Creative Gratification

In this episode of Creative Gratification, Khala welcomes multi-talented actress, producer, and director Andrea Lewis. Andrea discusses her extensive career, starting as a child actor and transitioning into producing and directing through Jungle Wild Productions. Andrea shares insights on maintaining gratitude and navigating ego, the necessity of finding champions in one's career, and the importance of celebrating small victor...

In this episode of Creative Gratification, Khala discusses the challenging yet necessary process of knowing when to let go of expired creative dreams. She reflects on her personal journey of dissolving past brands and the importance of recognizing signs that indicate it's time to move on. Khala emphasizes the value of saying no to the wrong projects to make space for the right ones and encourages creatives to act on dreams mea...

In this episode of Creative Gratification, Khala chats with Courtney Daniella Boateng, an award-winning entrepreneur and co-founder of the To My Sisters podcast. They discuss Courtney's creative journey from a young artist to a successful content creator and women's empowerment champion. Courtney shares her struggles with creative burnout, limiting beliefs, and how she finds fulfillment in her work. They also dive into th...

In this episode of Creative Gratification, Khala discusses the concept of patience and its importance in the creative journey. She shares personal insights about navigating the 'waiting season,' urging listeners to acknowledge their current situation, embrace hardship, and search for lessons and growth opportunities. Khala emphasizes the significance of presence and preparation, suggesting that waiting times can lead to p...

In this episode of Creative Gratification, Khala welcomes Ashley Leggs, founder of Ashmedia Network and host of the Slay Girl Slay podcast. Ashley shares her journey of creating a supportive space for women, the importance of separating personal identity from creative work, and her new venture as a debut novelist. Together, they discuss the significance of patience, self-validation, and maintaining creative outlets that remain free...

In this episode of Creative Gratification, Khala explores the phenomenon of the multi-hyphenate creative and why it can be dangerous. Using examples of successful figures like Issa Rae, Kevin Hart, and Rihanna, she highlights the importance of focusing on one main thing before diversifying. She warns against the pitfalls of shiny object syndrome and emphasizes the value of quality over quantity in creative work. The episode urges c...

In this episode of Creative Gratification, Khala tackles the sensitive topic of creative entitlement and the misconception that loved ones who don't engage with a creator's content are “undercover haters.” She encourages creators to recognize diverse methods of support and adjust their expectations accordingly. Khala also emphasizes healing from unresolved trauma and focusing on the greater purpose beyond superficial enga...

In this episode of Creative Gratification, Khala chats with Jessica Hurley, the founder of EPYC Media. Jessica discusses her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of embracing vulnerability, and the critical lessons she has learned along the way. From recounting her early creative endeavors to her current successes and challenges, Jessica offers valuable insights into the intersection of personal and professional growth. Tune in ...

In this debut episode of Creative Gratification, host Khala Simmons shares the tumultuous journey that led to the creation of the podcast. Originally intended as an interview-only show under the now-defunct Boujee Boss Media, Khala recounts dealing with personal crises including an unexpected move, a job layoff, and a cancer scare. Forced to pivot, she introduces Creative Gratification’s new home, 5th Origin, centered on empowering...

Actor James Dean famously said, “The gratification comes in the doing, not in the results.” This podcast aims to reconnect creatives with the value of the process, challenging the allure of instant gratification amplified by technology and social media. Discover the raw, unfiltered truth about the messy middle and find empowerment in becoming present in your journey, rather than obsessing over end goals. 

This purposeful path begins...