We don't get to choose how each part of our life unfolds. It's a surrender to what is and embracing of what can be, even when it feels ambiguous.

Carrie Beth Waghorn found herself facing insurmountable grief and pain. A pain she did not choose. But as she continued to explore her art and how she wanted to express the way she saw the world, it became a conduit to let life flow through her. To find a place where she belonged.

A place where she mattered, even when those close to her were not around.

Carrie Waghorn has created fine art across the United States and abroad. She currently resides in New York City. Her art is represented professionally by Meyer Vogl Gallery in Charleston, SC.

You can find and purchase Carrie's work at: http://www.carriebethwaghorn.com

After the birth of her first child, Carrie Davis struggled with feelings of isolation, as if she was invisible and merely existing. Although she had pursued visual art through high school and college, this new chapter of life had taken its toll on her creative output.

As a stay at home mom of four kids now, this shift in life has provided the clarity and framework for her artistic work to thrive. And while the creative wrestling match still continues each day, Carrie knows that being a mom is the best gift in the world, allowing her life to speak fully.

Carrie graduated from Furman University with a degree in Visual Art. She has been working as a professional artist in the Charleston area since 2004. Carrie currently lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina where she works as a fine artist, freelance writer, and creative consultant. Her focus as a fine artist is abstract pen and ink pieces and acrylic paintings.

She and her husband Nate are committed to raising their four children to be upstanding citizens who love others, chew with their mouths closed, and know the difference between "they're" and "their".

See and buy Carrie's work at: http://www.carriedavis.art

Follow her on Instagram: @carriedavisart

*This episode contains some adult language*
For many on the outside looking in, the allure of stardom is captivating. It is a drug that feeds our desire to be loved. Yet to be loved but not known is merely superficial.

As the iconic drummer of Mötley Crüe, one of rock's most notorious bands, Tommy Lee's life took him around the world and to the top of the charts. Screaming fans, millions of albums sold, paparazzi, opulence and fame, he had it all. Yet the demands of that fame drove him to the brink.

Behind the persona of Tommy Lee though is a voice that sees unlimited creative possibilities and self expression. A voice of reflection and thought. A voice fighting through the noise to know what it means to be human.

Although one phase of his career might be done, Tommy knows the golden years are still ahead. And he's certainly not done yet.

This is Tommy's story.

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Music:
"Noumenal" - Kin Leonn
"Operate - The Drum Remix" - ASTR, The Drum
"Silverlight" - Suzukii

Hello, I'm Ben, creator of Why I Create. If you're interested in supporting, sponsoring, or partnering with us on future films, I'd love to talk about how we can make that happen.

Reach out to me at: ben@whyicreate.co or through the contact page: whyicreate.co/contact

Near the end of her undergraduate degree at DePaul University, a vocal major from Omaha, Nebraska was referred to a vocal professor at a small program in New York. The next two years proved to be a mentorship which brought forth a love and connection with contemporary repertoire and collaboration.

Amanda DeBoer Bartlett, DMA is a Chicago-based classical soprano who specializes in the work of living composers. Along with her solo repertoire, she is a member of Ensemble Dal Niente, Hasco Duo and Quince Contemporary Vocal Ensemble.

Outside of her performance work, Amanda is also the founder and former director of an experimental performance festival called Omaha Under the Radar, which has presented nearly 200 individual artists from around North America during its first five seasons.

While the challenges of bringing these new experiences to a wider audience are plenty, Amanda sees tremendous possibility, hope and a better way forward, challenging and enriching her own community and those far beyond through the process.

This is Amanda's story.
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Music - "V" by Ian Hawgood

Hello, I'm Ben, creator of Why I Create. If you're interested in supporting, sponsoring, or partnering with us on future films, I'd love to talk about how we can make that happen.

Reach out to me at: ben@whyicreate.co

After finishing his BS in Psychology from Iowa State University, Zora Murff saw firsthand the injustices and social perception within the juvenile corrections system. Picking up a few photography classes on the side during this time, he began documenting both the people and places of his experience.

As with any artist, he often wonders if his work matters, does it do anything, do people care. For many of the people he photographs, he finds hope in their story and a spirit of resilience; challenging those who view these images to gain a better, more diverse perspective on the tapestry of humanity.

Zora currently teaches at Tufts University in Boston, MA

Explore Zora’s Work Online

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Music: "How I Live Now"- Jon Hopkins

Hello, I'm Ben, creator of Why I Create. If you're interested in supporting, sponsoring, or partnering with us on future films, I'd love to talk about how we can make that happen.

Reach out to me at: ben@whyicreate.co

She's half of the morning show duo on Lincoln, Nebraska's Hit Music station 106.3 KFRX FM. She also spins your favorite Top 40 hits of today and throwback one-hit wonders over the weekday lunch hour during 90's At Noon.

But for Lindsey Nielsen, she never intended to go into radio in the first place. It was a path that quietly grew from a small college internship. That internship, though, has led to a career not only balancing an on-air personality, but a chance to work alongside community and non-profit groups, supporting the people of Nebraska in ways she never dreamed.

This is Lindsey's story.

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Music: "Rivers" - Icelanders
Photos courtesy of Lindsey Nielsen and KFRX FM

John Cook has reached some of the highest pinnacles of the volleyball world. Having won national championships at multiple collegiate and high school levels, he's truly a master of his craft. With high achievement though comes even higher expectations, pressure and demands.

But the experiences of working with student athletes and seeing them reach their potential is what drives the energy and passion for Cook.

John Cook has been the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at the University of Nebraska since 2000. He is a 4X National Champion and 3X National Coach of the Year.

--Thanks to the American Volleyball Coaches Associate for their support of this episode--

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Music:
"Bless Those Tired Eyes" - Clem Leek
"Now And Forever" - Hammock

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If you are interested in supporting, sponsoring, or partnering with Why I Create on future films, we'd love to talk to you. Reach out to us at: ben@whyicreate.co

After stints as a musician and several jobs in the tech world, Chris Hughes finally found his stride. A fascination with military field gear, vintage aesthetic, and functional design opened the door to his company: Artifact Bag Co.

While the road thus far has not been without frustration and uncertainty, Chris knows this is exactly where he's supposed to be.

Visit and purchase Artifact Bag Co. products online:

Website and store: artifactbags.com
Instagram: @artifactbags

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Music: "The Lost Connection" - Adam Bokesch, "Transformation Two" - Analog Heart

While exploring avenues for publishing her poetry, Lea Farho Time stumbled upon the world of zines: self-published, small circulation books often full of found materials, cutout images, collages, and text. For Lea, this has opened up an entirely new world of expression to tell her story, advocate for issues important to her, and provide a canvass for others to do the same.

While many artists and creators chase the stardom of popularity, Lea knows that even a small contribution, from the quiet of her own home studio, can impact lives far beyond her reach.

Lea currently teaches English in the Des Moines, IA Public Schools.

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Music: "Fire Dream" - Smokey

For a Pulitzer Prize winner and former U.S. Poet Laureate, one would imagine the work of creating each day remains simple. Yet this act for Ted Kooser involves day after day of putting pen to paper, much of which is never up to par.

This willingness though to do the work is why Ted creates: the simple act of relating to human beings, offering something that will endure far beyond his years.

Ted Kooser has won numerous writing and poetry awards and has published more than 20 collections of poetry and essays throughout his life.

Ted writes and resides in rural Nebraska.

See more of Ted’s work online

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Music: "Shore" - Balmorhea

After her marriage, Joy O'Conner experienced a particularly difficult path with their first child. With her mother-in-law sensing she needed something to help that process, the world of clay and pottery came into her life.

Since then, it's been a journey of discovering a greater aesthetic, inspiration, and way of seeing the world with each piece she crafts.

This is Joy's story.

Visit Earthenjoy online
Instagram: @earthenjoy

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Music: "So We Bend In Sorrow" - Andrew Osenga

For many entrepreneurs, quitting a day job to follow dreams of launching a new company has been marked by thrill and celebrated as the ultimate risk. When Paul and Stephanie Jarrett did just that to start their subscription box company, Bulu Box, it was a leap filled with moments of fear and uncertainty.

The journey, however, has not only strengthened their marriage but served as a conduit for their purpose in life.

The company has now expanded into a full service, pick and pack e-commerce fulfillment company.

Visit Bulu Group Online

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Music: "Selah" - Carinthia

He's known in football circles as the Wideout Producer, Dr. Route, and the Route Scientist. For former Nebraska Husker Football coach Keith Williams, his life as both a player and coach were not handed to him on a silver platter. Rather, its been a life of continuous learning, a passion for seeing his players excel, and staying true to who he is as a person.

Keith has had coaching stops at San Jose State, Fresno State, Tulane, Nebraska, and in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints.

Keith is currently the wide receiver’s coach for the New Orleans Saints.

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Music: "Eyes Wide Open" - Tony Anderson

For Abigail Ervin-Penner, the end goal is not necessarily her art but rather something much bigger. And that larger guiding principle helps drive her desire to keep making and creating.

Her own path of dealing with chronic illness and mental health forged a way for her illustrations to be a conduit for how she was processing the world. And in the end, bring hope and comfort to others.

Visit Abigail’s Work and Store Online

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Music: "Burn" - Keith Kenniff

For Tim Maides and Ryan Cook, making soap started out as a weekend science experiment. Today, that tinkering and love of science has turned Benson Soap Mill into a business and way of life: keeping bodies clean, relaxed, and fragrant.

Benson Soap Mill is based in Omaha, NE and works with local farmers and producers for all of their organic ingredients.

Visit and shop Benson Soap Mill online