Creating Connections

Nhien Dinh

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. S4E7 - Going Local > Going Viral with Billy Sammons

    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

    41 min
  2. S4E6 - Gamify Your Business: Paul Pape’s Playful Path to Profitable Creativity

    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

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

    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

    52 min
  4. S4E4 - Creating Your Roadmap to Success with Ed McCarthy

    Apr 29

    S4E4 - Creating Your Roadmap to Success with Ed McCarthy

    “Gratitude is the most transformational emotion a human can experience.” That line lingered in my mind long after Ed McCarthy shared it in our conversation for this week’s episode of Creating Connections. I’ve always been captivated by people’s stories—the threads of struggle, perseverance, reinvention, and hope that connect us all. When I read Ed McCarthy’s book “Life Letters: 5 Decisions to Wealth, Wisdom and Happiness,” I immediately felt the impact of wisdom transfer, the courage to pivot and pursue meaning, and the reminder that we are all shaped by the connections and lessons we embrace along the way. Whether you’re wrestling with change, chasing fulfillment, or simply wanting more joy in the everyday moments, you’ll find something in Ed McCarthy’s story that resonates. From near-death experiences and professional reinventions to embracing AI and the intentional design of life, our conversation dives deep - into authenticity, embracing failure, personal accountability, and the gentle power of presence. We get to choose how we show up, how we lead our families, our businesses, and ourselves. We get to create, not just consume. And most importantly, we get to pass wisdom forward - one letter, one connection at a time. If you’ve ever wondered how to take your own leap toward your highest self, listen in. Maybe something shared here will spark the next brave step forward for you too. 🌟 Tag yourself in this journey if you feel the inspiration - in the comments, in a message, or simply by tuning in. I am grateful for every connection, every lesson, every story that makes this podcast (and our lives!) richer. 💙 Which letter of your own life are you writing today? Which connection is shaping you? If this episode speaks to you, please subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a comment about what moved you. Thank you for letting me (and Ed McCarthy) be a part of your journey. 👇 Share your thoughts below and don’t forget to tune in - for you, for us, for all the stories yet to be written. Learn more about Ed's book and community here: https://thelifeletters.com/ 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 ▶️ 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 ;)

    39 min
  5. S4E3 - Nice to Meet You (Again)! 🤗

    Apr 15

    S4E3 - Nice to Meet You (Again)! 🤗

    Welcome to Creating Connections! I’m so excited you’re here—whether you’re a longtime listener or tuning in for the very first time. In this episode, I’m taking a quick moment to reintroduce myself and share this journey with you. From my roots in Vietnam to building a life and community in Houston, Texas, I'll share how parenting, business, creativity, and personal growth have shaped who I am - and how they continue to bring us all together. This isn’t just my story, though. It’s about connecting with people like you: those looking for ways to live a more grounded, joyful life, and those eager to embrace creativity and authenticity each day. I’ll talk about the power of community, the highs and lows of parenting, the importance of truly connecting in a digital world, and why creativity belongs to all of us, not just artists or “creatives.” If you’re curious about the real moments - celebrations, struggles, and everything in between - I invite you to listen, connect, and share your own story with me. Join me on this journey, reach out on social media, and let’s make life a little brighter, together. Your connection truly means everything to me. 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

    13 min
  6. S4E2 - You're Not a Bad Parent - 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Having Kids

    Apr 8

    S4E2 - You're Not a Bad Parent - 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Having Kids

    Parenting today can be hard. Not because we're failing. Not because we're doing it wrong. But because we're raising children in a world that didn’t exist when we were growing up. Social media, AI, constant connectivity, and changing expectations have reshaped what it means to raise kids. Most of us are learning how to navigate it in real time. In this episode of Creating Connections, I share five things I wish I knew before raising kids—lessons that came from years of growth, reflection, mistakes, and learning how to become a better human while raising three incredible little humans. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough as a parent…you're not alone. And you're definitely not a bad parent. 💙 ▶️ 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

    43 min
  7. S4E1 - Staying Grounded and Human

    Mar 25

    S4E1 - Staying Grounded and Human

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant pressure to be perfect in every aspect of your life? Between social media highlights, business expectations, and the weight of daily responsibilities, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. In this episode, I share five foundational principles that have completely transformed how I navigate life, business, and relationships. These aren't complex strategies or overwhelming systems—they're simple truths that have helped me find genuine peace and joy in both what I do and what I choose not to do. After spending endless hours overthinking every post, every decision, and every interaction, I've discovered that the most powerful shifts come from returning to the basics of being human. These five principles work together seamlessly, creating a framework that allows you to show up authentically without the exhausting mental gymnastics. What You'll Discover Through candid storytelling and vulnerable reflection, this episode explores how these principles can revolutionize your approach to: Authenticity over perfection - Why it is what it is, not what it looks like changes everythingBuilding unshakeable self-trust - The foundation that makes every other decision easierEmotional regulation as a superpower - I wish this were a core subject taught in schools because of how it transforms relationships - especially with yourselfNavigating our evolving digital world - Finding balance in an age of constant highlightsEmbracing our shared humanity - The grace we all need to give ourselves and to others Just Being Human I share the ongoing work of becoming a better version of myself. This isn't about having it all figured out—it's about accepting that growth is messy, change is constant, and that's exactly as it should be. "Even the person I was last year was significantly different from who I am this year. The goal is to change, to evolve, to become better." Whether you're a parent trying to model emotional regulation, an entrepreneur questioning your niche, or simply someone seeking more peace in daily life, these principles offer a path back to what matters most. Ready to Simplify? This conversation is for anyone tired of the complexity and ready to return to the beautiful simplicity of being authentically human. No perfect formulas, no rigid frameworks—just honest insights about finding joy and groundedness in a rapidly changing world. What does 2026 look like for you? How are you evolving as a human, and what principles are guiding your growth?

    27 min
  8. S3E7 - Coaching: Merging Art & Mindset with Allison McIntosh

    08/27/2025

    S3E7 - Coaching: Merging Art & Mindset with Allison McIntosh

    I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Allison McIntosh, and this conversation inspired me on so many levels. Allison shares her amazing journey from graphic design into the world of mindset and embodiment coaching, and let me tell you - it’s not your typical career transition story. She talks about what it’s like to merge creativity, somatic work, and business, and how she helps entrepreneurs and creatives see themselves - and express themselves - more authentically. I especially loved Allison’s insights about being a visual, tactile learner (her story about connecting with information through whiteboards and drawing is SO relatable!). We also chat about the joys and challenges of building a business as a mom, creating structure, and embracing all the beautiful chaos that comes with it. If you’ve ever wondered how to connect your passions, your strengths, and the realities of life into a business (and a life!) that actually lights you up - this one’s for you. So grab a snack, hit play, and join me for a heart-to-heart with Allison. I'm excited for you to listen! If you found value in this episode of Creating Connections, we'd love and appreciate a review! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-connections/id1625704526 You can listen to previous Creating Connections episodes by subscribing to our channel here or to our podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-connections/id1625704526 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fSOTnukCE9IOwogZb7hYP?si=ey3wu1GyS2mlBjAdWlTeyg Connect with Allison here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allison.mcintosh.15 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonjoycoaching/ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonjoycoaching⁠ Want to be a guest on Creating Connections? Send Nhien Dinh a message on PodMatch, here:  https://podmatch.com/hostdetail/1709753417385796564d8d28b⁠⁠ Are we connected on social? 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/ ⁠⁠⁠Pinterest: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pinterest.com/ConnectionsQueen⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ConnexionsQueen⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@ConnectionsQueen

    21 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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.