Tamisha Anthony is an illustrator working for clients such as Penguin Random House, Macmillan Publishers, Little Brown, and Chronicle Books. She recently finished her 6th ⁠picture book⁠ within 4 years, and is now working on her 7th and 8th. Tamisha has taught at the New-York Historical Society and the Harlem School of the Arts, and is currently teaching an art history + illustration class called "⁠Redrawing Black History⁠" with Lilla Rogers for ⁠Make Art That Sells⁠. Her new class "⁠Find...

Karma Jenkins⁠ is a multi-hyphenate artist whose work on screen includes The Time Traveler's Wife (HBO), Ghost: PowerBook II (Starz) and The Last O.G (TBS). She’s appeared in commercials for Amazon Prime & William Hill Winery and is a member of SAG/AFTRA & Actors Equity. Karma has worked across the United States at reputable regional stages such as The Old Globe, 5th Ave Theatre & The MUNY, and has recently joined the production side of upcoming new stage works. Karma believes...

In today’s episode, Dinah Hampson discusses: The importance of providing performers with the tools and resources to have sustainable career Challenging the narrative that dancers must suffer and have short careers Her online platform, Pivot Dancer, which offers resources and classes to help performers take care of their bodies and prevent injuries The need for empowerment and mental performance skills for dancers Abuse and unsafe practices in dance and the importance of...

In today’s episode, Jhansi discusses:  Her recent move from India to America  The process of creating her music video “We Break Up Because of Family Reasons” The challenges she faced as a musical theater artist in India  The cultural expectations and challenges of arranged marriages  Loneliness and struggling to find connection in New York City  Setting goals and exploring many interests  Jhansi is a musical theater director, creator, performer, lyricist, and composer....

In today’s episode, Heidi Miami Marshall discusses: the importance of celebrating individuality in acting the need to remove the concept of right and wrong in artistic expression the connection between personal experiences and the interpretation of scenes  the challenges of navigating grief while immersed in professional work the spiritual nature of art and the profound impact it can have on both the artist and the audience embracing a non-linear journey and the importance of...

In today’s episode, Chryssie Whitehead discusses: Her 25 year career across film, television and theater Making her Broadway Debut in the 2006 Revival of A Chorus Line and being part of the accompanying documentary “Every Little Step” Navigating rejection in the entertainment industry  Discovering the acting bug and the importance of staying true to oneself  Her experiences with depression and mental health, and how she found healing through therapy and medication ...

In today’s episode, Lauren Mariasoosay discusses: The challenges and fulfillment she experienced when crafting the role of Catherine Parr in SIX The Musical The importance of vulnerability in theater Dealing with imposter syndrome The impact of performances on both performers and audience members  The importance of swings and how difficult the job is  How family influence can affect one’s career choices The importance of finding support outside of...

In today’s episode, Tuan Malinowski discusses: their non-traditional path from musician to grass-roots choreographer imposter syndrome and self-doubt as a choreographer the importance of setting boundaries for mental health and how it has helped ease their anxiety their experiences of quitting jobs because of emotionally unsafe and toxic environments the impact of white supremacy in the theater industry and the need to focus on equity and inclusion in the workplace the importance...

TW: Sexual assault In the final episode of Season 2, Honza Pelichovský interviews Jess to follow up on last week's solo episode. Jess shares: The three changes she believes dance programs can make to improve the lives and careers of their dancers Advice and loving words that she would tell my younger self Whether or not she would take back her traumatic experience because of how it’s shaped her How she feels about publicly sharing her story and the healing that it has...

In this solo episode, Jessica Altchiler dives into her personal journey and the evolution of The Story Project podcast. She reflects on her experiences, sharing anecdotes from her college years that shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for storytelling. Jessica recounts a pivotal moment in her life — her experience with sexual assault — and candidly discusses the profound impact it had on her. She goes on to share how the Me Too Movement influenced her and highlights the power of...

Jenna Ushkowitz is a SAG and Tony Award Winning Actress & Producer, voice actor and Podcast host. She is known for her role as Tina Cohen-Chang on the Fox TV show Glee and has appeared in Broadway shows such as The King & I, Spring Awakening and Waitress.  In today’s episode, Jenna discusses the beauty and pain that came from Glee, how she learned to separate her worth from her career, and the fear and confidence that comes from pursuing new opportunities.  She also shares how...

Lisann Valentin, an established film and television Actor, a New York Times Best Selling Author, and Certified Spiritual Coach guiding creatives into personal transformation. From hit shows like Manifest, Narcos, and The Blacklist, to the New York Times best-selling anthology Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It, Lisann captivates audiences and readers with her raw vulnerability and empowering wisdom.  In today’s episode, Lisann shares her journey of self-exploration, authenticity, and reconnecting...

Kaia Goodenough is a freelance curator, writer and facilitator in London, particularly interested in interdisciplinary and collaboratively embodied practices. Kaia originally trained as a contemporary dancer at London Studio Centre and her choreography has been performed at Lillian Bayliss, Sadlers Wells, DanceEast, Battersea Arts Centre, The Place and the Point, and Eastleigh. She recently studied at the Royal College of Art graduating with a Masters in curating contemporary Art. In today’s...

Lee Hubilla is an actor whose performances have graced the screen on Law & Order: SVU, Dash & Lily, and FBI: Most Wanted and on the stage at The Magnet, The PIT, and Ars Nova. She was an acting mentee under Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab and had a writing mentorship under Giant Leap’s inaugural accelerator program. In today’s episode, Lee and Jessica discuss the deeper rewards and empowerment that came from chopping their hair, the impact of dance on identity and...

Lexi Garcia-Toye is a distinguished dancer currently enchanting audiences with the Walt Disney World Company in Orlando, Florida. She previously performed in Broadway's "Hamilton," the touring productions of "Finding Neverland" and "Hamilton," as well as "Mamma Mia" at The Fireside Theater, "Whiskeyland" at the Orlando Fringe Festival, and "Le Cirque Bijou" on Norwegian Cruise Line.  In today’s episode, Lexi talks about the onset and recovery of her eating disorder, her magical connection to...

In today’s conversation, Thomas Hodges bravely shares his journey through the past six months of sobriety. He shares the impact it has had on his creative process, how we can become curious about toxic cycles and what no longer serves us, and what challenges have arose thus far.   Thomas and Jessica discuss the power of creating art from the feelings you are currently struggling with, the ability for artists to create meaningful connections and impact other people’s lives through their work,...

Ramita Ravi is a startup founder and artist. She is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator with Bloc Talent Agency NY/LA. As a dancer, she’s worked on John Oliver and NYFW, and was one of the first South Asian dancers on So You Think You Can Dance and in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Ramita’s choreography credits include Coachella, Miss America, and Lincoln Center. She is the co-founder of Artswrk - a tech platform that connects artists with flexible work. She is...

Honza is a professional dancer who traveled across the country as the Dance Captain on the Dirty Dancing National Tour and the Fiddler on the Roof National Tour. He’s performed with numerous dance companies in New York City and is now living in Charlotte, NC with his partner and puppy, where he is navigating the next stage of his career.  In today’s episode, Honza shares the struggles in balancing personal and professional goals, how he chases his dreams while leaving room for those dreams...

Honza is a professional dancer who traveled across the country as the Dance Captain on the Dirty Dancing National Tour and the Fiddler on the Roof National Tour. He’s performed with numerous dance companies in New York City and is now living in Charlotte, NC with his partner and puppy, where he is navigating the next stage of his career.  In today’s episode, Honza expresses how he brought his ballroom dance training into his college training and professional work and how he deals with...

Jessica emphasizes the importance of sharing stories and experiences as a way to connect and ignite empathy. She voices her belief that creating a supportive community is crucial for artists and humans to feel safe and well. Jessica also highlights the need for to take care of oneself holistically in order to sustainably fight for change. Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠! TW: Sexual assault, eating disorders

TW: This episode mentions sexual harassment and assault.  Jessica Chen is an American dancer, choreographer and Founder and Artistic Director of J CHEN PROJECT, a 501c3 nonprofit contemporary dance company. Her work has been presented at MoMA, Lincoln Center’s Restart Stages, Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, and MACY’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, to name a few. She’s currently on the director's team for The Messenger at Palm Beach Dramaworks and will next be choreographing Cabaret at Center...

Kristin Yancy is an actor/dancer/singer/creator living in Brooklyn. Her long list of theater credits include Summer, The Donna Summer Musical and The Cher Show on Broadway, Guys and Dolls at the Kennedy Center, Gaslight with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and playing Roxie in Chicago directed by Patrick O' Neill.  In today’s episode, Yancy talks about not going to college for dance and how she got into professional shape when she first moved to NYC, how she finds fulfillment in between...

Daisy Infantas-Lagdamen is a bicoastal professional dancer who can be seen dancing in the films In The Heights and Hocus Pocus 2, as well as working for top choreographers and directors such as Luz Frias, Luam, Bo Park, Jon Rua, Neil Shwartz, Ian McKenzie, and Candace Brown.  In today’s episode, Daisy discusses what was required of her on her path from training to professional work, how past trauma still influences her current dance journey, and the importance of shifting from external to...

Austin Sora is a professional dancer who has showcased her versatility through theater, concert dance, music videos, commercials, and work in the nonprofit sector. Her career has included performing in The Phantom of the Opera National Tour, dancing at Jacob’s Pillow with Bruce Wood Dance, assisting Marguerite Derricks, choreographer of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and becoming the Program Manager for the Broadway Green Alliance.  In today’s episode, Austin shares how experiences in her youth...