• Artist Recovery Podcast Ep 18 | Joanna Lloyd’s Journey from Art to Healing: childhood trauma shapes
    Jun 20 2025

    🎨 Discover the powerful connection between art, trauma, and healing in this riveting episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast! Join host Rich Wright as he sits down with Joanna Lloyd, an artist, birthing specialist, and founder of Mumabuba and Echoes of Birth, to explore how early life experiences, including prenatal and birth imprints, shape our mental health and creative lives. This interview is a must-watch for artists, parents, and anyone interested in mental health, trauma recovery, and the science of somatic healing.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics like birth trauma, suicide, and childhood abuse. If you feel triggered, Joanna suggests pausing, stepping into nature, or engaging in a creative activity (Timestamp: [01:40:00]). Take care of yourself and return when ready.🔥 Why You Can’t Miss This Episode:Joanna’s story is a profound blend of creativity and resilience. From her challenging childhood in England to her career shifts across retail, human resources for the police force, and finally to holistic pregnancy care, Joanna reveals how her artistic roots and personal struggles led her to uncover the science of pre- and perinatal psychology. Her insights into how birth trauma and early experiences influence lifelong behaviors—like anxiety, depression, and even suicide risk—are both eye-opening and deeply moving.🌟 Viral Moments to Watch For:⏩️ The Chilling Connection Between Birth Trauma and Suicide Risk (Timestamp: [01:37:55]): Joanna shares staggering research linking birth complications, like forceps delivery, to higher suicide rates later in life. One study found individuals who died by asphyxiation were four times more likely to have experienced oxygen deprivation at birth. This moment gave host Rich Wright “chills” and will leave you speechless.⏩️ Joanna’s Personal Healing Journey (Timestamp: [00:58:59]): Learn how Joanna connected her postnatal struggles to her own premature birth and separation from her mother, offering a raw and relatable perspective on intergenerational trauma.⏩️ Art as a Healing Tool (Timestamp: [01:14:19]): Joanna explains how she uses “birth art” to tap into the subconscious, helping clients process trauma through creativity. This is a game-changer for artists looking to merge their craft with healing.⏩️ The Mask Panic Revelation (Timestamp: [01:03:13]): Joanna’s candid recounting of her inability to wear a mask during COVID due to childhood imprints is a powerful testament to how deeply our nervous system holds onto early trauma.💡 Key Takeaways:1️⃣ You’re Not Broken: Joanna emphasizes that no one is inherently flawed—our behaviors stem from early experiences, and understanding them is the first step to healing.2️⃣ Intergenerational Imprints: Learn how trauma can be passed down through generations, even from your grandmother’s pregnancy, and how to break these cycles.3️⃣ Art Meets Science: Discover how creativity, like Joanna’s birth art therapy, can unlock subconscious healing, making this episode a goldmine for creatives.4️⃣ Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Joanna dives into the ACEs study, revealing how childhood trauma increases risks for issues like depression (4.5x) and suicide attempts (12.5x) when four or more ACEs are present.🔗 Connect with Joanna Lloyd:Echoes of Birth and how it’s changing lives: https://www.echosofbirth.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannalloyd/✴️ Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltdInsta: @richwrightunltd @theartrec

    📚 Resources Mentioned:Gabor Maté’s: https://thewisdomoftrauma.com/Adverse Childhood Experiences: https://chronicillnesstraumastudies.com/abes-chronic-illness/Nadine Burke Harris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ovIJ3dsNk#ArtistRecoveryPodcast #JoannaLloyd #TraumaHealing #BirthImprints #MentalHealth #EchosofBrith #SomaticHealing #PrenatalPsychology #IntergenerationalTrauma #AdverseChildhoodExperiences

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    1 hr and 54 mins
  • Artist Recovery Podcast Ep 17 | Soccer Scholarship to Art Therapy, Lindsay Reynold's Journey
    Jun 13 2025

    Welcome back to the Artist Recovery Podcast — where creativity meets healing. In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, host Rich Wright sits down with multidisciplinary artist and board-certified creative arts therapist Lindsay Reynolds to explore a journey that redefines what it means to pivot, persevere, and create with purpose.🧠✨ Lindsay’s story is more than art — it’s a blueprint for healing, growth, and reclaiming creativity.🚨 MUST-WATCH MOMENTS:0:15 – Meet Lindsay: The creative therapist using art to transform trauma4:35 – That kindergarten pony story… and how it still shapes her view of nature 🌲🐴10:45 – The struggle of being more than “just one thing”14:50 – Sports, anxiety, and breaking down under pressure20:40 – Teachers who change your life (and the heartbreak of those who let you down) 💔27:15 – A surreal full-circle moment involving her late art teacher… that will give you chills44:00 – Choosing art over a soccer scholarship — and why that mattered more than winning 🥅🎨51:00 – Grief, creation, and living for the ones we’ve lost59:30 – The creative grind: what no one tells you about art school 🎓💪👀 Why You’ll Love This Episode:If you’re a creative soul navigating a career crossroads, this episode is your sign to keep going. Lindsay speaks with raw vulnerability about growing up in a blue-collar family that didn’t fully understand her artistic path — and how she carved a space for herself as both a therapist and a visual storyteller.We talk about the mental health benefits of sports, why creativity should never be confined to one identity, and the power of having just one mentor believe in you.Whether you’re an artist, athlete, therapist, or just someone trying to reconnect with your purpose — this episode hits home.🎯 Perfect for viewers searching:“Creative career pivots”“Art therapy stories”“Mental health and creativity”“Lindsay Reynolds interview”“Artist Recovery Podcast”“How to become an art therapist”“Overcoming rejection in creative careers”“Healing through storytelling”“Grief and creativity connection”💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:What part of Lindsay’s story hit home for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear your journey too. If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between passions, this is your episode. Let’s talk about it. 👇🛎️ Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that bell for more powerful interviews with creatives finding healing through their work.Connect with Lindsay: https://www.sayreynoldsdesign.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sayreynolds15/Start Creative Arts: https://www.startcreativearts.com/lindsay-augustine-lcat-new-yorkConnect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: htpps://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwrightunltd📢 Share this episode with a friend who’s feeling stuck — this might be the story they need to hear today.#ArtTherapy #LindsayReynolds #ArtistRecoveryPodcast #CreativeCareers #MentalHealthMatters #FromAthleteToArtist #VisualStorytelling #PodcastInterview #GriefHealing #ArtAsTherapy #StartcCeativeArts

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    1 hr and 59 mins
  • Artist Recovery Podcast Ep 16 | From Sensitive Kid to Spiritual Creative: Peter Bragino’s Journey
    Jun 6 2025

    In this soul-stirring episode of theArtist Recovery Podcast, Rich Wright reconnects with visionary artist and former US Marine Peter Bragino, more than a decade after their last face-to-face meeting. What unfolds is not just an interview—it’s a powerful story of resilience, creativity, leadership, overcoming addiction and spiritual discovery.

    👉 Watch now if you're ready to be inspired by the evolution of an artist who blends discipline, emotion, and intuition into every brushstroke.

    🌀 WHO IS PETER BRAGINO?Mixed-media visual artist & creative directorUS Marine Corps veteran turned air traffic controllerOvercoming Addiction with Plant MedicineIndigenous medicine community participantAdvocate for self-discovery and inner healing✨ TOP VIRAL MOMENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS:

    00:07:45 – The subway epiphany that revealed Peter was destined to be an artist

    00:13:40 – Why all the girls in junior high had their eyes on Bragino 👀

    00:16:17 – How playing catcher in baseball shaped his leadership style for life

    00:33:12 – Airbrushing Ninja Turtles for $1 a shirt: Peter’s first taste of entrepreneurial art

    00:35:33 – “You’re going to be a Marine”: The lightning-bolt moment that changed everything

    00:39:04 – Becoming the platoon guide in bootcamp and leading 100+ Marines

    00:43:36 – Peter’s insights into how creativity and structure can coexist

    🔍 KEY THEMES COVERED:~ How childhood sports and art intertwined to shape his worldview~ What military discipline taught him about structure, confidence, and identity~ The spiritual journey behind his vibrant, Earth-rooted artwork~ The struggle between practical life paths and creative calling~ Why self-discovery is essential in both life and art

    💡 Whether you're an artist, a veteran, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone navigating life’s transitions—Peter’s story will move you, challenge you, and inspire you to follow your inner voice.

    🛠️ CREATIVE INSIGHT: Peter dives into how being trained by mentor Jeff Fisher helped him unlock authentic creativity and break free from conventional thinking. A must-watch for any creative struggling to find their own style!

    Connect with Peter: https://www.bragino.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bragino

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bragino/

    Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwrightunltd

    Linkedin: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd

    🗣️ TALK TO US!Which part of Peter’s journey resonated with you the most? Drop a comment

    👇Have questions for Peter? Ask away—he reads the comments!

    Don’t forget to like 👍 and subscribe 🔔 so you never miss an episode that elevates your creativity and purpose.

    📌 #PeterBragino #ArtistRecoveryPodcast #CreativeJourney #VeteranToArtist #SpiritualArt #IndigenousWisdom #CreativeLeadership #MixedMediaArtist #ArtHeals #SelfDiscovery #addictionrecovery #addiction #overcomingaddiction

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    2 hrs and 5 mins
  • Artist Recovery Podcast Ep.15 | Being Wildly Authentic, Redefine Success, Owning Weird - Lisa Borden
    May 30 2025

    What happens when a quiet, sensitive kid grows up to disrupt industries and redefine what success really means? This week’s episode of Artist Recovery Podcast features the wildly original Lisa Borden—a reiki master, urban organic farmer, ethical entrepreneur, founder of Borden Communications, and creator of the Wellness Intelligence Collective.🔥 In this raw and real interview, Lisa gets deeply personal about:✨ Growing up misunderstood in conventional schools✨ Being told she was “stupid” by teachers—and how she turned that trauma into empowerment✨ Why perfectionism nearly crushed her, and how she found freedom through imperfection✨ Creating her first business at age 22 using just the Yellow Pages and her intuition✨ Raising bold, free-thinking kids who thrive outside the “system”✨ The powerful role summer camp and her grandfather played in shaping her✨ Why being “weird” is actually your superpower📌 Standout Moments You Don’t Want to Miss:00:04:00 — Lisa opens up about her roots in Toronto and what life was like as a kid00:10:00 — The trauma of being mislabeled in school and its lasting effects00:15:00 — “I’m not for everyone”: Lisa’s mantra on embracing your weird

    00:30:00 — Lisa shares a bold parenting move: encouraging her son to drop out of university00:50:00 — How a summer camp for “misfits” saved her life01:00:00 — The moment Lisa realized she was “unemployable” and decided to forge her own path💡 Why This Conversation Matters:If you’re a creative, a parent, or someone who’s ever felt like you didn’t fit the mold—you need this episode. Lisa doesn’t hold back. She talks about real pain, real growth, and how she’s turned her “different” into something deeply impactful.👥 About Lisa Borden:

    Lisa is the founder of Borden Communications, a values-based consulting firm that has helped businesses align their ethics with their impact since 1994. She’s also the creator of The Wellness Intelligence Collective, a thriving virtual community that fuses business, wellness, and conscious living. She’s authored 8 books and is a true pioneer in ethical entrepreneurship and holistic living.Connect with Lisa:https://www.bordencom.comhttps://www.thewellnessintelligencecollective.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaborden/Connect with Rich: https://theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Artist Recovery Podcast for more vulnerable, inspiring conversations with creatives, misfits, and change-makers.💬 TELL US BELOW: What part of Lisa’s story resonated with you most? Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in?👍 Like this video if you’re into authenticity over perfection📢 Share with someone who needs to be reminded that their “weird” is worthy🧠 #Creatives #AuthenticLiving #WellnessIntelligence #EntrepreneurLife #PodcastHighlights #LisaBorden #CreativeJourney #NoMorePerfectionism #EthicalBusiness #ArtistRecovery #ArtistRecoveryPodcast

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    1 hr and 59 mins
  • Artist Recovery Podcast Ep. 14 | From Combat to Canvas: The Untold Journey of Artist John Rios
    May 23 2025

    In this unforgettable episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, host Rich Wright sits down with John Rios, a self-taught creative powerhouse whose art has graced the stages of rock legends like KISS, Motley Crue, Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, Eminem, Uncle Kracker and Alice Cooper. But this isn’t just a story about fame and paintbrushes—it’s about resilience, healing, and rediscovery through art.🎤 WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS INTERVIEW:This episode isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone chasing a dream, healing from trauma, or looking for inspiration to keep going when the odds are stacked high. John’s authenticity and powerful storytelling will leave you thinking, laughing, and possibly crying. Whether you’re a creative, a veteran, or just someone seeking a deeper purpose, this one is for you.👨‍🎨 WHO IS JOHN RIOS?From a kid doodling in rural Michigan to a Marine Corps veteran turned internationally recognized illustrator, John's journey is a testament to the power of belief, survival, and transformation. With no formal training, he rose through sheer willpower and raw talent—proving that your background doesn’t define your future.🧠💥 MUST-WATCH MOMENTS:[03:00] John's gritty small-town beginnings and his first spark of artistic passion.[04:20] “I just knew I was an artist.” — John shares his early intuition and unshakable belief in his creative calling.[10:50] The profound concept of creativity as a gift of receiving—this will challenge how you define art forever.[13:00] Heartbreaking: John opens up about losing his mother at age 15 and how it shaped his life.[22:14] Drafted into the Marines by his dad?! The wild story of how John unexpectedly enlisted and faced the realities of war.[31:00] The emotional toll of service in Lebanon—and how PTSD reshaped his worldview and personal life.[40:00] “People can’t buy what they don’t know exists.” — John’s game-changing advice for artists trying to get noticed.[54:30] How a random lunch break and a bold move led him to a 10-year collaboration with Ted Nugent.[1:02:00+] The priceless lessons on self-belief, persistence, and being your own advocate in an unpredictable creative industry.🧠 TOPICS COVERED:Self-taught artistry & impostor syndromeGrieving, growing, and gritMilitary mental health and PTSDHow trauma influences creativityNetworking like a pro (even with no formal resume!)Overcoming rejection and proving the doubters wrongBusiness wisdom from a commercial art legend💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:Which part of John’s story hit you hardest? Drop a comment below to let us know 👇🔥 LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 🔔Don’t miss future episodes of Artist Recovery Podcast where we highlight the most powerful stories of transformation, hustle, and healing through art.Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rios-6527664/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_rios_designs/Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd #ArtistRecoveryPodcast #JohnRios #VeteranArtist #ArtTherapy #CreativeHealing #DetroitArtist #KISS #TedNugent #Eminem #MotleyCrue #MarineVeteran #SelfTaughtArtist #PTSDRecovery #RockNRollArt #CreativeJourney #PodcastHighlights #ViralPodcastMoments #UncleKracker #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

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    1 hr and 46 mins
  • Artist Recovery Podcast Ep.13 | Healing Through Design, Trauma, and Transcendence - Claire O'Connor
    May 16 2025

    🌿 In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Claire O’Connor — intuitive essence midwife, brand stylist, and founder of Wellness Web Designers — to uncover a life journey filled with resilience, creativity, and spiritual reclamation. This is not your typical design or entrepreneurship story.✨ Claire takes us deep into her early life in suburban New Jersey, painting a raw portrait of growing up in a household marked by intergenerational trauma, addiction, and religious dogma. From being a silent, withdrawn child in Catholic school to discovering salvation in art, books, and imagination, Claire's story is as powerful as it is relatable.📌 Top Moments You Don’t Want to Miss:00:02:21 — The brutally honest look into Claire’s childhood surrounded by Irish and Polish alcoholism00:10:14 — Her mother’s confession: “I married your father because he was tall and had a job”00:18:00 — Drawing animals as an escape: The origin of Claire’s creative spirit00:23:11 — Wanting to become a cloistered nun to escape trauma00:41:58 — The radical shift: Choosing public high school over religious seclusion00:53:00 — Becoming the first in her family to graduate college and finding her tribe in a nature-based liberal arts school01:10:00 — Studying under Native American elders and embracing environmental spirituality💥 Claire drops so many mic-drop moments of self-discovery, including how she reframed her trauma through psychology, and how she found voice, power, and healing through nature, design, and creativity. Her blend of holistic human development with stunning design work makes her a true pioneer for women entrepreneurs in the wellness space.👁️‍🗨️ Why Watch This Episode?If you've ever felt like the black sheep, if you’ve battled self-doubt, or if you’ve questioned your place in rigid systems — this conversation will validate your journey. Claire’s story shows how creative intuition and spiritual alignment can transform pain into purpose.🎯 Keywords for Search Visibility:Claire O’Connor podcast, Wellness Web Designers, holistic branding, trauma healing journey, Catholic childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, intuitive design, women entrepreneurs podcast, personal growth interview, spiritual healing, environmental psychology, creative entrepreneurship🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT your biggest takeaway. What part of Claire’s story hit you the hardest? Share your thoughts below! 👇📲 Follow Claire on Instagram: @wellnesswebdesignersLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclaireoconnor/💼 Visit: wellnesswebdesigners.comConnect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd/

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    3 hrs and 17 mins
  • Artist Recovery Podcast Ep. 12 | Transforming Fitness for Creatives: Trea Cotton’s Journey & Vision
    May 9 2025
    In this captivating interview on the Artist Recovery Podcast, Trea Cotton, founder of Next World Fitness, opens up about his unique journey in fitness and how he’s redefining wellness for artists and creatives. From growing up in Drew, Mississippi, to crafting a revolutionary approach to online fitness coaching, Trea shares insights on how his early life—shaped by gospel, blues, and family—helped him discover his passion for health and creativity.🔑 Key Moments from the Episode:~The Power of Early InspirationTrea’s childhood was rich with music, from his grandmother’s gospel influence to his father’s love for blues. His family background deeply shaped his creative path, and in this interview, he reveals how music and fitness became intertwined from a young age .~The Art of Blending Fitness & CreativityTrea’s vision is to bridge the gap between fitness and entertainment, integrating motivational music into his workout programs. He discusses how his own music and fitness routines will inspire others to stay active, motivated, and empowered .~Overcoming Struggles to Build Next World FitnessAs a creative, Trea knows how the hustle can lead to neglecting health. He shares personal stories of overcoming physical and mental challenges, from the loss of his grandmother to navigating the demands of a creative career. His approach to fitness isn't just about getting stronger physically, it’s about creating a holistic lifestyle that supports artists’ well-being .~Behind the Scenes of Trea’s Fitness PhilosophyTrea’s coaching philosophy goes beyond traditional workouts. It’s about shaping the mindset and integrating wellness into every aspect of an artist’s life. His innovative online programs allow creatives to stay fit while managing their hectic schedules on tour or in the studio .~A Sneak Peek into Trea’s Upcoming ProjectsGet a glimpse of Trea’s future goals, including a fitness-themed music album and expanding his Next World Fitness platform. The integration of his fitness programs with his artistic endeavors could create a completely new genre that blends health with entertainment .🎧 Why You Should Listen:If you're a creative struggling to balance your artistic career with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this episode is a must-listen. Trea Cotton's innovative approach to fitness can help you thrive physically and mentally, ensuring longevity in your career while keeping you at the top of your game. This conversation is packed with inspiration, motivation, and actionable advice that’ll resonate with anyone in the creative industries.Connect with Trea: https://www.nextworldfitness.com/Linkedin: / treadafitartist Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: / richwrightunltd Instagram: / richwrightunltd
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Artist Recovery Podcast Ep.11 | Why Creative Mindset is Key to Innovate in Business - Sarah Bierenbaum
    May 3 2025
    In this episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, Sarah Bierenbaum shares her inspiring and unorthodox journey from professional theatrical stage manager to tech startup executive, and now, founder and coach at Nimble Penguin Coaching. Sarah brings a unique blend of creativity and leadership experience to the table, offering invaluable insights on how empowerment, self-awareness, and alignment with personal values drive success—whether in the arts, tech, or entrepreneurship.🔑 Key Moments in This Interview:The unexpected crossroads of art and tech: Sarah reveals how her path from stage management to tech was both surprising and transformational. She walks us through her first role in a tech startup and how she adapted her artistic instincts into effective leadership in business.A transformative conversation about values in the workplace: Hear about Sarah's frank conversation with her CEO, where they explored how to align personal values with the companies you work for—a moment that will resonate deeply with anyone navigating work-life values .Salary negotiations & advocacy: A moment of vulnerability as Sarah reflects on her early struggles with salary negotiations in the tech industry and how she learned to advocate for herself, a lesson she now passes on to others, especially women and marginalized groups .Lessons learned at the intersection of art and business: As a former stage manager, Sarah brings creativity and adaptability from the world of theater into high-stakes business environments. She explains how both worlds require innovation and teamwork, where people from diverse backgrounds collaborate to create something new .Sarah’s journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader looking to level up, or someone navigating a career transition, Sarah’s story will inspire you to find your unique path and bring your whole self to work.📈 How to Grow as a Leader:Sarah emphasizes the importance of empowering others and yourself, creating spaces where innovation thrives, and knowing your worth in negotiations.She shares her experience from working with “Chief,” a private network for executive women, highlighting the power of community and the support it offers as women climb to the C-suite .🌟 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts or questions! Who is someone you know that has successfully made a career shift? Let us know below!🔗 Stay Connected with Sarah Bierenbaum:Nimble Penguin Coaching: https://www.nimblepenguin.com/LinkedIn: / sarahbierenbaum ✴️ Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.com/Linkedin: / richwrightunltd #Leadership #Tech #CareerTransition #StageManagement #Coaching #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Empowerment #SalaryNegotiation #CreativeLeadership #CareerGrowth
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 15 mins