Life In Bold with Ben Hawes

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the wonderful Valerie Ward for an in-depth conversation about her life, her journey with improv and comedy, and how she balances her corporate career with her creative passions. 

Valerie shared her unique experiences growing up in Texas, from her quirky fashion sense in high school to her early love of theater and improv. We explored how those formative years shaped her self-confidence and desire to express her creativity, even when faced with self-consciousness and the pressures of being seen as the "smart" kid.

As Valerie transitioned to college and then her career in marketing consulting, we discussed the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance and carving out time for her improv group and comedy pursuits. Her insights on the collaborative nature of the Austin improv scene versus the more competitive model in New York were fascinating.

I also opened up about my own experiences with comedy, marketing, and finding purpose beyond just "getting famous." Valerie's perspective on using comedy as a hobby versus a profession resonated with me, as I continue to navigate my own path in the creative world.

Overall, this conversation was a wonderful exploration of kindness, self-discovery, and the power of community - all through the lens of Valerie's inspiring story. I'm grateful to have had the chance to dive deeper into her life and creative passions, and I'm sure listeners will find her journey as inspiring as I do.

Thank you for tuning in! 🎙️ Don’t miss out on the latest episodes—hit Subscribe for new bold conversations every week 🏳️‍🌈

Life in Bold is hosted by NYC’s Ben Hawes, a musical comedian and podcaster. Life In Bold helps you embrace your dreams and take bold steps toward achieving them.

💬 What did you think of today’s show? I’d love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram or drop a comment below to share your thoughts.

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In this episode of Life in Bold, I sit down with the incredibly talented Liz Coin to talk about her one-woman show, Lizzie Sunshine 🌞. Liz shares the deeply personal inspiration behind the show, which explores her brother’s addiction struggles, and how creating this piece helped her embrace her inner artist 🎭. 

We dive into the highs and lows of performing in New York City, including her sold-out show at The Pit and her upcoming performance at Caveat. Liz also talks about the power of social media, building personal connections, and her exciting plans to take Lizzie Sunshine to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025 🎉. You won’t want to miss this conversation full of insight, heart, and humor!

Thank you for tuning in! 🎙️ Don’t miss out on the latest episodes—hit Subscribe for new bold conversations every week 🏳️‍🌈

Life in Bold is hosted by NYC’s Ben Hawes, a musical comedian and podcaster. Life In Bold helps you embrace your dreams and take bold steps toward achieving them.

💬 What did you think of today’s show? I’d love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram or drop a comment below to share your thoughts.

💬 Tell us your thoughts! Drop a comment or DM us on Instagram!

🔗 Follow & Connect:

Keywords: 

Visit our website at lifeinboldpod.com and thank you for the support! 🌟

Lauren Arnett is an amazing improviser and actor in NYC who performs with many improv groups and makes people laugh all across New York City. Originally from Michigan, she grew up in a church where the church scene became her social life. Quiet in shy in high school, she now takes stages all over NYC to show the world what she’s got— in this episode we talk about our queerness, religion and christianity, our church experiences, and of course, queer dating & sex scenes in movies! 

THANK YOU for listening!! Subscribe here to get the latest!!

What are your thoughts on today's show?! DM the pod on Instagram or comment below to share what you feel. I'd love to know!   

This podcast is hosted by New York City's Ben Hawes. Ben is a musical comedian and podcaster whose mission is to help folks see the value in their dreams, help them take action, and make it happen for themselves.

You Can Find Life In Bold Here: 

We post highlights, clips, and bonus content  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod 

Subscribe on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@lifeinboldpod

You Can Find Ben Hawes (Host) Here:  

I post daily comedy videos and document my comedy & business life! 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laughwithben

Subscribe On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@laughwithben  

You Can Find Lauren (Guest) Here:  

I love when our listeners go and support our guests!  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Laurenjarnett 

I hope you have a great day, an even better week, and don't forget to Live Your Life in Bold.

-Ben Hawes

Local Elevator by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300012

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

My conversation with improv actor Patrick Darwin Williams was a riveting dive into masculinity in the 90s and 2000s, balancing football & theater (hello Troy Bolton!), moving to NYC in 2006, being a dad and husband, and basically an all-around interview with a fantastically talented and kind straight man. As a kid growing up in California, I had my own experiences with masculinity, coming out and hiding my true self, but I’ve learned that this is actually a pretty universal feeling— we ALL are just trying to make it and survive in 6th grade, right? 

Patrick is an amazing improviser in NYC, an improv instructor at The People’s Improv Theater in NYC, and just a super nice guy who I’ve had the chance to become friends with. His lesson and message? Make eye contact in improv, but also, make eye contact with your life. He chats about his transitions in life and how he’s balanced all his interests, responsibilities, and passions— and at 39 years old, he’s feeling good about being a dad, husband, improviser, and New Yorker. 

THANK YOU for listening!! Subscribe here to get the latest!!

What are your thoughts on today's show?! DM the pod on Instagram or comment below to share what you feel. I'd love to know!   

This podcast is hosted by New York City's Ben Hawes. Ben is a musical comedian and podcaster whose mission is to help folks see the value in their dreams, help them take action, and make it happen for themselves.

You Can Find Life In Bold Here: 

We post highlights, clips, and bonus content  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod 

Subscribe on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@lifeinboldpod

You Can Find Ben Hawes (Host) Here:  

I post daily comedy videos and document my comedy & business life! 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laughwithben

Subscribe On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@laughwithben  

You Can Find Emmy (Guest) Here:  

I love when our listeners go and support our guests!  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickdarwinwilliams

I hope you have a great day, an even better week, and don't forget to Live Your Life in Bold.

-Ben Hawes

Emmy Harrington is a wonderful Actor based in NYC who has done many things, but is very well known for her Live theater show “SCORE” where she invites comedians to do an act based on a classic movie she assigns, and then she herself does an interpretive/interactive dance and performance for each movie score. She grew up a dancer with a family who puts on an annual variety show— and she once had the idea to do a dance for the score of Jurassic Park— and it was a hit— since then, she has loved this art form. Emmy has been doing comedy and acting for over 10 years— I know that because there is a Cruise Ship commercial she did 10 years ago that I actually saw back in the day!! If you get a chance after listening to this episode, go to Emmy’s YouTube page and scroll through her amazing comedy and acting reels. 

In this episode, we talk all about how she came up with her show, “SCORE,” which is going to be at CAVEAT on 7/31/24— if you are in NY, you should go!!! It’s an amazing time. If you are outside of NYC but listen to this and fall in love with Emmy, make sure to buy a Live Stream ticket so you can see the whole thing right on your computer! As Emmy says, it’s filmed a lot like the Kennedy Center Honors LOL. We also talk about building a comedy career and an audience, getting people to come to your shows, dating in NYC, and dancing as a way to get your fitness on! 

THANK YOU for listening!! Subscribe here to get the latest!!

What are your thoughts on today's show?! DM the pod on Instagram or comment below to share your thoughts. I'd love to know!   

This podcast is hosted by New York City's Ben Hawes. Ben is a musical comedian and podcaster whose mission is to help folks see the value in their dreams, help them take action, and make it happen for themselves.

You Can Find Life In Bold Here: 

We post highlights, clips, and bonus content  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod 

Subscribe on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@lifeinboldpod

You Can Find Ben Hawes (Host) Here:  

I post daily comedy videos and document my comedy & business life! 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laughwithben

Subscribe On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@laughwithben  

You Can Find Emmy (Guest) Here:  

I love when our listeners go and support our guests!  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theemmyharrington

Tickets to her show: https://caveat.nyc/events/score-7-31-2024

I hope you have a great day, an even better week, and don't forget to Live Your Life in Bold.

-Ben Hawes

Local Elevator by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300012

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Helen Polise is best known as the “TikTok Teacher” on social media, teaching folks how to make the most of their experience on social media— but she is so much more! She’s a podcast host, a vlogger, and a commercial producer, and she’s kicking life in the booty with her amazing young energy. She’s learned a lot about the power of a positive mindset through her experience with Cancer a couple of years back; she’s spending a lot more time in “younger” environments where people are surprised to learn that even in her early 60s, she’s a Tik Tok production expert! She is also a fabulous comedy mom to her Daughter, comedian Juli Polise in LA. 

In this episode, Helen and I discuss comedy career strategy, social media fun, how to use trends to your benefit, our shared resistance to the term “Grandfluencer,” and so much more! The conversation flowed nicely, and I very much enjoyed learning from Helen in this episode. Now, Helen is my “NYC Mom,” and you better follow her below to get more information about her podcast, newsletter, and more!

THANK YOU for listening!! Subscribe here to get the latest!!

What are your thoughts on today's show?! DM the pod on Instagram or comment below to share your thoughts. I'd love to know!   

This podcast is hosted by New York City's Ben Hawes. Ben is a musical comedian and podcaster whose mission is to help folks see the value in their dreams, help them take action, and make it happen for themselves.

You Can Find Life In Bold Here: 

We post highlights, clips, and bonus content  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod 

Subscribe on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@lifeinboldpod

You Can Find Ben Hawes (Host) Here:  

I post daily comedy videos and document my comedy & business life! 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laughwithben

Subscribe On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@laughwithben  

You Can Find Helen (Guest) Here:  

I love it when our listeners go and support our guests!  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themuthership

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themuthership

I hope you have a great day, an even better week, and don't forget to Live Your Life in Bold.

-Ben Hawes

Seann Cantatore is a fantastic musical comedian who is (say it with me) GOING ON TOUR!!! Yes, you heard me, this summer, Seann Cantatore may be coming to a city near you, and you better go to her show biatch! Seann sings funny tunes about all things, including being an angry New Yorker, Shaving her pubes for nothing (check her YouTube for the amazing music video experience), and now, in her new show, she is singing about all the things she’s done to NOT work a 9-5. Listen in for fun chats about what it takes to go on tour, build comedy audiences, and how to get STRESSED in New York City!

Once you're done listening to or watching this episode with Ben Hawes and Seann Cantatore, head to YouTube to watch the After Party! Lots of fun over there!

THANK YOU for listening!! Subscribe here to get the latest!!

What are your thoughts on today's show?! DM the pod on Instagram or comment below to share what you feel. I'd love to know!   

This podcast is hosted by New York City's Ben Hawes. Ben is a musical comedian and podcaster whose mission is to help folks see the value in their dreams, help them take action, and make it happen for themselves.

You Can Find Life In Bold Here: 

We post highlights, clips, and bonus content  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod 

Subscribe on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@lifeinboldpod

You Can Find Ben Hawes (Host) Here:  

I post daily comedy videos and document my comedy & business life! 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laughwithben

Subscribe On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@laughwithben  

You Can Find Seann (Guest) Here:  

I love when our listeners go and support our guests!  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanncantatore

I hope you have a great day, an even better week, and don't forget to Live Your Life in Bold.

-Ben Hawes

Local Elevator by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300012

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Nicole Pascaretta is a New York Based performer who specializes in Improv, Sketch, and Musical Comedy and in today’s episode we talk all about her growing up in Michigan, what high school was like, dressing up in costumes, getting started in comedy, moving to NYC, and what her message is in performing comedy. Nicole is known best for her many characters, her physical comedy & dance background, and her sketch comedy group with comedian Seann Cantatore “Bring Your Own Bob,” which has toured to various cities across the United States. Nicole is a fantastic person with a wonderful laugh, and it was an honor to have her on this week’s episode of the Life in Bold Podcast. 

Once you're done listening to or watching this episode with Ben Hawes and Seann Cantatore, head to YouTube to watch the After Party! Lots of fun over there!

THANK YOU for listening!! Subscribe here to get the latest!!

What are your thoughts on today's show?! DM the pod on Instagram or comment below to share what you feel. I'd love to know!   

This podcast is hosted by New York City's Ben Hawes. Ben is a musical comedian and podcaster whose mission is to help folks see the value in their dreams, help them take action, and make it happen for themselves.

You Can Find Life In Bold Here: 

We post highlights, clips, and bonus content  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod 

Subscribe on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@lifeinboldpod

You Can Find Ben Hawes (Host) Here:  

I post daily comedy videos and document my comedy & business life! 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laughwithben

Subscribe On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@laughwithben  

You Can Find Nicole (Guest) Here:  

I love when our listeners go and support our guests!  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.pascaretta

I hope you have a great day, an even better week, and don't forget to Live Your Life in Bold.

-Ben Hawes

Local Elevator by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300012

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Jess Elgene is a wonderfully talented comedian and performer in New York City. She performs improv, stand-up comedy, sketch shows, and musical comedy, and Las creates comedy content on TikTok and Instagram. She’s partly known for her viral videos, including known for a mega-viral hit she created on TikTok about being the Poet Laureate of her family on Christmas… very funny!! She is also performing her solo show, “Less Of A Man,” this year at the Edinburgh Fringe Fest. She’s the real freaking deal! I hope you love this episode. 

Once you're done listening to or watching this episode with Ben Hawes and Seann Cantatore, head to YouTube to watch the After Party! Lots of fun over there!

THANK YOU for listening!! Subscribe here to get the latest!!

What are your thoughts on today's show?! DM the pod on Instagram or comment below to share what you feel. I'd love to know!   

This podcast is hosted by New York City's Ben Hawes. Ben is a musical comedian and podcaster whose mission is to help folks see the value in their dreams, help them take action, and make it happen for themselves.

You Can Find Life In Bold Here: 

We post highlights, clips, and bonus content  

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lifeinboldpod 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeinboldpod 

Subscribe on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@lifeinboldpod

You Can Find Ben Hawes (Host) Here:  

I post daily comedy videos and document my comedy & business life! 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laughwithben

Subscribe On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@laughwithben  

You Can Find Florence (Guest) Here:  

I love when our listeners go and support our guests!  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_elgene 

I hope you have a great day, an even better week, and don't forget to Live Your Life in Bold.

-Ben Hawes

Local Elevator by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300012

Artist: http://incompetech.com/