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"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.mollywschenck.com
https://www.greyboxcollective.com
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Join us for an insightful episode of the Smartist Podcast with Molly W. Schenck, a multi-hyphenate artist and somatic practitioner. Recorded in 2022, this first part of a two-part series delves into Molly's essay, “Trauma in Theatre: Considerations for Arts Leaders as In-person Theatre Returns.” We explore how trauma affects creativity, the concept of “sneaky trauma,” and its financial repercussions. Molly discusses trauma activation in daily life, its impact in group settings, and the necessity of trauma-centered practices in theatre. Learn about accommodations for trauma and discover the Grey Box Collective. Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!https://www.mollywschenck.com/https://www.greyboxcollective.com/Read Molly's Essay: https://tinyurl.com/4h5vvkau
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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"?In this episode, we dive into the world of creative entrepreneurship with our guest, Rachael Bosanquet, a successful entrepreneur who made a seamless transition from singing professionally to building her own thriving business. Join Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck as she re-traces Rachael's journey and exposes valuable insights into the realm of creative entrepreneurship.
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
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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.Discover Maren's refreshing philosophy in her Clinical Nutrition practice, setting her apart from the others in her field, and empowering working creatives with practical approaches to staying healthy and nourished. Uncover the untold truths about "food insecurity," a challenge that sadly affects many artists, and explore the real-life impact it has on individuals.Prepare to be moved as Maren and Melissa reveal gripping personal stories and offer valuable insights into overcoming scarcity mindsets and eating disorders. Listen as Maren shares her passion for smashing the toxic diet culture and equipping artists with empowering ways to take control during challenging times, like accessing food programs, mastering budget buying, and embracing meal planning in a non-restrictive way.By the way, if you've ever had a knee-jerk reaction to "meal planning" due to its association with diet culture, this episode will help you reshape your perspective and adopt a fresh, creative approach.For every working creative out there, Maren shares the key to unlocking a harmonious, empowering relationship with nutrition and food. Tune in to this episode and nourish both your artistic soul and your body!Learn more about Maren and her work on Instagram at @guiltfree_dietician
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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.
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"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.Shifting gears, the discussion explores the entrepreneurial side of art. Kevin passionately advocates for recognizing art as a trade, delving into his struggles with the professional image, particularly the stigma around facial hair. The conversation takes an introspective turn as Kevin shares insights on battling self-doubt, impostor syndrome, and the paralysis that can hinder creative pursuits.In a positive twist, Kevin highlights an artist who serves as a source of inspiration and discusses his own creative projects, such as his impactful and popular podcast "Sad Times" and one-man performance piece "Healing the Wrist." Join us for this engaging episode as Kevin Crispin shares his journey, offering valuable insights for fellow artists navigating the realms of art, entrepreneurship, and self-discovery on The Smartist Podcast.Check out sadtimespodcast.com to learn more about Kevin Crispin's work.
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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
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"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
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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
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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
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Who do we serve? In his essay The American Theatre is Not Built for Us, Theatre and Film Director and recent recipient of the Bridge to Faculty Fellowship at UIC Monty Cole ponders the viability of the traditional non-profit theatre business model in today's environment. In part 1 of this 2-part interview, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck and Monty (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 impact of his essay as it highlights a critical turning point for the arts. As theaters and venues start planning their return to operations following a year of closures, the time is right for companies and artists to reprioritize and reframe both their programming and audience-building strategies. Listen in as Monty shares his vision for creating fandom in the theatre and hear his one "wildly unpopular" idea for season-planning. For more information about Monty Cole's work including three upcoming film projects, visit monty-cole.com
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"I love all the things I do." In keeping with her nature, multi-disciplinary artist and multi-passionate entrepreneur Kate Mura joins the Smartist Podcast to chat about a multitude of topics! Listen in on her discussion with longtime friend and Smartistry Founder, Melissa Peck, as they address the roots of Kate's artistry (is theatre really just like chemistry?), the performative nature of Tarot, and the challenges of hustling with heart. Kate shares her unique approach to balancing financial savvy and command over financial tools while still maintaining her personal and artistic integrity. She shares some practical tips for establishing your creative business identity, handling debt, and how to save for the inevitable "rainy day".--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smartistry/support
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Did you know artists and designers can make a huge, positive impact on our industry through some very small, simple changes? In this interview with Smartistry founder Melissa Peck, Chicago costume designer Kristen P Ahern shares her insights on ethical and environmentally sustainable practices for the arts. Founder of Conscious Costume, an organization focused on creating space and community for designers to collaborate, Kristen highlights the challenges faced by arts organizations today, when time and money are always in limited supply. Listen to hear Kristen's favorite resources and practical tips on how to make more intentional, conscious choices in your life and artistic practice. For more information, visit kristenp.com and consciouscostume.com
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In this episode, we're joined by advocate, non-profit leader, and storyteller Lauren Sivak. Lauren shares ways that arts leaders are overhauling the creative sector, by discarding old cultural norms of systemic labor and pay inequality. A passionate advocate from an early age, Lauren describes the ah-ha moments from her career journey that motivate her to speak up for change. She also highlights her experiences with several local initiatives seeking to close the pay equity gap for artists, including the "Leap to 15" policy initiative she has led as Managing Director of Chicago's 2nd Story, Mayor Lori Lightfoot's 2019 Arts & Culture transition committee, and the Managing Director Round Table. We discuss the impact of COVID-19 and uncertainty on artists and their future careers, as well as simple tactics and strategies artists can use to hold themselves accountable to their personal financial goals. To learn more, visit www.2ndstory.com or www.lauren-sivak.com
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Talent, passion, knowledge, and family all come together in this episode. Smartistry founder Melissa Peck chats with her friend, Chicago Director, Actor, and Artistic Director Hayley L. Rice about growing up "in the biz" and the lessons she absorbed from her parents, co-founders of First Folio Theatre, David Rice and Alison Vesely. Hayley shares her personal reflections on the precarious balance between her passion for the theatre and her evolving relationship with personal finance. From her vantage point as current Artistic Director of Babes with Blades she also shares insights on the non-profit business model for performing arts organizations, how it offers both challenges and opportunities for innovation in today's uncertain times. To provide much-needed support to these vital organizations, please visit firstfolio.org and babeswithblades.org--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smartistry/support
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From hangups to hiccups to holdovers- all artists have some sort of "money baggage" that we are holding on to (and it's so heavy!!). Whether they form as a result of our upbringing, our education, or our learned experience, our money beliefs influence every aspect of our creative pursuits and our lives. In this episode, Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck and Mollie Holman, LCSW, take turns on the hot seat to reveal their personal beliefs about money and creativity, and how it has shaped them. Hear why Smartistry is working to unpack "money baggage" and don't forget to share this episode with your own #moneybaggage stories! Visit smartistry.org for more information about our community, and join now- it's free!
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It's one of the most uncomfortable, challenging, and potentially inhibiting parts of life as a working artist: getting paid. To build a sustainable career, we have to balance our passion with our professionalism. But how does an artist put a price on their work, and what systemic obstacles stand between the artist and fair pay, or pay equity? Elsa Hiltner tackles these very questions with her thought-provoking essays and groundbreaking Designer Pay Transparency Resource. In this episode, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck interviews the Chicago costume designer, writer, and organizer about the power of transparency, and the opportunities for both artists and arts organizations to thrive by embracing pay and labor equity. To learn more about Elsa's work, visit elsahiltner.com--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smartistry/support
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In this brand-new series for the Smartist podcast, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck has teamed up with Mollie Holman, LCSW, to explore the areas where creativity, emotion, and personal finance intersect. Their goal: to illuminate areas of stigma and shame for creative people, while confronting the taboo of talking openly about money. This episode's special guest: Chicago singer and bandleader Amy Yassinger, who shares her philosophy on creative entrepreneurship and her strategies for navigating the unexpected changes to her live music and entertainment career due to COVID-19.
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Get to know Smartistry's resident extroverted "Insurance Nerd", Maureen Mahoney. A lifelong devotee of the financial services industry, as well as an accomplished Chicago improviser, Maureen shares her passion for promoting financial literacy to everyone- even her romantic dates! Learn more about how the Smartistry team is planning to support creatives through a network of trusted resource partnerships. Visit smartistry.org now to sign up for updates!
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In this episode we introduce you to the Smartistry team. We'll talk about our mission and goals and why we got started on this journey. Smartistry Founder Melissa Peck shares her thoughts and vision for serving the creative community and her "creative tribe". Maureen Mahoney describes the impact of balancing both day job and creative work. Learn more about Smartistry's plans to support other creatives caught "burning the candle at both ends" and hear about upcoming projects and initiatives and enjoy the tap dance stylings of Melissa's adorable tots. Take our Research Survey at smartistry.org to let us know the ways we can start supporting your creative life today! Read Dina Renee Weiss' book "Ready to Launch - How Prepared Are They for the Real World?" here.
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