Nicole Nehrig: the layered power of making

In this episode, psychologist, writer and textile maker Nicole Nehrig joins Jo Wright for a wide-ranging conversation on the social, historical, and cultural power of making. Drawing from her book and lived experience, Nicole reflects on craft as a therapeutic practice, a cultural language, and a tool for connection, protest and meaning-making across time.

Show Notes

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Use making as a grounding practice – engage in repetitive, hands-on processes like knitting or quilting to support emotional regulation during stressful or uncertain periods.

• Choose materials with intention – working with textiles that are useful or meaningful can deepen your connection to the work and sustain long-term creative practice.

• Make alongside others – join or form a sewing, knitting or making circle to access the collective energy and insight that emerges through shared creative work.

• Allow creativity beyond words – turn to visual or tactile forms of expression when language feels insufficient for processing experience.

• Let making lead to action – use craft as a way to contribute to the community, whether through gifting, mending, teaching skills, or supporting causes you care about.

During the live interview, we shared some images of Nicole’s artwork. Since you’re listening to the podcast version, we’ve made these images available for you below. 

Join the conversation

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Explore the images from this episode: