Let's Get Real Creative artwork

Let's Get Real Creative

24 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratings

If you’re a performing or visual artist or creator of some kind, then you know the struggle of wondering whether the things you’re putting into the world are any good. If someone would just raise their hand and say, “That thing you did is awesome!” we’d know we’re on the right path. But often, it feels like a big competition. We’re at the mercy of others, waiting to hear whether we’re deemed worthy enough for a job, a role, a gig.

What if we could give ourselves the validation and the opportunities we need to keep going, keep growing, to reach our full potential?

Season 2 is full of super honest conversations with other performers, artists, and creative people who have already taken a chance on themselves and figured this stuff out. And I want their secrets!

I want to know: How they figured out what really lights them up, how they’re translating that through their art form, how they got the courage and vulnerability to put their true selves out there into the world, even when it’s hard, even when the only person telling them to go for it was them.

We’re gonna learn how to lower the pressure on what you should be, to become what you’re meant to be. And we’re going to find out how to banish negativity and toxic environments to make the arts a more positive and supportive place to be in.

Let’s stop playing to win, and start showing up to thrive.

Hobbies Leisure Arts arts creative performing photography writing artist crafts creativity dance fiction
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Episodes

S2E6 - Telling authentic stories in theatre (Amy Andrews and Hayley Goldenberg)

July 20, 2023 00:56 - 1 hour - 68.7 MB

Theatre writers, Women and Theatre Cofounders, intersectional feminists. To say that gender, race, and identity are touchy subjects in today’s world is a vast understatement - so much so that many of us just avoid them altogether. How can we put our work into the world if it’s not really representative of us or of others, or if we’re afraid to talk about it? That’s why it was such a breath of fresh air to do this episode with Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews, the cofounders of Women and...

S2E5 - Music, and life, is a journey (Jay-EL)

May 26, 2023 18:54 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB

R&B music artist, singer, songwriter, Season 9 American Idol contestant Staying true to yourself is the journey we’re all on, especially singer and music artist Jay-EL. He got started gracing the stages of the Apollo Theatre and American Idol, but that’s only a little piece of his journey to finding out what he really wants to sing and write music about.  I hope this episode helps you remember that even if you feel like you haven’t made it yet, or haven’t got everything planned, you’re o...

S2E4 Community and risk-taking in a cappella (A.J. Sing and Jason Xue)

May 10, 2023 19:14 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MB

A cappella arrangers, musicians, members of the BC Acoustics A.J. Singh and Jason Xue are members of the BC Acoustics, a co-ed a cappella group at Boston College that’s earned a reputation for bringing powerful, dynamic song arrangements and performances to life year after year. I witnessed this myself, when I was a member of the Sharps, BC’s female a cappella group, and was always in awe of the way their songs and arrangements were not just technically solid - they made me feel something....

S2E3 Crafting joy from pom poms and culture (Justine Pon)

March 07, 2023 02:16 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MB

Asian American pom pom jewelry artist and business owner Visiting Justine Pon’s Etsy store or Instagram channel instantly brings a smile. Her pom pom jewelry and accessories inspired by Asian American food and culture are so cute and colorful that they make embracing culture a true joy. We talked about how her culture plays a role in her business, helping others connect with their loved ones, creating a support system, and making things up as you go. Justine and I are both graduates of the...

S2E2 Writing for Musical Theatre (Michael Radi)

February 04, 2023 20:40 - 52 minutes - 48.9 MB

Musical theatre writer, composer, lyricist, vocal coach, and workshop / community leader I had so many things I wanted to ask today’s guest Michael Radi that this interview feels to me like I was skipping and hopping all over the place with my enthusiasm for everything we covered in under 60 minutes. Michael (he/they) is a jack-of-all-trades in the musical theatre world, but some of the roles they play each day are writer, composer, lyricist, vocal coach, educator, and workshop / community...

S2E1 Get messy to find the words (Jessica Young)

January 25, 2023 17:53 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MB

I first came across Jessica on Instagram, where she was flinging paint on a rug in her studio because lots of people had just told her to be careful of the rug. And I thought, wow, I really need to talk to her about how she came to this point in her life where she can let everyone else’s expectations go to the wayside and do what’s right for her in the moment. We also talk about using the process of creating something to figure out what it is you’re trying to say, which I think is really p...

Season 2 Trailer - The Gatekeeper is YOU

January 16, 2023 00:59 - 4 minutes - 4.73 MB

If you’re a performing or visual artist or creator of some kind, then you know the struggle of wondering whether the things you’re putting into the world are any good. We’re at the mercy of others, who decide whether we’re deemed worthy enough for a job, a role, a gig. What if we could give ourselves the validation and the opportunities we need to keep going, keep growing, to reach our full potential I’m so excited to announce Season 2 of the Let’s Get Real Creative podcast, which dives in...

Episode 17 - Jennifer Witt Love

June 10, 2022 21:02 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

I met Jennifer Witt Love while she was playing the role of the devil in a community theatre show, but I later found out she was not only a performer, but a painter, cartoonist, and radio play actress! She has also served as both President and Vice President of Hull Performing Arts. In this episode, we touched on the origins and the evolution of all of those interests, and why she loves creating things for other people. Here’s what we talked about: Her initial belief that she wasn’t a “rea...

Episode 16 - Danielle Larsen

May 29, 2022 14:15 - 45 minutes - 42.3 MB

Danielle Larsen has done something many of us marvel at - she wrote and self-published her own memoir, “From Voiceless to Vocal,” about her years with an abusive ex-husband.  Now, Danielle lives in Washington Heights and is an author, blogger, photographer, and member of the hip-hop improv group Freestyle Love Supreme’s Academy. I’m proud to share this interview about her radical transformation and newly positive outlook.   Here’s what we talked about:   How the best content comes w...

Episode 15 - Kristy Errera-Solomon

May 08, 2022 21:18 - 40 minutes - 56.2 MB

Kristy Errera-Solomon is one of the most well-liked vocal instructors in my area, so I was thrilled to be able to take a deep dive into her career history, the beginnings of her music and theatre school, and how she manages a demanding teaching career with family (spoiler alert - it’s a work in progress). Kristy shows us all how to let go, take things as they come, and live season to season. Here’s what we talked about: Why she transitioned from an opera career to a teaching career Her ...

Episode 14 - Tshana Jamara

April 23, 2022 22:02 - 36 minutes - 34.1 MB

One thing that really struck me about Tshana Jamara is how utterly resourceful she is. Whether she’s directing a show, learning how to light a production, or crafting a particularly complicated prop, Tshana puts in the work and figures it out. I loved chatting with her about how her many interests in the arts, how she learned how to ask for help, and how she takes any opportunity to follow where her heart is telling her to go. Here’s what we talked about: How she caught the theatre bug la...

Episode 13 - Denise Feeney

April 09, 2022 04:19 - 53 minutes - 49.6 MB

Denise Feeney is well-known in the community theatre world for her scenic art and props, but she’s also an art teacher who runs her own business (encompassing painting parties, jewelry, and more!). It was fun to chat with Denise about what “creativity” really means, what it’s like exploring different mediums with young kids, and how her schedule allows her to pursue many different business ideas. Here’s what we talked about: How she uses her sculpting background for other projects How the...

Episode 12 (Solo) - Hidden Layers and Empathy

March 27, 2022 12:56 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MB

In this third solo episode, I talk briefly about the many layers and effort that go into our creative projects, why it’s our responsibility to understand that in others, and how empathy for other creators can lift US up too.

Episode 11 - Stage Manager and Photographer Logan Pratt

March 04, 2022 16:36 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MB

I’ve known Logan Pratt as a performer and stage manager since we were younger, and so I was super proud to hear how she transitioned to a photography career during the pandemic after New York’s theatre and stage managing scene slowed. In this episode, Logan talks about starting a photography business from scratch, how her family has been a big influence and strong support system for her, and the importance of taking a chance on yourself and your interests, no matter what. Here’s what we talk...

Episode 10 - Playwright, Director, Actress Sheila Kelleher (Trusting it will work out)

February 25, 2022 15:41 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MB

When I first learned that local actress and director Sheila Kelleher had written and staged her own original musical, I thought, “Wow, she did all of that by herself?” But talking with Sheila made it clear that her story is one of following detours, listening to herself, and trusting that things will turn out the way they’re supposed to be. We chatted about her musical, losing and regaining her creativity amidst an annulment and motherhood, the role of a director, and finding value in all of...

Episode 9 - Ceramic Artist and Mom Beth Bailey

February 11, 2022 23:18 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MB

I was delighted when someone in my mother’s group turned out to be a talented potter! Beth Bailey and I chatted while our babies were napping about the world of ceramics, how she found and created her own opportunities to get where she is today, teaching others about her art form, and doing a little each day. Here’s what we talked about: The world of ceramics and pottery Finding opportunities through friends, experiences, and offering to help Putting your work out there and closing the ...

Episode 8 - (Solo) How To Do It All

January 29, 2022 05:30 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

Okay, you know you’ve got some lofty goals for 2022. It’s a new year, after all. But what do you do when you realize that the only person making those happen is, in fact, you? How do you fit it all in? Today in my second solo episode, I talk about how I “did it all” in the year 2021 to have my second child, launch this podcast, and generally stay afloat doing a million different things. Maybe you’ll find a tip or two to help your year along! Here are some takeaways I’m trying to practice m...

Episode 7 - Collaborative Musician Sarah Troxler

January 15, 2022 05:30 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MB

Ever wonder if there’s more to being an accompanist than meets the eye (or rather, ear)? That’s one reason Sarah Troxler prefers the term “collaborative pianist,” a true partner with the other performers she works with to get the final product right. In this episode, we unearth the various layers of being a music director and collaborator, and really, any kind of artist. Here’s what we talked about: Where her love for collaboration in the community began Learning by observing and doing ...

Episode 6 - Fiction Writer Gene Ellis

January 01, 2022 05:30 - 1 hour - 60.4 MB

Gene Ellis is a fiction and poetry writer, five-time NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) participant, soon-to-be-published author, performer, and did I mention, husband and father of two. Though Gene and I met in the theatre world, in this episode we talked about writing, the road through novel-writing and getting his publishing deal, the myth of life balance, gaining confidence in yourself, and finding support from others. Here’s what we talked about: How his love for writing stemme...

Digital Content Producer Casey Delbasso

December 18, 2021 05:30 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MB

Says Casey Delbasso, “As a digital content producer, on-air host, lifestyle writer, and editor, I believe you can truly have AND do it all! Starting my career working in news production, it was then I realized my superpower was talking to people and sharing their stories.” In this episode, Casey and I talked about all the different types of things she works on, creating the path that feels best to you, creating authentic connections with others, and finding validation within yourself. Here...

Episode 4 - When Creativity Feels Selfish

December 04, 2021 05:30 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MB

In my first solo episode, I talk about how creativity can feel “indulgent” and “selfish,” especially around the holidays, and how we can reframe that for ourselves to keep it a priority. Here are some takeaways I’m trying to practice myself: Recognize what feels urgent, and what feels important on your physical or mental list of things to do. Try to make time for the important things first, including your latest creative thing. Know that somehow the rest will get done anyway. Allow othe...

Episode 3 - Actress, director, playwright Katharine Jordan

November 20, 2021 05:30 - 50 minutes - 47 MB

I dare you to listen to Katharine Jordan’s original song “Morbid O’Clock” and not laugh. She wrote it for her one-woman comedy show called “Yia-Yia Knows Best,” a peek at her life and Greek culture from the eyes of her grandmother. Katie released her show online in 2021 after the in-person Chicago debut was cancelled in March 2020 due to the pandemic. I just had to ask her about the work and the guts that went into this show, resiliency during the pandemic, portraying herself and members of ...

Episode 2 - Illustrator Jerry Lofaro

November 06, 2021 05:00 - 48 minutes - 45.3 MB

In this episode, we talk about: Following your passions The unpredictable nature of opportunities and evolving careers Forcing yourself to try and fail before you’re ready Learning to see the magic in the everyday My husband’s aunt introduced commercial illustrator Jerry Lofaro to me as “the guy who did the Aflac duck.” His illustration work (full of both whimsy and darkness) is widely renowned but he’s also gained an impressive Instagram following for his photography of abandoned ve...

Episode 1 - Photographer Hallie Leonard

October 23, 2021 18:51 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MB

In this episode, we talk about: Taking baby steps, and how they can evolve into a career Building and keeping confidence in yourself Originality vs. “Mainstream” Developing skills over time Growing your network in a new state Hallie Jade Leonard is a New England photographer now based in Vermont who thrives “somewhere in the middle” between a mainstream and unique style (though I would argue that from my perspective, her work is incredibly interesting and full of life!). I met Hall...