Cuppa Jen – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome here to CuppaJen in 2021 everyone!!

It's exciting to be a creative -- you can innovate, recreate, originate -- there are millions of ideas out there, and yet I have a habit of picking apart one. Perfectionism, as we talk about on the show, is the death of creativity. One can spend so much time on trying to "get it right" or "make it perfect" that we often end up without a heart felt version and the art and our hearts suffer in the long run. Our guest Erika Conway, an industry professional of over 25 years, is still learning to surrender "perfection" each time she creates. If you're in the habit of trying to make things perfect, then you're in good company. In our conversation, we discuss some of our fears, our desire for control, and what it feels like to be working in the fallout of an uncertain time for the arts.

Later in the show, Keith Alessi an ex-CEO joins us to talk about his own unique life story -- someone who came to creativity by circumstance more than choice. You'll want to stick around for the whole thing!

Links & accounts below:

@cuppajenpodcast

@yogamonkey34

@marvelousmessymiddle

online.thespaceuk.com

#cuppajenpodcast #cuppajen #perfectionism #surrender #trust

Hey!

Welcome back to part 2 of our “konversation” with Karen! In Part 2, Karen expounds upon her understanding of confidence and what culture best creates that for us. We talked about having empathy for the artist, taking the lead on our own life narrative, and the importance of having a supportive community around us that we can lean on and ask for help. Having confidence is not always standard, but it's more earned from consistent lifestyle of self-care — having the right people around you giving you the right words can either save or hinder you.

We also talk a little bit about feedback: what it is, how to take it, and which feedback-givers (friends included) have your best interest at heart. Feedback can be tricky to navigate but just remember if someone is trying to clarify your work to make it stronger then its activating, but saying “i like” or “i don’t like” is actually passing judgement and even with the best of intentions, those comments do nothing to serve the art.

Karen is also gracious enough to share some of the her personal scars and lessons that she learned from starting her own business. It’s not all rosey — and patience for our mistakes is necessary. Lots to cover here! Hope you enjoy!

If you haven’t already checked out last week’s part 1 be sure to check that out here: https://youtu.be/Q7Jplud-FRs

Have a great rest of your week,

xox

Jeness

#dontquityourdaydream #progressoverperfection #artists

Below are some links to Karen’s materials:

Karen Elgersma Media:

https://www.karenelgersmamedia.com

Karen’s Shaw Farewell:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuMoFeunyY4

Karens Instagram:

@karenelgersmamedia

Konversations with Karen:

www.facebook.com/106627824060074/posts/305220374200817/?vh=e&d=n

Sisters Shelby and Joelle Wyminga are on this weeks episode to chat about starting their own production company called Far From the Tree Productions. We talk about what makes us feel like failures, how important self care is, owning our choices, and what it’s like to grow up as a pastors kid in Northern BC.

Caribou Magi opens December 5th at the Havana Theatre, and if you’re in the Vancouver area we hope you make it out! For more information on Far From the Tree Productions, visit: farfromthetreeproductions.com and make sure to go follow them on Instagram as well.

#dontquityourdaydream

#progressoverperfection

xox

Jenny Gal

Hi friends, I remember once hearing a rumor that Paul McCartney has never had writers block... well, truth be told, most of us creatives have had a creative block at least once, and I think it's okay to be open about that! There are many ways to unlock the creative parts of our brain its simply a matter of finding what works for you! Maybe if you are feeling stuck this episode can help. Grab a coffee, go for a walk and take a listen! Remember - #progessoverperfection We don't need to be perfect in order to be creative! In fact it's usually the imperfections that give us the juice we need to do our best work! #dontquityourdaydream Thanks guys! xox JennyGal PS: If you like what you hear, click on the subscribe button :)

Hi friends and welcome to episode 8 of #cuppajen :) My friend Jordan Rendle joins us this week on the podcast and we talk about how we met, our shared journeys in acting & rejection, and finally how to reframe our "downtime" as "preparation seasons." We both agree that if you are going to make art your full time career then you need to think of it in the longterm. It's okay to take time for ourselves or give ourselves a little grace when we don't hit every goal in the first six months. Please reach out and share how you have sustained yourselves while you've waited for the next steps in your career to happen. How do you grow and still stay motivated? We hope that we can encourage you in whatever season you are in, and remember we are all in this together and no one is successful 100% of the time! 

#dontquityourdaydream #progressoverperfection #cuppajen

xox 

Jenessa

This week on #cuppajen I have the pleasure of getting to speak with coach and writer Cathy Christen! We talk about being dreamers and what it takes to turn those dreams into reality. From maintaining healthy habits and routines, to overcoming adversity, to the impact our environments (internal & external) have on us — these factors can change how disciplined we are in our craft! Listen in if you’d like to be inspired and walk away with some practical tools to get our dreamer butts in gear!

My favorite takeaway was when Cathy said: “Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional!” Remember you don’t have to stay anywhere — you have the option to keep moving and growing! Emotional Intelligence is also about keeping the mind strong. What are some tools you guys use to keep yourself moving towards your dreams when things get tough?

Thanks again for coming by Cathy!

xox,

Jenny Gal

#dontquityourdaydream

#progressoverperfection

Ps — for more on Cathy visit her website cathychristen.com

And for Cathy’s book use this amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Masterpiece-Design-Live-Today/dp/1544512554/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548875841&sr=8-1&keywords=life+as+a+masterpiece+book

This week on #cuppajen we are joined by the wonderful Tunji Taylor-Lewis, my fellow actor/entertainer and friend. We talk social media, experiences with rejection, and how the art of "saying yes" in improv can translate to saying yes for our business strategy. We also touch on sifting through which voices we will allow to influence our art... from the person in our audiences, to our closest friends, to God. Who do you let speak into your art? Who do you let speak into your life? Can't wait to hear what you all think, and I hope you all enjoy this week's guest as much as I always do! If you like what you hear, please subscribe and tell other people to about it. If you hate it, tell NO ONE.

xox,

Jenny Gal

#dontquityourdaydream

#progressoverperfection

Hi everyone! First time here? Welcome to #cuppajen - the podcast! We chat about all things to do with our dreams and share what we are learning over a cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate -- whatever you'd like! Are you a dreamer too? Join me this week as we chat about the toxicity of trying to be "perfect" in our given mediums, and why we should value progress over anything else! 💕 If you like what you hear, please subscribe and tell other people to about it. If you hate it, tell NO ONE. 

xox,

Jenny Gal

#dontquityourdaydream

#progressoverperfection

Hi friends! Glad you're here! This #cuppajen is actually a follow up podcast to episode 2: part 1 where I talked about discouragement. In part 2, I talk about my journey with coming to terms with my emotions, reaching out to mentors & friends, and having a good look at my fears! I hope that through listening you might feel encouraged, and that we can grow together in our belief in ourselves! Remember that whatever happens, we have each other! #dontquityourdaydream 

Hi friends! Hope you've felt encouraged by the podcast so far! This week on #cuppajen we are chatting with guests Jaclyn and Ciaran Delaney, siblings that I first met online and then again whilst traveling in Ireland! We talk through names, Irish vs. Canadian accents, and our experiences with friendship. They are a riot, and I just simply love talking to them, so please enjoy this extra long episode! 

xox Jenessa