Big Dreams & Little Things

Maria Wronski-Ellis,Karina Kampe
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Biweekly Series

The podcast for independent artists, writers, freelancers and creatives. We talk about the real creative life, the mess and the magic - with accountability, a supportive community, and a victory dance for every win along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See All
  1. Creative Companions-The Lone Genius is a Myth

    Episode 25

    Creative Companions-The Lone Genius is a Myth

    Big Dreams & Little Things Season 3, Episode 25 - Creative Companions - The Lone Genius is a Myth Explore the power of creative companionship and community in sustaining your creative motivation and accountability. Whether you’re a musician, artist, or podcaster for creatives, building supportive networks is key to nurturing your independent creative spirit. Tune in to connect and grow within your creative community. The lone genius is a myth – and it’s holding your creative work back. In this Season 3 premiere, Karina Kampe and Maria Wronski-Ellis explore why creative companionship is the most underrated tool in any artist’s toolkit. Through the incredible story of how Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Melissa McCarthy built their careers through deep creative partnerships – from improv classes at The Groundlings to the making of Bridesmaids – we discover that the greatest creative work happens side by side, not in isolation. Plus: the science of why creative pairs innovate more, what cryptomnesia means for collaboration (is it contagious!!?? Relax we have your back!), how to protect your creative rights (featuring the Molly Sandén story), and four essential questions to ask before any creative partnership. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, freelancer, songwriter, or creative professional – this episode will change how you think about your creative journey. Celebrating Maria’s new book The Mindful Songwriter with champagne and chocolate, because victories deserve ceremonies! Listen now and tell us: who is your creative companion? Connect With Big Dreams & Little ThingsNew look, new social media homes! Find us everywhere as @bigdreamsandlittlethings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdreamsandlittlethingsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigdreamsandlittlethingsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigdreamsandlittlethings Newsletter: Sign up for Backstage – weekly inspiration, behind-the-scenes stories, and first access to workshopsWebbpage: https://www.ectahub.net Karina’s Accountability Research StudyKarina has launched her accountability research study with 15 incredible women from 6 countries and 5 time zones! This research explores how accountability partnerships and creative community support help freelancers, creatives, and solo entrepreneurs maintain momentum and reach their goals. The response has been overwhelming – the online room is filled with love, support, and genuine companionship. Want to be part of a creative community like this? Sign up for Backstage – our weekly newsletter (one email per week, we promise), to stay in the loop about upcoming workshops and community events. Books•       The Mindful Songwriter by Maria Wronski-Ellis – A guide to mindful songwriting practices for creative professionals (available on Amazon) Films•       Bridesmaids (2011) – Co-written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. The comedy that proved women-led films can be box office hits •       Wine Country (2019) – Amy Poehler’s directorial debut featuring the comedy sisterhood Podcast Recommendation•       Wiser Than Me – Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews inspiring older women (including Jane Fonda) https://lemonadamedia.com/show/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/ Good Hang with Amy Poehler Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tina-fey/id1795483480?i=1000699626846 (Tina Fey-guest) Scientific Concepts Explored•       Cryptomnesia – The phenomenon where collaborative creativity blurs individual memory of idea ownership •       Complementary Skills Theory – Research showing creative pairs with different strengths produce more innovative, boundary-pushing work Creative Partnerships Featured•       Tina Fey & Amy Poehler – SNL Weekend Update, improv partnership •       Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumolo – Bridesmaids co-writers •       Maya Rudolph & Melissa McCarthy – comedy duo and creative companions •       The Groundlings Theater, Los Angeles – where these partnerships formed Connect With UsWebsite: www.ectahub.net Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  2. Silence Your Inner Critic: Be the Creator You Were Always Meant to Be

    Episode 26

    Silence Your Inner Critic: Be the Creator You Were Always Meant to Be

    Episode OverviewLearn practical tools to silence your inner critic and boost your creative momentum. This episode empowers writers, artists, and creative freelancers to embrace their authentic voice and join a vibrant creative community. If you’re seeking accountability and motivation in your creative life, this is your guide to transformation. What happens when the world tells you to find your creative voice… and then immediately asks you to adjust it so it sells? In this episode of Big Dreams & Little Things, hosts Karina Kampe (certified transformational coach, artist, creative entrepreneur, and songwriter) and Maria Wronski-Ellis (artist, songwriter, educator, and author of The Mindful Songwriter) explore the delicate balance between authenticity and expectation. Through the story of Swedish pop icon Robyn, they unpack what it really takes to stay true to your creative instincts - even when the industry, the algorithm, or your own inner critic suggests a safer path. You'll hear: The powerful story of the teenage artist who refused to stay in a box Why imitation is natural - but dangerous if it becomes permanent The fascinating brain science behind creativity and originality How your Default Mode Network might be the key to your creative voice A simple but powerful exercise to reconnect with what you actually want to create Because your creativity isn’t about fitting in. It’s about discovering what only you can make.  Artists & MusicRobyn – the independent pop visionary behind Dancing On My OwnBritney Spears – whose story also reveals the pressures of performing within the industryThree Small Giants - Karina's Trio that she writes and performs with FREE Takeaway: The Creative voice Finder Brain ScienceDefault Mode Network (DMN) The brain network active during daydreaming, imagination, and internal reflection. It’s often where original ideas begin before the analytical brain starts editing them. In other words: the creative magic tends to happen when you’re not trying so hard. Connect With UsWebsite: www.ectahub.net Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  3. OH SH*T! Why Safe is the Riskiest Choice for Creatives with Patrik Lindkvist

    Episode 27

    OH SH*T! Why Safe is the Riskiest Choice for Creatives with Patrik Lindkvist

    Oh Sh*t! Why Safe Is the Riskiest Choice for Creatives with Patrik Lindkvist Discover why playing it safe can hold back your creative life and independent journey. Patrik Lindkvist dives deep into the risks creatives must embrace to unlock true creative motivation and accountability. Perfect for artists, freelancers, musicians, and all independent creatives ready to break free and thrive. For creatives who want to cut through the noise You know that feeling. You're about to send the email, pitch the idea, post the thing and suddenly your palms are sweaty and two words land hard in your head. Oh SH*T! Most of us take that as a warning to stop. But what if it's actually your body saying- yeah, go for it? This week we talk to Patrik Lindkvist, creative director, author and the man who once got a standing ovation for a job application listing all his flaws. (Spoiler: he got the job.) His new book Oh Shit! 115 Thoughts on Magic Communication is basically a permission slip for every creative who has ever played it safe and regretted it. We get into: ·      Why 3,000 messages hit us every day — and we remember exactly two ·      The anti-job-application that broke LinkedIn ·      How to make ventilation sexy (we're serious, it works) ·      Why your community is your safe launchpad for uncomfortable leaps ·      And what Michael Jordan, monkey Jesus and a Swedish ferry to Finland have in common This week's tiny experiment: Find your Oh Shit idea. Say it out loud. Then do it. Later means never. 📚 Books Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway — Susan Jeffers amazon.com/Feel-Fear-Anyway-Indecision-Confidence/dp/0345487427 Oh Shit! 115 Thoughts on Magic Communication — Patrik Lindkvist www.plindkvist.com 🔬 Research & concepts The Von Restorff Effect wikipedia.org/wiki/Von_Restorff_effect Google's Project Aristotle rework.withgoogle.com/guides/understanding-team-effectiveness 🎥 Referenced in this episode Michael Jordan "Failure" — Nike commercial (1997) youtube.com/watch?v=45mMioJ5szc Monkey Jesus / Ecce Homo — Borja, Spain wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecce_Homo_(García_Martínez_and_Giménez) Kintsugi — the Japanese art of repairing with gold wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi 👤 Guest Patrik Lindkvist 🌍 plindkvist.com 💼 LinkedIn: Search Patrik Lindkvist Find us 🌍 www.bigdreamsandlittlethings.com 📩 Backstage newsletter: ectahub.net/weekletter 📲 Instagram: @bigdreamsandlittlethings 👥 Facebook: @bigdreamsandlittlethings YouTube: @bigdreamsandlittlethings PLEASE WRITE A COMMENT, LIKE AND SHARE WITH A FRIEND! Connect With UsWebsite: www.ectahub.net Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  4. The Artist's Way: Tools to Rescue Your Creative Life

    Episode 28

    The Artist's Way: Tools to Rescue Your Creative Life

    Episode Overview What if the problem isn’t that you’ve lost your creativity… but that you’ve lost connection with yourself? In this episode, we dive into The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron — a book that has helped thousands of creatives find their way back to their voice. Hosted by Karina Kampe (certified transformational coach, artist, creative entrepreneur, and songwriter) and Maria Wronski-Ellis (artist, songwriter, educator, and author of The Mindful Songwriter), this conversation is part storytelling, part toolbox, and part gentle wake-up call. We explore: The real story behind how The Artist’s Way was bornWhy creativity isn’t something you “find” — but something you return toThe two simple tools that can quietly transform your creative life(And yes… there are a few “oh shit” moments along the way.) Memorable Quotes “We don’t abandon creativity — we abandon ourselves.” “Morning Pages aren’t about writing well. They’re about writing true.” “Creativity doesn’t grow in self-doubt. It grows where there’s enough self-trust to begin.” “You don’t have to do this alone — you were never meant to.” What We Talk About The origin story of The Artist’s Way (hint: heartbreak, mountains, and a pen)Morning Pages: what they are (and what they definitely are NOT)Artist Dates: why play is not optionalWhy community matters more than ever for creativesThe science behind writing and self-trustReal-life stories from creatives using these tools Resources & Mentions The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron(If you’ve never done it… this might be your sign)Elizabeth Gilbert — on reconnecting with creativityTim Ferriss — using writing to clear mental clutterGwyneth Paltrow — Morning Pages as a daily resetPolly Paulusma — Morning Writers community Connect With Us Instagram: @bigdreamsandlittlethings Community & Backstage: www.ectahub.net/weekletter Dance What’s your win this week? Did you face an “oh sh*t” moment? Did you show up for your creativity — even a little? We want to hear it. 👉 Tag us @bigdreamsandlittlethings Show up, Speak up, and never skip the victory dance! Connect With UsWebsite: www.ectahub.net Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min
  5. The Three Acts of Creative Life: Flourishing Through Every Age as an independent creative

    Episode 29

    The Three Acts of Creative Life: Flourishing Through Every Age as an independent creative

    Life is a staircase going up. Each act of your creative life has its own challenges and its own gifts. Today we're exploring the acts of creative life — from the invincible energy of your twenties to the refined fire of your later years. How do you stay sane, keep being you, and keep creating through it all? We dive into Jane Fonda's story as a staircase of inspiration, talk about what each act asks of you and gives you, and share what we wish we'd known at the start of Act 2. Plus, in Backstage Community, singer-songwriter Caro Luna shares what keeps her creating and how she celebrates her wins — just as she's about to release her new album Echoes. Loved this episode? Please share it with a creative friend who needs to hear this. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps other creatives find us. For full shownotes, quotes, and takeaways, visit: https://ectahub.net/actsoflife Sign up for our weekly newsletter Backstage: https://ectahub.net/weekletter Time Stamps00:00 - Hook: The acts of creative life 01:18 - Intro & Welcome 02:23 - Episode preview: Life acts framework 03:22 - Act 1 (Birth to 30): Feeling invincible 04:10 - Karina & Maria's Act 1 memories 07:38 - Advice we'd give our Act 1 selves 09:31 - Act 2 (30 to 60): The juggle 11:04 - How Act 2 changes your creative work 14:23 - Perimenopause and creativity 16:16 - What we wish we'd known entering Act 2 17:48 - Act 3 (60 to 90): The refined fire 23:24 - Jane Fonda's story: A staircase of inspiration 28:01 - Science: Aging creative brain, play, relationships 30:00 - Discussing Jane Fonda's legacy 32:45 - Backstage Community: Caro Luna 36:43 - Takeaways & wrap-up In This EpisodeThe three acts of creative life and what each one asks of youWhy your twenties feel invincible, your forties feel like juggling fire, and your sixties offer a freedom you couldn't access beforeHow perimenopause lands right in the middle of your most productive yearsUnderstanding your female cycles and building female friendships on purposeJane Fonda's journey from bulimia and people-pleasing to Grace and Frankie at 80The science: your brain gets better at pattern recognition and complexity with age, play is a biological requirement, and relationships predict how well you age creativelyWhy ageism is stupid and creativity doesn't discriminate with ageBackstage Community with Caro Luna on what keeps her creating and how she celebrates winsBig Dreams & Little ThingsWebsite: https://ectahub.net Newsletter (Backstage): https://ectahub.net/weekletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdreamsandlittlethings/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigdreamsandlittlethings YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigdreamsandlittlethings Backstage Community: Caro LunaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolunamusic/ Website: https://carolunamusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3jnrZ9lbIrLNmIeljaGhlM?si=Hgo90D32SN6foHs4GUrGtA Resources MentionedJane Fonda on Wiser Than Me Podcast: https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/ Alive Inside (Documentary): Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbHKcDWw0d4Streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime, or rent on various platformsGrace and Frankie (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/80017537 Stuart Brown's TED Talk on Play: https://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_play_is_more_than_just_fun Harvard Study of Adult Development: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org Julia Cameron / The Artist's Way: https://juliacameronlive.com Connect With UsWebsite: www.ectahub.net Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  6. Pricing Your Worth: The Money Conversation Every Creative Needs to Have

    Episode 31

    Pricing Your Worth: The Money Conversation Every Creative Needs to Have

    Someone asks what you charge. And you tell them. No anxiety. No wondering if you are correct. Just you, knowing your worth. This episode is the money conversation every creative needs to have. Why pricing feels impossible when what you are selling is so personal. What happens when you sign a deal before you understand what it means. And how to walk into any pricing conversation and feel good about what you are doing. We tell the full story of Taylor Swift — from a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania to buying back every note she ever recorded. We look at TLC, Prince, Billy Joel and Dolly Parton. We dig into the psychology of pricing and what it really means to sell results, not hours. And we share concrete tools for the cold call, the negotiation, and the contract. Plus Backstage Community with singer-songwriter and producer Elin Ruth Sigvardsson — on self-doubt, stage fright, the break from music that taught her everything, and how she learned to celebrate her wins. And a free Pricing Conversation Guide to download — something to have in front of you during your next sales call. Download the Free Pricing Conversation Guide References & People Mentioned•         Taylor Swift and the re-recording of her masters •         TLC and the 360 deal — CrazySexyCool (1994) •         Prince — writing “Slave” on his face during the Warner Brothers dispute •         Billy Joel — the accountant story and Elton John taking him on tour •         Dolly Parton — saying no to Elvis on I Will Always Love You to keep her rights •         Robbie Williams — hearing a hit single made with his voice that he had nothing to do with •         Rachel Zoe — “get equity” (Instagram reel) •         Dan Ariely, Predictably Irrational — behavioral economics and pricing psychology Elin Ruth Sigvardsson Instagram: @elinruthmusic Facebook: Elin Ruth Sigvardsson Spotify Find UsWebsite: ectahub.net Newsletter: ectahub.net/weekletter Instagram: @bigdreamsandlittlethings Facebook: @bigdreamsandlittlethings YouTube: @bigdreamsandlittlethings Please write a review and follow! #creativepodcast #creativelife #accountability #podcastforcreatives #independentartists #knowyourworth #pricingforfreelancers #creativemotivation Connect With UsWebsite: www.ectahub.net Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  7. Side Hustles, Day Jobs & Creative Guilt

    Episode 32

    Side Hustles, Day Jobs & Creative Guilt

    You're talented. You know you are. But talent doesn't pay the rent. In this honest and deeply relatable conversation, hosts Karina Kampe (certified transformational coach, artist, creative entrepreneur, and songwriter) and Maria Wronski-Ellis (artist, songwriter, educator, and author of the upcoming The Mindful Songwriter) explore the hidden reality that so many creatives face: balancing artistic dreams with side hustles, day jobs, and the guilt that comes with not creating as much as you'd like. Why do so many artists feel ashamed of having a day job? Why do we glorify struggle? And who benefits from the belief that "real artists" should suffer for their craft? Through personal stories, neuroscience, creative coaching insights, and the fascinating journey of Debbie Harry before Blondie became famous, Karina and Maria unpack what success really means when you're trying to make art and survive at the same time. If you've ever wondered whether you're still a "real creative" while working 40+ hours a week, this episode is for you. Topics Covered Creative Identity vs Employment Why creativity is more than a career choiceThe emotional shock of leaving art school and entering the real worldFeeling embarrassed about having a day jobThe Myth of the Full-Time Artist Why we only see the highlight reelSocial media and creative comparisonRedefining success on your own termsThe Hidden Cost of Side Hustles 60-80 hour work weeksCreative exhaustion and chronic half-burnoutWhy so many creatives feel guilty all the timeDebbie Harry Before Blondie Secretarial work, waitressing, and being a Playboy BunnyLife in 1970s New York CityBuilding a creative career one small gig at a timeThe Science of Creativity & Energy Why mornings often beat midnight for creative workDecision fatigue and creative overwhelmThe "One Ball at a Time" productivity approachThe Authenticity Tax Why society romanticizes creative struggleThe pressure to suffer in order to be taken seriouslyHow capitalism benefits from underpaid creativesJoin the ECtA CommunityLooking for creative support, accountability, and a place where people actually understand what it's like to balance art and life? Explore https://ectahub.net And don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://ectahub.net/weekletter Connect With Us Instagram, Facebook, Youtube: @bigdreamsandlittlethings Connect With UsWebsite: www.ectahub.net Podcast Instagram: @Bigdreams.ecta Podcast Facebook: @Bigdreams.ecta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
See All Season 3 (7)

Ratings & Reviews

About

The podcast for independent artists, writers, freelancers and creatives. We talk about the real creative life, the mess and the magic - with accountability, a supportive community, and a victory dance for every win along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Maria Wronski-Ellis,Karina Kampe
  • Episodes
    38
  • Seasons
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Maria Wronski-Ellis,Karina Kampe
  • Show Website
    Big Dreams & Little Things