Unleash Your Inner Creative With Lauren Lograsso

Okay creative cutie, we did it again—Unleash just won our third Webby Award (!!), and it's all thanks to YOU. To celebrate, I’m resharing one of my absolute fave episodes with the wildly inspiring Chandrika Tandon. She didn’t pursue music until her 50s, and now, in her 70s, she’s officially a Grammy winner. She just won this year! Her story is living proof that your creative dream wants you back, no matter the timeline. Make sure to follow me on IG so you can help me pick out which Webby outfit I wear and see all the behind the scenes moments! Original Description: Today’s guest is Chandrika Tandon. She is a globally recognized business leader, Grammy-nominated music artist, and humanitarian. She recently released her new album Ammu’s Treasures which features a variety of classic songs and soothing chants for all ages. She also has been profiled in print, on radio, and on television, including in CNBC’s The Brave Ones series.I wanted to have Chandrika on the show  because of her remarkable journey into the wo

What does it mean to truly let go? How do you know when it’s time to move on, trust the journey, and step into a new chapter of your creative life? In this special episode, longtime Unleash producer, mentee, Emmy Award Winning journalist and dear friend, Rachel Fulton joins me to reflect on our three-year creative partnership as she graduates and moves into her new role as a TV reporter and anchor. We talk about the beauty and challenge of mentorship, navigating career transitions, and how leadership rooted in trust and love can change lives. From letting go to growing forward, this conversation is for any creative who’s ready to honor their evolution, embrace new beginnings, and lead with love — both for themselves and the people they create with.From this episode, you’ll learn:-How to build a mentorship that empowers true creative growth-What leadership looks like when it’s rooted in trust and collaboration-Why letting go is an essential, and often overlooked, part of the creative process-How to stay connec

Is there an area of your creativity that feels draining, stuck, or even overwhelming right now even though you deeply love it? Maybe you started with passion and excitement, but lately, it's felt exhausting. You might even be questioning whether it’s worth continuing at all. If so, you’re not alone. In this solo episode, I share the pivotal moment when I almost quit this very podcast…and the shifts I made that saved it (and me). The truth is: sometimes it’s not what you’re doing that’s the problem…it’s how you’re doing it. This episode will help you reimagine your creative process so you can bring back the joy, sustainability, and flow.From this episode, you’ll learn:-How to recognize when burnout is really a process problem, not a purpose problem-A creative reframe that helped me fall back in love with my work-The exact journaling prompts I used to rethink my approach-How to shift from autopilot into intentional creative flow-The truth about changing your approach and output without losing your supporters,

What happens when you challenge yourself to write 100 songs in one year? How can structure, within creativity, free you? In this episode, artist and longtime Unleash listener, Maria (aka her stage name, Monelise), shares how her year-long songwriting experiment helped her reconnect with her creative essence, release perfectionism, and merge her onstage persona with her true self.  From burnout to flow, this conversation is for any creative who’s ready to recommit to their authentic voice, get unblocked and see the limitless potential of your own creativity.From this episode, you’ll learn:-How to create flexible structure that unlocks, not stifles, creative flow-Why showing up every day (even when it’s hard) builds trust with your muse-What to look for in a creative accountability partner-What to do with unreleased creative work and how to stop seeing it as wastedMore on MoneliseUnleash is Nominated for a Webby Award and we need your help to win! Vote here: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podca

Is there a part of your creative life you’ve put on ice? Maybe it got too painful, maybe life got too busy, maybe you felt like you failed or maybe you never even started…But when you think of your creativity and the fact that this piece isn’t in it, you know it’s not right. In this solo episode, I’m opening up about a powerful healing session that uncovered a deep creative wound, which helped me realize what had been missing from my soul. Through a surprising and emotional moment with a cherished family member, I was finally able to see the truth: I had abandoned a vital part of my artistry. This episode is all about helping you rediscover the piece of your creative self you’ve been repressing, and guiding you to bring it back into your life, in a way that feels safe, doable, and healing.If you’ve been feeling creatively off, like something’s missing or as I like to call it, “Grayed out,” you’re not alone. This is your invitation to come home to yourself.From this episode, you’ll learn:-How to identify what

Have you ever felt disconnected from your body—or grieved the version of it you used to know? I have. And in this episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, I’m talking with disability advocate and author Jayne Mattingly about something we don’t hear enough about: body grief, and how it can quietly block our creativity and self-love.Here’s what I’ve come to realize: when we lose trust in our bodies, we often lose connection to ourselves and therefore our creative voice. But when we start rebuilding that trust—even slowly—we open the door to healing, peace, and creative freedom.Jayne created a powerful framework to help us understand and move through body grief, and in this episode, she shares her story, how it applies to you, and how getting into a relationship with your body can shift everything—from how you heal to how you create.From this episode, you’ll learn:-What body grief is and how to recognize it in your own life-The 7 stages of body grief and how to move through them-How to begin rebuilding trust with

Hi Creative. As you may have seen, last week was a very scary week for me. My Dad, who I am extremely close to, was in the ICU for a subdural hematoma. At some point, I will tell the full story, but for today, I am sharing just a little behind the scenes of what has been going on, as well as resharing one of my favorite episodes in honor of my Dad. Please keep him in your prayers and good thoughts for a full recovery. I appreciate you. Original Description: Ciao, Creativo

Are you feeling stuck, torn between two (or more) options, and unsure which path to take? Whether it’s a major life decision or something as simple as choosing what to eat for dinner, I’ve got you.In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing my foolproof, go-to decision-making trick that has never led me astray. This simple yet powerful tool helps you tune into your body’s natural wisdom, so you can ditch overthinking, trust your intuition, and make the right choice—instantly.

What if healing after trauma wasn’t just about survival—but about creativity, reclamation, and transformation? Today’s guest, Marlee Liss, is living proof that healing can look radically different than what we’ve been taught. After experiencing sexual violence, she was thrown into the justice system and quickly realized something: the traditional punitive approach wasn’t leading to healing—it was retraumatizing. So, she did something groundbreaking.Marlee became the first person in North America to advocate for and successfully secure a court-ordered restorative justice process, requiring her assailant to undergo mandated therapy instead of incarceration. Through this process, she proved that true justice isn’t always about punishment—it can be about deep, lasting accountability, healing, and even transformation.This is the second episode in my series on using creativity to change the world—because creativity isn’t just for art. It’s for how we think, how we heal, and how we rebuild broken systems.✨ From this

Hi, creative cutie, as you know, I've been very open and honest about my journey with codependency on the show: my struggles with it, my healing from it, my trying to understand it...In 2022, I was lucky enough to have Melody Beattie author of Codependent No More on the podcast. A couple days ago, Melody's daughter Nichole Beattie posted on her socials sharing that her mother had passed away on February 27th at 10pm. So today, in memory of Melody, and her world-altering and life-changing work, I am resharing our episode. Thank you, Melody, your work changed my life, It helped so many people heal....And it's going to continue to do that for years to come. May you rest in peace and may your work live on forever--teaching all of us to release our shame and to love ourselves at least as much as we love others. Original Description:Today’s guest is Melody Beattie. She’s a New York Times Best Selling Author known for titles such as The Language of Letting Go, Playing It by Heart, The Grief Club, Beyond Codependency

BOO! I’m the ghost of your creative past, and I have one question for you: Do you have unfinished projects haunting you in creative purgatory? What if I told you they're the KEY to getting Unstuck?Have you ever abandoned a creative project, only to forget it existed? What if your best idea is already sitting in your notes, voice memos, or sketchbook—unfinished, unseen, and full of potential?In this episode, I take you inside my own creative ‘graveyard’—a place filled with forgotten voice memos and half-finished songs. What I found completely shocked and inspired me… and it might do the same for you.

What would you do if climate change threatened your home? That’s the reality I faced during the devastating California wildfires—an experience that changed my entire perspective on the climate crisis and our role in it. I realized that climate change isn’t just about the environment—it’s about our safety, our homes, our families, and our future. It’s a human issue. And while it can feel overwhelming, there are ways to fight back—and creativity might just be our greatest tool.So, I’m kicking off a brand-new series on Unleash Your Inner Creative—all about using creativity to solve the world’s biggest issues. And we’re starting with climate change.Today’s guest is Patrick Murphy, a climate expert, nonprofit leader, and a dear friend. He’s here to break down where we’re really at with the climate crisis, why you should care, and the practical steps you can take to make a difference—creatively.From This Episode, You’ll Learn:-Why climate change is one of the greatest human rights issues of our time—and how it impa

Have you ever felt creatively empty—like your spark is just gone? What if I told you that you actually have way more creativity inside you than you realize, but you just haven’t tapped into it yet?In this episode, I had an unexpected moment of inspiration (let’s just say it involved water… and a mess

Are you constantly stressed, overwhelmed, or running on empty?  In today’s episode, I sit down with Nahid de Belgeonne, a renowned somatic movement and nervous system expert, to uncover why we’re all stuck in survival mode—and how to break free. If you’re feeling wired but tired, creatively blocked, or stuck in the cycle of hustle culture, this episode is for you. Nahid, known as the "nervous system whisperer," is the founder of The Human Method and the author of Soothe: Restoring Your Nervous System from Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, and Trauma. Her work has helped high achievers, creatives, and professionals learn how to regulate their emotions, release stress, and reconnect with their bodies. Nahid shares practical, science-backed tools to reset your nervous system, reclaim your energy, and stop operating like a machine.From this episode, you’ll learn:-How stress, anxiety & trauma rewire your nervous system—and what to do about it-The fastest way to calm your nervous system using breath & movement-Why

When life feels chaotic, how do you hold onto your creativity? After living through the LA fires, I’ve been reflecting on how to keep creating during difficult times—and today, I’m sharing the exact tools that have helped me navigate fear, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion.In this deeply personal episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, I break down how to stabilize yourself, calm your nervous system, and reconnect with your creative spark—even when life feels overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with personal challenges, burnout, or collective trauma, these insights will help you move forward with more peace, resilience, and creative clarity.✨ In this episode, you’ll Learn:-How to protect your energy & find emotional stability before creating-The unexpected link between self-compassion and creative breakthroughs-Why staying off your phone (especially in the morning) can reignite your creativity-How to nurture yourself like a toddler (yes, really!) to regain creative momentum-How to turn pain into purp

What if the key to peace is letting go of who you think you’re supposed to be? In this episode of Unleash, I sit down with Tom Rosshirt—former White House speechwriter, storyteller, and wisdom-seeker—to explore the journey of releasing fear, breaking free from self-imposed limits, and finding harmony with your true self.Tom shares profound insights on embracing your shadow, the importance of acceptance, and how to transform pain into healing. Whether you’re feeling stuck, sick, wrestling with fear, or searching for deeper meaning, this conversation will give you the tools and inspiration to move forward with clarity and compassion.✨ From this episode, you’ll learn:-How fear disguises itself as control—and the surprising freedom in surrender-The profound power of embracing your shadow and integrating all parts of yourself-Why self-image can be a prison—and how to break free from it-How healing your mind can lead to complete physical healingTom’s words will inspire you to reimagine your relationship with fear a

What do you pack when you might lose everything? How do you stay calm in chaos? And how do you find meaning in the midst of trauma and tragedy? Can you? In this deeply personal episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, I share my raw reflections on living through the recent LA fires. ✨ From this episode, you’ll learn:-How I decided what to pack in my go-bag when I didn’t know if I’d be coming back -The emotional rollercoaster of waiting for evacuation orders—and how I dealt with the chaos-How this experience has shifted my perspective & revealed my values -Why we all have a role to play—and how to be a helper, no matter where you are-Remember to subscribe/follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. Please leave us a rating and review- it helps SO much in getting the show out there. And tell a friend about the show- podcasts are very personal and tend to be spread person to person. If this show helped you or made you smile, share the love :)  Follow the show: @unleashyourinnercr

Feeling stuck creatively? Struggling with unfulfilled dreams? Today’s guest, the legendary Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, returns for her fifth appearance on Unleash Your Inner Creative to share her wisdom on finding breakthroughs, navigating creative roadblocks, and transforming disappointment into fuel for your greatest work. Julia’s practical yet profound insights have helped millions of creatives around the world, and this conversation will inspire you to see your creative journey in a new light—no matter where you are on the path.✨ From this episode, you’ll learn:-How to overcome creative blocks and spark breakthroughs when you feel stuck-The surprising gift of unfulfilled dreams and how they can lead to clarity and new possibilities-Julia’s personal creative process and simple tools for boosting creativity-How to navigate creative heartbreak and turn it into fuel for new projects-How falling in love has influenced Julia’s outlook on life and workWhether you’re an artist, a writer, or someone

Do you feel overwhelmed by your dreams and goals, unsure of where to start? Today’s guest, Ximena Vengoechea, is a user researcher, writer, and illustrator, known for her books on personal growth and well-being. Her concept of a life audit goes beyond organization—it’s about reconnecting with your deepest desires, assessing where you are, and charting a clear path toward where you want to go.✨ From this episode, you’ll learn:-How to conduct a life audit to uncover your true goals and wishes-The difference between true wishes and should wishes (and why it matters)-Why identifying core values helps you align your actions with your authentic self-Why analog tools are necessary to make your wishes come true & which are best to use-How to prioritize your wishes by categories and make timelines to go after themThis conversation is packed with practical insights and heartfelt wisdom to help you navigate your creative journey. Ximena’s approach to self-discovery and creativity is as enriching as it is actionable—

Hi Creative Cutie! I just wanted to pop in to say Happy Holidays and thank you for another great year of Unleash Your Inner Creative. Because of you I get to follow my dreams. I am so grateful to have you in this community. I love you and I believe in you! Also, if you want some support for your creative endeavors, I'd love to have you in my workshop! You can sign up for Kickstart Your Creative Project in 2025 HERE: https://www.laurenlograsso.com/book-online Use code KICKSTART for $10 off if you sign up by January 2nd!-Remember to subscribe/follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. Please leave us a rating and review- it helps SO much in getting the show out there. And tell a friend about the show- podcasts are very personal and tend to be spread person to person. If this show helped you or made you smile, share the love :) Follow the show: @unleashyourinnercreative  Follow me: @LaurenLoGrassoHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.