superpower. In this episode, Valerie discusses how to navigate this balance. We need your light, beauty, and peace, especially in dark times. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative ! If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show...
Jul 24, 2024•14 min•Ep. 39
There’s nothing wrong with setting goals, but what happens when you’re holding off on feeling good until you reach those goals? This leads to a creative life of emptiness and in constant search of the next “hit.” There’s a better, more fulfilling way to live and Valerie talks about how you can start right now. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative ! If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover the show. 💌 Connect wit...
Jul 22, 2024•17 min•Ep. 38
Flow state - that out-of-body experience where the work seems to just appear and you are the vessel. Time stands still in those moments and it feels incredible! How do we get more of this? The good news is we can consciously create the conditions for flow state to happen more easily! In this episode, Valerie discusses three ways to welcome more flow into you creative practice. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative ! If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us...
Jul 15, 2024•13 min•Ep. 37
Are you the type of person who hears "enjoy the process" and it seems like a cliche? You are not alone! We hear these things and know it's what we are "supposed to do," but doing is another story. How do we break the barriers to enjoying the process? The answer lies in a mindfulness practice and through it, realizing the true medicine available through the act of making art. Not only does it release feel-good chemicals into your body, but it helps you connect more deeply to yourself! In this epi...
Jul 09, 2024•33 min•Ep. 36
Often as creatives and artists, we think we need to put out the polished, perfect version of ourselves. If it's not perfect then we hold back and think we're not ready or we're not good enough. But the truth is, it's the humanity and the imperfection that makes us connect with others and their artistry! Valerie discusses her recent experience at a concert to demonstrate the humanity that we all desperately want to connect with. You may feel the urge to insulate yourself from feeling paint or rej...
Jul 02, 2024•21 min•Ep. 35
The life of a creative is full of juxtapositions! One of the biggest juxtapositions is the idea of creating from a place of who you are, yet not getting your identity so wrapped up in it that it debilitates you. When you can release the pressure of your worth being tied to what you create, a whole new world of healing and beauty opens up. In this episode, Valerie covers two important mindset shifts that can help you separate your worth from your art. Join My Creative Community Thanks for listeni...
Jun 26, 2024•32 min•Ep. 34
Does this sound familiar? You feel inspired and have all intentions of making art. Then suddenly, you remember you have “so much to do.” You block creating and chalk it up to not having enough time. I don’t believe that’s the real reason. It’s actually fear. In this episode, we explore how to tackle this issue of procrastination and discomfort head on so that you can experience the life-giving joy of creation. Learn more about the Magic Maker's Membership: valeriemckeehan.com/membership/ Thanks ...
Jun 18, 2024•25 min•Ep. 33
In today's episode I'm taking you inside our exclusive Facebook group in the Magic Makers Membership! We've been working through the book, The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. Every Friday, I've been going live to discuss portions of the book and it has been SO GOOD. I had to share this discussion with you! I talk about.. how art is energy why creating needs to be an act of self-love how to play the "rules" of art and so much more! I hope it encourages you in your creativity today. I also wanted to l...
Jun 02, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 32
We've been going through The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron in my membership, The Magic Makers. I've been going live on our Facebook community each week to discuss each chapter of the 12-week journey. It has been incredible! This episode includes the audio from one of the Facebook lives. It covers Week 7 in the Artist's Way and we talk a lot about overcoming perfectionism and jealousy. I hope you enjoy the discussion and that it gives fuel to your creative soul! For more information about my memb...
Apr 09, 2024•59 min•Ep. 31
Many people talk about creativity or having a creative outlet as a stress-reliever. This can certainly be true, however, what happens when your creativity does just the opposite? When you're stressed out about creating art and your body is sent into flight or fight mode? It's something I think we need to talk about more. In this case, creativity becomes a poison, dripping cortisol into your body, when it should be a life-giving medicine. It can be medicine. In this episode, we'll discuss what ha...
Feb 12, 2024•30 min•Ep. 30
