Why I’m Pressing Pause After 50 Podcast Episodes — And What I’ve Learned
Felt like painting a scene from The Outrun
I never imagined I’d make it to 50 episodes. When I started this podcast, it came from the tiniest spark — a quiet "what if?" on a random evening. No master plan, no strategy, just a feeling. And somehow, it led me here.
This isn’t a dramatic goodbye. It’s a pause. A pivot. A letting go.
After much reflection (and one too many birds hitting my studio window — more on that in a bit), I’ve decided to step away from the podcast for now. The truth is, I need to make more space for what matters most to me right now: painting. My YouTube channel is growing, my studio is full of energy, and I’ve realized I can’t do everything.
But before I go, I want to leave you with five creative principles that have carried me through this chapter — and might just carry you through yours too.
1. Follow the Spark
This podcast began with a flicker of intuition. I had a quiet hope that one day, maybe Aine Divine would say yes to an interview. I didn’t wait until I was “ready.” I followed the spark. And that single yes led to conversations that expanded my creative life in ways I never imagined.
You don’t need a master plan. Just follow what excites you.
2. Consistency Over Perfection
In 2023, I painted over 250 pieces. Not every one was a masterpiece. But showing up again and again gave me more than just skill — it gave me insight. I could finally lay out my work and ask: What do I love? What colors keep showing up? What’s my visual voice?
We discover who we are creatively not through grand gestures, but through steady rhythm.
3. Be Willing to Pivot
Letting go of the podcast feels bittersweet. But it's not about failure. It’s about redirecting my energy toward what’s calling louder. Painting. YouTube. Stillness.
And yes, strangely — once again, just as I was forcing ads and chasing strategy, a tiny bird hit my studio window. It jolted me. The same thing had happened months ago, during another season of pushing too hard. It felt like a reminder: Miwa, stop forcing it. Let go.
Sometimes nature knows before we do.
4. Protect Your Studio Time Like It’s Sacred
A pivotal moment came during a call with Christian Hook. When he asked, “Do you want to be a journalist or an artist?” — it hit deep. He wasn’t being harsh. He was just clear. If I wanted to grow as a painter, I had to stop scattering my energy.
That echoed through other rejections too — respectful no’s from artists I admired like Shane Wolf and Nick Alm. They weren’t saying no to me — they were saying yes to their studio. And I realized: strong boundaries are often a sign of deep commitment.
Especially for women, saying no can feel like a rebellion. But it’s not selfish. It’s sacred.
5. Reflection Over Performance
Some of the most transformative moments didn’t come from a polished post or a well-produced episode — they came from tears, jealousy, discomfort. From moments that cracked me open.
Reflection, not performance, is what brings real growth. Let yourself sit with the mess. Let yourself ask the hard questions:
What excites you right now?
Where is your energy actually going?
What would happen if you gave yourself permission to pivot?
They’re not easy questions. But they’re worth asking.
So What’s Next?
I’ll still be around. Painting. Exploring. Sharing more of my process on YouTube — maybe with a new direction, more like your artist friend figuring things out in public.
And maybe one day, I’ll return to this podcast. If the spark shows up again, I’ll follow it.
Until then — thank you. For being here. For listening. For witnessing these 50 episodes with me. It’s meant more than you know.
Stay curious. Keep creating.
— Miwa
P.S. If you’d like to listen to this episode, its here.
