The Qreative Life

Amanda Quraishi
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Arts
  • Updated Bimonthly

Join host Amanda Quraishi for a new podcast series featuring writers, poets, painters, musicians, photographers and more (both the professional and the passionately amateur) and learn how they have prioritized their creativity and are living their best creative lives.

  1. Apr 29

    TQL S4E27 | Yasmin Ali

    Find Yasmin Ali online: Artist Website: https://www.yasminaliart.comSaatchi Art profile: https://www.saatchiart.com/yasminaliEtsy shop: https://twistedbrushdesigns.etsy.comMore about Yasmin Ali: Yasmin Ali is a Chicago-based, self-taught painter working primarily in oils. Her heavily textured, carved abstract paintings are inspired by natural systems—trees, water, wind, and roots—and the ways they hold growth, pressure, and resilience over time. Her process is intuitive and layered, with each mark responding to the one before it. Through building, cutting, and carving the paint surface, she creates compositions that reflect inner states as much as external ones, exploring identity, memory, and how what’s underneath the surface informs what’s above it. Yasmin’s practice also extends into digital and AI-informed work, creating an approach that sits where art tradition and experimentation meet. Through her brand TwistedBrush, she brings her work into everyday spaces through prints and designed objects. With a background in music, performance, and community organizing, she approaches painting as a form of composition—built through the rhythm, balance and movement that create s

    1h 10m

  2. Mar 16

    TQL Podcast - S4E26 - Sarah Orman

    In this episode of The Qreative Life podcast, Q talks to her friend and former co-worker, Sarah Orman. Orman has left behind her days as an attorney and is now pursuing a degree in poetry from Texas State University. Listen in as they discuss their shared interest in reading and writing, and what it's like to make profound life changes in middle age. More about Sarah Orman: Sarah Orman used to practice law. Now she writes personal essays and poetry. Her work has been published in The Barbed Wire, Narrative, Witness, the Barbed Wire, and elsewhere. Her essay, "How She Suffered," received honorable mention in the 2024 Plentitudes Prizes. By day, she is a writing coach, freelance editor, and Assistant Editor for Narrative. She is a poetry MFA student at Texas State University and lives with her family in Austin. Find Sarah Orman online: WebsiteSubstackSign up for the TQL newsletter with monthly reflections, creative inspiration, and updates on podcast guests.

    1h 4m

  3. Feb 24

    TQL Podcast - S4E25 - Zaki Hasan

    In this episode, Q sits down with film prof, journalist, and podcaster extraordinaire, Zaki Hasan. They discuss new and upcoming films, the threat that AI and modern media pose to storytelling, and the role of our humanity in making great films. More about Zaki Hasan: Born and raised in Chicago before settling in the Bay Area, Zaki Hasan is an award-winning journalist with more than 30 years of experience in media scholarship and criticism. In addition to co-hosting the long-running MovieFilm Podcast, his reviews and analyses appear regularly in The San Francisco Chronicle, TheWrap, and IGN. He is co-author of Geek Wisdom: The Sacred Teachings of Nerd Culture, and other books on the Star Wars, Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, and Blade Runner franchises, and a member of the Hollywood Creative Alliance and the San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle. Find Zaki Online: The MovieFilm Podcast on Patreon: https://www.youtube.com/@moviefilmpodcast - Personal Blog http://www.zakiscorner.com/ - Zaki Hasan on Rotten Tomatoes https://www.rottentomatoes.com/critics/zaki-hasan/movies Find Zaki on Social Media: Zaki on Threads - https://www.threads.com/@zakiscorner Zaki on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/zakiscorner.bsky.social Zaki on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zakiscorner/?hl=en ------------------- Sign up for the TQL newsletter with monthly reflections, creative inspiration, and updates on podcast guests: https://mailchi.mp/d81f5edab394/amanda-quraishi-newsletter-sign-up

    1h 7m

  4. Jan 25

    TQL Podcast - S4E24 - Georgina Kiersten

    In this episode of The Qreative Life podcast, Q chats up indie author Georgina Kiersten, a queer, disabled writer of romantasy novels. They discuss Kiersten's creative path, from being diagnosed with dyslexia to embracing their passion for writing to taking the bold step to publish their own work. The conversation covers topics ranging from claiming your own creative power through fanfic to the futility of using AI to fulfill your creative urges. More about Georgina Kiersten:Georgina Kiersten is a romance author from San Antonio, Texas. They are best known for their wide range of LGBTQ+ romance novels featuring Black queer and trans individuals. Kiersten's experience being a Black queer trans disabled person who has dyslexia, ADHD, and who is also autistic gives them a unique perspective when it comes to writing romance. Their unique lived experiences only further drive their passion for creating diverse and inclusive romance stories.Find Georgina Kiersten online:- Author Website: https://georginakiersten.com- Author Blog: https://loudinthemargins.com/Find Georgina Kiersten on social media:- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Author-Georgina-Kiersten/100075258071473/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingloriousgigi/-------------------- Sign up for the TQL newsletter with monthly reflections, creative inspiration, and updates on podcast guests:https://mailchi.mp/d81f5edab394/amanda-quraishi-newsletter-sign-up

    1 hr

  5. Jan 4

    TQL Podcast - S4E23 - EA Williams

    In this episode, Q interviews Houston-based author E.A. Williams. They discuss Williams' transition from screenplay writer to novelist, and the value of writing what you love. Williams shares her childhood struggle with dyslexia, her family's enthusiasm for her artistic career choices, and the value of cultivating an authorial persona, à la Anne Rice.Find E.A. Williams online:- Website: https://eawilliamsbooks.com- Bookshop: https://eawilliamsbooks.com/shop/Find E.A. Williams on social media:- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eawilliamsbook- Instagram: instagram.com/e.a.williamsbooks/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/E.A.WilliamsLitAbout E.A. Williams:A graduate of the University of North Texas where she studied film and playwriting, E.A. Williams often imbues her stories with the diverse and challenging landscape of her home state. From her thrilling debut series, The Line of Tepes to her short stories featured in publications like Mixed Bag of Tricks, Femme Fairytales, and Grimoire for Honeyed Spells, no matter how fantastical, Williams brings a unique Texan voice to her writing. Williams learned just how invaluable a writing community could be while helping run a writer’s collective during university. Whether she is working on her own writing or helping to coordinate events for Armadillo Authors Society, Williams is always looking for ways to connect with the arts community.

    1h 52m

  6. 11/23/2025

    TQL - S3E22 - Ilene Haddad

    In the first-ever video version of The Qreative Life podcast, Q is joined by her bestie and creative partner, Ilene Haddad. The two discuss their upcoming co-launch for their books, why creators all seem to suffer from the same kinds of insecurities, and how Ilene went about writing and illustrating a memoir about her marriage.Find Ilene Haddad online:https://casaweenie.com/Find Daniela Quirke (Q's nom de plume) online:https://www.danielaquirke.com/

    1h 10m

  7. 07/14/2025

    TQL Podcast - S3E21 - Jo Hunter

    In this episode of The Qreative Life podcast, Q chats with her friend and fellow creative, Jo Hunter. They discuss Jo's unique use of both creativity and engineering in her work, and her lifelong passion for aircraft. More about Jo Hunter: Jo has always had one foot in each of the two camps of art and science. She grew up in the UK and emigrated to Texas in 2006 with her husband Alan. They lived in Austin for 15 years before moving to Kerrville in 2022, where Jo now uses a combination of digital artwork, laser cutter and 3D printing to make custom clocks, lamps and astronomical instruments. Jo has also enjoyed aviation photography for almost 30 years, during which time she has been published in a variety of magazines, and spent a similar amount of time working as a website coder. While she does not yet have her pilot certificate, she has accumulated a number of rides in interesting aircraft. The pandemic forced a shift into digital illustration rather than photography, which then led to many of the patterns and shapes used in her current art. Jo enjoyed several years as a glass artist before discovering lasers, and would like to continue that if she ever gets her workshop uncluttered. She dabbles in other creative pursuits such as painting and leatherwork, believing that a good art class now and again leads to cross-pollination of skills and ultimately, more ways to achieve the visions in her head. Find Jo Hunter online: Aviation Photography Website: http://futurshox.netHandmade items from Jo's workshop: http://wavytail.com Find Jo on social media: Bluesky (@futurshox.net): https://bsky.app/profile/futurshox.netMastodon: @futurshox@mytransponder.comInstagram (@Wavytail_art): @futurshox@mytransponder.com

    53 min

  8. 06/23/2025

    TQL S3E20 - Virginia Hernandez

    In this episode, Q talks with her friend and former co-worker, photographer Virginia Hernandez. They discuss Virginia’s new venture, striking out as a full-time working creative, her latest creative partnership, the value of a creative community, and the importance of having space to figure out who you are as an artist. More about Virginia: Virginia Hernandez is an award-winning photographer and video producer with a lifelong passion for visual storytelling. Her journey began at the age of eight when she received her first film camera—a bright red Vivitar that quickly became her prized possession. She later expanded into video production during college, taking on nearly every role on student documentary sets and eventually contributing to television shows and live broadcasts. Known for her ability to capture authentic moments, Virginia excels at building a natural sense of comfort and openness with her subjects, both in front of and behind the lens. Her photography has been featured on Reagan Billboards, included in the Austin History Center archives, and published in magazines and newspapers across Texas. Her video work has reached national audiences, appearing on digital billboards and at large-scale corporate events throughout the state. A native Texan and longtime Austin resident, Virginia has called the city home for over 20 years. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her family and her many beloved cats. She finds joy and creative fuel in live music, playing bass guitar, cooking, traveling, and delivering a steady stream of bad jokes. Find Virginia online: WEBSITE:  virginiahernandez.comWEBSITE:  streamlinecreativeatx.comINSTAGRAM: @virginia.hernandezphotoINSTAGRAM: @streamlinecreativeatx

    1h 1m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Join host Amanda Quraishi for a new podcast series featuring writers, poets, painters, musicians, photographers and more (both the professional and the passionately amateur) and learn how they have prioritized their creativity and are living their best creative lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Quraishi
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Amanda Quraishi
  • Show Website
    The Qreative Life