In this rich and reflective episode, we dive deep into the concept of authenticity—what it means, how we experience it, and what gets in the way. Josiah/John opens up about their name preferences and the questions those choices have sparked from listeners. Their thoughtful explanation becomes a beautiful starting point for exploring identity and self-definition. They also reveal their custom-modified tool chest—an unexpectedly tender and creative expression of care, function, and individuality.

Linnea shares artwork that reflects on past relationships, including a piece made about an ex, and others that celebrate originality and self-acceptance. She talks about how making art feels like “coming home,” emphasizing the grounding and affirming power of creativity when we’re trying to reconnect with our truest selves.

Together, we unpack the desire to be fully ourselves and the external (and internal) pressures that complicate that. We explore how family, friends, and community can either support or stifle our authentic expression. We reflect on the tension that arises when different parts of us want different things—like loving someone deeply but also wishing they would change—and what it means to live with those contradictions.

We also discuss how art-making and creative practices can help us navigate those inner divides and return to a place of honesty and wholeness. To deepen the conversation, we offer a series of reflection questions for listeners to explore in their own lives:

• What does authenticity mean to you?
• When do you feel most like yourself, and what supports that feeling?
• What stories have you been told about who you “should” be?
• How has being authentic helped—or complicated—your life?
• How can we better support each other in showing up as we truly are?

This episode invites you to sit with the beautiful messiness of being human, to make space for your contradictions, and to find freedom in your most honest expression.

Check out the visuals and a link to our playlist on our insta page

In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode, we sit down with multidisciplinary artist Mike Kasongo (@mikkells_) originally from the Congo and now based in Nova Scotia. Mike brings his unique lens on creativity, fashion, and identity, offering listeners a glimpse into how art has shaped—and continues to shape—his life.

From childhood memories of sketching Dragon Ball Z characters to later immersing himself in the techniques of the greats, Mike reflects on how his style has evolved over time. What began as playful fan art grew into a deep appreciation for both classical and contemporary influences. He shares how early inspirations gradually gave way to the work of master artists—especially modern European painters—whose styles continue to shape his own. His work is bold, honest, and deeply reflective of his journey—both personally and culturally.

We talk about the ways art and identity are inseparable for many artists, and how self-expression becomes a form of both resistance and belonging. Mike shares his thoughts on how fashion has been one of his most empowering creative outlets. He discusses a project he’s developing to encourage men to embrace fashion more freely and expressively, pushing back on rigid gender norms and inviting more creativity into everyday life.

Throughout our conversation, we also explore the intersection of art and economics. Mike gives us a candid look at the practical side of being a working artist—how he markets himself, connects with his audience, and considers the financial realities of sustaining a creative life. His approach to building an Instagram following through hand-drawn portraits of his followers offers a beautiful example of how connection and creativity can merge to build community. His strategy left both of us, John and Linnea, feeling inspired to step up our own creative engagement.

Mike reminds us that art is everywhere—woven into the fabric of society whether we notice it or not. We reflect on the courage it takes to live as an artist, and why creativity, while joyful, is not for the faint of heart. It takes vulnerability, consistency, and vision.

This episode is for anyone curious about how art intersects with identity, economy, fashion, and community. Whether you're a practising artist or someone looking to reconnect with your creative side, Mike's insights offer encouragement and inspiration in equal measure.

In this episode, we dive deep into the theme of connection — with ourselves, with others, and within our communities. John kicks things off by sharing how pivotal it is for him to connect with his body every day through physical activity. He doesn’t just talk the talk — this guy doesn’t mess around when it comes to putting that philosophy into practice (and if you’ve ever received one of his legendary hugs, you know exactly what we mean — the kind that can bend pans!).

From there, we explore the threads that make connections meaningful. We talk openly about the friends who have shaped us, how those connections came to be, and why these relationships matter so much. Together, we unpack the differences between healthy connections — the relationships that help us flourish — and unhealthy connections, which can quietly erode our well‑being.

We acknowledge that sometimes the people we are closest to can end up being in situations that aren’t great for them, and we reflect on the ache and heartbreak that can come from witnessing that. It’s an honest and hopeful conversation about holding space for ourselves and others when things aren’t going well, and knowing when and how to lean in closer.

Throughout the episode, the focus is on showing up authentically — knowing ourselves well enough to recognize when it’s time to move toward deeper connections and when it’s best to create space. We emphasize how much belonging and community matter when it comes to nurturing friendships. We also discuss what it means to be intentional about who we invite into our lives, how we support one another, and how we recognize when connections are rooted in mutual respect and care.

More than anything, this episode is about reminding ourselves that connections — with ourselves, our friends, and our communities — are vital threads in the fabric of a meaningful life. The way we nurture them, honour them, and sometimes grieve their loss can teach us a lot about ourselves and about belonging. So, if you’ve been craving a conversation about how to deepen your connections, recognize their worth, and navigate the complexities that come with them, this episode is for you.

In this episode of This is Not Art Therapy, we’re joined by Ottawa-based musician Trevor, who shares his creative journey and the role music has played in shaping his identity. We explore how he adapted during the pandemic, discuss how creative constraints can fuel innovation, and talk about the joy of collaboration. Plus, we launch a community playlist for you to tune into!

In this episode of This is Not Art Therapy, we dive into the roots of creativity and what keeps us inspired to keep making art. John reflects on the powerful influence his sister had on his artistic journey—how her creativity helped spark his own, and how her support planted the early seeds of confidence. He shares how his drive to improve has remained a steady force behind his practice, even during times of doubt.

We talk about how our relationships with our own art have shifted over time. What once felt playful or experimental has, for both of us, become something more deeply connected to identity and purpose. There's a quiet kind of magic in watching your art evolve alongside you. We also touch on the idea that inspiration doesn’t always arrive in a lightning bolt—it can be slow, relational, or born from simply showing up again and again.

Whether you’re just starting out or years into your creative process, this episode offers reflections on where inspiration comes from, how to stay connected to your craft, and why your art doesn’t have to stay the same to still be meaningful.

In episode four of This is Not Art Therapy, we explore the theme of meaning-making through art, memory, and connection. John shares new comics and characters, opening up about the influential experiences—and struggles—that have shaped him. We talk about how challenge and vulnerability can become powerful threads in building personal meaning.

Anita, John’s girlfriend, made some art as well, and reflections were made on the deep impact of her grandmother’s presence in her life. Together, we explore how healthy relationships give life richness and depth.

Linnea revisits a past art piece centred on rest, and reflects on how meaning can emerge in stillness—often outside the metrics of productivity or achievement.

Throughout the episode, we circle back to a shared truth: relationships and community are at the heart of what gives life meaning. Whether through art, connection, or quiet reflection, this conversation reminds us that meaning is something we build—and share—together.

In episode three of This is Not Art Therapy, John and Linnea dig into the tender terrain of rejection—what it feels like, how we process it, and how we show up for others when they're going through it too. We begin with the immediate sting of rejection and explore how, over time, that pain can shift—sometimes even becoming a path to growth or transformation.

Together, we question whether rejection can be reframed, and what healing or wisdom might emerge when we sit with our discomfort. We also unpack the common trap of comparing pain, ultimately landing on the some sweet John wisdom: “The toughest pain is the one you’re feeling right now"

Linnea shares a personal story of how repeated professional rejections unexpectedly led her to opening her own business—an outcome she never planned, but now wouldn’t trade.

This episode invites listeners to reflect on rejection not as a dead end, but as a redirection—with all the heartbreak and possibility that entails.

In this episode, John and Linnea dive into the nuanced differences between rest, relaxation, and recharging—what they mean, how they feel, and why we need them all. We revisit our art from the first episode, and John shares his personal rest ritual, crafted to help him decompress after work. He also introduces us to Tomo, a fruit-of-wisdom-eating monkey who refuses to return to his old self. There’s even a surprise: John experiments with colour! As we meet new characters and watch their stories unfold, we’re left wondering—what’s next for Tomo? Tune in and find out.