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:
https://www.amiemcnee.com/
https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtowrite
https://www.facebook.com/AmieFionaMcNee/
@amiemcnee
https://www.instagram.com/jayshetty
https://www.facebook.com/jayshetty/
https://x.com/jayshetty
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shettyjay/
https://www.youtube.com/@JayShettyPodcast
http://jayshetty.me
