Episode 2: Imposter Syndrome | Feeling Like a Fraud When You’re Actually Not

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Episode Overview

In the second episode of Big Dreams & Little Things, hosts Karina Kampe (certified coach, artist, and songwriter) and Maria Wronski-Ellis (songwriter, artist, educator, and author of the upcoming book “The Mindful Songwriter”) explore that nagging feeling that you don’t belong, that your success is just luck, or that any moment now, someone will find out you’re a fraud. From J.K. Rowling to Paul McCartney, we discover how even the world’s most successful creators battle with feeling like imposters – and what you can do when that voice in your head says you’re not good enough.

Topics Covered

• The universal experience of imposter syndrome and how it affects everyone
• J.K. Rowling’s journey from self-doubt to transforming her vulnerability into strength
• Famous creatives who battled imposter syndrome (Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Maya Angelou, John Steinbeck)
• Maria’s personal experience returning to university in her 40s
• Original research by Clance and Imes in the 1970s
• How childhood experiences with perfectionism and criticism can plant the seeds of imposter syndrome
• A practical 5-minute method to combat imposter syndrome

Timeline with Key Moments

[00:01] Intro: Maria describes a personal experience with imposter syndrome when returning to university in her 40s.

[01:08] Reflection on “starting scrappy”: Discussion about progress since the previous episode.

[02:15] Personal experiences with imposter syndrome: Karina and Maria share their own experiences, including feelings of not belonging during college years.

[03:50] JK Rowling’s journey

[07:46] Famous creative people with imposter syndrome

[12:32] Maria’s personal story: She shares her experience of receiving a high grade at university (90%) but immediately thinking they must have confused her with someone else. She also discusses how the imposter feeling returned when she decided to write a book.

[14:35] The Mindful Songwriter: Maria presents her upcoming book that helps songwriters use mindfulness to connect to their creativity.

[17:18] The difficulty of accepting praise: Discussion about how imposter syndrome can make it hard to accept positive feedback.

[19:19] Research on imposter syndrome: Originally identified in the 1970s by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes among high-achieving women, but later research shows it affects everyone regardless of gender.

[21:35] Childhood as breeding ground: Discussion about how the environment you grow up in can contribute to the development of imposter syndrome.

[23:34] Challenge to listeners: Presentation of the “5-minute method” to combat imposter syndrome.

[24:09] Announcement of ECTA Accountability Hub: Presentation of their new project “Empower Change Through Accountability” offering structured support for personal development.

[25:55] Preview of next episode: Focus on the power of partnership, from C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien to scientific discoveries.

Books, Inspiration & Creative Wisdom

The Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale – A scientifically-validated tool that measures how deeply someone experiences imposter feelings

The Mindful Songwriter – Maria’s upcoming book that explores the creative process (coming soon!)

J.K. Rowling’s Story – Her transformation from struggling single mother to celebrated author, and how she battled self-doubt along the way

2011 Study on Creatives – Research showing why artists, writers, and musicians often struggle with self-doubt due to the subjective nature of their success

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