Podcast Summary: Episode 32 - "Catching Creative Spirits: Answer the Call, Sis" ft. Kendra Austin
Podcast Information:
- Title: UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE
- Host/Author: Shelah Marie
- Description: UNRULY is a weekly culture and wellness podcast that explores self-love, acceptance, and holistic wellness through transformative conversations. Hosted by Shelah Marie, each episode features deep dives into personal growth with experts, influencers, and community members, offering practical tools and inspiration for enhancing well-being and embracing one's true self.
Episode Details:
- Episode Title: Catching Creative Spirits: Answer the Call, Sis ft. Kendra Austin
- Release Date: May 13, 2025
- Guest: Kendra Austin – Model, writer, speaker, host of Eldest Daughter Podcast, creator of the Realist Oracle deck, and author of "Come Home."
Introduction
Shelah Marie welcomes listeners to Episode 32 of UNRULY, setting the stage for a conversation about the myths that prevent Black women from fully embracing their creative potential. She introduces Kendra Austin, highlighting her multifaceted career centered around radical self-acceptance, creativity, and community engagement.
Defining Purpose
What is Purpose?
At [04:46], Kendra defines purpose as "our space that we go when we're able to channel with ease, delight, and, like, infinite opportunity." She emphasizes that purpose isn't confined to a single role or identity but is a pervasive theme guiding one's actions across various domains. For Kendra, her purpose is the "gift of voice," which she channels through writing, podcasting, and community engagement.
Energy Over Magnum Opus
Kendra challenges the notion that a singular, impactful work (a magnum opus) defines one's creative journey. At [06:45], she reflects on the film "Opus" and discusses how purpose is about impacting one's immediate world, creating a "butterfly effect" that resonates outward. She argues that the pressure to produce a world-changing masterpiece can stifle everyday creativity, advocating instead for consistent, heartfelt contributions that sustain personal and communal well-being.
Notable Quote:
"We are supposed to be just tapped into what gets us going and therefore, what gets our small world in a flow... And that is our purpose."
— Kendra Austin [08:30]
Discipline vs. Ritual in Creativity
The Role of Discipline
At [21:03], Shelah, identifying as a Capricorn moon, discusses the tension between discipline and creative freedom. She shares her struggle with balancing the desire for long-term projects with the need for daily creative actions to avoid burnout.
Ritual as a Softer Approach
Kendra introduces the concept of replacing the term "discipline" with "ritual" to make the practice feel more nurturing and spiritually connected. At [22:19], she explains, "Ritual feels like it's an energetic and spiritual practice," likening it to visiting an altar and connecting with ancestors. This rebranding helps alleviate the rigidity associated with discipline, making the creative process feel more like a personalized, sacred routine.
Notable Quote:
"Just doing something purposeful, like having a treat, feels like I'm doing something purposeful... Ritual is really suitable for me."
— Kendra Austin [22:38]
Over-Explaining and Communication
The Need to Stop Over-Explaining
In response to questions about over-explaining, Kendra delves into how excessive elaboration can stem from past traumas and the need to be heard and understood. She highlights that over-explaining often affirms negative self-beliefs and creates unnecessary pressure to justify oneself.
Notable Quote:
"Our identities are also our limited belief. I had this identity wrapped in being known for something and only one thing... I realized how much that was limiting."
— Kendra Austin [11:37]
Letting Others Stay Confused
Shelah and Kendra discuss the empowerment found in allowing others to remain confused about one's actions or intentions. By not feeling obligated to provide endless explanations, creatives can free themselves from the need to prove their worth or clarify their purpose constantly.
Notable Quote:
"If you're doing all this pushback, I will let you be confused. Stay confused and stay right there."
— Shelah Marie [42:25]
Creativity in Community
Decentralizing Creativity
Kendra emphasizes the importance of viewing creativity as a communal and ongoing process rather than an isolated effort. She advocates for engaging with the community, interacting with strangers, and finding inspiration in everyday interactions.
Notable Quote:
"Everything we do is creativity. When we're cooking our breakfast... having a conversation with a stranger, all of these things are a creative practice."
— Kendra Austin [30:26]
Real-Life Examples
Kendra shares a personal story about a spontaneous conversation with a stranger, illustrating how meaningful interactions can spark creative ideas and personal growth. This anecdote underscores the symbiotic relationship between individual creativity and community engagement.
Notable Quote:
"We need to interact with our community in the stories that it's telling, that it's screaming to us."
— Kendra Austin [29:00]
Handling Creative Blocks
Understanding Blocks
At [36:10], Kendra explains that creative blocks often stem from underlying fears and physical stress responses, such as fight or flight reactions. Recognizing the physical and emotional roots of these blocks is crucial for overcoming them.
Practical Solutions
Kendra suggests incorporating sensory experiences and small, enjoyable activities to break through blocks. Simple actions like taking a walk, altering one's environment, or indulging in a favorite treat can replenish creative energy and provide new perspectives.
Notable Quote:
"Your block is that you're trying to pour from an empty well and wondering why you're tap dry."
— Kendra Austin [36:13]
Practical Tools for Creativity
Content Maxing
Kendra introduces "content maxing" as a strategy to boost creative output. By consistently creating and sharing content, even when it doesn't immediately achieve widespread recognition, creatives can build momentum and refine their craft.
Notable Quote:
"Do more of the thing. Do more as much of the thing as you can."
— Kendra Austin [61:01]
Aligned Action Over Classes
Responding to her own video message about "aligned action," Kendra differentiates between passive inspiration and active creation. She emphasizes the importance of applying knowledge through action rather than accumulating information without implementation.
Notable Quote:
"We confuse receiving the inspiration as the same thing with using the inspiration to go and make the thing."
— Kendra Austin [47:19]
Letting Creativity Find You
Kendra advocates for integrating creativity into daily routines rather than viewing it as an additional task. Small, consistent changes and creative actions within existing obligations can make creativity feel more natural and less burdensome.
Notable Quote:
"Inserting creativity into things that you're already doing is more valuable."
— Kendra Austin [52:16]
Conclusion
Shelah Marie and Kendra Austin conclude the episode by reinforcing the importance of embracing creativity as an integral part of one's life and community. They encourage listeners to:
- Decentralize Creativity: View creative processes as part of everyday interactions and community engagements.
- Embrace Rituals: Replace rigid discipline with nurturing rituals to sustain creative practices.
- Let Go of Over-Explaining: Allow oneself the freedom to be misunderstood and prioritize meaningful connections over constant justification.
- Consistent Action: Adopt strategies like content maxing to build creative momentum and shift focus from passive inspiration to active creation.
Key Takeaways
- Purpose is Multifaceted: Your creative purpose transcends singular roles and permeates various aspects of your life.
- Ritual Over Discipline: Reframing discipline as ritual can make the creative process feel more personal and spiritually connected.
- Community as a Creative Source: Engaging with your community and embracing everyday interactions can enhance creativity and provide continuous inspiration.
- Overcoming Blocks: Addressing the physical and emotional roots of creative blocks through sensory and enjoyable activities can rejuvenate creative energy.
- Active Creation: Consistently creating and sharing content, even without immediate recognition, fosters growth and refines creative skills.
Join the Conversation: If you have questions or topics you’d like Shelah Marie to cover, record and send your voice notes here.
Connect with Kendra Austin:
- Website: kendraawson.com
- Social Media: Follow her on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram
- Products: Purchase the Realist Oracle deck on independent booksellers like Bookshop.org
- Newsletter: Subscribe to kendraawson.substack.com for her "Come Home" newsletter.
Final Thoughts: This episode serves as a masterclass in creative courage, offering invaluable insights for artists and anyone with a creative spark. By challenging conventional notions of creativity and purpose, Shelah Marie and Kendra Austin empower listeners to embrace their unique creative journeys with confidence and authenticity.