Inspiration & Creativity On Demand

The famous villain we all call: “writer's block.”

This week we’re exploring misconceptions and biases and answering these questions:

👉 Is writer's block real?

👉Can we be expected to create “on demand”?

I’ll cut to the chase… my answers to both are YES.

I’ll admit, perhaps we can’t all just create genius-stand-the-test-of-time works of art on command each time.

But to create the extraordinary we need to go through the ordinary every day.

If we only create when we have a “flash of insight” we might be waiting a long time.

Because creativity is rarely glamorous or sexy. It’s hard work, practice, and pushing through the “mental blocks” that come up.

If creativity is required in any way in your craft then this episode is for you.

There’s even practical tips and reflections on how you can tap into your creativity on demand.

Spoiler alert: turns out every single one of us uses creativity every day.

Let’s do this. 

🎧 Listen now: www.tomearl.me/icd

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My Special Birthday Episode: Reflections, Vulnerability & Celebration

It is my birthday week! 

Each year, I dedicate a podcast episode to speak reflections out loud. 

To give sound to the inside, 

So that vibrations can become lessons learned.

Wisdom is earned, 

Creativity burns bright through consistency. 

To be here for another year is a blessing.

Take the risk and go for it, 

Or spend your 365th-day second-guessing. 

Accountability over blame. 

I’m grateful for the losses

and the gains. 

For the downwind ease

And the uphill pain. 

There is a release of worry,

When you can learn to taste the rain. 

Each misstep a new campfire story. 

The hurricane 

And the boring. 

Even amidst the turbulence 

Finding pockets of stillness. 

I give thanks 

For the new smiles shining with brilliance.

I see now I’m supposed to feel all of this. 

No hiding. 

Sadness.

Mourning.

And then in the morning.

There you are everywhere. 

In the air, 

Alive in our memories. 

Truly, 

It is a blessing. 

To be here for another year. 

InshAllah. 

Will you join me? 

In celebrating my birthday?

I’d like to request a gift. 

Will you share with me:

A memory. 

A story.

Of how we met, 

Of a time our lines crossed.

A moment we connected. 

It would mean the world to me. 

Thank you for being a part of my journey. 

Listen to "My Special Birthday Episode: Reflections, Vulnerability & Celebration" on Spreaker.

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Moving Beyond Fear and Embracing your Experience With Nurjahan Boulden

What fear have you been carrying that you are ready to set down?

What would it look like to move beyond fear and embrace your experiences?  

This week’s episode provides a bold and courageous reflection on these questions. 

My guest, Nurjahan Boulden, was 21 years old when she was shot with an assault rifle in an attack that killed the man next to her. 

That one night changed the trajectory of her life. 

Even as she moved on to become a teacher and mother of three, PTSD and complications from the bullet wound continually threatened her future. 

13 years later, she is now recognized as America’s leading coach for survivors of gun violence who are ready to Feel Safe Again™. 

Fear has been a companion of mine during 2020. I have a feeling I am not alone in this. 

Rather than numbing myself or hiding from it, I have made it a goal to confront, get to know, and investigate my fears. 

A significant part of that journey is listening to the stories, wisdom and reflections from others who are on that same path. 

This episode with Nurjahan is one that I listen to often when I need a reminder of the inner-power that I, and all of us, possess.

For the astute listener keeping track at home, you’ll note that this episode originally aired May 13, 2019. 

As I was re-listening to it this week, I knew that the messages and insights Nurjahan shares could really serve a lot of us at this very moment. 

Even if you distinctly remember listening to this episode when it first aired, I passionately urge you to give it a re-listen. 

The experiences you have gained over the past 1.5 years will allow you to gain new gifts as you re-listen. 

Trust me. 

Do yourself this favor of hitting play. 

Thank you, Nurjahan, for sharing such a vulnerable, authentic, and empowering interview. 

Listen to "Moving Beyond Fear and Embracing your Experience With Nurjahan Boulden" on Spreaker.

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Writing Emails That Convert with Samar Owais

Let’s say you were to ask Samar Owais to be your copywriter, and to sprinkle her magic on your email sequences. You’d need to be prepared to cut a check with a lot of zeros. 

In other words, Samar is a seriously sought after copywriter who crafts emails that convert lurkers into customers – then into repeat customers, and finally into raving fans. 

If you are an entrepreneur – from any industry – you need to be tapping into the full potential of your email list.

On this week’s episode, Samar really breaks down the ins and outs of writing email sequences. Whether we’re talking about a sales sequence, nurture sequence, abandoned cart sequence, whatever: if you’re sending it by email, she drops the gems on this one. 

This episode is especially for the folks who are sick of staring at a blank screen when trying to craft an email. Plus, Samar gives you series insights into the research you need to do before you even start writing your first email. 

Samar’s insight is really meant to empower you with the tools you need, so you can ultimately work with clients and customers that excite you and allow you to raise your prices. 

Now if you’re thinking, “wow Tom, I’m not sure I can do 60 minutes of geeking out about email copywriting.” Don’t worry. I got you. 

Samar and I also discussed: 

• Entrepreneurial mindset

• How to overcome challenges and adversity, especially when trying to pivot from one job to the next

• Owning your identity especially in the face of bias and/or discrimination

• Activating your innate power

• Communicating with passion, purpose and clarity

All this to say: do yourself the favor of hitting play on this epic interview. Samar delivers serious value and offers some amazing insights. 

Here we go. 
https://samarowais.com/

Listen to "Writing Emails That Convert with Samar Owais" on Spreaker.

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Gifts for My Child Episode 6

Featuring: Alex Sullivan, Dermot Givens, Irmina and Ace Vedo

Episode 6 of ‘Gifts for My Child’ has arrived. This will be the second to last episode. If you haven’t yet, be sure to start with episodes 1 & 2 so you can learn the context behind this series. 

There have been moments where I am holding Jayanma and listening to these interviews and I just get tears in my eyes. The advice, words of wisdom, and love that people shared just brings me such joy. 

As you’re listening to this week’s episodes, be sure to let me know if you have any additional reflections you’d like to share!

Enjoy. 

Listen to "Gifts for My Child Episode 6" on Spreaker.

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