The Artist Pivot

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...

In this episode I sit down with the multifaceted Kaisha Huguley, actor, host, and digital creator. Kaisha opens up about her untraditional path into musical theater, her move to New York, and the impacts of the pandemic on her self-discovery journey. We dive into the joys and challenges of performing, the societal pressures faced by black women in the entertainment industry, and discover we both o...

Welcome to the 100th episode of The Artist Pivot Podcast. In this special celebratory episode, I take you on a journey through my recent experience at the 30th Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans. From soaking in the vibrant celebration of Black culture to gleaning wisdom from the legendary filmmaker Ava DuVernay, I share transformative insights and inspirations that are still resonating wi...

Whether you're an artist, a creative, or just someone looking for a bit of inspiration, this episode is packed with real talk and motivational vibes. I am thrilled to have the incredibly talented Alexis Tidwell Bailey on the show. Alexis took a pretty unique path into the theater world, jumping into acting with zero preconceived notions or baggage from traditional training. Her journey underscores...

In today's episode, I’m thrilled to have Kevin Brubaker, an executive film producer with a fascinating journey from a medical career to founding his own production company, Dallas Media Productions, in Texas.  Kevin dives deep into the independent filmmaking world, sharing insights about his upcoming horror film, "The Caregivers," which is scheduled to begin production this fall. Throughout our ch...

As creatives, many of us have faced the internalized shame that comes with taking on jobs outside our artistic passions. In this solo episode, I'll be sharing my own experiences, from working side gigs like flyering in Times Square to navigating a career shift during the pandemic. We'll explore the necessity of creating our own artistic ecosystems and the importance of embracing all parts of our j...

Today, we have a very special guest, the one and only Tara Tagliaferro. In this episode, we chat about all the ups and downs of working in theater—think crazy performance schedules, dealing with vocal and physical exhaustion, and the financial rollercoaster that comes with it all. Tara and I reflect on how our values have evolved over time, leading us to prioritize wellness and self-respect over t...

I am thrilled to have the incredibly talented Queen Chyna West join me for what turned out to be a deeply enriching dialogue. Throughout the episode, Queen Chyna West shares her unique journey in entertainment, beginning her career on Broadway at just 16 and growing into a multifaceted artist and manager. She discusses the seeds of resilience, planted from a young age in Harlem and Brooklyn, that...

On this episode we're joined by the multi-talented Jillian Vitko. Jillian is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry, balancing an impressive array of talents from acting to producing. We get candid about the often unpredictable path of an artist, where there's no guarantee of a finish line and the only constant is change. We'll talk about the courage it takes to create your own...

Today's episode features none other than the talented Sani—a Nigerian-born recording artist, producer, and entrepreneur with a range of talents spanning from fashion to painting and of course, music. Sani shares his heartfelt gratitude for life's journey and the artistic paths he's walked down. His story is one of resilience and continuous self-improvement. We unpack the layers of Sani's creative...

Today we have a return guest! My friend James Roberts IV is back for episode 602. He was on the show before in season 1 and his episode was 102. How fitting! It's been four exciting years since we last talked on the podcast, and oh, how the tables have turned and twirled for both James and me! James has had his fair share of pivots – from musical theater stages to the tranquility of yoga studios,...

This episode features actress, musician, and stop motion animator Kellianna Jay who has been seen on stages internationally including the UK, Dubai, and Germany. Noted productions include Dreamgirls (UK Tour), TINA The Musical (Germany), Hairspray (Symphony of the Seas) and Fantastic Mr Fox (UK Tour). We explore the twists and turns of a life in the arts, diving into the power of perseverance, ref...

Introducing The World Is Your Stage Podcast!  The World Is Your Stage Podcast is an exploration of the intersection between travel and the performing arts. This is a podcast focused on education and inspiration on world travel, the acting business, and the lifestyle that encompasses both. Including travel tips and reviews, interviews with travel experts and planners, and performing artists that tr...

Today, we revisit episode 210 where Ayana had the profound pleasure of sitting down with the multitalented Ceasar F. Barajas—an award-winning singer, dancer, actor, and so much more. Ceasar is not only a force in the entertainment industry but also a beacon of light in the wellness community. This international wellness mentor, trauma-sensitive certified yoga instructor, and meditation teacher has...

Today we are going to revisit Episode 205, where I sat down with the multi-talented Tommy Coleman – an actor, voice-over artist, and educator. Tommy opens up about the rigorous demands of the industry and the wisdom of setting aside that critical 1% for oneself to avoid the dreaded burnout. He shares his journey through the pandemic and we have a meaningful conversation about growth and personal i...

Podcast Listener Survey out and available at https://forms.gle/vDERiyrHMxUbw8Vv7 until Wednesday Feb 7th, 2024, 11:59 pm (EST). As a thank you for taking the survey you will be entered into a drawing to win The Artist Pivot Podcast Logo Tote Bag, Today we are going to revisit Episode 408, where I sat down with the multi-talented Queen Shereen Macklin – an actress, educator, and healer, who's carvi...

Hello!  There is a new Podcast Listener Survey out and available at https://forms.gle/vDERiyrHMxUbw8Vv7 until Wednesday Feb 7th, 2024, 11:59 pm (EST). As a thank you for taking the survey you will be entered into a drawing to win The Artist Pivot Podcast Logo Tote Bag,. New Podcast Merchandise is available! A coffee mug, notebook, and T-shirt with the definition of a Pivoting Artist is out now! Yo...

Happy New Year! It’s 2024! Thank you all for rocking with The Artist Pivot Podcast for the last 5 seasons. Season 6 will be coming out soon with a mix of solo and guest featured episodes. Additionally there will be a patreon launched where you can see the video version of this podcast, get bonus episodes, and more. The monthly newsletter will now also have a spotlight on artists whose pivots I fin...

On this bonus episode I recap some points I made when I was a guest on the Station Square Podcast.  The points I cover in the recap are: 1. You’re A Human Being Not a Human Doing 
 2. We are more prepared for our pivots than we think
 3. If something doesn’t bring you joy then why are you doing it?
 4. Take the opportunities handed to you
 If you want to watch the episode on youtube here is the li...

The Official Merchandise of The Artist Pivot Podcast is now available!  Get your t-shirt, tote bag, or wine tumbler at: https://the-artist-pivot.printify.me/products Thank you for supporting an independent podcaster!  Get in touch:  Ayana Major Bey  Website: www.ayanabey.com Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot  Monthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast Show Sponsors:  BetterHelp: Get...