Every book tells a story and these titles sparked something big for our guests.
Explore the reads that helped our guests through all past seasons of the Magic Hour Podcast grow, heal, and create, then dive into their episodes to hear why each one made such an impact.
🎧 Episode 31: Pennylane Shen – Burnout, Bad Art, and the Real Work of Being an Artist
Recommended Books: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant & The Sweaty Startup by Nick Huber
Pennylane shares how her consulting work has shaped the careers of thousands of artists, the invisible pressure creatives feel to constantly produce, and how to find your visual voice without getting lost in the noise. From breaking away from the traditional gallery path to embracing structure in your play, this episode is packed with thoughtful insights for visual artists trying to make honest, impactful work in 2025.
🎧 Episode 30: Phoebe Sherman – The Pivot That Changed Everything
Recommended Book: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Phoebe dives into how a creative pivot turned into a powerful movement. She shares lessons on aligning content and values, redefining success in the creator economy, and trusting shifts even when they feel uncertain.
🎧 Episode 29: Pearl Cicci – A Somatic Reset for When You’re Holding Too Much
Recommended Book: The Emotion Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson
Pearl walks us through how to notice what your body’s holding—and how to let it go. This episode is part calming conversation, part guided reset. She shares how somatic awareness, nervous system regulation, and energy work help creative entrepreneurs find clarity again.
🎧 Episode 27: Annelies Tjebbes – Why Leading With Empathy Is The Future of Work
Recommended Books: Built to Sell by John Warrilow, Boundary Boss by Terri Cole, Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab,The Body Keeps the Score by Besser van der Kolk, When Panic Attacks by Dr. David D. Burns
Annelies opens up about reshaping leadership after burnout and panic attacks—building anti-capitalist structures rooted in empathy, values-led decision-making, and sustainable business systems.
🎧 Episode 18: Julia Guz – Versatility as a Superpower
Recommended Books: Witch by Lisa Lister, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Julia shares her process of creative transformation, embracing intuition and feminine power, and finding strength in archetypal storytelling. Her episode explores reclaiming voice, purpose, and bold feminine energy.
🎧 Episode 13: Kelly Turner – Be The Best Version Of Yourself, Not Just For Yourself
Recommended Book: The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Kelly Turner, serial entrepreneur shares how she turned an empty jar with a drafted product label into selling out at Urban Outfitters and Indigo, and why she chooses to be a hands off entrepreneur, where Kelly focuses her precious time in business and life.
Whats on your TBR list?
Whether you’re here for mindset shifts, creative breakthroughs, or just looking for your next inspiring read, these guest-recommended books offer something real and relatable for every season of entrepreneurship.
We hope this list sparks your curiosity, fills your bookshelf, and gives you fresh fuel for whatever you’re building next. Got a favorite book we should add to the list? Share with us! We’re always reading.
Check out the Magic Hour on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
