Between The Lines – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, Matteo and I sat down to reflect on 2024. 

It was a year that began with an eviction from our Notting Hill flat and ended by the seaside in Puglia, Italy. In between, there was a whirlwind of change — a “move” to Milan, a retreat to the forests of Sweden, and an unexpected chapter living in the green heart of Umbria. Along the way, we wrote a book that we’re so proud of.

It was a year of unknowns and constant pivots. And yet, it’s been one of the most transformative and beautiful years of our lives. A real lesson in letting go and discovering new ways of being and living.

In this episode of Between The Lines, we talk about the highs, the lows, the messy middle, and the quiet moments of clarity that came through it all.

December feels like the perfect time to take stock of it all and ask:

What will you leave behind in 2024? And what will you embrace in 2025?

With love,
JYK & Matteo (Dory)

At the beginning of last year, I was in a creative rut. I knew I wanted to evolve my art but had no idea where to begin. I was terrified I’d never create anything worthwhile again and felt paralysed by indecision.

In this episode, I share how ‘play’ (my One Word for 2023) taught me to trust myself, and reconnect with the joy of expression, creativity, and life.

JYK 🤍

For years, I was living on autopilot, completely unaware of how disconnected I had become.

One simple question changed everything and fundamentally changed the course of my career and life. It led me to quit my job, rediscover painting, and set me on a path toward meaning rather than validation.

This episode is just six minutes long, but the truth is, it took me days!

JYK 🤍

The concept of journalling was always confusing to me; it felt elusive, awkward, and just another thing to do. So I resisted it for years. But the noise in my head kept getting louder. Matteo kept nudging me to try ‘positive affirmations’, and then my sister sent me a podcast that gave me the final push I needed.

Now, it’s something I do every single day. Not because I “should,” but because it’s a simple, quick practice that enriches my life in so many ways. It’s helped my confidence, self-esteem, and sense of peace.

Like all rituals, it took time and started small. Today, I’m sharing the simple prompt that got me started and the one word I remind myself of every day, in the hopes it helps you too. 

JYK 🤍

How do we stay focused when our attention is pulled in a thousand directions?

This week, I’m sharing my frustrations with my phone, exploring the hidden cost of distraction on our energy and creativity, and discussing the simple practices that are helping me make space for the things that matter most to me right now.

If, like me, you often feel scattered or overwhelmed, this might be for you.

There’s so much to unpack when it comes to attention, and I worry that we’re so addicted to tech, we’re not talking about it enough. I’d love to know—does it affect you too? And is it something you’d like to explore further?

JYK 🤍

If you’re on the go, listen on Spotify 🕊

This week, I stepped out of my comfort zone and sat down to record this video.

I’m currently in Umbria, working on a podcast, which is pushing me to face my fears and navigate the unknown. It’s been both exciting and scary.

In this video, I share what it feels like to confront resistance, the discomfort of starting something new, and the book that’s helping me break through self-sabotage.

If you’ve ever felt held back by perfectionism or fear, this might resonate with you. Sometimes, just showing up, no matter how messy, makes all the difference.

JYK 🤍

ps. filming this was terrifying

From the 18th of October, I’ll be introducing membership.

Moving forward weekly posts like this will be shared with members only.

I’m making this change because creating this kind of content is both vulnerable and time-intensive, and I want to ensure that what I share remains meaningful, without cluttering your inbox.

I’ll continue to share ‘Things I Learn’ on the last Friday of every month for free. Thank you for being here. It means a lot 🤍

Over the last few months I wiped my Instagram, launched my new collection, and transformed my art studio into an exhibition space with almost 200 metres of drapery. In this 20-minute conversation, we touch on stepping into the unknown, finding the courage to lean into what excites you, and why everything is different this year. I hope you enjoy listening!

This conversation was recorded a few days before hosting my first open day, which was surreal. I absolutely loved meeting everyone and seeing their faces as they stepped into the space.

So much so, that I’ve decided to host another open day on Saturday, May 11th, and would love to see you there.

You can register here.

JYK x

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This week, I sat down with Matteo (aka Dory) to discuss why starting something new is so incredibly hard (and how to get started anyway). You can listen to our first recording above!

Recently, I had lunch with a friend who started a brand-new job in a completely new industry.

"How’s it going?" I asked.

"Good," she said. "Though, there’s a LOT to learn. I’m excited for six months from now when I’m actually good at my job."

Interesting, I thought. I felt the same way when I was pushing my art in a new direction; I felt like a beginner again, and that was very unsettling.

Our conversation made me reflect on how uncomfortable it feels to not be good at something. All we want is to reach that beautiful end state where things feel effortless.

And yet, true growth is found in the challenges along the way.

My sister shared an insightful perspective with me. After years of wanting to play the guitar but never taking the first step, she reached a point of frustration. So, she said to herself, "This year, I am going to be bad at guitar." And every time she picked up her guitar and played poorly (almost giving up), she reminded herself, that’s the point!

So often, we don’t start something new because we fear we will be bad at it. We don’t journal, draw or skip because we don’t know how. But when we confine ourselves to what we know and excel at, there is little room for discovery.

What if the goal IS to be bad? To forget the outcome and find joy in the process?

For years, I have wanted to try podcasting. And for years, I have avoided it.

Well, this year, I’m going to be bad at podcasting.*

And Matteo is going to be bad at Italian.

What are you going to be bad at?

As always, I’d love to hear from you.

JYK x

*evidence above!

Things we mentioned in our chat above 🎙:

* Ira Glass on bridging the gap

* Casey Neistat on patience

* The War Of Art by Steven Pressfied

* Brené Brown on FFTs

A few days ago, Camille Liu Nock visited me at home in Sydney, and we spoke about our words for the new year. My word for 2024 is ‘ease,’ and in this two-minute video, I share why!

What’s your word for 2024?

JYK x