The Creative Calm Podcast

Welcome back to The Creative Calm Podcast! In this episode, I open up about my eight-month hiatus and the deeply personal journey that brought me back to the mic. As a creative wellness coach, mom of four, and business owner, I’ve had to lean into the magic of rest, creativity, and play to find my way through life’s overwhelm—and I’m eager to share my story with you. In This Episode, I Share: Taki...

Feeling paralyzed by too many creative ideas? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Creative Calm Podcast , I’m opening up about my own behind-the-scenes struggles with decision fatigue, creative choice paralysis, and that all-too-familiar urge to do everything —or nothing at all. But what if the answer to creative clarity wasn’t another productivity hack... but a simple coin flip? Inspired by...

Deep dive into the topic of overconsumption and how it’s holding back our creativity—something so many of us can relate to, especially in today’s digital world. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode, Denise Christenson Rae explores the often overlooked impact of overconsumption on our creativity and personal fulfillment. Drawing from her own experiences as a creative wellness coach, mother...

In this episode, I tackle the often-asked question: "What's the secret to finding more time for creativity?" I reflect on the importance of planning as a vital component in carving out space for creative pursuits amidst our busy lives. Sharing insights from my Instagram reel and expanding on them here, I explain how crafting a plan and sticking to it is essential for allowing creati...

Welcome to Episode 55 of The Creative Calm Podcast. I'm Denise Christenson Rae, and in this episode, I open up about my personal struggle with overthinking and how it's been affecting my creative process and podcasting schedule. As someone who often finds herself caught in the spin cycle of thoughts, I've seen firsthand how this paralysis prevents progress in my creative and persona...

In this episode, let's unlock the magic of small, manageable steps in building a daily creative practice. I share my morning ritual of dedicating just five minutes to art and how it’s been transformative in my life. As a busy mom, teacher, and business owner, finding time for creativity seemed impossible, but this tiny habit has ignited a powerful shift. Join me as I recount my recent creativ...

In this episode, I invite you to sit back and soak in a powerful conversation with the incredibly talented Kellee Kroll. We touch on the importance of weaving creative projects into our daily lives and how they can replenish our emotional and mental resources. Kellee shares her vibrant journey from childhood, where she made charming furniture for her Barbies, to becoming the inspiring owner of &qu...

In this episode, we're tackling the idea of preciousness in creativity and how it can be a roadblock to our artistic growth. I share my personal struggle with making my art "precious" and how it has held me back from truly diving into creative play and experimentation. I talk about my love for sketchbooks, my fear of making mistakes, and how the concept of "precious" has p...

In today's episode, let's dive into the world of overwhelm and how to reclaim our lives by getting back to basics. I share my personal journey of often feeling bogged down by too many responsibilities and distractions, only to find myself neglecting what truly matters. I'll walk you through the steps I've found helpful in recognizing this cycle of overwhelm and taking actionabl...

In this milestone 50th episode, I’m excited to delve into a special topic near and dear to my heart—the creation of "comfy, cozy, calming corners." Join me as I share how this concept developed over time, from my childhood forts to a pivotal element in my classroom today. I talk about the importance of having a safe, tranquil space that nurtures your social and emotional well-being, whet...

In this episode, let's dive into the often-unexpected journey of when plans change and how we can honor our bodies, minds, and need for rest without feeling guilty. I share my personal struggle with making a significant decision all summer—one that called for pausing my marathon training due to an injury. I'll walk you through my internal conflict, the mental chatter of disappointment an...

Welcome back to The Creative Calm Podcast! In this exciting episode, I’m introducing a new series called "Adventure Reports," where I, along with future guests, will share personal adventures and how they connect to play and creative wellness. I kick off this series by sharing details from a recent 10-day family adventure to Southern California. From our carefully planned itinerary to th...

Hello, dear listeners! It's Denise Christenson Rae here, back after an invigorating month-long break with Episode 47 of The Creative Calm Podcast. In this episode, I dive deep into the transformative power of taking intentional breaks. As a busy mom of four, a dedicated teacher, and your creative wellness coach, I've experienced firsthand the overwhelming nature of juggling multiple role...

In this special anniversary episode of the Creative Calm Podcast, we celebrate the first exhilarating year of our journey together. I'm so thrilled to share the incredible discoveries I've made throughout this year of podcasting that have both challenged and inspired me. First, I'll reflect on the realization that I can achieve what once felt impossible—hosting and producing a podca...

In this episode, let's dive into the common struggle of analysis paralysis and how it can hinder our ability to bring our dreams to life. I share personal stories about my own battles with overthinking, from dreaming up this very podcast to planning my ideal front porch space. I'll give you practical tips on how to move from endless contemplation to taking action, such as setting deadlin...

In this episode, let's explore the importance of taking breaks, particularly focusing on the elusive lunch break, and how they can rejuvenate our creativity and overall well-being. I share my personal experiences about juggling life as a mom of four, a teacher, and a business owner while ensuring that I take time for myself. We dive into the common issue many caregivers face—neglecting our ow...

In this this episode let's dive into the beauty of unfinished projects and what they can teach us about creativity and self-compassion. I share personal stories about my various incomplete endeavors, like a cherished Halloween album and a memory planner waiting to be revisited. I'll encourage you to embrace your playful spirit, find joy in your creativity, and understand that it's p...

Show notes coming soon Welcome to the Creative Calm Podcast! In this episode, I delve into the fascinating concept of gamifying daily tasks and goals to infuse them with fun and motivation. Join me as I share my personal journey of incorporating gamification into my routine and how it has transformed my approach to productivity and self-care. From tracking steps and screen time to achieving goals...

Welcome to another episode of the Creative Calm Podcast, where we dive deep into the importance of balancing productivity with essential breaks. I'm your host, Denise Christensen Rae, a creative wellness coach here to guide you on the path to a more joyful and sustainable life. In today's episode, we are going to explore why taking a break is not just a luxury, but a vital part of mainta...

  Hello, Creative Spirits! Denise Christenson Rae here, your guide to a life sprinkled with rest, creativity, and play. In today’s episode, “You are Worth Taking The Leap,” I'm thrilled to share with you my personal tale of embarking on a journey towards one of my own big, scary, audacious goals. **In Today’s Episode, You’ll Hear About:** - My initial venture into the world of marathons with...

In today's episode of The Creative Calm Podcast I'm excited to share with you my journey of intentionally making space for creativity in my daily life. I've been pondering the idea of adopting a 15-minute daily creative practice, and I'm eager to explore the potential impact it can have. I'm also encouraging you to reflect on what might be missing in your own life and cons...

In this episode of The Creative Calm Podcast, I share a personal story about the importance of embracing fun and adventure in everyday life and recount how a spontaneous decision to attend a candlelight concert in New York City brought unexpected joy and inspiration. Through this experience I was reminded of the significance of seeking out opportunities for play and excitement in our daily routine...

This episode of the Creative Calm Podcast is all about delving into the world of time management and my favorite productivity tool, timers. I'm excited to share with you my 10 reasons why I believe timers are absolutely magical and essential in my life. From enhancing productivity and efficiency to reducing stress and improving self-discipline, I'll take you on a journey through how time...

In this episode of The Creative Calm Podcast I share my weekend routine and the important question I ask myself to set myself up for success in the week ahead. Through thoughtful journaling and planning, I use the question of "How can I set myself up for success?" to guide my actions. I discuss the importance of rest, quality time with loved ones, and prioritizing tasks like meal plannin...

Welcome to the Creative Calm Podcast, where we explore the power of rest, creativity, and play in nurturing a balanced and fulfilled life. In this episode, I discuss the struggle of being patient with oneself, sharing personal experiences and insights on the importance of embracing the journey, rather than rushing towards goals. We talk about the value of progress over perfection and offer practic...