Rooted in Truth, Free in Spirit – A Conversation with John who goes by the name of Zudlow.
This week on Unmute Yourself, I have the absolute joy of talking with the soulful, intrepid, and wildly creative John—also known as Zudlow. He’s multi-lingual, a writer, artist, world-traveler, boat-washer, English teacher, tour guide and he’ll drop everything at the chance to enjoy life… honestly, he’s living proof that we’re allowed to be more than one thing.
“Redefine yourself often. You don't have to stay stuck in the story of who you are just because it's what other people are comfortable with. Follow what feels right, shed your old layers, and embrace the meaningful things that make you feel alive.”
Cory Allen
We dive into creativity, place, fear, the radical freedom in reinventing yourself, sacred space, and why play is essential to expression. This conversation is packed with truth, laughter, vulnerability, and lots of “me too” moments.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration to take a leap, reinventing yourself, or just want a heart-to-heart about being human—this one’s for you.
Connect with Zudlow’s Magick:
Forthcoming Substack - Let’s show some support and get John over to Substack!
Memorable Bits:
Sometimes bravery isn’t about strength—it’s just about not thinking too hard about what might go wrong.
You don’t have to get it perfect on the first try. No one’s watching. This space belongs to you.
All the characters I play—they’re all me. And also, none of them are.
I realised I had to stop hiding one part of myself, because it was leaking into everything else.
As soon as you label something, the magic leaves. That’s a tree. Done. But what if you watched how it moved?
Fear and excitement feel the same in the body. It’s just a question of how we frame it.
There is no self-made man. Everything I’ve created has been a collaboration with life.
The play is the productivity. That’s where the magic lives.
I have a novel no one will ever read. It’s chaos. It’s joy. It’s mine.
What We Talk About (sorry folks no time stamps this week!)
• Living beyond the ordinary:
John shares what drew him away from his safe beginnings in Maine and how the energy of place can shape our sleep, creativity, and sense of self.
• Travel as a mindset:
John opens up about living and working around the world, from Taiwan to Alaska, and reframing abundance beyond bank accounts.
• Rejection as redirection:
A literary agent’s “no” pushed John into a decade of life experience that deepened his writing in ways a course never could.
• Creating without permission:
Why claiming “I am an artist” matters, even when you’re not in a gallery—and how messy, unfiltered creation fuels real magic.
• Perfectionism, religion & letting it be messy:
We unpack how early belief systems can impact our relationship with creativity, failure, and freedom—and why chaos might be the real birthplace of creation.
• The sacredness of play:
From journaling rituals with incense to wild collaging sessions, we talk about creating for the joy of it—not for approval.
• Ego, identity & becoming:
Can we try on different selves like costumes? How do we stay genuine while evolving—and what does it mean to be “real”?
• Coming out, softening in:
John reflects on how living more openly led to deeper authenticity, vulnerability, and connection.
• Rewriting the script:
Why not change your walk, your laugh, your life? A celebration of play, possibility, and writing our own story.
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