Episodes

  • EP 36 - "Resilience, Creativity, and Passion" | Alexander Boyce | Artist

    EP 36 - "Resilience, Creativity, and Passion" | Alexander Boyce | Artist
    Oct 16 2025
    Alexander Boyce is an artist and creative visionary who transforms challenges into opportunities, using his multidisciplinary talents to challenge stereotypes and celebrate black culture. Through music, visual art, and fashion, he demonstrates the power of resilience, passion, and purpose. His journey reveals how creativity can emerge from necessity and how believing in oneself can overcome societal limitations. Boyce's work is a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of staying true to one's unique vision.

    Personal Philosophy

    Motto: "You are better than you think"

    • Believes in following your passion
    • Emphasizes the importance of purpose

    Powerful Quotes:
    • "Go in the direction of your excitement"
    • "Everything that wants you, wants you back"
    • "When you're passionate about something, you need that childlike hopefulness"

    Key Lessons:
    1. Embrace your multi-talented nature
    2. Turn limitations into opportunities
    3. Passion can sustain you through challenges
    4. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset

    Inspirational Moment:
    • Overcame cancer, viewing it as a transformative experience
    • Used challenge as an opportunity for growth

    Recommended For:
    • Creatives
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Artists
    • Anyone seeking inspiration and purpose
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    36 mins
  • EP 35 - "Creating Beyond Boundaries" | Gabriela Domville | Mixed-media Artist and Educator

    EP 35 - "Creating Beyond Boundaries" | Gabriela Domville | Mixed-media Artist and Educator
    Oct 2 2025
    In this intimate and inspiring conversation, artist Gabriela Domville takes us on a profound journey through her creative life, revealing how art has been a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and social consciousness. From her early experiences of creativity to navigating personal challenges, Gabriela shares how her artistic practice has evolved, blending multiple mediums and symbolic storytelling to explore themes of environmental awareness, family legacy, and human resilience.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Gabriela's Early Creative Journey
    • Childhood experiences of building and constructing
    • Influence of family, particularly her grandmother
    • Early art and sewing classes
    • Art as Healing
    • Impact of her sister's life-changing accident

    Key Themes
    • Environmental consciousness
    • Honoring craftsmanship and history
    • Importance of appreciating beauty in everyday life

    Memorable Quotes:
    • "You cannot stay in your comfort zone. It's about moving yourself out of your comfort zone to evolve."
    • "The road is steep, but it's not impossible. It's a step by step."

    Recommended Resources:
    • Gabriela Domville's current exhibition at Sandstone Gallery, Laguna Beach
    • Upcoming Oaxaca creative retreat

    Action Items for Listeners:
    • Explore your creativity through daily sketching
    • Practice mindfulness and appreciation of your surroundings
    • Consider how art can be a tool for personal healing and growth
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    42 mins
  • EP 34 - "A Journey of Reinvention" | Andrew Wong | Paper Artist

    EP 34 - "A Journey of Reinvention" | Andrew Wong | Paper Artist
    Sep 25 2025
    Andrew Wong is a New Jersey-based paper artist originally from Hong Kong. Trained in fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York and Paris, his creative path took a turn during the pandemic when he returned to art after years away. What began as handmade paper creations for his children evolved into 10past9, a practice rooted in quiet, late-night creativity.

    To learn more about Andrew and follow his journey visit: www.10past9.com


    Andrew Wong's journey is a powerful story of creative reinvention, tracing his path from fashion design to paper art. Overcoming cultural barriers and professional challenges, he discovered his true passion by embracing unexpected opportunities and staying curious. His story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the transformative power of following one's creative instincts.

    Powerful Quotes:
    1. "Knowing why is going to keep you going."
    2. "I wake up with joy every day and just eager to go back to the studio."
    3. "You don't know that is your passion until you start making things."
    4. "Sometimes you just go by without being present, just kind of passing by."

    Key Lessons:
    • Passion is discovered through action, not just thinking
    • Personal purpose evolves across different life stages
    • Creativity requires curiosity and observation
    • Resilience means being open to reinvention
    • Cultural experiences shape creative perspective

    Inspirational Moments:
    • Transforming cardboard boxes into art during the pandemic
    • Moving from Hong Kong to the US and discovering creative possibilities
    • Overcoming burnout in fashion design
    • Finding artistic identity through paper art
    • Embracing unexpected opportunities for personal growth

    Transformational Insights:
    • Slow down and be present in your creative journey
    • Your creative path is not linear
    • Personal challenges can become sources of artistic inspiration
    • Understanding your "why" is more important than the "what"

    Takeaways for Listeners:
    • Start creating, even if you're unsure of the outcome
    • Be patient with your creative process
    • Explore different mediums and experiences
    • Embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth
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    40 mins
  • EP 33 - "Capturing Moments, Creating Worlds" | David Ellis | New York Times–Featured Poet, Author, Artist, and Educator

    EP 33 - "Capturing Moments, Creating Worlds" | David Ellis | New York Times–Featured Poet, Author, Artist, and Educator
    Sep 18 2025
    David is very much a part of this New Harlem Renaissance and his thoughtful poetry captures that elegantly. His love of this community and teaching is evident as well as his passion for poetry, artistry. - Marcus Samuelsson Featured in the New York Times for his haiku poetry that he paints on driftwood and first poetry book “Beach in City Island”, David has been working in Harlem as a teacher for almost two decades, David fell in love with Harlem the moment he entered. “I feel the souls of those that were here before I was born, especially when I walk down Lenox Avenue.” Most of the poems written in this poetry books are on display at many restaurants and cafes in Harlem. Hand painted on canvas and written in frames.

    To learn more about David visit freeliketheseagullsbookstore.com

    Motto:

    "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow's not promised. All we have is now."

    Powerful Quotes:
    1. "Do what you love to do. You're not doing it for other people. You're doing it for yourself."
    2. "There's always a way to capture poetry in the everyday."
    3. "I want my legacy to be someone who inspired kids, someone who feared God, someone who loved others."

    Key Lessons:
    • Creativity exists in everyday moments
    • Stay present and mindful
    • Art is a form of personal expression
    • Community engagement fuels creativity
    • Passion is the foundation of purpose

    Inspirational Moments:
    • Writing haiku on driftwood
    • Creating poetry with his son
    • Teaching students to embrace their creative voice
    • Transforming simple observations into art
    • Balancing teaching, writing, and artistic exploration

    Learning Takeaways:
    • How to find inspiration in ordinary experiences
    • The importance of staying present
    • Strategies for nurturing creativity
    • Embracing your unique artistic voice

    Recommended:
    • Read David's poetry books
    • Follow his creative journey
    • Explore haiku as a form of mindfulness

    #CreativeJourney #ArtisticPurpose #Inspiration
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    33 mins
  • EP 32 - “Comedy, Courage, and Creativity” | Francesco Paladino | Classically Trained Actor, Writer, Comedian, and Producer

    EP 32 - “Comedy, Courage, and Creativity” | Francesco Paladino | Classically Trained Actor, Writer, Comedian, and Producer
    Sep 4 2025
    Guest: Francesco Paladino — classically trained at Lee Strasberg / The Actors Studio; credits across stage, TV, film, and stand-up (incl. Orange Is the New Black); writer for touring comics and TV (2 years with Wendy Williams); producer/director building new work under his production banner and live showcase series.

    Episode Overview
    Nicole sits down with multi-hyphenate creative Francesco Paladino to unpack a career that spans Off-Broadway, television, film, and ten years on the comedy circuit. From earning his SAG card to studying with master teachers, to writing for others and eventually creating his own films and live showcases, Francesco shares how craft, courage, and continual reinvention fuel a sustainable arts career. He opens up about embracing comedy (even while pursuing serious drama), the spiritual side of creativity (trust, surrender, alignment), and why building safe, positive sets is a non-negotiable. The conversation serves as a masterclass in resilience, networking, mentorship, and mental health for creatives at all stages.

    What You’ll Learn
    • Training to translate: How classical work at Strasberg/Actors Studio shaped Francesco’s approach to acting and writing/directing.
    • Comedy vs. drama (why not both?): Refusing to be boxed in, and letting your range serve the story and the season.
    • From talent to tenacity: Why the people who “make it” are often the ones who keep getting up after “no.”
    • Directing with empathy: How acting experience makes for actor-literate direction (reading the room, guiding performance).
    • Spirituality & surrender: Trusting the process; letting go of outcomes; “the obstacle is the path” mindset on set.
    • Casting as a superpower: Following instinct, hiring well, and building psychologically safe productions.
    • Mental health for creatives: “Fight in the open”—ask for help, name the struggle, and surround yourself with the right people.
    • Networking that works: Why relationships (including with professors/alums) often open doors faster than résumés.
    • Supporting local arts: Why likes aren’t enough—show up, buy tickets, or gift tickets so others can attend.
    Francesco’s Journey (Highlights)
    • Early stage & SAG: Off-Broadway in his 20s; film/TV work led to his SAG card.
    • Writer’s chops: Ten years touring stand-up; writing for other comedians; two years with Wendy Williams under producer Patrick Riley.
    • Dual track artist: Auditioning for serious plays while doing stand-up, teachers encouraged him to embrace his inherent comedy.
    • From acting to producing/directing: Tired of waiting for the phone to ring, Francesco began creating opportunities for himself and others.
    • Production & Live Showcases: Launching film projects (including the short “Fata Morgana,” now in post-production) and curating the long-running FreakOut showcase at The Stonewall Inn (NYC), along with a growing FreakOut NJ series.
    Memorable Quotes
    • “If you’re in the room, you belong in the room. You didn’t just fall in.”
    • “The difference isn’t talent—it’s the people who keep going after they’re told no.”
    • “As a director, your job is to understand the actor’s inner life and meet them there.”
    • “Let go, and it often turns out better than you planned.”
    • Likes don’t keep venues open. Bodies and tickets do—show up or gift seats so others can.”
    Resources & Mentions
    • Training: Lee Strasberg / The Actors Studio
    • TV: Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)
    • Film: Fata Morgana (short) — in post-production
    • Live Series: FreakOut at The Stonewall Inn (NYC) + FreakOut NJ (monthly showcases)
    • Mental Health mantra: “Fight in the open” (share struggles; ask for help)
    Practical Takeaways for Creatives
    • Build range on purpose: Let comedy inform drama and vice versa—audiences live in both.
    • Network with intention: Reconnect with former teachers, classmates, and colleagues; ask directly, “Who should I be talking to?”
    • Cast and crew culture: Aim for a professional and humane environment. Safety and kindness elevate the work.
    • Finish what you start: Use deadlines to ship the project; simultaneous projects are fine—completion is king.
    • Support your scene: Buy tickets, bring friends, or sponsor seats for artists/fans who can’t afford them.

    Calls to Action
    • If this episode encouraged you, share it with a creative friend.
    • Show up for local arts this month—buy a ticket (or gift one!).
    • Block 30 minutes this week to reach out to a mentor or offer help to someone coming up behind you.
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    51 mins
  • EP 31 - “On Writing and Life” | Cleyvis Natera | Award-Winning Author of Neruda on the Park & The Grand Paloma Resort (2025)

    EP 31 - “On Writing and Life” | Cleyvis Natera | Award-Winning Author of Neruda on the Park & The Grand Paloma Resort (2025)
    Aug 28 2025
    Cleyvis Natera is an award-winning author whose work spans fiction, essays, and cultural criticism. Her debut novel, Neruda on the Park, was a New York Times Editor’s Choice, selected by Malala Yousafzai for her book club, and won a Silver Medal for Best First Book of Fiction from the International Latino Book Awards in 2023. The book was also featured by TIME, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and more. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, TIME, and The Rumpus. She’s received fellowships from PEN America, Bread Loaf, the Vermont Studio Center, and was recently named a Fulbright Associate. She teaches creative writing at Barnard College and Montclair State University, where she’s helping launch a new bilingual MFA program. Her second novel, The Grand Paloma Resort, was just published by Ballantine Books.

    Motto:
    "Pursuing your passion and your purpose—that's the reason that we're alive, and we should be doing more of that."

    Powerful Quotes:
    1. "Your number one job when you want to be a writer is to become an excellent writer first."
    2. "Tenderness is really important, and not just with other people, but with ourselves."
    3. "Even if it's slow, it's going to be worth it."

    Key Lessons:
    • Persistence matters more than immediate success
    • Build a community before seeking publication
    • Focus on developing your craft
    • Personal challenges can fuel creative purpose
    • Define success on your own terms

    Inspirational Moments:
    • Overcoming her son's medical challenges
    • Quitting her job to pursue writing full-time
    • Selling her first book after 13 years of writing and revision
    • Creating a five-year plan to transition into writing

    Books:
    • Neruda on the Park
    • The Grand Paloma Resort

    Central Themes:
    • Resilience
    • Community
    • Self-discovery
    • Pursuing passion
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • EP 30 - "What Does It Take to Call Yourself a Writer?" | Leydi Margaret Ferreira | Dominican American Writer

    EP 30 - "What Does It Take to Call Yourself a Writer?" | Leydi Margaret Ferreira | Dominican American Writer
    Aug 14 2025
    Leydi Margaret Ferreira is a Dominican American writer whose work lies within the intersections of immigration, Blackness, and womanhood. She looks to explore the interiority of motherhood and intergenerational relationships. Her work has been supported by VONA and Tin House and is currently pursuing an MFA in writing through Pacific University. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, three kids and two dogs. Connect with Leydi and see more of her journey on Instagram at lmf_pearl

    Motto:
    "Just take the next step. We may not see what's beyond, but if we can just take the next step—that has always been our mantra."

    Powerful Quotes:
    1. "Your desire matters. What is in your heart matters."
    2. "I realized I do have something to say. I do have something to share."
    3. "If I can share my lived experience and have someone say, 'Wow, I saw that,' there is a universality in that."

    Key Lessons:
    • Claiming your creative identity is a personal journey
    • Writing can be a powerful tool for processing grief and trauma
    • Community and intentional practice are crucial for creative growth
    • Give yourself grace and start where you are

    Inspirational Moments:
    • Discovering her writing voice during the COVID-19 pandemic
    • Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt
    • Embracing her identity as a Black Latina immigrant writer
    • Using storytelling to explore complex family dynamics and personal experiences

    Takeaway:
    Creativity is not about perfection, but about showing up, being vulnerable, and taking one step at a time.

    Recommended for:
    Writers, creatives, anyone seeking inspiration and personal growth
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • EP 29 - "Emotional Self-Defense & Creative Power" | Zak Mucha, LCSW | Author of Emotional Abuse: A Manual for Self-Defense (2025)

    EP 29 - "Emotional Self-Defense & Creative Power" | Zak Mucha, LCSW | Author of Emotional Abuse: A Manual for Self-Defense (2025)
    Aug 7 2025
    Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose with Nicole Thomas
    Episode 29: Emotional Self-Defense & Creative Power
    Guest: Zak Mucha, LCSW – Psychoanalyst, Poet, President of the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis, Author of Emotional Abuse: A Manual for Self-Defense (2025)

    Episode Overview
    In this thought-provoking episode of Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose, host Nicole Thomas sits down with Zak Mucha, LCSW, a psychoanalyst, poet, and president of the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis.

    Drawing on decades of work with individuals facing severe psychosis, substance abuse, homelessness, and trauma, Mucha explores the intersection of creativity, healing, and resilience.

    Together, Nicole and Zak unpack the power of storytelling, writing, and poetry as forms of self-discovery and emotional self-defense. From his early days as a writer and journalist to leading an Assertive Community Treatment program, Zak shares hard-earned insights about mental health, creativity, and how we can protect ourselves from the invisible wounds of emotional Abuse.

    Listeners will also gain a preview of his new book, Emotional Abuse: A Manual for Self-Defense (2025), a practical and accessible guide designed to help people recognize, confront, and heal from emotional Abuse.

    Key Highlights
    • The Journey of a Writer & Healer: How Zak’s passion for writing evolved into a career in psychoanalysis and social work.
    • Street-Level Mental Health: Lessons learned from working in high-trauma environments with clients experiencing psychosis, addiction, and homelessness.
    • The Power of Creativity: Why writing, poetry, and art are essential tools for emotional growth and healing.
    • Emotional Abuse Uncovered: Understanding why emotional Abuse can be as damaging as physical Abuse—and how to defend against it.
    • Breaking the “Supposed To” Rules: Why authentic self-expression requires breaking free from societal expectations and shame.
    • Collaboration and Inspiration: How Mucha’s work is influenced by his creative circle, including visual artists and poets.
    • A Call to Courage: Why acknowledging pain, embracing vulnerability, and choosing bravery are necessary steps in emotional self-defense.
    About the Guest
    Zak Mucha, LCSW, is a psychoanalyst and president of the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis, as well as a board member of the Legislative Drafting Institute for Child Protection. He spent seven years supervising an Assertive Community Treatment program, providing 24/7 services for people suffering from severe psychosis, substance abuse issues, and homelessness.

    He is the author of Emotional Abuse: A Manual for Self-Defense (2025), Swimming to the Horizon: Crack, Psychosis, and Street-Corner Social Work, and two collections of poetry. Mucha’s writing reflects his deep commitment to creativity, social justice, and healing.

    Learn more about his work at www.zakmucha.com.Connect with Us
    • Follow the podcast for more inspiring conversations.
    • Share this episode with someone who could benefit from Zak’s insights on emotional self-defense and creative power.
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    40 mins