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Creative Church

The Inspired Collective

Creative Church is a podcast inside The Inspired Collective, where artists gather to talk honestly about the creative life.
Each episode features a conversation with a member of the Collective about their creative practice, conversations explore the real experience of being an artist: doubt, devotion, creative breakthroughs and the strange and beautiful process of making something from nothing.
Creative Church exists to remind artists that they are not alone and that creative community matters. Our Host is our very own, singer-songwriter, artist: Anne van Damme.

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  • 12 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 1 hr 2 min
  • English

Episodes 12

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  • S1 · E12
    August 26 · 52 min

    Just start - with Samantha Masog

    In this episode of Creative Church, host Anne van Damme sits down with photographer Samantha Masog. Samantha shares her journey as a self-taught artist, what events led to her picking up her camera for real, and how balancing motherhood with her creative drive has empowered her to start living for herself through art. An honest and inspiring conversation on letting go of comparison, embracing curiosity over perfectionism, and finding your unique creative identity. In this episode: • Embracing your inner "weirdo" and reclaiming expression as an outcast artist. • Art as a Catalyst for Healing: How reconnecting with photography helped Samantha break free from depression, rediscover joy, and reclaim her true self beyond societal expectations. • The Power of Daily Commitment: What "taking photography seriously" looks like in practice—from committing to daily shooting and public posting to openly setting priorities with family. • Building a Creative Community: Samantha’s vision for opening an accessible art cafe to support lost or outcast artists and break down traditional boundaries of what "counts" as art. • Finding Beauty in the Forgotten: The story behind Samantha's favorite photograph—a dilapidated 1950s motel sign—and how seeing beauty in overlooked places inspires her work. • Advice for Aspiring Creators: The ultimate takeaway on overcoming self-doubt: just start, even if it's in secret, and create purely for yourself. Find Samantha Masog: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roselensimagery Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Eclectographer Website: http://roselens.mypixieset.com/new-page/ Tiktok @Roselensimagery • Find out more about our host Anne van Damme (⁠@annevandammesongwriter⁠) Listen to her music on ⁠Spotify⁠or ⁠anywhere else⁠ • Learn everything about Amie McNee (⁠@inspiredtowrite⁠) And ⁠The Inspired Collective⁠

  • S1 · E11
    August 12 · 1 hr 14 min

    Let your daydreams speak - with Krystal Alexandria

    In this episode, host Anne van Damme and artist Krystal Alexandria explore the transformative practice of listening to our inner creative rhythms. Moving past strict discipline, perfectionism, and the pressures of modern algorithms, they discuss how redefining consistency—and embracing low-stakes "shitty art"—opens the door to authentic self-discovery. Together, they offer a heartfelt invitation to trade societal expectations for personal devotion and let your quiet daydreams guide your creative path. Key Highlights • The Freedom of "Shitty Art": Unpacking perfectionism, low-stakes play, and reclaiming childhood creativity without expectation. • Creating as Counterculture: Choosing softness, slowing down, and disconnecting from digital noise as acts of modern rebellion. • Strength in Vulnerability: Overcoming industry pressure to be louder and embracing softness as a powerful artistic identity. • Balancing Dual Mediums: Anne and Krystal discuss navigating different relationships with their art—from serious professional pursuits to pressure-free side mediums. • Gamifying Consistency: Using creative prompts like bingo cards to find flow without falling into strict, rigid routines. • Proof of the Artist: Reflecting on physical piles of past work as tangible validation of growth and self-devotion. • Let Your Daydreams Speak: Krystal shares actionable advice on using everyday daydreams as clear compasses for what your soul craves. Find Krystal: IG: https://www.instagram.com/krystal.alexandria Website: https://krystalalexandria.com Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soften-up-with-krystal-alexandria/id1876277045 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@krystal.alexandria Substack: https://substack.com/@krystalalexandria • Find out more about our host Anne van Damme (⁠@annevandammesongwriter⁠) Listen to her music on ⁠Spotify⁠ or ⁠anywhere else⁠ • Learn everything about Amie McNee (⁠@inspiredtowrite⁠) And ⁠The Inspired Collective⁠

  • S1 · E10
    July 29 · 1 hr 6 min

    Expand your creativity - with Carolyn Fallert

    In this conversation, Carolyn Fallert and Anne van Damme discuss breaking free from corporate glasses and the destination mindset to embrace the 3D sphere of creativity in everyday life. Creativity is not a simple equation. It’s a lot more in dept than 1 +1=2. From viewing logo design as "cleaning your brushes" to finding joy in side projects, we explore how stepping away from linear productivity allows us to build our"experimentation muscle, trust the process, and reclaim childlike playfulness. • Cleaning Your Brushes: Administrative tasks aren't just logistical chores to cross off a list; they are an invitation to practice creativity and infuse meaning into every step. • Overcoming the Destination Mindset: Fixating solely on getting published or finished means walking past the "gardens" on your left and right • Building the Experimentation Muscle: Unrelated side projects—like building a physical garden wall out of cement or sewing clothes—train you to try new things without fear and help you become a whole person. • Creativity as a Pot of Soup: Moving away from the rigid corporate formula (Energy In = Output Out), art is like making soup from scratch—an intuitive, multi-sensory process of intermixing ingredients from a seemingly empty pantry. • Playfulness through Hermit Crab Essays: Borrowing existing shells—like writing a fine-dining review from a dog's perspective or a restraining order against a bikini wax—taps back into the uninhibited joy of a five-year-old. • Stopping to Smell the Flowers: Pausing to appreciate small details, like bees and blooms in a newly planted garden, nourishes the creator and feeds back into the main artistic work. Find Carolyn: Substack: https://yourpowers.substack.com/ Instagram: @in.our.powers- https://www.instagram.com/in.our.powers/ Podcast: In Our Powers (launching August17, 2026) YouTube: @inourpowers - https://www.youtube.com/@inourpowers • Find out more about our host Anne van Damme (⁠@annevandammesongwriter⁠) Listen to her music on ⁠Spotify⁠or ⁠anywhere else⁠ • Learn everything about Amie McNee (⁠@inspiredtowrite⁠) And ⁠The Inspired Collective⁠

  • S1 · E9
    July 15 · 1 hr 16 min

    Regulate and release - with Gala Gomez

    What happens when your nervous system isn't ready for your dreams? In this episode we sit down with Spanish singer-songwriter and poet Gala Gomez to dismantle the toxic hustle culture surrounding the arts.If you have ever felt like pure sabotage took over right as your creative dreams were within reach, you aren't lazy, undisciplined, or lacking grit—your nervous system might just be trying to keep you safe. Gala opens up about the painful, confusing reality of freezing at the height of her musical career—choosing to walk away from two promising EPs, a major indie label connection, and eventually, a highly successful Substack. Together, Anne and Gala explore why our bodies sometimes hit the emergency brakes on our ambitions, and how true healing requires moving out of our heads and back into our bodies. In this episode, we explore: • The Creative Freeze: Gala’s raw story of walking away from a major music breakthrough and a thriving poetry platform, and why society's diagnosis of "lack of discipline" is dead wrong. • The "Middle-Class Artist" & Reimagining Success: Why we don't all want to be Taylor Swift—and normalizing the desire to simply make a decent living through art without the pressure of fame. • When Talk Therapy Isn't Enough: Why intellectualizing our trauma doesn't heal a dysregulated nervous system, and the power of somatic, body-focused therapy. • The Survival Modes of the Past: How fight, flight, freeze, and fawn served as childhood coping mechanisms, and why those same survival instincts eventually drain us as adults. • Learning to "Notice" and Receive: Anne shares her beautiful breakthrough of finally playing guitar in her garden after a decade of hyper-vigilance, and the micro-practice of telling yourself, "I see you." Whether you are an artist, a recovering perfectionist, or someone who feels perpetually stuck in survival mode, this episode is a gentle invitation to stop fighting your body and finally allow yourself to simply be. Find Gala Gomez on Substack: https://substack.com/@poemsat23 • Find out more about our host Anne van Damme (⁠@annevandammesongwriter⁠) Listen to her music on ⁠Spotify⁠or ⁠anywhere else⁠ • Learn everything about Amie McNee (⁠@inspiredtowrite⁠) And ⁠The Inspired Collective⁠

  • S1 · E8
    July 1 · 53 min

    Do the thing - with Gina Parker

    In this episode, host Anne van Damme sits down with mixed media artist Gina Parker (Gina Marie Art) to explore the profound connection between creativity, healing, and sobriety. After hitting rock bottom and choosing sobriety in late 2021, Gina experienced an unmistakable call to return to painting. Through her vibrant work with acrylics and spray paint, she discovered that leaning into the process—rather than obsessing over the outcome or trying to force a specific niche—was the key to defeating perfectionism and reconnecting with her inner child. Together, Anne and Gina unpack the realities of living month to month as a creative, the power of allowing yourself to "play," and why simply showing up for yourself with whatever energy you have is the ultimate act of artistic freedom. In this episode: Art as Meditation and Medicine: How Gina used painting to anchor herself in the present moment during early sobriety, helping her navigate past the walls of perfectionism. The "Signature" of Presence: Why you don't actually need to "find" your artistic style—it naturally emerges through the unique physical movements and marks you make when you are truly present. Permission to Play: Dismantling the societal guilt of spending time and money on creativity, and choosing your mental and spiritual health over the corporate grind. Redefining Consistency: Moving away from the pressure to create identical outputs every day and learning to accept rest as a vital part of the creative process. The Magic of Budget Creating: Tips on experimenting with low-cost materials, from $3 charcoal to painting on the backs of discarded macaroni boxes and old book pages. The Value of Community and "Body Doubling": How external audio prompts and creative collectives can offer the vital support needed to build an abundant practice when you can't find it in you yet to do it alone. Find Gina Marie Art: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gina_marie_art_ Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/ginamarieart Big Cartel: https://ginamarieart.bigcartel.com/ • Find out more about our host Anne van Damme (⁠@annevandammesongwriter⁠) Listen to her music on ⁠Spotify⁠or ⁠anywhere else⁠ • Learn everything about Amie McNee (⁠@inspiredtowrite⁠) And ⁠The Inspired Collective⁠

  • S1 · E7
    June 17 · 55 min

    Don't niche down - with Anita Zuchtriegl

    In this episode we sit down with Anita Zuchtriegl, a multidisciplinary performing artist, dance teacher, and aspiring DJ, to challenge the conventional advice of "finding your niche." We dive into the beautifully chaotic world of multi-passionate creatives who refuse to choose just one path. Anita shares her journey of embracing multiple artistic pillars—from making videos and painting to her childhood roots in music mixing and her ultimate bucket-list goal of DJing a New Year’s Eve party by the ocean. Anne and Anita also unpack the common psychological hurdles artists face, including the shame surrounding using your voice, the misconception that talent is entirely innate, and the vulnerability of sharing raw, unpolished work with the world. Whether you are a painter who writes songs, a musician who loves to sew, or someone still trying to give yourself permission to create just for the sake of it, this episode is a warm reminder that you don't have to change who you are to be a "successful" artist. Sometimes, just starting to move is enough. Find Anita Zuchtriegl on: Instagram and YouTube. • Find out more about our host Anne van Damme (⁠@annevandammesongwriter⁠) Listen to her music on ⁠Spotify⁠ or ⁠anywhere else⁠ • Learn everything about Amie McNee (⁠@inspiredtowrite⁠) And ⁠The Inspired Collective⁠

  • S1 · E6
    June 3 · 53 min

    Always look for magic – with Jennifer Maveety

    What does it mean to truly "make it" as an artist? Is it the validation of worldwide fame, or is it something much deeper, closer to home, and inherently human? In this episode, host Anne van Damme sits down with Wisconsin-based writer Jennifer Maveety to explore the winding, vulnerable journey of living a creative life. From overcoming the grip of perfectionism to navigating the unique challenges of balancing motherhood with artistic dedication, Jenny shares how she rediscovered the pure joy of writing after years of life-uprooting changes. Together, Anne and Jenny pull back the curtain on the unspoken pressures artists face in a capitalistic society, unpacking the difference between the act of creating and the act of sharing. They dive into the beauty of local community arts—from community-wide book clubs to anonymous "night chalkers" and painted happy stones—proving that you don’t need a mega-stage to make an impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on: • The Myth of "Making It": Redefining success outside of the "super-famous" paradigm. • The Spiderweb Theory: Why burning out for your art is a trap, and how gardening, nature, and rest actually make your work stronger. • Nurturing Childlike Wonder: Practical ways to model creativity for your children and tap into the magical power of imagination as an adult. • The Business of Art: The reality of traditional vs. self-publishing and keeping the emotional vulnerability of creation separate from marketing. Whether you are a writer, a musician, or someone looking to inject a little more play and magic into your daily life, this episode is a warm reminder that your voice matters—even, and perhaps especially, in your own backyard. Key Quote from the Episode: "I have to want to create just to create... Books are one of the bridges between languages, between countries, between ideas. So I would say it's really both the act of creating and then the act of sharing. But I have been trying to focus more on just the act of creating for creation's sake so that I have a better relationship with it." — Jenny Maveety

  • S1 · E5
    May 20 · 1 hr 4 min

    Dare to be championed - with Jaimee Paul

    In this episode, we sit down with Jaimee Paul, a Sydney-based creative and art teacher. Jaimee shares her journey as a realistic watercolor artist who paints "art for purpose" to give animals a voice and connect people with nature and conservation. Together, Anne and Jaimee explore the contrast between having a silly personality and creating serious art, the challenges of managing creative work with ADHD, and the vulnerability of sharing your soul through your craft. Jaimee also opens up about a major turning point in her career: stepping out of her comfort zone, overcoming the guilt of success, and accepting help from friends to manage her business structure so she can focus on painting. In this episode we discuss: • Painting with a Purpose: Jaimee explains her unique practice of painting realistic animal watercolors on canvas to bring meaning and a voice to conservation efforts. • Overcoming the "Broken System": Jaimee discusses navigating her creative career with ADHD, and how she transitioned from being a tired lone wolf into a supported artist. • Stepping into a New Era: How Jaimee found a "unicorn" assistant (a fellow Inspired Collective member!), allowing her to hand over tasks to focus on her art. • The Importance of Art: A heartfelt discussion on why art and music are essential to humanity, helping people feel deeply and escape the heavy realities of the world. Find Jaimee: Website: https://www.jaimeepaul.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimeepaul/• Find out more about our host Anne van Damme (⁠@annevandammesongwriter⁠) Listen to her music on ⁠Spotify⁠or ⁠anywhere else⁠ • Learn everything about Amie McNee (⁠@inspiredtowrite⁠) And ⁠The Inspired Collective⁠

  • S1 · E4
    May 6 · 55 min

    Start small, go big – with Marni Killalea

    In this episode, host Anne van Damme sits down with Australian artist and educator Marni Killalea. Marni has spent over ten years mastering the art of massive, eight-foot pencil drawings. Recently, however, she has stepped away from the familiar grey tones of lead and into the vibrant world of painting women’s bodies. The conversation explores the delicate balance between professional teaching and personal practice. As a visual arts teacher, Marni works with a diverse range of students, from 17-year-olds to retirees. She candidly discusses the her work as a teacher and her own desire to branch out and discover other art forms. In this episode, we discuss: • The "Accidental" Art Business: How a single $50 dog portrait commission on Facebook snowballed into a ten-year career, and why it took Marni nearly a decade to realize she was actually an entrepreneur. • The Power of Scale: Why Marni gravitates toward six-to-eight-foot pieces and how she uses "timer-based productivity" (starting with just 10 or 20 minutes) to overcome the intimidation of a massive blank roll of paper. • The Artistic Split Personality: Why Marni feels like a different person when she paints versus when she draws. We dive into her current exploration of "powerful feminine poses" and her move toward color. • Methodical Creativity: A step-by-step breakdown of how Marni teaches—and uses—the ideation process: from brainstorming and sourcing reference images to technical exploration and finalized composition. • Resilience and Rejection: Marni shares her refreshing take on the "rejection letter," viewing the act of applying for opportunities as a way to breed more opportunity, regardless of the immediate outcome. • Protection of the Craft: Why Marni chooses to keep a steady teaching job rather than relying solely on art sales, allowing her the freedom to explore her "artistic voice" without the crushing financial pressure of commissions. • The In-Person Craving: A reflection on the "anti-connection" movement against social media algorithms, and why real-time, in-person creative spaces are vital for the modern artist. Marni concludes with a powerful piece of advice for anyone feeling stuck: start with ten minutes. By removing the requirement for meaning or "gallery-worthy" results, you allow the practice itself to become the meditation. Whether you are a painter, a songwriter, or a hobbyist, this episode is a deep dive into the discipline, patience, and joy required to live an authentic creative life. Find Marni: On facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marnikornelukartist/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnikillalea_art/ • Find out more about our host Anne van Damme (⁠@annevandammesongwriter⁠) Listen to her music on ⁠Spotify⁠ or ⁠anywhere else⁠ • Learn everything about Amie McNee and her book We Need Your Art (⁠@inspiredtowrite⁠) And ⁠The Inspired Collective⁠

  • S1 · E3
    April 22 · 58 min

    Trust in your purpose - with Clenda Sabrina Lahr

    What happens when you stop trying to cram your creativity into a single box? In this episode, Anne van Damme sits downwith multi-faceted artist and somatic coach Clenda Sabrina Lahr to discuss the messy, magical reality of living a creative life. From the ‘internal knock’ of a new poem to the pressure of turning a passion into a profession, Anne and Clenda explorethe thin line between ‘serious art’ and the ‘silly little paintings’ that keep us whole. They dive into: • The Power of Claiming the Title: How Clenda decided to simply "become" a writer by choice. • The Vessel Theory: Discussing Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic and the feeling of ideas flowing through us. • The "Unlearning" Process: How to find the spark of joy again after years of professional pressure and academic study. • Private vs. Public: How to decide which creations are for the world and which are just for the "offline" self. Whether you’re a songwriter, a painter, or someone who feels like a multi-faceted creative, this episode is a permission slip to call yourself an artist—regardless of the output. Find Clenda on: INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/velvet.sun.indigo • VELVET SUN INDIGO @‌Substack: https://substack.com/@velvetsunindigo • RAW LIFE ARTIST Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1xMdzXumL7qHMzEf9idSua?si=856eb87d7c3f4fb7 • REBEL HEART’S MODERN LOVE @‌Substack https://substack.com/@rebelheartsmodernlove -------------------------------------- Find out more about our host Anne van Damme(⁠@annevandammesongwriter⁠) Listen to her music on ⁠Spotify⁠or ⁠anywhere else⁠ Learn everything about Amie McNee (⁠@inspiredtowrite⁠) And ⁠The Inspired Collective⁠ ♥♥♥ The lyrics to the Creative Church theme song: Inspired minds feel the urge Devotion brings you to Creative Church Artist share your thoughts All you are is enough

  • S1 · E2
    April 8 · 1 hr 2 min

    Be compassionate with yourself – with Jayme Serbell

    It’s time for Creative Church! In this episode, our host Anne van Damme sits down with writer and artist Jayme Serbell. What started as a slow-paced multi-year plan for her memoir was suddenly fast-tracked by a ‘sign from the universe’ and a rare opportunity with her dream literary agent. This conversation explores the intersection of creativity, healing, and the courage to speak about the things most people keep secret. Please note this episode also contains honest and deeply personal conversations regarding pregnancy loss, the loss of a child, and medical experiences. Jayme is an open book and so wonderfully shares all her magical insights with us. Find out more about our guest Jayme Serbell on her Substack, Instagram or recent features on Huffpost and Business Insider Find out more about our host Anne van Damme (@annevandammesongwriter) Listen to her music on Spotify, AppleMusic, or anywhere else Learn everything about Amie McNee (@inspiredtowrite) And The Inspired Collective The lyrics to the Creative Church theme song: Inspired minds feel the urge Devotion brings you to Creative Church Artist share your thoughts All you are is enough

  • S1 · E1
    March 25 · 1 hr 22 min

    Make it exist - with Yoshi Arima

    Welcome to our very first episode! This podcast is made out of love and devotion to all art and artists around the world. You’ve made it here, so you must be one of us. Creative Church is a podcast inside The Inspired Collective, an online community where artists gather to talk honestly about the creative life. Each episode features a conversation with a member of the Collective about their creative practice. Conversations explore the real experience of being an artist: doubt, devotion, creative breakthroughs and the strange and beautiful process of making something from nothing. Creative Church exists to remind artists that they are not alone and that creative community matters. Our host is our very own, singer-songwriter, artist, Anne van Damme. Find out more about our guest Yoshi Arima (@heartofyoshi) His daily inspiring cartoon: @spaceman_yoshi His retro art: @eighties_yoshi Find out more about our host Anne van Damme (@annevandammesongwriter) Listen to her music on Spotify or anywhere else Learn everything about Amie McNee (@inspiredtowrite) And The Inspired Collective The lyrics to the Creative Church theme song: Inspired minds feel the urge Devotion brings you to Creative Church Artist share your thoughts All you are is enough

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