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

90. Becoming an Audiobook Narrator with Helen Laser

In our last episode of Season 2, Jennifer talks to Helen Laser about audiobook narration who shares her journey that brought her to voiceover and audiobook work. They talk about the evolving landscape of the industry, the importance of home setups, and the supportive audiobook community. Helen provides valuable advice on creating a comfortable recording space and at-home studio, choosing affordable equipment, and what skills & software are needed. They share tips for getting started on various platforms, leveraging resources, and taking classes for aspiring narrators. Don't miss this inspiring episode packed with actionable advice for those aspiring to carve their paths in the world of audio narration.
About Helen: Helen Laser is an audiobook narrator, voice artist, and actor of stage and screen. In the audiobook world, she is an Audie Award Finalist and multiple Audiofile Earphones Award winner, and records live sessions with clients all over the world, both remotely from home, and in-person. Her narration has won awards, was picked by Reese Witherspoon for her book club, and has made many lists including (but not limited to):Audible's "Editors Picks," Apple Audiobooks "Must Listens," Libro.fm's "Most Pre-Ordered Audiobooks," Amazons "Top 10 Audiobooks," The New York Times "7 Audiobooks to Listen to Now," The Wall Street Journal's "The 12 Best Audiobooks for Every Reader" and many more. She narrates for Audible Studios, Penguin Random House, Hachette, Tantor, Harper, Macmillan, Blackstone, Brilliance, Dreamscape and for a variety of clients in podcasts, e-learning, and more. Her voiceovers in commercials have aired on TV, radio, and online/social media. You may have heard her in commercials for Tide, Advil, Annie's Homegrown, Dunkin Donuts, IHOP, and many more. She has been seen in award-winning stage performances at Powerhouse, Playhouse On Park, Sharon Playhouse, Mt Gretna Theater, and in film and television (CBS, HBO, etc). Her film work has won awards in the festival circuit and beyond.
Helen’s IG: @hlaserwolf
Helen’s Website: www.Helenlaser.com
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89. In the Hair & Makeup Chair with Brenna Drury

In this episode, Jennifer talks to makeup artist and hairstylist, Brenna Drury. From her experiences working for many years in the industry, Brenna sheds light on the distinct intricacies of her craft from understanding the different expectations of makeup and hair on set to advice for those interested in working in the field and favorite tips for those looking to enhance their everyday beauty routines. They break down misconceptions & expectations of makeup artists and hair stylists, talk about advocating for fair compensation, and the significance of communication & collaboration with those around you. 
About Brenna: Brenna, a seasoned Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist based in NYC, brings 14 years of freelancing expertise to her craft. With a commitment to enhancing natural beauty and infusing a creative edge, she prioritizes inclusivity in both her work and how she navigates the industry.
Brenna’s IG: @Brennadmakeup
Brenna’s Email: brennadmakeup@gmail.com
Brenna’s Website: www.prim-poppin.com
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88. Grant Writing Tactics with Aria Velz

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Aria Velz to talk about grant writing. With nearly a decade of grant writing experience, she sheds light on the nuances of grant writing, emphasizing the lack of formal training in this crucial non-profit sphere. They distinguish grants from individual donations and corporate sponsorships, highlighting the parameters involved in grant applications. They provide valuable insights into the intricacies of grant writing, stressing the importance of tailoring proposals to fit the guidelines and showcasing the project's alignment with the grantor's mission. They emphasize the importance of proving the necessity of your project, crafting compelling narratives, developing templates, organizing the backend of your materials, and being prepared for setbacks. They also share practical tips on finding grants, keeping in mind ethical considerations, and emphasizing the need for alignment with the values of funding organizations when applying. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or a newcomer, this episode offers invaluable advice and strategies for successfully navigating the grant writing landscape.
About Aria: Aria Velz is a theater director and a freelance grant writer in the DC area. She specializes in grants for theatre and other performing arts institutions, having worked with over a dozen theatre organizations in the DC area alone, as well as writing grants with individual theater artists. When not working in theatre, she is a lesbian media enthusiast and critic, mainly on TikTok.
Aria’s IG: @AriaVelzAria's TikTok: @AriaVelz
Aria’s Email: ariavelz@gmail.com
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87. Crowdfunding Your Projects with Melissa Center

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Melissa Center all about crowdfunding. Melissa shares her journey navigating the highs and the lows that helped shape her into a crowdfunding queen. She breaks down insights and intricacies of different platforms (Kickstarter, Indigogo, Seed and Spark, GoFundMe), demystifies the complexities on the back end, and sheds light on the need for a strong team to help assist in the process. They talk about the importance of preemptive strategic planning, building genuine relationships, and doing inner work before choosing to go down this fundraising path so that one can lean into the transformative power of embracing discomfort.
About Melissa: Melissa Center is an actress and award-winning filmmaker known for visceral women’s stories and crowdfunding Queen who has helped creatives raise over $1M for their passion projects. She is also an in-demand speaker who is known for bringing her intensely relatable & authentic stories to the world. Through her new initiative(s) she supports female storytellers - especially Jewish women and our allies - raise funds on our own terms in order to share our stories with the world because our voices matter & need to be heard. As an actor, her most notable credits include roles on FBI (CBS), This is Us (NBC), Grey's Anatomy (ABC), Masters of Sex (SHO), and more. Favorite roles onstage include “Maggie” in A Chorus Line (Dir. Mitzi Hamilton), “Olivia” in Sex with Strangers (Hollywood Fringe), and “Jan” in 50 Words (The Lab Creative, LA). She also originated the stage adaptation of Lois Lowry’s The Giver, directed by the late Wynn Handman of The American Place Theater. She is the producer, co-writer and star of feature film, All I Want (Prime, Vudu, TubiTV, itunes) and the co-director, writer and star of the award-winning viral short film R.V, a narrative that anticipated the overturn of Roe vs Wade. Her short film His Name is Niv, which she wrote and directed, is inspired by her own experience with sexual assault.  Her solo show Marrying Jake Gyllenhaal debuted during the Pandemic lockdown via livestream at The Pico, LA followed by Edinburgh Fringe Digital to rave reviews & coverage in Ms. Magazine & Psychology Today. 
Melissa’s IG: @melissacenter
Melissa LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/melissacenterWant to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
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86. Discovering Your Inner Investor with Tiana Tukes

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Tiana Tukes, the co-founder and co-CEO of the groundbreaking non-profit organization, LGBT+VC. Tiana shares her journey and offers profound insights into the transformative power of venture capital. They talk about confronting the often-unspoken topics of privilege, politics, and identity in the realm of finance, as well as the significance of community and collective power. They explore ways to give back, not just financially but through our time, skills, and relationships by viewing ourselves as investors in all aspects of our lives while embracing the notion that we are also artists shaping the world around us. They unpack the idea that money is a tool that can be harnessed for positive change and it can empower us to take control of our destinies. They also speak about the intersection of art, money, and community, and how, together, can create a more equitable, economic, and prosperous world for all. 
About Tiana: Philanthropist, business executive and advocate for LGBTQ+ progress and prosperity. Tiana is a co-founder, co-chief executive officer, and board chair of LGBT+ VC, a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ prosperity through business and tech investing. She previously served as a board director for Rainbow Railroad, an international charity that helps LGBTQ+ asylum seekers flee state-sponsored violence. Tiana earned her B.A. with high honors from Morehouse College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, awarded the Oprah Winfrey scholarship, and installed to The White House HBCU ambassadorship.
Tiana’s IG: @tiananaomitukes
LGBT+VC Website: https://www.lgbtvc.org/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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85. Self-Employment Tax Guide with Hannah Cole

In this episode, Jennifer brings back tax professional, Hannah Cole, to further assist in navigating the complexities of taxes for creative and self-employed individuals. She sheds light on the complexities of self-employment tax, income tax, the privilege of deducting business expenses, and the importance of staying informed about quarterly tax payments. They talk about W2, W4, & W9s, LLCs, the dates for quarterly tax payments, self-employment tax rates, and tips for issuing and receiving 1099 forms. They also share practical insights on estimating taxes, staying organized with bookkeeping, and learning to track one’s income and expenses. Plus, they address the lack of tax education, offering a release from guilt or shame associated with a lack of knowledge. 
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
The Sunlight Podcast: www.sunlighttax.com/podcast 
Visual Deduction Guide: www.sunlighttax.com/deductionsguideEAC listeners can get a $100 discount on Hannah's program by using your affiliate coupon: EMPOWERED
New Rules for LLCs: https://pod.link/1640538610/episode/ab46fbe9b1f8abb353412e82bfdbf176
Do I Need an LLC? https://pod.link/1640538610/episode/76ab02293bafdff29cf2d87c13fb1a7b
Video guide to making your estimated tax payment: https://youtu.be/_MdAGsW-QkY?si=Bc8Agdwt7os5S-my
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
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84. A Costume Designer's Take with Allison Pearce

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Allison Pearce who shares her journey of becoming a costume designer for TV & film. She breaks down the various positions in the costume and wardrobe departments, how each impacts the process on set, and talks about the importance of collaboration in bringing a director's vision to life. They discuss her decision-making process when choosing projects, her efforts to minimize impact through sustainability, and what it means to maintain mindfulness for both design and the environment with this kind of work. They also provide insights and advice on navigating the industry, forging meaningful connections, learning to trust your intuition, and tips for newcomers hoping to break into the field. 
About Allison: Allison graduated from Parsons the New School for Design with a BBA in Design + Management. Focusing on technical design & business, she has applied her studies to narrative costume design. Allison’s work as a costume designer for the film unit at Saturday Night Live gave her the tools to tackle any decade, genre, production timeline, & budget level. Her unique experience taught her to trust her intuition & to roll with the punches. Allison’s work at SNL gave her the knowledge & tranquility she continues to apply throughout her career. She has a passion for the uncanny & unique, as shown visually through color, fit & texture. Allison
relishes in artistically creating costumes that support the character as well as the story. Her work
embraces her love of surrealism, Italian neorealism, & New Hollywood. Allison’s most recent film, PAINT, had a theatrical release from IFC and is currently available on demand.
Allison’s IG: @allie_pearce
Allison’s Website: www.Allison-Pearce.com
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83. Diving Into the World of Comedy & Improv with Emily Dayton Evans

In this episode, Jennifer talks with multi-hat-wearing actor, comedian, director, producer, and filmmaker, Emily Dayton Evans. They chat about navigating the improv and comedy spaces, finding joy in creativity, and the challenges of balancing various artistic pursuits. They unpack the importance of creating a supportive community and finding like-minded people with whom to work. Plus, they discuss Emily’s approach to setting deadlines, self-motivation, finding motivation through collaboration, and the delicate balance between friendship and business in the creative industry. They also talk about strategies for overcoming burnout, the significance of celebrating small wins, and practical advice for those aspiring to break into the comedy and live show scene.
About Emily: Emily is a NYC-based SAG/AFTRA actor, comedian, director, writer, producer, and filmmaker. A proudly queer multihyphenate, Emily’s platform centers LGBTQ+ characters, and raises mental health awareness. Her work has been featured at HBO Women in Comedy Festival, SeriesFest, and she was recently named Content Creator to Watch by NY Comedy Festival. You can watch her in landmark comedy series: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (AMAZON), The Other Two (HBOMAX), and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (NETFLIX).
Emily’s IG: @hotgaycelebrity
Emily’s Website: www.emilyevansactor.com
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82. Trusting the Process with Allegra Edwards

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Allegra Edwards who shares insights into her life as an actress, mother, wife, and sister. They unpack Allegra’s journey with landing the series regular, Ingrid, in the Amazon Prime series "Upload" starting from her unique initial audition and highlighting the challenges and growth she experienced throughout the three seasons, especially while maintaining positivity amid the uncertainties of the entertainment industry. They get into having perspective, navigating imposter syndrome & insecurities, the importance of cultivating trust, advocating for oneself, and owning one’s process. About Allegra: Allegra Edwards is an actress and appears as Ingrid on the Prime Video sci-fi comedy "Upload." (All three 1 seasons now streaming!) Other credits include Briarpatch, Sandy Wexler, New Girl, Modern Family, Orange is the New Black, The Mindy Project, Friends From College, Alternatino, and others. Allegra has a background in theatre and received her MFA in acting from A.C.T in San Francisco, as well as her BA in Theatre and Television from Pepperdine University. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Clayton, and her son Howdy.Allegra's IG: @allegra_edwards
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81. Rethinking LinkedIn for Creatives with Tania Bhattacharyya

In this episode, Jennifer talks to Tania Bhattacharyya who delves into the transformative power & untapped potential of using LinkedIn for creative individuals and artists. She dispels the notion that LinkedIn is a corporate and sterile platform by sharing her journey of using the platform to build a human-driven space. They discuss the power of storytelling to build trust and foster relationships, provide practical insights on optimizing one’s profile, and emphasize the importance of showcasing authenticity and using the platform as a tool for community building. They also reflect on the vision of creating spaces where everyone belongs to explore the limitless possibilities of community building without rules or competition.
About Tania: Tania is the founder of Lumos Marketing, a thought leadership consultancy for social impact entrepreneurs ready to stand out as they stand up for their mission. She offers personal brand messaging strategy for LinkedIn along with coaching to dismantle imposter thoughts. She also hosts the podcast The Campfire Circle which explores the idea of replacing the ‘boardroom table’ as the ultimate space of leadership with a campfire circle: a place to share our stories, build inclusive community, and spark visionary ideas.
Tania’s IG: @taniabhat
Tania’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tania-bhattacharyya
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