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
62 episodes
What It Really Means to Be Free in Your Art
What does it really mean to be free as an artist?In this conversation, Mak and Valerie explore the tension between mastery and play, the discipline that builds skill, and the surrender that opens the soul. They unpack how both are essent...
Stop Saying This If You Want to Thrive
You’ve probably said this phrase hundreds of times. You’ve definitely heard it. It’s woven into how we talk about work, success, and creativity... but what if it’s been quietly stealing your joy all along?In this episode, Mak and Valerie...
The Lie You Likely Believe… That’s Costing You Everything
You’ve likely believed this lie without even realizing it, and it’s keeping you stuck. In this episode, we’re exposing the narrative that’s been holding creatives back for generations and replacing it with something far more powerful.
Delight Is Not a Luxury - It’s Your Superpower
In Episode 10 of The UnBound Creative, Valerie and Mak celebrate their milestone by diving into a quietly radical idea: delight as a wayfinder.We live in a world that values hustle, productivity, and achievement, and yet, so many of us f...
5 Ways to Beat Overthinking Today
Overthinking kills creativity, and it happens faster than you realize.In this episode, we unpack how fear often disguises itself as "preparation" and why it smothers your best ideas before they have a chance to grow.You will learn...
What Everyone Else Is Doing (And Why You Shouldn’t)
We’re getting honest in this one.So many creatives feel stuck, not because they aren’t talented or motivated, but because they’re silently following the rules everyone else is following. The ones that say: “Be practical. Play it safe. St...
Creative Catastrophe: The Christmas Train That Broke Me
A true story of public failure, creative heartbreak, and the unexpected path to redemption.This is the most vulnerable, raw, and unforgettable story we’ve told on the podcast so far.In this extended episode, Mak shares the ...
Fear of Failure: Why It’s Stopping You (and What to Do Instead)
In this emotionally rich and deeply honest episode of The UnBound Creative, Valerie and Mak explore one of the most universal experiences in creative life: failure. They dive into why fear of failure keeps so many creatives stuc...
How Your Creative Skills Are Your Greatest Business Asset
If you’ve ever said “I’m not a business person” because you’re creative, this episode is your wake-up call. The idea that creatives aren’t cut out for business is a story, and it’s a false one. In this conversation, we challenge the myth that c...
The Most Dangerous Lie Creatives Tell Themselves (and How to Stop)
In this fired-up, heart-on-sleeve episode, Mak and Valerie tackle one of the biggest invisible barriers creative people face: waiting for permission.Whether it's from society, our families, our Instagram followers, or—most sneakily—ourse...
Why Creativity Feels Hard - And How to Make It Easier
If you’ve ever wondered why something you love — creating — can feel like pulling teeth to start, this is your episode. We’re unpacking the real reasons creativity feels so hard (hint: it's not because you're lazy or lack discip...
Why You Feel Stuck — And How to Finally Move Forward (For Real)
What if the key to unleashing your creativity isn't found in hustling harder but in following the whispers of curiosity that most of us have been conditioned to ignore? Valerie and Mak McKeehan dive deep into how our education system and cultur...
Unleashing Your Creative Soul: Breaking Free from Society's Boxes
Valerie and Mak McKeehan launch their new podcast, The Unbound Creative, dedicated to helping creatives break free from societal constraints and self-imposed limitations to discover a more expansive, authentic creative life.• Cre...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...