Episodes
This is a simple mindset shift inspired by a joke from one of my favorite comedians. It can be so easy for us to focus on the negative aspects of life. All the things that aren't going right. All the things we can't control. But when we flip the switch and think about what in our life is going well and that we have the power to do something that will positively influence our future, we're taking back control. When we believe that the future is greater than our past, everything changes. Life...
Published 06/20/23
Published 06/20/23
Today's mini-episode was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend of mine about personal growth, learning, books, and the importance of stillness. When was the last time you sat in silence and listened to your inner voice to discover answers to your challenges? Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com. Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
Published 06/13/23
If you're waiting to launch your creative project, this episode is for you. I chatted with writer, story coach, and brand storyteller Victoria Payne about her latest project, The Naked Librarian. With a vision to create a brand, she started this project with a blog and a podcast. The key word is started. We can't get a project up and going until we have the courage to start. I hope this episode inspires you to do just that. Discover more about Victoria here:...
Published 06/06/23
It's been really fun doing the show. I hope some of these lessons inspire you to live your creative life. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com. Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
Published 05/30/23
I love this beautiful letter written by Kurt Vonnegut to a group of high school students. It's an inspiring message we all need to hear. You can find it here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kurt-vonnegut-xavier-letter_n_4964532 Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com. Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
Published 05/16/23
It's way too easy for us to talk ourselves out of creating. This is why it's important for us to have an accountability partner or create a system that sets us up to hold ourselves accountable for doing work that matters to us. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com. Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
Published 05/02/23
Can you write a book in two weeks? My friend Donnie Tuttle set out to do just that with a group of students. In this episode, we talked about the writing process, how to leverage ChatGPT in the book-writing process, and how to continue having creative adventures throughout your career. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com. Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
Published 04/06/23
I was so excited to have Michael Burke back on the show. Michael is a comedian/writer/actor. You can follow him on TikTok or Instagram (@DMichaelBurke) where he makes relatable videos about work/life boundaries. He also does a weekly improv series on Instagram stories where he brings to life anything from “a fly who can’t escape through the blinds” to a “plastic bag on the side of a highway.” He is an infectiously fun person to add to your timelines. Get book recommendations, journaling...
Published 03/28/23
This episode was inspired by Rick Rubin's book The Creative Act and a conversation he had with Brian Koppelman. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com. Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
Published 03/14/23
This is a pretty random episode. I share a piece of my morning pages. I also share an incomplete poem I'm working on. I hope this episode inspires you to write, create, and share. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism at MassiveOptimism.com. Kate's YouTube Channel: KateVolman.Video
Published 02/28/23
It's easy to start comparing our work to those we admire. But when we do, sometimes it stops us from creating. It stops us from pursuing the passion projects that are clearly meant for us. I hope this episode inspires you to keep creating. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts, and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism. Kate's YouTube Channel
Published 02/21/23
Inspiration doesn't strike when we're sitting on the couch or procrastinating on our work. It happens when we're working. When we show up even when we don't feel like it. Even when it's hard. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism. Kate's YouTube Channel
Published 01/24/23
I hope this episode inspires you to do more of what you love and rediscover the passion in your life. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism. Kate's YouTube Channel
Published 01/17/23
The thing about creating is... Well, it's complicated. There's so much that goes into the creative process. Sometimes ideas dance freely in our mind. We know what to do with them and which direction to go. Other times, it's not that simple. We sit in front of the keyboard or stare at a blank canvas waiting for inspiration to strike. In this episode, Kate shares some of her thoughts on the creative process and why, no matter what, we must continue to create. Get book recommendations,...
Published 01/10/23
Creating a personal strategic plan helps us stay focused on what it is we truly want to accomplish in our lives. In this episode, Kate shares simple steps to creating a personal strategic plan you'll actually use to accomplish your dreams this year. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism. Kate's YouTube Channel
Published 01/03/23
In order to live a happier, more fulfilling life, we need to let go of what no longer serves us to make space for what does. Here are 6 things to let go of to help you become the best version of yourself: Perfectionism – How many dreams are waiting or dying inside of you because you are waiting for the perfect time or because you don’t want to put it out into the world because it doesn’t have all of the ‘perfect pieces’ even though we know perfect doesn’t exist.Comparison – Nothing...
Published 12/27/22
What passion project have you been putting off? Now is the time to say yes to the opportunities and activities in your life that will help you become the person you are meant to be. Hopefully, this will be your reminder to stop talking yourself out of it and simply say yes. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism. Kate's YouTube Channel
Published 11/01/22
In this mini-episode, I share ten great books I've read in 2022. I hope you find something to add to your reading list. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism. Kate's YouTube Channel
Published 10/18/22
In this episode, Kate chats with Nicholas Hutchison, Founder of BookThinkers, a company dedicated to spreading the power of personal development books. Nicholas is focused on developing insightful content and interviewing the world’s top non-fiction authors for his podcast, BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books. Nick shared some of the books that changed his life including The Four Hour Work Week, Man's Search for Meaning, and Rich Dad, Poor Dad. He also shared some of his favorite authors and...
Published 10/11/22
In this episode, Kate chats with Suzanne Gunderson, Speaker & Mentor of Stress Resilience Solutions. Suzanne shared strategies on how to experience the present moment in a safe, connected way. She also discussed the gut and mind connection, why we don't show our true feelings for fear of being disconnected from others, and how to lean into becoming your true and authentic self. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for...
Published 10/04/22
This mini-episode was inspired by my own overthinking. For me, I call friends to help me break the cycle of overthinking. I also use a helpful set of questions I discovered from reading Jon Acuff's book Soundtracks. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive Optimism. Kate's YouTube Channel
Published 09/27/22
In this episode, Kate chats with Author, Speaker, & Coach Wendi Blum Weiss. Wendi shares her five questions to discover your inner calling, how to reverse engineer the life you want, how to get crystal clear on your goals, and the importance of exploring your genius to live a more fulfilling life. She also discussed the importance of mentorship and how to get around other people who are living their calling. Pick up your copy of Called to Speak Lead & Impact. Get book...
Published 09/20/22
In this episode, Kate chats with Jasmin Haley about what it takes to become a great speaker. Jasmin shares the three biggest mistakes speakers make, how to better connect with your audience, how to perfect your craft, and her HEART methodology to create a fabulous presentation. Jasmin Haley, MS,  is a nationally-awarded speaker, author, educator, and podcaster dedicated to helping audiences understand that the time is now if they want to make an impact and serve their communities from the...
Published 09/13/22
In this episode, Kate chats with author Terrance P. Elmore. Terrance believes it is his duty to share his creative work. He shares his thoughts on creativity, the writing process, and how to hold yourself accountable to do your best work. They also talk about self-sabotage, dealing with haters, and enjoying the process of writing. Find out more about Terrance here. Get book recommendations, journaling prompts and weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox by signing up for Massive...
Published 09/06/22