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This episode isn't just about fashion photography or magazine features—it's a testament to how creativity can transform our darkest moments into something beautiful, how authentic self-expression leads to unexpected opportunities, and why the act of creation itself is often more valuable than the recognition that follows. Whether you're an artist seeking inspiration or simply searching for meaning through creative expression, this conversation will remind you of art's transformative power in healing and self-discovery.

• What began as a simple creative day in the desert resulted in two magazine features: Pump Magazine and Kazard Magazine (Ukraine)
• The unplanned photoshoot with model Angel Marie Strong produced stunning images that naturally formed front and back magazine covers
• Both artists describe the effortless creative chemistry they share despite not having worked together for five years
• Their photoshoot titled "The Delicate Vixen" explores the duality of feminine strength and vulnerability
• The contrast between harsh desert landscapes and delicate fashion created a powerful visual metaphor for resilience
• William and Adela discuss their upcoming documentary project that's been years in the making and nearing completion
• Creating art serves as powerful therapy and a way to process complex emotions during difficult times
• The difference between chasing happiness versus finding lasting joy through creative fulfillment
• True confidence comes from authentic self-knowledge rather than external validation

Check out Project Human on YouTube and follow our journey as we prepare to release the trailer for our documentary in July!

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Listen, follow, subscribe, and share! Join us in spreading the message of creativity and empowerment. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more inspiring content.
Website: https://www.phinc-ing.org/taw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/projecthumanincphinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taw_theartistwithin_podcast/
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Disclaimer: “The Artist Within Podcast” is for educational and informational purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and the content should not be considered medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider.

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What happens when mental health support gets stripped to its most essential element—human connection? In this groundbreaking first episode of Project Human's Monthly Community Conversations, founder Adela Hittel takes us on a journey that challenges everything we think we know about mental health advocacy.

Born from Adela's own harrowing experience in 2017 when she found herself alone during a suicidal crisis, Project Human emerges as a powerful peer-to-peer advocacy organization focused on what truly matters—the conversations that save lives. "No one picked up," she shares about that dark moment, "and I cried on the floor for eight hours and begged for death. It's not a place where I want any human to be, because at the end of the day, it's as simple as a conversation—the amount of lives we can save through a conversation."

The episode introduces the organization's core philosophy of the "40 inches back to chest" concept—focusing first on yourself and then on those immediately surrounding you. This revolutionary approach argues that before we can change the world, we must first transform our immediate relationships. When team member Yolanda Curtis shares her moving testimony, we witness this principle in action. Despite years of traditional therapy requiring her to repeatedly relive trauma, Yolanda found healing through simple, authentic conversations that allowed her to process emotions organically—skills she's now teaching her eight-year-old daughter.

• The organization's core values of advocacy, education, and information guide their approach to mental health support
• Project Human emphasizes the "40 inches back to chest" philosophy—focusing on yourself and those immediately around you
• Volunteer coordinator Alicia Kellerman-Alvarez explains that volunteering is both a human responsibility and an opportunity for personal growth
• Yolanda Curtis shares her powerful testimony of finding healing through conversation rather than clinical approaches
• The organization plans a three-day Mental Health Summit for 2026 to hold officials accountable and amplify community voices
• Project Human seeks volunteers for various roles including operations, fundraising, and program coordination
• The team introduces their upcoming "Certified Nuisance" merchandise line launching in July

Join us monthly for community conversations every last Thursday of the month. Visit phinc-ing.org/join-us to become a volunteer or to learn more about upcoming events including our Runway to Resilience fashion fundraiser on September 27th.

Support the show

Listen, follow, subscribe, and share! Join us in spreading the message of creativity and empowerment. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more inspiring content.
Website: https://www.phinc-ing.org/taw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/projecthumanincphinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taw_theartistwithin_podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552201342590


Disclaimer: “The Artist Within Podcast” is for educational and informational purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and the content should not be considered medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider.

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Adela welcomes award-winning filmmaker William Cook to discuss their creative partnership and how art heals trauma. Cook shares his journey from Florida to LA, the making of his Western short film "Blood Money," and how a desert sandstorm became an unexpected creative element.

• Project Human's upcoming events include a September 2025 event, Quarterly Mental Health Day on September 7th, and an online fundraiser launch on July 26th
• Will Cook has won eight film festival awards and produced music videos for Ozzy Osbourne and Ministry
• "Blood Money," Cook's Western short film shot in a remote desert, was recently submitted to Cannes Film Festival
• The documentary they've worked on for years has evolved from focusing on trauma to celebrating growth and identity formation
• Their creative partnership demonstrates how "embracing the suck" turns challenges into opportunities
• Preparation matters in filmmaking, but flexibility is crucial when things inevitably go wrong on set
• Cook and Hittell will collaborate on a fashion shoot in the desert - coming full circle in their creative journey
• Behind every successful creative project is the willingness to adapt when original plans fall apart

Support Project Human by joining the community at projecthuman.us, subscribing to the podcast, and making a donation to help fund upcoming mental health initiatives including a documentary and three-day summit.

Support the show

Listen, follow, subscribe, and share! Join us in spreading the message of creativity and empowerment. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more inspiring content.
Website: https://www.phinc-ing.org/taw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/projecthumanincphinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taw_theartistwithin_podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552201342590


Disclaimer: “The Artist Within Podcast” is for educational and informational purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and the content should not be considered medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider.