Empowered Artist Collective Podcast - for actors, singers, dancers, writers, creators and performers

Empowered Artist Collective Podcast - for actors, singers, dancers, writers, creators and performers

Are you a performing artist looking for more stability? Have you struggled to feel seen and valued? Are you frustrated by the gatekeeping and industry’s emphasis on scarcity to keep you small? Join our community of women and non-binary artists seeking a thriving and sustainable career in the arts. Every week, host Jennifer Apple asks hard questions, sits with open-ended answers (or perhaps no answers at all!), shares resources, and expands the dialogue around the aspects of our industry that no one is talking about. Whether you are an actor, singer, dancer, performer, writer, director, creator, theater and tv/film lover... Curiosity is the only requirement! If you believe that being an artist is about more than just the jobs you book, think this industry needs change, and want to get a look behind the curtain: The Empowered Artist Collective Podcast is for you! Jennifer Apple is an Actor, Acting Coach, Writer, and Dog Lover who is in pursuit of honesty, vulnerability, and empathy so that we can truly see ourselves and each other to break down barriers and reveal the raw, real humanity that connects us all. She empowers performing artists to embody themselves fully and truthfully so that they can elevate their craft, pursue their careers with integrity, and discover their inner confidence and self-worth. Let’s be in community together. Let’s support one another. Let’s make this journey a little less isolating and a whole lot more inclusive. IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective // TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective // www.EmpoweredArtistCollective.com Host: Jennifer Apple // @JenniferApple_ // JenniferApple.net Head of Production & Editor: Nayara Alexis // @NayaraAlexis Podcast Music Composer: Aimee Lefkowicz // @Aimee.Isabella

Episodes

April 29, 2025 65 mins
What happens when we let go of expectations and write from a place of trusting your intuition? In this first episode of our Playwright Mini-Series, Jennifer chats with playwright, writer, and screenwriter Amy Berryman about navigating her writer's journey with intention, agency, and a little “woo.” Amy shares how different forms of writing activate different parts of her brain, how intuitive playwriting lets her characters lead the...
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What if you redefined success as trying, wholeheartedly, for the things that matter most to you? In this deeply reflective episode, Jennifer talks to returning guest, Liz Kimball, who explores how her creative process has evolved since her previous episode (#24) and what it means to redefine success on your own terms. They unpack the impact of achievement culture on artists, the myth of external validation, and how our worth is not...
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Ever wondered what it takes to become a sound designer? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Tony Award-winning sound designer Jessica Paz to demystify the path into sound design and offer a behind-the-scenes look at what the job entails. From breaking down the different jobs within the world of sound to discussing the gear that is helpful to know, Jessica shares the nitty-gritty of how she got started, what tools she uses, and how...
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What does it mean to be an Artistic Director, especially in today’s ever-evolving theater landscape? In this kickoff episode of our Artistic Director Mini-Series, Jennifer sits down with Lisa McNulty, Producing Artistic Director of WP Theater—the oldest and largest theater in the country dedicated to work by women+ artists. Lisa shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned from working at top institutions, and the complexities of ...
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What does it take to build a successful directing career? In this kickoff episode of our Director Mini-Series, Jennifer chats with artist, theater worker, and director Whitney White who shares her journey from music and acting to directing, emphasizing the power of staying open, trusting your instincts, and pushing past limitations. She breaks down her approach to directing—starting with an emotional response to a script, translati...
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What does it take to turn your creative ideas into finished projects? In this episode, Jennifer talks to Sujata Day —actor, writer, director, and producer— who shares her journey as a multihyphanate artist. She discusses how taking pressure off herself has led to new creative inspiration, the importance of deep outlining before scriptwriting, and how networking through genuine relationships opened doors in her career.  Together the...
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How do you turn a personal mission into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates real industry change? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Elsa Ward, Founder and Executive Director of the Open Stage Project, who shares her experience creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap behind the scenes in theater, TV, and film. Elsa breaks down the essential steps of forming a nonprofit, from defining a mission rooted ...
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How do you embrace your full identity and use social media as a tool for connection? In this episode, Jennifer talks to Alexi Melvin who opens up about her journey as a queer artist, from building an online presence in the queer space to advocating for authentic representation in theater and beyond. As a producer, Alexi sheds light on the Broadway landscape, the need for more inclusive and innovative storytelling, and how advocatin...
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What goes into lighting a show, and how does a lighting designer shape an audience’s experience without them even realizing it? In this episode, Amanda Zieve shares her journey from high school stage manager to Broadway lighting designer, working alongside legendary mentors like Hal Binkley. She provides insights into breaking into the field, the importance of observation and self-education, and how trust and collaboration are key ...
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How can artists cultivate a multi-faceted career while staying true to their vision and values, specifically in producing? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with multi-hyphenate Marjuan Canady—writer, actress, producer, entrepreneur, and educator— shedding light on the power of independent artistry and the evolving role of producers in the entertainment industry. From independently producing her own work to stepping into the comm...
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How can singers, performers, or professional voice users take charge of their vocal health, prevent injury, and build a strong support team? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with licensed speech pathologist and singing teacher, Sarah K Brown, to discuss the intersection of vocal health, rehabilitation, and performance. Sarah shares her unique career journey from opera training to speech pathology and, unexpectedly, into private ...
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How does the creative process mirror the journey of motherhood? In this episode, Jennifer speaks with Daniella Rabbani – actress, singer, podcast host, activist, and mother – about the profound parallels between artistry and motherhood. Daniella shares how becoming a mother transformed her artistic identity, shifting her understanding of creativity, presence, and ambition. With prompts of “What moves me?” and “Who am I in this mome...
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How can you best align your finances with the life you want? In this episode, Jennifer talks with certified financial planner, Sylvie Scowcroft, to tackle the often-overwhelming topic of money, especially for creatives. Sylvie shares her desire to demystify financial jargon and empower artists to feel confident with their money and overcome any shame surrounding it. She explains how financial planning is about creating tools to bui...
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How can your art be a catalyst for social impact? In this episode, Jennifer speaks with Ashley-Lauren Elrod, Emmy-nominated producer and founder of the mission-driven production company, Visionary Woman Productions. Ashley-Lauren shares her inspiring journey of marrying advocacy with art that focuses on impactful storytelling to combat and address sensitive issues like sexual assault, domestic violence, and the stigma around mental...
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What does it mean to be a theater historian? In our 100th episode, host Jennifer Apple speaks with Jennifer Ashley Tepper — producer, historian, author, and Creative and Programming Director at 54 Below — who shares how her passion for theater history began organically and evolved into a career spanning programming, teaching, consulting, and authorship. Together, they chat about the importance of cabaret spaces as creative hubs for...
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What makes a good adaptation? In this episode, Jennifer chats with screenwriter Victoria Male about the art of adapting material for the screen. Victoria shares her journey into screenwriting, inspired by her love of historical storytelling, and offers practical tools for reimagining stories with personal truth. The conversation explores how to approach adaptation, from acquiring rights through shopping agreements to better underst...
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December 17, 2024 65 mins
What does it mean to care for yourself? In this episode, Jennifer chats with Tara Nicolas —actor, global Nike trainer, Reiki master, meditation instructor, and community healer —who opens up about her physical and emotional journey through her many titles and personal life. She shares how a post-surgery healing process shifted her perspective on rest, movement, and the art of asking, “What do I truly need today?” Plus, she discusse...
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Ever wonder how comedy, acting, and skincare can collide to create a thriving career? In this episode, Jennifer chats with actress and skinfluencer, Jillian Gottlieb, who turned her frustrations with theater into a flourishing, candid, and comedic social media presence, by combining her acting skills with storytelling to connect in meaningful ways. She dives into the realities of influencer life and the meticulous planning behind h...
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How can honoring your core values help you make decisions that align with your purpose and bring fulfillment? In this episode, Jennifer talks with actor and filmmaker, Gina Su, who shares her journey while offering practical strategies for measuring personal progress, how to define one’s core values, and aligning decisions with purpose for what truly matters. They discuss the power of finding “flow,” ways to deepen empathy and prio...
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November 26, 2024 70 mins
How do you embrace life’s plot twists and find creativity in unexpected places? Jennifer sits down with Casey Farah, the artist & business owner behind Rally Bird Brand, to unpack how a life-altering accident shifted her path from performing on stage to creating in the studio and what it means to pivot and lean into various forms of creativity. They discuss the importance of embracing seasons of change, finding side hustles that fu...
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