Anxiety and the Artist

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 some of my previous guests to talk about access to care: where to find affordable therapy, and the tools and resources that are available, should therapy not be accessible. In this second episod...

This episode is the first 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 some of my previous guests to talk about access to care: where to find affordable therapy, and the tools and resources that...

In this episode I have a heartwarming conversation with actor, psychologist and educator Simon Ward about where the arts and mental health intersect, and what steps educators and arts leaders can take to create a healthier learning environment and rehearsal space. Simon’s joy and passion are infectious. Prepare to be inspired and motivated.

Dr. Marcie and I chat about re-opening anxiety and the simple steps we can take to manage our anxiety and feel safe and secure in these uncertain times. We also discuss parenting a child with anxiety and what ways for parents to navigate and manage their own anxiety. Dr. Marcie is a gem and a wealth of wisdom! You don’t want to miss this episode!

With wit, humor and grace, writer Amber Petty discusses her transition from performer to writer, and all the emotions that went along with it. Amber talks about finally coming to terms with the anxiety and depression that had been lurking in the shadows for years, and the grieving process she went through when she finally made the decision to change careers. Oh, and she’s really funny…we also talk...

FOMO anyone? In this episode I chat with Equity Therapy founder and psychotherapist John Carroll about post-COVID reopening anxiety and FOMO. John is a Julliard trained dancer who enjoyed an extensive career on Broadway before transitioning into his second career as a therapist who specializes in working with performing artists.

In this episode I chat with former Tony Nominated actor turned psychotherapist Bobby Steggert about our changing identity as artists and social anxiety in the rehearsal room.

In this episode I chat with actor and advocate Dria Brown about the physical toll anxiety was taking on her body, her reluctance in seeking help, and her path to healing. We also talk about her work with the Broadway Advocacy Coalition.

In this episode I chat with composer and music director Nicholas Kaminski about dating in the industry, social dynamics and the science behind showmances.

In this episode I chat with Tony nominee Caitlin Kinnunen about her early experiences with panic attacks on stage, making peace with your anxiety, and the necessary changes we’d like to see in the industry to better support artists mental health.

In this episode I chat with veteran, author and yogi David Glazebrook about his experience with PTSD and his journey to healing. As both a yogi and professional emergency manager, David discusses ways to manage anger and find peace amidst chaos.

In this episode I chat with performer Antoinette Comer about her “Aha Moment” at the beginning of 2020 and how that shaped her year and her response to the pandemic. We also discuss racism in the industry and the importance of identity.

In this episode Broadway dancer turned therapist Lisa Gajda defines anxiety, and we discuss how artists identity has been challenged during COVID. We also talk about the actions artists can take to explore and express their creativity during an industry shutdown.

For Mental Health Month we’ve partnered with The Ensemblist. In this week’s episode, our host Allison Sheff chats with The Ensemblist's Mo Brady about her background as a performer, her relationship with anxiety and facilitating a more supportive rehearsal process. Allison also talks about what her guests have taught her over two seasons and her own methods for mitigating anxiety.

In this episode I chat with choreographer, author and educator Christine Negherbon. We talk about raising children while pursuing a career in the arts and giving yourself grace. We also talk about The Thriving Artists, a book and training program she created with her husband, Joe Abraham, that helps artists thrive both as artists and as business people. Christine also provides some great insight i...

In this episode I chat with actor, author and educator Joe Abraham about the expectations we put on ourselves as artists and how to re-frame the COVID experience. Joe also talks about The Thriving Artists, a book and training program he created with his wife, actor and dancer Christine Negherbon, that helps artists thrive both as artists and as business people. We examine the Starving Artist versu...

In this episode I chat with former classical ballerina turned writer and mental health advocate, Kathleen McGuire Gaines. We chat about her organization Minding the Gap, a mental health advocacy group for dancers. Kathleen and I also chat about the importance identity, the prevalence of shame based motivation and simple steps that studios and dance companies can take to promote a healthier environ...

In this episode I chat with Broadway actor and advocate, Sierra Boggess. Sierra talks about her experience with anxiety and we discuss valuing ourselves as artists, the importance of self-awareness and her friendship with Wayne Dyer.

Therapist and producer of the college edition of "This is My Brave", Audrey Grubb joins us to talk about her experience with anxiety. We explore the shape shifting of her anxiety that eventually led to an eating disorder and how she found empowerment in sharing her story and helping others who are also struggling. Audrey also shares some of her favorite exercises for mitigating anxiety and...

Former ballet dancer and Broadway performer turned writer and educator Michelle Loucadoux joins us to chat about audition anxiety, nurturing your inner critic and the importance of self care. We also talk about the era of the multi-hypenate artist and pivoting during COVID-19.

Performer turned therapist George Livengood talks about eating disorders, positive body image and maintaining a healthy mindset while meeting industry demands. We also talk about forming a healthy sense of self, creating a supportive community and how those in leadership have the power to create positive change in the industry.

In this episode I chat with queer artist, educator and mental health advocate Tyler C. Picone (aka Magenta Milian). Tyler clarifies some LGBTQ terms and how they relate to identity. We explore co-dependency in relationships, and the need for control in our everyday lives. We also discuss the purpose and service of so-called negative emotions.

Michael Cedar shares how his background in acting, company management and producing informed his successful personal development career. In this episode we talk about how early life experiences can be the root of anxiety later in our life, the danger of comparison, spiritual bypasses, and the freedom in disappointing others.

Actor and Producer Erin Cronican discusses what she learned when a cancer diagnosis forced her to face some underlying anxiety and depression, how it's inspired her outlook and informing her art.

Emmy Winning Performance Artist, Medical Clown and TED Speaker Matthew A. Wilson discusses the importance of play in our adult lives. We also explore what being a medical clown has taught him about dealing with anxiety and how being in touch with his physicality has brought him a deeper understanding of his own emotions.