Down the Rabbit Hole

Bri + Sam
  • 4.8 (25)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Down the Rabbit Hole—a podcast where two artists, best friends, and lifelong seekers wander into the depths of what it means to be fully alive. We're not here to give you answers.
We're here to ask better questions.
About art, about grief, about the body, about love, longing, leaving, and everything in between. In this space, we dive into the tender, the taboo, and the beautifully unhinged parts of being human.
Sometimes it's a conversation between just the two of us.
Sometimes we bring on fellow artists, mystics, bodyworkers, and thought-shapers—who help us see with softer eyes.
Always, we're chasing wonder. And curiosity So if you crave the kind of conversations that feel like late-night walks or a dinner conversation amongst friends 
Come with us.
We're going down the rabbit hole.

  1. Sep 3

    Episode 24: Jetlag Silly-Goosery Into Existential Crisis

    After returning home from the Tour du Mont Blanc and settling back into life together in Boston, Sam and Bri unpack the strange emotional whiplash of transitioning from an intense, immersive adventure back into ordinary life. What begins as a series of hilarious stories about jet lag, Chili's, getting lost, peeing their pants, and sleeping for 14 hours eventually opens into a much deeper conversation about fear, identity, creativity, aging, capitalism, surveillance, social media, and the desperate need for real human experience. Bri reflects on the fear that comes with being in a transitional period of her artistic life: without her own studio, with her art practice temporarily taking a backseat to building The Body is the Blueprint. They question the capitalist pressure to constantly prove your identity through productivity and remind themselves that creativity can take many forms and move through different seasons. From there, the conversation expands into a broader fear around surveillance and the loss of unobserved life. They talk about social media, AI, cameras, the performance of self online, and what it means for younger generations to grow up constantly aware that they could be filmed, documented, and judged.  Then the convo takes a turn, confronting one of the most complicated pressures facing women: aging and the desire to remain desirable. Sam talks candidly about watching her face and body change, questioning cosmetic procedures, and wrestling with the tension between wanting to make choices for herself while also knowing that her visibility can influence how other women — especially younger women — see themselves. Rather than offering an easy answer, they sit inside the contradiction: women deserve agency over their bodies, while also living inside a culture that profits enormously from their insecurity. Ultimately, the episode becomes an exploration of how to remain human in a world increasingly designed around performance, productivity, algorithms, aesthetics, and perception.  Follow us on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@thebodyistheblueprint Follow their retreat community: https://www.thebodyistheblueprint.com Follow Bri's Art: https://www.instagram.com/artbybri Follow Sam's Art: https://www.instagram.com/sruetercreates Follow Sam's Substack: https://samrueter.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips 00:00 Welcome Back and Exciting Changes 02:26 Life After the TMB Adventure 05:02 Cinematic Reflections: The Odyssey Experience 07:36 The Quirks of Everyday Life 10:36 Navigating New Roles and Relationships 13:46 The Struggles of Transitioning Back Home 16:40 Artistic Identity and Creative Flow 22:28 Facing Fears and Embracing Change 32:41 The Fear of Surveillance and Its Impact 36:34 The Loss of Authenticity in Human Experience 44:18 Aging and the Pressure of Beauty Standards 52:58 Finding Joy in Nature and Real Experiences

  2. Aug 14

    Episode 23: The Tour du Mont Blanc: Trekking 10 Days in the Alps, Pain Thresholds, and Vulnerability

    We actually survived the Tour du Mont Blanc, all 115 miles of it. In this episode, we strip away the more polished, aesthetic ideals of completing a trek of this magnitude, and we talk about the real, the gritty, and the type of silly goosery born out of a physical exhaustion that is hard to articulate.  We were out there for 10 days and we're still processing it.   The Swiss, French, and Italian Alps delivered the jaw-dropping immersion we came for, and with those highs can come some pretty grueling lows as well.  We discuss how we handled some of the hardest moments, as well as describing in detail the old-school mountain refugios we stayed in, the questionable bathrooms and sleeping arrangements, and the relentless and bizarre food cravings.   Sam gets radically honest about conquering this brutal physical feat while managing stage 4 endometriosis, and how having her dad step in as the ultimate support system proved that deep vulnerability can heal and transform relationships you thought were set in stone. We explore the tremendous pain and emotional thresholds of women both on and off the trail, plus Bri's tactical, sleep-deprived battle for window ventilation against a very stubborn, very stinky Frenchman in one of the dormitories.   Tune in for a vulnerable conversation about grit, grace, and learning a profound respect for your own body and her incredible capacity in a world that makes it easy for us to forget.   00:00 Introduction to the Mont Blanc Trek and Our Purpose 03:45 Challenges of High-Altitude Backpacking 05:39 Community and Camaraderie on the Trail 07:26 The Psychological Impact of Disconnection 09:05 Overcoming Physical and Mental Fatigue 11:11 Survival Moments and Life-or-Death Situations 12:44 Lessons in Packing and Preparation 14:28 Reflections on the Journey and Personal Growth 16:33 The Role of Care and Family in Extreme Conditions 18:15 Humor, Lore, and Memorable Moments 19:57 The Power of Simplicity and Presence 21:49 Returning to Modern Life and Lessons Learned 44:08 The importance of being present and capturing moments 45:04 Witnessing family evolution and emotional growth 46:01 Softening roles and vulnerability in family dynamics 46:48 The power of vulnerability and emotional honesty 48:06 Healing through vulnerability and emotional expression 48:57 Managing anxiety and medical trauma in challenging situations 50:11 The mindset shift around chronic illness and fear 52:14 Visualization and mindset techniques for overcoming pain 53:59 Controlling fear to enhance physical resilience 55:42 Women's endurance and biological advantages 01:00:53 The importance of hope and honesty in chronic illness 01:03:52 Inspiring women through real stories of resilience 01:05:18 Grieving and celebrating the body's resilience 01:06:12 Daily gratitude and facing pain with strength 01:07:15 Overcoming fear to pursue challenging goals 01:08:10 Preparation, safety, and respecting nature 01:19:51 The reality of wilderness medical care and safety precautions 01:25:15 Humor, perseverance, and the spirit of adventure 01:26:55 Closing thoughts and next steps for listeners

  3. Jun 26

    Episode 22: Are You Still an Artist When You're Not Creating?

    In this little re-connection episode, Bri and Sam discuss the ebbs and flows of the creative process: what it looks like to navigate transition, creative cycles, and how to embody the artist identity, even when you are stepped away from the work. Bri shares more about how her solo travel time is impacting her creative process, while Sam shares this year's big integration of a move and how that has prevented more work from being made. At the end of it all, they lean into the deep trust for the creative process, why connecting to your own divinity is essential to creative power, and so much more! A great episode for any artist who finds themselves asking, "Am I still an artist if I'm not making work?" To find our retreats and communal offerings: @thebodyistheblueprint and thebodyistheblueprint.com For more of Sam's Figurative Work: Instagram, Substack, Website For more of Bri's Figurative Work: Instagram, Website  00:00 Exploring the Beauty of Scotland 09:46 The Duality of Travel and Creativity 20:15 Navigating Change and Creative Process 29:30 The Essence of Creativity and Human Connection 32:30 The Rhythm of Creativity 34:08 Nature and Flow States 38:21 Self-Worth and Connection 40:02 Art as a Reflection of Life 43:41 The Power of Storytelling 47:24 Women Supporting Women 50:08 Travel and New Experiences 52:27 Navigating Chronic Endo Health and Adventure

  4. Jun 10

    Episode 21: Rewriting the Rules of Power with Hannah Wicklund

    This week, we're joined by friend, creative collaborator, and wildly talented musician Hannah Wicklund, for a conversation recorded from Edinburgh, Scotland.  We celebrate the launch of her latest creative endeavor, the Strawberry Moon Tribune, a new print publication featuring contributions from Sam, Bri, and dozens of other creatives, and discuss the importance of creating spaces where artists can amplify one another's voices. We also dive into Hannah's remarkable self-made journey, from touring throughout her teens and twenties, to recently performing in Jimi Hendrix's London flat, to redefining her career on her own terms. Together, we explore creative reinvention, what real power looks like, and the importance of building what doesn't yet exist so we can create the lives, careers, and communities we truly want. A conversation about self-trust, collaboration, and the future possibilities once women begin relying on themselves and each other.  Learn more about Hannah and follow along with her exciting new album release and magazine: www.hannahwicklund.com and on instagram @HannahWicklund Join our community or come on one of our upcoming global retreats at www.TheBodyistheBlueprint.com and on instagram @thebodyistheblueprint Sam's work:  www.Srueterart.com | www.substack.com/@sruetercreates | @sruetercreates Bri's work: www.ArtbyBri.com  | @artbybri   00:00 Hannah's Musical Journey and Accolades 06:25 Connections and Bonding Experiences 09:14 Finding Balance in Touring and Health 12:50 The Creative Process: Cocoon Phase and Authenticity 17:36 Uncovering Industry Challenges and Female Empowerment 20:52 The Dark Side of Fame 25:50 Breaking Free from the Industry's Chains 27:36 Reclaiming Power and Control 31:42 Trusting Yourself in a Corrupt System 36:16 Redefining Power and Wealth 38:14 Perseverance and Optimism in Adversity 39:15 Creative Collaboration and Community Building 40:20 The Power of Uplifting Others 43:47 The Importance of Connection and Shared Experiences 48:00 Navigating Personal Growth and Female Empowerment 48:51 The Intentionality Behind Art and Music 52:20 Rolling Out New Music with Purpose

  5. May 29

    Episode 20: The Hidden Exhaustion Women Carry: Hyper-vigilance, Creativity & Self-Safety

    In this episode, Sam and Bri go down the rabbit hole of hypervigilence as a woman, and the many facets and identities that can form because of it. They unpack the experience of hosting their Paris retreat, the contrast between American culture and European ways of living, and the tension many women feel between presence and productivity while traveling. Bri shares more about her current solo travel adventures in Europe, and the noticing of hypervigilence, protection, and what it looks like to balance all of that... how women are conditioned to anticipate everyone else's needs, overperform emotionally, and struggle to feel truly safe enough to rest. They share more about how women's retreats are the antedote for this constant scanning that women do, and the amount of exhaustion it can place on our lives. Sam dives into more personal details on her emotional hypervigilence as a recovering co-dependant, and how the passing of her Dog while in Paris brought more of this to the surface.  The second half of the episode shifts into creativity, artistic evolution, and spirituality. Sam shares reflections on artistic growth, navigating critique, and the emotional resilience required to keep creating publicly. Together, they discuss the ways spiritual rituals, grounding practices, and intentional living can reconnect us to ourselves amidst uncertainty. Ultimately, the episode becomes a conversation about reclaiming aliveness....through travel, art, community, rest, and learning how to exist without constantly bracing for impact. 00:00 Lost in Paris: A Podcast Mishap 02:29 Reflections on the Paris Retreat 05:03 Cultural Observations: Americans Abroad 07:28 Traveling with Purpose: The Retreat Experience 09:26 The Launch of New Retreats 10:54 Finding Balance in Travel and Life 13:35 The Scarcity Mindset in Travel 15:42 The Importance of Community and Support 18:03 Self-Discovery Through Solo Travel 21:28 Navigating Social Anxiety and Openness 23:36 The Impact of Hypervigilance on Women 25:51 Creating Safe Spaces for Women 28:58 The Burden of Emotional Labor 31:36 Learning to Rest and Let Go 33:09 Understanding Hypervigilance and Relationships 36:25 The Connection Between Hypervigilance and High Performance 38:41 Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Coddling 41:49 The Importance of Self-Safety 45:06 Navigating Relationships and Expectations 48:21 Navigating Life's Uncertainties 52:19 The Weight of Hypervigilance 55:59 Artistic Growth and Learning 01:02:25 The Impact of Critique on Creativity 01:09:10 Embracing Spiritual Practices 01:13:27 Finding Grounding in Rituals

  6. May 7

    Episode 19: Following the Creative Thread: Live from Paris

    We're recording live from Ledger Studio in Paris while we prepare to lead a creative retreat, reflecting on the strange and beautiful paths that creativity can pull us down when we actually listen to it, and follow the threads. In this episode, we share a few ridiculous moments from life on the road, the unexpected places creativity has taken us, and how learning to trust your intuition can completely reshape both your art and your life. We explore what it means to follow the thread as artists, even when the next step doesn't fully make sense yet, and how that willingness can lead to the most unexpected places.   00:00 Welcome to Paris: Setting the Scene 01:51 The Reality of Travel: Glamour vs. Exhaustion 05:56 Creativity and Intuition: Following the Threads 09:06 Micro Decisions: The Power of Small Choices 11:53 Trusting Your Intuition: The Creative Journey 15:04 Origin Stories: The Importance of Your Journey 17:43 Rediscovering the Artistic Thread 20:44 The Impact of Travel on Artistic Growth 25:42 The Power of Following Intuition 31:02 Embracing the Unconventional Journey 38:27 Healing Through Ritual and Community

  7. Apr 17

    Episode 18: The Birth of Body Is the Blueprint

    We're introducing Body Is the Blueprint, our new embodiment institute born from years of navigating the art world, questioning stability, and redefining what it means to build a sustainable creative life. In this episode, we unpack the myth of the "fragile artist," share the moments where conscious embodiment shifted our lives, and explore how learning to trust the body became the foundation for everything we've created. This is the origin story, not just of a business, but of a new way of living, creating, and leading. This episode is the beginning of something new. We're sharing the story behind Body Is the Blueprint, how our experiences as artists, the challenges of being taken seriously, and the deeper pull toward embodiment led us here. It's about the moments that shaped us, the risks we took, and the inner knowing we learned to trust. If you've ever felt the tension between creativity and visibility, this is for you. 00:00 Introduction and Exciting Announcement 03:34 The Launch of 'The Body is the Blueprint' 07:26 The Misunderstanding of Multi-Dimensional Creativity 11:09 The Fear of Being Taken Seriously as an Artist 14:23 Outsourcing Life Decisions and Its Consequences 18:27 The Journey of Embodiment and Disconnection 23:06 The Power of Community and Women Gathering 27:02 The Creative Piece in Embodiment 31:14 Confidence Through Movement and Art 34:59 The Political Nature of Disembodiment 38:05 Reconnecting with the Body 43:13 The Power of Community and Shared Experiences 47:17 Moments of Awakening and Transformation 54:04 Embodiment and Personal Truth 59:12 Cultural Disconnection and the Quest for Identity 01:03:07 Exploring Whimsy and Animal Archetypes

  8. Apr 3

    Episode 17: The Fear Economy and the Systems That Keep Us Small

    This episode explores how fear is embedded into the systems that shape our lives....and who benefits from it. Sam and Bri talk about how fear influences major life transitions, creativity, relationships, influencer culture, capitalism, and even the stories we inherit from past generations. From compliance culture to codependency, we unpack how insecurity is often reinforced because it keeps us consuming, comparing, and doubting ourselves. They talk very personally about their own visbility wounds, relationship patterns, and fears.  They also explore how platonic relationships, individual healing, astrology, and creativity help us step outside of fear-based thinking and reclaim agency. Because when we become aware of how fear operates, we stop participating in it — and start building lives rooted in trust, self-expression, and empowerment. Bonus conversations include: What the hell are men spending their money on? How can women be gold diggers if there's no gold? Cathartic scream-singing sessions in cars, very invasive dermotoligst appointments... And more! This conversation is about recognizing the systems that profit from our insecurity… and choosing something different. 00:00 Moving and Life Transitions 05:51 Art, Community, and Emotional Release 10:49 Fear and Compliance Culture 14:53 Creativity, Self-Expression, and Societal Expectations 24:25 Navigating Capitalism and Insecurity Culture 32:18 The Role of Women in Influencer Culture 39:44 Inheritance Culture and Generational Narratives 50:54 Fear in Relational Culture and Self-Worth 55:57 The Impact of Codependency on Relationships 01:01:05 The Importance of Platonic Relationships 01:06:25 The Role of Individual Healing in Collective Change 01:14:14 Astrology as a Tool for Understanding Life 01:19:40 Harnessing Whimsy and Creativity for Empowerment

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4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Welcome to Down the Rabbit Hole—a podcast where two artists, best friends, and lifelong seekers wander into the depths of what it means to be fully alive. We're not here to give you answers.
We're here to ask better questions.
About art, about grief, about the body, about love, longing, leaving, and everything in between. In this space, we dive into the tender, the taboo, and the beautifully unhinged parts of being human.
Sometimes it's a conversation between just the two of us.
Sometimes we bring on fellow artists, mystics, bodyworkers, and thought-shapers—who help us see with softer eyes.
Always, we're chasing wonder. And curiosity So if you crave the kind of conversations that feel like late-night walks or a dinner conversation amongst friends 
Come with us.
We're going down the rabbit hole.

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