The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina podcast, I’m joined by Margaret Mullin, Artistic Director of Ballet Tucson and former Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist, for an honest conversation about career longevity, leadership, and what it truly takes to sustain a life in ballet, both on and off the stage. Margaret shares her journey from an aspiring dancer growing up in Tucson, to a 14-season professi...

Auditioning for professional ballet companies is very different than auditioning for summer intensives, and that reality can catch even the most prepared dancers off guard. In this solo episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast , I’m pulling back the curtain on the audition process and sharing the lessons I learned the hard way while navigating company auditions across the country. All the things I...

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Josephine Lee, founder and CEO of The Pointe Shop and the first official pointe shoe fitter of San Francisco Ballet. With over 15 years of experience, Josephine is one of the most influential and trusted pointe shoe fitters in the world. We dive deep into what actually makes a pointe shoe right (or wrong), why pain is not something dan...

Caitlin here with a solo episode recapping 2025 and chatting about my hopes and dreams for 2026! Biggest takeaways from this episode: Be where your feet are: presence creates deeper impact than constantly chasing what’s next. Consistency beats intensity: small, sustainable routines done regularly matter far more than big, all-or-nothing efforts. There is no finish line: healing, growth, and goals...

Professional dancer, choreographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur Sharon Kung is redefining what it means to build a sustainable and empowered life in dance. In this episode, Sharon shares her unconventional path through ballet, contemporary dance, higher education, and entrepreneurship, including the experiences that led her to found Ballet Trauma Club. We dive into honest conversations abo...

In this special birthday episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast , we’re flipping the script! To celebrate my 38th birthday, my dear friend Carrie Euker steps in as guest host and I gave her free rein to ask me anything she wants. From career reflections, personal stories, Nutcracker nostalgia and the advice I wish every dancer knew, this episode offers an honest, uplifting look behind the scenes...

Alexandra Light, choreographer, creative researcher, and former principal dancer with Texas Ballet Theater, joins me for a conversation that weaves together artistry, identity, and the evolution of a dancer’s life. Her work has been shaped by residencies at places like Jacob’s Pillow and often explores ecology, feminist history, and the body as a site of memory and transformation. At just 18, Alex...

In this inspiring conversation, I’m joined by Robert Schultz - LA-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and founder of Artists in Training - to explore how dancers can build a thriving career in today’s ever-changing industry. Together, we dig into how class culture has shifted in the age of social media, why dancers crave instant gratification, and the impact that “getting it on film” has had on...

Nutcracker season is here - and it’s a doozy! In this encore release of one of my most popular solo episodes, I’m sharing my practical tips and heartfelt advice for dancers to not just survive but thrive during this iconic ballet season. Whether you're a student navigating school and rehearsals, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you approach the season with j...

A teenage ballerina with a sketch in a notebook had no idea it would one day spark a global franchise. In this episode, Genevieve Custer Weeks, former professional dancer and founder of Tutu School, shares the journey that took her from training at Ballet Chicago at just fifteen to leading 140 (and counting!) boutique ballet schools across the US, Canada, and the UK. Genevieve reflects on the cour...

In this inspiring episode I’m joined by Elizabeth Troxler - a ballet teacher, choreographer, performer with over 30 years of experience training dancers from beginners to professionals. Elizabeth shares her journey from her first dance class at age five to a professional career spanning ballet and musical theater. She discusses how she transitioned from performer to choreographer and educator, the...

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Katrena Cohea, the creator behind Your Body Image BFF, to explore how dance educators can reframe conversations around body image, teaching methods, and dancer wellness. Katrena shares her journey from bunhead to flamenco dancer to teacher and studio owner, and how her experiences led her to create resources that help teachers integrate body neutrality...

In this heartfelt solo episode, I’m putting on my dance teacher hat to share the things every dance educator wishes their students understood, drawing from over 15 years of teaching experience. You’ll hear practical insight and honest reminders that can completely shift the way you show up in class. From respecting the process to understanding feedback and showing up with positive energy, this epi...

Today’s conversation is one that every dancer - current or retired - needs to hear. I’m joined by Kaylee Randall , a former professional dancer who spent nearly a decade performing on cruise ships, in theme parks, and in Las Vegas. After an incredible performing career, Kaylee made a bold move to Australia in 2018, where she founded Pivot for Dancers , a platform dedicated to helping professional...

In this week’s insightful episode, I am joined by Ali Block and Rachael Dailey Goodwin. Ali is a former professional ballerina. She studied psychology at Columbia University and currently works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Lab Manager at Icahn School of Medicine. Rachael is a former dancer and is currently Assistant Professor of Management at Syracuse University Whitman School of Managem...

In this inspiring episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast , I’m joined by former professional ballerina and performance psychology expert Lauren Ostrander McArdle . Lauren danced with companies including the National Ballet of Canada and as a soloist with Sarasota Ballet and now holds a Master’s Degree in Sport and Performance Psychology. She is the founder of Behind the Curtain , a platform dedic...

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m joined by my husband, THE Mr. Brainy Ballerina Steve Sloan, to reflect on our journey together - from his background as a college soccer player to supporting my career as a professional dancer, and now navigating life as parents. We share stories from our early days of dating, his first impressions of the ballet world, and the infamous “apple crisp incident” dur...

What does it take to go from Commonwealth Games rhythmic gymnast to professional ballerina with the Birmingham Royal Ballet? In this episode, Hannah Martin shares her remarkable journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she’s passionate about helping dancers dream big and make it happen . What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Hannah’s early career as a rhythmic gymnast , including comp...

In this episode, I sit down with Erica Hornthal , licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified dance/movement therapist, to explore the transformative power of movement for emotional and mental health. Known as “The Therapist Who Moves You”, Erica shares how dance and movement therapy can help us reconnect to our bodies, regulate the nervous system, and rewire patterns shaped by tr...

In this episode, I’m joined by registered sports dietitian Lisa Rivera , who brings her unique background in both dance and nutrition to the conversation. Lisa shares her personal journey of healing her relationship with food, how proper fueling transformed her dance career, and why she’s passionate about helping dancers thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. From understanding the mind-bod...

In this solo episode, I’m getting honest about one of the hardest parts of being a dancer (and a human) - rejection. I recently launched a brand new mentorship program - and it totally flopped. So I’m sharing with you the process I used to coach myself through the disappointment and the lessons I learned along the way. Key Points in this Episode: Why rejection doesn’t define your worth as a dancer...

In this week’s inspiring episode, I’m joined by Brooklyn-based creative leader and founder of Dance Device Lab , Brandon Cournay. From his unexpected start in a small-town Michigan dance studio to earning a spot at Juilliard and building a career as a professional dancer, choreographer, rehearsal director, executive director and business owner, Brandon shares his multifaceted journey through the d...

In this inspiring episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast , we sit down with Kerry Nicholls , Director of Artist Development at San Francisco Ballet, to explore the groundbreaking Raising Leaders program. We dive deep into how the Raising Leaders program is transforming professional dancers into empowered leaders both on and off the stage. Kerry shares how dancers are selected, what the two-year c...

In this insightful episode, I’m joined by Tim Lynch to trace his remarkable journey from a hyperactive kid looking for an outlet for his energy to a career dancing at Pacific Northwest Ballet and beyond. He reflects on his 10-year career at PNB, the value of corps de ballet work, and highlights like dancing A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Agon at the Kennedy Center. We also explore Tim’s transition...

In this week’s solo episode, I’m reflecting on the most pivotal lessons I wish I had known as a young dancer. From perfectionism to career pivots, I’m sharing the emotional, mental, and practical challenges of transitioning from student to professional dancer + how to thrive through them. PLUS I have a special announcement - and you’re hearing it here first! Key “pointes” in this episode: 🩰Why ch...