Unleash Your Inner Creative with Lauren LoGrasso

On this episode I talk about what is happening in the United States & share my support of Black Lives Matter. I talk about why creativity & Imagination are necessary tools for social change, why shame is NOT a social justice tool, how to be a better ally, tools to make a difference, the importance of talking with people you're close to and I also pose the question: why is it so hard for you to talk about race? These are all things I am working through everyday now, and they are tough conversations to have and concepts to think about, but nothing could be tougher than another black life lost to police brutality. I struggled with whether to do a show this week, I figured as a white woman, why does my voice matter and what if I say the wrong thing? But what I have found in my education thus far, is that the only thing worse than saying the wrong thing would be to look at injustice and say nothing, because then you're complicit. For black listeners, I love you, I see you, I hear you and I promise to keep fighting with and for you. For non-black listeners, I encourage you to educate yourself and speak up today and click the links below for more info on how to help our black brothers and sisters. This is the link I referenced on the show--full of great ways to write emails, texts & make calls, petitions, education: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/  This is an AMAZING list of 100 black-owned Etsy Shops - Support Black Creatives! Buy something from here: https://themadmommy.com/black-owned-etsy-shops/?fbclid=IwAR2uTJwx3pUSQTSL0g9YgB7PHQH8dgV88fPIYiAGYLrNadIPCATo_e5d1AA This article talks about what we're missing when we condemn "Violence" at protests: https://www.vox.com/first-person/2020/5/29/21274891/george-floyd-cop-arrested-minneapolis-breonna-taylor?fbclid=IwAR36xkqYOmLPRZc_nscG1jobE17EbjBaJ_u4SM8FeY7MisTIN-ZRJdEwavY  This is a list of anti-racism resources for white people (lots of books, podcasts, movies, etc.): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/mobilebasic --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

Today's episode is packed with some of the most takeaway of any show I've done to date! First you'll hear me do a creative check in about how lack of specificity can inhibit us from getting what we want. Then I dive into my interview with Susan Robertson. Susan is a Harvard Lecturer, Innovation thought leader, consultant to world-leading companies and a performing artist. She is best known for being an instructor on innovation and applied creativity at Harvard’s Professional Development Program and for working with and teaching some of the world’s largest brands about innovation including Pepsico, Clorox and Bank of America. I wanted to have Susan on because she has tangible advice on how to overcome the negativity bias, which is our tendency not only to register negative stimuli more readily but also to dwell on these events. This bias has an incredible negative effect not only on our creativity as individuals, but as leaders and when we work creatively in groups. Overcoming it is a game-changer! From this conversation, you'll learn:  -What the negativity bias & and three simple steps to overcome it! -How to start reclaiming your creative nature, if you've lost it -The danger of the phrase, “yes but” -The KEY to Great problem solving -What the status quo bias is and how to overcome it -How to get out of your golden (or rusty metal) handcuffs -How to lead as an employee and create a more creative environment  -The difference between innovation & creativity -How you can creatively pivot during the pandemic  And much more! Listen my single, "Rise" out Now: https://ffm.to/laurenlograssorise Read my People Magazine Article: https://people.com/music/lauren-lograsso-new-song-rise/ Follow the show @UnleashYourInnerCreative & @LaurenLoGrasso for updates and exclusive content! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

On this solo episode, I delve into some deeply vulnerable topics including the importance of journaling (and some of my younger and somewhat embarrassing failed attempts at it), tips for how to keep a simple journal now to keep track of your days in quarantine, a meditation practice that will change your life, how I’m working on learning to detach from all the unhealthy and unsustainable ways I get validation (and how to recognize what yours are, the profound impact it has when someone in a position of power sees you, the importance of righteous anger and why I wish every adult (that has a non-toxic primary family) could live with their family of origin at some point. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

On this episode of Unleash, I talk with Adaire Byerly, Founder and CEO of Entertainment Mindframe, a company paving the way for the understanding the Brain function of Creatives. After working for a decade as a professional model and actress, Adaire saw the unprofessional patterns and behaviors that were considered a normality in the industry. These observations led her to dive into years of research surrounding the Brain, and transition into a space that has been long neglected in the Fashion & Entertainment.... The Mind. Today Adaire is a licensed Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programing and Neuroplasticity and also certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques & works with creative and entertainment professionals to help them optimize creativity, best business practices and individual/company growth through Cognitive Sciences. From this episode, you’ll learn: Tactics to create dopamine naturally The science behind manifesting How to increase creativity What makes the brains of creative people different (and how to increase this potential in your own brain) How to get better at hearing the word, ‘no’ The difference between fear and danger How to make a big career transition Why creative life has so many ups and downs, from a neurological perspective And much more! Listen my single, "Rise" out Now: https://ffm.to/laurenlograssorise Read my People Magazine Article: https://people.com/music/lauren-lograsso-new-song-rise/ Follow the show @UnleashYourInnerCreative & @LaurenLoGrasso for updates and exclusive content! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

Geoff Stults is an actor, writer and producer best known for his roles on TV shows such as 7th Heaven, Grace and Frankie and Little Fires Everywhere and movies such as The Break Up, Wedding Crashers, 12 Strong and Unforgettable.  Geoff is also from Michigan and he and his brother George (unknowingly) played a very important role in inspiring me to believe I could pursue a career in entertainment. From our conversation you’ll learn: · The WILD way Geoff got his start in Hollywood (Hint it has to do with crashing auditions) · Tips for people pursuing multiple creative paths · Advice for young actors · How Geoff & I originally connected Plus, we also take a VERY deep dive into his backstory, which provides some great life lessons. I hope the trip down Geoff's memory lane allows you to do the same in your life, as you trace your creative journey. Listen my single, "Rise" out Now: https://ffm.to/laurenlograssorise Read my People Magazine Article: https://people.com/music/lauren-lograsso-new-song-rise/ Follow the show @UnleashYourInnerCreative & @LaurenLoGrasso for updates and exclusive content! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

Shelly Peiken is a Grammy Award Nominated songwriter, an artist and author, best known for writing songs for the likes of Christina Aguilera, Mandy Moore, Meredith Brooks, Miley Cyrus, NSYNC, Brandi, Demi Lovato and so many more. Shelly has an incredible songwriting resume, including one of my favorite songs, “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks. She had the first number 1 song of the new millennium with, “What a Girl Wants” by Christina Aguilera. Twenty years later, after a whole career of writing for other people’s voices, she finally decided it was time to step forward and put her songs out, herself. She did this by revisiting some of her most beloved hits with an album called 2.0, which will be out this summer. From our conversation you’ll learn: The backstory of how her first hit song, “Bitch” was written Why she almost gave up right before she got her first hit How songwriting has changed in the last 20 years How to know who to take creative advice from Why the universe responds when you follow what feels good Behind the scenes details of what it was like to almost work with Britney Spears (and what she's really like) Why it can be an advantage to hustle and even struggle for a while before you make it Tips for Creative Moms Pre-save Shelly’s New Song: https://cmg.ffm.to/notebook Listen my single, "Rise" out Now: https://ffm.to/laurenlograssorise Read my People Magazine Article: https://people.com/music/lauren-lograsso-new-song-rise/ Follow the show @UnleashYourInnerCreative & @LaurenLoGrasso for updates and exclusive content! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

On today's show, I do a creative check in about the importance of shedding labels that do not serve you and some big lessons my recent single release, "Rise" brought up. Later, I sit down with Megan Gallagher. She is an author, mental health advocate, public speaker and host, best known for her work on AfterBuzz TV, her TedX talks and for being a best-selling author on Amazon! From our conversation you’ll learn practical tools to manage anxiety, how to figure out your triggers, hear your inner voice, what a panic attack REALLY feels like, clues from your body about your mental health, the biggest misconception about therapy, how to break into public speaking, self-publish a book and so much more! Listen my single, "Rise" out Now: https://ffm.to/laurenlograssorise Read my People Magazine Article: https://people.com/music/lauren-lograsso-new-song-rise/ Follow the show @UnleashYourInnerCreative & @LaurenLoGrasso for updates and exclusive content! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

This solo episode starts with a creative challenge to help us all get a little more unleashed during this time. I also reveal a big decision I made that has greatly impacted me on a human and creative level. I walk you through how you can use often overlooked objects to reengage with pieces of yourself that have gotten lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life. I also discuss importance of reconnecting with old friends and schoolmates who truly saw you and why this is a great time to get back in touch. Finally, I talk about my upcoming release of my new single, "Rise" and why I believe this is actually one of the BEST times to release a new creation out into the world.  Pre-Save my single, "Rise" out Friday, 04/17: https://ffm.to/laurenlograssorise  Join me on Instagram (@LaurenLoGrasso) for a live concert this Friday, 04/17 at 6:30pm PST/ 9:30pm EST!  Follow the show @UnleashYourInnerCreative for updates and exclusive content!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

On  this week's episode my best friend, Jonny Manganello and I reminisce on some of the funny and creative things that we did together and separately during our teenage and college years and early 20s.  We talk about how it might be helpful to replicate some of the things you did for fun in high school, now since there are similar barriers in place as we quarantine. We also talk about defining moments in our young lives that taught us who we really were, how to set boundaries and stand up for ourselves -we walk you through how to find similar moments in your own journey and use them as a guidebook for how to find strength when you're not feeling yourself. Finally, we talk about creative monsters and saviors and an exercise you might think about doing to banish the monster and thank the savior. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

On this quickie episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative I do a quick creative check in about a recent revelation I had about rejection and opinions and other people's taste when it comes to your creative projects. I also let you in on the fact that Unleash is now moving to Wednesdays! This is the last Tuesday episode and tomorrow (yes Wed, 04/08) there will be a brand new episode with my bestie Jonny Manganello talking all about our most awkward and hilarious audition stories + the weirdness of theatre school. Hope you're staying safe and healthy. I love you and I believe in you! On The Unleash Your Inner Creative: If you like what you hear, remember to rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend! And, join our creative community by following @UnleashYourInnerCreative on Instagram & Facebook and @UrInnerCreative on Twitter! Follow host @LaurenLoGrasso You can download Lauren's debut single, "Road To Glory" HERE!  Watch the “Road To Glory” music video HERE! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

Jen is a friend, co-founder and chief creative officer of the lifestyle brand ban.do, podcaster, social media queen and the author of the newly released book, The Upside of Being Down.  Jen was my first-ever guest on Unleash just over a year ago. We first met When I produced her Podcast, Jen Gotch is Ok...Sometimes, and she has been a major creative and emotional influence in my life, ever since.I wanted to have Jen on this time to talk all about the process of writing a book: what it really takes, the ups and downs, breaking points where she almost gave up and breakthroughs that made the rollercoaster of creating all worth it. From our conversation you’ll learn tips to write and publish a book, overcome rejection, why creative timing is always perfect, the power of solitude + WTF REALLY Happened In The Dessert! While this conversation happened prior to quarantine, it has lots of tips, tricks and laughs that will help you get through the time we’re in right now. So without further adieu, here she is, Jen Gotch! Note: Interview starts at about 9 minutes in! For the first few minutes of the show, I do a creative check in about what’s going on in the world and offer up some coping tools I’ve been using to help navigate this new and, at times, unsettling territory. On The Unleash Your Inner Creative: If you like what you hear, remember to rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend! And, join our creative community by following @UnleashYourInnerCreative on Instagram & Facebook and @UrInnerCreative on Twitter! Follow host @LaurenLoGrasso You can download Lauren's debut single, "Road To Glory" HERE!  Watch the “Road To Glory” music video HERE! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

On today’s episode Lauren talks with one of her best friends, Steffi Hill. Steffi is an actress, writer and Psychic Medium, known as Spirit Sis. This episode contains a lot of great tips, in addition to some deep spiritual insight and some really hilarious moments. Some topics covered include: How life has changed and emotions you might feel when you go out  How this is bringing you closer to others and yourself The power of gratitude- and how to form a gratitude practice The Top meme sources to bring you joy Some of the silver linings of this difficult moment How to set boundaries with social media Tactics to protect your energy How to decompress and take care of yourself if you are working a lot during quarantine What human design is and how you can best use yours Why it’s a great time to learn something new Why this is a great time to date Our thoughts on love is blind What shadow work is How to play creative games with Netflix Insider info from the CDC The proper way to get takeout food (and the anxiety it can provoke) How to properly clean a package Candid Talk about anxiety during this time and what you can do about it What a past life regression and how one could help you Tips for people in relationships --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

On this solo episode Lauren talks about what's on everyone's mind: The Coronavirus. She shares her fears and how she found a way to turn them into a wakeup call and call to action for how she'll live post-quarantine, tools she's using and recommends you use to ease your anxiety, how to support yourself and other creatives who are out of work, the reason why this is a perfect time for you to start and release your creative project and how to get creative with your quarantine and maintain sanity!  On The Unleash Your Inner Creative: If you like what you hear, remember to rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend! And, join our creative community by following @UnleashYourInnerCreative on Instagram, Facebook & Tik Tok and @UrInnerCreative on Twitter! Follow host @LaurenLoGrasso You can download Lauren's debut single, "Road To Glory" here: https://ffm.to/roadtoglory Watch the “Road To Glory” music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTpWmp_3Dh4 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

Kathy Wakile is a Best-Selling Cookbook Author, restaurateur, chef, Jewelry designer, reality star, Mother and Wife! Of course, we all know Kathy from her time on The New Jersey Housewives, but her creative story sparked long before she ever came into our hearts via Bravo TV. Kathy’s creative journey started in art as a child and shifted into hair styling as her first big creative gig. After she had her kids, she decided to pour her creativity into homemaking and raising her children, but the yearning in her heart, called her back to creative life. She slowly found a way to turn all of her hobbies into businesses by the way of a dessert line, cookbooks, her restaurant, Pizza Love, a culinary school and now, her podcast, Eat, Live, Love, Indulge.  She does all of this while keeping her family her top priority and often, even including or partnering with them on her creative endeavors. From the Conversation you’ll learn: Tips to overcome initial creative rejection How to recover after family trauma How doing reality TV both helped and hurt her creatively How to survive business as a sensitive person How to turn passion into a career How to use your heritage to inform your creative life Tips for working with your spouse and much more! On The Unleash Your Inner Creative: If you like what you hear, remember to rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend! And, join our creative community by following @UnleashYourInnerCreative on Instagram, Facebook & Tik Tok and @UrInnerCreative on Twitter! Follow host @LaurenLoGrasso You can download Lauren's debut single, "Road To Glory" here: https://ffm.to/roadtoglory Watch the “Road To Glory” music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTpWmp_3Dh4 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message

Brooklyn Queen is a musical artist, social media maven and fellow Detroiter, best known for her viral hits, “Emoji” And “Kiki Taught Me” in addition to having millions of followers across various social platforms, collaborating with legends such as Trina and being featured on SiriusXM and Fox! From our conversation, you’ll learn how to: Gain confidence Block Negativity Understand & Master Tik Tok Know when you’ve found your passion Make creativity a family affair Carve out a brand on social media Utilize social media for your creative passion Make a dedication about a business partnership Be a creative force Beat out the algorithm and grow Plus, Why you need to get on dubs mash Why Queens don’t compete What you can expect from upcoming singles A view inside her writing process How to get unblocked creatively Advice for other people who want to do music And More! On The Unleash Your Inner Creative: If you like what you hear, remember to rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend! And, join our creative community by following @UnleashYourInnerCreative on Instagram, Facebook & Tik Tok and @UrInnerCreative on Twitter! Follow host @LaurenLoGrasso You can download Lauren's debut single, "Road To Glory" here: https://ffm.to/roadtoglory  Watch the “Road To Glory” music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTpWmp_3Dh4 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unleashyourinnercreative/message