Unconventional Leaders

Jesi Stracham is an entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate who, after surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident and paralysis, discovered the power of resilience, faith, and authentic self-expression.From a life-threatening injury and near-death experiences to writing her book Power in the Roll and founding the Wheel With Me Foundation, Jesi’s journey is about transforming trauma into purpose, honoring the body as a temple, and choosing to live with presence and intention. In this conversation, Jesi explores self-trust, embracing imperfection, and breaking cycles of shame so you can fully live…no matter your circumstances.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Faith and near-death experiences as catalysts for spiritual growthThe body as a temple: fitness, nutrition, and overall wellnessRedefining self-identity and breaking cycles of shame, judgment, and self-doubtWatch my previous episode with Jesi: https://youtu.be/XbHVdmO8oVI CONNECT WITH JESI STRACHAM:Website: https://jesistracham.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesistracham/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/162

Anthony Trucks is a former professional football player turned speaker, author, and transformational coach. Known for his “Dark Work” and “Identity Shift” frameworks, Anthony helps people overcome limiting beliefs, trauma, and past experiences to step into higher levels of performance. After growing up in foster care, navigating abuse, losing his NFL career to injury, and rebuilding his life from rock bottom, he now teaches others how to intentionally reshape who they are and create lasting success.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Dark work vs. shadow work: doing the real work after awarenessIdentity shift: why you build who you become (not find it)Using adversity as fuel without being defined by itCONNECT WITH ANTHONY TRUCKS:Website: https://www.anthonytrucks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonytrucks/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/161

Shannan Martin is the bestselling author of Counterweights, Start with Hello, and The Ministry of Ordinary Places, as well as the voice behind the popular Substack…The Soup. A self-described wannabe gardener, news geek, justice-seeker, and thrift store enthusiast, Shannan writes about the intersection of faith, everyday life, and community. In this conversation, Shannan explores the concept of “counterweights”, the practice of holding the heaviness of life while intentionally noticing small, life-giving moments that keep us grounded. From faith shifts and justice work to navigating apathy, anger, and hope in a complicated world, she shares a deeply honest look at what it means to stay human, present, and connected when everything feels overwhelming.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Carrying life’s pain while intentionally noticing beauty and hopeHow community reshaped her views on justice and belongingWhy joy, rest, and small everyday moments are not escapism, but survivalCONNECT WITH SHANNAN MARTIN:Website: https://www.shannanmartin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannanwrites/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/160

Joe Zimmerman is a stand-up comedian whose resume includes The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour special. His first one-hour special, Cult Classic, directed by Nate Bargatze, was called “One of the best specials of the year” by The Comedy Bureau.In this conversation, Joe shares what it really takes to build a creative career, learning to trust the slow process while staying playful with the work. We talk about writing, curiosity, and why his approach flips the classic advice to “write what you know.” WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How journaling, free-writing, and imperfect drafts unlock stronger ideasLetting outside interests…feed originality and prevent burnoutWhy curiosity, not ambition, is often the real engine behind meaningful creativityCONNECT WITH JOE ZIMMERMAN:Website: https://www.zimmermancomedy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joezimmerman Listen to ‘Joe Zimmerman – Cult Classic Full Special (Stand-Up Comdey)’: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3N0pAhTbRcs0X1Sqyi1Dns CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/159

Patrick Murphy is a somatic coach for high-achievers who feel stuck in anxiety, perfectionism, and overwhelm.Today, he shares how unresolved trauma shows up in our bodies and why mindset work alone isn’t enough. We also talk about healing generational trauma and why experiencing anger can be a sign of healing.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Generational trauma and its impact on our nervous systemHealing family wounds when you still have to be around your familyWhy when we get healed we often get angryCONNECT WITH PATRICK MURPHY:Website: https://www.murph.live/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murph.live/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/158

Brian Nietzel says he's always known two things about himself. One, Jesus is his hero. And two, he is gay. At one point, his faith and sexuality felt divided, because he didn’t just want God’s tolerance—he wanted His blessing. Today, Brian shares his journey of rediscovering the heart of Jesus and knowing in his bones that God’s got him and the LGBTQ+ community. Coming out didn’t take his faith away—it deepened it.As the founder of Making Things Right, Brian facilitates powerful events where hundreds of LGBTQ+ individuals and families (many who are conservative) show up to rediscover Jesus, heal old wounds, and engage in meaningful, restorative conversations that bridge divides. These conversations are RAW, but he leads them with grace and kindness because, as he says, he is not here to defend positions, but to defend people.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Being gay and Christian (and knowing God's got you)Doing justice vs. fighting injusticeHow to have difficult conversations about faith & sexuality with graceCONNECT WITH BRIAN NIETZEL:Website: https://makingthingsright.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannietzel/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/157

At just 12 years old, Collier Landry testified against his father in one of Ohio’s most publicized trials following the murder of his mother. His film A Murder in Mansfield became part of his healing and opened conversations about the lasting impact of violence on families, communities, and survivors.In this conversation, we explore authenticity in storytelling, the tension between public curiosity and personal truth, and how creative expression can transform pain into meaning. Collier reflects on how creativity became a lifeline… serving as tools for processing grief, reclaiming identity, and confronting generational trauma.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:The long-term ripple effects of violence beyond the courtroomWhy true crime often misses the survivor perspectiveUsing storytelling to reclaim identity instead of being defined by tragedyCONNECT WITH COLLIER LANDRY:Website: https://www.collierlandry.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collierlandry/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/156

Kyle Cease had the sold-out shows, the Comedy Central specials, and the external success… but knew something was missing. Instead of doubling down on performance, he walked away from chasing more and began doing deeper work…work that would eventually shift the entire direction of his life.Today, Kyle has worked with over 15,000 people around the world, helping them dissolve fear, release old wounds, and reconnect with presence. Through his events, teachings, and transformational work, he guides individuals out of the illusion of control and into alignment with who they truly are.After reading his book The Illusion of Money, I started following Kyle’s work more closely and realized something confronting: so much of what we chase externally is actually an invitation to go within. In this conversation, we explore what it means to surrender the ego, trust the present moment, and discover that everything we’re looking for might already be here.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:The power of presence: letting go of control, comparison, and egoic identityAlchemizing inner wounds: how healing personal fear and shame mirrors transformation in the external worldThe amateur within: embracing imperfection as the path to growth and creativityFollowing your soul’s bliss: discerning between ego-driven ambition and deeper, life-aligned joyCONNECT WITH KYLE CEASE:Website: https://www.kylecease.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvingoutloud/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/155

To reach the “next level” in our lives, we often have to break generational patterns, become beginners again, and learn how to make decisions from a place of certainty (not permission).This week, we’re joined by Bishop Kevin Foreman, known as “The People’s Bishop”. A pastor, entrepreneur, and mentor, he lives at the intersection of faith, leadership, and personal transformation.In this conversation, he shares brutally honest, practical, and spiritual insights on what it really takes to evolve into who you were meant to become.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Breaking generational curses to unlock your potentialTurning adversity into your advantageHow to make decisions from a place of certainty CONNECT WITH BISHOP KEVIN FOREMAN:Website: https://www.harvestchurch.church/bishop-kevin-foreman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bishopforeman/ Text “BISHOP” to 55498 to receive 10% off any of Bishop Foreman’s books and select items.CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/154

What if the thing you have been trying to hide is the exact thing that gives you work power?In this episode, I sit down with Jon Giganti, executive coach, speaker, and author of With Intention. Jon gets honest about what held him back, from athletics and family chaos to depression and numbing, and the long road back to presence and purpose.Together, we unpack a tension I know many of you feel, the desire to make real impact while being afraid of sounding self promotional, salesy, or spiritually manipulated by words like service and servant leadership. What emerges is an invitation to reclaim those words and redefine what it means to lead, to serve, and to tell the truth in a way that actually helps someone.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Why imposter syndrome might be a feature, not a flawThe difference between potential and the interference that blocks itHow to share a hard story without making it all about youCONNECT WITH JON GIGANTI:Website: https://www.jongiganti.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jongiganti/ ‘With Intention’ by Jon Giganti: https://a.co/d/02Qzxab2 CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/153

Building an online community isn’t about platforms or posting more…it’s about intention. In this episode, I’m joined by entrepreneur and Community Market Fit author Lucas Bean to break down what actually turns an audience into a real community, including the three essentials every strong community needs.We unpack what people get wrong about online communities, what modern creators can learn from ancient societies, and why “community market fit” often matters more than product-market fit. We also explore the difference between influencers and creators, building with your audience instead of for them, and how belonging and identity shape the future of work in an AI-driven world.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Find community demand before building productsUse artifacts, rules, and rituals to scaleWhen going wide beats niching downCONNECT WITH LUCAS BEAN:Website: https://www.lucasbean.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/luke360/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/152

Pastor Kimberly Bulgin is the author of The Sisters Stay Dropping Gems and the founder of The House of Women. She helps faith-filled women unlearn harmful theology so they can reclaim their bodies, desires, and agency…without shame.In this episode, we talk about sensuality as a God-given gift and how to rebuild a spiritual life rooted in freedom instead of fear. From modesty culture, to pleasure and holiness, Pastor Kim offers a deeply honest and liberating reframe for women who love God (and as a result) are done hating their bodies.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How bad theology around modesty and “good girl” behavior keeps women smallReclaiming sensuality as a holy, embodied way of living a life that “turns you on”Healing shame in the body and nervous system while still holding onto your faithCONNECT WITH KIMBERLY BULGIN:Website: https://www.kimberlybulgin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberlybulgin/ Buy ‘The Sisters Stay Dropping Gems’ here (use the code ‘UNCONVENTIONAL’ for a 15% discount off physical copies): https://www.kimberlybulgin.com/product-page/the-sisters-stay-dropping-gems CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/151

Jeremy Steele helps people healing from religious trauma find spiritual beliefs and practices that actually work for them. A deep skeptic and ordained pastor, he leads an online community offering spiritual care to people who may never walk back into a church building, yet still crave meaning, purpose, and transcendence.In this episode, Jeremy unpacks what it means to be a “practitioner of Christianity,” how to deconstruct without burning your soul to the ground, and why the very parts of you that were once labeled “wrong” might be your clearest doorway to impact.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Healing religious trauma & dismantling fear-based faithTurning “the thing that’s wrong with you” into your superpowerChoosing what stories to tell and protecting your heart while creatingCONNECT WITH JEREMY STEELE:Website: https://jeremy-steele.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skeptic.pastor/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skeptic.pastor CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/150

If you’ve set the same goals over and over and still feel stuck, this is for you. In this episode, we explore why your results start with your identity, not your systems, and how creating an alter ego can help you access a bolder, more capable version of yourself. Because sometimes the person you need to become is already inside you, you just need a doorway to step into them.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyEPISODES MENTIONED:How to Be Braver Sharing Your Story | Terry Rice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5KaP3y927gAlter Ego, High Performance, and the Trap of Authenticity | Todd Herman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRiKFGs7pckLucas Bean: Coming Soon!CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/149

Ron Chapman is a professional storyteller, novelist, and longtime guide for deep inner work. With nearly 40 years of sobriety, Ron has spent his life helping people navigate hard truths…through story, spirituality, and presence rather than performance.In this conversation, we talk about what it actually means to tell authentic stories—not polished or performative, but honest stories that respect the audience and the weight of the material. From wrestling with God, to trauma and recovery, to knowing when not to perform, this episode is a grounded look at storytelling as a responsibility…not just a craft.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Authentic storytelling vs performative storytellingHow to tell heavy stories with integrityWhat makes a story valuable to an audienceEgo, humility, and responsibility in storytellingCONNECT WITH RON CHAPMAN: Website: https://www.ronaldchapman.com/The Saga of Grace Series: https://www.ronaldchapman.com/the-saga-of-graceCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/148

If you’ve ever caught yourself shrinking your gifts or holding back because it feels “humble,” this is for you. In this episode, we talk about why undermining your work isn’t holiness — it’s disconnection from the very gift you were meant to bring into the world — and what it really looks like to let yourself be seen and valued.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:The hidden ways we weaken our own power through false humilityWhy being willing to be seen is part of your callingReclaiming the worth of your work and allowing value to be exchangedWATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyEpisodes Mentioned:Cultivating the CALLING of a Communicator | Reward Sibanda: https://youtu.be/YhB1oT_MGag?si=WSnr1b3RorXn0fw-Unconventional Marketing for Your Art | Alejo Porras: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCqq3DC7_owHow to Overcome Performance Anxiety | Will Reynolds: https://youtu.be/Ph5B1Cc_Jow?si=D1lud91WGV4SJesVMake More MONEY with Art | Amie McNee: https://youtu.be/J4IliQ-x5Q0?si=upYtTN5RRVInW8IDCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/147

Keith Giles and Matthew J. Distefano are authors, publishers, and co-owners of Quoir, a media company dedicated to publishing bold, thoughtful work from people navigating faith, doubt, and deconstruction.Keith is a former pastor turned full-time writer. Matthew describes himself as a “working-class theologian.” Together, they write (and publish) at the intersection of spirituality, culture, justice, and storytelling, helping creatives give language to ideas that don’t fit neatly into inherited belief systems.In this conversation, we talk about what it actually means to share your work when you’re still evolving…when certainty is gone, relationships are at stake, and false humility can quietly keep your work hidden.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Creating when your beliefs and opinions are evolvingWhy promoting your work isn’t ego (and how false humility keeps good ideas buried)Leading without hierarchy, rejecting guru culture, and embracing mysteryCONNECT WITH KEITH & MATTHEW:Quoir’s Website: https://quoir.com/Keith’s Website: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/keithgiles/ Matthew’s Website: https://www.allsetfree.com/Heretic Happy Hour: https://open.spotify.com/show/7v6veXaOTdcfQOfA9H39tO?si=1bcdd0e76d62480b CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/146

George Sidiropoulos helps creators show up on video in a way that's simple, sustainable, and fun. A former musician, he discovered video's power when Instagram guitar clips led to real opportunities…long before he had a big audience. Now he teaches people how to use video to grow their business without turning their life into a production studio.In this episode, George shares how video reshaped his life, why we overcomplicate content, and how to treat consistency as a systems problem, not a willpower problem. From his "one-click setup" to his philosophy on imperfect reps and detaching from metrics, George offers a grounded approach to showing up on camera.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How simple videos (with tiny audiences) can unlock real-world opportunitiesBuilding a one-click video setup and B-roll system so consistency is easierDetaching from views and virality, questioning your beliefs, and trusting your pathCONNECT WITH GEORGE SIDIROPOULOS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disisjorj/ One Click Setup: https://disisjorjemail.kit.com/8bccab13de CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/145

Here are three practical storytelling exercises pulled from three brilliant creators: one to help you dig deeper, one to get more specific, and one to capture story-worthy moments from everyday life. Quick tips, super usable, and honestly… they might change how you tell your next story.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady EPISODES MENTIONED:The Storytelling Blueprint for Viral Videos | Jenny Hoyos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkLL7xDjLF0 Storytelling Tips for Personal Brands | Sun Yi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh8MCLNvE4M How to be a Better Storyteller | Matthew Dicks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lohwMR56bvA CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/144

I sat down with four master storytellers and uncovered a simple truth: if the edit is difficult, the input needs to be a bigger priority.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Write before you record Script with intention but edit with instinctMake each piece of content about one clear point Edit till it hurtsEPISODES MENTIONED HERE:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5i_3gjJQGk&t=1453shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dg6vcRrutw&t=2685shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lohwMR56bvA&t=1369shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SolAEaSl7M&t=33sCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/143

Before Matthew Luhn became one of Pixar’s storytellers (with credits on Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up, and more) he nearly lost the opportunity altogether. After leaving The Simpsons at 19 to join a then-unknown studio called Pixar, he was laid off, moved back home, worked temp jobs, and spent a year-and-a-half fighting to get back in.In this episode, Matthew shares the real story behind making a dream happen: the uncertainty, the restarts, and the creative persistence required to build a career that lasts.Watch Full Conversation with Matthew Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-65jOrpPlACONNECT WITH MATTHEW LUHN:Website: https://matthewluhnstory.com/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/142

If you’ve ever caught yourself asking, “What should I make? What will work?” — this is for you. Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped creating from curiosity and started creating for approval. In this episode, we talk about what it means to return to that raw, honest place... to stop chasing trends and start trusting your own instincts again. Because the world doesn’t need another copy. It needs you.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:The danger of creating from “what works” instead of what’s realHow fear of being seen dulls creative expressionWhy your truest work will always come from what excites youCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/141

Glenn Lundy and I shouldn’t be friends. He’s a Republican who trains and consults sales leaders in automotive; I’m a creative who cried in bed the day Trump was inaugurated. We sit on opposite sides of almost everything…and we’re still great friends.I asked Glenn to give a behind-the-scenes look at how we keep a real friendship in a divided world and to wrestle with the hardest question facing communicators today: How do you stand firmly in your beliefs while staying open to people who think completely differently? We go there…from Flat Earth debates to ICE deportations, from AI innovation to spiritual warfare. Buckle in, y’all.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:When certainty helps (and when it shuts you off from growth and connection)Communicate with conviction and compassion (without dehumanizing people who disagree)Lead every hard conversation with respect so honesty and understanding can followCONNECT WITH GLENN LUNDY: Watch ‘The #RiseAndGrind Morning Show’: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGlennLundy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenn_lundy/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/140 

If you’ve ever worried that sharing your voice is “selfish” or ego-driven, this is for you. Today, we explore how your story, your perspective, and your courage to speak might be the lifeline someone else needs. Because access to new ideas can change an entire life — and your voice may be the bridge someone has been praying for.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Why using your voice isn’t ego — it’s generosityThe power of exposure and how other creators changed my lifeWhat happens when you stop hiding and start serving with your storyCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/139

Jim Carter III is an AI strategist to the world’s top creators, helping creators and thought leaders build digital clones…AI versions of themselves trained on their own words, teachings, and philosophies. He’s spent over two years demystifying AI through his weekly newsletter, making complex tech accessible to entrepreneurs who want to work smarter without losing their human touch.In this episode, Jim explains how digital clones actually work, why AI isn’t as scary as we think, and how technology can amplify (not replace) human creativity. From discussing the emotional weight of potentially cloning his late father to breaking down vector databases in plain English, Jim delivers both technical clarity and heartfelt wisdom.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How Creators are using digital clones to scale their impact Setting guardrails so your AI clone represents you authenticallyWhy choosing not to clone someone can be just as meaningful as choosing to do itCONNECT WITH JIM CARTER: Join Jim’s AI Newsletter: https://jimcarter.me/newsletter/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/138

If you’re tired of chasing tactics and hacks, and you want to create from a deeper place — this is for you. In this episode, we explore books that don’t just teach you how to grow an audience… but how to stay rooted in your purpose as a creator. Because your work isn’t just content — it’s contribution, stewardship, and devotion to the ideas that choose you.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Books to help you build discipline and stay inspiredWhy creativity isn’t just skill — it’s spiritual partnershipThe reminder every creator needs: your work matters, even without millions watchingBooks Mentioned:The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin: https://amzn.to/3Jz6B4gThe Meaning in the Making by Sean Tucker: https://amzn.to/4qy9gf6Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://amzn.to/47eNo11The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin: https://amzn.to/4huhelqCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/137 

You can be talented… and still be ignored.Mike Roderick helps creators and thought leaders package their ideas so people actually get it. A former Broadway producer turned thought-leadership consultant, Mike knows how to position your work so it truly gets seen.In this conversation, we explore what it really takes to have your work recognized…without shouting, performing, or pretending. You’ll learn how to package your message with integrity, build real relationships that open doors, and share your ideas in ways that genuinely move people.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Why packaging and positioning matters as much as expertise itselfThe difference between the aspirational market and the excellence marketSpeaking softly and carrying a big idea instead of shouting your messageCONNECT WITH MIKE RODERICKSign up for Newsletter Here: https://www.smallpondenterprises.com/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/136

If you’ve been feeling stuck, unclear, or like you’re spinning your wheels — this is for you. What if feeling “stuck” isn’t a sign to push harder, but an invitation to go deeper? In this episode, we talk about why slowing down and sinking beneath the surface might be the most powerful way to move forward. Because truth, clarity, and direction don’t live out there somewhere — they live within you.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Why “stuckness” is actually a call to go deeperThe illusion of speed and the power of slowing downHow to protect the potency of your purpose in a noisy worldCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/135

Steven Puri walked away from blockbuster films and high-level studio roles to follow a deeper calling: helping people make the work they were truly meant to create.After producing effects for Oscar-winners like Braveheart and running projects at Fox and DreamWorks, he saw how distraction had become the biggest thing standing between people and their most important work. So he founded The Sukha…a company built to help people reclaim their focus and actually finish what matters.In this episode, Steven unpacks the science behind flow states—those stretches of time where distractions fall away and your best work just flows. He shares the practical techniques that help you drop into flow more consistently, turning creativity from something you “wait for” into something you can access on purpose.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How chronotype awareness transforms your productivityTraining your brain through physical spacesBreaking the dopamine cycle that sabotages deep workCONNECT WITH STEVEN PURI: Email: [email protected] Try 7 days of Sukha for free: https://www.thesukha.co/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/134

If you’ve been wrestling with something that feels like a disadvantage — the thing that makes you feel behind, limited, or not enough — this is for you. What if the very thing you’ve been trying to hide or overcome is actually your greatest creative gift? What if your so-called “limitations” are divine boundaries designed to help you create something no one else can?TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How to reframe your disadvantage as creative fuelWhy limits can actually expand what’s possibleTurning what holds you back into the reason you move forwardCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/133

Meg Hood creates content that feels like a warm cup of tea in a chaotic digital world. As the voice behind Meg's Tea Room, she's built a community around slow storytelling, tenderness, and the courage to question everything she was taught. Her approach to content creation isn't about catching attention, it's about genuine connection.In this conversation, Meg reveals how slowing down became her strategy, why she strips away unnecessary intros to get straight to the heart, and how she creates space for real connection in a world obsessed with speed.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Why slowing down your content creates deeper connection than chasing attentionHow to strip away unnecessary storytelling elements and get straight to impactBuilding community through vulnerability instead of performing perfectionWATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady CONNECT WITH MEG HOOD:Cozy Membership: https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megs.tea.room/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/132

If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind, or that everyone’s zooming past you while you’re just trying to keep it together — this one’s for you.This is what happened in my very first half marathon… I went in super competitive, ready to crush it, and ended up getting schooled by a random girl in a black tank top. What started as a petty little race between us turned into one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about consistency and pacing myself — not just in running, but in life.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Consistency isn’t about speed — it’s about staying in it.Rest is part of the rhythm, not a setback.Keep showing up, no matter the pace.

When Jaxon Phoenix lost his best friend and uncovered a shattering family secret, he found himself on the edge wondering if life was worth staying for. But what came after wasn’t just survival…it was rebirth.An author, handpan musician, and Christian humanist, Jaxon shows how the dark night of the soul can transform. In this conversation, Jaxon shares the panic attack that nearly ended everything, the small voice that kept him here, and how wrestling with God led to something more real than the faith he inherited. This isn’t a story about escaping the dark…it’s about what blooms because of it.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Death and resurrection: how hitting bottom opened the door to rebirthA handpan discovered by chance, with melodies he can’t explainThe gift of wrestling with God and questioning everythingCONNECT WITH JAXON PHOENIX: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxonphoenix88/Buy Only Us here: https://amzn.to/4gQsKqUYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/AwakeningtoLifesMirageCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/130

I know how discouraging it feels when you pour yourself into something, share it with your people, and then… nothing. No clicks, no support, no love. I’ve been there too. And honestly? It’s not always about the thing you made—it’s often about how you’re sharing it. In this episode, I talk about small shifts you can make (like showing up in the post yourself or reframing your ask) that can completely change the way people respond.But beyond the tactics, I want to talk about the heart work. Rejection and silence don’t mean you should quit—they mean it’s time to adjust. Creating is about more than just putting stuff out; it’s about connecting and learning how to bridge the gap between your vision and your audience. My hope is that after listening, you’ll feel less alone, more grounded, and ready to keep showing up—even when it feels tough.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How to reframe rejection and silence as data, not failureSimple tweaks that make your posts more human and engagingWhy inner healing and resilience are just as important as tacticsCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/129

When Soo Ra first stepped on stage in college, she wasn't trying to become a comedian…she was just the girl who loved to make people laugh. But twelve years later, she's built a comedy career that spans from basement bars to touring with Nate Jackson on his Big Dog Tour and creating viral content that gets millions of views.Soo Ra has learned that success in comedy isn't just about getting laughs…it's about building your own audience and staying authentic. From her adoption story to her OCD, she's discovered that the things that make you feel different are the very things that connect with others.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How to use your story to connect with your audienceApproaching strangers for content: reading energyHow to optimize short-form content for maximum impact CONNECT WITH SOO RA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoora4soora/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/128

Imposter syndrome. I’ve had it. I still get it. And honestly? At the end of the day, it’s kind of selfish. This isn’t one of those “you’re amazing, you’re good enough” pep talks. Let’s just be real with each other.The truth is, imposter syndrome often keeps us stuck. We see all the imperfections in our work and convince ourselves it isn’t good enough to share. But here’s the shift: what if people don’t need you to be perfect—they just need you to show up and give what you do have? Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s incomplete.Because holding back your gifts doesn’t serve anyone. There are people out there who are literally starving for the thing you’re carrying. Waiting for you to care more about serving than about looking flawless.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Why imposter syndrome is really a selfish actHow urgency helps us push past perfectionismGiving what you have, even when it feels imperfectCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/127

I had a gut-punch moment a few weeks ago when everything went sideways and suddenly my podcast felt… pointless. I remember thinking, who needs content about creativity when the world feels like it’s falling apart? That kind of paralysis is real—we’ve all felt it. Whether you’re running a cupcake shop or putting out comedy sketches, it’s easy to wonder if people even need what you’re creating. But here’s what I realized: maybe they need it more than ever. Your mission isn’t something you abandon when things get dark—it’s the anchor that keeps you, and the people you serve, steady in the storm.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Why returning to your mission removes emotion from decision-makingHow to take action when you feel paralyzed by world eventsSeeing your creative work as essential because of what's happening, not despite itThe power of storytelling to shape how we see the world during uncertain timesCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/126

This episode shares Steven Pressfield’s powerful lesson on storytelling: the moment you decide to step into your calling—even with fear—you begin to transform. True change starts inside, not when everything outside feels ready.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Breakthroughs come from an inner decision, not from waiting for the “right time.”Real transformation happens when you commit with conviction—the choice itself shapes you into who you need to be.CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/125

When Learnmore Jonasi used to travel by bus for hours just to get five minutes on stage, he had huge dreams of becoming a global comedian…and he was willing to put in the work to make it happen. After earning the golden buzzer on America's Got Talent, everything changed…He is now headlining comedy clubs across America, and mastering the technical side of building a comedy career that most people never see. But his success wasn't just about getting on TV…it was about turning a big break into more opportunities, building a strong community, and understanding that modern comedy requires way more than just being funny.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Leveraging big breaksTreating yourself like a media companyBuilding a cult-like fan baseEPISODES MENTIONED:First Interview with Learnmore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJYPP9kvZDYThe Storytelling Blueprint for Viral Videos | Jenny Hoyos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkLL7xDjLF0&t=34sGaining TRACTION as an Artist and Building Your Music Career | Chad Lawson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg_0Oroj2b4&t=524sCONNECT WITH LEARNMORE: Website: https://www.learnmorejonasi.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learnmore_jonasi/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/124

If you struggle with promoting yourself or your work, listen to this.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherpar ady.com/blog/123

Noro Kocharyan spent a decade building brands for Red Bull, Jameson, and Absolut Vodka, learning how global companies create consistency, culture, and authentic connection at scale. But when he launched his own creative studio, Moons, he discovered that most creators and small businesses struggle with the fundamentals that big brands master: how to package their vision, build real identity (not just image), and translate authentic energy into digital spaces.His approach comes to life in Early Birdz Coffee Rave, a morning dance party he co-created that went from zero audience to 250 people at their first event, eventually landing a Red Bull partnership. In this conversation, Noro breaks down his framework for building culture from scratch, the difference between taking your work seriously versus taking yourself seriously, and why finding the intersection of your expertise and passion makes you irreplaceable in today's crowded market.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How to cultivate culture in your brand (when there isn't one yet)The vlogging strategy that brought 250 people to their first eventWhy brands that "feel real" win (and how to translate energy into digital content)Building brand consistency without losing raw authenticityWATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady CONNECT WITH NORO KOCHARYAN:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnoro/Early Birdz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earlybirdz.clubCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/122

If you feel like you're in a season where it's time to evolve and change, but you feel massive resistance, this is for you.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherp arady.com/blog/121

Jenny Hoyos built 10 million YouTube subscribers by age 20, not through luck, but by mastering storytelling craft. She's a content strategist who studies story structure and viral mechanics to create videos that consistently engage millions of viewers.In this episode, Jenny reveals her storytelling secrets: the B-storyline technique for short-form content, how to create memorable characters for your brand, and why conflict drives engagement.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:The B-storyline technique for short-form contentCreating memorable characters for your personal brandFinding conflict and themes in everyday storiesCONNECT WITH JENNY HOYOS: Website: https://jennyhoyos.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyhoyoslol/ Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmNpeXTj2c4EPISODES MENTIONED:How to Tell Better Stories | Pixar’s Matthew Luhn | Episode 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-65jOrpPlA&t=834sCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/120

At 13, Zach W. Lambert was kicked out of youth group for asking too many questions. Years later, the church he leads was removed from its denomination for fully embracing LGBTQ+ inclusion.Instead of walking away, Zach doubled down. He continues to pastor Restore Austin Church and co-founded the Post-Evangelical Collective …a growing movement reimagining what faith can look like when empathy, equity, and honesty lead the way.In this conversation, Zach opens up about leading in a skeptical world, finding your way back to Scripture when it’s been weaponized, and the vision behind his new book Better Ways to Read the Bible. It’s a guide for anyone who wants to move beyond fear and reclaim the Bible as a tool for healing and hope.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How to protect your heart from bitterness when facing backlashWrestling with the Bible on big topics (like LGBTQ+ inclusion) Engaging with “sin” in a healthy, relational wayFour fresh lenses for reading the Bible that heal instead of harmCONNECT WITH ZACH W. LAMBERT:Website: https://www.zachwlambert.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachwlambert/ Order ‘A Better Way to Read the Bible’ here: https://a.co/d/dLQRPDB Watch ‘All-Inclusive - Homophobia and Transphobia’:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3d_mhbTwL4 EPISODES MENTIONED:Reconstructing Faith (Christians Who Don't Suck) | Jeremy Alder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPgMBbp7TU8&t=15sIs Hell Even Biblical? Brian Recker on Queer-Affirming, Fear-Free Faith | Brian Recker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7mT5k137t0&t=5sCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Ask Heather a Question: https://www.heatherparady.com/ask Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/119

Today’s guest is Alex Portillo, a pastor and content creator who is on a mission to help folks read the Bible with new eyes. Instead of clinging to black-and-white answers, Alex invites us to explore nuance, contradiction, and the uncomfortable beauty of not knowing.We talk about why doubt isn’t the opposite of faith, how “bad religion” doesn’t have to drive you away from “good religion,” and what it looks like to communicate what you’re learning in a way that opens doors instead of closing them.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Why nuance and contradiction deepen faithHow to move past harmful religion without abandoning GodShifting from certainty to curiosity in your spiritual journeySharing your faith journey without oversimplifying itCONNECT WITH ALEX PORTILLO: Website: https://www.sanberto.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-portillo-88557537/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmJIn-KGDWeI_TM-MVeDcLg CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/118