<![CDATA[I've Always got Time to Talk]]>
mayagouliard.substack.com]]>https://mayagouliard.substack.com/podcastRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:51:10 GMTWed, 09 Sep 2026 22:36:28 GMT60With Maya GouliardIndie author and ADHD crafty artist, Maya Gouliard talks about her stories, the indie author journey, her life and whatever passion she is chasing in the moment. <br /><br /><a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mayagouliard.substack.com</a>episodicWith Maya Gouliardmayagouliard@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Showing Up Messy in the Age of AI | Behind the Chaos]]>I showed up. Hoodie, ponytail, no makeup (and a very tired brain).


In a world where an app can fake your eye contact, I'd rather just be real. So here's my creative week, messy parts included.


This week:

- Podcast update (interviews booked through November!)

- Organizing the bar inventory at Papa Del's (so satisfying to finish something)

- Wise Woman's Fantasy Book Club: The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst

- Writing, and learning to "just do it" instead of "do it well"

- A tour of my craft room (and the unfinished projects in it)

- A little journaling haul (Pochacco!)


Next Monday on I've Always Got Time to Talk: fantasy author Nikki McCormack on going from traditional to indie publishing.


Chapters:

00:00 I showed up (even when it's hard)

00:33 The creepy AI eye-contact button

00:58 Showing up real and messy

01:48 Podcast update

04:04 Launching the interview series

05:58 Organizing at Papa Del's

06:52 Wise Woman's Fantasy Book Club: The Bone Maker

08:06 Writing, and just doing it instead of doing it well

09:38 Craft room tour and unfinished projects

11:08 Journaling finds and stickers

11:24 Next week: Nikki McCormack


Links:

Join the Wise Woman's Fantasy Book Club: discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC

Waterweaver (Chroma, book one): https://a.co/d/2tl8Unz

Book sleeves and handmade goods: [WEBSITE LINK]

Subscribe: youtube.com/@mayagouliard


Music licensed through Soundstripe.

Code: DME93ICNDHZMIZRM

]]>15598d92-f1f8-42d7-8281-eed413a055e2Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:10:35 GMT<p>I showed up. Hoodie, ponytail, no makeup (and a very tired brain).</p><p><br /></p><p>In a world where an app can fake your eye contact, I'd rather just be real. So here's my creative week, messy parts included.</p><p><br /></p><p>This week:</p><p>- Podcast update (interviews booked through November!)</p><p>- Organizing the bar inventory at Papa Del's (so satisfying to finish something)</p><p>- Wise Woman's Fantasy Book Club: The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst</p><p>- Writing, and learning to "just do it" instead of "do it well"</p><p>- A tour of my craft room (and the unfinished projects in it)</p><p>- A little journaling haul (Pochacco!)</p><p><br /></p><p>Next Monday on I've Always Got Time to Talk: fantasy author Nikki McCormack on going from traditional to indie publishing.</p><p><br /></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 I showed up (even when it's hard)</p><p>00:33 The creepy AI eye-contact button</p><p>00:58 Showing up real and messy</p><p>01:48 Podcast update</p><p>04:04 Launching the interview series</p><p>05:58 Organizing at Papa Del's</p><p>06:52 Wise Woman's Fantasy Book Club: The Bone Maker</p><p>08:06 Writing, and just doing it instead of doing it well</p><p>09:38 Craft room tour and unfinished projects</p><p>11:08 Journaling finds and stickers</p><p>11:24 Next week: Nikki McCormack</p><p><br /></p><p>Links:</p><p>Join the Wise Woman's Fantasy Book Club: discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC</p><p>Waterweaver (Chroma, book one): <a href="https://a.co/d/2tl8Unz" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://a.co/d/2tl8Unz</a></p><p>Book sleeves and handmade goods: [WEBSITE LINK]</p><p>Subscribe: youtube.com/@mayagouliard</p><p><br /></p><p>Music licensed through Soundstripe.</p><p>Code: DME93ICNDHZMIZRM</p>no00:14:55Showing Up Messy in the Age of AI | Behind the Chaosfull<![CDATA[Shoshie Bauer | The Makings of an Artist]]>Shoshie Bauer | The Makings of an Artist


Shoshie Bauer spent twenty years as a working artist (whimsical watercolors, then award-winning miniatures). Now she's stepping away from art as a job and heading to grad school for conservation. We talk about knowing your worth, branding yourself, surviving the internet, and why you have to call yourself an artist first. Plus a real, messy talk about AI.


"You have to identify as an artist for other people to accept you as one." (Shoshie)


IN THIS EPISODE

- Once you've been paid, you're a professional. Period.

- Brand yourself, not your art

- The pottery class story

- An honest talk about AI and small businesses

- Handling haters with "thank you for your comment"


CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome and meet Shoshie

01:06 Always an artist (ADHD, notebooks, writer parents)

02:39 Art school and the 90s gatekeepers

04:24 Indie or traditional? You can do both

06:17 Know your value (never discount)

08:33 Once you're paid, you're a professional

09:25 Brand yourself, not your art

12:55 Burnout and the big pivot

14:39 From mini painting to conservation

18:43 Showing up as your real self

20:31 Fail in public (the pottery class story)

23:01 Let's talk about AI

28:30 A photo of a bird vs. an AI prompt

31:30 Shoshie's art journey, take two

37:03 Community building and super fans

38:43 Creating the Shoshie persona

41:11 Handling haters

44:05 Who Moved My Cheese?

45:05 How real is too real online?

46:59 Never apologize for taking a break

49:17 Nuggets of wisdom (15 minutes a day)

53:43 Plant something native

55:29 Where to find Shoshie


MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

- The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

- Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson

- I'd Rather Be in the Studio! by Alyson B. Stanfield: https://artbizsuccess.com

- Geoffrey Hinton on The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

- Last episode, Jennifer Rabbitt: https://youtu.be/G97f8ETMkT4


FIND SHOSHIE

https://www.shoshiesminis.com

https://bio.site/ShoshiesMinis


ABOUT MAYA

I'm Maya Gouliard, a fantasy author and artist in central Illinois. I believe it's never too late to create, to grow, or to find who you are.


FIND ME

YouTube: youtube.com/@mayagouliard

Website: mayagouliard.com

Substack: mayagouliard.substack.com

Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Pinterest: @mayagouliard

Facebook: facebook.com/mayagouliard.fantasyauthor

Wise Woman's Fantasy Book Club on Discord: discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC


Be a guest: https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/become-a-guest-makings-of-an-artist


Music licensed through Soundstripe.

Code: 3RYABTBO9OQTVFNM

]]>fc2a45f0-8f56-4e8f-a135-607b095f4517Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>Shoshie Bauer | The Makings of an Artist</p><p><br /></p><p>Shoshie Bauer spent twenty years as a working artist (whimsical watercolors, then award-winning miniatures). Now she's stepping away from art as a job and heading to grad school for conservation. We talk about knowing your worth, branding yourself, surviving the internet, and why you have to call yourself an artist first. Plus a real, messy talk about AI.</p><p><br /></p><p>"You have to identify as an artist for other people to accept you as one." (Shoshie)</p><p><br /></p><p>IN THIS EPISODE</p><p>- Once you've been paid, you're a professional. Period.</p><p>- Brand yourself, not your art</p><p>- The pottery class story</p><p>- An honest talk about AI and small businesses</p><p>- Handling haters with "thank you for your comment"</p><p><br /></p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>00:00 Welcome and meet Shoshie</p><p>01:06 Always an artist (ADHD, notebooks, writer parents)</p><p>02:39 Art school and the 90s gatekeepers</p><p>04:24 Indie or traditional? You can do both</p><p>06:17 Know your value (never discount)</p><p>08:33 Once you're paid, you're a professional</p><p>09:25 Brand yourself, not your art</p><p>12:55 Burnout and the big pivot</p><p>14:39 From mini painting to conservation</p><p>18:43 Showing up as your real self</p><p>20:31 Fail in public (the pottery class story)</p><p>23:01 Let's talk about AI</p><p>28:30 A photo of a bird vs. an AI prompt</p><p>31:30 Shoshie's art journey, take two</p><p>37:03 Community building and super fans</p><p>38:43 Creating the Shoshie persona</p><p>41:11 Handling haters</p><p>44:05 Who Moved My Cheese?</p><p>45:05 How real is too real online?</p><p>46:59 Never apologize for taking a break</p><p>49:17 Nuggets of wisdom (15 minutes a day)</p><p>53:43 Plant something native</p><p>55:29 Where to find Shoshie</p><p><br /></p><p>MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE</p><p>- The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron</p><p>- Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson</p><p>- I'd Rather Be in the Studio! by Alyson B. Stanfield: <a href="https://artbizsuccess.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://artbizsuccess.com</a></p><p>- Geoffrey Hinton on The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart</p><p>- Last episode, Jennifer Rabbitt: <a href="https://youtu.be/G97f8ETMkT4" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://youtu.be/G97f8ETMkT4</a></p><p><br /></p><p>FIND SHOSHIE</p><p><a href="https://www.shoshiesminis.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.shoshiesminis.com</a></p><p><a href="https://bio.site/ShoshiesMinis" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://bio.site/ShoshiesMinis</a></p><p><br /></p><p>ABOUT MAYA</p><p>I'm Maya Gouliard, a fantasy author and artist in central Illinois. I believe it's never too late to create, to grow, or to find who you are.</p><p><br /></p><p>FIND ME</p><p>YouTube: youtube.com/@mayagouliard</p><p>Website: mayagouliard.com</p><p>Substack: mayagouliard.substack.com</p><p>Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Pinterest: @mayagouliard</p><p>Facebook: facebook.com/mayagouliard.fantasyauthor</p><p>Wise Woman's Fantasy Book Club on Discord: discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC</p><p><br /></p><p>Be a guest: <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/become-a-guest-makings-of-an-artist" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/become-a-guest-makings-of-an-artist</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Music licensed through Soundstripe.</p><p>Code: 3RYABTBO9OQTVFNM</p>no00:56:40Shoshie Bauer | The Makings of an Artistfull<![CDATA[Behind the Chaos | Book 3 & The Bone Maker]]>Ironing fabric for zipper pouches while I catch you up on my creative week.

My podcast has had a lot of lives. First it was Maya Tried It, then Ladies at the Round Table, then just me talking about myself (which never quite felt right). Now it finally has a through line: conversations with creatives about when they gave themselves permission to show up and call themselves an artist. Three interviews in, I'm learning as much about myself as about my guests.

In this episode:

  • Why this podcast finally has a direction
  • Building the interview pipeline, from application to recording
  • Being stuck in the middle of Echo Weaver (book three) and starting a new craft book to come at it fresh
  • Jon's reminder to pace myself (he's not wrong)
  • Canceling live TV, Ted Lasso reviews, and why women-led shows keep getting cut
  • Survivor check-ins with my son
  • The Bone Maker, our new book club read, and why it might be the older-heroine fantasy I've been looking for
  • Why the car is my quiet place

Mentioned:

  • Make Your Story Matter by Abbie Emmons
  • The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst
  • Ted Lasso, The Residence, Survivor

Come hang out:

New interviews every Monday. Solo check-ins every Thursday.

Music licensed through Soundstripe.
Code: GTMONRQODAVCGBYM

]]>4dcb3f13-fb72-4363-8e2a-c427a507283eThu, 24 Sep 2026 16:28:49 GMT<p>Ironing fabric for zipper pouches while I catch you up on my creative week.</p><p>My podcast has had a lot of lives. First it was Maya Tried It, then Ladies at the Round Table, then just me talking about myself (which never quite felt right). Now it finally has a through line: conversations with creatives about when they gave themselves permission to show up and call themselves an artist. Three interviews in, I'm learning as much about myself as about my guests.</p><p><b><strong>In this episode:</strong></b></p><ul><li>Why this podcast finally has a direction</li><li>Building the interview pipeline, from application to recording</li><li>Being stuck in the middle of Echo Weaver (book three) and starting a new craft book to come at it fresh</li><li>Jon's reminder to pace myself (he's not wrong)</li><li>Canceling live TV, Ted Lasso reviews, and why women-led shows keep getting cut</li><li>Survivor check-ins with my son</li><li>The Bone Maker, our new book club read, and why it might be the older-heroine fantasy I've been looking for</li><li>Why the car is my quiet place</li></ul><p><b><strong>Mentioned:</strong></b></p><ul><li>Make Your Story Matter by Abbie Emmons</li><li>The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst</li><li>Ted Lasso, The Residence, Survivor</li></ul><p><b><strong>Come hang out:</strong></b></p><ul><li>Be a guest on The Makings of an Artist: <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/become-a-guest-makings-of-an-artist" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/become-a-guest-makings-of-an-artist</a></li><li>Join the Wise Woman's Fantasy Book Club on Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC</a></li><li>Start the Chroma series with Waterweaver: <a href="https://a.co/d/2tl8Unz" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://a.co/d/2tl8Unz</a></li><li>Watch on YouTube: <a href="https://youtube.com/@mayagouliard" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://youtube.com/@mayagouliard</a></li><li>Website: <a href="https://mayagouliard.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://mayagouliard.com</a></li></ul><p>New interviews every Monday. Solo check-ins every Thursday.</p><p>Music licensed through Soundstripe.<br />Code: GTMONRQODAVCGBYM</p>no00:15:54Behind the Chaos | Book 3 & The Bone Makerfull<![CDATA[The Makings of an Artist | Jennifer Rabbitt]]>The Makings of an Artist: Jennifer Rabbitt on Encaustic Art, Self-Doubt, and Finding Your Creative Identity
Maya Gouliard launches The Makings of an Artist with her longtime friend Jennifer Rabbitt, an encaustic artist. Jennifer shares how she came to call herself an artist, why she stepped away from painting, the challenge of selling fine art, and what it takes to keep creating despite doubt and disappointment.
In this episode:

  • Jennifer's artistic family, her degrees in textiles and fine art, and switching her college focus to photography
  • How encaustic art uses beeswax, damar resin, pigments, heat, and sometimes a torch to create layered work
  • Rejecting the dark, depressing art style of the early 1990s for bright, colorful work instead
  • The long process of claiming the identity of "artist," even after years of formal training
  • Her first gallery show, a Valentine-themed exhibition, and the artist friendship it led to even without a sale
  • The blurry line between fine art and craft
  • Pricing artwork by materials, size, time, and experience, including a $5,000 large piece
  • Why family and emotional value can matter more than price
  • Self-doubt, minimalism, and "a lot of paintings fail, let them"
  • Her goal of finishing one studio piece by year's end and reaching $50,000 in annual sales

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to The Makings of an Artist
01:31 Jenn's artistic family and creative education
05:40 Learning to call yourself an artist
08:37 What is encaustic art?
10:59 Jenn's first gallery show, and why it still counted
13:20 The real struggle: selling and marketing your art
19:57 Fine art vs. craft, pricing, and legacy pieces
26:51 Minimalism, self-doubt, and letting art fail
37:12 Imagining a full-time art life, and creative overwhelm
42:27 Selling, color, and Jenn's $50K goal
49:42 How do you know you're an artist?
52:17 Where to find Jenn's work, and what's next

Notable Quotes:
"If you're doing work some creative way and you like what you're making, I think you're an artist."
"A lot of paintings fail. Let them."

Mentioned in this episode:
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood
"Wax on Wednesdays" encaustic fusing demos, Shari Replogle (YouTube)
"Encaustic Painting Tips: Fusing for a Smooth Surface," R&F Paints (YouTube)
Art Pricing Calculators:
https://www.artspainter.com/art-pricing-calculator/
https://everycalculators.com/art-price-calculator.html

Find Jennifer: Instagram @jennifer_rabbitt_art

About Maya:
Maya Gouliard is a fantasy author, artist, and community organizer based in Rantoul, Illinois. Writing under Calmillusion Press, she grew into art and writing later in life, asking herself the same question this show explores: am I really an artist, and who gets to decide that?

Find Maya:
Website: mayagouliard.com
Instagram: @mayagouliard
TikTok: @mayagouliard
Substack: mayagouliard.substack.com
Discord: discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC

Want to be a guest?
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtAAhviHsDI6Zlk-Y4R5OxgEdOwE5R_dBN-YYJAt79bH_GyA/viewform

]]>2f6e5b0a-1116-47a3-a0c1-a430e847a440Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>The Makings of an Artist: Jennifer Rabbitt on Encaustic Art, Self-Doubt, and Finding Your Creative Identity<br />Maya Gouliard launches The Makings of an Artist with her longtime friend Jennifer Rabbitt, an encaustic artist. Jennifer shares how she came to call herself an artist, why she stepped away from painting, the challenge of selling fine art, and what it takes to keep creating despite doubt and disappointment.<br />In this episode:</p><ul><li>Jennifer's artistic family, her degrees in textiles and fine art, and switching her college focus to photography</li><li>How encaustic art uses beeswax, damar resin, pigments, heat, and sometimes a torch to create layered work</li><li>Rejecting the dark, depressing art style of the early 1990s for bright, colorful work instead</li><li>The long process of claiming the identity of "artist," even after years of formal training</li><li>Her first gallery show, a Valentine-themed exhibition, and the artist friendship it led to even without a sale</li><li>The blurry line between fine art and craft</li><li>Pricing artwork by materials, size, time, and experience, including a $5,000 large piece</li><li>Why family and emotional value can matter more than price</li><li>Self-doubt, minimalism, and "a lot of paintings fail, let them"</li><li>Her goal of finishing one studio piece by year's end and reaching $50,000 in annual sales</li></ul><p>Chapters:<br />00:00 Welcome to The Makings of an Artist<br />01:31 Jenn's artistic family and creative education<br />05:40 Learning to call yourself an artist<br />08:37 What is encaustic art?<br />10:59 Jenn's first gallery show, and why it still counted<br />13:20 The real struggle: selling and marketing your art<br />19:57 Fine art vs. craft, pricing, and legacy pieces<br />26:51 Minimalism, self-doubt, and letting art fail<br />37:12 Imagining a full-time art life, and creative overwhelm<br />42:27 Selling, color, and Jenn's $50K goal<br />49:42 How do you know you're an artist?<br />52:17 Where to find Jenn's work, and what's next</p><p>Notable Quotes:<br />"If you're doing work some creative way and you like what you're making, I think you're an artist."<br />"A lot of paintings fail. Let them."</p><p>Mentioned in this episode:<br />The Creative Act by Rick Rubin<br />Savvy Painter Podcast with Antrese Wood<br />"Wax on Wednesdays" encaustic fusing demos, Shari Replogle (YouTube)<br />"Encaustic Painting Tips: Fusing for a Smooth Surface," R&amp;F Paints (YouTube)<br />Art Pricing Calculators:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.artspainter.com/art-pricing-calculator/" target="_blank">https://www.artspainter.com/art-pricing-calculator/</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://everycalculators.com/art-price-calculator.html" target="_blank">https://everycalculators.com/art-price-calculator.html</a></p><p>Find Jennifer: Instagram @jennifer_rabbitt_art</p><p>About Maya:<br />Maya Gouliard is a fantasy author, artist, and community organizer based in Rantoul, Illinois. Writing under Calmillusion Press, she grew into art and writing later in life, asking herself the same question this show explores: am I really an artist, and who gets to decide that?</p><p>Find Maya:<br />Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://mayagouliard.com" target="_blank">mayagouliard.com</a><br />Instagram: @mayagouliard<br />TikTok: @mayagouliard<br />Substack: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://mayagouliard.substack.com" target="_blank">mayagouliard.substack.com</a><br />Discord: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC" target="_blank">discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC</a></p><p>Want to be a guest?<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtAAhviHsDI6Zlk-Y4R5OxgEdOwE5R_dBN-YYJAt79bH_GyA/viewform" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtAAhviHsDI6Zlk-Y4R5OxgEdOwE5R_dBN-YYJAt79bH_GyA/viewform</a></p>no00:54:34The Makings of an Artist | Jennifer Rabbittfull<![CDATA[Choosing the Long Game]]>Maya is building a creative life in public, one book, handmade project, interview, and imperfectly assembled setup at a time. If you've ever wanted to make something meaningful, start later in life, or turn your creativity into more than a passing hobby, this episode is your invitation to begin.

In this one, Maya shares what's coming next for the show: the color-coded worlds she's building around her vlogs, indie author business, crocheting and sewing projects, fantasy book club, and writing life, plus a first look at a new interview series she's developing to uncover the real stories behind creative work. What people show online. What gets left out. Where their creativity began. And the moment they finally gave themselves permission to take their talent seriously.

You'll hear how Maya plans to explore:

  • The difference between an online bio and the complicated creative life behind it
  • Why starting a creative career at 48 or 50 can be just as powerful as knowing your path young
  • The everyday routines, chaotic workflows, and feast-or-famine cycles of working creatives
  • The small goals and big dreams that keep creative businesses moving
  • Her Wise Women's Fantasy Book Club and its focus on older women as leads, not disposable side characters
  • How sewing, crocheting, book sleeves, and other handmade projects fit into her evolving creative identity

This is more than a behind-the-scenes look. It's a candid reflection on building something slowly, accepting the messy parts, and recognizing that creativity does not have an expiration date. Maya is still figuring out the lighting, equipment, and format, but the larger decision is already made: she's giving herself permission to create consistently and let the work stay discoverable.

Perfect for writers, artists, makers, book lovers, aspiring creators, and anyone who's ready to stop waiting for the perfect moment. Welcome to Maya's chaotic-good creative world.

]]>cbbd3ff7-9bba-4df4-babe-f7d31a7d460aTue, 15 Sep 2026 23:40:49 GMT<p>Maya is building a creative life in public, one book, handmade project, interview, and imperfectly assembled setup at a time. If you've ever wanted to make something meaningful, start later in life, or turn your creativity into more than a passing hobby, this episode is your invitation to begin.</p><p>In this one, Maya shares what's coming next for the show: the color-coded worlds she's building around her vlogs, indie author business, crocheting and sewing projects, fantasy book club, and writing life, plus a first look at a new interview series she's developing to uncover the real stories behind creative work. What people show online. What gets left out. Where their creativity began. And the moment they finally gave themselves permission to take their talent seriously.</p><p>You'll hear how Maya plans to explore:</p><ul><li>The difference between an online bio and the complicated creative life behind it</li><li>Why starting a creative career at 48 or 50 can be just as powerful as knowing your path young</li><li>The everyday routines, chaotic workflows, and feast-or-famine cycles of working creatives</li><li>The small goals and big dreams that keep creative businesses moving</li><li>Her Wise Women's Fantasy Book Club and its focus on older women as leads, not disposable side characters</li><li>How sewing, crocheting, book sleeves, and other handmade projects fit into her evolving creative identity</li></ul><p>This is more than a behind-the-scenes look. It's a candid reflection on building something slowly, accepting the messy parts, and recognizing that creativity does not have an expiration date. Maya is still figuring out the lighting, equipment, and format, but the larger decision is already made: she's giving herself permission to create consistently and let the work stay discoverable.</p><p>Perfect for writers, artists, makers, book lovers, aspiring creators, and anyone who's ready to stop waiting for the perfect moment. Welcome to Maya's chaotic-good creative world.</p>no00:07:5721Choosing the Long Gamefull<![CDATA[Embrace the idea]]>A year ago I had an inspired idea sitting in my car after a long shift. What if I just made a vendor market here, in Rantoul, on a Tuesday night. I called it Rand Tuesdays in my head and couldn’t let it go.

One year later there’s a website, a discord, village support, and we’re about to start setting up every Tuesday night at the Sports Complex for the whole summer.

Today I’m talking about the whole thing. The original spark, why in-person sales matter so much to me, what I finally learned about streamlining (spoiler: grab bags saved my chaos brain), and the advice I’d give anyone sitting on an idea right now.

Press play. I’m glad you’re here.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/embrace-the-ideasubstack:post:196669576Wed, 06 May 2026 16:09:51 GMT<p>A year ago I had an inspired idea sitting in my car after a long shift. What if I just made a vendor market here, in Rantoul, on a Tuesday night. I called it Rand Tuesdays in my head and couldn’t let it go.</p><p>One year later there’s a website, a discord, village support, and we’re about to start setting up every Tuesday night at the Sports Complex for the whole summer.</p><p>Today I’m talking about the whole thing. The original spark, why in-person sales matter so much to me, what I finally learned about streamlining (spoiler: grab bags saved my chaos brain), and the advice I’d give anyone sitting on an idea right now.</p><p>Press play. I’m glad you’re here.</p> <br /><br />This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe</a>no00:14:30Embrace the ideafull<![CDATA[Servers, Dreams, and the Wrong Path]]>A birthday week ramble about the real job question, what flexibility is actually worth, and why I almost canceled Monday’s interview. Also: the market got rained out and I want to plant lavender. Showing up anyway.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/servers-dreams-and-the-wrong-pathsubstack:post:196548694Tue, 05 May 2026 15:02:49 GMT<p>A birthday week ramble about the real job question, what flexibility is actually worth, and why I almost canceled Monday’s interview. Also: the market got rained out and I want to plant lavender. Showing up anyway.</p> <br /><br />This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe</a>no00:10:49Servers, Dreams, and the Wrong Pathfull<![CDATA[Hygge Authoring]]>This week I embrace looking for the fun in my podcasting/writing and just enjoying the process rather than trying to do it the way someone else expects.

I need to figure out how to add my amazing theme music when recording the podcast through Substack.

The book I was talking about is The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/hygge-authoringsubstack:post:165196835Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:32:44 GMT<p>This week I embrace looking for the fun in my podcasting/writing and just enjoying the process rather than trying to do it the way someone else expects.</p><p>I need to figure out how to add my amazing theme music when recording the podcast through Substack.</p><p>The book I was talking about is The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking</p><p></p> <br /><br />This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe</a>no00:17:31Hygge Authoringfull<![CDATA[Testing the process]]>I’m recording on my phone and uploading to Substack on my phone. Will this work?



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/testing-the-processsubstack:post:196336203Sun, 03 May 2026 17:58:33 GMT<p>I’m recording on my phone and uploading to Substack on my phone. Will this work?</p> <br /><br />This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe</a>no00:01:21Testing the processfull<![CDATA[I’ve Always Got Time to Talk - May 3, 2026]]>Today I’m talking about ADHD and social media, why I keep building systems and then not following through, the whole many-platforms problem, and why I’m just starting to record anyway and figuring it out as I go.

If you want to follow along: find me at mayagouliard.com or subscribe



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/ive-always-got-time-to-talk-may-3substack:post:196337460Sun, 03 May 2026 18:41:17 GMT<p>Today I’m talking about ADHD and social media, why I keep building systems and then not following through, the whole many-platforms problem, and why I’m just starting to record anyway and figuring it out as I go.</p><p>If you want to follow along: find me at mayagouliard.com or subscribe </p> <br /><br />This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe</a>no00:06:38I’ve Always Got Time to Talk - May 3, 2026full<![CDATA[Vendor Events]]>This week, I discuss the need for a weekday event option to sell my books and art in person. What can I do when I can’t find anything?

It occurs to me that I could get much better at these show notes. What would you like to see in these?



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/vendor-eventssubstack:post:165886776Fri, 13 Jun 2025 18:40:08 GMT<p>This week, I discuss the need for a weekday event option to sell my books and art in person. What can I do when I can’t find anything?</p><p>It occurs to me that I could get much better at these show notes. What would you like to see in these?</p> <br /><br />This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe</a>no00:16:4512Vendor Eventsfull<![CDATA[What am I waiting for permission to begin?]]>What am I waiting for permission to begin?

In this episode I’m thinking through something I realized writing this week’s Daily Think - I’ve been waiting for permission my whole life without ever actually asking for it.

Read the original Daily Think → https://substack.com/@mayagouliard

Visit my website → https://www.mayagouliard.com

Read Waterweaver free on Kindle Unlimited → https://a.co/d/0b9YWFJw

Join the community → https://discord.gg/cU2YENEYQH

#mayadailythink #dailythink #midlifeauthor



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/what-am-i-waiting-for-permissionsubstack:post:193485183Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:03:51 GMT<p>What am I waiting for permission to begin?</p><p>In this episode I’m thinking through something I realized writing this week’s Daily Think - I’ve been waiting for permission my whole life without ever actually asking for it.</p><p>Read the original Daily Think → https://substack.com/@mayagouliard</p><p>Visit my website → https://www.mayagouliard.com</p><p>Read Waterweaver free on Kindle Unlimited → https://a.co/d/0b9YWFJw</p><p>Join the community → https://discord.gg/cU2YENEYQH</p><p>#mayadailythink #dailythink #midlifeauthor</p> <br /><br />This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe</a>no00:05:0421What am I waiting for permission to begin?full<![CDATA[Introduction]]>Discord Channel Link: https://discord.gg/6BkEQ857zF

Website : www.mayagouliard.com



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/introductionsubstack:post:161265844Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:52:57 GMT<p>Discord Channel Link: <a href="https://discord.gg/6BkEQ857zF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/6BkEQ857zF</a></p><p>Website : <a href="https://discord.gg/6BkEQ857zF" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.mayagouliard.com</a></p><p></p><p></p> <br /><br />This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe</a>no00:08:1311Introductionfull<![CDATA[Vendor Marketing Cooperative]]>This week I discuss in my plog (podcast log lol) how all of my many life experiences are coming together to support me in creating a local creatives cooperative. Working to help us sell our creative works and have community connections. I discuss a bit about the importance of building a local following as an indie author to build up the algorithm.

As usual, a little all over the place, but that is who I am. Glad you are here for it!

Want to join my discord community?

https://discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC

Plans to make podcasts better in the future?

* Create a better background for video

* Look at camera better

* Be more aware when the mic is rumbling to create background noise (sorry about that late in this one.)

* I am sure there is more, but I am taking baby steps here.

Thanks for joining me!



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe]]>https://mayagouliard.substack.com/p/vendor-marketing-cooperativesubstack:post:166319011Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:59:47 GMT<p>This week I discuss in my plog (podcast log lol) how all of my many life experiences are coming together to support me in creating a local creatives cooperative. Working to help us sell our creative works and have community connections. I discuss a bit about the importance of building a local following as an indie author to build up the algorithm.</p><p>As usual, a little all over the place, but that is who I am. Glad you are here for it!</p><p>Want to join my discord community?</p><p><a href="https://discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/tQZrHm8YWC</a></p><p>Plans to make podcasts better in the future?</p><p>* Create a better background for video</p><p>* Look at camera better</p><p>* Be more aware when the mic is rumbling to create background noise (sorry about that late in this one.)</p><p>* I am sure there is more, but I am taking baby steps here.</p><p>Thanks for joining me!</p><p></p> <br /><br />This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_2" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">mayagouliard.substack.com/subscribe</a>no00:20:3413Vendor Marketing Cooperativefull