Breaking the Blocks Rachel Pierman

When the threads of life unravel, where do we find the strength to sew them back together? I, Rachel Pierman, along with former cancer nurse and fiber artist Carl Brown, unravel the complexities entwined in loss, healing, and the therapeutic embrace of creativity. In a candid conversation, we stitch together the silent power of presence in grief, the sanctuary found in the rhythm of needle and thread, and the unexpected joy that creativity can usher into a life shadowed by sorrow.

The raw edges of our souls often mirror the chaotic underside of a quilt; both conceal stories that are felt more than seen. My own journey through the agony of my father's passing finds its echo in Carl's transition from the rigors of healthcare to the solace of quilting. Together, we share insights on navigating the intricate patterns of grief and discover how the act of creating can serve as a gentle balm, offering through the colors and contours of fabric what words sometimes cannot. The beauty lies not only in the art we produce but also in the ways we give back and grow. Carl and I explore the rich fulfilment that comes from teaching, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and the aspirations that drive us forward into the realms of fiber art. Listeners are invited to wrap themselves in the warmth of our stories, reminded that within the stitches of our shared humanity, we find connection, purpose, and the courage to begin anew.
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When Timothy Foss wields his graphite to sketch, it’s more than art—it's a tranquil haven for his restless mind. Our latest episode unfurls an intimate journey, with Tim revealing how his craft not only brings order to his ADHD thoughts but connects him profoundly with nature's intricate designs. Get enveloped in our discussion that spans the significance of names, the nostalgia of childhood's artistic sparks, and the serene quest to capture the world's elusive beauty. You'll be inspired by the belief that creativity can emerge at any stage of life and the vital encouragement we owe to the budding artists among us.

As Tim recounts his unexpected detour from the scholarly halls of divinity towards the vibrant universe of art, you'll discover that privilege isn't a weight but a call to action, especially as we've been reminded of the essence of community and connection in recent times. We navigate through the serendipitous twists in his career, contemplating why some paths seem to align effortlessly, while others face relentless hurdles. Laughter and curiosity emerge as therapeutic guides through life's labyrinth, teaching us resilience and the art of joy even amidst adversity.

Parenting, with its profound transformation of self, weaves through this episode as a powerful narrative. Delve into how balancing the call of art with the demands of raising children remodels our fears into strengths, and constraints into springs of innovation. The ADHD mind, with its whirlwind of thoughts and energy, is demystified, offering a portal to understanding how to channel it into creative fulfillment. So tune in, and let's traverse this journey of art, laughter, life's rhythms, and the incredible resilience we can nurture from embracing every facet of our story alongside the introspective Timothy Foss.

Oh, and Tim is indeed teaching a class via Zoom with us on our CraftyMonkies platform! Check it out www.craftymonkies.com come and learn with him in May.

You can follow him on Insta @timothyfoss

Follow us @breakingtheblocks @craftymonkies
www.breakingtheblocks.com 
www.craftymonkies.com 
www.rachelpierman.com



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In this episode, I chat with the vibrant artist Cindy Grisdela.  From the halls of Capitol Hill to the heart of the art world, Cindy's career is a patchwork of bold choices and vibrant creativity. Her tales of traversing all 63 U.S. National Parks and her deep-rooted American heritage are not just stories; they're a testament to a life lived fully and an inspiration that flows from the great outdoors into the very fabric of her art.

Eavesdrop on our intimate conversation as Cindy reveals how saying 'yes' can be the thread that stitches together an extraordinary life. With an opportunistic zest, she ventures into new realms like working with CraftyMonkies and the world of podcasting. But it's not just about seizing chances; Cindy also shares her strategy for facing criticism with a tough skin formed from her Capitol Hill reporting days. It's about finding balance, embracing vulnerability, and crafting authenticity both in life and on the Instagram grid.

Finally, we traverse the creative landscape where Cindy has boldly shifted from traditional to contemporary quilting, losing some followers but gaining an authentic voice. Her evolution is a quilted metaphor for the importance of pursuing one's artistic path with heart and courage. This episode is an invitation to weave your creative potential into the fabric of your life, inspired by the stories and connections within the quilting community. Join us for some tales that just might spark your creative journey.

Follow us @breakingtheblocks @craftymonkies
www.breakingtheblocks.com www.craftymonkies.com www.rachelpierman.com

For more information about Cindy you can find her here: @cindygrisdelaquilts


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As I sat across from Matt Eicheldinger, I couldn't help but feel drawn into his extraordinary voyage from a humble classroom to the dazzling world of Instagram fame and literary acclaim. In our latest conversation, Matt peels back the layers of his 15-year odyssey, revealing the resilience and revelations that shaped his trajectory. An educator at heart, he recounts the magical transformation of his sixth-grade students and the powerful reconnections that have blossomed since his social media and writing career took flight. This episode isn't just about one man's journey; it embodies the shared struggles and joys that echo in classrooms and beyond.

With Matt's narrative as our compass, we navigate the often-overlooked corners of a teacher's life, where creativity and personal growth are as fundamental as the subjects taught. Matt's candid disclosure of the challenges that educators face – from supporting students in tough home situations to adapting to ever-tightening budgets – paints a vivid portrait of the passion and versatility required for this calling. His reflections are a reminder of the youthful spirit that children inspire in us and the profound influence teachers wield, not just through academics but through every interaction and story shared.

As our discussion reaches its crescendo, Matt speaks to the heart of every dreamer, underscoring the indispensable role of support from loved ones and the creative community. His emotional recount of the path to publishing his book moves beyond the printed pages, spotlighting the importance of persistence in the face of adversity. Matt leaves us with an open invitation to join him and others in our own creative pursuits, through classes and collaboration, enriching the tapestry of our shared experiences with each story told and each dream pursued.

You can follow Matt on Instagram @matteicheldinger
His book: Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes is available via Amazon.com now (11th april in the UK)




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Embark on a transformative exploration as Geri Berman, a dressmaker with an extraordinary talent for Sashiko, shares her journey of personal growth that transcends the fabric of her creations. With nearly half a million followers on Instagram, Geri has stitched together a narrative that's as colourful as her designs, teaching us that crafting can be a direct path to understanding and amending one's own heart. I open up about the themes of grief and self-reflection that resonate deeply with me, inviting listeners on a candid voyage through personal anecdotes and the cathartic power of a positive mindset.

As Geri and I weave through our experiences, we uncover the seismic effects of shifting perspectives. Imagine redefining mistakes as opportunities. We discuss resilience, the ability to adapt to life's unexpected turns, and how historical insights and our own life stories underscore the importance of embracing change. Our conversation is one of inspiration, spotlighting how altering your outlook can lead to a richer, more textured life.

The episode culminates in a heartfelt discussion on the strength found in sharing vulnerabilities and the importance of community support in our creative and personal endeavors. Geri's openness about facing her own dark chapters and emerging with a renewed sense of purpose is nothing short of powerful. And as your host, I extend an invitation to you, our listeners, to engage with us, participate in our creative community, and find solace and strength in the collective pursuit of crafting not just art, but a life filled with self-discovery and healing.
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Embark on a heartfelt exploration of familial ties and the art of quilting with Scott Culley, our renowned guest, whose narrative stitched into his QuiltCon-winning "Shadow" quilt unveils a story far deeper than the threads that compose it. Together, we delve into the perceptions of 'craft' and how this term has transformed across time, discussing its respected origins and the contemporary mix of reverence and misunderstanding that shadows it today. Scott's intricate work on his RuPaul quilt becomes a focal point, revealing a blend of innovation and expression that solidifies his standing in the crafting community.

Each quilt has its story, much like the personal reflections I share about growing up with divorced parents and the impact it left on me. This episode strips back the layers of complex father-son dynamics, presenting an intimate look at how the relationships of our past shape the adults we become. Through the lens of Scotts piece,  we traverse the emotional landscape of expectations, nature versus nurture, and the liberating power of letting go of the bonds that no longer serve us.

Finally, we recognize quilting not merely as a craft but as a potent tool for meditation and therapy, tracing its transition from a communal pastime to its current role as a solitary refuge and a canvas for personal healing. Quilting emerges as a voice for emotional expression and a path towards closure, inviting us all to reflect on the patterns and palettes of our lives. As we wrap up our exchange with Scott, we express our collective anticipation for his next projects and warmly invite you to weave your own thoughts and stories into the ongoing tapestry of our discussions.
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