Thought Experiment Called Life - Mindset, Resilience, Creativity, and Intentional Living

Greta Hotmer - musician, martial artist, herbalist, and educator
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

A grounded exploration of self-discovery, mindset, healing, and intentional living. Hosted by Greta Hotmer, musician, martial artist, herbalist, and lifelong creative, this podcast follows the real, nonlinear path of personal growth, resilience, and becoming who you’re meant to be. Each episode blends honest conversation, personal storytelling, emotional wellness, nervous system care, and practical tools for embodied healing and self-trust. Topics include mental health, creativity, mindfulness, the mind-body connection, chronic illness, reinvention, and living with purpose in an overstimulated world. Whether you’re navigating transformation, rebuilding your relationship with yourself, exploring new ways of thinking, or seeking deeper meaning, these conversations invite you to slow down, listen inward, and return to yourself again and again. Subscribe on Substack for videos, guides, and resources on mindset, BJJ, music, herbalism & more! https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife www.gretahotmer.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1D AGO

    Mental Clarity Toolkit Herbs, Supplements, and Simple Habits for Mental Clarity (ADHD + Autoimmune Friendly)

    This week I’m recording in the beginning stages of my new home studio, boxes and all, but I wanted to stay consistent and get this episode out. I'm talking mental clarity, brain fog, and focus, from the “lowest hanging fruit” (sleep, hydration, nervous system support, nature) to the tools and plants that genuinely help me as someone who’s neurospicy, has dealt with Lyme-related/autoimmune cognitive stuff, and lives a very multi-passionate life. I also share two breathwork resets you can do anywhere, plus a planning tool called Neuralist that’s been helping me turn a brain dump into an actual plan. Get one month FREE of Neuralist with code 'THOUGHT' https://neuralist.io/land/thought-experiment-called-life Join me on Substack for the full details of this episode: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min
  2. Romanticizing as Reclamation: Culture, Care, and Creativity with Idally Vanessa

    FEB 25

    Romanticizing as Reclamation: Culture, Care, and Creativity with Idally Vanessa

    Recorded live at the Love In Focus event at BlendCo in Denver, this conversation with Idally Vanessa (who works as a medical assistant at Denver Indian Health) is a reminder that you can sit down with a complete stranger and instantly find community from your shared human experiences. In this conversation, Idally Vanessa shares her journey of spirituality, cultural identity, and the importance of community service. She discusses the impact of personal loss and trauma on her life, emphasizing the significance of creativity and authenticity in navigating these experiences. The dialogue explores the beauty of romanticizing life, the power of storytelling, and the connection to nature and energy. Vanessa reflects on family dynamics and the choices individuals must make to pursue their own paths, highlighting the importance of human connection and mutual support in overcoming challenges. If you’ve been craving something real, grounded, and heart-forward, this one’s for you. Connect with Idally at @youlooksocool75 on Instagram Join me on Substack: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  3. The Practical Magic of Creative Business: From Vision to Reality with Sophie Miller of Wild Iris Collective

    FEB 24

    The Practical Magic of Creative Business: From Vision to Reality with Sophie Miller of Wild Iris Collective

    The Practical Magic of Creative Business: From Vision to Reality with Sophie Miller of Wild Iris Collective This week I’m sharing the first two conversations I recorded live at the Love In Focus event at BlendCo in Denver, hosted by the wonderful Katie Puc. In a time when it feels like our nervous systems are constantly being thrown into chaos, I’m feeling called to tend to what’s right in front of us. The rooms we sit in...the communities we can actually touch...the hearts we can hold right in front of us. I went in expecting quick five-minute chats. Instead, I spoke with four humans and each conversation opened like a hidden door. We went super deep, quickly and beautifully. In this episode, you’ll hear from Sophie, founder of Wild Iris Collective, a luxury floral and workshop experience rooted in sustainability, courage, and trusting your gut. This conversation explores the journey of creativity and collaboration in the context of floral design and sustainability. The speaker shares insights on how personal experiences, such as the impact of COVID-19, led to a passion for plants and a career in floral design. The discussion emphasizes the importance of balancing creative vision with practical planning, trusting one's instincts in decision-making, and the value of community and collaboration among creatives. Additionally, the conversation touches on the healing properties of plants and the significance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. The other conversations will follow as bonus episodes. Connect with Sophie at @wild.iris.collective on Instagram Join me on Substack: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
  4. How To Call Your Power Back in 2026: How to Stop Feeling Drained & Start Feeling Strong Again

    FEB 17

    How To Call Your Power Back in 2026: How to Stop Feeling Drained & Start Feeling Strong Again

    What does it actually mean to “call your power back”? It’s a phrase we hear often, but what does it look like in real life? In this episode, I share practical ways to reclaim your energy in a world that constantly siphons it away. From reducing digital noise and reconnecting with nature, to revisiting good memories, honoring your inner child, choosing nourishing environments, playing more, and building physical strength… this is about power as a daily practice, not just a nice sentiment. If you’ve been feeling drained, scattered, or disconnected from yourself, this one is for you. For a deeper written reflection on this episode, head to my Substack where I share more of my thoughts first. I’m also offering a free Nine Lives Longevity class there so you can start building strength, mobility, and resilience in a practical way. Come join me there: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  5. Grammy Winner Kaydence's Incredible Story On Her Path To Writing for Beyoncé, Ariana Grande & JLo | Mindset, Craft & Resilience

    FEB 10

    Grammy Winner Kaydence's Incredible Story On Her Path To Writing for Beyoncé, Ariana Grande & JLo | Mindset, Craft & Resilience

    In this episode, I’m joined by Kaydence, a 2x Grammy-nominated songwriter whose work spans records for Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Lopez. We explore her powerful journey through adversity, self-doubt, and industry challenges, and the mindset that helped her stay devoted to her craft when quitting would have been understandable. This conversation touches on resilience, creativity, self-belief, and the courage it takes to follow the path of your heart. If you’re navigating uncertainty, resistance, or questioning whether you can keep going, this episode is for you. Please share it with anyone who could use a little hope and encouragement right now. Connect with me on Substack for videos, guides, and resources on mindset, BJJ, music, herbalism & much more: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife IG: @thought_experiment_called_life / @altarviolet TikTok: @thoughtexperimentcalled / @altarvioletmusic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 23m

  6. FEB 3

    Bonus Episode: The 3.5% and the Power of Staying Human

    This week’s episode is a short bonus and a bit of a love note. I’m sharing a glimpse into my Nine Lives Longevity Training, an active recovery practice I use to keep training jiu jitsu and MMA at 43 after years of living with Lyme disease. It blends mobility, strength, stretching, breathwork, and nervous system support, with some herbal and nutritional tools at the end. This first class is available now on my Substack, and I’ll be releasing more as it feels aligned. I also reflect on something that’s been giving me hope lately. While listening to Tara Brach, I was reminded of research showing that when just 3.5% of people commit to sustained, nonviolent action, meaningful change becomes almost impossible to stop. In a noisy, overwhelming time, this episode is a reminder that our power lives in how we show up, stay grounded, and care for one another. Thank you for being here, and thank you for being part of the 3.5%. Connect with me on Substack for videos, guides, and resources on mindset, BJJ, music, herbalism & much more: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife IG: @thought_experiment_called_life / @altarviolet TikTok: @thoughtexperimentcalled / @altarvioletmusic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    7 min
  7. Why Creativity Needs Community: Art, Collaboration, and the Denver Creative Scene with Katie Puc

    JAN 27

    Why Creativity Needs Community: Art, Collaboration, and the Denver Creative Scene with Katie Puc

    Photographer Katie Puc doesn’t just take gorgeous editorial-style photos, she builds community. I met her through our wedding, fell in love with her work, and then discovered she’s also the kind of person who brings creatives together on purpose… and she trains martial arts too (yes, really). In this episode we talk photography, multi-passionate living (HR + art), the courage to reach out even when you might hear “no,” and Katie’s upcoming creative collaborative event Love In Focus at BlendCo in Denver on Feb 7. I’ll be there doing mini interviews, and I’d love to see you there. Get Your Tix: https://partiful.com/e/N0Fxk0OIfUVnIsWuK5aP Connect with Katie: Website: www.katiepucphotography.com IG: @katiepuc_photography Connect with me on Substack for videos, guides, and resources on mindset, BJJ, music, herbalism & much more: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife IG: @thought_experiment_called_life / @altarviolet TikTok: @thoughtexperimentcalled / @altarvioletmusic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  8. BONUS Episode: Healing Beyond Trauma: Why Remembering Your Strength Matters as Much as Tending the Wound

    JAN 22

    BONUS Episode: Healing Beyond Trauma: Why Remembering Your Strength Matters as Much as Tending the Wound

    In this episode, I talk about what it means to live through seasons that bring us to our knees and how healing isn’t only about examining our wounds, but also about remembering our strength. We explore: Why focusing only on pain can keep us stuckHow strength builds safety in the nervous systemWhy perspective shifts change not just how things feel, but how life unfoldsSmall, practical ways to reconnect with your strength when you feel depleted This conversation is for anyone navigating grief, illness, burnout, survival mode, or a dark night of the soul. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a place to start. Healing becomes sustainable when we include strength in the practice. If this resonates, I’d love to hear how you remember your strength. And if it feels helpful, share it with someone who might need it right now. Connect with me on Substack for videos, guides, and resources on mindset, BJJ, music, herbalism & much more: https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife IG: @thought_experiment_called_life / @altarviolet TikTok: @thoughtexperimentcalled / @altarvioletmusic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A grounded exploration of self-discovery, mindset, healing, and intentional living. Hosted by Greta Hotmer, musician, martial artist, herbalist, and lifelong creative, this podcast follows the real, nonlinear path of personal growth, resilience, and becoming who you’re meant to be. Each episode blends honest conversation, personal storytelling, emotional wellness, nervous system care, and practical tools for embodied healing and self-trust. Topics include mental health, creativity, mindfulness, the mind-body connection, chronic illness, reinvention, and living with purpose in an overstimulated world. Whether you’re navigating transformation, rebuilding your relationship with yourself, exploring new ways of thinking, or seeking deeper meaning, these conversations invite you to slow down, listen inward, and return to yourself again and again. Subscribe on Substack for videos, guides, and resources on mindset, BJJ, music, herbalism & more! https://substack.com/@thoughtexperimentcalledlife www.gretahotmer.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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