The Unbound Creative

What does it really mean to be free as an artist? In this conversation, Mak and Valerie explore the tension between mastery and play, the discipline that builds skill, and the surrender that opens the soul. They unpack how both are essential, how each feeds the other, and why real creative freedom is not about choosing one side but learning to hold both. It is an honest and reflective look at what...

You’ve probably said this phrase hundreds of times. You’ve definitely heard it. It’s woven into how we talk about work, success, and creativity... but what if it’s been quietly stealing your joy all along? In this episode, Mak and Valerie pull back the curtain on a cultural belief that keeps so many creatives stuck in struggle. They share why this mindset feels noble on the surface but actually cr...

You’ve likely believed this lie without even realizing it, and it’s keeping you stuck. In this episode, we’re exposing the narrative that’s been holding creatives back for generations and replacing it with something far more powerful. Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative !  If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or leave us a review, it helps more creatives discover...

In Episode 10 of The UnBound Creative, Valerie and Mak celebrate their milestone by diving into a quietly radical idea: delight as a wayfinder. We live in a world that values hustle, productivity, and achievement, and yet, so many of us feel lost or disconnected. What if the missing piece isn’t more effort, but more delight? In this deeply reflective and joy-sparking conversation, you’ll learn: Wh...

Overthinking kills creativity, and it happens faster than you realize. In this episode, we unpack how fear often disguises itself as "preparation" and why it smothers your best ideas before they have a chance to grow. You will learn five simple ways to catch overthinking early, trust your creative spark, and take action before fear takes over. If you have ever gotten stuck in research, c...

We’re getting honest in this one. So many creatives feel stuck, not because they aren’t talented or motivated, but because they’re silently following the rules everyone else is following. The ones that say: “Be practical. Play it safe. Stick to the plan.” In this episode, we unpack why that mindset is stifling your creativity. We explore left-brain vs. right-brain thinking, the pressure to conform...

A true story of public failure, creative heartbreak, and the unexpected path to redemption. This is the most vulnerable, raw, and unforgettable story we’ve told on the podcast so far. In this extended episode, Mak shares the real-life tale of a Christmas train festival gone spectacularly wrong; complete with crushed dreams , media headlines , lawsuits , and a moment that nearly broke him . It&apos...

In this emotionally rich and deeply honest episode of The UnBound Creative , Valerie and Mak explore one of the most universal experiences in creative life: failure . They dive into why fear of failure keeps so many creatives stuck, and offer mindset shifts, emotional tools, and gentle practices for moving through it. They discuss: How our brains are wired to avoid risk and how that shows up creat...

If you’ve ever said “I’m not a business person” because you’re creative, this episode is your wake-up call. The idea that creatives aren’t cut out for business is a story, and it’s a false one. In this conversation, we challenge the myth that creativity and business don’t belong together and show you how your artistic instincts are actually your biggest entrepreneurial superpower. Whether you’re j...

In this fired-up, heart-on-sleeve episode, Mak and Valerie tackle one of the biggest invisible barriers creative people face: waiting for permission. Whether it's from society, our families, our Instagram followers, or—most sneakily—ourselves, this need for outside validation keeps so many creatives stuck on the sidelines. If you've ever found yourself saying "I'll start when…&...

If you’ve ever wondered why something you love — creating — can feel like pulling teeth to start , this is your episode. We’re unpacking the real reasons creativity feels so hard (hint: it's not because you're lazy or lack discipline) — and sharing practical mindset shifts and "biohacks" that will help you make creating feel easier, lighter, and even fun again. We’re diving dee...

What if the key to unleashing your creativity isn't found in hustling harder but in following the whispers of curiosity that most of us have been conditioned to ignore? Valerie and Mak McKeehan dive deep into how our education system and cultural messaging train us to become prisoners of outcome-based thinking, postponing joy until we achieve some distant goal. From their earliest days in sch...

Valerie and Mak McKeehan launch their new podcast, The Unbound Creative , dedicated to helping creatives break free from societal constraints and self-imposed limitations to discover a more expansive, authentic creative life. • Creativity is an essence of being, not just an act—bringing forth something that didn't exist before • Our brains are wired to resist creativity and change, operating...

What truly sets successful creative entrepreneurs apart? It's not just about mastering pricing or nailing your branding—it's about how you show up every day. It comes down to having courage. This is the number one thing that sets apart someone who is finding success selling their art. We all have fears and imposter syndrome to overcome, but when you can feel the fear and do it anyway, yo...

Ever wondered how to craft a brand that truly embodies your authentic self?  Valerie and Mak explore this vital question by examining the unique vibes of artists' personal brands, both online and offline. They provide insights on how having a personal brand will help you as an artpreneur, how to maintain authenticity while choosing which facets of your personality to highlight, and discuss ho...

“I’d love to sell my artwork, but I just don’t have a big audience or following.” This is one of the first things a lot of artists interested in selling their artwork say. But having a big audience isn’t the answer. You can begin selling your art, today, whether you have 100 followers or 10,000.  In today’s episode, Valerie and Mak McKeehan discuss the many ways you can kick-start your art busines...

One of the most daunting aspects of being an Artpreneur is figuring out how to price your work. In this next episode of “Sell Your Work, Without the Stress” Series, long-time entrepreneurs Valerie and Mak McKeehan share their secrets and philosophies for not only pricing, but pricing in a way that is fulfilling and exciting! Whether you're struggling to set a price that feels appropriate or l...

Imagine viewing your art not just as a creative endeavor, but as a powerful way to enrich lives and engage in a meaningful exchange of value.  In this episode, Valerie and Mak McKeehan explore the often daunting intersection of business and creativity, offering a fresh perspective that can transform the fear of selling into an invitation to connect with others. By addressing subconscious money blo...

What if the key to unlocking your creative potential lies not in the typical advice given to artists but in embracing the natural rhythms of rest and reflection? Join me as we challenge the toxic myth that artists must suffer to create great art. Valerie shares her personal journey chasing an external view of success to finding alignment and a healing approach to art. When we embrace the natural r...

Why do we still cling to the myth of the "struggling artist" when creativity can be a joyful and healing process? Join me as we challenge this outdated narrative, advocating for a new approach that prizes personal fulfillment and well-being over relentless toil. Let's question the tired wisdom that equates success with sacrifice, and instead explore how artists can redefine producti...

In this episode Valerie explores two different types of fear. One type tells you you’re going in the wrong direction, but another type is actually a good sign. It’s a sign of expansion and growth. Your brain is trying to protect you simply because it is unknown. Yet it is precisely in this unknown space where magic happens! Here’s how to say yes to the fear and open up to the whispers calling to y...

The Dear Creative Soul Podcast is now The Peaceful Creative!  In this episode, Valerie talks about the reason behind the name change and what it means to be The Peaceful Creative. She shares her vision for a group of artists and creatives who put beauty into this world from the deepest parts of their authentic souls. Say goodbye to the cliche of the angsty, struggling, suffering artist and crack o...

What is an artist to do when the world feels heavy and dark?  We are often sensitive creatures and it's easy to crumble and succumb to the darkness.  But, sensitivity is also the artist's superpower. In this episode, Valerie discusses how to navigate this balance. We need your light, beauty, and peace, especially in dark times.  Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative !  If today’s...

There’s nothing wrong with setting goals, but what happens when you’re holding off on feeling good until you reach those goals?  This leads to a creative life of emptiness and in constant search of the next “hit.” There’s a better, more fulfilling way to live and Valerie talks about how you can start right now.  Thanks for listening to The UnBound Creative !  If today’s episode resonated with you,...

Flow state - that out-of-body experience where the work seems to just appear and you are the vessel. Time stands still in those moments and it feels incredible!  How do we get more of this?  The good news is we can consciously create the conditions for flow state to happen more easily!  In this episode, Valerie discusses three ways to welcome more flow into you creative practice. Thanks for listen...