The CSBC podcast is so back
Listen to the first episode now!
The Cruel Summer Book Club podcast is BACK, baby! Listen to the first episode now!
Tune in to hear about:
✨ The evolution of my thoughts on work, money, and success
✨ Decoupling my self-worth from work
✨ Prioritizing creativity, rest, and family
✨ Cultivating “enoughness”
✨ Building a business that aligns with long-term visions
✨ How I learned to invest in myself
✨ Launching my new website and personal brand this year
✨ The challenges and gifts of freelance life
✨ Chasing big, audacious dreams
Listen on Spotify:
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
New episodes drop every Thursday — make sure you subscribe/follow on your fave podcast platform and set up automatic downloads! And don’t forget to leave a 5-star review!
I’m thrilled to be making this podcast again. As I say in this episode, making the first two seasons of the CSBC podcast was one of the most creatively fulfilling experiences of my life. I’m ready to bring it with me into this new phase of my creative life as I focus on creating space for your art and yourself.
This first episode to kick off the revamped podcast focuses on what I’ve learned during my first four years as a freelancer; how I’m leveling up my business; and what’s worked for me as I’ve deprioritized work and focused on creativity and joy.
I recap my career so far, from J-school at Syracuse to being promoted to lead Editor at Time Out New York to getting laid off at the very beginning of the pandemic. At that time, I felt creatively dead, and had for years. 2020 was the start of becoming a freelancer, working less, reclaiming my artistry and dreams, and decoupling myself from a job title.
I also discuss the three big launches I had this year — my new website, 1-on-1 packages, and personal brand; the relaunch of the newsletter; and now the revamped podcast — and the hours of intention and work that went into them. Plus, I talk about some of my biggest influences lately, including
’s incredibly valuable writing on standing in our values and our God-given right to be annoying when it comes to promoting ourselves.Freelance life is a puzzle, and sometimes it’s a tedious one! I don’t make as much money as I’d like, I hate constantly chasing down new clients and invoices, and creating a weekly newsletter that’s delivered to inboxes and never to human faces I can interact with can sometimes feel like screaming into the void. This episode touches on some of these challenges.
But, more importantly, I talk about the HUGE benefits and gifts that four years as a freelancer have given me, including a flexible schedule, more time with family and friends, and more opportunities to convene with nature. In short, being a freelancer helps me focus more on what actually matters in life.
This quote from the episode is the crux of what I believe about creativity, and what I wish to share with all of you:
There are small ways to bring creativity into our lives that will make such a difference, and no matter your job or what your identity is tied to, as far as work goes, you are an artist. You can be an artist. You are creative. I believe that that lives inside every single one of us, and that we all deserve to have it in our lives. We all deserve to play and create and nurture that part of ourselves, that inner child part that always exists that gets stuff so far down in our day to day working lives.
For anyone making a big career pivot or leaving the corporate world behind, I hope the ups and downs of my story provide some comfort and inspiration.
Three of my big goals for this podcast are to make it SUSTAINABLE, EASY, and FUN! That means that I’ll be making most episodes solo and talking about topics I know and love. Upcoming episodes will discuss:
How I integrate Tarot into my creative process
The books and podcasts that have most supported my art over the last five years
My tech stack (much of which you can find on my free 101 useful tools and resources for freelancers list)
How my morning routine has become the center of my creative life
I’ll also be talking to some exciting guests about creativity, including author and podcast host
and author and comedian Zach Zimmerman. And next week, I’ll be introducing the Dear Jilla advice column, answering your questions about life, love, and art! (Submit your question now!)Tell me what you think!
I’m really looking forward to your feedback! And I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on topics I should cover in the future — just reply to this email or say hello at cruelsumerbookclub@substack.com.
This week, make your art!