Nourishing Creativity with Chef Carla Contreras (formerly Show Up Fully)

“Writing isn’t just about getting words on the page, it’s about finding a way to express what your day-to-day self can’t always say out loud.” — Caroline Malloy

This episode asks you the question, do you really want to write a book? I’m joined by Caroline Malloy, a Chicago-based book coach, editor, and historian. Together, we explore what it takes to move from idea to manuscript and why not every idea needs to become a book.

Caroline explains why trying to write for “everyone” dilutes your message and how staying deeply rooted in one specific reader makes your work more powerful and widely relatable. She also unpacks a causal, page-turning narrative that keeps readers engaged.

If you feel stuck in your writing or creative work, Caroline offers practical wisdom: Sometimes the most productive thing to do is walk away. You can also shift your focus and work on different parts of a project to maintain joy and creative flow.

Whether you’re writing a book or deepening your creative practice this episode will remind you that creativity thrives when it’s supported by the right people, those who help you shape your ideas, stay accountable, and bring them to fruition.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.

xo Carla

PS: Upgrade to Action + Artistry Studio on Substack for quick-hit micro workshops, BTS Podcast, and simple tools to help you work on your creative dreams now, not someday.

Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latinx & women owned business.

“Creative blocks soften when we root back into ourselves.” —Dr. Brittney Ellers

This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of embodiment, nourishment, and radical self-connection. I’m joined by holistic pelvic physical therapist Dr. Brittney Ellers, who blends physical therapy, energetics, breathwork, and deep curiosity to help women reconnect to the power of their pelvic space.

She guides us through a grounding root-breathing practice that reconnects you to your pelvic bowl, the sacral center of creativity. This simple yet powerful hands-on ritual invites softness, descent, and vibrancy back into the body. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t just live in your mind, it lives in your tissues, breath, jaw, and sacral center.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, overstimulated, or craving deeper embodiment in your creative process, this conversation invites you to descend and soften. With the reminders to chew your food and listen to your body. Plus, knowing some of the most powerful creative breakthroughs comes from returning to your root.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.

Leave a comment on Substack or reach out on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @b.ellers to share your takeaway from the episode.

xo Carla

PS: Upgrade to Nourished Creator Studio on Substack for quick-hit micro workshops, BTS Podcast, and simple tools to help you work on your creative dreams now, not someday.

Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only.

“If you wait for perfection, you give yourself nowhere to start.” — Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle

This episode explores perfectionism, visibility, and why waiting for the “perfect” version can halt creativity altogether. I’m joined by Dr. Zorana Ivccvic Pringle, Senior Research Scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and author of The Creativity Choice.

Zorana shares a science-backed definition of creativity that moves beyond talent or artistic identity. We dive deeply into the role of questions in the creative process. She explains why first ideas are often the most obvious and how developing 1.0 versions require time, effort, and openness to change.

This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin. Zorana reminds us that creativity is not about waiting for inspiration, it’s about choosing to engage, asking better questions, and staying with the creative process.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.

Leave a comment on Substack or reach out on LinkedIn Carla Contreras & Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle to share your takeaway from the episode.

xo Carla

PS: Upgrade to Nourished Creator Studio on Substack for quick-hit micro workshops, BTS Podcast, and simple tools to help you work on your creative dreams now, not someday.

Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only.