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

10. Destigmatizing Mental Health with Carlita Victoria

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Carlita Victoria about navigating her own mental health journey and how it lead her to start the incredible non-profit Darkness RISING Project. They share tips for self check-ins and resources around finding a therapist. They also chat about destigmatizing the conversation around mental health, not pretending to be okay when you’re not, and the ways in which we can empower ourselves by asking for what we need.
CW: This episode discusses issues around mental health & illness, suicide, shame & stigma, medication, therapy, and briefly mentions the police.
 
About Carlita: Carlita Victoria is the Executive Director of Darkness RISING Project, a Licensed Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and the Chief Wellness Advisor of the Harriet Tubman Effect, an institute of research and strategy for justice advocacy. Carlita is also an active performer and certified personal fitness instructor.
Carlita’s IG: @itsCarlitaV
Carlita’s Website: CarlitaVictoria.com
Darkness Rising IG: @darknessrisingproject
Darkness Rising Twitter: @darkriseproject
Darkness Rising Website: www.darknessrisingproject.org
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9. Making a Short Film with Diana Gonzalez-Morett & Akilah ‘AK’ Walker

In this week’s episode, Jennifer chats with Diana Gonzalez-Morett & Akilah ‘AK’ Walker about all things making a short film – from writing and directing to producing and fundraising to casting and shooting to everything in between! They unpack resources and give insight to anyone hoping to embark on the creative undertaking and endeavor of short filmmaking.
About Diana: Diana Gonzalez-Morett is a creative producer, writer, actress, and caregiver. Diana finds creative strength in her fluidity as a multi-hyphenate and is passionate about supporting creative visions. In 2020 Diana and partner Akilah ‘AK’ Walker co-founded Good Mother Films a BIPOC women-led creative company that specializes in producing personal stories told with emotional depth, bold artistry and always considering its social impact. The company produced its first award-winning short film, ‘Ivar Tunnel: Shook Ones’ in 2021. When she is not filmmaking Diana works as a teaching artist/director for Bergen Performing Arts Center and administratively for Lotus Arts Management, one of the country's premier dance agencies. Diana is currently based in New Jersey where she is a caregiver for her mother living with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). It would be unfair to not acknowledge that she does all of this with the help of her loyal chihuahua, Lupita.
 
About Akilah: Akilah “AK” Walker is an actress, writer/director, and creative producer fascinated by the performative, the magical and the absurd--especially as it relates to people of the Black diaspora. Akilah is one out of the 16 actors chosen to be a part of the 2020 ABC Discovers Talent Digital Showcase. Chosen out of 25,000 submissions and 2,500 auditions! This is ABC's first-ever digital showcase! Akilah holds an MFA in acting from American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco as well as a BA in Acting from Fordham University. Akilah has previously performed with Classical Theatre of Harlem, New York Stage & Film, and Berkeley Repertory Theatre, just to name a few. On film, she can be seen in 'Under The Lantern Lit Sky' from Emmy-nominated director Jaclyn Bethany and 'Sorry To Bother You' helmed by the legendary Boots Riley. Originally from Atlanta, Akilah A. Walker is now proud to call Los Angeles home. Akilah A. Walker is also a muse, as she posed as the basis of renowned contemporary artist Kehinde Wiley's sculpture 'Bound' which opened at the Brooklyn Museum in 2015. Akilah A. Walker is what you might call "Quad-Coastal", splitting her time between Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Atlanta.
Diana IG: @dianalaurengm
Akilah IG: @akthewayy
ITSO IG: @itsofilm
All things “Ivar Tunnel Shook Ones”: https://linktr.ee/IvarTunnelShookOnesFilm
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8. Budgeting Is a Value Statement with Chie Morita

In this week’s episode, Jennifer chats with Chie Morita about the loaded topic that is finance, especially for artists. Chie shares incredible perspective on approaching money as a tool in which numbers tell a story and the way in which budgeting is a personal value statement. They unpack hypothetical situations around these topics and give insight into the alternative ways to think about one’s finances in hopes of empowering oneself towards creating both the life and art they truly desire.  
CW — this episode touches on many large topics that can come up around the discussion of finances and does not aim to “solve” them as much as naming them. Some topics mentioned: guilt, shame, wealth and value, capitalism, societal/class structures, budgeting and scarcity mindset, racism, generational trauma, challenging belief systems, and the way we can belittle ourselves.
 
About Chie: Chie Morita (森田千恵 | she/her) is a consultant, creative producer, and consummate tinkerer dedicated to retraining our inherited habits and engineering empowering new systems in the arts. She is a Co-Founder + Partner of FORGE, a boutique consultancy devoted to helping artists and organizations take the next step in their own work. By leveraging the potential of proactive planning, holistic mentorship, and collaborative asking, Chie seeks to free Makers from historical hindrances, socialized stereotypes, and negative self-stories. From 2017-2019, Chie served as the Deputy Director at Town Stages, a Cultural Arts and Event space in Tribeca, where she created, curated, and managed the Sokoloff Arts Fellowship Program, which offered space, mentorship, and resources to makers of all kinds. While at Town, she had the pleasure of working with artists such as Third Rail Projects, The Macallan, Art Beyond The Glass, Patreon, Milajam, Spotify, Fault Line Theatre Company, and many others. In New York, she has worked with Tony-Award-winning Broadway Producer Joey Parnes (on A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, End of the Rainbow), institutions including The Public Theater, The Musical Theater Factory, Ars Nova, Statera Arts Mentorship: NYC, and New York Neo-Futurists (who, under her care, were awarded three Drama Desk nominations), and such independent artists and ensembles as Heather Christian and the Arbornauts, Esperance Theater Company, Extant Arts Company, UglyRhino, Panicked Productions, Fresh Ground Pepper, and art.party.theater.company.  Chie is a collaborator with the Wonderland Historical Society in New Orleans, a Trailblazer with Empowered Artist Collective, and a co-producer on an Untitled Kopp/Reece Superhero Musical/Comic Book/Video Game in development. 
Forge NYC Website: www.forgenyc.org
Chie IG: @chieceline
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
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7. Live in the Gratitude with Brooke Shapiro

In this episode, Jennifer brings on Brooke Shapiro to do a tarot reading specifically for the Empowered Artist Collective community! They talk about manifesting, words holding meaning, and embracing the process. The cards that are pulled illuminate the idea that shadow sides can be opportunities for beauty, how spirituality is individual for everyone, and what it means to receive and express gratitude on a deeper level. If you are needing a moment of inspiration and connection, this episode is not to miss!
About Brooke: Brooke Shapiro is an NYC-based multi-hyphenated artist and tarot reader. She has performed in and associate-directed shows off-broadway and around the country. Her passion for theater is matched by her love for tarot and crystals which began to grow about 7 years ago. 
Brooke’s Website: www.brooke-shapiro.com
Brooke’s Personal IG: @brookierookie3 
Brooke’s Business IG: @dvashdesignsThe Moon Deck by Aarona LeáThe Wild Unknown Archetypes Deck by Kim Krans
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
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6. How Do You Want to Feel Every Day? with Dr. Angelica McCarthy

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Dr. Angelica McCarthy (DAT, LAT, ATC) about the ways in which we can bring awareness to our bodies to support our lives as both humans and artists. They talk about slowing down, being conscious of the impact of stress & other burdens, and asking questions about how you want to feel. Tools are shared about adjusting one’s awareness, breath, and mindfulness. Plus, they discuss the opportunity in the negativity being a positive.  
About Angelica: Dr. Angelica McCarthy, DAT, LAT, ATC is a lover, believer, healer, and healthcare provider who received her clinical doctorate in athletic training (DAT) with honors from Temple University. As a licensed and certified athletic trainer, she works with all walks of life who are in pursuit to achieve a healthier, pain-free lifestyle. She specializes in injury prevention and education, functional movement assessments, manual therapy, rehabilitation, and health & wellness promotion with a holistic approach.Her clinical experience has included athletic training services for productions such as Katy Perry’s Witness concert tour, Hamilton, and Jesus Christ Superstar Live!, among many others.
Angelica’s Website: https://www.mccarthyathletictraining.com
Angelica’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr_amccarthy
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
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5. Access to You is a Privilege with Joanna Carpenter

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Joanna Carpenter about joy, social media, and how we can honor the world we live in while not letting it define us. They talk about little things that add up to big things, advocating for others while understanding one’s boundaries, that access to you is a privilege, and trusting one’s innermost knowing. Both share tools around finding one’s joy and listening to one’s body. 
CW: This episode discusses issues around mental health, suffering, the pandemic, death, social justice and activism.  
 
About Joanna: Joanna Carpenter is a New York City-based Asian American actor, EDI educator, and hospitality consultant. She is proud to work and create alongside artists challenging the status quo day after day to make the world a little bit better.
Joanna's TikTok: @itsmejoannac
Joanna's IG: @thejoannac
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
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4. You Have to Give It Away to Keep It with Dr. Alisa Hurwitz

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Dr. Alisa Hurwitz in hopes of destigmatizing the conversation around mental health, specifically in relation to artists. They talk about an artist's identity, the therapeutic power of dogs, empathy, listening, and emotions as information. Dr. Alisa shares helpful tools and resources around finding a therapist and the questions to ask, specifically for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. 
CW: This episode discusses mental health, capitalism, generational trauma, racism, transphobia, activism, therapy, and the meaning of carnival geek in relation to addiction and abuse.
About Dr. Hurwitz: Dr. Alisa Hurwitz is a clinical psychologist in group private practice in New Hampshire, specializing in the Autism spectrum, trauma and gender identity. She also works on the Transgender Clinic Team at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Dr. Hurwitz applies her professional knowledge to consult with theater companies, conduct post-show talkbacks and interview Broadway and off-Broadway actors. She has been a presenter at several BroadwayCons and has collaborated on productions with the Cultural Arts Playhouse, Cue Zero Theatre, and The Hidden Ones. Her work can be found on the National Alliance on Mental Illness website, Shrink Tank and at www.drdrama.com, and her Musicals & Mental Health series can be found on Instagram (@thedrdrama) with guests who have included Eva Noblezada, Jason Danieley, Hailey Kilgore, Lauren Patten, Ali Stroker, Rebecca Naomi Jones and Ethan Slater.
Alisa IG: @thedrdrama
Alisa Website: www.drdrama.com
Psychology Today: www.psychologytoday.com/
Darkness Rising: www.darknessrisingproject.org/
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
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3. Shoot Your Shot with Erica A. Hart, CSA

In this week’s episode, Jennifer talks to Erica Hart about all things casting. Erica shares insider tips around the dos, don'ts, & myths of self-tapes, auditions, and social media. They talk about the importance of listening and doing your research, celebrating your firsts & small victories, as well as the importance of collaboration, genuine human connection, and shooting your shot.  
About Erica: ERICA A. HART, CSA (Casting Director/ Producer) was born and raised in Washington, DC (the actual 202...not 301 or 703.) She graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied film and television. She has been casting for over a decade and has loved every minute of it. She started off in network and studio casting moving her way up to Casting Coordinator in the New York Office of ABC Primetime Casting. Erica has appeared in The Hollywood Reporter as a featured rising artist and has cast films that have screened at the Tribeca Film Festival, SXSW, Outfest, Cinequest, and the Cannes Film Festival. THE SURROGATE (a film she cast as well as associate produced) was in INDIEWIRE's Best Movies Eligible for a 2021 Oscar, was a VARIETY CRITICS PICK, and earned Erica her first Artios nomination and win in 2021. She has cast commercials for high-end brands such as Maybelline, Gillette, Hasbro, and Delta, to name a few, and cast H.E.R's music video for FIGHT FOR YOU which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Currently, she is the Casting Director for Season 2 of THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE (HBO MAX) and JODIE produced by Tracee Ellis Ross and Grace Edwards. She cast the pilot BLACK DON'T CRACK (ABC) and season 1 of BUST DOWN (PEACOCK) coming out soon. In 2021 she made her Broadway debut casting two Broadway plays: CHICKEN AND BISCUITS and PASS OVER. She has cast theatrical productions for THE NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE and THE DRAMA LEAGUE. Erica has been the Casting Associate for shows like RAY DONOVAN (SHOWTIME), THE BOLD TYPE (FREEFORM), DEFENDING JACOB (APPLE+), and GODFATHER OF HARLEM (EPIX). She is on the Board of Governors for The Casting Society of America (CSA) and a member of the Television Academy. She also teaches TV auditioning techniques at colleges and universities around the country including Harvard University and NYU's Grad Acting Program. Outside of casting, she has received grants and awards from the Puffin Foundation, New York Television Festival and The Digital Bolex, and has developed series for BET and WeTV.
Erica IG: @elove67
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
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2. The Process is the Creation with Adrianna Mitchell

In this week’s episode, Jennifer talks to Adrianna Mitchell about what it means to be an artist, what is inspiring her at the moment, & where to seek out inspiration. Adrianna shares some of her wild booking stories and the importance of planting seeds. They talk about expansion and perspective on a micro and macro level, tools to ground oneself when it comes to auditions and & finding creativity, and learning to embrace the journey over anything else. 
CW: this episode briefly discusses the passing of Regina King's son.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or go to https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
About Adrianna: Adrianna Mitchell is an NYC-based actor, director, writer, teacher & Black artist advocate from Atlanta, GA. She is passionate about finding joy, both in the process of creating art and in building your life! She’s an alumna of Spelman College and A.C.T’s MFA program. Off-broadway: "What to Send Up When It Goes Down" (Playwrights Horizon's Theater) and runboyrun (New York Theater Workshop). You can watch her most recent work as "Tanosse'' in a season-long arc on the hit show Snowfall (FX), on "Queens" (ABC), "Bull" (CBS), and more!
Adrianna IG: @adriannamitchell_
Adrianna IMDB: imdb.me/adriannamitchell
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
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1. Your Light Makes a Difference with Alicia Albright

In our first episode, Jennifer talks to Alicia Albright about how we hope to be remembered, how we can fulfill our life’s purpose by finding moments to make life more full, and how to show up and bring one’s “heart light” to change the people & rooms around us. They share exercises in finding one’s life purpose phrase, sending love ahead, and tapping to feel how you feel and moving through. ‘Mostly, there is laughter, tears, hope & joy – all with the purpose of expanding what it means to grow as humans and artists through self-expression and embracing how we can not hold on too tightly in order to share the light within us that makes a difference.
About Alicia: Alicia Albright is an NYC-based Broadway performing artist, choreographer, creator, avid traveler, dance/yoga/meditation/ mindfulness and empowerment teacher, and the founder of The Feed Your Soul Project. Alicia is the current Dance Captain/Swing of Wicked the Musical on Broadway and is an original cast member of Disney's Frozen the Musical on Broadway. She has also toured the US and globally performing, teaching, and being an associate choreographer of musicals and with dance companies. She is also a certified yoga and meditation teacher with specialties in children’s yoga, sound healing and is also a Reiki Practitioner. She infuses everything she does and everything she creates with mindfulness, great care, and deep love. Her goal is that all people she teaches, works with, loves, and befriends feel seen, heard, valued, loved, and appreciated, and know that they matter and make a difference in the world.
Alicia IG: @AliciaAlbright
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
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Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
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