Honza shares the struggles in balancing personal and professional goals, how he chases his dreams while leaving room for those dreams to evolve, and his relationship with the natural craving for positive reinforcement as an artist. Honza and Jess discuss how success is defined by the individual, how navigating auditions requires finding a balance between authenticity and standing out, the challenges that comes with living in the United States as an artist (including visa limitations and financial constraints), and the hope that conversations and storytelling have the power to create change.

Honza shares the struggles in balancing personal and professional goals, how he chases his dreams while leaving room for those dreams to evolve, and his relationship with the natural craving for positive reinforcement as an artist. Honza and Jess discuss how success is defined by the individual, how navigating auditions requires finding a balance between authenticity and standing out, the challenges that comes with living in the United States as an artist (including visa limitations and financial constraints), and the hope that conversations and storytelling have the power to create change.

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.

Jessica Chen discusses the ins and outs of establishing her own dance company, what she looks for in cast members and collaborators in her commercial theater projects, and the kind of supportive environment she establishes as a leader, and requires from others. The Jessicas dive into what it means to be truly safe in a working environment, how they have been taken advantage of in the past, and how fearful yet important it is to use their voices to address issues within the industry. Jessica C. then flips the mic and asks Jessica A. questions about her own healing journey and what comes next. 

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 jobs by creating her own work including her own immersive theater company, and how to navigate the heartbreak that comes with rejection. She also describes how she insists on bringing joy into her training, how she works hard to create a sustainable career for herself, and the necessity of figuring out what brings you out of a funk, which for her includes taking classes and lessons, walking around the city… and mac and cheese. 

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 internal validation. She also voices the deep connection between students and teachers, how it is vital to find and fight for what fuels you, and how to practice grace both with yourself and others.

Austin shares how experiences in her youth impacted her dancing long term, how her serious injury impacted her perspective on dance, and the unexpected joy of her simultaneous career in the nonprofit sector.  Austin and Jessica discuss the need to find and fight for supportive environments, the difference that kindness makes in audition rooms, and they both share their most embarrassing singing audition stories.

Gabrielle describes her journey towards advocacy, what it takes to speak up for yourself and those around you, and what is required of a leader.  She also expresses what challenges she had to overcome in her training and professional life, the environment she creates for her own students, and what gifts can come from taking risks. 

Jessica gives a peek into her own story as she follows up on her conversation with Nando Morland. She shares a profound memory with him that sparked reflection on complicated relationships with movement, the importance of vulnerably sharing our stories, and how we can find rituals that best support our entire selves.

Nando describes his experience making his Broadway Principal Debut, the feelings that arise after a show closes, and how he maintains a healthy relationship with his career.  He also expresses his relationship with movement and his body, what he values both as a performer and an audience member, and what he is currently healing in his life.

Angela shares the challenges of being a dancer with Cystic Fibrosis and what her day to day life looks like, the positive takeaways from her college experience in addition to what didn’t serve her, and why the NBA was a great option for her until the COVID-19 pandemic. She also explains her teaching philosophy and the impact she wants to make, the unexpected opportunities that came from sharing her story and advice on TikTok, and her passionate plea to dance while you can.

Sumi discusses how she chose a college program that would support not just her resume but her overall wellbeing, what she loved and what she’d change about her training experiences, and the importance of therapy and other tools to support our professional journeys. She also expresses how her professional jobs can’t be her measure of success and worth, how we can celebrate who we are and let that be our guide through the industry, and even shares the story of her most embarrassing audition for a Broadway show.

Introducing The Story Project - a podcast for artists to heal through conversation, cultivate community, and create change in the industry and the world at large. Every individual deserves to feel safe and supported in the environments where they perform, learn, teach, and create. This is a space for artists to tell their stories and express their truths in an effort to become more embodied and empowered.