The Tillage Podcast

Have you ever felt anxious or stressed the moment you wake up? In this episode, we explore why slow starts matter and how easing into your morning can transform the rest of your day. You’ll learn how creating a gentle morning routine can reduce overwhelm, support emotional well‑being, and enhance focus and creativity. If you’re a creative entrepreneur, artist, or anyone craving more intention and...

Why does pricing feel so vulnerable as a creative entrepreneur? In this powerful episode, Colleen Underwood returns to unpack the deeper emotional layers behind pricing your work. We explore how personal stories, cultural messages, and self-worth directly impact the way we value our time, services, and creative offers. From money mindset blocks to fears of being seen as greedy or inexperienced, we...

Have you ever caught yourself hiding in your creative business? Downplaying your work, resisting visibility, or playing it safe even when something bolder is calling your name? In this episode, I share a surprising story about getting my color analysis done and discovering how deeply uncomfortable it felt to be seen in vibrant, high-contrast colors...because deep down, I’ve been shrinking from vis...

Have you ever wondered if creating is even worth it when life feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming? In this episode, stationery designer and author, Janine Kwoh, is diving into the deeper “why” behind making art, especially during hard seasons. If you’ve found yourself asking questions like “What’s the point?” or “How can I keep creating when I’m emotionally drained?” —you’re not alone. We’ll e...

What really happens when creatives find a supportive, intentional space to grow? In this special roundtable episode, I’m joined by five amazing members of The Tillage Village— Kim Hallquist, Tina Noren, Lau Jaimes, Bella Boss, and Lauren Engelkemeyer —as they share the mindset shifts, breakthroughs, and personal growth they’ve experienced through our creative community. We talk about why tradition...

Have you ever found yourself stuck in your creative work, not because you’re doing too little, but because you haven’t stopped to reflect? In this episode, I’m talking about the importance of turning inward, listening to your own voice, and building a creative business rooted in self-trust. You’ll hear the real questions I ask myself, the shifts I’ve made, and why reflection is the foundation for...

What makes a creative support space actually work, especially when everything else feels overwhelming? In this episode, I share a bit of the story behind The Tillage Village and the intentional rhythm that helps creative entrepreneurs build clarity, consistency, and momentum. If you’ve ever joined a membership that left you more stressed than supported, this conversation is for you. You’ll learn h...

What does it look like to build a creative business that truly fits your life? In this episode, we’re joined by Tillage Village member, Lauren Engelmeier of Camp Clever , who shares how she’s redefined success by aligning her work with her rhythms, values, and season of life. Lauren walks us through her journey from magazine designer to Etsy shop owner to surface pattern artist, and how years of p...

In today’s episode, we’re exploring why hustling harder doesn’t necessarily bring progress, and why slowing down to notice your energy, creativity, and personal rhythms is the real key to sustainable growth. I’ll share how chasing productivity without true direction left me exhausted, how the power of noticing is changing how I approach my creative practice, and why honoring your natural seasons m...

Feeling stuck can bring up so much shame. It can make you feel like you’re doing something wrong or not working hard enough. But more often than not, it’s not laziness that’s holding you back....it's disconnection. In this episode, we explore the real reason so many creatives feel paralyzed in their work. When you lose touch with your vision, it’s easy to slip into burnout, confusion, and chas...

Come with me and revisit the fourth solo episode I ever created—first aired in November 2022—while I recover from hernia surgery ❤️‍🩹. In this episode I define "nourishment" and what it means to truly care for ourselves so we can create from wholeness, not depletion. In seasons of overwhelm or exhaustion, this gentle episode is a reminder to honor your pace and refill your own cup. We’ll explore...

Creative delays can feel frustrating, isolating, and full of shame—but they’re a normal part of the process. In this episode, we’re talking about the messy middle, the “stop-go” rhythm of creative work, and why your pace doesn’t determine your worth. I share my own slow journey with the creation of The Tillage Magazine and how I’ve learned to trust the timeline. We’ll also make a left turn and exp...

🌸 Last week of spring break here, and I hope you enjoy an episode that is sure to bring so much alignment in your life and give you a new perspective on success that first aired November 2022. It is so easy to fall into comparison and feel the pressure to gain a massive following while running our creative businesses. In today's episode, Leana of ⁠May We Fly⁠ , shares her story of discovering...

🌸 It's time for a little spring break here! I hope you enjoy an episode that is near and dear to my heart that first aired in October 2023. In this episode, ⁠Nicholas Wilton⁠ of ⁠Art2Life⁠ takes you on a rollercoaster journey from doubt to self-belief, sharing his inspiring story of how art saved his life. Join us as he explores the power of intention, finding your creative sweet spot, and the im...

Every creative project—big or small—holds valuable lessons that can elevate your work, but only if you’re paying attention. In this episode, we explore how staying curious, embracing mistakes, and reflecting on the creative process can lead to continuous growth. Through real-life examples, including making better pancakes and Pixar’s evolution in animation, we’ll uncover how each challenge present...

Why is it so hard to boldly declare what we truly want? Fear of judgment, doubt, and the desire be seen as humble often keep us silent. But if we don’t claim our dreams and desires, how can we ever pursue them? In this episode, we explore why declaring our dreams feels vulnerable, the difference between saying "I want to be" and "I am," and how visualization can help bring our goals to life. You'l...

Creative careers come with seasons—times when work feels slow and uncertain, and others when it feels overwhelming. So how do you navigate both? In this episode, I’m joined by Airin O’Callaghan , a children’s book illustrator, to explore the challenges of building a creative business, from struggling to find work in the early days to learning how to say no when opportunities start flooding in. We’...

Change is inevitable, but that doesn’t make it easy. Whether it’s a shift in your career, relationships, home, or even the world around you, navigating change can feel unsettling. In this episode, I dive into the discomfort of transitions, why change feels so hard, and how we can move through it with resilience and self-compassion. I share personal stories of major life changes—from career shifts...

Are you building your business based on what you truly want—or what you think you should want? In this episode, we explore what it means to run a creative business in a way that feels aligned, sustainable, and fulfilling. Artist, Brigida Swanson, shares her journey of stepping away from social media, redefining success, and focusing on what actually works for her business. She opens up about the f...

Feeling stuck after a creative break? In this episode, I share my journey of stepping away from The Tillage Podcast for over two months—why I took a break, the unexpected guilt and self-doubt that followed, and how I finally found my way back. If you’ve ever struggled with taking time off or felt awkward returning to your creative work, this episode will help you navigate the emotions, embrace res...

In this episode, I share the highs and lows of a challenging year marked by burnout, personal struggles, and difficult choices. From stepping back from running my business full-time and restructuring it entirely, I’ve learned that true growth often requires embracing discomfort. Through moments that felt like breaking points, I’m discovering how these “growing pains” are actually shaping me into a...

In this episode, we’re joined by Libby Sharp of brand, Oh, Little Wren, who shares her journey of embracing the title of “artist” and owning her unique creative path. Many of us struggle to call ourselves artists, feeling like we haven’t “earned” it or that our journey doesn’t fit the mold. Libby opens up about what it takes to build the confidence to claim your creative identity. Whether you’re j...

In this episode, we're unpacking the power of consistency in building momentum in your rhythms and routines. I’ll share my personal journey with staying disciplined and explore how establishing "three daily essentials" (Episode 106) has helped me develop lasting habits. We’ll dive into strategies like habit stacking, creating cues, and finding your "point of no return" to n...

In this episode, I sit down with Kayla Hutchinson, founder of Lucky Dog Design Co . and full-time email marketer, as she shares her experience of balancing a thriving stationery business alongside her corporate job. We explore her journey over the past 7.5 years, discussing how she manages to avoid burnout, stay grounded, and maintain a sustainable pace in both roles. Kayla provides practical insi...

In this episode, I uncover the messy, unavoidable reality of mistakes. My anxiety of making a mistake of making whipped cream reveals my deep issues of perfectionism and the fear of messing up. We’ll explore how mistakes—whether big or small—can create anxiety, stall progress, and keep us playing it safe. But here’s the good news: mistakes are an essential part of growth, and embracing them can op...