logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2024
57m 12s

S2 Bonus - Salem Belladonna on The Alche...

Leo Babauta
About this episode

Embracing the full spectrum of our experiences, including the shadows, is essential for true personal transformation and growth. Viewing challenges not as barriers but as opportunities for growth—through the lens of alchemy, where difficulties are transformed into raw materials for personal evolution—can fundamentally shift our approach to life's obstacles.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Salem, a visionary artist and co-creator of the Zen Habits podcast theme song, who masterfully weaves the transformative power of alchemy into her music and life. Together, we explore the depths of artistic expression, the challenges of mental health, and the beauty of transforming 'lead into gold'. Salem offers us a glimpse into her creative process, sharing how negative experiences can be channeled into sources of strength and inspiration, illustrating this through her approach to music, performance, and teaching.

This episode explores how personal growth intertwines with art, offering a profound look at the healing and transformative potential of fully embracing and expressing our authentic selves.

Topics Covered

  • The concept of alchemy in art and personal transformation
  • Overcoming anxiety, self-doubt, and societal pressures
  • The importance of self-care and discipline in creativity
  • Using negative experiences as sources of strength and inspiration
  • The interplay between personal growth and artistic expression
  • The role of ritual and routine in creative and mental health
  • The transformative power of embracing one's full self
  • Overcoming external pressures and staying true to one's artistic vision
  • Exploring the boundaries between personal experiences and artistic expression

Transcript

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Salem's Bio & Resources

Salem Belladonna is a sound alchemist (composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, teacher). Art creates a powerful impact on our experience, and Salem hopes that her creations will encourage listeners to explore and heal their own relationships with darkness. Salem Sanctuary is her lesson studio, where she offers studies in music, yoga, and alchemical philosophy.


Zen Habits Resources

The Fearless Living Academy

Fearless Mastery

Connect with Leo

Zen Habits

Youtube channel

X (Twitter)

Instagram

Zen Habits Facebook Group

Tiktok channel

Email: podcast@zenhabits.net

Credits

Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

Editor: Justin Cruz

Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro & Amanda Goddard

Up next
Dec 2024
S3 Bonus - Eran Katz on Parenting, Self-Awareness & Playfulness
Parenting often feels like a whirlwind of challenges, leaving us searching for quick fixes and one-size-fits-all solutions. But the truth is, focusing solely on our children’s behavior can leave us disconnected from the deeper work required for real transformation.This week, I’m ... Show More
1h 3m
Dec 2024
S3 Ep11 - Reflection & Adaptation
In our drive to be productive, it’s easy to miss out on one essential step: reflection. Often, we focus on doing more and checking things off without truly understanding our progress or the adjustments that might lead to deeper fulfillment and ease in our work.In the final episod ... Show More
21m 37s
Dec 2024
S3 Ep10 - Cultivating Gratitude, Wonder & Joy
The conventional approach to productivity focuses on output and discipline—often at the expense of joy and fulfillment. We push through tasks, trying to be more efficient, only to find ourselves feeling disconnected from the work we’re doing. This mindset can turn each day into a ... Show More
20m 52s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
E066 - 27 Years of Brutally Honest Advice for Young People in 90 Minutes | Andy Elliott
Joining me today for an unfiltered conversation about transformation, sales mastery, and leadership is Andy Elliot, a powerhouse entrepreneur who built a 9-figure business empire after starting from nothing. Beginning his journey as a car salesman at 18, Andy shattered industry r ... Show More
1h 30m
Nov 2024
How To ATTRACT Your Dreams With Your Mindset & Live Your Full Potential
Today I have a powerful masterclass on personal transformation, success, and creative entrepreneurship! We dive deep with mindset expert Rob Dial, legendary DJ/producer Steve Aoki, and comedian Bert Kreischer, exploring everything from overcoming self-doubt to building global suc ... Show More
1h 17m
Jan 2025
Breaking Free from Digital Codependency with Human Connection Specialist Mark Groves of Create The Love | Ep 57
In this raw and revealing conversation, Mark Groves, human connection specialist, opens up about his bold decision to step away from his million-follower Instagram account and the profound insights he gained about digital codependency, authentic self-expression, and the true natu ... Show More
1h 43m
Mar 2025
The 3 Key Ingredients For A Thriving Relationship, Practical Strategies To Manage Conflict & How To Build Deeper Relationships with Yung Pueblo #531
How much of your relationship tension comes from expectations that were never communicated? And what if changing the way you handle conflict could completely transform them? While we often dedicate countless hours to our careers, many of us never devote time to the basics of emot ... Show More
1h 56m
Jun 2024
Coaching Mastery & Human Nature with Dr. John Berardi
Dr. John Berardi is best known as one of the founders of Precision Nutrition. His most recent endeavor, Change Maker Academy, is a resource pool for practicing coaches from all walks of life. Additionally, his book Change Maker is a must-read for all health coaches. Dr. Berardi j ... Show More
1h 29m
May 2025
Stanford Psychologist: The #1 Psychological Skill To Master The Art of Influence & Transform Your Relationships
Leave an Amazon Rating or Review for my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!What if the key to deeper connections isn't in what you say, but in how you listen? Dr. Caroline Fleck, licensed psychologist and Stanford instructor, reveals the transformative power of vali ... Show More
1h 1m
Dec 2024
The Art of Charm Best Of 2024
In today's episode, we are bringing you a compilation of moments from the best interviews of 2024, covering everything from emotional mastery to productivity, building relationships, leadership, overcoming challenges, and living with purpose. Join us for a dynamic journey through ... Show More
57m 46s
Sep 2024
5 SECRETS of Ultra-Successful People That Will CHANGE YOUR LIFE
LAST CHACE FOR SUMMIT OF GREATNESS! Have you saved your tickets yet? Get them before they sell out at lewishowes.com/tickets.In this powerful episode of the School of Greatness, I dive deep into the world of influence, personal growth, and making a meaningful impact. We explore i ... Show More
1h 11m
Mar 2025
Mark Manson: The Psychological Skills To Master For Fulfilling Relationships, Inner Peace & Abundance
Get my new book Make Money Easy here!Bestselling author Mark Manson returns for his fourth appearance on the School of Greatness to reveal why self-awareness might be our most critical psychological skill. From torpedoing his early relationships to building a marriage that thrive ... Show More
1h 5m
Feb 2025
How to Be Super Psyched: The Formula for Connection | Dr. Adam Dorsay
In today’s episode, we explore the power of connection and overcoming imposter syndrome with Dr. Adam Dorsay, a licensed psychologist, executive coach, and expert in human connection and well-being. As a TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author of Super Psyched: Unleash the Power o ... Show More
1h 3m