Kicking It Real

Come hang with us as I sit down with my college roommate and best friend Grace to talk about what it was really like building a dance career in New York City. We dive into moving to NYC fresh out of college with no savings, working multiple jobs to survive, navigating the contemporary dance world, and what it actually takes to make it in a small, interconnected industry. Grace shares how traveling to teach choreography shaped her career, why technique and artistry still matter more than tricks, and what she wishes she had known before moving to the city.We also get into the more personal side... how our love stories unexpectedly intertwined, what it was like living together during some of our biggest life transitions, and how relationships, roommates, and real-life responsibilities shape you just as much as dance does. If you are a dancer thinking about moving to New York, balancing multiple jobs, or trying to figure out your next step in the industry, this one is for you.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Grace here👇🏼IG: @graciehilarde

This week’s Monday Morning Motivation is inspired by Alysa Liu’s Olympic comeback and the conversation it sparked around burnout and mental health in athletes. Watching her step away from the sport at the height of her career and return on her own terms raises an important question: how much pressure are we putting on ourselves before we even realize it?In this episode, I talk about recognizing burnout before it turns into a full crash, the difference between discipline and depletion, and why finding your identity outside of your craft is essential. If you’re a dancer, athlete, or high achiever navigating big goals, this is your reminder that stepping back doesn’t mean falling behind, it might be the very thing that moves you forward.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

In today's episode, I sit down with Brittany Paige Snyder, former Radio City Rockette turned entrepreneur, to talk about what really happens after your dream job ends. We dive into her journey from booking Rockettes at 27 and performing for 14 seasons to stepping away and building her own business from the ground up. Brittany shares how she created JoyStream, a mobile event experience built inside a custom-designed Airstream, and what it actually looked like to learn new skills, pick up power tools, and trust herself in a completely different season of life.We also talk about identity shifts after performing, perfectionism, hustle culture, and the pressure to “stay in your lane” just because you’re good at something. Brittany opens up about navigating the transition from being known as a Rockette to redefining herself on her own terms, and why being capable of more than one version of yourself is a gift.If you’re a dancer, performer, creative, or entrepreneur in the middle of a pivot, this conversation is a reminder that your next chapter doesn’t erase your past, it builds on it.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Brittany here👇🏼IG: @joystreammobileTT: @joystreammobile @brittanybps

If you’ve ever felt like your habits aren’t working fast enough, this episode is for you.In this week’s monday morning motivation, I’m talking about the habits I built long before I saw any results; from becoming a morning person (even though I’m not naturally one) to kicking five minutes a day in the dead of Chicago winter while teaching 5 a.m. classes.When I was trying to become a Rockette, I couldn’t see the progress. There was no guarantee the reps would pay off. No proof the habits were compounding. And that’s the hardest part - the invisible season where you show up without evidence.We talk about:- Why habits feel hardest before they feel rewarding- What “compounding” actually looks like in real life- Why you might not notice your own growth- How to remove friction when starting a new habitAnd why even if the dream doesn’t happen exactly how you imagined, the discipline still changes you. If it feels hard right now, that doesn’t mean it isn’t working.Stay consistent. Remove friction. Trust the long game. Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

In this episode of Kicking It Real, I’m sitting down with my friend and fellow Rockette, Emily Tanner, for a conversation about rejection, resilience, and choosing the long game even when it feels uncomfortable. Emily shares her journey from high school drill team to fine arts training, navigating college programs that pushed her confidence, and learning how to separate feedback from self-worth. We talk honestly about what it’s like to be labeled “average,” how comparison can distort reality, and why some of the most painful rejections can actually be redirections toward something bigger.We also dive into:> Why not making the team can change the entire trajectory of your life> The pressure cooker of college dance programs and learning to survive them mentally> How to stay grounded when external validation is constantly shifting> What it really takes to pursue a career in dance beyond the rhinestones> Trusting your instincts when your path doesn’t look like everyone else’sThis episode is for dancers, performers, creatives or anyone who’s ever wondered if a “no” was actually protecting them from the wrong yes.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Emily here👇🏼IG:@empowerjazzprojectwww.empowerjazzproject.com

Feeling like you didn’t get anything done, even after a full day of working? In this week’s monday morning motivation, I’m sharing the real reason that happens and the simple system that helped me stop feeling behind all the time. I open up about how my relationship with productivity was shaped by years of dance, performance, and always pushing my body and mind to the limit. When I stopped performing full-time and started building my own projects, I realized how much I was relying on exhaustion to feel “accomplished” and how unsustainable that mindset really was. I also share how to free up mental space, reduce overwhelm, and finally start closing all those open loops in your head. The goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to create a system that works for your real life. If you’ve been feeling stuck, scattered, or frustrated with how you’re using your time, this episode will give you a few simple ways to start moving forward with more clarity, less stress, and a lot more intention.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

Let's catch up in this solo episode of Kicking It Real, I share what a real-life reset looks like, not just the “new year, new me” energy, but the deeper work of realigning your life with who you’re becoming. I open up about a major personal update and the decision to step away from a role that no longer aligned with my long-term goals, even though I still loved it. I talk honestly about how hard it can be to close a chapter when something is comfortable, and why fully closing doors is sometimes necessary for new ones to open. We also get practical. I break down exactly how I reset when I feel unmotivated or off track - from journaling and vision-setting to building systems that actually support your goals. I walk through my personal method for breaking big dreams into realistic steps, for one of my current new goals and a hypothetical dance goal example you might have, creating habits that move the needle, and setting “controllable goals” so you can stay consistent even when outcomes aren’t guaranteed. If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure of your next move, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan... you just need to start betting on yourself again.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

Feeling like you’re working out but not actually getting better at dancing? In this week’s Monday morning motivation, I’m diving deeper into how to make your fitness classes actually support your dance goals.I share how shifting my mindset in barre, Pilates, and weight training helped me bridge gaps in my technique faster and more efficiently, especially when I was training for precision and performance. Instead of just “getting a workout in,” I learned how to bring musicality, alignment, and intention into every class I took.This episode is all about being more intentional, using the workouts you’re already doing to train smarter, not just harder. Different seasons require different strategies. And if you’re in a season of chasing big dance goals, I hope this gives you a few tools to move forward with more clarity and confidence.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Brutlag to dive into the real story behind UDA Nationals, elite college dance culture, and what it takes to keep going when you feel overlooked, doubted, or “not enough.” Alyssa shares her journey from being underestimated to choreographing and performing on one of the biggest stages in college dance, and how confidence, resilience, and mindset completely changed the trajectory of her career.We talk about the pressure of competing at the UDA level, navigating comparison and social media in the dance world, and how to stay grounded when your worth feels tied to results. Alyssa also opens up about finding her voice as a choreographer, building trust in herself, and learning to take up space in rooms she once felt she had to shrink in. This episode is for dancers, athletes, and creatives who are chasing big dreams, questioning their path, and learning that sometimes the underdog story is the one that makes you unstoppable.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Alyssa here👇🏼IG:@alyssabrutlagalyssabrutlag.com

Feeling unsure if you’re doing “enough” for your dreams when you don’t live in the right place? This monday morning motivation is for the dancers who feel behind, stuck, or like they’re missing the secret formula.In this episode, I share why I created these short Monday chats and get into the most common question I get: what kind of training to do when you want to become a Rockette but don’t live in New York City. I talk about graduating early from college, moving back home, teaching fitness and dance, and slowly building a plan without a clear timeline, just a deep belief in the dream. From ballet and tap to hip hop, contemporary, strength training, barre, and even practicing alone in empty studios, I break down how I built a personal “toolkit” based on my strengths, weaknesses, and the kind of dancer I wanted to become.We also talk about:- Why assessing your weaknesses is a form of self-trust, not self-judgment- How practicing alone (even when it “kind of sucks”) builds discipline and confidence- Why five minutes of consistency can matter more than perfect routines- How strength training, barre, and cross-training changed my dancing- And how honoring small commitments to yourself builds momentumThis episode is a reminder that there is no single right path, only the one that keeps you moving forward. If you’re a dancer chasing a big dream from a small place, this one is for you.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

Today on Kicking It Real, I sit down with Carla to talk honestly about what it looks like to build a sustainable career after dance without rushing, panicking, or forcing the next step too soon. We dive into the transition from performer to fitness educator, the pressure dancers feel to always have a plan, and why focusing on doing the job in front of you well can matter more than chasing the next title. Carla shares her experience working in fitness, consulting, and instructor training, and what she’s learned about long-term growth, money, and trusting the process.We also talk about what dancers should actually look for when stepping into fitness, why you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on certifications right away, and how teaching, performance skills, and confidence translate far beyond the stage. This episode is for dancers (and anyone in transition) who feel stuck between what they love and what comes next and maybe even need permission to slow down, do the work, and trust that it will lead somewhere meaningful.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Carla here👇🏼IG: IG @carlamaeoconnorcarlamaeoconnor.com

In this episode, I sit down with professional dancer turned entrepreneur and personal brand coach, Riley Bradley, to talk about what it really looks like to build a life beyond just performing. From moving abroad to England, to navigating injuries, COVID curveballs, and career pivots, we get real about how dancers can redefine success and create stability in an industry that’s anything but predictable.We dive into personal branding for performers - why it matters now more than ever, how social media has changed the audition room, and how building a brand isn’t about becoming an influencer, but about how you show up, how people remember you, and the opportunities that follow. Riley shares how she transitioned from full-time dancing into entrepreneurship, what she’s learned about niching down, and how dancers can start monetizing their skills without losing their love for performing. We also talk honestly about confidence, fear of being seen online, perfectionism in dancers, and how learning to detach from expectations can completely shift your career - onstage and off. If you’ve ever wondered what life could look like after (or alongside) dance, this episode is for you!Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Riley here👇🏼IG: @rileybradley @just.b.mediaTT: @riley.bradley

In the first episode of 2026, we sit down for an honest conversation about navigating life after the Rockettes, shifting dancer identity, and what it really feels like to move into a new chapter when the path isn’t fully clear yet. We talk about slowing down after seasons of hustle, redefining what productivity and success look like, and learning how to trust change instead of fighting it.We reflect on moving cities, building community as adults, and the emotional transition that comes with stepping away from something that once defined you as a dancer. From manifesting big dreams and preparing mentally for auditions to releasing pressure and embracing uncertainty, this conversation explores what it means to evolve without losing yourself.We also get into confidence, energy, and why grounding yourself matters more than proving anything to anyone else. Whether you’re navigating life after performing, questioning your dancer identity, or standing in the middle of a big move or transition, this episode feels like a reminder that growth doesn’t always look like forward motion — sometimes it looks like pausing and trusting what’s unfolding.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Alli here👇🏼IG + TT: @your_spoonful

In the final episode of 2025, I sit down with my husband, Garrett, for a very real, very unfiltered year-in-review conversation. From our first “real” Christmas together and learning how differently we approach the holidays, to reflecting on the end of my last Rockettes season and what it felt like to finally come home for good, we talk through the moments that shaped this past year more than we expected.We get into big-picture mindset shifts (including Garrett’s obsession with thinking bigger and why “10x” goals actually simplify life), the behind-the-scenes reality of long-distance seasons, couch-surfing, living out of suitcases, and figuring out what home really means when routines keep changing.We also share the full story of getting Frankie; the excitement, the chaos, the sleep deprivation, the puppy blues, and why February felt especially heavy for me emotionally. From navigating early marriage, learning how to handle conflict as a team, and realizing it’s not “me vs. you” but “us vs. the issue,” this episode is equal parts reflective, funny, and honest.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

This week, I’m sharing what life has really looked like lately — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s my first holiday season not performing with the Rockettes, and while that’s definitely part of the story, it’s only one layer of a much bigger season of change.I talk about navigating new routines, hosting family, quick trips to Mexico, skincare updates (hello spironolactone + chemical peels), winter cozy rhythms, and the weird-but-freeing feeling of creating my own schedule. I also open up about the emotional waves that come with stepping away from something familiar, the pressure of answering “what are you doing now?”, and how being present through gratitude and muting-for-mental-health have grounded me through it all.If you’re in a chapter that feels slower, different, or not neatly labeled, I think you’ll really feel seen in this one. It’s about change, identity, growing pains, joy, and learning to appreciate the unexpected parts of your season no matter what it looks like.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Audrey to talk about her transition from the dance world into yoga, teaching, and wellness, and why yoga has become such an unexpected lifeline for dancers. We walk through what it felt like to step away from the identity of being a dancer, and how yoga helped her reconnect to her body in a way that wasn’t about performance, perfection, or being watched.We dive into the physical and mental benefits yoga offers dancers: injury prevention, strength without strain, breathwork, grounding, and finally learning how to move for yourself instead of for someone else. She shares the mindset shifts that helped her release perfectionism, the surprises of becoming a yoga instructor, and why slowing down is often the hardest, but most transformative part.Whether you’re a dancer, a former dancer, or someone craving a healthier relationship with movement, this episode explains why yoga is one of the best cross-training and self-care tools out there. It’s an honest conversation about identity, healing, confidence, and giving yourself permission to evolve.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Audrey here👇🏼IG/TT: @@audreyrosecoloredglasses

I’m joined by one of my longtime friends, Allison — a fellow dancer turned Pilates instructor and fitness educator. We talk about how our dance backgrounds shaped us, the chaos and confidence-building of college, and how finding the right community can change everything.Allison opens up about her move to Pittsburgh, the winding road toward grad school, and what it really looks like to pivot into the fitness world. We dive into leadership, navigating self-doubt, and learning to trust when life pulls you in a new direction. We also get into the business side of teaching — the hustle, the burnout, and the joy — plus how COVID shifted the entire fitness industry. Whether you’re a dancer, current instructor, or someone dreaming of a career in fitness, this one’s packed with perspective, encouragement, and real talk about pursuing the path that feels right for you.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Allison here👇🏼IG: @livin.withallison

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the incredible Michaela — former collegiate dancer, seasoned NFL cheerleader for the Denver Broncos, and one of the most grounded, self-aware women I know. We dive into the very real journey behind her achievements: the quiet doubts, the long audition processes, and the moments she had to bet on herself even when things weren’t going “perfectly.”Michaela opens up about early insecurities with technique, getting callbacked alongside dancers a foot taller than her, and the mental game of staying confident when she didn’t feel like the “obvious choice.” She shares what it’s really like navigating the Broncos audition circuit — including solo filming, obsessively rewatching submissions, and finding out she made finals in the bathroom during her teaching shift. We also talk about manifestation, gratitude, and why dancing from joy (instead of anxiety) changes everything — a theme woven throughout her story.This episode is a reminder that the moments that feel like “setbacks” are often the exact ones building your resilience, clarity, and next opportunity. Michaela’s journey is such a testament to trusting timing, trusting prep, and trusting yourself.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbyTikTok: @potentiallygabbyEpisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comFind Michaela here👇🏼IG + TT: Michaela.a.marie

In this episode, I’m talking about the moments in life that absolutely sucked in real time… and why I’m genuinely grateful for them now. From getting rejected by the University of Arizona and my college BFA program, to not getting cast, getting cut at Rockette auditions, COVID flipping my plans, almost opening a Pure Barre studio instead of moving to New York, and even being “homeless” in the city for two weeks, I walk through how those plot twists ended up shaping my path in the best way.I also share how I’m learning to be more present in everyday life—whether that’s walking into social situations without a negative script already in my head, noticing the little good things in chaotic seasons, or using journaling, reflection, and gratitude lists to reframe my day. If you’ve ever felt behind, rejected, or stuck in a moment that feels unfair, this is your reminder that there might be a future version of you who’s really, really grateful it happened.Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍 Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabby TikTok: @potentiallygabby Episode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com

In this episode, I catch up with my friend Ryan to talk about his winding, very real journey through performing, teaching, and growing up. We get into everything from being adopted in Texas and raised in New Jersey, to studying theatre at Wagner, discovering Pure Barre (where we met, trained together, and eventually became lead teachers), and how those early New York years shaped our friendship.Ryan shares what it was like juggling college theatre, the Disney College Program, every position at Pure Barre, and the pressure to hustle nonstop — and how all of that eventually taught him what burnout actually feels like. We talk about navigating post-grad life, finding stability in creative careers, learning what truly fuels you, and figuring out your worth so you are able to say no.It’s honest, funny, nostalgic, and full of the kind of perspective you get once you’re on the other side of it.stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabbytiktok: @potentiallygabbyepisode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.comfollow Ryan! IG: @ryan_moroney