In this episode, our guest Valerie June Hockett and I embark on a journey through the transformative power of creativity. Valerie, a Grammy-nominated artist and creative visionary, shares her unique perspective on how art can inspire social change and personal growth. We explore her multifaceted career, from her early struggles to her current role as a beacon of inspiration for artists and activists.
Key highlights include Valerie's insights on protecting one's sensitivity in the digital age, her strategies for diversifying income as a creative, and her reflections on the financial lessons learned from her childhood. We also discuss the importance of radical imagination in creating a better future and how her workbook, "Light Beams: A Workbook for Being Your Badass Self," aims to empower individuals to embrace their full potential.

Meet Our Guest:

Valerie June is a creative force whose work spans music, poetry, visual arts, and beyond. Her journey from the heart of Tennessee to the international stage is a testament to the power of following one's creative path. As a musician, singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist, she has not only captured the hearts of her fans but has also dedicated her talents to uplifting communities and fostering a sense of harmony and awareness.
Her commitment to social justice is woven into her art, as she uses her platform to inspire change and encourage others to embrace their creative potential. Her work with the President's Committee for the Arts and Humanities and the Kennedy Center further demonstrates her dedication to empowering the next generation of artists and thinkers.

Podcast Highlights:

00:00:15 Intro
00:00:25 Meeting the Guest: Valerie June’s Creative Journey
00:01:45 Grammy-Nominated Artist Valerie June's Multifaceted Career
00:02:45 The Joy of Living a Creative Life: Music, Art, and Play
00:03:45 Incorporating Social Justice into Art and Activism
00:05:45 The Cost of Dreaming: Reflections on Dr. King and Activism
00:07:05 Imagination as a Superpower: Creating Reality Through Dreams
00:10:25 Keeping Activists Inspired Through Art and Creativity
00:12:05 Childhood Financial Struggles and Lessons from My Father
00:14:25 The Reality of Bankruptcy: Overcoming Failure and Starting Over
00:16:25 Living Within My Means: How My Upbringing Shaped My Financial Approach
00:19:05 Diversifying Skills: How Multiple Crafts Shape a Creative Career
00:20:45 The Importance of Rest: Why Rest is Radical
00:22:25 Transitioning from a Day Job to Full-Time Artist
00:29:05 AI and Universal Basic Income: Exploring New Work Structures
00:32:25 Imagining a Gentler World with AI and Green Spaces
00:33:45 Learning from Indigenous Practices: Mexico City’s Ancient Water Systems
00:37:05 Pandemic Reflections: Slowing Down and Shifting Values
00:42:25 Insights from “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene
00:43:45 Money and the Meaning of Life: Different Ways to View Wealth
00:53:45 Valerie's Strength in Pursuing Her Art
00:54:25 Closing with Valerie June's Poem "Who Are We?"

Resources:

Valerie’s Website
Valerie’s Instagram
Somebody to Love: The Story of Valerie June's Sweet Little Baby Banjo Lily
Light Beams: "A Workbook for Being Your Badass Self" by Valerie June
Valerie June's book: "Maps for the Modern World"
"Power" by Robert Greene
"Money and the Meaning of Life" by Jacob Needleman
"Wealth Supremacy" by Marjorie Kelly
David Graeber's Work on Historical Societies
Chinampas in Mexico City
Universal Basic Income (UBI) and AI Impact on Work
allthecolors.net for the Money Archetypes Quiz

Diana Gisel Yañez is an Investment Advisor Representative of Natural Investments PBLLC. Natural Investments is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. All the Colors is not a registered entity and is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Natural Investments. See our Disclosures and Disclaimers and read our Form CRS.