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01/01/2024

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Mike Tyson

That’s what this year felt like. I normally have all the plans and backups just in case but life was lifing and it was days I literally wanted to quit and runaway. Sometimes I would sit on the phone with my friends and just cry.

It was days I would be so pi**ed off with God and would rant about everything. But I’m so grateful that God is compassionate and patient with me. I’m thankful that he’s shown me myself so that I can grow.

The point to all of this is you don’t know what’s behind all the “wins” you see happening online. You don’t know how many prayers have gone up on someone’s behalf or even the losses they have taken. So be kind and gentle with people. And don’t give up!

Here’s to a New Year! 🤎

10/07/2023

Everyone wants more visibility when it comes to their podcast. The issue usually isn't the idea that you have but have you established a solid foundation to build your podcast upon? How do you discover your target audience and reach them. I go over tips, tools and steps in my article on reaching your people.

https://open.substack.com/pub/diypodcast/p/how-to-discover-and-reach-your-podcast?r=1mkavm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

20/06/2023

I’m hosting a class online (it’s free) June 28th! If you ever considered launching your own podcast DIY join me so I can help you avoid all the pitfalls I made when I created my first podcast 8 years ago. Bring your questions and let’s actually launch profitable! Link below to sign up!

https://bit.ly/diypodlaunch

20/06/2023

A good read! Check out the link below.

https://adage.com/article/digital-marketing-ad-tech-news/why-tiktok-and-other-short-form-creators-are-prioritizing-podcasts/2499306

01/06/2023

I had the chance to attend and volunteer at the Southern Documentary Fund with my friend Brandy Anderson we sat down and chatted on my podcast about our experience and why you should attend next year!

For my YouTube watchers check out the link here https://youtu.be/49p8ZFv-xGc and for those that want to listen on the go https://www.shivawnmitchell.com/blog/uncovering-the-importance-of-southern-storytelling

22/03/2022

Ep. 3 was such a good conversation & you should’ve been there for the after party viewing!

Our Strangers paired together for this show are [Patty B], [Taelor Ford, and [Brandy]. On this episode they'll be talking about Unsubscribing from the influence of the influencers.

Are we buying what they are selling?

Listen to the episode the link is in the bio and share it with someone.

15/03/2022

Seated with Strangers ep 2

What happens when you put three strangers together to explore the topic of unsubscribing from pop culture and social norms.

The Strangers put together for this show are and . On today’s episode they'll be talking about Unsubscribing from the American Dream.

Tap the link in the bio to listen to the full episode and share it with a friend.

08/03/2022

Why not start off International Women’s Day with the launch of Seated with Strangers.

I decided to put 3 complete strangers [Whitney, Adwoa & Quase] together to talk about unsubscribing from celebrities as relationship goals.

As you can see they had a good time. 😂✨

When you visit the link in my bio you’ll see that this is a full experience podcast. Not only did we talk with strangers but we had a soundtrack for the EP, a recipe for you to try as you tune in and more.

Share this with a friend and listen in to the show ✨

28/02/2022

How do you go from being pointed in the direction of getting a degree in Management and Information to winning two Telly awards and Two Emmy’s for a short documentary.

This conversation with was encouraging and a good nudge for any creative needing some direction.

I told Abi I’m pointing people back to him if they have any questions about one specific topic 😂

Tune in by hitting the link and share it with 2 friends.

15/02/2022

On the Podcast this week I chatted with a multidisciplinary creative artist.

The main mediums she creates through are photo, video, and design. She's passionate about all things creative and bridging the gap between faith and art.

Kayla shares her story of change, transition, a lot of wrestling, a lot of things not looking how she thought they would and what it looked like to wait as a creative.

Share this with another creative and listen in link in bio

02/02/2022

My original plan was to have my friends daughter film these scenes as my younger self and then show up at the end - - you know a quick cameo in the project. I literally wrote the script with her in mind.

She is everything I wish I was as a teen. Very aware of her creativity and cool with her no.

But a few days prior an emergency happened and she couldn’t show, I was faced with a choice of pushing it back until or show up on screen (I’m not an actor 😂, yes I know what I want to see on screen but I didn’t see that in myself).

In this moment I had to learn to get over myself. Creativity doesn’t always lend to comfort. What stories are missing in the world because you are stuck in your comfort zone?

Also you can catch directing me & the shenanigans behind scenes. 🖤

31/01/2022

In EP 2, Shivawn sits down with award winning writer, producer and director of .

Her commercial credits include work with Fox, CMT, Barbie, Amazon Studios, Paramount Pictures, Bravo, Hershey's, Pantene, Nickelodeon and OWN. Her short films have won numerous awards.

She recounts the time that she decided she was pitching to the producer of Dawson's Creek, taking a bus to the middle of nowhere thinking this was her shot of starting her career in film.

Listen in share & subscribe ✨

27/01/2022

We can become distracted by well intentions or even doing a good thing at the wrong time.

On my Podcast this week I’m talking to all Creatives that have been hiding behind false humility, playing it small or being so consumed with what other people think that it’s stopped you from creating.

It’s literally go time and I want you to show up because I’m doing the same thing 🥴

You can listen to this EP anywhere podcast are available (adding to my bio as well)

Share it with someone and Save it as a reminder for yourself ✨

23/01/2022

1.23.22 - New SZN

This is for every person that has found themselves trying to find there way and you thought it was too late.

It’s time to show up.

————

Thank you for directing the non actress 😂

cinematography 🎥

19/01/2022

You have to take your eyes off of what didn’t work.

The comfort of yesterday will stifle you from doing the new thing you’ve been sitting on.

Don’t let yesterday hold you hostage. 🔑

28/12/2021

Words going into 2022✨
(Reflective Lessons)

✨ stop prematurely sharing ideas, dreams & words that God has given you. I found myself so frustrated at times because I wanted people to GET it & move into action. When really it was for me…not them

✨it’s time out for being passive, you really have to go boldly

✨ create where you are. Meaning the skill level you currently have, the people & resources you have. Stop waiting for perfection— growth is beautiful

✨Live a full life, take up space.

✨ pray before you make any decision or commitment.

✨ read more books

✨ unsubscribe from fear — I’m taking CNN alerts off my phone

✨ boundaries are necessary. It’s okay to do what’s best for me

✨ it’s not my job to save anyone

✨go the opposite way of the crowd (discernment is so key)

✨ use your words and tell the people close to you how much you love them

✨ Gods plans for me are so much better than my own

I wanted to share a few gems I had ✨ also note you’ll see rbis green dress again because I love it.

15/12/2021

Do you have strong opinions about “social norms” and “status quos”? Can you hold highly engaging conversations around topics like relationships, money, social systems, or simply how your family used to (or still do) cut up?

You would make a great guest for a new multi segment talk show. Send your inquiry to info.goodnewsco(at)gmail.com.

The email submission deadline is December 22, 2021.

We are looking for women & men. Age range 30’s to early 40’s

🎬

15/12/2021

There is freedom in being yourself.

Your voice isn’t lost.
Your voice isn’t lost.
Your voice isn’t lost.

You’ve just been told that you need to put a spin on something you saw someone else do on this internet in order to make an impact.

Real quick story. I was talking to my friend and I told her I was over putting out carousels on my social media (and it’s nothing wrong with them, they are helpful I just don’t want to post them every single day)

I was dreading them because I’m a creative storyteller. Yes, I want people to learn from me but I want you to feel something in your heart when I tell a visual story.

So maybe you feel discomfort because you are taking so much time practicing walking in someone else’s shoes. 😳

Show up as your full self. Take up space. There is freedom and joy waiting…

30/11/2021

We are back on our 7th week of writing together.

Don’t worry if this is your first time joining us writing we just want you to show up for the stories that you want to tell.

It’s my goal to get you from wishing to doing. From consuming everyone else’s stories to creating and producing your own.

If you are an author who wants to turn their book into a script this is for you.

If you are a first time author this is for you (because you are going to finish it and I may even convince you to write a script - no pressure 🤞🏾)

If you are a screenwriter who needs to dust off some creative work join us.

Or if you need a space as a storyteller to sort out your ideas join us.

Tell a friend & the link is in the bio.
7:00 pm EST

29/11/2021

“We have a responsibility as creatives not to bleed on our audience and paint it as art.”

Yes we create from our perspective and our journey is complex but we have to make sure we are doing the work to make sure we are good - the creative.

————- here are a few excerpts from my book

Standing on my tiptoes, I swayed back and forth leaning in closer to the sink and then opening cabinet doors trying to make sense of the situation. And after all that, it still didn’t make sense. I shook my head because I knew forcing more junk down the sink wasn’t magically going to make it work.

Yet, that is what I was doing with my heart.

————————

I stood assessing my life one random morning, I could see that my map wasn’t looking anything like the map I had in my mind. I was more like on a scavenger hunt looking for the prize but hadn’t located many of the treasures I needed to fill my chest. I did have a lot of uncertainty and regret….

Before you create one more thing check in with you first ♥️

23/11/2021

We are back on our 7th week of writing together consistently.

Don’t worry if this is your first time joining us writing we just want you to show up for the stories that you want to tell.

It’s my goal to get you from wishing to doing. From consuming everyone else’s stories to creating and producing your own.

If you are an author who wants to turn their book into a script this is for you.

If you are a first time author this is for you (because you are going to finish it and I may even convince you to write a script - no pressure 🤞🏾)

If you are a screenwriter who needs to dust off some creative work join us.

Or if you need a space as a storyteller to sort out your ideas join us.

Tell a friend & the link is in the bio.
7:00 pm EST

22/11/2021

During my journal time I started to reflect over my year. Usually when I reflect it’s from a place of you could’ve done more Shivawn.

Today I decided to change my perspective and really lean into just being thankful for the thorns and the roses as a creative. Meaning I’m not going to be hard on myself because those “thorns” taught me lessons I needed to learn (and I’m glad some of those lessons were in private).

I encourage you to do some reflection that’s from a place of gratitude and I want you to list one thing you are proud of that you accomplished this year.

List it below, clap for yourself and come back to read some WINS that other people had this year.

Share this with someone else who needs to run it back and be thankful.

🌸

22/11/2021

If you don't know I'm finally back writing a script. I had to focus so much on wearing the hat of a producer I've neglected my first love of writing.

For those of you that don't know me in real life I love Golden Girls and now I'm back watching 227.

My love for older women and their humor on TV is unmatched. They have the best one liners, period.

I grew up with two amazing grandparents. My GMA was the first person I saw wear heels and a leather skirts to church (listen sis was fly) and my Granny had the best stories, hands down the best sweet potato pie and an infectious laugh.

A year ago my Granny passed and it was rough.

Creatives are inspired by real life initially. We see something and it sparks us to tell a story that lives beyond us. I started to think about how much I love Golden Girls/227 and how the older community is often forgotten and not seen on screen.

I feel inspired to tell a story that includes our grandparents. Here's to the first draft.

————-

I had time today to go sit on my Granny’s porch ♥️ swipe to see more pics 🤪

You can join our writing group on Tuesday’s at 7:00 pm because I know you have a story to tell.

20/11/2021

When I was in school my mentor told me over and over again to make sure that I was reading scripts not to copy but so that I could understand the “language” of showing more than I told.

In my bio there is a link for you to grab a few scripts to read✨

Another great tip to implement, read the script while you watch the film.

Also if you need a space with other creatives to write join us on Tuesday’s at 7:00 pm est

Sharing is caring. Send this to someone who needs it and save it for yourself 🌸

18/11/2021

Withdraw.

I remember when it was time to write my second book I ran away from it because I knew I had to sit with myself.

Withdrawing meant there would be no distractions of other people with their opinions. You know — noise. Noise that would distract me from hearing the story God wanted me to tell.

I realized my voice was never lost during these times that I withdrew I just needed to hear myself and not everyone else.

I encourage you to withdraw as needed.
——————
Today I went back to one of my favorite spots. I remember sitting here when I had nothing to give, when I needed answers from God or just a moment of peace.

♥️

16/11/2021

I’ve had some people ask me how I use writing prompts.

If you swipe to the left I’ve given you some examples. I would take two sentences that someone gave me and create a story.

There are no rules. That’s it. 😂 you can use it to just write and get out of your head. Sometimes I try to see how much of a story I can tell in a short amount of time or I allow the story to just flow.

Just know when you are done you can trash it or come back to it but it’s no pressure.

This is your space that you aren’t looking for feedback, or monetizing steps etc just freedom to create.

I have prompts in my bio and I’ll share a few more next month 💕

16/11/2021

We are back on our 6th week of writing together.

Don’t worry if this is your first time joining us writing we just want you to show up for the stories that you want to tell.

It’s my goal to get you from wishing to doing. From consuming everyone else’s stories to creating and producing your own.

If you are an author who wants to turn their book into a script this is for you.

If you are a first time author this is for you (because you are going to finish it and I may even convince you to write a script - no pressure 🤞🏾)

If you are a screenwriter who needs to dust off some creative work join us.

Or if you need a space as a storyteller to sort out your ideas join us.

Tell a friend & the link is in the bio.
7:00 pm EST

15/11/2021

I wanted to share a little about myself to those who are new around here.

I’m a storyteller. A creative communicator.

This is the story I want to share today.

“Slow down and look back.”

Of course that’s anti what we hear. Usually it’s “keep your eyes ahead, keep pushing, don’t look back you aren’t going there.”

Yet, here I was searching for this old jump drive today. I whispered a short prayer “please let me find it”. I was searching for some old articles I had written but ended up finding more.

I found so many stories I had written. It reminded me of how I can see a story in a conversation I had weeks ago and turn it into something that finds you. Hugs you, makes your nose crinkle up in laughter because I’m hilarious.

I saw that I love creating but I have a habit of stopping. I stop because I take on projects that I shouldn’t.

Today I needed to look back to see how far I’ve come but also some patterns that have left me stuck.

That’s it. ♥️

I’m making some adjustments around my digital home. I want to share more stories and pictures I love.

Here’s to creating more.

13/11/2021

I’ve created some fun writing prompts to help you avoid writers block.

I took some of the work out of for you and gave you several choices to let your creativity flow. No pressure and not for anyone else’s eyes unless you want to share.

Take one this weekend and write ♥️

Sharing is caring send this to someone else who needs it and also save it. The link is in my bio click no subscribing necessary.

11/11/2021

Today you’ll have a chance to catch the conversation I had with

Avril was an Associate Producer on the TNT docu-series American Race and has helped produce both scripted and unscripted content for BET, Coca Cola, Essence, and others.

She was recently a producing consultant for Wayfarer Studios’ Six Feet Apart Experiment film project, and was producer of the short film Black Prom, which aired on Netflix Film Club. Currently, Avril serves as Director and Showrunner of the docu-series Uprooted.

Don’t miss the conversation at 7:30 pm

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http://www.shivawnmitchell.com/

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listen on our experience at the Southern Documentary Fund with my friend Brandy Anderson we sat down and chatted on my podcast about why you should attend next year! For my YouTube watchers check out the link here https://youtu.be/49p8ZFv-xGc and for those that want to listen on the go https://www.shivawnmitchell.com/blog/uncovering-the-importance-of-southern-storytelling

Seated with Strangers landed in Richmond, VA at @eggspectationstonypoint Eggspectation did not disappoint and made sure we were well taken care of! Go check them out and tell them that we sent you. Thank you to all of the ladies that showed up and shared, laughed and made connections with each other. We appreciate you for being apart of our first dinner of the year. Make sure you keep up with us to see where we show up next and check out the podcast if you are behind. #seatedwithstrangers #seatedwithstrangersdinner #richmondva #cultureandconversations

Ep. 3 was such a good conversation & you should’ve been there for the after party viewing! Our Strangers paired together for this show are [Patty B], [Taelor Ford, and [Brandy]. On this episode they'll be talking about Unsubscribing from the influence of the influencers. Are we buying what they are selling? Listen to the episode the link is in the bio and share it with someone. #influencers #womenpodcasters #womenproducers #creativedirection

Seated with Strangers ep 2 What happens when you put three strangers together to explore the topic of unsubscribing from pop culture and social norms. The Strangers put together for this show are @nola_babee @taylor_phillips_ and @wilhelminarose . On today’s episode they'll be talking about Unsubscribing from the American Dream. Tap the link in the bio to listen to the full episode and share it with a friend. #seatedwithstrangers #womenproducers #womencreatives #tellstories #useyourwords

Why not start off International Women’s Day with the launch of Seated with Strangers. I decided to put 3 complete strangers [Whitney, Adwoa & Quase] together to talk about unsubscribing from celebrities as relationship goals. As you can see they had a good time. 😂✨ When you visit the link in my bio you’ll see that this is a full experience podcast. Not only did we talk with strangers but we had a soundtrack for the EP, a recipe for you to try as you tune in and more. Share this with a friend and listen in to the show ✨ #womenproducers #womenpodcasters #internationalwomensday #seatedwithstrangers #useyourwords #launchday #storytellers

How do you go from being pointed in the direction of getting a degree in Management and Information to winning two Telly awards and Two Emmy’s for a short documentary. This conversation with @malekfotofilms was encouraging and a good nudge for any creative needing some direction. I told Abi I’m pointing people back to him if they have any questions about one specific topic 😂 Tune in by hitting the link and share it with 2 friends. #womenpodcasters #womenpreneur #womenproducers #createbeyondsunday #womeneditors #behindthescenes

On the Podcast this week I chatted with @kaylavharris a multidisciplinary creative artist. The main mediums she creates through are photo, video, and design. She's passionate about all things creative and bridging the gap between faith and art. Kayla shares her story of change, transition, a lot of wrestling, a lot of things not looking how she thought they would and what it looked like to wait as a creative. Share this with another creative and listen in link in bio #createbeyondsunday #womenpodcasters #podcaststudio

My original plan was to have my friends daughter film these scenes as my younger self and then show up at the end - - you know a quick cameo in the project. I literally wrote the script with her in mind. She is everything I wish I was as a teen. Very aware of her creativity and cool with her no. But a few days prior an emergency happened and she couldn’t show, I was faced with a choice of pushing it back until or show up on screen (I’m not an actor 😂, yes I know what I want to see on screen but I didn’t see that in myself). In this moment I had to learn to get over myself. Creativity doesn’t always lend to comfort. What stories are missing in the world because you are stuck in your comfort zone? Also you can catch @fannsanders directing me & the shenanigans behind scenes. 🖤 #behindthescenes

In EP 2, Shivawn sits down with award winning writer, producer and director @janlatae of @heartbeat_film_club . Her commercial credits include work with Fox, CMT, Barbie, Amazon Studios, Paramount Pictures, Bravo, Hershey's, Pantene, Nickelodeon and OWN. Her short films have won numerous awards. She recounts the time that she decided she was pitching to the producer of Dawson's Creek, taking a bus to the middle of nowhere thinking this was her shot of starting her career in film. Listen in share & subscribe ✨ #createbeyondsunday #creativepodcast #podcastproducer #womeninfilmandtv

We can become distracted by well intentions or even doing a good thing at the wrong time. On my Podcast this week I’m talking to all Creatives that have been hiding behind false humility, playing it small or being so consumed with what other people think that it’s stopped you from creating. It’s literally go time and I want you to show up because I’m doing the same thing 🥴 You can listen to this EP anywhere podcast are available (adding to my bio as well) Share it with someone and Save it as a reminder for yourself ✨ #podwithme #podcaststudio #podcastcreators #podcastproducer #podcastproduction

1.23.22 - New SZN This is for every person that has found themselves trying to find there way and you thought it was too late. It’s time to show up. ———— Thank you @fannsanders for directing the non actress 😂 @eswatt cinematography 🎥

Want to know the key to extending your reach so your people can see you? Show up and tell your story. Show up and tell your story. Show up and tell your story. Then show up some more and tell your story. This APP is a tool. Use it for just that. Guess what… if you keep showing up sharing your story people usually tell other people if they found something they like. People are looking for authenticity and stories that connect with them. Now don’t make this space the end all (putting all your eggs in one basket). Get started on writing your book. Get stated on writing your script. Get stated writing today, like now. If you don’t know the next step ask me and share this with someone who needs encouragement. #howdoistart #firsttimewriter #screenwritersofinstagram #womeninfilmandtv #algorithm #calledtocreate #useyourvoice #createbeyondsunday #createeveryday

So what we (yup WE) are going to do is eliminate the excuses and show up to tell the stories that are in our heart. Today you can hop on YouTube (just hit the link in my bio) and sit with me to write your script or book (I’m encouraging you to turn that book idea into a screenplay). See you tonight at noon EST. Share this, save it as a reminder and bring 3 friends (link to join is in the bio) * also as a bonus for my aspiring screenwriters I have a guide that’ll help you get started. See you soon #screenwritersofinstagram #screenwriting #womenscreenwriters #writerscommunity #writersofinstagram #writerslife #womenproducers #writelife #useyourvoice #useyourwords #buildyourwritingmuscle #buildyourscreenwritingmuscle #disciplineequalsfreedom

Dear creatives Show up today at NOON est. That’s it. That’s the message. You have a story to tell so I’ve made space for you to write virtually. It’s accountability and community. Bring a friend your ideas and let’s write. The link will be up in my bio in the next hour (it’s on YouTube) #bringafriend #writerscommunity #storyteller #useyourwords #writeyourstory

We are back today for our virtual co-working writing group. If you want to finish that script, or book (that I hope you eventually turn into a screenplay). Join us at noon today (est) the link will be in the bio soon. See you then and bring a friend. 🔑😎✅ #writersofinstagram #screenwriter #writersblock #writersblocksucks #filmschool #creativedevelopment #creativedeveloper #womeninmedia #womenproducers

Create Beyond Sunday with Shivawn Mitchell & Stephanie Bwa Bwa

Create Beyond Sunday Conversations with Creatives in Media & Entertainment. What does it look like to be led by your faith in creativity beyond Sunday Morning? Stephanie BwaBwa is a Jesus-centered Fantasy Fabricator. She's a young adult and fantasy author.

Dear (storytellers) Creatives 🦋 My journals were always full of stories and creative ideas. I wonder where my stories would be if I was shown healthy perspective of my faith and storytelling instead of limits and fear. ⏰ It’s time for us to show up and create beyond Sunday. Yup our stories are needed in the church but there is a gap needing to be filled Monday through Saturday and I’m calling all of my creative friends out of hiding to show up and tell your stories. 🌎The world needs what we have to offer. Be on the lookout for more conversations, pushing you to show up and create ➕ teaching you how to become a better storyteller. Share this with your community. #womeninmedia #womencreatives #womenwhopray #womeninproduction #womeninfilmandtv #creativityeveryday #useyourwords #storytellingphotography

Let’s talk about it this Thursday at 7:30 ish. It’s really not about your ability but maybe you are telling the wrong stories to the wrong group of people. Here’s one hint : you aren’t filling in the GAP and you’re just duplicating other people and their content because you see it works for them. Save this as a reminder to come hang out with me on Thursday and tell one other person who needs HELP. xx

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