The Inevitable Fear That Comes from Leveling Up with Kat

In this solo episode of Art & Cocktails, Ekaterina Popova dives into the emotions we face when stepping into a bigger version of ourselves. Whether it’s the fear of failure or the surprising fear of success, leveling up is both thrilling and terrifying. Kat shares personal stories of setbacks, successes, and the lessons learned along the way—like launching Art Queens, losing a book deal, and facing the pressure of creating something meaningful. This episode is a raw and empowering reminder that fear is not a sign to stop; it’s proof that you’re growing. Kat also offers practical tools for calming your nervous system, reconnecting with your vision, and moving forward with courage and intention. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How fear shows up during moments of growth—and why it’s inevitable. Why even dreams coming true can trigger unexpected pressure and doubt. Personal stories of overcoming setbacks and learning to trust the process. Inspiring examples, including the persistence of James Dyson and lessons from Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena.” Tools for navigating fear, including movement, art-making, and breathwork. The power of anchoring yourself to your vision and staying connected to your “why.” Links & Resources: Connect with Ekaterina Popova: @katerinaspopova Learn more about Art Queens Society: AQSociety.com Get support, grow your art career, and join a global community of creative women. Thank You for Listening! If this episode resonates with you, please tag me on Instagram or share in the Art Queens community. Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe to the podcast to stay inspired on your creative journey. Stay courageous, stay creative, and keep showing up for your dreams!

Om Podcasten

Art & Cocktails is a weekly podcast where contemporary art meets creativity, business, and real talk. Hosted by artist, Create! Magazine founder, and master coach Ekaterina Popova, each episode delivers honest, no-nonsense conversations that blend passion and vulnerability with real-world strategies for thriving as a creative entrepreneur. Created for artists, creatives, and artpreneurs, the show features inspiring stories and candid discussions with artists, curators, writers, and thought leaders in the arts and beyond. From navigating the art world to building a sustainable creative practice, each episode offers actionable tips, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes insights—served with your favorite drink in hand. Whether you're in the studio, on a walk, or unwinding after a long day, Art & Cocktails is your go-to space for fresh perspectives and practical tools to support your artistic journey. Tune in weekly and be part of the conversation—because your creative life deserves it. Find us at www.createmagazine.co/podcast — where the conversation about art and business starts.