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In this latest episode of Authenticate, Kate McLeod invites on Brandon Collins, a wearer of many hats—comedian, producer, writer, cultural critic—but the thread running through all of it is his ability to keep building, even when the blueprint falls apart. In this episode, they get into what it means to shape a creative identity without permission, what success feels like when imposter syndrome tries to rewrite the story, and how to keep showing up in rooms you’re not sure you’re allowed in.

This conversation moves through early trauma, internalized doubt, creative discipline, and the risk of fully owning your voice. And in it, Kate asks questions that push us toward a deeper understanding of why we do what we do—and how we keep doing it even when it feels like too much.

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"Fear is excitement without the breath." –Fritz Perls, a founder of Gestalt Therapy 

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In this episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod sits down with award-winning casting director, producer, and writer Erica Hart for a vibrant, resonant conversation about presence, purpose, and the rhythm of creative expression.

Together, they trace Erica’s path—from casting student films at NYU to shaping major projects in TV, film, and now Broadway. Through candid reflection, Erica shares how she began trusting her instincts, speaking up in the room, and stepping fully into her voice—even when it meant challenging the systems she once looked up to.

This episode flows like a conversation between longtime collaborators. Kate and Erica explore what it means to hold authority gently but firmly, to honor the creative past without being defined by it, and to grow in community with people who’ve known you since your “little self.” Music, rhythm, and movement—threads from Erica’s musical + dancer’s heart—carry through the conversation, showing up in how she sees scenes, senses cadence, and casts characters.

They also hold space for a deeper inquiry: how do we reconcile the accessibility gap in the arts? What does it mean to pivot creatively with meaning when doors stay closed, and how can we reframe those moments as invitations to build new ones through our own artistic lens?

This conversation is a reminder: your younger self is still with you—and they’d be in awe of what you’re doing now. If you’ve ever felt the tension between structure and self-expression, or if you’re crafting your own creative blueprint, this one’s for you.

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In this episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod sits down with Dave Byer for an expansive, deeply human conversation about creativity, change, and the quiet strength of choosing to do things differently.

As Dave reflects on the past year, he traces a personal shift—out of a limiting mindset and into a fuller, more aligned version of himself. Through candid storytelling, he shares how rethinking the status quo, prioritizing accessibility, and building platforms like the JHRTS New York Writers Room have all been part of a bigger desire to leave things better than he found them.

In real time, Kate offers creative reflection and guidance—gently consulting as a co-thinker and mirror—inviting Dave to consider that this moment, this version of himself, is the best place to build from. She introduces the metaphor of constructing an “idea house,” brick by brick, reminding him (and us) that taking meaningful creative action doesn’t require permission—only presence, intention, and belief.

Together, they explore the power of autonomy, the value of process over perfection, and how expansive creative thinking can shift not only projects, but entire mindsets. If you’ve been feeling like you’re between chapters or waiting for a sign to start, this conversation may be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.

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On this episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod and Curtis Dunn continue their collaborative personal practice of pushing back on one another’s perceptions of present thinking; the practice they use between one another to leverage the other side of their perspectives and opinions, for further information to illuminate, support or pivot their present thinking. Kate and Curtis are open in sharing the trials and tribulations of being intentional in commiting to practicing present thinking, as moment to moment realizations are shared as active examples. They discuss illusions of control, commitment to improvement and the joy along the way. 

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On the latest episode of "Authenticated," Kate is joined by her creative touchstone, unpaid life coach, and dear friend Curtis J. Dunn. They leverage their different perspectives to understand and challenge each other on topics of present mindsets, the value of deep understanding, and the comedy of thinking deeply. Kate and Curtis tinker in their reflections on meeting at 18 and their individual evolutions since, while staying close. Their conversation explores the grey between balancing creative instincts with enough structured productivity to satisfy their additions to doing, the importance of staying present, and the joy of a friendship with deep understanding.

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In this latest episode of Authenticated, host Kate McLeod retraces the steps of guest Megan Timpane in her full-circle moment with the revival of her one-woman show Lymphomaniac, ten years after its debut. Kate's biggest curiosity for Megan revolves around how a show about her life has evolved over ten years and how she has evolved alongside it. Megan sheds light on her transition from acting to corporate communications training, spurred by a life-altering experience that not only inspired her show but also drove her to seek career stability. The conversation delves into themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the importance of staying true to oneself, and how active of a process that can be. Megan emphasizes how her personal growth has enriched her professional work, particularly in coaching executive communication. The episode in total underscores the power of authenticity and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and personal evolution.

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In her first solo episode of 'Authenticated,' host Kate McLeod unabashedly shares her fascination with the creative mind and the concept of  the creative conscious™. Leading by example, she discusses her personal journey of self-discovery and evolution, her various entrepreneurial ventures, and the challenges of balancing multiple projects. Kate emphasizes the importance of evidence-based self-reflection, the power of identifying your own version of "universal winks," and the continued practice of gratitude. Themes of professional authenticity, the value of different perspectives on thinking, and the significance of self-defined success naturally illuminate amidst her raw takes. Kate shares her plans for the ME³ program and community, a space dedicated to optimizing creative thinking, and announces a new initiative to revamp the platform to reflect her always evolving insights. Throughout, Kate encourages listeners to actively engage in their own evolutionary process, and make habit of optimizing their brains for more enjoyable place to inhabit.

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In the latest episode of Authenticated, host Kate McLeod and guest Sibel Damar workshop perspectives on the personal nature of the fourth wall in performance. On a larger scale, they specifically analyze Sibel's relationship with her online audience both before and after the production of her viral comedy videos. Zooming in, Kate asks Sibel which parts of her characters are authentically her, leading to the revelation at the heart of Sibel’s talent: they are all part of her. The level of authenticity in this episode explores the essence of art and how all performances inherently acknowledge the act of being seen. For Sibel, her fourth wall is less of a barrier and more of a wink to her audience—a way of inviting them into moments where they’re hanging out with her. It's a stunning example of why every artistic fourth wall carries a unique voice.

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In the latest episode of Authenticated, Kate McLeod trials bigger perspectives on pivoting and adapting in conversation with Kayla Jury. They outline tools to shift the perspective on these themes, like: abandoning "should," allowing the definition to be relative to the definer, making room for yourself where you need it, endurance, etc. all while offering personal experience as anecdote.

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In this latest episode of Authenticated, Kate meets up with Director and “Theatre Maker” Melissa Crespo. Their thoughtful conversation surveys the nuances of passion and creativity, specifically through the lens of boundaries within them for purposes of preservation. After two professional projects together, Kate and Melissa get personal with how they arrive to their diverse creative work these days. They discuss the evolving nature of what is becoming more broadly a creative entrepreneurship industry, the necessity of balance to avoid burnout, and the needed creative versatility in the arts. The conversation is peppered with humor, deep insights, and real-life experiences, showcasing the dynamic and challenging world of creative working professionals.

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