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

In this podcast episode, Jennifer talks to Sarah Harris who shares her journey of becoming a stage manager for theater and Broadway. They discuss the different roles and responsibilities within stage management, the dynamics of building a diverse and supportive stage management team, and the importance of adaptability and communication throughout the process. They highlight the evolving accessibil...

In this podcast episode, Jennifer talks to MiMi Scardulla about the importance of body diversity and fat representation in the arts. MiMi shares her journey as a performer and the gumption she has to continue showing up, the community that has supported her, and the outlook she keeps that drives her. They unpack the emotional and physical toll that comes with being a performer and how it's importa...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Janel Koloski and Amanda DeBraux of Mindset Artistry Podcast about their journey of personal growth, self-discovery, and healing. They share how they became accountability partners and how it has helped them stay consistent and focused on their goals. They also talk about the importance of following your intuition and letting go of people and situations that no l...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to piano prodigy, Nomi Abadi, who shares her journey growing up, what brought her to invent a new instrument, the NORY® Double Keytar, and also found the Female Composer Safety League. They talk about Nomi’s beginnings with her ventriloquist dummy, Dennis, and how that ultimately led her to become a film composer. They unpack her creative process for composing which...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to costume designer and visual producer, Sarah Cogan, all about the importance of design for on-camera and how aligning design elements of production, costume, lighting, hair/makeup etc. can shape and enhance storytelling. She gives guidance to filmmakers on crafting cinematic cohesion through production design, getting clarity on their ideas, and counters the misco...

In this episode, Jennifer has an open and vulnerable conversation with Lori Tishfield about navigating the world as an artist post-pandemic, starting a business, and the significance of making choices. Lori shares her journey as an actorpreneur of an experiential staffing agency, Natural Talent, discussing the role her business plays in her life and how it supports her as an artist. They emphasize...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to casting director Erica S. Bream, CSA, about her journey toward the newer chapter in her career as a Southeast-based Casting Director. They discuss the pros & cons of self-tapes, how unrepresented actors can be seen, co-stars/guest stars/series regulars, and the importance of doing the work and trusting your craft. Erica shares how she remembers actors, how castin...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Stacie Capone about ways to foster and build a film community. They talk about ways to bring people together, find like-minded folks, and grow with those around you. They also unpack the importance of learning how to ask for assistance and support. Stacie shares her journey founding FilmmakeHers, a monthly salon for women+ creators of film, television, and digita...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Nicole Johnson, the Founder & Creative Director of Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. and the Harriet Tubman Effect Institute. Nicole shares her journey towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work and how important it is to be rooted in core values while dismantling systemic oppression. She emphasizes the importance of community and the prevention work needed to asse...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Andrea Grody all about music directing in musical theater. Andrea breaks down all the different positions on the music side of things from music director to supervisor, to assistant and associate, orchestrator, arranger, conductor… the overlaps and rules (or not) in place, the way each functions and the job required. They talk about learning through doing, discov...

In our 50th episode, Jennifer talks to Talia Thiesfield about artists bringing themselves fully to their work instead of trying to fit into some expectation or box. They unpack the phrases “branding” & “type” (spoiler: it’s actually embracing all the things that make you, YOU!), what it means to identify parts of yourself and cultivate ways for you to show up fully. They share practices on how to...

In our one-year anniversary episode, Jennifer talks to Tara McMullin about our relationship to work, how we make & find meaning, and and begin to feel emotionally sustainable in all aspects of our lives all the through the lens of curiosity, context, and care. They talk about work-life integration, understanding our capacity, how to allocate resources and how small adjustments can make a huge shif...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to tax expert Hannah Cole all about the taxes for artists. Hannah breaks down the basics for how to set oneself up for success in tax season, creating distinctions within your accounts, the differences between W2s/W4s/1099s, what deductions are given to businesses, Schedule C’s, bookkeeping and more. They give tangible artist examples, talk about the emotional hurdl...

In this collaboration episode, Jennifer talks to Alex Ferrara & Tina Scariano of the Obsessed with the Best Podcast. They talk about the different seasons of one’s life and integrating all parts of oneself into showing up fully. They unpack certain expectations we have been taught & programmed to feel around aging and gender, their love/hate relationship with social media, and how fun it would be...

In this episode, Jennifer has a deep heart conversation with Renika Williams about her journey thus far as an actor. They talk about living intentionally, releasing expectations, and needing to be specific about what you are wanting. Renika talks about the importance of reaching back, being able to change your mind, and recognizing that sometimes things don’t feel the way you think they will. They...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Shira Averbuch about her songwriting process. Shira shares the connection of her theater background to her other creative outlets, where she finds inspiration for her writing, and the importance of following what resonates on a soul level. They talk about embracing one’s differences as strengths, the power of finding connections with those who fill you, and notic...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Dylan Silver about the many hats she wears as an actor, writer-director, host, and voiceover artist. She talks about staying humble while also voicing your ambitions, leaning into discomfort, and not letting someone else take your power. They share stories about taking initiative, not waiting for someone else’s permission and recognizing that it only takes one pe...

On our first episode of Season 2, Jennifer talks to Keri René Fuller about the non-linear trajectory of her career thus far. They unpack what it means to call something a “career,” taking purposeful rests & breaks, and the importance of leaning on others for support. They also talk about cultivating trust, resilience, and a safety net. Keri reflects openly about her 2-year journey booking Six, as...

In our final episode of season one, host and EAC founder, Jennifer Apple, records her first solo episode in which she reflects on the first 41 episodes and the Empowered Artist Collective community overall. She shares overall themes from the season as well as takeaways, tools, quotes, and inspiration from the guests who have been so generous with their wisdom, time, creativity & experience. Plus,...

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Heidi Marshall, acting coach & teacher, filmmaker, and director, all about on-camera acting, self-tapes, and preparation. Heidi shares her journey toward becoming a sought-out acting coach in this industry, the way she works with artists, and some stories of clients. They share tools on how to feel empowered with your choices as an actor, ways to find newness,...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Andrea Prestinario about queerness in musical theater. Andrea shares her journey as a queer performer & producer and what lead her to co-found Ring of Keys, a nonprofit artist service organization for queer and trans artists in musical theatre. They talk about the need for queer visibility and representation, creating change even if it takes time, and what it mea...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Gizel Jiménez about how to show up and be yourself no matter the room you find yourself in. Gizel shares her personal journey in this industry, as well as her upbringing, family trauma, and personal growth through it all. They talk about acting as a vessel of expression, envisioning your future, and surrounding yourself with your accomplishments. Plus, they discu...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Corrie Legge about building a dream life, redefining success for oneself, and bringing more ease & alignment into one’s life. They each have different understandings of the words “goal” and “vision,” as well as “balance” and “harmony,” so they share their interpretations. Plus, they unpack the need to ask yourself “why,” cultivating unification around all aspects...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Neuro Performance Coach, Jessica Raaum Foster, about how we can overcome obstacles & pain in our bodies by learning how to play with our brains. Jessica shares her journey to this work and the way it has changed her life and the lives of so many artists. She shares tools for us to tackle stress and threats in the nervous system, create more space for movement, an...

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Sarah Dacey Charles about her 30-year acting career, what has sustained her long journey, and what keeps her coming back. They get into heart conversations around redefining expectations as an actor and putting things into perspective. Sarah reminds us to keep our eyes on our own paths and the importance of surrounding ourselves with community.    About Sarah: Sa...