Create for No Reason

What's the future of books, creativity, and sharing ideas in an AI-powered world? After reading a fascinating article by Tim Ferriss about the decline of nonfiction book sales, I found myself thinking less about the data and more about my own creative journey. The books I read, the way I create, and even my definition of success have changed over the years. In this episode, I explore why I'm readi...

How do you know what you're meant to create? In this episode of Create For No Reason , I sit down with bestselling author David Kadavy to discuss curiosity, creativity, and what it really means to build a meaningful body of work. David shares why he published a novella under a secret pen name, how following his curiosity has shaped every stage of his career, why quitting the right projects can be...

Do you keep your dreams to yourself? Dream big but struggle to follow through? Or pride yourself on turning dreams into reality? In this episode of Create For No Reason, I share the three types of dreamers we discovered through our work at Floyd Consulting, helping people achieve their personal and professional dreams: the Quiet Dreamer, the Visionary Dreamer, and the Accomplished Dreamer. Each ty...

When you're feeling stuck creatively, where do you turn? For me, it's usually books. There's something about picking one up, flipping to a random page, and finding exactly the sentence or idea you didn't know you needed. In this episode, I'm sharing four books I've been turning to lately when I need a little creative inspiration to keep going, and I hope at least one of them is going to hit for yo...

If you’ve been talking about a creative project but haven't actually started it, this is your nudge to get moving. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned from participating in a 30-day poetry challenge and why challenges are one of the most powerful ways to stop procrastinating and finally create. This is my third year doing it, and every time, it reminds me that creating consistently matters...

What if your message isn’t landing because you’re overcomplicating it? In this episode, I reconnect with Emmy Award-winning storyteller Park Howell to talk about why clarity beats cleverness — and why most creators struggle not because they lack talent, but because they lack structure. Park breaks down the simple storytelling framework that drives powerful brands, walks me through building one liv...

In this episode, I’m reflecting on how we think about problems. Whether you’re building something meaningful, leading a team, or navigating a season of uncertainty, challenges aren’t a sign that you’re off track, they're part of the process. I share a personal story from early in my career, reflect on the discomfort of the messy middle, and explore how a simple shift in perspective can change the...

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by how long something is taking — a project, a dream, or even becoming the best version of yourself — remember that meaningful work takes time. Creating anything that matters isn’t just about producing the work itself. It’s about growing into the person capable of creating it. In this solo episode, I talk about the creative process and why it can’t be rushed, no matt...

What if your life is good… but something is missing? In this episode, I sit down with coach and longtime friend Jen Rose for an honest conversation about intuition, courage, and what it really means to follow the quiet nudge that says, there’s more for you. Jen shares her journey from living a “fine” life to making bold, intentional changes — leaving corporate, relocating across the country, and b...

Are you growing or just consuming more self-help content? In today’s episode, I explore the difference between real personal growth and being addicted to consuming books, podcasts, and videos. With so much content available, it’s easy to stay busy consuming rather than applying what we learn to live a more fulfilling life. In this episode, I explore a challenge so many creative, ambitious people f...

What does it really take to build a fulfilling second act? And do we all need to start a business to feel alive creatively? In this episode of Create For No Reason, Kate sits down with Shannon Russell, host of the Second Act Success podcast and author of Start Your Second Act , to talk about what it means to start over, pursue new dreams, and create a life with no regrets. Shannon shares her journ...

What does success really mean in your creative life? In this solo episode of Create For No Reason, Kate explores how different creators define success. Some build a business around their art, while others create simply for the joy of it. Through stories about friends, the creative process, and even Taylor Swift’s latest album, Kate reflects on why being proud of your work might just be the truest...

My creative friend and poet, Terrance P. Elmore is back! We swap notes on the Poem-a-Day challenge, writing when you’re tired, turning okay drafts into great work, and navigating new creative chapters (including Terrance’s first novel). In this episode, you’ll discover: How a daily poetry challenge builds discipline Why writing tired can unlock surprising lines A mindset shift for “done vs. perfec...

What does it really take to create a podcast that makes an impact? In this episode, Kate sits down with Rachel Elsts Downey, Founder of Share Your Genius, to explore the creative process, podcasting myths, and how to approach content with purpose and authenticity. Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast or you’ve been creating content for years, this conversation will remind you why it’s...

Mental toughness isn’t just for athletes. It’s for anyone striving to do meaningful, creative, or challenging work. In this episode, Dr. Rob Bell, mental toughness coach and author of eight books, shares what it really takes to perform under pressure, move through setbacks, and keep showing up when things get hard. From training PGA golfers to running 100Ks in the woods, Dr. Bell has lived his mes...

Sometimes the best inspiration is hiding in plain sight—an old notebook, a half-written idea, or a stack of books in the corner. Sometimes inspiration is found in the mess. In this episode of  Create For No Reason , I dive into a little creative spring cleaning. While clearing out my office, I rediscovered lost resources, revisited lessons from Joyce Carol Oates and Austin Kleon, and even sha...

What happens when your biggest idea fails, but you still believe in your dreams? Starr Hall has built businesses, faced legal battles, and reinvented herself more times than most people dare to try. In this candid and inspiring conversation, we talk about the real cost of entrepreneurship, how to decide which creative ideas to pursue, and how AI can be the most powerful creative partner you've eve...

How do you build a community around creativity, vulnerability, and meaningful connection? In this episode of Create for No Reason , Kate sits down with Keith Case—pastor, counselor, and creative community builder—to explore the intersection of art, faith, leadership, and mental health. Keith shares his unconventional journey from launching a church rooted in vulnerability to helping shape West Pal...

How do great writers actually get their work done? In this episode of Create for No Reason , Kate sits down with bestselling author Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg for a refreshingly honest and insightful conversation about the writing process—what works, what doesn’t, and why most advice is worth testing, not following. They cover everything from building a writing habit to editing as you go, and even...

What does it really mean to live a courageous life, and why is it more important than ever for your work, creativity, and leadership? In this episode, we chat with Ryan Berman, author of Return on Courage, to explore how bold decisions, uncomfortable conversations, and imperfect action can help you unlock your potential. We dive into the myths that hold people back, the messy middle of creativity,...

In this episode of Create for No Reason , we dive deep into the intersection of AI and creativity with Brian Piper, a seasoned writer, author, and AI enthusiast. Brian shares how AI has revolutionized his creative process, from writing to editing, and how it can become the best creative collaborator. We discuss the evolution of content creation, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini...

Have you ever caught yourself scrolling, comparing, and suddenly feeling behind? In this short episode, Kate shares a reflective piece on the trap of comparison—and how to reconnect with your own dream instead. It’s a reminder to create before you consume. To believe boldly, even when the results haven’t shown up yet. In this episode, you’ll be reminded to: Let your dream—not comparison—guide your...

Struggling to figure out what to create next or whether you're even working on the right thing? In this episode, author and innovation expert Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg joins Kate to explore the messy but meaningful process of project finding. From choosing formats like newsletters or books to developing your unique perspective, they unpack how to discover, shape, and share work that matters. You’l...

In this episode, we’re joined by the Paulette Perhach —writer, creative writing coach, and founder of The Finishing School for Writers. Paulette shares her journey from dreaming of being a writer as a kid to surviving the corporate grind, navigating the Peace Corps, and finally building a thriving freelance writing career on her own terms. She opens up about what it really takes to make a living w...

It’s easy to bounce from one shiny tool to the next, hoping this will be the magic bullet that unlocks all your creative genius. But let’s be real...there’s no magic bullet. Just heart, habits, and a few tools that actually help you do your best work. In this episode, you'll discover five go-to resources to help you stay inspired, organized, and creatively productive. And only two of them are tech...