The UnBound Creative
A podcast for creatives who refuse to be boxed in.
Hosted by husband-and-wife duo Mak and Valerie McKeehan, The UnBound Creative is where creativity meets rebellion. This isn't just another "how-to" podcast—it's a rallying cry for artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who are tired of playing by the rules.
Through candid conversations, personal stories, and deep dives into the mindset and mechanics of creative living, Mak and Valerie challenge the narratives that keep creatives stuck. Whether you're an artist, writer, musician, business owner, or just someone who knows there’s more inside you waiting to break free, this podcast will give you the tools, inspiration, and courage to step into your fullest creative potential.
No more waiting for permission. No more playing small. It’s time to unleash your creativity—boldly, unapologetically, and unbound.
Follow now and join the movement.
@valeriemckeehan & @thatmakguy on instagram
Episodes
49 episodes
Sell Your Artwork, Without the Stress | Part 5: The Secret Ingredient to Success
What truly sets successful creative entrepreneurs apart? It's not just about mastering pricing or nailing your branding—it's about how you show up every day. It comes down to having courage. This is the number one thing that sets apart someone ...
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Episode 48
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26:52
Sell Your Artwork, Without the Stress | Part 4: Building Your Personal Brand
Ever wondered how to craft a brand that truly embodies your authentic self? Valerie and Mak explore this vital question by examining the unique vibes of artists' personal brands, both online and offline. They provide insights on how...
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Episode 47
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39:46
Sell Your Artwork without the Stress | Part 3: Selling without an audience
“I’d love to sell my artwork, but I just don’t have a big audience or following.” This is one of the first things a lot of artists interested in selling their artwork say. But having a big audience isn’t the answer. You can begin selling your a...
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Episode 46
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46:31
Sell Your Artwork without the Stress | Part 2: How to Price Your Art
One of the most daunting aspects of being an Artpreneur is figuring out how to price your work. In this next episode of “Sell Your Work, Without the Stress” Series, long-time entrepreneurs Valerie and Mak McKeehan share their secrets and philos...
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Episode 45
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51:51
Sell Your Artwork without the Stress | Part 1: Where to Begin
Imagine viewing your art not just as a creative endeavor, but as a powerful way to enrich lives and engage in a meaningful exchange of value. In this episode, Valerie and Mak McKeehan explore the often daunting intersection of busi...
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Episode 44
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48:48
Saying No to Toxic Culture for Artists
What if the key to unlocking your creative potential lies not in the typical advice given to artists but in embracing the natural rhythms of rest and reflection?Join me as we challenge the toxic myth that artists must suffer to c...
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Episode 43
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23:53
The Worst Advice Given to Artists
Why do we still cling to the myth of the "struggling artist" when creativity can be a joyful and healing process? Join me as we challenge this outdated narrative, advocating for a new approach that prizes personal fulfillment and well-being ove...
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Episode 42
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20:43
Saying Yes to Fear
In this episode Valerie explores two different types of fear. One type tells you you’re going in the wrong direction, but another type is actually a good sign. It’s a sign of expansion and growth. Your brain is trying to protect you simply beca...
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Episode 41
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27:21
Welcome to The Peaceful Creative!
The Dear Creative Soul Podcast is now The Peaceful Creative! In this episode, Valerie talks about the reason behind the name change and what it means to be The Peaceful Creative. She shares her vision for a group of artists ...
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Episode 40
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19:23
Being An Artist in a Heavy Dark World
What is an artist to do when the world feels heavy and dark? We are often sensitive creatures and it's easy to crumble and succumb to the darkness. But, sensitivity is also the artist's superpower. In this episode, Val...
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Episode 39
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14:11
What Are You Waiting For?
There’s nothing wrong with setting goals, but what happens when you’re holding off on feeling good until you reach those goals? This leads to a creative life of emptiness and in constant search of the next “hit.”There’s a b...
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Episode 38
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17:15
3 Tips for Accessing Flow State
Flow state - that out-of-body experience where the work seems to just appear and you are the vessel. Time stands still in those moments and it feels incredible! How do we get more of this? The good news is we can consc...
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Episode 37
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12:51
How to Have a Mindfulness Practice Through Creativity
Are you the type of person who hears "enjoy the process" and it seems like a cliche? You are not alone! We hear these things and know it's what we are "supposed to do," but doing is another story. How do we break the barriers to en...
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Episode 36
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32:48
We Want Your Humanity and Imperfection
Often as creatives and artists, we think we need to put out the polished, perfect version of ourselves. If it's not perfect then we hold back and think we're not ready or we're not good enough. But the truth is, it's the humanity and the imperf...
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Episode 35
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21:04
How to Separate Your Worth from Your Art
The life of a creative is full of juxtapositions! One of the biggest juxtapositions is the idea of creating from a place of who you are, yet not getting your identity so wrapped up in it that it debilitates you. When you can release the pressur...
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Episode 34
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32:09
What to do When You are Procrastinating
Does this sound familiar? You feel inspired and have all intentions of making art. Then suddenly, you remember you have “so much to do.” You block creating and chalk it up to not having enough time. I don’t believe that’s the real reaso...
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Episode 33
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24:33
Art is Energy
In today's episode I'm taking you inside our exclusive Facebook group in the Magic Makers Membership! We've been working through the book, The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. Every Friday, I've been going live to discuss portions of the bo...
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Episode 32
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1:05:07
Talking Perfectionism and Jealousy
We've been going through The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron in my membership, The Magic Makers. I've been going live on our Facebook community each week to discuss each chapter of the 12-week journey. It has been incredible! This episod...
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Episode 31
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59:08
For The Stressed-Out Creative
Many people talk about creativity or having a creative outlet as a stress-reliever. This can certainly be true, however, what happens when your creativity does just the opposite? When you're stressed out about creating art and...
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Episode 30
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30:27
Turn the Lights Back On
For the first time in decades, Billy Joel released new music. After listening to the single, I had so many thoughts. Thoughts about creativity, courage, pressure, and succumbing to the praise of others. I asked Mak to join me again on the podca...
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Episode 29
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56:12
What Do You Really Want?
Happy New Year!With a new year comes all the talk about setting goals and resolutions. There's a better way of tapping into what you desire and making it happen. It all boils down to the question: how do you want to FEEL?In this...
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Episode 28
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25:48
When You Don't Have Time For Your Art
When life gets busy, art is often the first thing to go. I wish this wasn't the case, but what I do know is that heaping on guilt is not the answer! In this episode, I'm sharing a pep talk I recorded for those in my membership community. You'll...
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Episode 27
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16:06
Chloe Minyon on Finding Creative Authenticity
I am thrilled to be joined on the podcast today by my friend, artist, creative entrepreneur, and coach, Chloe Minyon. This candid and vulnerable conversation was part of a live virtual retreat held for members of my Magic Makers Mem...
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Episode 26
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1:09:53
That Time I Triggered People on Tik Tok
Here is the TikTok video! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT85hemvM/We all want to be liked and validated. That is part of being human! Especially when it comes to something vulnerable like our ...
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Episode 25
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32:45
Change the story, change your life
Have you ever heard the story about fleas in a jar? If you place fleas in a jar, they will jump out. If you add a lid to the jar, the fleas will try to escape at first, but eventually, they will stop trying. Even when the lid is removed, the fl...
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Episode 24
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20:15
