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March 11, 2025 19 mins

“If you don’t fail, you can’t succeed.”

 

In Part 2, Laurie, Shelly and Cher discuss success and learning from mistakes (2:21), how no one is a perfect parent and how we balance taking care of our kids and our lives (9:20), Laurie shares about getting ready to return to the stage at 52 and her work at KAI (Kanyok Arts Initiative) as founder, director and teacher (13:26).

 

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  Guest: Laurie Kanyok 

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  

 

Special Note from Shelly and Cher: We’re so excited to share an inspiring collaboration happening this summer. Cherice and myself are teaming up with the incredible Laurie Kanyok to present a one-of-a-kind week-long dance intensive designed for students ages 12 to 15. This isn’t just any dance program — it’s an opportunity for young artists to deepen their technical skills, push the limits of their creativity, and experience a well-rounded training that includes dance, improvisation, acting, and singing, culminating in a final showcase for family, friends, creative directors, casting directors, and , all in lower manhattan. This intensive is special and if you are the parent or guardian of a dancer 12 to 15 years old, we wouldn’t want you to miss the special event!

Follow Laurie: 

Instagram     @lkanyok  and     @kanyokartsinitiative

Website https://kanyokartsinitiative.com/

Follow Us :

Instagram @creativemamasunplugged

Facebook @creativemamasunplugged

Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged

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Amazon Music  @CreativeMamasUnplugged  

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Extended Summary:

Join us on this inspiring episode as we sit down with the incredibly strong, honest, and passionate Laurie Kanyok. A dedicated mother to her talented 12-year-old daughter, Laurie is not only a nurturing parent but also a program director who created a unique program celebrating the diverse talents and interests of her students.

In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into the complexities of navigating sensitive discussions with our kids and the profound impact of technology on family dynamics. Laurie shares her journey as a single mother and reflects on the lessons learned through her own experiences—like the challenge of returning to performance after a hiatus, including the remarkable moment she leapt off the stage, capturing the essence of artistry that she believes should be cherished and celebrated.

Laurie's candid stories open a valuable dialogue about societal shifts in the workplace and the importance of self-forgiveness, especially for new moms balancing their artistic passions with motherhood. Together with Cher and Shelly, Laurie emphasizes the significance of integrity, kindness, and creativity, not just within the walls of her beautiful, intimate dance program but as vital life values that nurture all children and artists alike.

Tune in to hear Laurie’s heartfelt insights about celebrating life through art, supporting her daughter’s diverse interests in

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