Creating Connections

Nhien Dinh
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to 'Creating Connections,' where the art of human connection meets the heart of creativity. Join me each week for inspiring stories from entrepreneurs and creatives, as we explore life's complexities, joys, and the magic in between. We'll talk about mindset, growth, and the endless possibilities of imagination. From professional insights to personal journeys, we cover what it means to live fully, create boldly, and connect deeply. Tune in to be inspired and become part of a community where connections aren't just made; they're celebrated, nurtured, and treasured.

  1. 4d ago

    S4E12 - Curiosity Creates Competitive Advantage with Joel Miller

    The magic of what we do is rarely just in the work—it’s in the people. Every conversation, every partnership, every quirky question or twist in a client story—these moments weave together the bigger picture of who we are. I’ve always believed that our journeys, especially as entrepreneurs, are colored in by every meaningful connection. Whether it’s a dream client, a quiet lesson learned, or an unexpected challenge, every experience leaves a trace—adding depth, perspective, and a little more light to our path. In this episode of Creating Connections, I get to dive deep with Joel Miller—a fellow entrepreneur, marketer, and twin (!) who has spent the last two decades building relationships and turning business into something more human, more intentional, and more impactful. We talk about the beauty (and pitfalls) of not niching down, staying intentionally small, growing a sustainable business, and embracing every curve in the entrepreneurial road. After years of being told we need to pick a box and scale as big as possible, what if the freedom we’re really seeking is in being true to ourselves, choosing our clients, and making the business fit our definition of success? Thank you to every guest, client, friend, and listener who’s been part of this evolving journey. I’m here—and a bit better—because of you. 👇 How has your journey been touched by the people you’ve met? Share below! 💙 Connect with Joel and learn more about his work and how to work with him: Website: https://www.theskyfloor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskyfloor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelemiller/ ▶️ If you found value from this episode, please share this episode with others like you! ⭐️ Your review is appreciated and lets me know I'm headed in the right direction with the topics I share ;)  Let's stay connected! Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/nxdinh Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsQueen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ConnectionsQueen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ConnectionsQueen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ConnectionsQueen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectionsQueen Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ConnectionsQueen X: https://twitter.com/ConnexionsQueen Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ConnectionsQueen

    S4E12 - Curiosity Creates Competitive Advantage with Joel Miller

  2. Jul 15

    S4.E11 - You Don't Have to "Stay in Your Lane" with Lauren Madeira

    “My world evolves at its own pace.” That’s how Lauren Madeira begins, and it sets the tone for an episode about inner knowing, creative leaps, slowing down, and building a life—and business—that’s true to yourself. I’ve been reflecting a lot on growth lately. Not just the flashy kind, but that deep shift that happens when you finally listen to what you need, even when no one else understands it. Sometimes it means starting with a single step—like Lauren’s gratitude journal, put out into the world without a perfect plan, just a genuine need to create what she couldn’t find elsewhere. Sometimes it’s juggling “the thing that pays the bills” while tending to the quieter dreams that need more time, more trust, and a lot more patience. Lauren’s journey from fashion stylist (yes, she’s worked with Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera, Kimora Lee Simmons—the stories!) to entrepreneur, journal creator, and venture capitalist is anything but linear. The beauty is in the honesty—how nervous system regulation became her most important business tool, how letting go of urgency opened space for curiosity, how showing up authentically led to 250,000+ journals in hands around the world. We talk about the myth of overnight success, the reality of building with integrity, and the freedom that comes when you stop fitting yourself into the world and start letting the world meet you where you truly are. ✨ Maybe you’re in a “slow season.” Maybe your dreams are just seedlings. Maybe everyone around you is telling you it doesn’t make sense—but the voice inside is telling you otherwise. This one is for you. ✨ Lauren’s energy is the reminder we all need: you don’t have to have it all figured out. All you need is to trust yourself enough to take the next step. If you’ve ever wondered: How do you balance side projects and full-time work? Can slow growth be good growth? What does nervous system regulation have to do with entrepreneurship? How do you keep showing up for yourself (and others)? Let this be your invitation to breathe, to listen, and to take your dreams—messy, marvelous, unfinished—as far as your intuition leads. Tag yourself if this resonates. Tune in for stories, inspiration, gentle wisdom, and permission to create connections—first with yourself, always with each other. If Lauren (or the stories here) have lit you up in any way, leave a comment below or reach out on social. 💙 And if you haven’t subscribed yet, this is your sign. [P.S. Details inside for Lauren’s upcoming Daydreamer Live event in Sacramento—creators, movers, doers, you don’t want to miss this.] Click here to learn more about DayDreamer Live 2026 ✨ Connect with Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren.madeira/ Find out all about Lauren's current work here: https://linktr.ee/Lauren.madeira ▶️ If you found value from this episode, please share this episode with others like you! ⭐️ Your review is appreciated and lets me know I'm headed in the right direction with the topics I share ;)  Let's stay connected! Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/nxdinh Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsQueen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ConnectionsQueen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ConnectionsQueen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ConnectionsQueen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectionsQueen Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ConnectionsQueen X: https://twitter.com/ConnexionsQueen Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ConnectionsQueen Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-connections/id1625704526

    S4.E11 - You Don't Have to "Stay in Your Lane" with Lauren Madeira

  3. Jul 9

    S4E10 - Philosophy in Business with Wes Towers

    "Sometimes the right path isn’t clear until we start walking—it only reveals itself step by step, connection by connection. I’ve always believed the greatest gift in life and business is the people you meet along the way. That moment when a simple conversation uncovers hidden similarities, unexpected wisdom, or sparks that feeling of genuine understanding—there’s nothing quite like it. This week on Creating Connections, I had the absolute privilege to sit down with Wes Towers, a digital agency owner from Australia, whose story is as wild as the crocodiles lining the Queensland highways. From childhood days surrounded by his mum’s art and the gentle, meditative flow of Tai Chi, to building systems in a rapidly evolving tech world, Wes brings such a nuanced perspective on entrepreneurship and the true power of human connections. We went deep: embracing the winding journeys that lead us to our calling, leaning into the space between clarity and chaos, and discovering how our life’s influences—be it Aboriginal heritage, Chinese philosophy, or even muddy waters waiting to settle—shape the impact we bring to every relationship, every business, every client. The conversation explores: Finding your niche by being yourself (even if you’ve never picked up a hammer) Why the best opportunities appear where you bring the most value How shadow work and Taoism apply to business and brand clarity The delicate balance of process, trust, and letting go as your business grows The irreplaceable magic of real, human-to-human connection—especially in the age of AI If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong, felt lost on your path, or wondered how to turn the messy, beautiful pieces of your story into something that helps others—this episode is for you. Thank you for being part of my journey and for letting me be part of yours. If these words resonate with you, please tag yourself below—because every listener, every guest, and every story adds a new brushstroke to this ever-evolving picture. 💙 You can learn more about Wes’s work and connect with him through these links: Website: https://uplift360.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Uplift360Aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uplift_360/ ▶️ If you found value from this episode, please share this episode with others like you! ⭐️ Your review is appreciated and lets me know I'm headed in the right direction with the topics I share ;)  Are we connected yet? Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/nxdinh Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsQueen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ConnectionsQueen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ConnectionsQueen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ConnectionsQueen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectionsQueen Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ConnectionsQueen Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ConnectionsQueen

    S4E10 - Philosophy in Business with Wes Towers

  4. Jul 1

    S4E9 - Magic Moments: Creating & Owning Your Story

    Growth is inevitable—whether we seek it out or not, life has a way of blending all our experiences together. As I get closer to another year around the sun, I find myself reflecting on the patterns, lessons, and chapters that have shaped me. There’s a unique and beautiful wisdom in simply showing up as we are, in whatever season we’re in—celebrating the highs, navigating the lows, and learning to embrace every moment in between. Connection is at the heart of it all. I started this podcast to reach those who ever felt stuck, uncertain, or unworthy—to remind you (and myself) that what we’re searching for is already within us. The more we tune in, the more we realize that our quirks, our struggles, and even our setbacks are parts of our story worth sharing. And when we dare to put ourselves out there, despite the nervous flutter or fear of judgment, we discover how deeply our journey can resonate with others. This episode is an honest, unfiltered reflection on stepping into a new decade: confronting our inherited patterns, redefining what it means to “be enough,” and finding the courage to pursue the ideas that spark within us. Whether you’re savoring a joyful chapter or navigating the weight of uncertainty, know that you’re not alone. Your story, your presence, your growth—it matters, now and always. We’re here to create connections—and I’m so grateful you’re a part of this journey with me. ▶️ If you found value from this episode, please share this episode with others like you! ⭐️ Your review is appreciated and lets me know I'm headed in the right direction with the topics I share ;)  Let's stay connected! Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/nxdinh Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsQueen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ConnectionsQueen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ConnectionsQueen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ConnectionsQueen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectionsQueen Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ConnectionsQueen X: https://twitter.com/ConnexionsQueen Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ConnectionsQueen Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-connections/id1625704526

    S4E9 - Magic Moments: Creating & Owning Your Story

  5. Jun 25

    S4E8 - Creating Your Own Success with Keri Doan

    Celebrating Thanksgiving in July? Skipping the birthday hustle for something uniquely you? 💫 In this episode of Creating Connections, we dive deep with Keri Doan—a powerhouse mom, entrepreneur, and military spouse who’s rewriting the script on how business and family can truly feel. There’s no one-size-fits-all blueprint for living and leading—our lives are made up of the spontaneous moments, the curveballs, the quiet choices that remind us: there are no rules except the ones we create for ourselves. As we share stories of building businesses while riding the waves of family, relocations, and everyday chaos, we get an honest look at letting go of expectations and choosing what really matters. ✨ What does presence look like when the lines blur between work and home? 💡 How can you nurture your creative self, even on the busiest days? 🌱 Where can we find space to grow—not despite life’s demands, but growing right through them? If you're a mom figuring out your own path, feeling overwhelmed by comparison or “shoulds,” or simply wondering if it’s really possible to build a life and business around your priorities—this episode is a hug, a nudge, and a burst of fresh perspective. The journey is about showing up as the you-est you: with the mistakes, the grace, the unplanned dance breaks, the moments of pure connection. The mess in the background, the joy in the details, the freedom to create your own rhythm. Thank you for being part of this journey and for every way your energy, kindness, and courage ripple out to others. If you’re listening today, know that you are part of this beautiful, evolving tapestry. Shine on ✨ 👇 Leave us a note in the comments if you connected with this episode, subscribe for new conversations, and let us know: How are you creating your own rules, your own connections, your own story? If you need a sign that it’s okay to break the mold, this is it. PS: If you haven’t tuned into Adam Grant’s wisdom bombs yet—add that to your to-do list. Thank us later 😉 Learn more about what Keri is working on here: www.waitingonwest.com Connect with Keri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waitingonwest/ ▶️ If you found value from this episode, please share this episode with others like you! ⭐️ Your review is appreciated and lets me know I'm headed in the right direction with the topics I share ;)  Let's stay connected! Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/nxdinh Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsQueen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ConnectionsQueen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ConnectionsQueen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ConnectionsQueen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectionsQueen Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ConnectionsQueen Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ConnectionsQueen

    S4E8 - Creating Your Own Success with Keri Doan

  6. Jun 11

    S4E7 - Going Local > Going Viral with Billy Sammons

    There’s a certain magic in walking into a local business, trading stories with people who know their craft, and seeing firsthand how small acts of kindness ripple out into the community. As Billy shared his journey from teacher to realtor to referral marketing maven, I couldn’t help but reflect on how deeply we’re shaped by the people we meet—and how giving with genuine intention can completely transform not just our businesses, but our lives. We are the sum of our conversations, our collaborations, and the tiny connections we nurture every day. Whether you’re networking at a community event, sharing a laugh over video shoots in a bakery, or helping your kids hit record on their own creative adventures, you’re weaving together a tapestry of experiences that gives meaning to the work you do. It isn’t always seamless or easy. There are days full of fires to put out and names to try (and sometimes fail!) to remember. But as Billy puts it, if we show up with intention—to give, to serve, to create a circle of support around what matters to us—then our impact grows exponentially. The moments of burnout, the stumbles, the late nights editing video or wrangling kids into B-roll, they all become part of a greater story: of building community, supporting family, and being present for the small wonders in every day. If you’ve ever wondered how to make marketing feel less salesy and more meaningful, this episode is for you. 💙 Thank you for being a part of this community—every conversation, every listen, every share brightens my journey. If you’ve touched my life or this podcast in some way, know that you are seen and celebrated here. Curious about intentional giving, building a business on warm connections, or bringing your family into the creative fold? Listen now, and check out Billy’s tips, five-day challenge, and book at LiveLocalWarmMarketing.com. And if you haven’t already, be sure you’re subscribed to “Creating Connections”—because these stories are only the beginning. You can connect with Billy and learn more about his work here: Website: www.LiveLocalWarmMarketing.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-sammons-9951181a/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LiveLocalMarketing ▶️ If you found value from this episode, please share this episode with others like you! ⭐️ Your review is appreciated and lets me know I'm headed in the right direction with the topics I share ;)  Let's stay connected! Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/nxdinh Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsQueen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ConnectionsQueen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ConnectionsQueen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ConnectionsQueen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectionsQueen Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ConnectionsQueen X: https://twitter.com/ConnexionsQueen Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ConnectionsQueen

    S4E7 - Going Local > Going Viral with Billy Sammons

  7. May 27

    S4E6 - Gamify Your Business: Paul Pape’s Playful Path to Profitable Creativity

    What if building your dream business was as fun as your favorite game? 🎲✨ "Creatives are A to Z to squirrel to dog," he said, and it feels like he gave language to the chaos (and magic!) that lives inside every entrepreneur who dares to color outside the lines. What if our superpower isn’t in being put-together, but in letting our minds wander, play, and connect the unexpected dots? I love meeting people who see the world through this lens—curious, passionate, never letting convention box them in. Paul Pape isn’t just a creative—he’s “Santa for Nerds” and the hero who turned Dungeons & Dragons into a business masterclass, helping others slay their own “Scope Creepers” and break out of the starving artist mindset. The way he uses gaming, storycraft, and a dash of radical honesty to connect art and entrepreneurship is the kind of innovative thinking that lights me up. We talked about letting your story, not just your work, speak for you. About harnessing the energetic mess of creative focus and making space, even in quiet stolen moments, to reflect on what makes your work—and your life—uniquely yours. About encouraging the next generation to explore freely, find their own paths, and trust that change is just part of the adventure. So, here’s my question for you: What part of your story are you hiding? What would happen if you stopped selling your stuff and started selling you? 📝 Drop a comment about your own creative journey, tag yourself if you’re connecting with this, and don’t forget to hit subscribe if you haven’t already. If you want more gold nuggets like this, join us again next time & grab Paul’s books—links below! Find out all about what Paul's up to, grab his books, and connect with him 👇: Website: https://www.paulpapedesigns.com Website: https://www.gamifybusiness.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/paulpapedesigns Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulpapedesigns/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulpapedesigns LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulericpape ▶️ If you found value from this episode, please share this episode with others like you! ⭐️ Your review is appreciated and lets me know I'm headed in the right direction with the topics I share ;)  Let's stay connected! Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/nxdinh Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsQueen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ConnectionsQueen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ConnectionsQueen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ConnectionsQueen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectionsQueen Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ConnectionsQueen Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ConnectionsQueen

    S4E6 - Gamify Your Business: Paul Pape’s Playful Path to Profitable Creativity

  8. May 13

    S4E5 - Choosing Fulfillment Over Expectations: Life, Business, and Raising Children Mindfully with Lin Yuan-Su

    You never quite know which moments will leave their mark on your heart - or which connections will change the entire trajectory of your life. Sometimes, it’s the smallest conversations or unexpected encounters that create the biggest shifts. Recording this episode with Lynn was a gentle reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination. We each carry stories with us - the expectations handed down from generations before, the dreams daring to spark, the little pieces of culture and courage that make us who we are. As an entrepreneur, a parent, an Asian woman, and a seeker of deeper meaning, I’ve felt every high and every low of this wild adventure. Nothing is wasted. Every tear, every win, every moment of doubt and every bold leap - they all belong in the process. And what a privilege it is to share space with people who see you and help you see yourself. Today, we talk about mindset shifts, breaking generational cycles, creating businesses (and families) from a place of love, and the grace that comes with healing. There are no perfect paths - only a willingness to pause, notice, and keep showing up with an open heart. If you’re listening, you’re part of my circle, and your presence matters to me. Thank you for being a part of my story. I hope you find something here that speaks to your spirit and reminds you just how enough you already are. If you feel called, share a moment below that changed your journey - or tag yourself if you’re part of this growing web of beautiful connections. 💛 🌙 If this episode resonates, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and join our community. 🌱 Let’s keep growing, together. Connect with Lin and learn more about her work:  Website: www.enlightenedsuccess.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linyuansu.successcoach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyuan7/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lin.yuansu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lin-yuan-su/ Lin was incredibly gracious to share a free gift for our Listeners:  Success Oaths — a powerful set of one-page declarations to elevate mindset, confidence, and alignment: https://prgm.linyuansu.com/success ▶️ If you found value from this episode, please share this episode with others like you! ⭐️ Your review is appreciated and lets me know I'm headed in the right direction with the topics I share ;)  Let's stay connected! Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/nxdinh Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsQueen TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ConnectionsQueen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ConnectionsQueen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ConnectionsQueen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectionsQueen Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ConnectionsQueen X: https://twitter.com/ConnexionsQueen Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ConnectionsQueen

    S4E5 - Choosing Fulfillment Over Expectations: Life, Business, and Raising Children Mindfully with Lin Yuan-Su
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About

Welcome to 'Creating Connections,' where the art of human connection meets the heart of creativity. Join me each week for inspiring stories from entrepreneurs and creatives, as we explore life's complexities, joys, and the magic in between. We'll talk about mindset, growth, and the endless possibilities of imagination. From professional insights to personal journeys, we cover what it means to live fully, create boldly, and connect deeply. Tune in to be inspired and become part of a community where connections aren't just made; they're celebrated, nurtured, and treasured.

Information

  • Creator
    Nhien Dinh
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nhien Dinh
  • Show Website
    Creating Connections