Creativity, Entrepreneurship, & Living an Aligned Life (Season 5)

Episode 137: Creativity, Entrepreneurship, & Living an Aligned Life (Season 5)

Welcome to Season 5!

I’m so excited to kick off this season of The Innovative Therapist Podcast with a fresh approach: a seasonal model. In Episode 137, I share why I made this shift and how this season’s theme, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, & Living an Aligned Life, will guide us through meaningful and inspiring conversations.

Taking extended breaks between seasons has been an intentional choice to allow time for rest, creativity, and alignment with what feels most life-giving—and I’m thrilled to bring this energy into Season 5.

To start off this episode and season, I’ll share about a song I’ve been obsessed with every since I heard it. Actually, a YouTube video. I’ve probably listened and/or watched this video 200x, maybe more. I just watched it before I recorded this episode.

I didn’t really know why I liked it, but over time I think I’m understanding.

I’ll share this story as an example of how we can get curious about why we love what we love, even if on the surface it doesn’t “make sense” right away…

What to Expect This Season

This season, we’ll dive deep into the stories of therapists and professionals who have carved out lives and careers they truly love. Through honest conversations, we’ll explore the messy, beautiful process of paving a path that aligns with our values, embracing creativity and play along the way. My hope is that these stories inspire you to reflect on your own path and find ways to live more fully in alignment.

You’re also going to see my true Zone of Genius in action, which is essentially, having deep honest talks with super cool people.

We’ll explore questions like:

• How do we bring more creativity and play into our work and personal lives?
• What does it really mean to live in alignment with our values and strengths?
• How can we reimagine traditional models of therapy and leadership?

Each episode is designed to highlight different facets of creativity, play, and alignment through storytelling and practical strategies.

Episodes 138 & 139: The Foundation for This Season

• Episode 138: Pack Leadership: The Most Life-Changing Concept I’ve Learned Since Intuitive Eating
  In this conversation with Randi Rubenstein, we explore the transformative concept of Pack Leadership and its parallels to intuitive eating. It’s all about creating safety, connection, and belonging within our “pack,” whether that’s our family, team, or community. Randi shares practical strategies to embody calm, confident leadership in all areas of life.
• Episode 139: Creativity, Play, and Getting More of What You Want
  Randi returns to talk about how creativity and play have transformed both my parenting and professional life. We discuss how working in your Zone of Genius is not only fulfilling but also deeply generous to those around you—even though it’s a countercultural idea. We also explore practical strategies for fostering creativity and play with our kids, at work, and in our daily lives.

Additional Guest Lineup for This Season

I’m beyond excited to share the lineup of incredible guests joining us this season. Each brings a unique perspective on creativity, play, and living an aligned life:

• Melvin Varghese, PhD — Creator of Selling the Couch podcast with 1.8+ million downloads, Melvin has so much insight into doing work as a therapist beyond 1 on 1 work. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of doing work outside of one-on-one therapy and what it means to follow your creative instincts in new directions.
• Elisa Pérez-Arellano, LMSW — Elisa shares her journey of blending creativity and connection into her work and how it’s shaped her aligned life.
• Adeshola Nnamdi, LMFT — Adeshola explores the intersection of cultural identity, creativity, and mental health, offering insights on how to honor your roots while forging your unique path.
• Rachel Bentley, LPC — Rachel’s story is a testament to the power of play and how reconnecting with her Parts via the Internal Family Systems model transformed her personal and professional life.
• Laura Corbiani, CFP – Financial advisor, feminist, and founder of Astrea Wealth Management, Laura and I have an honest conversation about money, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and mindset related blocks many of us face when it comes to all of the above.

Each of these conversations is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical takeaways to help you integrate creativity and play into your own aligned life.

Why This Season Matters

This season isn’t just about learning from others—it’s about creating space to reflect on what alignment looks like for you. Living an aligned life is deeply personal and dynamic. It requires us to pause, reassess, and embrace the things that bring us joy and meaning.

By taking extended breaks between seasons, I’ve had time to recharge and connect with what’s truly important. I hope this season inspires you to do the same: to embrace rest, lean into creativity, and find playfulness in your work and relationships.

Let’s Get Started!

I’m so glad you’re here to join me on this journey. Tune in to Episode 137 to hear more about the shift to a seasonal model, why I chose this theme, and what’s ahead. Then get excited to dive into Episodes 138 and 139 for the foundational conversations that set the tone for the season.

Thank you for being part of this community. Let’s explore creativity, play, and alignment together—one inspiring story at a time.

Want More?

If you’re inspired by this episode and want to dive deeper into creativity, play, and meaningful connection, here are some ways to connect:

• Therapy Clients: If you live in one of these 42 states in the US, I’m currently accepting new clients. My rate is $225 for an intake session and $200 for follow-ups. Contact me at info@drshawnhondorp.com or call 616-227-0001 for more information.
• Therapists & Helping Professionals: Join my email list here or email me at info@drshawnhondorp.com to introduce yourself. Let’s explore creative methods for healing and leadership together.
• Podcast Inspiration: Explore podcasts about becoming a more playful parent like this one.

Together, we can create more aligned, vibrant lives filled with joy, connection, and creativity.

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Disclaimer

This blog and podcast are for informational and educational purposes only. They are not a substitute for professional advice or treatment, including medical or mental health advice, and do not constitute a provider-patient relationship.