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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
It's Time to Practice Failing
We all know the phrase "practice makes perfect," but I actually do not believe in this phrase!I think a truer statement is "practice makes familiarity." When you practice something, it becomes familiar. When something becomes familiar, t...
5 Tips for When You're Feeling Discouraged
You set out to try something new, mustering the courage that it takes to try. You silenced your inner critic enough to do it and do it badly! A huge first step!But then, the weeks march on, the progress seems slower than expected. You f...
Why Your Creativity is Vital
I’ve been fired up lately. It’s about this notion that creativity is frivolous or childlike. It is NOT. Your creativity and artistic expression are vital. The world needs who you are when you are your lit-up, authentic self.
How to Make Your Life Instantly Better
Today I’m sharing the one thing I believe is an instant game-changer in your life as well as your creative practice! You’ll learn the simple trick that will make a difference in how you feel and elevate the mundane, day-to-day. Because here's t...
What To Do When Things Don’t Work Out
Do you have those instances in your life where you look back on things you wanted so badly, but they didn’t work out? Maybe you’re breathing a sigh of relief (like me)! There are many times I’m grateful circumstances didn’t go the way I thought...
Work Doesn't Have To Be Hard
I had a realization about burnout and overwhelm. So much of my creative journey has been spent in these states. I would read books about productivity and time hacks. Tell myself I need better routines and to get up earlier in the morning. But t...
Go From Angsty to Peaceful
The angsty artist. It’s such a cliche, but for a good reason. Materializing something from your soul is gut-wrenching and fraught with reasons for angst. But, it doesn’t have to be that way! I want you to be able to create from a higher place o...
You Were Made to Bloom
I used to hear the phrase “don't play small” and think that meant chasing some grandiose dream or version of what society considers successful. But I've come to realize that playing small is actually what happens when you hold yourself back or ...
The Only Social Media Strategy You Need
The topic of authenticity has been chasing me it seems! It's a buzzword, I know, especially when it comes to showing up on social media. People have different versions of authentic, debating Instagram vs. Tiktok, filters vs. not, but au...
Why You Should Make Bad Art
I’ll be honest, there was a point in my career when I would hear about embracing the process, making a mess, loving the journey and I would think, “Yeah right. Who has time for that?” I had deadlines piling up; I was stressed and burnout. <...
