Today, Jay sits down with author, artist, and creative mentor Amie McNee for a heartfelt conversation about reconnecting with the artist inside all of us. Known for her honest take on creativity and self-expression, Amie opens up about her journey, from battling self-doubt and shame to finding her voice as a writer and artist. Amie shares real stories of rejection, depression, and learning to embrace imperfection, reminding us that art doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be real.

Jay and Amie explore the common myths that hold people back from creating. The idea that creativity has to be profitable, that art must be perfect to be valuable, or that we need permission to begin. They discuss how shame, perfectionism, and fear of judgment often silence our creative instincts, and how practices like journaling, self-mothering, and small daily acts of creativity can help revive them. They also reflect on the emotional vulnerability of sharing your work, the importance of protecting your inner artist, and the delicate balance between wanting to be seen and creating for the pure joy of expression.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Reclaim Your Creativity Without Shame

How to Make Art When You’re Struggling with Self-Doubt

How to Start Creating Even If You Don’t Feel Ready

How to Deal with Fear of Judgment and Being Seen

How to Turn Jealousy into Creative Motivation

How to Promote Your Art Without Selling Out

Whether someone is writing a novel, posting their first poem, or simply daring to call themselves an artist, this conversation is a gentle yet powerful reminder—they are on the path, and their voice matters.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

00:49 Are We Born Creative or Can It Be Learned?

02:12 Why Everyone Is an Artist in Their Own Way

03:50 What Happens When You Suppress Your Creativity

06:37 How Journaling and Self-Compassion Can Heal You

08:30 You Owe Everything to the Past Version of You

13:03 How to Move Through the Fear of Being Judged

16:07 Why Art Exposes Both Light and Darkness

17:25 Let Go of Needing External Validation 

19:30 Everyone Just Wants to Be Seen and Heard

24:31 Stop Dismissing the Parts of You That Want More

26:28 Stuck in the Wrong Job? Try Small Creative Steps

30:56 How Perfectionism Fuels Procrastination

33:11 Embrace the Beautiful Chaos of Art

34:17 What the 30 Circles Test Reveals About Creativity

36:44 How to Share Your Art Without Losing Yourself

39:07 Real Artists Are Meant to Break the Rules

40:29 What to do When No One Sees Your Art 

41:54 If You Hate It, Stop Doing It

44:19 Don’t Chase Virality, Make Meaningful Art

46:40 Yes, You Can Make Money from Your Art

50:10 Every Creative Act Has Value So Honor It

53:12 Charging for Your Art Is Not Selling Out

57:39 Oversaturation Is a Myth, There’s Room for You

01:00:53 Your Voice Is One of a Kind Use It

01:02:25 Use Jealousy to Guide, Not Derail You

01:03:49 How to Inspire Others by Owning Your Path

01:07:12 Amie on Final Five   

Episode Resources:

Amie Mcnee | Website

Amie Mcnee | Instagram

Amie Mcnee | Facebook

Amie Mcnee | TikTok

Amie Mcnee | Books

We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something

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