So many of us listening and watching this podcast have something to say, and we bet that most of you have thought about publishing a book at one time or another. But what goes into writing and publishing at that level? How do you turn an idea into it’s finished form? And how do you ask for help along the way?
Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast is a literary professional who helps countless other writers express their ideas and get their work published. Betsy Thorpe has worked with both big name authors at prestige publishing houses to indie writers trying to breakthrough.
Betsy Thorpe joins host Holly Hughes for an insightful conversation about all things writing. Betsy talks about her journey to becoming a writer, how a good editor can shape a story, the emotional core of storytelling and the business of writing and publishing.
Connect with Besty Thorpe online at betsythorpe.com. Buy a copy of her book, The Writer's Roller Coaster: Survival Strategies for the Wild, Emotional Ride to Publication here.
Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.
Sign up for Holly’s email newsletter here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Creative Life
02:35 The Duality of Creativity
05:00 The Journey to Becoming a Writer
11:19 The Role of an Editor
19:09 Navigating the Publishing World
25:42 Finding Balance in Creativity
30:00 Writing Quirks and Techniques
34:50 Capturing Moments on the Page
35:00 The Emotional Core of Storytelling
37:54 Navigating the Publishing Journey
39:54 The Pragmatism of Writing
42:58 The Challenge of Criticism
46:05 Earning a Living as an Author
48:47 The Role of Introverts and Extroverts in Writing
51:58 The Impact of Social Media on Writers
56:03 Overcoming Obstacles in Publishing
59:53 The Emotional Journey of Writing and Publishing
The stories of living the Hollywood lifestyle full of glitz and glamor are as old as the Oscars themselves, but for many in the industry, it’s a job just like anything else. For today’s guest, that has meant everything from being a stunt man falling off buildings to shooting some of the most poignant films about the Holocaust.
Filmmaker Rob Moniot joins host Holly Hughes on today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast. Rob talks about his career in Hollywood, from being a stuntman to finding his path in filmmaking through short films. Rob also talks about the business of making movies, navigating loneliness, and telling a Jewish story as a non-Jew in one of his latest films.
Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.
Constantly throughout the day, our brains are filtering out all sorts of stimuli, visual, auditory, etc. One of the few things your brain is tuned into and prioritizing is the sound of the human voice. That makes the ability to speak well publicly such a valuable tool.
Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast has spent his entire professional career using his voice to tell stories, communicate ideas and to bring art to life. Brian Lafontaine is an actor on stage, screen, and voice overs for more than 30 years. Today he also helps other creative professionals find footing in voice acting and public speaking.
Brian Lafontaine and Holly Hughes sit down for a conversation about how Brian uses his voice professionally. Brians talks about his background in the arts, particularly his love for live theatre. He also shares some of his philosophies for creativity, public speaking, and tuning into your own unique perspective to help you stand out from the crowd.
Follow Brian Lafontaine online at brianlafontaine.com.
Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of an Actor: Beginnings and Influences
03:03 Storytelling in Acting: The Art of Performance
06:08 Stand-Up Comedy: The First Stage Experience
09:00 Hecklers and Audience Engagement: Navigating Challenges
12:04 Family Dynamics: Support and Understanding in the Arts
15:01 Voiceover Work: A Unique Career Path
18:00 The Impact of AI on Voice Acting and Creativity
23:51 The Art of Standing Out
25:00 Vulnerability in Creative Expression
27:54 Navigating Authenticity and Safety
30:42 The Challenges of the Creative Industry
35:19 Physicality and Standards in Acting
41:16 The Magic of Live Theater
46:05 Public Speaking and New Ventures
48:23 Mastering Public Speaking Techniques
52:33 The Importance of Authenticity in Communication
58:22 Exploring Creativity Beyond Public Speaking
01:02:56 Finding Your Unique Voice
01:09:07 The Power of Sharing Your Story
Making music involves vulnerability, a sense of self, and an ability to be comfortable with one’s own identity. When the foundation feels fabricated, the music is sure to reflect that. Therefore, making music requires a heavy dose of introspection.
Indie musician Francis Doom joins The Holly Hughes Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about music and the identity behind the beats. Born in the US, but to Korean parents, Francis Doom grew up quietly rejecting his Korean heritage in favor of American assimilation. It wasn’t until he was older and grew more comfortable with his roots that he was able to truly embrace his craft.
Francis Doom and Holly Hughes have a conversation about the creation of music, embracing identity, and the simple joys of creating.
Follow Francis Doom’s music online at francisdoommusic.com.
Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Francis Doom and the Podcast
00:50 The Journey of a Musician
01:34 Instruments and Early Influences
04:33 The Creative Process of Songwriting
07:22 The Role of Melody and Lyrics
09:48 Concert Experiences and Music Community
12:24 Cultural Influences on Music
14:34 The Dichotomy of Sound in Music
19:46 Embracing Cultural Identity
23:15 The Impact of Labels and Acceptance
24:23 Generational Perspectives on Heritage
26:47 Artistic Vulnerability vs. Public Persona
29:11 Navigating Sexuality in Music
32:51 The Role of Social Media in Music Promotion
34:42 The Emotional Connection to Pets
38:33 Exploring Love in Long-Term Relationships
41:34 Advice on Parenthood and Relationships
43:31 The Minimalist Musician's Journey
48:26 Navigating the Challenges of Touring
53:55 Defining Success in the Music Industry
58:47 The Personal Touch in Music and Relationships
The essence of creativity is both intangible and undeniable. Today’s guests on The Holly Hughes Podcast specialize in channeling your creativity energy and letting go of needless veneers.
Sam Howarth is the founder of The Way She Was Made, where she is a “brand alchemist, Business doula, embodiment guide, and soul-led business strategist.” Phoenyx (Vanessa Giorgio) is a visual artist based in Toronto.
Sam and Phoenyx join host Holly Hughes for a deep dive discussion on spirituality, creativity and tapping into our own intuition. Sam and Phoenyx also discuss human design and how it can help you live a more spiritually aligned life.
Find Samantha Howarth online at thewayshewasmade.com. Connect with Phoenyx (Vanessa Giorgio) at vgiorgio-art.blogspot.com.
Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys
02:59 The Power of Community and Connection
06:04 Understanding Intuitive Gifts
09:05 Personal Experiences with Spirituality
12:14 Navigating Life Transitions
14:58 The Influence of Astrology on Personal Growth
18:01 Embracing Change and New Beginnings
21:03 Claiming Your Intuitive Power
24:02 Exploring Past Lives and Spiritual Connections
31:14 The Illusion of Safety and Self-Discovery
33:14 Understanding Human Design
37:09 Navigating Corporate Expectations
41:16 The Role of Cycles in Creativity
42:06 Visioning the Future
45:17 The Essence of Creativity
49:17 Trusting the Process of Surrender
55:19 The Importance of Connection for Creatives
56:22 Navigating Human Design and Personal Growth
58:40 Healing Through Energy and Anxiety Awareness
01:01:02 Grounding and Releasing Emotional Burdens
01:03:15 Embracing Change and Self-Discovery
01:07:14 Creating for Yourself and Community Engagement
01:10:14 Personal Warning Labels and Authenticity
The essence of creativity is both intangible and undeniable. Today’s guests on The Holly Hughes Podcast specialize in channeling your creativity energy and letting go of needless veneers.
Sam Howarth is the founder of The Way She Was Made, where she is a “brand alchemist, Business doula, embodiment guide, and soul-led business strategist.” Phoenyx (Vanessa Giorgio) is a visual artist based in Toronto.
Sam and Phoenyx join host Holly Hughes for a deep dive discussion on spirituality, creativity and tapping into our own intuition. Sam and Phoenyx also discuss human design and how it can help you live a more spiritually aligned life.
Find Samantha Howarth online at thewayshewasmade.com. Connect with Phoenyx (Vanessa Giorgio) at vgiorgio-art.blogspot.com.
Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys
02:59 The Power of Community and Connection
06:04 Understanding Intuitive Gifts
09:05 Personal Experiences with Spirituality
12:14 Navigating Life Transitions
14:58 The Influence of Astrology on Personal Growth
18:01 Embracing Change and New Beginnings
21:03 Claiming Your Intuitive Power
24:02 Exploring Past Lives and Spiritual Connections
31:14 The Illusion of Safety and Self-Discovery
33:14 Understanding Human Design
37:09 Navigating Corporate Expectations
41:16 The Role of Cycles in Creativity
42:06 Visioning the Future
45:17 The Essence of Creativity
49:17 Trusting the Process of Surrender
55:19 The Importance of Connection for Creatives
56:22 Navigating Human Design and Personal Growth
58:40 Healing Through Energy and Anxiety Awareness
01:01:02 Grounding and Releasing Emotional Burdens
01:03:15 Embracing Change and Self-Discovery
01:07:14 Creating for Yourself and Community Engagement
01:10:14 Personal Warning Labels and Authenticity
Behind every great novel is hundreds of hours of writing, editing and business-oriented decisions. Not to mention the lifetime of experiences and workshopping it takes for one’s words to breathe a life of their own.
Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast is writer, editor and publisher Lorin Oberweger. Lorin is a teacher of the art of writing in both one-on-one formats and workshops. Her students have been published by some of the world’s biggest publishers and been represented by some of the industry’s leading agencies.
Lorin Oberweger joins Holly Hughes to talk about a wide range of topics in the writing industry. They talk about the intricacies of editing, the importance of workshops, and the evolving landscape of publishing. Lorin shares her insight on the impact of AI on creativity, the dynamics of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and the significance of character agency in storytelling.
Find Lorin’s workshop company, Free Expressions, online at free-expressions.com.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creative Editing and Developmental Work
03:12 The Role of a Developmental Editor
05:46 Navigating the Publishing Landscape
08:58 The Impact of AI on Publishing
11:56 Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
14:53 The Reality of Agent Relationships
18:02 The Writing Process and Timeframes
21:04 The Importance of Tactile Reading Experiences
23:55 Upcoming Workshops and Community Building
27:12 Creative Exploration and Overcoming Resistance
30:59 Navigating the Writing Process
33:10 Character Development and Agency
36:15 The Role of Feedback in Writing
38:38 Exploring New Creative Avenues
41:44 The Art of Short Fiction
43:43 Understanding Word Count and Structure
46:54 The Journey of Ghostwriting
49:46 Audiobooks and Their Impact
52:47 Parental Embarrassment and Creative Expression
53:23 Key Tips for Aspiring Writers
How is playing drums to 60,000 people at a music festival easier than playing to ten people in a dive bar? How does a musician make it in the cut throat music industry, especially in Hollywood? Why is physical fitness key to longevity in music?
Our guest on today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast gives answers to all three questions and many more. Rob Noxious is the drummer of Killcode, but has been a session and touring musician for most of his life.
Rob Noxious joins host Holly Hughes to talk about his musical influences growing up, making the move to Hollywood and launching a career in music. Rob also speaks on inventing Unigrips, a special grip for drumsticks, and the decade-plus journey it took him on. Finally, Rob speaks about balancing family life and music, as well as the need to stay fit to continue performing and recording.
Find Killcode online at killcode.net, or on Instagram at @_killcode_.
See Beavis and Butthead roast Holly’s starter husband here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to a Rock God
02:54 The Early Days of Drumming
07:31 Influential Teachers and Musical Foundations
11:13 Navigating High School and Musical Identity
14:40 Moving to Hollywood: The Big Leap
18:11 Building a Music Career in Hollywood
22:56 Networking and Opportunities in the Music Scene
25:34 Family Life and Career Shifts
27:47 Inventing Unigrips: A Unique Journey
30:04 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Music
35:56 Navigating the Music Industry and Copyrights
42:10 Balancing Family Life and Music Career
48:58 Experiences of Performing at Festivals
53:55 Physical Challenges of Being a Drummer
59:57 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights
For many listeners of this podcast, the golden era of comic books is something we fondly remember. Names like Spiderman, Superman and Conan are more familiar to us than many family members. For each of those iconic properties, there is a creative mind behind the writing, artwork and storytelling that brings those comics to life.
Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast has dedicated his life to breathing life into some of the most beloved franchises to grace the pages of comic book lore. Jim Zub is an artist, writer and creative director for the Conan: The Barbarian franchise, as well as The Avengers, Skullkickers and more.
Jim and Holly talk about the creation and direction of revered comic franchises, the atmosphere of events like San Diego Comic-Con, the industry of creativity, collecting memorabilia, and the power of relationships - particularly the one you have with your life partner.
Connect with Jim Zub online at jimzub.com.
Read Holly’s viral essay about sexual harassment in Hollywood that got Jim and Holly connected here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jim Zub and His Work
01:42 The Life of a Comic Book Writer
03:59 The Significance of Conan the Barbarian
06:50 The Creative Process Behind Comics
08:28 Collaboration and Community in Comics
11:27 The Future of Conan and International Opportunities
13:12 The Role of Teamwork in Comic Creation
13:31 Reflections on Past Collaborations
17:17 Personal Stories and Impact: The Power of Narrative
18:52 Legacy and Relationships in Creative Fields
22:23 Navigating the Business of Creativity
28:11 Ownership and Royalties in Comics
32:35 The Slow Grind of Hollywood Adaptations
37:08 Memorabilia and Personal Connections to Art
43:21 Rediscovering Self and Relationships
45:17 The Journey of Love and Marriage
47:36 Adventures in Marriage: Trials and Triumphs
49:58 The Power of Humor in Tough Times
54:28 Navigating the Creative Journey
57:28 Lessons from the Creative Industry
01:00:47 Defining Success Beyond Expectations
01:02:36 The Warmth of Personality and Connection
Writer, author and educator Samantha Dunn joins host Holly Hughes on today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast.
Coming from a background in writing rooted in journalism, Samantha Dunn always writes with the idea that someone, somewhere will read what she’s writing. From that foundation, Samantha has authored numerous books, short stories, essays and memoirs, including Faith in Carlos Gomez: A Memoir of Salsa, Sex and Salvation. She is now the editor of PREMIUM Magazine for the Southern California News Group, and also teaches at Chapman University.
Samantha and Holly talk about their creative processes, the influence of journalism on her writing, her love of horses, and living with Parkinsons.
Find Samantha online at samanthadunnwriter.com.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
03:03 The Creative Journey and Writing Process
06:00 The Role of Personal Narrative in Writing
08:59 Navigating the Challenges of Writing and Journalism
12:08 The Impact of Social Media on Storytelling
15:08 Defining Success and the Creative Identity
17:55 Finding Your Voice and Overcoming Obstacles
21:00 The Journey to Los Angeles and Personal Growth
23:31 Dancing Through Life
25:49 Creative Vulnerability and Transparency
27:06 Managing Challenging Personalities
29:06 The Burden of Teaching
30:31 Kintsugi - A Japanese art form using gold to repair broken pottery
32:22 The Art of Memoir
34:52 Cataloging Life Experiences
38:39 Facing Chronic Illness
40:08 Connection with Horses
46:38 Life-Changing Accidents
48:07 The Beauty of Scars and Friendship
49:04 The Art of Memoir: Truth vs. Fiction
50:11 Memory and Its Intricacies
52:30 Foundational Memories and Their Impact
54:44 Writing About Personal Experiences
57:19 The Process of Writing and Reflection
01:00:01 Transforming Material: From Memoir to Essays
01:02:34 The Challenge of Finding a Home for Writing
01:06:51 Embracing the Past: The Trailer Life
01:11:19 Caution: Frequent Stops Ahead
Misha Fair is no stranger to music and the industry surrounding it. Growing up in Georgia, she was raised by a family that had deep connections to music, including parents who were in the SOS Band, a grandfather who was friends with Sammy Davis Jr., and another grandfather who was nicknamed “King of the Stroll.”
It’s no surprise that Misha has learned a lot from her family about the music industry, and today is a singer, songwriter and producer herself. Misha records and performs under her own name and draws from those intrinsic experiences to create her own brand of country music that resonates with a diverse audience.
Misha Fair joins host Holly Hughes on today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast to talk about her experience growing up in a rich musical family, breaking into the industry with her own unique sound, mentoring younger artists and connecting across multiple generations through a shared love of music.
Visit Misha Fair online at mishafair.com.
Chapters
00:00 The Creative Journey Begins
02:56 Musical Heritage and Influences
06:02 The Role of Family in Music
08:57 Finding One's Voice Through Music
11:56 The Power of Songwriting
15:01 Emotional Depth in Music
18:06 The Intersection of Pain and Creativity
20:45 Crafting Songs from Life Experiences
24:04 The Evolution of Musical Identity
27:11 Live Performances and Audience Connection
29:59 Balancing Emotion and Discipline in Creativity
32:13 Creative Processes and Inspirations
36:59 The Role of Rituals in Creativity
41:14 Writing for Others: The Songwriter's Journey
46:32 Nurturing Talent: Mentoring Aspiring Artists
50:12 Defining Success in the Creative World
56:50 Family Connections Through Music
The world we live in is bigger than we can fully grasp and holds more diversity than we know exists. While it would be easy to continue creating from a place of familiarity, discovering new places and people will challenge us as creatives to have a more complete perspective.
Chris Georgiev is a software engineer, graphic designer and founder of Imagga, and AI-powered image recognition software. Chris is Bulgarian, but has lived in Seoul, South Korea for more than a decade. Chris and Holly began a friendship while sharing time in Seoul, and have remained friends ever since.
In today’s episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast, Holly talks to Chris about being a foreigner living in Seoul, how Chris got there, and what it means to adopt a new culture as your own.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chris Georgiev and His Journey
03:06 The Unexpected Path to Korea
06:04 Finding Home in Korea
09:05 The Start of Content Creation
11:56 The Evolution of Tours and Connections
15:03 Cultural Insights and Experiences in Korea
18:03 Navigating Language Barriers
20:47 Future Plans and New Adventures
24:00 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
No matter who you are or what you do, life has a way of challenging you. It’s never easy, but the way we react to things not working out the way you’d like often is the catalyst for personal growth.
Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast makes midlife look like a dream. In her forties, Wendy Valentine found herself battling debt, divorce, unemployment, the passing of family, chronic illness and of course depression. From that low point, Wendy began a journey of rediscovery and transformation. Today, Wendy is a successful life coach, podcaster, and author.
Wendy Valentine joins Holly Hughes for a discussion about creativity, personal growth, and the challenges of mental health. They discuss the importance of self-care, the impact of loss on creativity, and the need to embrace imperfection. Finally, Wendy talks about the significance of detaching from external validation and the freedom that comes with pursuing one's passions.
Visit Wendy online at wendyvalentine.com.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Launch
02:45 Creative Journeys and Personal Growth
05:52 Facing Depression and Anxiety
11:43 The Journey of Change and Self-Discovery
13:57 Evaluating Life: The Wheel of Midlife
16:03 Stepping into Your Light
19:02 The Power of Words and Creativity
21:17 Finding Your Voice as a Writer
25:16 Navigating Emotional Highs and Lows
32:49 Navigating Public Perception and Personal Detachment
35:11 Embracing Life's Impermanence and the Beauty of Existence
36:53 Redefining Success and Failure in Creative Pursuits
39:27 Finding Your Creative Rhythm and Process
41:56 Overcoming Creative Overwhelm and Embracing Change
44:58 The Importance of Connection and Authentic Expression
48:59 Embracing Your Unique Creative Journey
51:29 The Future of Creativity and Personal Growth
In the very first episode of The Holly Hughes Podcast, Holly sits down for a conversation with actor, writer and teacher Jamie Rose. Rose began her Hollywood career as a child actor starring in commercials for Kool-Aid and Mountain Dew before becoming a full time actor. She would have starring roles in TV shows such as Falcon Crest and Lady Blue in the 1980s, and would have regular appearances on Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal and Walker, Texas Ranger in the 90s.
Jamie Rose now owns her own acting studio, JRose Studio in Los Angeles, where she teaches the next generations of actors.
In today’s podcast, Jamie shares her experiences in the entertainment industry, the challenges she faced, and how she reinvented herself after significant loss. Holly and Jamie dive into the creative process, the importance of self-expression, and the tools she uses to overcome self-doubt. Jamie also introduces her upcoming book, “Facing Madame X” which focuses on feminine power and personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jamie Rose
02:58 The Journey of an Actress
06:02 Transitioning from Acting to Writing
08:49 Life Changes and New Beginnings
12:02 The Complexity of Film Production
15:05 The Art of Storytelling
18:00 Writing Books and Overcoming Challenges
20:57 Coaching and the Power of Archetypes
25:32 The Birth of Madame X
27:10 Facing Madamax: The Journey of Self-Discovery
30:01 Tools to Combat Part X
34:03 The Dance of Masculine and Feminine
39:10 Creative Independence and Future Aspirations