"We all do this every day. Not all of us are painters, but we are artists. Each time we fit things together, we are creating, whether it’s a loaf of bread, a child, a day, or a life."
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How do we find the life we wish for…
the work that makes us want to get up out of bed each and every day?
See and hear the stories of many who have found their ways of contributing to the world while fulfilling their own dreams.
Watch the Latest Podcast Episodes
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living
Ep. 73 Ryan Casey "If I hear something twice, then I dig in"
This week I speak with Ryan Casey, who helps people take control of their wellbeing. He does this at his exercise-based wellbeing practice that features a combination of Muscle Activation Techniques™, Personal Training, and Coaching, all customized to help you meet the pursuits of your life. His practice...
Ep. 72: Steve Forker "In Service of Community"
This week Suzy is joined by Steve Forker, Michigan City Police Chief. Growing up, he was exposed to law enforcement, as his father worked for the Department of Corrections for over 36 years. Steve started in the DOC but knew after three years that he wanted to work in more of a community-facing position....
Ep. 70: Sam Rogowski "Serving Those Who Serve"
Ever since he was a child, Sam Rogowski knew that he wanted to be in the military. Coming from a long history of family members who served, Sam joined the army after high school. He became a combat engineer and would eventually move into the national guard where he went on two deployments. Towards the...
Ep. 71: Andy Hynek "Everybody Has a Story to Tell"
This week Suzy Vance is joined by Andy Hynek, Chief of Detectives for the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. At an early age, Andy had an interest in law enforcement. In high school, while working at a gas station, he often interacted with a group of police officers. One of them became a mentor and encouraged...
Ep. 69: Carmen Vincent | "Truth is stranger than fiction." ✨
This week I am joined by passionate videographer Carmen Vincent Films. Carmen has always loved storytelling, and in college she decided to make this passion more marketable by majoring in Digital Media. She now provides videography services, video editing for projects like podcasts, marketing videos,...
Ep. 68: Sharon Hoogstraten | In the Footsteps of Her Ancestors
Professional photographer Sharon Hoogstraten spent a decade portraying contemporary Potawatomis in regalia and as an unexpected dividend, discovered her own roots. A Michigan native, she traveled to Chicago for graduate study, stayed as a resident having no clue that she was walking in the footsteps...
Ep. 67: Laura Gutwziller | Being Open to New Things
Sometimes, it's just about being open to trying something new. ✨
My guest this week is Laura Gutzwiller, (Felting by Laura)! Laura always wanted to be an artist growing up but would eventually find herself in college studying physical therapy. For years she didn't have an artistic outlet, and even convinced...
My guest this week is Laura Gutzwiller, (Felting by Laura)! Laura always wanted to be an artist growing up but would eventually find herself in college studying physical therapy. For years she didn't have an artistic outlet, and even convinced...
Ep. 66: Denice Shipp-Glenn | Empowering the Way Forward
"When you have a passion for something, and keep it as a hobby, you just never know how big it can be." ✨
This week I have a delightful conversation with Denice Shipp-Glenn. A volunteer at the Unity Foundation of La Porte County and President of the Michigan City Black Business Association, Denice empowers...
This week I have a delightful conversation with Denice Shipp-Glenn. A volunteer at the Unity Foundation of La Porte County and President of the Michigan City Black Business Association, Denice empowers...
Ep. 65: Jeny Burckhart | "If you're doing what you love, you're going to be successful."✨
This week I chat with Jeny Burkhart, founder of @thewaxitaxi!
Jeny always knew she wanted to be in the beauty industry. Her mother was a hairdresser, so she felt at home in the salon setting. After high school she immediately went to cosmetology school, with the goal of becoming a make-up artist. But...
Jeny always knew she wanted to be in the beauty industry. Her mother was a hairdresser, so she felt at home in the salon setting. After high school she immediately went to cosmetology school, with the goal of becoming a make-up artist. But...
Ep. 64: Pat Harris | You Can do Anything
Hello, and welcome to another episode of Creating from the Heart! This week, I am joined by Pat Harris. She shares the story of her journey, how her family of 12 moved to Michigan City from the south, and how the importance of education was ingrained in her from her father. Listen to this fabulous episode...
Ep. 63: Bridget Degnen | Thinking Curiously
I sit down with Cook County Commissioner, Bridget Degnen. A woman advocate in government, we discuss how her background in environment engineering is one of her greatest passions and how it has inspired her to pursue helping...and encouraging... people to think curiously... and find solutions to problems....
Ep. 62: Suzanne Allamong | Internal and External Wellness are Essential
Join my conversation this week with Susan Allamong, owner of Velvet Skin Spa. Susan has spent over 30 years as an esthetician. She spent time as a make-up artist in Chicago, eventually joining the corporate world of beauty working for Revlon, Sally Hansen, and Complete Cosmetics. However, the study of...
Ep. 60: Annie Gustin | When Temporary Becomes a Lifelong Passion
Have you enjoyed a hot cup of joe at @lakeshorecoffee in Michigan City? This week I talk with Annie Gustin, owner/operator of this beloved Michigan City establishment. Although the title may be new, Annie has worked at Lakeshore Coffee for over 19 years. What she originally thought would just be a temporary...
Ep. 59: Cameron Altaras | Resistance, and Resources for Healing
This week I have a powerful and profound conversation with Cameron Altaras. Cameron has a passion to "explore truth in the intersections of self, art, philosophy and religion."
Cameron recently co-edited and published the book entitled "Resistance: Confronting Violence, Power and Abuse within Peace...
Cameron recently co-edited and published the book entitled "Resistance: Confronting Violence, Power and Abuse within Peace...
Ep. 58: Shannon Anderson | A Lifelong Love of Literature
This week I am joined by Shannon Anderson, a former teacher, and an author of children's books.
Although she's always been a writer, Shannon's interest in being an author peaked when she won a writing contest in the fifth grade. From there, she worked in the children's area at a library, further cementing...
Although she's always been a writer, Shannon's interest in being an author peaked when she won a writing contest in the fifth grade. From there, she worked in the children's area at a library, further cementing...
Ep. 57: Selah Brooks | Fake it 'til You Make it
From being homeless and sleeping in his car at age 19, to now making big moves in marketing, my guest this week epitomizes the saying "Fake it 'till you make it." Join my conversation with Selah Brooks who's passionate about where he's headed.
On Selah's high school graduation day, he was kicked out...
On Selah's high school graduation day, he was kicked out...
Ep. 56: Jacob McGinley | Never Be Satisfied With "Good Enough"
Do you enjoy improving process flows, working with people, and helping them stay on track? Join me this week as I talk to Jacob McGinley, Project Coordinator from JCMA Inc.! Growing up, Jacob loved biology and thought someday he might be a paleontologist. Although biology still has a place in his heart,...
Ep.55: Bud Powell | Never Work a Day in Your Life
Find a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life. ✨✈️
This was the case for Bud Powell, who is my guest on the podcast this week. Since he was a very young boy, Bud dreamed of being a pilot. When he became of age to pursue this passion, he did anything he could to get in the skies. This...
This was the case for Bud Powell, who is my guest on the podcast this week. Since he was a very young boy, Bud dreamed of being a pilot. When he became of age to pursue this passion, he did anything he could to get in the skies. This...
Ep. 54: Pat Herman | Inspired by an Idea
This week I speak with painter Pat Herman. Together we discuss the concept that sometimes we are imprinted with or inspired by an idea, but the timing isn't quite right. I shared with her the quote by Elizabeth Gilbert, "Ideas spend eternity swirling around us, searching for available and willing human...
Ep. 53: Linda Van Hart | How to Find your Voice
This week I'm joined by Linda Van Hart. Linda is a Botanical Portrait Artist and a total process metalsmith with a mission to interpret historic botanical symbols in contemporary ways. Although she's only 60" tall, her artistic voice is big! And it is a far cry from the direction her family had in mind...
Ep. 52: Gina Marie Alber | There's Magic in the Pivot
This week I speak with Gina Marie Alber, an Employer Consultant with Ivy Tech Community College: Valparaiso / Michigan City / La Porte who helps find workforce solutions to help companies grow! Gina's path to her current role has been fueled by her strong devotion to education and helping others. Inspired...
Ep. 51: Cheryl Dauer | You Never Know Where Volunteering Will Take You
"It warms my heart every day to see the difference we can make in the community." ❤️
This week Suzy Vance speaks with Cheryl Dauer, Executive Director at LaPorte Co Meals on Wheels! Growing up, Cheryl's family was very active in the church where they participated in many volunteering opportunities....
This week Suzy Vance speaks with Cheryl Dauer, Executive Director at LaPorte Co Meals on Wheels! Growing up, Cheryl's family was very active in the church where they participated in many volunteering opportunities....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 50
The worst phrase you can say is "that's always how we've done it."
How did Joe Markovich from JCMA Inc. find his way to Geekdom? It all started when he was just 5 years old, and his grandmother brought a computer home. It was love at first sight. Joe's love of computers grew, and it eventually led him...
How did Joe Markovich from JCMA Inc. find his way to Geekdom? It all started when he was just 5 years old, and his grandmother brought a computer home. It was love at first sight. Joe's love of computers grew, and it eventually led him...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep 49 Nikki Radford
This week I chat with Nikki Radford, Environmental Scientist by day, and improv comedian by night! After graduating from college, Nikki joined AmeriCorps where she was part of a project that worked with the Bureau of Land Management. This inspired her to go back to graduate school and pursue a career...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 48 Mike Houlihan
Join me this week as I speak with Mike Houlihan, a lobbyist in Springfield and in Chicago. His career path was long and unconventional, and becoming a lobbyist was never something Mike imagined for himself, especially at a young age. But his words of advice? "Try things out of your comfort zone, especially...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep.47 Brealon Hervy
Get lost in the sauce! This week I speak with Brealon Hervy, owner and operator of Social Que BBQ and Catering. Brealon grew up singing in the church choir, and as a young man thought that one day he would work in a recording studio. After graduating from Valparaiso University with a degree in Music...
Creating From the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 46 Harrison (Harry) Holtkamp
Dedication. Dignity. Determination. These are the pillars of Interfaith Community PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelters).
Today I speak with Harrison Holtkamp about his journey to becoming director of this incredible, and much-needed, organization. When Harry first started volunteering, it was a grass-roots...
Today I speak with Harrison Holtkamp about his journey to becoming director of this incredible, and much-needed, organization. When Harry first started volunteering, it was a grass-roots...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 45 Connie & George Kassal
✨ "Art speaks from the soul." ✨
This week I chat with artists Connie & George Kassal who have been married for over 53 years.
Connie's artwork is influenced by a couple of "odd" experiences she had as a child, and again when she died during surgery in 2004. She frequently uses cranes in her artwork,...
This week I chat with artists Connie & George Kassal who have been married for over 53 years.
Connie's artwork is influenced by a couple of "odd" experiences she had as a child, and again when she died during surgery in 2004. She frequently uses cranes in her artwork,...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 44 Jamie Wallen
Quilting: Your prescription for a happy and healthy life! ✨ This week I talk with Jamie Wallen, owner of Quilters Apothecary in Michigan City. His journey to his extraordinary artistic career began as a burned-out Registered Nurse. Often working 70-80 hour weeks, he found himself intrigued by a friend's...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 43 Allena McKelfresh
This week I am joined by Allena McElfresh, esthetician and owner of Fresh Skin. We talk about her journey to finding this career that she loves, and what it's like to be your own boss. I highly recommend booking a service with her - this is where my peaceful being goes for relaxation…✨...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 41 Drew White
This week I speak with Drew White, Director of Operations at Access LaPorte County (ALCO) where we discuss the importance of public access television. Drew has been drawn to how news has been covered from a young age. He now surrounds himself with a "tremendous" team that cares for their local community...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 40 Mark Grobner
This week I speak with Mark Grobner, Manager of Spiritual Care at Franciscan Health. On the podcast this week, we discuss singular moments that have guided his vocational path toward providing spiritual care to patients, families and staff in the hospital setting. Perhaps the most life-altering experience...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 39 Dawn Matthews
Join Suzy this week as she speaks with Dawn Matthews from Sandy Acres Clydesdales. After being asked numerous times by people driving by if they could see their beautiful Clydesdales, they opened up their family farm to tours. They've now had visitors from all over the world!...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 38 Sandra Young
Hello and welcome back to another episode of Creating from the Heart! Suzy Vance speaks with the former VP of Unity Foundation of La Porte County and Executive Director of Healthy Communities of LaPorte County, Sandra Young. Sandra tells Suzy about her new novel: Divine Vintage....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 37 Steven Schwab
Hello, and welcome back to another episode of Creating from the Heart! On this episode, Suzy Vance talks with entrepreneur and lawyer of great magnitude, Steven Schwab....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 36. Paige Brunker
Hello again, and welcome back to another episode of Creating from the Heart with Suzy Vance! On this episode Suzy sits down with Paige Brunker who is a service manager with Franklin Pest Control....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 35 Jeremy Rossi
Suzy Vance is back with another episode of Creating from the Heart! In this episode she talks with Jeremy Rossi from Uptown Social, in Michigan City....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 34 Lou Butcher
Welcome back to another episode of Creating from the Heart with Suzy Vance! On this episode she talks with Lou Butcher, the owner of Furniture Werks in Michigan City, IN....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 33 Pat Boy
Join Suzy as she sits down with Pat Boy and discusses her journey into politics, on another episode of Creating from the Heart!...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 32 Chris Acton
On this episode of Creating from the Heart, Suzy is joined by Chris Acton to discuss her journey from the corporate world to becoming a weaver....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 31 Don Babcock
Welcome back to Creating from the Heart! Suzy sits down with Don Babcock to discuss his career trajectory, from engineer to Director of Economic Development and Community Relations at PNW....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 29: Mike Bowen
Suzy is back again! This time she talks with Mike Bowen, who co-owns Lakeshore Coffee with his wife, about his journey trying new things throughout his life....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 28 Marty Corley
Suzy is back in another episode of Creating from the Heart, this time with Marty Corley, the Chief of Operations for the Michigan City police. She asks him about what drew him to law enforcement and his journey....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 27: Kei Constantinov
In this episode Suzy talks with Kei Constantinov about her varied and amazing life, and what led her into the arts....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 26: Angie Nelson Deuitch
Join Suzy and her guest, Angie Nelson Deuitch, as they discuss Angie's new adventure: Diversity Squared....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Ep. 24: Cathy Feeman
On this episode of Creating from the Heart, Suzy talks with Cathy Feeman about her journey from being an illustrator to pursuing the fine arts, and overcoming regrets....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 19: Kris Krouse
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Kris Krouse, Executive Director of the Shirley Heinze Land Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of significant natural areas throughout northwestern Indiana, about his journey and path from college to leading one of the strongest...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 18: Valerie Mrak
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Valerie Mrak, a conflict transformation specialist, about her journey from documentary filmmaker to motivational speaker and coach, and the conversations with people like the Dalai Lama that helped her along the way....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 17: Randi Light
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Randi Light, hypnotherapist in Michigan City, Indiana. Randi's work combines years of research, training, and life skills to help people breakthrough old and limiting feelings, beliefs and patterns of behaviors in order to live an authentic life....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 16: Clarence Hulse
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Clarence Hulse, Director of Economic Development for Michigan City, Indiana, about the various places life has taken him and how he was drawn to Michigan City's many assets and is excited to advance the community and enhance the quality of life....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 15: CC Carnes
"Poetry supersedes color, nationality, culture." Join Suzy Vance as she speaks with poetess Carnessa (CC) Carnes about a career that began with a speech delivered as a rap at Marquette High School in Michigan City, and how she eventually learned she could "slow the rap down" and started speaking poetry....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 14: Chuck & Alison Scates
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Fluid Coffeebar owners Chuck and Alison Scates to learn how these creative visionaries brought their dream of owning a coffee shop to life, and what sets Fluid apart: the product and the people....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 13: Rebecca Riley-Vargas
Join Suzy Vance as she talk with Rebecca Riley-Vargas, owner of Three Moons Fiberworks in Chesterton, Indiana, about her path from discovering weaving to becoming a small business owner today....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 12: Dr. Kuhn Hong
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Dr. Kuhn Hong about growing up in Korea, post Korean war, and how he loved to paint. Although his parents disapproved, he was able to keep this passion alive during his studies in medical school, throughout his international mission trips, and while he served as a volunteer...
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 10: Drew Tallackson
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Drew Tallackson, editor of The Beacher in Michigan City, Indiana, about his life and path to becoming the editor of Michigan City's most popular local publication....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 11: Deb Chubb
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Deb Chubb about her path from single mother running her own law practice to Executive Director of the Childhood Consortium of La Porte county to today, running for office as State Senator for District 4....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 9: James Tudor
Join Suzy Vance and she talks with James Tudor, owner of Tudor Cleaning and Restoration and Jo-Jo Epoxy and Floor Care, about his path to opening his own cleaning and restoration business and how he treats his team like family....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 8: Rhandi Anderson
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Rhandi Anderson, a lawyer in Chicago, Illinois, about her path to the profession of law....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 7: Dion Campbell
Join Suzy as she speaks with Dion Campbell, Chief of Police for Michigan City, Indiana, about his path to law enforcement and philosophy on leadership....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 6: Amy McCormack
Join Suzy as she speaks with Amy McCormack, Ed.D., President of Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Indiana, about her work and her path to where she is today....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 5: Jerry Stein
Join Suzy Vance as she speaks with Jerry Stein, Michigan City area addictions counselor, bill collector and spin instructor about his path and inspirations....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 4: Mylese Tucker
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Mylese Tucker, owner of Nature's Cupboard, an organic and local grocery store located in Chesterton and Michigan City, Indiana, about the history of her business and what makes her passionate about Nature's Cupboard....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 3: Brent Stegenga
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Brent Stegenga, Northwest Indiana real estate agent, about his recent career change and his passion for helping others find the home of their dreams....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 2: Edwin Shelton Pt. 2
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Edwin Shelton, multi-media artist based in Michigan City, Indiana, about his current and past work, his inspirations and his path....
Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living with Suzy Vance | Episode 1: Edwin Shelton Pt. 1
Join Suzy Vance as she talks with Edwin Shelton, multi-media artist based in Michigan City, Indiana, about his current and past work, his inspirations and his path....
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We are all creators, and we are all artists. If you have said “yes” to your dreams, I would love to share your story. Simply complete the form below and I’ll be in touch!