#cuppajen - Momma Always Said: Life Lessons with Carl Kennedy

#cuppajen - Perfectionism tried to kill me, but vulnerability saved my life feat. Erika Conway!

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

#cuppajen - In Konversation with Karen Elgersma (Part 2)

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

#cuppajen - In Konversation with Karen Elgersma (Part 1)

Hi friends,

Have you ever loved your art and creativity but then froze or started to lose interest when you had to take your art to market? You’re not alone! On this episode of #cuppajen Karen and I sit down with some wine (sort of…) to chat about starting out in the industry, the shifting tide of media consumption, the power of local storytelling, what its like to start a company, and… the money muscle.

The money muscle is not an easy one to grow. Karen uses her experience with being a TV journalist for over twenty years to help encourage us to find what is “unique” about ourselves how knowing that can help you take your stories to market without feeling gross. We also talk at a deeper level about value and how that impacts us financially. Turns out, many of us think our passions have to be gruelling to be financed — they don’t! Sometimes it’s about finding the natural fit, as the things we find easy may be difficult to someone else. We’ve all been given a gift!

We cover a lot of ground — so much so that we had to split the episode into two parts. Next week we talk about self worth, faith, supportive friends, how to take feedback, and scars and lessons learned from starting her own company. It’s not all roses — and patience and admiration for the mistakes we make and the journey we are on is the gift we need to give ourselves — so stay tuned!

#cuppajen #creativity #progressoverperfection #passion #finances #creativejuices #alittleinspiration #dontquityourdaydream #karenelgersma #shaw #journalism #actor

Links:

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

#cuppajen - Zak Santiago: shout outs, warnings, and overcoming pain with love.

Hi friends, I hope that you are all doing truly well. On this episode of #cuppajen we are joined by actor, dancer, and DJ Zak Santiago to talk about how his art making is impacted by his faith in Jesus. We talk about lifestyles, judgement, and the pressures Christian artists (or people) face. We also talk about the DJ booth, the pulpit, making beats with flipout, dancing in Spain, and how grateful we are to have a million people to shout out in one episode! It was incredible to hear Zak's story; I am so grateful for his vulnerability in sharing his journey with us! To all #cuppajen listeners -- Zak and I are rooting for your success today! If you've had a hard week, we get it and we've been there. I pray you know that you are not alone and that it pays off to keep fighting for your dreams. You got this! Thank you again to Zak Santiago and all his unbelievable wisdom! xox Jenessa To follow Zak on socials = @zaksantiago To find Zak's scripture readings/church = @holyrosarycathedral @virtualparish To contact the show = @cuppajenpodcast #cuppajenpodcast #greatday #pray #dontquityourdaydream #progressoverperfection #shoutoutstoallourfriends

#cuppajen - Momma Always Said: Life Lessons with Carl Kennedy

Hey everyone, “It’s not what you see, it’s what He said." Carl Kennedy is on the show today to talk about how faith in what you can’t see visually, namely: God’s word, got him to where he is now as an actor, coach, and poet. We discuss Carl’s story, money and what makes someone rich, what it’s like to be a Christian in the film industry, the people who stopped to help along the way, and the beauty and gift of getting old. It’s exciting to talk with Carl about defeating our fears through action and the idea that “there is no lack” unless you let there be. We hope you enjoy this episode! I would also like to say, Carl and I had this conversation a little over a week ago on the 21st, before George Floyd’s death occurred. Both of our hearts have been heavy over this past week, and we would both like to offer up some education and encouragement to you wherever you’re at. @carl_kennedy_actor -- the guest on this show who will absolutely bring you life and insight