Teaching Artistry with Courtney J. Boddie

In Act 1 of this 2-episode arc, we were introduced to Tricia Patrick, Director of Education at Ford’s Theatre, as she shared her journey of artistic discovery and self-reflection. She took us through the winding path that led her back to the arts, illustrating how moments of exploration, uncertainty, and personal growth ultimately deepened her understanding of why the arts matter. Through her story, we explored the power of looking back—how embracing the many chapters of our lives helps us refine our purpose, strengthen our creative practice, and bring greater depth to our work as educators, artists, and leaders in the field.

Act 2 picks up right where we left off, shifting the focus to the broader impact of theater—not just as an art form, but as a means of fostering essential life skills, interpersonal, and community connection. Tricia unpacks the challenges of access—or lack thereof—to theater, interrogating why it is often undervalued compared to other disciplines and making the case for its immense personal and societal benefits. She also shares her perspective on leadership in the arts, exploring what it means to lead with intention, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. From the transformative power of storytelling to the responsibility of shaping equitable, inclusive spaces, this conversation is a powerful call to recognize the full value of theater and the arts—not just as entertainment but as a vital force for growth, connection, and change.

In Act 1 of this 2-episode arc, "Manifesting Our Creative Chapters," we are thrilled to welcome Tricia Patrick, Director of Education at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. Tricia’s story is one of artistic discovery and self-reflection, rooted in a deep love for the arts that began at a very early age. She takes us on a journey through her life, exploring how an initial spark of passion for the arts led her to navigate diverse paths and career focuses, only to find herself returning to her creative roots with renewed purpose. Along the way, Tricia reflects on the importance of looking back on the many chapters that shape who we are—how embracing our personal histories not only informs our identities but also enhances our ability to engage, educate, and inspire through the arts. This episode invites listeners to consider the cyclical nature of passion and purpose, and how our ever-evolving narratives can deepen our connection to the work we do.

In Act 1 of "Embracing Complexities," we explored Indi McCasey’s expansive journey as a performer, teaching artist, arts administrator, and community catalyst. We unpacked the regional nuances of arts education, the power of data-driven innovation, and how the arts can break free from the constraints of curriculum-based teaching to create more liberatory learning spaces. Through it all, Indi highlighted how teaching artistry skills serve as a bridge across disciplines, shaping their approach to leadership and community engagement.

Act 2 picks up right where we left off, diving deeper into Indi’s personal journey of self-discovery through the arts. They share the transformative impact of discovering drag, how it helped them explore the complexities of gender, and the ways community played a vital role in embracing identity. Courtney and Indi also discuss the profound influence of different art forms in shaping Indi’s perspective and sense of self. This episode is an honest and expansive conversation about identity, artistry, and the power of creative expression in building a more inclusive and empathetic world.

We are back with our 75th episode, and can’t wait for you to hear it. In Act 1 of "Embracing Complexities," we sit down with Indi McCasey, whose multifaceted journey spans roles as a drag performer, circus artist, teaching artist, arts administrator, and now Executive Director of the Ithaca Public Education Initiative. Indi shares their insights as a community catalyst, exploring how teaching artistry skills translate across diverse professional landscapes. Together, Courtney and Indi dive into themes and topics like regional differences in arts education ecosystems, the liberatory potential of arts-based learning, and the many ways data can drive innovation in education. From the challenges of curriculum-based teaching to the intricacies of NYC's geography—yes, really—this episode celebrates creative approaches to teaching, learning, and community.

In Act 1, we met Hassiem Muhammad, an actor, teaching artist, and multidisciplinary creative, as he reflected on his early discovery of the arts and the experiences that shaped his creative journey. From the mentors who guided him to the unique pathways he’s forged as an artist, the conversation explored how the arts became a powerful force for self-expression and transformation in his life. It was an inspiring dive into the roots of artistry and the passion that drives creative individuals to pursue their craft.

In Act 2, we pick up right where we left off and venture deeper into the questions that every artist faces. Is an artist ever truly satisfied in their work? How and when do we as artists know when it’s time to move on? Hassiem shares his perspectives on the intersection of artistry and education, reflecting on his work with a range of organizations and how their approaches have challenged and shaped his practice. The episode also unpacks the impact of his work, exploring how creativity manifests in the spaces he visits. This thought-provoking conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about the deeper connections between art, education, and artistic purpose.

What do The Karate Kid, Hogwarts, and Fame have in common? You’ll have to tune into Episode 74 to find out! In "Run Your Own Race," Courtney dives into an inspiring conversation with Hassiem Muhammad, a dynamic actor, teaching artist, and multidisciplinary creative whose passion for the arts has shaped every aspect of his journey. In Act 1 of this two-part episode, Hassiem reflects on the moments that ignited his love for creativity, the mentors and experiences that guided him, and the unique pathways he’s forged to cultivate his artistry. With humor, heart, and plenty of insight, this episode highlights how the arts can open doors to self-discovery, self-confidence and drive.

In Act 1, Nehprii Amenii took us on a journey through her experiences as a New Victory LabWorks artist, emphasizing the importance of artistry, childlike wonder, and fostering harmony in the classroom. She reflected on her connection to the Alvin Ailey company and shared what it means to truly see and embrace the unique possibilities of art. Through these stories, Nehprii inspired us to rethink the role of creativity in our lives and the power of living in harmony with others.

Now for Act 2: What kind of artist are you in this moment? What is your purpose as an artist? These are two big questions swirling their way through Act 2, which picks up right where we left off. In this portion of their chat, Courtney and our guest dive deeper into Nehprii’s fascinating career in puppetry and how it shapes her creative voice. As she reflects ever-so-briefly on what fuels her artistry—the pressing fear that our humanness is disappearing—Nehprii explores the essence of being an artist, how we define artistic worth, and the deeper questions that keep her art alive. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to create, connect, and stay true to our humanity in an ever-changing world.

In Act 1 of Episode 73: “One Hundred Percent Whole,” we welcome the one, the only, the radiant Nehprii Amenii—an educator, Teaching Artist, curriculum developer, theater director, playwright, puppeteer, and a self-proclaimed “creator of things.” Nehprii shares her journey as a New Victory LabWorks artist, exploring how her repeated invitations to the program helped shape her work both within the program and elsewhere. In their conversation, she and Courtney delve into the importance of centering artistry and maintaining a sense of childlike wonder as adults. Listeners will also hear Nehprii’s unique approach to fostering harmony within the classroom and her inspiring connection to the Alvin Ailey company, which deepened her understanding of what it truly means to be an artist.

In Act 1, we explored some jaw-dropping stats on arts access in New York City, the transformative power of the arts on emotional well-being, and why the arts deserve a place alongside core subjects like history and social studies. Our guest, Judith Insell, shared her insights on how the arts can be an economic engine and an accessible career pathway. If you missed it, be sure to catch up on that conversation!

In Act 2, we get personal. Judith takes us on her own artistic journey, from discovering her passion for music at a young age to attending the prestigious LaGuardia High School and Manhattan School of Music. Through a series of serendipitous events, she found herself gigging professionally and stepping into arts administration by the age of 24. Judith reflects on the reality of supplementing her career as a musician with teaching and how her experience as a practicing artist has shaped her unique approach to arts administration today. This is a powerful exploration of the intersection of artistry and leadership.

Get ready for a mind-blowing conversation as Courtney sits down with the dynamic Judith Insell, Executive Director of Bronx Arts Ensemble, in the first act of this two-part series. In this episode, it's all about stats, stats, and more stats—showcasing the eye-opening numbers around the lack of arts access for kids across New York City. Judith and Courtney, you’ll learn, believe that the arts should be advocated for in the same ways that subjects like history and social studies are, and they pose the question: Could and should people in positions of influence declare arts a core subject? Spoiler: the answer is YES! But their chat doesn’t stop there. They unpack how the arts uplift emotional well-being, acting as a crucial tool for human connection and mental health. Plus, Judith brings the heat with insights on how the arts are an economic powerhouse and an exciting, accessible, viable career pathway. This episode is filled with passion and advocacy for an art-filled future for young people, and you won’t want to miss a second of it!