By Ayana Major Bey
5
1919 ratings
The podcast currently has 108 episodes available.
On today's episode we are taking a deep dive into the creative journeys of my guests Marci J. Duncan and Kerry Sandell. We discuss non-linear career paths and making peace with one’s decisions, the significance of discovering personal passions and how viewing industry changes as opportunities to create authentic storytelling. We touch upon the dichotomy of fear preventing people from pursuing opportunities or keeping them trapped in unfulfilling paths and gain insight into their personal career pivots—from delayed dreams to embracing those nonlinear paths in the arts. We explore the organic beginnings of their collaborative play "Dissonance," a powerful narrative about interracial friendship and candid conversations on race. They share about the safe, vulnerable space they created for honest artistry and the emotional impact of their play on diverse audiences, including heartfelt revelations from viewers and thought-provoking discussions that were sparked. This episode is an exploration of artistry, authenticity, and meaningful connections through the lens of theater.
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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey
Editor: Kieran Niemand
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey
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On today's episode we're diving deep into the art of creative resilience and the power of community with two incredible guests: Creativity Coaches and Co-Hosts of The Spark File podcast Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien. These originating artists share their transformative journeys, from interpreting others' creative visions to defining their own. Laura emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths and navigating fears to pivot toward joy and innovation in your craft. Susan offers invaluable advice on managing both your creative output and its promotion, reminding us that every artist must wear multiple hats.We'll explore personal stories of overcoming self-doubt, the significance of supportive relationships, and the courage to take creative risks. We dissect how to handle rejections, make thoughtful collaboration requests, and maintain an egalitarian approach in a hierarchical world.We unpack valuable lessons on persistence and tenacity, discuss the birth of "The Spark File", and encourage you to embrace your creative potential and pivot toward growth and fulfillment.
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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey
Editor: Kieran Niemand
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey
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On today’s episode we have an inspiring conversation with Author, Musician, and Coach for High-Performing Creatives Kate Kayaian. In this special dual episode, recorded in collaboration with Kate's podcast "Tales from the Lane," we dive deep into themes of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the ever-evolving nature of personal and professional growth.
Kate shares her journey from a busy freelance cellist in Boston to making the brave decision to pivot her career towards coaching and entrepreneurship. We discuss the importance of setting aside personal time, even amidst the hustle, and how creative problem-solving can be boosted by shifting from a "no because" to a "yes if" mindset. We'll also touch on the challenges and emotions surrounding career pivots, the value of self-care, and the necessity of adaptability in the arts. You will hear about how the pandemic forced diversification but also the change in our artistic social circles. Ultimately this episode is about shifting your mindset, aligning with your personal goals, and blooming where you are planted. Let’s dive in.
A graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, and a New World Symphony fellow, Kate has performed in the world’s top concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Musikverein, Concertgebouw, and London’s Barbican and Royal Albert Halls. She has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, and conductor, and was a member of the Grammy-award-winning group Boston Modern Orchestra Project for 20 years. She has worked with contemporary artists Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Josh Groban, and Peter Gabriel and can be heard on over 75 recordings, including her award-winning 2016 release, The French Cello.
Having pivoted into the online coaching space in 2019, she now helps other creatives expand their artistic vision and roles through her 9-month coaching program, The Creatives Leadership Academy as well as in 1:1 client work. She is the writer and host of the Podcast, Tales from The Lane, and was a contributing author to the 2023 best-selling book Business on Purpose. While she still occasionally performs as a cellist, she has taken up her baton again as Music Director of the Bermuda Philharmonic. She has been working this year to complete the manuscript for her first full-length book, Beyond Potential–due out in March of 2025. She lives with her husband Paul and their menagerie of cats, dogs, lizards, and tree frogs on the beautiful island of Bermuda.
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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey
Editor: Kieran Niemand
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey
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Today’s solo episode is a special one as we celebrate our fourth podcast anniversary!
Reflecting on this incredible journey, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all our listeners, guests, and supporters who have been with us for six amazing seasons. We're delving into an important and often overlooked topic: grief in our careers. Join me as I share my personal revelations from a recent voice lesson, where my teacher pointed out the grief and tension I was holding in my face, impacting my ability to learn and grow as an artist. We'll explore how acknowledging and processing grief can open doors to new skills and opportunities.
I'll also discuss the significant changes in our industry, the shift to self-tapes, and the resulting loss of social interaction—a crucial aspect of our artistic community. Furthermore, I'll touch on the evolving landscape of my voiceover career and the lessons learned about financial stability as an artist during these uncertain times.
Whether you're an artist or anyone navigating life's pivots, this episode is for you. We'll reflect on what we're grieving, how it affects our growth, and how we can move forward with compassion and understanding.
Plus, don't miss out on details about my upcoming cabaret, "In Pursuit of Joy," on October 20, 2024, at The Green Room 42 in New York City!
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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey
Editor: Kieran Niemand
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey
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On today’s episode my guest is Sharon Braxton an accomplished project manager, event specialist, and author who has navigated the challenging waters of the entertainment industry with grace and resilience.Sharon shares her journey from New York to LA, which included many career transitions from the music industry to consumer goods to pro sports to author. You will hear about her early radio career which was influenced by her aunt, and after experiencing significant personal and professional setbacks, Sharon found strength and inspiration from her ancestors and a steadfast commitment to her purpose. She provides invaluable advice on navigating the industry's ups and downs, the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and the unpredictable yet rewarding path to achieving your dreams. Get ready to hear about some of Sharon’s exciting experiences in the music industry, her strategic pivoting, and thoughtful reflections on maintaining value and joy in any professional role.
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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey
Editor: Kieran Niemand
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey
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Today joining me is Elise Arsenault. Elise is an actor, audiobook narrator, coach, entrepreneur and creator of the Global Actor and The Great Audiobook Adventure. She has undoubtedly achieved success by embracing change and seizing new opportunities in her career. Elise shares her journey of finding her voice and how she has been a disruptor to the status quo even before she knew the term disruptor. Elise opens up about how difficult it was to leave New York but ultimately realizing it was the best decision for her career and well-being because the development of the concept "global actor" wouldn’t have been born with her living outside a major market.Throughout the conversation, we touch on the importance of self-care, recognizing and embracing different aspects of ourselves, and staying open to new possibilities, especially during challenging times. Elise shares her experience transitioning from musical theater to audiobook narration and teaching, demonstrating the ability to pivot and discover new opportunities in the industry. So get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion about finding your voice, embracing change, and living a fuller life as an artist.
Affiliate Link - Free Course: Narrate Your Way to Abundance
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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey
Editor: Kieran Niemand
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey
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In this episode I sit down with the multifaceted Kaisha Huguley, actor, host, and digital creator. Kaisha opens up about her untraditional path into musical theater, her move to New York, and the impacts of the pandemic on her self-discovery journey. We dive into the joys and challenges of performing, the societal pressures faced by black women in the entertainment industry, and discover we both one day want to reach the "offer only" club and not have to audition for roles. We also explore the concept of feeling settled, the importance of alignment in career choices, and the impact of New York City on our growth as people. Kaisha shares her journey of pivoting from theater to becoming a successful digital creator on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and provides valuable advice for artists on navigating the industry without losing sight of their values.
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Show Sponsors:
WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/
Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey
Editor: Kieran Niemand
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey
Part of the Atabey & Co Network
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Welcome to the 100th episode of The Artist Pivot Podcast. In this special celebratory episode, I take you on a journey through my recent experience at the 30th Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans. From soaking in the vibrant celebration of Black culture to gleaning wisdom from the legendary filmmaker Ava DuVernay, I share transformative insights and inspirations that are still resonating with me. I reflect on what Ava said about the importance of embracing the freedom and sacred ground of independent artistry, maintaining belief in one’s vision, and the empowering message that no one is coming to save you but yourself and the community you create. Here’s to 100 more episodes filled with inspiring conversations, hearty laughs, and deep dives into the life and art of being a creative. Cheers to creativity, perseverance, and the journey ahead!
Essence Festival Meditation Facilitators: @stretchgalore @blackgirlsstretch @divineessentialmagicllc
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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey
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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey
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Whether you're an artist, a creative, or just someone looking for a bit of inspiration, this episode is packed with real talk and motivational vibes. I am thrilled to have the incredibly talented Alexis Tidwell Bailey on the show. Alexis took a pretty unique path into the theater world, jumping into acting with zero preconceived notions or baggage from traditional training. Her journey underscores the importance of diverse pathways into the arts. As an aspiring choir teacher who was encouraged by her then boyfriend, now husband, and theater mentors, Alexis took bold steps, moving to New York and taking risks to chase her new found dreams.
We'll dive into Alexis's experiences, discussing the importance of representation, the power of self-discovery, and the significance of staying open to possibilities. Alexis shares her insights on learning through self-teaching, tackling societal pressures, and the value of flexibility while pursuing one's dreams. Join us as we explore how listening to your heart and not being limited by fear can lead to remarkable pivots in your artistic journey, which without Alexis won’t be the star of the children’s show Mimi’s Costume Closet today.
Alexis Tidwell is a New York based entertainer from Memphis, TN who received her Master and Bachelor of Music degrees in Choral Music Education from the University of Tennessee. Some of her favorite credits include Little Eva in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical First National Tour, Joanne in RENT, Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act, Marvina in Shout Sister Shout! (Sister Rosetta Tharpe musical), Camae in The Mountaintop, Dorothy in The Wiz, Lorrell in Dreamgirls, and Charlotte in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. You can currently catch her on tv as Miss Mimi in Miss Mimi’s Costume Closet, streaming now on Peacock Kids.
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Show Sponsors:
WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/
Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey
Editor: Kieran Niemand
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey
Part of the Boundless Audio Network
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In today's episode, I’m thrilled to have Kevin Brubaker, an executive film producer with a fascinating journey from a medical career to founding his own production company, Dallas Media Productions, in Texas.
Kevin dives deep into the independent filmmaking world, sharing insights about his upcoming horror film, "The Caregivers," which is scheduled to begin production this fall.
Throughout our chat, Kevin opens up about the financial challenges of independent filmmaking, from securing funding to paying writers, and the importance of intellectual property rights. He recounts his experiences with creative problem-solving and assembling a dedicated team, ensuring the film remains profitable without compromising artistic integrity.
Kevin also highlights the significant mentorship he received from industry professionals and shares valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers. From ensuring investor repayment to making projects SAG-eligible, Kevin's journey is packed with pragmatic strategies and heartfelt stories.
Stay tuned as we delve into the world of independent filmmaking, the thrill of bringing unique stories to life, and the balancing act between creativity and profitability. Plus, we're sharing how you can follow Kevin's work and get involved with "The Caregivers." Join us for a conversation full of expertise, inspiration, and insights with Kevin Brubaker.
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Kevin Brubaker
Website: https://www.thespeedofplot.com/, https://dallasmediaproductions.com/,
Email: Kevin[at]thespeedofplot.com
Ayana Major Bey
Website: www.ayanabey.com
Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot
Show Sponsors:
WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/
Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey
Editor: Kieran Niemand
Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey
Part of the Boundless Audio Network
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The podcast currently has 108 episodes available.