Unleash Your Inner Creative With Lauren Lograsso

My guest today is Latoya Cooper, also known as “The Songstress”. She is an MBA, singer/songwriter, business coach, and podcaster.  She is best known for her eclectic soul music, her podcast and her Company, “Music Meets the Boardroom” which helps educate, teach and empower indie Artists to build strong, business savvy practices, that they can apply throughout their career. I wanted to have Latoya on the show because of her incredible story about her journey back to self and creativity. After pushing away music for ten years, she found her way back to it, and she has some great actionable tips for how you can also rediscover your creative spark. She is also a deeply spiritual person, and has wise insight on how your connection to spirit can guide your path. Her journey blew my mind and I can’t wait for you to hear all about it! From our conversation, you’ll also learn: How to walk your own artistic journey and not compare yourself to others How to tune out unhelpful voices How to accept and rise to the

On today’s bonus episode of Unleash, I discuss why it’s so important to serve your community first when it comes to your creativity, the power of engaging with the people who love you for who you are, why it’s important to give back (and how to do it) and the larger impact your creativity can have. I also hit a recent creative milestone that I am very excited about! Thanks for tuning in - Lauren :)  Read my essay in Maria Shriver's publication, The Sunday Paper,Here: https://bit.ly/3hDzyZn  Listen to my single, "Like a Bomb" Here: ffm.to/likeabomb Follow me: @laurenlograsso & @UnleashYourInnerCreative --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unleashyourinnercreative/message

Meredith Arthur is a mental health pioneer, author, Emmy-Nominated creative producer, and a content leader at Pinterest. She’s best known for being a founding member of the food site: Chowhound, creating the mental health wellness site/community, Beautiful Voyager, writing for Medium and for her debut book, Get Out of My Head: Inspiration for Overthinkers in an Anxious World. I wanted to have Meredith on the show because she has so many actionable tools to help you get out of your own way. So many creatives are overthinkers...Including myself...If we get stuck in our heads, it really can keep us from meaningful opportunities to express ourselves, so I am excited to share her insight to help you stop the anxiety feedback loop! From our conversation, you’ll also learn: What anxiety REALLY is and some great ways to manage it The benefits of anxiety medication How to find your ‘audience’ Methods to shut up the inner critic The best way to let go of the illusion of control Tips to eliminate bad me

Today’s guest is D’Ana Joi of Joi Knows How she is an educator and a coach for multi-passionate creatives. She, herself, is also a multi-passionate creative specializing in writing, plant care, crafts, curating vintage clothes, singing and composing music, public speaking, community building and much more.  Joi and I first met when we were both speakers at The Pretty Thing Tour last November. We were instantly drawn to each other, as we had a similar mission and life outlook. I wanted to have her on the show because she provides invaluable tools for multi-passionate creatives to find focus and own the fullness of who they are. From this conversation you’ll learn: How to break the comparison trap Build a community Find focus Start to learn creative confidence Ground your platform in purpose How to truly see that the fact that you are a multi-passionate creative is a gift, not a burden AND MORE! For more info on Joi, Visit Joi-Knows-How.com! Listen to "Like a Bomb" Here: ffm.to/likeabomb F

Hi, Creative! If you’ve been listening for a while, you know that I’m a singer/songwriter and have been putting out a bunch a singles the past few months. My Most recent song, “Like a Bomb” was written over the course of years and has had many different iterations. So today, I want to share the full songwriting process with you. I’ll do this by taking you through step-by-step. I have voice memos from almost every songwriting session I’ve had for like a bomb. I will play them for you and also explain how I got to that moment.  From this, you’ll learn: How a messy, long creative process can still yield a beautiful product Why the extra time it takes to finish something is often God’s protection   The amazing improvements you can make through hard work  Why even if you’re almost finished,  it's better to go back to square one and do it the right way! And more!  Listen to "Like a Bomb" Here: ffm.to/likeabomb Follow me: @laurenlograsso & @UnleashYourInnerCreative --- Send in a voice message: https:

On this episode, I do a creative check in the wake of putting out my most recent single, "Like a Bomb".  Topics covered include:  Why it's better to delay a project and do it correctly than rush it Why it's necessary to change our creative patterns/ideas from time-to-time Why in the beginning of our creative careers/paths, we must take every inch toward our dreams The power of doing what fills you (and the energy that comes along with it)  I can't wait to chat with you! Enjoy :)  Listen to Like a Bomb Here: ffm.to/likeabomb, Follow me @LaurenLoGrasso and the show, @UnleashYourInnerCreative  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unleashyourinnercreative/message

On today's episode I discuss the release of my third single, "Like a Bomb". I share a bit of the background behind the song and why it's so deeply personal. It seems each time I release a single it's a different feeling, and this time, I feel really excited and bold. I find myself getting ballsier and ballsier...I discuss why that is and share tips on how you can start to cultivate this in your own life. I also discuss how to listen to yourself through loving ears, Also I forgot to say this on the episode, but I am doing a live show tonight (06/26) on my instagram @LaurenLoGrasso, at 6pm PST/ 9pm EST - tune in to hear my new single and much more!  Listen to Like a Bomb Here: ffm.to/likeabomb  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unleashyourinnercreative/message

Amir Levi is an actor, Singer, choreographer, dancer, writer and producer.  Best known for his roles on hit shows such as: New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Fresh off the Boat, The Middle,  2 Broke Girls and the Emmy Award-winning Amazon original Series, Transparent. He’s also worked at powerhouse theatres such as the Garry Marshall Theatre and Atlantic Theatre Conservatory. I first met Amir acting in my very first play in LA. I  wanted to have Amir on the show because, simply put, he has helped me become a braver, truer artist. From our conversation, you’ll learn: How to develop the strength to speak up against injustice How to overcome lack of parental support for your dreams Why your creative projects are as important as major life milestones (such as weddings) How Amir came to realize he is non binary why he/she/they isn’t tied to a specific set of pronouns How to truly make creativity the filter for your life How mediums like live theatre are pivoting during covid The importance of being

Everything that once hid beneath the surface is now being pushed to the top. That is happening Universally. And whatever is happening Universally is also happening in your own life and humanity. Meaning, that the things you’ve pushed beneath the surface (but you’ve always really, sort of known are there) are now coming to the top and demanding to be fixed. Not only will this realization help you connect more deeply to the social justice movements happening in our society, it will also bring you to a deeper knowing of yourself and hopefully (after some work) to a better place as a person. And while this show IS about Unleashing Your Inner Creative - we cannot be our truest, most creative selves if we do not know ourselves and if we are not actively working on bettering the self we know. I open up about all of the above and more on this episode. Love you.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unleashyourinnercreative/message

On today's episode I do a creative check in about how important it is to use the gifts & skills you already have to help fight injustice. Then, you'll hear a new show format! Today I am trying out (unleashing) a new show format in which I coach someone on air who is creatively blocked and/or not fully living their passion at the moment. If it's something you like, let me know and we will continue to do it! Today's guest is Lindsey Huss, an Unleash listener who is also an incredible artist and woman. She shares her story of survival and strength and I help her tie together her story, pain, and talent to create a path that incorporates art, entrepreneurship and service. Tune into hear more and to get ideas on how you can coach yourself in a similar way! PS- this new format is not something I am trying to make an every week thing, but rather, something I pepper in every-so-often to add to the overall variety of the show! If you like it, DM me and let me know and if you want to try an on air session, mention

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

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

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://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/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

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/ Follo

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 fe

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://podcasters.spotify.com

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://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unleashyour

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://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/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://podcasters.s