In this episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast, creative strategist and business coach Elayna Snyder shares how growing up between two very different worlds shaped her unique outlook on life and work. Elayna opens up about having a nurturing mother and a narcissistic father, and how she learned to turn feeling “different” into her biggest asset as a creative and entrepreneur.

Hosted by Benny Fisher, this conversation dives into artistic noticing, letting go of old patterns, and how embracing your own way of seeing the world is the real key to personal growth. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood or struggled to find your creative voice, you’ll find real stories and practical tools in this episode.

Key Moments:

00:00 The Big Fish Cares Podcast Intro

01:00 Elayna’s childhood and seeing the world differently

09:00 Over-explaining, communication, and the need to be understood

14:00 Family dynamics and growing up with a narcissistic parent

18:00 Creative breakthroughs—living abroad, cleaning houses, and designing your own life

22:00 Reframing art—art as a lens for daily life

28:00 Using color and inspiration to unlock flow

35:00 Creativity versus innovation—breaking the cycle of optimization

41:00 Artistic noticing, tracking, and building self-awareness

50:00 Letting go of external validation and learning self-trust

1:09:00 Living in paradox—embracing the full experience

1:10:00 Connect with Elayna Snyder: elaynasnyder.com and LinkedIn

1:12:00 Closing thoughts and Benny’s sign off

Elayna credits much of her growth to embracing her own way of seeing the world and to the creative practices that helped her reconnect with herself and trust her unique path.

Learn more about Elayna and her creative coaching at: https://www.elaynasnyder.com/

Connect with Elayna Snyder:

Website: https://www.elaynasnyder.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snyderelayna/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elayna-snyder/

🎙️ Connect with Host Benny Fisher:

🌐 Official Website: https://www.bennyfisher.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigfish.benny

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fisherbenny