Made to Make

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Made to Make , host Shannon Grissom sits down with author Paul Cwalina to explore the winding path that led him from a successful business career to becoming a published novelist. Drawing on a lifetime of experiences, Paul shares how his upbringing, strong work ethic, and deep understanding of human nature have shaped his approach to storytelling. The conversati...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of We Are Made to Make, host Shannon Grissom sits down with artist, dancer, educator, architect, musician, and creative explorer Nants Foley for a rich conversation about what it truly means to live a creative life. From studying architecture and teaching in collaborative art spaces to running a rural school of husbandry and embracing collage as a current...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, artist and teacher Denise Hall opens up about her creative journey—from sketching from the family Bible as a child to building a life centered on art, family, and perseverance. Denise shares how she nurtured her passion while balancing full-time work and motherhood, along with honest insights and practical encouragement for anyone tryi...

Send us Fan Mail Most people think creativity comes from talent or inspiration — but for artist David Sandum, it’s been a deep, healing journey shaped by depression, trauma, and rediscovery. When life’s darkest moments hit, he turned to art, transforming pain into powerful visuals and stories that challenge how we see suffering, resilience, and self-expression. Now, David reveals how embracing ins...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how Diane Breuer’s international artistic journey shaped her unique style, her approach to fostering creative communities, and her advice for tapping into your own creativity—regardless of experience level. This episode offers inspiring insights into artistic growth, mediums, and the importance of collaboration. In this episode: Diane shares her lifelong love of art, infl...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Made to Make Podcast , host Shannon Grissom talks with spiritual director and author Colette Lafia about the powerful connection between creativity and spirituality . Together they explore how creativity can become more than a skill or hobby—it can be a sacred practice that connects us with the divine . Colette shares how creative expression can deepen self-...

Send us Fan Mail What does a lifetime of storytelling look like? In this episode of the Made to Make Podcast, host Shannon sits down with Navy veteran, journalist, and author John Chadwell to explore a creative journey that spans decades—from military service to combat photojournalism, scriptwriting, and book publishing. John shares how creativity can flourish even in highly structured environment...

Send us Fan Mail Kentucky singer-songwriter Jason Shepard joins the Made to Make podcast to share his journey through songwriting, creativity, and building a music career while balancing family and a full-time job. (Sometimes two jobs!) In this inspiring interview, we explore his musical influences, creative process, the evolution of his sound, and how he stays committed to his artistic calling th...

Send us Fan Mail In this enchanting episode of Made to Make , we meet Heidi Hooper , an artist who has transformed something as ordinary as dryer lint into extraordinary works of art. Often called the Andy Warhol of dryer lint , Heidi shares her journey of creativity, resilience, and whimsical ingenuity. From a childhood defying family norms to health challenges including cancer, Heidi’s path hasn...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Made to Make , host Shannon Grissom sits down with California-based artist Deb Pepin for a soulful conversation about creativity, intuition, and the quiet power of making art. A self-taught painter, Deb shares how her artistic path unfolded organically—and how creating has become both a healing practice and a way of staying deeply connected to the natural world....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Made to Make podcast, host Shannon Grissom sits down with painter JoAnne Perez Robinson for an honest and inspiring conversation about building a creative life from the ground up. JoAnne shares her artistic journey—from childhood doodles to becoming a professional painter—and opens up about the daily habits that shaped her career, including the discipline of...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Painterly Life Podcast, host Shannon Grissom sits down with glass artist Caroline Masters for an inspiring conversation about creativity, experimentation, and resilience. Caroline shares how growing up in an artistic family shaped her creative identity and eventually led her to discover the transformative world of glass art. Listeners will gain insight into...

Send us Fan Mail Are you looking to ignite your creativity? 🎨✨ In this episode of the Painterly Podcast , host Shannon Grissom sits down with artist and author Juliet Blackwell —a true Renaissance woman whose work spans art, writing, anthropology, and the paranormal. Juliet shares how childhood imagination, boredom, travel, and nature have shaped her creative life. From gardening as a meditative...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Painterly Life , host Shannon Grissom sits down with award-winning artist Trowzers Akimbo to explore the rich tapestry of his creative journey. Growing up in the bohemian heart of Venice Beach, Trowzers was immersed in art from an early age, eventually carrying that foundation into his formative years at art school and a dynamic career in television, a...

Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode of The Painterly Life Podcast , Shannon Grissom sits down with writer and retreat facilitator Christine Jurisich for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, spirituality, and the courage to truly listen to ourselves. Christine shares her remarkable journey—from a fast-paced career in journalism to creating sacred spaces where people can slow down, r...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of The Painterly Life Podcast , host Shannon Grissom sits down with designer and creative visionary Paul Overton , founder of Object Lesson Interiors . From his art-filled childhood to his innovative approach to sustainable design, Paul shares how his TGIF method (Thrifted, Gifted, Invented, or Found) reshapes how we think about interiors and creativity....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Painterly Life Podcast , host Shannon Grissom sits down with Sam Lesante Jr., seasoned television producer and president of SSPTV , to explore the world of local television and the creative journeys behind the screen. Sam shares his early experiences in TV production and reflects on how family support and collaboration shaped his career. He also dives into t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Painterly Life Podcast , host Shannon Grissom sits down with ceramic artist Hal Raines for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation. Hal opens up about his journey with clay—from childhood influences to the way Parkinson’s has reshaped his creative practice. Together, they explore the power of community, mentorship, and the emotional dialogue between ar...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Painterly Life podcast, host Shannon Grissom sits down with visual storyteller Ethan Crank to explore the rich narrative behind his art. Ethan shares the story of how he entered the world of painting, revealing the early influences that shaped his creative voice. From the haunting beauty of shipwrecks to the playful charm of his piece 100% Kosher , Ethan dis...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Painterly Life podcast, host Shannon Grissom speaks with Bill Cuebas, known as the Golf Father, about his journey from law enforcement to becoming a prominent figure in the golf community. Bill shares how golf transformed his life after retirement, providing him with purpose and a platform to connect with others. He discusses his charitable work with Folds o...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Painterly Life , host Shannon Grissom sits down with Lee Silber—surfer, entrepreneur, award-winning author, and speaker—who has built a life around creativity and authenticity. Lee shares how his eclectic journey, from selling surfwear to writing bestselling books, shaped his approach to living creatively. Together, they explore the importance of embra...

Send us Fan Mail In this captivating episode of Painterly Life, host Shannon Grissom sits down with award-winning author Nanette Potter to explore the creative journey behind the Blade Broussard thriller series. Discover how a chance encounter with a circus poster and the desire to create a strong female protagonist led to the birth of Blade Broussard. Nanette shares her process of character devel...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Painterly Life, host Shannon Grissom speaks with Jennifer Moss , a multifaceted creative who shares her journey through grief, the healing power of art, and her passion for empowering female artists through the Metta Gallery . They discuss the therapeutic aspects of jewelry making, sound healing, and the importance of nurturing one's creativity. Jennifer em...

Send us Fan Mail 🎨 In this inspiring episode of Painterly Life, host Shannon Grissom sits down with Jennifer Moss—author, photographer, web developer, and founder of BabyNames.com—to explore a colorful creative journey that spans tech, art, and storytelling. ✨ Jennifer opens up about growing from a quiet, observant child into a bold, expressive creator. From coding and launching one of the most...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you blend business savvy, intuition, and a whole lot of heart? You get Ronnie Ryan — intuitive life coach, author, and love manifestor! In this inspiring episode of The Painterly Life, Ronnie shares her unexpected journey from a high-powered marketing career to becoming a dating coach who used her own methods to date 30 men in 15 months — and find the love of her...