Welcome to a passion project of mine- a collection of conversations captured in time, sharing the tales of people who are MAKING MAGIC REAL!
What is Magic?
Magic is a soul essence. It is joy. It is pure passion.
It's a feeling of hope that we can create a better future.
It's the sparkle that creates light behind people's eyes.
Magic is the secret ingredient to getting through those tougher days.
It's the thing that makes dreams seem actually possible.
Listen to the podcast BELOW on this webpage OR on any podcast streaming platforms - Spotify, Apple, Audible etc….
Ep 24 - Taylor Meagher - Red Lines Dancing - Tales of an Artist..
Had the absolute joy of sharing this conversation with Taylor an artist who expresses her creative energy through painting & dancing!
Since coming across her works, I have been truly captivated by the way she constructs the energies of her pieces & her use of colours give me a feeling of home. We chat about her womb-centric art series, the story that brings her to the land we recorded the podcast on & other parts of the artists journey.
We didn’t get to chat about her new artist name “Red Lines Dancing on the day, so here is a snippet about her new artist name from a piece of writing she posted on her instagram @redlinesdancing
“My recent business name birthing is greatly inspired by my movement. The movement that I’ve come to realise is interchangable between my paintbrush strokes and the way I love when the music hits the sweet-spot. It’s the same creative spirit, the energy that dances through me is the same energy that kisses the canvas.
Dance is not only my outward conversation with the muse, a form of storytelling, but it’s also the way I’m able to process emotions. Art similarly offers the capacity to process and heal as well… Body & Brush as one”
Ep 23 How do I start a Market Stall for my art? // ART TIME with Julia Jay
Are you looking to start a Market Stall for the first time? Well I hope this episode can be helpful in the beginnings of your Creative Journey!!
I have only been doing Market Stalls for 5 years so this episode is just based around what has worked for me so far, its always good to listen to lots of different people as you scout out information and then PLAY & EXPERIMENT with what works best for you! :)
Good Luck for your market journey & hope you find much magic, community and inspiration as you follow your own path!
Much Magic- Julia x
Time Stamps for the sections in this Episode
3:05 Specifics/ What do I need to start a Market Stall
9:32 Display
14:32 How to Apply? How do I get in? How do I find Stalls?
18:24 Finding the right market for you!
21:31 Keeping Print costs low + pricing products
26:42 Perspectives (to keep in mind when it feels a bit hard)
30:06 The Energetics of markets
35:22 Question Time (sent in via instagram @Juliajayart)
Ep 22 - Cacao with Courtney & Julia
Make a hot cup of Cacao & Join us today for some chit chats!!
Courtney & I have created a joint creative collective called “Slow Crafted Creations” & did our first BIG Festival Market stall together at National Folk Festival Canberra! It is a melding of our magical worlds & its so exciting + fun to work alongside a friend!
We chat about how we prepped for the festival + how much we made money $ wise + also about Courtneys individual business brand which has changed! Since she was on the VERY first episode of the podcast as Naughty Courty's Creations- she is now Pans Ancestral Craft!
Hope you enjoys today’s mini episode!!
Much Magic- Julia Jay xx
Ep 21 - Emily // Embodybee
The Bees have been Emily's biggest teacher in life! Being there through the birth of her daughter & deeply interwoven in the creation of her business - Embodybee.
Her business & life purpose is driven by a dream to restore the sacred connection between bees and humans.
She lives a bee centred way of life, which if your wondering what that means, Emily has it best on her website as -
“Bee-centered means that I everything I do puts the needs of the bees first before my human greed. The bee hives I own are little temples of worship, they are all lovingly collected and thoughtfully placed. I name my hives, talk to them like my friends and adorn them with paint and beautiful designs.”
Through her business Embodybee, Emily teachers others the way of natural bee tending and hand-makes products such as her “Nectar of the goddesses” that acts as a bridge to carry the healing & medicinal properties of the hive to the people, in a way that is respectful and working with the bees natural flow.
Emily is an overflowing well of Bee wisdom + stories so I am super excited for you to listen to this episode! X
Ep 20 - Tahira- Cat- Enchanting Energy
Today’s chat is with Cat, or Tahira or you may know them by another stage name from the numerous characters they have played!! Cat’s pronouns are also they/them:)
This episode is truly a wonderful insight into the creative world of performance art & I love hearing Cat’s stories about the layers of shedding they have gone through and still go through to create the art they do from an uncensored place of truth.
Just a few things we chat about
The strong pull to Belly Dancing from age 9 which catapulted Kat into the world of performance
Stripping away fear about worrying what people think of you & Uncensoring your art form
Kat’s process in creating performance pieces
Radical acceptance “my body is a tool and allows me to do the things I love”
A special spoken word at the end specially written for “Making Magic Real” :) I hope you get as inspired as I did from this episode- let’s dive in! Julia jay x
Ep 19- Eyes of Isis // Isis O'Neill
Today's chat with Isis is about how over the years her love of art has become not only a source of income but a lifestyle that has shown her that it is possible to live a life of pleasure and fun & how living this lifestyle has challenged, enriched and empowered her in so many ways.
She is a multidisciplinary artist specialising in macramé weaved crystal necklaces, mystical ceramics & beautiful feminine/nature inspired paintings! You can tell she has spent so much time in each piece, all her ceramic mugs with detailed pixie like faces, curling ears, beads and bubbles. Each piece is truly alive and infused with spirit, some eyes holding a glint of a cheeky forest nymph whilst others pear back with the steadiness of an old wise sentient being.
I love Isis light hearted giggly way of talking that is also incredibly straight to the point. You hear her passion and determination around the way she speaks about her creations and the dedication to her souls journey.
-Julia jay- x
Ep 18- Jessica - Alchemy of Arts
Today's chat is with a truly magical friend & inspiring human- Jess!!
Have you ever been at an event or festival and there are those people dancing or walking in stilts with the most intensely viviid costumes? Dressed up as a dragon or Alice in wonderland characters?
Or have you ever been stopped in time as you watch a group of performers open a space with fire, cheekily twirling and playing as they set the energy for the night with an electric-alive feel?
Those are the moments that add the extra bit of colour to an experience, they add to the magic of that memory when you think back to that time.
And Jess fills her life adding magic to peoples memories and is dedicated to bringing joy to peoples lives through performance, story & all sorts of creative expression.
Founding Alchemy of Arts - Jess has created an agency which connects & collaborates people to bring some truly dream-like visions to life. With over 10 years of industry experience in performance art, it is an absolute pleasure to sit down with jess and listen about a world which I have found so inspiring over the last few years.
Much Magic- Julia Jay x
Ep 17 - Gina Moore- Ginagee Creations
Today’s chat is with one of the most magical, most colourful souls - Gina Moore!
Gina is a magic weaver and her skill set is incredible- with her current work consisting of macramé, crochet, crystal jewellery, fine line drawing, logo designs, sewing, leatherwork, and pyrography. Gina and her sister have opened up a studio space in Long Jetty where they will be holding a variety of workshops which you can keep up to date with on Ginagee Creations website. I couldn’t imagine a better person to learn these colourful skills from, Gina has a kind hearted soul & deep passion for connecting people to their own creator within!
We also have a grand story time of the tale of how gina is living out her dream of creating a home in an off grid bus with her two daughters- such a wonderful tale & I’m so excited for you to hear it, so make a cup of tea & get ready for story time!!
Much Magic- Julia Jay x
Ep 16 - David Faulkner // Mr CrystalFace
Today’s chat is with an incredible soul & pen artist extraordinar - David Faulkner who you may know as Mr. Crystalface. I stumbled across his work on instagram almost 10 years ago now, when I was 15-16 just as I was delving into pen art and was mind blown! His work has been a huge inspiration in my own pen art journey especially in what’s actually possible to create and achieve with pen!
Using a blend now of digital & pen, David’s Art opens the doorway to another realm for us all to step into. In today’s conversation we chat about how art became his now full time job & also a valuable tool to traverse through the tricky terrain of insomnia whilst growing up.
+A VERY SPECIAL story time as David read's the first part of a story he is writing for an upcoming picture book!
I loved the timing of recording the podcast too as we got record just before both heading to Dragon Dreaming to have our art in the festival art gallery there. That in itself was such an amazing experience- to get to see David’s work in real life & get to witness the joy and pure excitement people got from standing in front of his huge pieces & losing themselves in the worlds he has created.
Much Magic- Julia Jay x
Ep 15 - Eva Angophora
How possible is it really? To go live outside? To step out of the way of life that is so familiar to us? Often as these questions come up and more, the dream becomes overwhelming and less possible…UNTIL you meet someone like EVA!
Eva is a beautiful being. Her presence is warm, grounding and energetically light. We dive into Eva’s so far 5 year journey of living outside. How transformative this has been in helping her find her true self, the ins and outs of actually living outside in today’s world & launching WILDBEINGS AUSTRALIA- a non for profit organisation that connects humans with their wild roots, sharing ancestral skills (such as basket weaving, fire by friction and alot of hands on teachings around plant & animal wisdom)
Eva really beautifully blends ancestral and modern living in a realistic way that makes this lifestyle actually possible in our society & paves a way for all us that have this dream floating around our souls. I hope you enjoy this episode!! :)
Much Magic- Julia Jay x
Ep- 14 - Clay - The Good Seeds
Today's chat is all about the one of the magical gifts earth has to offer= Seeds!! WE dive into Clay's Journey into beginning a passion project business called "The Good Seeds" - a grassroots business based on providing the local community with a diversity of edible seedlings.
It also acts an inspiring source of encouragement to garden & way to give back to the earth by growing food & herbs in an ethical way that supports local business. We also chat about Clay's love of design has led him into decking out vans into becoming a liveable home for those wanting to pursue van life & a little bit about his short internship (which sadly got cut short due to lockdown) on an earthship. All of these things combined are complimenting his study which is around Sustainable Building Design for Landscapes.
I hope you enjoy the episode! :) Much love & Magic - Julia j x
Recommended Books By Clay are
1. "The Seed Savers Handbook" by Jeremy Cherfas, Jude Fanton, and Michel Fanton
2. "Rainwater harvesting for drylands and beyond" by Brad Lancaster
Ep 13 - Jordan Lucky
Artist Today we are lucky enough to have a dive into the magical realm of Jordan Lucky. A Newcastle Based artist who has travelled far & wide unravelling the magic of Street Art! His works open the door to the imaginative world we all know is there & what is even more amazing- is that he has had many opportunities create these realms LARGE scale on the streets!
WE chat about Jordy's journey, how important community connection is (especially amongst creatives) & he also shares some valuable tips & insights into graffiti!
I absolutely loved our chat & hope it brings you some magic too! Many hugs- Julia Jay x
Ep 12- Tyler - Kin of the Bush
Today's conversation is with Tyler, a kind soul with a grounding presence who is incredibly connected to nature & has a deep passion for rewinding land & people .
We dive into Tyler's life journey & how she re-kindled her soul fire through nature connection & ancestral bush crafts & skills. She holds many skills- basketry, hide tanning, ancestral nutrition, growing food, creating a handmade life- from clothing and cutlery which she teaches & shares with people also on the journey of finding their way back to nature & living harmoniously with the earth.
In particular we chat about the sacred art of Hide Tanning, how to hold reverence for animals during the process, a little bit into the history of hide tanning & Tylers personal experiences with Tanning so far.
I hope you enjoy today's episode! :)
Much magic & love - Julia Jay x
EP 11- Sage
Today's conversation with Sage (pronouns are they/them) is about Creating your own Sexual Boundaries, Celibacy & Exploring the Shadow Self
*TRIGGER WARNING* on this Episode as part of Sage’s self reflections do contain some references to sexual boundaries/ lessons & a brief story where sage confronts a part of their being that didn’t want to be here on earth, I have attached a helpline in the link & Sage’s business “Into the Shadow” is based around being able to help process & heal past traumas, so defiantly get In touch with her if you resonate with this conversation.
Sage’s work is empowered by a deep passion for people being able to break out of the sometimes cookie cutter personality we are pressured to squash ourselves into, which by sometimes in the squashing process we experience trauma, unhealthy situations, or fracture parts fo our soul.
Sage offers a range which we chat about, some being modalities psychodrama, gestalt counselling, hypnotherapy. We also talk about journeying into parts of the shadow self & how Sages choice to have a short time of celibacy really strengthened personal sexual & body boundaries which has further created space to claim back being able to vocalise their personal truth.
Hope you enjoy todays episode! :) Much Magic- Julia jay x
Ep 10 - Emma Jade
It was an absolute joy to record this chat with Emma who has such an endearing energy & grounding presence which is inspiring in itself!
We chat about Emma’s business & life venture called Arcadian Wildlife in which she shares ancestral skills such as weaving, fire starting, spoon carving, foraging, along with may other beautifully connective earth practices.
I love this conversation & that concept of 'remembering' - remembering ancestral skill & ways of connection that are deep in our DNA & in our lineage (some further back than others- but it is still there). I think infused with the positive traits we have learnt over history & reconnecting with these lost skills, we (as a human race) will truly have the chance to once again become part of a living harmonious earth system.
Ep 9 - Monty Sharma
A VERY exciting conversation today with Monty - a close friend & honestly one of the most passionate/inspiring nature-driven people I know!
I absolutely love this chat about his business- Urban Botanica Collective, the concept of permaculture for the body & the power behind rediscovering our human potential through stepping into our role as Guardians of Nature! AND of course we chat about fungi & mushrooms!! (If you haven't met Monty before, you will soon discover his pure passion for the realm of everything Mycology!)
He shares about two particular potent medicinal mushrooms- Reishi & Lions mane- and the health benefits around having them part of your life. Monty is so enthusiastic about educating the community & spreading knowledge on everything he has learnt along his journey so far- so would highly recommend keeping an eye on his Instagram page for upcoming events & workshops, online resources & his podcasts "Born From Nature"
Ep 8 - Elisha Xantaya
I am so excited to be sharing this conversation journey with Elisha & to be diving into a topic I personally have been exploring alot this last year- the topic of VOICE- & how harnessing the power of your voice & your unique sound can transform your life!
Elisha’s journey is a fascinating one from working in the mines to over the last 8 years creating a life to where she is now living off grid immersed in the world of sound, nature & connection.
Elisha offers healing through Bowen therapy, Bio-feild attunements, One on one vocal sessions & creates spaces for community to connect through her gathering Dreamweavers Rising & Wild Song Retreats. With a strong connection to Nature, fascination in the science behind spirituality- this chat with Elisha is pure magic!
Ep 7 - Julia Jay (About me)
Today I thought I would share a little bit about my journey on how I became a full time artist (something I never expected to be possible).
I also reflect on how my goals have changed & how much money I had when I started/ what money has been like for me throughout so far!
This episode is a little bit shorter today but hope you enjoy it! :) & if you are just starting or thinking about diving into a creative career- If I can be of any help please send me an email & I will help where I can!
Ep 6 - Dean & Honey
Today we jump into the world of powerhouse duo Dean & Honey! We explore their own personal journeys, how they met each other & how finding Permaculture aligned them both to a super fulfilling way of living in which they could be in service to the Earth in a really fun & exciting way!
Leading by example, Dean & Honey run events & workshops from where they live in the suburbs so people can see a Suburban food forest in action (among the many other great things they have happening there)
They both have an extensive list of experience with Permaculture design/consulting/ organic gardens/ farms, so if you ever get a chance to catch one of their workshops or attend an event - would highly recommend!!
Ep 5 - Renee Wilkinson
Today we dive into a delightful chat with Renee Wilkinson who is an absolute powerhouse in creating a life full of magic!
Renee is dedicated and inspiring in the way she works & lives by example, showing what is possible when you embrace your intuition, harness the power of manifesting & how you really can create a life of flow!
If you are around Newcastle Area, you may have heard or been into the Open Mind Space, which is a space that Renee & her husband Murray bought to life, as Renee says “her first baby”. We also chat about her second baby- Sophia and the lessons, struggles & divine magic that comes with the transition into motherhood AKA “becoming Guardian of a light princess” ( I am so in love with that terminology)
Hope you enjoy this chat as much as I do :) Much magic & love - Julia Jay x
Ep 4 - Freya Haley
In today's ep we flitter into a world of self expression through Freya Haley- A TRUE nature spirit fairy in human form- she is vulnerable, cheeky and truly authentically herself. We chat about how dance can be such a powerful source for connecting with your own true essence, slowing down social media and her creative process through creating THE LOVE CLUB. I love how Freya reflects on her own journey and uses everything she has learnt in life as a tool for transformation and inspiration to help others. I hope you enjoy listening & are having a magical day! x
*Trigger Warning* There is a small trigger warning as the terms sexual assault & the topic of suicide is mentioned through our chat- we do not go into detail- it is just talked about as a point of change and transition that has led Freya to doing what she does today :) If you are suffering, Beyond Blue has a list of various helpful contacts to choose from :) (also sending you a big hug)
Ep 3- Sam Parker-Davies
Do you ever feel helpless? or just like the earth is heading towards this inescapable impending doom that you can do nothing about? I know I certainly did..... AND THEN I did a short Permaculture Design Certificate taught by Sam.
It completely changed my perspective, restored hope & I felt like I knew how to take aligned action from that point on.
Sam is an incredible Permaculture Designer, Teacher & Student (as he says- there is limitless amounts of exciting things learn when you dive into the world of permaculture).
He shares important messages weaved through stories from his own experiences, the people he has met & his own connection to the earth.
*Trigger Warning* There is mention of Suicide through Sam's own journey as a pivotal point that lead him to where he is today. There is also mention of Suicide through sharing Farmers stories. We do not go into any detail, we just acknowledge Suicide as one of the impacts of environmental damage & how it can be a pivotal point for some people to completely turn their life around into a life filled with passion & purpose. If you are suffering, Beyond Blue has a list of various helpful contacts to choose from :) (also sending you a big hug)
Ep 2- Gods Gift of Gab
In today's ep we dive into the marvellous mind of Gods Gift of Gab- a truly beautiful place to be!
We talk about her journey with turning her Visual Arts into a business and the personal growth surrounding that. Gab also shares where she finds inspiration for her pieces and lots of wonderful tips if you are an artists either looking for inspiration in your pieces or inspiration to turn your art into a business!
*Trigger Warning* Through chatting about Gab's Journey about becoming an artist there is mention of Suicide, Depression & Sexual Assault- We do not go into any specific details into events surrounding these, rather Gab shares her emotions and ways she got through coping & reshaping her life into the colourful piece of art it is now.
If you are suffering, Beyond Blue has a list of various helpful contacts to choose from :) (also sending you a big hug)
Ep 1- Naughty Courty's Creations
Today we chat about what it is like starting a business in your passion with the Queen of Felt, we also chat boundaries, things you have to get used to when working for yourself and her dreams for the future!
So excited to share this first ep & will definitely be having Courtney on again as she dives deeper into her journey!
