Art & Cocktails – Details, episodes & analysis

This episode is a dream come true. Kat sits down with the extraordinary Maggie Smith —poet, bestselling author, and creative soul behind the viral poem Good Bones and the memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful. In this raw and inspiring conversation, they explore the messiness of the creative process, navigating visibility, staying true to your art in the age of AI, and how to keep going when the world (or your family) doesn’t get it.

Whether you're an artist, writer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is a love letter to your weird, beautiful, evolving path.

In this episode, we talk about:

* How Good Bones changed Maggie’s life—and what came next

* The pain of success not being celebrated by the people closest to you

* Why consistency looks different for every artist (especially caretakers!)

* The trap of turning your creativity into a product

* How to write honestly without sacrificing safety or boundaries

* The importance of keeping your art for you—even when others are watching

💬 Favorite Quotes:

“Make it weirder. That’s the best writing advice I’ve ever given myself.”

“Sometimes you have to pretend no one is watching so you can make what’s real.”

“We don’t get health insurance from poetry. But we do get meaning.”

“I realized I was folding tiny socks while my poem was going viral.”

“You know who your real friends are not just when things go wrong—but when things go right.”

🎤 About Maggie Smith:

Maggie Smith is the author of several bestselling books, including You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Goldenrod, Keep Moving, and the viral poem Good Bones, which was called “the official poem of 2016” by Public Radio International and read by Meryl Streep at Lincoln Center. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Paris Review, and Best American Poetry.

A recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council, Smith is also the author of the forthcoming Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life (April 2025, Atria/Simon & Schuster). She teaches in the MFA program at the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing and lives in Ohio.

Find her at www.maggiesmithpoet.com and @maggiesmithpoet on social media.

📚 Books Mentioned:

* Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life

* You Could Make This Place Beautiful

* Good Bones

* Keep Moving

* Goldenrod

✨ Sponsor: Create! MagazineSupport artist-run, independent publishing. Submit your work or subscribe digitally to stay inspired.

📖 Transcript

(Lightly edited)

Kat: Maggie, welcome to Art & Cocktails. I am so unbelievably honored to have you on the show. I’ll tell you a fun story—I had jury duty in March, and I just grabbed a random book off my shelf… and it happened to be your memoir. I was so happy to have jury duty because I could binge-read it—I pretty much read the whole thing that afternoon.

Thank you for writing it. And now you have a brand-new book out—Dear Writer. Congratulations! It’s filled with incredible tools and lessons for the creative life. I can’t wait to jump in.

Maggie: Oh my gosh, that’s so kind. Thanks for having me!

On Becoming a Writer

Kat: For those who may not be familiar with your work, could you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

Maggie: I’m primarily a poet—that’s probably how most people know me. But I also publish prose, picture books, and work in other genres. I’m a writer, teacher, sometimes an editor… and a Midwesterner.

Kat: I love that. How did you know you wanted to commit your life to writing?

Maggie: I always felt writing was the thing I was best at—and the thing that made me feel most like myself. I probably knew in college that I’d be writing poems the rest of my life. I had no idea how I’d pay my bills—but the writing part was never in question.

On Impractical Dreams and Real-World Pressure

Kat: What would you say to someone who loves creating but is stuck in a job that feels draining?

Maggie: I actually tell people to keep the day job. It gives you financial stability and protects your creativity from pressure. I had a 9-to-5 job for years after my MFA. It let me write at night and didn’t require grading or student emails.

Creativity doesn’t owe you a paycheck. When we force it to pay rent, it can shift the relationship—and not in a good way.

When “Good Bones” Went Viral

Kat: Tell me about when Good Bones went viral—where were you in life at that time?

Maggie: I was pushing a stroller around my neighborhood and folding tiny socks. I had two young kids and was very much in mom-mode. It was surreal. Suddenly people who had no idea who I was—musicians, actors, chefs—were sharing my poem.

I had to quickly decide how to keep writing and not get stuck in “performance” mode. I had to pretend it never happened and return to writing like no one was watching.

On Jealousy, Sabotage & Who Really Shows Up

Kat: You’ve written about unsupportive friends or family. How do you deal with that when your career starts to grow?

Maggie: It’s painful—but also clarifying. You really do learn who your people are. Not just when things go wrong, but when they go right.

Someone else’s success doesn’t take anything from you. It just adds more to the well. I try to keep that in mind, even when I’m personally disappointed.

On Redefining “Consistency” for Creative People

Kat: Your new book redefines consistency in such a refreshing way. Can you share your view?

Maggie: The creative process shouldn’t hurt. Some days are writing days, some aren’t. If I’m not writing, I do something in service of my writing—edit an old draft, submit work, organize.

It all counts. Taking a walk, calling a friend, doing yoga—those things fill the well too.

On Telling the Truth Safely

Kat: What advice do you have for someone who wants to tell a vulnerable story but is scared?

Maggie: Write it all—but don’t feel pressure to publish it all. Publishing is very different from writing. Ask: “Would I be okay answering questions about this publicly?” If not, can you revise or set a boundary while keeping the heart of the story?

Be honest, but protect your peace.

On Art, AI, and Why It’s Time to Get Weird

Kat: In this AI-saturated world, what’s your advice to creatives?

Maggie: I have a sticky note on my desk that says: “Make it weirder.” That’s my guiding principle. I want to feel the human behind the work—the mess, the quirks, the seams.

AI can’t grieve. It can’t love. It can’t dream. We can. That’s our power.

Closing

Kat: Maggie, thank you so much for your time and wisdom. Your work is such a gift.

Maggie: Thank you. This was a joy.

In this heartfelt and grounding conversation, Kat reconnects with her former professor, artist and printmaker Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg, to explore what it truly means to live a creative life—on your own terms.

Cheryl shares how her work is shaped by place, walking, and deep observation—drawing inspiration from time spent in Wyoming, China, Finland, and her new home in Arizona. Together, they reflect on life after academia, the courage to start over, and the unexpected clarity that comes with experience, loss, and listening to the land.

This episode is a balm for any artist feeling overwhelmed, out of place, or unsure of what comes next. It’s a reminder that your work doesn’t have to be impressive—it just has to be yours.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Life after academia and what changed in higher education

• Making time for your art while raising a family or working full-time

• How Cheryl approaches residencies, place-based work, and listening

• Letting go of external pressure and creating from authenticity

• The real markers of a fulfilling creative life

• Advice for artists just beginning—or beginning again

Cheryl Agulnick Hochberg
Website: www.cherylagulnick.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylhochberg

✨ Resources to Support Your Creative Path:

• Submit to Create! Magazine’s open call: createmagazine.co/call-for-art

• Explore free artist tools + micro-courses at Create U

In this solo episode of Art & Cocktails, I’m (Ekaterina Popova) celebrating my nine-year self-employment anniversary—marking the moment I walked out of my corporate job and committed to building a life as a full-time artist and creative entrepreneur.

This conversation blends personal storytelling with practical strategies for artists who are just starting out, those in the thick of building, and anyone dreaming of making their creative practice sustainable.

I share what worked for me when I had fewer than 300 followers, no gallery representation, and no real roadmap—just passion, urgency, and the willingness to figure it out. You’ll hear what helped me sell my first artworks, grow beyond friends and family, and start showing up professionally long before I felt “ready.”

Topics include:

How I made my first sales with a small audience
What to post and how to talk about your work
Why local shows and early wins deserve celebration
How I began getting noticed by curators and galleries
What I did to prepare for opportunities before they happened
Why I built Create! Magazine to support other artists like me
The shift from doing everything to scaling through systems
Why you don’t need to go viral to succeed
How creative leadership changed my business and energy

I also talk about growing Create U, embracing structure as a form of freedom, and what I’ve learned about building a business that allows for rest, alignment, and long-term joy—not just hustle.

If you’re navigating a season of growth or feel like you're on the edge of something new, I hope this episode encourages you to take your next brave step.

Explore resources mentioned in this episode:

Sell From the Studio course at Create U: www.createu.co/sell-from-the-studio
Submit to Create! Magazine: www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art
Read and subscribe to my Substack: artandcocktails.substack.com

Thank you so much for listening. I’m honored to be on this creative path with you.

Had a rough year? You're not alone. In this episode, Kat vulnerably shares her journey through a tough season. Learn how to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger on the other side!

What's Inside:

• Navigating Tough Times: Ekaterina delves into her personal struggle with difficult periods in life and business, illustrating the cyclical nature of our experiences.

• Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity: She emphasizes the importance of being genuine and open about the highs and lows we all face.

• Confronting Personal and Professional Challenges: From family conflicts to career hurdles like a near-canceled solo show, Ekaterina discusses how she navigated through adversity.

• Prioritizing Self-Care and Emotional Processing: She underscores the necessity of taking time to heal and process emotions after life's challenges.

• Shifting Focus and Embracing Rest: Learn about Ekaterina's decision to step back from exhibitions and find solace in painting at a relaxed pace.

• Setting Boundaries for Personal Wellbeing: Discover the importance of saying no to certain opportunities for the sake of mental health.

• Finding Joy in Simplicity: Ekaterina shares how engaging in simple pleasures, like painting everyday objects and spending time with her pet, brought joy.

• Seeking New Experiences to Grow: Hear about her solo adventures and new hobbies that helped push her boundaries and foster personal growth.

• Gleaning Lessons from Hardships: Reflect on quiet times in business and the value of staying calm and attuned to your inner voice during uncertainty.

• Building Strength through Community and Hobbies: The importance of a supportive network and engaging in activities that bring joy outside of work is highlighted.

• Committing to Sobriety and Mindfulness: Ekaterina talks about choosing sobriety to confront her emotions directly during challenging times.

• Understanding the Seasonality of Life and Business: She uses the metaphor of seasons to describe the fluctuating nature of life and business, encouraging listeners to embrace each phase.

• Offering Hope and Encouragement: The episode concludes with uplifting words and a belief in the power of resilience and growth.

• Invitation to the Artist Navigation Course: Ekaterina extends an invitation to her course, designed to aid artists in navigating their careers, especially through tough periods.https://artistnavigation.com/

Join us for an episode filled with raw insights, practical advice, and heartfelt encouragement.

https://artistnavigation.com/

In this episode of Art & Cocktails, host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) warmly welcomes back Sarah Potter, a renowned psychic medium, witch, and former curator. Sarah shares her unique insights on how to embrace our deeper talents and expand beyond our conventional fields. This episode delves into the fascinating intersection of art, business, and spirituality.

Key Topics:

1. Heeding the Call: Sarah discusses the importance of listening to our inner voice and expanding beyond our traditional roles.
2. Integrating Magic and Spirituality: Practical tips for artists and listeners on incorporating magical practices and spirituality into everyday life and studio routines.
3. Sarah Potter's Journey: An intimate look at Sarah's evolution from a curator to a celebrity psychic medium, Tarot reader, and professional witch.
4. Spiritual Guidance and Empowerment: Sarah's approach to providing bespoke magical experiences and drawing on her extensive occult knowledge during Tarot readings.

Sarah Potter is not just a psychic medium but a celebrity in her field, known for her extraordinary Tarot reading skills and profound occult wisdom. Her spiritual guidance has transformed the lives of thousands, including both private individuals and corporate clients. Each session with Sarah promises a tailor-made experience, blending magical practices with empowering advice.

https://iamsarahpotter.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahpotter/

www.createmagazine.com/podcast

Hey artists! Have big dreams but don't feel supported by your friends and family? Feel like no one else believes in your vision? I've been there too. Join me, Kat (Ekaterina Popova) in this mini solo episode as I give YOU the permission slip to move forward boldly, regardless of who's cheering for you.

Plus, I extend an invite to join me for the final time in 2023 in my premium coaching program, The Artist Navigation Course. Let's embark on a journey to help you become the confident captain of your art career. Enroll by November 20, 2023 to join the fall/winter round. https://artistnavigation.com/

In this episode of 'Art and Cocktails', host Ekaterina Popova engages with the vibrant artist and muralist, Gabriela Sepulveda, The Ivory Bunny. They discuss the role of playfulness in self-expression and the critical impact of community involvement on an artist's career. Gabby opens up about her strategies for adapting to different social environments, utilizing dress-ups, and quirky personas to create unforgettable interactions. She also emphasizes the power of embracing our authentic, even eccentric, selves. Through her own narrative, Gabby illustrates the transition from struggling to make ends meet to thriving in the mural community, exemplifying the importance of passion, perseverance, and the ability to own one's uniqueness.

Podcast Notes:

• Strategies for becoming well-known within your art community.
• The benefits of celebrating your unique qualities and 'weirdness'.
• How attire can influence personal branding and leave a strong impression.
• The significance of embracing various facets of your personality and locating supportive communities that encourage genuine self-expression.
• Gabby's journey from striving to pay the bills with art to exceeding those aspirations and setting new objectives.
• Practical advice for emerging artists to display their work, engage with local art scenes, and obtain funding.
• The importance of establishing a robust artistic identity in-person and online, with a focus on impactful interactions over simply collecting followers.
• Effective methods for self-introduction and forging valuable connections in the art industry.
• Recognition of the art world's interconnectivity and the necessity of determination.

Tune in and be motivated to add flair and weirdness to your life and leave your unique imprint on the community!

Discover more about Gabby's work: https://www.theivorybunny.com/the-ivory-bunny

https://www.instagram.com/theivorybunny/

Enroll in the Artist Navigation Course: https://artistnavigation.com

This episode serves as an inspiring guide for artists and entrepreneurs on manifesting dreams and ambitions. The host, Kat, draws on her own experiences as an immigrant and artist to share insights on intro to manifesting your next chapter. Key points include:

• Manifestation as an active and purposeful process to achieve artistic dreams.
• A step-by-step approach: goal-setting, visualization, identity adoption, action, and trust in the process.
• Overcoming self-doubt and the critical role of perseverance.
• An emphasis on faith, celebrating small wins, and enjoying the journey.

Work with Kat Inside The Artist Navigation Course: https://artistnavigation.com

Free Masterclass for Artists: https://my.demio.com/ref/wIUe9JKwGZBHJ1jN

In this episode, we introduce you to Emily Stevens, affectionately known as Paz, the imaginative force behind Pazful Designs.

Join Kat and Em as they engage in a candid conversation about the dedication it takes to pursue a career in art, the delicate balance between day jobs and following one's dreams, and the transformative challenges that come with being an artist.

You'll get to explore Em's remarkable journey, from her roots in rural Pennsylvania to her thriving artist life in Denver. Uncover her deep passion for ceramics and her ambitious plans. Em also shares how her two rescue dogs, Bubba and Luna, serve as constant sources of inspiration in her creative pursuits.

Tune in to be inspired and motivated to pursue your dreams.

Additionally, if you'd like to support Em's dream of building her own studio, you can find her Kickstarter campaign at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pazfuldesigns/pazful-designs-kiln-studio-build.

https://www.pazfuldesigns.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pazfuldesigns

www.createmagazine.com/podcast

Steal Kat's Strategy!

In this episode, Kat shares a few proven ways to research and find galleries for emerging artists who are just starting out. While you don't need a gallery to be a successful artist, it can significantly assist you in expanding your audience, establishing a good reputation, and elevating your career. Tune in to hear Kat's tips on how to kickstart your journey and discover gallery opportunities and potential partners for your art.

Also, mark your calendars for Kat's free masterclass in November 2023, where she'll delve into the secrets of growing a sustainable and profitable art career. Don't miss out—reserve your seat today!

Free Masterclass:

https://my.demio.com/ref/wIUe9JKwGZBHJ1jN