In this unforgettable episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, host Rich Wright sits down with John Rios, a self-taught creative powerhouse whose art has graced the stages of rock legends like KISS, Motley Crue, Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, Eminem, Uncle Kracker and Alice Cooper. But this isn’t just a story about fame and paintbrushes—it’s about resilience, healing, and rediscovery through art.🎤 WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS INTERVIEW:This episode isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone chasing a dream, healing from trauma, or looking for inspiration to keep going when the odds are stacked high. John’s authenticity and powerful storytelling will leave you thinking, laughing, and possibly crying. Whether you’re a creative, a veteran, or just someone seeking a deeper purpose, this one is for you.👨‍🎨 WHO IS JOHN RIOS?From a kid doodling in rural Michigan to a Marine Corps veteran turned internationally recognized illustrator, John's journey is a testament to the power of belief, survival, and transformation. With no formal training, he rose through sheer willpower and raw talent—proving that your background doesn’t define your future.🧠💥 MUST-WATCH MOMENTS:[03:00] John's gritty small-town beginnings and his first spark of artistic passion.[04:20] “I just knew I was an artist.” — John shares his early intuition and unshakable belief in his creative calling.[10:50] The profound concept of creativity as a gift of receiving—this will challenge how you define art forever.[13:00] Heartbreaking: John opens up about losing his mother at age 15 and how it shaped his life.[22:14] Drafted into the Marines by his dad?! The wild story of how John unexpectedly enlisted and faced the realities of war.[31:00] The emotional toll of service in Lebanon—and how PTSD reshaped his worldview and personal life.[40:00] “People can’t buy what they don’t know exists.” — John’s game-changing advice for artists trying to get noticed.[54:30] How a random lunch break and a bold move led him to a 10-year collaboration with Ted Nugent.[1:02:00+] The priceless lessons on self-belief, persistence, and being your own advocate in an unpredictable creative industry.🧠 TOPICS COVERED:Self-taught artistry & impostor syndromeGrieving, growing, and gritMilitary mental health and PTSDHow trauma influences creativityNetworking like a pro (even with no formal resume!)Overcoming rejection and proving the doubters wrongBusiness wisdom from a commercial art legend💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:Which part of John’s story hit you hardest? Drop a comment below to let us know 👇🔥 LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 🔔Don’t miss future episodes of Artist Recovery Podcast where we highlight the most powerful stories of transformation, hustle, and healing through art.Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rios-6527664/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_rios_designs/Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd #ArtistRecoveryPodcast #JohnRios #VeteranArtist #ArtTherapy #CreativeHealing #DetroitArtist #KISS #TedNugent #Eminem #MotleyCrue #MarineVeteran #SelfTaughtArtist #PTSDRecovery #RockNRollArt #CreativeJourney #PodcastHighlights #ViralPodcastMoments #UncleKracker #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

🌿 In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Claire O’Connor — intuitive essence midwife, brand stylist, and founder of Wellness Web Designers — to uncover a life journey filled with resilience, creativity, and spiritual reclamation. This is not your typical design or entrepreneurship story.✨ Claire takes us deep into her early life in suburban New Jersey, painting a raw portrait of growing up in a household marked by intergenerational trauma, addiction, and religious dogma. From being a silent, withdrawn child in Catholic school to discovering salvation in art, books, and imagination, Claire's story is as powerful as it is relatable.📌 Top Moments You Don’t Want to Miss:00:02:21 — The brutally honest look into Claire’s childhood surrounded by Irish and Polish alcoholism00:10:14 — Her mother’s confession: “I married your father because he was tall and had a job”00:18:00 — Drawing animals as an escape: The origin of Claire’s creative spirit00:23:11 — Wanting to become a cloistered nun to escape trauma00:41:58 — The radical shift: Choosing public high school over religious seclusion00:53:00 — Becoming the first in her family to graduate college and finding her tribe in a nature-based liberal arts school01:10:00 — Studying under Native American elders and embracing environmental spirituality💥 Claire drops so many mic-drop moments of self-discovery, including how she reframed her trauma through psychology, and how she found voice, power, and healing through nature, design, and creativity. Her blend of holistic human development with stunning design work makes her a true pioneer for women entrepreneurs in the wellness space.👁️‍🗨️ Why Watch This Episode?If you've ever felt like the black sheep, if you’ve battled self-doubt, or if you’ve questioned your place in rigid systems — this conversation will validate your journey. Claire’s story shows how creative intuition and spiritual alignment can transform pain into purpose.🎯 Keywords for Search Visibility:Claire O’Connor podcast, Wellness Web Designers, holistic branding, trauma healing journey, Catholic childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, intuitive design, women entrepreneurs podcast, personal growth interview, spiritual healing, environmental psychology, creative entrepreneurship🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT your biggest takeaway. What part of Claire’s story hit you the hardest? Share your thoughts below! 👇📲 Follow Claire on Instagram: @wellnesswebdesignersLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclaireoconnor/💼 Visit: wellnesswebdesigners.comConnect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd/