Anxiety and the Artist

What do Broadway actors, Fortune 500 executives, and high-achieving creatives all wrestle with? Pressure and anxiety when it matters most. In this episode, Allison talks with executive coach and former theater director Gina Rattan about performance anxiety, executive presence, and why “perfect” is often the most dangerous goal in the room. Drawing from years in theater and high-stakes leadership c...

In this episode, Allison sits down with Antonette Cohen , a performance psychology consultant and former Broadway performer, to explore how self-talk shapes confidence, focus, and performance under pressure. Drawing from her lived experience as a longtime dance captain for Wicked and her training in sport and performance psychology, Antonette breaks down why anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt are no...

Allison talks with Hilary Sutton — writer, speaker, and fractional CMO — about building a multi-hyphenate career, promoting your work without oversharing, and the small daily habits that support mental health. Hilary breaks down what a fractional CMO actually does, how creatives can audit their online presence, and why most artists under-communicate their value. Topics: • What a fractional CMO is...

Today, Allison sits down with psychiatric nurse practitioner Brad Lieberman for a straightforward, judgment-free look at mental health medication. If you’ve ever wondered what antidepressants actually do , why antipsychotics have such an intimidating name, or whether tools like TMS, psychedelics, or propranolol are worth exploring, this episode gives you the plain-language guide you wish you had e...

In this episode, Allison sits down with business coach and “Possibleist” Kevin Urban for an honest, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about social anxiety, identity, and what it really takes to show up authentically as a creative. Kevin shares how his winding path—from competitive athlete to NYC actor to coach—shaped his understanding of misalignment, reinvention, and the quiet panic so man...

In this episode, Allison talks with Michelle Loucadoux and Kristin Deiss , co-founders of Danscend , a company dedicated to supporting the mental wellness of dancers, educators, and organizations. Born out of the pandemic, Danscend began when Michelle and Kristin realized that while dance often nurtures emotional expression, there were few accessible tools to care for the mental health of the peop...

In this episode, Allison sits down with acclaimed choreographer, director, and educator Alexandra Beller to explore what it really takes to rediscover your creative juiciness — especially when inspiration feels far away. Alexandra, a veteran of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company , shares her remarkable journey from dancer to director to author. She opens up about battling perfectionism, le...

In this episode, Allison Sheff sits down with Jim Bracchitta , Associate Director of Health Services at the Entertainment Community Fund , to unpack one of the most confusing and essential topics for artists: how to access affordable healthcare . A veteran actor with over 35 years in the industry — six Broadway shows, countless commercials (yes, he was the voice of “When you’re here, you’re family...

Dr. Morgan Martin shares her journey from professional dancer to physical therapist. Specializing in pelvic floor and orthopedic PT, Dr. Martin and I discuss the physical toll of dancers training. She also shares some interesting insight on how the pelvic floor affects so many aspect of our mental and physical well being and provides some great anxiety reducing exercises for all artists to practic...

Former dancer turned financial literacy educator stops by to discuss all things artists and investing. We chat about different strategies for artists in different phases in their career, and how financial planning and investing can provide artists with the financial stability and the freedom to pursue the work they love....and most importantly, reduce anxiety!

With a BM in vocal performance and an MS in Organizational and Performance Psychology, Rita seamlessly combines these two passions into helping performers build resilience through biofeedback. We chat about what biofeedback is and how artists can use it to combat their anxiety, as well as red flags in the wellness community, and what to look for in a practitioner. A wealth of knowledge and compass...

Are you a visionary, a manager or an artist? In this episode we welcome back one of our most downloaded guests, Leadership and Mindset Coach, Michael Cedar. We do a deep dive into leadership and values in the arts. Michael provides some clarity about different types of leadership and how to collaborate and create art that is aligned with your values. He also shares some hilarious antidotes of the...

Veteran comedian and creator/star of the Showtime Special Funny Women of a Certain Age , Carole Montgomery imparts what she has learned from 45 years in the business. Her confidence is contagious and inspiring.

Terry is a former member of the Royal Ballet and creator of the app Help4Dancers . He has some great re-frames for anxiety and tips for neurodivergent performers. His episode will leave you saying "I'm excited to perform!"

Screenwriter Dicky Murphy is the creator of the Nickelodeon show Erin and Aaron. Dicky has the craziest story about the 5+ years journey that it took to get the show from conception to on air. Dicky is also one of the most down-to-earth, genuine guys I've ever had the privilege of knowing in this crazy business, and his attitude and approach to his art is both uplifting and inspiring.

Casting Director Stacy Gallo joins us to chat about the “dark cloud” that sometimes followed her, and her blunt approach to dealing with depression and anxiety. Witty and down-to-earth, Stacy gives us an honest window into the casting world and shares her advice for other artists that might be struggling.

Former Marine turned Kinesiologist, Mike Zhao joins us to talk about the mind-body connection and how anxiety and depression can manifest as physical symptoms in the body. Currently completing his training as a psychotherapist, Mike also shares his thoughts on our medical system and the actions that artists can take to ensure that they are being treated as a whole being.

Didn’t think you could laugh about OCD and anxiety? Well, check this episode out! Erin Maguire shares her childhood experience with OCD and how she has channeled that into her art, the dangers of doing stand-up comedy during a twerking competition, and accepting the joy that the path she is on is far more interesting and rewarding than the one she had planned. A must listen!

National Director of the Looking Ahead program with The Actors Fund, Chris shares his thoughts on mental health issues that he sees child performers coping with, and offers some healthy guidelines for parents and arts leaders, as well as tools and insight for children struggling with anxiety. For more information on the resources discussed, please visit our website: anxietyandtheartist.com

With honesty, wit and candor, Greg shares his journey to sobriety. We discuss the anxieties and circumstances of his artistic career that led him to alcohol addiction, how he decided to take back control and how his recovery is currently informing his art. For more information on the resources discussed, please visit our website: anxietyandtheartist.com

Relationship therapist, author and former performer, Lair Torrent joins us to discuss all things relationships. Addressing the languishing and hopelessness that is currently plaguing so many artists, Lair applies his five practices for making relationships work, to artists and their relationships with themselves and their careers. You’ll love his no-nonsense approach and call to action! For more i...

“We f*#king love her, Jordan!” Actor and all around awesome human, Stephanie Kurtzuba joins us to talk about all things industry and her famous line from  The Wolf of Wall Street.  After many successful and numerous film, TV and theater roles, Stephanie still faces the “I’m never going to work again!” moments that plague all artists. She shares her tips and tricks for what gets her through those d...

The fifth episode in our Access to Care mini series, I chat with Actors Fund social worker Chris Smith. Chris shares the abundant resources and services that The Actors Fund offers for artists. He also provides guidance for anyone who might currently be in crisis and where they can reach out. As a counselor trained in facilitating healing from racial trauma, Chris also offers specific mental healt...

Diving deeper into some previously recommended sources, this week we chat with kinesiologist Mike Zhao who is currently pursuing his Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. Mike talks us through the process of working with a clinical intern as a therapist, what to expect, what checks and balances are in place, and where you can find clinical interns to work with. We also discuss the importance of f...

This episode is the third in our special mini-series,  Access to Care . Many times on this program, we talk about the importance of therapy. However, we acknowledge that therapy is a privilege, and is not always accessible or affordable to those that need it most. I’ve invited mental health professionals to talk about access to care: where to find affordable therapy, and the tools and resources th...