Made to Make

Shannon Grissom
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Arts
  • Updated Bimonthly

Made to Make (formerly Painterly Life) is a podcast series about creativity across disciplines—and the resilience it takes to keep going.On this channel, you’ll find honest conversations with artists, musicians, songwriters, photographers, producers, and makers of all kinds as they share their creative process, personal challenges, and what keeps them creating through uncertainty, doubt, and change.This isn’t about hacks, overnight success, or perfect routines. It’s about the real work of living a creative life—the setbacks, breakthroughs, persistence, and the deeply human pull to make things.If you’re a creative navigating the long road, questioning your path, or looking for meaningful conversations about art and life, you’re in the right place. 🎨 Expect stories that heal, tips that empower, and creative energy to fuel your soul. 🖌️ New episodes on the first and third Thursday of the month—because every guest is a new muse, just for you.

  1. Sep 3

    Made by Hand, Shaped by Community: A Conversation with Kent Child

    Send us Fan Mail What makes someone a maker? For ceramic artist and educator Kent Child, the answer goes back to childhood—watching his grandfather and father work with their hands, discovering clay in the Southwest, and eventually finding his way into Japanese folk pottery, wood firing, and ceramics. In this episode of Made to Make, Kent joins Shannon Grissom to explore the people, places, materials, and traditions that shaped his creative life. He shares how teachers, mentors, students, and friendships, including renowned potter Conrad Calimpong influenced his approach to ceramics, including the profound impact of Shoji Hamada, Dr. Herbert Sanders, and Japanese folk pottery. Kent also recalls building his first wood-fired kiln in Los Gatos and the decades-long friendships and annual firings that grew from that experience. For him, wood firing isn't simply about producing beautiful pots—it's about teamwork, storytelling, shared labor, and the community that forms around the fire. The conversation goes beyond ceramics into a larger question: What is art really for? For Kent, art is fundamentally an act of communication and human connection. They also reflect on what technology and smartphones have changed about the way we pay attention, talk to one another, and experience the world. It's a conversation about clay, fire, tradition, friendship, teaching, and the enduring human need to make something with our hands—and share it with others. And now a word from our sponsor, today that would be me! If you're creating, growing, or figuring things out, encouragement matters. The Sock Monkey Oracle is something special—it's like having a creative friend you can turn to when you need reassurance, clarity, or a gentle reminder that you're doing better than you think. You can find it on Amazon, and it's there for those moments when you need support without judgment. That's the Sock Monkey Oracle on Amazon. N Support the show Please like, subscribe and share! For more information and to connect with us visit PainterlyLife.com

    Made by Hand, Shaped by Community: A Conversation with Kent Child

  2. Aug 20

    Finding Home After Trauma: Brendan T. Kelly on Writing, Healing & Hope

    Send us Fan Mail What if sharing your story could help someone else heal? In this episode of the Made to Make Podcast, veteran, author, and artist Brendan T. Kelly opens up about his journey from 22 years of military service to finding healing through writing and creativity. Together, we explore resilience, PTSD, vulnerability, and how storytelling can transform pain into purpose. Whether you've faced trauma yourself or simply believe in the power of creativity to change lives, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 🎧 Listen now and discover how art, honesty, and hope can help us find our way home. If you are in crisis, please dial 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. https://www.988california.org/ And now a word from our sponsor, today that would be me! If you're creating, growing, or figuring things out, encouragement matters. The Sock Monkey Oracle is something special—it's like having a creative friend you can turn to when you need reassurance, clarity, or a gentle reminder that you're doing better than you think. You can find it on Amazon, and it's there for those moments when you need support without judgment. That's the Sock Monkey Oracle on Amazon. N Support the show Please like, subscribe and share! For more information and to connect with us visit PainterlyLife.com

    Finding Home After Trauma: Brendan T. Kelly on Writing, Healing & Hope

  3. Aug 6

    Aesthetic Arrest: Kathy Sheridan on Finding Beauty in Ordinary Moments

    Send us Fan Mail What if the most extraordinary art begins with the most ordinary moments? In this episode, I chat with acclaimed painter Kathy Sheridan, whose luminous still lifes and intimate landscapes invite us to slow down and truly see the world around us. Kathy shares her unlikely path from pursuing science to studying with legendary painter Wayne Thiebaud, revealing how a single childhood museum visit—and later, an unexpected gift of oil paints—set her on a life-changing creative journey. Together, they explore the power of light, the importance of mentorship, and the concept of aesthetic arrest—those rare moments when a work of art stops us in our tracks and reconnects us with the present. Kathy reflects on how her work has evolved toward simplicity, why aging has deepened her artistic vision, and how paying attention to everyday beauty can transform both art and life. Whether you're an artist, collector, or simply someone longing to reconnect with creativity, this conversation is a gentle reminder that inspiration is always waiting in the quiet moments we often overlook. IN THIS EPISODE: Kathy's unexpected journey from science to professional artistThe childhood museum experience that changed her lifeStudying with renowned painter Wayne ThiebaudWhy light is her greatest source of inspirationThe meaning of "aesthetic arrest" and why it mattersHow her artistic style has evolved toward simplicityFinding beauty in everyday life and ordinary objectsEncouragement for artists to trust the creative journeyKEY TAKEAWAYS Creativity begins with paying attention.The ordinary often holds extraordinary beauty.Great mentors can shape both your craft and your confidence.Simplicity can create the deepest emotional connection.Art invites us to slow down, be present, and truly see.Support the show Please like, subscribe and share! For more information and to connect with us visit PainterlyLife.com

    Aesthetic Arrest: Kathy Sheridan on Finding Beauty in Ordinary Moments

  4. Jul 16

    The Art of Saying Yes: Tiffany Waugh on Creativity Without Limits

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Made to Make, host Shannon Grissom sits down with mixed-media artist Tiffany Waugh to explore a creative life driven by curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to follow inspiration wherever it leads. Working across watercolor, ink, acrylics, digital art, crochet, sewing, and mosaics, Tiffany shares how creativity has become both a practice and a way of life. The conversation dives into the fascinating world of neurographic doodling, a creative technique that helps uncover emotions, process experiences, and spark self-discovery. Tiffany also opens up about balancing artistic pursuits with the demands of everyday life, embracing risk in the creative process, and learning to trust unexpected opportunities. Whether you're an artist, maker, or someone who simply wants to reconnect with your creative side, this episode offers an encouraging reminder that creativity belongs to everyone—and that sometimes the most rewarding journeys begin with a simple "yes." Support the show Please like, subscribe and share! For more information and to connect with us visit PainterlyLife.com

    The Art of Saying Yes: Tiffany Waugh on Creativity Without Limits

  5. Jul 2

    Writing What’s Real: Paul Cwalina on Authentic Storytelling

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Made to Make, host Shannon Grissom sits down with author Paul Cwalina to explore the winding path that led him from a successful business career to becoming a published novelist. Drawing on a lifetime of experiences, Paul shares how his upbringing, strong work ethic, and deep understanding of human nature have shaped his approach to storytelling. The conversation dives into Paul's organic writing process, where characters often take the lead and stories unfold in unexpected ways. He discusses the themes that consistently emerge in his work—including imperfection, forgiveness, redemption, and the complex balance between darkness and hope. Whether writing Christian fiction or psychological thrillers, Paul strives to create authentic stories that reflect the emotional realities of life. Paul also offers practical advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing discipline, perseverance, and the importance of trusting your creative instincts. This thoughtful conversation is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue a creative calling and that the most compelling stories often grow from the experiences that shape us. Support the show Please like, subscribe and share! For more information and to connect with us visit PainterlyLife.com

    Writing What’s Real: Paul Cwalina on Authentic Storytelling

  6. Jun 18

    Nants Foley: Living an Artful Life

    Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of We Are Made to Make, host Shannon Grissom sits down with artist, dancer, educator, architect, musician, and creative explorer Nants Foley for a rich conversation about what it truly means to live a creative life. From studying architecture and teaching in collaborative art spaces to running a rural school of husbandry and embracing collage as a current artistic passion, Nants shares how creativity has been the connecting thread through every chapter of her journey. Together, they explore the power of community in the creative process, the importance of curiosity and intentional living, and why artistry isn’t reserved for a select few — it’s something deeply human. Nants reflects on the lessons she’s learned through music, farming, teaching, and visual art, offering wisdom on reinvention, self-discovery, and finding beauty in everyday moments. This heartfelt episode is a reminder that creativity can take countless forms and that making something meaningful often begins with simply paying attention to the world around you. Support the show Please like, subscribe and share! For more information and to connect with us visit PainterlyLife.com

    Nants Foley: Living an Artful Life

  7. Jun 4

    How Denise Hall Built an Art Career Without Ever “Having Time”

    Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, artist and teacher Denise Hall opens up about her creative journey—from sketching from the family Bible as a child to building a life centered on art, family, and perseverance. Denise shares how she nurtured her passion while balancing full-time work and motherhood, along with honest insights and practical encouragement for anyone trying to make space for creativity in a busy life. Support the show Please like, subscribe and share! For more information and to connect with us visit PainterlyLife.com

    How Denise Hall Built an Art Career Without Ever “Having Time”

  8. May 21

    From Depression to Healing: How Creativity Changed David Sandum’s Life

    Send us Fan Mail Most people think creativity comes from talent or inspiration — but for artist David Sandum, it’s been a deep, healing journey shaped by depression, trauma, and rediscovery. When life’s darkest moments hit, he turned to art, transforming pain into powerful visuals and stories that challenge how we see suffering, resilience, and self-expression. Now, David reveals how embracing instinct, symbolism, and spontaneity can break you free from creative blocks and open new pathways in your mind and heart.In this compelling conversation, you’ll discover:  How David’s depression sparked a 25-year artistic journey that culminated in exhibits worldwide and a poignant Auschwitz series honoring his grandmother’s past.  The spiritual and emotional significance behind his signature roots and network-inspired symbols—patterns that reflect grounding, interconnectedness, and personal history.  Why creativity acts as a catharsis—empowering you to process overwhelming feelings and regain control during life's toughest storms.  Practical tips for overcoming creative stagnation: creating a nurturing space, starting with instinctive doodles, and embracing mistakes as part of the process.  The surprising differences between painting, printmaking, and writing as emotional outlets—and why allowing accidents can lead to your most authentic work.  How moving physically, exploring nature, and shifting mediums—like photography—can reignite your inspiration when you're stuck in darkness. Whether you’re battling personal struggles, feeling creatively blocked, or simply craving a deeper connection to your art, this episode offers transformative insights. David’s resilience and openness show that healing one stroke at a time is possible—and that your story deserves to be told through your art. Perfect for artists, dreamers, and anyone seeking a way back from despair, this conversation will inspire you to find beauty in vulnerability and strength in imperfection. Visit David Sandum’s website or follow him on Instagram @davidsandum for more of his inspiring work. This episode reminds us: your greatest growth often comes from life’s hardest lessons—and your art can be your most powerful healing tool. Support the show Please like, subscribe and share! For more information and to connect with us visit PainterlyLife.com

    From Depression to Healing: How Creativity Changed David Sandum’s Life
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Made to Make (formerly Painterly Life) is a podcast series about creativity across disciplines—and the resilience it takes to keep going.On this channel, you’ll find honest conversations with artists, musicians, songwriters, photographers, producers, and makers of all kinds as they share their creative process, personal challenges, and what keeps them creating through uncertainty, doubt, and change.This isn’t about hacks, overnight success, or perfect routines. It’s about the real work of living a creative life—the setbacks, breakthroughs, persistence, and the deeply human pull to make things.If you’re a creative navigating the long road, questioning your path, or looking for meaningful conversations about art and life, you’re in the right place. 🎨 Expect stories that heal, tips that empower, and creative energy to fuel your soul. 🖌️ New episodes on the first and third Thursday of the month—because every guest is a new muse, just for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Grissom
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Made to Make
  • Show Website
    Made to Make