Breaking the Blocks

Why do some creatives break boundaries successfully while others struggle to find their spark? Join us as we sit down with the renowned improv quilter Nicholas Ball, also known for his stunning Instagram presence under @QuiltsfromtheAttic, who shares his unexpected journey from a disillusioned photographer to a celebrated textile artist. Nicholas recounts his transformation, painting a picture of...

What happens when quilting becomes a lifeline for someone managing ADHD? Artist Kate Sandford joins us on Breaking the Blocks to share her transformative journey. She recounts her path from art college to embracing quilting, highlighting how this creative outlet helped her navigate the complexities of ADHD while raising young children. Listen as Kate reveals her early memories of making things and...

How do you keep your creative spirit alive while facing the challenges of a chronic illness? Emily Watts, an accomplished animator and passionate quilter, shares her personal journey, balancing her artistic passions with the realities of debilitating fatigue and vertigo. Growing up with a love for art, her parents once advised her to keep it as a hobby, but Emily defied that advice, transitioning...

What happens when bold, vibrant quilt designs meet a quiet, humble artist? On this episode of Breaking the Blocks, we welcome the extraordinary Sarah Hibbert. Her stunning creations feature whimsical elements like coffee cups and fried eggs, reminiscent of Andy Warhols flair. We discuss her unique artistic voice, shaped by her upbringing with a graphic designer father, and how she overcame shyness...

Join us on a heartening journey with my friend and life coach Elliot Moscow as we traverse the transformative world of personal growth. Elliot, transitioning from the bustling set of Argos TV to the tranquil space of life coaching, shares with us his profound insights on shattering psychological barriers and fostering positive habits. Together, we reflect on the shared experiences that have shaped...

When the weight of the world seems to press upon our shoulders, where do we find the strength to rise above? This episode, featuring Mathew Boudreaux’s (known on Instagram as @mxdomestic) raw and poignant tale of confronting their own mental health struggles, past traumas, and the expansive journey towards self-acceptance on the autism spectrum, offers a glimpse into such resilience. Mathews narra...

When the threads of life unravel, where do we find the strength to sew them back together? I, Rachel Pierman, along with former cancer nurse and fiber artist Carl Brown, unravel the complexities entwined in loss, healing, and the therapeutic embrace of creativity. In a candid conversation, we stitch together the silent power of presence in grief, the sanctuary found in the rhythm of needle and thr...

When Timothy Foss wields his graphite to sketch, it’s more than art—it's a tranquil haven for his restless mind. Our latest episode unfurls an intimate journey, with Tim revealing how his craft not only brings order to his ADHD thoughts but connects him profoundly with nature's intricate designs. Get enveloped in our discussion that spans the significance of names, the nostalgia of child...

In this episode, I chat with the vibrant artist Cindy Grisdela.  From the halls of Capitol Hill to the heart of the art world, Cindy's career is a patchwork of bold choices and vibrant creativity. Her tales of traversing all 63 U.S. National Parks and her deep-rooted American heritage are not just stories; they're a testament to a life lived fully and an inspiration that flows from the g...

As I sat across from Matt Eicheldinger, I couldn't help but feel drawn into his extraordinary voyage from a humble classroom to the dazzling world of Instagram fame and literary acclaim. In our latest conversation, Matt peels back the layers of his 15-year odyssey, revealing the resilience and revelations that shaped his trajectory. An educator at heart, he recounts the magical transformation...

Embark on a transformative exploration as Geri Berman, a dressmaker with an extraordinary talent for Sashiko, shares her journey of personal growth that transcends the fabric of her creations. With nearly half a million followers on Instagram, Geri has stitched together a narrative that's as colourful as her designs, teaching us that crafting can be a direct path to understanding and amending...

Embark on a heartfelt exploration of familial ties and the art of quilting with Scott Culley, our renowned guest, whose narrative stitched into his QuiltCon-winning "Shadow" quilt unveils a story far deeper than the threads that compose it. Together, we delve into the perceptions of 'craft' and how this term has transformed across time, discussing its respected origins and the...

When the vivid threads of Russell Barrett's life are sewn together, they create a quilt that tells a story as deep and varied as his art. Step into our studio where Russell, a virtuoso of quilting and emotion, unveils the secrets behind his enigmatic creations. Through our conversation, you'll witness the transformation of personal sorrow into jubilant fabrics, and how music accompanies...

Disclaimer: In this episode, Ben was very open and honest about his thoughts on the Mormon faith, and how, as he began to uncover his true self, he realised it wasn't working for him as a discipline. This is the opinion of Ben, we are not suggesting the Mormon faith does not work as an organisation in any shape or form. It's just that it wasn't the right fit for Ben as he progressed...

Embark on an intimate exploration of art's interplay with life's rich tapestry, as we welcome the profoundly skilled artist Hannah Austin to our latest episode. Weaving through her personal metamorphosis, Hannah shares the pivotal shift from a quest for approval to embracing her genuine voice as an artist and a devoted mother. Her candid tales unfold the complexities of grief, the trials...

Have you ever stumbled upon a passion so profound that it reshapes your life's trajectory? Veruschka Zarate joins us on the Breaking the Blocks podcast to share her inspiring pivot from counselling psychology to the vibrant world of quilting, which she affectionately terms her "creative soulmate." As we weave through her story, Varuschka unveils the deep therapeutic effects of her c...

Life is full of challenges that can be difficult to overcome and I'm sure you've experienced some already. Maybe you've lost someone close to you, or had a parent who wasn't present, a friend who betrayed you or perhaps you've changed your religious beliefs and have had to leave your community. When you face obstacles like these, how do you break them down? There may be so...