Episode Overview
“What fuels you?” It’s a question we rarely pause to ask—but one that could change everything. In this episode, Karina Kampe and Maria Wronski-Ellis dive into the emotional and neurological forces behind creativity and drive: passion, curiosity, and the underrated magic of play. From Alicia Keys and Shonda Rhimes to physicists with bongos, we unpack what it means to feel inspired—and what to do when the spark is gone.
This episode also features the incredible story of Victorine Meurent—long dismissed as a muse for Manet, but actually a skilled, independent artist whose legacy is finally reemerging. Karina shares the deep research behind her musical play Victorine: Who Paints a Life, and offers listeners a preview performance of a song inspired by Victorine’s own words.
Grounded in science (Todd Kashdan on curiosity, Robert Vallerand on passion types, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi on flow), this episode is both heartful and practical. Whether you’re recovering from burnout or looking to rekindle joy in your work, you’ll find both insight and encouragement here.
Oh, and yes—we also explain what happened to the last episode (spoiler: ducks were involved). 🦆
Topics Covered
- The myth of the “obsessed genius”
- Why curiosity is a psychological superpower
- Harmonious vs. obsessive passion (Robert Vallerand)
- Flow theory and creativity (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi)
- Personal stories from the creative process
- Victorine Meurent, The face of impressionism’s hidden life and art
- How to keep going when passion fades
- Fun as a powerful creative force
- Artist Dates and inner child practices
- A pre-listen to a song from the upcoming musical Victorine – Who Paints a Life?
Books, Inspiration & Creative Wisdom
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
A powerful exploration of creativity, fear, and living a life driven by curiosity rather than perfection.
The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron – A 12-week journey to recover your creative self through morning pages, play, and spiritual practice.
Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul – Stuart Brown – A fascinating look at the science of play and why it’s essential for innovation and well-being.
Start With Why – Simon Sinek – Discover how great leaders inspire action by putting purpose before product.
The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle – A modern spiritual classic on mindfulness, presence, and awakening beyond the mind.
More Myself: A Journey – Alicia Keys
A candid memoir where Alicia Keys reflects on her journey to self-discovery, embracing authenticity over expectations.
Benny Andersson on why he writes music (In Swedish, use translator)
Victorine Meurent
Eunice Lipton – Alias Olympia – The groundbreaking book that uncovered the true life of Victorine Meurent.
What’sHerName Podcast: Features an episode titled “THE PAINTER Victorine Meurent,” discussing her life and legacy.
Academic References
Curiosity and Psychological Flexibility – Todd Kashdan (PMC)
Research on how curiosity improves emotional resilience, flexibility, and well-being.The Dualistic Model of Passion – Robert J. Vallerand (Frontiers)
Explains the difference between healthy (harmonious) and unhealthy (obsessive) passion.Flow, the Secret to Happiness – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (TED Talk)
A TED classic on how “flow states” boost joy, creativity, and meaningful work.
Free Download: Ten minute Quick Guide to Accountability
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Stuck in a loop? Overthinking your next move? Call a friend and try this quick & powerful structure. All you need is 10 minutes and someone who listens without trying to fix you.