In this solo episode, I'm sharing a tough-love truth that might sting a little. It all started during a recent hiring process, where I was struck by how many candidates showed up unprepared for a life-changing opportunity. It got me thinking: how often do we, as creatives, fail to do the basic work our dreams require?

I’m digging into the idea of "permission to play" as the baseline preparation and knowledge that’s your ticket into the game. We’re not talking about perfection; rather, we’re focusing on honoring your future self with the simple act of showing up ready. We'll explore why talent without preparation is just potential and how over-preparing is one of the most profound acts of self-love you can practice.

If you're ready to stop abandoning your future and start building earned confidence, this one's for you.

00:00 - The Interview Story That Stung

01:43 - What Is Your 'Permission to Play?'

02:30 - The Real Cost of Being Unprepared

03:25 - Sending a Love Letter to Your Future Self

04:25 - How Preparation Changes Your Identity

05:15 - What People Say When You're Not in the Room

06:20 - A Final Word: Your Future Self is Counting on You

Check out the full Video Podcast on our YouTube Channel!

https://youtu.be/YR449TnmbrI

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com
Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_
Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

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Have you ever given yourself a deadline to make a dream come true? For singer and actress Rashada Dawan, that deadline was one year. After being laid off and with bills piling up, she made a 12-month commitment to pursue her art full-time before turning to a more “practical” career. Just days before she was set to take an exam to become a police offer, she received a life-altering phone call.

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Rashada Dawan to talk about her journey from Chicago church choirs to national stages. This is a story about faith, resilience, and the courage to bet on yourself, even when the clock is ticking.

00:00 - Introduction to the Multifaceted Rashada Dawan
02:22 - Saturday Mornings and Church Choirs: Early Musical Memories
06:06 - "Singing Doesn't Pay the Bills": The Advice That Shaped a Career
10:07 - Finding Her Voice: Lessons from Mimicking the Greats
17:28 - The One-Year Challenge and a Life-Changing Bathroom Call
21:21 - A Family Affair: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
31:02 - The Swinging Pendulum: Finding Contentment in the Dance of Life
37:05 - More Than an Artist: The Freedom of Creating Without Pressure

Connect with Rashada:

Rashada’s Website: https://rashadadawan.com/

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com
Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_
Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.

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Have you ever been at a crossroads, wishing for that one piece of timely advice to light the way?

Recently, a conversation with my nieces got me thinking about the incredible wisdom our guests have shared on this podcast. In this special episode, I'm doing things a little differently. I’ve gathered insights from three amazing creators: bestselling author Jasmine Guillory, photographer Amanda J. Cain, and muralist Dorian Sylvain who share the advice they wish they could give their younger selves.

Get ready to hear hear tried-and-true tips on the writing process, the power of mentorship, and how to reframe so-called mistakes into opportunities for growth.

00:00 - The Power of Timely Advice
03:26 - Jasmine Guillory on Finding Your Voice as a Writer
05:14 - Amanda J. Cain on Mentorship and the Gift of Authenticity
09:27 - Dorian Sylvain on Embracing "Mistakes" and Lifelong Learning
13:46 - A Final Word on Making Advice Stick

Tune in to Jasmine Guillory’s episode 50.

Tune in to Amanda J Cain’s episode 70.

Tune in to Dorian Sylvain’s episode 77.

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com
Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_
Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.

• Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

• Leave a review

• Follow us on social media

• Share with fellow creatives