Behind The Brilliance

On Part 2 of Tipsy Talk, listener Priscilla asks about sustaining herself as an artist. I shared my experiences, and we covered a lot including:  -why financial literacy is a must for creatives -high level marketing considerations for artists -rethinking how much money is "enough"  -why doubling prices is often a great idea  -much more!  Share this episode with friends who are trying to work out the numbers of their ventures and art.  Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB125

This episode is probably in my top 10 favorites of all the BTB episodes because of how practical and important the conversation was. It wasn't until the past couple of years that I stopped obsessing over making more money and started thinking more deeply about what money actually represents in my life. Most so-called finance gurus repeat platitudes about skipping lattes and "saving more" without ever addressing the stuff that really gets in the way of people making the kind of money they want to make and knowing what to do with it when they make it. Daniel and I unpacked all of that and more in this conversation. We covered a lot of topics relating to money and lifestyle including:  -the amount of money research says is optimal for "happiness"  -why you shouldn't "stay in your lane" when it comes to education and career -modern considerations for wealth creation -the reason super smart people get money management wrong -the connection between money and lifestyle satisfaction -and much more Let me + Daniel kno

In this first part of Tipsy Talk, listener and former guest Tamara turns the mic on me to ask about everything from my cross country move, how I clarified my values, my favorite project from the past and more.  Show Notes: http://bit.ly/TipsyTalk1

This conversation is a must-listen for creatives and people who want to make something out of nothing. Amanda is one of the most inspiring creatives I've had on the show. In spite of not having the arts degree, the wealthy family, and whatever else you assume you need to succeed, she found a way to make what she wanted to see. You should too. This episode is a blueprint for creating personal art and a passionate life. We covered a LOT including:  -how Amanda developed her entrepreneurial muscle as an artist -how Amanda deals with Imposter Syndrome -how Amanda manages her responsibilities on TV, radio, and print -why Amanda believes the right partner is an asset to artists -the way Amanda learned to surrender and appreciate life's flow -how to gracefully end friendships The conversation was honest, inspiring, and funny. Drop me + Amanda a line and let me know what you got from it: @amanda_parris | @lisanicolebell Show Notes: bit.ly/BTB122

This episode is a spiritual nerd’s dream come true. I sat down with Dr. Andrew Newberg (neuroscientist + author of How God Changes Your Brain) to talk about how meditation, prayer, and religion change your brain. As a researcher, he’s a pioneer in the neurotheology. We discuss how he got his start, what he’s discovered in his research, and how all of these findings apply to people like me and you. We covered a lot including:  -what the heck "neurotheology" is -the impact of religion on health and longevity -Andrew's advice to newbie meditators -the power of yawning  -the practical value of optimism -the measurable effects of faith -and much more Let me know what you thought of this episode – did you learn anything interesting? I'm @lisanicolebell on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Show Notes: bit.ly/BTB121

This episode is a Q+A with answers to questions on how and why I weight train, my favorite books of 2016, and how I find time to read. My answers cover a lot of topics: -why I started weight training -the supplements I use to get results -the benefits of weight training -tactics for transitioning into harder workouts -how I find time to read 20-30 books each year -my favorite titles of 2016 -and much more SHOW NOTES: http://bit.ly/BTB120

This episode is one my favorite kind - one that touches on a wide range of topics with candor and curiosity. Andrea Pippins is an illustrator (you've seen some of her recent work in the Lenny Letter), designer, author, and generally amazing person. This conversation was rich with inspiring and funny stories and wisdom. Here's a sample of what we covered: -How Andrea got her start as a designer + illustrator -How Andrea faces her fears -The serendipitous story of Andrea's book deal -Andrea's natural hair journey and what inspired her book, I Love My Hair -the joys and complexities of splitting time between the United States and Sweden -work/life harmony -minimalism -much more Say hi to Andrea and tell her what you thought of this episode: @andreagpippins Show notes: bit.ly/BTB119

This episode is a Q+A with answers to questions about how and why I meditate, how I deal with Imposter Syndrome, and whether working for free is a good idea. My answers cover a lot of topics: -why I started meditating and what I get out of it -the step by step of how I meditate -my favorite meditation apps -what Imposter Syndrome is and what causes it -how I deal with Imposter Syndrome my thoughts on working for free -how leverage unpaid opportunities for career success -why some opportunities are -and much more Let me know what you thought: @LisaNicoleBell on FB, Twitter, Instagram

This episode is the perfect kickoff to Black History Month. Writer and Very Smart Brothas founder Damon Young (a self-described Professional Black Person) joined me for a funny and fascinating conversation about his journey from basketball star to writer. Beyond sharing his witty observations, Damon gets personal and talks about how getting married changed his art for the better, why desperation has been useful for his craft, and so much more. Say hi to Damon and tell him what you thought of this episode: @verysmartbros Topics Covered: -The realization Damon had that led him to give up his basketball career (he's still a Pittsburgh hoop legend) -Why 'Dick and Haiku' is the grandfather of 'Netflix and Chill' -Damon's stint as a teacher and his made up curriculum -How Very Smart Brothas was born and how Damon thinks about its growth -The serendipitous events following the release of Damon's first book -Damon's advice to aspiring full-time creatives -How Damon thinks about parenting, being an outsider, and manag

This week's episode is a solo talk on the 11 things we should all stop doing in 2017. A lot of "to do" lists come out near the top of the year, but I decided there were more things we should probably quit than start. 1. Being busy for the sake of being busy (instead of productive) 2. Being lazy / cutting corners 3. Avoiding hard conversations 4. Using outdated definitions of success 5. Catering to the ego 6. Waiting on perfect timing 7. Allowing feelings to be an excuse for bad behavior 8. Flaking on people and things 9. Denying the truth of who we are 10. Hoping goals will just happen 11. Procrastinating unproductively Drop a line and let me know what you thought of this episode and if it was helpful. @LisaNicolebell

This show should be titled Hustle and Heart because those are the two things Tina Lifford has in spades. This conversation tells the story of Tina turning her wishful dream into a thriving career, recovering from major life setbacks, and developing the grit and clarity necessary to courageously live life the way she wants. From getting fired to buying property to choosing projects, this conversation is an inside look at the mindset and attitude of a dynamic artist. We covered a LOT including: -How Tina went from wanting to be an actress to being a sought after, working actress -The story of how Tina took a generous offer from a colleague and turned it into a personal wealth tool -Why getting fired can be a gift if you have the right perspective -How Tina chooses her projects -How Tina coped with losing her brother, dog, and father within 6 months of each other -Tina's advice to creatives who want to be wealthy without being controlled by the pursuit of money -and much, much more! Say hi to Tina and tell her w

This week's Q+A episode deals with the topic of creating an "ideal life" and escaping a 9-5. I put ideal life in quotations because I don't believe in absolutes when it comes to figuring your life out. It's heavy lifting, it's hard, and it takes time (and I sure as heck am not a guru). Still, I do have a lot (I mean, a LOT, no seriously look at how insanely long this episode is...yeah, a lot) of thoughts, observations, and experiences related to the topic so I answered. Leissan asked: "In your opinion, what is the most graceful way to make that transition? From a 9-5 desk job to doing things that are completely nontraditional. I know everyone has their own path, but hearing your transition and how you took the steps to make your ideal life possible would help me construct mine. I'm at the point would require taking some risks and running into trouble with that as well. How do you gracefully take the risk to make your goals happen?" My answer covers many topics including managing time, managing money, rethinki

What does it look like when your perfect career finds you instead of you stressing out about finding it? My conversation in this episode answers that question. Alyse Killeen is a venture capitalist, founder of City Fellows and Women in Venture, and a smart (and let's be honest, woke) woman who roots for outsiders and underdogs. In this conversation, Alyse opens up about her path from academia to grad school to venture capital. We discuss her philosophies on investing, inclusion, bro culture, and much more. My favorite part is near the end when she shares the best advice she's ever received. Lean in when you hear that come up. Say hi to Alyse and tell her what you thought of this episode: @alysekilleen Show Notes: bit.ly/BTB113

To close out the year, Lisa shares the six things she learned and recaps her year. If you're feeling anxiety about 2017, this episode will be a reminder of the good to come. If you're excited about 2017, this will sprinkle more hype on your optimism. Have a safe and happy New Year!

This week's episode delivers a hearty buffet of topics. From selling to sensory deprivation tanks to setting boundaries, we covered a lot. Tamara Floyd is the founder of Natural Hair Rules, a blog that has become a mainstay among natural hair enthusiasts. In this conversation, we chat about: -Tamara's journey from passion project to passionate 6 figure business -What Tamara learned about the importance of confidence -How Tamra thinks about hiring and leadership -Tamara's approach to lifestyle design -How Tamara discovered she was depressed and what she decided to do about it -Tamara's first experience in a sensory deprivation tank -and much more Say hi Tamara on Instagram and Twitter: @NaturalHairRule Tell me what you thought about this episode: @LisaNicoleBell Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB111

This is a solo Q+A episode featuring 2 questions from listeners. This episode is long but meaty. I lay out my process for getting out of a funk, how I keep my mental state elevated on a daily basis, and more. Question 1: As I was on the train this morning and listening to the Kirk Moore episode, I reflected on a meetup I had last night with an established entrepreneur/digital nomad. I rarely vent, especially about things I'd categorize as negative, but I did mention to her that every now and then I feel discouraged. I try not to, but it's sometimes inevitable to compare yourself to someone else. I don't think it's always a bad thing and I usually label it as something to aspire to be/do rather than be jealous. That word makes me cringe. It was crazy that as soon as I figured I'd inquire about that, Kirk began to speak on this topic. Usually I'll get myself together and remind myself why I'm doing what I'm doing, why my journey is unique, and why I can still succeed. I live by the saying "what's for me is for

Have you ever felt like you were too old (or too something) to go after a dream? This week's guest is the talented, smart, and gorgeous Jamila Daniel. After a career in entertainment journalism and a stint working for the Rachel Maddow show, Jamila decided to start all over as an intern (yes, really) to get the job of her dreams: staff writer on a television show. In this episode, Jamila lets me in on her path to pursuing her passion. We talk about the hard times she had moving to LA (she didn't even know how to drive when she got to the city) and how she had to humble herself to get experience, even when it meant working under people much younger than her. We also cover a lot of other great topics including dealing with setbacks and dark days, dating in LA, Jamila's approach to her craft, and much more. It's never too late to pursue your biggest, most passion-inducing dream. Jamila is living proof. Say hi to Jamila on Twitter and tell her what you thought of this episode: @jamiladaniel Show Notes: http://bit

Season 6 is here! We've got a lot of catching up to do. If you want to skip all the hugs, kisses, and housekeeping, jump ahead to about the 20 minute mark to begin this amazing conversation. What would you do if you came into millions of dollars as a result of something you made or built? My guest in this episode, Eric Bahn, tells me the story of starting and growing his scrappy startup (including amazing advice on getting things popping when you have no money) and went on to sell it. He and his wife decided to travel the world, but things got dicey after that. You might wonder how somebody who's deemed "rich" could have any issues with work, but Eric opens up about how he ended up taking a job that turned him into a grumpy guy. There's a lot of other great advice tucked away in this conversation. We cover: -the important lessons Eric learned during and after the time he sold his company -"finding time" to work on passion projects AND be with family and friends -why Eric quit his job at Facebook to work on a

I'm closing out this amazing season with my recap of the season's highlight, the three things you should check out during the show's hiatus, and what I'm currently working on. Recapped episodes: 83 - Colin Wright 88 - The Strangest Secret 93 - Bea Arthur 94 - Christina Jones 96 - Gunnar Lovelace 102 - Kirk Moore 100 - Joyful Ambition   Q+A episodes: 91, 97, 103 || Birthday Episode: 87 As always, thanks for listening. Season 6 drops December 1! In the meantime, subscribe to the show on iTunes and/or sign up for my monthly mashup of funny and inspiring musings at LisaNicoleBell.com.  

This week's guest is writer/producer Ben Watkins who is the creator of the Amazon show, Hand of God. This is one of my favorite episodes ever. Ben was amazingly transparent about his journey and offered up excellent advice on life, work, and creativity. In this conversation, we cover: -How Ben got his start in Hollywood -Ben's thoughts on leadership, creativity, and dealing with tough days -Ben's leaps from actor to writer to showrunner -How Ben learned to keep his ego in check -and much more This conversation was in depth, meaty, and full of hard won wisdom. Say hi to Ben and tell him what you think of the episode: @_Benipedia_ Show Notes: http://bit.ly/BTB106