Best Martine Severin Podcasts (2025)

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180. More Slices, More Freedom: The Income Streams of a Multipassionate Creative - Martine Severin 12:46

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1d ago12:46

12:46

Turns out most successful creative careers are funded by multiple streams. If you've ever felt that cobbling it together means you haven't truly arrived, this episode is a reminder that you're building something sustainable, resilient, and entirely your own. Chapters 00:00 - The Secret Feeling of Being a Fraud 02:17 - The "Income Pie" Revelation 04…

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179. Freelance Illustration: Opportunities and Challenges - Violeta Encarnación 47:37

1d ago47:37

47:37

Discover how Violeta Encarnación balances freelancing, illustration, and creative evolution. She reflects on her journey from growing up in Cuba to becoming a book illustrator, her experience at SVA, and her shift into tattooing. Violeta opens up about the realities of freelancing, managing carpal tunnel syndrome, and honing her distinctive color p…

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178. How to Dance with Fear in Your Creative Life - Edwidge Danticat 24:43

6d ago24:43

24:43

What does it take to keep creating, even after dozens of false starts? In this deeply insightful encore episode, I’m sharing my conversation with the legendary author Edwidge Danticat. Edwidge shares how she found her own voice as a writer and offers a candid look into her artistic practice today. We talk about the "dance with fear", and the "20 no…

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177. The Power of Community in a Creative Career - Nolis Anderson 41:15

10d ago41:15

41:15

Have you ever felt the pull to leave a secure, conventional career for a more exciting path of as an artist? In this encore episode, I’m revisiting my conversation with photographer Nolis Anderson, whose journey is a powerful lesson in following your creative intuition. Nolis shares the incredible story of how he pivoted from pursuing a Doctor of P…

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176. What To Do When Your Creativity Fades - Martine Severin 15:23

15d ago15:23

15:23

When was the last time your creative energy faded away like mist? One season you’re overflowing with ideas, and the next, you feel like you’re trying to draw water from a dry well. In this personal solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own creative rhythms. Tune in to hear how to use your natural creative lulls to your advantage. This ep…

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175. The Making of an Artist: Passion, Persistence, and Profit - Alexandra Craig 42:48

17d ago42:48

42:48

Have you ever wondered how to turn a lifelong passion for art into a real, thriving career? In this episode, I'm delighted to sit down with Alex Craig, a self-taught artist, painter, and illustrator who embodies the spirit of creative determination. Alex shares her journey, from a childhood surrounded by artists to launching her first clothing line…

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174. Advice to Your Younger Self 11:37

22d ago11:37

11:37

Think back to your younger self. What advice would you give to that version of yourself? In today’s episode, I'm sharing a powerful compilation of advice from three artists who have learned to quiet their chatty minds to be their best selves. We'll hear from Murielle Banackissa, celebrated food photographer, stylist, and author of the cookbook Savo…

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173. The Secret to Getting Collectors Without Selling Out Online - Darnell Scott 54:13

24d ago54:13

54:13

How do you move from showing your art in group exhibitions to building a loyal circle of collectors who not only buy your work but champion it? In this conversation, we dive deep into the lived experience of an artist who has done exactly that. From humble beginnings in group shows to being invited into exhibitions in New York, Japan, and Europe, o…

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172. Is Money Your Friend or Your Worst Enemy? - Martine Severin 29:36

29d ago29:36

29:36

What's your relationship with money? Is it your friend, your enemy, or something much more complicated? In this episode, I discuss a topic we all think about but rarely talk about: money. We'll explore the science of how money stress affects our creative brains and unpack the family stories that shape our financial habits. We’ll guide you through a…

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171. The Unavoidable Path of a Creative Soul - Diana Hendrix 20:38

1M ago20:38

20:38

How do you find your creative voice when the world tries to quiet it? In this powerful episode, I sit down with artist Diana Hendrix, who shares her journey from Chicago's foster care system to carving a vibrant creative career. Diana reveals how to use your work to reshape a challenging world into something beautiful. We explore her path through a…

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170. Why Your Clients Want a Discount (And Why You Do, Too) - Martine Severin 22:47

1M ago22:47

22:47

Have you ever found yourself frustrated with a client who wants top-tier, champagne-level results on a beer budget? We've all been there. But what happens when you realize you do the exact same thing in your own life? We are digging into the messy, human psychology of why we all want more than we can sometimes afford. I explore the powerful "first …

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169. The Unseen Gaze: Art, Technology, and Redefining Womanhood - Yannie Gu 34:27

1M ago34:27

34:27

How do the roles we observe as children shape the art we create as adults? In this conversation, I connect with painter and curator Yannie Gu, whose creative vision was formed by the women in her life in Shanghai. Tune in to hear how Yannie leveraged the power of community to create an experimental pop-up gallery. Yannie offers a beautiful perspect…

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168. Are You Showing Up for Your Future Self? - Martine Severin 7:48

1M ago7:48

7:48

In this solo episode, I'm sharing a tough-love truth that might sting a little. It all started during a recent hiring process, where I was struck by how many candidates showed up unprepared for a life-changing opportunity. It got me thinking: how often do we, as creatives, fail to do the basic work our dreams require? I’m digging into the idea of "…

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167. Why This Lion King Star Says 'Happy Is a Swinging Pendulum.’ And Why That Matters for Creatives - Rashada Dawan 48:07

2M ago48:07

48:07

Have you ever given yourself a deadline to make a dream come true? For singer and actress Rashada Dawan, that deadline was one year. After being laid off and with bills piling up, she made a 12-month commitment to pursue her art full-time before turning to a more “practical” career. Just days before she was set to take an exam to become a police of…

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166. Lessons From Our Creative Mentors - Martine Severin 15:45

2M ago15:45

15:45

Have you ever been at a crossroads, wishing for that one piece of timely advice to light the way? Recently, a conversation with my nieces got me thinking about the incredible wisdom our guests have shared on this podcast. In this special episode, I'm doing things a little differently. I’ve gathered insights from three amazing creators: bestselling …

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165. Painting for a Paycheck vs. Painting for Self-Discovery - Gina Tyquiengco 40:44

2M ago40:44

40:44

What happens when your creative process becomes a mirror, reflecting back the deepest parts of your identity? I sit down with abstract artist Gina Tyquiengco to discuss her winding creative path, from teaching herself graphic design to finding her voice as a painter. Gina explains how her signature black, white, and gold palette is a deliberate ref…

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164. How to Secure Grants for Your Art - Martine Severin 11:52

2M ago11:52

11:52

Have you ever felt like artist grants are just mysterious pots of money reserved for a select few? It’s a feeling so many of us in the creative world know all too well. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the world of grant funding to show you that it’s not about luck or secret connections. Being awarded a grant has everything to do wi…

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163. How to Build a Design Business with Structure and Soul - Beth Diana Smith 40:20

2M ago40:20

40:20

Have you ever felt a divine nudge? Or maybe a full-on nudge that pushed you toward a life you didn’t plan for? In this episode, I’m talking with the incredible interior designer Beth Diana Smith, who made the courageous leap from a successful career in corporate finance to founding her own celebrated design firm. Beth shares the story of how she we…

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162. Navigating Growth Without Losing Yourself - Martine Severin 8:45

2M ago8:45

8:45

Have you ever considered how success might change you? That as you grow, you might lose the very essence of what makes you, you? In this solo episode, I share a story of a startling comment that made me confront my own evolution. We’ll explore the balance between evolving and losing yourself, between growing your craft and abandoning your voice. Jo…

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161. Building a Sanctuary for BIPOC Writers - Lori Tharps 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

What does it take to leap into the unknown for the sake of your creative calling? In this episode, I talk with Lori Tharps, a writer, educator, and creative catalyst who did just that. Lori shares the powerful story behind her decision to leave a tenured professorship at Temple University to start a new life in Southern Spain. We explore her journe…

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160. A Week in a Creative’s Life - Martine Severin 38:52

3M ago38:52

38:52

Ever wonder what a full week in the life of a professional photographer really looks like? I'm pulling back the curtain and taking you with me through a jam-packed week of creative hustle and real-life moments. From juggling four different photoshoots centered on Black Joy to managing client proposals and sneaking in family time, this episode is a …

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159. From Ad Agencies to Art Fairs: A Painter’s Journey - Ashley Buttercup 43:50

3M ago43:50

43:50

How do we find the courage to build a creative career on our own terms? I'm so excited to share my conversation with Ashley Buttercup, a Brooklyn-based painter whose work beautifully captures the quiet, unguarded moments of life. From a childhood nurtured by creative parents to finding her own way through the bustling worlds of fashion and advertis…

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158. Create Your Most Authentic Work Now - Martine Severin 11:36

3M ago11:36

11:36

Have you ever sat down to create, only to find yourself endlessly scrolling for inspiration and losing your voice in the noise? In this episode, I introduce a concept for clearing out mental buildup to make space for your authentic ideas to emerge. We'll explore the surprising science behind why our best ideas often emerge during moments of rest, a…

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157. Designing an Interior Design Career with Purpose and Resilience - Courtney Robinson 42:05

3M ago42:05

42:05

Sometimes the job you’ve worked hard for breaks your spirit. In this episode, I chat with interior designer Courtney Robinson. Courtney shares her winding journey from a childhood dream of acting to studying design at Howard University to navigating the harsh realities of the New York design world. Courtney opens up about the pivotal moments that u…

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156. Simple Ain’t Easy - Martine Severin 4:32

3M ago4:32

4:32

Hey friend, for today's mini episode, I'm sharing a poem I wrote in June called "Simple ain't easy." You know how it is when you're explaining your creative dreams to someone and they give you that look? That "well, why don't you just do it then?" look. As if picking up a brush or opening a laptop was the hard part. I've been thinking a lot lately …

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155. The Power of Self-Portraiture - Nana Frimpong Oduro 24:51

3M ago24:51

24:51

A single moment changed everything for Ghanaian visual artist Nana Frimpong Oduro. It began with a quiet walk, a dying tree, and a gifted camera from a stranger. That moment led him away from architecture and toward a new life in photography. In this episode, I sit down with Nana to explore how he built a career rooted in emotion, storytelling, and…

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154. How Ritual and Design Shape Our Identity - Obiora Nwazota 49:17

3M ago49:17

49:17

How do we build a world that truly reflects who we are? In this profound conversation, I sit down with architect and design tastemaker Obiora Nwazota, a powerful voice reshaping our understanding of culture, identity, and design. Obi shares his journey from a childhood in Nigeria, dreaming beyond the prescribed path, to becoming a cultural force in…

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153. Partnering with Time: How an Army Veteran Became an Artist - Ronald Jackson 39:18

3M ago39:18

39:18

Have you ever considered a dramatic career change, a leap from a structured path into the wide-open world of creative expression? Our guest, Ronald Jackson, embodies this very journey. Growing up in the rural Arkansas Delta as the youngest of eleven children, Ronald's early life was steeped in a family legacy of challenging norms. After a distingui…

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152. The Craft of Seeing: A Lifetime of Documenting Our Stories - Roy Lewis 26:35

4M ago26:35

26:35

Have you ever considered that the most profound creative education might not happen in a classroom? What if it unfolds in the buzz of a print shop or behind the lens at a world-changing cultural event? In this episode, I sit down with legendary photographer Roy Lewis, whose journey is a powerful testament to learning by doing. Roy shares how his ea…

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151. The Art of Slowing Down in the Kitchen - Murielle Banackissa 28:20

4M ago28:20

28:20

Have you ever wondered how to turn a lifelong passion for food into a celebrated career? In this episode, I sit down with the wonderfully creative food photographer, stylist, and cookbook author, Murielle Banackissa. Murielle shares the story of her creative journey, from her childhood memories in the Republic of Congo to her family's move to Montr…

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150. How to Write Your Happy Ending: The Power of a Personal Quarterly Review - Martine Severin 18:35

4M ago18:35

18:35

Have you ever wished you could write your happy ending? In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on a personal practice that has been a game-changer for me over the last decade: the quarterly review. I share how a simple, strategic process, born from my days in program management, can help you track your progress and design a life and car…

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149. From Side Hustle to Mastering a Signature Style - Mark Clennon 46:42

4M ago46:42

46:42

How do you find the courage to leave a stable career and chase a creative dream? In this episode, I sit down with the incredible photographer Mark Clennon, who did exactly that. Mark shares the real story of his leap from a 9-to-5 into the world of full-time commercial photography. We talk about the initial struggles, the community's pivotal role i…

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148. Capturing a Universe of Black Creativity: The Story of FESTAC '77 - Martine Severin 15:28

4M ago15:28

15:28

Step back in time with me to 1977, to a cultural event so monumental it was dubbed the "Black World's Fair." In this episode, we journey to Lagos, Nigeria, for FESTAC '77, the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture. What made this month-long celebration a landmark of Black pride and unity, and why does its legacy still echo nea…

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147. Unlocking Your Writing Potential: The Role of Early Creative Experiences - Sophia Stewart 35:53

4M ago35:53

35:53

What happens when a child prodigy channels divine inspiration into groundbreaking storytelling? I sit down with Sophia Stewart, a prolific writer who began writing professionally at just 11 years old. From navigating the complex world of what it means to own your work, Sophia shares powerful insights about trusting your creative vision and the role…

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146. Must-Read Summer Books by Black Women - Martine Severin 5:22

4M ago5:22

5:22

Are you searching for stories that feed your creative spirit? In this solo episode, I share four incredible books by women of color essential to your summer reading list. These books feature narratives of immigration, identity, and magical realism. These reads have resonated deeply with me. I hope they may fuel your artistic journey. Join me as we …

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145. The Hip-Hop Glassblower: Reimagining Traditional Techniques for Contemporary Expression - Leo Tecosky 28:15

4M ago28:15

28:15

What happens when hip-hop methodology meets ancient glassblowing traditions? In this captivating conversation, I sit down with Leo Tecosky, a glass artist who's redefining what it means to honor craft traditions while pushing creative boundaries. From his childhood memories of watching a goldsmith neighbor work to discovering the mesmerizing world …

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144. Navigating the Tension Between Rest and Responsibility - Martine Severin 4:33

4M ago4:33

4:33

Have you ever woken up feeling inexplicably frustrated for no apparent reason? This morning, I found myself battling some serious irritation. Through this raw, relatable moment, I discovered something important about what happens when our deepest values start pulling us in opposite directions. In this mini-episode, I share a simple but powerful app…

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143. How A Crocheted Family Quilt Became The Blueprint For Contemporary Art - Qualeasha Wood 48:52

5M ago48:52

48:52

Have you ever had a moment when everything you thought you knew about your path suddenly shifted? In today's episode, I sit down with textile artist Qualeasha Wood, whose innovative work bridges digital imagery with traditional craft techniques. She reveals the unexpected moments that led her from a completely different path into textile art. Quale…

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142. How to Break Up with Procrastination - Martine Severin 12:37

5M ago12:37

12:37

If you’ve ever needed to get your bum into gear but couldn’t find motivation, this episode is for you. In this mini-episode, I share my personal toolkit for getting things done. Listen in for the tools and leave knowing that next time your brain tries to lure you with procrastination, you’ll be able to resist temptation. Chapters 00:00 The Struggle…

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141. The Art of Seeing People - Tafy LaPlanche 36:35

5M ago36:35

36:35

Have you wondered how artists manage to capture the essence of their subjects? In today’s episode, I sit down with portrait artist Tafy LaPlanche, whose cultural background shapes her distinctive artistic approach. She shares why certain creative detours—including a complete break from art ultimately strengthened her artistic voice. Through persona…

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140. The Science of Keeping Promises to Yourself - Martine Severin 16:13

5M ago16:13

16:13

Are you struggling to maintain creative momentum when motivation disappears? In this mini-episode, we chat about the neuroscience behind keeping promises to yourself. Through a battle with temptation at the grocery store, I share how small decisions rewire your brain and build creative resilience. Tune in for practical strategies that may help you …

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139. The Courage to Paint What Others Won't See - Lana Abraham-Murawski 54:38

5M ago54:38

54:38

What drives you to translate your innermost thoughts into visual expression? Visual artist Lana Abraham-Murawski shares her creative journey and how her unique cultural heritage shaped her artistic style. In this intimate conversation, Lana reveals the transformative power of mentorship in her development and her thoughtful approach to balancing ar…

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138. From Resistance to Movement: Starting Your Creative Journey – Martine Severin 13:29

5M ago13:29

13:29

In this mini episode, I’m sharing something that’s been on my heart lately: that uncomfortable place where our creative ideas get stuck. You know the one — where you’re holding onto something beautiful, but fear, perfectionism, or just plain old procrastination keeps it tucked away. This reflection was sparked by a recent conversation with my siste…

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137. Challenges and Rewards of Writing Novels and Short Stories - Pemi Aguda 36:09

5M ago36:09

36:09

Have you ever wondered how childhood obsessions evolve into creative careers? Fiction writer Pemi Aguda takes us on her journey from creating mini-magazines as a six-year-old in Lagos, Nigeria to publishing internationally acclaimed fiction. In today's chat, Pemi reveals how her "lonesome" childhood with books transformed into a writing career that…

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136. Breaking Through Upper Limits - Martine Severin 12:25

5M ago12:25

12:25

Are you self-sabotaging your creative success? In this mini-episode, we explore the psychology behind why we often set ourselves up for failure just when opportunities arise. Drawing from personal observations and psychological research, Martine Severin examine the "upper limit problem" - our internal thermostat for success - and offer practical st…

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135. From Wedding Planning to Sparkling Wine Empire - Samantha Danielle 46:49

5M ago46:49

46:49

What happens when a pediatric nurse turned wedding planner discovers her ultimate calling in champagne? Join our conversation with Samantha Danielle, founder of LoveLuvv a sparkling wine brand. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, entrepreneurial tenacity, and building a purpose-driven luxury brand. Samantha shares her remar…

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134. When Your Margarita Is Actually Anxiety - Martine Séverin 9:38

6M ago9:38

9:38

Have you ever reached for a glass of wine after a stressful day, only to realize you're avoiding something important? In this intimate mini-episode, we talk about alcohol and anxiety, revealing how our emotions serve as powerful messengers in our creative lives. S Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Emotions as Messengers 02:52 - Personal …

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133. Freelance Illustration: Opportunities and Challenges - Violeta Encarnación 49:21

6M ago49:21

49:21

Discover how Violeta Encarnación balances freelancing, illustration, and creative evolution. She reflects on her journey from growing up in Cuba to becoming a book illustrator, her experience at SVA, and her shift into tattooing. Violeta opens up about the realities of freelancing, managing carpal tunnel syndrome, and honing her distinctive color p…

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132. The Creative's Guide to Sales Without Being Icky - Martine Severin 31:18

6M ago31:18

31:18

Do you feel uncomfortable with the sales process as a creative? In this candid mini-episode, Martine Severin tackles the topic many creatives dread: sales. Martine breaks down practical strategies for artists to sell their work authentically without feeling like "used car salesperson." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Creative Life 00:23 The Visibili…

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131. How to Write a Screenplay - Shannan E. Johnson (2022) 55:45

6M ago55:45

55:45

Have you ever wondered how a movie gets made? Or better yet, where do the ideas from movies come from? And if you have your sight on making a short film, wouldn't it be great if someone helped you buff your idea and make the end product simply spectacular? Shannan E. Johnson is that someone! As a former creative executive at NBCU/The Syfy Channel, …