The Artist Pivot

Ayana hops on the mic to say hello and to let you know season 8 is on the way. She also shares that you must keep going so you can pass the baton to future you.    Ayana Major Bey Website: www.ayanabey.com Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot Monthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast     Show Sponsors: WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https:...

Welcome to the Season 7 wrap-up episode of The Artist Pivot Podcast. I’m grateful for every guest who brought their wisdom and energy to this season. From unexpected pivots in life and creativity, to making plans and embracing change, this season was all about growth and finding comfort in movement. This wrap up is a heartfelt reflection and includes my recent yoga-inspired life lesson about stayi...

On this episode, I got to chat with performer (Actor/Singer/Dancer/Puppeteer) Imari Hardon, also known as the Thespian Therapist, for a candid and heartfelt conversation. Imari shares her journey of balancing a career in both the performing arts and mental health, diving deep into the lessons learned from unexpected pivots, personal growth, and the realities behind following your passions. We expl...

Welcome to a very special 5th anniversary edition of The Artist Pivot Podcast! On this episode I celebrate five incredible years of sharing the journeys, pivots, and profound wisdom of artists and creative humans navigating change. In this heartfelt solo episode, I reflect on the origins of the podcast—born from a pandemic-induced pivot away from musical theater coaching—and the lessons I’ve learn...

This episode originally aired Sept 27th, 2023.  I had the pleasure of talking with actor and actor career coach Talia Thiesfield and these are some of my takeaways. Pivots are both internal and external and can be big or small but either way trust your own path. Next, once you’ve learned how to learn the lesson in a pivot you can then carry over lessons from pivot to pivot and set boundaries. You...

On today’s episode, I sit down with the multitalented Lynn Harris—founder, author, former journalist, and CEO of Gold Comedy. We dive deep into Lynn’s unique journey within the arts and entertainment industry, from her early creative passions to founding a company that's changing the face of comedy for women and marginalized voices. Lynn touches upon the power of embracing your authentic self, the...

On this episode of The Artist Pivot Podcast I chat with Jennifer Apple—actor, acting coach, writer, and host of the Empowered Artists Collective podcast—to explore the real meaning of artistic pivoting in today’s world. Jennifer shares her journey of embracing not just one path, but a multitude of creative identities. She identifies how reframing “surviving” as a creative into “pivoting” as a crea...

“It's a partnering of understanding and developing awareness whilst also taking action to build that belief in yourself, because action will build belief .” -Emily-Jane Sarroff  I am joined on this episode by Australian brand artist Emily-Jane Sarroff for an inspiring conversation about the winding journey of embracing your creative self. Emily opens up about her decade-long path, from nearly purs...

“There's a time where the artist sleeps, and there's a time when the artist creates. And now is the time for the artist to create, because it's the mirror back to our society. And it doesn't have to be perfect. It doesn't have to be amazing. It just needs to be, because we all need it to be.” - Jazelle Foster  On this episode I talk with digital marketing strategist and actor Jazelle Foster for a...

Failure is really the platform to success, because you know that if you failed you tried, and if you tried you can try again. Failure teaches you more than success.” - Satori Shakoor On this episode I am joined by the powerhouse storyteller, artist, and social entrepreneur Satori Shakoor. From her earliest artistic dreams in second grade to the groundbreaking Brides of Funkenstein and launching he...

On today’s episode I am joined by Pia Leichter, creative partner, author, and creative coach for a conversation about embracing pivots, unleashing creativity, and designing life as your biggest art project. Pia shares her journey from New York City to Copenhagen and transition from a decade-long agency career to entrepreneurship by finally listening to that little voice nudging her toward somethin...

A minisode where I reflect on and continue to process the unforgettable, transformative, powerful, and dare I say better than Renaissance, what is known as The Cowboy Carter Tour. Decked out in my patch work denim hat and Cowgirl Major Bey sash I got to witness Beyoncé’s legendary dedication, creativity, and showmanship live at the Cowboy Carter Rodeo Chitlin Circuit. I unpack how Beyoncé’s presen...

On today’s episode I am joined by the dynamic, multidisciplinary artist Stephanie Graham. She wears many creative hats including being an art director, owner and creator of Graham Cracker Pin Company, and a podcaster. Shout out to her podcast Nosey AF ! Stephanie’s journey has been nothing short of a series of creative pivots, and together we dive into what it means to keep moving through career c...

On this episode of The Artist Pivot Podcast, I am joined by award-winning Producer, Director, and Writer Nasir Kenneth Ferebee. We explore Nasir's transition from the East Coast to the bustling world of Los Angeles, his experiences in the entertainment industry, and the empowering decision to pivot towards creating his own content, because he always knew independent film making was in his path but...

Never stop learning about the things that you really love, because when you aren't afraid to learn it can give so much clarity. - Dale Novella Anderson-Lee  On this episode I am joined by the multi-talented Dale Novella Anderson Lee, who happens to be a funk songwriter and teaching artist. Dale shares her journey of navigating the arts world while staying true to her beliefs and community values....

On this episode I am joined by self-proclaimed "Pivot Connoisseur" Micah Dawanyi who has journeyed from being a competitive soccer player to a storyteller, illustrator, novelist, and speaker. Micah opens up about his transformative pivot into the arts following a forced departure from sports due to medical issues. He shares insights into how grief from such life pivots informed his artistic expres...

On this episode I am joined by art consultant and theological art historian Dr. Quahana Hendree, who has a unique journey that connects the corporate world and artistic community. We dove into her journey from a fearless five-year-old passionate about art to becoming a powerhouse art consultant. She shared how she bridges the gap between the business world and the art world, increasing art IQ whil...

Welcome to the 7th season of the award winning The Artist Pivot Podcast! This podcast was created to have conversations with artists, those who work in and around the arts, and arts educators as a way to hear their stories of pivoting and life lessons in their careers. With these conversations the mission is to educate, empower, and celebrate artists so they have no option but to thrive.  This tra...

This episode is the finale of Season 6. Yes it’s a wrap on season 6 and what a joy it has been. This season the podcast reached the milestone of 100 episodes and received its first award. I am over the moon to announce that the podcast has been awarded the Bronze and Listener’s Choice 2024 Signal awards in the Artists and Designers Shaping Culture Category! Cheers to more seasons and more awards. ...

On today's episode we are taking a deep dive into the creative journeys of my guests Marci J. Duncan and Kerry Sandell. We discuss non-linear career paths and making peace with one’s decisions, the significance of discovering personal passions and how viewing industry changes as opportunities to create authentic storytelling. We touch upon the dichotomy of fear preventing people from pursuing oppo...

On today's episode we're diving deep into the art of creative resilience and the power of community with two incredible guests: Creativity Coaches and Co-Hosts of The Spark File podcast Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien. These originating artists share their transformative journeys, from interpreting others' creative visions to defining their own. Laura emphasizes the importance of focusing on stre...

On today’s episode we have an inspiring conversation with Author, Musician, and Coach for High-Performing Creatives Kate Kayaian. In this special dual episode, recorded in collaboration with Kate's podcast "Tales from the Lane," we dive deep into themes of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the ever-evolving nature of personal and professional growth. Kate shares her journey from a busy freelance...

Today’s solo episode is a special one as we celebrate our fourth podcast anniversary!  Reflecting on this incredible journey, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all our listeners, guests, and supporters who have been with us for six amazing seasons. We're delving into an important and often overlooked topic: grief in our careers. Join me as I share my personal revelations from a recent voice lesson,...

On today’s episode my guest is Sharon Braxton an accomplished project manager, event specialist, and author who has navigated the challenging waters of the entertainment industry with grace and resilience. Sharon shares her journey from New York to LA, which included many career transitions from the music industry to consumer goods to pro sports to author. You will hear about her early radio caree...

Today joining me is Elise Arsenault. Elise is an actor, audiobook narrator, coach, entrepreneur and creator of the Global Actor and The Great Audiobook Adventure. She has undoubtedly achieved success by embracing change and seizing new opportunities in her career. Elise shares her journey of finding her voice and how she has been a disruptor to the status quo even before she knew the term disrupto...