Empowered Artist Collective Podcast
The Empowered Artist Collective Podcast will be one in which we have insightful conversations with fellow artists about all sorts of things that pertain to our personhood and our artistry. Join our community of women and non-binary artists seeking a thriving and sustainable career in the arts as we ask hard questions, sit with open-ended answers or perhaps no answers at all, share resources and hopefully expand the dialogue around all the aspects of our industry that so many are not talking about in an open forum. Whether you are an actor, singer, dancer, performer, writer, director, creator, theater and tv/film lover... If you are someone who is curious about others’ artistic experiences, believe that being an artist is about more than just the auditions you book, think this industry is in need of change, and want to get a personal glance at what’s going on behind the curtain: this is the podcast for you! Let’s be in community together. Let’s support one another. Let’s make this journey a little less isolating and more inclusive. IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective // TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective // www.EmpoweredArtistCollective.com Host: Jennifer Apple // @JenniferApple_ // JenniferApple.net Head of Production & Editor: Nayara Alexis // @NayaraAlexis Podcast Music Composer: Aimee Lefkowicz // @Aimee.Isabella
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Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
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 assess & address systems and build out policy. They talk about being committed individually to shifting our behavior & working on self-accountability so the people we touch can collectively change the industry. Nicole breaks down the 5 steps of EDIFY, the significance of going inwards, using meditation as a tool, and the value of grace.
About Nicole: Nicole Javanna Johnson is the Founder & Creative Director of Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. and the Harriet Tubman Effect Institute. Recently Nicole stepped into the role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Mathison.io where she leads the company DEI client engagement and internal DEI transformation. Nicole is also the creator of EDIFY, a 5 step dismantling systemic oppression program that is designed to shift culture in institutions, schools and artistic organizations. Nicole is a member of SAG-AFTRA with a Master's Degree in Education Leadership from NYU Steinhardt.
Nicole’s IG: @nicolejavannajohnson
Harriet Tubman Effect Website: www.harriettubmaneffect.com
Harriet Tubman Effect IG: @theharriettubmaneffect
Email Harriet Tubman Effect: info@harriettubmaneffect.com
Javanna Productions M.O.V.E. Website: www.proudtobeamover.com/
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
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Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
Tuesday Mar 21, 2023
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, discovering as you go, and advocating for yourself. Andrea shares her favorite show experiences, what it feels like to be nominated for an Olivier Award, and three super awesome pieces of advice she wish she knew earlier. Plus she shares what brought her to create WordWaves, a visual musical language for singers.
About Andrea: Andrea Grody is a music director, arranger, composer, and educator with a focus on developing new work. She was the music director & supervisor of the Broadway musicals THE BAND'S VISIT and TOOTSIE and the recent world premiere of SUFFS by Shaina Taub. She's also a voice teacher and the creator of WordWaves, a visual musical language for singers.
Andrea’s IG: @andreagrody
Andrea’s Website: www.andreagrody.comWordWaves: www.singwordwaves.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
Tuesday Mar 14, 2023
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 look inwards, the importance of walking in gratitude, and approaching opportunities with more fun and enjoyment. Plus, they share about self-trust, being proud of what you do, and having patience with the process and with ourselves.
About Talia: After years of trying to fit into plain brown boxes, wasting time and money on ineffective training, feeling entirely misunderstood by casting and agents – Talia Thiesfield said “Beyonce take the wheel!” She created The Act of Style Coaching and the Archetype Shade Method in 2014 when she realized she needed to stop trying to “fit the breakdowns” and focus on bringing herself to the roles. Traditional training fails to emphasize the importance of tapping into our own individuality and strengths. Our DOPENESS. The Act of Style Coaching provides acting, branding, and career coaching that illuminates a more specific industry identity and sense of self. Talia is a full-time actor working on stage, screen, and in VO. And as a coach, she helps other actors feel confident, seen, and empowered in their work and careers through the free information she provides daily on Instagram as well as through private coaching, workshops, and university lectures at institutions such as Columbia University, Rutgers University, Montclair State University, and the University of CT.
Talia’s IG: @theactofstylecoaching
Talia’s Website: www.theactofstylecoaching.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
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 shift. They also talk about how identities are not defined by the doing, present questions like, “who am I without the doing” and “do I have what I need to do this well,” and begin to offer alternate ways of approaching a more satisfied life.
About Tara: Tara McMullin is a writer, podcaster, and producer. For over 14 years, she’s studied small business owners—how they live, how they work, what influences them, and what they hope for the future. She’s the author of What Works: A Comprehensive Framework to Change the Way We Approach Goal-Setting. The book challenges the lessons we’ve learned about goals and productivity through culture and proposes a radical shift: structuring our lives around practice rather than achievement. She’s the host of What Works, a podcast about navigating the 21st-century economy with your humanity intact. Tara is also co-founder of YellowHouse.Media, a boutique podcast production company. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, The Muse, and Quartz.
Tara’s IG: @Tara_McMullin
Tara’s Website: www.explorewhatworks.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
Tuesday Feb 28, 2023
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 hurdles all of this can bring up, and the way to begin to feel empowered around your finances so that you can truly set yourself up for success.
About Hannah: Have you ever been flooded with shame while sitting across from an accountant? Have you felt too embarrassed to ask or even formulate your questions? Maybe even doubted your own career as you watched someone who does not get your world or see the value and mission behind what you do look at you through the lens of your income?
That is not going to happen today. Hannah Cole is a tax expert who specializes in working with creative businesses and mission-driven solopreneurs. A long-time working artist with a high-level exhibition history, the financial challenges of freelancers and small creative businesses are both relevant and personal to Hannah. Her specialty is communicating complex tax issues in a clear, creative-centered, empowering way. She founded her company, Sunlight Tax, with a mission to serve visionary people, just like you, who are self-employed, with relevant tax and financial education, so you can bring your unique vision to the world. She’s helped tens of thousands of creative and mission-driven self-employed people skill up with accessible tax and money education through professional speaking engagements from Florida to Alaska, and on the Sunlight podcast. And she’s helped thousands of creative people organize for taxes, set up their businesses, and grow their “freedom funds” (or “F***-You Money”) through her program, Money Bootcamp. Hannah’s goal is to help you realize the full value of your vision in this world, and use your money as a tool (not an obstacle) to making that vision a reality.
Hannah’s IG: @sunlighttax
Hannah’s Podcast: www.sunlighttax.com/podcast
Hannah’s Deduction Guide: www.sunlighttax.com/deductionsguide
IRS Paycheck Checkup: www.irs.gov/paycheck-checkup
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
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 to have a pocket PR person to share your accomplishments on your behalf. They also talk about remaining open, being willing to receive, and finding gratitude.
About Alex & Tina: Obsessed With The Best is a New York City-based podcast hosted by Alex Ferrara & Tina Scariano, who bring their listeners the very BEST of all things beauty, wellness, and inspirational women. Alex (actress, singer, +model, and retired makeup artist) and Tina (actress, singer, musician, and current makeup artist) test and review the newest beauty products, as well as interview powerful leading female founders and experts. Guests range from doctors and finance experts to TV actresses and burlesque dancers. Listening to an episode of Obsessed With The Best is like having a drink with your girlfriends while getting insider beauty tips and gaining valuable insight from the women they interview! Alex & Tina are passionate about women’s health, body acceptance (they’re both 5’9” and a size 12), living in New York City, working in the entertainment business, and finding the wellness and beauty products that actually WORK.
Obsessed with the Best’s IG: @obsessedwiththebestpod
Alexandra Ferrara’s IG: @alexandra_kf
Tina Scariano’s IG: @teenziano
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
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 also unpack the misconception around “quitting” and the ability to hold multiple feelings simultaneously.
About Renika: Renika Williams plays Willow on HBO Max’s new hit comedy THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS. She can also be seen on NBC's NEW AMSTERDAM, Amazon Prime’s MODERN LOVE and STARZ’ P Valley. Regional theatre productions at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, Indiana Repertory Theatre, The Arden Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, & Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Off Broadway credits at MCC Theatre in ALL THE NATALIE PORTMANS and the National Black Theatre in SWEET. Renika earned her BFA in Acting from Wright State University in Dayton, OH.
Renika’s IG: @_renikadanielle
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
Tuesday Feb 07, 2023
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 noticing the little (or big) things in your life.
About Shira: Shira is an NYC-based fairy folk singer-songwriter and actor. Infused with her sensational ukulele stylings, her music is reminiscent of powerhouse singer-songwriters like Sara Bareilles, Brandi Carlile, and Ingrid Michaelson. The New York Times named her the "golden-voiced singer" and The Philadelphia Weekly said, "Shira is a leading name that will stop you dead in your tracks."
Shira’s IG: @shiramusic
Shira’s Website: www.shiraofficial.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
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 person to take a chance on you. They also talk about being curious and honest about what you don’t know, that everything is helping all the other things, as well as the importance of going after what you want.
About Dylan: Dylan Silver is an actor, writer-director and host. This year she's a 2022 Women In Film Director Mentee and a 2022 Sundance Lab Fellow with her feature CHAIM'S NOT DEAD. Silver's documentary, A MIND LIKE STILL WATER, debuted on Amazon's Top 5 Must Watch List and is available on all streaming platforms. As a host, you can catch her helping couples DIY their hearts out Tastemade's WEEKEND REFRESH or pumping you with motivation on the app PRESET. As an actor, you'll find her currently starring in YouTube Original's animated show BEHIND THE BEATS, playing an upcoming guest star on the CW's WALKER INDEPENDENCE, and starring in DOWNEAST, now on Showtime. She's also really silly, will going bowling anytime, and wants you to hang out with her dog Bagel.
Dylan’s IG: @dylansilver19
Dylan’s Website: www.dylansilverofficial.com
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
Tuesday Jan 24, 2023
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 well as Waitress and Jagged Little Pill, and this next chapter of writing and recording her own music.
About Keri: Keri René Fuller’s Broadway credits include Six (Jane Seymour), Jagged Little Pill (Swing) Waitress (Francine, Jenna u/s); Tour: Cats (Grizabella); TV: “Law & Order: SVU” (Snowflake). Regional: [title of show] (Heidi); Murder Ballad (Sara); Les Miserables (Eponine); Lizzie Borden (Lizzie); A Chorus Line (“Maggie); Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Rachel), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena), Titus Andronicus (Lavinia). Endless love and thanks to MJT, OKC, CGF, and this entire team. New EP to be released soon on all streaming platforms! Keri’s IG: @krfuller13Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com
Jennifer Apple
Jennifer is a multi-hyphenated artist who hails from NYC! She originated the role of Anna in the Tony Award-Winning The Band’s Visit first national tour and has performed at regional theaters like Chautauqua Theater Company, ACT, Goodspeed Musicals, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. She has developed and workshopped a ton of new plays & musicals and lent her voice to multiple cast recordings. Jennifer has appeared on TV in New Amsterdam and holds an MFA in Acting from The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, CA.
As a Teaching Artist, she specializes in: finding new material specifically for you; acting the song/monologue; audition coaching; BFA/MFA prep; and breaking down the text. She believes in honest & truthful storytelling, the power of simply being, and bringing out what makes you, YOU!
Nayara Alexis
Nayara Alexis is an artist based in Los Angeles. As an actor, she can be seen in the short film Girls & The Party, which was a part of the official selection of several festivals like the BFI Future Film Fest, NewFest, Brussels Short Film Festival, and won Best U.S. Narrative Short Grand Jury Prize at Outfest LA 2021. She has also appeared in campaigns for the Mark Taper Forum, Badoo, WSS and was featured in Peter Hurley’s book The Headshot. Nayara is currently dubbing a 30-episode live-action drama for a major Streaming Service. She creates, produces and edits content for EAC, and is the Head of Production of the Empowered Artist Collective Podcast. Nayara is also a musician who loves learning to play new instruments and enjoys creating music with the help of her cat, Blake.
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Aimee Lefkowicz
Aimee Lefkowicz is a singer/songwriter from Seattle, WA currently pursuing her passion for songwriting and performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she dual majors in Songwriting and Music Business. Aimee combines her love for PNW inspired indie/folk music with her love of pop and country music to create her own unique sound to share her stories. Her biggest songwriting inspirations are Joni Mitchell, long drives, Taylor Swift, the sounds of nature, falling in love, Alanis Morisette, utter heartbreak, Sara Bareilles, childhood nostalgia, and many more!