I am delighted to have Lara Bianca Pilcher back on the podcast as we celebrate the launch of Lara's new book Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World. Lara's personal artistic journey and her experience coaching artists come together beautifully in her message of hope for artists--that it is possible to thrive in today's noisy world!

Lara shares practical wisdom, powerful mindset shifts, and stories that will ignite your passion to show up boldly as an artist. I am so inspired by Lara's encouragement to "do it afraid" and the insights she shares from her experience building a life of audacious artistry.

We dive into navigating overwhelm, handling rejection, overcoming burnout, and facing loneliness. Lara's game-changing Creative Brief Framework detailed in Audacious Artistry is a tool you can return to time and time again to reconnect to your identity, direction, and purpose. No matter your season of life, Lara's message will help you move forward with courage and find your creative rhythm.

Gather some artist friends and take your community deeper with the free group study at larabiancapilcher.com/book

Do you want to hear more from Lara? Check out episodes 13 and 98 of the podcast where she shares more of her journey!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-140/⁠⁠

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Creativity, artist identity, overwhelm, Audacious Artistry, community, burnout, consistency, The Creative Brief Framework, emotional processing, and the artistic journey.

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

We are wrapping up our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series with the very first graduate of the Belhaven Dance Department, Jill Pelhan Day! It was such a joy to spend this time with Jill and hear more about the beginnings of the dance program. While so much has changed over the years, we both reflect on how the heart of Belhaven has remained the same.

Jill shares her inspiring journey from a small town in South Carolina to becoming a pioneer in the Belhaven Dance Department. She reflects on her experiences at Belhaven, the evolution of dance education, and the importance of community and personal growth along the way. Jill also opens up about health challenges she's faced in recent years and the journey of healing.

We chat about the significance of authenticity and pursuing what God calls you to in your life. Jill offers such valuable wisdom, encouraging each of us to embrace failure, enjoy the journey, and remain open to change.

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-139/⁠

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, dance education, personal growth, health, community, authenticity, life lessons.

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

What a gift to spend time with Kim Holloway for part eleven of our Belhaven Dance Alumni series! Kim is a choreographer, performer, teaching artist, and Pilates instructor based in Seattle, Washington. I love Kim's heart for connection and community and her belief that movement has the power to bring healing and change.

In our conversation, Kim shares her artistic journey from her early influences to her experiences at Belhaven University and beyond. She discusses the challenges of navigating the professional dance world, the importance of understanding the business side of art, and her personal health struggles that have shaped her perspective on creativity and healing. Kim emphasizes the significance of community, self-kindness, and redefining success in the arts. Whether you are an aspiring or seasoned artist, Kim's wisdom and insight offer encouragement for the journey.

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-138/

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, community, creativity, healing, artistic journey, health challenges, movement, professional growth, business as an artist, personal development.

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

I loved reconnecting with Lauren Messina for part ten of our Belhaven Dance Alumni series! Lauren is an award-winning choreographer, community builder, and founder of Skool Dance, an innovative online space connecting dancers of all backgrounds worldwide.

In our conversation, Lauren shares about her journey in dance, the importance of community, and her experiences at Belhaven for both her undergraduate and MFA studies. We also dive into her current work in New Orleans as well as the founding of Skool Dance. We chat about the significance of community for artists, the joy of movement, and the resilience of artists in challenging times. Lauren's voice is one of encouragement as she reminds us to embrace the joy of dance in everyday life.

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-137/

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, community, MFA, choreography, New Orleans, online community, motherhood, joy in movement, advice for artists

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

It was so sweet to connect with the lovely Goldie Mims for episode 136, part nine of our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series! Goldie is a recent graduate of Belhaven University and is currently dancing with Enoch Contemporary Ballet in Tennessee. She shares her journey beginning with the inspiration of growing up in a creative family in Jacksonville, Florida, to the unexpected pursuit of her dance degree at Belhaven, to her current role at Enoch Contemporary Ballet.

We chat about Goldie's experiences at Belhaven and the challenges and excitement of transitioning to a career in dance. We dive into the importance of community, including what building community looks like post-college. Goldie also reflects on the significance of self-discipline, lifelong learning, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth in the ongoing journey as an artist.

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-136/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, Enoch Contemporary Ballet, creative journey, personal growth, college experience, dance ministry, professional dance, community building, lifelong learning

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

We are continuing our Belhaven Dance Alumni series with performer and dance educator Jamie J. Thompson! Jamie joins me for part eight of our series, episode 135, sharing the integral significance of dance in his upbringing in Belize and the path he has journeyed to becoming a professional dancer and educator in New York City. He reflects on his formative years, both his experiences growing up in Belize and his transformative time at Belhaven University. Jamie's story highlights the power of mentorship as well as learning to synthesize our experiences and create a "toolkit" of skills as an artist.

We chat about pivotal moments in Jamie's professional dance career, including his early experiences in Dallas and his time as part of Disney's The Lion King on Broadway. He discusses the joys and challenges of performing, including injuries and the demands of the industry, as well as how those challenges have helped him develop resilience. Jamie also delves into his teaching philosophy and his creative process as a choreographer. He offers valuable advice for aspiring dancers about exploring their full talent matrix and preparing for a diverse career in the arts. Jamie's story is such an inspiration!

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-135/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, New York City, teaching, mentoring, professional dance, culture, arts education, choreography, Broadway, The Lion King, career transition, injuries, creativity, resilience, advice for dancers

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

My lovely friend Carina Nasrallah joins me for episode 134, part seven of our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series! Carina is currently an outreach athletic trainer for Houston Methodist Hospital and is an athletic trainer for the Houston Ballet & Academy. Throughout our conversation, Carina and I enjoy reminiscing about our time at Belhaven together and our shared experiences living and working in Houston.

With her own background as a dancer, Carina has a unique ability to connect with professional dancers and artists as an athletic trainer. She shares about her journey from Belhaven to her current role at the Houston Ballet and the significant impact of mentorship along the way. We also dive into balancing work and family life. I was personally so encouraged by Carina's thoughts on building community and leaning into the unexpected paths life can take.

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-134/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, dance medicine, motherhood, mentorship, athletic training, community, career journey, healing

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

It was so fun to reconnect with Matthew Palfenier for episode 133, part six of our Belhaven Dance Alumni series! We reminisce about our time at Belhaven University and the sense of camaraderie that was built during that season. Matthew and I explore his journey from early foundations in the arts, to his time at Belhaven, to becoming a professional dancer and educator. He shares about the pressure cooker experience of the professional dance world, and the importance of self-reflection in the face of burnout. We also chat about the power of community and mentorship, especially during times of uncertainty.

Matthew gives us insight into his transition from performing to teaching, both the challenges and rewards of learning a new skill set. I love how Matthew values passing on knowledge to the next generation and guiding his students as they learn to embrace their unique path as an artist. He also touches on the significance of choreography as a door to conversation and building deeper connections with others.

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-133/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, pandemic impact, teaching, choreography, arts community, personal growth, mentorship, dance education, artistic journey, burnout, self-reflection, community, choreography, artistic perspective, faith-based art, emerging artists

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

We are diving back into our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series for part five, episode 132, with the inspiring Elle Ciccarone! Elle received her BFA from Belhaven University and is currently pursuing her MFA there and teaching the undergraduate students. After graduating with her BFA, Elle spent several years performing, teaching, and choreographing in New Orleans. While there, she established her own modern dance company, ELLEvate Dance, with a focus on empowering women in dance.

We chat about Elle's journey from her early dance experiences to her current MFA studies, exploring the intersection of faith and creativity in dance. Elle shares her insights on the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges of the dance industry, and the value of integrity and building relationships in your career. Our conversation also touches on the significance of community, personal growth, and the evolving nature of artistry.

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-131/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, MFA, creativity, faith, choreography, teaching, community, personal growth, artistry

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.

It was such a joy to reconnect with my beautiful friend Elisabeth Mather for episode 131, part 4 of our Belhaven Dance Alumni Series! Elisabeth is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. With a background as a professional dancer and educator, she brings a unique and impactful perspective to her work as a Counselor.

In our conversation, we dive into Elisabeth's journey—from her roots in Hawaii to her pursuit of dance at Belhaven University, her transition from ballet to modern dance, and her recent shift into fully focusing on counseling. We also chat about the complexities of navigating identity, the vital role of the artist in society, and the power of listening and curiosity in our relationships. I love Elisabeth's encouragement to live authentically and that we each have a meaningful place in this world.

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠!

. . . . .

Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

. . . . .

Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

⁠http://www.youtube.com/@creativeimpactpodcast⁠

Join our Patreon community for behind-the-scenes and bonus content!⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-131/⁠⁠⁠

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, counseling, identity, mentorship, American Dance Festival, self-discovery, mental health, and creativity

. . . . .

Let's Connect!

Instagram & Facebook:

⁠⁠⁠⁠@creativeimpactpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

. . . . .

The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.