"I'm the problem, it's me." Join us for part two of our series with Molly W. Schenck on the Smartist Podcast. In this follow-up episode (recorded in April of 2024), host Melissa Peck opens up about her creative burnout and the shame that delayed the release of the first episode. Molly and Melissa then dive into the evolution of the Grey Box Collective and Molly's journey as a somatic practitioner. This candid conversation sheds light on overcoming creative challenges and the transformative power of somatic practices, especially in collaborative and leadership spaces. Don’t miss this deep dive into resilience and artistic growth. Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!

https://www.greyboxcollective.com

Many creatives feel torn between pursuing artistic endeavors and exploring alternative career paths. Is there a way to re-frame this internalized tension and address our nagging fear of "selling out"?

A self-described "solutions person," Rachael sheds light on what this term means to her and how it fuels her drive in the entrepreneurial space. She shares how her innate problem-solving mindset helps her navigate challenges and find innovative solutions within her business.

Listen as Rachael shares how motivation and business growth go hand in hand, opening up to us about the driving forces behind her entrepreneurial journey, the markers of success, and how she gauges the thriving state of her boutique Virtual Assistant firm, My Freelance Admin. Rachael explains how she recognized when her business needed adjustment and shares the tweaks she made to overcome obstacles.

To kickstart or expand a creative business, Rachael imparts three essential steps for creative entrepreneurs. These actionable insights serve as a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs and provide a micro-clip that can be shared across various platforms. Time management plays a crucial role in the life of a creative entrepreneur, and Rachael emphasizes its significance. Learn how she strikes an essential balance between artistic expression and business responsibilities, unlocking productivity and growth.

Finally, Rachael shares the one thing she wants every creative person to know about building a sustainable career. This final thought offers a profound perspective on the importance of passion, perseverance, and embracing change.

Smartists can use coupon code: Smartistry01 for a discount on Virtual Admin services.

For more information on Rachael Bosanquet or My Freelance Admin, visit https://www.smartistry.org/trn/My-Freelance-Admin

This episode of The Smartist Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Registered Dietician Maren Stein, who has a unique background as a former High School Thespian and a lifelong best friend to Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck. Join us as Maren shares her fascinating journey from the world of academic theater to the realm of nutrition.

How do you protect your artistic journey, legally? In this episode of The Smartist Podcast, host Melissa Peck interviews Attorney Ilya Zlatkin, whose firm specializes in Entertainment Law. Ilya provides insights into his unique approach to advocating for creatives and the challenges within the industry. He discusses his practice, catering to artists, and how it has evolved over time.

Amid the recent & ongoing Actors' and Writers' unions strike, Ilya shares his legal perspective and insights on issues like streaming residuals and the impact of AI on the entertainment landscape. He delves into the intriguing "Andy Warhol case" and advises content creators on copyright registration.

Ilya also discusses when and why creatives should seek legal advice, emphasizing the importance of protecting their interests. He offers valuable advice to those concerned about affording legal services.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving world of Entertainment Law and how creatives can navigate it successfully.

For more information about Ilya Zlatkin and his firm, visit https://zce.law/en/

To become a Thriving Artist, visit smartistry.org.

"Did you try getting struck by lightning?" In this episode, host Melissa Peck has a dynamic conversation with Kevin Crispin – podcaster, performer, writer, and mental health advocate. Kevin reflects on his creative journey, discussing pivotal moments, including the impact of an unsuccessful referendum attempting to remove fine arts from schools in his town.

In this episode, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck interviews award-winning advocate, thought leader, and actor Rachel Spencer Hewitt. Rachel holds an MFA in acting from the Yale school of drama and her professional acting repertoire includes Broadway, off-Broadway, extensive regional work, international theater, feature films and more! Rachel is also the founder of PAAL, a national resource hub, community and solution generator for parents in the arts and the institutions that support them. PAAL has been mentioned in numerous publications, such as New York Times, the American Theater Magazine, HowlRound Theater Commons, and notably, the recently published book From Aphra Behn to Fun Home: A Cultural History of Feminist Theater. In this episode we discuss the many challenges of being a parent and caregiver in the arts industry. Rachel shares insights about the advocacy work needed, including both standing up for oneself and creating more inclusion in creative spaces, specifically in the performing arts. We also chat about feminism in the industry, centering the experiences of marginalized groups, and PAAL's experience with a “power sharing” business model. Rachel also talks about how PAAL is empowering parents and caregivers with their free resources such as the PAAL Handbook for organizations. For more information go to paaltheatre.com

"Hugs and drink tickets don't pay the light bill". Award-winning international comic, writer, and educator Mona Aburmishan joins Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck to discuss humor as a tool for better communication and connection. Mona shares her successful and holistic approach to building a sustainable comedy career by diversifying the business model. She talks about embracing what she calls "woo-woo" daily mindfulness practices to cultivate self-worth and mental and physical wellness, and her personal challenges of confronting workaholism. She also highlights her passion project, Lil Comix, dedicated to teaching the art of comedy to kids. Don't miss Mona's turn in the Smartist Hot Seat in this very funny and inspiring episode. For more info, visit monacomedy.com

Theatrical designer, educator, and activist Elizabeth Wislar joins Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck to discuss the powerful and innovative new curriculum she developed for her undergraduate theatre class at James Madison University. Wislar, a registered member of the Northern Cherokee Nation, shares the personal career lessons from The Arts Business that she wanted to “pay forward”, as well as her unique approach to confronting the key challenges facing today's arts students. She highlights how Accessibility and Universal Design unexpectedly became a major part of the year's syllabus, and shares ideas and resources to help listeners be more intentional about incorporating DEI principles in their artistic work. Later, Elizabeth discusses the “Rebuilding and Reimagining” module from her course, in which special guests from Broadway (Karen Olivo and Eden Espinosa) visited and inspired her students.  

For more information about Elizabeth Wislar, visit: https://www.jmu.edu/theatredance/people/all-people/wislar-elizabeth.shtml 

Watch this episode now on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ykbo-No-jRM

In the second episode of this 2-part interview, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck and Chicago Theatre and Film Director Monty Cole (whose work has been seen at theatres like Steppenwolf, Center Theatre Group, The Goodman Theatre, and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, among others) discuss the intersections of film, theatre, and Experience Design and the "inevitable pivot" as the performing arts continue their business model evolution post-COVID. Later, Monty sits in the Smartist Hot Seat and shares his personal financial challenges and lessons. For more information about Monty Cole's work, including three upcoming film projects, visit monty-cole.com