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The Creative Grief Journey

Welcome to the Creative Grief Journey Podcast.

Each soul-led podcast offers tools and stories to help you navigating loss through creativity, community, and sacred practice.

Hosted by intuitive artist and grief recovery expert Dawn Renee Bova, this podcast explores how creativity, nature, and rituals can gently transform your darkest moments into light.

Together, we explore love, life, and loss—with courage, color, and compassion.

All Episodes

The Creative Grief Journey

How to Turn Setbacks into Comebacks

December 10, 2025 • Dawn Renee Bova • Season 6 • Episode 4

Welcome to the Creative Grief Journey podcast, hosted by Dawn Renee Bove. In this episode, Dawn sits down with John Kippen, an entrepreneur, magician, coach, and author who shares his powerful story of overcoming adversity. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002, the surgery left him with facial paralysis and led him into a 12-year period of hiding. Rediscovering his passion for magic, John's facial difference became his superpower, transforming his life and inspiring others. Alongside discussing the importance of becoming one's own advocate in the medical system, John emphasizes how creativity and authentic storytelling can facilitate healing and connection. Featuring insights into his successful documentary co-starring Jamie Lee Curtis and his philosophy on empowerment, this episode is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and resilience.

00:00 Welcome to the Creative Grief Journey

00:35 The Power of Creativity and Community

03:17 Introducing John Kippen: A Story of Resilience

04:34 John's Journey: From Diagnosis to Rediscovery

10:36 The Turning Point: Embracing Magic and Storytelling

14:03 Empowering Others Through Magic

20:09 The Award-Winning Documentary

22:53 John's Mission: Empowerment Coaching

25:40 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Check out John Kippen:

johnkippen.com

Coaching available at: