WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Dark work vs. shadow work: doing the real work after awareness
2. Identity shift: why you build who you become (not find it)
3. Using adversity as fuel without being defined by it

CONNECT WITH ANTHONY TRUCKS:

1. Website: https://www.anthonytrucks.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonytrucks/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/161

In this conversation, Shannan explores the concept of “counterweights”, the practice of holding the heaviness of life while intentionally noticing small, life-giving moments that keep us grounded. From faith shifts and justice work to navigating apathy, anger, and hope in a complicated world, she shares a deeply honest look at what it means to stay human, present, and connected when everything feels overwhelming.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Carrying life’s pain while intentionally noticing beauty and hope
2. How community reshaped her views on justice and belonging
3. Why joy, rest, and small everyday moments are not escapism, but survival

CONNECT WITH SHANNAN MARTIN:

1. Website: https://www.shannanmartin.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannanwrites/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/160

In this conversation, Joe shares what it really takes to build a creative career, learning to trust the slow process while staying playful with the work. We talk about writing, curiosity, and why his approach flips the classic advice to “write what you know.”

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. How journaling, free-writing, and imperfect drafts unlock stronger ideas
2. Letting outside interests…feed originality and prevent burnout
3. Why curiosity, not ambition, is often the real engine behind meaningful creativity

CONNECT WITH JOE ZIMMERMAN:

1. Website: https://www.zimmermancomedy.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joezimmerman
3. Listen to ‘Joe Zimmerman – Cult Classic Full Special (Stand-Up Comdey)’: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3N0pAhTbRcs0X1Sqyi1Dns

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/159

Today, he shares how unresolved trauma shows up in our bodies and why mindset work alone isn’t enough. We also talk about healing generational trauma and why experiencing anger can be a sign of healing.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Generational trauma and its impact on our nervous system
2. Healing family wounds when you still have to be around your family
3. Why when we get healed we often get angry

CONNECT WITH PATRICK MURPHY:

1. Website: https://www.murph.live/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murph.live/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/158

As the founder of Making Things Right, Brian facilitates powerful events where hundreds of LGBTQ+ individuals and families (many who are conservative) show up to rediscover Jesus, heal old wounds, and engage in meaningful, restorative conversations that bridge divides. These conversations are RAW, but he leads them with grace and kindness because, as he says, he is not here to defend positions, but to defend people.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Being gay and Christian (and knowing God's got you)
2. Doing justice vs. fighting injustice
3. How to have difficult conversations about faith & sexuality with grace

CONNECT WITH BRIAN NIETZEL:

1. Website: https://makingthingsright.org/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannietzel/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/157

In this conversation, we explore authenticity in storytelling, the tension between public curiosity and personal truth, and how creative expression can transform pain into meaning. Collier reflects on how creativity became a lifeline… serving as tools for processing grief, reclaiming identity, and confronting generational trauma.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. The long-term ripple effects of violence beyond the courtroom
2. Why true crime often misses the survivor perspective
3. Using storytelling to reclaim identity instead of being defined by tragedy

CONNECT WITH COLLIER LANDRY:

1. Website: https://www.collierlandry.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collierlandry/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/156

Today, Kyle has worked with over 15,000 people around the world, helping them dissolve fear, release old wounds, and reconnect with presence. Through his events, teachings, and transformational work, he guides individuals out of the illusion of control and into alignment with who they truly are.

After reading his book The Illusion of Money, I started following Kyle’s work more closely and realized something confronting: so much of what we chase externally is actually an invitation to go within. In this conversation, we explore what it means to surrender the ego, trust the present moment, and discover that everything we’re looking for might already be here.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. The power of presence: letting go of control, comparison, and egoic identity
2. Alchemizing inner wounds: how healing personal fear and shame mirrors transformation in the external world
3. The amateur within: embracing imperfection as the path to growth and creativity
4. Following your soul’s bliss: discerning between ego-driven ambition and deeper, life-aligned joy

CONNECT WITH KYLE CEASE:

1. Website: https://www.kylecease.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvingoutloud/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/155

This week, we’re joined by Bishop Kevin Foreman, known as “The People’s Bishop”. A pastor, entrepreneur, and mentor, he lives at the intersection of faith, leadership, and personal transformation.

In this conversation, he shares brutally honest, practical, and spiritual insights on what it really takes to evolve into who you were meant to become.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Breaking generational curses to unlock your potential
2. Turning adversity into your advantage
3. How to make decisions from a place of certainty

CONNECT WITH BISHOP KEVIN FOREMAN:

1. Website: https://www.harvestchurch.church/bishop-kevin-foreman
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bishopforeman/
3. Text “BISHOP” to 55498 to receive 10% off any of Bishop Foreman’s books and select items.

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/154

In this episode, I sit down with Jon Giganti, executive coach, speaker, and author of With Intention. Jon gets honest about what held him back, from athletics and family chaos to depression and numbing, and the long road back to presence and purpose.

Together, we unpack a tension I know many of you feel, the desire to make real impact while being afraid of sounding self promotional, salesy, or spiritually manipulated by words like service and servant leadership. What emerges is an invitation to reclaim those words and redefine what it means to lead, to serve, and to tell the truth in a way that actually helps someone.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Why imposter syndrome might be a feature, not a flaw
2. The difference between potential and the interference that blocks it
3. How to share a hard story without making it all about you

CONNECT WITH JON GIGANTI:

1. Website: https://www.jongiganti.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jongiganti/
3. ‘With Intention’ by Jon Giganti: https://a.co/d/02Qzxab2

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/153

We unpack what people get wrong about online communities, what modern creators can learn from ancient societies, and why “community market fit” often matters more than product-market fit. We also explore the difference between influencers and creators, building with your audience instead of for them, and how belonging and identity shape the future of work in an AI-driven world.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Find community demand before building products
2. Use artifacts, rules, and rituals to scale
3. When going wide beats niching down

CONNECT WITH LUCAS BEAN:

1. Website: https://www.lucasbean.com/
2. IG: https://www.instagram.com/luke360/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/152

In this episode, we talk about sensuality as a God-given gift and how to rebuild a spiritual life rooted in freedom instead of fear. From modesty culture, to pleasure and holiness, Pastor Kim offers a deeply honest and liberating reframe for women who love God (and as a result) are done hating their bodies.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. How bad theology around modesty and “good girl” behavior keeps women small
2. Reclaiming sensuality as a holy, embodied way of living a life that “turns you on”
3. Healing shame in the body and nervous system while still holding onto your faith

CONNECT WITH KIMBERLY BULGIN:

1. Website: https://www.kimberlybulgin.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberlybulgin/
3. Buy ‘The Sisters Stay Dropping Gems’ here (use the code ‘UNCONVENTIONAL’ for a 15% discount off physical copies): https://www.kimberlybulgin.com/product-page/the-sisters-stay-dropping-gems

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/151

In this episode, Jeremy unpacks what it means to be a “practitioner of Christianity,” how to deconstruct without burning your soul to the ground, and why the very parts of you that were once labeled “wrong” might be your clearest doorway to impact.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Healing religious trauma & dismantling fear-based faith
2. Turning “the thing that’s wrong with you” into your superpower
3. Choosing what stories to tell and protecting your heart while creating

CONNECT WITH JEREMY STEELE:

1. Website: https://jeremy-steele.com/
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skeptic.pastor/
3. Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skeptic.pastor

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/150

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

EPISODES MENTIONED:

1. How to Be Braver Sharing Your Story | Terry Rice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5KaP3y927g
2. Alter Ego, High Performance, and the Trap of Authenticity | Todd Herman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRiKFGs7pck
3. Lucas Bean: Coming Soon!

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/149

In this conversation, we talk about what it actually means to tell authentic stories—not polished or performative, but honest stories that respect the audience and the weight of the material. From wrestling with God, to trauma and recovery, to knowing when not to perform, this episode is a grounded look at storytelling as a responsibility…not just a craft.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Authentic storytelling vs performative storytelling
2. How to tell heavy stories with integrity
3. What makes a story valuable to an audience
4. Ego, humility, and responsibility in storytelling

CONNECT WITH RON CHAPMAN:

1. Website: https://www.ronaldchapman.com/
2. The Saga of Grace Series: https://www.ronaldchapman.com/the-saga-of-grace

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/148

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. The hidden ways we weaken our own power through false humility
2. Why being willing to be seen is part of your calling
3. Reclaiming the worth of your work and allowing value to be exchanged

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

Episodes Mentioned:

1. Cultivating the CALLING of a Communicator | Reward Sibanda: https://youtu.be/YhB1oT_MGag?si=WSnr1b3RorXn0fw-
2. Unconventional Marketing for Your Art | Alejo Porras: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCqq3DC7_ow
3. How to Overcome Performance Anxiety | Will Reynolds: https://youtu.be/Ph5B1Cc_Jow?si=D1lud91WGV4SJesV
4. Make More MONEY with Art | Amie McNee: https://youtu.be/J4IliQ-x5Q0?si=upYtTN5RRVInW8ID

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

1. Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
2. Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/147

Keith is a former pastor turned full-time writer. Matthew describes himself as a “working-class theologian.” Together, they write (and publish) at the intersection of spirituality, culture, justice, and storytelling, helping creatives give language to ideas that don’t fit neatly into inherited belief systems.

In this conversation, we talk about what it actually means to share your work when you’re still evolving…when certainty is gone, relationships are at stake, and false humility can quietly keep your work hidden.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Creating when your beliefs and opinions are evolving
• Why promoting your work isn’t ego (and how false humility keeps good ideas buried)
• Leading without hierarchy, rejecting guru culture, and embracing mystery

CONNECT WITH KEITH & MATTHEW:

• Quoir’s Website: https://quoir.com/
• Keith’s Website: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/keithgiles/ 
• Matthew’s Website: https://www.allsetfree.com/
• Heretic Happy Hour: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v6veXaOTdcfQOfA9H39tO?si=1bcdd0e76d62480b 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/146

In this episode, George shares how video reshaped his life, why we overcomplicate content, and how to treat consistency as a systems problem, not a willpower problem. From his "one-click setup" to his philosophy on imperfect reps and detaching from metrics, George offers a grounded approach to showing up on camera.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How simple videos (with tiny audiences) can unlock real-world opportunities
• Building a one-click video setup and B-roll system so consistency is easier
• Detaching from views and virality, questioning your beliefs, and trusting your path

CONNECT WITH GEORGE SIDIROPOULOS: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disisjorj/ 
• One Click Setup: https://disisjorjemail.kit.com/8bccab13de 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/145

Quick tips, super usable, and honestly… they might change how you tell your next story.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• The Storytelling Blueprint for Viral Videos | Jenny Hoyos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkLL7xDjLF0 
• Storytelling Tips for Personal Brands | Sun Yi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh8MCLNvE4M 
• How to be a Better Storyteller | Matthew Dicks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lohwMR56bvA 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/144

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Write before you record
• Script with intention but edit with instinct
• Make each piece of content about one clear point
• Edit till it hurts

EPISODES MENTIONED HERE:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5i_3gjJQGk&t=1453s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dg6vcRrutw&t=2685s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lohwMR56bvA&t=1369s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SolAEaSl7M&t=33s

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/143

In this episode, Matthew shares the real story behind making a dream happen: the uncertainty, the restarts, and the creative persistence required to build a career that lasts.

Watch Full Conversation with Matthew Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-65jOrpPlA

CONNECT WITH MATTHEW LUHN:

• Website: https://matthewluhnstory.com/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/142

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• The danger of creating from “what works” instead of what’s real
• How fear of being seen dulls creative expression
• Why your truest work will always come from what excites you

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/141

I asked Glenn to give a behind-the-scenes look at how we keep a real friendship in a divided world and to wrestle with the hardest question facing communicators today: How do you stand firmly in your beliefs while staying open to people who think completely differently? We go there…from Flat Earth debates to ICE deportations, from AI innovation to spiritual warfare. Buckle in, y’all.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• When certainty helps (and when it shuts you off from growth and connection)
• Communicate with conviction and compassion (without dehumanizing people who disagree)
• Lead every hard conversation with respect so honesty and understanding can follow

CONNECT WITH GLENN LUNDY: 

• Watch ‘The #RiseAndGrind Morning Show’: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGlennLundy/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenn_lundy/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/140 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why using your voice isn’t ego — it’s generosity
• The power of exposure and how other creators changed my life
• What happens when you stop hiding and start serving with your story

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/139

In this episode, Jim explains how digital clones actually work, why AI isn’t as scary as we think, and how technology can amplify (not replace) human creativity. From discussing the emotional weight of potentially cloning his late father to breaking down vector databases in plain English, Jim delivers both technical clarity and heartfelt wisdom.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How Creators are using digital clones to scale their impact 
• Setting guardrails so your AI clone represents you authentically
• Why choosing not to clone someone can be just as meaningful as choosing to do it

CONNECT WITH JIM CARTER: 

• Join Jim’s AI Newsletter: https://jimcarter.me/newsletter/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/138

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Books to help you build discipline and stay inspired
• Why creativity isn’t just skill — it’s spiritual partnership
• The reminder every creator needs: your work matters, even without millions watching

Books Mentioned:

• The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin: https://amzn.to/3Jz6B4g
• The Meaning in the Making by Sean Tucker: https://amzn.to/4qy9gf6
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://amzn.to/47eNo11
• The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin: https://amzn.to/4huhelq

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/137 

Mike Roderick helps creators and thought leaders package their ideas so people actually get it. A former Broadway producer turned thought-leadership consultant, Mike knows how to position your work so it truly gets seen.

In this conversation, we explore what it really takes to have your work recognized…without shouting, performing, or pretending. You’ll learn how to package your message with integrity, build real relationships that open doors, and share your ideas in ways that genuinely move people.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why packaging and positioning matters as much as expertise itself
• The difference between the aspirational market and the excellence market
• Speaking softly and carrying a big idea instead of shouting your message

CONNECT WITH MIKE RODERICK

• Sign up for Newsletter Here: https://www.smallpondenterprises.com/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/136

In this episode, we talk about why slowing down and sinking beneath the surface might be the most powerful way to move forward. Because truth, clarity, and direction don’t live out there somewhere — they live within you.

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why “stuckness” is actually a call to go deeper
• The illusion of speed and the power of slowing down
• How to protect the potency of your purpose in a noisy world

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/135

After producing effects for Oscar-winners like Braveheart and running projects at Fox and DreamWorks, he saw how distraction had become the biggest thing standing between people and their most important work. So he founded The Sukha…a company built to help people reclaim their focus and actually finish what matters.

In this episode, Steven unpacks the science behind flow states—those stretches of time where distractions fall away and your best work just flows. He shares the practical techniques that help you drop into flow more consistently, turning creativity from something you “wait for” into something you can access on purpose.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How chronotype awareness transforms your productivity
• Training your brain through physical spaces
• Breaking the dopamine cycle that sabotages deep work

CONNECT WITH STEVEN PURI: 

• Email: steven@thesukha.co 
• Try 7 days of Sukha for free: https://www.thesukha.co/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/134

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to reframe your disadvantage as creative fuel
• Why limits can actually expand what’s possible
• Turning what holds you back into the reason you move forward

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/133

In this conversation, Meg reveals how slowing down became her strategy, why she strips away unnecessary intros to get straight to the heart, and how she creates space for real connection in a world obsessed with speed.

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why slowing down your content creates deeper connection than chasing attention
• How to strip away unnecessary storytelling elements and get straight to impact
• Building community through vulnerability instead of performing perfection

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH MEG HOOD:

• Cozy Membership: https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megs.tea.room/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/132

This is what happened in my very first half marathon… I went in super competitive, ready to crush it, and ended up getting schooled by a random girl in a black tank top. What started as a petty little race between us turned into one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about consistency and pacing myself — not just in running, but in life.

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Consistency isn’t about speed — it’s about staying in it.
• Rest is part of the rhythm, not a setback.
• Keep showing up, no matter the pace.

An author, handpan musician, and Christian humanist, Jaxon shows how the dark night of the soul can transform. In this conversation, Jaxon shares the panic attack that nearly ended everything, the small voice that kept him here, and how wrestling with God led to something more real than the faith he inherited. This isn’t a story about escaping the dark…it’s about what blooms because of it.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Death and resurrection: how hitting bottom opened the door to rebirth
• A handpan discovered by chance, with melodies he can’t explain
• The gift of wrestling with God and questioning everything

CONNECT WITH JAXON PHOENIX: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxonphoenix88/
• Buy Only Us here: https://amzn.to/4gQsKqU
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/AwakeningtoLifesMirage

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/130

But beyond the tactics, I want to talk about the heart work. Rejection and silence don’t mean you should quit—they mean it’s time to adjust. Creating is about more than just putting stuff out; it’s about connecting and learning how to bridge the gap between your vision and your audience. My hope is that after listening, you’ll feel less alone, more grounded, and ready to keep showing up—even when it feels tough.

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to reframe rejection and silence as data, not failure
• Simple tweaks that make your posts more human and engaging
• Why inner healing and resilience are just as important as tactics

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/129

Soo Ra has learned that success in comedy isn't just about getting laughs…it's about building your own audience and staying authentic. From her adoption story to her OCD, she's discovered that the things that make you feel different are the very things that connect with others.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to use your story to connect with your audience
• Approaching strangers for content: reading energy
• How to optimize short-form content for maximum impact 

CONNECT WITH SOO RA:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoora4soora/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/128

The truth is, imposter syndrome often keeps us stuck. We see all the imperfections in our work and convince ourselves it isn’t good enough to share. But here’s the shift: what if people don’t need you to be perfect—they just need you to show up and give what you do have? Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s incomplete.

Because holding back your gifts doesn’t serve anyone. There are people out there who are literally starving for the thing you’re carrying. Waiting for you to care more about serving than about looking flawless.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why imposter syndrome is really a selfish act
• How urgency helps us push past perfectionism
• Giving what you have, even when it feels imperfect

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/127

Whether you’re running a cupcake shop or putting out comedy sketches, it’s easy to wonder if people even need what you’re creating. But here’s what I realized: maybe they need it more than ever. Your mission isn’t something you abandon when things get dark—it’s the anchor that keeps you, and the people you serve, steady in the storm.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why returning to your mission removes emotion from decision-making
• How to take action when you feel paralyzed by world events
• Seeing your creative work as essential because of what's happening, not despite it
• The power of storytelling to shape how we see the world during uncertain times

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/126

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Breakthroughs come from an inner decision, not from waiting for the “right time.”
• Real transformation happens when you commit with conviction—the choice itself shapes you into who you need to be.

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/125

He is now headlining comedy clubs across America, and mastering the technical side of building a comedy career that most people never see. But his success wasn't just about getting on TV…it was about turning a big break into more opportunities, building a strong community, and understanding that modern comedy requires way more than just being funny.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Leveraging big breaks
• Treating yourself like a media company
• Building a cult-like fan base

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• First Interview with Learnmore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJYPP9kvZDY
• The Storytelling Blueprint for Viral Videos | Jenny Hoyos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkLL7xDjLF0&t=34s
• Gaining TRACTION as an Artist and Building Your Music Career | Chad Lawson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg_0Oroj2b4&t=524s

CONNECT WITH LEARNMORE: 

• Website: https://www.learnmorejonasi.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learnmore_jonasi/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/124

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/123

His approach comes to life in Early Birdz Coffee Rave, a morning dance party he co-created that went from zero audience to 250 people at their first event, eventually landing a Red Bull partnership. In this conversation, Noro breaks down his framework for building culture from scratch, the difference between taking your work seriously versus taking yourself seriously, and why finding the intersection of your expertise and passion makes you irreplaceable in today's crowded market.

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to cultivate culture in your brand (when there isn't one yet)
• The vlogging strategy that brought 250 people to their first event
• Why brands that "feel real" win (and how to translate energy into digital content)
• Building brand consistency without losing raw authenticity

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH NORO KOCHARYAN:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnoro/
• Early Birdz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earlybirdz.club

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/122

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/121

In this episode, Jenny reveals her storytelling secrets: the B-storyline technique for short-form content, how to create memorable characters for your brand, and why conflict drives engagement.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• The B-storyline technique for short-form content
• Creating memorable characters for your personal brand
• Finding conflict and themes in everyday stories

CONNECT WITH JENNY HOYOS: 

• Website: https://jennyhoyos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyhoyoslol/ 
• Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmNpeXTj2c4

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• How to Tell Better Stories | Pixar’s Matthew Luhn | Episode 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-65jOrpPlA&t=834s

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask 
• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/120

Instead of walking away, Zach doubled down. He continues to pastor Restore Austin Church and co-founded the Post-Evangelical Collective …a growing movement reimagining what faith can look like when empathy, equity, and honesty lead the way.

In this conversation, Zach opens up about leading in a skeptical world, finding your way back to Scripture when it’s been weaponized, and the vision behind his new book Better Ways to Read the Bible. It’s a guide for anyone who wants to move beyond fear and reclaim the Bible as a tool for healing and hope.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to protect your heart from bitterness when facing backlash
• Wrestling with the Bible on big topics (like LGBTQ+ inclusion) 
• Engaging with “sin” in a healthy, relational way
• Four fresh lenses for reading the Bible that heal instead of harm

CONNECT WITH ZACH W. LAMBERT:

• Website: https://www.zachwlambert.org/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachwlambert/
• Order ‘A Better Way to Read the Bible’ here: https://a.co/d/dLQRPDB 
• Watch ‘All-Inclusive - Homophobia and Transphobia’:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3d_mhbTwL4 

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• Reconstructing Faith (Christians Who Don't Suck) | Jeremy Alder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPgMBbp7TU8&t=15s
• Is Hell Even Biblical? Brian Recker on Queer-Affirming, Fear-Free Faith | Brian Recker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7mT5k137t0&t=5s

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask 
• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/119

We talk about why doubt isn’t the opposite of faith, how “bad religion” doesn’t have to drive you away from “good religion,” and what it looks like to communicate what you’re learning in a way that opens doors instead of closing them.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why nuance and contradiction deepen faith
• How to move past harmful religion without abandoning God
• Shifting from certainty to curiosity in your spiritual journey
• Sharing your faith journey without oversimplifying it

CONNECT WITH ALEX PORTILLO: 

• Website: https://www.sanberto.com/about 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-portillo-88557537/ 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmJIn-KGDWeI_TM-MVeDcLg 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/118

From raw advice by singer-songwriter Yungblud to a powerful reminder from storyteller Neal Foard, this episode is a call to stop hiding behind trends and start sharing the kind of truth that truly connects.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

EPISODE MENTIONED:

• Stories Telling Tips for Social Media | Neal Foard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5i_3gjJQGk&t=2697s

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/117

But his most powerful story isn’t about marketing.

In 2011, Ray was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He prayed for healing…and it didn’t come. What happened next led him to deconstruct everything he believed, rebuild his faith from the ground up, and discover a deeper connection to God than ever before.

If you’re wrestling with faith, or if you just need to hear a perspective that will stop you in your tracks…you might wanna sit down for this one. This is Ray Edwards.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• After deconstructing your faith, what led you back to Jesus?
• Is salvation really only found through struggle?
• Why do you think God allowed this experience in your life?
• Advice to those who feel spiritually dry

CONNECT WITH RAY EDWARDS:

• Website: https://www.rayedwards.com/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/116

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH THE STORYTELLERS

• Eldon Smith: https://www.instagram.com/eldonosmith/ 
• Misha Sanders: https://www.instagram.com/reverend_misha/ 
• Gregg Clunis: https://www.instagram.com/greggclunis/ 
• Tito Rosado: https://www.instagram.com/gunchuckgaming/ 
• Matthew Luhn: https://www.instagram.com/matthewluhnstory/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/115

He’s interviewed thousands, from Silicon Valley executives to Mongolian nomads, and what he discovered might surprise you.

From his geometric dome on a private island, Fredrik shares why his new book The World of Creativity might just convince you to stop forcing creativity… and start listening to it.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• The difference between creating for yourself and creating for the idea itself
• How culture shapes our understanding of creativity
• The role of mystery and surrender in true creative flow

CONNECT WITH FREDRIK HAREN: 

• Website: https://www.fredrikharen.com/ 
• Pre-order ‘The World of Creativity’: https://a.co/d/idyWBIe 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/114

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• How to Captivate an Audience & Be More Confident | René Rodriguez https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBcAws9Byss&t=3311s
• Meaning in the Making | Sean Tucker |  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTlhFpLgVn4&t=25s
• Celebrity Interviewer: How to Ask Better Questions, Be Yourself, and Have Fun | Jenelle Riley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2M6WyXIfg4&t=3140s

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/113

In this conversation, Brian shares his personal story of deconstruction and what it means to rebuild a faith based on love, curiosity, and mutual respect. From publicly affirming LGBTQ+ people to questioning hell itself, Brian invites us to rethink everything we thought we knew about Jesus.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why Brian went public with his affirming stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion
• How hell-centered theology impacts your view of God
• How to love others without falling into the “Savior complex”

CONNECT WITH BRIAN RECKER: 

• Website: https://www.brianrecker.com/ 
• Order Hell Bent: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593853199?tag=randohouseinc7986-20

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/112

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• Storytelling Expert: Science of Emotions and Backstory | Lisa Cron
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4pb41H6OR4
• The Storytelling Process: Deep Dive with Screenwriter & Director Steven Bernstein
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsSk_k8dMgk&t=36s
• STORYTELLING TIP: The Hidden Power of UNHEALED Stories
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoQ68ATIoO8

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/111

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How neuroscience affects whether we care about a story
• The three brain chemicals essential to storytelling
• How to build credibility and likability through story

CONNECT WITH LISA CRON:

• Website: http://wiredforstory.com/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/110

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/109

Trey's announcement sparked a national conversation, including a television appearance on The View and coverage from The New York Times, Billboard Magazine, CNN, and more. At one point, he was the #1 trending topic worldwide on Facebook.

I had him on the show today to talk about reconnecting with your calling after deconstruction, finding real community, and what it means to create from a place of wholeness instead of performance.

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Dealing with feeling betrayed by your community
• Creating from love, not approval
• Staying grounded after deconstruction

CONNECT WITH TREY PEARSON:

• Website: https://www.treypearson.com/ 
• Instagram: instagram.com/treypearson/ 
• Trey’s Safe Place: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1E1bx4pS3J/
• Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5pjtpHRdrbbw9zZWx83zCF?si=c8ObiNxpQH2Z2VlxzScIUw
• Great Interview With Trey (Mentioned In Episode) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSD7uAc8Plk&pp=ygUXdHJleSBwZWFyc29uIGludGVydmlld3M%3D

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/108

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJVMVwLEIMQ&t=164s

CONNECT WITH MICHAEL GUNGOR:

• Website: https://www.michaelgungor.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelgungor/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/107

In this conversation, we explore how he found connection to the divine outside of religious systems…through creativity, mysticism, and surrender. Michael shares why play, wonder, and imagination are essential for wholeness, and what it means to discover calling beyond religion.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to nurture play, wonder, and imagination in your life
• Letting go of agenda-based creation
• Finding your calling (in the rearview mirror)

CONNECT WITH MICHAEL GUNGOR:

• Website: https://www.michaelgungor.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelgungor/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/106

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Becoming a vessel for God and creativity to flow through
• Should we accept suffering… is it orchestrated?
• How to move beyond the rational mind in the midst of pain

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH LAUREN-MICHAEL SELLERS:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichaelsellers/ 
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6hAenNlARdfhIsPSamrmfc

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/105

In this episode, Renee discusses the power of speaking from your pain before it’s polished, how vulnerability builds real credibility, and why the future of storytelling might actually make us more human. As she says, “It’s the very things we are afraid of that ultimately unlock potential, connection, and answers.”

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• The hidden cost of always trying to appear “credible” online
• The fear of exposure—and how it blocks creative potential
• Why emotionally intelligent storytellers will thrive in the age of AI

CONNECT WITH RENEE FROJO:

• Website: reneelynnfrojo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneelynnfrojo/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/104

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask 
• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/103

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sharing raw, vulnerable stories as an authority figure
• Using alter egos to enhance storytelling
• Clarifying your audience by knowing yourself

CONNECT WITH TERRY RICE:

• Website: https://terryrice.co/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsterryrice/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/102

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How Matthew Luhn’s parents nurtured his imagination
• What happens in our brain when we are in a state of play
• The power of letting go of outcomes to unleash your best ideas.

PREVIOUS INTERVIEWS MENTIONED:

• Matthew Luhn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-65jOrpPlA&t=852s
• Todd Herman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRiKFGs7pck&t=2186s

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/101

Mike shares what it takes to go from a “good” speaker to a great one, how to use your quirks as strengths, and why we have far more choices in how we show up, not only on stage but in the world, than we often believe.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to go from a “good” speaker to a “great” speaker
• Using your quirks wisely, intentionally, and as an asset
• Why we have far more choices in how we show up than we often believe

CONNECT WITH MIKE GANINO: 

• Website: https://mikeganino.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeganino/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/100

Mark Shiiba was working on nuclear reactors aboard an aircraft carrier when he made the bold decision to leave the Navy and share his music with the world. I discovered him on Season 26 of The Voice, fell in love with his music, and immediately noted his old soul. I had to bring him on to talk about all things spirituality, creativity, and what it means to make the bold, friggin' choice to lean all the way in.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Self-mastery vs. flow and creativity
• Navigating next steps when you don’t have an example
• Leaning into the work (no one is coming to save you)
• Balancing writing for your audience vs. yourself (they keep you honest)
• Morality and the pursuit of your dreams

CONNECT WITH MARK SHIIBA

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markshiibamusic
• Website: https://markshiiba.com/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/99

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• The connection between creativity and spirituality
• Is God the muse?
• Can you find “church” through a creative community?

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/98

Meet Jeremy Alder. His online series Christians Who Don’t Suck is completely blowing up. As an ex-evangelical, homeschooled preacher, he’s now sharing unconventional messages of hope in some unlikely places. Jeremy joins us to talk about the tension between faith and doubt, the weight of deconstruction, and the unexpected role humor plays in making sense of it all.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Finding calling post-religion
• How to stay hopeful—not closed off or bitter
• Returning to church with a new lens (and a political act)

CONNECT WITH JEREMY ALDER:

• Almost a Grown Man: https://open.spotify.com/album/0PC4B1O1eELKEAXSn3hDrb
• Website: https://www.jeremyalder.com
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jeremy.alder 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/97

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why suppression creates explosive reactions
• The link between control and fear
• How staying curious can actually strengthen your faith

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/96

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Leveraging your weird (even if it used to get you in trouble)
• Dealing with criticism from the people you love most
• Finding your true voice vs. the one planted in you by others

CONNECT WITH JAMES VICTORE: 

• Buy Hey Weirdo: https://yourworkisagift.myshopify.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesvictore/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/95

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• A personal story when I almost quit
• Creating to express vs. creating to be heard
• Chasing attention vs. creating for connection

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/94

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to know if you’re pushing yourself for the right reasons (or just avoiding something deeper)
• Why chasing “challenges” can distract you from what truly matters long-term.
• Is going “all in” really necessary for people wired for intensity?

CONNECT WITH CRAIG BALLANTYNE:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realcraigballantyne/ 
• Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/4izWOX0

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/93

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/92

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• The shift from influencer content to soul-led storytelling
• What makes UGC (User Generated Content) work (and when it falls flat)
• The case for slow, sustainable creative careers

CONNECT WITH TONY BERARDO: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theberardo
• Podcast: Humanity and Hashtags: https://pod.link/1421224989
• Human Dad: https://humandad.com/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/91

In this episode, Gabrielle shares her journey from battling disordered eating to discovering the power of food, God, and creativity. From the moment she started singing about “coco peanut butter balls,” it was clear: her work isn’t just about recipes—it’s about waking people up.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between being visible and being humble, felt spiritually disconnected while building your online brand, or wondered whether what you eat could actually affect your connection to Source—this episode is for you.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Wanting to be on camera: Is it selfish… or is it sacred?
• Staying spiritually awake in digital spaces
• The connection between food and God: How what you eat affects your connection

CONNECT WITH GABRIEL REYES:

• Website: https://onegreatvegan.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onegreatvegan/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/90

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to combine multiple creative passions into one brand
• What to ask yourself when your talents feel disconnected
• The one thing you must always be prepared for if you want more opportunities

CONNECT WITH ACE ANDERSON:

• Website: https://aceofalltrades.xyz/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aceshotthat/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/89

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why blaming short attention spans is a cop-out for bad content
• What longer-form trends reveal about real human desire
• How creators can stop chasing hacks and start creating from truth

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/88

Think again.

Even if you don’t have a massive following, you can be making money.

Today I connected with Justin Moore, founder of Creator Wizard. As a sponsorship coach, he’s helped creators generate over $5 million in brand deals.

In his book Sponsor Magnet, Justin breaks down why brands sometimes pay smaller creators more than bigger ones, the biggest mistakes creators make when pitching to brands, and how to articulate the unique value of your audience—beyond follower count and views.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to get clear on your “surprising transformational promise”
• Detaching your value from follower count
• The real reasons brands ghost you after you give a price

CONNECT WITH JUSTIN MOORE: 

• Order the Book: https://www.sponsormagnet.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorwizard/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/87

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why you might not want to paint yourself in the best light
• The anti-hero framework and how to use it in your own story
• How to share vulnerability without oversharing

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• Attention Marketing for Creative Entrepreneurs | with Adam Ivy | Episode 42 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOuNxNhepKI&t=7s
• The Storytelling Process: Deep Dive with Screenwriter & Director Steven Bernstein | Episode 32 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsSk_k8dMgk&t=24s
• How to Tell Better Stories | Veteran TV Writer | with Michael Jamin‬ | Episode 52 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSDEAS-StzQ&t=15s

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/86

Today, I connected with Tara Mewis, the President of Honey Cut Studios, a creative agency known for its innovative storytelling. Tara has written, filmed, and produced content for nearly 20 years. In this conversation, she shares how she’s learned to balance creative vision with leadership, why you need to practice embarrassment, and the key mental shift that helps creatives finish what they start and get projects across the finish line.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Balancing rhythm and consistency with risk and uncertainty
• Advice for creatives who want to get more projects across the finish line
• How to stay grounded when your to-do list never ends

CONNECT WITH TARA MEWIS:

• Website: https://honeycutstudios.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarayolanmewisvideo

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/85

Today, we’re talking about why outsourcing your content might be destroying it.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The biggest mistake business owners make when outsourcing content
• How top creators stay involved in their content (and why it matters)
• A practical way to balance authenticity and delegation in your business

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• Nicky Saunders – Why overthinking kills creativity and how to simplify your content strategy.
• Will Reynolds – How content can truly impact people and why showing up authentically makes a difference.
• Adam Ivy – Why business owners should be as passionate about their work as street evangelists.

REFERENCED CLIPS

• Joel Byers (Hot Breath Podcast)
• Gary Vaynerchuk Interview
• Lindsey Stirling Live Stream

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/84

In this episode, I sit down with Ty Allan Jackson, an award-winning children's author, literacy advocate, and dynamic speaker who has dedicated his life to inspiring young readers and educating adults on the transformative power of literacy. Ty's journey into the world of children's literature began unexpectedly, leading him to become a prominent figure in promoting reading among youth.

In this conversation, you'll hear Ty’s tactical advice on getting your work into the hands of the right people, how to mentally move past rejection and use it as a driving force, and why he believes that adventure is always on the other side of risk.

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Ty's approach to independently selling over 300,000 copies of his books
• His mindset around resilience and risk
• How he gained over 150,000 followers in the past year and a half

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH TY ALLAN JACKSON: 

• Website: https://tyallanjackson.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ty_allan_jackson/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/83

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Creative lesson from Project Runway
• The specific constraints I use in my Reels 
• How you can use constraints to make better content

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• How to Beat Overwhelm (Secrets from Creative Professionals) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XlIIYf61ZI
• Make Better Short From Videos by Doing THIS | Bea Chu |‪ Episode 37 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omfyhAGVmtY&t=2s
• How to Produce Better Content as a One-Man Show | George Sidiropoulos | Episode 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGBRZHeyFHo&t=17s
• Improve Your Short Form Video by Doing This | ‪Brendan Kane‬ | Episode 8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiC8GU_ycmw&t=129s
• Overcoming BURNOUT and Finding the HEART of the Story | Filmmaker ‪Carlos Andres Cuervo‬ | Episode 27 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AA_xw0M3ic&t=1830s

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/82

Now, Pozek Group is a full-scale, media-powered real estate business, closing millions in sales and shaping the future of Orlando’s market. But Ken’s success wasn’t just about making more content, it was about telling better stories, leveraging analytics, and staying in the game when there was no immediate ROI. In this conversation, you’ll hear not only his tactical strategy for growing social channels but also his mindset on pushing the envelope and truly being unconventional.

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Scaling content without losing creativity and how he developed his editing and visual storytelling style
• What he learned from facing “a million no’s” before getting a yes (including how he landed a video inside Shaquille O’Neal’s mansion)
• Why some content works—and some flops plus his Monday morning review process for analyzing performance

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH KEN POZEK:

• Website: https://www.pozek.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenpozek/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kenpozek

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/81

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4v-uRjowKg&t=35s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhB1oT_MGag&t=1069s

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How ego can block opportunities
• Overcoming fear by focusing on mission
• Why your work isn’t meant for everyone

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/80

Meet Natasha Pearl Hansen. She’s a touring comedian and startup founder who is successfully embracing two worlds unapologetically. From launching her own tech company to navigating the business side of entertainment, she has always been intentional about creating her own path. Pretty unconventional, hmm?

In this conversation, Natasha shares how she manages relationships and networking, stays productive without burning out, and makes smart decisions about which opportunities to pursue. She also talks about the moment she turned her canceled wedding into a comedy special, her approach to producing shows, and what it really means to build a portfolio-style career.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to maintain relationships and build your network (even when you are super busy)
• How to make strategic moves: Knowing when to say “yes” and when to say “no.”
• How to create a “portfolio career” (balancing entrepreneurship with a creative career)

CONNECT WITH NATASHA PEARL HANSEN:

• Website: nphcomedy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nphcomedy/
• Hustle and Chill: https://hustleandchillwithnph.beehiiv.com/subscribe

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/79

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How innovation thrives within structure
• Why setting rules can actually make you more creative
• How to use structure to grow your platform

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• Improve Your Short Form Video by Doing This | ‪@BrendanKane‬
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiC8GU_ycmw&t=129s
• How to Produce Better Content as a One-Man Show | George Sidiropoulos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGBRZHeyFHo&t=17s
• The Creative Process of Adam Rose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTsYFUMx5oU&t=2s

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/78

Today, I connected with Jenelle Riley, an Emmy-winning journalist, playwright, and editor at Variety. She started out in Oregon with no industry connections but built her career through her brilliant writing and natural ability to connect with people.

Today Jenelle shares with us how to become an exceptional interviewer, from research and preparation to making a real connection with A-list guests. Whether you're aspiring to be a professional storyteller or just need some encouragement, you'll love this conversation with Jenelle Riley.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Putting yourself out there while building organic relationships
• Asking better questions, getting guests to open up, and knowing when to go off-script
• How to stay present and grounded in any conversation

CONNECT WITH JENELLE RILEY: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenelleriley/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/77

Over the past several years, I’ve interviewed over 1,000 people across different shows, and when it comes to confidence, three conversations stand out the most.

Each of these ideas is unique, but my hope is that one of them will be exactly what you need to push past fear and take action on what you know you're called to do.

🎥 WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: youtube.com/heatherparady

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBcAws9Byss
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRhWvciRCUc&t=71s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRiKFGs7pck

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Stop waiting to feel confident. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite—discipline is.
• Confidence isn’t about the absence of insecurity. It’s about how you move through challenges and come out stronger.
• Leverage an alter ego. Stepping into a character can help you show up with more confidence.

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask 
• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/76

I sat down with Rivky Gross, a somatic and subconscious-based practitioner, to explore the concept of the shadow artist—a term from Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. A shadow artist feels the pull to create but hesitates due to fear, perfectionism, or self-doubt.

As Carl Jung said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” Suppressing creativity can manifest as perfectionism, anxiety, or a deep sense of unworthiness. Many creatives fear being misunderstood or judged, keeping them from sharing their work. But the world needs more creators who dare to be fully themselves. If you’ve been holding back, consider this your permission to create and share unapologetically.

SIGN UP FOR THE SHADOW ARTIST OUR WORKSHOP HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/shadowartistworkshop

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• What it means to be a shadow artist—and how to know if you are one.
• How unexpressed creativity can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of visibility.
• The role of shadow work in reclaiming your creative power.
• Why creative expression matters—even if it’s not loud or profitable.
• Actionable steps to move from the sidelines into full creative freedom.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH RIVKY:

• Website: https://www.rivky-gross.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivkygross/ 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/75

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to break down big ideas using the “watermelon” method
• Why limiting your options will help you find the heart of the story
• How to start your story to get to the point faster

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• How to Make More SPACE in Your Life for Creativity & Impact | Tyler Moore @tidydad | Episode 71
• Overcoming BURNOUT and Finding the HEART of the Story | Filmmaker @CarlosAndresCuervo | Episode 27
• Matthew Dicks: How to be a Better Storyteller | @matthewjohndicks | Author of Storyworthy

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/74

Proud to embrace her introversion, she spends a lot of time alone, sometimes weeks unplugged, yet still manages to sell out her creative retreats—sometimes within minutes of being listed—and leads an engaged, loyal online community.

Running a business doesn’t have to look just one way. Sometimes, we forget that we co-create our lives. If you feel trapped or pressured to be someone you’re not in order to “make it,” Margaret’s story is for you. As she beautifully says, “The more you get to know yourself, the better your work is.”

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/73

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• The competitive advantage of being introverted
• How self-awareness drives creativity and business
• How she sells out retreats fast and builds an engaged online community

Connect with Margaret Soraya: https://margaretsoraya.com/ 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

EPISODES MENTIONED:

1. How to be a Better Storyteller | @matthewjohndicks | Author of Storyworthy
2. Storytelling Tips for Personal Brands | @SunYiCo | Episode 39
3. Improve Your Short Form Video by Doing This | @BrendanKane | Episode 8

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why stories should be boring
• Why you don’t need powerful words
• Why you might NOT want to “change things up”

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/72

In this episode, I connected with Tyler Moore, famously known online as Tidy Dad. An educator from New York, Tyler has built a massive following by tackling one universal topic: tidying up your life. But as Tyler reveals, this isn’t just about the mess in your home—it’s about the emotional and mental clutter that affects every aspect of your work and life.

By clearing out his personal space, Tyler found his voice and began using storytelling to help others find joy and order in the beautiful mess of life. In this conversation, Tyler shares how he not only cleaned up his life but also uses storytelling to help others do the same.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Dealing with emotional and mental clutter that affects our work.
• Storytelling tips for conveying HUGE topics without the overwhelm.
• Taking the first step when you're stuck—finding clarity in chaos.

CONNECT WITH TYLER MOORE

• Order Tidy Up Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Tidy-Your-Life-Rethinking-Declutter/dp/B0DG394ZV1
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tidydad/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/71

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

EPISODES MENTIONED:

• How to Tell Your Personal Story (Like a Pro) | Irene’s Entropy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7A-XOR8a4k&t=9s
• How to be a Better Storyteller | ‪@matthewjohndicks‬ | Author of Storyworthy ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lohwMR56bvA&t=10s
• How to Captivate an Audience & Be More Confident | ‪@learnwithrene‬ | Episode 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBcAws9Byss

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/70

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/69

Although her story is complex, she has mastered a way to communicate it through her music and short-form content.

And my guess is, maybe you have a complex story too. There is a way to communicate it effectively, but it’s going to require something. Like Irene says, “It really all comes back to self-awareness, emotional awareness, and understanding your goals and where you’re headed. And then being okay if the public doesn’t see you for who you are yet—knowing that they will if you keep moving toward your goal.”

Well, this is a good one, y’all. This is Irene.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to share your story despite fear of judgment or appearing like a victim
• How to share deeply personal experiences without exposing others
• How to keep your story engaging without it feeling gimmicky or repetitive

CONNECT WITH IRENE: https://www.instagram.com/irenes.entropy/

SERIES OF MUSIC VIDEOS SHARING HER STORY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj_qq_wDnHg&list=PLv49btAcOU0IMix14DxFZCpwlK9nCA-Y_

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/68

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

• Previous Interview with Jay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnKyZ92DXWo&t=1s
• Connect with Jay: https://www.instagram.com/jayworsley/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/67

In this episode, I sat down with Stefanos Sifandos, a relationships expert with an extensive background in psychology, philosophy, and ecology, to explore the delicate dance between ambition and connection. In this conversation, you’ll hear why Stefanos believes that "most people's ambition is a compensatory strategy to avoid the pain they don’t want to feel" and how "ambition doesn’t have to disappear, but it should evolve."

If you’re curious about how to reconcile the drive to build something amazing while maintaining healthy relationships, this episode is for you.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

Topics from this Episode:

• Why ambitious people often feel misunderstood or unseen
• How to balance the energy required to build something big while nurturing relationships
• What to do when your partner doesn’t share your passion or enthusiasm

CONNECT WITH STEFANOS SIFANDOS: https://stefanossifandos.com/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/66

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Understanding why you're creating and who it’s for.
• Accepting that inspiration doesn’t come on demand—and that’s normal.
• Using structure and deadlines to create space for creativity.
• Reusing ideas in fresh, exciting ways to ease the pressure of constant innovation.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

Overview of the 4 Stages of Flow: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17xVsZbw3P/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/65

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Today I sat down with Chris Cunningham, a founding member of ClickUp and the head of their social media marketing, to explore their unconventional approach to content creation. Believe it or not, ClickUp isn’t just making business content—they’re breaking all the rules by taking inspiration from comedy and entertainment (think Saturday Night Live) while still delivering value to their audience.

Chris shared how their team takes their content strategy seriously—investing in talent, writing teams, and a creative vision that’s anything but boring. We also talked about how creators can adopt scrappier methods, why it’s important to “take bets off data,” and how reframing embarrassment can unlock your creative potential.

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Scrappy ideas for content creators
• Documenting your journey and leveraging that content
• How to “think in pictures” to spark better ideas
• Ryan Reynolds’ approach to newsjacking (and what you can learn from it)
• How to reframe “embarrassment” as a creator and push through doubt

CONNECT WITH CHRIS CUNNINGHAM:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cunningham/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisclickup/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/64

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask 
• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access full show notes here: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/63

Today, I connected with Jay Worsley, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, here to share what it took to build a career (and life) telling stories. In this conversation, he shares his decision-making process and why he "says no as much as he can" (and sometimes says yes for reasons beyond the project). Jay also dives into finding emotion in a story, building a team, networking (even if you’re not extroverted), and his bold ideas about marketing indie films. And he shares why it’s crucial to get still and ask, How does this move me?

This, my friends, is Jay Worsley.

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• When should you say “no” to a project?
• Developing a strong vision in your work
• Finding and conveying emotion in a story
• You might not need social media (try this instead)

CONNECT WITH JAY WORSLEY: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayworsley/
• Website: https://sonderstorytelling.com/

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

• Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 
• Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/62