Ever wonder what it truly means to embark on a creative journey? Do the fears and insecurities that often masquerade as a need for 'optimal conditions' sound familiar to you? This podcast episode is an open exploration into the labyrinth of creativity, where we unpack personal experiences of struggling to find the right time to launch our passion projects, and the psychological barriers that hold us back. We challenge the traditional linear ranking of artists, discuss how it stifles creativity, and share personal narratives about overcoming our fears and insecurities.  There's a raw, unfiltered discussion about the motivations behind creating art, how pure intentions can often get muddled, and how external factors like financial security can influence the drive to create. We take personal anecdotes from our own lives, and even draw examples from the life of Kurt Cobain, to discuss the concept of compulsion in art, asking ourselves: Can financial security hinder an artist's drive to create? We share insights on how art can be therapeutic, the importance of detachment from the outcome, and the transformative potential of meaningful projects.  We round off this episode by sharing tips and strategies to push through discomfort and take the first step of your creative journey. Hear us talk about overcoming doubts, embracing compulsion, and letting go of preconceived expectations. We share stories of inspiration, the power of productive conversations, and the importance of starting small and letting ideas flow freely. This is not just about creating art; it's a journey of self-discovery, growth, and finding your unique voice in a world that often seeks to mold us into something we're not. So come along, let's explore, let's create, and let's conquer our fears together. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode. Show Notes: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin - https://sites.prh.com/thecreativeact Henry Miller book - title coming soon Townes Van Zandt - https://townesvanzandt.com/ Kurt Cobain Books - https://bit.ly/41i1mdD Jean-Michel Basquiat - https://www.basquiat.com/ Stutz - https://www.netflix.com/title/81387962 Teo Crawford Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWf395XFeGA If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode. Links To Everything: Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT Matt’s 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG