The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods

What if the masterpiece you're creating—whether it's a painting, a business, or your life—isn't finished yet? In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , I sit down with contemporary mixed-media artist, furniture artist, creative educator, and DIY Paint retailer Marlene Steele as she prepares to close one remarkable chapter and step fully into another. After more than 30 years in the...

What if your greatest creative gift is seeing what others overlook? In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with Kelly Huskins, artist, entrepreneur, YouTube creator, and the creative force behind Whimsykel Designs, a decoupage paper brand known for bold storytelling, expressive color, and imaginative designs that help artists transform ordinary pieces into meaningful wo...

What happens when life changes in an instant? In this heartfelt episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with Lori Morgan, founder and creative force behind Tom & Chickpea, a beloved furniture painting and creative studio in Derry, New Hampshire. Lori's story is one of resilience, reinvention, creativity, and community. After the sudden loss of her husband Tom in 2017, Lori found herself n...

What does it mean to truly live with intention? In this deeply moving episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , I sit down with Diana von Welanetz Wentworth —New York Times bestselling author, speaker, life coach, media personality, former celebrity chef, and co-founder of The Inside Edge , a transformational community that hosted voices like Louise Hay, Ram Dass, Jack Canfield, and Mark Victor Hanse...

What if the path you're meant for… is the one you return to? In this episode, Susan Harold shares how decades in publishing led her back to a role that feels both unexpected—and exactly right. In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , I sit down with Susan Harold —Editor-in-Chief of Where Women Create and What Women Create , and author of the stunning coffee table book The Art of th...

What if your creativity wasn't just a talent—but a calling? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , Dionne Woods sits down with artist Casey Alvarez, a Missouri-based painter, entrepreneur, and former Christian counselor who has built a thriving creative business rooted in faith, color, and purpose. From painting large European-style armoires on her farm in the Ozarks to shipping her work t...

What if your greatest creative superpower wasn't talent—but vulnerability? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods , Dionne sits down with groundbreaking portrait artist ShenShen210 for a conversation that moves from freight trains and graffiti culture to faith, purpose, and the courage to fully embody who you were created to be. Growing up in the Bay Area of San Francisco ,...

What happens when calm strategy meets courageous vision? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , Dionne Woods sits down with Erin Schlarb, founder of Hemlock Strategy and Design and the strategic guide behind many of Dionne's most successful launches, websites, and digital expansions. Erin works as more than a website designer — she is a thoughtful partner to creatives, artists, and small b...

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , Dionne Woods sits down with Michelle Allen , the artist and creative force behind the globally recognized brand Allen Designs, for a heartfelt conversation about building a creative life by design . From the unexpected way cat clocks changed her life and career, to her love of list-making, bike riding, and creative structure, Michelle shares how motiv...

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , Dionne Woods sits down with Dallas-based abstract artist and photographer Andie Hamilton , the creative force behind Andie in Color . As a young girl, Andie dreamed of becoming a photographer and fashion designer. Today, she is fully embracing every layer of her creative life—using bold color, expressive abstraction, and intuitive storytelling to shif...

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , Dionne Woods is joined by Saskatchewan-based artist Michele Rogers , whose powerful portrait work honors Indigenous First Nations women and reflects her Métis heritage through stories of strength, memory, and generational resilience. Michele's paintings give visual voice to grandmothers, granddaughters, and female warriors—women whose lives and legaci...

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , host Dionne Woods sits down with Swedish mixed media artist Jenny Grant , whose imaginative art and creative philosophy celebrate the magic found in the mess . Known for her layered, tactile, and intuitive painting style, Jenny empowers artists around the world to embrace imperfection, trust the process, and rediscover the pure joy of creating. Once a...

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, host Dionne Woods sits down with Juliette Crane , a full-time artist, author, and founder of The School of Happy Painting. Known for her whimsical abstract portraits, layered mixed-media techniques, and signature owls, Juliette has spent more than 15 years helping artists paint fearlessly and reconnect with joy in their creative process. After losing h...

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , Dionne Woods sits down with multi-disciplinary artist and Turquoise Iris Journal curator BJ Massa of Junk'd Up — a one-of-a-kind creative whose imagination knows no limits. Known for her surrealist face art, whimsical furniture, and intricate assemblage pieces crafted from vintage finds , BJ has spent a lifetime transforming forgotten objects into sto...

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , I'm joined by Porsha Chalmers - the artist, healer, and visionary behind The Silver Bohemian . Porsha's story begins in a small rural town in Georgia, where she grew up as the oldest of four, daughter to farmers, and learned to create anything with her hands from a young age. After high school, she enlisted in the Marine Corps and served six years, a...

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , I'm joined by Canadian artist and entrepreneur Julia Veenstra — a woman whose life and work are as vibrant as her canvases. Julia shares her journey from being a child whose natural artistic ability was quickly recognized, to becoming a mother of five, and an entrepreneur whose creative vision has opened doors for thousands of artists worldwide. We ta...

In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Royce Hunt —creative educator, artist, and founder of Roycycled —to talk about the courage, curiosity, community, and growth that fuel her mission to help women live more art-filled lives. Royce opens up about her family history, the pivotal moments that shaped her as an artist, and the ways she keeps showing up for her creativity—even in seasons whe...

Hear how Hayley Hunter Hines, spiritual advisor and creator of the Shine Experience, bridges the gap between soul work and business mastery. With over 25 years in corporate wellness and a divine calling guiding her path, she now empowers visionary leaders to build soul‑centered businesses and transformative retreats. From her Sacred Shakti Method™ certification to the Golden Goddess Equinox Experi...

What if your most honest art came not from control, but from surrender? In this soul-expanding episode of The Motivatarian Exchange , Dionne is joined by the luminous Flora Bowley—artist, author, and founder of the FreeFlo Community—for a powerful conversation on embodied creativity and intuitive living. Together, they explore: What it means to paint from the body—not just the brush How blindfolde...

"God used art to heal my fractured brain. I just kept showing up with paint." — Wendy Brightbill After a life-altering car accident rewired her brain, Wendy Brightbill found healing through color, mess, and creative presence. In this heartfelt conversation, Dionne welcomes Wendy to  The Motivatarian Exchange to explore how painting became both therapy and transformation — a true beauty-from-ashes...

I'm back — and the podcast has a brand new name, purpose, and promise. After 6 months away from the mic, this solo episode kicks off Season 2 of the show — and I'm bringing you with me into The Motivatarian Exchange. Formerly known as Paint Talks , this podcast has always been about amplifying creative voices. But something shifted. I did too. And now it's time to raise the bar — for motivation, c...

Debi Pfrimmer is the owner and artist behind Elsie Lane Art Garage, where she brings creativity and passion to life through her beautifully crafted furniture and decor. Known for her vibrant designs and attention to detail, Debi uses techniques like painting and decoupage to transform everyday items into stunning works of art. Through her Facebook page, YouTube channel, and creative community, she...

Dr. Susan Barber Skinner is a health psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, and author of Path to Hope: A Playbook for Creating Resilience, Optimism, and Active Hope. She is the founder of Hope Springs Healing Arts Studio, an online space dedicated to fostering holistic well-being through mindfulness, creativity, and therapeutic programs. Susan holds a PhD in health psychology and a maste...

Danielle Kaminski is a multi-passionate artist from Duncan, SC. She has been crafting and creating since she was in grade school, learning to sew with her grandmothers. Her brick-and-mortar store, Reinvintage Warehouse, is home to more than 60 different artists and curators. The MADE by Danielle brand encompasses jewelry design, candle making, and canvas & fiber art as well as the occasional furni...