Ep. 95 - Leo Marrs: Making Things That Matter

About This Episode What if the collapse of old systems — the patriarchy, relentless productivity, and hollow doing — is really the birth pangs of something necessary and beautiful? In this conversation, I sit down with Leo Marrs, a writer, creative strategist, experience designer, and the author of the upcoming The New Creator: Rise of the Mindful Artist in the New Meaning Economy. Leo’s story begins in the wilds of Alaska and weaves through entrepreneurship, breathwork, altered states of consciousness, and a deep remembering that we are it — the universe expressing itself creatively through us. In this episode, we explore: How the collapse of old systems can feel like existential fight-or-flight — and yet a creative rebirth. Leo’s spontaneous awakening that revealed the creative intelligence suffusing everything. The essential role of art, vision, and imagination in shaping futures worth living. How to engage with technology — including AI — without losing our humanity. Why presence might be our greatest creative “technology” yet. How to drop the striving and become the mindful artist you already are. If you feel called to make things that truly matter, this conversation is for you. Listen Now Apple Podcasts: [listen here] Spotify: [Lissten here]   Links & Resources Connect with Leo Marrs: https://www.leomarrs.com Leo’s upcoming book: The New Creator: Rise of the Mindful Artist in the New Meaning Economy (sign up on Leo’s site for updates) Referenced in this episode: Integral Theory by Ken Wilber — https://integrallife.com/ The Image of the Future by Fred Polak — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Polak Moga Dot (AI & ethics)  The Telepathy Tapes podcast — https://thetelepathytapes.com/  Aphantasia resources — https://aphantasia.com Timestamps 00:00 — Welcoming Leo and the collective moment we’re in 04:00 — Leo’s spontaneous awakening in the shower 12:00 — The power of image, vision, and art to shape the future 20:00 — Engaging with AI and collective intelligence mindfully 30:00 — Aphantasia, inner knowing, and hidden gifts of not seeing 42:00 — Why we must learn to trust uncertainty 50:00 — The billboard message: You’re it — becoming the mindful artist you already are Go Deeper Read my blog reflections on this episode inside Patreon Get bonus episodes, reflections, and community connection: [Patreon] Subscribe to the Creative Genius Newsletter here If You Loved This Episode Share it with a friend — it helps so much. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — your words help Creative Genius reach more people who need it. Join our warm, growing community on Patreon for more bonus episodes, guided reflections, and ways to connect with others on this path. Stay Connected Follow me on Instagram: @kateshepherdcreative & @thecreativegeniuspodcast Follow Leo: @theleomarrs Reach out to me directly here Thank you for listening — keep making things that matter.