Can pain be beautiful?

Kris and Will riff poet to poet on his teenage dreams of being a hip hop artist, the potential for word art to change and connect, his work using creativity to help youth feel seen and heard, and how art can change the world. Stay all the way to end to hear him lay down one of his pieces in an epic spoken word reading.  Will is a poet, speaker and storyteller who explores themes of social significance such as inclusion, resilience and mental health. For the last 10 years Will has worked at the intersection of the creative arts and social impact, founding Lead by Story - a creative network and media resource for conversation and engagement. leadbystory.com.au https://www.instagram.com/leadbystory/ 

Kris and Penny have a radically real and relatable riff on gaining confidence, Imposter Syndrome, finding our identity, body acceptance, and how creativity can help us become the people we want to be. If you've always wanted to create but don't feel confident enough to - this is a must-listen episode.  Penny Sterling is a freelance print model, musician and creative with a passion for expression and a love of fashion, screen content and being in front of the camera. www.pennysterling.net @pennysterlingsyd Artists Penny mentions:  @gcg__ - GCG, Digital artist  @the_tiah - Tiah Eckhardt, model @nawalsari - Nawal, model and digital creator @mssarahcatherinepaulson - Actress and Producer Resources for creatives: https://supportact.org.au/ https://artswellbeingcollective.com.au/

As Kris and Nicola sail through the storms of creative shame and overthinking, we chat about how our expression is a playground on which to get to know yourself better. She tells us what living aboard a yacht has taught her about the creative process, why so many artists have an affinity with nature, and why sometimes you should just have a glass of wine, put on some music, forget about it, and enjoy the ride.  https://www.nicolanewman.com/ @nicolanewman_ Nicola is a creative business coach, professional artist and qualified painting teacher who specialises in teaching mindfulness and creative expression in her year-long creativity school, Flourish: The Art of Creative Living. Nicola works with clients privately and in her group program, Prosper: Make Money Doing What You Love - a 12 week intensive designed especially for creative hearts who are ready to develop new income streams. Known for her down-to-earth, encouraging and authentic teaching style, she has guided creative hearts around the world through her popular programs, workshops and retreats. Her work has been featured in Australian Country Magazine, ABC Organic Gardener, The Sunday Mail, Gentleman’s Quarterly, Nature & Health and more. Nicola's passion is demystifying the creative process and supporting others to be kind to themselves, follow their hearts and find meaning and fulfilment through creative living.

If you get confused by abstract art, this episode is for you. Kris and Brenda unpack the mystery by exposing the most common mistake people make when viewing abstract work. We riff on why it's necessary to make ugly art, finding beauty in the mess, and the intentional creation of chaos.  Brenda Mangalore is an abstract artist based in Melbourne, Australia. Brenda believes art can be an anchor of self-expression in our spaces and in our lives. Whether through her paintings as anchors of beauty and connection, or working with her as a mentoring client to design a path towards your dreams. She wants you to feel equipped, empowered, and transformed. @brendamangalore http://www.brendamangalore.com

Kris and James riff on art of the internet age, memes and telepathy, the meaning of life, art as a way to reinvent ourselves during times of historical transformation, and why we are being called to become bold, weird people for our future existence. You might even find out which tech billionaire is really an alien... James McCrae is an author, poet, creative guide, and meme-artist based in Austin, Texas. In his writing and art, he applies the principles of mindfulness and Eastern philosophy to modern life with humor and candor. On his popular Instagram page @wordsarevibrations he shares daily memes, poems, and illustrations to delight and inspire. He also hosts Homesick Alien Club, a podcast that explores the intersection of creativity, consciousness, and culture. James is the author of Sh#t Your Ego Says an autobiographical guidebook to quiet negative self-talk and reconnect with intuition, and his new book How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis, a book of poetry and memes about leaving your comfort zone to embrace the unknown. @wordsarevibrations https://www.jamesmccrae.com/

Kris and Gabi riff on creativity as a way to become more ourselves and more turned on by life by showing us the weird, wonderful, and out-of-this-world. We shout out to the likes of Kanye West, Bowie, and Yayoi Kasuma for showing us that our identity can be our art, inspiring us to all show our true personalities. Finally we get honest with the reality of "I don't have time" and chat about how to change our habits by using the things you DON'T want as your highest motivator.  Gabriella Rosie is an artist and business owner with an ever-expanding dedication to living a multi-passionate life. From designing and producing a range of products, including the cult classic Bad Bitch Affirmation cards, to leading The Creatrix Coven and countless other courses and masterclasses. It is her mission to empower creatives with the skills and self-confidence required to combine two of life’s most delicious gifts: art and money. She believes in being your own biggest fan and that enthusiasm is the sexiest trait to possess. You can listen to her podcast Big Creatrix Energy on all platforms and connect with her  @gabriellarosie  www.gabriellarosie.com.

Kris and Matt riff on art induced euphoria, what art gave the kid who was good at everything, and the line between art and entertainment.  Matt Young is a Brisbane-based theatre and tv actor, acting coach and podcaster.  He recently played Max Bialystock in The Producers at the Brisbane Powerhouse, and Bruno in Smiley at BackDock Arts.  He is the host of the podcast, and live event, The Story Chunder, where people tell unbelievably true stories from their lives.  He coaches actors online through Tukuna Acting Club and in person at The Factory Acting Studio and the Australian Actors' Studio. Get tickets for the 21st August live reading https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=796994&  www.mattyoungactor.com https://www.instagram.com/mattyoungactor/ https://twitter.com/mattyoungactor https://www.facebook.com/matt.young.fan.page/

Kris and Sam riff on the beauty of comedy, making every daily act an act of creative expression (even your socks!), his experience touring his Drag show around middle America changing staunchly problematic perceptions, and art as the ultimate healer. I bloody love this human and you will too. Do yourself a favour and watch Sam absolutely electrify in the music video for Ryal's Thunder (Solo on the Dance Floor) https://youtu.be/jvziqTYTTrQ Sam Given is a multi-hyphenate artist living with his husband and cat in New York City. Having performed in venues from small black box theatres to Broadway, Sam truly believes that experiencing and creating art is a healing practice. Sam is currently completing his third draft on his new play, Flinch, all about fathers and their very "colorful" sons. When he's not writing, Sam travels the US as Ziggy Stardust in Rebel Rebel: The Many Lives of David Bowie In Concert.  @samgivensing  https://www.samgiven.com/

Kris and Amie riff on what art has to teach us about productivity, how historical and social structures have come to dismiss art as frivolous, and the utter magic that is to be had when we begin to view it as necessity rather than nice-to-have.  Amie McNee is an author, speaker, creativity coach and book doula. She writes and speaks about the complexities and magic of the creative journey to people all over the world. Amie also authors historical fiction novels, and her latest book, The Rules Upheld by No One is to be released on September 1st. @inspiredtowrite www.amiemcnee.com 

I take you inside moments of pain and trauma to show how art can transmute agony. I read you a handful of my poems and explain how they've helped in my process of growth, and the potential for art to contribute to social change and collective healing. Hosted by Kris of This Electrified Life www.thiselectrifiedlife.com www.instagram.com/thiselectrifiedlife [email protected]