This conversation focuses on nourishment. I’m joined by my dear friend Layla Khoury-Hanold, a James Beard Award nominated journalist, freelance food and travel writer, and author.

Layla shares how she honors her appetite and nourishes herself in a way that is true and that aligns for her. She invites you to fill your cup first and gives you inspiration to make space for your creative process.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.

What’s in This Episode:

Layla shares her definition of creativity which she believes is something that is constantly evolving. She gives us a look into her creative process which includes: Research, daydreaming, or putting writing blocks in her calendar.

She gives us a real life example as a parent, partner, and business owner of what has to give in order to support her creative time. Layla is clear about her priorities and asks for help with dinner and releases the responsibility of figuring out the after school schedule for her daughter.

Layla surrounds herself with other writers who understand the ups and downs of the creative process. She’s familiar with the isolating feelings that can come with creation. She prioritizes being in spaces where she feels less alone on her creative journey.

Topics Covered:

Satisfying your appetite for life and getting intentional about how you nourish your creative energy

Reframing the need to “earn” creative time or be worthy enough to dedicate time to creative projects

Refilling your cup for yourself vs refilling your cup for others. Read Layla’s essay on refilling your cup on Mother Untitled here

Building your creative community of people who get what you’re going through

How are you nourishing your creativity? Leave a comment on Substack or DM us on IG @chefcarlacontreras & @words_with_layla.

xo Carla

PS: Dreaming of starting your own Substack? Listen to this podcast about building your new digital home on Substack here

Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only.