Arts To Hearts Podcast

Epizode

• 
  The other side of fear is freedom | S6E8 07.07.2026 40min

  Some people live more life in one lifetime than most of us live in three. Mikki Hoogendijk is one of them. She survived a bomb attack. She lost people she loved. She built things and watched them fall apart, lived in cities she had to leave, and carried grief that would have stopped most people. And every single time, she didn't move away from the pain — she moved through it, and turned it into something you could see, touch, and feel.In this episode, artist and author Mikki Hoogendijk joins Charuka Arora for a conversation about loss, fear, reinvention, and the quiet freedom that waits on the other side of the things we're most afraid of. Mikki's mother handed her a camera a month before she passed — and that gift began a lifetime of creating through grief, from photography to clay to eight-meter bronze sculptures. Now, with her memoir The Art of Letting Go, she shares what all of it taught her.We talk about:Why grief is never about a single moment and what it asks of usHow to keep creating when your life is falling apartThe seven-year-old self she keeps on her phone and why that child runs the showWhy she stopped making art for anyone's approvalReinventing yourself at any age, while everyone else settlesWhy letting go isn't losing it's making space for what's nextThis one is tender, honest, and quietly freeing. Whatever you're holding onto, or afraid to let go of, this conversation is for you.Because the other side of fear, it turns out, is freedom.
• 
  What If Healing Doesn't Mean Moving On? | Season 6 Episode 8 Coming Soon 05.07.2026

  What happens when life changes in ways you never imagined and you're left to rebuild from the pieces?In this episode of Season 6, Charuka Arora is joined by Micky Hoogendijk for one of our most moving conversations yet. Together, they explore grief, trauma, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep living after profound loss.From surviving unimaginable experiences to navigating the lasting impact of loss, Mickey shares why grief is never about just one moment and why healing isn't something we simply "get over."This episode is for anyone who has loved deeply, lost deeply, or is learning how to carry both grief and hope at the same time.Season 6 Episode 8 is coming soon.Don't forget to tune in this Tuesday for the full conversation.
• 
  What Does Creative Burnout Actually Feel Like? Here’s the Honest Answer | S6E7 30.06.2026 11min

  Creative burnout doesn't arrive in one moment. There's no single day you wake up and know. It starts so small you don't even notice, one yes, then another yes, then another. Until the things you love get quieter and quieter, the things that feel heavy get louder, and one day you realize you've been running on empty far longer than you'd like to admit.In this solo episode, Charuka Arora Founder of Arts to Hearts Project herself, gets honest about being in exactly that place. This isn't a talk from someone who's figured it out it's from someone still in the middle of it. For six years she's shown up for this business, her team, this community, and every project along the way. And somewhere in all that showing up, she lost the version of herself who used to make art simply because she loved it.So, this episode is Charuka saying some things out loud that she hasn't heard many people say.In this episode, she talks about:Why burnout starts as "just another yes," and why we don't see it comingThe two kinds of lonely, including the one nobody warns you about, the kind that arrives after things go wellWhat happens when the thing you love quietly becomes the thing you oweWhy art has always been the thing that brings her back to herselfAnd how she lost touch with itThe guilt of wanting to be an artist first againWhy choosing yourself isn't quitting it's evolvingIf you're somewhere in here too still showing up, still saying yes, and quietly tired this one's for you. You're not behind, and you're not alone.Sometimes the bravest thing an artist can do is admit the cup is empty.
• 
  I Built My Dream and Lost the Artist I Started As | New Episode Coming Soon 28.06.2026

  Success is often measured by what we build. Rarely do we talk about what it costs to build it.In Episode 7 of Season 6 of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, Founder Charuka Arora shares one of her most personal conversations yet. After six years of building Arts to Hearts, she reflects on burnout, the quiet pressure of always showing up, and the realization that, somewhere along the way, she had lost touch with the artist who started it all.This isn't an episode with easy answers. It's an honest conversation about ambition, responsibility, creativity, and the courage to acknowledge when something needs to change.Because sometimes the greatest challenge isn't building the dream.It's finding your way back to yourself. Tune in this Tuesday for Episode 7 of the Arts to Hearts Podcast.
• 
  The $10 Trillion Art Economy Artists Never See | S6E6 23.06.2026 39min

  The creative economy is worth nearly $10 trillion. So why do most artists never see a cent of it?That's the question Charuka Arora, founder of Arts to Hearts Project, brings to Nina Orm in Episode 6 of Season 6. Nina, founder of Creativity Meets Capital, has spent her career across finance, entrepreneurship, and politics and is now building the financial infrastructure the art world never gave its artists.Her argument is simple and a little uncomfortable: artists aren't broken because they're bad at business. They're broke because nobody ever built them a system. Galleries take 50% (sometimes 70%). Art schools teach craft but not contracts. And the "starving artist" gets romanticised instead of paid.This is one of the most practical money conversations we've had on the show.We cover:Where the trillions in the art world actually go and why so little reaches artistsWhy the gallery model is built the way it is, by designThe "starving artist" myth, and why Nina wants it goneThe one financial habit every artist should start todayThe 10-10-10 rule for creatives who don't have a big income to play withWhy multiple income streams protect your creative freedomHow to read a P&L and why you're already a businessOwnership, copyright, and why "the law is what makes things real"Whether you've never sold a piece or you're already earning from your work, this episode hands you a system for your money and a backbone for your career. So, grab a coffee and a notebook you'll want to take notes on this one.
• 
  Who really profits from art? | Episode 6 Coming Soon 21.06.2026

  Artists create the work. But do they really understand the business behind it?In Episode 6 of Season 6, Arts to Hearts founder Charuka Arora is joined by Nina Orm, founder of Creativity Meets Capital, for a powerful conversation about the side of the art world many creatives are never taught to navigate: contracts, copyrights, ownership, licensing, negotiations, and the decisions that can shape a career long after a deal is signed.Many artists spend years mastering their craft, yet very few are taught how to protect their work, understand their rights, or confidently navigate the financial and legal realities of the creative industry.Together, Charuka and Nina explore why understanding the business of art is no longer optional, what artists should know before signing agreements, and how ownership and knowledge can become some of the most powerful tools in a creative career.Because making great work is only part of the story.Understanding how to protect it is the other.And if you've ever felt intimidated by contracts, confused by copyright, or unsure how the business side of art really works, this episode is for you.Tune in this Tuesday for the full conversation.
• 
  Will I ever make it as an artist? | S6E5 16.06.2026 17min

  There's a question that follows almost every artist. Some days you barely notice it. Other days it's the loudest thing in the room. But it's always there: Will I ever make it?Will anyone see my work? Will I ever become the artist I imagine myself to be? And the hardest part there's no report card, no promotion, no guaranteed timeline. Just you, your work, and a lot of uncertainty.In this solo episode, Charuka Arora Founder of Arts to Hearts Project talks through the question every artist is too afraid to say out loud and the quiet myths we carry about what "making it" is supposed to look like. After working with thousands of artists through Arts to Hearts Project, she's noticed something: most artists don't quit because they lack talent. They quit because they're exhausted by the story, they're telling themselves about where they should be.This is an honest, gentle conversation about success, comparison, burnout, and the small belief that keeps real artists going.In this episode:Why most artists are struggling with uncertainty, not with their artThe guilt of doing "five jobs at once" and why the system was never built to be kept up withMyth #1: that success happens overnight (and what's really underneath every "overnight" story)Myth #2: that success looks the same for everyoneMyth #3: that more is always betterWhy play and "bad work" matter more than strategyHow to let jealousy become a compass instead of a woundThe one question worth more than "Will I ever make it?"If you've ever felt behind, invisible, or quietly afraid you'll never get there this one's for you.Press play. Then go make the thing you'd make even if nobody noticed.
• 
  I used to think creative success was for other people. I was wrong │S6E4 09.06.2026 9min

  For most of her creative life, Charuka Arora Founder of Arts to Hearts Project believed creative success belonged to a certain kind of person people from the right city, the right family, the right circles. She did not see herself in that picture. A decade of building Arts to Hearts Project changed her mind.After six years of building Arts to Hearts Project and interviewing more than 200 artists, curators, gallerists, and art fair founders, she has come to say something out loud: she was completely wrong. In this episode of Season 6 of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, Charuka walks listeners through the evidence that changed her mind and the one pattern she keeps seeing on repeat in every person who has built something real in the creative world. She also shares the hardest part of her own story pulling herself together to show up for this podcast and this community in the weeks after losing her mom in 2021 and why those days ended up mattering more than she understood at the time.The episode explores:Why 90 percent of the successful people she has interviewed came from no privilege at allThe real reason some artists' careers suddenly "compound" after years of nothingWhy commitment to one direction beats waiting to find the perfect oneHow a simple collage series she emailed outsold within three daysThe two kinds of people who see a problem and which one actually builds a careerWhat she would say to anyone sitting in a corner right now thinking this isn't for themThis conversation feels less like career advice and more like an honest reminder that meaningful creative work is usually built slowly, quietly, and long before anybody else notices it.If you have ever felt behind, late, small, or unqualified for the life you want this episode is the permission slip you didn't know you were waiting for.
• 
  I Thought Creative Success Wasn’t for People Like Me. I Was Wrong | Season 6 Episode 4 Coming Soon 07.06.2026

  What if creative success has nothing to do with being born in the “right” place, having connections, money, or belonging in certain rooms?In Episode 4 of Season 6, founder of Arts to Hearts Project, Charuka Arora, will talk about the difficult realities behind building a creative life rejection, grief, uncertainty, showing up with no results, and continuing anyway.From growing Arts to Hearts from a simple Instagram blog into a global creative platform to navigating self-doubt, loss, and years of invisible work, this conversation is for every artist, writer, photographer, collector, and creative who has ever questioned whether they’re capable of making it.Because the real question isn’t whether the path is hard.It’s whether you’re willing to keep walking it anyway.And if you’re sitting somewhere right now feeling lost, discouraged, or ready to give up, this conversation is for you.Tune in this Tuesday, June 9, 2026, for the complete conversation.
• 
  Ryan Stanier Built the Other Art Fair. Now He's Doing Fair Play, But Why | S6E03 02.06.2026 45min

  Fifteen years ago, Ryan Stanier started cold-calling estate agents across London asking if he could borrow their empty shops for free.Most ignored him. One handed him the keys.That tiny pop-up became ArtBeat, then The Other Art Fair, one of the world’s biggest artist-led fair movements, spanning London, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Sydney, Chicago, Melbourne, and beyond.But after more than a decade working closely with artists, Ryan kept hearing the same thing:Art fairs were becoming too expensive.Booth fees, shipping, framing, travel, marketing, logistics artists were taking enormous financial risks just to be visible.So, he decided to rebuild the model.In this episode, Ryan Stanier founder of The Other Art Fair and Fair Play opens up about the changing art world and the realities artists face behind visibility, pricing, and creative survival.We cover: The empty London storefront that started everything Why the art world believed artists “weren’t good at business” The biggest mistakes artists make at fairs Why artists struggle to talk about pricing The heartbreaking thing Ryan still sees at exhibitions Why Fair Play removed booth fees completely The emotional connection between artists and collectors Why visibility in the art world still feels inaccessible How social media changed the art industry The artist Ryan still keeps on his wall years laterWhether you’re an emerging artist, a collector, or someone trying to understand how the art world really works behind the scenes, this episode is a rare look at the systems shaping creative careers today. Pull up a chair. this conversation might change how you think about the art world.
• 
  From The Other Art Fair to Fair Play | Episode 3 Coming Soon 01.06.2026 1min

  For Episode 3 of Season 6, Charuka Arora, founder of Arts to Hearts Project, had a deeply meaningful conversation with none other than Ryan Stanier the founder behind The Other Art Fair and Fair Play. For years, Ryan has been working towards one powerful idea: making the art world feel more accessible, supportive, and human for artists. From starting with small pop-up exhibitions in empty London spaces to building one of the world’s biggest artist-led fair movements, his journey has completely reshaped how artists connect with audiences globally.In this episode, Ryan opens up about the realities behind building artist-first platforms, the frustrations within the traditional art world, the pressure artists constantly navigate, and why he believes the systems around artists still need to change.From building The Other Art Fair to launching Fair Play, this conversation explores creativity, visibility, burnout, risk-taking, art fairs, and the emotional realities of building a life in the arts.It’s thoughtful, personal, honest, and filled with conversations artists rarely get to hear out loud.And honestly… this might change the way you think about art fairs forever.Season 6 Episode 3 drops tomorrow. Stay tuned.
• 
  Every Arts to Hearts Book. Including the One That Went Wrong ┃S6E2 26.05.2026 11min

  In this solo episode of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, Charuka Arora, Founder of the Arts to Hearts Project pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to make an Arts to Hearts book.From the six-month timeline behind every release, to running open calls, jury processes, and curating both emerging and established artists, Charuka walks through the full publishing journey. She also gets honest about the mess: the factory mix-up that turned a soft-cover magazine into a hard-cover sample, the 4-step proofing process her small team relies on to catch errors, and the 300+ artist interviews they handle every single month.If you've ever wondered what goes into building a contemporary art publication from scratch including the parts no one shows you this one's for you.
• 
  The Books, The Chaos, The Mistakes | Season 6 Episode 2 Out Tomorrow 25.05.2026

  What does it really take to turn an Instagram blog into internationally loved art books, magazines, and a creative platform artist around the world connect with?In Season 6, Episode 2 of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, founder Charuka Arora takes us behind every Arts to Hearts book, including the one that completely went wrong.From creative risks and unexpected mistakes to the pressure of building meaningful projects from scratch, this episode dives into the messy, emotional, and unseen side of running a platform dedicated to supporting women in the arts.We’re talking behind-the-scenes realities, working with artists worldwide, publishing art books people genuinely treasure, and the lessons nobody sees behind the final beautiful product.If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens behind creative projects like these, you won’t want to miss this conversation.Season 6 Episode 2 drops tomorrow, May 26. Don’t forget to tune in for the full behind-the-scenes episode.
• 
  Will Ramsay: His banker friend was too embarrassed to ask the price so he built Affordable Art Fair 19.05.2026 52min

  In 1999, a man walked into Battersea Park with an idea the art world thought was embarrassing: put price tags on art. The galleries hated it. The critics rolled their eyes. He did it anyway.Twenty-five years later, that idea is called Affordable Art Fair 19 fairs across 16 cities, nearly 4 million visitors, over $780 million worth of art sold, and an entire generation of artists who got their first sale through it.In this episode, Will Ramsay, founder of Affordable Art Fair and Ramsay Fairs sits down with Charuka for one of the most practical conversations we've ever had about the business of being an artist.We cover:The banker friend whose embarrassment sparked an empireThe four types of art buyers walking past your booth (and which one most artists ignore)Why selling art online doesn't really work and what doesHow to price your work across international marketsThe $5K–$10K mistake most first-time exhibitors makeHow to approach a gallery without feeling desperateRed dots, empty walls, and the small tricks that create energy on a standThe Indian artist (Riya Mahajan) hiding in Will's garden right nowWhether you've never sold a piece of art or you're already exhibiting internationally, this conversation gives you a framework you can actually use.Pull up a notebook. This one's a masterclass.
• 
  How to Break into the Art World ? Tips for Artists and Art Professionals w/ Ocki Magill 24.10.2024 38min

  On this week's Arts to Hearts Podcast, Ocki Magill, founder of Blue Shop Cottage, shares her journey from advertising and fashion design to creating a thriving gallery that supports emerging artists. In this conversation, she highlights the importance of following your passion, building a strong community, and adapting to the ever-changing art world. Discover valuable lessons for artists on how to perfect their craft and thrive in today's digital landscape.
• 
  Inside the Creative Journey of Five Emerging Artists 15.08.2024 56min

  On this week's Arts to Hearts Podcast, five emerging artists, Yana Beylinson, Diane Chappalley, Kianne Patrice, Hera Mysterium, and Michelle Reeves, reveal how their art helps them navigate personal challenges and societal norms. From mental health struggles to identity exploration, these artists show us how creativity transforms lives. Get into their inspiring stories and see how art sparks change and growth.
• 
  How can Artists Process Loss Through their Art? Dante, Vavara and Francesca Share Their Stories 01.08.2024 53min

  In this engaging episode, Charuka Arora sits down with three incredible women from the art world: Francesca, Dante M. Pirouz, and Varvara. They share their unique journeys, insights, and experiences, making this a must-listen for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Francesca introduces herself as an eco-artivist, explaining her transition from being a solicitor to a fine arts mosaic artist. She talks about her commitment to sustainability and how she uses waste materials to create beautiful art. Francesca shares her inspiring projects with corporations, where she turns their waste into stunning office artwork. Her story highlights the importance of promoting environmental awareness through creative means. Dante shares her fascinating journey of finding her artistic voice. Growing up in a family of artists, she discusses how her upbringing influenced her path. Dante talks about the personal experiences and losses that have shaped her work and identity as an artist. Her insights into self-discovery and creative expression are both relatable and motivating for listeners. Varvara provides a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the art world. She talks about her experiences as a female artist and emphasizes the need for greater representation and recognition. Varvara shares her creative process and the themes she explores in her work, offering valuable advice for aspiring female artists. Overall, Francesca, Dante, and Varvara explore common themes in their work, such as sustainability and women's representation in art. They share their thoughts on the future of women in the art industry and the importance of community and support among female artists. Their collective insights provide a rich and empowering perspective on art and creativity. Charuka wraps up the episode by thanking the guests and encouraging listeners to explore the book "Art and Women" to learn more about these inspiring artists and their work. This episode is filled with personal stories, valuable insights, and practical advice, making it a powerful resource for anyone interested in art and the experiences of women artists.
• 
  How Can You, as an Artist, Challenge Stereotypes Through Your Work? 18.07.2024 33min

  In this episode of "Arts to Hearts Podcast", host Charuka Arora interviews one of our featured artists of ATH Magazine Issue 6 artist Mira Malhotra. Together, they dive deep into the important role art plays in changing how people think about stereotypes. Mira opens up about her personal journey and shares the experiences that have made her the artist she is today. Charuka and Mira talk about how artists can use their creativity to break down old ideas. They discuss how art can spark meaningful conversations and lead to real social change. Mira also talks about the challenges she has faced as a woman artist and how she has overcome them. She shares practical tips and strategies that she uses in her work to tackle issues like gender dynamics and other societal perceptions. Listeners will get to hear Mira's thoughts on how the art world is changing and becoming more inclusive. She gives valuable advice to fellow artists who want to make a difference with their work. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in how art can influence society and for artists who are looking for inspiration to challenge stereotypes through their art.   Opportunities for Artists:  Emerging Woman Artist Award: Art Prize 2024 Details here: https://submit.artstoheartsproject.com/emerging-woman-artist-award-ath-art-prize/ Studio Visit Book Vol. 4  Details Here: https://submit.artstoheartsproject.com/call-for-art-studio-visit-book-vol-4/  
• 
  On art, fashion and heritage: Building a brand with purpose |Richa Maheshwari| 22.02.2024 38min

  This week on the Arts to Heart Podcast, our host Charuka Arora has an insightful conversation with Richa Maheshwari, who is a designer on a mission to bring back the arts and crafts that are fading due to the advent of fast fashion. Richa has been in the software services industry by profession, where she worked as a product manager for a German company for almost 16 years. As COVID hit, much like everyone else, Richa took a break to spend more time at home. This was her chance to restart and explore, and she took it. After going to an office for so many years, Richa longed to be on the ground where she could do something much more substantial and tangible, and that is when she was able to connect to an international labor organization which marked the beginning of her life with traditional crafts.  As a child, Richa was always interested in stories that were rich in culture, and now she has the opportunity to tell those stories to the rest of the world in an innovative way. With its textile legacy, Odisha has many stories to tell, and so Richa decided to direct her energy towards uplifting the local artisan community in a way that helped the artists as well as introducing their craft to the world. For Richa, it is very much about the "ability to build narratives in a fun way so that the audience is able to receive it simply". As she built her brand, Boito, Richa has had many things to learn and unlearn. From forming trustworthy relationships with the local community to finding a balance where their culture and traditions can be shared with the rest of the world, Richa has come a long way. She has opened doors for other artists who dream of utilizing their craft in a way that doesn't succumb to the fast fashion industry. So, tune in to this week's podcast to listen to Richa and Charuka talk about the world of fashion and why it's important for us as a society to not lose touch with our roots. We're delighted to announce that we are now accepting art submissions for the sixth edition of ATH Magazine! If you are someone whose artworks dare to question the norm and sparks interesting conversations, then this is your chance! Submit your artwork here. We are calling women artists from around the globe for our upcoming event, the "101 Art Book Contest", which aims to boost recognition, fame, and exposure for female artists. Submit your artwork here.' We are also calling all emerging female artists for our "100 Emerging Artists: 2024 Women's Edition". This edition marks the inaugural launch of our landmark publication designed to spotlight and celebrate emerging women artists from around the globe. Apply here. Order Arts To Hearts Magazine #4 here: Order Here  Learn how you can UNLOCK YOUR CREATIVE POTENTIAL in 2023. Sign up for our FREE Mini guide & workbook. Check out the Arts To Hearts Shop at https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/ Join ATH directory for women artists here: ATH Directory Listen and subscribe on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/arts-to-hearts-podcast/id1556867038  Artist Services: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/collections/services-for-artists?_ga=2.101754569.956046160.1685549839-2083855471.1673187658       
• 
  Secrets revealed: How to be a successful women entrepreneur | Sarah Sham | 15.02.2024 54min

  This week on the Arts to Heart Podcast, we have Sarah Sham as our guest. With her super successful design studio, Sarah is an inspiration to all women who aspire to build their businesses. In this episode, Charuka Arora and Sarah Sham discuss the challenges and obstacles faced by women who dare to dream big. For women, the roles are pretty much set by the patriarchal society they live in, and sometimes, they are put in a position where they must choose between having a successful career and starting a family. From realizing her self-worth to manifesting her creative dreams into reality, Sarah has great insights to offer to female entrepreneurs who are struggling to set their own boundaries and rules. With a degree in art history and interior design, Sarah has done multiple jobs where she has worked at Vogue as well as an advertising agency. Apart from doing theatre, she has also worked as a news anchor for a while, before realizing that she was meant to be an interior designer. However, belonging to a family with a legacy of its own, Sarah did feel a certain pressure. At the same time, she was determined to build something with nothing but her own hard work and skills. Ten years later, she has accomplished just that with an interior design studio that vows to provide a seamless experience to its clients. Over the years, Sarah has evolved and grown as a businesswoman and has learned to have more confidence in herself. Now, she wants to expand her business in the Middle East and focus more of her energy on business and marketing as compared to the creative aspect of it. It is as a result of these experiences that Sarah advises all women entrepreneurs to work hard and never stop. Even if they are taking baby steps, then it's enough! To know more about Sarah and her journey, listen to this week's full episode which is loaded with wisdom!   We're delighted to announce that we are now accepting art submissions for the sixth edition of ATH Magazine! If you are someone whose artworks dare to question the norm and sparks interesting conversations, then this is your chance! Submit your artwork here. We are calling women artists from around the globe for our upcoming event, the "101 Art Book Contest", which aims to boost recognition, fame, and exposure for female artists. Submit your artwork here.' We are also calling all emerging female artists for our "100 Emerging Artists: 2024 Women's Edition". This edition marks the inaugural launch of our landmark publication designed to spotlight and celebrate emerging women artists from around the globe. Apply here. Order Arts To Hearts Magazine #4 here: Order Here  Learn how you can UNLOCK YOUR CREATIVE POTENTIAL in 2023. Sign up for our FREE Mini guide & workbook. Check out the Arts To Hearts Shop at https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/ Join ATH directory for women artists here: ATH Directory Listen and subscribe on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/arts-to-hearts-podcast/id1556867038  Artist Services: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/collections/services-for-artists?_ga=2.101754569.956046160.1685549839-2083855471.1673187658