Breaking the Blocks

Taking a break between Season 2 and Season 3 to reflect on the journey and lessons learned throughout Breaking the Blocks. Thousands of listeners have shared how these conversations about overcoming …

Mackenzie Thorpe shares his extraordinary journey from a dyslexic child in working-class Middlesbrough to a globally celebrated artist whose work touches hearts worldwide.

• Born with an innate urge t…

Janet Clare joins Rachel to explore the journey of creative growth and authenticity in a world that often feels chaotic and judgmental. Together they reflect on how the pandemic reset their perspecti…

Sarah Humphreys transforms lives teaching arts and crafts in a women's prison, helping incarcerated women rebuild their identities through creativity. Working with individuals who've experienced trau…

Rachel Pierman sits down with textile artist Judy Martin for a profound conversation about creativity, mortality, and finding healing through art. They explore the spiritual quality of handmade quilt…

Resilience emerges as the central theme when textile artist Caz Holmes shares her journey as a full-time carer for her husband following his debilitating stroke. She offers profound insights into fin…

Davey Powell shares his journey as a queer traveller, navigating the complexities of growing up in fairgrounds while knowing he was gay from a young age. Through therapy, sobriety, and quilting, he's…

Sarah Spencer takes us on a journey of transformation, from corporate employee to artist, radio host, and community activist while navigating major life transitions and personal growth.

• Moving from …

Leo Ransom shares his transformative journey from being in the wrong place at the wrong time to becoming an accomplished portrait quilter who channels his experiences of prejudice and hardship into c…

Becca Shifflett shares her powerful journey from childhood abuse to becoming a successful YouTuber with a thriving community, revealing how she learned to shine her light after years of being taught …

A poignant exploration of grief and healing unfolds as Josh Dunn shares his transformational journey following the loss of his mother. He discusses how creativity, particularly quilting, became a sou…

David Owen Hastings' inspiring journey reveals how he transformed past trauma into a meaningful, creative life. He stresses the importance of embracing our experiences, seeking community support, and…

In this insightful episode, we engage with author Matt Eicheldinger, who returns to discuss the complexities of navigating success after achieving his dreams. With reflections on imposter syndrome, t…

This episode explores the transformative journey of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery through the experiences of Trudi Wood. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own emotional challe…

Brandy Maslowski's journey from firefighter to quilter illuminates the complexities of trauma and resilience. She shares her experiences with discrimination, PTSD, and ultimately, how creativity beca…

After experiencing the profound pain of losing a loved one to suicide, Nicole Leth discovered the power of affirmations as a lifeline to healing. Her journey from personal tragedy to creating My Affi…

Join us on Breaking the Blocks as Rachel Pierman welcomes Ian Garland, a charismatic quilter with a thriving YouTube community and a passion for fostering understanding through creativity. Ian shares…

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Zak Foster, a trailblazer in the artistic quilting community, whose journey from a high school Spanish teacher to a full-time artist and podcaster is nothin…

Crafting holds a meditative power, a truth that Lucy Brennan, also known as @CharmAboutYou (and she does a Saturday Night Craftalong on Instagram). embodies in her life journey. As she shares her sto…

Ever felt trapped by the roles others expect you to play? Quilter Dee Bushrod of @pixelquilts knows that feeling all too well. Renowned for her intricate pixel quilts, Dee takes us through her emotio…