In this episode of The Awkward Artist, host Aboyade sits down with Janicka Arthur, founder, owner, and creative director of Art of VIII School of Dance in Dallas, Texas. Moving beyond traditional instruction, Janicka shares how she built a sanctuary for strength and resilience, creating a movement space where adult dancers and aspiring dancers guide their physical movement to develop a mindset of strength, a soul full of passion, and an inner transformation. Together, they explore what it means to overcome self-limiting beliefs, rebuild confidence as an adult beginner, and lead a creative business rooted in radical authenticity and inclusive community.

This conversation dives into Janicka’s journey from navigating early dance lessons to leaning into the struggle of mastering technique, discovering that the challenges she faced became her catalyst for becoming a transformative choreographer, movement strategist, and public speaker. Listeners will gain insight into the foundational principles of building a purpose-driven community, the importance of placing yourself in the spotlight of your own life, and why active grace and forgiving yourself through messy growth are essential tools for creative transformation.

Core Pillars of the Journey

The upcoming conversations focus on actionable inner work and creative transformation:

• Discipline of Self-Kindness — Practicing active grace and offering compassion to the person in the mirror through life's offbeat moments.

• Courage to Start Over — Developing the willingness to reset and find center when standing in the middle of unpredictable circumstances.

• Intentional Movement — Living and creating with deliberate purpose, soul, and rhythm regardless of external storms.

Actionable Takeaways & Next Steps

• Listen with Intention — Grab your headphones each week and allow both the conversation and its musical score to support your daily routine.

• Follow the Podcast — Subscribe to The Awkward Artist on your preferred streaming platform to stay connected throughout the season.

• Explore the Playlist — This curated Season 2 Spotify playlist brings the sound of resilience into your week. You can find the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5L3o2YS0xjWRFbgcN3TbyS?si=1095233a7bac4e30

Connect with Janicka Arthur:

• Website: Art of VIII School of Dance (http://artofviii.com)

• Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5aVWYb4S2HCVRnY1yd8vBV?si=58b6463ef99043f7

• YouTube: The Art of VIII Podcast

• Instagram: @artofviii

Connect with Aboyade: If Aboyade’s work speaks to you, stay close. Follow along on Instagram at @theawkwardartistpodcast, read more of her writing and reflections at https://theawkwardartistpodcast.substack.com, and reach out directly anytime at [email protected]. Your presence in this community matters—come be part of the conversation.

This is a Crackers in Soup production.

In this Season 2 trailer of The Awkward Artist, host Aboyade introduces a sanctuary for radical resilience and invites listeners to navigate life's internal storms. Moving beyond simple endurance, Aboyade sets the stage for a journey focused on finding grace, rhythm, and center through the messy, unpolished process of personal growth and manifesting.

This season turns the focus inward to the internal job, emphasizing self-liberation, courage, and self-kindness. To deepen the experience, every episode will feature a curated Spotify playlist designed to serve as a sonic companion for struggle, healing, and joy. Listeners are invited to grab their headphones, subscribe on their favorite podcast platform, and check the show notes to stream the new Season 2 playlist.

The Season 2 Framework

The foundational vision for this season centers on three core movements:

• The Internal Job — Shifting focus toward self-liberation and learning to navigate the awkward, uncertain, and unpolished phases of personal growth.
• Radical Resilience — Moving away from toughing it out to nurture inner potential, like a seed waiting for the right environment to bloom.
• Sonic Companions — Pairing each conversation with a dedicated Spotify soundtrack that mirrors the emotional themes of resilience, healing, and joy.

Core Pillars of the Journey

The upcoming conversations focus on actionable inner work and creative transformation:

• Discipline of Self-Kindness — Practicing active grace and offering compassion to the person in the mirror through life's offbeat moments.
• Courage to Start Over — Developing the willingness to reset and find center when standing in the middle of unpredictable circumstances.
• Intentional Movement — Living and creating with deliberate purpose, soul, and rhythm regardless of external storms.

Actionable Takeaways & Next Steps

• Listen with Intention — Grab your headphones each week and allow both the conversation and its musical score to support your daily routine.
• Follow the Podcast — Subscribe to The Awkward Artist on your preferred streaming platform to stay connected throughout the season.
• Explore the Playlist — This curated Season 2 Spotify playlist brings the sound of resilience into your week. You can find the the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5L3o2YS0xjWRFbgcN3TbyS?si=1095233a7bac4e30

Connect with Aboyade: If Aboyade’s work speaks to you, stay close. Follow along on Instagram at @theawkwardartistpodcast, read more of her writing and reflections on at https://theawkwardartistpodcast.substack.com, and reach out directly anytime at [email protected]. Your presence in this community matters—come be part of the conversation.

Outro/Conclusion: In this quick 4-minute episode Aboyade shares lessons learned and talks gratitude. And as an extra bonus click the link to listen to The Awkward Artist Guest Soundtrack:

In the latest episode of "The Awkward Artist Podcast," host Abayode sits down with Fabiola Osario, the talented member of the Latin band Neutral Feed. As the conversation unfolds, they delve into the intricate process of navigating the desires of the heart and the uncertainty that comes with walking away from and old dream and embarking on a new creative adventure.

With a blend of vulnerability and passion, Fabiola shares her personal journey of following her heart in the realm of music. From the initial spark of inspiration to the daunting question of where to begin, she reflects on the challenges and triumphs of carving out a path in the ever-evolving landscape of creativity.

"Strength Courage and Wisdom" is a poignant exploration of the universal quest for creative fulfillment, reminding us that the journey is as important as the destination, and that sometimes, the most meaningful adventures begin with a single beat of the heart.

On episode 10 of the Awkward Artist; Aboyde and Joelle Hinds dive into the concept of deliberately practicing vulnerability by inviting & cultivating new experiences and the transformative effects it can have on our relationships, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Welcome back to Part 2 with Aboyade and Kevin Petite as they discuss the actual and metaphorical road map to living your life's dream through complete self-acceptance.

Join us in this heartwarming and inspiring episode of "The Awkward Artist" as Aboyade welcomes Kevin Petite, who is no stranger to the spotlight and the stage. The vulnerability shared in this episode will resonate with anyone who's ever struggled with embracing their authentic selves.

in this episode you will discover that the path to Broadway isn't just about perfect performances; it's about perfecting the art of self-acceptance and living a life aligned with your passions. Whether you're an aspiring actor, an artist, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this episode promises to leave you feeling encouraged, motivated, and ready to embrace your own journey to the metaphorical "Broadway" of your dreams. Join us for a compelling conversation that reminds us all to be beautifully and unapologetically ourselves, because that's the first step on the grandest stage of all—our own lives. 🎤✨

Subscribe and listen now to "The Awkward Artist" on your favorite podcast platform! 🎧🎉

In this thought-provoking episode of the Awkward Artist Podcast, your host, Aboyade, engages in a candid and deeply insightful conversation with her special guest, Femy Onyegumn. Together, they dive into the complex and often treacherous journey of choosing to live life on your own terms.

As independent thinkers & creatives Aboyade and Femy have both ventured into the uncharted waters of breaking away from parental expectations. Each share their personal and professional challenges they've faced while pursuing their dreams and visions, and the sacrifices they've had to make along the way as young adults and parents.

Tune in as they share their own experiences, touching on themes such as:

Fear and Uncertainty: Exploring the doubts that inevitably arise when you decide to chart your own course in life.

Sacrifices and Trade-Offs: Delving into the sacrifices one might need to make, from financial stability to relationships, in the pursuit of authenticity and self-expression.

Welcome to this thought-provoking episode of "Recovering from Shattered Childhood Dreams” with guest Shani Parker.  In today's discussion, Shani & I recount our aspirations and dreams as kids …that were unexpectedly shattered by the words and actions of a trusted adult in each of our lives.  We talk openly about how these experiences molded and shaped our current belief system… impacting the adults we’ve become.  Tune in as we unravel the threads of these stories and discover the work we do to heal and recover a since of safety to continue dreaming into existence our best lives.

Step into the enchanting world of Barbie in this captivating episode that explores her timeless allure and lasting appeal. Join me and my friends; Shani Parker, Tracey Silverman & Dana Anderberg on a nostalgic journey as we delve into how Barbie played a profound role in empowering us as both children and self-actualized adults. And the added bonus of our candid conversation about our bodies and the role Barbie played in shaping our body goals and expectations as kids.