Better Call Daddy by Reena Friedman Watts

April 07, 2025 423. Managing Mental Health in the Performing Arts: Whitney Ann Jenkins

Hey there! Ever wondered how finding your voice can truly change your life?

This episode of Better Call Daddy has some serious wisdom bombs from Whitney Ann Jenkins. From overcoming fears to living authentically, she's sharing her journey and lessons learned.

Whitney Ann Jenkins discusses authenticity, finding your voice, and balancing life as a creative.

Finding Authentic Voice: The journey to discover one's true voice.

Personal Boundaries: Importance in protecting one's creative expression.

Life Lessons: Learning from life experiences and challenges.

Energy and Healing: Reiki and understanding personal energy.

Creativity and Performance: Exploration of artistic authenticity.

Navigating Relationships: Impact of relationships on personal growth.

Community and Support: Building a supportive environment for creatives.

Think about a time when you felt you weren't being true to yourself. What circumstances led to that, and how did you feel?

Whitney spoke about the struggle to balance societal expectations with personal intuition. How do you currently balance external pressures with your inner desires?

Fear and Adventure:

Recall a moment when you took a bold step out of your comfort zone. What motivated you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Whitney mentioned an adventurous streak that took her to Italy impulsively. If you had the opportunity to explore a place spontaneously, where would you go and why?

Energy and Boundaries:

Whitney highlighted the importance of setting boundaries for creativity to flourish. Identify areas in your life where setting boundaries could lead to more freedom and creativity.

How do you currently manage your energy, especially when surrounded by different personalities and expectations?

Authenticity in Relationships:

Consider the role of others in your journey toward authenticity. How have family, friends, or mentors influenced your self-discovery?

Whitney shared her challenges with familial relationships. How does your family dynamic impact your self-expression?

Mentorship and Community:

Reflect on a mentor or community that has provided you with support on your path to authenticity. What qualities do they embody that help you feel seen and understood?

Part 2: Creative Exercises

Mindful Visualization:

Spend 5 minutes imagining your most authentic self in a scenario where you're thriving. Write down what you visualized, focusing on your surroundings, activities, and the feelings you experienced.

Role Exploration:

Choose a scene from a movie or book you resonate with. Act it out in your own way, focusing on how you bring yourself to the role. Reflect on how this experience impacts your understanding of authenticity.

Energy Mapping:

Chart your daily activities and interactions. Note the energy shifts you experience with each one. Use different colors to indicate high energy, low energy, and neutral experiences. Reflect on patterns or relationships that might need attention.

Letters to Self:

Write a letter to your younger self about the importance of staying true to personal values and voice. Include lessons learned and advice for navigating challenges with authenticity.

Part 3: Discussion & Sharing

Group Discussion:

If part of a group, share your findings and exercises with peers or mentors. What insights did others provide about your journey, and how might their perspectives assist in your growth?

Online Community Engagement:

Utilize online platforms to connect with similar-minded individuals. Share a part of your journey toward authenticity and invite others to share theirs.

Part 4: Actionable Goals

Setting goals can provide clarity and direction in your pursuit of authenticity. Based on the reflections and exercises:

Identify two areas in your life where you want to focus on being more authentic.

Outline specific actions you will take in the next month to strengthen your connection to your voice and authenticity.

By engaging in these reflective questions and activities, you can explore deeper layers of your personal authenticity, inspired by the themes Whitney Ann Jenkins addressed on the show. Remember, the journey to finding and expressing your authentic voice is ongoing, and every step counts!

(00:00) Exploring Voices in Acting

(05:05) Balancing Dreams and Expectations

(08:07) Boundaries Enable Creative Freedom

(11:41) Voice Crisis: Reiki to the Rescue

(14:30) Coping with a Narcissistic Parent

(19:05) Finding Truth in Acting Spaces

(20:34) Self-Worth in Creativity

(25:27) Embrace Your Unique Self

(29:10) Holistic Balance for Artists

(30:18) Nashville's Transient Music Scene

(34:32) Creative Bond with Shy Dad

(37:27) Inauthentic Pursuits and Unexpected Roles