Kendrick Mitchel and Jahir Hipps are Swings in the current production of MJ the Musical First National Tour.  Kendrick plays the role of Jermaine, Tito, Quincy, Nick, Rob, Joe and Dave. Jahir covers Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, Quincy, Nick, Alejandro and Dave.  They join the podcast today to  discuss the job of a swing and how to navigate playing so many different roles, and sometimes 2 on the same day. They also discuss their respective careers, the audition process pre and post covid, managing their anxieties and egos which helps them stay grounded in the work they do.

In this episode of The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, host Mesia Austin sits down with professional boxer Willie Shaw, Jr.  from Oakland, Ca.  Willie has had 20 bouts professional bouts including Josue Vargas and Trevor Thompson.  We discuss the art of Boxing including training routines, the pressures of high level performance as well as the mental and emotional component of competing. We also discuss the state of boxing and the recent YouTube boxing sensation. 

In this episode of The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, host Mesia Austin sits down with child performers, Josiah Benson, Jaylen Hunter, Ethan Joseph and their mothers Felicia Benson, Crystelle Jones and Ava Joseph to highlight the careers and experiences of these young artists as well as the sacrifice parents make to make sure their kids are able to follow their dreams.  While Josiah, Jaylen and Ethan share their daily experiences being young working actors, their parents highlight their experiences in supporting these young artists.  Ethan is currently working on Terrence Blanchard’s, Fire Shut up in my bones. Jaylen Hunter is currently working on the “Michael” biopic and Josiah Benson is working on “MJ the Musical” first national tour.

Episode Artwork by @justinbarbin

In this episode of The Hustling Artist Podcast with, host Mesia Austin; tuba player Matt Owen founder of Eclectic Tuba plays full time with Admiral Phunk Brass Band Opposite Box and Andy Frasco and the UN.   Matt is a leading innovator in electronic music for wind instruments and has created a unique avenue as he performs 250+ shows per year. He has collaborated with Galactic, Keller Williams, The Wailers, Better than Ezra and many more. Matt is also a member of the 129th Army Band and has worked with several Drum and Bugle Corps including the Cavaliers (Since 2017 - Present), Spirit of Atlanta and Pacific Crest.

In this episode of the Hustling Artist's Podcast, with host Mesia Austin; Chloe Davis, a New York based Choreographer, Dancer, Actor and Author stops by to discuss her career.  She shares how her career started and how she transitioned into theater, tv and film from concert dance (4:35).  Chloe also shares the importance of Philadanco and Camille A. Brown in her artistic development (9:30)and the importance of making yourself valuable by using your platform of talents (15:00)  Last Chloe discusses how her book, "The Queens English" came to be by finding language that make people feel validated, affirmed and represented (21:00). 

In this episode of The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, with host Mesia Austin; Emma Ford a drummer from Sydney, Australia working her way through the Broadway Scene stops by the Hustling Artist Podcast to discuss her transition from Sydney to NYC (3:36), breaking into the industry through networking (11:50) and her thoughts on believing in your skillset enough to take chances (18:00).  Last we finish the podcast by discussing the challenges of being a freelancer  and surviving without a day job (25:00). 

In this episode of The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, with host Mesia Austin; Jennifer Wharton a Low Brass Freelancer, Band leader of Bonegasm (Trombone Quartet), a Broadway chair holder and sub and a NYC Ballet Sub discusses her educational path coming from Los Medanos Community College to manifesting freelancing opportunities (4:45). She also shares her thoughts on the value in versatility and  issues with Orchestral Performance Degrees vs Real World Experience (8:00).  Last Jen discusses building a career in NYC (12:45) and the importance of physical and mental health (18:00).

In this episode of The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, with host Mesia Austin; Dan Rudin a New York based Pianist, discusses his role as a Music Assistant on the Broadway Musical; Caroline, or Change (2:55). He credits much of his success to studying with and working under Jeanine Tesori at City Center and Yale University (4:55). He then shares how he landed a sub position on Caroline, or Change and how relationships lead to an opportunity on MJ the Musical (9:35). We close out this episode discussing the various projects Dan is involved in (20:00) and the importance of learning to the creative process (26.10).

The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, with host, Mesia Austin begins season 3 first episode with Joshua Keith as he reflects on his role in Paradise Square and being cast in an ensemble role on Broadway (1:18).  He then dives into how he refined his Acting, Singing and dancing skills (6:08) as well as his move to NYC (11:45).  Finally Joshua shares his insights on the difficulties of being an Artist (17:00), Balancing Mental Health, work and Family (22:50) and Landing Jobs in theater (29:30).

Justin Q Williams stops by the Hustling Artist’s Podcast to talk about his interior design business, Trademark Design Company which began in 2009 .  He details how he was introduced to the business and educates us on the importance of interior design.  Justin is a highly sought after Interior designer who has an extensive experience in all elements of design, including commercial design, set design, photo-styling and real-estate staging.  Along with being featured in magazines such as  Jezebel, Atlanta Magazine and AM Home, Justin has most recently made a TV appearance on “unboxed with Nikki Chu.”  Instagram - @justinqwilliams , Facebook: Justin Q Williams, Twitter: JustinQWilliams