Your Creative Chord Podcast
Your Creative Chord Podcast
Empowering Your Creative Flow & Inspired Living
Welcome to Your Creative Chord, the podcast for creatives, artists, musicians, caregivers, and anyone seeking to nurture their creative spark, build creative confidence, and live with more intention, resilience, and joy. I’m Jenny Leigh Hodgins—creative empowerment coach, author, poet, pianist, composer, and longtime creativity mentor.
This podcast helps you rebuild trust in your unique creative process with practical mindset tools, self-care strategies, and curiosity-driven creative exploration. Whether you’re navigating creative blocks, managing burnout, or simply deepening your connection to creativity and inspired living, each episode offers clear, actionable guidance to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Drawing from 30+ years of teaching, composing, caregiving, and my SGI Buddhist practice, I share insights that support nurturing creativity, exploring new ideas, and living a more inspired, authentic life.
Explore free resources to support your creative journey:
- Inspirational Bookmark Trio: Self-care tips, creativity boosters, and the Creative Exploration Formula
YourCreativeChord.com/getinspiredhere - Poetry Sampler: A free preview of Kaleidoscope of the Heart, my collection of poetry and lyrics
YourCreativeChord.com/poetrysampler - Piano Strategies Bundle: Practical tools from Start Piano for building confident, steady progress
YourCreativeChord.com/pianostrategies
Discover my books:
- Kaleidoscope of the Heart: A Collection of Poetry and Lyrics
- Start Piano: What You Need for Successful Learning
YourCreativeChord.com/books
For deeper creative growth:
Explore how my Creative Empowerment Coaching Program helps you overcome obstacles, build creative confidence, and live inspired on your own terms.
YourCreativeChord.com/workwithme
Join our supportive communities:
- Creative Flow & Inspired Living Facebook Group
facebook.com/groups/creativeflowinspiredliving - New and Returning Piano Learners Facebook Group
facebook.com/groups/newreturningpianolearners
Subscribe & Support:
Subscribe to Your Creative Chord on Apple Podcasts and other platforms for new episodes:
If you find value in the podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps others discover the show and strengthens our creative community.
Thank you for being part of Your Creative Chord. Let’s continue empowering creative flow and inspired living together.
Your Creative Chord Podcast
Created, produced, and hosted by Jenny Leigh Hodgins © 2025
Sun and Bloom Piano Music © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
All content © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Your Creative Chord Podcast
Navigating Creativity Through Challenges: Part 1 Ep 51
Today, we have a special guest, Jim Johnson, the creative force behind Grass Roots Piano and the Adults Learning Piano Facebook group. Join us as we explore Jim’s unique teaching philosophy and how he blends passion and kindness to inspire adult piano learners.
In Part 1 of this interview, Jim shares his inspiring backstory, discussing his move from California to Maine, his extensive experience in music education, and the creation of Grass Roots Piano. He shares the profound impact of his mentors, Bobby Bradford and his wife, Bridget, on his musical journey. Jim candidly opens up about his struggles with mental illness, the importance of empathy, and how he uses music as a therapeutic tool.
We also touch on Jim's approach to his creative process, emphasizing stream of consciousness and the importance of serving his audience. Jim’s innovative teaching methods, which prioritize enjoyment and accessibility, make learning music a joyful and fulfilling experience. Tune in to discover how Jim’s philosophy and humor shape his educational content, encouraging learners to embrace their unique musical paths.
Grab your favorite cup of tea or coffee, settle in, and join us for an inspiring conversation with Jim Johnson.
Timestamps:
- [00:00:00] Introduction by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
- [00:00:29] Welcoming Jim Johnson
- [00:01:38] Jim’s background and the foundation of Grass Roots Piano
- [00:02:04] Influences of mentors Bobby Bradford and Bridget
- [00:04:03] Jim’s mental health journey and coping strategies
- [00:09:03] Discussing societal challenges and resilience
- [00:14:54] The importance of kindness and self-care
- [00:16:14] Jim’s creative process and serving his audience
- [00:20:13] Integration of enjoyment and skill development in music learning
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into Jim’s creative process and explore more about he approaches learning with humor and a sense of enjoyment.
Additional Piano Music: Improvising Heart ©️ 2008 Jenny Leigh Hodgins
Got thoughts or feedback? Tap here to send me a quick note—I’d love to hear from you!
Connect with Jenny Leigh:
- 💫 Beat blocks. Find flow. Start creating: Inspirational Bookmark Trio
- Get inspired with a book: 🌻 Kaleidoscope Of The Heart: A Poetry and Lyrics Collection or 🎹 Start Piano: What You Need For Successful Learning!
- ✨Nurture YOUR creative life: Creative Empowerment Coaching
Listen on Your Favorite Podcast App
SUBSCRIBE to Your Creative Chord on Apple or Spotify! Please take a moment to rate and review—it helps others find creative inspiration, too!
💖 Support the Creative Mission
Help keep creativity flowing by supporting the mission and gaining access to free resources.
👉 Support Today
Your Creative Chord Podcast show music, Sun & Bloom © 2016 Jenny Leigh Hodgins | All Content, music, poetry © 2025 Jenny Leigh Hodgins All Rights Reserved
