In this season finale of The Heal/Create Podcast, Courtney reflects on the biggest lessons from a year spent exploring emotional health, nervous system regulation, relationships, spirituality, money, purpose, and creativity. She shares ten powerful truths for creatives, including why healing and creativity are inseparable, how self-trust and authenticity are cultivated, and why understanding your nervous system can transform the way you approach fear, visibility, and growth. Courtney closes the season with a compelling invitation to embrace healthy aggression, grief, and self-compassion as essential tools for building a life—and creative practice—that is deeply aligned, courageous, and alive.

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In this episode of the Heal/Create Podcast, Courtney sits down with writer, designer, and creative curator Ajiri Aki for a rich conversation about beauty, joy, and the art of becoming a “relaxed woman.” Together, they explore how slowing down, pursuing awe and wonder, and intentionally creating space for connection can radically reshape the way we live and experience everyday life. From stories about Parisian culture and soulful retreats in the South of France to the viral “good china” story that inspired her book Joie, Ajiri shares a compelling vision for living with celebration, presence, and deep intention.

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Madame de la Maison

Ajiri's Substack (Notes on JOIE)

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In this episode of the Heal/Create Podcast, Courtney explores the difference between trauma-driven striving and healthy, integrated drive, encouraging creatives to pursue their dreams without tying their identity to the outcome. She shares how emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and self-compassion create the foundation for sustainable creativity, helping people move toward what lights them up without burnout or fear. Through personal stories, reflections on the Enneagram, and practical encouragement, Courtney reframes “striving” as purposeful, grounded play — a process of growth, healing, and learning to trust both yourself and the journey.

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⁠⁠⁠Rehearsing Goodness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Know Your Nervous System Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Autonomic Ladder Breakdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Daily Practice Design Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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