From Rural Roots to Soulful Healing: The Silver Bohemian Journey of Porsha Chalmers

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 season that strengthened her courage and shaped the resilience she carries into every part of her life. It was there she met her husband, began building a family, and set the foundation for her journey of service and creativity. Her life has been a tapestry of joy, loss, and renewal, raising her son Matthew (her proudest accomplishment), caregiving for Brian through his battle with ALS, and finding love again with her husband Jim. These experiences now fuel her work as an artist and healer, where she blends sound therapy, restorative yoga, and creative expression to guide others toward wholeness. Today, Porsha is stepping fully into her calling as a guide and leader: Curator for The Turquoise Iris Journal International best-selling co-author Marine Corps Veteran Creator of soulful workshops, retreats, and art experiences In this conversation, Porsha opens up about: The resilience she carried from farm life and military service into her creative journey The healing practices and symbols — dragonflies, ginkgo leaves, and feathers — that anchor her work Why memory, presence, and everyday beauty are central to her art and her life Her upcoming retreat, Soul Map: The Art of Release (October 23–26, 2025 at The Little Golden Fox in Madison, IN) Her upcoming book, Tattered and Mended: Soulful Stories of Life, Love, and Legacy (launching November 11, 2025) Fun facts about Porsha: she’s happiest barefoot by a riverbank, creating in her studio, or grounding outdoors. She once worked as a published photographer covering stock cars and NHRA drag racing (and even got three tickets in one weekend for drag racing a Volkswagen!). She loves transforming unexpected objects like old quilts, spoons, and leather belts into wearable art and memory pieces. And always...music is the soundtrack of her life. Through her art, her healing practices, and her leadership, Porsha helps others honor memory, presence, and transformation. Her story is proof that beauty and meaning can be created even from life’s hardest seasons. Connect with Porsha Chalmers: 🌐 Website: The Silver Bohemian 📸 Instagram: @thesilverbohemian 📘 Facebook: The Silver Bohemian

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 talk about her early influences, her fearless use of color, and the way her entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of The Square Foot Show, a global movement connecting artists and collectors. Julia opens up about the obstacles she’s faced, the joy she finds in supporting others, and how she continues to grow as both an artist and leader in the creative community. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to blend family, business, and art with courage and heart, Julia’s story will inspire you. Julia Veenstra is a renowned Canadian artist and entrepreneur known for her lively composition and vibrant use of colour. Having lived in various countries through her life, Julia incorporates diverse influences into her impressionistic and representational style—it’s no surprise, then, that her work is found in collections across the globe. She chooses acrylic as her medium of expression due to its immediacy and the ability to create bright and vivid colours. Julia’s artistic journey has led her to focus on capturing the vivid landscapes of her native Canada, for which she has gained national recognition, including a feature on the coveted Royal Winter Fair poster. As an entrepreneur, she’s made a significant impact on thousands of artists and collectors worldwide through initiatives like Square Foot Show, Artlabel, and her new gallery, Crown and Press. You can often find Julia in her studio, a converted garage, at her home on Beach Boulevard in Hamilton. According to Julia: “We all have a moment in time that comforts and reassures us when remembered. A smell that transports us back in time, stirring up emotions of all kinds. I am attracted to those moments that create comfort, those scents that cause a rush of deep memories. As a child, I would dream of home and security, observing the world around me on walks through different neighbourhoods. These moments shaped my understanding of wholeness and peace, both real and imagined.” As an artist, Julia strives to translate these special moments into her work. She captures the play of light on trees, the elongated shadows on fields, and the structures of homes built to provide shelter for loved ones. Her paintings reflect a connection with the past and a sense of security. Vibrant colours and expressive brushstrokes bring her canvases to life, often surprising her and her collectors with unexpected shapes and details. Through layering techniques and a focus on negative shapes, she explores the essence of wholeness. Julia believes that while home may mean something different to each of us, there are shared experiences that evoke a sense of safety and beauty. She aims to create artwork that stirs the heart and evokes these cherished memories. Her paintings capture these moments real and imagined, giving viewers a window into their own place of safety, whimsy, and wonder. Upcoming Events: Fun Facts: 5 kids 10 plus grandkids! I have lived in 4 different countries and speak a little Swahili! I run an international Online Art Show www.squarefootshow.com I own a gallery called Crown and Press in Hamilton, Ontario. I hung out with Brad Pitts brother once! Website Home - Julia Veenstra Facebook Julia Veenstra Artist Instagram Julia Veenstra (@jveenstraartist) YouTube Julia Veenstra Artist

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 Experience in Crete, Hayley shares how intuition, heart‑centered strategy, and luxury spiritual travel create soul‑sparkling change. "When you see that you can do anything and anything is possible, it’s phenomenal what comes through." From Corporate Executive to Spiritual Leader – Hayley shares the pivotal transition from traditional leadership to following her divine intuition and spiritual calling. The Shine Experience & Sacred Shakti Method – Deep dive into her transformational programs and how they heal mind, body, soul, and spirit. Alchemizing Business and Spirituality – Practical strategies for building soul‑centered businesses while making global impact. Retreats as Revolution – How her immersive events (Golden Goddess, luxury travel) serve as portals for transformation, not just lead generators. Intuition as Strategy – The role of spiritual discipline—prayer, meditation, breathwork—in structuring her life and business. Teacher Training & Spiritual Leadership – Insights into cultivating a global community of leaders teaching from their pure hearts. A must‑listen for anyone ready to expand their impact with purpose, presence, and pure magic. Website: Soul Sparkle Living Facebook: Hayley Hines (@hayley.hines) Instagram: @hayleyhunterhines YouTube: Hayley Hunter Hines Email: [email protected] Upcoming Event: Golden Goddess Equinox Experience – September 19–23 in Crete, Greece

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 blindfolded dance helped Flora reconnect with freedom and flow The spiritual and emotional healing that comes from intuitive art Why inner peace is the true creative goal Her current journey building a 20-acre creative sanctuary in Oregon Flora shares how her years as a painter, movement guide, and mindfulness practitioner have blended into a life of deep listening and artistic trust. This isn’t just a conversation about making art—it’s about making space for your whole self to show up in the creative process. If you’re craving more flow, peace, and self-expression, this episode is your gentle permission slip to return to what’s real. UPCOMING EVENTS: Weekly live class in my FREE FLO Community. Enjoy your first week free here: https://freeflo.florabowley.com/ In-person retreat at the Omega Institute in New York, Oct 19-24, 2025: https://www.eomega.org/workshops/art-aliveness More in-person retreat announcements coming soon. Be the first to find out here: https://florabowley.com/news-art-love/ FUN FACTS: I was raised in Wisconsin by two YMCA directors. I can do backflips on a trampoline. I changed my name after my first year at Burning Man. I am currently learning to speak Portuguese. florabowley.com https://www.instagram.com/florabowley/ https://www.facebook.com/florabowleydesigns/ https://www.youtube.com/@florabowleydesigns  

"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 story. Wendy opens up about the vibrant, soul-led path that pulled her from depression and hustle culture into a thriving creative life filled with purpose, vintage flair, and quiet confidence. They talk about what it really takes to make art that heals — and how to guide others to do the same. In this conversation, you’ll hear: How Wendy’s accident became the start of her creative rebirth Her honest take on art shows (and why selling isn’t the only win) Why embracing your style is the key to creative sustainability The real way to start teaching your own online art course And what “everything is art” looks like in daily life Wendy has launched over 40 online courses and continues to mentor women who want to lead with creativity, not burnout. This episode is an invitation to drop the perfection, lean into your process, and let art do what it was always meant to do — bring you home. Upcoming Events: The Artist's Course Roadmap- Everything you need to plan, launch, and sell your own online art course. Mentorship Community Coming Soon... In Person Workshops in Colorado Springs Fun Facts: Once-upon-a-time Kindergarten Teacher. Lived on a ship for three months right out of high school. Homeschool my two youngest girls. Really over hustle culture. I LOVE thrifting and bring a little bit of vintage vibes into my art through pattern and color. I believe that everything I do is art, whether it's cooking a meal for my family or getting dressed every morning. My students keep asking me to a fashion style course because they love the way that I dress. Website Homepage Facebook Wendy Brightbill Instagram Instagram (@wendybrightbill) YouTube Wendy Brightbill Studio Email: [email protected]

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, creative leadership, and meaningful conversations that move us. In this episode, I’m sharing: Why I stepped away for 6 months — and what came alive in that quiet The story behind the name Motivatarian What you can expect from Season 2 (including new topics, guest types, and YOU-centered takeaways) Why this podcast is still your space for soulful growth, only bolder ✨ Same heart. Same quality. Bigger mission. Let’s create something that matters — together. 📌 Links + Resources: → Get weekly creative prompts + behind-the-scenes: https://www.theturquoiseiris.com → More about the Motivatarian Method™: https://www.theturquoiseiris.com/quiz/ 🎧 Was this episode a breath of fresh air? Tag me on Instagram [@theturquoiseiris] and tell me your favorite part. And if you haven’t yet — leave a review so more creatives like you can find this space. 🩵

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 inspires others to explore their artistic side and share in the joy of making. Debi’s one-of-a-kind pieces are available for purchase, combining functionality with artistic flair. Upcoming Events: Sisterhood of the Traveling Art Journal project and quarterly subscription box and working on a line of decoupage papers. Fun Facts: When Debi was a teenager she would walk past an old furniture repair shop every day on her way to school. Dreaming that one day she’d own a shop just like it. Website http://www.elsielaneartgarage.com Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elsieln Instagram http://www.instagram.com/elsie_lane_boutique YouTube https://youtube.com/@elsielaneartgarage?si=h134VfTm-avrWzdB  

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 master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. A seasoned health psychologist, she has dedicated her career to understanding the intricate interplay between mental health and overall well-being. This understanding forms the foundation of her unique approach to fostering holistic healing. In addition to her clinical work, Susan is a certified meditation teacher, trained in The Interdependence Project's Meditation Teacher Training Program. This commitment reflects her dedication to mindfulness practices and the profound impact they can have on mental and emotional wellness. Susan is also artist, infusing her work with the transformative power of creative expression. Whether guiding participants through the strokes of a paintbrush or the rhythmic dance of weaving, Susan believes in the therapeutic potential of artistic endeavors as a means of self-discovery and healing. As the 12 Step Program Coordinator at the Dominican Retreat Center, in Niskayuna, New York, Susan extends her expertise to the realm of addiction recovery, providing support and guidance to individuals navigating the path of healing and self-discovery. Upcoming Events: Hopeful Moments - Lives on Facebook and Instagram every day starting December 1, 2024 November 25, December 9, December 23, 2024: Big Celebrations= Big Emotions Via Zoom January 26, 2025 Masterclass: A Hope Filled Vision for 2025 February 2025 Online Retreat with Kimberly Reiter - Breaking the Loop Fun Facts: I live on the St Lawrence River in Waddington NY and love watching ships pass through on their way to the Atlantic Ocean. The opposite shore of the river is in Canada. I also love retro crafts - the kitchier-er the better. Website  Facebook  Instagram 

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 furniture makeover! Once she made her dream of becoming a full-time maker a reality she began teaching other makers how to take their creative skills and turn them into businesses through her coaching & courses. When she isn’t working at the store or up to her elbows in a new art piece, she is most likely reading a book or watching a movie with her husband, Jason, crochet hook in hand.   Website https://www.danielleskaminski.com Facebook https://facebook.com/danielleskaminski Instagram https://instagtam.com/danielleskaminski