Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast This is How We Create
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Do the Scary Thing - Martine Severin (Replay) | 15 Oct 2026 | 00:21:17 | |
What is the cost of inaction in your life? How many projects do you have as ideas but aren't putting any effort into? In this episode, I share the psychological framework you need to break free from fear patterns and stop waiting for motivation to strike.
You will uncover why action must precede confidence, how to leverage temporal landmarks to reset your mind, and the 25-minute strategy that dismantles creative resistance.
Reclaim your momentum, run your own no-fear month, and start keeping the high-stakes promises you make to yourself. Chapters 00:00 The Unsent Pitches Holding Us Back 01:29 Story Time: A Fireplace Epiphany in Saugatuck 03:48 The No-Fear Month Challenge 05:00 Unlearning #1: Action Precedes Confidence 06:13 Unlearning #2: The Fresh Start Effect 07:42 Unlearning #3: You Do Not Need Desire to Act 08:10 Step 1: Pick Three Specific, Completable Actions 09:30 Step 2: Put It on the Calendar 10:32 Keeping Promises to Yourself (The Swedish Fish Lesson) 12:56 Step 3: 25-Minute Timers and ADHD Strategies 15:24 Dismantling Brain Objections and Fear of Rejection 17:17 Environment Design and Body Doubling Tools Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Website: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| One Tube of Paint Changed How I Paint Skin - Miranda Forrester | 07 Oct 2026 | 00:24:55 | |
Today, figurative painter Miranda Forrester reveals what it takes to stop shrinking and start restructuring the canvas on your own terms.
She unpacks the shock of realizing standard primary colors could never capture her reality as a Black queer woman and explains how a simple shift in her palette changed her artistic trajectory.
We discuss the stigma surrounding motherhood in the art world and how surrendering to the unstructured chaos of daily life can unlock your greatest body of work yet.
If you ever feel like you have to choose between living authentically and achieving professional success, hit play to discover how your reality is actually your biggest creative advantage. Chapters 00:00 - Reclaiming Your Narrative from an Outdated Industry 01:01 - Finding Your Authentic Style When You Lack Representation 03:24 - Why You Must Reject the Standard Tools to Build Your Voice 05:05 - The Color Mixing Strategy That Will Transform Your Work 07:49 - Using Underground Media and Film to Shape Your Vision 10:41 - Defying the Stigma of Balancing Family and Ambition 14:29 - Extracting Masterpieces from the Chaos of Daily Life 16:48 - A Step-by-Step Breakdown of a Working Artist's Process 19:01 - Breaking Tradition by Creating on Unconventional Surfaces 20:17 - Expanding Your Portfolio into Surface and Textile Design 22:20 - Redefining Success Through the Inevitable Ebbs and Flows Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Connect with Miranda Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miranda_forrester/?hl=en Website: https://www.mirandaforrester.com/ Support the ShowWebsite: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Why Your Brilliant Art Project Keeps Getting Rejected - Martine Severin | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:16:54 | |
In part two of our grant preparation series, I reveal why artists face rejection and share the exact mindset shift that changes everything.
We tackle the unspoken rules of funding panels, how to strategically scale from local micro-grants to national fellowships, and why proving your project's momentum matters far more than pitching your talent.
Stop letting minor technicalities ruin your chances at securing real financial backing and learn the step-by-step framework to build a funding portfolio that turns your artistic ambitions into fully funded realities. Chapters 00:00 The Deadliest Grant Application Mistake 02:33 How to Make Your Project Feel Inevitable 04:57 Defining Your Scale and Securing Real Numbers 07:13 The Stepping Stone Strategy for Massive Grants 09:42 Follow the Rules or Face Instant Elimination 11:56 Navigating Brutal Arts Funding Rejection 14:09 Your Three-Year Strategic Action Plan Support the ShowWebsite: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| How to Stop People-Pleasing and Find Your Artistic Voice - Tasanee Durrett (Replay) | 24 Sep 2026 | 00:33:40 | |
What happens when the urge to break free finally overpowers the habit of people-pleasing? Sometimes the heaviest trauma acts as the catalyst you need to unlock your artistic language. I sit down with multidisciplinary visual artist and architect Tasanee Durrett to trace her incredible leap from an oppressive eight-year relationship to exhibiting at Expo Chicago. She reveals how she picked up a paintbrush for the very first time during lockdown to process her hidden pain and accidentally discovered a unique aesthetic. If you feel stuck in a routine that doesn't look like your own, this conversation will give you the tools to translate your unspoken struggles into a vibrant, unstoppable creative career.
This episode is a replay. You will also find it as episode 62. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:53 Finding Cultural Roots in Chicago Museums 03:54 The Transition From the Midwest to the Desert 05:35 Exploring the Black Experience in Architecture 08:32 How Communities and Spaces Shift Over Time 11:24 Navigating the Politics of Corporate Architecture 15:50 Escaping Abuse and Finding Freedom on Canvas 19:09 Evolving a Unique Artistic Language During Lockdown 26:36 Sketchbooks, Black Liturgies, and Unlocking Authenticity 31:09 Inside a Working Artist's Income Pie Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Connect with Tasanee Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasaneeart/?hl=en Website: https://www.tasaneeart.com/ Support the ShowWebsite: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| You Already Qualify for Creative Funding, Here's How - Martine Severin (Replay) | 16 Sep 2026 | 00:11:47 | |
We're pulling back the curtain on the mysterious world of artist grants to reveal exactly how this system operates and where the real money actually sits. Stop draining your own bank account to support your art and claim the financial backing your boldest vision deserves.
This episode is a replay. You will also find it as episode XXX. Chapters 00:00 The Mystery Behind Artist Grants 00:46 A Quick Message From iCode 01:03 Debunking the Elite Artist Myth 01:25 Defining the Modern Artist Grant 02:40 Navigating Local State and National Funding Amounts 04:30 Locating Hidden Funding Opportunities 05:30 The Local First Strategy for Winning Capital 06:33 Identifying Your True Artistic Needs 09:03 Tracking Annual Deadlines for Future Success 10:04 Your Strategic Grant Research Homework Support the ShowWebsite: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Saying No Changed My Art - Cristina Martinez | 09 Sep 2026 | 00:23:35 | |
What happens when you stop fighting your creative identity? In our conversation, contemporary artist Cristina Martinez shares how to set fierce boundaries around your craft and convert your personal story into work that commands attention. Chapters 00:00 - Breaking a 200-Year Public Art Streak in Seattle 02:10 - Introducing Contemporary Artist Cristina Martinez 02:48 - How Butterfly Gardens Fueled Her Creative Identity 05:00 - Pivoting from Fashion Illustration to Fine Art 07:18 - Embracing Texture and Storytelling on Canvas 09:40 - Navigating Commissions and Saying No to Brand Partnerships 14:00 - Prioritizing Art as a Vital Necessity 17:35 - Nurturing Creativity in a Household of Three 20:18 - Quiet Wisdom for Her 18-Year-Old Self Connect with Cristina Follow her on Instagram: Website: https://www.juneandmars.com/ Support the ShowWebsite: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| The Pivotal Systems that Helped Me Escape Burnout - Daniel Espinosa | 02 Sep 2026 | 00:33:02 | |
When you peek behind the curtain of a podcast, you see the hidden engine holding everything together long before the microphone turns on. In this episode, my lead producer Daniel Espinosa and I unpack the exact three-phase framework that transforms chaotic creative ideas into a seamless production machine. Master our framework so you can protect your artistic energy and elevate your craft without burning out.
Chapters 00:00 - Stepping Behind the Mic: Producer Daniel Espinosa 02:28 - Sponsor Spotlight: iCode 03:04 - Podcast Expectations vs. High-Level Audio Reality 06:08 - Building Authentic Relationships with Contemporary Artists 09:03 - The Three-Phase Framework: Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production 11:11 - Deconstructing the Master System Spreadsheet 14:15 - Why We Batch Record 50 Episodes a Year 15:41 - The Cold Pitching Math: Reaching 420 Guests to Book a Full Season 22:30 - Crafting the Story Arc and Thinking Like the Listener 24:41 - High-Volume Recording in Medellin and Energy Management 27:42 - Process Over Perfection: Never Compare Your Beginning to Someone's Middle Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elthorny/ Support the ShowWebsite: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| How Saying No Will Save Your Creative Career - Polly Irungu | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:28:55 | |
Could your biggest career breakthrough come from a time of isolation? Photographer Polly Irungu bought her first camera with money from working at McDonald's to cope with moving to a new place. She didn't know then that she was starting a global movement.
In this episode, I talk with Polly about how she started Black Women Photographers, worked with big brands like Nikon and Adobe, and learned that saying yes to every low-paying job was hurting her health.
You will learn how to find your own artistic style, build a community from scratch, and set strong boundaries to avoid burnout. Chapters 00:19 The McDonald's Paychecks and the First Camera 01:18 Surviving Culture Shock in Oregon 04:52 Turning Isolation Into Human Connection 07:33 Gravitating Toward Black Joy 10:10 Photograph Everything to Find Your Niche 14:08 Building Partnerships with Major Brands 18:01 The Unexpected Allyship Behind Black Women Photographers 23:41 Setting Boundaries and Protecting Your Peace 24:57 The Danger of Saying Yes to Everything Connect with PollyFollow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pollyirungu Website: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Best platforms for creating community as an artist - Lina Monterrey (Part 2) | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:18:12 | |
You spend countless hours perfecting your work, yet your posts keep tumbling into a sea of silent scrollers and soul-crushing algorithms.
In this episode, our podcast marketing specialist, Lina, joins me to unlock the exact digital strategy we used to transform a modest following into a devoted community of over eleven thousand supporters.
Hit play right now to steal our exact marketing blueprint and turn passive scrollers into lifelong champions of your creative journey. Chapters 00:00 Best Platforms for Different Types of Creatives 01:45 How Artists Should Engage Online 03:08 Spotting AI vs. True Authenticity 03:46 Building an Audience: Instagram to Substack Strategy 05:50 Essential Tips for Standing Out Online 08:24 Sponsor Message: iCode 08:52 YouTube and Multi-Platform Distribution 09:46 Must-Have Tools for Social Media Growth 11:44 Major Social Media Mistakes to Avoid 13:35 Building Genuine Relationships with Your Audience 16:43 Wrapping Up with Lina
Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| How to Conquer Rejection - Octavia Clahar | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:44:35 | |
What's the missing key to your biggest artistic breakthrough? You might feel trapped in a demanding day job or paralyzed by fear of rejection, yet your tightest constraints can become your ultimate creative advantage.
Screenwriter Octavia Clahar, reveals how she directed her debut TV pilot inside a video game when traditional funding fell through.
Tune in to discover how you can stop waiting for outside permission, transform your daily routine into creative leverage, and build the resilient support system your dreams demand. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Directing TV Pilots in The Sims 4 01:03 - Brooklyn Roots and Caribbean Storytelling Traditions 04:06 - Pitching Yourself: Treating Your Identity as the Brand 05:43 - Overcoming Rejection and Refining Your Artistic Voice 08:34 - Reframing Loss: From Corporate Grind to Creative Commitment 11:29 - Mentorship and Ava DuVernay's Core Collaboration Rule 15:46 - Building Story Co-op Across Brooklyn and Paris 21:10 - Navigating Production Constraints and Budget Realities 27:35 - Lessons from Studio Pitch Meetings and Script Revisions 33:50 - Strategies for Sustaining Creativity Through Burnout 39:15 - Creating Sustainable Support Networks for Independent Artists 44:00 - Final Reflections and Closing Remarks
Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octavia.nicole.clahar/ Website: https://bio.site/oclahar Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Stop Posting to Nobody and Claim Your Audience - Lina Monterrey (Part 1) | 05 Aug 2026 | 00:20:28 | |
We accidentally unlocked a strategy that skyrocketed our own community from three hundred quiet listeners to over 11,000 fiercely loyal fans in less than six months. I sit down with our brilliant social media specialist, Lina Monterey, to expose the mistakes that are stopping you from reaching your audience. Lina shares the exact methods she uses to carve irresistible hooks out of everyday conversations. This is the episode you didn't know you needed.
00:00 The terrifying reality of rapid community growth 04:16 Why building a massive platform matters for creatives of color 08:20 Hitting 10,000 followers in under six months 10:57 Overcoming the creative block of self promotion 12:13 Crafting emotional hooks that stop the scroll 14:12 The brutal mistake ruining your audience connection 16:18 Aligning your aesthetic cues with your true target market 18:36 Mapping the customer journey for sustainable growth
Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Follow her on Instagram: Lina's website: Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| A Corporate Layoff Sparked a Design Revolution - Hadiya Williams | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:30:53 | |
Feeling stuck in a safe job while your creative dreams take a backseat? Sometimes an unexpected plot twist is just what you need to leap. In this episode, I'm chatting with artist Hadiya Williams about how getting laid off helped her build a thriving studio on her own terms. Hear how a 100-day challenge sparked her signature style, how she got into art school without a traditional portfolio, and how she blends AI with handcrafted ceramics. Hit play and get ready to turn life's scariest curveballs into your next big creative breakthrough! Chapters 00:18 - Meet Hadiah Williams: Craft as Living Archive 01:39 - DC Roots, Elizabeth Catlett, and Cultural Memory 04:11 - Accidental Tech Career: Computer Science by Default 05:35 - The Mass Layoff and the Pivot to Graphic Design 07:18 - Applying to Art School with Maxwell Fan Art 11:23 - The Wedding Invitations That Sparked Black Pepper Papery Co. 15:24 - Harnessing Corporate Stress for Entrepreneurial Freedom 20:21 - Finding a Signature Voice Through the 100-Day Challenge 24:34 - Scaling an Art Practice Without Losing Your Soul 28:25 - Blending Generative AI, Clay, and 1970s Analog Nostalgia Connect with Hadiya Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hadiyawilliams/?hl=en Hadiya website: https://www.hadiyawilliams.com/ Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| The Mistake That Cost Me My Brand Name - Martine Severin | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:17:17 | |
If you want to start a podcast but are paralyzed by the fear of sounding stupid, you may be paying the high price of waiting. In this episode, learn the steps to start your podcast. Stop letting the illusion of readiness stall your momentum; tune in to claim your voice, launch your project, and find and build your dedicated tribe today. Chapters 00:13 - Confession: Ten Years of Stalling and Fear 02:10 - The Hidden Power of Podcasting for Creators 04:15 - Finding Your Unique, Obsession-Driven Topic 07:02 - The Power of Hyper-Specificity: Niche Down 08:15 - Naming Your Show: The 50-Name Exercise 09:55 - The Five-Day Warning: Register Your Brand Immediately 11:15 - Fast Artwork and Brand Photos on a Budget 11:58 - Demystifying the Gear: The Twenty-Dollar Microphone Rule 14:24 - Embracing the Bad First Episode and the Dunning-Kruger Effect 15:58 - Your Action Plan for This Week
Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| How to Unlock Your Truest Creative Voice - Nicole A. Taylor | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:25:21 | |
What does ultimate creative freedom look like? What boundaries do you need to have in your life for this freedom to propel you forward? In this conversation with cookbook author Nicole A. Taylor, we talk code-switching, what it takes to write a book, and how personal ethics might be the fuel for your career. Hit play to hear how drawing your own hard lines can unlock your truest, most powerful creative voice. Chapters 00:18 - Introduction to Nicole A. Taylor 01:05 - Sponsor Spotlight: iCode School 01:48 - Finding Freedom in a Georgia Kitchen 04:03 - The Power of Early Confidence and Family Grace 07:59 - The Origin Story of Watermelon and Red Birds 12:01 - Non-Negotiables and Embracing Your Authentic Vernacular 17:10 - The Unvarnished Truth of the Cookbook Publishing Process 22:37 - Rituals, Discipline, and Protecting Your Peace 24:53 - Closing Notes and Substack Support Connect with Nicole: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodculturist Website: https://www.nicoleataylor.com/ Support the show:Website: Martine Severin This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite. show
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| The Ancient Answer to Your Burnout - Martine Severin | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:16:31 | |
What should you do about burnout? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on nearly 200 episodes to reveal the psychological shifts and structural changes that rescued me from burnout. These shifts transformed how I approach delegation and audience building.
Listen to this milestone episode to discover the practical, battle-tested blueprints you need to stop merely surviving your creative career and start building a sustainable artistic framework that thrives over the long game.
00:13 The Bedside Book That Challenged My Excuses 02:35 Finding Practical Wisdom Under Fire 04:57 The True Purpose of This Podcast Journey 07:18 Breaking the Cycle of the One-Person Operation 09:38 Shifting Mindsets Through Lived Knowledge 11:59 The Long Game of Building True Community 14:24 Ancient Solutions for Modern Creative Struggles Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Build an Unstoppable Creative Career - Justin Q. Williams | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:30:28 | |
Atlanta interior design powerhouse Justin Q. Williams built a celebrated empire by launching his business at just eighteen, but the glittering television features and custom furniture lines mask years of grueling midnight grinds, raw psychological battles with clients, and a devastating early rejection that completely altered his trajectory. I strip away the glossy highlight reel of creative entrepreneurship to expose the exact operational shifts required to transform an exhausting side hustle into an aligned, impactful brand. Run to your favorite app and hit play to discover how to navigate your own professional rejections, anchor your evolving creative voice, and design a business that truly honors your soul. Chapters 00:00 Redefining Artistic Authenticity 02:18 Dream Drives and Early Design Software 04:38 Launching a Business at Eighteen 05:27 The First Client and Viral Twitter Fame 07:12 Hustling Between the Church and the Side Business 08:53 Mastering Client Psychology and Expectations 11:14 Why Function Trumps Fashion in Interior Design 13:04 Cultivating an Evolving Design Voice 15:19 Business Lessons from Iconic Mentors 17:09 Paying It Forward and Mentoring the Next Generation 19:25 The Truth Behind the Polished Instagram Grid 24:13 Protecting Mental Health as a Creative Empath 25:16 Enhancing Black Representation on National Television 28:07 Sourcing Global Inspiration for Retail Collections 29:42 Measuring Real Success Beyond the Paycheck Connect with Justin: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinqwilliams/ Website: https://www.trademarkdesignco.com/ Support the show:Website: Martine Severin This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite. show
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| What Clients Actually Mean When They Say They Have No Budget - Martine Severin | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:13:48 | |
Every creative hits the wall where a dream client utters the four words: "we have no budget."
In this special community Q&A episode, I pull back the curtain on the subtle business traps that quietly drain your bank account and compromise your artistic integrity.
You will discover the psychological pricing trick that forces clients to pick your ideal rate, the hidden meanings behind sudden timeline demands, and the exact response that shuts down scope creep before you spend hours animating for free.
Stop letting the fear of rejection dictate your pricing strategies and master the insider boundary shifts required to protect your labor while elevating your creative profit. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: Flipping the Script on Creative Struggles 00:30 - Dissecting the "We Have No Budget" Dilemma 02:32 - The Psychology of Tiered Pricing for Photographers 04:20 - Protecting Your Energy with a Non-Resentment Rate 06:00 - Sponsor Spotlight: iCode School 06:33 - The Four Hidden Reasons Clients Hide Their Budgets 07:16 - Defusing Fake Urgent Deadlines Without Losing the Project 09:05 - Shutting Down Scope Creep in Creative Proposals 12:40 - Creative Encouragement and Substack Invite
Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| From Couch Surfing to Hollywood Sets - Aleia Kristene | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:31:06 | |
Screenwriter and coach Aleia Kristene survived grueling hustle, but she walked away questioning whether the narrative of the suffering artist is actually a badge of honor or just unexamined trauma. In our conversation, she reveals how she transformed twenty years of family tragedy into a limited series. She also shares the exact pacing mistakes that instantly tank amateur scripts.
If you feel stuck behind a wall of perfectionism or lost in a quiet season of your own creative journey, this episode delivers: an insider guide to reclaim your voice, how to master the production realities of Hollywood, and how to get your biggest ideas onto the page. Chapters00:00 - Redefining the Artist's Struggle 01:23 - Reclaiming Creativity with iCode 02:08 - Writing a Male Cinderella at Nine Years Old 04:17 - Realism over Cartoons: The Influence of Black Cinema 06:35 - Turning Family Tragedy into a Sellable Script 11:15 - Demystifying the Hollywood Table Read 12:47 - Brutal Production Realities from Major Film Sets 17:43 - The Biggest Mistakes Amateurs Make in Action Lines 20:06 - Balancing Mentorship with Personal Creative Output 23:15 - Overcoming the Perfectionism Trap of First Drafts 27:55 - Aleia's Ultimate Dream Project
Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Connect with Aleia: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleiakristene/ Website: https://aleiakristene.com/ Support the showWebsite: Martine Severin This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite. show
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| Learn to Spot the Invisible Rules Controlling Your Creativity - Martine Severin | 10 Jun 2026 | 00:17:18 | |
For six years, I built this podcast while secretly measuring my worth against exhausting, invisible standards I could not even name. To break out of this vicious cycle, I turned to four paradigm-shifting books that dismantled my view of success and identity. These texts exposed the hidden systems dictating my creative choices and revealed a radical mindset shift that shrunk my negative self-talk. If you constantly feel like you are falling behind or trying to fit a mold that rejects you, this episode will give you the exact permission you need to burn the old blueprints and build a thriving practice entirely on your own terms. Chapters 00:00 The Exhaustion of Invisible Standards 02:18 Sponsor Break: iCode 02:35 Building Your Own Archive (Crafted Kinship) 06:33 The Power of Measuring Backwards (The Gap and the Gain) 09:21 Questioning Your Creative Framework (Decolonizing Language) 11:39 Navigating Identity and Double Consciousness (All the Women Are White...) 14:11 Why Naming the Problem Gives You Power 16:32 Closing Thoughts and Substack Newsletter
Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Books mentioned on this episode: Crafted Kinship: Inside the Creative Practices of Contemporary Black Caribbean Makers by Malene Barnett
The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Decolonizing Language and Other Revolutionary Ideas by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
All the Women Are White, All the Blacks Are Men, But Some of Us Are Brave edited by Akasha (Gloria T.) Hull, Patricia Bell-Scott, and Barbara Smith Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Which Invisible Forces Are Sabotaging Your Creative Voice - Cauleen Smith & Danielle A. Scruggs | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:30:20 | |
Filmmaker Cauleen Smith and photographer Danielle A. Scruggs join me to unpack how classical media subconsciously trains audiences to accept biases. In this episode, we discuss the radical frameworks required to dismantle these frameworks.
Listen to this conversation to discover how to identify the hidden forces limiting your own vision, walk away from spaces that drain your genius, and master an ethics of regard that anchors your ultimate creative purpose. Chapters 00:19 - Decoding the Invisible Grammar of Cinema 04:11 - Actively Flipping the Mainstream Cinematic Script 06:07 - Visual Glow, Legacy, and Rejecting Respectability Politics 08:34 - Dismantling the Myth of Objectivity in Photojournalism 12:51 - Mapping Radical Feminist Utopias and Shared Spaces 22:19 - Weaponized Institutional Care versus the Ethics of Regard 26:55 - Why Walking Away from the Industry Saves Your Art 29:55 - Building Authentic Creative Communities Beyond the Screen Connect with Cauleen: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cauleen_smith/?hl=en Website: https://cauleensmith.com/ Connect with Danielle: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scruggsworks/ Website: https://daniellescruggs.com/ Support the show Website: Martine Severin This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite. show
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| The Secret Bridge To Your Best Creative Work - Martine Severin | 28 May 2026 | 00:12:56 | |
In this week's episode, we talk about the importance of rituals and why they are the key to you performing at your best. Learn how to design your own five-minute transition and how to turn chaotic energy into a focused flow. Chapters 00:00 - The Musical Bridges of Childhood 03:32 - Waking the Creative Mind 05:03 - The Quirky Habits of Famous Artists 06:21 - The Reality of Productivity Routines 08:24 - The Science Behind Predictability 10:24 - Sacred Traditions and the Threshold
Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| The Perfect Cure for Your Creative Block - Tiffani Glenn | 20 May 2026 | 00:25:34 | |
What if the thing standing between you and your best work isn't talent but the pressure you keep putting on yourself to produce?
Painter Tiffani Glenn has built a body of work around a radical idea: Black women deserve to be seen in their full confidence and color. In this episode, Tiffani shares how mentorship opened the door to her first gallery show, why self-love is the foundation of everything she puts on canvas, and the one thing she does every time creative block hits. Chapters
00:00 Question the Mirror 02:12 Saturday Morning Masterclasses 04:58 Pivot from Pixar 09:13 Paint the Confidence 11:31 The Fenty Formula 13:54 Beyond the Gallery Walls 20:40 Surrender to the Block 23:33 Off the Canvas Connect with Tiffani: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbytiffanig/ Website: https://tiffanigart.com/home Support the showWebsite: Martine Severin This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| The Sea Glass Principle - Martine Severin | 13 May 2026 | 00:11:59 | |
If you're constantly told that time is a predator and a scarce resource to conquer, you may need a perspective shift.
The Sea Glass Principle may just alleviate the pressure that leaves you trapped in a cycle of measuring your life against an impossible moving target. Tune in to hear how this principle and a new book may just change the way you look at your work and your worth.
00:00 The Urgency of Time and Productivity 03:00 The Gap and the Gain: A New Perspective on Time 05:56 Transformative Power of Time: The Sea Glass Principle 08:48 Measuring Growth: From Gap to Gain Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| The "New Black Look" Redefining Interior Design - Sierra Glasgow | 07 May 2026 | 00:20:33 | |
Most creators would have folded under the pressure of the "beige box" industry, yet Sierra doubled down on a signature style that fuses modern curvature with the vibrant, ancestral pulse of Black culture. This episode uncovers the friction of being a risk-taker in a world that fears color and how she transitioned from the technical rigors of building construction to painting emotional landscapes within four walls. If you have ever felt pressured to dilute your aesthetic or lowball your worth to fit in, Sierra's journey is the blueprint for setting boundaries that protect your sanity and your specialized "sauce." Chapters
01:02 Early memories of drawing faces and the transition from fine art to interiors 02:04 The unexpected educational shift from architecture to building construction technology 03:35 Landing the first client through social media and early industry exposure 05:28 How the cultural landscape of Richmond shaped an African-modern aesthetic 08:02 The philosophy of the "New Black Look" and the symbolism of Birds of Paradise 10:25 Confronting the "Beige Box" and the challenge of being a professional risk-taker 11:32 The Virginia Beach high-rise: Lessons in pricing and self-worth 14:49 Cultural authenticity and the balance of minimalist-maximalist design 16:38 Hard boundaries: Revision limits and preventing client-led design sabotage 18:57 Advice for finding your "special sauce" through research and mood boards Connect with Sierra: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniekinteriors/ Support the showWebsite: Martine Severin This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Here's Exactly How to Start Your Newsletter - Martine Severin | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:09:16 | |
If you've wanted to start a newsletter, let's get into it! We break down the technical barriers of platforms like Substack and Kit, while stripping away the myth that you need to be perfect to start. Stop letting your wisdom gather dust and discover how trusting your own voice creates the body of work you were always meant to lead. Chapters 00:00 Opening the private vault of creative insights 01:45 Breaking the cycle of fear in a Vancouver bookstore 03:15 Understanding why you hesitate to share your voice 04:30 Choosing the right platform from Substack to Kit 06:35 How to build a subscriber list with integrity 07:50 Offering deep value instead of a sales pitch 09:15 Committing to the first ten issues Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| The Truth About Success Nobody Prepares You For - Mei Tao | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:31:55 | |
What does it actually feel like to build the career you always wanted — and then realize the hard part isn't over? Photographer Mei Tao has spent decades behind the lens for Apple, J.Crew, and major publications. But in this conversation, she gets honest about what commercial success doesn't tell you: that the work stays hard, that achievement keeps moving the goalpost, and that the most meaningful art she's ever made has nothing to do with her biggest clients. We talk about growing up as an immigrant in Brooklyn, finding herself in candy store magazine racks, and the moment she realized her father's private recordings were her most precious inheritance. And we get into the question every working creative eventually has to answer — how do you feel like yourself in your work? Chapters 00:00 - Defining the Radical Art of Care 03:44 - Cultural Shock and the Move to New York 05:52 - Magazines as a Gateway to Fashion 08:05 - Navigating Parsons and the Practicality of Art 09:14 - Technical Mastery and the Business of Artistry 12:39 - Success as a Series of Failures 15:44 - Redefining Professional Achievement 18:15 - The Cost of Code-Switching 21:00 - Documenting Family and Artistic Influences 24:45 - Processing Grief and History Through the Lens 27:28 - Financial Freedom and Fine Art Discipline 29:19 - Diving into Motion and Radical Storytelling Connect with Mei: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taomeitao/ Website: https://meitaophotographer.com/ Support the showWebsite: Martine Severin This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Your Website Is Losing You Clients (Here's What to Fix) - Martine Severin | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:09:31 | |
There's a particular kind of dread that comes with sending someone to your website — you hit send on your portfolio link and immediately think: wait, is that still up? Did I ever update that bio? In this episode, we get into why your website might be the one thing standing between you and the clients you actually want, and the specific work of making it do what it's supposed to do: make the right people feel something, and then reach out. We cover what makes a compelling bio, the psychology behind why visitors stay or leave, and why hiding your personal projects is quietly costing you your biggest opportunities. Chapters 00:13 The invisible artist at the gallery. 02:34 Losing a job over an outdated portfolio. 04:52 Crafting your digital handshake and bio. 07:16 The secret power of personal projects. 09:42 Podcast reviews and the Creative Matters newsletter. Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| How to Think, Write and Create Like a Pro - Eve L. Ewing | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:30:22 | |
If you have ever stared at a blank page and wondered whether you are actually a writer or just someone who wishes they were one, circle 'round. Dr. Eve L. Ewing (sociologist, poet, and Marvel Comics writer) offers an honest look at what a serious creative practice actually requires. Learn how she builds a community that sharpens her work, and hear exactly how she develops a new project from the first spark to the finished page. You'll leave this conversation with less mystery about what's been standing between you and the writer you want to become. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Eve L. Ewing and her latest work, Original Sins 02:16 Growing up in Chicago: Artistic accessibility and public investment 05:24 Values and the necessity of chosen family 08:14 Multi-generational service: The Black church and mutual aid 10:21 The origin story: From fan fiction to being "seen" as a writer 15:14 The "Capital W" Writer: Nourishing craft and moving toward the light 17:32 Community and mimesis: Learning through the work of peers 21:21 Wrangle the idea: How poetry, prose, and comics demand different approaches 23:46 Stress-testing the argument: The anatomy of persuasive prose 26:11 Churning out the joints: The liberating structure of comic book writing 29:13 Pop culture overthinking and final reflections Connect with Eve:Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eve.ewing Website: https://eveewing.com/ Support the showWebsite: Martine Severin This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| On Sales and Marketing as an Artist - Martine Severin | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:12:27 | |
Have you ever felt that once the masterpiece is finished, the rest of the journey should belong to someone else? Many of us wait in the shadows of the "found artist" myth, hoping the right gallery or agent will simply stumble upon our genius. But what happens when the knocking never starts? Today, we dive into the systems that turn cold outreach into warm relationship-building and explore why your story is the most valuable product you will ever sell. If you are ready to stop apologizing for your ambition and start owning your space in the industry, this conversation is your roadmap. Chapters 00:13 The Artist's Role Beyond Creation 01:50 Dismantling the Myth of the Found Artist 02:38 Becoming Your Own Champion 04:00 Marketing Monday: Outreach as Relationship Care 05:01 Lessons in Networking and Relationship Marketing 06:50 The Reality of Representation and Agents 08:40 Selling the Sizzle: Tips for Product-Based Creatives 09:40 Owning Your Values and Your Sales Script 10:50 Three Actionable Steps for Your Creative Week Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| How to Grow an Art Practice Without Losing Yourself - Lex Marie | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:20:14 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Lex Marie, an artist whose work confronts the uncomfortable truth that Black children in America are often denied the luxury of innocence. She transforms the everyday remnants of her son's childhood into confrontation disguised as portraiture, and the materials she chooses will stop you in your tracks. We talk about building a career on your own terms, staying multidisciplinary, and what it really means to refuse the boxes the art world tries to put you in. Chapters00:19 Introduction to Lex Marie 03:26 Realizing a Different Viewpoint Through Motherhood 05:11 The Decision to Pursue an MFA 06:23 Using Her Son as Muse and Material 08:00 Choosing Which Clothing Gets Immortality 10:31 Balancing Inspiration with Intimate Boundaries 12:12 Processing Big Feelings into Artwork 14:08 Knowing When a Piece is Finished 15:15 Cultivating Relationships in the Art World 16:47 The Lifelong Journey of an Art Practice 18:51 The Intentional Choice Behind the Name Lex Marie Connect With Lex Marie:Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelexmarie Website: https://www.lexmarie.com/ Support the ShowWebsite: Martine Severin This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| A Guide to Moving Through Creative Paralysis - Martine Severin | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:08:53 | |
Have you ever had a to-do list as long as your arm but couldn't bring yourself to do the tasks on that list? What about your dreams to accomplish this or that? How many of them have you ignored? Whether you call it procrastination, a lack of discipline, or simple laziness, the truth behind our creative paralysis often hides in plain sight. In this episode, we explore the high cost of big dreams and why the very visions meant to inspire us might be the ones locking us in place. If you have ever felt like a deer caught in the headlights of your own ambition, this conversation offers a gentle way to thaw the ice and reclaim your momentum. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Deer and the Moment of Freeze Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Finding Your Authentic Design Voice - Tiffany Brooks | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:26:32 | |
Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a creative empire from the ground up? In this episode, I sit down with the remarkable Tiffany Brooks, an interior designer whose journey is as inspiring as her stunning creations. From a bet that launched her career to designing for icons such as LeBron James, Tiffany's story is a powerful lesson in trusting your creative instincts.
Join us as we explore how she cultivated her signature style, navigated the pressures of building a design company, and redefined success on her terms. This conversation is a candid look into the life of a design powerhouse, offering invaluable insights for anyone daring to build their own creative legacy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tiffany Brooks and Transformative Design 02:09 Engineering a Creative Brain and Childhood Influences 04:35 The Big C versus Little C Creativity 06:36 Property Management as a Design Superpower 08:11 The Model Home and the Bet That Launched a Career 11:10 The Design Star Journey and Trusting the Timing 13:05 Taught by Experience and Finding an Artistic Voice 14:56 Trends and the Evolution of Style 16:47 Redefining Success through Choices and Peace 19:04 Managing Elective Stress and Client Expectations 21:04 The Walkthrough and Shuffling the Design Puzzle 23:26 Current Projects and the Season of Rejuvenation Connect With Tiffany: Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybrooksinteriors/?hl=en Tiffany's Website: https://www.tiffanybrooksinteriors.com/ Support the ShowWebsite: Martine Severin This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Rethinking Imposter Syndrome - Martine Severin | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:10:52 | |
Have you ever walked into a room where you belonged, yet felt like a total intruder? Even when surrounded by friends or longtime colleagues, that whisper of inadequacy—the one that claims you are "running a game" on everyone—often grows loudest just as you are about to shine. In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on a recent, that forced me to confront my own "elaborate dance of diminishment". We explore the terrifying possibility that we aren't actually afraid of being incompetent, but rather, we are terrified of being seen as someone who knows they are truly good at what they do. If you have ever felt the need to offer a disclaimer before sharing a brilliant idea, this conversation is your invitation to stop shrinking and start taking up the space you have already earned. Chapters 00:13 The anatomy of an uninvited guest 01:15 Six seats and a drop in the stomach 02:34 The hammer in my chest 04:10 Why we make space for everyone but ourselves 05:50 Maya Angelou and the fear of being seen 07:14 Potholes, grandmothers, and unexpressed brilliance 09:37 Trading disclaimers for bravery Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Funding Your Dreams on Someone Else's Dime - Karl Ferguson | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:55:02 | |
Karl Ferguson Jr. never planned to be a photographer. He picked up a camera because he was following his interest in the burgeoning Hip Hop Scene. Years later, his portraits of Black culture have appeared in Vibe, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter. In this conversation, Karl talks about what it really takes to build a creative life on your own terms, why he spent two decades at Verizon while quietly becoming one of the most sought-after photographers in entertainment, and what it means to be a visual historian when representation is still a fight. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Karl Ferguson and the "Visual Historian" 02:20 From The Bronx to the Music Industry 04:02 Picking Up the Camera Out of Necessity 06:26 The First Byline: Validation from Vibe Magazine 08:32 Mastering the Art of Networking and Relationships 15:07 The Responsibility of the Visual Historian 17:07 Creating Intimacy in Celebrity Portraiture 23:31 Building Community at The Grand Studio 25:48 Demystifying the Role of the Digital Tech 31:40 Breaking the Starving Artist Myth: The Verizon Years 43:40 The Importance of Personal Work and Creative Play 49:55 Redefining Success Through authentic Connection Connect with Karl:Follow Karl on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlfergusonjr Karl's website: https://www.karlfergusonjr.com/ Support the ShowWebsite: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| How to Communicate Your Creative Worth - Martine Severin | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:14:34 | |
Have you ever wondered why a client chooses your lens over a thousand others? In this solo session, I dive into a transformative conversation that shifted my entire understanding of why I am hired as a photographer. We explore the "economy of vision" and how your unique cultural position creates a value that no standard rate card can capture. If you are ready to stop defending your fees and start educating your clients on the specific promise only you can deliver, this episode will help you reclaim your worth. Chapters 00:00 The Ritual of the Ceramic Plate 01:30 More Than a Service: Why People Actually Hire You 02:31 Thelma Golden and the Economy of Vision 03:40 Defining Your Aesthetic Universe and Cultural Value 04:53 Moving Beyond Objects to Your Specific Promise 08:40 Productive Discomfort: Teaching People How to Want Your Work 10:00 Rehearsing Your Position Over Your Price 12:00 Homework: Identifying the Five Values of Your Work
Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Art as a Language of Resistance - Phoebe Boswell | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:44:35 | |
What if art could serve as both a mirror to injustice and a sanctuary for the soul? What happens when the world tries to fit your identity into a narrow predetermined box? I sit down with multi-disciplinary artist Phoebe Boswell to explore the "porous space" between heritage and headline. From the lush landscapes of Kenya to the structured life rooms of London, Phoebe shares how she navigated a "rude awakening" in the West by building a visual language that refuses to be simplified. We delve into the power of multidisciplinary storytelling and the radical act of reclaiming one's voice after it has been challenged by the gatekeepers of industry. Chapters00:00 Exploring Identity Through Art 03:47 Childhood Influences and Cultural Displacement 07:05 Navigating Racial Identity in England 09:14 Finding Artistic Voice and Overcoming Criticism 16:48 The Complexity of Storytelling in Art 20:08 Community Engagement and Collaborative Art 26:34 Reclaiming Water and Personal Healing 31:51 The Evolution of Artistic Success 36:43 Redefining the Role of the Artist Connect with Phoebe:
Follow Phoebe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoebe.boswell/?hl=en Phoebe's website: https://www.phoebeboswell.com/ Support the ShowWebsite: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| The Struggle to Find Your Original Voice as an Artist | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:14:14 | |
What does the advice, "Just be yourself," mean when you are still figuring out who you are as an artist? In this episode photographer, Martine Severin, shares her "prickly" journey to discovering her creative voice and why the path from imitation to authenticity is rarely a straight line. We discuss the "gap" between our taste and our abilities, the pressure artists of color face to be original yet palatable, and why a simple concept changed how she approaches her work. If you are tired of performing for applause and ready to find a voice that feels like home, this episode is for you. Chapters00:13 The Taste Gap 02:29 The Portfolio Review 04:40 Imitation vs. Authenticity 07:02 The Trap of Originality 09:20 The Burden of Representation 11:38 Voice as a Garden Support the ShowWebsite: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| When Your Biggest Failure Becomes Your Signature Style - Shaina McCoy | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:35:35 | |
Have you ever felt like your inability to master a technical skill was a sign you should quit? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant painter Shaina McCoy, who transformed a moment of classroom frustration into a profound artistic breakthrough. Shaina opens up about the courage it took to bypass traditional art school to protect her voice, the surprising way she colors her memories, and why she believes making a viewer feel is the ultimate measure of success. If you are struggling to embrace your unique limitations, this conversation might just change your perspective on what it means to be a master of your craft. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shaina McCoy and Her Visual Language 02:16 Early Creative Roots and The Dream of Art School 05:54 The Assignment That Changed Everything: 30 Paintings in 3 Weeks 09:00 Finding Validation in Unexpected Places 11:09 The Choice to Avoid Art School to Protect the Work 15:33 Developing "Blind Faith" in Your Creative Voice 17:16 The Breakthrough: Permission to Stop Painting Faces 19:18 Sculpting with Oil: Mastering the Impasto Technique 20:56 Pop Pop's Archive: The Keeper of Family History 24:29 Color Theory and The emotional Weight of Memory 29:27 Redefining Success: Connection Over Prestige Connect with Shaina: Follow Shaina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wallflowermccoy
Shaina's Work: Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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| Welcome to Season Six: A New Look and a Bold Vision - Martine Severin | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:11:46 | |
Welcome back, friend. We are stepping into Season Six with a fresh energy that I have been dying to share with you. Over the last nine months, my team and I have been working quietly behind the scenes, from the vibrant streets of Medellín to the design studio, to reimagine how this show looks, sounds, and feels. In this episode, I am pulling back the curtain on the major changes we have made, from our stunning new visual identity to the strategic shifts in our programming. I also share why we are pivoting away from our old format and the ambitious goals we have set for growing this community. If you have ever wondered what it takes to evolve a creative project while staying true to its core, this look ahead offers a glimpse into the joyful, sometimes messy work of leveling up. Chapters00:00 Welcome Back: Kickstarting Season Six from Colombia 01:30 A Visual Renaissance: Collaborating on Our New Identity 03:28 Sonic Shifts: Choosing the New Sound of the Show 04:25 The Strategic Pivot 06:10 The Mission: Growing an Audience to Support Artists 07:45 Season Preview: Creative Crushes and Upcoming Guests 09:15 Solo Episodes: Tackling Paralysis and Finding Your Voice 10:30 Behind the Scenes: Batch Recording and Team Dynamics Support the ShowWebsite: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| How to Do the Scary Things in Life - Martine Severin | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:19:45 | |
Want to find out the secret to doing the scary things in life? Are you waiting for the right time or for a surge of confidence to finally send that pitch or apply for that residency. In this episode, we explore the psychological traps of "waiting to be ready" and share research-backed strategies to move from stagnant avoidance to meaningful action. If you have been keeping a scary dream on hold, this conversation might be the gentle push you need to start before you feel brave.
Chapters 00:00 The internal draft: Why we wait for the right time 01:05 A snowy reflection on the dreams we haven't touched 02:17 The confrontation: When "someday" meets the calendar 03:10 Unlearning the fear patterns that keep us stuck 04:39 The "No Fear Month" challenge and the science of action 05:40 Why feelings follow actions: Insights from cognitive behavioral therapy 06:20 Utilizing temporal landmarks for a fresh start 08:00 Step-by-step: How to schedule your breakthrough 10:30 Keeping promises to yourself: A lesson from my son 12:50 The Pomodoro technique and the power of twenty-five minutes 14:40 Overcoming the discomfort of the "not right now" 16:26 Body doubling and shifting your creative environment Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| Letting Go with Grace: When It's Time to Make the Hard Call - Martine Severin | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:13:56 | |
In our ongoing series about the creative process of building a studio, we've covered when and how to hire a team. But what happens when a hire isn't the right fit? I'm pulling back the curtain on a lesson that cost me months of energy and a piece of my confidence as a leader. You'll often know by week three or four when a new hire isn't going to make it, and waiting six months to act isn't just costly, it's a failure of leadership. I share the difference between a coachable skill gap and a fundamental values misalignment. Discover the two questions that immediately clarify your next move and the three clear, documented conversations you must have before making the final decision. This episode provides a clear, direct process to protect your creative work and act with grace and clarity, because your vision is worth protecting. Chapters00:00 - An Expensive Lesson in Waiting: Why I Didn't Act for Six Months 01:30 - The Six-Month Rule: Knowing When It's Time to Make a Clear Decision 02:40 - Coaching vs. Cutting Loose: When to Invest in Skill vs. Values 04:05 - Making It Better or Just Different: The Two Defining Questions 04:55 - The Three Clear Conversations Before You Let Someone Go 07:05 - How to Have the Firing Conversation: Clarity is Kindness 08:45 - The Cost of Waiting and Why Acting Fast is Great Leadership 10:40 - Am I Coaching Because I Believe or Because I'm Afraid? Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| From Solo Hustle to Successful Delegation: The Art of Onboarding - Martine Severin | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:21:05 | |
You've made the hire and the contract is signed. Yay. Now we can begin the real work. In this final installment of our mini-series on hiring your first assistant, I'm pulling back the curtain on the first crucial 90 days and the art of proper onboarding. I'll be sharing the systems and intentional frameworks, honed from years of building teams in my photography business and overseeing a 120-person team in a co-owned company, that help a new hire fully absorb your vision, not just your tasks. I'll walk you through the 30-60-90 framework for ensuring your new team member is set up for success. Learn why the first 30 days are purely for learning, when to flip the script on task ownership, and what to watch for by day 60 to prevent costly misalignments. This episode will provide you with the blueprint for creating an operating document, using tools for clear process transfer, and course-correcting early to ensure your future self (and your entire creative business) is amplified, not diluted. Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Series Recap 02:23 - The Crucial 90 Days: Onboarding vs. Orientation 04:44 - Breaking Down the 30-60-90 Framework 07:04 - Why You Must Encourage "Dumb" Questions 09:16 - Honesty Check: Are You Micromanaging? 11:37 - A Concrete Example: Onboarding for Client Communication 14:02 - Creating Your Operating Document and Role-Playing Scenarios 16:21 - The Week Eight Check-in and the Importance of Documentation 18:48 - Setting People Up for Success: Coaching Versus Cutting Loose Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| The Creative's Guide to Screening Your First Hire - Martine Severin | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:15:18 | |
Hiring your first helper is exciting, but it can also be terrifying. After keeping the wrong person on my team for far too long, I realized I had been focusing on all the wrong things. Skills on a resume are table stakes, but you cannot teach someone to care about the details the way you do. In this episode (Part 2 of our hiring series), I am pulling back the curtain on the screening process that saved me from making that mistake again. I share the specific, behavioral questions I now ask to uncover a candidate's true values, the red flags that signal a poor fit, and the single most important step I take before making any commitment: the paid trial project. This is the guide I wish I had when I started building my team. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back & The Hiring Journey 00:45 The Mistake I Made With My First Hire 02:05 Looking Beyond the Resume: Skills vs. Values 03:00 Why "Culture Fit" Is Everything for a Small Creative Business 04:00 The Pre-Screening Trick for Attention to Detail 05:50 How to Ask About Past Work (The "Prioritization" Question) 07:45 Asking About Mistakes and Listening for Ownership 09:30 How Do They Handle Critical Feedback? 10:30 The Importance of a (Paid) Trial Project 11:50 The Truth Revealed in the Trial 12:20 Red Flags: Badmouthing and Vague Answers 13:00 Why the Questions They Ask Matter 13:30 The One Question I Wish I Had Asked 14:00 Final Thoughts: Aligned, Not Perfect Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| Think you need to hire someone? Your exhaustion might be lying to you - Martine Severin | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:14:14 | |
Some creatives hire when they're overwhelmed, not when they're ready to lead. Before you bring on that intern or assistant, you need clarity on what you're handing off, bandwidth to train them, and rock-solid values they can execute on. I'm pleased to share the hiring frameworks that rocked my world when it came to bringing on new team members. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Four-Part Series on Hiring 01:06 The Mistake: Hiring When You Are Not Ready to Lead 02:08 Question 1: What Specific Work Are You Handing Off? 02:49 Question 2: Can You Afford to Train Someone (With Time)? 03:31 Question 3: Do You Know Your Non-Negotiables? 04:30 The EOS Framework and The People Analyzer 05:07 The Three Parts of the People Analyzer: Get It, Want It, Capacity 08:08 Journaling Prompts: Defining Your Core Values 10:30 The Key Advice: Hire for One Job, Not to Replace Yourself 13:10 Coming Up: The Interview Process Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| What an Afro Comb Can Teach You about Design - Jomo Tariku | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:51:35 | |
What does it take to change an entire industry? Thirty years ago, Jomo Tariku, then an industrial design student, noticed something profound missing in his university library: contemporary African furniture designers. This observation sparked a decades-long journey of persistence and vision. I sit down with Jomo to discuss his path from sketching designs in his garage while working other jobs to having his celebrated work featured in The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He shares how his father's incredible story as a refugee gave him the hubris to persist through a 27-year wait for recognition. Tune in to learn how he translates his heritage (from the horns of the Nyala antelope to the powerful symbolism of the Afro-comb) into functional, modern art. Tune in to this story about patience, process, and the fight to redefine the creative canon. Chapters02:22 The Collector's Home: Early Influences from a Father's Travels 05:13 Breadcrumbs: From Drawing Objects to Industrial Design 09:34 The Missing Narrative: A Thesis on African Furniture 14:14 The "Hubris" of an Orphan: A Father's Legacy of Courage 18:59 The Story of the Mito Chair: Connecting Continents with an Afro-Pick 24:37 A Commission for Seneca Village: The Met Afrofutures Room 26:08 The Designer's Process: Collaboration and Master Craftsmanship 31:40 The Balance of Beauty and Function 33:41 How 3D Printing Changed the Game 39:36 The Cost of a Prototype 42:18 The Nyala Chair: "The One That Put Me on the Map" 42:48 The 27-Year Wait and the Rise of BADG 45:10 Advocating for a More Inclusive Canon 47:33 Redefining Success: Joy, Research, and Community Connect with Jomo: Follow Jomo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jomotariku Jomo's Website: https://jomotariku.com/ Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| The Quiet Persistence of Creativity - Martine Severin | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:08:04 | |
I have been thinking a lot lately about the difference between the loud hustle culture of constant visibility and the profound power of simply refusing to give up, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Join me in this episode as I share unexpected lessons in persistence, inspired by Death Valley. Chapters00:00 - The Unlikely Pairing: Death Valley and Dehydrated Shrimp 01:50 - The Persistence of Fairy Shrimp and Resurrection Moss 02:30 - Redefining Persistence: Why Dormancy is Not Failure 03:40 - When Your Rain Comes: Being Ready to Rise 04:30 - Nature's Pep Talk: The Audacity of a 50-Year Wait 05:30 - A Call to Action for Your Quiet Creative Work Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| The Courage to Trust the Process - Bria Gladney | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:44:18 | |
Every so often, we come across an artist whose journey reminds us that creativity is a promise of transformation. What started as a project to design graduation caps (that then went viral) evolved into a story of artistic evolution, mental health healing, and finding purpose through creativity. In this episode, mixed media textile artist Bria Gladney reveals how the most meaningful art comes from the intersection of personal healing, community impact, and the courage to trust the process. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bria Gladney and Her Journey 03:02 From Class Clown to Pencil: Early Creative Exposures 08:46 The Viral Spark: Designing Graduation Caps in College 11:06 The Decision to Become a Full-Time Artist 11:37 The Spiritual Journey and the Humbling Transformation 17:05 From Canvas to Crochet: The Genesis of the "Dear Cleo" Bears 21:08 Redefining Success: From Chasing Fame to Seeking Impact 23:10 The Craft: Creating Mixed Media Textile Art 24:41 Full-Time Art: Income Streams and Pricing the Work 27:47 The Healing Power of the 'Lovie': Bears as Adult Comfort 29:50 Finding Inspiration Through Conversation and Designated Thinking Time 36:37 Art as Philanthropy: Partnering with the Too Fly Foundation 41:36 Advice on Finding Your Artistic Voice: Stay True to You
Listen to the show on your favorite streaming platform! Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/4fcopgQ Spotify: http://bit.ly/4fdkiBs iHeart Podcast: http://bit.ly/4lRHms3 Connect with Bria: Follow Bria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briagladney Bria's Website: https://www.briagladney.com/ Support the ShowWebsite: http://www.martineseverin.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| How to Find Your Own Creative Mantra - Martine Severin | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:07:50 | |
I recently spent time hiking the Four Corners (you know, the area in the US where the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico form corners). After pushing my body to its limits, I ended up on a massage table where an unexpected mantra changed my perspective. This mantra made me ask: if we have mantras for meditation and our bodies, why not for our creative practice? We, as creatives, spend so much time battling imposter syndrome and the endless feelings of "not enough". Why not use mantras to help us dip into the springwell of our creativity.
Chapters 00:00 Welcome: A Mantra I Didn't Know I Needed 00:40 Hiking the Four Corners and a Body at Its Limit 01:20 The Mantra: "I Am Grounded in the Earth" 02:15 The Realization: Why Not a Mantra for Our Work? 02:45 Battling the "Not Enough" Voice 03:20 This Isn't Toxic Positivity 04:15 How to Find Your Own Creative Mantra 05:20 My Mantra (Right Now) 06:30 Your Turn: Let It Ground You Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| The Art of World-Building as an Author - Navi' Robins | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:30:19 | |
How does a creative professional build a portfolio of 18 books? My guest today, Navi' Robins, is a Chicago-born author and graphic designer who does just that. His creative perspective was shaped by a childhood spent living across five continents. In our conversation, Navi' shares the inspiration behind his new Black Lotus trilogy, a futuristic world where men have been eradicated, and how real-world political events sparked the idea. We dig into his process as a "freestyle writer", his secrets to dynamic world-building, and the fearless habit he relies on to push the boundaries of his imagination. Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Navi' Robins 01:47 - Releasing the Black Lotus Trilogy 03:08 - The Inspiration: From Trump's Escalator to Roe v. Wade 04:41 - Inside the Black Lotus: A World Without Men 07:56 - Early Influences: Reading Stephen King in Secret 10:31 - Writing the First Book: Combining 10 Stories into One 15:32 - The Approach to World-Building 19:00 - What Frightens People the Most? 20:38 - The Habit of Being Fearless 22:17 - Daily Routines: Afrobeat and Freestyle Writing 26:39 - Overcoming Writer's Block 28:00 - Finding an Artistic Voice Connect with Navi:Follow Navi' on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navirobins/ Navi's Website: https://www.navirobins.net/ Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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| How Creatives Really Make a Living - Martine Severin | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:12:59 | |
Have you wondered about the gap between the beautiful work on artists' websites and the reality of making a living off of your creative work? Join three incredible artists: illustrator Andrea Pippins, illustrator Alex Cabal, and photographer Chris Charles, who share their "income pie." They reveal that making it is a result of royalties, commissions, speaking gigs, and consulting that supports their creative life. Chapters 00:00 - The Reality of Paying Rent as an Artist 02:15 - Understanding the "Income Pie" (Feat. Andrea Pippins) 04:28 - Andrea Pippins Shares Her Income Pie Breakdown 06:29 - Alex Cabal on a Fluctuating Creative Income 09:45 - The Importance of Asking for Help and Avoiding Burnout 10:30 - Chris Charles on Diversifying with Consulting and Film 12:07 - Final Thoughts Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.
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