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. The Art of Showing Up ⚡️ Creativity, Visibility, and Camera Confidence with Lisa Haukom

    3D AGO

    The Art of Showing Up ⚡️ Creativity, Visibility, and Camera Confidence with Lisa Haukom

    "There's a difference between getting stuck in research mode and waiting for somebody to tell you that you're gonna be good at the thing." — Lisa Haukom This episode is your invitation to explore whether you’re navigating visibility, or craving a creative reset this conversation is full of grounded wisdom. I’m joined by content partner, photographer, and founder of The Golden Brand, Lisa Haukom. Lisa shares her innovative approach to remote photography that feels natural, honest, and deeply personal. She walks us through her process, where clients forget about the camera, settle into their own space, and leave with photos that feel like themselves. We also dive into the origins of Photo Club, Lisa opens up about her own self-portrait practice and how it helped her confront body image challenges, helped her develop empathy, and became the foundation for helping others feel seen and comfortable on camera through self-portrait challenges. Whether you’re navigating visibility, or craving a creative reset, this conversation is full of grounded wisdom. Lisa reminds us that when we stop hiding our ideas, allow ourselves to receive support, and let others witness our work, creativity becomes more impactful, easeful, and sustainable. 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 & @thegoldenbrandco 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

    20 min
  2. Creative Vitamins: Somatic Tools for Authentic Alignment in a Chaotic World with MEgan Moseley

    JAN 30

    Creative Vitamins: Somatic Tools for Authentic Alignment in a Chaotic World with MEgan Moseley

    “Authentic alignment is the place where your intuition, your heart, and your voice all come together.” — Megan Mosley This episode is your invitation to explore how creativity doesn’t have to be confined to work, it can flow through conversations, routines, parenting, and the ways we show up for others. I’m joined by Sally Ekus, cookbook literary agent, Substack writer, mother, and improv performer who leads who heart, humor, and honesty. Sally reminds us that creativity can come in many forms: Securing publishing deals for authors she works with, answering questions mid-walk during her “Huff and Puffs,” or performing on the improv stage. She speaks candidly about honoring boundaries, navigating grief, and the gift of community support. We talk about the emotional intensity of writing a book, the importance of doing your homework, and what it means to be in service to both your clients and your own creations. Sally opens up about the tension between consistency and capacity especially, when it comes to writing her Substack, Not So Secret Agent. Whether you’re writing a cookbook, considering a Substack, or curious about publishing, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a peek behind the scenes of the literary world. Bonus: If you’ve ever thought no one cares about your work, let Sally gently prove otherwise. 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 & @bodywisejourney 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
  3. Inside Nonfiction Publishing: Creativity, Boundaries, and Book Deals with Literary Agent Sally Ekus

    JAN 23

    Inside Nonfiction Publishing: Creativity, Boundaries, and Book Deals with Literary Agent Sally Ekus

    “Sometimes boundaries are messy, but they are rooted in a lot of thought, intention and goodwill.” — Sally Ekus This episode is your invitation to explore how creativity doesn’t have to be confined to work, it can flow through conversations, routines, parenting, and the ways we show up for others. I’m joined by Sally Ekus, cookbook literary agent, Substack writer, mother, and improv performer who leads who heart, humor, and honesty. Sally reminds us that creativity can come in many forms: Securing publishing deals for authors she works with, answering questions mid-walk during her “Huff and Puffs,” or performing on the improv stage. She speaks candidly about honoring boundaries, navigating grief, and the gift of community support. We talk about the emotional intensity of writing a book, the importance of doing your homework, and what it means to be in service to both your clients and your own creations. Sally opens up about the tension between consistency and capacity especially, when it comes to writing her Substack, Not So Secret Agent. Whether you’re writing a cookbook, considering a Substack, or curious about publishing, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a peek behind the scenes of the literary world. Bonus: If you’ve ever thought no one cares about your work, let Sally gently prove otherwise. 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 & @sallyekus 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

    18 min
  4. Behind the Lens: Fueling Creativity with Rest, Ritual & Visual Storytelling with Food Photographer Silvia Bifaro

    JAN 16

    Behind the Lens: Fueling Creativity with Rest, Ritual & Visual Storytelling with Food Photographer Silvia Bifaro

    “Sometimes creativity is a place where I hide, especially right now with everything going on in the world. I need that respite.” — Silvia Bifaro This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of artistry, honesty, and finding your way back to your creative work. I’m joined by Silvia Bifaro, food photographer, stylist, and teacher whose evocative imagery blends storytelling, soul, and seasonal beauty. Silvia shares how creativity became both a refuge and a form of expression during early motherhood and personal transitions. We talk about the fantasy world she builds through photography, how her aesthetic reflects her inner life, and why every object she styles has a soul. She speaks to the physical and emotional demands of creativity: How burnout creeps in, how resistance builds, and how honoring your body’s needs becomes essential to living a creative life. Silvia opens up about rest, seeking help, and why nourishing your body is inseparable from nourishing your work. In a time when the world can feel heavy, Silvia reminds us that creativity can also be a form of sanctuary. And that creative blocks aren’t failures, they’re signals to slow down, restore, return with intention, and perhaps, a little bit of spoiling yourself. 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 & @silvia_bifaro 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
  5. The Creative Dark: White-Knuckling, AI, and Running with Caroline Mays

    JAN 9

    The Creative Dark: White-Knuckling, AI, and Running with Caroline Mays

    “You’ve got to bushwhack through the creative dark, sometimes white-knuckling your way through. But eventually, the clearing shows up.” — Caroline Mays This episode is your invitation to explore creativity through the lens of identity, friction, and the clearing that follows the dark. I’m joined by Caroline Mays, writer, brand strategist, and founder of Switchblade Lemonade. Caroline defines creativity as a kind of spark that happens through process of rubbing two sticks together. She shares how her work is rooted in dialogue, deep listening, and helping people love the way their mind works so, they can share it with others. We talk about tech failures, nervous system overwhelm, and running to reset. We explore her nuanced view on AI, where it helps (spreadsheets) and where it falls flat (writing that lacks soul) and how humor and movement can snap us out of a blocked state. Caroline reminds us that the creative process is often messy and emotional, and that white-knuckling it can still lead to clarity. She brings honesty, sharp insight, and a fierce sense of creativity to her work. 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 LinkedIn Carla Contreras & Caroline Mays 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

    18 min
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
4.8
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