The Artist Pivot

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.

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Ayana Major Bey 

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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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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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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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Alexis Tidwell Bailey 

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Ayana Major Bey 

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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 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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Guest 

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As creatives, many of us have faced the internalized shame that comes with taking on jobs outside our artistic passions. In this solo episode, I'll be sharing my own experiences, from working side gigs like flyering in Times Square to navigating a career shift during the pandemic. We'll explore the necessity of creating our own artistic ecosystems and the importance of embracing all parts of our journey with dignity. Plus, I'll reflect on some industry shifts due to the 2023 writer and SAG strikes and how they've impacted us all. So, let's pivot, adapt, and maintain our creative vision—it's all part of the artistic journey.

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Ayana Major Bey 

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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  

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Today, we have a very special guest, the one and only Tara Tagliaferro. In this episode, we chat about all the ups and downs of working in theater—think crazy performance schedules, dealing with vocal and physical exhaustion, and the financial rollercoaster that comes with it all.

Tara and I reflect on how our values have evolved over time, leading us to prioritize wellness and self-respect over the relentless hustle. We'll also discuss the impact of the pandemic on our identities and the importance of finding fulfillment outside of the stage. From creating virtual communities to exploring alternative sources of income, Tara sheds light on the resilience required to sustain a career in the arts.

It's a candid and heartfelt conversation about the realities of the entertainment industry, the challenges of maintaining mental health, and the journey to finding balance and self-worth amidst the chaos. This episode promises to be a revealing and inspiring look at what it truly means to pivot in the world of performing arts.

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Tara Tagliaferro 

Website: www.taratag.com

Instagram: @taratagtickles 

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I am thrilled to have the incredibly talented Queen Chyna West join me for what turned out to be a deeply enriching dialogue. Throughout the episode, Queen Chyna West shares her unique journey in entertainment, beginning her career on Broadway at just 16 and growing into a multifaceted artist and manager. She discusses the seeds of resilience, planted from a young age in Harlem and Brooklyn, that have allowed her to navigate the pressing challenges of both professional and personal life. The conversation also delves into her admiration for influential figures like Maya Angelou, Cicely Tyson and the powerful impact of her grandmother.

She highlights her shift from aspirations of acting to directing and writing, driven by empowerment and the solace she finds in spirituality and comedy.

Complete with reflections on hardships, the triumphs of her multifaceted career, and her thoughts on legacy and late-blooming dreams, this episode is a powerful look at artistic resilience and the profound strength drawn from familial and cultural roots. Queen Chyna's stories are a testament to the life of a true artist.

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Queen Chyna West 

Website: h2sentcafe2.wixsite.com/h2sentcafe2

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/QueenChynaWest10

Ayana Major Bey 

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Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot 

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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 this episode we're joined by the multi-talented Jillian Vitko. Jillian is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry, balancing an impressive array of talents from acting to producing. We get candid about the often unpredictable path of an artist, where there's no guarantee of a finish line and the only constant is change. We'll talk about the courage it takes to create your own work, the perseverance needed when knocking on doors, and the personal revelations that come from the journey itself. Jillian opens up about the hurdles she's faced and provides insightful advice for those brave enough to take things one step at a time toward believing in their voice. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the importance of creating your own opportunities, facing fears, and tending to your career goals, just like pots on the stove. We aren’t just talking about following a career but creating an ecosystem where your artistry can thrive on your own terms. It's time to challenge the inner critic and celebrate the individuality of your artistic journey

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Jillian Vitko  

Instagram: @jillianvitko 

Website: https://www.jillianvitko.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  

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Today's episode features none other than the talented Sani—a Nigerian-born recording artist, producer, and entrepreneur with a range of talents spanning from fashion to painting and of course, music. Sani shares his heartfelt gratitude for life's journey and the artistic paths he's walked down. His story is one of resilience and continuous self-improvement. We unpack the layers of Sani's creative process, and touch on the very real emotional and financial roadblocks artists like Sani face—like the initial skepticism from friends and the sting of unresponsive potential collaborators. And let's not forget the leap of faith from a successful fashion venture into the pulsing world of music, driven in part by a big move from Nigeria to the city of Amsterdam. It's all about celebrating these shifting tides and understanding the power of persistence, collaboration, and the willingness to embrace change. So let's dive in, and who knows—you might just find a piece of your own artistic puzzle.

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Sani 

Instagram @saninogie

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Dasani2k

Youtube: @Sani4k

Spotify: @Sani   

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.