71: Art as Resistance with Olivia K 02.07.25

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In this episode of Honestly, Dear Listener, we sit down with Olivia K of Olivia K & the Parkers of Brooklyn, NY, to explore the power of art as resistance. We discuss how artists can be activists by using their craft as an act of rebellion and inclusion, carving out their place in the movement toward equality. Olivia shares insights on balancing artistic passion with self-care, reminding us that burnout helps no one. True, sustainable activism starts with taking care of our mental and physical wellbeing—so we can keep creating, keep pushing, and keep making a difference.

Tune in for our conversation on finding your role, using your voice, and making art that challenges and changes the world.

How you can follow Olivia K:

• Web: oliviakandtheparkers.com

• YouTube: @OliviaKsings

• Instagram: @oliviakandtheparkers

• Facebook: @oliviakandtheparkers

References:

• NY Women’s Jam

• The Bitter End - classic New York City music venue

• “Ikigai” - “a Japanese concept referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose, a reason for living”

• Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds - book by Adrienne Maree Brown

TIMECODES:
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - About Olivia K
8:32 - How are you feeling about what’s going on in the country right now?
19:22 - Art as resistance
28:39 - “Pick a thing and then pick a way you want to contribute.”
35:41 - How do we take care of ourselves in the midst of uncertainty?

Check out our episodes about spiritual deconstruction/fundamentalism:

• 21: How Fundamentalism STILL Affects How We Create PART 1 02.09.24

• 22: How Fundamentalism STILL Affects How We Create PART 2 02.16.24

• 59: Fundamentalism, Mental Health, and Creativity 11.15.24

• 64: Panic, Prayer, and Prozac: Our Mental Health Adventures! Part 1 12.20.24

• 65: Panic, Prayer, and Prozac: Our Mental Health Adventures! Part 2 12.27.24

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