A podcast for artists to heal through conversation, cultivate community, and create change in the industry and world at large.
Every individual deserves to feel safe and supported where they perform, learn, teach, and create. This is a space for artists to tell their stories and speak about the issues they’ve witnessed + experienced in an effort to change the way arts institutions and organizations are run and the industry at large.
They courageously and vulnerably share their hardships and triumphs, talking about topics including racism, ableism, misogyny, eating disorders, sexual harassment and assault, and much more. The interviews are filled with wisdom, inspiration, and advice. Listeners are reminded that they are not alone in their suffering, that success is defined by the individual, that work should not deteriorate your wellbeing, and that we are capable of more than we could ever imagine.
Guests claim the interview feels like therapy and audience members express that the vulnerable stories are deeply cathartic to hear.
Guests have performed on Broadway (Hamilton, Waitress, Dancin', A Chorus Line, Chicago) National Tours (Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, Cats, Hamilton, Fiddler on the Roof, Finding Neverland, Fosse), Off Broadway (Sleep No More, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular) TV Shows (Glee, Grey's Anatomy, So You Think You Can Dance, Films (In The Heights, Hocus Pocus 2, Spring Awakening: Those You've Known, Hello Again, Rose All Day) and Companies (The Walt Disney World Company, NBA 76ers, Ballet Hispánico).
Listen to The Story Project —
Our guests have been actors, singers, dancers, choreographers, directors, and producers of the following broadway shows, national tours, off-broadway shows, television shows, films, and dance companies —
SEASON ONE
Sumi Yu
Angela Destasio Llanio
Nando Morland
Gabby Sprauve
Austin Sora
Daisy Infantas Lagdamen
Kristin Yancy
Jessica Chen
SEASON TWO
Honza Pelichovský
Ramita Ravi
Thomas Hodges
Lexi Garcia Toye
Lee Hubilla
Kaia Goodenough
Lisann Valentin
Jenna Ushkowitz
SEASON THREE
Tuan Malinowski
Lauren Mariasoosay
Chryssie Whitehead
Heidi Miami Marshall
Jhansi
Dinah Hampson
Karma Jenkins
Tamisha Anthony
Lolo Pritchard
Davalois Fearon
Spencer Martinez
Episodes & Transcripts
On Showing Up with Spencer Martinez
Spencer discusses the impact of “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, and how it led to a profound personal and professional realization, steps that led to building confidence including switching voice teachers, using affirmations, and writing her “morning pages”, her experience with sexual harassment and how it influenced her ability to show up to auditions and what needs to change for both non-union and Equity performing artists.
Transformational Dance with Davalois Fearon
Davalois Fearon discusses the culture shock she experienced when moving from the Bronx to the SUNY Purchase campus in White Plains, her college experience, professional auditions, and eventual joining of the Stephen Petronio Company, the creation of her dance company, the gifts she has received as both a mentee and mentor, and her advice for college students as a current faculty member at Princeton University.
An Awakened Voice with LOLO
Lolo discusses balancing motherhood and a creative career, the significance of Spring Awakening and how it impacted the lives of audience members, reunited the original cast for the anniversary performance and HBO documentary, and her decision to speak of her own story abuse in an LA Times article.
Confidence in Color with Tamisha Anthony
Tamisha Anthony discusses how her personal style evolved, leaving her career in dance to protect her mental health, body image and the pressure to conform to certain standards, how to identity “good stress” and her journey towards living her dream.
Authenticity & Activism with Karma Jenkins
Karma Jenkins discusses the power of using one's voice to create change, the need for more diverse voices and perspectives in decision-making roles, taking care of one’s mental health, finding outlets for self-expression and joy outside of the industry and the power of being true to oneself in auditions.
Sustainable Dance Careers with Dinah Hampson
Dinah Hampson discusses tools and resources for a sustainable career, the narrative that dancers must suffer, her online platform, Pivot Dancer, building mental performance skills, abuse and unsafe practices in dance, injury prevention, the importance of sleep, and the need to normalize strength training in dance.
Culture, Connection, and Creation with Jhansi
Jhansi discusses her recent move from India to America, the process of creating her full production music video, the challenges of a musical theater artist in India, arranged marriages, loneliness in New York City, setting goals and exploring many interests
Capturing Life with Heidi Miami Marshall
Heidi Miami Marshall discusses celebrating individuality in acting, removing the concept of right and wrong in artistic expression, interpreting scene work, navigating grief, the spiritual nature of art, and embracing a non-linear journey.
Chryssie Whitehead’s Own Little Corner
Chryssie Whitehead discusses her Broadway Debut, navigating rejection, creating and performing her own show, her generous approach to teaching, and her desire to normalize conversations around mental health.
The Soul of An Artist with Lauren Mariasoosay
Lauren Mariasoosay discusses crafting the role of Catherine Parr, vulnerability in theater, imposter syndrome,, the importance of swings, finding support outside of traditional family structures, body image, and doing what you need to do for your wellbeing.
Mental Health & Equity in Theater with Tuan Malinowski
Tuan Malinowski discusses their non-traditional path from musician to grass-roots choreographer, imposter syndrome, setting boundaries for mental health, the impact of white supremacy in the theater industry and the need to challenge traditional practices and focus on equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Season 2 Finale: Celebrating Where and Who We Are
Jessica 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.
The Spark of The Story Project
Jessica 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.
Telling The Truth with Jenna Ushkowitz
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 motherhood has reconnected her with her desires, how she learned to effectively and respectfully advocate for herself, and how sharing our stories helps us all feel less alone.
Harnessing Your Intuition with Lisann Valentin
Lisann shares her journey of self-exploration, authenticity, and reconnecting with spiritual roots, how she allows her heart’s calling to dictate the medium of expression, and the importance of honoring the union of all parts of oneself. She also discusses her creative process and embodying characters as an actor, what she offers as a spiritual coach, and how we can be grounded in the present moment.
Reclaiming Your Artistry with Kaia Goodenough
Kaia discusses how she took her complicated relationship with dance and worked to reclaim it as her own, how being a dancer influences her art, producing, and curation, and the beauty of dancing explicitly to have a good time. She also shares how having her work funded was the least creative she’s ever been, how the choreographic project empowering students led to her never being asked to return, and how she explores femininity and womanhood through movement.
Allowing Yourself to Grow, and Pause, with Lee Hubilla
Lee and Jessica discuss the deeper rewards and empowerment that came from chopping their hair, the impact of dance on identity and self-perception, and the process of reconnecting with your body after trauma. Lee shares how she transitioned from dancer to actor and writer, what she learned from taking conscious breaks from her chosen crafts, and how to embrace the messiness of life.
From Hamilton to Magic Kingdom with Lexi Garcia Toye
Lexi talks about the onset and recovery of her eating disorder, her magical connection to Finding Neverland, and her experience auditioning and performing in Hamilton. She also discusses how the COVID pandemic altered the course of her life for the better, the difficulties and joys of working at Magic Kingdom, and how she is grateful and excited for the uncertainty of the future.
Sobriety as an Artist with Thomas Hodges
Thomas 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 start to be curious about toxic cycles and what no longer services us, and what challenges have arose thus far. Thomas and Jessica discuss the power of creating art from the very experience you are struggling in, and the ability for artists to create meaningful connections and impact other people’s lives through their work, and one surefire way to get yourself to write a cabaret.
Building Your Creative Life with Ramita Ravi
Ramita discusses the empowerment that comes with being a multi-hyphenate artist and entrepreneur, the importance of exploring multiple avenues of both employment and fulfillment, and how the company she built aims to disrupt the financial struggles that artist’s face. She also shares what it means to be one of the first South Asians performing and choreographing in multiple spaces, the most empowering choreographers and directors she’s worked with, and what she’s most interested in diving into next.