“Just go for it, let it go, and live your life true to yourself.” — Christine Fiorentino

This week’s episode is a reminder that creativity asks you to trust your inner voice, even before you’re ready. I’m joined by Christine Fiorentino, writer, recipe developer, culinary storyteller, and host of the YouTube series Beyond the Plate.

From teaching in a classroom to sharing food stories on camera, Christine reminds you that creativity is more than what you create, it’s also who you become when you decide that you’re going to go for it!

If you’re craving change but feel afraid to begin or if you’re in the middle of a transition and wondering what’s next, this episode is for you. It’s also your reminder and affirmation to come back to when things get challenging.

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.

What’s in This Episode:

Christine defines creativity as the method through which you express yourself most authentically and lean into the practices and places that connect you to your highest self.

She shares her personal manifestation ritual of writing letters to the universe, letting go of control, and how to be an active participant in the deliverance of your manifestations through aligned actions.

Christine tells her inspiring “I’m never coming back” story, and shares how saying goodbye to a 10-year teaching career opened the door to everything she wanted in her career (and life).

We also explore how spiritual tools like Reiki and grounding in nature have helped Christine reset her energy. Plus, how her fertility journey has deepened her relationship with flow, surrender, and self-trust.

Question:

What’s one bold move your creativity is calling you to make? Tag us on IG @chefcarlacontreras & @christinefiorentinoto share your reflections.

xo Carla

PS: Are you Substack curious? Listen to this podcast episode about building your new digital home on Substack. Or join us in Press Publish Club to learn one actionable marketing step per month here

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. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only.

“Creativity is my sanctuary, it’s where I go to escape from all the darkness in the world.” — Kimberly Espinel

This week’s episode is a reminder that your creativity is not only a gift, but a way to tell your story. I’m joined by Kimberly Espinel, award-winning food photographer, food and prop stylist, author, and creator of The Little Plantation.

Through her camera lens, creativity becomes a sanctuary. It’s a way to cope when things get tough and a way to tell the powerful (and sometimes political) stories that make us, us.

Kimberly and I reminisce about the early days of sharing food photography online and celebrate how sharing what brings you joy can nourish both you and the people who experience your work.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create.

What’s in This Episode:

Kimberly shares her definition of creativity as the ability to weave heart into every detail. From recipe development, to lighting, and styling, there are opportunities to express joy throughout every step of the creation process.

Kimberly opens up about embracing a plant-forward, seasonal, and political approach to food, and how she uses her images to express deeper values and beliefs while celebrating the underdog.

You’ll also hear how she self-published her first book, Creative Food Photography after being rejected by traditional publishers. She listened to her community’s needs and trusted her own intuition.

She also share about the creation of her second book, How to Make Food Famous and invites you to rethink how you share your unique gifts in a creative ways.

Question: What story is your creativity telling right now? Tag us on IG @chefcarlacontreras & @thelittleplantation and tell us!

xo Carla

PS: Are you Substack curious? Listen to this podcast episode about building your new digital home on Substack. Join the Substack Accelerator to share your creative projects and work in the world. Create, Launch, & Grow Your Substack

Listen to me on Kimberly’s podcast here

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. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only.

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"Creativity is just the willingness to experiment with things.” — Katie Commodore

This week’s episode is the reminder that creativity is both a question and an answer, a process of constant problem-solving, adaptation, and asking what’s next.

I’m joined by my dear friend, Katie Commodore, artist and educator at Clark University and Rhode Island School of Design.

From drawing and peyote stitch beading to embroidery and textiles, Katie explores new mediums while continuing to celebrate sexuality, intimacy, and everyday objects in her work.

Tune into this episode to learn how Katie translates erotic photography into woven tapestries and finds emotional release through beading rocks instead of throwing them at people (yes, really).

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create.

What’s in This Episode:

Katie defines creativity as the willingness to experiment, ask questions, and find your own answers. She spends a lot of time looking at and thinking about her work.

She shares her antidote to creative blocks, inspiring you to lean into your own simple creative projects when you're not sure what's next or how to move forward.

She highlights the importance of keeping personal series that no one else has ever seen, like how she paints her panties to honor each pair before retiring them.

Katie also opens up about how her creative process has shifted as she navigates life with MS, including how embroidery has become a surprising and liberating medium for reclaiming precision and presence.

Question: Have you tried a new medium or creative outlet lately? Leave a comment below or tag us on IG @chefcarlacontreras & @katiecommodore share with us.

xo Carla

PS: Are you Substack curious? Listen to this podcast episode about building your new digital home on Substack. Join the Substack Accelerator to share your creative projects and work in the world. Create, Launch, & Grow Your Substack

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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. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only.