Welcome to Kim’z Corner: Humanizing the Creative Experience!  In this episode, I (Kimasia Ayers) share my personal journey navigating the complexities of creativity, mental health, and self-expression. We dive into creative dysmorphia, pseudoassimilation, meta-assimilation, and the axis of assimilation—all intertwined with the Spiderweb Theory, which explores how our identities, experiences, and environments shape our lives.   Through real-life stories and reflections, we explore how these concepts shape our lives as creatives and individuals.

🎙️ Topics Covered:
* 		Who Am I?: Let's discuss my personal relationship with creativity, how I navigate the intersections of my identity, and why creative safety and wellness are crucial to the human experience.
* 		Creative Dysmorphia: I’ll dive into the mental struggles that many creatives face, from self-doubt and perfectionism procrastination to imposter syndrome and poor community support. Let's talk about the raw creative experience, and how to overcome these creative barriers.
* 		Pseudoassimilation, Meta-Assimilation, & The Axis of Assimilation: Together, we'll uncover how we shapeshift between identities in response to societal pressures and how embracing those identities can be liberating, even if it doesn't always feel empowering.
* 		Spiderweb Theory: We'll discuss how our identities, experiences, and decisions are connected and how everything we encounter leaves subtle vibrations on our creative and personal journeys.
* 		Personal Experiences: Hear about my own struggles and breakthroughs as a creative who has faced systemic barriers, and how I navigate the complex balance of being true to myself while responding to environmental obstacles.

💡 Book Recommendation: This episode highlights DEI C.R.E.D.I.T.E.N.T.I.A.L.S by Jarvis Sam III, (@officialjarvissam on Instagram) a transformative guide on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that pushes boundaries and offers strategies for authentic change.

💬 Community Q&A: We dive into our community Q&A, offering advice on creativity, identity, and navigating the tension between self-expression and societal limitations. I’ll share tips on how to stay grounded in your creative journey despite the noise.

🌍 Support Us: Visit our website for free downloadable, free resources, participate in our community forum, and get some free goodies! 

Join Our Community: Get connected by signing up for our newsletter for exclusive access to new resources, updates on upcoming workshops, future courses, and any other goodies we offer. You’ll also gain access to our online community forum, where we engage, share, and grow together.

🖤 Support & Donations: If you believe in what we’re doing, consider donating to support our mission to keep resources free for creatives everywhere. 
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💌 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us expand our reach and continue to support creatives like you. Thank you for being part of the experience. 

Ep. 1 Navigating Creativity & Identity: Creative Dysmorphia, Assimilation, & Spiderweb Theory

What if the very things we’ve been praised for, working nonstop, shrinking to fit in, and always showing up strong, are actually costing us our mental health? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Dr. Kristen Guillory on The Power of Pause. 

Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate!  

Dr. Kristen Guillory is an acclaimed international speaker, author, coach, and mental health professional known for her transformative, heart-centered approach. Earning her Ph.D. by age 27, and has since delivered over 1,500 talks to audiences totaling more than 500,000 people. Blending humor, storytelling, and deep insight, Dr. Guillory empowers individuals to break free from emotional barriers and live with clarity, purpose, and ease. Her expertise has been featured on NBC, FOX, CBS affiliates, and Forbes. She is the author of Walking Through the Fog and Look, Stop Hiding, and the founder of Candid Conversations for Men — a powerful space for truth-telling and healing. Based in South Florida, she continues to inspire global audiences to live more authentically and joyfully. https://www.kristenguillory.com

For more show information visit:
www.MariannePestana.com

The Power of Pause with Dr. Kristen Guillory

In this episode, we welcome, Elysa Fenenbock! She is one of the world’s leaders in organizational transformation, education, and design strategy having sparked creative problem solving at global institutions including IDEO, Google, and The Greater Good Science Center. Recognized with the esteemed Edmund Hillary Global Impact Fellowship, Elysa's life work is dedicated to helping businesses and purpose-driven leaders learn to find innovative solutions to their most pressing problems. She envisions a future where creativity, consciousness and life-centered design intersect for global wellbeing. Recent accomplishments include teaching Stanford University d.school's first ever class on Psychedelic Medicine and Design. She’s had her life changed ー even saved ー by psychedelic medicine.

Elysa is a frequent speaker, conference panelist, and workshop facilitator. Recent appearances include South by Southwest 2024, Women’s Visionary Congress 2023,and Finding Purpose Across the Lifespan Greater Good Science Center 2023.

Links:
https://www.psychedelicdesign.school/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysafenenbock/
https://www.instagram.com/theschoolofpsychedelicdesign/
https://www.instagram.com/elysawf

https://www.psychedelicdesign.school/experience-design-for-practitioners
Code: TRUSTTHEJOURNEY for 15% off

Ancestral Heart: https://www.ancestralheart.com/ 

I Feel Love book: https://a.co/d/91IJAOY 

EPISODE SPONSOR: 

TTJ.Ayadose.com from Great Spirit Farm, their Ayahuasca microdose tincture

Website: TTJ.Ayadose.com

Coupon Code: TTJ10

====================================

:::

THANK YOU for listening! If you feel you received value from this or any episode, please consider supporting the show in any way you’re inspired. You can make a one-time donation or join the Trust the Journey family on Patreon. 

When you become a Patreon supporter, you will be added to our private Facebook group, which is our safe community space for those looking to connect, get support, heal, and grow. Our monthly private, virtual integration calls facilitated by Mel and Jay personally are included with your Patreon membership. 

Patreon Link – www.patreon.com/user?u=6057426

One-time donation: https://trustthejourney.today/donation/ 

You can also join our integration coaching circles one time through this link:

Integration circle: https://trustthejourney.today/integration/ 

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We are also looking for values-aligned sponsors to support Trust the Journey. Today! If you are inspired to become an advertising partner, please drop us a direct email at trustthejourney.today@gmail.com or a DM on Instagram, www.instagram.com/trustthejourney.today

Our mission is Living, Laughing, Loving, and Learning Together, Creating and Cultivating Conscious Connections Through the Practice of Openness, Honesty, Vulnerability, Humility, and Trust. 

If you have a guest you’d like to recommend or think you’d be a values-aligned guest, we’d love to hear from you, too! Please drop us a direct email at trustthejourney.today@gmail.com or a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustthejourney.today/ 

Connect with Mel directly here: MelanieCurtis.com @melaniecurtis11 

Connect with Jay directly here: JasonMoledzki.com 

We love you! 

Mel and Jay ❤️🌈💫


175: Elysa Fenenbock - Psychedelic Design

Have you ever felt like a part of you wants to change, but something keeps holding you back? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Britt Frank on her new book Align Your Mind: Tame Your Inner Critic and Make Peace with Your Shadow Using the Power of Parts Work.

Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! 

Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP, is a licensed neuropsychotherapist, keynote speaker, and author. She received her B.A. from Duke University and her MSW from the University of Kansas, where she later became an award-winning adjunct professor. Frank speaks and writes widely about the brain and how to get unstuck from even the most long-standing habits and patterns. Her work has been featured by New York Magazine, The New York Times, Forbes, NPR, The Society for Human Resources Management, Psychology Today, and Esquire. https://www.brittfrank.com 

For more show information visit:
www.MariannePestana.com

Align Your Mind with Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW

What does it mean to celebrate life in the face of profound loss, and how can that act transform not only grief, but those who witness it? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Myra Sack on her new book Fifty-Seven Fridays: Losing Our Daughter, Finding Our Way.

Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.com

Myra Sack is the author of Nautilus award-winning memoir, "Fifty-Seven Fridays: Losing Our Daughter Finding Our Way," and founder of E-Motion, Inc., a nonprofit organization created to support community, movement and ritual to enhance coping and resilience. Myra's life changed when her older daughter, Havi, died on January 20, 2021 of Tay-Sachs disease. Myra is a certified Compassionate Bereavement Care provider, holds an MBA in Social Impact from Boston University, and graduated with a B.A. cum laude from Dartmouth College. Myra's writing has been featured in the Boston Globe, Kveller, People, Hadassah Magazine, Today and Upworthy. Myra serves on the Board of the Courageous Parents Network and  lives in Boston, MA with her family. https://www.myrasack.com https://www.emotion-mc.org

For more show information visit:
www.MariannePestana.com

Fifty-seven Fridays with Myra Sack

Did you know that according to research provided by the American Cancer Society, more than 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Mohit Manrao, Senior Vice President of US Oncology at AstraZeneca, on the rising caner rates among younger adults. 
 
Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET 1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.com

Mohit Manrao, Senior Vice President and Head of the US Oncology Business Unit at AstraZeneca, is responsible for leading commercial strategy and maximizing performance of their expansive oncology portfolio. Prior to assuming his current role in 2022, Mohit served as Vice President, Global Franchise Head Lung Cancer since 2020. Mohit joined AstraZeneca in 2012, holding various roles at the market, regional, and global-level across geographies, including Head of UK Oncology and Head of Daiichi Sankyo Alliance Europe. Mohit’s education includes Bachelor of Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Punjab Technical University and Masters of Business Administration, Indian School of Business. https://www.astrazeneca.com

For more show information visit:
www.MariannePestana.com

Rising Cancer Rates in Younger Adults with Mohit Manrao from AstraZeneca

Lyrics:


I packed my bag before the sunrise  
Left a note and nothing more  
Something in me wouldn't quiet  
So I walked out through the door

They said I’d lose what I was chasing  
That I’d come back all the same  
But I’ve been stuck and staring downward  
And I’m done with taking blame
 
So don’t ask me where I’m going  
I just knew I had to leave  
Been chasing down that feeling  
Somewhere past what I believe  

I don’t need to have the answers  
I just want to feel it real  
All I know is I was empty  
And I’m learning how to heal

(Yodel dodel doo)
 
I’ve slept in towns where no one knew me  
Watched the night slide down the wall  
I went back to something faded  
Didn’t feel like mine at all

They keep asking what I’m after
Like I owe the world a plan
But I’m not the kind for staying
I find peace where no one can

So don’t ask me where I’m going  
I just knew I had to leave  
Been chasing down that feeling  
Somewhere past what I believe  

I don’t need to have the answers  
I just want to feel it real  
All I know is I was empty  
And I’m learning how to heal

(Yodel-Adle-Eedle-Idle-Oo)  
(Ohhh-oooh)  
(Yodel dodel doo)
(Ohhh-oooh)  

Some days I still feel hollow  
Like I left something behind  
But I’m further than I’ve ever been  
And I do not miss that life

So don’t ask me where I’m going  
I just knew I had to leave  
Been chasing down that feeling  
Somewhere past what I believe  

I don’t need to have the answers  
I just want to feel it real  
All I know is I was empty  
And I’m learning how to heal

(Yodel-Adle-Eedle-Idle-Oey...) 
Just knew I had to leave  

Open Land

Met him on a weekend, said he’s “just chill”
Camo cap and a “masc” profile still
Talks camouflage and bait and lures
But he’s fishing for something else for sure

Said, “I’m not interested, I just like the thrill”
Then asked if I could Netflix and chill
Claims he’s married, “but we’re not close”
Then sends a pic and says, “don’t post”

**Chorus**
Hook, line, and sink him—pride aside
Livin’ that lie with his truck outside
No fish, no hunt, just gaslight games
Swears he’s real, but forgets my name
Hook, line, and sink him—caught in the spin
He reels you in, then ghosts again
Just say the word, admit the truth
Secrets ain’t a substitute for youth

He’s got three kids, a wedding band tan
Still textin’ “yo,” like he’s not a man
Wants no labels, “just bro things”
But his weekends buzz with secret flings

Says, “Keep it quiet, I’ve got a life”
While scrolling pics at 2 a.m. on his wife
He don’t hike, he don’t shoot
But he sure knows how to mute

**Chorus**
Hook, line, and sink him—coward’s creed
Says “this ain’t nothin’,” but plants the seed
Wants the thrill without the light
But truth don’t sleep through the night
Hook, line, and sink him—two-faced tales
Waders on but truth derails
Masquerade in a hunting vest
Closet case at best

**Bridge**
He’s not lookin’ for love, just alibi
One hand on the Bible, the other in a lie
Calls it nothin’, says “no big deal”
But how you hide what you don’t feel?

**Final Chorus**
Hook, line, and sink him—let it drop
This ain’t a phase, and it won’t just stop
Closet’s tight, but truth leaks through
You can’t fake pride and call it you
Hook, line, and sink him—end of the game
Runnin’ from yourself won’t end the same
He’ll stay a ghost, or face the flame—
But either way, I’m done with the game.


Hook, Line and Sink Him

Gaslight Me, Baby

She Strikes Back

Midlife Madness is a late-blooming indie songwriter channeling rage, wit, and healing into smoky vocals and punchy lyrics. Her songs simmer with grown-woman knowing and the sharp edge of lived experience—feminist anthems, revenge lullabies, and poetic clapbacks wrapped in indie acoustic vibes. Blending sarcasm, sensuality, and sorrow, her work speaks to those who’ve been silenced, gaslit, or told to stay small. Midlife Madness isn’t here to be nice—she’s here to sing what couldn’t be said.

You. Yeah, YOU! 🫵 You with those goofy glasses.
I see you liking, reposting, commenting, subscribing—and I love you for it.
Nah, for real—ALL of you showing love are the real MVPs. GOATs, even. 💙👏

I’m a producer, guitarist, and singer making music that rides the line between feeling and fire.
Every track’s a new angle, a new sound—just trying to say what words alone can’t.

Much, MUCH more on the way.
Stick around. It’s just getting good.

In a single moment your life can change!  “Moments with Marianne” is a transformative hour that covers an endless array of topics with the ‘best of the best.’ Her guest are leaders in their fields, ranging from inspirational authors, top industry leaders, business and spiritual entrepreneurs.  Each guest is gifted, and a true visionary!  A recognized leader in her own work, and while teaching others to develop, refocus, and grow; Marianne will bring the best guest, and sometimes a special surprise.  Don’t miss this – you never know just which ‘moment’ will change your life forever.

Living, Laughing, Loving and Learning Together
Creating and Cultivating Conscious Connections 
Thru the Practice of Openness, Honesty, Vulnerability, Humility and Trust
With Melanie Curtis and Jason Moledzki

New tracks tagged #healing journey