Common Shapes

The Practice of Attention + Landscapes is Open for Enrollment

Welcome back to Common Shapes. Dear Listener, this is the third installment of our 3-part mini-series exploring the ebbs and flows of creative work. Today’s episode marks the return of Landscapes—a writing group for all genres. Registration is now open. Join us. We also explore the writing process— moving from idea to draft to completion, and the structures that support that work. Cody shares how their new book, The Practice of Attention, came to life within the container of Landscapes, and reflects on the role of community in completing and celebrating a creative project. In this episode: The origin and evolution of The Practice of Attention How Landscapes supported the writing and completion of the book The role of structure, rhythm, and body doubling in sustaining creative work The importance of celebrating milestones Releasing work into the world without social media—and the quiet that follows Community as both a creative and personal anchor Invitations: Landscapes (Writing Co-working Group — now open for registration) The Practice of Attention (my new book!) PROMPTS (Analog Newsletter) Creative Ideation Portal (free resource) The Pattern of Words: From Idea to Shape in Three Weeks (upcoming class May 13, 20, and 27th) More From Cody: Off the Grid Interview: The Practice of Attention — Healing Social Media Addiction with Cody Cook-Parrott Sounds True Interview: Cody Cook-Parrott: Attention is a Creative Act Thank you for listening to this mini-series. Thanks to Joi, Melissa Kaitlyn Carter, and Jess Herrera for their help making this episode. If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

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PROMPTS + More Landscapes

Welcome back to Common Shapes. Dear Listener, this is the second installment of our 3-part mini-series exploring the ebbs and flows of creative work. Today’s episode is about offline offerings— the act of returning to a practice, creating with less noise, and building new channels for connection. Cody shares the evolution of PROMPTS. Prompts comes to your door once a month. A letter from Cody with ten writing prompts to do off screen. Cody also reflects on the tension between visibility, burnout, and the desire to stay in conversation with their audience. In this episode: Navigating burnout and rethinking the pace and structure of the podcast The desire for connection and communication without screens/social media The origin of PROMPTS as a project shaped inside Landscapes (a writing co-working group) Using themes as a creative constraint to support consistency and flow The role of analog practices in slowing down and deepening creative work Invitations: PROMPTS (Analog Newsletter) Landscapes (Writing Co-working Group) Creative Ideation Portal (free resource) The Practice of Attention (my new book!) The Pattern of Words: From Idea to Shape in Three Weeks (upcoming class May 13, 20, and 27th) Tune in tomorrow for episode three of this mini-series. Thanks to Joi, Melissa Kaitlyn Carter, and Jess Herrera for their help making this episode. If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

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The Return of Landscapes

Welcome back to Common Shapes. Dear Listener, as we pause between seasons, we’re bringing you a 3-part mini series to re-connect with you and talk about the ebbs and flows of creative work. Today’s episode explores what happens when a project comes into the foreground of our attention and asks to be revisited. Cody shares life and work updates, and an invitation to join Landscapes: a writing group for all genres. In this episode: Reflections on closing Landscapes—and what made it unsustainable at the time What shifted in the quiet absence of social media The role of creative community in anchoring a writing practice Returning to an offering with clearer boundaries, shared facilitation, and renewed intention Invitations: Landscapes (Writing Co-working Group) Creative Ideation Portal (free resource) PROMPTS (Analog Newsletter) The Practice of Attention (my new book!) The Pattern of Words: From Idea to Shape in Three Weeks (upcoming class May 13, 20, and 27th) Tune in tomorrow for episode two of this mini-series. Thanks to Joi, Melissa Kaitlyn Carter, and Jess Herrera for their help making this episode. If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

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Digital Gardening, Audience Growth & Just Doing the Thing with Podge Thomas

Podge Thomas is in the middle of a pivot. She’s moving from operations consulting to teaching workshops and courses — all rooted in her frameworks for decolonizing how we learn. In this neurodiverse-affirming episode, we talk about: Why we love Notion & how it’s made us smarter How Podge grows her audience without social media The importance of moving from ‘not doing the thing’ to just doing the thing Classified ads & relationship marketing How digital gardening can be a decolonial practice Ways we think about pricing our offerings and choosing our tech tools Mentioned in the episode: Creative Ideation Portal Podge’s website Podge’s free email course Podge’s workshops Regina Anaejionu Anna Howard: creating a digital garden to end my doomscrolling If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

Cross-Pollinating Projects: 5 Ways to Weave Writing into Your Work

What if the page was a mirror for the process, rather than the product? In this episode, I share how I weave my projects together through writing. I open the pages of my cross-pollination log, trace the path of how “untitled field project” became my business coaching group Fieldwork, and offer you a journalling prompt for translating from one medium to another. Tune in for a portal into your own metaphors, obsessions, and vortexes of creative imagination. Mentioned in the episode: Creative Ideation Portal A Quilt in a Weekend Pollinating Through Projects Subscribe to MONDAY MONDAY to join Object Study If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

Weaving Worlds on the Web with Kening Zhu

Kening Zhu is an artist, writer, teacher, and creator building worlds on the internet. Her approach to business is a stunning integration of creative practice, intuition, and artistic clarity. I’m thrilled to bring you this conversation where we talk about: Minimalist business ecosystems Websites as archives outside of time Allowing ourselves to be multifaceted How Kening runs her business without platforms The pros & cons of paid newsletters Seasonal memberships that support inner rhythms The labyrinth as an artist’s path How to quit compartmentalizing business and art Letting your artist child grow up Mentioned in the episode: Creative Ideation Portal Kening’s website Kening’s newsletter Kening’s podcast: Botanical Studies of Internet Magic If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

The Magic of Endings: Why I’m Closing Landscapes

No offering is forever. But how do we sunset the ones that mean a lot to us and others? In this episode, I share why I’ve decided to close my writing group Landscapes. I talk through reorienting around sustainability, why my tech choices made this shift necessary, losing recurring income, and more. Tune in for a pep talk to help you find your way toward what’s next. Then join me for Prompts, an analog writing newsletter that begins in 2026. Mentioned in the episode: Creative Ideation Portal Prompts If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

The Dance of Self-Employment with Jamila Reddy

Jamila Reddy is a writer, meditation guide, ex-entrepreneur, and dear friend. In this episode, we talk about: What it means to be a writer The capacity it takes to self-publish Stepping away from entrepreneurship Self-promotion vs self-expression The marketing work required to keep a business afloat The joys (and horrors) of working for others Paywalls as a way of gathering community Healthy distraction and self-care that doesn’t feel like labor New definitions of success Mentioned in the episode: Creative Ideation Portal Jamila’s website Jamila’s newsletter If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

Into the Broadcast: Taking Ideas from Fragment to Finished

Today’s episode is about the long journey of cultivating consistency in our creative practices. I talk about: the magic of giving up, how to find the right pace, minimum viable actions, tools for building momentum, and places to share your work. This one’s for you if you’ve been circling something important that wants to be released into the world. Or if you’re excited about integrating daily or weekly practices, so they can support your long-term projects. Tune in then get the Into the Broadcast Map, and join me in The Long Arc this weekend. Mentioned in the episode: Into the Broadcast Map Creative Ideation Portal Sign up for The Long Arc on 10/4 If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

The Cartography of a Season: Mapping Your Podcast & Business Cadence

Let me take you behind the scenes of mapping fall in my business. You’ll learn the three essential parts of a practice-based earning ecosystem. Plus, I share exactly how I plan my launch calendars to support my financial and energetic needs. Tune in for clarity, camaraderie, and creative cartography. Mentioned in the episode: Creative Ideation Portal Amelia Hruby & Nic Antoinette Sign up for The Long Arc on 10/4 Join the joyful waitlists for: Pollinating Your Projects - happening in November Offline Practice - happening in December Landscapes - ongoing Quilt Class - returning in November? Use my link for 50% off your first year of Flodesk If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

Creative Ideation Portal Day 3: Art as Service

Today we complete our mini series going over the free Creative Ideation Portal - a guide to help you vision your projects and share them with the world. Tune in to days one and two first. Then join me for today’s conversation about why the world needs your art and how to share it (even if you feel scared). If you’re listening when this comes out, join me and Amelia Hruby at the FREE COMMON SHAPES PARTY on Saturday, September 20th (aka tomorrow!). RSVP here. Mentioned in the episode: Creative Ideation Portal Cody’s World Amelia Hruby If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

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Creative Ideation Portal Day 2: Moving the Needle Forward

Today we continue our mini series going over the free Creative Ideation Portal - a guide to help you vision your projects and share them with the world. Tune in to ‘Day 1 : Our Many Visions’ first. Then join me for today’s exploration of how to make progress (even when you don’t want to work). And if you’re listening when this comes out, join me and Amelia Hruby at the FREE COMMON SHAPES PARTY on Saturday, September 20th. RSVP here. Mentioned in the episode: Creative Ideation Portal Cody’s World Amelia Hruby If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

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Creative Ideation Portal Day 1: Our Many Visions

Welcome to a new season of Common Shapes! We’re beginning with a mini series going over the free Creative Ideation Portal - a guide to help you vision your projects and share them with the world. Tune in for daily episodes. Day One : Our Many Visions Day Two : Moving the Needle Forward Day Three : Art as Service Then join me and Amelia Hruby at the FREE COMMON SHAPES PARTY on Saturday, September 20th. RSVP here. Mentioned in the episode: Creative Ideation Portal Cody’s World Off the Grid & Amelia’s book Jess Herrera Nicole Cloutier Laurel Schwulst If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

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Leaving Social Media and Sacred Attention with Amelia Hruby

Dear Listener Thank you for tuning into Common Shapes and my conversation with Amelia Don't forget to grab the free Creative Ideation Portal : Your three day guide to visioning your projects More from Amelia: Amelia's Website Softer Sounds Website Off the Grid podcast on Apple + Spotify + everywhere else you listen Download the free Leaving Social Media Toolkit Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or a five star rating on Spotify Thank you to : Softer Sounds Studio for podcast editing Saltbreaker for our music Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo for our art If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

The Process of Leaving Platforms Behind

Dear Listener, Thank you for tuning in to Common Shapes today I am teaching Mapping Your Creative Business this weekend Saturday January 18 and Sunday January 19 (8 spots left at time of publishing episode) You can become a free or paid subscriber to my weekly newsletter here - Also it now has a CLASSIFIEDS section where you can buy an ad :) It has been so fun and beautiful to see people's businesses get little boosts Grab the free Creative Ideation Portal to vision your projects and bring them into the world I mention the artist Kening Zhu Join Landscapes : A writing group for all genres Book a 1:1 Creative Advising Session Thank you for supporting the show by sharing this episode on social media, in your newsletter, or texting it to a friend. You can also leave a review on Apple Podcasts or give us five stars on Spotify Podcast editing : Softer Sounds Studio Music : Saltbreaker Art : Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

Weaving Your Own Path to Creative Success with Brandi Cheyenne Harper

Dear Listener Thank you so much for tuning in to my conversation with Brandi Cheyenne Harper Don't forget to grab the free Creative Ideation Portal : Your three day guide to visioning your projects For more of Brandi's work : Website Knitting is a Love Language Newsletter Knitting for Radical Self Care Book Brandi on Instagram Landscapes : A writing group for all genres, where Brandi hosts the monthly BIPOC writers circle. The whole group meets every Tue/Thu 11-1 EST and this Sunday January 12 Jacqueline Suskin is our guest teacher Mapping Your Creative Business Jan 18 + 19 : A year ahead planning retreat on zoom to support you in visioning each quarter of the year, designing your weeks, and dreaming up your offerings To support Common Shapes consider becoming a paid subscriber of my weekly newsletter Thank you to everyone who makes this show possible : Softer Sounds Studio for editing + support Saltbreaker for our music and Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo for our art If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

Business Temp Check

Dear listener, SEASON THREE OF COMMON SHAPES IS UPON US It is my absolute pleasure to be back on the microphone and in your ears. Talking about all things business, art, values, deactivating social media, systems, rituals, and practices! Links mentioned : Landscapes : A writing group for all genres Creative Ideation Portal : Free three day guide to visioning your projects Devon Price's essay about burnout Writing The Personal : A three week class to bring the poetic, personal, and political together for essays of self discovery and service starting Dec 8 Taught by Cody Cook-Parrott with guest teachers Sky Fusco and Fariha Róisín If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

Self Publishing, Quitting Social Media, and Alternative Biz Frameworks with Nic Antoinette

Welcome to another episode of Common Shapes. I am delighted today to share this interview with Nic Antoinette where we talk about doing business differently, unhooking from the loops of social media, self publishing our books, anti capitalist business frameworks, and so much more You can find more of Nic’s work by subscribing to Wild Letters You can check out their website here And their hiking memoirs here Don’t forget to download the free three day Creative Ideation Portal to vision all of your beautiful projects as well as the new Daily Writing Tracker Thanks for listening! If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

Creating A New Suite of Offerings

In this week’s episode I bring us through both the process of creating a new suite of business offerings as well as presenting to you my very own. I bring you through how I invented these and where I started and how I worked back from that space. A little glimpse inside of my brain. But first : Make sure you download the free Creative Ideation Portal : A three day guide for visioning and planning your own work. If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.

Creative Energy Outside of Instagram

Dear listener, Welcome to our last episode of Common Shapes for the year! We will return with new episodes every Wednesday starting January 8 In today’s episode I share a series of practices, systems, and rituals I am doing in place of using Instagram. Make sure you grab the free Creative Ideation Portal : A three day email guide to help you vision your projects and put them out into the world. ALL MY GUIDES : Creative Ideation Portal Weaving in Our Values Toolkit Note Taking Tools + Possibilities Daily Writing Tracker Sublime - You can also subscribe to Sublimeon Substack - grateful to Alex Dobrenko`for folding me in Are.na OTHER THINGS I MENTION: Tiego Forte’s PARA method how a photo and video-sharing social networking service gave me my best friends, true love, a beautiful career, and made me want to die - on sale for $5! LIST MAKING PROMPTS : Make a list of five things you’re grateful for Make a list of ten things you can do instead of reaching for your phone Make a list of five friends to call in the next week Make a list of your seventeen favorite words - hang these up Make a list of the ten blessings social media gave you and then make a list of ten places where you can replace that WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SHOW : Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a five star review on Spotify WHO MAKES THIS SHOW POSSIBLE : Editing and support by Softer Sounds Podcast art by Lukaza Branfman-Verissimo Music by Saltbreaker If you'd like to support the show, please send it to a friend, leave a 5-star rating & review, and download the Creative Ideation Portal.