Advertise on podcast: Nourishing Creativity with Chef Carla Contreras (formerly Show Up Fully)

“You just need to unplug and then you are re-sparked with new creative ideas.” — Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack This episode is your invitation to think about what sustains your creativity. I’m joined by Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, food blogger, cookbook author, and creator of Muy Bueno. For the past 16 years, Yvette has been sharing Mexican recipes inspired by her grandmother from Chihuahua, Mexico, and her upbringing in El Paso, Texas. We talk about how her creativity and business continue to evolve, from food blogging and cookbook writing to photography, storytelling, Substack, and curated culinary trips to Mexico. Yvette shares what’s inspiring her as she works on her next cookbook, The Best of Muy Bueno. Yvette shares about bringing together recipes, family history, storytelling, color, branding, and creating a visual identity that feels distinctly hers. We also get into the less obvious parts of sustaining a creative career: taking care of your health, getting out of the house, finding community, traveling, unplugging, and giving yourself permission to step away from the work. We go behind the scenes of recipe development and why Yvette knows what feels obvious to an expert may not be obvious to the person cooking your recipes. Reader comments and feedback has become a way that she continues refining recipes that have lived on her blog for years (and some will appear in her new book). Whether you’re building a creative business, working on a book, navigating a creative block, craving more community, or figuring out how to take better care of yourself while doing the work you love, this conversation is a reminder that you get to create space that supports your creative process. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript on Substack. Resources Mentioned: * Muy Bueno Blog * Cocina to Career Questions to Reflect On: Sit with these questions: Journal, take them on a walk, create a voice note, chat with a friend, or sit with a cup of tea and reflect on them. * Where am I finding inspiration outside of my work right now? * What helps me feel creatively re-energized when I’ve been working alone for too long? * What am I trying to do alone that could become more interesting through collaboration? * What makes my creative work recognizable as mine? * What happens to my creativity when I give myself permission to unplug? Leave a comment below or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras and @muybuenocooking to share your takeaways from the episode. xo Carla PS: Need space for your creative projects and dreams? Upgrade to paid for access to Nourished Creator Studio, weekly Creative Study Hall Sessions, and Creative Chat. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

What does it mean to choose yourself and your creative life, especially when the people around you might not understand that choice. In this first audio newsletter of Nourishing Creativity, I’m reflecting on the willingness it takes to say yes your ideas, projects, and creative dreams. Inspired by My Brilliant Career, a new series on Netflix, which is also a book. Without giving you spoilers, through line of this series is choosing yourself. When you choose yourself, it can feel radical and it can also come with trade-offs which I am reading about in Emma Grede’s book, Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life. Over the past year, I’ve supported clients who are creating while navigating grief, illness, caregiving, and major life transitions. And yet, they’re still creating Substack publications, recording podcasts, writing books, sharing their ideas, and thinking about the legacy they want to leave behind. I’m experiencing this in my own creative practice too. While cleaning out a closet, I found a letter I wrote to myself at the end of 2023 that included a reminder to create my creative planner. Three years later, that project is tapping me on the shoulder like my podcast guest, Luna Battalia said. If there’s a book, podcast, Substack, or idea that’s asking you to co-create with this season, this is your invitation to say yes. And if you think this is just for others or that you don’t have the insert: Time, energy, or money. Sit with the question of willingness in the last newsletter. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with me on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras xo Carla PS: Upgrade to Founding Member on Substack to book your Mini-Content Audit: Get unstuck, and take aligned action. I can’t wait to hear about what you are creating! Need more support work with me here. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the energy practices for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when the identity you’ve spent years building no longer feels aligned? In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the evolution of my work, the grief of letting go of an identity, and the unexpected freedom that comes from allowing yourself to become someone new. This is a continuation of two earlier podcast conversations Follow the Energy and The Life, Death, and Rebirth of Chef Carla and together they’ve become an exploration of creative identity, visibility, and what it means to step into who you are today, even if you don’t know the next step. For more than a decade, many people have known me as Chef Carla. That identity opened opportunities and shaped my career in food media. But over the past year, I’ve realized food was never the whole story. What has always lit me up is helping people bring their ideas to life. Now, I help clients launch books and products, build content ecosystems, find their voice on Substack, and connect the dots between all the ways they show up in the world. I’m not just helping people create content. I am supporting people to create, share and build the creative visibility that allows them and their work to be seen. I share the story of losing my dream opportunity. That unexpected loss forced me to rethink not only my business, but also who I believed I was. Sometimes growth doesn’t come from getting what we want, it comes from learning who we are when those plans fall apart. Yes, I love Pema and regularly read, The Wisdom of No Escape. I talk about how creating Creative Visibility Summer with Valerie Oula has become an anchor during my own identity shift. How I am saying yes to opportunities and share about creating in-person events like Substack Creative Club and how it’s helping me build a business that feels deeply aligned with who I am now. If you’re navigating a career transition, redefining your creative identity, or thinking of releasing a title, business, or version of yourself that no longer aligns, I hope this episode reminds you that reinvention is part of the creative process. You are always being supported and we are holding the vision for you and your next evolution. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get transcript here on Substack. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with me on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras xo Carla PS: Upgrade to Founding Member on Substack to book your Mini-Content Audit: Get unstuck, and take aligned action. I can’t wait to hear about what you are creating! Note: Check your inbox for the code. Need more support work with me here. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the energy practices for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

"Innovation is what makes me excited to show up to work." — Emma Grace Moon This episode is your invitation to rethink what success looks like and how creativity can become your greatest competitive advantage. I’m joined by founder of Praize, Emma Grace Moon, for a conversation about AI, entrepreneurship, creativity, burnout, and why moving from New York City to Paris transformed the way she leads her business and her life. Emma shares how building a data-driven strategy consultancy has taught her that creativity isn’t limited to artists. Whether she’s helping brands understand AI search, measuring the impact of PR, or building innovative strategies for clients, creativity shows up through curiosity, experimentation, and staying ahead of what’s next. We also explore the relationship between creativity and place. After years of building her business in New York City, Emma realized she was burnt out and disconnected from herself. A series of travels led her to Paris. She shares how shorter workdays, stronger boundaries, and creating space outside of work have actually made her a better leader while helping her business grow. Toward the end of our conversation, Emma shares her approach to public speaking, creative confidence, and moving through self-doubt. Rather than over-preparing, she trusts the knowledge she’s built through years of experience. In addition to the support of affirmations, breathwork, and nervous system regulation. Whether you’re navigating burnout, building a business, exploring AI, dreaming of living abroad, or looking for new ways to nourish your creativity, this conversation is a reminder that your environment, curiosity, and willingness to evolve (and shut the laptop) all shape the work you’re here to create. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras and @emmagracemoon to share your takeaways from the episode. xo Carla PS: Need space for your creative projects and dreams? Upgrade to paid for access to Nourished Creator Studio, weekly Creative Study Hall Sessions, and Creative Chat. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

"Creativity has its own frequency, its own energy, and it's meant to be experienced in the present moment." — Ania Volovique This episode is your invitation to trust yourself more deeply, soften into the present moment, and make space for creativity to move through you. I’m joined by brand oracle and somatic photographer Ania Volovique for a conversation about intuition, creativity, somatic healing, and the life-changing lessons she learned through her experience with brain cancer. Ania believes creativity isn’t something you either have or don’t have, it’s a living energy that wants to move uniquely through each of us. Rather than forcing ideas into existence or following someone else’s blueprint, she invites us to become deeply present, trusting that inspiration arrives when we create enough space to receive it, just like her upcoming trip to Paris. We also dive into Ania’s unique approach to somatic photography and coaching. Whether she’s photographing a brand, guiding a client through a somatic practice, or holding space in a mentorship session, her process begins with presence. She shares how paying attention to body language, energy, and listening to her intuition allows her to co-create with each client. Ania shares her story of navigating a brain cancer diagnosis. Rather than resisting, she chose surrender. She shaved her head, created a beach photo shoot, and leaned into creativity as part of her healing process. Through that journey, she discovered that our greatest challenges can become profound invitations to reconnect with ourselves, trust life more deeply, and find freedom even in uncertainty. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that creativity flows when we soften our grip, trust our intuition, and create spaciousness for something greater to move through us. Whether you’re navigating a difficult season, moving through creative blocks, building a business, or longing to reconnect with yourself, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and open to what’s possible. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras and @aniavolovique to share your takeaways from the episode. xo Carla PS: Working on your visibility this summer? Join me and Valerie Oula inside the Creative Visibility Summer Immersion our next session is Monday, July 13th. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

"The absence of social and the introduction of more silence is what's nourishing my creativity." — Jessica Murnane This episode is your invitation to rethink creativity through the lens of nature, generosity, and play. I’m joined by gardener, author, horticultural therapy practitioner, and founder of Basker, Jessica Murnane, for a conversation about growing cut flowers, stepping away from social media, and cultivating a creative life that feels deeply nourishing. Jessica shares how gardening became a turning point in her own healing journey after recovering from major surgery. What started as learning to grow cut flowers evolved into a practice of creativity, hope, and connection. She explains why gardening isn’t just about growing plants. It’s about growing calm, reducing stress, creating community, and reconnecting with yourself. We talk about creativity beyond productivity and the pressure to monetize every hobby. Jessica reflects on creating simply for the joy of making, whether that’s growing varieties of cosmos, arranging flowers, or filling your home with beauty that doesn’t need to become a business. Creativity, she reminds us, can simply exist for you. Jessica also shares why she made the bold decision to leave Instagram. After years of creating online, she realized social media was limiting her creativity through comparison, noise, and constant visibility. Instead, she now finds inspiration through books, magazines, silence, and nature, while creating her own “social feed” directly on her website as a slower, more intentional way to share her work. Whether you’re growing a flower garden, writing a book, taking a break from social media, or looking for a gentler way to nourish your creativity, this conversation is a reminder that creativity doesn’t always ask us to be “on”. In fact, Jessica is on a break from her Substack. Perhaps, you can align yourself with her vibe, even for a moment, this summer. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @jessicamurnane to share your takeaways from the episode. xo Carla PS: Working on your visibility this summer? Join me and Valerie Oula inside the Creative Visibility Summer Immersion. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“If you even have an inkling of something that you have been wanting to share, do it. It's time.” — Valerie Oula This episode is your invitation to stop waiting for the perfect moment, start creating and sharing your work, ideas, and dreams. I’m joined by energy medicine practitioner and founder of Modern Ritual NYC, Valerie Oula, for a conversation about visibility, intuition, and creativity. Valerie shares how creativity is deeply connected to intuition. She believes creativity begins by listening to the nudges that keep returning and also having the courage to take action when they do. We explore what happens when inspiration meets implementation and why some ideas refuse to leave us alone until we bring them into the world. We take you behind the scenes of how the Creative Visibility Summer Immersion was born. Spoiler: It started as a Instagram DM about showing up and quickly evolved into a container. Together, we’re co-creating a space for accountability, creative play, nervous system support, and bringing your ideas to life. Valerie shares how Human Design, astrology, meditation, and energy work all shape her creative process. As a Manifesting Generator, she reflects on the importance of following the spark, trusting what excites her, balancing out with periods of solitude, and also being with community and human connection. We dive into creative blocks through the lens of astrology, particularly Chiron, the wounded healer. Valerie explains how our deepest wounds can become pathways to growth, visibility, and creative expression. Sometimes the very thing we’re afraid to share is the thing we’re here to offer. The through line of this podcast conversation is about giving yourself permission and having the courage to do the darn thing. Whether you’re dreaming of launching a Substack, writing a book, sharing your art, or starting a podcast this episode is your reminder that you are meant to be seen. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @valerieoula to share your takeaways from the episode. xo Carla PS: Join us inside Creative Visibility Summer Immersion. Questions? Send us a DM and let's chat if it's right for you. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“If I can remember to carve out moments of self-connection, that’s where creativity starts to flow.” — Nicki Sizemore This episode is your invitation to rethink creativity through nourishment, ritual, and presence. I’m joined by cookbook author, recipe developer, and creator of Mind, Body, Spirit Food, Nicki Sizemore for a conversation about creativity, burnout, entrepreneurship, and the small practices that help us reconnect to ourselves. Nicki shares how years of overworking, blogging, recipe development, and entrepreneurship eventually led to a major burnout that changed the way she approached creativity and her business. What once felt controlled, scheduled, and productivity-driven slowly transformed into a more intuitive, nourishing, and surrendered creative process. We talk about how creativity often emerges through necessity, whether that’s cooking from what’s already in your kitchen, writing through difficult moments, or allowing ideas to arrive instead of forcing them. Nicki reflects on writing her book, Mind, Body, Spirit Food and how the process felt less like “writing” and more like allowing a creative force to co-create with her.  Nicki also shares the BEST practice, a simple ritual she created to bring more intention and presence into cooking and daily life: Breathe, Engage Your Senses, Set an Intention, Thank Your Food, and Thank Your Body. What started as a way to survive burnout in the kitchen became a deeper practice of nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and creative connection.  We also explore entrepreneurship, overdoing, creative blocks, and the difficult but transformative process of saying no. Nicki opens up about walking away from successful sponsorship work that no longer felt aligned and learning how to build a business rooted in nourishment instead of constant hustle. This episode is a reminder that creativity sometimes begins with a deep breath, connecting to your senses, and allowing yourself to slow down enough to listen. The answers you are looking for are right inside you, if you take a beat to tune in and allow creativity to co-create with you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @nickisizemore to share your takeaways from the episode. xo Carla PS: Upgrade to paid for access to Nourished Creator Studio, Creative Study Hall, and the Creative Chat to help you stay consistent and move your ideas forward. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“Your nervous system has to feel safe enough to receive the life you’re trying to create.” — Nitika Chopra This episode is your invitation to reconnect with your body, truth, and creative life force. I’m joined by Chronicon founder, host, and brand spokesperson Nitika Chopra for a deep conversation about nervous system healing, creativity, chronic illness. Nitika shares the life-altering experience of being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular disease. After years in the self-help world and building a successful business centered around wellness and chronic illness advocacy, she found herself at a point that forced her to reevaluate everything. Through nervous system work, bioenergetics, and somatic practices, Nitika began reconnecting to what she calls the “pure” version of herself, the unfiltered, truthful version underneath it all. We explore how creativity changes when you stop creating from survival mode and begin creating from truth. We also talk about the evolution of creativity in business, from building Chronicon to learning how to support herself while holding space for others. Nitika shares her perspective on creative magnetism, why authenticity creates impact, and how trusting yourself can completely transform the way you work and create. Whether you’re navigating burnout, chronic illness, creative blocks, or craving a more aligned way of living and working, this episode is a reminder that your creativity thrives when your nervous system feels safe enough to receive the life you are trying to create. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @nitikachopra to share your takeaways from the episode. xo Carla PS: Upgrade to paid for access to Nourished Creator Studio, Creative Study Hall, and the Creative Chat to help you stay consistent and move your ideas forward. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“We often focus on our goals, but rarely on the support systems that make those goals possible.” —Ciara Kyoko This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through support, community, and self-awareness. I’m joined by Ciara Kiyoko, Human Design guide, community builder, and founder of Kiyoko Verde. She works with entrepreneurs to help them understand their natural way of creating and build businesses that feel aligned and supportive. Ciara shares how her work blends Human Design and subconscious practices to help people move out of pressure and into creative flow. What began as her own journey out of the corporate world became a deeper exploration of what it actually means to feel supported while building something of your own. We talk about the role of community in creativity and how entrepreneurship can often feel like an echo chamber. Ciara shares how creating intentional spaces for connection, like her business circles, can shift not only how we create, but how we see what’s possible. We also explore creative blocks through the lens of Human Design, and how environment, energy, and support systems all play a role in unlocking ideas. From working in a café to traveling to new places, sometimes the shift is in changing the conditions around you. Whether you’re building a business, navigating a creative block, or simply looking for a more supportive way to create, this episode is a reminder that creativity doesn’t happen in isolation (as much as we think it does). It’s shaped by the systems, spaces, and community that holds you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @kiykoverde to share your takeaway from the episode. xo Carla PS: Substack curious? Join the next Build Your Substack in a Day Workshop. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latinx & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

Today is my 47 birthday and I have a treat for you! This BTS episode is your invitation to trust your creative evolution, even when it doesn’t look the way you thought it would. I’m taking you behind the scenes of my career from professional kitchens to content creation to fully stepping into content strategy and the moments that changed everything. I share the origin of “Chef Carla,” and how a moment on TV sparked an identity rooted in energy, visibility, and presence. What started in kitchens evolved into working with major brands, creating hundreds of photo shoots, recipes, and campaigns but underneath it all was something deeper, my super power: content strategy. I share the pivotal moments that shaped my path, like the selfie I posted on Instagram after a Cherry Bomb conference that led to working with Bobbi Brown. To the deeper realization that following the energy is what creates momentum in my life. I talk about what it actually means to follow a nudge and how one small action can open doors you. I also share the turning point of my CreativeMornings talk, where I had to face a hard truth: the industry was shifting, and the work I once identified with was changing. What felt like loss became clarity. It revealed what had always been true, my work isn’t just creating content, it’s understanding how it works. I explore the intersection of intuition and strategy, the duality of “Chef Carla” as Manifesting Generator and my more introspective Projector self, and how both are essential to my work. I also share how supporting brands to generate real results, including multiple viral moments, and helped me claim my role as a content strategist. This episode is a reminder that your identity can evolve. That letting go is often part of the creative process. And that your greatest strength might already be present, and you might have yet to name it. Whether you’re navigating a shift in your career or questioning what’s next, this conversation is for you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript on Substack. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with me on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras xo Carla PS: Substack curious? Listen to the podcast episode about building your new digital home on Substack here. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the energy practices for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“What's beyond the limits of your own creativity and your own ability to manifest.” —Victoria Granof This episode is your invitation to rethink everything you’ve been told about creativity, productivity, and what it actually means to be “in flow.” I’m joined by food creative, cookbook author, and creative force Victoria Granof, and we’re diving into the energetic, spiritual, and deeply human side of the creative process. Victoria shares her perspective on creative currency, the idea that creativity is meant to move through you. Instead of chasing ideas or trying to “make it happen,” she invites us to become open conduits, allowing creativity to flow in from something greater. Victoria challenges manifestation, including why she is against vision boards (and why you might want to burn yours). We talk about what it looks like to nourish creativity, from meditation and spiritual practices to hands-on creative experiments like watercolor, cooking, and making just one imperfect thing. Victoria tell us about “kicking a brick out” when you feel blocked, small, physical acts of creativity that shift your energy and open new channels. We also explore the tension between structure and flow, perfectionism and play, and how stepping outside of productivity (yes, doing something just for fun) is often the exact thing that brings your best work back online. This episode is a reminder that creativity doesn’t need to be linear, polished, or profitable to be powerful. Whether you’re feeling creatively blocked, questioning your process, or craving more freedom in how you create, this conversation will be the gentle nudge to finally sign up for the pottery class and perhaps, be more open, present in your own creative process. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @victoriagranof to share your takeaway from the episode. xo Carla PS: Substack curious? Listen to the podcast episode about building your new digital home on Substack here. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the energy practices for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“Cacao isn’t just a drink, it’s an invitation to reconnect with yourself.” — Laura Huaman This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through connection, ancestry, and ritual. I’m joined by Laura Huaman, former Stanford scientist, Peruvian native, and founder of KUYU. She’s on a mission to bring health, happiness, and connection through cacao and Peruvian superfoods. Laura shares the pivotal moment of her first cacao ceremony in Austria. That experience didn’t just change her relationship with cacao, it changed the trajectory of her life. What began as a search for clarity in a tech career became a journey back to her roots, her culture, and the jungles of Peru. Laura shares the story of Señor Efraín, a cacao farmer in Quillabamba, whose relationship to cacao is deeply personal. His words “cacao means love”became a guiding force in Laura’s brand. Through packaging, sourcing, and storytelling, Laura aims to transmit that love from Pachamama to your cup. Whether you’re building a brand, reconnecting to your ancestry, or seeking more presence in your daily life, this episode reminds you that creativity thrives when you honor both science and spirit. For Laura that means a cup of cacao is more than a nourishing drink, it’s a reconnection to her purpose. Questions to Reflect On: Sit with these questions: Journal, take them on a walk, create a voice note, chat with a friend, or sit with a cup of cacao and reflect on them. Leave a comment below or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @yourkuyu to share your takeaway from the episode. What rituals in my daily life help me feel grounded and connected? What traditions from my family or culture bring me a sense of belonging? When I feel overwhelmed, what simple practice brings me back to center? Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @yourkuyu to share your takeaway from the episode. xo Carla PS: Substack curious? Join the next Build Your Substack in a Day Workshop. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latinx & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

"The biggest creative block is people getting disconnected from the source of the motivation that made them start.” —Luna Battalia This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of leadership, branding, and creative devotion. I’m joined by leadership mentor and founder of Caru Creative, Luna Battalia. Luna supports service-oriented women and entrepreneurs in building brands and businesses that reflect the deeper purpose behind their work. Luna introduces us to attraction-based branding, a philosophy where your brand presence, messaging, and content work together to magnetize aligned clients before a sales conversation even begins. Instead of convincing or chasing clients, the brand experience itself builds trust and clarity so that when someone reaches out, the decision to work together already feels natural and aligned. We also explore Luna’s belief that creativity is a co-creative process between us and something greater whether you call it the muse, divine inspiration, or creative potential. Luna shares how creative ideas often “choose” us, and our role as creators, leaders, and entrepreneurs is to say yes, nurture them, and bring them into form. This conversation is a powerful reminder that creativity flourishes when we trust our ideas, follow the creative energy, and stay connected to the deeper purpose behind the work. Reminder: Luna encourages founders to develop intimacy with their brand (creations) by listening, observing, and allowing its message to emerge naturally through them as the messenger. Resources Mentioned: Messenger Course Luna’s program on becoming the messenger of your brand and clarifying your voice and positioning use code CARLA for 10% off. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. xo Carla PS: Substack curious? Join the next Build Your Substack in a Day Workshop. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latinx & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

“Writing isn’t just about getting words on the page, it’s about finding a way to express what your day-to-day self can’t always say out loud.” — Caroline Malloy This episode asks you the question, do you really want to write a book? I’m joined by Caroline Malloy, a Chicago-based book coach, editor, and historian. Together, we explore what it takes to move from idea to manuscript and why not every idea needs to become a book. Caroline explains why trying to write for “everyone” dilutes your message and how staying deeply rooted in one specific reader makes your work more powerful and widely relatable. She also unpacks a causal, page-turning narrative that keeps readers engaged. If you feel stuck in your writing or creative work, Caroline offers practical wisdom: Sometimes the most productive thing to do is walk away. You can also shift your focus and work on different parts of a project to maintain joy and creative flow. Whether you’re writing a book or deepening your creative practice this episode will remind you that creativity thrives when it’s supported by the right people, those who help you shape your ideas, stay accountable, and bring them to fruition. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. xo Carla PS: Upgrade to Action + Artistry Studio on Substack for quick-hit micro workshops, BTS Podcast, and simple tools to help you work on your creative dreams now, not someday. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latinx & women owned business. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe