The Creative Calm Podcast

Hosted by Denise Christenson Rae

Entrepreneurship Education Arts

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Latest episode

Feb 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Join us as we explore how creativity, rest, and play are essential components to a healthy & happy life and business.

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60 recent

February 6, 202615 min

Imperfectly Returning: Life, ADHD, and the Magic of Creative Wellness

Welcome back to The Creative Calm Podcast! In this episode, I open up about my eight-month hiatus and the deeply personal journey that brought me back to the mic. As a creative wellness coach, mom of four, and business owner, I’ve had to lean into the magic of rest, creativity, and play to find my way through life’s overwhelm—and I’m eager to share my story with you.In This Episode, I Share:Taking a Step Back: Why I needed to step away from the podcast, my newsletter, and many other things—how the pause helped me reflect, and why too much time away didn’t feel right for me.Discovering ADHD: Last summer, I realized I might have ADHD after hearing women share their similar experiences. I get into my quest for answers, the intensive neuropsych testing I underwent, and the clarity (and self-compassion) that a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD has brought me.Coping with Life’s Messiness: From dealing with a major home remodel to navigating the chaos of a creative drought, I talk about the frustration (and acceptance) that comes with things being in disarray—and how I managed to keep some creativity alive amidst it all.Choosing Imperfection Over Inaction: Whether recording in my car or struggling to stick with routines, I openly discuss the pressure to do things “the right way” and my decision to show up, imperfections and all.Reconnecting with My Calling: In this season of life, I feel even more strongly called to celebrate and nurture creativity, encourage self-discovery, and be a beacon of hope when the world feels heavy.Learning to Honor My Brain and Rhythms: I reflect on how my creative process doesn’t look like everyone else’s, how I’m learning what works for me, and why it’s okay when things don’t happen on a strict schedule.Here’s What I Hope You Take Away:Sometimes stepping away is necessary, but it’s also okay to miss what you love and find your way backSelf-discovery can reshape how you see yourself and how you show up in the worldYou don’t have to have ADHD to know that understanding yourself mattersImperfect action is better than none—creativity thrives when we give ourselves graceYou deserve rest, creativity, play, and the chance to rewrite your patternsIf something I shared resonated with you, please consider leaving a five-star review or sharing a screenshot to help spread the Creative Calm revolution. Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful to have you here on this creative journey.Let’s keep embracing the beauty of rest, creativity, and play—together.With gratitude,Denise

May 29, 2025Episode 5822 min

Too Many Ideas, Not Enough Time? Try This Surprising Trick to Beat Creative Overwhelm

Feeling paralyzed by too many creative ideas? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Creative Calm Podcast, I’m opening up about my own behind-the-scenes struggles with decision fatigue, creative choice paralysis, and that all-too-familiar urge to do everything—or nothing at all.But what if the answer to creative clarity wasn’t another productivity hack... but a simple coin flip?Inspired by a fascinating study I discovered during a graduate course, I’m sharing how randomness (yes, really!) can help you bypass overwhelm, connect with your intuition, and start creating with ease and joy again.✨ What I Cover in This Episode:The real reason you might feel stuck—even when you're excited about your creative projectsWhy perfectionism and overthinking are keeping your supplies (and ideas) unusedWhat “creative choice paralysis” is—and how to gently move past itThe science behind decision-making and why flipping a coin actually worksHow randomness can reveal your true desires (spoiler: it’s not really about fate!)A peek into how I’m using this technique in both my creative life and everyday choicesA playful challenge you can try today to get unstuck and create with more clarity🧩 Your Creative Calm ChallengeGrab a journal and jot down 3–5 creative ideas or projects you're circling. Then use a coin, dice, or cards to make a playful decision. Check in with your gut: Are you excited? Relieved? Resistant? Let that inner reaction guide your next joyful step.🌟 Mentioned in this EpisodeThe University of Basel study on decision-making and coin flipsConcepts like “decision fatigue,” “choice overload,” and the “nirvana fallacy”How I’ve used this trick for everything from crafting to dinner decisions!💫 Let’s Stay Connected🫶🏼 Follow me on Instagram @creative.calm.studio🫶🏼 DM me to share your coin flip results—I’d love to hear what project you chose!🫶🏼 Don’t miss the next episode—make sure you’re following or subscribedIf this episode helped bring more ease and play into your creative life, I’d be so grateful if you left a 5-star review or shared it on social media and tagged me. Your support means the world.

April 22, 2025Episode 5711 min

Escaping the Trap of Overconsumption and Rekindling Your Creative Spark

Deep dive into the topic of overconsumption and how it’s holding back our creativity—something so many of us can relate to, especially in today’s digital world.Episode Summary:In this enlightening episode, Denise Christenson Rae explores the often overlooked impact of overconsumption on our creativity and personal fulfillment. Drawing from her own experiences as a creative wellness coach, mother, teacher, and business owner, Denise opens up about the challenges of living in an information-saturated world. She discusses how easy it is to slip from healthy learning and inspiration into the abyss of passive overconsumption—and how this habit steals time and energy that could be used for creative pursuits.Denise candidly admits she hasn’t mastered this balance and shares her ongoing journey toward spending more time creating than consuming. She examines the main culprits—overconsumption, overthinking, and perfectionism—and offers practical tips for setting healthy boundaries around consumption. From limiting time on social media to the powerful strategy of “create before you consume,” Denise gives actionable ideas for listeners who want to reclaim their time and bring their creative visions to life. Listeners are invited to contribute their own tips and experiences for managing overconsumption, as Denise fosters a sense of community and shared growth.Highlights:The distinction between healthy consumption and overconsumption and why the latter can drain both time and creative energy.Denise’s personal struggle with consuming more information than she creates, and her commitment to shifting this balance.Identifying the “big three” pitfalls: overconsumption, overthinking, and perfectionism.Denise’s strategies for reigning in overconsumption, including setting time limits and prioritizing creating before consuming.A gentle challenge to stop consuming and start creating, sharing your unique gifts with the world.Action Steps:Notice your own consumption habits—are you learning or just endlessly scrolling?Experiment with creating before you consume each day.Set clear time limits for consumption, especially on social media or research-related tasks.Reach out to Denise via Instagram with your own tips or success stories on managing consumption and creating more.Share the episode with a friend to spark a conversation about finding creative calm in an overwhelming world.Connect with Denise:Instagram: @DeniseChristensenRaeLike what you heard?Leave a five-star review wherever you listen and screenshot the episode to share on social media—don’t forget to tag Denise!Remember:Prioritize rest. Unleash your creativity. Embrace playfulness.

March 24, 2025Episode 5614 min

Finding Time for Creativity: Planning Your Way to Success

In this episode, I tackle the often-asked question: "What's the secret to finding more time for creativity?" I reflect on the importance of planning as a vital component in carving out space for creative pursuits amidst our busy lives. Sharing insights from my Instagram reel and expanding on them here, I explain how crafting a plan and sticking to it is essential for allowing creativity to flourish within our structured days.With the demands of family, work, and life's unexpected time-wasters, planning becomes paramount. I delve into the necessity of scheduling creative time, just as we do for work commitments and daily routines. By penciling in creativity on my planner, it not only grants me freedom from guilt but also energizes me for tackling other obligations.I'll share practical tips on how I incorporate creative moments into my weekly schedule and emphasize the liberating power of structured creativity. Whether you're juggling responsibilities as a working parent, like me, or navigating other life commitments, planning can help you prioritize your passions alongside everyday duties. Join me and discover how to harmonize rest, creativity, and playfulness in your life and business.xoxo, Denise Christenson RaeConnect with Me:Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t forget to screenshot this episode and share it on your social media, tagging @denisechristensonrae. Your support means the world to me and helps spread the joy of creativity, rest, and play.Thank you for listening!Join me next time on The Creative Calm Podcast as we continue to explore the transformative power of rest, creativity, and play.

February 28, 2025Episode 5511 min

Unstuck: How to Move Past Overthinking Into Creative Flow

Welcome to Episode 55 of The Creative Calm Podcast. I'm Denise Christenson Rae, and in this episode, I open up about my personal struggle with overthinking and how it's been affecting my creative process and podcasting schedule. As someone who often finds herself caught in the spin cycle of thoughts, I've seen firsthand how this paralysis prevents progress in my creative and personal endeavors.Reflecting on when I first started the podcast, I remember the simplicity and directness that drove me forward. Recently, though, overthinking has led to a frustrating pattern of starting and stopping. This episode is about breaking free from the hold of perfectionism and embracing action, even when it’s messy.In a spontaneous decision, I recorded this episode using my phone after realizing I misplaced my regular microphone. This act underscores my commitment to push past the paralysis of overthinking by embracing imperfection.I encourage you to confront your own limiting beliefs, take action despite imperfections, and pursue the projects and passions that bring you joy. I promise to return sooner with new insights and urge you to embark on your creative journeys with courage.In This Episode, You'll Discover:How overthinking can stall creativity and productivityThe power of taking imperfect action to overcome paralysisThe link between perfectionism and overthinkingMotivation to pursue your creative passions despite perceived obstaclesConnect with Me:Instagram:⁠⁠www.instagram.com/denisechristensonrae⁠⁠ Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t forget to screenshot this episode and share it on your social media, tagging @denisechristensonrae. Your support means the world to me and helps spread the joy of creativity, rest, and play.Thank you for listening!Join me next time on The Creative Calm Podcast as we continue to explore the transformative power of rest, creativity, and play.

January 14, 2025Episode 5414 min

Starting Your Morning with Art: How Tiny Habits Can Spark Big Creativity

In this episode, let's unlock the magic of small, manageable steps in building a daily creative practice. I share my morning ritual of dedicating just five minutes to art and how it’s been transformative in my life. As a busy mom, teacher, and business owner, finding time for creativity seemed impossible, but this tiny habit has ignited a powerful shift.Join me as I recount my recent creative endeavors—from illustrating in my travel journal to working on an embroidery project—and how these moments of creativity spill over into the rest of my day, bringing more joy and energy. I'll also delve into the backdoor method I use to bypass the mental blocks that tell me it's not enough and prove that it truly is.I encourage you to carve out just five minutes for your own creative practice, embrace your playful spirit, and witness how these small actions can lead to immense personal growth. Whether you've always dreamed of being an artist or simply wish to add a bit more beauty to your day, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to start small and dream big.Join me in this exciting journey of fostering creativity through micro-habits and discover how you, too, can find calm and joy in everyday life.Let's dive in and uncover the beauty of rest, creativity, and play together.xoxo, Denise Christenson RaeConnect with Me:Instagram:⁠www.instagram.com/denisechristensonrae⁠ Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t forget to screenshot this episode and share it on your social media, tagging @denisechristensonrae. Your support means the world to me and helps spread the joy of creativity, rest, and play.Thank you for listening!Join me next time on The Creative Calm Podcast as we continue to explore the transformative power of rest, creativity, and play.

December 23, 2024Episode 5334 min

Creator Spotlight: Kellee Kroll's Journey in Furniture Restoration

In this episode, I invite you to sit back and soak in a powerful conversation with the incredibly talented Kellee Kroll. We touch on the importance of weaving creative projects into our daily lives and how they can replenish our emotional and mental resources. Kellee shares her vibrant journey from childhood, where she made charming furniture for her Barbies, to becoming the inspiring owner of "Charm and Grit," a business that specializes in custom designing outdated furniture, restoring thrifted gems, and teaching others the easy steps to a beautiful makeover.Kellee and I delve deep into the significance of balancing creativity with our everyday responsibilities. Whether it's family, career, or other obligations, finding time for creative pursuits is vital—even if they aren’t your primary profession. I emphasize adding creative projects to our to-do lists to ensure they hold just as much weight as other tasks in our lives.Kellee lights up when talking about her passions: vintage shopping, hosting cozy gatherings, and creating welcoming spaces that breathe life and joy. Her enthusiasm is infectious, highlighting how these activities not only energize her but also fill her with immense joy. We touch on the creative act of entertaining and making guests feel special, transforming it into an art form.Kellee’s journey is full of inspirational moments, like the dream she stayed true to despite initial doubts and practical concerns. We share personal stories about creating spaces just for our creative selves—Kellee with her "she shed" and me with my home studio. These personal sanctuaries serve as a testament to the joy and creativity they bring into our lives.Towards the end, Kellee offers practical advice on refinishing furniture and introduces her accessible online courses, which aim to demystify the process and empower anyone who wishes to embark on this creative journey. xoxo, Denise Christenson RaeLINKS FOR OUR GUEST Kellee Kroll from Charm and Grit:⁠InstagramFacebook⁠Pinterest⁠Charm and Grit Website⁠Instant Access online course to learn all the steps to paint furniture. Join the Waitlist for the next live course CONNECT WITH ME:⁠Join me on Instagram⁠- I can’t wait to get to know you and show you some love!FEEL LIKE BINGING? YOU WILL LOVE THESE EPISODES:Ep. ⁠1. The Three Pillars of Creative Calm⁠Ep. 18. ⁠From Chaos to Ease: Making Small Daily Decisions that Benefit Your Future Self

December 12, 2024Episode 529 min

Don't Hold Back: Creating Without the Pressure of Perfection

In this episode, we're tackling the idea of preciousness in creativity and how it can be a roadblock to our artistic growth. I share my personal struggle with making my art "precious" and how it has held me back from truly diving into creative play and experimentation. I talk about my love for sketchbooks, my fear of making mistakes, and how the concept of "precious" has paralyzed my progress.I'll open up about my new approach to art – embracing the messy, the imperfect, and the raw – and how it has already started to transform my creative journey. We'll discuss the importance of allowing ourselves to create "bad" art, to learn from those experiences, and to revel in the process rather than the perfect end result. This episode is all about giving yourself permission to make art that isn't "precious," to fail forward, and to enjoy every step of your creative process.Join me as we learn and grow together, breaking free from the chains of perfection and discovering the true joy and magic that comes with rest, creativity, and play. Let's make a commitment to ourselves to create freely, make mistakes boldly, and celebrate all the art that comes from a liberated, playful heart.xoxo, Denise Christenson Rae

November 8, 2024Episode 5118 min

Reclaiming Your Time: Strategies for Prioritizing What Matters Most

In today's episode, let's dive into the world of overwhelm and how to reclaim our lives by getting back to basics. I share my personal journey of often feeling bogged down by too many responsibilities and distractions, only to find myself neglecting what truly matters. I'll walk you through the steps I've found helpful in recognizing this cycle of overwhelm and taking actionable steps toward realigning with our true priorities.From assessing our days with tools like the Wheel of Life to asking ourselves tough questions about what really matters, we'll explore strategies to put the most important things first. I'll share about my current focus on health and creativity, and how slipping on these priorities made me realize I need to make deliberate changes.Whether you're struggling to find time for self-care or your creative pursuits, this episode is a gentle reminder that it's okay to take a step back, re-evaluate, and say no to what's not essential. Together, let's learn how to prioritize our joy, health, and creativity, building a life that truly reflects what we value most.Join me as we explore the magic of rest, creativity, and play to move past overwhelm and thrive in both life and business.xoxo, Denise Christenson Rae

September 28, 2024Episode 5017 min

Cozy Spaces: Essential Tips for Building Your Own Calming Corner

In this milestone 50th episode, I’m excited to delve into a special topic near and dear to my heart—the creation of "comfy, cozy, calming corners." Join me as I share how this concept developed over time, from my childhood forts to a pivotal element in my classroom today.I talk about the importance of having a safe, tranquil space that nurtures your social and emotional well-being, whether in a bustling classroom or in the quiet corners of your home. You’ll hear about the different cozy corners I’ve crafted throughout my life, including a serene nook in my college dorm and a peaceful retreat in my closet during the chaos of early motherhood.I’ll provide practical advice on how you can create your own calming space, no matter where you are—from a tiny corner at home to a special spot in your workplace. Discover how these sanctuaries help in resetting your senses and offering a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.By tuning in, you'll learn to find joy and comfort in these small, personal spaces, and see how they can positively impact your emotional and social landscape. Embrace the soothing power of having your own little retreat, and let it inspire you to nurture your playful spirit and creative soul.Let's explore how you can introduce this simple yet transformative practice into your life, moving past overwhelm and thriving both personally and professionally.xoxo, Denise Christenson RaeConnect with Me:Instagram:www.instagram.com/denisechristensonrae Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t forget to screenshot this episode and share it on your social media, tagging @denisechristensonrae. Your support means the world to me and helps spread the joy of creativity, rest, and play.Thank you for listening!Join me next time on The Creative Calm Podcast as we continue to explore the transformative power of rest, creativity, and play.