Breaking the Blocks
Hi!
Thanks for stopping by! Life is tough, and I think this podcast might offer you some relief. My aim? To inspire you to overcome some of your own blocks through the inspirational, honest, and at times, downright raw conversations with some wonderful guests, not huge celebrities, regular people like you and I. Let’s see how they have overcome the difficulties in their lives and offer you some advice and more importantly hope.
www.breakingtheblocks.com
Instagram @breakingtheblocks
Facebook @breakingtheblocks
YouTube @BreakingTheBlockspodcast
www.craftymonkies.com
www.rachelpierman.com
Episodes
40 episodes
The Art of Resilience: Mackenzie Thorpe's Creative Journey
Mackenzie Thorpe shares his extraordinary journey from a dyslexic child in working-class Middlesbrough to a globally celebrated artist whose work touches hearts worldwide.• Born with an innate urge to draw on anything available—stones, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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56:18
Finding Your True North When Life Shifts
Janet Clare joins Rachel to explore the journey of creative growth and authenticity in a world that often feels chaotic and judgmental. Together they reflect on how the pandemic reset their perspectives, helping them realize what truly matters ...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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31:15
Breaking Through: Art, Healing, and Redemption in Women's Prison
Sarah Humphreys transforms lives teaching arts and crafts in a women's prison, helping incarcerated women rebuild their identities through creativity. Working with individuals who've experienced trauma and abuse, she creates a sensory sanctuary...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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1:05:37
The Art of Imperfection
Rachel Pierman sits down with textile artist Judy Martin for a profound conversation about creativity, mortality, and finding healing through art. They explore the spiritual quality of handmade quilts and how creative work can become a sanctuar...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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1:08:27
Finding Your Voice as a Full-Time Carer Requires Immense Inner Strength
Resilience emerges as the central theme when textile artist Caz Holmes shares her journey as a full-time carer for her husband following his debilitating stroke. She offers profound insights into finding balance between caring for others and ma...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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57:56
Stitching Together Cultural Identities When You Don't Belong Anywhere
Davey Powell shares his journey as a queer traveller, navigating the complexities of growing up in fairgrounds while knowing he was gay from a young age. Through therapy, sobriety, and quilting, he's found a way to unite his traveller heritage ...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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1:06:25
You don't have to see the whole staircase, just the next step.
Sarah Spencer takes us on a journey of transformation, from corporate employee to artist, radio host, and community activist while navigating major life transitions and personal growth.• Moving from Canada to Chicago represents a comple...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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1:32:21
What happens when life's greatest challenges become your most powerful teachers?
Leo Ransom shares his transformative journey from being in the wrong place at the wrong time to becoming an accomplished portrait quilter who channels his experiences of prejudice and hardship into creating meaningful art.• Started quil...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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48:32
Breaking Cycles of Childhood Trauma
Becca Shifflett shares her powerful journey from childhood abuse to becoming a successful YouTuber with a thriving community, revealing how she learned to shine her light after years of being taught to dim it.• Experiencing severe child...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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1:14:33
Grief and Growth: Josh's Journey Beyond Loss
A poignant exploration of grief and healing unfolds as Josh Dunn shares his transformational journey following the loss of his mother. He discusses how creativity, particularly quilting, became a source of connection and solace in his life. The...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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1:10:06
The Art of Healing: David's Journey Through Adversity
David Owen Hastings' inspiring journey reveals how he transformed past trauma into a meaningful, creative life. He stresses the importance of embracing our experiences, seeking community support, and using creativity as a healing tool.•...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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53:09
Rediscovering Self in the Whirlwind of Literary Success with Matt Eicheldinger
In this insightful episode, we engage with author Matt Eicheldinger, who returns to discuss the complexities of navigating success after achieving his dreams. With reflections on imposter syndrome, the joys of connecting with readers, and the i...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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1:21:23
Embracing Vulnerability and Discovering Self-Worth with Trudi Wood
This episode explores the transformative journey of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery through the experiences of Trudi Wood. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own emotional challenges and the importance of community and forg...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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50:21
From Firefighter to Quilter: Brandy Maslowski's Journey of Resilience and Healing
Brandy Maslowski's journey from firefighter to quilter illuminates the complexities of trauma and resilience. She shares her experiences with discrimination, PTSD, and ultimately, how creativity became her healing mechanism, inspiring others to...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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1:04:23
From Grief to Growth: Nicole Leth on Affirmations, Compassion, and Creative Healing
After experiencing the profound pain of losing a loved one to suicide, Nicole Leth discovered the power of affirmations as a lifeline to healing. Her journey from personal tragedy to creating My Affirmation Project is a testament to resilience ...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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1:03:24
Empathy and Inclusion: Ian Garland's Creative Journey and Advocacy for Change
Join us on Breaking the Blocks as Rachel Pierman welcomes Ian Garland, a charismatic quilter with a thriving YouTube community and a passion for fostering understanding through creativity. Ian shares his journey from Texas to Washington, seekin...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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59:52
Artistic Transformation: Zak Foster on Quilting, Community, and Ancestral Reflection
Join me for an inspiring conversation with Zak Foster, a trailblazer in the artistic quilting community, whose journey from a high school Spanish teacher to a full-time artist and podcaster is nothing short of transformative. Zak shares the piv...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:13:28
Crafting Calm: Lucy Brennan on Creativity, Self-Worth, and Embracing Change
Crafting holds a meditative power, a truth that Lucy Brennan, also known as @CharmAboutYou (and she does a Saturday Night Craftalong on Instagram). embodies in her life journey. As she shares her story, we learn how the art of crafting, passed ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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59:05
The Art of Letting Go. Dee Bushrod Embraces Change
Ever felt trapped by the roles others expect you to play? Quilter Dee Bushrod of @pixelquilts knows that feeling all too well. Renowned for her intricate pixel quilts, Dee takes us through her emotional journey of overcoming depression, breakin...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:11:34
From Struggle to Strength: Chris Marchini's Inspiring Quilting Journey
What if embracing your true identity could unlock a world of healing and self-discovery? Join us in this heartfelt episode of Breaking the Blocks as we sit down with the remarkable Chris Marchini, an inspiring quilter whose personal journey is ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:08:08
Navigating Step-Parenting and Personal Growth with Amanda Oros
Have you ever wondered how a passion for quilting can become a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing? Join me as I chat with Amanda Oros, the dynamic host of "Not Your Granny's Quilt Show." Amanda and I share our personal journeys as ste...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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56:11
Sustainable Quilting and Emotional Healing: Sherri Lynn Wood's Creative Journey
Join us for an inspiring kick-off to season two of "Breaking the Blocks" with your host, Rachel Pierman. This episode features a heartfelt conversation with seasoned quilter Sherri Lynn Wood, who shares her journey from traditional quilting to ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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52:39
Quilting Emotions: Lucy Engles on Art, Therapy, and Creative Resilience
What if your quilt could capture a century of emotions? In this spellbinding episode of Breaking the Blocks, we sit down with the talented quilter and artist, Lucy Engles, to discuss the metamorphosis of her artistic style and the personal jour...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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34:59
A Life Stitched with Creativity: Nicholas Ball's Story
Why do some creatives break boundaries successfully while others struggle to find their spark? Join us as we sit down with the renowned improv quilter Nicholas Ball, also known for his stunning Instagram presence under @QuiltsfromtheAttic, who ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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51:20
Quilting Through ADHD: Kate Sandford’s Creative Lifeline and Journey of Self-Discovery
What happens when quilting becomes a lifeline for someone managing ADHD? Artist Kate Sandford joins us on Breaking the Blocks to share her transformative journey. She recounts her path from art college to embracing quilting, highlighting how th...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:04:03
