Nourishing Creativity with Chef Carla Contreras (formerly Show Up Fully)

Chef Carla Contreras

Nourish your very full life with micro doses of creativity. Tune in for conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives about their process (blocks included). Host Chef Carla Contreras is a food creative & content strategist. Head to @chefcarlacontreras on Instagram to continue the conversation! Find her at www.carlacontreras.com chefcarla.substack.com

  1. Releasing Control, Closing Loops, & The Power of the Subconscious Mind with Jenna Knapp

    12/31/2025

    Releasing Control, Closing Loops, & The Power of the Subconscious Mind with Jenna Knapp

    “Closing loops creates mental real estate for creativity to grow.” — Jenna Knapp This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of space, support, and the subconscious. I’m joined by Jenna Knapp artist, NLP Master Practitioner & Trainer, and founder of Have Cake Creative. Jenna opens up about how hypnosis, closing loops, and timeline work allow her clients and herself to unlock creative momentum, especially when capacity feels stretched. She shares how releasing control, receiving support, and working with the subconscious helps creative visions actually come to life. Jenna reminds us that creative blocks are often just signals for space, not signs to stop. When we nourish ourselves, clear the mental clutter, and connect to future vision, creativity can return with ease. Jenna’s resources + a digital Future Letter Writing Kit are in the show notes, please let us know if you do this! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @havecakecreative to share your takeaway from the episode. xo Carla PS: Upgrade to Nourished Creator Studio on Substack for quick-hit micro workshops, BTS Podcast, and simple tools to help you work on your creative dreams now, not someday. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
  2. Color Curious: Finding Your Creative Voice, One Color at a Time with Artist Ana Bianchi

    12/28/2025

    Color Curious: Finding Your Creative Voice, One Color at a Time with Artist Ana Bianchi

    “Everything and anything can be interesting if you observe it in detail or dig below the surface.” — Ana Bianchi This episode is your invitation to see creativity through the lens of curiosity, observation, and color. I’m joined by Ana Bianchi — artist, illustrator, designer, and author of Color Curious. Ana defines creativity not as something mystical but as something you can train, sharpen, and practice. She opens up about how her new book grew from intuition and observation, and how color lives in our everyday lives. She shares how storytelling, cultural nuance, and deep observation became the backbone of her work. In one chapter of her book, she explores how color evokes the spirit of place without resorting to stereotype. Ana reminds us that creativity is not limited to a few “creative people.” It is a muscle everyone can cultivate, whether you’re painting, designing, cooking, or simply looking more closely at what’s right in front of you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @analovescolor to share your takeaway from the episode. xo Carla PS: Upgrade to Nourished Creator Studio for quick-hit micro workshops, BTS Podcast, and simple tools to help you work on your creative dreams now, not someday. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

    22 min
  3. Let Creativity Rise: Energetic Wisdom, Nourishment, and the Inner Truths of Creative Flow with Sofia Adler

    12/05/2025

    Let Creativity Rise: Energetic Wisdom, Nourishment, and the Inner Truths of Creative Flow with Sofia Adler

    "Creativity is something that moves through us, that rises through us from our core, from our roots towards expression." — Sofia Adler This episode is an invitation to explore creativity as energy, alive, moving, and rising from within. I’m joined by Sofia Adler, an energy worker, astrologer, and newly certified functional nutrition practitioner. Sofia is the founder of Sofia Adler Wellness, an online energy healing center that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Sofia defines creativity as something that comes from the body, not the mind. She shares what the energy of creativity wants to share with us through Energy Mapping. And also, shares about the importance of nourishment, and how honoring your body and spirit can unlock creative flow. Sofia speaks about composting old beliefs and tending to creative blocks with compassion. She reminds us that we do not have to force ideas into form. Instead, we can let creativity move through us from the inside out. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment below or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @sofiaadler_ to share your takeaway from the episode. xo Carla PS: Join Cher and I inside Hit Send: Create, Complete, & Share Your Work. It’s a three-week co-sprint container, starting December 5th for creatives and entrepreneurs who are done sitting on ideas and ready to share their work. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
  4. 11/29/2025

    When Creativity Feels Like Failure: The Lies We Tell Ourselves with Alexa Juanita Jordan CLC

    “Creativity is letting your mind and your heart be your playground and letting whoever wants visit the playground is it.” — Alexa Juanita Jordan This episode is your invitation to reframe failure, creativity, and the sneaky lies we tell ourselves when things don’t go as planned. I’m joined by Alexa Juanita Jordan: Certified Life Coach, writer, performer, and author of The Nuance Diaries on Substack. Alexa reminds us that creativity isn’t about perfection or performance. It’s about allowing yourself to be impacted by life, to follow your whims, and to share your expression without tying it to an outcome. Let this be your invitation back to your creative playground. She opens up about her Holiday Survival Kit, the project she poured her heart into last year and ultimately returned to with compassion. Alexa shares how she shifted her mindset, the lies she stopped believing, and why she now celebrates the creative act itself, no matter what the response is. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @alexajordancoaching to share your takeaway from the episode. xo Carla PS: Join Cher Hale and I, inside Hit Send, It’s a three-week co-sprint container, starting December 5th for creatives and entrepreneurs who are done sitting on ideas and ready to share their work. Resources Mentioned: Pinterest Toolkit with Meagan Williamson Holiday Survival Kit by Alexa Juanita Jordan get 15% until Monday 12/1 Hit Send: Create, Complete, & Share Your Work starting Friday 12/5 Join My Community: Website Pinterest Instagram Substack Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

    21 min
  5. Doing it For the Attention: Equitable Media & Visibility with Cher Hale of Ginkgo PR

    11/22/2025

    Doing it For the Attention: Equitable Media & Visibility with Cher Hale of Ginkgo PR

    "We are allowed and we must ask for attention if we wish to see a world that is more creative and restorative and mutual.” — Cher Hale This episode is a reminder that you are not only allowed to ask for attention, but you must ask for attention. I’m joined by Cher Hale of Ginkgo PR, an agency that uses public relations to create a more equitable media landscape. Cher defines creativity as any medium that helps you bring clear, sharp, attention to your life. She emphasizes the importance of bringing loving attention to one’s life and creative endeavors. She also opens up about the importance of taking care of her body, so that she can create a clear channel for ideas and nudges to move through her. She also share a Visibility Practice with us that I hope you will return to often. Join Cher and I inside Hit Send: Create, Complete, & Share Your Work. It’s a three-week co-sprint container, starting December 5th for creatives and entrepreneurs who are done sitting on ideas and ready to share their work. Listen to the Episode: Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create and get the full show notes here xo Carla PS: Substack curious? Listen to the podcast episode about building your new digital home on Substack. Join the Build Your Rising Substack Accelerator to share your creative projects and work in the world. Create, Launch, & Grow Your Substack Leave a Comment: On Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @___whatthehale to share your takeaway from the episode. Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min
  6. Courageous Self-Expression, Leadership, & Nakedness with Melanie Curtis Professional Skydiver + Keynote Speaker

    10/23/2025

    Courageous Self-Expression, Leadership, & Nakedness with Melanie Curtis Professional Skydiver + Keynote Speaker

    “The most fulfilling creativity is the kind that feels like you’re standing naked in public.” — Melanie Curtis This episode is your invitation to explore the meaning of courageous self-expression. I’m joined by Melanie Curtis, professional skydiver, keynote speaker, and life coach. Melanie shares the BTS of her creative journey including: Skydiving naked, building an art installation, and how she uses psychedelics for deeper healing and sharper creative insight. She also opens up about what it means to share from the scar, not the wound. Why risk is a non-negotiable in her creative process. And how “being naked” is less about shock and more about truth. Melanie reminds you that your most meaningful work comes when you let go of how it will land, and make it anyway. Creativity isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessary to nourish your soul. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here. xo Carla PS: See the full post + share your thoughts on Substack Join My Community: Website Instagram Substack Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

    20 min
  7. The Power of Enough: From Scarcity to Abundance with Dara Erck of Sam + Leo

    10/06/2025

    The Power of Enough: From Scarcity to Abundance with Dara Erck of Sam + Leo

    “I'm so grateful for the abundance that is happening despite the challenges in my life, which are plenty.” — Dara Erck This episode is your invitation to reframe your relationship with scarcity, in your creative process, work, and how you see yourself. I’m joined by Dara Erck, founder of Sam + Leo, the first all-natural wellness vitamin brand devoted to kid and teen mental health. Dara shares the BTS of building a brand while navigating challenges like divorce, solo parenting, moving, rebranding, and rebuilding after her thriving Amazon channel was unexpectedly deactivated. She also discusses her relationship with manifestation and intuition, and how she used aligned strategy and being open to the possibilities to grow her brand, including being named a finalist in Whole Foods’ program for emerging brands. Dara reminds you that even when things feel hard or unclear that you have the power to keep going and to take note of the abundance around you (big or small) to create your own solutions and pave your own unique path forward. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes + transcript here Questions to Reflect On: Sit with these questions: Journal, them on a walk, create a voice note, chat with a friend, or sit with a cup of tea and think about them. Leave a comment below or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras & @shopsamandleo to share your takeaway from the episode. 1. Where in your life are you being invited to think creatively and strategically right now? 2. Is there something that you want to create or manifest? xo Carla PS: This post is free preview of what paid subscribers access with Press Publish Club. See the full post on Substack Join My Community: Website Instagram Substack Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
  8. Pinterest Marketing: The Quiet Superpower for Sustainable Visibility with Meagan Williamson

    09/23/2025

    Pinterest Marketing: The Quiet Superpower for Sustainable Visibility with Meagan Williamson

    This episode of Behind the Scenes is about sustainable visibility with Pinterest, AI, and social search. I’m joined by Meagan Williamson, a Pinterest marketing expert, certified business coach, and trained psychologist based in Canada. We explore how Pinterest, often misunderstood as “just another social platform,” is actually a visual search engine, a quiet superpower, helping your work get discovered by people who are already looking for it. Meagan shares the power of “social search,” the shift in user behavior where audiences are seeking answers and inspiration not only on Google but also on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. We also dive into how AI can support your business—not as a replacement for creativity, but as a tool to clear bottlenecks, repurpose your ideas, and give you back the spaciousness to focus on the work only you can do. This conversation is about sustainable growth, discoverability, and creating content that keeps working for you long after you press publish. Join the next Pinterest Growth Challenge or start pinning today. xo Carla PS: This post is free preview of what paid subscribers access with Press Publish Club. See the full post on Substack Join My Community: Website Instagram Substack Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chefcarla.substack.com/subscribe

    18 min
4.8
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Nourish your very full life with micro doses of creativity. Tune in for conversations with entrepreneurs and creatives about their process (blocks included). Host Chef Carla Contreras is a food creative & content strategist. Head to @chefcarlacontreras on Instagram to continue the conversation! Find her at www.carlacontreras.com chefcarla.substack.com