Ground and Gratitude
27 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 26 ratingsHow do you design a life that not only grows, but also gives? It’s a question that Lorilee Rager has been asking herself lately. From her upbringing on a rural farm in Kentucky to her career as a designer, entrepreneur, writer and professor, resilience has been essential. Now, Lorilee is determined to build on that foundation, exploring pathways to physical, mental, and spiritual health. There won’t be quick fixes, magic elixirs, or dubious schemes. Instead, you’ll hear plenty of honest conversations, expert advice, and reminders that the key to a healthier life lies within you and you have a choice to design the life you want. Because you are enough.
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Episodes
Coffee Break
September 21, 2022 07:00 - 2 minutes - 2.4 MBAfter a fantastic first season of Ground and Gratitude, Lorilee is taking some time to practice what she preaches: self care, rest, and reflection. From all of us here at Ground and Gratitude, thank you for coming along on this enriching journey of discovery and growth. While we take a break from producing new episodes, please check out Season 1 for many wonderful conversations exploring what it means to be a creative in this world and how to bring all the love, joy, and laughter back to the...
Advice on Aging and Acting with Art Conn
July 13, 2022 08:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBLorilee’s close friend and colleague, Art Conn, joins her to discuss his creative journey. Art has worn many hats in his career, from acting and directing theater, to hosting radio and television shows, to working in marketing. He is also well known as the host and emcee for several Clarksville entertainment venues, in addition to being Committee Chairman for the “Best of Clarksville” event for the past 16 years. Currently, Art is a part of Lorilee’s team at Thrive Creative Agency, where he ...
Blending Strategy & Design with Shruthi Manjula Balakrishna
June 29, 2022 07:00 - 52 minutes - 72.3 MBLorilee is joined by fellow designer and Vermont College of Fine Arts graduate, Shruthi Manjula Balakrishna. Shruthi is an accomplished creative who draws from many different fields for inspiration in her design aesthetic. Her work is deeply influenced by her interest in anthropology, philosophy, and behavioral psychology, as she strives to create with a human-centric sensibility. In addition to her role as Design Director at Austin, Texas based firm, FÖDA, Shruthi is also an educator, speak...
Finding Your Light with Susan Bryant
June 15, 2022 08:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBIn this episode, Lorilee connects with her friend and former professor, Susan Bryant. The two met in Susan’s class at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee where she taught analog photography for 37 years. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibits across the country, and she has been the recipient of several distinguished artistic fellowships throughout her career. Though she retired from full time teaching in 2019, Susan continues to instruct online and in-person phot...
Singer-Songwriter Lauren Morrow on Performing and Personal Growth
June 01, 2022 08:00 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBLauren Morrow is an acclaimed Nashville-based songwriter and performer. Her music is unique, blending genres like rock and classic-country with her adept storytelling skills and expressive voice. Like Lorilee, Lauren has come to embrace and draw on her own background to create from the heart. With this approach, her individual experience has resonated with people from many walks of life. Lauren joins Lorilee for a personal conversation about what drives her as a creative, why she takes risks...
Special: Crisis of Charisma
May 25, 2022 08:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBAnticipating needs, sidestepping disruptions, and maintaining stability are all vital skills when you’re running a creative, client-facing business; however, they can also come with a dark side. When left unchecked, this kind of conflict avoidance can spiral into repression and denial of one’s own truth. In this special episode, Lorilee unpacks her peacemaking tendencies in an effort to understand their roots and embrace the messy, muddy, middle of real, authentic life. “Crisis of Charisma”...
Kirbee Miller on Passion and Purpose
May 11, 2022 08:00 - 55 minutes - 50.8 MBEntrepreneur Kirbee Miller joins Lorilee to discuss how she navigates life as a creative, caregiver, partner, and founder. Kirbee runs Nashville-based lifestyle brand KiNiMi Kitchen, where she channels her culinary expertise and love of cooking to foster community and connection. She also holds degrees in biology and chemistry as well as a Masters in healthcare informatics. The two connect over their respective paths toward authentic self-discovery -- and how those journeys are rarely linear...
Curiosity in Life and Design with Marielena Andre
April 27, 2022 08:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBLorilee is joined by Marielena André -- a multimedia designer and educator living in New Jersey. She is an accomplished artist with expertise in textile, fashion, graphic and sustainable design, as well as product development. Marielena and Lorilee discuss the fundamental curiosity that has fueled their respective journeys in creativity and education, as well as the importance of experimenting, failing, reinventing, and reapplying ourselves as we grow and develop our lives. Highlights: ...
Getting Real About Depression with Laura Watkins
April 13, 2022 17:26 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MBLorilee sits down with Laura Watkins -- entrepreneur, licensed cosmetologist, mom, and owner of Pure Salon Spa in Louisville, Kentucky. Laura and Lorilee discuss their respective journeys with mental health and what it truly means to practice self care, especially when we’re struggling. Laura shares her personal experience with depression and the many treatments she tried to address her mental health. She emphasizes how essential it is to have a dialogue about mental illness with our friends...
“Where Do I Even Start?” Discovering Therapy on Your Own Terms with Janet and Brianna Velazquez
March 30, 2022 07:00 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBLorilee is joined by mother and daughter duo Janet and Brianna Velazquez. Janet and Brianna are both licensed mental health professionals whose goal is to help their clients uncover their true potential and lead lives that are worth celebrating. Brianna is a Licensed Professional Counselor MHSP and Janet is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. The three discuss the many benefits of therapy as well as the misconceptions and roadblocks that can inhibit getting started on a path to self-di...
Ziddi Msangi on Sense of Place and Human Centered Design
March 16, 2022 08:00 - 50 minutes - 46 MBZiddi Msangi is a Tanzanian-born educator and designer. His early experience of moving to California as a child informs his current awareness and interest in history, power and place. Lorilee and Ziddi sit down to discuss the common threads between their distinct backgrounds and how their senses of place have shaped who they are and their approach to design. They also dig into the innovative philosophy behind human centered design. Highlights: On Ziddi’s playlist: King Sunny Ade Understa...
Special: The Membership
March 09, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBWhat forces shape who we are on our respective journeys? Wendell Berry’s 2004 novel Hannah Coulter portrays one woman’s experience with her rural Kentucky farming community referred to as “The Membership.” Drawing on Berry’s description, Lorilee shares the role that her own “Membership” played in her life; the people who came together to support each other and their farmland. Not only did this group define her childhood, but they also influenced her approach to running her design business to...
Understanding Anxiety with Cathy Boone-Black
March 02, 2022 09:00 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBStress is a normal part of life; we all experience it in useful and un-useful ways. Sometimes it can manifest in uncomfortable and even painful physical reactions. Understanding the physical and mental expressions of these feelings can help us gain control, let go, and live healthier lives. Lorilee shares her own experiences with panic attacks and is joined by one of the people who helped her to alleviate her symptoms, Cathy Boone-Black. Cathy specializes in reducing stress and anxiety throu...
Michael Janda, Award-Winning Creative Director, on the Business of Design
February 16, 2022 08:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBLorilee sits down with one of her mentors, Michael Janda, to talk shop; specifically, the business of being a designer. Michael is an award-winning creative director, designer, and agency veteran. In 2002, he founded the creative agency Riser, which provided design and development services for high-profile brands, including Disney, Google, Warner Bros., National Geographic and many others. Michael sold Riser in 2015 and now spends his time speaking, developing books, courses, and social medi...
Tackling Toxic Positivity with Starr Cliff
February 02, 2022 09:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB“We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”- Brene Brown. Look on the bright side! Good vibes only. Think happy thoughts! Don’t worry. While these phrases may seem helpful, they can all be examples of toxic positivity. Instead of offering hope, toxic positivity can actually stifle and dismiss very real experiences and emotions. Lorilee is joined by her good friend Starr Cliff to unpack why many of us respond to difficult sit...
Balancing Time and Teaching Design with Ryan Slone
January 19, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBFellow designer and VCFA graduate Ryan Slone joins Lorilee on the podcast. Ryan is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at University of Arkansas’ School of Art. He shares his creative journey, from his childhood in Arkansas to designing for notable clients in Brooklyn. The two discuss the differences (and similarities) between agency and academic life and how grad school shaped their approaches. Today, Ryan’s research focuses on social-advocacy poster design, and his award-winning work ...
Special: Side Hustle Hangover
January 12, 2022 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBIt’s a cycle you may have found yourself in: you make a lofty New Year’s resolution or two, become discouraged by a lack of progress and ultimately abandon the whole thing by mid-January, feeling defeated. If so, you’re not alone. In this special episode, Lorilee shares why she let go of yearly resolutions altogether and learned to take sustainable, simple steps toward her own self-care through rituals like breathing, mediation, and writing. The things we tend to each day will grow and flour...
Shame Free Eating with Julie Satterfeal
January 05, 2022 08:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MBJulie Satterfeal is a registered dietician, author, speaker, podcast host, and coach helping people to develop a shame-free relationship with food. Julie is a weight inclusive, anti-diet dietician with an empathetic, thoughtful approach. She joins Lorilee on the podcast to discuss her important philosophy, why dieting doesn’t work, and what authentic nutrition actually looks like. Highlights: On Julie’s playlist: “Crowded Table” - The Highwomen Why Julie focuses on relationships with foo...
Imposter Syndrome and Self Care with Britney Campbell
December 22, 2021 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44 MBBritney Campbell is the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations at Legends Bank, where she has played an important role in launching Her Bank, a Legends brand that celebrates, honors, and supports women. Britney is a gifted communicator and community-builder, and she sits down with Lorilee to share her personal experiences with confronting imposter syndrome, building self-confidence, and practicing self care. The two also discuss why it’s so meaningful to meet women wherever th...
Resilience and Rural Life with Dawayne Kirkman
December 08, 2021 08:00 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBLorilee sits down with longtime friend Dawayne Kirkman to talk all about resilience, family, their shared rural upbringing, and much more. Dawayne is the Vice President of Student Affairs at Clark State College where he works with students to overcome challenges and find success. His role has given him insight into the incredible power of mentorship and why it’s so important to “pay it forward.” Highlights: On Dawayne’s playlist: “All I Want for Christmas is You” - Mariah Carey Owning whe...
Holiday Special: Rural Route One
November 25, 2021 08:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBIn this special episode, Lorilee shares personal reflections on her childhood in Kentucky, detailing rich memories of Thanksgiving on Long Vue Farms and the safe spaces she created for herself as a young person. It was these sanctuaries -- under the dining room table or out in the garden -- that created the conditions for healing and true gratitude, but somewhere along the way, Lorilee lost touch with this grounding practice, leading her to ask a question many of us still grapple with; wher...
Anxiety and Alcohol Free Living with Samantha Perkins
November 24, 2021 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBWriter and speaker Samantha Perkins joins Lorilee to discuss her journey to living an alcohol-free life. They explore the link between alcohol and anxiety, and share their own experiences with sobriety and the pressures and stigmas that surround drinking culture. Samantha is the author of Alive AF: One Anxious Mom’s Journey to Becoming Alcohol Free and speaks about the impact that alcohol had on her life and mental health. Highlights: On Samantha’s playlist: “Rhythm Nation” - Janet Jacks...
Diving Deep Into Therapy with Will Messer
November 10, 2021 09:34 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBClinical Social Worker Will Messer joins Lorilee to talk about all things therapy. The two get into some of the different approaches out there, how to ask for help, and what healing looks like -- all in the name of living a life full of joy, clarity, and peace. Will has extensive experience working with individuals and couples. He is a Certified EFT Therapist, Certified Enneagram Trainer and Coach, and level one AEDP Therapist based in Tennessee. Highlights: On Will’s playlist: “One of a K...
Stories of Self Efficacy with Dr. Anne Wall
October 27, 2021 07:30 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBDr. Anne Wall (a.k.a. Dr. Sweetie) joins Lorilee to explore the power of preparation and self-efficacy. Anne is a longtime educator who has taught at various levels; from elementary school up through higher education in undergraduate and graduate programs. She recently retired as a professor at Austin Peay State University. Anne shares stories from her own life about how she built the confidence and skills to excel in her career and beyond. Highlights: On Anne’s playlist: Frank Sinatra De...
Writing and Rituals with Natalia Ilyin
October 13, 2021 10:15 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBWelcome to the very first episode of Ground & Gratitude, a new podcast from designer and entrepreneur Lorilee Rager. To kick things off, Natalia Ilyin joins Lorilee on the show to discuss routines; the rituals that keep us grounded, calm the mind, and make space for creative ideas to thrive. Whether it’s pouring yourself a cup of tea or sitting down to write morning pages, even small routines can lead to transformation. Natalia is a Professor of Design, Design History and Criticism at Corn...
Welcome to Ground and Gratitude
September 29, 2021 08:00 - 2 minutes - 2.25 MBWelcome to Ground and Gratitude, a new podcast from Lorilee Rager. Lorilee is sitting down with experts, friends, and even the neighbor next door to talk about what it means to live a truly healthy life. How do we grow and better our lives -- and the lives of those around us? Tune in every other Wednesday to find out. Visit our website to learn more, or follow Lorilee on Instagram.
Coming Soon: Ground and Gratitude
May 11, 2021 22:07 - 9 seconds - 126 KBA new podcast from Lorilee Rager.