Empowered Artist Collective Podcast - for actors, singers, dancers, writers, creators and performers

What does it take to build a successful directing career? In this kickoff episode of our Director Mini-Series, Jennifer chats with artist, theater worker, and director Whitney White who shares her journey from music and acting to directing, emphasizing the power of staying open, trusting your instincts, and pushing past limitations. She breaks down her approach to directing—starting with an emotio...

What does it take to turn your creative ideas into finished projects? In this episode, Jennifer talks to Sujata Day —actor, writer, director, and producer— who shares her journey as a multihyphanate artist. She discusses how taking pressure off herself has led to new creative inspiration, the importance of deep outlining before scriptwriting, and how networking through genuine relationships opened...

How do you turn a personal mission into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates real industry change? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Elsa Ward, Founder and Executive Director of the Open Stage Project, who shares her experience creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap behind the scenes in theater, TV, and film. Elsa breaks down the essential steps of forming a nonprof...

How do you embrace your full identity and use social media as a tool for connection? In this episode, Jennifer talks to Alexi Melvin who opens up about her journey as a queer artist, from building an online presence in the queer space to advocating for authentic representation in theater and beyond. As a producer, Alexi sheds light on the Broadway landscape, the need for more inclusive and innovat...

What goes into lighting a show, and how does a lighting designer shape an audience’s experience without them even realizing it? In this episode, Amanda Zieve shares her journey from high school stage manager to Broadway lighting designer, working alongside legendary mentors like Hal Binkley. She provides insights into breaking into the field, the importance of observation and self-education, and h...

How can artists cultivate a multi-faceted career while staying true to their vision and values, specifically in producing? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with multi-hyphenate Marjuan Canady—writer, actress, producer, entrepreneur, and educator— shedding light on the power of independent artistry and the evolving role of producers in the entertainment industry. From independently producing her...

How can singers, performers, or professional voice users take charge of their vocal health, prevent injury, and build a strong support team? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with licensed speech pathologist and singing teacher, Sarah K Brown, to discuss the intersection of vocal health, rehabilitation, and performance. Sarah shares her unique career journey from opera training to speech patholo...

How does the creative process mirror the journey of motherhood? In this episode, Jennifer speaks with Daniella Rabbani – actress, singer, podcast host, activist, and mother – about the profound parallels between artistry and motherhood. Daniella shares how becoming a mother transformed her artistic identity, shifting her understanding of creativity, presence, and ambition. With prompts of “What mo...

How can you best align your finances with the life you want? In this episode, Jennifer talks with certified financial planner, Sylvie Scowcroft, to tackle the often-overwhelming topic of money, especially for creatives. Sylvie shares her desire to demystify financial jargon and empower artists to feel confident with their money and overcome any shame surrounding it. She explains how financial plan...

How can your art be a catalyst for social impact? In this episode, Jennifer speaks with Ashley-Lauren Elrod, Emmy-nominated producer and founder of the mission-driven production company, Visionary Woman Productions. Ashley-Lauren shares her inspiring journey of marrying advocacy with art that focuses on impactful storytelling to combat and address sensitive issues like sexual assault, domestic vio...

What does it mean to be a theater historian? In our 100th episode, host Jennifer Apple speaks with Jennifer Ashley Tepper — producer, historian, author, and Creative and Programming Director at 54 Below — who shares how her passion for theater history began organically and evolved into a career spanning programming, teaching, consulting, and authorship. Together, they chat about the importance of...

What makes a good adaptation? In this episode, Jennifer chats with screenwriter Victoria Male about the art of adapting material for the screen. Victoria shares her journey into screenwriting, inspired by her love of historical storytelling, and offers practical tools for reimagining stories with personal truth. The conversation explores how to approach adaptation, from acquiring rights through sh...

What does it mean to care for yourself? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Tara Nicolas —actor, global Nike trainer, Reiki master, meditation instructor, and community healer —who opens up about her physical and emotional journey through her many titles and personal life. She shares how a post-surgery healing process shifted her perspective on rest, movement, and the art of asking, “What do I tr...

Ever wonder how comedy, acting, and skincare can collide to create a thriving career? In this episode, Jennifer chats with actress and skinfluencer, Jillian Gottlieb, who turned her frustrations with theater into a flourishing, candid, and comedic social media presence, by combining her acting skills with storytelling to connect in meaningful ways. She dives into the realities of influencer life a...

How can honoring your core values help you make decisions that align with your purpose and bring fulfillment? In this episode, Jennifer talks with actor and filmmaker, Gina Su, who shares her journey while offering practical strategies for measuring personal progress, how to define one’s core values, and aligning decisions with purpose for what truly matters. They discuss the power of finding “flo...

How do you embrace life’s plot twists and find creativity in unexpected places? Jennifer sits down with Casey Farah, the artist & business owner behind Rally Bird Brand, to unpack how a life-altering accident shifted her path from performing on stage to creating in the studio and what it means to pivot and lean into various forms of creativity. They discuss the importance of embracing seasons of c...

What does it take to become a choreographer on Broadway? Jennifer talks to Director-Choreographer, Katie Spelman, who shares the complex and often nonlinear trajectory of the choreography world that led to her Broadway choreographic debut for The Notebook (which unfortunately closes December 15th). Katie breaks down the distinct roles and positions in the choreography world – from dance captain to...

What steps can we take toward a more anti-ableist approach in theater, where disability inclusion is standard, not exceptional? Jennifer talks to Jenna Bainbridge – actor, disability rights activist, and co-founder of ConsultAbility, a consulting company focused on creating safe and inclusive environments for all disabled theater artists. Jenna shares her journey as an ambulatory wheelchair user,...

Do you find it overwhelming to navigate the complex world of health and life insurance? Jennifer sits down with Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf —a licensed insurance & benefits broker, theater producer, and HR consultant—to break down everything you need to know. From marketplace plans and life insurance types to understanding deductibles, premiums, and navigating options, Jamie shares invaluable insights ta...

What does it mean to feel truly supported as an artist, not only in times of crisis but throughout one’s creative career? In our Season 3 premiere, Jennifer sits down with Elena Muslar — executive coach, educator, arts administrator, and Managing Director of The Career Center at the Entertainment Community Fund. Elena breaks down how the ECF can assist throughout one’s creative journey and shares...

In our last episode of Season 2, Jennifer talks to Helen Laser about audiobook narration who shares her journey that brought her to voiceover and audiobook work. They talk about the evolving landscape of the industry, the importance of home setups, and the supportive audiobook community. Helen provides valuable advice on creating a comfortable recording space and at-home studio, choosing affordabl...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to makeup artist and hairstylist, Brenna Drury. From her experiences working for many years in the industry, Brenna sheds light on the distinct intricacies of her craft from understanding the different expectations of makeup and hair on set to advice for those interested in working in the field and favorite tips for those looking to enhance their everyday beauty rou...

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Aria Velz to talk about grant writing. With nearly a decade of grant writing experience, she sheds light on the nuances of grant writing, emphasizing the lack of formal training in this crucial non-profit sphere. They distinguish grants from individual donations and corporate sponsorships, highlighting the parameters involved in grant applications. They provi...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Melissa Center all about crowdfunding. Melissa shares her journey navigating the highs and the lows that helped shape her into a crowdfunding queen. She breaks down insights and intricacies of different platforms (Kickstarter, Indigogo, Seed and Spark, GoFundMe), demystifies the complexities on the back end, and sheds light on the need for a strong team to help a...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Tiana Tukes, the co-founder and co-CEO of the groundbreaking non-profit organization, LGBT+VC. Tiana shares her journey and offers profound insights into the transformative power of venture capital. They talk about confronting the often-unspoken topics of privilege, politics, and identity in the realm of finance, as well as the significance of community and colle...