In this episode, I share what’s currently lighting up and inspiring my creative soul. We dive deep into synchronicities, creative inspiration, and gentle reminders that magic exists in the details of daily life.

We talk about:

• The lessons and magic from my September writing group, Mundane into Magic
• How to build a simple, consistent creative practice
• The power of a 5-minute brain dump and the “10 Things” daily writing ritual
• Reflection from reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir All the Way to the River
• What it really means to let go and let God
• How surrender is shaping my journey as a new mom
• The process of writing and self-publishing my upcoming memoir, I Collect Stories Like Seashells
• The reminder that your creative legacy can begin with your immediate community

Creative Resources Mentioned:

• Mundane into Magic
• Create for Yourself, First on Substack
• All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Emma Watson on On Purpose
• Elizabeth Gilbert on Soul Boom

Connect with Leya @leyavandoren

Pre-Order I Collect Stories like Seashells: https://leyavandoren.com/book

HAPPY 5 YEAR BIRTHDAY TO THE CREATIVE SOUL PODCAST! In this heartfelt solo episode, I reflect on five years of podcasting and what it takes to show up for your art - even amidst transition and change.

We talk about:

• The journey of celebrating the 5-year anniversary of The Creative Soul Podcast and 160+ episodes recorded.
• What it means to treat creative projects like living beings with birthdays, growth, and their own evolution.
• Lessons I've learned about trusting my voice, creating sustainable rhythms, and navigating overwhelm.
• The cosmic synchronicity of the podcast anniversary aligning with my baby’s six-month birthday.
• Why creative structures (like journaling, voice memos, or podcasting) help build trust and confidence in your artistic voice.
• Encouragement to honor your own creative soul projects and start, even if it feels messy, small, or unknown.

Whether you’re in a season of transition, doubting your creative voice, or looking for inspiration to start your own project, this episode is an invitation to trust your soul’s nudges and celebrate the art you’ve already birthed into the world.

Creative Resources Shared:

• Ashley Love Creatives

Connect with Leya: @leyavandoren

I'm so excited to share this conversation I had with my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum doula, Elizabeth Beeker! We talk about the role of a doula in birth and the spiritual aspects and elements of birth.

We also talk about:

• What observing birth work in Kenya taught her about Western birth practices
• Surrender in birth
• The importance of prenatal preparation
• What to do if you're experiencing prodromal labor
• Navigating miscarriage and loss
• Why hiring a doula for birth is key

Creative Resources Mentioned

• Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
• Call the Midwife

Connect with Elizabeth:

Facebook: By Design Birth Services