Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living
A New Podcast from Suzy Vance
This podcast project grew out of my deep appreciation for people who say “yes” to opportunities that speak to their hearts.
I’m curious. I relish new ideas. I’m enthralled when I observe people shift…often not in a linear fashion. These people DO NOT shy away from opportunities. They say “yes”…to what calls them…often at significant risk. “Creating from the Heart: The Artistry of Living” was created to share their stories with you. These people are, as we all can be, amazing “Artists of Life.”
As Sister Korita Kent said:
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, or a life.
I hope you enjoy these people and their stories, and I hope their willingness to say “yes” to their opportunities becomes your “pink permission slip” to say “yes” to whatever dream or idea is near and dear to your own heart.
Watch the Latest Podcast Episodes
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, he discovered a passion for business when he went to college. He talks about key qualities that are important in his role, which include not being satisfied with "good enough," and staying open to feedback and new ideas.
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 included everything from working at an aviation company just to be around planes, to eventually working for the Wrigley company in corporate aviation. His job took him to every continent.
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 included everything from working at an aviation company just to be around planes, to eventually working for the Wrigley company in corporate aviation. His job took him to every continent.
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 partners…When an idea thinks it has found somebody who might be able to bring it into the world, the idea will pay you a visit." ✨
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 for her at a very young age.
Linda started playing piano at age 3 and became something of a prodigy after connecting with a teacher from Peabody. In retrospect, Linda believes that performing ultimately gave her the confidence to be a performer as an artist in the studio and throughout the world. You'll have to tune in to the podcast to hear how her incredible journey unfolded...
Linda started playing piano at age 3 and became something of a prodigy after connecting with a teacher from Peabody. In retrospect, Linda believes that performing ultimately gave her the confidence to be a performer as an artist in the studio and throughout the world. You'll have to tune in to the podcast to hear how her incredible journey unfolded...
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 by Silence of the Lambs, she got a Criminal Justice degree with the idea that one day she might be able to help long term prisoners turn their lives around. Drawn to the psychological component, she eventually worked in the field of developmental disabilities in many different capacities. Now, she helps upskill workforces and strongly believes that education is the mechanism for self-improvement that can lead to life changes you never thought possible.
Learn more about Gina's journey, the ups and downs, and the importance of staying open and curious when what you least expect… shows up!
Learn more about Gina's journey, the ups and downs, and the importance of staying open and curious when what you least expect… shows up!
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. As an adult, she spent most of her career in the food service industry and believes that every career move she's made now culminates in her current position with Meals on Wheels.
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. As an adult, she spent most of her career in the food service industry and believes that every career move she's made now culminates in her current position with Meals on Wheels.
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 to studying computer science at Purdue University. But Joe's passion was for helping people. So, what does he do now? He combines his love of computer technology with finding solutions for his client's problems. From app and software development, to security, training and process improvement, Joe can do it all!
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 to studying computer science at Purdue University. But Joe's passion was for helping people. So, what does he do now? He combines his love of computer technology with finding solutions for his client's problems. From app and software development, to security, training and process improvement, Joe can do it all!
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 in Environmental Science.
Nikki's other love is comedy, and to address the lack of women, and specifically women of color, in the comedy space, she and some friends started Onward Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia! With a smile, Nikki talks about how improv has inspired vulnerability and creativity in other aspects of her life.
Nikki's other love is comedy, and to address the lack of women, and specifically women of color, in the comedy space, she and some friends started Onward Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia! With a smile, Nikki talks about how improv has inspired vulnerability and creativity in other aspects of her life.
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 early on. Don't get bogged down with a label, because the path never stays the same."
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 Industry with a focus in voice, life kept moving… but not in the direction of a recording studio.
Years later, Brealon started on a fitness journey, and to keep from eating the same meal over and over, he started experimenting with the grill. After posting his delicious delicacies on social media, interest grew enough that he decided to make a small batch to sell to the local community. He sold out. That was in September 2017.
Although he doesn't have a brick-and-mortar location (yet!) you can follow Social Que on social media for local pop ups, events, and catering menus.
Years later, Brealon started on a fitness journey, and to keep from eating the same meal over and over, he started experimenting with the grill. After posting his delicious delicacies on social media, interest grew enough that he decided to make a small batch to sell to the local community. He sold out. That was in September 2017.
Although he doesn't have a brick-and-mortar location (yet!) you can follow Social Que on social media for local pop ups, events, and catering menus.
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 organization that only served unhoused men. Now it has grown into a registered non-profit, with a permanent location located in the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Michigan City. It serves men, women, and children two meals daily, provides them a safe and warm place to sleep, and connects them with services to help them overcome the barriers that led them to PADS.
Learn more about Interfaith Community PADS by visiting their Facebook page or their website: interfaithcommunitypads.com
Reach out to Harry directly here:
director@interfaithcommunitypads.com
(219) 276-7582
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 organization that only served unhoused men. Now it has grown into a registered non-profit, with a permanent location located in the former Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Michigan City. It serves men, women, and children two meals daily, provides them a safe and warm place to sleep, and connects them with services to help them overcome the barriers that led them to PADS.
Learn more about Interfaith Community PADS by visiting their Facebook page or their website: interfaithcommunitypads.com
Reach out to Harry directly here:
director@interfaithcommunitypads.com
(219) 276-7582
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, a strong symbol of spirituality in many cultures throughout the world.
George was gifted a camera at a young age. As an only child, he lived a lot in his own head. He has always been very interested in science, and even spent 20 years as a geologist. He often looks for the spiritual in nature.
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, a strong symbol of spirituality in many cultures throughout the world.
George was gifted a camera at a young age. As an only child, he lived a lot in his own head. He has always been very interested in science, and even spent 20 years as a geologist. He often looks for the spiritual in nature.
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 hobby as a "piecer," or someone who pieces quilt tops. He began to imagine what he could do with thread on a quilt top: portraiture, free hand embroidery, thread painting…the rest is history.
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 and are committed to transparency.
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 was when he had a serious accident in 1995. This traumatic experience has helped him bring comfort and compassion to patients, both as a chaplain and an accomplished hammered dulcimer player.
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 voices for conservation in the region.
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 radiologist in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he lived for five years. His beautiful story encourages all of us to "go where your heart is."
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.
Would You Like to Share Your Story?
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!