Self-Care for The Creative Podcast

In this episode, Stefani Fryzel sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, author, podcaster, and visibility strategist Michelle Thames for a powerful conversation about personal branding, authenticity, and building a career rooted in purpose. Michelle shares her journey from marketing professional to community builder, explaining how helping people get seen and paid has become her life's work.
Together, Stefani and Michelle explore the fears that hold creatives back from showing up online, the difference between posting consistently versus posting with intention, and why authenticity will always outperform trends. Michelle also shares practical strategies for creating content without burnout, building a personal brand that reflects your values, and leveraging AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human connection.
You'll discover why personal branding is so important for artists and creatives, how to stand out in a crowded digital landscape, and why investing in yourself and getting into the right rooms can accelerate your growth in ways you never imagined. This episode is a reminder that your story, personality, and lived experiences aren't distractions from your brand—they are your brand.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Michelle's journey into visibility strategy04:35 Overcoming the fear of being seen online08:15 Consistency, burnout, and creating content sustainably12:10 Trends vs. authenticity: what actually works16:20 What personal branding really means for creatives20:35 How to stand out in a crowded online world23:40 AI, creativity, and using technology intentionally26:00 Self-care, entrepreneurship, and navigating different seasons27:40 The power of investing in yourself and building community30:45 Creating opportunities through authentic relationships
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/songwriting-retreat-1-1
More info: stefanifryzel.com
Self-Care for the Creative book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120
 
Connect with Michelle Thames:Website: https://michellethames.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellelthames/?hl=en 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-thames
Listen to Michelle's podcast, Social Media Decoded, and learn more about her visibility strategies, community events, and programs designed to help entrepreneurs show up authentically and grow their impact.

In this episode, Stefani Fryzel explores why your environment may be the missing piece between where you are and where you want to go as an artist. She shares how investing in herself, surrounding herself with people who challenge her, and consistently stepping outside her comfort zone has transformed both her career and her identity. From songwriting rooms to entrepreneurial masterminds, Stefani reveals why growth rarely happens by staying where it's comfortable.
You'll discover how your environment influences your creativity, confidence, and career trajectory, why getting in the right room can accelerate your growth, and how investing in yourself often leads to the biggest breakthroughs. Whether you're feeling stuck, plateaued, or simply ready for your next level, this episode will inspire you to trust the pull toward the opportunities that scare you—because that's often where your greatest transformation begins.
Timestamps:
00:00 Why Artists Plateau in Their Comfort Zone02:21 Investing in Yourself & Getting in the Right Room04:43 How New Environments Create Breakthroughs08:21 The Garden Analogy: Why Environment Matters10:10 Building a Sustainable Music Career Through Community12:25 Why We Created Hitmakers & Our Mission to Support Songwriters14:20 The Question That Could Change Everything
 
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/songwriting-retreat-1-1
More info: stefanifryzel.com
Self-Care for the Creative book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120

In this episode, Stefani Fryzel sits down with 2x Grammy Award-winning songwriter Kaydence to explore what it really takes to build a sustainable career in the music industry. From finding your creative voice to writing chart-topping hits for artists like Ariana Grande and Beyoncé, Kaydence shares the lessons she's learned through years of persistence, growth, and showing up before she felt fully ready.
Together, they discuss why confidence is built through repetition—not perfection—the importance of surrounding yourself with collaborators who bring out your best, and how developing multiple skills can create opportunities when they matter most. Kaydence also opens up about navigating rejection, overcoming self-doubt, advocating for yourself as a songwriter, and why relationships, preparation, and timing often matter just as much as talent.
You'll discover why finding your voice takes time, how versatility can accelerate your career, and why investing in your craft beyond songwriting can open unexpected doors. Kaydence also shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with Ariana Grande, practical advice for writers feeling stuck, and her perspective on the evolving music industry and the fight for fair treatment of songwriters. This episode is a reminder that success isn't built from one breakthrough moment—it's built through years of showing up, continuing to learn, and trusting that your preparation will meet the right opportunity.
Timestamps:
00:00: Kaydence's journey into songwriting and finding her voice08:45: Building confidence through collaboration and repetition14:30: Why community can accelerate your growth as a songwriter18:00: Becoming more than "just" a songwriter: developing multiple skills22:15: Navigating rejection, setbacks, and staying in the game30:50: Behind the scenes of working with Ariana Grande and career-defining opportunities37:00: Kaydence's songwriting process and creative approach41:00: Burnout, self-care, and protecting your creativity45:00: The current state of the music industry and advocating for songwriters
 
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/songwriting-retreat-1-1
More info: stefanifryzel.com
Self-Care for the Creative book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120
 
Connect with Kaydence:
Social media: @kaydence

In this episode, Stefani Fryzel sits down with songwriter, producer, creative educator, and emerging artist Uniq Being for an inspiring conversation about confidence, visibility, and stepping fully into your artistry. After years of working behind the scenes as a songwriter, producer, and educator, Uniq shares what led her to finally step into the spotlight and create her debut EP, The Veil.
Together, they dive into the lessons Uniq gained from attending the Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat, including the importance of refining your craft, releasing self-limiting beliefs, and surrounding yourself with a supportive creative community. Uniq also shares her journey from discovering music through artists like TLC, to teaching music production to youth, to embracing her next chapter as an artist.
You'll discover why perfectionism can be both a gift and a challenge, how confidence is built through repetition and action, and what it really takes to move from being "good" to becoming the artist you're meant to be. This episode is a powerful reminder that growth happens when you're willing to take up space, trust yourself, and step out from behind the veil.
Timestamps:
06:51 – Meeting at Hitmakers & Feeling Ready for the Next Level09:09 – The Power of Refining Your Craft11:52 – Burning Limiting Beliefs & Letting Go of Fear14:44 – How Hitmakers Helped Uniq Level Up18:13 – Self-Care, Community & Creative Sustainability21:30 – Visibility, Social Media & Documenting the Journey23:30 – Building Confidence Through Action26:49 – From TLC Inspiration to Songwriter & Producer31:10 – The Story Behind The Veil32:43 – Learning to Take Up Space as an Artist36:01 – Advice for Her Younger Self: Take the Risk
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/songwriting-retreat-1-1
More info: stefanifryzel.com
Self-Care for the Creative book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120
 
 
Connect with Uniq Being: 
@uniqbeing on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and all streaming platforms.

In this episode, Stefani Fryzel dives into the hidden fears and self-limiting beliefs that keep artists and songwriters from finishing songs, releasing music, and fully stepping into their creative potential. From perfectionism and procrastination to the fear of being seen, Stef unpacks the sneaky mindset blocks that can keep projects stuck on your hard drive for months—or even years. She shares why many creatives convince themselves they need more time, more skills, or more resources, when the real obstacle may be something much deeper.
You’ll discover how fear of judgment, perfectionism, and lack of community can quietly sabotage your progress as an artist. Stef also explores why being surrounded by the right mentors, collaborators, and creative peers can dramatically accelerate your growth and confidence. This episode is a powerful reminder that your music doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to be heard.
Timestamps:
00:00: Why Your Music Is Still Sitting Unfinished02:15: The Lies Creatives Tell Themselves05:37: Fear of Being Seen and Judged07:49: Perfectionism, Procrastination & Creative Blocks10:10: The Power of Proximity and Community11:55: What Happens When You Get in the Right Room
 
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/songwriting-retreat-1-1
More info: stefanifryzel.com
Self-Care for the Creative book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120

In this episode, Stefani Fryzel sits down with artist, activist, and mental health advocate Terra Lopez for an honest conversation about burnout, mental health, and the realities of navigating a career in music. As both a touring artist and formerly a part of Backline, Terra shares why creatives are especially vulnerable to burnout, the pressure of constantly needing to perform, and why so many artists struggle silently behind the scenes.
Together, Stef and Terra dive into topics like touring burnout, social media overwhelm, emotional boundaries in songwriting sessions, and the importance of preventative self-care. Terra also opens up about her personal mental health journey, how therapy changed her life, and why building a supportive community is essential for creating a sustainable long-term career in the music industry. This episode is a powerful reminder that asking for help is not weakness - it’s survival.
Timestamps:
00:00: Introducing Terra Lopez & Backline06:26: Why Backline Was Created for the Music Industry08:27: The Mental Health Challenges Creatives Face11:18: Recognizing Burnout & Warning Signs14:04: Why Seeking Help Matters16:16: Terra’s Personal Mental Health Journey19:44: Creating Sustainable Careers in Music22:16: Touring, Burnout & Hustle Culture25:40: Emotional Boundaries in Songwriting Sessions29:17: How Backline Supports Artists & Creatives32:24: The Importance of Community & Support
 
Connect with Terra Lopez:
Instagram: @terralopez | @ritualsofmine
Backline: https://backline.care?utm_source=chatgpt.com
 
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/songwriting-retreat-1-1
More info: stefanifryzel.com
Self-Care for the Creative book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120

In this episode, Kimberly Korn joins Stefani Fryzel for an inspiring conversation about persistence, reinvention, and building a long-term career in music. A New York–based singer, songwriter, and producer, Kimberly shares how her love for music began in childhood and the journey that led her through music school, an early record deal, motherhood, and eventually finding success as both an artist and songwriter.
Known for her genre-blending approach across pop, rock, indie, R&B, and hip-hop, Kimberly has built an impressive catalog of over 300 songs with placements on platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, CBS, MTV, and WWE. She also recently earned recognition from the Recording Academy after being selected as 1 of only 10 songwriters in the country to attend their prestigious songwriting camp. Throughout the episode, Kimberly opens up about overcoming self-limiting beliefs, balancing creativity with family life, and learning how to keep showing up for your dreams even after setbacks.
You’ll hear a powerful conversation about the importance of resilience, networking, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with people who inspire growth. Kimberly also shares insights into the world of sync licensing, the impact of songwriting camps and creative communities, and her goals of expanding further into film, TV, and Broadway. This episode is a reminder that success rarely happens overnight, but consistency, self-belief, and staying connected to your passion can completely change the trajectory of your life.
 
Connect with Kimberly Korn: 
Instagram: @kimberlykornmusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5VDhqq3bEIU3UPSNgg9tCj?si=GX-9jmdfQMOvXlJS8b7WjQ
 
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/songwriting-retreat-1-1
More info: stefanifryzel.com

In this episode, Stefani Fryzel opens up about navigating burnout while balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Sharing her deeply personal experience of becoming a new mom while running a growing business, Stefani reflects on how burnout forced her to reevaluate her routines, priorities, relationships, and definition of success. She explores the realities of postpartum life, the pressure creatives place on themselves to keep performing, and the importance of rebuilding a life that actually supports your well-being.
You’ll discover practical tools for recognizing burnout, including Stefani’s favorite “monitor, measure, and map” framework for checking in with your self-care basics. She also shares strategies for redesigning your life by identifying what drains versus nourishes you, the importance of seeking professional support during difficult seasons, and why rest is often the missing piece creatives avoid the most. This episode is an honest reminder that burnout is not failure - it’s often a signal that something in your life needs to change in order for you to grow.
Timestamps:
00:00: Welcome to Season Three & Why Burnout Matters02:52: Motherhood, Identity Shifts & Creative Pressure08:32: Recognizing the Signs of Burnout14:28: Practical Tools for Managing Burnout20:14: Redesigning Your Life & Seeking Support23:10: The Power of Rest & Recovery
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/songwriting-retreat-1-1
More info: stefanifryzel.com

In this episode of Self-Care for the Creative, host Stefani Fryzel sits down with Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Lauren Christy, whose incredible journey has taken her from ballet studios to the top of the charts. Known for penning massive hits like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi” with Avril Lavigne, Lauren reflects on how pivotal moments—including becoming a mother—aligned with some of the biggest breakthroughs in her career. She shares how her early love of movement and discipline in ballet laid a foundation for creativity, how trusting in divine timing has guided her path, and why she believes the music you make will take care of you—if you take care of it first.
Lauren also opens up about the realities of being a woman in the music industry, the mental toll of high-pressure environments, and why community and collaboration are essential to long-term success. She drops powerful wisdom for aspiring songwriters, including her belief in writing a lot of songs to uncover the gems and her commitment to teaching through masterclasses. From trusting your gut to leaning on faith, Lauren’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to make it in the music industry—you just have to redefine what success looks like for you.
 
Timestamps:
00:00: Lauren Christy's Musical Journey
02:11: The Impact of Working with Avril Lavigne
05:20: Balancing Motherhood and a Music Career
08:14: Navigating the Music Industry as a Woman
15:14: Faith and Mental Health in High-Pressure Environments
18:29: The Creative Process: Inspiration and Songwriting Tips
22:56: Masterclass Insights and Career Consultations
27:01: Self-Care and Trusting Your Path
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1301496574289?aff=oddtdtcreator
More info: stefanifryzel.com
Join us at The Songwriter Series for music mentorship from hit songwriters: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/the-songwriter-series
Join the Artist Development Program: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/artist-development-program-1
For more info on all our events visit: stefanifryzel.com or email us at info@stefanifryzel.com
Free Resources: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/opt-in-1
Self-Care for the Creative Book: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120
Book a 1:1 session: stan.store/StefaniFryzel/p/11-strategy-session-with-stefani-fryzel
FOLLOW LAUREN CHRISTY:
Website: https://laurenchristy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelaurenchristy/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelaurenchristy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelaurenchristy

In this episode of Self-Care for the Creative, host Stefani Fryzel sits down with Grammy-winning songwriter and executive producer Trey Campbell to explore the intersection of emotional intelligence, authenticity, and creative sustainability in the music industry. Trey shares his journey from North Carolina to collaborating with top artists, reflecting on how his early experiences working with young creatives helped shape his unique approach to songwriting. He opens up about the essential skill of listening—how it allows songwriters to hold space for artists and uncover honest, original perspectives that elevate the work. Trey also dives into the importance of self-awareness and safe creative environments that foster vulnerability and connection.
The conversation touches on songwriting technique (hello, “Swedish math”), emotional resilience, and the often overlooked role of personal creativity in collaborative sessions. Trey explains how navigating personal transformation—whether through career changes or inner growth—can lead to greater clarity, more meaningful art, and a deeper connection to self. From breaking down walls in writing rooms to practicing intentional self-care, this episode is packed with gems for any songwriter or creative trying to stay grounded while building a meaningful, sustainable career in music.
 
Timestamps:
00:00: Introduction to Trey Campbell
02:03: Trey's Journey into Songwriting
05:30: The Role of a Songwriter
09:25: Creating a Safe Space in Songwriting
13:55: Self-Care for Creatives
18:04: Navigating Identity and Authenticity
23:35: Educating Through Dialogue
24:19: The Importance of Self-Reflection
25:40: Navigating Authenticity in Songwriting
28:32: Songwriting Tips and Techniques
32:35: Finding Space for Personal Creativity
36:32: Embracing Change as Life Elevation
42:32: Self-Care and Personal Growth
LINKS
Join us at our Annual Hitmakers Songwriting Retreat this October in Los Angeles!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1301496574289?aff=oddtdtcreator
More info: stefanifryzel.com
Join us at The Songwriter Series for music mentorship from hit songwriters: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/the-songwriter-series
Join the Artist Development Program: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/artist-development-program-1
For more info on all our events visit: stefanifryzel.com or email us at info@stefanifryzel.com
Free Resources: https://www.stefanifryzel.com/opt-in-1
Self-Care for the Creative Book: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Creative-Survival-Creatives-Sensitive/dp/1960876120
Book a 1:1 session: stan.store/StefaniFryzel/p/11-strategy-session-with-stefani-fryzel
FOLLOW TREY CAMPBELL:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treycampbellmusic/
Spotify (Artist Profile): https://open.spotify.com/artist/0B1MNhh1YCo88CVzSP5j3u