I Was Just Thinking

The last episode of the first season of this podcast. What do you do when you want to create but just… don’t have the energy? This episode is about those low-motivation days where the pressure to produce meets your very human need to rest. Whether you’re juggling jobs, dealing with burnout, or simply exhausted, this episode gives you permission to be a creative even when you’re tired. Listen now o...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re too old to start—or restart—your creative career, this one’s for you. In a world that worships early success and youth, what does it mean to find your artistic voice later in life? This episode is a love letter to every artist, musician, or writer wondering if it’s too late to begin. Spoiler: it’s not. Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube or wherever you get your p...

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most common creative blocks: comparison. Why do other people’s wins sometimes make us feel smaller? Why does it feel like there’s never enough room for everyone to succeed? And how can we stop spiraling when we see someone doing what we wish we were doing? Whether you’re a musician, artist, writer, or any kind of creator, this episode offers a ground...

Why does feedback sometimes feel like rejection? Why do certain comments echo in our heads for years? In this episode, I open up about the emotional side of receiving criticism as a creative. I talk about a rule I’ve set in my Patreon community—no unsolicited feedback—and why it’s helped artists feel safe to share. I also reflect on how a comment I received in my early 20s changed the course of my...

So, I was just thinking... What do you do when it feels like no one is paying attention to your art? In this episode of I Was Just Thinking, I talk about the quiet years—when you're putting everything into your work, and no one seems to notice. I share my personal stories from early YouTube days, the heartbreak of low stats, and what I’ve learned about staying motivated even when the audience hasn...

Ever felt like your creativity just isn't matching your vision? That what you make never lives up to the ideas in your head? This episode is for anyone who’s ever hated their work, questioned their skills, or felt like giving up. I share how I’ve learned to keep going, even when my art doesn't feel “good enough.” We talk about imposter syndrome, learning curves, messy progress, and why disliking y...

Ever feel trapped by your creative identity, genre, or "brand"? In Episode 8 of I Was Just Thinking, Liina explores the scary yet freeing journey of changing your creative direction. Discover why letting go isn’t failure but a step towards authenticity, and why understanding your brain (especially if you're neurodiverse) can transform your relationship with creativity. Tune in to find out how to e...

Do you ever feel like a fraud—even after years of success? In Episode 7 of I Was Just Thinking, Liina dives deep into the messy reality of imposter syndrome, sharing personal struggles and practical ways she navigates self-doubt as a creative professional. Discover why naming your fears matters, how confidence fluctuates, and why consistent action beats feeling perfect. Listen now for honest conve...

Ever feel like your art is never good enough? You're not alone. In this episode of "I Was Just Thinking," Liina tackles the external validation trap in creative industries—likes, streams, and awards—and how they can disconnect us from the true joy of creating. Inspired by her own journey and the stories from her Patreon community, Liina shares honest reflections on defining personal success and re...

Does posting your art online sometimes feel like handing your self-worth over to the algorithm? In this episode of I Was Just Thinking, Liina dives deep into the messy realities of social media for creatives. She shares her personal journey from chasing likes and subscribers to learning how to genuinely enjoy and share her art without feeling controlled by numbers. Through insightful listener lett...

What does it really mean to be authentic as a creative, and why is it so hard? In Episode 4 of I Was Just Thinking, Liina tackles authenticity and vulnerability, exploring the reasons behind self-censorship, artistic branding, and why opening up emotionally can feel so risky. She discusses the fears that come with showing our true selves, how others might perceive vulnerability as weakness, and wh...

Why do you really create art? In Episode 3 of I Was Just Thinking, Liina dives into the complicated, often hidden reasons behind our creative actions—like seeking validation, healing past wounds, or striving to meet societal expectations. Through personal stories of navigating the pressures of social media, burnout, and self-discovery, Liina encourages creatives to explore their unconscious motiva...

In the second episode of I Was Just Thinking, Liina explains her theory, "Quartet of Creativity," breaking down how our confidence and creative blocks relate to four areas: Heart (emotions, passions), Brain (psychology, neuroscience), Space (society, environment), and Action (the creative process itself). Through real-life scenarios, Liina shows how each point affects our ability to create, discus...

Welcome to the very first episode of I Was Just Thinking — a podcast about creative confidence and the messy emotional side of making art. In this unedited monologue, I talk about the fear that held me back from starting this podcast (and my book), the pressures of perfectionism, and why putting yourself out there feels so exposing. I also read letters from fellow creatives about self-expression,...

Welcome to I Was Just Thinking, a podcast for creatives and artists who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or not good enough to make the art they want. I'm Liina Turtonen, author, musician, and content creator. This real and unedited podcast is a space to think out loud, reflect on creativity, and talk honestly about confidence, doubt, and making art without pressure. I'm a creative confidence coach who lo...