In this episode, I catch up with my friend Ryan to talk about his winding, very real journey through performing, teaching, and growing up. We get into everything from being adopted in Texas and raised in New Jersey, to studying theatre at Wagner, discovering Pure Barre (where we met, trained together, and eventually became lead teachers), and how those early New York years shaped our friendship.

Ryan shares what it was like juggling college theatre, the Disney College Program, every position at Pure Barre, and the pressure to hustle nonstop — and how all of that eventually taught him what burnout actually feels like. We talk about navigating post-grad life, finding stability in creative careers, learning what truly fuels you, and figuring out your worth so you are able to say no.

It’s honest, funny, nostalgic, and full of the kind of perspective you get once you’re on the other side of it.

stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍

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